f10k_123109-0375.htm
 
 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
- 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: 000-52000

ROMA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

United States
 
51-0533946
(State or other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

2300 Route 33, Robbinsville, New Jersey
   
08691
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
   
(Zip Code)
 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (609) 223-8300

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

Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.10 par value
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. [  ] YES  [X]   NO
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. [  ] YES    [X]   NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  [X] YES   [  ]   NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  [  ] YES [   ] NO
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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. [ ]
 
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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
 
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   [  ] YES   [X]   NO
 
As of February 28, 2010 there were 30,932,653 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 30, 2009 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $126.4 million.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
 
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. (Part III)

 
 

 


PART I

Forward-Looking Statements

Roma Financial Corporation (the “Company” or “Registrant”) may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements,” including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the exhibits thereto), in its reports to stockholders and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions, that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control).  The following factors, among others, could cause the Company’s financial performance to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements: The strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts operations; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; market volatility; the timely development of and acceptance of new products and services of the Company and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users, including the features, pricing and quality compared to competitors’ products and services; the willingness of users to substitute competitors’ products and services for the Company’s products and services; the success of the Company in gaining regulatory approval of its products and services, when required; the impact of changes in financial services’ laws and regulations (including laws concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance); technological changes, acquisitions; changes in consumer spending and saving habits; and the success of the Company at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.  The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

Item 1.  Business

General

The Company is a federally-chartered corporation organized in January 2005 for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock that Roma Bank issued in its mutual holding company reorganization.  Roma Financial Corporation’s principal executive offices are located at 2300 Route 33, Robbinsville, New Jersey 08691 and its telephone number at that address is (609) 223-8300.

Roma Financial Corporation, MHC is a federally-chartered mutual holding company that was formed in January 2005 in connection with the mutual holding company reorganization.  Roma Financial Corporation, MHC has not engaged in any significant business since its formation.  So long as Roma Financial Corporation MHC is in existence, it will at all times own a majority of the outstanding stock of the Company.


 
1

 

Roma Bank is a federally-chartered stock savings bank.  It was originally founded in 1920 and received its federal charter in 1991.  Roma Bank’s deposits are federally insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund as administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Roma Bank is regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The Office of Thrift Supervision also regulates Roma Financial Corporation, MHC and the Company as savings and loan holding companies.

RomAsia Bank is a federally-chartered stock savings bank. It received all regulatory approvals and began operation on June 23, 2008. RomAsia Bank is regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision. Roma Bank and RomAsia Bank are collectively referred to herein as (the “Banks”).

The Banks offer traditional retail banking services, one-to four-family residential mortgage loans, multi-family and commercial mortgage loans, construction loans, commercial business loans and consumer loans, including home equity loans and lines of credit. Roma Bank operates from its main office in Robbinsville, New Jersey, and thirteen branch offices located in Mercer, Burlington and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. RomAsia Bank operates from one location in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. As of December 31, 2009, the Banks had 204 full-time employees and 44 part-time employees.  Roma Bank maintains a website at www.romabank.com.

Roma Financial Corporation conducted a minority stock offering during 2006 in which 30% of its outstanding stock was sold to the public in a subscription offering.  The offering closed July 11, 2006 and the net proceeds from the offering were approximately $96.1 million (gross proceeds of $98.2 million for the issuance of 9,819,562 shares, less offering costs of approximately $2.1 million).  The Company also issued 22,584,995 shares to Roma Financial Corporation, MHC and 327,318 shares to the Roma Bank Community Foundation, Inc., resulting in a total of 32,731,875 shares issued and outstanding after the completion of the offering.  A portion of the proceeds were loaned to the Roma Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to purchase 811,750 shares of the Company’s stock at a cost of $8.1 million.

Throughout this document, references to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to the Banks or Company, or both, as the context indicates.

Competition

We operate in a market area with a high concentration of banking and financial institutions, and we face substantial competition in attracting deposits and in originating loans.  A number of our competitors are significantly larger institutions with greater financial and managerial resources and lending limits.  Our ability to compete successfully is a significant factor affecting our growth potential and profitability.

Our competition for deposits and loans historically has come from other insured financial institutions such as local and regional commercial banks, savings institutions, and credit unions located in our primary market area.  We also compete with mortgage banking and finance companies for real estate loans and with commercial banks and savings institutions for consumer and commercial loans, and we face competition for funds from investment products such as mutual funds, short-term money funds and corporate and government securities.  There are large competitors operating throughout our total market area, and we also face strong competition from other community-based financial institutions.  Approximately ten other institutions operate in the Bank’s market area, with asset sizes ranging from $150 million to $50+ billion.

 
2

 


Lending Activities

Analysis of Loan Portfolio

We have traditionally focused on the origination of one- to four-family loans, which comprise a significant majority of the total loan portfolio.  We also provide financing for commercial real estate, including multi-family dwellings, service/retail and mixed-use properties, churches and non-profit properties, and other commercial real estate.  After real estate mortgage lending, consumer lending is our next largest category of lending and is primarily composed of home equity loans and lines of credit.  We also originate construction loans for individual single-family residences and commercial loans to businesses and non-profit organizations, generally secured by real estate.

 
3

 

Loan Portfolio Composition.  The following table analyzes the composition of our loan portfolio by loan category at the dates indicated. Except as set forth below, there were no concentrations of loans exceeding 10% of total loans.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
 2009
   
 2008
   
 2007
   
 2006
   
 2005
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Type of Loans:
                                                           
                                                             
Real estate mortgage -one-to-four family
  $ 251,937       42.21 %   $ 230,956       43.63 %   $ 219,900       46.52 %   $ 207,755       48.31 %   $ 191,634       49.45 %
Real estate mortgage -  multi-family and commercial
     172,334        28.87        128,990        24.37        80,537        17.04        65,848        15.31        53,614        13.84  
Commercial business
    12,302       2.06       5,762       1.09       3,918       0.83       3,724       0.87       2,351       0.61  
Consumer:
                                                                               
Home equity and second mortgage
    133,199       22.32       133,855       25.28       130,085       27.52       127,450       29.63       118,318       30.53  
Passbook, certificate, overdraft
    982       0.16       881       0.17       1,103       0.24       1,314       0.30       1,071       0.28  
Auto
    42       -       62       -       24       -       33       0.01       41       0.01  
Other
    -        -        -        -       -       -       -       -       465       0.12  
Total consumer loans
    134,223       22.48       134,798        25.45       131,212       27.76        128,797       29.94       119,895       30.94  
Construction
    26,162       4.38       28,899        5.46        37,119       7.85        23,956       5.57       20,020       5.16  
Total loans
    596,958       100.00 %     529,405       100.00 %     472,686       100.00 %     430,080       100.00 %     387,514       100.00 %
Less:
                                                                               
Construction loans in process
    5,524               6,543               12,037               8,353               7,659          
Allowance for loan losses
    5,243               2,223               1,602               1,169               878          
Deferred loan (costs) and 
    fees, net
    432               233               174               176               269          
      11,199               8,999               13,813               9,698               8,806          
Loans receivable, net
  $ 585,759             $ 520,406             $ 458,873             $ 420,382             $ 378,708          

 

 
4

 

Loan Maturity Schedule.  The following tables set forth the maturity of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2009.  Demand loans, loans having no stated maturity, and overdrafts are shown as due in one year or less.  Loans are stated in the following tables at contractual maturity and actual maturities could differ due to prepayments.


   
Real estate
mortgage –
one-to-four
 family
   
Real estate
Mortgage -
Multi-family
and commercial
   
 
Commercial
business
   
Home equity
and second
mortgage loans
   
 
Passbook or
certificate
   
 
 
Auto
   
 
 
Construction
   
 
 
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amounts Due:
                                               
Within 1 Year
  $ 118     $ 22,388     $ 5,944     $ 813     $ 982     $ 5     $ 20,193     $ 50,443  
 
After 1 year:
                                                               
  1 to 3 years
    524       13,228       3,427       2,379       -       -       5,969       25,527  
  3 to 5 years
    2,644       22,799       954       7,842       -       37       -       34,276  
  5 to 10 years
    33,838       24,095       1,438       23,205       -       -       -       82,576  
  10 to 15 years
    31,630       16,142       80       27,742       -       -       -       75,594  
  Over 15 years
    183,183       73,682        459       71,218        -       -       -         328,542  
 
Total due after one year
     251,819        149,946        6,358        132,386        -        37         5,969         546,515  
                                                                 
Total amount due
  $ 251,937     $ 172,334     $ 12,302     $ 133,199     $ 982     $ 42     $ 26,162     $ 596,958  
 

 
5

 

The following table sets forth the amount of all loans at December 31, 2009 that are due one year or more after December 31, 2009.
 
   
Fixed Rates
   
Floating or
Adjustable Rates
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate mortgage -
   one-to-four family
  $  231,638     $  20,181     $  251,819  
Real estate mortgage -
  multi-family and commercial
     62,964        86,982        149,946  
Commercial business
    2,860       3,498       6,358  
Construction
    -       5,969       5,969  
Consumer:
                       
   Home equity and second mortgage loans
    95,523       36,863       132,386  
   Auto
     37        -        37  
       Total
  $ 393,022     $ 153,493     $ 546,515  
 
Residential Mortgage Lending.  Our primary lending activity consists of the origination of one- to four-family first mortgage loans.  Fixed rate, conventional mortgage loans are offered by the Banks with repayments terms ranging from 10 years up to 40 years.  One, three, five, seven and ten year adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs, are offered with up to 30 year terms at rates based upon the one year U.S. Treasury Bill rate plus a margin.  After the initial one, three, five, seven or ten year term, the Banks’ ARMs reset on an annual basis and, with the exception of the seven year ARM, have two percent annual increase caps and six percent lifetime adjustment caps.  The seven year product has an initial first adjustment cap of five percent (two percent thereafter) and a lifetime adjustment cap of six percent.  There are no floors on the rate adjustments.

The Banks offer applicants the opportunity to “buy-down” mortgage loan interest rates by remitting one to three discount points for conventional loans and one point for ARMs.  Borrowers may also accelerate the repayment of their loans by taking advantage of a bi-weekly payment program.

Substantially all residential mortgages include “due on sale” clauses, which are provisions giving the Banks the right to declare a loan immediately payable if the borrower sells or otherwise transfers an interest in the property to a third party.  Property appraisals on real estate securing one- to four-family residential loans are made by state certified or licensed independent appraisers and are performed in accordance with applicable regulations and policies.  The Banks require title insurance policies on all first mortgage real estate loans originated.  Homeowners, liability, fire and, if applicable, flood insurance policies are also required.

One- to four-family first mortgage loans in excess of 80% loan-to-value for single family or detached residences and 75% on condominium units require private mortgage insurance.  The Banks will originate residential mortgage loans up to a maximum of 95% loan-to-value.

All of the Banks’ residential mortgage loan products are available to finance any owner occupied, primary or secondary (e.g., vacation homes), one- to four-family residential dwelling.  Loans for non-owner occupied one- to four-family residences are originated in accordance with the Banks’ commercial real estate lending policies as investment properties and are included under the commercial real estate category in the loan tables set forth herein.


 
6

 

We do not offer interest-only loan products because of our concern about the credit risks associated with these products. The Banks have never been involved in any type of subprime lending.  We are currently exploring other mortgage products, including reverse mortgages as either a “for fee” originator or as a portfolio lender.

Consumer Lending.  The Banks offer fixed rate home equity loans and variable rate, revolving home equity lines of credit, each with a $10 thousand minimum and a $500 thousand maximum loan amount. Loan requests in excess of $500 thousand are considered on a case-by-case basis.  There are no fees, points or closing costs associated with the application or closing of an equity loan or line of credit.  All equity financing is secured by owner occupied, primary or secondary, one- to four-family residential property. Underwriting standards establish a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 75% for single family or detached residences and 75% for condominium units.  Home equity loan appraisals may be done by automated appraisal valuation models for loans with a 60% or less loan-to-value ratio.

Fixed rate home equity loans.  Fixed rate home equity loans are offered with repayment terms up to twenty years and are incrementally priced at thresholds up to 60, 120, 180 and 240 months.  Loan rates are reviewed weekly to ensure competitive market pricing.  Underwriting guidelines prescribe a maximum debt-to-income ratio of forty percent; however the Banks may approve loans with higher debt ratios with the requirement for a risk premium of twenty-five to fifty basis points above the prevailing rate.

Variable rate, revolving home equity lines of credit.  The Banks’ home equity lines of credit are generally among the most competitive in the market area.  Lines of credit are priced at the highest published Wall Street Journal Prime Interest Rate minus one-half of one percent, adjusted monthly with a rate ceiling of eighteen percent.  Repayment terms are based upon a twenty year amortization, requiring monthly payments equivalent to 1/240th of the outstanding principal balance (or $100, whichever is greater) plus accrued interest on the unpaid balance for the billing cycle.

If the account is paid-off and closed via cancellation of the mortgage lien then an early termination fee of $300 is charged if closed during the first twelve billing cycles, or $200 if closed during the next twelve  billing cycles.  There is no termination fee after twenty-four billing cycles.

Account loans.  The Banks grant loans to bank customers collateralized by deposits in specific types of savings/time deposit accounts.  Money market deposit passbook accounts are not eligible for account loans. A ninety percent advance rate is provided at pricing three percent above the interest rate paid on the collateral account.

Consumer lending is generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than residential mortgage lending.  All consumer loans are secured with either a first or second lien position on owner occupied real estate.  Account loans are fully secured.  Consumer loan repayment is dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability and can be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.  The application of various federal laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on consumer loans in the event of a default.

Commercial Lending.  Though Roma Bank has historically made loans to businesses and not-for-profit organizations, it formalized its commercial lending activities in 2003 with the establishment of a Commercial Loan Department.


 
7

 

The majority of commercial loans approved and funded are commercial real estate loans for acquisition or refinancing of commercial properties. The Banks also offer a full menu of non-mortgage commercial loan products, tailored to serve customer needs, as follows:

· lines of credit to finance short term working capital needs;
· small business revolving lines of credit;
· equipment acquisition lines of credit convertible to term financing;
· short term time notes;
· term financing to finance capital acquisitions; and
· business vehicle financing.

