10-K 1 esbancshares_10k-123111.htm FORM 10-K esbancshares_10k-123111.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011
OR
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________

Commission File Number: 000-52178

ES Bancshares, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
Maryland   20-4663714
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
68 North Plank Road, Newburgh, New York   12550
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)    (Zip Code)
 
(866) 646-0003
(Issuer’s Telephone Number including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
 
    Name of Each Exchange
Title of Class   On Which Registered
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

Warrants to purchase common stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES ___   NO X.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  YES ___   NO X.

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

(1)  YES X    NO ___

(2)  YES X    NO ___

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES [    ]        NO [    ]
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) 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 ]
RDGPreambleEnd
 
 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer [   ] Accelerated filer  [   ]
Non-accelerated filer  [   ] Smaller reporting company [X]
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)
   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   YES [   ]   NO [X]

As of June 30, 2011 the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of the common stock as of June 30, 2011 was $6.8 million.

As of March 30, 2012, there were 2,312,867 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.
Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Parts II and III).

 
 

 
 
ES BANCSHARES, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
DECEMBER 31, 2011

Table of Contents
Page

PART I
 
4
Item 1.
Business
4
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
34
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
39
Item 2.
Properties
39
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
39
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
40
PART II
 
41
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
41
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
41
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
41
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
48
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
49
Item 9.
Changes In And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure
85
Item 9A(T).
Controls And Procedures
85
Item 9B.
Other Information
86
PART III
 
87
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
87
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
87
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
87
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
87
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
88
PART IV
 
89
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
89
 

 
3

 

PART I

Item 1. 
Business

Forward-Looking Statements

This Report on Form 10-K includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are based on the current beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, the management of the Company.  All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Report, including, without limitation, statements contained under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” regarding the Company’s business strategy and plans and objectives of the management of the Company for future operations, are forward-looking statements.  When used in this Report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “expect,” “intend” or words or phrases of similar import, as they relate to the Company or the Company’s management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such expectations may not prove to be correct.  All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated, projected, predicted, expected or intended including: statements of our goals, intentions and expectations; statements regarding our business plans and prospects and growth and operating strategies; statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios and estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits. Among the factors which could cause our actual results of financial condition to differ materially are those set forth in Item 1A as well as the following: our ability to manage the risk in our loan portfolio including new types of loans such as taxi medallion and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guaranteed loans; significantly increased competition among depository and other financial institutions; our ability to execute our plan to grow our assets on a profitable basis; our ability to execute on a favorable basis any plan we may have to acquire other institutions or branches or establish new offices; changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments and inflation; general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market area, future deposit premium levels, adverse changes in the securities and national and local real estate markets (including real estate values); our ability to grow our new Staten Island office; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business; our ability to enter new markets successfully and take advantage of growth opportunities; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; the effect of a dramatically slowing economy on our lending portfolio including our commercial real estate, business, construction, multifamily, and home equity loans; the impact of the U.S. government’s economic stimulus program and its various financial institution rescue plans, changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies and the authoritative accounting and auditing bodies; and changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans.

The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by applicable cautionary statements.

 
4

 

OVERVIEW

Who We Are and How We Generate Income

ES Bancshares, Inc. (the “Registrant” or “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland in August 2006, to serve as the bank holding company for the previously formed nationally chartered commercial bank, Empire State Bank, National Association (the “Bank”). The Registrant was organized at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the purpose of becoming a bank holding company pursuant to a plan of reorganization under which the former shareholders of the Bank became the shareholders of the Company. Since the reorganization, the Registrant has functioned primarily as the holder of all of the Bank’s common stock.

The Bank commenced operations in June 2004 as a national bank chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”). Effective March 9, 2009, the Bank converted its charter to a New York State commercial bank.

As a community-oriented full service commercial bank, the Bank offers a variety of financial services to meet the needs of communities in its market area.  The Bank’s mission is to help its customers by offering a full range of consumer and business deposit and lending products tailored to meet each customer’s specific financial needs coupled with in-depth knowledge and service from the Bank’s experienced staff.   The Bank engages in full service commercial and consumer banking business, including accepting time and demand deposits from consumers, businesses and local municipalities surrounding its branch offices. These deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, are invested primarily in both owner and non-owner occupied commercial real estate, one to four family, multi-family, home equity, commercial, construction and consumer loans; GNMA, FNMA, and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities; U.S. government agency securities and certificates of deposit at other financial institutions.   Additionally, the Bank offers non-deposit products such as annuities and mutual funds, merchant credit and debit card processing, automated teller machines, cash management services, online banking services, safe deposit boxes and individual retirement accounts.

The information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflects principally the financial condition and results of operations of the Bank.  The Bank’s results of operations are primarily dependent on its net interest income, which is mainly the difference between interest income on loans and investments and interest expense on deposits and borrowings as well as the level of its provision for loan losses.  The Bank also generates non interest income, such as fee income on deposit accounts, the sale of residential mortgages and the sale of mutual funds and annuities.  The level of its non interest expense, such as salaries and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, and other general and administrative expenses further affects the Bank’s net income.  Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts and the related discussion and analysis to conform to the current year presentation.
 
 
5

 
 
2011 Summary

 
·
For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company reported net income of $ 47 thousand or $0.02 per share as compared to net income of $488 thousand or $0.23 per share for the year ended December 31, 2010;

 
·
A net interest margin of 3.31% for 2011 as compared to 3.12% for 2010;

 
·
The Company continued to focus on diversification of loan originations and prudent underwriting standards;

 
·
Deposits totaled $139.1 million at December 31, 2011, with an increase in deposits of 0.6% over December 31, 2010;

 
·
The Bank remains well capitalized at December 31, 2011, with a Tier I Capital ratio of 8.0%

Market Area

Our primary market area is the New York counties of Orange and Ulster, and the Borough of Staten Island, New York. The Bank also conducts business in certain other communities within Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester and Nassau counties, New York as well as the other boroughs of New York City.

The Bank’s headquarters are located in Orange County located at 68 North Plank Road in Newburgh, New York.  Newburgh is located along the Hudson River approximately sixty miles north of New York City and sixty miles south of Albany.  Additionally, the Bank operates a second full service office in New Paltz, within the county of Ulster, approximately twenty miles northeast of its main office.  Among other things, New Paltz is home to the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz and Mohonk Mountain House, a five-star, world renowned resort.  These cities and the surrounding areas are generally known as the Mid-Hudson Valley, which is located along New York State’s Hudson River and amidst its Catskill Mountains. The Newburgh-New Paltz area consists of many small towns that have experienced economic growth and social transformation.  The area offers affordable housing; and therefore, people continue to relocate to the community.

We also have a growing presence in Staten Island, NY.  The office in Staten Island is located approximately ninety miles south of the Bank’s Newburgh location. The borough of Staten Island is primarily comprised of numerous suburban-style residential neighborhoods and small businesses.

Deposit generation primarily stems from the areas surrounding our branch offices including, but not limited to, the Town of Newburgh, the Village of New Paltz and the borough of Staten Island. However, the Bank’s electronic remote deposit service (“remote capture”) allows customers to make deposits from their own business premises without visiting the Bank’s branch office allowing for deposit growth from the communities without full service branches.

Competition

The market for financial services is rapidly changing and intensely competitive and is likely to become more competitive as the number and types of market entrants increase.  The Bank faces substantial competition for both deposits and loans from inside and outside the market area, and all phases of the Bank’s business are highly competitive. The Bank faces direct competition from a significant number of financial institutions operating in its market areas, many with a statewide or regional presence, and in some cases, a national presence. Several branches of these financial institutions aggressively compete for the same local customer base. Most of these competitors are significantly larger than the Bank, and therefore have greater financial and marketing resources and lending limits than those of the Bank. Most of its competitors have been in business for a number of years with well established client bases.  The Bank considers its major competition to be other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, savings banks and credit unions many of which are substantially larger than we are. Other larger competitors include mortgage brokers and financial services firms other than financial institutions such as investment and insurance companies as well as other institutional lenders.  Increased competition within the Bank’s market areas may limit growth and profitability.  Additionally, the fixed cost of regulatory compliance remains high for smaller community banks such as the Bank, as compared to their larger competitors that are able to achieve economies of scale.
 
 
6

 

Lending Activities

We offer a variety of loan products, including commercial real estate loans secured by owner occupied commercial real estate, as well as mortgage loans secured by one- to-four family residences; loans secured by investment real estate owned by individuals who meet certain financial requirements; commercial revolving lines of credit and term loans including NYC taxi medallion loans; home equity loans and lines of credit; multi-family real estate loans; construction or development loans; and to a lesser extent consumer loans. Generally, we engage in secondary market sales of our fixed rate and adjustable rate residential mortgage originations. During 2011, the Bank continued to selectively retain a small portion of its mortgage originations in portfolio where the credit spread was deemed favorable. Similar to 2010, during 2011 we did not actively solicit construction and development loan originations as these markets have been slow to recover. At December 31, 2011, there were $1.7 million of loans held for sale on the Bank’s balance sheet. Also during 2011, the Bank was engaged in commercial lending in the areas of New York City taxi medallions and secondary market purchases of government agency guaranteed loans. During 2011 we also began originating Small Business Administration loans. This allowed the Bank to continue to be an active lender while further diversifying its loan portfolio and managing its concentration in commercial real estate loans.

During 2011, the Bank continued to experience lending growth trends.  Although these loans are made to a diversified pool of unrelated borrowers across numerous businesses, concentration of loans in our primary market areas may increase risk.  Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, the Bank’s loan portfolio consists primarily of real estate loans secured by commercial, residential, and multifamily real estate properties or loans to businesses located in the Bank’s principal lending areas in the Mid Hudson Valley region of New York as well as the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City.  While these communities represent our principal markets, the Bank has made loans outside these areas where the nature and quality of such loans was consistent with the Bank’s lending policies. Local economic conditions have a significant impact on the volume of loan originations and the quality of our loans, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans, and the value of collateral securing these loans.   The sustained economic downturn (including significant layoffs in the financial services industry within the greater New York metropolitan area) continues to adversely impact local economic conditions and could negatively affect the financial results of the Bank’s operations. While the Bank has decreased its concentration in non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, it still has a significant amount of loans in this category, so decreases in tenant occupancy may also have a negative effect on the ability of borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on the Bank’s earnings.
 
 
7

 

The interest rates charged by the Bank on loans are affected primarily by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, the rates offered by its competitors, the Bank’s relationship with the customer, and the related credit risks of the transaction.  These factors are affected by general and economic conditions including, but not limited to, monetary policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, legislative policies and governmental budgetary matters.

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio in dollars and percentages by type of loan including a reconciliation of gross loans receivable after consideration of the allowance for loan losses and net deferred costs. The Bank had $1.71 million in loans held for sale at December 31, 2011 compared to $400 thousand at December 31, 2010.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Real estate loans:
                       
One-to four-family (1)
  $ 30,004       23.3 %   $ 28,437       23.1 %
Commercial
                               
Owner Occupied
    20,632       16.0       20,039       16.3  
Non Owner Occupied
    16,712       13.0       15,552       12.6  
Multi-family
    13,054       10.1       11,634       9.5  
Construction or development
    2,249       1.7       2,566       2.1  
Home equity
                               
Open Ended / Revolving (2)
    7,517       5.8       7,468       6.1  
Closed Ended
    1,480       1.1       1,620       1.3  
Total real estate loans
    91,648       71.2       87,316       70.9  
                                 
Other loans:
                               
Commercial business
                               
Taxi Medallion
    11,806       9.2       9,679       7.9  
USDA Guaranteed
    6,170       4.8       5,110       4.2  
Commercial Business Lines of Credit and Term Loans (3)
    18,767       14.6       20,571       16.7  
Consumer
    329       0.3       407       0.3  
Total other loans
    37,072       28.8       35,767       29.1  
                                 
 
  $ 128,720       100.0 %   $ 123,083       100.0 %
                                 
Less:
                               
Deferred loan costs (fees) net
    524               542          
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,956 )             (2,017 )        
                                 
Total loans receivable, net
  $ 127,288             $ 121,608          
 
(1)
Includes loans Held For Sale at December 31, 2011 of $1.709 millionand at December 31, 2010 of $400 thousand.
 
(2)
Does not include unused lines of credit of $5.0 million and $5.0 millionat December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
(3)
Does not include unused business lines of $5.7 million and $5.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
 
8

 
 
Loan Maturity Schedule.  The following table shows the remaining contractual maturity of our loans at December 31, 2011. Loans are shown as due based on their contractual terms to maturity.  Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or contractual maturity and overdrafts, are reported as due in one year or less. Adjustable rate loans are shown as maturing in the period during which the contract is due.  The schedule does not reflect the effects of possible prepayments or enforcement of due-on-sale clauses.

Amounts (in thousands) due in:
 
One-to-Four Family & Home Equity Loans
   
Multifamily & CRE
   
Commercial Business
   
Construction or Development
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
One year or less
  $ 1     $ -     $ 9,012     $ 2,159     $ 10     $ 11,182  
After one year through five years
    262       6,156       16,247       90       153       22,908  
After five years
    38,738       44,242       11,484       -       166       94,630  
Total loans
  $ 39,001     $ 50,398     $ 36,743     $ 2,249     $ 329     $ 128,720  
 
The following table sets forth the scheduled repayments of fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2011 that are contractually due after December 31, 2012.

   
Due After One Year
 
   
Fixed
   
Adjustable
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
One to Four Family & Home Equity Loans
  $ 13,890     $ 25,110     $ 39,000  
Multifamily & CRE
    18,200       32,198       50,398  
Commercial Business
    19,315       8,416       27,731  
Construction or Development
    -       90       90  
Consumer
    287       32       319  
Total loans
  $ 51,692     $ 65,846     $ 117,538  
 
 
9

 
 
Loans are shown in the period based on final contractual maturity. The total amount of loans due after December 31, 2011 which have predetermined interest rates is $52.1 million, while the total amount of loans due after such date which have floating or adjustable interest rates is $76.6 million.  The Bank’s residential mortgage portfolio is underwritten to conventional secondary market guidelines and does not include any subprime loans.

The Bank is subject to limits on the amount we may lend to one borrower.  At December 31, 2011, the regulatory limit on loans to one borrower was approximately $2.2 million, and the largest credit facility to one borrower was $1.7 million.  This relationship consists of a $1.4 million construction loan as well as a $300 thousand commercial line of credit.  Both loans are secure by mortgages as well as personal guarantees. At December 31, 2011, this obligation was performing in accordance with its repayment terms.

There are risks, including the risk of non-payment, associated with each type of loan that the Bank markets.  All loan originations are subject to written underwriting standards and loan origination procedures.  Decisions on loan applications are made on the basis of detailed applications submitted by the prospective borrower and, in the case of certain real estate secured loans, property valuations prepared by independent appraisers in accordance with the Bank’s appraisal policy.  Underwriting guidelines, which may include analysis of significant factors such as credit reports, financial statements, tax returns, and confirmations, are designed primarily to determine the borrower’s ability to repay.  The Bank’s lending policy places the responsibility on the employee processing an application to ensure that all required support documentation is obtained prior to the submission of the application to a loan officer for approval.  In addition, the loan officer verifies that the application meets underwriting guidelines as approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors under its credit policy.  Additionally, each application file is reviewed to assure its accuracy and completeness.  A quality control process includes reviews by an independent third party of underwriting decisions, appraisals and documentation.

Generally, the Bank requires title insurance or abstracts on mortgage loans as well as fire and extended coverage casualty insurance in amounts at least equal to the principal amount of the loan or the value of improvements on the property, depending on the type of loan. In certain instances, federal regulations or the Bank’s terms of the credit approval require flood insurance on the property collateralizing the loan.

The primary risks associated with consumer loans relate to the borrower, such as the risk of a borrower’s unemployment as a result of deteriorating economic conditions or the amount and nature of a borrower’s other existing indebtedness, and the value of the collateral securing the loan if the Bank must take possession of the collateral.  Commercial loans also have risks associated with concentrations of credit in a single business.

The largest loan concentration by industry is the real estate industry, followed by the construction industry. At December 31, 2011, the Company had no other concentrations of loans in any one industry exceeding 10% of its total loan portfolio.  An industry for this purpose is defined as a group of businesses that are engaged in similar activities and have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions.

Commercial Real Estate and Multi-family Lending.  Mixed-use properties as well as other income producing properties located in our market area secure our commercial real estate loans.  Multi-family real estate loans are generally secured by rental properties that may include walk-up apartments.  Management anticipates that the majority of commercial real estate and multi-family loans originated over the next few years will have balances of $1.0 million or less.
 
 
10

 

Commercial real estate and multi-family loans generally carry a maximum term of twenty five years with rates that adjust based on a specific index plus a margin.  These loans are generally originated in amounts of up to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or the purchase price of the property, with a projected debt service coverage ratio of at least 120%.  An independent appraiser approved by the Bank values the properties securing commercial real estate and multi-family loans, and subsequently management reviews all appraisals on multi-family or commercial real estate loans.  In addition, underwriting procedures require verification of the borrower’s credit history, income and financial statements, banking relationships, references and income projections for the property. When feasible, personal guarantees are obtained on these loans.  For loans in excess of $250,000, an environmental study may be performed.

Set forth below is information regarding the types of commercial real estate and multi-family loans in our loan portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

   
Commercial Real Estate
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Number of Loans
   
Balances (in thousands)
 
Number of Loans
   
Balances (in thousands)
 
Apartments
  33     $ 12,790     25     $ 11,634  
Offices
  22       7,495     19       7,467  
Warehouses
  7       3,331     5       2,810  
Restaurants
  5       2,279     5       3,135  
Mixed Use
  47       17,782     40       16,985  
Other
  18       6,721     13       5,194  
Total
  132     $ 50,398     107     $ 47,225  
 
Commercial real estate and multi-family loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by one- to four- family residences.  This greater risk is due to several factors, including the generally larger loan amounts to borrowers that are typically dependent on the income generated by the project.  In addition, such loans are vulnerable to adverse economic conditions, such as today’s economic crisis, which impact tenants’ ability to pay rent on a timely basis and thus impact the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.  There can be no assurance regarding the amount of credit problems we experience in our commercial real estate and multi-family loans.

