
NOTE 8 - PREFERRED STOCK

Small Business Lending Fund Preferred Stock

On September 22, 2011, the Company issued 20,000 shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000 to the Department of the Treasury for $20.0 million under the Small Business Lending Fund program.

The Series C Preferred Stock receives non-cumulative dividends, payable quarterly. The dividend rate fluctuates quarterly during the first 10 quarters during which the Series C Preferred Stock is outstanding, based upon changes in the level of “Qualified Small Business Lending” or “QSBL” (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) by the Bank. For the second through ninth calendar quarters, the dividend rate may be adjusted to between one percent (1%) and five percent (5%) per annum, to reflect the amount of change in the Bank’s level of QSBL. If the level of the Bank’s qualified small business loans declines so that the percentage increase in QSBL as compared to the baseline level is less than 10%, then the dividend rate payable on the Series C Preferred Stock would increase. For the tenth calendar quarter through four and one half years after issuance, the dividend rate will be fixed at between one percent (1%) and seven percent (7%) based upon the increase in QSBL as compared to the baseline. After four and one half years from issuance, the dividend rate will increase to nine percent (9%). In addition, beginning on January 1, 2014, and on all Series C Preferred Stock dividend payment dates thereafter ending on April 1, 2016, if the Company had not increased its QSBL from the baseline as of the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company would have been required to pay to the Department of the Treasury, on each share of Series C Preferred Stock, but only out of assets legally available, a fee equal to 0.5% of the liquidation amount per share of Series C Preferred Stock. At September 30, 2013, the Company had increased its QSBL from the baseline so that the dividend rate should remain at 1% through four and one half years from issuance.

The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances. If the Company misses five dividend payments, whether or not consecutive, the holder of the Series C Preferred Stock will have the right, but not the obligation, to appoint a representative as an observer on the Company’s Board of Directors. The Series C Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time at the Company’s option, at a redemption price of 100% of the liquidation amount plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption for the current period, subject to regulatory approval. The Company is permitted to repay its SBLF funding in increments of 25% or $5.0 million, subject to regulatory approval.