We typically require personal guarantees on all commercial loans.  Values are established by conforming real estate appraisals.  The Banks’ guidelines for commercial real estate collateral are currently as follows:

Collateral
Maximum Loan-to-Value
Maximum Amortization
     
1-4 family residential (investment)
75%
25 years
     
Multi-family (5+ units)
75%
25 years
     
Commercial real estate (owner
   occupied)
80%
25 years
     
Commercial real estate (non-owner
  occupied)
75%
25 years

Current advance rates for other forms of collateral include the following:

Collateral
Maximum Loan-to-Value
   
Commercial equipment
70% - 80% of invoice
   
Owned equipment
50% - 60% depreciated book value
   
Accounts receivable
70% of eligible receivables
   
Inventory (including work-in-process)
50% of cost
   
Liquid collateral
publicly traded marketable securities, 70%
U.S. Government securities, 90%


 
8

 


The pricing for fixed rate commercial real estate mortgage loans provides for rate adjustments after an initial term (generally five years), and at each anniversary thereafter, based on a margin plus the Banks’ Reference Rate which is published in the Wall Street Journal as the prime interest rate, the LIBOR rate, the 5 year Federal Home Loan Bank of New York rate or the Federal Reserve 5 year, H-15, constant maturity Treasury rate, as applicable.

The variable rate loans are indexed to various indexes including Wall Street Journal Prime, the FHLB rate or LIBOR.

Unlike single-family residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans 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 loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and the general economic environment.  Commercial loans, therefore, have greater credit risk than residential mortgage or consumer loans.  In addition, commercial loans generally result in larger balances to single borrowers, or related groups of borrowers, than one- to four-family loans. Commercial lending also generally requires substantially greater evaluation and oversight efforts.

Construction Lending.   We originate construction loans for residential and commercial land acquisition and development, including loans to builders and developers to construct one- to four-family residences on undeveloped real estate, and retail, office, warehouse and industrial or other commercial space.  Disbursements are made in accordance with an inspection report by an architect, or, in the case of construction loans up to $500 thousand, an inspection report by an approved appraiser or Bank personnel.  Our construction lending includes loans for construction or major renovations or improvements of borrower-occupied residences, however, the majority of this portfolio is commercial in nature.

The Banks’ guidelines for construction lending are currently as follows:

Collateral
Maximum Loan-to-Value
Maximum Amortization
     
Land
50% - unimproved
    60% - with all municipal approvals
60% - improved
1 year, with two 6-month extensions
1 year, with two 6-month extensions
1 year, with two six -month extensions
     
Residential & commercial construction
75% (or 80% of cost)
1 year, with two 6-month extensions

Construction lending is generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than residential mortgage lending.  If the estimate of construction cost proves to be inaccurate, we may be compelled to advance additional funds to complete the construction with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project rather than the ability of a borrower or guarantor to repay the loan. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to completion, there is no assurance that we will be able to recover all of the unpaid portion of the loan. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete a project and may have to hold the property for an indeterminate period of time.

9

Loans to One Borrower. Under federal law, savings institutions have, subject to certain exemptions, lending limits to one borrower in an amount equal to the greater of $500 thousand or 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus.  Accordingly, as of December 31, 2009, Roma Bank’s loans to one borrower legal limit was $27.7 million.  However, Roma Bank has set an internal limit of $5.0 million for the origination of loans to one borrower with authority to exceed this internal limit vested in the Board of Directors.

Loans that exceed or approach the internal loan to one borrower limit are reviewed by the Board of Directors before being approved.  For commercial loans, Roma Bank’s Commercial Loan Policy requires Board approval for loans in excess of $5.0 million.  Prior to presentation to the Board, the loan request is underwritten in accordance with policy and presented to the Officers’ Commercial Loan Committee for its consideration and recommendation to the Board for approval.  The Board’s determination to grant a credit in excess of the $5.0 million internal limit is based upon thorough underwriting which must clearly demonstrate repayment ability and collateral adequacy. Additionally, these loans are approved only if the loan can be originated on terms which suit the needs of the borrower without exposing the Banks to unacceptable credit risk and interest rate risk.

At December 31, 2009, Roma Bank’s largest single borrower had an aggregate loan balance of approximately $9.5 million, secured by commercial real estate.  Our second largest single borrower had an aggregate loan balance of approximately $7.4 million, secured by commercial real estate.  Our third largest borrower had in aggregate a loan of $5.5 million comprised of commercial real estate loans, construction loans and residential mortgages.  At December 31, 2009, the loans of these three borrowers were current and performing in accordance with the terms of their loan agreements.

Loan Originations, Purchases, Sales, Solicitation and Processing. The following table shows total loans originated, purchased, sold and repaid during the periods indicated.
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loan originations:
     
Real estate mortgage - one-to-four family
  $ 90,954     $ 34,699     $ 33,562  
Real estate mortgage - multi-family and commercial
    32,747       58,937       26,726  
Commercial business
    853       2,911       972  
Construction
    10,445       28,088       23,611  
Consumer:
                       
Home equity loans and second mortgage
    29,554       42,066       39,988  
Passbook or certificate
    415       494       656  
Other
    -       -       -  
Total loan originations
    164,968       167,195       125,515  
Loan purchases
    11,100       -       -  
Loans sold (mortgage loans)
    9,130       4,065       409  
Loan principal repayments
    98,366       100,917       86,184  
Total loans sold and principal repayments
    107,496       104,982       86,593  
Increase (decrease) due to other items
    -       -       -  
Net increase in loan portfolio
  $ 68,572     $ 62,213     $ 38,922  
 
Our customary sources of loan applications include repeat customers, referrals from realtors and other professionals and “walk-in” customers.  Our residential loan originations are largely reputational and advertisement driven.
 
10

It is the policy of the Banks to adhere to the residential mortgage underwriting standards of the Mortgage Partnership Finance Program of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, as well the standards of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  From time to time, Roma Bank sells thirty year fixed rate mortgages that qualify for sale to the secondary mortgage market in order to lessen its interest rate risk.

In November 2003, Roma Bank entered into an Agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to sell residential mortgages as a participating institution in its Mortgage Partnership Finance Program.  Roma Bank agreed to deliver loans under a $5.0 million Master Commitment which was subsequently increased in 2006 to $10.0 million and $15.0 million in 2008 and $25 million in 2009.  Sales commenced in 2004 and, through December 31, 2009, $16.7 million in loans had been delivered to the MPF program.  In addition to an origination premium, the Bank also realizes income from these sales from credit enhancement fees and loan servicing income.  During 2009, Roma Bank also sold $9.1 million of loans to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

Aside from participations, RomAsia Bank purchased $1.2 million of residential mortgages and $9.8 million of commercial loans during 2009.  Roma Bank did not purchase loans from any third parties in the three years ended December 31, 2009.  At December 31, 2009, the total outstanding balance of loan participations purchased was $13.1 million, representing participations in commercial construction loans with area banks and thrifts.

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority.  Lending policies and loan approval limits are approved and adopted by the Boards of Directors.  Loan committees have been established to administer lending activities as prescribed by lending policies.  Two committee members may together approve non-commercial loans up to $500 thousand.  A majority of members is required to approve non-commercial loans that contain credit policy exceptions, with the condition that either the president or executive vice president is one of the approving members.  Non-commercial loans over $500 thousand require the approval of the Boards of Directors.

Commercial lending approval authority is as follows: up to $750 thousand, any two of the following: a commercial loan officer and either the senior vice president of lending, or the president or the executive vice president; over $750 thousand and up to $1.5 million, any two of the following: a commercial loan officer or the senior vice president of lending and the president or the executive vice president; over $1.5 million and up to $5.0 million, the loan committee; and over $5.0 million and up to 10% of the total assets of the Banks, the Board of Directors.

Asset Quality

Loan Delinquencies and Collection Procedures. The borrower is notified by both mail and telephone when a loan is thirty days past due.  If the delinquency continues, subsequent efforts are made to contact the delinquent borrower and additional collection notices and letters are sent.  When a loan is ninety days delinquent, it is our general practice to refer it to an attorney for repossession or foreclosure action. All reasonable attempts are made to collect from borrowers prior to referral to an attorney for collection. In certain instances, we may modify the loan or grant a limited moratorium on loan payments to enable the borrower to reorganize his or her financial affairs, and we attempt to work with the borrower to establish a repayment schedule to cure the delinquency.

11

As to mortgage loans, if a foreclosure action is taken and the loan is not reinstated, paid in full or refinanced, the property is sold at judicial sale at which we may be the buyer if there are no adequate offers to satisfy the debt.  Any property acquired as the result of foreclosure, or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, is classified as real estate owned until it is sold or otherwise disposed of.  When real estate owned is acquired, it is recorded at the lower of the unpaid principal balance of the related loan or its fair market value less estimated selling costs.  The initial write down of the property is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Adjustments to the carrying value of the property that result from subsequent declines in value are charged to operations in the periods in which the declines occur.  At December 31, 2009, we held two commercial properties in real estate owned with a carrying value of $1.9 million.

Loans are reviewed on a regular basis and are placed on non-accrual status when they are more than ninety days delinquent, with the exception of a passbook loan, the outstanding balance of which is collected from the related passbook account along with accrued interest and a penalty when the loan is 120 days delinquent.  Loans may be placed on a non-accrual status at any time if, in the opinion of management, the collection of additional interest is doubtful.  Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status is charged against interest income.  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, 2009, approximately $14.8 million of loans were on a non-accrual basis.

Non-Performing Assets.  The following table provides information regarding our non-performing loans.  As of each of the dates indicated, we did not have any troubled debt restructurings or accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more.  As of each of the dates indicated, we did not have any non-performing assets other than the loans included in the table.  At December 31, 2009, the allowance for loan losses totaled $5.2 million, non-performing loans totaled $14.8 million, and the ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 35.4%. Management believes that the non-performing loans are well secured and that adequate reserves have been established to absorb any losses which may occur upon the ultimate resolution. There are 37 loans in the non-performing status to 25 borrowers, 87.8% of which are commercial loans and the remainder are one- to -four family and consumer loans. The commercial loans are secured as follows: $10.1 million secured by commercial rental real estate; $2.8 million commercial construction loans secured by real estate; $.6 million to a non-profit organization, secured by real estate; and, $.1 million secured by other assets or unsecured.
 

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis:
                             
  Real estate mortgage - one-to-four family
  $ 1,173     $ 754     $ 406     $ 362     $ 563  
  Home equity and second mortgage loans
    629       44       -       1       91  
  Real estate multi-family and commercial
    12,987       9,510       6,483       -       -  
      Total
    14,789       10,308       6,889       363       654  
                                         
Total non-performing loans
    14,789       10,308       6,889       363       654  
                                         
Real estate owned
     1,928       68       -       -       -  
                                         
Total non-performing assets
  $ 16,717     $ 10,376     $ 6,889     $ 363     $ 654  
                                         
Total non-performing loans to total loans
    2.48 %     1.98 %     1.46 %     0.08 %     0.17 %
                                         
Total non-performing loans to total assets
    1.13 %     0.96 %     0.76 %     0.04 %     0.08 %
                                         
Total non-performing assets to total assets
    1.27 %     0.96 %     0.76 %     0.04 %     0.08 %

12

 
During the year ended December 31, 2009, gross interest income of $893 thousand would have been recorded on loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis if those loans had been current, and $130 thousand of interest on such loans was included in income for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Classified Assets. Management, in compliance with Office of Thrift Supervision guidelines, has instituted an internal loan review program, whereby non-performing loans are classified as substandard, doubtful or loss.  It is our policy to review the loan portfolio, in accordance with regulatory classification procedures, on at least a quarterly basis.  When a loan is classified as substandard or doubtful, management is required to evaluate the loan for impairment.  When management classifies a portion of a loan as loss, a reserve equal to 100% of the loss amount is required to be established or the loan is charged-off.

An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the paying capacity and net worth of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any.  Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Banks will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values.  Assets, or portions thereof, classified as “loss” are considered uncollectible and of so little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted.  Assets which do not currently expose the Banks to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but which have credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses are required to be designated “special mention” by management.

Management’s classification of assets is reviewed by the Boards on a regular basis and by the regulatory agencies as part of their examination process.  An independent loan review firm performs periodic reviews of our commercial loan portfolios, including the verification of commercial loan risk ratings.  Any disagreements in risk rating assessments require mutual consent as to the final risk rating.

The following table discloses the classification of assets and designation of certain loans as special mention as of the dates indicated.  At each date, all of the classified assets and special mention designated assets were loans.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Special Mention
  $ 11,042     $ 661     $ 5,886  
Substandard
    25,908       12,043       6,098  
Doubtful
    -       -       -  
Loss
     -       -       -  
  Total
  $ 36,950     $ 12,704     $ 11,984  

 
At December 31, 2009, $367,000 of the loans classified as “special mention” and $14.4 million of the loans classified as “substandard” are also classified as non-performing assets. The special mention and substandard loans not categorized as non-performing are primarily secured by real estate and consist of $19.1 million of commercial loans and $3.0 million of residential and consumer loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses (ALLL). The allowance for loan losses is a valuation account that reflects our estimation of the losses in our loan portfolio to the extent they are both probable and reasonable to estimate. The allowance is established through provisions for loan losses that are charged to income in the period they are established.  We charge losses on loans against the allowance for loan losses when we believe the collection of loan principal is unlikely.  Recoveries on loans previously charged-off are added back to the allowance.

13

In order to comprehensively address periodic provisioning and the resultant ALLL, the Banks utilize a multidisciplinary approach which considers each of the following factors: historical realized losses in the credit portfolio; delinquency trends currently experienced in the current portfolio; internal risk rating system that assigns a risk factor, and therefore, a specific reserve to every outstanding credit exposure; external independent assessment of the adequacy of the ALLL and the entire credit management function; and current and anticipated economic conditions that could affect borrowers’ ability to continually meet their contractual repayment obligations.

A loan evaluated for impairment is deemed to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  All loans identified as impaired are evaluated independently.  We do not aggregate such loans for evaluation purposes.  Payments received on impaired loans are applied first to unpaid interest and then to principal.

We maintain a loan review system which provides for a systematic review of the loan portfolios and the early identification of potential impaired loans.  The review of residential real estate and home equity consumer loans, as well as other more complex loans, is triggered by identified evaluation factors, including delinquency status, size of loan, type of collateral and the financial condition of the borrower.