Commercial Business Lending.  The Bank offers term loans and lines of credit to local businesses for working capital, machinery and equipment purchases, expansion and other business purposes.  The terms of these loans generally do not exceed seven years while commercial lines of credit are generally renewed annually.  The interest rates on such loans are generally variable and indexed to the highest prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal plus or minus a margin although some loans are contracted under fixed rate agreements.  Recently we have begun making floating rate loans with rate floors.  At December 31, 2011 we had $36.7 million of commercial business loans outstanding, representing 28.5% of the total loan portfolio and an additional $5.7 million of funds committed, but undrawn, under commercial lines of credit. Included in commercial loans are $11.8 million of New York City taxi medallion loans and $6.2 million of USDA guaranteed loans. Taxi medallion loans are generally originated as 3-5 year balloons with a 20 year amortization schedule and are collateralized by the medallion issued by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission and are originated at no more than 80% LTV per the Bank’s Lending Policy. USDA guaranteed loans are purchased in the secondary market and have varying terms. Principal balance of these loans is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the USDA.
 
 
11

 

The Bank’s commercial business lending policy requires credit file documentation, analysis of the borrower’s capacity to repay the loan, a review of the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral, and an evaluation of conditions affecting the borrower. Analysis of the borrower’s present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the current credit analysis.

Primary risks associated with commercial business loans are the cash flow of the business, the experience and quality of the borrower’s management, the business climate, and the impact of economic factors.  Unlike residential mortgage loans, which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial business loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business.  As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself.  For this reason and, particularly with respect to loans to builders, such loans may be negatively impacted by adverse changes in the economy, including today’s adverse economic environment.  Further, the collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

Set forth below is information regarding the types of commercial business loans in our loan portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Commercial Business Loans
 
Number of Loans
   
Dollars (in thousands)
   
Number of Loans
   
Dollars (in thousands)
 
Builder lines of credit
    8     $ 2,942       6     $ 3,052  
Working capital
    116       8,173       100       7,887  
Real estate acquisition & investment
    14       3,116       20       4,082  
Business acquisition
    8       423       2       150  
Equipment purchase
    25       2,425       22       2,369  
Attorney lines of credit
    2       1,000       2       1,500  
Taxi Medallion:
    28       11,806       21       9,679  
USDA Guaranteed:
    14       6,170       10       5,110  
Other:
    106       688       18       1,531  
Total
    321     $ 36,743       201     $ 35,360  
 
One- to Four-Family and Home Equity Residential Real Estate Lending.  At December 31, 2011, we had $39.0 million, or 30.1% of our total loan portfolio, in loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties including $7.5 million in advances under home equity lines of credit, and $1.5 million in home equity loans.  We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one-to-four family residential first mortgage loans.  Our fixed-rate one- to four-family loans are underwritten in accordance with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines and may be sold in the secondary market, servicing released, in order to minimize interest rate risk exposure.  While in 2009 we retained a greater percentage of our fixed-rate one-to-four family residential loans than in previous years as a part of our growth plan, this was not the case in 2010 and 2011 due to the availability of other loans with more attractive asset/liability management characteristics.

The interest rates on our adjustable rate one- to-four family loans are based on a specific index plus a margin and may be retained for portfolio purposes.
 
 
12

 
 
In underwriting one- to four-family residential real estate loans, we evaluate the borrower’s ability to make principal, interest and escrow payments, as well as the value of the property that will secure the loan and debt-to-income ratios.  Currently the Bank originates residential mortgage loans for our portfolio with loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% for owner-occupied homes and up to 70% for non-owner occupied homes.  With private mortgage insurance to reduce our exposure to 80% or less, the Bank will originate residential mortgage loans for our portfolio with loan-to-value ratios of up to 95% for owner-occupied homes.  Originated residential mortgage loans that are immediately sold to the secondary market can have loan-to-value ratios of up to 97.7% for owner-occupied homes, and up to 85% for non-owner occupied homes.  Residential mortgage loans customarily include due-on-sale clauses giving the Bank the right to declare the loan immediately due and payable in the event that, among other things, the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of the property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid.

Home equity lines of credit and home equity term loans are secured by a lien on the borrower’s residence and are generally limited to a maximum of $200,000.  Bank credit policy requires the same underwriting standards for home equity lines and loans as are used for one- to four-family residential first mortgage loans held in the Bank’s portfolio. However, because our home equity lines of credit tend to be originated at higher loan to values, and lower debt coverage ratios than our one-to four-family loans, they are generally considered to carry a higher degree of credit risk.

The interest rates for home equity lines of credit float at a stated margin above and below the highest prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal and are capped at 18.0% and a floor determined by the rate plus margin over the life of the loan.  The Bank offers home equity lines of credit for terms of up to 30 years with interest only paid for the first ten years of the loan term. Loan-to-value ratios on new extensions of credit are limited to 75%. At December 31, 2011, we had $7.5 million of outstanding advances under home equity lines of credit and an additional $5.0 million of funds committed, but undrawn, under home equity lines of credit.

Home equity term loans are made at fixed interest rates and are offered at terms up to 15 years generally with loan-to-value ratios of up to 75%.  At December 31, 2011, our home equity loans totaled $1.5 million.  Home equity term loans represent loans originated in the Bank’s geographic markets.
 
Loans secured by residential co-ops and condominiums located in our market area are offered on substantially the same terms as one- to four-family loans.  At December 31, 2011, we had $1.5 million in condominium and co-op loans.

Reflecting our conservative underwriting standards, we do not have any loans in our loan portfolio that are considered sub-prime.

Construction and Land Lending.  Construction loans are originated to builders and individuals for the construction of both residential and commercial real estate properties.  Construction loan agreements generally provide that loan proceeds are disbursed in increments, subsequent to the Bank’s review of the progress of the construction of the dwelling, as the project progresses. At December 31, 2011, the construction loan portfolio totaled $2.2 million, or 1.7% of the total loan portfolio, and an additional $329 thousand of funds committed but undrawn. At December 31, 2011, our largest construction loan had a balance of $1.2 million for construction of a residential condominium project.

Construction loans to builders of one- to four-family residences generally carry terms of up to two years with interest only payments required.  The maximum loan-to-value ratio on loans to builders for the construction of residential real estate is 80%.  When practical, the Bank seeks to obtain personal guarantees on such loans.  We generally limit loans to builders for the construction of homes on speculation for sale to two homes per builder and require personal guarantees in addition to a first mortgage on the subject property.  At December 31, 2011, we had $1.1 million of loans to three builders for the construction of properties built on speculation.
 
 
13

 

The Bank originates commercial real estate construction loans to experienced local developers only when there is a written take-out commitment from an acceptable financial institution or government agency, or when the Bank grants an internal commitment for permanent financing evidenced by a written document in the credit file.  The maximum loan-to-value ratio on loans to builders for the construction of commercial real estate is 80%.  At December 31, 2011, we had no such commercial real estate construction.

Construction loans to individuals for the construction of their residences convert to permanent residential mortgage loans at the end of the construction phase, which typically runs up to one year.  Upon conversion to permanent mortgages, these loans have rates and terms comparable to those offered by the Bank on its one-to-four family residential mortgage loan products. During the construction phase the borrower pays interest only at a specified margin over the prime rate.  The maximum loan-to-value ratio of owner-occupied single-family construction loans is 80%.  Takeouts for residential construction loans are generally underwritten pursuant to the same guidelines used for originating permanent residential loans. At December 31, 2011, the Bank had no such loans outstanding.

Construction and land loans are obtained principally through referrals from management’s contacts in the business community as well as from existing and walk-in customers.  The application process includes a submission of accurate plans, specifications and costs of the project to be constructed or developed. These items are used as a basis to determine the appraised value of the subject property.  Loans are based on the lesser of current independent appraised value or the cost of land plus the building construction.

Pricing on construction and land development lending generally affords the Bank an opportunity to receive interest at rates higher than those obtainable from permanent residential loans and to receive higher origination and other loan fees.  In addition, construction and land loans are generally made with adjustable rates of interest or for relatively short terms.  Nevertheless, construction and land lending is generally considered to involve a higher level of credit risk than one- to four-family residential lending due to the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, as well as the effects of general economic conditions (including the current economic crisis and decline in real estate values) on development properties and on real estate developers.  In addition, the nature of these loans is such that they are more difficult to evaluate and monitor.  Finally, the risk of loss on a construction loan is largely dependent upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value upon completion of construction, as compared to the estimated cost of construction, including interest, and upon the estimated time to sell or lease such properties. If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, or the length of time to sell or lease it is greater than anticipated, the property could have a value upon completion that is insufficient to assure full repayment of the loan.  The Bank may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to allow completion of the project.

Consumer Lending.  The Bank originates a variety of consumer loans, including automobile, home improvement, deposit account and other loans for household and personal purposes.  At December 31, 2011, consumer loans totaled $329 thousand, or 0.3% of total loans outstanding.  Consumer loan terms vary according to the type of loan and value of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower.  Our consumer loans are made at fixed or variable interest rates, with terms of up to 5 years.

The underwriting standards employed for consumer loans include a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and the ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.  Although creditworthiness of the applicant is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the security, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.
 
 
14

 

Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets.  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 affected by adverse personal circumstances, including adverse personal circumstances caused by duress in the current economy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

Originations, Purchases and Sales of Loans

Loan applications are taken at each of our offices as well as through mortgage originators. Applications are processed and approved at our Loan Center, which is located in the corporate headquarters. We also employ commissioned loan originators and utilize outside mortgage brokers for lending business development.  Total loan originations amounted to $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. While we originate a variety of business and personal loans, our ability to originate loans is dependent upon the relative customer demand for loans in our market.  Additionally, the local economy and the interest rate environment affect demand.

To reduce our vulnerability to changes in interest rates and to provide current earnings from gains on sales of loans, we may sell into the secondary market some or all of our fixed-rate residential mortgage originations in addition to certain current year originations of adjustable-rate loans. We may also sell any of our Small Business Administration (SBA) loan originations into the secondary market for the same purpose.  Sales of residential loans held for sale amounted to $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and sales of SBA loans amounted to $2.3 million for the same period. There were six loans held for sale on the Bank’s balance sheet at December 31, 2011 in the amount of $1.7 million.  The residential mortgage loans are sold with servicing released. The Bank retains servicing on any SBA loans sold.

Asset Quality

Delinquency Procedures.  When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, attempts to cure the delinquency are first made by contacting the borrower.  Late notices will be sent when a payment is more than sixteen days past due, and a late charge will generally be assessed at that time.  Additional written and verbal contacts may be made with the borrower between thirty and ninety days after the due date.  If the loan is contractually delinquent over sixty days, a thirty day demand letter is sent to the borrower and, after the loan is contractually delinquent over ninety days, appropriate action begins to foreclose on the property.  If foreclosed, the property will be sold at auction and may be purchased by the Bank.  Delinquent consumer loans are generally handled in a similar manner. Procedures for repossession and sale of consumer collateral are subject to various requirements under New York consumer protection laws.

Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure will be classified as other real estate owned until it is sold.  When property is acquired or expected to be acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure, it will be recorded at estimated fair value less the estimated cost of disposition, with the resulting write-down charged to the allowance for loan losses.  After acquisition, all costs incurred in maintaining the property will be expensed.  Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property, however, will be capitalized.

Non-Performing Assets

Regulations require that the Company classify its assets on a regular basis and establish prudent valuation allowances based on such classifications.  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 institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets, with the additional characteristics 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 as loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset on the balance sheet of the institution is not warranted.  Assets classified as substandard or doubtful require the Company to establish general allowances for loan losses.  If an asset or portion thereof is classified as loss, the Company must either establish specific allowances for loan losses in the amount of 100% of the portion of the asset classified loss, or charge off such amount.  On the basis of management’s review, at December 31, 2011, the Bank had $5.8 million classified as substandard.  There were no assets classified as doubtful or loss. At December 31, 2010 the Bank had $6.3 million in assets classified as substandard and there were no assets classified as doubtful or loss.
 
 
15

 

Loans are reviewed monthly and any loan whose collectability is doubtful is placed on nonaccrual status. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when either principal or interest is 90 days or more past due, unless, in the judgment of management, the loan is well collateralized and in the process of collection.  Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed from interest income related to current year income and charged to the allowance for loan losses with respect to income that was recorded in the prior fiscal year.  Subsequent payments are either applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on the assessment of the ultimate collectability of the loan.  At December 31, 2011 the Bank had three foreclosed assets acquired in settlement of loans. The Bank has seen its non-performing assets increase to $3.7 million at December 31, 2011 from $2.8 million the same period a year earlier.

The following table sets forth the amount and categories of our non-performing assets at the dates indicated. At December 31, 2011, there were five loans in the amount of $2.6 million that represent troubled debt restructurings. Two of these loans with a total carrying value of $1.11 million are included in the following table.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans:
           
Real estate loans:
           
One-to-four family
  $ -     $ -  
Commercial
               
Owner Occupied
    -       -  
Non Owner Occupied
    479       1,174  
Multi-family
    1,216       -  
Construction or development
    -       775  
Home equity
               
Open Ended / Revolving
    6       55  
Closed Ended
    155       -  
Total real estate loans
    1,856       2,004  
                 
Other Loans:
               
Commercial business
               
Taxi Medallion
    -       -  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -  
Commercial Business Lines of Credit and Term Loans
    646       505  
Consumer
    -       -  
Total non-performing loans
  $ 2,502     $ 2,509  
REO, net
    1,242       325  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 3,744     $ 2,834  
                 
Ratios:
               
Non-performing loans to total loans
    1.94 %     2.04 %
Non-performing loans to total assets
    1.54 %     1.56 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
    2.29 %     1.76 %

 
16

 
 
In connection with the filing of our periodic reports with the New York State Department of Financial Services and the FRB of NY and in accordance with our classification of assets policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. On the basis of this review of our assets, at December 31, 2011, we had classified the following assets:

   
One to Four
Family
   
Multi-
Family
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Construction or
Development
   
Consumer
   
Commercial
Business
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                                           
Sub-Standard
  $ 628     $ 1,216     $ 1,820     $ 1,160     $ -     $ 1,017     $ 5,841  
Doubtful
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 628     $ 1,216     $ 1,820     $ 1,160     $ -     $ 1,017     $ 5,841  
 
 
17

 
 
Our classified assets consist of (i) non-performing loans and (ii) loans and other assets of concern discussed herein.  As of the date hereof, these asset classifications are believed to be consistent with those of the New York State Banking Department and FRB of NY.  Certain classified assets are still accruing interest income at December 31, 2011. The composition of these assets include $371 thousand in commercial business loans, $467 thousand in 1-4 family residential mortgage loans, $1.3 million in commercial real estate loans and $1.2 million in construction and land development loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on probable incurred losses inherent in the Bank’s loan portfolio.  Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis.   If the allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, the Bank’s earnings could decrease.

The allowance for loan losses consists of amounts specifically allocated to non-performing loans and potential problem loans as well as allowances determined for each major loan category.  Loan categories such as single-family residential mortgages and consumer loans are generally evaluated on an aggregate or “pool” basis by applying loss factors to the current balances of the various loan categories.  The loss factors are determined by management based on an evaluation of historical loss experience, delinquency trends, volume and type of lending conducted, and the impact of current economic conditions in our market area.  Finally, management evaluates and considers the allowance ratios and coverage percentages of both peer group and regulatory agency data.

Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance, which is subject to periodic review by the New York State Banking Department and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, takes into consideration such factors as the historical loan loss experience, peer group ratios, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, estimated value of underlying collateral, and current economic conditions that may affect borrowers’ ability to pay. Due to our brief period of operations, peer group information is the primary determinant.  Other factors as discussed above will become more prominent in the methodology as we develop a history of experience.  While management believes that it uses the best information available to determine the allowance for loan losses, unforeseen market conditions could result in adjustments to the allowance for loan losses, and net earnings could be significantly affected, if circumstances differ substantially from the estimates made in making the final determination.
 
 
18

 

The following table sets forth activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

     
Twelve Months Ended
 
     
December 31,
 
     
2011
   
2010
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 2,017     1,824  
Charge-offs
               
One-to-four family
    -       -  
Commercial
               
Owner Occupied
    -       -  
Non Owner Occupied
    (180 )     (214 )
Multi-family
    -       -  
Construction or development
    (235 )     (40 )
Home equity
               
Open Ended / Revolving
    (100 )     (20 )
Closed Ended
    -       -  
Commercial business
               
Taxi Medallion
    -       -  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -  
Commercial Business Lines of Credit and Term Loans
    (506 )     (143 )
Consumer
    (5 )     (6 )
 
Total charge-offs
    (1,026 )     (423 )
                   
Recoveries
               
One-to-four family
    -       -  
Commercial
               
Owner Occupied
    -       -  
Non Owner Occupied
    -       -  
Multi-family
    -       -  
Construction or development
    -       -  
Home equity
               
Open Ended / Revolving
    -       -  
Closed Ended
    -       -  
Commercial business
               
Taxi Medallion
    -       -  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -  
Commercial Business Lines of Credit and Term Loans
    26       1  
Consumer
    1       1  
 
Total recoveries
    27       2  
                   
Provision for losses
    938       614  
Balance at end of period
  1,956     2,017  
                   
Ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans
    0.80 %     0.36 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans
    1.54 %     1.64 %
 
 
19

 
 
The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  The allocation of the allowance to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Loan Loss Allowance
   
Loan Balances by Category
   
Percent of Loans to Total Loans
   
Loan Loss Allowance
   
Loan Balances by Category
   
Percent of Loans to Total Loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Allowance allocated to:
                                   
One-to-four family
  $ 120     $ 30,005       23.3 %   $ 115     $ 28,037       22.9 %
Commercial Real Estate
    648       37,344       29.0 %     591       35,591       29.0 %
Multi-family
    113       13,054       10.1 %     237       11,634       9.5 %
Construction or development
    173       2,249       1.7 %     36       2,566       2.1 %
Home equity
    202       8,997       7.0 %     143       9,088       7.4 %
Commercial business
    501       36,743       28.5 %     633       35,360       28.8 %
Consumer
    4       329       0.3 %     5       407       0.3 %
Unallocated
    195       -       0.0 %     257       -       0.0 %
Total allowance
  $ 1,956     $ 128,721       100.0 %   $ 2,017     $ 122,683       100.0 %

Environmental Issues

The Bank encounters certain environmental risks in our lending activities.  The existence of hazardous materials may make it unattractive for a lender to foreclose on the properties securing its loans. In addition, under certain conditions, under federal and state environmental laws, lenders may become liable for costs of cleaning up hazardous materials found on property securing their loans.  In addition, the presence of hazardous materials may have a substantial effect on the value of such property as collateral and may cause economic difficulties for the borrower, causing the loan to go into default.  Although environmental risks are usually associated with loans secured by commercial real estate, risks may also exist for loans secured by residential real estate if, for example, there is nearby commercial contamination or if the residence was constructed on property formerly used for commercial purposes.  To control our environmental risk, if we determine that the investigation of property securing a commercial mortgage loan is warranted, we will require an environmental assessment by an approved engineer as part of the underwriting review.