Specific loan loss allowances are established for identified loans based on a review of such information and/or appraisals of the underlying collateral.  General loan loss allowances are based upon a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loan loss experience, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and management’s judgment.  During 2009, we have increased our specific reserves, primarily in the commercial real estate area, as we updates appraisals, at least annually, and the new appraisals had significant declining values. In recent years, our charge-offs have been low, with no charge offs in 2006, $59 thousand in 2007, $181 thousand in 2008 and $278 thousand in 2009.  Therefore, our provisions for loan losses have been reflective of other factors, including economic conditions, annual growth of the total loan portfolio of 11%, 10%, 12%, and 12.8% in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, as well as the increasing percentage of multi-family and commercial real estate and commercial loans relative to total loans, which rose from 14.45% at December 31, 2005 to 16.18% at December 31, 2006, to 17.87% at December  31, 2007, to 25.45% at December 31, 2008, and to 30.93% at December 31, 2009.  Higher provisions in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 relative to 2005, reflected the higher amounts of loans classified as “special mention” and in 2009, as “substandard”.

The estimation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective as it requires estimates and assumptions that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available or as future events change.  Future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary if economic and other conditions in the future differ substantially from the current operating environment.  In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews our loan and foreclosed real estate portfolios and the related allowance for loan losses and valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate.  The Office of Thrift Supervision may require the allowance for loan losses or the valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate to be increased based on its review of information available at the time of the examination, which would negatively affect our earnings.


 
14

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to our allowance for loan losses at the dates indicated.
 

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Allowance balance (at beginning of period)
  $ 2,223     $ 1,602     $ 1,169     $ 878     $ 750  
Provision for  loan losses
    3,280       787       492       291       128  
Charge-offs:
                                       
Commercial, multi-family
    (214 )     -       -       -       -  
 Passbook, certificate, overdraft
    ( 64 )     ( 181 )     (59 )     -       -  
      Total charge-offs
    (278 )     (181 )     (59 )     -       -  
Recoveries
    18       15       -       -       -  
Net (charge-offs) recoveries
    (260 )     (166 )     (59 )     -       -  
Allowance balance (at end of period)
  $ 5,243     $ 2,223     $ 1,602     $ 1,169     $ 878  
                                         
Total loans outstanding
  $ 596,958     $ 529,405     $ 472,686     $ 430,080     $ 387,514  
Average loans outstanding
  $ 555,108     $ 482,557     $ 438,187     $ 400,486     $ 349,758  
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of
   total loans outstanding
    0.88 %     0.42 %     0.34 %     0.27 %     0.23 %
 Net loans charged off as a percent of
   Average loans outstanding
    0.05 %     0.03 %     0.01 %     - %     - %
Allowance for loan losses to
   non-performing loans
    35.4 %     21.42 %     23.25 %     322.04 %     134.25 %


 
 
15

 
 
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the allocation of our allowance for loan losses by loan category based on the relative composition of loans in the portfolio and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated.  The portion of the loan loss allowance allocated to each loan category does not represent the total available for future losses which may occur within the loan category since the entire loan loss allowance is a valuation reserve applicable to the aggregate loan portfolio.


   
At December 31,
 
   
 2009
   
 2008
   
 2007
   
 2006
   
2005
 
   
 
 
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans
to Total
 Loans
   
 
 
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans
to Total
 Loans
   
 
 
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans
to Total
 Loans
   
 
 
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans
to Total
 Loans
   
 
 
Amount
   
Percent
Of Loans
To Total
 Loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
At end of period allocated to:
                                                           
Real estate mortgage -
One-to-four family
  $  312       42.21 %   $  209       43.63 %   $  231       46.52 %   $  238       48.31 %   $  435       49.45 %
Real estate mortgage -
Multi-family and Commercial
     3,255        28.87        1,601        24.37        1,089        17.04        746        15.31        122        13.84  
Commercial business
    1,206       2.06       72       1.09       34       0.83       5       0.87       5       0.61  
Consumer:
                                                                               
Home equity and second mortgage loans
     156        22.32        119        25.28        137       27.52        133        29.63        268        30.53  
Passbook, certificate, Overdraft
     7        0.16       14        0.17        6        0.24        32        0.30        2        0.28  
        Auto
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       0.01       -       0.01  
        Other
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       1       0.12  
 Construction
    307       4.38       208       5.46       105       7.85       15       5.57       45       5.16  
    Total allowance
  $ 5,243       100.00 %   $ 2,223       100.00 %   $ 1,602       100.00 %   $ 1,169       100.00 %   $ 878       100.00 %

16


Securities Portfolio

General. Our deposits have traditionally exceeded our loan originations, and we have invested these excess deposits primarily in mortgage-backed securities and investment securities.

Our investment policy is designed to foster earnings and manage cash flows within prudent interest rate risk and credit risk guidelines.  Generally, our investment policy is to invest funds in various categories of securities and maturities based upon our liquidity needs, asset/liability management policies, pledging requirements, investment quality, marketability and performance objectives.  The Banks investment policy specifies the responsibility for the investment portfolio, asset/liability management and liquidity management and establishes an oversight Investment Committee.  The Investment Committee, which is comprised of at least one Board member and the members of management responsible for investment decisions and accountability, meets quarterly to review the portfolio and performance risks and future purchasing strategies.  The investment officer is authorized to purchase securities to the limit of $5.0 million per trade per issue with the prior approval of the president, executive vice president or Investment Committee.

All of our securities carry market risk insofar as increases in market rates of interest may cause a decrease in their market value.  Prior to investing, consideration is given to the interest rate, tax considerations, market volatility, yield, settlement date and maturity of the security, our liquidity position, and anticipated cash needs and sources.  The effect that the proposed security would have on our credit and interest rate risk and risk-based capital is also considered.

Federally chartered savings banks have the authority to invest in various types of liquid assets.  The investments authorized under the Banks’ investment policies include U.S. government and government agency obligations, municipal securities (consisting of bond obligations of state and local governments), mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and corporate bonds. On a short-term basis, the investment policies authorize investment in federal funds, certificates of deposits and money market investments with insured institutions and with brokerage firms.

FASB ASC Topic 320, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities”, requires that securities be categorized as “held to maturity,” “trading securities” or “available-for-sale,” based on management’s intent as to the ultimate disposition of each security.  FASB ASC Topic 320 allows debt securities to be classified as “held to maturity” and reported in financial statements at amortized cost only if the reporting entity has the positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity.  Securities that might be sold in response to changes in market interest rates, changes in the security’s prepayment risk, increases in loan demand, or other similar factors cannot be classified as “held to maturity.”

We do not currently use or maintain a trading account.  Securities not classified as “held to maturity” are classified as “available-for-sale.”  These securities are reported at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses on the securities are excluded from earnings and reported, net of deferred taxes, as a separate component of equity.

At December 31, 2009, our securities portfolio did not contain securities of any issuer, other than the U.S. government or its agencies, having an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity.  We do not currently participate in hedging programs, interest rate caps, floors or swaps, or other activities involving the use of off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments, however, we may in the future utilize such instruments if we believe it would be beneficial for managing our interest rate risk. Further, we do not purchase securities which are not rated investment grade.

17

Actual maturities of the securities held by us may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.  At December 31, 2009, we had $220.6 million of callable securities, net of premiums and discounts, in our portfolio.  Callable securities pose reinvestment risk because we may not be able to reinvest the proceeds from called securities at an equivalent or higher interest rate.

Mortgage-backed Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.  Mortgage-related securities represent a participation interest in a pool of one-to-four-family or multi-family mortgages. We primarily invest in mortgage-backed securities secured by one-to-four-family mortgages.  Our mortgage-related securities portfolio includes mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. government agencies or government-sponsored entities, such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Government National Mortgage Association, and the Federal National Mortgage Association.  We do not currently invest in mortgage-related securities issued by non-government, private corporate issuers.

The mortgage originators use intermediaries (generally government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises, but also a variety of private corporate issuers) to pool and repackage the participation interests in the form of securities, with investors receiving the principal and interest payments on the mortgages.  Securities issued or sponsored by U.S. government agencies and government-sponsored entities are guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest to investors.  Privately issued non-government, corporate issuers’ securities typically offer rates above those paid on government agency issued or sponsored securities, but lack the guaranty of those agencies and are generally less liquid investments.

Mortgage-backed securities are pass-through securities typically issued with stated principal amounts, and the securities are backed by pools of mortgages that have loans with interest rates that are within a specific range and have varying maturities.  The life of a mortgage-backed security thus approximates the life of the underlying mortgages.  Mortgage-backed securities generally yield less than the mortgage loans underlying the securities.  The characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages, i.e., fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, as well as prepayment risk, are passed on to the certificate holder.  Mortgage-backed securities are generally referred to as mortgage participation certificates or pass-through certificates.

Collateralized mortgage obligations are mortgage-derivative products that aggregate pools of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities and create different classes of securities with varying maturities and amortization schedules as well as a residual interest with each class having different risk characteristics. The cash flows from the underlying collateral are usually divided into “tranches” or classes which have descending priorities with respect to the distribution of principal and interest repayment of the underlying mortgages and mortgage-backed securities as opposed to pass through mortgage-backed securities where cash flows are distributed pro rata to all security holders.  Unlike mortgage-backed securities from which cash flow is received and risk is shared pro rata by all securities holders, cash flows from the mortgages and mortgage-backed securities underlying collateralized mortgage obligations are paid in accordance with a predetermined priority to investors holding various tranches of the securities or obligations.  It is our policy to buy mortgage-derivative products that have no more risk than the underlying mortgages. The Banks have reviewed their portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and believe they do not have any subprime exposure in this area.


 
18

 

The following table sets forth the carrying value of our securities portfolio at the dates indicated.
 

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Securities Available for Sale:
                             
                               
Mutual fund shares
  $ 2,686     $ 2,449     $ 2,375     $ 2,226     $ 2,154  
                                         
Equity securities
    1,387       2,881       3,443       3,447       50  
                                         
Corporate bond
    -       955       -       -       -  
                                         
Mortgage-backed securities issued by
Freddie Mac
     8,308        3,056        1,292        1,524        130  
                                         
U.S. government agency obligations
    9,456       2,869       -       1,979       2,961  
                                         
Obligations of state and political
    Subdivisions
      8,307        4,790        10,128        10,155        10,219  
                                         
      Total securities available for sale
     30,144       17,000       17,238       19,331       15,514  
                                         
Investment Securities Held to Maturity:
                                       
                                         
U.S. government agency obligations
    292,427       67,985       123,283       168,332       172,263  
                                         
Obligations of states and political
    subdivisions                                                     
     11,943        6,130        4,423        1,595        815  
                                         
Corporate bond
    979       -       -       -       -  
      Total investment securities
           held to maturity                                                     
      305,349         74,115        127,706        169,927        173,078  
                                         
Mortgage-Backed Securities Held to Maturity:
                                       
                                         
Ginnie Mae                                                     
    7,148       8,888       4,276       5,630       7,454  
                                         
Freddie Mac                                                     
    123,244       154,246       84,648       79,822       80,155  
                                         
Fannie Mae                                                     
    107,294       124,942       47,387       53,880       58,389  
                                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
     10,740       13,802       7,788       5,148       4,103  
                                         
      Total mortgage-backed securities
          held to maturity                                                     
      248,426        301,878        144,099        144,480        150,101  
                                         
 Total                                                     
  $ 583,919     $ 392,993     $ 289,043     $ 333,738     $ 338,693  
 
 
19

 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the carrying values, weighted average yields and maturities of our securities portfolio at December 31, 2009.  This table shows contractual maturities and does not reflect re-pricing or the effect of prepayments.  Actual maturities may differ.

   
At December 31, 2009
 
   
One Year or Less
   
One to Five Years
   
Five to Ten Years
   
More than Ten Years
   
Total Investment Securities
 
   
Carrying
 Value
   
Average
 Yield
   
Carrying
 Value
   
Average
 Yield
   
Carrying
 Value
   
Average
 Yield
   
Carrying
 Value
   
Average
 Yield
   
Carrying
 Value
   
Average
 Yield
   
Market
 Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                                   
Mutual fund shares
  $ 2,686       4.17 %   $ -       -     $ -       -     $ -       -     $ 2,686       4.17 %   $ 2,686  
Equity securities
    1,387       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,387       0.00 %     1,387  
Corporate bond
    -       -       979       4.99 %     -       -       -       -       979       4.99 %     998  
U.S. government obligations
    -       0.00 %     16,996       2.40 %     206,599       4.25 %     78,288       4.94 %     301,883       4.93 %     296,986  
Obligations of states and
   political subdivisions
     -       0.00 %      2,612       4.05 %      9,399       4.33 %      8,239       3.21 %      20,250       4.28 %      21,452  
 
Ginnie Mae
     1       7.50 %      1,030       6.50 %      31       4.90 %      6,086       4.96 %      7,148       5.00 %      8,283  
 
Freddie Mac
     -       0.00 %      2,471       5.29 %      17,399       4.80 %      111,682       5.08 %      131,552       5.05 %      131,829  
 
Fannie Mae
     -       0.00 %      14,870       4.85 %      9,563       4.84 %      82,861       5.25 %      107,294       5.14 %      115,755  
Collateralized Mortgage
   Obligations
     -        -        1,480       5.23 %       6,781       4.90 %      2,479       5.11 %      10,740       5.96 %      11,199  
  Total
  $ 4,074       0.00 %   $ 40,438       3.39 %   $ 249,772       4.89 %   $ 289,635       5.03 %   $ 583,918       4.96 %   $ 590,575  


 
20

 

Sources of Funds

General. Deposits are the Banks’ major source of funds for lending and other investment purposes. In addition, we derive funds from loan and mortgage-backed securities principal repayments, and proceeds from the maturity and call of investment securities.  Loan and securities payments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows are significantly influenced by pricing strategies and money market conditions.  If required, borrowings (principally from the Federal Home Loan Bank) may be used to supplement the amount of funds for lending and funding daily operations.  Borrowings may also be utilized as part of a leverage strategy in which the borrowings fund securities purchases.

Deposits. Our current deposit products include checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit accounts ranging in terms from ninety-one days to seven years, and individual retirement accounts. Deposit account terms vary, primarily as to the required minimum balance amount, the amount of time that the funds must remain on deposit and the applicable interest rate.

Deposits are obtained primarily from within New Jersey.  Traditional methods of advertising are used, or may be used, to attract new customers and deposits, including radio, print media, direct mail and inserts included with customer statements.  We do not currently utilize the services of deposit brokers. Premiums or incentives for opening accounts are sometimes offered, and we periodically select particular certificate of deposit maturities for promotion.  The Banks have a tiered savings product that offers a beneficial interest rate related to predetermined tiered balance requirements.  Customers that maintain a minimum balance requirement in the tiered account are not charged a monthly service fee for the savings account or for checking accounts and also receive overdraft protection, Visa check card and coin counting services.

The determination of deposit and certificate interest rates is based upon a number of factors, including: (1) need for funds based on loan demand, current maturities of deposits and other cash flow needs; (2) a current survey of a selected group of competitors’ rates for similar products; (3) economic conditions; and (4) business plan projections.  Interest rates are reviewed weekly at a meeting of the Asset Liability Committee which consists of senior management.

A large percentage of our deposits are in certificates of deposit, which totaled 57.3% of total average deposits at December 31, 2009.  The inflow of certificates of deposit and the retention of such deposits upon maturity are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions, making certificates of deposit traditionally a more volatile source of funding than core deposits.  Our liquidity could be reduced if a significant amount of certificates of deposit maturing within a short period of time were not renewed.  To the extent that such deposits do not remain with us, they may need to be replaced with borrowings which could increase our cost of funds and negatively impact our interest rate spread and our financial condition.  Historically, a significant portion of the certificates of deposit remain with us after they mature and we believe that this will continue.  At December 31, 2009, $164.1 million, or 28.4%, of our certificates of deposit were “jumbo” certificates of $100 thousand or more.





 
21

 

The following tables set forth the distribution of average deposits for the periods indicated and the weighted average nominal interest rates for each period on each category of deposits presented.

 
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
 
 
Average
Balance
 
 
Percent
of Total
Deposits
 
Weighted
Average
Nominal
  Rate
 
 
 
Average
Balance
 
 
Percent
of Total
Deposits
 
Weighted
Average
Nominal
   Rate
 
 
 
Average
Balance
 
 
Percent
of Total
Deposits
 
Weighted
Average
Nominal
  Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                             
Non-interest-bearing demand
 
$
31,044
 
3.40
%
0.00%
 
$
26,050
 
3.70
%
0.00%
 
$
23,781
 
3.80
%
 0.00
%
Interest-bearing demand
   
112,193
 
12.40
 
0.54   
   
98,985
 
14.20
 
0.54   
   
94,239
 
14.90
 
 0.55
 
Money market demand
   
150,223
 
16.60
 
1.30  
   
98,619
 
14.10
 
1.00   
   
91,172
 
14.50
 
 1.00
 
Savings and club
   
93,644
 
10.30
 
0.94   
   
91,022
 
13.00
 
0.93   
   
89,473
 
14.20
 
0.87
 
Certificates of deposit
   
518,886
 
57.30
 
3.05   
   
384,526
 
55.00
 
4.03   
   
331,859
 
52.60
 
 4.55
 
                                             
Total deposits
 
$
905,990
 
100.00
%
2.12%
 
$
699,202
 
100.00
%
2.59%
 
$
630,524
 
100.00
%
 2.75
%


 
22

 

The following table sets forth certificates of deposit classified by interest rate as of the dates indicated.
 

     
At December 31,
 
     
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
     
(In thousands)
 
                     
 0.00-1.99%     $ 228,895     $ 532     $ 1,252  
                             
 2.00-2.99%       201,953       95,911       3,568  
                             
 3.00-3.99%       109,989       218,621       48,816  
                             
 4.00-4.99%       31,633       108,263       240,815  
                             
5.00% and above
      5,309       9,189       57,515  
                             
Total
    $ 577,779     $ 432,516     $ 351,966  
 
The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2009.
 

     
Amount Due
 
     
Within
1 year
   
1-2 years
   
2-3 years
   
3-4 years
   
4-5 years
   
After
5 years
   
Total
 
Interest Rate
   
(In thousands)
 
                                             
  0.00-1.99     $ 198,711     $ 30,184     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ 228,895  
                                                             
  2.00-2.99       135,664       47,832       17,265       1,193       --       --       201,954  
                                                             
  3.00-3.99       68,591       24,414       3,872       2,433       9,840       838       109,988  
                                                             
  4.00-4.99       27,067       1,404       1,356       1,633       1       172       31,633  
                                                             
  5.00-5.99%       --       5,309       --       --       --       --       5,309  
                                                             
Total
    $ 430,033     $ 109,143     $ 22,493     $ 5,259     $ 9,841     $ 1,010     $ 577,779  

 
The following table shows the amount of certificates of deposit of $100 thousand or more by time remaining until maturity as of the dates indicated.

 
At December 31, 2009
 
(In thousands)
Maturity Period
 
Within three months                                                            
$    10,923
Three through six months                                                            
15,555
Six through twelve months                                                            
62,885
Over twelve months                                                            
     74,736
 
$ 164,099

23

Borrowings.  To supplement deposits as a source of funds for lending or investment,  Roma Bank may borrow funds in the form of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York(FHLBNY).  At December 31, 2009, Roma Bank’s borrowing limit with the FHLBNY was $200.0 million.  At December 31, 2009 RomAsia Bank had an overnight borrowing capacity of $2.0 million with the Atlantic Central Bankers Bank.

We traditionally have enjoyed cash flows from deposit activities that were sufficient to meet our day-to-day funding obligations and in the past only occasionally used our overnight line of credit or borrowing facility with the FHLBNY.  In the third quarter of 2005, however, we used our overnight line of credit at the FHLBNY to meet daily operations and continued to use it on occasion during 2006 and 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2005, we took a five year advance from the FHLBNY to meet the strong demand for loans.  As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance of such five year advance totaled $1.8 million.  This advance has a fixed interest rate of 4.49%.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, we took a ten year advance totaling $23.0 million at a fixed rate of 3.90%, callable at three years. Interest is paid quarterly. Approximately $8 million of the proceeds were used for the capital contribution to RomAsia Bank and the other $15 million of proceeds was invested in mortgage-backed securities.

In the third quarter of 2008, we entered into a securities sold under agreement to repurchase with Credit Suisse for $40.0 million, with a blended interest rate of 3.55%. We invested the proceeds into mortgage backed securities with average yields of 5.5%.

In late December 2008, we borrowed overnight funds from the FHLBNY and reinvested those in money market funds with higher yields on a day to day basis. This advance was repaid in the first quarter of 2009.

Short-term FHLBNY advances generally have original maturities of less than one year, and are typically secured by the Federal Home Loan Bank stock and by other assets, mainly securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. government. Additional information regarding our borrowings is included under Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Subsidiary Activity

Roma Financial Corporation has two direct subsidiaries, Roma Bank and RomAsia Bank.  RomAsia Bank received all regulatory approvals and opened on June 23, 2008. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had invested $13.4 million in organizational capital out of total capital of $15.0 million, or 89.55%. At December 31, 2009 RomAsia Bank had total assets of $90.7 million.

Roma Bank has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Roma Capital Investment Corporation, which was incorporated under New Jersey law in 2004 as an investment subsidiary, and General Abstract & Title Agency, a New Jersey corporation.

Roma Capital Investment Corporation is an investment subsidiary and its sole activity is to hold investment securities.  Its total assets at December 31, 2009 were $274.2 million.  Its net income for 2009 was $7.6 million.

General Abstract & Title Agency sells title insurance, performs title searches and provides real estate settlement and closing services.  Its total assets at December 31, 2009 were $432 thousand.  Its operating revenue for 2009 consisted of $1.1 million in premiums earned from the placement of title insurance and related title company services.  Its net loss for 2009 was $17 thousand.

24

The Company’s consolidated statements also include a 50% interest in 84 Hopewell, LLC, a real estate investment which is consolidated according to the requirements FASB ASC Topic 810.  All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

Set forth below is a brief description of certain laws which relate to the regulation of the Company and the Banks.  The description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable laws and regulations.

Holding Company Regulation

General.  The Company is a unitary savings and loan holding company, subject to regulation and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision.  In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over the Company and any non-savings institution subsidiaries.  This permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that it determines to be a serious risk to the Banks.  This regulation is intended primarily for the protection of the depositors and not for the benefit of stockholders of the Company.

Activities Restrictions.  As a grandfathered unitary savings and loan holding company under the Graham Leach Bliley Act, the Company is generally not subject to any restrictions on its business activities or those of its non-savings institution subsidiaries.  However, if the Company were to fail to meet the Qualified Thrift Lender Test, then it would become subject to the activities restrictions of the Home Owners’ Loan Act applicable to multiple holding companies.  See “Regulation of the Bank -- Qualified Thrift Lender Test.”

If the Company were to acquire control of another savings association, it would lose its grandfathered status under the GLB Act and its business activities would be restricted to certain activities specified by OTS regulation, which include performing services and holding properties used by a savings institution subsidiary, certain activities authorized for savings and loan holding companies as of March 5, 1987, and nonbanking activities permissible for bank holding companies pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “BHC Act”) or authorized for financial holding companies pursuant to the GLB Act.  Furthermore, no company may acquire control of the Company unless the acquiring company was a unitary savings and loan holding company on May 4, 1999 (or became a unitary savings and loan holding company pursuant to an application pending as of that date) or the acquiring company is only engaged in activities that are permitted for multiple savings and loan holding companies or for financial holding companies under the BHC Act as amended by the GLB Act.

Mergers and Acquisitions.  The Company must obtain approval from the OTS before acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of another savings institution or savings and loan holding company or acquiring such an institution or holding company by merger, consolidation or purchase of its assets.  In evaluating an application for the Company to acquire control of a savings institution, the OTS would consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the Company and the target institution, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the convenience and the needs of the community and competitive factors.

The USA Patriot Act.  In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, or the USA Patriot Act, was signed into law on October 26, 2001.  The USA Patriot Act 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.  By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act, Title III of the USA Patriot Act takes measures intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies.  Further, certain provisions of Title III impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act.

25

Among other requirements, Title III of the USA Patriot Act imposes the following requirements with respect to financial institutions:

●           Pursuant to Section 352, all financial institutions must establish anti-money laundering programs that include, at minimum: (i) internal policies, procedures, and controls; (ii) specific designation of an anti-money laundering compliance officer; (iii) ongoing employee training programs; and (iv) an independent audit function to test the anti-money laundering program.

●           Section 326 authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Treasury, in conjunction with other bank regulators, to issue regulations that provide for minimum standards with respect to customer identification at the time new accounts are opened.

●           Section 312 requires financial institutions that establish, maintain, administer or manage private banking accounts or correspondence accounts in the United States for non-United States persons or their representatives (including foreign individuals visiting the United States) to establish appropriate, specific, and, where necessary, enhanced due diligence policies, procedures and controls designed to detect and report money laundering.

●           Effective December 25, 2001, financial institutions are prohibited from establishing, maintaining, administering or managing correspondent accounts for foreign shell banks (foreign banks that do not have a physical presence in any country), and will be subject to certain record keeping obligations with respect to correspondent accounts of foreign banks.

●           Bank regulators are directed to consider a holding company’s effectiveness in combating money laundering when ruling on Federal Reserve Act and Bank Merger Act applications.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”) implemented legislative reforms intended to address corporate and accounting fraud and improve public company reporting.  The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has promulgated regulations pursuant to the Act.  The passage of the Act by Congress and the implementation of regulations by the SEC subject publicly-traded companies to additional and more cumbersome reporting regulations and disclosure.  Compliance with the Act and corresponding regulations may increase the Company’s expenses.

Regulation of the Banks

General.  As  federally chartered savings banks with deposits insured by the FDIC, the Banks are subject to extensive regulation by the OTS and FDIC.  Lending activities and other investments must comply with federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements.  The Banks are also subject to reserve requirements of the Federal Reserve System.  Federal regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the Deposit 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 for regulatory purposes.

26

The OTS regularly examines the Banks and prepares reports for consideration by the Banks Boards of Directors on deficiencies, if any, found in the Banks’ operations.  The Banks’ relationship with its depositors and borrowers is also regulated by federal and state law, especially in such matters as the ownership of savings accounts and the form and content of the Banks’ mortgage documents.

The Banks must file reports with the OTS concerning their activities and financial condition, and must obtain regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with or acquisitions of other financial institutions.  Any change in such regulations, whether by the OTS, the FDIC or the United States Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Banks, the Company, and their operations.

Federal Deposit Insurance. The Bank’s deposits are insured to applicable limits by the FDIC.  The maximum deposit insurance amount has been increased from $100,000 to $250,000 until December 31, 2013.  On October 13, 2008, the FDIC established a Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program under which the FDIC fully guarantees all non-interest-bearing transaction accounts until December 31, 2009 (the “Transaction Account Guarantee Program”) and all senior unsecured debt of insured depository institutions or their qualified holding companies issued between October 14, 2008 and June 30, 2009, with the FDIC’s guarantee expiring by June 30, 2012 (the “Debt Guarantee Program”).  Senior unsecured debt would include federal funds purchased and certificates of deposit standing to the credit of the bank.  After November 12, 2008, institutions that did not opt out of the Programs by December 5, 2008 were assessed at the rate of ten basis points for transaction account balances in excess of $250,000 and at a rate between 50 and 100 basis points of the amount of debt issued.  In May, 2009, the Debt Guarantee Program issue end date and the guarantee expiration date were both extended, to October 31, 2009 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Participating holding companies that have not issued FDIC-guaranteed debt prior to April 1, 2009 must apply to remain in the Debt Guarantee Program.  Participating institutions will be subject to surcharges for debt issued after that date.  Effective October 1, 2009, the Transaction Account Guarantee Program was extended until June 30, 2010, with an increased assessment after December 31, 2009.  The Company and the Bank did not opt out of the Debt Guarantee Program.   The Bank did not opt out of the original Transaction Account Guarantee Program or its extension. 