As of December 31, 2011, we were unaware of any environmental issues with respect to any of our mortgage loans that would subject us to any material liability at this time. Hidden or future environmental contamination could adversely affect the values of properties securing loans in our portfolio.

Investment Activities

General. The Bank’s investment policy is to invest funds among categories of investments and maturities based upon our asset/liability management policies, investment quality, loan and deposit volume, liquidity needs and performance objectives.
 
 
20

 

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires that securities be classified into three categories:  trading, held to maturity, and available for sale. Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.  Debt securities for which we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost.  All other securities not classified as trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale.  Available for sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  At December 31, 2011 we had no securities classified as trading or held to maturity.  There were no investment securities of a single issuer which exceeded 10% of our stockholders’ equity, other than U.S. Government or federal agency obligations.

During 2011, we decreased our holdings of mortgage backed securities as part of a portfolio management strategy to selectively realize gains in the portfolio prior to significant prepayment activity eroding such gains. Mortgage-backed securities in our investment portfolio totaled $17.4 million at December 31, 2011. All are either expressly guaranteed by the United States federal government as in the case of Ginnie Mae securities, or hold the implied guarantee of the United States government as in the case of all of the remaining mortgage backed securities held in our portfolio.  All such securities are pass through securities.

A detail of our mortgage backed securities issuers are as follows:

   
At December 31, 2011
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Mortgage-backed Securities:
           
FNMA
  $ 7,628     $ 7,961  
FHLMC
    5,421       5,629  
GNMA
    763       778  
Small Business Administration
    3,065       3,081  
    $ 16,877     $ 17,449  
 
In addition to mortgage-backed securities, we also invest in other high-quality securities such as United States agency obligations with various maturities. There were no such securities in the portfolio at December 31, 2011.  See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information regarding our securities portfolio.

We have also invested in a limited number of trust preferred securities totaling $1.3 million at December 31, 2011 issued individually by Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, and Barclays Bank.  These investment securities remain within the Bank’s investment policy guidelines.

The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) and as such is required to purchase stock in the FRB within the Federal Reserve district in which the Bank is located.  In accordance with this requirement, at December 31, 2011, we owned 8,533 shares totaling $427 thousand in common stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
 
 
21

 

We are also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB-NY”).  A condition of membership requires that the Bank purchase capital stock in the FHLB-NY.  Pursuant to this requirement, at December 31, 2011, we owned 4,989 shares totaling $499 thousand in capital stock of the FHLB-NY.
 
 
22

 

The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our available for sale securities at the dates indicated. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had no securities classified as held-to-maturity.

   
At December 31, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
(In Thousands)
 
Investment securities available for sale:
                       
U.S. Government agencies
  $ -     $ -     $ 600     $ 614  
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
    16,877       17,449       17,838       18,128  
Bank trust preferred securities
    1,300       1,307       1,300       1,378  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 18,177     $ 18,756     $ 19,738     $ 20,120  
 
(1)
Consisted of government agency and government sponsored enterprises issuances
 
 
23

 
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost, fair value, weighted average yield and stated maturity of our securities at the dates indicated.  The entire amortized cost and fair value of such securities are included in the maturity period that reflects the final security payment date.  Accordingly, no effects are given to periodic repayments or possible prepayments. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no securities classified as held to maturity.
 
    At December 31,  
Available for Sale
  2011    
2010
 
               
Weighted
               
Weighted
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Average
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Average
 
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Yield
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Yield
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  
U.S. Government Agencies:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Due less than one year
  $ -     $ -       - %   $ 600     $ 614       3.35 %
One year to less than three years
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Three years to less than five years
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Five years to ten years
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
More than ten years
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
    -       -       - %     600       614       3.35 %
                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                               
Due less than one year
  $ -     $ -       - %   $ -     $ -       - %
Due after 1 year but within 5 years
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Due after 5 years but within 10 years
    994       1,008       3.20       512       524       2.56  
Due After 10 years
    15,883       16,441       3.25       17,326       17,604       3.29  
Total
    16,877       17,449       3.24 %     17,838       18,128       3.27 %
                                                 
Bank Trust Preferred Securities
                                               
Due less than one year
  $ -     $ -       - %   $ -     $ -       - %
Due after 1 year but within 5 years
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Due after 5 years but within 10 years
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Due After 10 years
    1,300       1,307       7.97       1,300       1,378       7.97  
Total
    1,300       1,307       7.97 %     1,300       1,378       7.97 %
                                                 
Total investment securities
  $ 18,177     $ 18,756       3.58 %   $ 19,738     $ 20,120       3.60 %
 
Sources of Funds

Deposits and Borrowings

General.  The Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits although funds are also derived from loan and investment securities principal repayments and maturities, interest earned on loans and securities, lines of credit with other financial institutions including the Federal Home Loan Bank, FRB, and other funds provided from operations.

Deposits.  The Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts having a wide range of interest rates and terms which vary according to the minimum balance required, the time period the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate, among other factors.  We rely primarily on competitive pricing policies, marketing and quality customer service to attract and retain these deposits.  The variety of deposit accounts offered allows the Bank to effectively compete to obtain funds and to respond with flexibility to changes in consumer demand.  Pricing of deposits is managed in keeping with asset and liability objectives, taking into account both profitability and growth.

The variety of deposit accounts offered allows us to be competitive in obtaining funds and responding to changes in consumer demand.  Based on our experience, we believe that demand, NOW, savings and money market accounts may be somewhat more stable sources of deposits than certificates of deposits.  Also, we believe that our deposits allow us a greater opportunity to connect with our customers and offer them other financial services and products. As a result, we have used marketing and other initiatives to increase such accounts.

 
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The following table sets forth the distribution of deposit accounts and the related weighted average rates at the dates indicated.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amount
   
Percent of Total Deposits
   
Weighted Average Rate
 
Amount
   
Percent of Total Deposits
   
Weighted Average Rate
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                     
Demand deposit accounts
  $ 19,434       13.97 %     0.00 %   $ 17,896       12.95 %     0.00 %
NOW accounts
    7,544       5.42 %     0.67 %     7,287       5.27 %     0.69 %
Money market accounts
    38,398       27.61 %     0.64 %     34,682       25.09 %     0.98 %
Regular savings accounts
    8,782       6.31 %     0.38 %     9,426       6.82 %     1.02 %
Certificates of Deposit
    64,936       46.68 %     1.90 %     68,926       49.87 %     2.56 %
Total
  $ 139,094       100.00 %     1.12 %   $ 138,217       100.00 %     1.63 %
 
 
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The following table sets forth, by interest rate ranges, the amount of savings certificate accounts outstanding at the dates indicated and the period to maturity of certificate of deposit accounts outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
Period to Maturity
 
   
At December 31, 2011
 
   
Less than
One Year
   
One to
Three Years
   
More than
Three Years
   
Total
   
Percent of
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less Then 1.00%
  $ 5,436     $ 897     $ -     $ 6,333       9.75 %
1.00% to 2.00%
    14,626       9,904       4,732       29,262       45.06 %
2.01% to 3.00%
    7,660       9,842       6,073       23,575       36.30 %
3.01% to 4.00%
    2,562       1,078       403       4,043       6.23 %
4.01% to 5.00%
    90       1,132       -       1,222       1.88 %
5.00% and above
    500       -       -       500       0.77 %
                                         
Total
  $ 30,874     $ 22,853     $ 11,209     $ 64,936       100.00 %
 
   
Period to Maturity
 
   
At December 31, 2010
 
   
Less than
One Year
   
One to
Three Years
   
More than
Three Years
   
Total
   
Percent of
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less Than 1.00%
  $ 7,579     $ -     $ -     $ 7,579       11.00 %
1.00% to 2.00%
    11,066       8,469       1,250     $ 20,785       30.16 %
2.01% to 3.00%
    4,900       10,027       1,701     $ 16,628       24.12 %
3.01% to 4.00%
    11,551       2,724       1,524     $ 15,799       22.92 %
4.01% to 5.00%
    4,599       715       458     $ 5,772       8.37 %
5.00% and above
    1,863       500       -     $ 2,363       3.43 %
                                         
Total
  $ 41,558     $ 22,435     $ 4,933     $ 68,926       100.00 %

 
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The following table sets forth the maturity distribution and related weighted average interest rates for  certificates of deposit at December 31, 2011:

   
At December 31, 2011
 
   
Less than $100,000
   
Greater than $100,000
   
Total
 
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Within three months
  $ 5,765       1.84 %   $ 4,125       2.07 %   $ 9,890       1.94 %
After three but within six months
    5,249       1.51 %     4,440       2.07 %     9,689       1.77 %
After six but within twelve months
    5,956       1.61 %     5,339       1.65 %     11,295       1.63 %
Total within one year
    16,970       1.66 %     13,904       1.91 %   $ 30,874       1.77 %
                                                 
                                                 
After one but within two years
  $ 3,558       2.07 %   $ 3,958       1.83 %   $ 7,516       1.94 %
After two but within three years
    5,472       1.99 %     9,865       1.90 %     15,337       1.93 %
After three but within five years
    3,308       2.33 %     7,901       2.11 %     11,209       2.18 %
                                                 
Total
    29,308       1.85 %     35,628       1.94 %     64,936       1.90 %
 
Borrowings.  Borrowings, including Federal Funds purchased, lines of credit, outstanding balances on correspondent bank lines of credit and FHLB advances, decreased to $9.5 million at December 31, 2011 from $10.4 million at December 31, 2010.  The Company had an outstanding balance of $3.0 million and $2.8 million drawn against its committed credit facility with its correspondent bank, Atlantic Central Bankers Bank at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Separately, the Bank has additional unused credit lines of $5.0 million, also with our correspondent bank, Atlantic Central Bankers Bank.

Employees

At December 31, 2011, the Bank had 37 full-time equivalent employees as compared to 39 at December 31, 2010. Employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit, and the Bank’s relationship with its employees is considered to be good.

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

General.  Effective March 9, 2009, the Bank converted to a New York State commercial bank charter, and as such, is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “Department”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRB”).  The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and is also is a member of the Federal Reserve System.

This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which the Bank may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors.  The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves.

New Federal Legislation
 
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted on July 21, 2010, is significantly changing the bank regulatory structure and affecting the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of depository institutions and their holding companies.  The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve Board to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries, and the components of Tier 1 capital are restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions.  Bank holding companies with assets of less than $500 million are exempt from these capital requirements.  Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the proceeds of trust preferred securities are excluded from Tier 1 capital unless such securities were issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank or savings and loan holding companies with less than $15 billion of assets.  The legislation also establishes a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect today, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements within 18 months that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.
 
 
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The Dodd-Frank Act also creates a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as Empire State Bank, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets.  Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets will be examined by their applicable bank regulators.  The new legislation also weakens the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.
 
The legislation also broadens the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessments.  Assessments will now be based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution.  The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increases the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012.  Lastly, the Dodd-Frank Act will increase stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments, and authorizing the Securities and Exchange Commission to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate and solicit votes for their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials.  The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded or not.
 
Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have delayed effective dates and the legislation requires various federal agencies to promulgate numerous and extensive implementing regulations over the next several years. Although the substance and scope of these regulations cannot be completely determined at this time, it is expected that the legislation and implementing regulations will increase our operating and compliance costs.
 
Insurance of Deposit Accounts.  

The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008.  Non-interest bearing transaction accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012.

Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (the “Reform Act”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is authorized to set the reserve ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund annually at between 1.15% and 1.5% of estimated insured deposits.  The Dodd-Frank Act mandates that the statutory minimum reserve ratio of the Deposit Insurance Fund increase from 1.15% to 1.35% of insured deposits by September 30, 2020.  Banks with assets of less than $10 billion are exempt from any additional assessments necessary to increase the reserve fund above 1.15%.
 
 
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As part of a plan to restore the reserve ratio to 1.15%, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation imposed a special assessment on all insured institutions equal to five basis points of assets less Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009, which was payable on September 30, 2009. Our total expense for the special assessment was $68 thousand.

In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has increased its quarterly deposit insurance assessment rates and amended the method by which rates are calculated.  Beginning in the second quarter of 2009, institutions are assigned an initial base assessment rate ranging from 12 to 45 basis points of deposits depending on risk category. The initial base assessment is then adjusted based upon the level of unsecured debt, secured liabilities and brokered deposits, to establish a total base assessment rate ranging from 7 to 77.5 basis points.

On November 12, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved a final rule requiring insured depository institutions to prepay on December 30, 2009, their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012.   Estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010 are based upon the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009, with three basis points added for the 2011 and 2012 assessment rates.  In addition, a 5% annual growth in the assessment base is assumed.  Prepaid assessments are to be applied against the actual quarterly assessments until exhausted, and may not be applied to any special assessments that may occur in the future.  Any unused prepayments will be returned to the institution on June 30, 2013.  We recorded the pre-payment as a prepaid expense, which will be amortized to expense over three years.  Based on our deposits and assessment rate as of September 30, 2009, our prepayment amount was $930 thousand.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We do not believe we are taking or are subject to any action, condition or violation that could lead to termination of our deposit insurance.
 
The deposit insurance assessment rates are in addition to the assessments for payments on the bonds issued in the late 1980s by the Financing Corporation, or FICO, to recapitalize the now defunct Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation.  The FICO payments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017 through 2019. Excluding the special assessment noted above, our expense for the assessment of deposit insurance and the FICO payments was $281 thousand for 2011.  The FDIC also established 1.25% of estimated insured deposits as the designated reserve ratio of the DIF.  The FDIC is authorized to change the assessment rates as necessary, subject to the previously discussed limitations, to maintain the required reserve ratio of 1.25%.
 
Bank Holding Company Regulation.  ES Bancshares, Inc., as a bank holding company controlling the Bank, is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”), and the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board under the BHCA applicable to bank holding companies.  The Company is required to file reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.
 
 
29

 

Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which a bank and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors.  These regulatory authorities have extensive enforcement authority over the institutions that they regulate to prohibit or correct activities that violate law, regulation or a regulatory agreement or which are deemed to be unsafe or unsound banking practices.  Enforcement actions may include the appointment of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease and desist order, the termination of deposit insurance, the imposition of civil money penalties on the institution, its directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the removal of or restrictions on directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, and the enforcement of any such mechanisms through restraining orders or other court actions.  Any change in laws and regulations, whether by the Department, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or through legislation, could have a material adverse impact on the Bank and the Company and their operations and stockholders.  Additional information on regulatory requirements is set forth in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company files certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the federal securities laws.  The Company’s operations are also subject to extensive regulation by other federal, state and local governmental authorities and it is subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions on part or all of its operations.  Management believes that the Company is in substantial compliance, in all material respects, with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.  Because the Company’s business is highly regulated, the laws, rules and regulations applicable to it are subject to regular modification and change.  There can be no assurance that these proposed laws, rules and regulations, or any other laws, rules or regulations, will not be adopted in the future, which could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or prospects.

Loans to One Borrower

Applicable law and regulation limit the amount that the Bank may lend to any one borrower to 15% of the Bank’s capital and surplus plus an additional 10% of the Bank’s capital and surplus if such additional amount is fully secured by readily marketable collateral.  At December 31, 2011, the Bank’s regulatory limit on loans to one borrower was $2.2 million.  At that date, we were in compliance with our legal lending limit.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

Federally insured banks are required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital.  Capital adequacy is measured within the guidelines defined as either Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital.  Tier 1 capital consists primarily of common stock and retained earnings.  Tier 2 capital consists primarily of certain debt instruments and a portion of loan loss reserves. There are two measures of capital adequacy for banks, the Tier 1 leverage ratio and the risk-based requirements.  A bank must maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4 percent of total assets.  In addition, Tier 1 capital must equal 4 percent of risk-weighted assets and total Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital must equal 8 percent of risk-weighted assets.  A bank’s total “risk based assets” is determined by assigning our assets and off-balance sheet items to one of four risk categories based upon our relative credit risks.  The greater the risk associated with an asset, the greater the amount of such asset that will be subject to capital requirements.
 
Federal banking agencies, under certain circumstances, are required to take prompt corrective action against banks that fail to meet their capital requirements.  The FRB is generally required to take action to restrict the activities of an “undercapitalized institution” (generally defined to be one with less than either a 4 percent Tier 1 leverage ratio, a 4 percent Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio or an 8 percent total Tier 1 and Tier 2 risk-based capital ratio).  Any such bank may not increase its assets, acquire another institution, establish a branch or engage in any new activities, and generally may not make capital distributions. The FRB is authorized to impose the additional restrictions that are applicable to significantly undercapitalized associations.
 
 
30

 

To be considered “adequately capitalized,” a bank must generally have a leverage ratio of at least 4 percent, a Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of a least 4 percent and total Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of a least 8 percent.  To be categorized as “well capitalized,” a bank must maintain a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 10 percent, a Tier1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6 percent and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5 percent.  At December 31, 2011, we met the definition of “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending 

Under the federal Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), we have a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with safe and sound banking practices, to help meet the credit needs of our entire community, including low and moderate, income neighborhoods.  The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to our particular community, consistent with the CRA.  The CRA requires the Department, in connection with the examination of the Bank to assess our record of meeting the credit needs of our community and to take such record into account in our evaluation of certain applications, such as a merger or the establishment of a branch.  The Department may use an unsatisfactory rating as the basis for the denial of an application.  We must also comply with the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the New York Executive Law, which prohibits creditors from discrimination in their lending practices on basis specified in these statutes. The Bank received a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent federal examination.