The FDIC has adopted a risk-based premium system that provides for quarterly assessments based on an insured institution’s ranking in one of four risk categories based on their examination ratings and capital ratios. Well-capitalized institutions with the CAMELS ratings of 1 or 2 are grouped in Risk Category I and, until 2009, were assessed for deposit insurance at an annual rate of between five and seven basis points with the assessment rate for an individual institution determined according to a formula based on a weighted average of the institution’s individual CAMELS component ratings plus either five financial ratios or the average ratings of its long-term debt. Institutions in Risk Categories II, III and IV were assessed at annual rates of 10, 28 and 43 basis points, respectively.  Insured depository institutions that were in existence on December 31, 1996 and paid assessments prior to that date (or their successors) were entitled to a one-time credit against future assessments based on their past contributions to the predecessor to the Deposit Insurance Fund.  The Bank used its special assessment credit to offset the cost of its deposit insurance premium until it was exhausted.

Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (the “Reform Act”), the FDIC is authorized to set the reserve ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund annually at between 1.15% and 1.5% of estimated insured deposits.  Due to recent bank failures, the FDIC determined that the reserve ratio was 1.01% as of June 30, 2008.  In accordance with the Reform Act, as amended by the Helping Families Save Their Home Act of 2009, the FDIC has established and implemented a plan to restore the reserve ratio to 1.15% within eight years.  For the quarter beginning January 1, 2009, the FDIC raised the base annual assessment rate for institutions in Risk Category I to between 12 and 14 basis points while the base annual assessment rates for institutions in Risk Categories II, III and IV were increased to 17, 35 and 50 basis points, respectively.  For the quarter beginning April 1, 2009 the FDIC set the base annual assessment rate for institutions in Risk Category I to between 12 and 16 basis points and the base annual assessment rates for institutions in Risk Categories II, III and IV at 22, 32 and 45 basis points, respectively.  An institution’s assessment rate could be lowered by as much as five basis points based on the ratio of its long-term unsecured debt to deposits or, for smaller institutions based on the ratio of certain amounts of Tier 1 capital to adjusted assets.  The assessment rate may be adjusted for Risk Category I institutions that have a high level of brokered deposits and have experienced higher levels of asset growth (other than through acquisitions) and could be increased by as much as ten basis points for institutions in Risk Categories II, III and IV whose ratio of brokered deposits to deposits exceeds 10%.  Reciprocal deposit arrangements like CDARS® were treated as brokered deposits for Risk Category II, III and IV institutions but not for institutions in Risk Category I.  An institution’s base assessment rate would also be increased if an institution’s ratio of secured liabilities (including FHLB advances and repurchase agreements) to deposits exceeds 25%.  The maximum adjustment for secured liabilities for institutions in Risk Categories I, II, III and IV would be 8, 11, 16 and 22.5 basis points, respectively, provided that the adjustment may not increase an institution’s base assessment rate by more than 50%.

27

The FDIC imposed a special assessment equal to five basis points of assets less Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009, payable on September 30, 2009, and reserved the right to impose additional special assessments.  In November, 2009, instead of imposing additional special assessments, the FDIC amended the assessment regulations to require all insured depository institutions to prepay their estimated risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012 on December 30, 2009.  For purposes of estimating the future assessments, each institution’s base assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 was used, assuming a 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base and a 3 basis point increase in the assessment rate in 2011 and 2012.  The prepaid assessment will be applied against actual quarterly assessments until exhausted.  Any funds remaining after June 30, 2013 will be returned to the institution.  If the prepayment would impair an institution’s liquidity or otherwise create significant hardship, it may apply for an exemption.  Requiring this prepaid assessment does not preclude the FDIC from changing assessment rates or from further revising the risk-based assessment system.

In addition to the deposit insurance assessments, all FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay special assessments to the FDIC to fund the repayment of debt obligations of the Financing Corporation (FICO), a government-sponsored entity that was formed in 1987 to recapitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation.  At December 31, 2009, the annualized rate established by the FDIC for the FICO assessment was 1.60 basis points per $100 of insured deposits.  These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017.

Regulatory Capital Requirements.  OTS capital regulations require savings institutions to meet three capital standards:  (1) tangible capital equal to 1.5% of adjusted total assets, (2) Tier 1, or “core,” capital equal to at least 4% (3% if the institution has received the highest rating, “composite 1 CAMELS,” on its most recent examination) of adjusted total assets, and (3) risk-based capital equal to 8% of total risk-weighted assets.

Tangible capital is defined as core capital less all intangible assets (including supervisory goodwill), less certain mortgage servicing rights and less certain investments.  Core capital is defined as common stockholders’ equity (including retained earnings), noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, certain nonwithdrawable accounts and pledged deposits of mutual savings associations and qualifying supervisory goodwill, less nonqualifying intangible assets, certain mortgage servicing rights, certain investments and unrealized gains and losses on certain available-for-sale securities.

28

The risk-based capital standard for savings institutions requires the maintenance of total risk-based capital (which is defined as core capital plus supplementary capital) of 8% of risk-weighted assets.  The components of supplementary capital include, among other items, cumulative perpetual preferred stock, perpetual subordinated debt, mandatory convertible subordinated debt, intermediate-term preferred stock, and the portion of the allowance for loan losses not designated for specific loan losses (up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets) and up to 45% of unrealized gains on equity securities. Overall, supplementary capital is limited to 100% of core capital.  A savings association must calculate its risk-weighted assets by multiplying each asset and off-balance sheet item by various risk factors as determined by the OTS, which range from 0% for cash to 100% for delinquent loans, property acquired through foreclosure, commercial loans, and other assets.

Dividend and Other Capital Distribution Limitations.  The OTS imposes various restrictions or requirements on the ability of savings institutions to make capital distributions including cash dividends.

A savings association that is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, such as the Banks, must file an application or a notice with the OTS at least 30 days before making a capital distribution.  A savings association is not required to file an application for permission to make a capital distribution and need only file a notice if the following conditions are met: (1) it is eligible for expedited treatment under OTS regulations, (2) it would remain adequately capitalized after the distribution, (3) the annual amount of its capital distributions does not exceed net income for that year to date added to retained net income for the two preceding years, and (4) the capital distribution would not violate any agreements between the OTS and the savings association or any OTS regulations.  Any other situation would require an application to the OTS.

In addition, the OTS could prohibit a proposed capital distribution if, after making the distribution, which would otherwise be permitted by the regulation, the OTS determines that the distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

A federal savings institution is prohibited from making a capital distribution if, after making the distribution, the institution would be unable to meet any one of its minimum regulatory capital requirements.  Further, a federal savings institution cannot distribute regulatory capital that is needed for its liquidation account.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test.  Savings institutions must meet a qualified thrift lender (“QTL”) test or they become subject to the business activity restrictions and branching rules applicable to national banks.  To qualify as a QTL, a savings institution must either (i) be deemed a “domestic building and loan association” under the Internal Revenue Code by maintaining at least 60% of its total assets in specified types of assets, including cash, certain government securities, loans secured by and other assets related to residential real property, educational loans and investments in premises of the institution or (ii) satisfy the statutory QTL test set forth in the Home Owners’ Loan Act by maintaining at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” in certain “Qualified Thrift Investments” (defined to include residential mortgages and related equity investments, certain mortgage-related securities, small business loans, student loans and credit card loans, and 50% of certain community development loans).  For purposes of the statutory QTL test, portfolio assets are defined as total assets minus intangible assets, property used by the institution in conducting its business, and liquid assets up to 20% of total assets.  A savings institution must maintain its status as a QTL on a monthly basis in at least nine out of every 12 months.  As of December 31, 2009, the Banks were in compliance with their QTL requirement.

Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLBNY).  Roma Bank is a member of  the FHLBNY, which is one of 12 regional FHLBs that administer the home financing credit function of savings associations.  Each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region.  It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System.  It makes loans to members (i.e., advances) in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors of the FHLB.

29

As a member, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the FHLB of New York in an amount equal to the greater of 1% of its aggregate unpaid residential mortgage loans, home purchase contracts or similar obligations at the beginning of each year, or 5% of its outstanding advances.

Federal Reserve System.  The Federal Reserve System 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 deposits.  The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System may be used to satisfy the liquidity requirements that are imposed by the OTS.  At December 31, 2009, the Banks were in compliance with these requirements.

On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) was signed into law. The EESA authorizes the U.S. Treasury to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgages, mortgage-backed securities, and certain other financial instruments from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets.  The Company did not originate or invest in sub-prime assets and, therefore, does not expect to participate in the sale of any of our assets into these programs.  EESA also increased the FDIC deposit insurance limit for most accounts from $100,000 to $250,000 through December 31, 2013.
 

On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced that it will purchase equity stakes in a wide variety of banks and thrifts.  Under this program, known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program (the “TARP Capital Purchase Program”), the U.S. Treasury will make $250 billion of capital available (from the $700 billion authorized by the EESA) to U.S. financial institutions in the form of preferred stock.  In conjunction with the purchase of preferred stock, the U.S. Treasury will receive warrants to purchase common stock with an aggregate market price equal to 15% of the preferred investment.  Participating financial institutions will be required to adopt the U.S. Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the Treasury holds equity issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program, as well as the more stringent executive compensation limits enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “ARRA” or “Stimulus Bill”), which was signed into law on February 17, 2009. The Company did not apply for any funds under the TARP Capital Purchase Program.
 


 
30

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following is a summary of the material risks related to an investment in the Company’s securities.

Difficult market conditions and economic trends have adversely affected our industry and our business.

We are particularly exposed to downturns in the U. S. housing market.  Dramatic declines in the housing market over the past two years, with decreasing home prices and increasing delinquencies and foreclosures, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage and construction loans and resulted in significant write-downs of assets by many financial institutions.  In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many loans have declined and may continue to decline.  General downward economic trends, reduced availability of commercial credit and increasing unemployment have negatively impacted the credit performance of commercial and consumer credit, resulting in additional write-downs.  Concerns over the stability of the financial markets and the economy have resulted in decreased lending by financial institutions to their customers and to each other.  This market turmoil and tightening of credit has led to increased commercial and consumer deficiencies, lack of customer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction in general business activity.  Competition among depository institutions for deposits has increased significantly. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and businesses and the lack of confidence in the financial markets may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.  We do not expect that the difficult market conditions will improve in the near future.  A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and others in the industry.  In particular, we may face the following risks in connection with these events:

 
••  
We expect to face increased regulation of our industry.  Compliance with such regulation may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.
 
••  
Our ability to assess the creditworthiness of customers and to estimate the losses inherent in our credit exposure is made more complex by these difficult market and economic conditions.

••  
Regulatory change may affect our dividend exclusion, MHC structure and Thrift Charter.

••  
We also may be required to pay even higher Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums than the recently increased level, because financial institution failures resulting from the depressed market conditions have depleted and may continue to deplete the deposit insurance fund and reduce its ratio of reserves to insured deposits.

••  
Our ability to borrow from other financial institutions or the Federal Home Loan Bank on favorable terms or at all could be adversely affected by further disruptions in the capital markets or other events.
 
••  
We may experience a decrease in dividend income from our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock.

••  
We may experience increases in foreclosures, delinquencies and customer bankruptcies, as well as more restricted access to funds.

31

••  
We may experience losses as a result of declines in value of our investment portfolio that may be other than temporary.

 
Recent legislative and regulatory initiatives to address difficult market and economic conditions may not stabilize the U.S. economy or the U.S. banking system.
 
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) authorizes Treasury to purchase from financial institutions and their holding companies up to $700 billion in mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities and certain other financial instruments, including debt and equity securities issued by financial institutions and their holding companies, under a troubled asset relief program, or “TARP.”  The purpose of TARP is to restore confidence and stability to the U.S. banking system and to encourage financial institutions to increase their lending to customers and to each other. The Treasury has allocated $250 billion towards the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  Under the TARP Capital Purchase Program, Treasury is purchasing equity securities from participating institutions.  The EESA also increased federal deposit insurance on most deposit accounts from $100,000 to $250,000.  This increase is in place until the end of 2013 and is not covered by deposit insurance premiums paid by the banking industry.
 
The EESA followed, and has been followed by, numerous actions by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. Congress, Treasury, the FDIC, the SEC and others to address the current liquidity and credit crisis that has followed the sub-prime meltdown that commenced in 2007. These measures include homeowner relief that encourage loan restructuring and modification; the establishment of significant liquidity and credit facilities for financial institutions and investment banks; the lowering of the federal funds rate; emergency action against short selling practices; a temporary guaranty program for money market funds; the establishment of a commercial paper funding facility to provide back-stop liquidity to commercial paper issuers; and coordinated international efforts to address illiquidity and other weaknesses in the banking sector.  Most recently, on February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) was signed into law.  ARRA, more commonly known as the economic stimulus bill or economic recovery package, is intended to stimulate the economy and provides for broad infrastructure, education and health spending.  The purpose of these legislative and regulatory actions is to stabilize the U.S. economy and the U.S. banking system.  The EESA and the other regulatory initiatives described above may not have their desired effects.  If the volatility in the markets continues and economic conditions fail to improve or worsen, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
On October 14, 2008, the FDIC announced the establishment of a temporary liquidity guarantee program to provide full deposit insurance for all non-interest bearing transaction accounts and guarantees of certain newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by FDIC-insured institutions and their holding companies.  Insured institutions were automatically covered by this program from October 14, 2008 until December 5, 2008, unless they opted out prior to that date.  Under the program, the FDIC will guarantee timely payment of newly issued senior unsecured debt issued on or before June 30, 2009.  The debt includes all newly issued unsecured senior debt including promissory notes, commercial paper and inter-bank funding.  The aggregate coverage for an institution may not exceed 125% of its debt outstanding on September 30, 2008 that was scheduled to mature before June 30, 2009, or, for certain insured institutions, 2% of liabilities as of September 30, 2008.  The guarantee will extend to June 30, 2012, even if the maturity of the debt is after that date.
 
The purpose of these legislative and regulatory actions is to stabilize the U.S. banking system. The EESA and the other regulatory initiatives described above may not have their desired effects. If the volatility in the markets continues and economic conditions fail to improve or worsen, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
 
32

Current levels of market volatility are unprecedented.
 
The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for more than a year.  In recent months, the volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels.  In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength.  If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an adverse effect, which may be material, on our ability to access capital and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We realize income primarily from the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and interest paid on deposits and borrowings, and changes in interest rates may adversely affect our net interest rate spread and net interest margin, which will hurt our earnings.

We derive our income mainly from the difference or “spread” between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets, and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities.  In general, the larger the spread, the more we earn.  When market rates of interest change, the interest we receive on our assets and the interest we pay on our liabilities will fluctuate.  This can cause decreases in our spread and can adversely affect our income.

Market interest rates were in recent years at historically low levels.  However, beginning in June 2004 through June 2007 the U.S. Federal Reserve  increased its target federal funds rate. However, in the last two quarters of 2007 and in all four quarters of 2008 rates were dropped and in 2009 remained constant.  While the federal funds rate and other short-term market interest rates, which we use as a guide to our deposit pricing, have decreased, the market has not responded correspondingly. The effect is the narrowing of in the interest spread between deposit rates and the rates at which we lend.

Interest rates also affect how much money we can lend.  For example, when interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases and loan originations tend to decrease.  In addition, changes in interest rates can affect the average life of loans and investment securities.  A reduction in interest rates generally results in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities, as borrowers refinance their debt in order to reduce their borrowing cost.  This causes reinvestment risk, because we generally are not able to reinvest prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates we earned on the prepaid loans or securities. A falling rate environment would result in a decrease in rates we pay on deposits and borrowings, but the decrease in the cost of our funds may not be as great as the decrease in the yields on our loan portfolio and mortgage-backed securities and loan portfolios.  This could cause a narrowing of our net interest rate spread and could cause a decrease in our earnings. Changes in market interest rates could also reduce the value of our financial assets.  If we are unsuccessful in managing the effects of changes in interest rates, our financial condition and results of operations could suffer.

If we experience loan losses in excess of our allowance, our earnings will be adversely affected.

The risk of credit losses on loans varies with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the value and marketability of the collateral for the loan.  Management maintains an allowance for loan losses based upon historical experience, an evaluation of economic conditions and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality.  If management’s assumptions and judgments about the ultimate collectability of the loan portfolio prove to be incorrect and the allowance for loan losses is inadequate to absorb future losses or if we are required to make material additions to the allowance, our earnings and capital could be significantly and adversely affected.  At December 31, 2009, our allowance for loan losses was $5.2 million, representing 0.88% of outstanding loans and 35.40% of non-performing loans.

33

A portion of our total loan portfolio consists of commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans and construction loans, and we intend to grow this part of the loan portfolio.  The repayment risk related to these types of loans is considered to be greater than the risk related to one- to four-family residential loans.

At December 31, 2009, our loan portfolio included $172.3 million of commercial and multi-family real estate loans and $12.3 million of commercial business loans, together amounting to 30.9% of our total loan portfolio, and $26.1 million of construction loans, representing 4.4% of our total loan portfolio.  Unlike single family residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income, and which are secured by real property with values that tend to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans typically are made on the basis of  borrowers’ ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrowers’ business. The repayment of construction loans for residential and commercial land acquisition and development, including loans to builders and developers, is dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate construction project.  In addition, commercial loans and construction loans to builders and developers generally result in larger balances to single borrowers, or related groups of borrowers, than one- to four-family loans.

In addition, the growth of our aggregate commercial and multi-family real estate and commercial business loans and construction loans from $6.9 million at December 31, 2001 to $210.7 million at December 31, 2009 means that a large portion of this portfolio is unseasoned.  Relatively new loans that are “unseasoned,” are considered to pose a potentially greater repayment risk than more mature loans because they generally do not have sufficient repayment history to indicate the likelihood of repayment in accordance with their terms.

Strong competition within our market area may limit our growth and profitability.

Competition in the banking and financial services industry in New Jersey is intense.  Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we do and offer services that we do not or cannot provide.  Price competition for loans might result in us originating fewer loans, or earning less on our loans, and price competition for deposits might result in a decrease in our total deposits or higher rates on our deposits.  Our deposit market share in Mercer County, New Jersey, where nine of our fourteen offices are located, was 3.03% at June 30, 2009, the latest date for which market share information is available.  In Burlington, New Jersey, where three of our fourteen offices are located, our market share was .84% at June 30, 2009.  The latest date for which market share was available.

Our business is geographically concentrated in New Jersey, and a downturn in conditions in the state could have an adverse impact on our profitability.

A substantial majority of our loans are to individuals and businesses in New Jersey.  Any decline in the economy of the state could have an adverse impact on our earnings.  Adverse changes in the economy may also have a negative effect on the ability of our borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans.  Additionally, because we have a significant amount of real estate loans, decreases in local real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral.  If we are required to liquidate a significant amount of collateral during a period of reduced real estate values to satisfy the debt, our earnings and capital could be adversely affected.

34

We intend to actively consider opportunities for de novo branching.  Costs related to expansion plans may negatively impact earnings in future periods.

We opened our new main office in Robbinsville, New Jersey in 2005, a new branch office in Plumsted, New Jersey in the first quarter of 2007, and two new branch offices in January  2008 in Whiting and Bordentown, New Jersey, our Hopewell branch in the spring of 2008 and our Columbus and Lawrenceville branches in the early fall of 2008. We do not currently have any new branches planned.  Expenses related to the planned expansion of our operations through de novo branching or the acquisition of branches or other financial institutions could adversely impact earnings in future periods.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision, our chartering authority, and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as insurer of our deposits.  As a federally chartered holding company, the Company is subject to regulation and oversight by the Office of Thrift Supervision.  Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which an institution and its holding companies may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors.  Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of an institution, the classification of assets by the institution and the adequacy of an institution’s allowance for loan losses.  Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, including changes in the regulations governing mutual holding companies, could have a material impact on us and our operations.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2.  Properties

At December 31, 2009, our net investment in property and equipment totaled $39.1 million, including land held for future development and construction in progress.

The following table sets forth the location of our main office and branch offices, the year each office was opened and the net book value of each office.

 
35

 

 
Year Facility
Leased or
Net Book Value at
 
Office Location
Opened
Owned
December 31, 2009
 
     
(In thousands)
 
         
Corporate Headquarters and
Robbinsville Town Center Office:
2300 Route 33
Robbinsville, NJ
2005
Owned
$    12,564
 
Chambersburg Office:
485 Hamilton Avenue
Trenton, NJ
1962
Owned
           403
 
Mercerville Office:
500 Route 33
Hamilton, NJ
1971
Owned
           759
 
Yardville Office:
4500 South Broad Street
Hamilton, NJ
1984
Owned
           815
 
West Trenton Office:
79 West Upper Ferry Road
West Trenton, NJ
1986
Owned
           902
 
Hamilton Center City Office:
1155 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road
Hamilton, NJ
1991
Owned
        4,136
 
South Trenton Office:
1450 South Broad Street
Trenton, NJ
1993
Owned
           837
 
Florence Township Office
2150 Route 130 North
Florence Township
Burlington, NJ
2003
Owned
        2,367
 
Plumsted Office
400 Route 539
Cream Ridge,  NJ
2007
Owned
        2,641
 
Bordentown Office
213 Route 130
Bordentown, NJ 08505
2008
Leased
           538
 
Whiting Office
451 Lacey Road
Whiting, NJ 08759
2008
Leased
         1,612
 
Hopewell Office
84 route 31, Suite 101
Hopewell, NJ 08534
2008
Leased
            633
 
Columbus Office
23201 Columbus Road
Columbus, NJ 08022
2008
Leased
         1,373
 
Lawrenceville Office
160 Lawrenceville-Pennington Road,  Suite 14
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
2008
Leased
            281
 
RomAsia Bank                
4287 Rt. 1 South
Monmouth Jct., NJ 08852
2008
Owned*
         3,243
 

*Owned by Roma Financial Corporation leased to RomAsia Bank.


 
36

 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

The Banks, from time to time, are party to routine litigation which arise in the normal course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which we hold security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to our business.  There were no lawsuits pending or known to be contemplated against the Company, the Banks or  subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 that would have a material effect on our operations or income.

Item 4.

    Reserved.
PART II

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

Upon completion of the Company’s minority stock offering in July 2006, the Company’s common stock commenced trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ROMA”. The table below shows the reported high and low closing prices of common stock and dividends paid during the periods indicated.

Quarters Ended
High
Low
Dividends
       
March 31, 2008
$     15.72
$     12.75
$.08
       
June 30, 2008
$     15.92
$     13.10
$.08
       
September 30, 2008
$     16.25
$     12.60
$.08
       
December 31, 2008
$     15.69
$     12.41
$.08

March 31, 2009
$     13.27
$      9.70
$.08
       
June 30, 2009
$     14.05
$     11.58
$.08
       
September 30, 2009
$     13.43
$     11.69
$.08
       
December 31, 2009
$     13.19
$     11.74
$.08
       

Declarations of dividends by the Board of Directors depend on a number of factors, including investment opportunities, growth objectives, financial condition, profitability, tax considerations, minimum capital requirements, regulatory limitations, stock market characteristics and general economic conditions. The timing, frequency and amount of dividends is determined by the Board.

As of March 1, 2008, there were approximately 4,157 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock, including brokerage firms, banks and registered clearing agents acting as nominees for an indeterminate number of beneficial owners.

On August 9, 2007, the Company announced a ten percent open market stock repurchase plan, equivalent to 981,956 shares, based on stock availability, price and the Company’s financial performance. The repurchase was completed on August 27, 2007. A new stock repurchase plan for five  percent of the then outstanding shares, equivalent to 441,880 shares, was announced on October 24, 2007 and completed on March 18, 2008. A second repurchase plan of five percent of the then outstanding shares, equivalent to 419,786 shares, was announced on August 1, 2008 and completed on November 21, 2008.

37

Set forth below is a stock performance graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s common stock with (a) the cumulative total shareholder return on stocks included in the NASDAQ Composite Index and (b) the cumulative total shareholder return on stocks included in the SNL MHC Index, in each case assuming an investment of $100 as of July 12, 2006 (the date the Company’s common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market following the closing of the Company’s initial public stock offering). The cumulative total returns for the indices and the Company are computed assuming the reinvestment of dividends that were paid during the period. It is assumed that the investment in the Company’s common stock was made at the initial public offering price of $10.00 per share.

 
ROMA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

  Period Ending 
Index
07/12/06
12/31/06
12/31/07
12/31/08
12/31/09
Roma Financial Corporation
100.00
117.45
112.46
92.15
92.88
NASDAQ Composite
100.00
115.55
126.89
75.45
108.56
SNL Thrift MHCs
100.00
123.34
108.43
113.75
102.42
           


 
38

 


The NASDAQ Composite Index measures all domestic and international based common type stocks listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The SNL MHC Index was prepared by SNL Securities, LC, Charlottesville, Virginia and includes all publicly traded mutual holding companies.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s future stock performance will be the same or similar to the historical stock performance shown in the graph above. The Company neither makes nor endorses any predictions as to stock performance.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

The following financial information and other data in this section is derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and should be read together therewith.
 
   At December 31,
 
2009
 2008
2007
2006
2005
Balance Sheet Data:
(In thousands)
           
   Total assets
$1,312,001
$1,077,095
$ 907,114
$ 875,533
$ 797,760
   Loans receivable, net
585,759
520,406
458,873
420,382
378,708
   Mortgage backed securities
       held to maturity
 
248,426
 
301,878
 
144,099
 
144,480
 
150,101
   Securities available for sale
30,144
17,000
17,238
19,331
15,514
   Investment securities held to maturity
305,349
74,115
127,706
169,927
173,078
   Cash and cash equivalents
50,895
80,419
95,302
64,701
28,089
   Goodwill
572
572
572
572
572
   Deposits
1,015,755
764,233
651,030
625,972
643,813
   Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
24,826
46,929
28,940
7,863
9,702
   Securities sold under agreement to
       repurchase
 
40,000
 
40,000
 
-
 
-
 
-
   Total stockholders’ equity
216,220
213,016
218,303
234,654
138,658


 
39

 

 
   
Year Ending December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Summary of Operations:
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
                               
   Interest income
  $ 54,813     $ 48,095     $ 45,769     $ 40,869     $ 34,632  
   Interest expense
    21,683       19,720       17,783       15,190       10,901  
        Net interest income
    33,130       28,375       27,986       25,679       23,731  
   Provision for loan losses
    3,280       787       492       291       128  
   Net interest income after provision for
        loan losses
     29,850        27,588        27,494        25,388        23,603  
   Non-interest income
    2,804       4,229       4,060       3,460       2,916  
   Non-interest expense
    29,012       25,120       20,327       21,206       15,132  
   Income before income taxes
    3,642       6,697       11,227       7,642       11,387  
   Provisions for income taxes
    1,035       2,190       4,134       2,394       3,852  
   Net income before noncontrolling interests
    2,607       4,507       7,093       5,248       7,535  
   Noncontrolling interests
    8       161       123       -       -  
   Net Income
  $ 2,615     $ 4,668     $ 7,216     $ 5,248     $ 7,535  
   Net income per share –
        basic and diluted
  $  0.09     $  0.15     $  0.23     $  0.19     $  0.33  
 
  Dividends per share
  $  0.32     $  0.32     $  0.24     $  0.00     $  0.00  
   Weighted number of common
        shares outstanding
     30,680        30,584        31,563        27,305        22,584  

 
40

 
 
 
At December 31,
 
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Performance Ratios:
(In thousands)
           
   Return on average assets (net income
    divided by average total assets
 
0.22%
 
0.48%
 
0.82%
 
0.62%
 
0.99%
   Return on average equity (net income
    divided by average equity)
 
1.23
 
2.15
 
3.12
 
2.89
 
5.55
   Net interest rate spread
3.46
2.67
2.71
2.78
3.09
   Net interest margin on average
     interest-earning assets
 
2.94
 
3.18
 
3.42
 
3.28
 
3.36
   Average interest-earning assets to average
    interest-bearing liabilities
 
1.19x
 
1.23x
 
1.33x
 
1.24x
 
1.17x
   Efficiency ratio (Non-interest expenses
    divided by the sum of net interest
    income and non-interest income)

89.56%


78.95% 


63.43% 
 
 
72.78% 


55.71% 
  Non-interest expense to average assets
2.57
2.81  
2.30
2.52
1.91
           
Asset Quality Ratios:
         
   Non-performing loans to total loans
2.48
1.95  
1.46
0.08
0.17
   Non-performing assets to total assets
1.27
0.96  
0.76
0.04
0.08
   Net charge-offs to average loans
         outstanding
 
0.05
 
0.03  
 
0.01
 
-
 
-
   Allowance for loan losses to total loans
0.88
0.42  
0.34
0.27
0.23
   Allowance for loan losses to
         non-performing loans
 
35.4
 
21.42  
 
23.25
 
322.04
 
134.25
           
Capital Ratios:
         
   Average equity to average assets
         (average equity divided by average
         total assets)
 
 
17.50 
 
 
22.37  
 
 
26.19
 
 
21.53
 
 
17.90
   Equity to assets at period end
16.48 
19.62  
24.07
26.80
17.38
   Tangible equity to tangible assets
        at period end
 
15.75 
 
18.25  
 
24.01
 
26.91
 
17.22
           
Number of Offices:
         
   Offices
15 
15  
11
9
8

 
41

 

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

General

This discussion and analysis reflects the Company’s consolidated financial statements and other relevant statistical data. We include it to enhance your understanding of our financial condition and results of operation. You should read the information in this section in conjunction with Roma Financial Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other statistical data provided herein.