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders

Federal regulations govern transactions between the Bank and its affiliates.  In general, an affiliate is any company that controls, is controlled by, or under common control, with the Bank.  Federal law limits the extent to which the Bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to 10% of our capital stock and surplus, and contains an aggregate limit of 20% of our capital stock and surplus.  Covered transactions include loans, asset purchases, the issuance of guarantees and similar transactions.  Our loans to insiders are required to be made on terms that are as favorable to us as transactions with non-insiders and approved in advance by a majority of our disinterested directors.

The Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board.  Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features, and (ii) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of The Bank’s capital.  In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by The Bank’s Board of Directors.  The Bank is in compliance with Regulation O.
 
 
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Payment of Dividends

Regulations of the Department and the FRB restrict the amount of dividends that the Bank can pay the Company.  All dividends must be paid out of undivided profits and cannot be paid out from capital.  In general, if all such capital requirements are satisfied both before and after a dividend payment, a dividend may be paid, in any year, equal to the current year’s net income plus retained net income for the preceding two years that is still available for dividend. A dividend may not be declared if the Bank is considered “undercapitalized” under New York State Banking Department regulations.

Federal Securities Law 

The stock of the Company is registered with the SEC under the Exchange Act.  The Company is subject to the information, reporting, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act.

Federal Reserve Bank

As a member of the Federal Reserve Board system, the Bank is required to maintain a minimum investment in stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRB”).  Any excess may be redeemed by the Bank or called by the FRB at par.  At its discretion, the FRB may declare dividends on this stock.  The Bank had $427 thousand and $392 thousand invested in FRB stock at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which is carried at cost due to the fact that it is a restricted security.

Federal Reserve System.  The Federal Reserve Board requires all depository institutions to maintain non-interest bearing reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts (primarily checking, NOW and Super NOW checking accounts) and non-personal time accounts.  Since these reserves are maintained as vault cash or other low-interest bearing accounts, they have the effect of reducing a bank’s earnings.  At December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with these reserve requirements.

USA PATRIOT Act.  The USA PATRIOT Act, signed into law in 2001, gives the federal government new powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements.  The USA PATRIOT Act also requires the federal banking agencies to take into consideration the effectiveness of controls designed to combat money-laundering activities in whether to approve a merger or other acquisition application of a member institution.  Accordingly, if we engage in a merger or other acquisition, our controls to combat money laundering would be considered as part of the application process.  We have established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.
 
 
32

 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. As directed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer each are required to certify that our quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. The rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 have several requirements, including having these officers certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our internal controls; they have made certain disclosures to our auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors about our internal controls; and they have included information in our quarterly and annual reports about their evaluation and whether there have been significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls.

 
33

 

Item 1A. 
Risk Factors

The risks set forth below, in addition to the other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.  In addition to the risks set forth below and the other risks described in this annual report, there may also be additional risks and uncertainties that are not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.  As a result, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.

Risks Related to Recent Economic Conditions and Governmental Response Efforts

Our business has been and may continue to be adversely affected by current conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally. The global, United States and New York economies are experiencing significantly reduced business activity and consumer spending as a result of, among other factors, disruptions in the capital and credit markets. Dramatic declines in the housing market, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures and unemployment, have resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities and major commercial and investment banks. A sustained weakness or weakening in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in which we do business could have one or more of the following adverse effects on our business:
 
• a decrease in the demand for loans or other products and services offered by us;
 
• a decrease in the value of our loans or other assets secured by residential or commercial real estate;
 
• a decrease to deposit balances due to overall reductions in the accounts of customers;
 
• an impairment of our investment securities;
 
• an increase in the number of borrowers who become delinquent, file for protection under bankruptcy laws or default on their loans or other obligations to us. An increase in the number of delinquencies, bankruptcies or defaults could result in a higher level of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs and provision for credit losses, which would reduce our earnings.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Will, Among Other Things, Tighten Capital Standards, Create A New Consumer Financial Protection Bureau And Result In New Laws And Regulations That Are Expected To Increase Our Costs Of Operations.
 
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) has significantly changed the bank regulatory structure and has affected the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, and consequently, many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for many months or years.
 
 
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Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are expected to have a near term effect on us. For example, effective one year after the date of enactment is a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act that eliminates the federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest bearing checking accounts. Depending on competitive responses, this significant change to existing law could have an adverse effect on our interest expense.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act also broadens the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessments. Assessments are now based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increases the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments. The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded or not.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act creates a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets will be examined by their applicable bank regulators.  The Dodd-Frank Act also weakens the federal preemption rules that have been applicable for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce federal consumer protection laws.
 
It is difficult to predict at this time what specific impact the Dodd-Frank Act and the yet to be written implementing rules and regulations will have on community banks. However, it is expected that at a minimum they will increase our operating and compliance costs and could increase our interest expense.
 
Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and our income.

Congress has taken actions that are intended to strengthen confidence and encourage liquidity in financial institutions, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has taken actions to increase insurance coverage on deposit accounts.  In addition, there have been proposals made by members of Congress and others that would reduce the amount distressed borrowers are otherwise contractually obligated to pay under their mortgage loans and limit an institution’s ability to foreclose on mortgage collateral.

The potential exists for additional federal or state laws and regulations, or changes in policy, regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies have been active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, and have issued many formal enforcement orders.  The New York Banking Department and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation govern the activities in which we may engage, primarily for the protection of depositors, and not for the protection or benefit of potential investors.  In addition, new laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes may increase our costs of regulatory compliance and of doing business, and otherwise affect our operations. New laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the markets for and value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability.  Proposals limiting our rights as a creditor could result in credit losses or increased expense in pursuing our remedies as a creditor.
 
 
35

 

Future legislative or regulatory actions responding to perceived financial and market problems could impair our ability to foreclose on collateral.
 
There have been proposals made by members of Congress and others that would reduce the amount distressed borrowers are otherwise contractually obligated to pay under their mortgage loans and limit an institution’s ability to foreclose on mortgage collateral.  Were proposals such as these, or other proposals limiting our rights as a creditor, to be implemented, we could experience increased credit losses or increased expense in pursuing our remedies as a creditor.  In addition, there have been legislative proposals to create a federal consumer protection agency that may, among other powers, have the ability to limit our rights as a creditor.
 
Lack of Consumer Confidence in Financial Institutions May Decrease Our Level of Deposits.

Our level of deposits may be affected by lack of consumer confidence in financial institutions, which have caused fewer depositors to be willing to maintain deposits that are not FDIC-insured accounts. That may cause depositors to withdraw deposits and place them in other institutions or to invest uninsured funds in investments perceived as being more secure, such as securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. These consumer preferences may force us to pay higher interest rates to retain deposits and may constrain liquidity as we seek to meet funding needs caused by reduced deposit levels.

Our Emphasis on Commercial Real Estate Loans and Commercial Business Loans May Expose Us to Increased Lending Risks.
 
At December 31, 2011, $52.6 million, or 40.9% of our loan portfolio, consisted of commercial real estate loans, including multi-family and construction and development loans.  Commercial real estate loans constitute a greater percentage of our loan portfolio than any other loan category, including one-to four-family real estate loans, which totaled $30.0 million, or 23.3% of our total loan portfolio, at December 31, 2011.  In addition, at December 31, 2011, $36.7 million, or 28.5% of our loan portfolio, consisted of commercial business loans.  Of the commercial loan balance $11.8 million, or 9.2%, represented NYC taxi medallion loans. These loans are originated with LTV’s no greater than 80% and the borrower is subject to minimum credit scoring and debt service coverage requirements. Of the commercial loan balance $6.2 million, or 4.8%, represented USDA guaranteed loans. Management believes any risk associated with these loans is limited to the premium paid as the principal balance is fully guaranteed by the USDA.
 
Commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans generally expose a lender to a greater risk of loss than one- to four-family residential loans.  Repayment of commercial real estate and commercial business loans generally depends, in large part, on sufficient income from the property or the borrower’s business, respectively, to cover operating expenses and debt service.  Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans.  Changes in economic conditions that are beyond the control of the borrower and lender (including today’s economic crisis) could affect the value of the security for the loan, the future cash flow of the affected property, or the marketability of a construction project with respect to loans originated for the acquisition and development of property.  See “Business—Lending Activities.”
 
 
36

 
 
An Inadequate Allowance for Loan Losses Would Negatively Affect Our Results of Operations.

We are exposed to the risk that our customers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans will not be sufficient to avoid losses. Credit losses are inherent in the lending business and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Volatility and deterioration in the broader economy may also increase our risk of credit losses. The determination of an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses is an inherently uncertain process and is based on numerous assumptions. The amount of future losses is susceptible to changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in interest rates, that may be beyond our control, and charge-offs may exceed current estimates. We evaluate the collectability of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for loan losses that we believe is adequate based upon such factors as, including, but not limited to: the risk characteristics of various classifications of loans; previous loan loss experience; specific loans that have loss potential; delinquency trends; the estimated fair market value of the collateral; current economic conditions; the views of our regulators; and geographic and industry loan concentrations. If any of our evaluations are incorrect and borrower defaults result in losses exceeding our allowance for loan losses, our results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected. We cannot assure you that our allowance will be adequate to cover probable loan losses inherent in our portfolio.
 
The Need to Account for Assets at Market Prices May Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations.

We report certain assets, including investments and securities, at fair value. Generally, for assets that are reported at fair value we use quoted market prices or valuation models that utilize market data inputs to estimate fair value. Because we carry these assets on our books at their fair value, we may incur losses even if the asset in question presents minimal credit risk. Given the continued disruption in the capital markets, we may be required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments in future periods with respect to securities in our portfolio. The amount and timing of any impairment recognized will depend on the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the securities and our estimation of the anticipated recovery period.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment (OTTI) Could Reduce Our Earnings.

We evaluate our investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) as required by FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  When a decline in fair value below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the related loss must be recognized as a charge to earnings and the investment is recorded at fair value.  In determining whether or not OTTI exists management considers several factors, including but not limited to, the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, and whether management intends to sell and it is not more likely than not that management would be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery.
 
Our Continuing Concentration of Loans in Our Primary Market Areas May Increase Our Risk.

Our success depends primarily on the general economic conditions in the counties in which we conduct business. Unlike large banks that are more geographically diversified, we provide banking and financial services to customers primarily in our market area. The local economic conditions in our market areas have a significant impact on our loans. A significant decline in general economic conditions caused by inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond our control, would affect the local economic conditions and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, because we have a significant amount of commercial real estate loans, decreases in tenant occupancy also may have a negative effect on the ability of many of our borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings.
 
 
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Future Changes in Interest Rates Could Reduce Our Profits
 
Our ability to make a profit largely depends on our net interest income, which could be negatively affected by changes in interest rates.  Net interest income is the difference between:

·  
the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities; and
 
·  
the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.
 
Our liabilities generally have shorter maturities than our assets.  This imbalance can create significant earnings volatility as market interest rates change.  In periods of rising interest rates, the interest income earned on our assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest paid on our liabilities, resulting in a decline in our net interest income.  In periods of declining interest rates, our interest income is generally positively affected although such positive effects may be reduced or eliminated by prepayments of loans and redemptions of callable securities.  In addition, when long-term interest rates are not significantly higher than short-term rates thus creating a “flat” yield curve, the Company’s interest rate spread will decrease thus reducing net interest income.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Management of Market Risk.”
 
Changes in interest rates also affect the current market value of our interest-earning securities portfolio.  Generally, the value of securities moves inversely with changes in interest rates.  At December 31, 2011, the fair value of our securities classified as available for sale totalled $18.7 million.  Unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities totalled $579 thousand at December 31, 2011 and are reported, net of tax, as a separate component of shareholder’s equity.  However, a rise in interest rates could cause a decrease in the fair value of securities available for sale in future periods which would have an adverse effect on shareholder’s equity.  Depending on market conditions, we often place more emphasis on enhancing our net interest margin rather than matching the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities.  In particular, we believe that the increased net interest income resulting from a mismatch in the maturity of our asset and liabilities portfolios can, during periods of stable or declining interest rates provide high enough returns to justify increased exposure to sudden and unexpected increases in interest rates.  As a result, our results of operations and the economic value of our equity will remain vulnerable to increases in interest rates and to declines in the difference between long- and short-term rates. At December 31, 2011, given a +2.00% shock in interest rates, the model results in the Company’s economic value of equity at risk changing by $3.4 million or -18.8% lower than in a flat rate scenario. See Item 7A. – “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

 
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Although the Bank is Well Capitalized, it is Possible That the Bank Could Be Required to Maintain Higher Levels of Capital as a Result of Our Commercial Real Estate and Business Concentrations, Which Could Require Us to Obtain Additional Capital, and May Adversely Affect Shareholder Returns.

The federal banking regulators have issued guidance for those institutions which are deemed to have concentrations in commercial real estate lending. Pursuant to the supervisory criteria contained in the guidance for identifying institutions with a potential commercial real estate concentration risk, institutions which have (1) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land which represent in total 100% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital; or (2) total commercial real estate loans representing 300% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital and the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months, are identified as having potential commercial real estate concentration risk. Institutions which are deemed to have concentrations in commercial real estate lending are expected to employ heightened levels of risk management with respect to their commercial real estate portfolios, and may be required to hold higher levels of capital. The Bank, like many community banks, has a concentration in commercial real estate loans. Management has extensive experience in commercial real estate lending, and has implemented and continues to maintain heightened portfolio monitoring and reporting, and strong underwriting criteria with respect to its commercial real estate portfolio.

Item 1B. 
Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. 
Properties

The following table sets forth information concerning our properties at December 31, 2011.  Our premises had an aggregate net book value of approximately $1.8 million at that date.

Location
 
Year
Acquired/Leased
 
Owned or Leased
 
Net Book Value at December 31, 2011
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Corporate Headquarters And Main Office:
       
             
68 North Plank Road
Newburgh, New York 12550
 
2011
 
Owned (2)
 
$1,706
             
Branch Offices:
           
             
257 Main Street
New Paltz, New York 12561
 
2004
 
Leased (1)
 
$35
             
1361 North Railroad Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306
 
2007
 
Leased (1)
 
$72

 
(1)
Our leases at our New Paltz and Staten Island branch offices terminate in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 
(2)
The Bank acquired the Corporate Headquarters location during 2011.

Item 3. 
Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved as plaintiff or defendant in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  At December 31, 2011, we were not involved in any legal proceedings, the outcome of which would be material to our financial condition or results of operations.
 
 
39

 

Item 4. 
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable
 
 
40

 
 
PART II

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

(a)  The Common Stock of ES Bancshares, Inc., is traded on the OTCBB market under the symbol “ESBS.” At December 31, 2011 the common stock was held by approximately 536 shareholders of record.  The following table shows the range of high and low market prices for our stock for the quarters indicated.  There were no dividends declared or paid in any quarter.  The payment of any future cash dividends is dependent on the results of operations and financial condition of the Company as well as tax considerations, economic and market conditions, regulatory restrictions, regulatory capital requirements and other factors.

Year ended
December 31, 2011
 
High
   
Low
   
Cash Dividends Declared
 
                   
Fourth quarter
  $ 2.90     $ 2.00     $  
Third quarter
    3.30       2.60        
Second quarter
    3.50       2.90        
First quarter
    4.25       2.50        
 
Year ended
December 31, 2010
 
High
   
Low
   
Cash Dividends Declared
 
                         
Fourth quarter
  $ 3.50     $ 2.30     $  
Third quarter
    3.50       3.00        
Second quarter
    3.20       3.00        
First quarter
    4.50       2.75        

(b) 
Not applicable.

(c) 
Not applicable

Item 6. 
Selected Financial Data

This item is not applicable to smaller reporting companies.

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

General

During 2011 we recorded net income of $47 thousand compared to  $488 thousand during 2010. The 2011 decrease was the result of increased provision for loan losses and higher non-interest expense, partially offset by increased net interest income and slightly higher non-interest income.

The Company’s results of operations are dependent primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest expense on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed funds, as well as the level of its provisions for loan losses.  Results of operations are also affected by non-interest income and expense, and the provision for loan losses.  Non-interest income consists primarily of service charges, gains on sale of assets, and other fees.  Non-interest expense consists primarily of employee compensation and benefits, occupancy expenses, data processing fees, deposit insurance premiums, certain losses on assets and other operating expenses.  The Company’s results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions (particularly changes in market interest rates), government policies, changes in accounting standards and actions of regulatory agencies.
 
 
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Analysis of Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities.  Net interest income depends on the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned or paid on them, respectively.

The following table sets forth average balance sheets for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The yields and costs were derived by dividing interest income or expense by the average balance of assets and liabilities for the period shown.  Substantially all average balances were computed based on daily balances.  The yields include deferred fees and discounts, which are considered yield adjustments, and purchase discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income.  No tax-equivalent adjustments were made.
 