Overview

Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  The Company results of operations depend primarily on its net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earnings assets and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. It is a function of the average balances of loans and investments versus average balances of deposits and borrowed funds outstanding in any one period and the yields earned on those loans and investments and the cost of those deposits and borrowed funds.

Our interest-earning assets primarily consist of loans, mortgage-backed securities and investment securities. At December 31, 2009, net loans comprised 44.6% of our total assets and our securities portfolio comprised 44.5% of our total assets. The most significant change in interest-earning assets from the prior year was a $70.9 million, or 14.8%, increase in the average balance of loans receivable, net from $480.5 million at December 31, 2008, to $551.4 million at December 31, 2009. At year end, actual loans receivable, net, totaled $585.7 million. During 2009 and 2008, a key goal of management was growth in the loan portfolio, particularly multi-family and commercial real estate loans. Multi-family and commercial real estate loans increased by 37.0%, or $49.9 million, from 2008 to 2009, and 60.1%, or $48.4 million, from 2007 to 2008.

During 2009, the amount of securities held to maturity increased as agency calls slowed from the 2008 pace, and reinvestment in agencies rather than mortgage-backed securities were at a favorable rate and price.

Our interest-bearing liabilities consist primarily of retail deposits, borrowings from the FHLBNY, and, securities sold under agreements to repurchase.  At December 31, 2009, our total deposits were $1.0 billion, compared to $764.2 million at December 31, 2008. Our borrowings from the FHLBNY were $24.8 million compared to $46.9 million a year earlier. In December 2008, Roma Bank borrowed $20.0 million for the FHLBNY in the form of an overnight advance. This advance was repaid in the first quarter of 2009. The $251.1 million, or 32.9%, increase in deposits was both in savings and certificates of deposits which increased as a percent of total deposits by .2% and 2.3% respectively.  Management continued to be challenged during 2009 to maintain competitive deposit rates, while containing the cost of funds.

Our net interest income increased 16.8% to $33.1 million in 2009, from $28.4 million in 2008. The net interest spread decreased to 2.56% from 2.62% in 2008, as the average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased 45 basis points, while the yield on interest-earning assets declined 51 basis points. For 2009, the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.30% and the average yield on interest-earning assets was 4.86%. Total interest income increased 14.0%, due to a 25.9% increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets, but was offset by a 51 basis point decrease in average yield. Interest expense increased 9.9%, with an 11.0% increase in average interest bearing liabilities, but benefitted from  a 45 basis point decline in the cost of interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income increased 16.8%.


 
42

 

Our results of operations are also influenced by our provisions for loan losses, non-interest income and non-interest expense. Non-interest income includes service fees and charges, including income generated by the Banks’ retail branch networks and operations, income from bank-owned life insurance, and title insurance revenue from our title agency subsidiary. Non-interest expense includes salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expenses and other general and administrative expenses.

Non-interest income decreased $1.4 million to $2.8 million in 2009, compared to $4.2 million in 2008. The decrease was primarily due to an impairment loss on an available for sale security of $2.2 million, which was offset  an increase in bank owned life insurance income and gain on sale of investments. Non-interest expense includes salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expenses and other general and administrative expenses. Non-interest expense increased by $3.9 million, or 15.5% to $29.0 million in 2009, compared to $25.1 million in 2008. The increase was primarily due to a $1.4 million increase in salaries and benefits, and an increase of $1.6 million in Federal Deposit Insurance premiums.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $2.6 million, a decrease of $2.0 million or 44.0% from $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to increased provisions for loan losses, the increase in Federal Deposit Insurance premiums, and the loss on other-than- temporary impairment.

Total assets increased $234.9 million, or 21.8%, to $1.3 billion, from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2008. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $29.5 million from year to year as cash was deployed into loans and investments held to maturity.  Loans receivable, net, increased $65.4 million, investments held to maturity increased $231.2 million, while mortgage backed securities decreased $53.4 million  at December 31, 2009, as compared to December 31, 2008.

Stockholders’ equity increased $3.2 million, or 1.5%, to $216.2 million at December 31, 2009.
 
 Business Strategy. Our current business strategy is to seek growth and improve profitability by:

•  
Increasing the volume of loan originations and the size of our loan portfolio relative to our securities portfolio;

•  
Increasing originations of multi-family and commercial real estate loans, construction loans, and commercial business loans;

•  
Building core banking business through internal growth and growing our branches, and de novo bank, and judiciously considering expansion through acquisition opportunities.

•  
Developing a sales culture by training and encouraging branch personnel to promote existing products and services to our customers; and

•  
Maintaining high asset quality.

Historically, our deposits have exceeded our residential loan originations, and we have invested those deposits primarily in mortgage-backed securities and investment securities. Over the last few years we have focused on building a non-residential loan portfolio.

 
43

 


Critical Accounting Policies

Our accounting policies are integral to understanding the results reported and are described in detail in Note 1 to consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the consolidated statements of financial condition and income for the periods then ended. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes relate primarily to the determination of the allowance for loan losses.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses represents our best estimate of losses known and inherent in our loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonable to estimate. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we consider the losses inherent in our loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of our loan activities, along with general economic and real estate market conditions. We utilize a segmented approach which identifies: (1) impaired loans for which specific reserves are established; (2) classified loans for which a higher allowance is established; and (3) performing loans for which a general valuation allowance is established. We maintain a loan review system which provides for a systematic review of the loan portfolios and the early identification of impaired loans. The review of residential real estate and home equity consumer loans, as well as other more complex loans, is triggered by identified evaluation factors, including delinquency status, size of loan, type of collateral and the financial condition of the borrower. All commercial loans are evaluated individually for impairment. Specific loan loss allowances are established for impaired loans based on a review of such information and/or appraisals of the underlying collateral. General loan loss allowances are based upon a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loan loss experience, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and management’s judgment.

Although specific and general loan loss allowances are established in accordance with management’s best estimate, actual losses are dependent upon future events, and as such, further provisions for loan losses may be necessary in order to increase the level of the allowance for loan losses. For example, our evaluation of the allowance includes consideration of current economic conditions, and a change in economic conditions could reduce the ability of borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans. This could result in increased delinquencies and increased non-performing loans, and thus a need to make increased provisions to the allowance for loan losses. Any such increase in provisions would result in a reduction to our earnings. A change in economic conditions could also adversely affect the value of properties collateralizing real estate loans, resulting in increased charges against the allowance and reduced recoveries, and require increased provisions to the allowance for loan losses. Furthermore, a change in the composition, or growth, of our loan portfolio’s could result in the need for additional provisions.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

General.  Our total assets increased by $234.9 million, or 21.8%, to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2009 compared to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2008, primarily due to an increase in held to maturity securities and loans receivable net, offset by a decrease in mortgage backed securities held to maturity and cash and cash equivalents. Our asset growth was fueled by record deposit growth.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased $29.5 million, or 36.7%, to $50.9 million at December 31, 2009 from $80.4 million at December 31, 2008. Cash was primarily deployed into loans and held to maturity securities.

44

Securities available for sale.  The carrying value of securities available for sale increased $13.1 million, or 77.3%, to $30.1 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $17.0 million for the prior year. The increase was primarily due to purchases in the available for sale category by RomAsia Bank.

Investment securities held to maturity.  Investment securities held to maturity increased $231.2 million, or 312.0%, to $305.3 million at December 31, 2009 from $74.1 million at December 31, 2008. The increase in the investments held to maturity portfolio was primarily due to the purchase of more securities in this category as the yields were higher and the price points were more attractive than mortgage-backed securities held for maturity. The weighted yield of the portfolio at December 31, 2009 was 5.26%.

Mortgage-backed securities.  Mortgage-backed securities decreased $53.5 million, or 17.7%, to $248.4 million at December 31, 2009, from $301.9 million at December 31, 2007. The average yield on mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2009 was 5.16%, compared to 5.16% at December 31, 2008.

Loans.  Loans receivable, net, increased $65.4 million, or 12.6%, to $585.8 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $520.4 million at December 31, 2008. Conventional one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $21.0 million, or 9.2%, to $251.9 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $230.9 million the prior year. Loans in this category increased primarily because of the lower rate environment and the refinance boom. Mortgage volume for the second year continued to be low. However, in the first few weeks of 2009, as rates dropped, we experienced a demand for refinancing from both existing customers and customers new to the Banks.  Commercial and multi-family mortgages, construction and commercial loans increased, in the aggregate, $47.2 million, or 28.8%, to $210.8 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $163.6 million at December 31, 2008. This was the third year that commercial and multi-family mortgages, construction and commercial loans, in the aggregate, had growth in excess of 20%. Home equity and consumer loans decreased $6 million, or 2.7%, to $134.2 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $134.8 million at December 31, 2008. Demand for equity and consumer loans remained slow in 2009.

Premises and equipment.  Premises and equipment decreased $.9 million, or 2.2%, to $39.1 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $40.0 million in the prior year. During 2009, Roma Bank did not expand its branch network. This minimal decrease was primarily due to the significantly lower capital expenditures then in 2008, and depreciation. Roma Bank also holds a 50% interest in a variable interest entity which owns real estate which is listed separately on the balance sheet as real estate owned via equity investment.

Bank Owned Life Insurance.  Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) increased $973 thousand to $24.3 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $23.3 million the prior year. In December of 2008, Roma  Bank invested an additional $3.7 million in BOLI policies.

Real Estate Owned.  Real estate owned increased $1.9 million to $1.9 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $68 thousand at December 31, 2008. Late in the fourth quarter 2009, Roma Bank took into real estate owned two commercial real estate properties that had been in the foreclosure process for the past two years.  It is the present intent of the Bank to sell both properties. One property has an existing tenant who continues to pay. The other property, is seasonal in nature, and if not sold beforehand, will generate income during the late spring and summer.

Other assets.  Other assets increased $5.1 million to $12.5 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $7.4 million a year earlier. The increase was primarily a result of an increase of $3.9 million associated with the required prepayment of federal deposit insurance premiums for the years 2010 to 2012 and an increase of $2.4 million in deferred taxes. Decreases in prepaid federal tax and items held in suspense lowered the overall increase.

45

Deposits.  Deposits increased by $251.5 million, or 32.9%, to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2009, compared to $764.2 million at December 31, 2008. Non-interest bearing checking increased $4.6 million, or 16.4%, to $32.5 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $27.9 million at December 31, 2008. Interest-bearing checking accounts, increased $29.7 million or 29.8%, to $129.5 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $99.8 million at December 31, 2008. The weighted average interest rate of total checking accounts, including both interest-bearing and non-interest bearing was .25% at December 31, 2009, compared to .42% the prior year. Savings and club accounts increased $71.6 million, or 35.3%, to $275.6 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $204.0 million at December 31, 2008. The weighted average interest rate of savings and club accounts at December 31, 2009 was .91% compared to 1.21% in the prior year end. Certificates of deposit increased $145.3 million, or 33.6%, to $577.8 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $432.5 million at December 31, 2008. The weighted average interest rate of certificates of deposit decreased 116 basis points to 2.47% at December 31, 2009, compared to 3.63% at the prior year end. The weighted average interest rate on total deposits decreased 40 basis points to 2.04% at December 31, 2009 compared to 2.04% at the prior year. The consolidated deposits include deposits of RomAsia Bank totaling $71.6 million at December 31, 2009 and $37.5 million at December 31, 2008.  Competition in our marketplace for deposits continued to be a challenge during 2009.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances.  Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) advances decreased $22.1 million to $24.8 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $46.9 million at December 31, 2008. In December 2008, the Company borrowed $20.0 million from the FHLBNY in overnight advances. The proceeds were invested in overnights funds. This advance was repaid in the first quarter of 2009. The Company has an additional advance with principal and interest payable at 4.49% maturing in September 2010 with a balance at December 31, 2009 of $1.8 million compared to $3.9 million at December 31, 2008. The Company also has a $23.0 advance with the FHLBNY for ten years, with a three year call, at 3.9% interest, with interest paid quarterly.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase. In August  2008 the Company entered into an agreement to sell securities under agreement to repurchase in the amount of $40.0 million.  The maturities and respective interest rates are as follows: $10.0 million maturing in 2015 with a two year call at 3.22%; $20.0 million maturing in 2018, with a three year call at 3.51%; and, $10.0 million maturing in 2018, with a five year call at 3.955%.  The agreement is collateralized by securities described in the underlying agreement which are held in safekeeping at the FHLBNY.

Other Liabilities.  Other liabilities increased $2.0 million to $12.5 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $10.5 million at December 31, 2008. The increase was primarily due to a commitment to purchase a security of $1.0 million that had not settled at December 31, 2009, and an increase in certified checks of $1.4 million, reduced by small decreases in several areas

Stockholders’ Equity.  Stockholders’ equity increased $3.2 million, or 1.5%, to $216.2 million at December 31, 2009. The increased equity was primarily a result of net income and decreased in other comprehensive income, offset by dividends paid to minority shareholders.


 
46

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $2.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million, or 44.0%, from $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to increased provisions for loan losses, the increase in Federal Deposit Insurance Premiums, and the loss on other-than-temporary impairment of $2.2 million.
 