 
42

 
 
ES BANCSHARES INC.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD ANALYSIS
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Average
         
Average
   
Average
         
Average
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Cost
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans
  $ 125,398     $ 6,724       5.36 %   $ 116,070     $ 6,586       5.67 %
Fed Funds & other investments
    10,211       26       0.25 %     10,604       31       0.29 %
Certificates of deposit
    1,438       37       2.57 %     2,644       61       2.31 %
FRB & FHLB stock
    930       45       4.84 %     928       56       6.03 %
Securities
    19,583       711       3.63 %     27,885       1,100       3.94 %
Total interest-earning assets
  $ 157,560     $ 7,543       4.79 %   $ 158,131     $ 7,834       4.95 %
                                                 
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,981 )                     (1,735 )                
Cash & Due from banks
    2,252                       1,782                  
Other Non-interest earning assets
    4,269                       3,691                  
Total assets
  $ 162,100                     $ 161,869                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
NOW accounts
  $ 7,106     $ 49       0.69 %   $ 6,589     $ 48       0.73 %
Money Market accounts
    35,303       321       0.91 %     36,493       402       1.10 %
Regular savings accounts
    9,777       76       0.78 %     10,354       107       1.03 %
Certficates of Deposit
    67,807       1,497       2.21 %     70,588       1,916       2.71 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
  $ 119,993     $ 1,943       1.62 %   $ 124,024     $ 2,473       1.99 %
                                                 
Borrowings
    9,896       389       3.93 %     10,486       423       4.03 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  $ 129,889     $ 2,332       1.80 %   $ 134,510     $ 2,896       2.15 %
                                                 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
    21,127               .       17,017               .  
Total liabilities
    151,016                       151,527                  
                                                 
Stockholders' equity
    11,084                       10,342                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 162,100                     $ 161,869                  
Net interest income
          $ 5,211                     $ 4,938          
                                                 
Average interest rate spread (1)
                    2.99 %                     2.80 %
Net interest margin (2)
                    3.31 %                     3.12 %
Net interest-earning assets (3)
  $ 27,671                     $ 23,621                  
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
                    121.30 %                     117.56 %
 
(1)  Average interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)  Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
(3)  Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
 
 
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The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major categories of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Information is provided for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with respect to (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (i.e., changes in average balances multiplied by the prior-period average rate) and (ii) changes attributable to rate (i.e., changes in average rate multiplied by prior-period average balances).  For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

   
Year Ended December 31,
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011 vs. 2010
   
2010 vs. 2009
 
   
Increase (Decrease)
         
Increase (Decrease)
       
   
Due to
         
Due to
       
   
Rate
   
Volume
   
Net
   
Rate
   
Volume
   
Net
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest earninig assets:
                                   
Loans Receivable
  $ (376 )   $ 514     $ 138     $ (56 )   $ 858     $ 802  
Due from banks and other money market deposits
    (4 )     (1 )     (5 )     3       (3 )     -  
Certificates of Deposit
    7       (31 )     (24 )     (3 )     (16 )     (19 )
FRB and FHLB stock
    (11 )     -       (11 )     1       4       5  
Investment Securities
    (82 )     (307 )     (389 )     (246 )     (216 )     (462 )
                                                 
Total interest-earning assets
    (466 )     175       (291 )     (301 )     627       326  
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                               
NOW accounts
    (2 )     3       1       15       13       28  
Money market accounts
    (69 )     (12 )     (81 )     (197 )     26       (171 )
Regular savings accounts
    (25 )     (6 )     (31 )     (36 )     (8 )     (44 )
Certificates of deposit
    (347 )     (72 )     (419 )     (428 )     81       (347 )
                                                 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    (443 )     (87 )     (530 )     (646 )     112       (534 )
                                                 
Borrowings
    (10 )     (24 )     (34 )     43       24       67  
                                                 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    (453 )     (111 )     (564 )     (603 )     136       (467 )
                                                 
Net change in interest income
  $ (13 )   $ 286     $ 273     $ 302     $ 491     $ 793  

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010

Total assets.  Total assets at December 31, 2011 increased $39 thousand, or 0.0%, but remained at $160.8 from December 31, 2010.  The movement in asset balances was primarily comprised of a $4.4 million increase in total loans receivable, net, real estate mortgage loans held for sale of $1.3 million,  and an increase of $1.5 million in premises and equipment. These increases were partially offset by decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $5.4 million, CD placements of $1.1 million, and securities available for sale of $1.4 million. We believe that shifting our asset mix into higher yielding instruments in a conservative manner is a key factor in improving our results of operations.  Over the past year, the US Treasury yield curve remained upward sloping providing us with the opportunity to manage and improve our net interest margin.
 
Net loans.   Net loans increased $4.4 million, or 3.6%, to $125.6 million at December 31, 2011 from $121.2 million at December 31, 2010.  The increase in net loans was primarily attributable to the $2.1 million, or 22.0% increase in NYC taxi medallion loans, $1.6 million or 5.5% increase in one to four family residential mortgage loans and $1.4 million or 12.2% increase in multi-family commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2011 there were eleven nonaccrual loans at a total value of $2.5 million. Non-accrual loans also had a balance of $2.5 million at December 31, 2010.
 
 
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Total securities.  Total securities at December 31, 2011 decreased $1.4 million, or 6.8%, to $18.8 million from $20.1 million at December 31, 2010.  The decrease in securities was primarily due to the accelerated prepayments within the mortgage-backed securities portfolio and a reluctance to deploy liquidity in traditional mortgage-backed securities in the current low rate environment.

Deposits.  Interest bearing deposits decreased $661 thousand to $119.7 million at December 31, 2011 from $120.3 million at December 31, 2010.  The net decrease over the year consisted of a $4.0 million decrease in certificates of deposit, partially offset by an increase in money market and savings accounts over the same period. During 2011 non-interest bearing accounts increased $1.5 million, or 8.6% from $17.9 million to $19.4 million.   This movement within the deposit portfolio is a result of management’s continued focus on attracting core transaction accounts and general market conditions.

Borrowings.  Borrowings decreased to $9.5 million from year ended December 2011 from $10.4 million at December 31, 2010.

Stockholders’ equity. Stockholders’ equity increased by $158 thousand to $10.9 million at December 31, 2011 from $10.8 million at December 31, 2010.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the unrealized gain on the investment portfolio of $114 thousand, net of tax, and net income of $47 thousand recorded in 2011.

Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010

General.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized net income of $47 thousand, or $0.02 per share, as compared to a net income of $488 thousand or $0.23 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Interest Income.  Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $7.5 million, a decrease of $291 thousand from $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The decrease in interest income resulted from a decrease in average interest-earning assets to $157.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $158.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, in addition to by a decrease in the average annual yield on interest earning assets from 4.95% to 4.79% year over year.   For 2011, average loan balances increased from $116.1 million to $125.4 million over the prior year, while their average annual yield decreased from 5.67% to 5.36%. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the average balance of the investment securities portfolio decreased by $8.3 million, from $27.9 million to $19.6 million, while the average balances of its CD placements decreased approximately $1.2 million, from $2.6 million to $1.4 million, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010.

Interest Expense.  Total interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased by $564 thousand when compared to the year ended December 31, 2010.  The decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in the average annual cost of interest bearing liabilities from 2.15% for the year ended December 31, 2010 to 1.80% for the year ended December 31, 2011 which is due to the prevailing low interest rate environment. Average balances of total interest-bearing liabilities decreased to $129.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $134.5 million for 2010.  This decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in total interest bearing deposits of $4.0 million and a decrease in average borrowings of approximately $34 thousand year over year. The average annual cost of interest bearing deposits was 1.62% for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to 1.99% for 2010. The average annual cost of borrowings was 3.93% for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to 4.03% for 2010.

Average money market account balances decreased $1.2 million, from $36.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $35.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The average annual costs for money market accounts decreased 19 basis points, from 1.10% for the year ended December 31, 2010 to 0.91% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The average balances of the Bank’s certificates of deposit portfolio decreased to $67.8 million at an average annual cost of 2.21% for the year ended December 31, 2011, from $70.6 million at an average annual cost of 2.71% for the prior year.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, average regular savings account balances decreased $577 thousand to $9.8 million from $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, while the average costs decreased 26 basis points to 0.78% from 1.03% from the prior year.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income was approximately $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The average interest rate spread increased to 2.99% for 2011 as compared to 2.80% in 2010, while the net interest margin also increased to 3.31% from 3.12% year over year resulting from a lower cost of deposits, partially offset by a lower yield on interest earning assets.
 
 
45

 

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased approximately $324 thousand to $938 thousand from $ 614 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Management’s objective is to maintain an allowance for losses that is sufficient to absorb probable and quantifiable losses based upon current knowledge of the loan portfolio, current market conditions and credit granting activities.

Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $1.38 million which represented a slight increase of $28 thousand from the $1.35 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Increases in service charges and fees of $181 thousand, recoveries of CD placement of $182 thousand, and gains on sales of loans of $75 thousand were partially offset by a decrease in gain on sale of securities of $398 thousand.
 
Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased $339 thousand to $5.7 million from $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Compensation and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased $293 thousand to $2.8 million from $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in compensation and benefits is due to annual salary adjustments for all bank employees. Annual salary adjustments were not taken in the prior two years. Additionally, the Bank made strategic hires in specific areas where management deemed there was a lack of expertise and where the revenues to be gained were consistent with the strategic plan of the Bank.  Other expenses increased by $85 thousand to $787 thousand over the same period. The increase in other expense resulted from increases in professional fees and loan workout expenses as well as cost of disposing of troubled assets. These increases were partially offset by decreases in occupancy and equipment of $70 thousand and data processing fees of $10 thousand. The decrease in occupancy and equipment is due to the purchase of the Newburgh premises which houses the Company’s corporate headquarters. The annual depreciation of the premises is less than the annual rent burden.

Income Taxes.   The Bank recorded a net tax benefit of $51 thousand in fiscal 2011 compared to a tax benefit of $130 thousand in fiscal 2010. The change in income taxes was driven by a change in the valuation allowance recorded on the Company’s deferred tax assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of funds are deposits, wholesale funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York or other bank borrowings, capital, proceeds from the sale of loans, and principal and interest payments on loans and securities.  While maturities and scheduled payments on loans and securities provide an indication of the timing of the receipt of funds, other sources of funds such as loan prepayments and deposit inflows are less predictable due to the effects of changes in interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

The primary investing activities of the Company are the origination of loans and the purchase of investment securities.  Investing activities are funded primarily by net deposit inflows, sales of loans, principal repayments on loans and securities, and borrowed funds.  For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we originated loans of approximately $48.1 million and $62.8 million, respectively, including real estate mortgage loans held for sale.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had outstanding loan origination commitments of $7.4 million and $7.8 million, respectively. There were $1.7 million and $400 thousand in one-to-four family real estate mortgage loans held for sale at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  In addition, there were $10.8 million in undisbursed lines of credit and construction loans in process (combined) at December 31, 2011, versus $11.4 million at December 31, 2010.  The Company anticipates that it will have combined sufficient funds available to meet its current loan originations and other commitments.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010 total deposits were approximately $139.1 million and $138.2 million, respectively, of which approximately $64.9 million and $68.9 million were in certificates of deposit.  Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less from December 31, 2011 totaled $30.9 million.  Based on past experience the Company anticipates that most such certificates of deposit can be renewed upon their expiration.

During 2011, the Company extended the maturity of a credit facility with Atlantic Central Bankers Bank for $3.0 million.  Incremental proceeds drawn from the credit facility are for the purpose of providing funds as needed to the Bank to maintain strong capital ratios and enable it to grow at a managed pace and potentially add new branch locations.  As of December 31, 2011, the balance of the facility was $3.0 million.
 
 
46

 

In general the Bank monitors and manages its liquidity on a regular basis by maintaining appropriate levels of liquid assets so that funds are available when needed.  Excess liquidity is invested in overnight federal funds sold and other short-term investments.  As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, the Bank has the availability of credit secured by qualifying collateral.  At December 31, 2011 the Bank had $19.3 million of such unencumbered collateral available.  Additionally, the Bank has unused credit lines of $5.0 million if the need arises with its correspondent bank, Atlantic Central Bankers Bank, which is separate from the Company’s credit facility mentioned above.

Applicable regulations require banks to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of core (Tier 1) capital to total adjusted tangible assets of 3.0%, and a minimum ratio of total capital (core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, of which 4.0% must be core (Tier 1) capital.  Under prompt corrective action regulations, our regulator is required to take certain supervisory actions with respect to an undercapitalized institution.  The regulations establish a framework for the classification of depository institutions into five categories: (1) well-capitalized, (2) adequately capitalized, (3) undercapitalized, (4) significantly undercapitalized, and (5) critically undercapitalized.  Generally an institution is considered well capitalized if it has a core (Tier 1) capital ratio of at least 5.0%, a core (Tier 1) risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.0%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of a least 10.0%.  As of December 31, 2011, the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.

The foregoing capital ratios are based in part on specific quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the bank regulators about capital components, risk weightings and other factors.

Management believes that as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject.

The following is a summary of the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios, compared to the requirements for minimum capital adequacy and for classification as a well-capitalized institution at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  The capital ratios of the Company are not significantly different than those shown in the table below for the Bank and exceed the requirements to be well capitalized.  In accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements, the Bank’s actual tangible and Tier 1 capital amounts exclude goodwill, while the total risk-based capital amounts include the allowance for loan losses.

   
Bank Actual
   
Minimum Capital
Adequacy
   
Classification as
Well Capitalized
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
December 31, 2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Tier I (core) capital
  $ 13,183       8.0 %   $ 4,791       3.0 %   $ 7,985       5.0 %
Risk-based capital:
                                               
Tier I
    13,183       11.5 %     6,388       4.0       9,582       6.0  
Total
    14,623       12.7 %     9,176       8.0       11,470       10.0  
                                                 
December 31, 2010
                                               
Tier I (core) capital
  $ 12,757       8.0 %   $ 4,794       3.0 %   $ 7,991       5.0 %
Risk-based capital:
                                               
Tier I
    12,757       11.8 %     6,392       4.0       9,589       6.0  
Total
    14,123       13.0 %     8,689       8.0       10,861       10.0  
 
 
47

 

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The Financial Statements and related Notes have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.  The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations.  Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all of our assets and liabilities are financial in nature.  As a result, our net income is directly impacted by changes in interest rates, which are influenced by inflationary expectations.  Our ability to match the interest sensitivity of our financial assets to the interest sensitivity of our financial liabilities as part of our interest rate risk management program may reduce the effect that changes in interest rates have on our net income.  Changes in interest rates do not necessarily move to the same extent as changes in prices of goods and services.  In the current interest rate environment, liquidity and the maturity structure of our assets and liabilities are critical to the maintenance of acceptable levels of net income.  Management believes that by maintaining a significant portion of our assets in short-term investments, adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities and adjustable rate loans, we will be able to redeploy our assets as rates change.

Item 7A. 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Nearly all of our assets and liabilities are financial in nature.  As a result, our net income is directly affected by changes in interest rates.  We generally do not seek to match the interest sensitivity of our financial assets to the interest sensitivity of our financial liabilities as part of our interest rate risk management program.  However, management believes that by maintaining a significant portion of our assets in short-term investments, adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities and adjustable rate loans, we will be able to reprice a portion of our assets as rates change.  The Company has increased its total assets by only $39 thousand during 2011 but increased its investment in medium-term loans by $3.5 primarily. The Company has also increased its level of non-interest bearing deposits by $1.5 million in an effort to manage the vulnerability of its operating results to change in interest rates.  Nevertheless, as a result of holding medium and long-term fixed-rate loans and securities in its portfolio, the Company is vulnerable to an increase in its cost of funds used to hold such assets.

A commonly used tool to manage and analyze the interest rate sensitivity of a bank is a computer simulation model.  To quantify the extent of risks in both the Company’s current position and in transactions it might make in the future, the Company uses a model to simulate the impact of different interest rate scenarios on net interest income.  The hypothetical impact of a 12 month horizontal and instantaneous interest rate shift is modeled at least quarterly, representing the primary means the Company uses for interest rate risk management decisions.

At December 31, 2011, given a +2.00% shock in interest rates, the model results in a decline in the Company’s net interest income for the next twelve months of approximately $39 thousand or 0.70% less than net interest income in a flat rate scenario.  The Company did not run a down rate shock at December 31, 2011 as the federal funds rate was at 0-0.25%.   
 
The Company measures its economic value of equity at risk on a quarterly basis using the computer model referred to above.  Economic value of equity at risk measures the Company’s exposure to equity due to changes in a forecast interest rate environment.  At December 31, 2011, given a +2.00% shock in interest rates, the model results in the Company’s economic value of equity at risk declining by $3.4 million or -18.8% lower than in a flat rate scenario.  
 
In its modeling, the Company makes significant assumptions about the lag in the rate of change in various asset and liability categories.  The Company bases its assumptions on past experience and comparisons with other banks, and tests the validity of its assumptions by reviewing actual results with projected expectations.

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurement. Modeling changes in the economic portfolio value of equity and net interest income require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates.  Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in interest rates.  In this regard, the economic value of equity and net interest income presented assumes that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assumes that particular changes in interest rates occur at different times and in different amounts in response to a designed change in the yield curve for U.S. Treasuries.  Finally, the above simulations do not take into account the changes in the credit risk of our assets which can occur in connection with change in interest rates.
 
 
48

 
 
Item 8. 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by our 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, and 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 Company’s financial statements.

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

Management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the most recent fiscal year.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
 
 
/s/ Anthony P. Costa
Anthony P. Costa,
Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer
   
 
/s/ Thomas Sperzel
Thomas Sperzel,
Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
49

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Board of Directors and Stockholders
ES Bancshares, Inc.
Newburgh, New York


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of ES Bancshares, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.   An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ES Bancshares, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Crowe Horwath LLP

Crowe Horwath LLP

New York, New York
March 30, 2012

 
50

 
RDGXBRLParseBegin
ES BANCSHARES, INC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollars In thousands)
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
           
             
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 7,616     $ 13,027  
Federal funds sold and other money market investments
    11       12  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    7,627       13,039  
Certificates of deposit at other financial institutions
    1,055       2,110  
                 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    18,756       20,120  
                 
Real estate mortgage loans held for sale
    1,709       400  
                 
Loans receivable
    127,011       122,683  
Deferred cost
    524       542  
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,956 )     (2,017 )
Total loans receivable, net
    125,579       121,208  
Accrued interest receivable
    582       608  
Federal Reserve Bank stock
    427       392  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    499       558  
Goodwill
    581       581  
Premises and equipment, net
    2,032       485  
Prepaid FDIC Assessment
    274       543  
Real estate owned
    1,241       325  
Other assets
    487       441  
Total assets
  $ 160,849     $ 160,810  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
Deposits:
               
Non-interest bearing
  $ 19,434     $ 17,896  
Interest bearing
    119,660       120,321  
Total deposits
    139,094       138,217  
                 
Borrowed funds
    9,486       10,364  
Accrued interest payable
    133       141  
Other liabilities
    1,200       1,310  
Total liabilities
    149,913       150,032  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
               
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Capital stock (par value $0.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,269,070 shares issued at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010)
    22       22  
Additional paid-in-capital
    19,758       19,761  
Accumulated deficit
    (9,181 )     (9,228 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    337       223  
Total stockholders' equity
    10,936       10,778  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 160,849     $ 160,810  

See accompanying notes to financial statements

 
51

 
 
ES BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
   
For the Twelve Months
 
   
Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest and dividend income:
           
Loans
  $ 6,724     $ 6,586  
Securities
    711       1,100  
Certificates of deposit
    37       61  
Fed Funds and other earning assets
    71       87  
Total interest and dividend income
    7,543       7,834  
                 
Interest expense:
               
Deposits
    1,943       2,473  
Borrowed funds
    389       423  
Total interest expense
    2,332       2,896  
                 
Net interest income
    5,211       4,938  
                 
Provision for loan losses
    938       614  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    4,273       4,324  
                 
Non-interest income:
               
Service charges and fees
    724       543  
Gain on sale of securities
    69       467  
Net gain on sale of loans
    269       194  
Recovery of certificate of deposit placement
    182       -  
Income from sales of annuities
    95       104  
Other
    42       45  
Total non-interest income
    1,381       1,353  
                 
Non-interest expense:
               
Compensation and benefits
    2,753       2,460  
Occupancy and equipment
    677       747  
Data processing service fees
    356       366  
Professional fees
    548       509  
FDIC assessment
    281       294  
Advertising
    155       160  
Insurance
    101       81  
Other
    787       702  
Total non-interest expense
    5,658       5,319  
                 
Net income (loss) before income taxes
    (4 )     358  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (51 )     (130 )
Net income
  $ 47     $ 488  
                 
Other comprehensive income:
               
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
    114       16  
Comprehensive income
  $ 161     $ 504  
                 
Weighted average:
               
Common shares
    2,269,070       2,079,207  
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.02     $ 0.23  
Diluted
  $ 0.02     $ 0.23  

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
 
52

 
 
ES BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

   
Capital Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
    Accumulated    
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Income
   
Total
 
                                     
Balance at January 1, 2010
    2,071,070     $ 20     $ 18,970     $ (9,716 )   $ 207     $ 9,481  
                                                 
Stock based compensation, net
    -       -       13       -       -       13  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
    -       -       -       488       -       488  
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of reclassification and tax effects
    -       -       -       -       16       16  
Total comprehensive income
                                            504  
                                                 
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    198,000       2       778       -       -       780  
                                                 
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2010
    2,269,070     $ 22     $ 19,761     $ (9,228 )   $ 223     $ 10,778  
                                                 
Balance at January 1, 2011
    2,269,070     $ 22     $ 19,761     $ (9,228 )   $ 223     $ 10,778  
                                                 
Stock based compensation, net
    -       -       (3 )     -       -       (3 )
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
    -       -       -       47       -       47  
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of reclassification and tax effects
    -       -       -       -       114       114  
Total comprehensive income
                                            161  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2011
    2,269,070     $ 22     $ 19,758     $ (9,181 )   $ 337     $ 10,936  
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
 
53

 
 
ES BANCSHARES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income for period
  $ 47     $ 488  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    938       614  
Depreciation expense
    191       243  
Amortization (accretion) of deferred fees, discounts and premiums, net
    (75 )     106  
Mortgage loans originated for sale
    (10,568 )     (14,169 )
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale
    9,375       13,963  
Net gain on sales of mortgage loans
    (116 )     (194 )
Stock based compensation expense
    (3 )     13  
Net gain on sales of investment securities
    (69 )     (467 )
Loss on impairment of real estate owned
    35       30  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase (decrease) in other assets
    249       57  
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (200 )     (545 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (196 )     139  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Maturity of certificates of deposit at other financial institutions
    1,055       1,575  
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
    (4,913 )     (5,934 )
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
    1,337       7,837  
Proceeds from principal payments and maturities of securities
    5,292       7,226  
Net disbursements for loan originations
    (4,996 )     (11,087 )
Purchases of loans
    (1,417 )     (5,239 )
Redemption/ (purchase) of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    59       15  
Purchase of Federal Reserve Bank stock
    (35 )     (84 )
Leasehold improvements and acquisitions of capital assets, net of disposals
    (1,738 )     (80 )
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned
    141       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,215 )     (5,771 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net increase in deposits
    877       2,865  
Proceeds of advances from line of credit & FHLB
    141       1,226  
Repayment of advances
    (1,019 )     (985 )
Net proceeds from common stock issuance
    -       780  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (1 )     3,886  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,412 )     (1,746 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    13,039       14,785  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 7,627     $ 13,039  
                 
Supplemental cash flow information
               
Interest paid
  $ 2,340     $ 2,906  
Income taxes paid
    63       20  
Transfer of loans to real estate owned
    1,092       206  
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 
54

 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ES Bancshares, Inc. (the Company) and Empire State Bank (the” Bank”) and Empire Lockbox Settlement Inc., the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Iron Creek LLC and North Plank Realty Inc. The Company’s financial condition and operating results principally reflect those of the Bank. All intercompany balances and amounts have been eliminated.

The Bank  was organized under federal law in 2004 as a national bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). The Bank’s deposits are insured up to legal limits by the FDIC. In March 2009, the Bank converted its charter to a New York State commercial bank charter, with the New York Banking Department becoming its primary regulator.

The Bank is a full service commercial bank that offers a variety of financial services to meet the needs of communities in its market area. The Bank attracts deposits from the general public and uses such deposits to originate commercial loans, commercial revolving lines of credit and term loans including New York City taxi medallion loans and USDA and SBA guaranteed loans, commercial real estate, mortgage loans secured by one-to four-family residences, home equity lines, and to a lesser extent construction, land, and consumer installment loans. The Bank also invests in mortgage-backed and other securities permissible for a New York State chartered commercial bank. The Bank’s primary area for deposits includes the Town of Newburgh and the Village of New Paltz, in addition to the communities surrounding those offices, and the borough of Staten Island. The Bank’s primary market area for its lending activities consists of the communities within Orange County, Ulster County, the five boroughs of New York City, and portions of Dutchess, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties, New York.

During 2011 the Bank established two subsidiaries. Iron Creek LLC is a single member LLC whose sole purpose is to house the Bank premises building in Newburgh, NY. North Plank Realty Inc. is a New York C-Corporation whose sole purpose is to house any newly acquired properties as a result of foreclosure or other problem loan resolution.

During 2011 the Company formed a subsidiary. Empire Lockbox Settlements Inc. is a New York C-Corporation whose purpose is to offer lockbox services to companies that offer factoring services to retailers.

Basis of Presentation
 
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States.  In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expense.  Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for losses on loans, valuation of goodwill, valuation of real estate owned and the valuation of deferred tax assets.

Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions excluding certificates of deposit, and federal funds sold.  Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions.

Certificates of Deposit at Other Financial Institutions

Certificates of deposits at other financial institutions are carried at cost.

Securities

The Company is required to report readily-marketable equity and debt securities in one of the following categories: (i) “held-to-maturity” (management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity), which are reported at amortized cost; (ii) “trading” (held for current resale), which are to be reported at fair value, with unrealized gain and losses included in earnings; and (iii) “available for sale” (all other debt and marketable equity securities), which are to be reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
 
 
55

 

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

The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation.  Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, and whether management intends to sell or it is more likely than not that management would be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery.

Real Estate Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Real estate mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. All sales are made without recourse. Gains and losses on the disposition of loans held for sale are determined on the specific identification basis. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.  There were no valuation allowances as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Management does not retain servicing with respect to these loans.

Loans Receivable

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their unpaid principal adjusted for any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, any deferred fees and costs on originated loans, and any unamortized premiums or discounts. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs will be deferred and the net amount amortized as an adjustment of the related loan’s yield using methods that approximate the interest method over the contractual life of the loan. Loan interest income is accrued daily on outstanding balances. A loan is impaired when full payment under the loan terms is not expected.  Commercial and commercial real estate loans are individually evaluated for impairment.  If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loans’ existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosure.  The accrual of income on all classes of loans, including impaired loans, is generally discontinued when a loan becomes more than 90 days delinquent as to principal and interest or when other circumstances indicate that collection is questionable, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Income on all classes of nonaccrual loans, including impaired loans, will be recognized only in the period in which it is collected, and only if management determines that the loan principal is fully collectable. Loans are returned to an accrual status when a loan is brought current as to principal and interest and when reasons for doubtful collection no longer exist.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is increased by provisions for loan losses charged to income.  For all portfolio segments, losses are charged to the allowance when all or a portion of a loan is deemed to be uncollectible.  Subsequent recoveries of loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance for loan losses when realized.

The allowance for loan losses is a significant estimate based upon management’s periodic evaluation of each segment of the loan portfolio under current economic conditions, considering factors such as the Company’s past loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, and the estimated value of the underlying collateral.  Establishing the allowance for loan losses involves significant management judgment, utilizing the best available information at the time of review.  Those judgments are subject to further review by various sources, including the Bank’s regulators, who may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.  While management estimates loan losses using the best available information, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and real estate market conditions, further information obtained regarding known problem loans, the identification of additional problem loans, and other factors.  Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that in management’s judgment should be charged off.
 
 
56

 

The allowance consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired.  The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based for all portfolio segments on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.  The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the preceding twelve months.  This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment.  These economic factors include consideration of the following:  levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.
 
 Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Bank premises, leasehold improvements and furniture and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are 35 years for bank premises and 2 to 7 years for furniture and equipment.  Amortization of leasehold improvements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases, resulting in amortization periods ranging from approximately 8 to 10 years.  Costs incurred to improve or extend the life of existing assets are capitalized.  Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense.

Goodwill

Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchases price over the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. The Company’s goodwill is associated with the purchase of a mortgage banking company upon formation of the Bank. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment will be recognized in the period identified.

Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using tax rates.  Temporary differences are differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income.  A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company follows FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles with respect to accounting for income taxes.  A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur.  The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination.  For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.  The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the state of New York. The Company is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2008.
 
 
57

 

Federal Reserve Bank

As a member of the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) system, the Bank is required to maintain a minimum investment in FRB stock.  Any excess may be redeemed by the Bank or called by the FRB at par.  At its discretion, the FRB may declare dividends on this stock.  The Bank had $427 thousand and $392 thousand invested in FRB stock at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which is carried at cost due to the fact that it is a restricted security.

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”).  As a member the Bank was required to maintain FHLB capital stock, in the amount of $499 thousand and $558 thousand at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The amount is carried at cost because it is a restricted security.  The FHLB may declare dividends on this stock at its discretion.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income represents the sum of the net income and items of “other comprehensive income” that are reported directly in stockholders’ equity, such as the change during the period in the net unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale.

Stock Options

The Company has a stock-based compensation plan as more fully described in Note 10.  For accounting purposes, the Bank recognizes expense for shares of common stock awarded under the Bank’s Stock Option Plan over the vesting period at the fair market value of the shares on the date they are awarded.

Net Income Per Common Share

The Company reports both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”).  Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock (such as stock warrants and options) were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period plus common-equivalent shares computed using the treasury stock method.  None of the stock options were considered in computing diluted EPS because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.
 
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
Net income attributable to Common Shareholders
  $ 47     $ 488  
Average number of Common Shares Outstanding-basic
    2,269,070       2,079,207  
                 
Average number of common shares outstanding-diluted
    2,269,070       2,079,207  
Income per common share attributable to common shareholders:
               
Basic
  $ 0.02     $ 0.23  
Diluted
    0.02       0.23  
 
 
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Loss Contingencies

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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Real Estate Owned

Real estate acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure is initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis.  These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense.  Operating costs after acquisition are expensed.

Restrictions on Cash

Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements.

Operating Segments

While the chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis.  Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment

Reclassifications

Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.  Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or stockholders’ equity.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-8, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-8”). ASU 2011-8 clarifies the guidance for goodwill impairment testing by allowing companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The company would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the company determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2011-8 includes a number of events and circumstances for companies to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. ASU 2011-8 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Early adoption of AUS 2011-8 did not have a material impact on the Company.
 
 
59

 

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-2, "A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring" ("ASU 2011-2").  ASU 2011-2 clarifies the guidance for determining whether a loan restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") outlined in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 310-40, "Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors," by providing additional guidance to a creditor in making the following required assessments needed to determine whether a restructuring is a TDR: (i) whether or not a concession has been granted in a debt restructuring; (ii) whether a temporary or permanent increase in the contractual interest rate precludes the restructuring from being a TDR; (iii) whether a restructuring results in an insignificant  delay in payment; (iv) whether a borrower that is not currently in payment default is experiencing financial difficulties; and (v) whether a creditor can use the effective interest rate test outlined in debtor’s guidance on restructuring of payables (ASC Topic No. 470-60-55-10) when evaluating whether or not a restructuring constitutes a TDR.  ASU 2011-2 is effective for interim periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011.  Adoption of ASU 2011-2 did not have a material effect on the Company.

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassification of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05”. In order to defer only those changes in Update 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments, the paragraphs in this Update supersede certain pending paragraphs in Update 2011-05. The amendments are being made to allow the Board time to redeliberate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. While the Board is considering the operational concerns about the presentation requirements for reclassification adjustments and the needs of financial statement users for additional information about reclassification adjustments, entities should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before Update 2011-05.

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No.2011-5, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” (“ASU 2011-5”). ASU 2011-5 gives companies the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, the company is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-5 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The amendments in this guidance do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. ASU 2011-5 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of AUS 2011-5 is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company.

 
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NOTE 2 – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The following is a summary of the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair market value of investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
December 31, 2011
 
         
(in thousands)
       
                         
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                         
Mortgage-backed securities - residential
  $ 13,812     $ 556     $ --     $ 14,368  
Mortgage-backed securities - SBA Guaranteed
    3,065       16               3,081  
U.S. Government Agencies
    --       --       --       --  
Trust Preferred Securities
    1,300       60       (53 )     1,307  
Total
  $ 18,177     $ 632     $ (53 )   $ 18,756  

   
December 31, 2010
 
         
(in thousands)
       
                         
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                         
Mortgage-backed securities - residential
  $ 17,838     $ 290     $ --     $ 18,128  
U.S. Government Agencies
    600       14       --       614  
Trust Preferred Securities
    1,300       78       --       1,378  
Total
  $ 19,738     $ 382     $ --     $ 20,120  
 
The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair market value of investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2011, with amounts shown by remaining term to contractual maturity.  Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgaged-backed securities, are shown separately.

   
December 31, 2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
 
Available-for-Sale:
           
Mortgaged-backed securities
  $ 16,877     $ 17,449  
U.S. Government Agencies and Trust Preferred Securities
               
Due less than one year
    --       --  
One year to less than three years
    --       --  
Three years to less than five years
    --       --  
Five years to ten years
    --       --  
More than ten years
    1,300       1,307  
Total
  $ 18,177     $ 18,756  
 
 
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The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2011, the aggregate fair values and gross unrealized losses by the length of time those securities had been in a continuous loss position. There were no securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010.

    December 31, 2011  
                                     
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                     
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Government Agencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Trust Preferred Securities
    397       (53 )     -       -       397       (53 )
Total temporarily impaired
  $ 397     $ (53 )   $ -     $ -     $ 397     $ (53 )
 
The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation.  Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, and whether management intends to sell or it is not more likely than not that management would be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery.  In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, the Company may consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition.

Unrealized losses on trust preferred securities have not been recognized into income because the issuers bonds are of high credit quality (rated Baa3 or higher), management does not intend to sell and it is likely that management will not be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and other market conditions. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach maturity.

Sales of available for sale securities were as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
 
    (In thousands)  
             
Proceeds
  $ 1,337     $ 7,837  
Gross gains
    69       467  
Gross losses
    -       -  
 
Securities pledged at year-end 2011 had an approximate carrying amount of $8.2 million and were pledged to secure borrowing facilities as well as certain municipal deposits. Pledged securities at December 31, 2010 had an approximate carrying amount of $12.9 million.

 
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NOTE 3 – LOANS

The following is a summary of loans receivable at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Real estate loans:
           
One-to four-family
  $ 28,295     $ 28,037  
Commercial
               
Owner Occupied
    20,632       20,039  
Non Owner Occupied
    16,712       15,552  
Multi-family
    13,054       11,634  
Construction or development
    2,249       2,566  
Home equity
               
Open Ended / Revolving
    7,517       7,468  
Closed Ended
    1,480       1,620  
Total real estate loans
    89,939       86,916  
                 
Other loans:
               
Commercial business
               
Taxi Medallion
    11,806       9,679  
USDA Guaranteed
    6,170       5,110  
Commercial Business Lines of Credit and Term Loans
    18,767       20,571  
Consumer
    329       407  
Total other loans
    37,072       35,767  
                 
 
  $ 127,011     $ 122,683  
                 
Less:
               
Deferred loan costs (fees) net
    524       542  
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,956 )     (2,017 )
                 
Total loans receivable, net
  $ 125,579     $ 121,208  

Risk characterisitics of the Company’s portfolio segments include the following:

Residential Real Estate Loans – Loans secured by residential real estate properties are offered by the Company. Repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted should the borrower default, should there be a significant decline in the value of the property securing the loan or should there be a decline in general economic conditions.

Commercial Real Estate Loans – In underwriting commercial real estate loans, the Company evaluates both the prospective borrower’s ability to make timely payments on the loan and the value of the property securing the loan. Repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted should the borrower default or should there be a substantial decline in the value of the property securing the loan, or a decline in general economic conditions. Where the owner occupies the property, the Company also evaluates the business’s ability to repay the loan on a timely basis. In addition, the Company may require personal guarantees, lease assignments and/or the guarantee of the operating company when the property is owner occupied. These types of loans may involve greater risks than other types of lending, because payments on such loans are often dependent on the successful operation of the business involved, therefore, repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted by adverse changes in economic conditions affecting the borrowers’ business.
 
 
63

 

Multifamily Real Estate Loans - In underwriting multifamily real estate loans, the Company evaluates both the prospective borrower’s ability to make timely payments on the loan and the value of the property securing the loan. Repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted should the borrower default, should there be a significant decline in the value of the property securing the loan or should there be a decline in general economic conditions.

Construction Loans – Construction loans are short-term loans (generally up to 18 months) secured by land for both residential and commercial development. The loans are generally made for acquisition and improvements. Funds are disbursed as phases of construction are completed. Most non-residential construction loans require preapproved permanent financing or pre-leasing by the Company or another bank providing the permanent financing. The Company funds construction of single family homes and commercial real estate, when no contract of sale exists, based upon the experience of the builder, the financial strength of the owner, the type and location of the property and other factors. Construction loans are generally personally guaranteed by the principal(s). Repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted by the builders’ inability to complete construction, by a downturn in the new construction market, by a significant increase in interest rates or by a decline in general economic conditions.

Home Equity Loans – Home equity loans secured by residential real estate properties are offered by the Company. Repayment of such loans may be negatively impacted should the borrower default, should there be a significant decline in the value of the property securing the loan or should there be a decline in general economic conditions.

Commercial and Industrial Loans – The Company’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio consists primarily of commercial business loans and lines of credit to businesses and professionals. These loans are usually made to finance the purchase of inventory, new or used equipment or other short or long term working capital purposes.These loans are generally secured by corporate assets, often with real estate as secondary collateral, but are also offered on an unsecured basis. In granting this type of loan, the Company primarily looks to the borrower’s cash flow as the source of repayment with collateral and personal guarantees, where obtained, as a secondary source. Commercial loans are often larger and may involve greater risks than other types of loans offered by the Company. Payments on such loans are often dependent upon the successful operation of the underlying business involved and, therefore, repayment of such loansmay be negatively impacted by adverse changes in economic conditions, management’s inability to effectively manage the business, claims of others against the borrower’s assets which may take priority over the Company’s claims against assets, death or disability of the borrower or loss of market for the borrower’s products or services.

 
64

 

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
December 31,2011
   
December 31,2010
 
   
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Recorded Investment
   
Allowance For Loan Losses Allocated
   
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Recorded Investment
   
Allowance For Loan Losses Allocated
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Real estate loans:
                                   
One-to four family
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Commercial
                                               
Owner Occupied
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Non Owner Occupied
    479       479       -       1,826       1,826       -  
Multi-family
    1,251       1,216       -       1,068       1,068       -  
Construction or development
    -       -       -       816       775       -  
Home equity
                                               
Open Ended/Revolving
    51       6       -       -       -       -  
Closed Ended
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total real estate loans
    1,781       1,701       -       3,710       3,669       -  
Other loans:
                                               
Commercial business
                                               
Taxi Medallion
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
All Other
    613       550       -       668       594       -  
Consumer
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total other loans
    613       550       -       668       594       -  
                                                 
Total loans
  $ 2,394     $ 2,251     $ -     $ 4,378     $ 4,263     $ -  
                                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
Real estate loans:
                                               
One-to four family
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Commercial
                                               
Owner Occupied
    224       224       28       -       -       -  
Non Owner Occupied
    1,167       1,167       78       -       -       -  
Multi-family
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Construction or development
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Home equity
                                               
Open Ended/Revolving
    -       -       -       75       55       3  
Closed Ended
    155       155       72       -       -       -  
Total real estate loans
    1,546       1,546       178       75       55       3  
Other loans:
                                               
Commercial business
                                               
Taxi Medallion
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
All Other
    148       96       63       138       138       42  
Consumer
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total other loans
    148       96       63       138       138       42  
                                                 
Total loans
  $ 1,694     $ 1,642     $ 241     $ 213     $ 193     $ 45  
 
 
65

 
 
The recorded investment in loans excludes accrued interest and deferred loan costs (fees) due to immateriality.
 
    2011     2010  
Average of individually impaired loans during year    $ 4,100     $ 4,799  
Interest income recognized during impairment      -       -  
Cash-basis interest income recognized     -       -  
 
 
66

 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2011 by class of loans:

   
30 - 59 Days Past Due
   
60 - 89 Days Past Due
   
Loans Past Due Over 90 Days Still Accruing
   
Non Accrual
   
Total Past Due
   
Loans Not Past Due
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate loans:
                                         
One-to four family
  $ 576     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 576     $ 27,719     $ 28,295  
Commercial
                                                       
Owner Occupied
    1,238       -       -       -       1,238       19,394       20,632  
Non Owner Occupied
    -       -       -       479       479       16,233       16,712  
Multi-family
    185       -       -       1,216       1,401       11,653       13,054  
Construction or development
    -       -       -       -       -       2,249       2,249  
Home equity
                                                       
Open Ended/Revolving
    200       -       -       6       206       7,311       7,517  
Closed Ended
    -       -       -       155       155       1,325       1,480  
Total real estate loans
    2,199       -       -       1,856       4,055       85,884       89,939  
Other loans:
                                                       
Commercial business
                                                       
Taxi Medallion
    -       -       -       -       -       11,806       11,806  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -       -       -       -       6,170       6,170  
All Other
    359       50       -       646       1,055       17,712       18,767  
Consumer
    -       -       -       -       -       329       329  
Total other loans
    359       50       -       646       1,055       36,017       37,072  
                                                         
Total loans
  $ 2,558     $ 50     $ -     $ 2,502     $ 5,110     $ 121,901     $ 127,011  
 
 
67

 
 
The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2010 by class of loans:
 
   
30 - 59 Days Past Due
   
60 - 89 Days Past Due
   
Loans Past Due Over 90 Days Still Accruing
   
Non Accrual
   
Total Past Due
   
Loans Not Past Due
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate loans:
                                         
One-to four family
  $ 584     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 584     $ 27,453     $ 28,037  
Commercial
                                                       
Owner Occupied
    817       -       -       -       817       19,222       20,039  
Non Owner Occupied
    -       -       -       1,174       1,174       14,378       15,552  
Multi-family
    -       -       -       -       -       11,634       11,634  
Construction or development
    -       -       -       775       775       1,791       2,566  
Home equity
                                                       
Open Ended/Revolving
    -       -       -       55       55       7,413       7,468  
Closed Ended
    278       -       -       -       278       1,342       1,620  
Total real estate loans
    1,679       -       -       2,004       3,683       83,233       86,916  
Other loans:
                                                       
Commercial business
                                                       
Taxi Medallion
    -       -       -       -       -       9,679       9,679  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -       -       -       -       5,110       5,110  
All Other
    276       -       -       505       781       19,790       20,571  
Consumer
    -       -       -       -       -       407       407  
Total other loans
    276       -       -       505       781       34,986       35,767  
                                                         
Total loans
  $ 1,955     $ -     $ -     $ 2,509     $ 4,464     $ 118,219     $ 122,683  
 
At year-end 2011, the Company had $5.2 million in interest only loans, excluding lines of credit and construction loans, and no loans with potential for negative amortization.

The Bank has extended credit to various directors, senior officers and their affiliates.  Loans to related parties during 2011 were as follows:
 
(In thousands)      
       
Beginning balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 4,028  
New loans
    540  
Repayment
    (592 )
         
Ending balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 3,976  
 
The balance at December 31, 2011 includes unused commitments totaling $1.155 million.

Credit Quality Indicators:

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk.  This analysis includes all loans, regardless of the outstanding balance, and non-homogenous loans, such as commercial and commercial real estate loans.  This analysis is performed on an ongoing basis and results are reviewed each month.  The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Special Mention.  Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves managements close attention.  If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institutions credit positions at some future date.
 
 
68

 

Substandard.  Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans so classified have a well defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful.  Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.
 
Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans.  Loans listed as not rated are either consumer loans or are included in groups of homogeneous loans.  As of December 31, 2011, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:

   
Not Classified
   
Special Mention
   
Sub- standard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total Loans
 
Real estate loans:
                                   
One-to four family
  $ 27,828     $ -     $ 467     $ -     $ -     $ 28,295  
Commercial
                                               
Owner Occupied
    15,681       3,610       1,341       -       -       20,632  
Non Owner Occupied
    15,224       1,009       479       -       -       16,712  
Multi-family
    11,653       185       1,216       -       -       13,054  
Construction or development
    1,089       -       1,160       -       -       2,249  
Home equity
                                               
Open Ended/Revolving
    7,161       350       6       -       -       7,517  
Closed Ended
    1,325       -       155       -       -       1,480  
Total real estate loans
    79,961       5,154       4,824       -       -       89,939  
Other loans:
                                               
Commercial business
                                               
Taxi Medallion
    11,806       -       -       -       -       11,806  
USDA Guaranteed
    6,170       -       -       -       -       6,170  
All Other
    17,343       407       1,017       -       -       18,767  
Consumer
    329       -       -       -       -       329  
Total other loans
    35,648       407       1,017       -       -       37,072  
                                                 
Total loans
  $ 115,609     $ 5,561     $ 5,841     $ -     $ -     $ 127,011  
 
 
69

 

As of December 31, 2010, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:

   
Not Classified
   
Special Mention
   
Sub- standard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total Loans
 
Real estate loans:
                                   
One-to four family
  $ 27,572     $ -     $ 465     $ -     $ -     $ 28,037  
Commercial
                                               
Owner Occupied
    15,039       3,661       1,339       -       -       20,039  
Non Owner Occupied
    13,726       652       1,174       -       -       15,552  
Multi-family
    10,566       -       1,068       -       -       11,634  
Construction or development
    1,791       -       775       -       -       2,566  
Home equity
                                               
Open Ended/Revolving
    6,862       551       55       -       -       7,468  
Closed Ended
    1,463       -       157       -       -       1,620  
Total real estate loans
    77,019       4,864       5,033       -       -       86,916  
Other loans:
                                               
Commercial business
                                               
Taxi Medallion
    9,679       -       -       -       -       9,679  
USDA Guaranteed
    5,110       -       -       -       -       5,110  
All Other
    18,969       382       1,220       -       -       20,571  
Consumer
    407       -       -       -       -       407  
Total other loans
    34,165       382       1,220       -       -       35,767  
                                                 
Total loans
  $ 111,184     $ 5,246     $ 6,253     $ -     $ -     $ 122,683  

Troubled Debt Restructurings:

From time to time, the terms of certain loans, for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are modified as troubled debt restructurings.  The modification of the terms of such loans include one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan.

Troubled debt restructurings totaled $2.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and had allocated specific reserves of $72 thousand and $0, respectively.  The Company has no commitments to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as troubled debt restructurings.

There were no loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the year ended December 31, 2011.

One commercial real estate loan noted above with a recorded investment of $1.03 million at December 31, 2011 and one home equity loan with a recorded investment of $83 thousand went into payment default during 2011 and are classified as non-accrual at year end 2011.

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is more than 30 days contractually past due under the modified terms. The two loans described above increased the allowance for loan losses by $72 thousand and resulted in charge-offs of $35 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2011.

NOTE 4 – ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
 
70

 

     
Twelve Months Ended
 
     
December 31,
 
     
2011
   
2010
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                 
Balance at beginning of year
  2,017     1,824  
Charge-offs
               
One-to-four family
    -       -  
Commercial
               
Owner Occupied
    -       -  
Non Owner Occupied
    (180 )     (214 )
Multi-family
    -       -  
Construction or development
    (235 )     (40 )
Home equity
               
Open Ended / Revolving
    (100 )     (20 )
Closed Ended
    -       -  
Commercial business
               
Taxi Medallion
    -       -  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -  
Commercial Business Lines of Credit and Term Loans
    (506 )     (143 )
Consumer
    (5 )     (6 )
 
Total charge-offs
    (1,026 )     (423 )
                   
Recoveries
               
One-to-four family
    -       -  
Commercial
               
Owner Occupied
    -       -  
Non Owner Occupied
    -       -  
Multi-family
    -       -  
Construction or development
    -       -  
Home equity
               
Open Ended / Revolving
    -       -  
Closed Ended
    -       -  
Commercial business
               
Taxi Medallion
    -       -  
USDA Guaranteed
    -       -  
Commercial Business Lines of Credit and Term Loans
    26       1  
Consumer
    1       1  
 
Total recoveries
    27       2  
                 
Provision for losses
    938       614  
Balance at end of period
  1,956     2,017  
 
 
71

 
 
The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2011.

   
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
One-to-Four Family
   
Commercial Real Estate
 
Multifamily Real Estate
   
Construction or Development
   
Home Equity
 
Commercial Business
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                                       
Beginning Balance
  $ 115     $ 591     $ 237     $ 36     $ 143     $ 633     $ 5     $ 257     $ 2,017  
Charge-offs
    -       (180 )     -       (235 )     (100 )     (506 )     (5 )     -       (1,026 )
Recoveries
    -       -       -       -       -       26       1       -       27  
Provision for loan losses
    5       237       (124 )     372       159       348       3       (62 )     938  
Ending Balance
  $ 120     $ 648     $ 113     $ 173     $ 202     $ 501     $ 4     $ 195     $ 1,956  
 
The following table presents the balance of recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based on the impairment method and the corresponding balance in allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
December 31, 2011
 
   
1-4 Family Residential Real Estate
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Multifamily Real Estate
   
Construction or Development
   
Home Equity
   
Commercial Business
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                 
                                                       
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ 106     $ -     $ -     $ 72     $ 63     $ -     $ -     $ 241  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    120       542       113       173       130       438       4       195       1,715  
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                         
Total allowance balance
  $ 120     $ 648     $ 113     $ 173     $ 202     $ 501     $ 4     $ 195     $ 1,956  
                                                                         
Loans:
                                                                       
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ 1,870     $ 1,216     $ -     $ 161     $ 646     $ -     $ -     $ 3,893  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    28,295       35,474       11,838       2,249       8,836       36,097       329       -       123,118  
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                         
Total ending loans balance
  $ 28,295     $ 37,344     $ 13,054     $ 2,249     $ 8,997     $ 36,743     $ 329     $ -     127,011  
 
 
 
72

 
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
1-4 Family Residential Real Estate
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Multifamily Real Estate
   
Construction or Development
   
Home Equity
   
Commercial Business
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                 
                                                       
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 3     $ 42     $ -     $ -     $ 45  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    115       591       237       36       140       591       5       257       1,972  
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                         
Total allowance balance
  $ 115     $ 591     $ 237     $ 36     $ 143     $ 633     $ 5     $ 257     $ 2,017  
                                                                         
Loans:
                                                                       
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ 1,826     $ 1,068     $ 775     $ 55     $ 732     $ -     $ -     $ 4,456  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    28,037       33,765       10,566       1,791       9,033       34,628       407       -       118,227  
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                         
Total ending loans balance
  $ 28,037     $ 35,591     $ 11,634     $ 2,566     $ 9,088     $ 35,360     $ 407     $ -     $ 122,683  

NOTE 5 – PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

The following is a summary of premises and equipment at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Land
  $ 193     $ -  
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
    1,242       951  
Bank Premises
    1,342       -  
Leasehold Improvements
    402       884  
      3,179       1,835  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (1,147 )     (1,350 )
Total premises and equipment, net
  $ 2,032     $ 485  
 
Depreciation expense was $191 thousand and $243 thousand for 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
73

 
 
NOTE 6 – DEPOSITS

The following is a summary of deposit balances at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Demand deposit accounts
  $ 19,434     $ 17,896  
NOW accounts
    7,544       7,287  
Money market accounts
    38,398       34,682  
Regular savings accounts
    8,782       9,426  
Certificates of Deposit
    64,936       68,926  
Total
  $ 139,094     $ 138,217  

The following summarizes certificates of deposit by remaining term to contractual maturity at December 31, 2011 (in thousands).
 
Under one year
  $ 30,873  
One year to under two years
    7,516  
Two years to under three years
    15,338  
Three years to under four years
    4,414  
Four years to under five years
    6,795  
Total Certificates of Deposit
  64,936  
 
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more totaled $35.6 million and $34.6 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  Deposits from directors, senior officers and their affiliates were approximately $4.5 million and $4.2 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

NOTE 7 – BORROWINGS

The Company had $9.5 million and $10.4 million in outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.  Of these amounts, the Company had $3.0 million and $2.8 million in an outstanding line of credit as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.  The remaining outstanding borrowings were Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Fixed rates with an average rate of 3.04% and 3.09%   $ 6,504     $ 7,523  
 
Each advance is payable at its maturity date, with a prepayment penalty for fixed rate advances.  The advances were fully collateralized by investment securities.  The Company has also made its residential mortgage portfolio available to be pledged if needed to access borrowings at the FHLB. Based on this collateral and the Company’s holdings of FHLB stock, the Company is eligible to borrow up to a total of $25.8 million at year-end 2011 including the $6.5 million in term advances outstanding at December 31, 2011.
 
 
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Payment Information:  Required principal payments over the next five years are as follows (in thousands):
 
2012   $ 1,066  
2013     5,438  
2014     -  
2015     -  
2016     -  
 
Lines of Credit

The Company has a line of credit with a correspondent bank for an amount of up to $3,000,000.  This credit facility is secured by 100% of the outstanding shares of the Bank for a period of two years.  As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance is $3.0 million.  The Company utilized this credit facility primarily to provide funds to the Company to downstream to the Bank to enable it to maintain strong capital ratios and leverage the balance sheet by increasing assets.  During 2011 this line of credit was extended until February 2013 and currently carries a rate of 5.75%. The line of credit also repaid the amounts due to the same correspondent bank on its previously drawn line of credit, to fund operating expenses and to provide funds for an interest reserve to be applied toward monthly interest payments. Under the debt covenants on this line of credit, the Bank is required to remain well capitalized under the regulatory definition.

The Company also has a line of credit with the same correspondent bank for an amount of up to $5.0 million.  This credit facility is on a secured basis for $2.5 million for a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days and an unsecured basis of $2.5 million for a period of fourteen (14) calendar days.  The Bank did not utilize this credit facility at any time during 2011 or 2010.

NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES

The following summarizes components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Current:
           
Federal expense (benefit)
  $ (24 )   $ 21  
State and local expense (benefit)
    22       33  
Total
    (2 )     54  
                 
Deferred:
               
Federal expense (benefit)
  $ (13 )   $ 94  
State and local expense (benefit)
    6       11  
Tax Expense (Benefit ) Before Valuation Allowance
    (7 )     105  
                 
Change in Valuation Allowance
    (42 )     (289 )
Total Tax Expense (Benefit)
  (51 )   (130 )

 
75

 

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s statutory federal income tax rate, 34%, to its effective tax rate at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
      34 %     34 %
Federal expense (benefit) at statutory rate
  $ (2 )   $ 121  
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    18       39  
Expiration of charitable contribution carryforward
    (42 )     2  
Other
    17       (3 )
Tax benefit before valuation allowance
    (9 )     159  
                 
Change in Valuation Allowance
    (42 )     (289 )
Income tax benefit
  (51 )   (130 )
 
The following summarizes the components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Deferred Tax Assets:
           
Net operating loss carryforwards
  $ 2,171     $ 2,013  
Stock Option Compensation
    28       29  
Charitable contribution carryforward
    6       12  
Depreciation
    156       99  
Loss on investment CD
    226       306  
Reserve for loan losses
    798       839  
Non-Accrual loan interest
    107       199  
Other deferred tax assets
    36       55  
      3,528       3,552  
Less: Valuation allowance
    (2,924 )     (2,966 )
Net deferred tax assets
    604       586  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Accrual to cash adjustment
    35       72  
Intangible asset amortization
    118       105  
Deferred loan fees
    216       224  
Unrealized Gain on AFS securities
    235       159  
Deferred tax liabilities
    604       560  
                 
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
  -     26  
 
 
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The Company has the following net operating loss carry forwards available to reduce future taxable income.
 
YEAR(S) of Expiration  
FEDERAL
    NEW YORK STATE  
2024
  $ 439     $ 417  
2025
    1,680       1,675  
2026
    1,173       1,164  
2027
    704       704  
2028
    894       894  
2029
    258       216  
2030
    -       -  
2031
    334       314  
    $ 5,482     $ 5,384  
 
Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income.  A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  At December 31, 2011, the Company assessed its earnings history and trend over the past two years, its estimate of future earnings, and the expiration dates of its net operating loss carryforwards. Based on this assessment and the uncertainty of prevailing economic conditions, the Company determined that it is prudent to record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets.

There were no significant unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011, and the Company does not expect any significant increase in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.

NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

The Company has not been a party to any legal proceedings, which may have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.  However, in the normal course of its business, the Company may become involved as plaintiff or defendant in proceedings such as judicial mortgage foreclosures and proceedings to collect on loan obligations and to enforce contractual obligations.

Operating Lease Commitments

The Bank is obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for its branch office locations in New Paltz, New York and Staten Island, New York.  The leases are for initial terms of 15 years and 10 years, respectively and have various renewal options.  Rent expense under operating leases was $233,000 and $342,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The combined future minimum rent commitments under the non-cancelable operating leases, excluding taxes and insurance, before considering renewal options that generally are present, are as follows:

   
(In thousands)
 
2012
    182  
2013
    183  
2014
    187  
2015
    191  
2016
    191  
Thereafter
    449  
Total
  $ 1,383  
 
 
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Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

Loan origination commitments and lines of credit are contractual agreements to lend to customers within specified time periods at interest rates and on other terms specified in the agreements.  These financial instruments involve elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in addition to the amounts for funded loans recognized in the balance sheet.  The contractual amounts of commitments and lines of credit represent the Bank’s maximum potential exposure to credit loss (assuming that the agreements are fully funded and any collateral proves to be worthless), but do not represent future cash requirements since certain agreements may expire without being fully funded.  Loan commitments generally have fixed expiration dates (ranging up to three months) or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee by the customer.  Commitments and lines of credit are subject to the same credit approval process applied in the Bank’s general lending activities, including a case-by-case evaluation of the customer’s creditworthiness and related collateral requirements. Substantially all of these commitments and lines of credit have been provided to customers within the Bank’s primary lending area.  Loan origination commitments at December 31, 2011 consisted of adjustable and fixed rate, with interest rates ranging from 3.125% to 6.250% and terms generally not exceeding 90 days.

The contractual amounts of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at year-end were as follows:
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Fixed Rate
 
Variable Rate
 
Fixed Rate
 
Variable Rate
 
Commitments to make loans
  $ 3,858     $ 3,554     $ 4,256     $ 3,519  
Unused lines of credit
    -       10,791       -       11,393  
Standby letters of credit
    294       -       339       -  
 
NOTE 10 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Stock Options

On October 19, 2004 the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the Company’s Stock Option Plan which allows for 180,000 options.  These options have a 10-year term and may be either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options.  These options were not deemed granted until shareholder approval occurred on May 3, 2005.  The options vest at a rate of 20% on each of five annual vesting dates except for 65,000 options granted to Directors, which vested immediately.  Each option entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the grant date.

For accounting purposes, the Company recognizes expense for shares of common stock awarded under the Company’s Stock Option Plan over the vesting period at the fair market value of the shares on the day they are awarded.
 
 
78

 
 
A summary of options outstanding under the Bank’s Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2011, and changes during the year then ended is presented below.

   
Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contrctual Term (years)
   
Intrinsic Value
 
                         
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    163,250     $ 9.98              
Granted
    12,000       5.17              
Exercised
    -       -              
Forfeited or expired
    (6,250 )     9.78              
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    169,000     $ 9.64       4.0     $ -  
                                 
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011
    144,000     $ 10.25       3.3     $ -  
                                 
Vested and expected to vest
    169,000     $ 9.64       4.0       -  
 
As of December 31, 2011, there was $22 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Stock Option Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 56 months.

At December 31, 2011, there were 11,000 shares available for future grant under the Stock Option Plan. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and post-vesting termination behavior. The expected term of options granted is based on historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, which takes into account that the options are not transferable. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The weighted average assumptions utilized for all grants during the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:

   
December 31, 2011
 
       
Risk-free interest rate
    2.60 %
Expected option life
    8.0  
Expected stock price volatility
    0.30  
Dividend yield
    0.00 %
Weighted average fair valueof options granted during the year
  $ 0.42  

401(k) Plan

A 401(k) benefit plan allows employee contributions up to 15% of their compensation.  The Bank did not make any matching contributions in 2011 or 2010.

NOTE 11 – FAIR VALUE

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (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. Fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standards describe three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:
 
 
Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
 
 
79

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

 
Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
 
The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair value of each type of financial instrument:

Investment Securities: The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3).

Impaired Loans: The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Real Estate Owned:  The fair value of real estate owned (REO) with a valuation allowance is generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification.   

Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis are summarized below.

         
Fair Value Measurements
 
         
(in thousands)
 
         
at December 31, 2011 Using
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Financial Assets
                       
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                       
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
  $ 14,368           $ 14,368        
Other securities
    4,388     $ 1,307       1,363       1,718  
                                 
Total available-for-sale
  $ 18,756     $ 1,307     $ 15,731     $ 1,718  

 
80

 

         
Fair Value Measurements
 
         
(in thousands)
 
         
at December 31, 2010 Using
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Financial Assets
                       
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                       
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
  $ 18,128           $ 18,128        
U.S. government agencies
    614             614        
Other securities
    1,378               1,378          
                                 
Total available-for-sale
  $ 20,120     $ -     $ 20,120     $ -  
 
The fair value for 4 single issuer trust preferred securities with a fair value of $1.3 million as of December 31, 2011 were transferred out of Level 2 and into Level 1 due to an increase in the market activity for this security. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers as of the end of the reporting period.  As a result, the fair value of the trust preferred securities were transferred on December 31, 2011.During the year ended December 31, 2011 the Company purchased certain SBA 504 Pool securities. The fair value measurements for these were considered Levels 2 and 3 due to a lack of significant market activity for these securities.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below:
 
         
Fair Value Measurements
 
         
(in thousands)
 
         
at December 31, 2011 Using
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
Carrying
   
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Impaired Loans
                       
Commercial Term Loan
  $ 11     $ -     $ -     $ 11  
Commercial Line of Credit
    23       -       -       23  
Home Equity Loan
    83       -       -       83  

         
Fair Value Measurements
 
         
(in thousands)
 
         
at December 31, 2010 Using
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
Carrying
   
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Impaired Loans
                       
Closed end home equity
  $ 52     $ -     $ -     $ 52  
Commercial term loan
    96                       96  
REO Property
                               
Construction or development
    325       -       -       325  
 
 
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Impaired loans: Impaired loans with specific allocations, measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a book value of $251 thousand, with a valuation allowance of $135 thousand at December 31, 2011. This specific allowance was allocated during the current year. General reserves in this amount were reclassified to specific reserves during the year ended December 31, 2011, an amount equal to any collateral shortfall on impaired loans. Impaired loans measured at fair value at December 31, 2010 had a carrying value of $193 thousand, with a valuation allowance of $45 thousand.

Real Estate Owned:  At December 31, 2010 real estate owned had a net carrying amount of $325 thousand, made up of two properties with a total outstanding balance of $855 thousand, net of direct write-downs of $530 thousand.
 
Carrying amount and estimated fair values of financial instruments at year end were as follows:

   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
   
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Financial assets
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 7,616     $ 7,616     $ 13,027     $ 13,027  
Federal Funds Sold and money market investments
    11       11       12       12  
Certificate of deposit placements
    1,055       1,055       2,110       2,110  
Securities available for sale
    18,756       18,756       20,120       20,120  
Loans held for sale
    1,709       1,771       400       404  
Loans, net
    125,579       128,643       121,208       124,469  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    499       N/A       558       N/A  
Federal Reserve Bank stock
    427       N/A       392       N/A  
Accrued interest receivable
    582       582       608       608  
                                 
Financial Liabilities
                               
Deposits
    139,094       139,595       138,217       139,764  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    6,504       6,591       7,523       7,684  
Other borrowings
    2,982       3,022       2,841       2,902  
Accrued interest payable
    133       133       141       141  

The methods and assumptions, not previously presented, used to estimate fair value are described as follows:

Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, interest bearing deposits, accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits, short-term debt, and variable rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully.  For loans held for sale, fair value is based on outstanding commitments from third party investors. For fixed rate loans or deposits and for variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life adjusted for the allowance for loan loss.  Fair value of debt is based on current rates for similar financing.  It was not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB or FRB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.  The fair value of off-balance-sheet items is not considered material.

NOTE 12- REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Federal Reserve Board regulations requires that state-chartered, FRB-member banks, such as Empire State Bank, maintain a minimum leverage ratio of core (Tier 1) capital to total adjusted tangible assets of 3.0%, and a minimum ratio of total capital (core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, of which 4.0% must be core (Tier 1) capital.
 
 
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Under its prompt corrective action regulations, the FRB is required to take certain supervisory actions with respect to an undercapitalized institution.  The regulations establish a framework for the classification of depository institutions into five categories: (1) well-capitalized, (2) adequately capitalized, (3) undercapitalized, (4) significantly undercapitalized, and (5) critically undercapitalized.  Generally an institution is considered well capitalized if it has a core (Tier 1) capital ratio of at least 5.0%, a core (Tier 1) risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.0%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of a least 10.0%.  At year-end 2011 and 2010, the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.

The foregoing capital ratios are based in part on specific quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the FRB about capital components, risk weightings and other factors.
 
Management believes that, as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject.

The following is a summary of the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios, compared to the regulatory requirements for minimum capital adequacy and for classification as a well-capitalized institution at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.    In accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements, the Bank’s actual tangible and Tier 1 capital amounts exclude goodwill, while the total risk-based capital amounts include the allowance for loan losses up to 1.25% of risk weighted assets.

   
Bank Actual
   
Minimum Capital
Adequacy
   
Classification as
Well Capitalized
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
December 31, 2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Tier I (core) capital
  $ 13,183       8.0 %   $ 4,791       3.0 %   $ 7,985       5.0 %
Risk-based capital:
                                               
Tier I
    13,183       11.5 %     6,388       4.0       9,582       6.0  
Total
    14,623       12.7 %     9,176       8.0       11,470       10.0  
                                                 
December 31, 2010
                                               
Tier I (core) capital
  $ 12,757       8.0 %   $ 4,794       3.0 %   $ 7,991       5.0 %
Risk-based capital:
                                               
Tier I
    12,757       11.8 %     6,392       4.0       9,589       6.0  
Total
    14,123       13.0 %     8,689       8.0       10,861       10.0  
 
The New York State Banking Department regulates the amount of dividends and other capital distributions that the Bank may pay to the Company.  All dividends must be paid out of undivided profits and cannot be paid out from capital.  In general, if the Bank satisfies all regulatory capital requirements both before and after a dividend payment, the Bank may pay a dividend to the Company, in any year, equal to the current year’s net income plus retained net income for the preceding two years that is still available for dividend.

NOTE 13 - PARENT COMPANY ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed financial information of ES Bancshares, Inc. follows:
 
 
83

 
 
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)

   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
           
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 13     $ 32  
Investment in banking subsidiary
    13,942       13,596  
Other assets
    10       11  
Total assets
  $ 13,965     $ 13,639  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
                 
Debt
  $ 2,982     $ 2,841  
Other liabilities
    47       20  
Shareholders' equity
    10,936       10,778  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 13,965     $ 13,639  
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Interest income
  $ -     $ -  
                 
Total income
    -       -  
                 
Interest expense
    171       170  
Other expense
    14       34  
Total expense
    185       204  
                 
Income (loss) before income tax and undistributed subsidiary income
    (185 )     (204 )
                 
Income tax expense
    -       -  
Equity in undistributed subsidiary income
    232       692  
                 
Net income
  $ 47     $ 488  
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 161     $ 504  
 
 
84

 
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash Flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 47     $ 488  
Adjustments:
               
Equity in undistributed subsidiary income
    (232 )     (692 )
Changes in other assets
    1       (6 )
Changes in other liabilities
    27       9  
Net cash from operating activities
    (157 )     (201 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Investments in subsidiary
    (3 )     (1,833 )
Other
    -       -  
Net cash from investing activities
    (3 )     (1,833 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds of borrowings
    141       1,226  
Repayments of borrowings
    -       -  
Proceeds from stock issuance
    -       782  
Purchase of common stock
    -       -  
Dividends paid
    -       -  
Net cash from financing activities
    141       2,008  
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (19 )     (26 )
                 
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
    32       58  
                 
Ending cash and cash equivalents
  $ 13     $ 32  
 
NOTE 14 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Unaudited)

On February 9, 2012 the Company sold 43,797 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a per share price of $3.00 for total aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $131 thousand in a private placement offering.
RDGXBRLParseEnd
Item 9.
Changes In And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive Annual Meeting Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”), specifically the section captioned “Proposal II – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures.”

Item 9A(T).
Controls And Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We have adopted disclosure controls and procedures designed to facilitate our financial reporting.  The disclosure controls currently consist of communications among the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and each department head to identify any transactions, events, trends, risks or contingencies which may be material to our operations.  In addition, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the Audit Committee meet on a quarterly basis and discuss the Company’s material accounting policies.  The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of these interim disclosure controls as of December 31, 2011 and found them to be adequate.
 
 
85

 
 
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is on page 52 of the Form 10-K.  This report does not include an attestation report of the company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management's report was not subject to attestation by the company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the company to provide only management's report in this annual report.

(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
We maintain internal control over financial reporting.  There have not been any significant changes in such internal control over the financial reporting in the last quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B.
Other Information

None.
 
 
86

 

PART III

Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Directors

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.esbna.com.

Information concerning directors and executive officers of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 2012.

Item 11. 
Executive Compensation

Information concerning executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 2012.

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

Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 2012.

Set forth below is information, as of December 31, 2011 regarding equity compensation plans categorized by those plans that have been approved by stockholders and those plans that have not been approved by stockholders.

   
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options (1), Warrants and Rights
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (2)
   
Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (3)
 
                   
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
    169,000     $ 9.64       11,000  
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
                 
Total
    169,000     $ 9.64       11,000  

 
(1)
Consists of options to purchase 169,000 shares of common stock under the Empire State Bank 2004 Stock Option Agreement.
 
(2)
The weighted average exercise price reflects the weighted average exercise price of stock options awarded from the Empire State Bank 2004 Stock Option Agreement.
 
(3)
Consists of stock options for 11,000 shares of common stock available to be granted from the Empire State Bank 2004 Stock Option Agreement.

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

Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 2012.
 
 
87

 

Item 14. 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information concerning principal accountant fees and services is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 2012.
 
 
88

 
 
PART IV

Item 15. 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
Exhibit Number
 
Document
 
Reference to Previous Filing, If Applicable
         
3(1)
 
Articles of Incorporation
 
*
         
3(2)
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws
 
*
         
4
 
Form of Stock Certificate
 
**
         
10.1
 
Employment Agreement between ES Bancshares, Inc. and Anthony P. Costa, dated December 29, 2008
 
***
         
10.2
 
Employment Agreement between Empire State Bank, N.A. and Anthony P. Costa, dated December 29, 2008
 
***
         
10.3
 
Employment Agreement between ES Bancshares, Inc. and Philip Guarnieri, dated December 29, 2008
 
***
         
10.4
 
Employment Agreement between Empire State Bank, N.A. and Philip Guarnieri, dated December 29, 2008
 
***
         
10.7
 
Employment Agreement between ES Bancshares, Inc. and Joseph L. Macchia, dated December 29, 2008.
 
***
         
10.6
 
Employment Agreement between Empire State Bank, N.A. and Arthur W. Budich, dated December 29, 2008
 
***
         
10.8
 
Employment Agreement between Empire State Bank, N.A. and Joseph L. Macchia, dated December 29, 2008
 
***
         
10.7
 
Employment Agreement between ES Bancshares, Inc. and Joseph L. Macchia, dated December 29, 2008.
 
***
         
10.9
 
Empire State Bank, N.A. 2004 Stock Option Plan
 
**
         
10.8
 
Employment Agreement between Empire State Bank, N.A. and Joseph L. Macchia, dated December 29, 2008
 
***
         
10.10
 
Empire State Bank, N.A. 2004 Stock Option Plan Stock Option Agreement- Employee
 
****
         
10.9
 
Empire State Bank, N.A. 2004 Stock Option Plan
 
**
         
10.11
 
Empire State Bank, N.A. 2004 Stock Option Plan Stock Option Agreement- Outside Directors
 
****
         
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
         
21   Subsidiaries of the Registrant    
         
23
 
Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP
   
         
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
         
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
         
101.INS   XBRL Instance    
         
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema    
         
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation    
         
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition    
         
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels    
         
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation    
 
 
89

 
 
*
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report of Form 10-QSB for the period ended September 30, 2006 filed with the SEC on November 14, 2006.

**
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on April 14, 2006 and subsequently amended on April 18, 2006, May 1, 2006, May 16, 2006, and May 23, 2006 and a post-effective amendment filed on June 9, 2006.

***
Incorporated by reference to the Company Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 5, 2009.

****
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report of Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on March 31, 2008.
 
XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
 
 
90

 

SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
ES BANCSHARES, INC.
 
       
Date:  March 30, 2012 
By:
/s/ Anthony Costa  
   
Anthony Costa, Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer
 
    (Duly Authorized Representative)  
       
 
In accordance with the Exchange Act this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Philip Guarnieri
    Philip Guarnieri, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Thomas Sperzel
   
Thomas Sperzel, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Walter Daszkowski
   
Walter Daszkowski, Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Andrew Finkelstein Esq.
   
Andrew Finkelstein Esq., Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Gale Foster Esq.
   
Gale Foster Esq., Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ David Freer, Jr.
   
David Freer, Jr., Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ David Mesches
   
David Mesches, Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Michael Ostrow
   
Michael Ostrow, Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Albert Pagano
   
Albert Pagano, Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Peter Savago
   
Peter Savago, Director
     
Date: March 30, 2012   /s/ Thomas D. Weddell
   
Thomas D. Weddell, Director
     
 
91