Net Interest Income.  Net interest income, after the provision for loan loss increased $2.2 million, or 8.2%, to $29.8 million, compared to $27.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Our net interest rate spread on the average balance sheet decreased 6 basis points to 2.56%, compared to 2.62% the prior year.  The average yield on interest earning assets decreased 51 basis points, while the average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased 45 basis points.  The average yield on interest bearing assets was 4.86% and 5.37% for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the years ending December 31, 2009 and 2008 were 2.30% and 2.75%, respectively.

Interest Income.  Total interest income increased $6.7 million, or 14.0%, to $54.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $48.1 million for the prior year. The improvement in interest income resulted from an increase in the average balance of interest- earning assets.

Interest income on loans increased $2.4 million, or 8.4%, to $31.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $28.9 million for the prior year. The increase resulted from an increase in the average balance of loans from $480.5 million to $551.4 million; an increase of $70.9 million over 2008. This was offset by a decrease in the average yield on loans from year to year of 33 basis points.

Interest income on mortgage-backed securities held to maturity increased $2.1 million, or  17.3%, to $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $12.2 million in the prior year.  This increase was due primarily to a $34.9 million increase in the average balance of mortgage backed securities to $273.4 million, compared to $238.8 million in the prior year.  The average yield on mortgage-backed securities held to maturity increased 10 basis points to 5.20%, compared to 5.10% in the prior year.

Interest income on investment securities available for sale and held to maturity increased $3.8 million, or 95.6%, to $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $4.8 million for the prior year. The average yield on investment securities available for sale and held to maturity decreased 87 basis points to 3.80%, compared to 4.67% in the prior year. The average balance of investment securities available for sale and held to maturity increased $118.9 million to $208.7 million in 2009 compared to $80.4 million in the prior year. The increase in the average balance was primarily due to more favorable rates and prices than other investment options.

Interest income on other interest-earning assets decreased $1.6 million to $.7 million in 2009, compared to $2.3 million in the prior year. The average yield on other interest-bearing assets decreased 225 basis points to 0.80% in 2009, compared to 3.05% in the prior year. The decrease was primarily the result of the sharp decline in overnight interest rates in 2009.  The average balance of other interest-bearing assets increased $7.2 million to $82.5 million in 2009, compared to $75.3 million in 2008. To the extent that maturities and calls on mortgage-backed securities and investment securities available for sale and held to maturity were not required for loans or longer term investments, they were invested in short-term overnight funds.

Interest Expense.  Total interest expense increased $2.0 million, or 10.9%, to $21.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $19.7 million in the prior year. The increase primarily resulted from a 32.9% increase in our deposit portfolio and a full year of interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 45 basis points to 2.30% compared to 2.75% in the prior year. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $226.3 million to $944.4 million compared to $718.1 million in the prior year.
47


Interest expense on deposits increased $1.1 million, or 62%, to $19.2 million in 2009, compared to $18.1 million in 2008. Average interest-bearing demand deposits increased $13.2 million, or 13.3%, to $112.2 million for the year ending December 31, 2009, compared to $99.0 at the end of the prior year. The average cost of the demand deposits remained the same from year to year.  Average savings and club accounts increased $54.2 million, or 5.0%, to $243.9 million, compared to $189.6 million in the prior year. The average cost of interest-bearing savings and club accounts increased 15 basis points to 1.23%, compared to 1.08% in the prior year. The average cost of interest-bearing certificates of deposits decreased 102 basis points to 3.01%, compared to 4.03% in the prior year. The average balance of interest-bearing certificates of deposit increased $134.4 million, or 34.9%, to $518.9 million, compared to $384.5 million in 2008.

Interest expense on FHLBNY advances decreased $78 thousand to $1.0 million, compared to $1.4 million in the prior year. The average cost of borrowings decreased 25 basis points to 3.55% compared to 3.81% in the prior year. In late October 2007, the Company borrowed $23.0 million in the form of a ten year advance with a three year call, interest only quarterly at 3.90%. The Company continued to make regular monthly principal and interest payments on its five year advance maturing in September 2010 with a rate of 4.49%. In December of 2008 the Company borrowed overnight from the FHLBNY $20.0 million, renewing daily, weekly or bi- weekly at rates ranging from 0.48% to 0.63%. This advance was repaid in the first quarter of 2009.  In August 2008 the Company borrowed $40.0 million under an agreement to repurchase securities at a blended interest rate of 3.55%.

Provision for Loan Losses.  We charge provisions for loan losses to operations at  levels required to reflect credit losses in the loan portfolios that are both probable and reasonable to estimate. Management, in determining the allowance for loan losses, considers the losses inherent in the loan portfolios and changes in the nature and volume of our loan activities, along with the general economic and real estate market conditions. We utilize a three-tier approach: (1) identification of impaired loans and establishment of specific allowances on such loans; (2) establishment of general valuation allowances in the remainder of our loan portfolio, and (3) we establish a specific loan loss allowance for an impaired loan based on delinquency status, size of loan, type of collateral and/or appraisal of the underlying collateral and financial condition of the borrower. Management bases general loan loss allowances on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loan loss experience, composition of loan portfolio, current economic conditions and management’s judgment. The overall growth in the loan portfolio, particularly in commercial loans, is expected to result in higher provisions going forward.

The provision for loan losses increased $2.5 million to $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $787 thousand in the prior year. The provision was increased in response to the increase in the average balance of the portfolio, and in response to deteriorating commercial real estate values which affect our collateral position. During 2009, total net loans increased $65.4 million to $585.8 million at December 31 2009 compared to $520.4 million at December 31, 2008. The allowance for loan loss was .88% of total loans at December 31, 2009, compared to .43% in the prior year.

Management assesses the allowance for loan losses monthly. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, additional loan loss provisions in the future may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their periodic examinations, review the allowance for loan losses and may require us to record additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

48

Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income includes fees and service charges on loans, commissions on the sale of title insurance policies, bank-owned life insurance income, and other miscellaneous income. Non-interest income decreased $1.4 million, or 33.7%, to $2.8 million in 2009 compared to $4.2 million in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to an impairment loss on an available for sale security of $2.2 million. In May 2009 the financial institution holding company in which our Company holds an equity investment in a financial institution announced it had reached a definitive agreement to be acquired and merged into a publicly traded financial institution with an anticipated closing by December 2009. The severity of the unrealized loss is correlated to the decline of the stock market that started in the fall of 2007, primarily in the financial industry, and a result of the current economic recession. In December 2009 the definitive agreement to merge was terminated and management evaluated analysts’ near term earnings estimates and recent stock price decline in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss.  At December 31, 2009, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge to earnings related to its equity investment.

Commissions on sale of title policies increased minimally to $1.1 million compared to $1.0 million in the prior year, primarily due to static real estate transactions.

Fees and service charges on deposits and loans increased minimally; $58 thousand, to $1.6 million, compared to $1.5 million in the prior year. Fees and service-charges on deposits increased $269 thousand, or 22.2%, to $1.5 million, compared to $1.2 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to increases in fees from our overdraft protection program.  Fees and service charges on loans decreased minimally $211 thousand primarily from lower commercial loan volume.

Income from bank-owned life insurance increased $277 thousand in 2009 primarily due to the purchase of $3.7 million of additional policies in December 2008 which generated income for the entire year in 2009.

Other non-interest income increased $171 thousand to $922 thousand in 2009 compared to $679 thousand in the prior year.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense increased $3.9 million, or 15.5%, to $29.0 million in 2009, compared to $25.1 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $1.4 million and increases of $1.5 million in net occupancy costs, equipment costs and data processing costs. The year ending December 31, 2009 was also the first full year of consolidating costs and expenses for RomAsia Bank.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.4 million, or 9.5.%, to $16.0 million in 2009, compared to $14.6 million in the prior year. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due the first full year of operation for five branches and RomAsia Bank and the first full year of stock based compensation expense.

Net occupancy expense of premises increased approximately $287 thousand, or 11.1%, to $2.9 million in 2009 compared to $2.6 million in the prior year.  The increase was primarily due to the first full year of operation of five branches and RomAsia Bank.

Equipment costs increased $280 thousand, or 12.3%, to $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $2.3 million in the prior year.  The increase was primarily due to the first full year of operation of five branches and RomAsia Bank.

49

Data processing costs increased $107 thousand, or 7.1%, to $1.6 million in 2009, compared to $1.5 million in the prior year. This increase was primarily related to costs for the core system at RomAsia and an increase in various fees.

Advertising decreased $224 thousand to $842 thousand in 2009 compared to $1.1 million in the prior year. The decrease was primarily related to higher advertising costs in 2008 related to the opening of five branches and RomAsia Bank.

Other non-interest expense increased $502 thousand, or 17.0%% to $3.4 million in 2009, compared to $2.9 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily related to increase costs of appraisals and legal fees related to commercial loans.
 
Provision for Income Taxes.  The provision for income taxes decreased $1.1 million, or 52.8%, to $1.0 million in 2009 compared to $2.2 million in the prior year. The decrease is primarily related to a decrease of 44.0% in net income and the increases in tax free income primarily from bank owned life insurance. The effective tax rate for 2009 was 27.3% compared to 32.7% for 2008.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $4.7 million, a decrease of $2.5 million, or 35.3%, from $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease was primarily related to the increase in non- interest expense of $4.8 million, offset by a decrease in taxes of $1.9 million, and minor increases in net interest income and non -interest income. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily related to the opening of five new branches in 2008, a full year of costs for RomAsia, including six months of operation, and costs related to the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income after the provision of loan loss increased $94 thousand, or 0.34%, to $27.6 million, compared, to $27.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Our net interest rate spread decreased 9 basis points to 2.62%, compared to 2.71% the prior year.  The average yield on interest earning assets decreased 22 basis points, while the average cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased 13 basis points.  The average yield on interest bearing assets was 5.37% and 5.59% for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the years ending December 31, 2008 and 2009 were 2.75% and 2.88%, respectively.

Interest Income.  Total interest income increased $2.3 million, or 5.1%, to $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $45.8 million for the prior year. The improvement in interest income resulted from an increase in the average balance of interest- earning assets.

Interest income on loans increased $1.4 million, or 5.1%, to $28.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $27.4 million for the prior year. The increase resulted from an increase in the average balance of loans from $438.2 million to $480.5 million, an increase of $42.3 million over 2007. This was offset by a decrease in the average yield on loans from year to year of 26 basis points.

Interest income on mortgage-backed securities held to maturity increased $5.1 million, or 73.0%, to $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $7.0 million in the prior year. The average yield on mortgage-backed securities held to maturity increased 9 basis points to 5.10% compared to 5.01% in the prior year. This increase was also related to a $98.3 million increase in the average balance of mortgage backed securities to $238.8 million compared to $140.5 million in the prior year.

50

Interest income on investment securities available for sale and held to maturity decreased $3.6 million, or 43.0%, to $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $8.4 million for the prior year. The average yield on investment securities available for sale and held to maturity increased 11 basis points to 4.72%, compared to 4.61% in the prior year. The average balance of investment securities available for sale and held to maturity decreased $80.4 million to $100.7 million in 2008, compared to $181.2 million in the prior year. The decrease in the average balance was primarily due to a large number of securities called in the last quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2008.

Interest income on other interest-earning assets decreased $.6 million to $2.3 million in 2008 compared to $2.9 million in the prior year. The average yield on other interest-bearing assets decreased 185 basis points to 3.16% in 2008 compared to 5.01% in the prior year. The decrease was primarily the result of the sharp decline in overnight interest rates in the last half of 2008.The average balance of other interest-bearing assets increased $14.1 million to $72.5 million in 2008 compared to $58.4 million in 2007. To the extent that maturities and calls on mortgage-backed securities and investment securities available for sale and held to maturity were not utilized for loans they were invested in short-term overnight funds.

Interest Expense.  Total interest expense increased $1.9 million, or 10.9%, to $19.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $17.8 million in the prior year. The increase resulted from an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 16 basis points to 2.75% compared to 2.88% in the prior year. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $107.3 million, or 17.4%, to $724.8 million compared to $617.5 million in the prior year.

Interest expense on deposits increased $761 thousand, or 4.4%, to $18.1 million in 2008, compared to $17.3 million in 2007. Average interest-bearing demand deposits increased $4.7 million, or 5.0%, to $99.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2008, compared to $94.2 at the end of the prior year. The average cost of the demand deposits decreased 1 basis point from year to year.  Average savings and club accounts increased $9.0 million, or 5.0%, to $189.6 million compared to $180.6 million in the prior year. The average cost of interest-bearing savings and club accounts increased 14 basis points to 1.08% compared to .94% in the prior year. The average cost of interest-bearing certificates of deposits decreased 52 basis points to 4.03%, compared to 4.55% in the prior year. The average balance of interest-bearing certificates of deposit increased $15.9 million, or 15.9%, to $384.5 million compared to $331.9 million in 2007.

Interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances increased $663 thousand to $1.1 million compared to $463 thousand in the prior year. The average cost of borrowings decreased 129 basis points to 3.02% compared to 4.31% in the prior year. In late October 2007, the Company borrowed $23.0 million in the form of a ten year advance with a three year call, interest only quarterly at 3.90%. The Company continued to make regular monthly principal and interest payments on its five year advance maturing in September 2010 with a rate of 4.49%. In December of 2008 the Company borrowed overnight from the FHLBNY $20.0 million, renewing daily, weekly or bi- weekly at rates ranging from 0.48% to 0.63%. In August of 2008 the Company borrowed under an agreement to repurchase securities $40.0 at a blended interest rate of 3.55%.

Provision for Loan Losses.  We charge provisions for loan losses to operations at a level required to reflect credit losses in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonable to estimate. Management, in determining the allowance for loan losses, considers the losses inherent in the loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of our loan activities, along with the general economic and real estate market conditions. We utilize a three-tier approach: (1) identification of impaired loans and establishment of specific allowances on such loans; (2) establishment of general valuation allowances in the remainder of our loan portfolio, and (3) we establish a specific loan loss allowance for an impaired loan based on delinquency status, size of loan, type of collateral and/or appraisal of the underlying collateral and financial condition of the borrower. Management bases general loan loss allowances on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loan loss experience, composition of loan portfolio, current economic conditions and management’s judgment. The overall growth in the loan portfolio, particularly in commercial loans, is expected to result in higher provisions going forward.

51

The provision for loan losses increased $295 thousand to $787 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $492 thousand in the prior year. During 2008, total net loans increased $61.5 million to $520.4 million at December 31 2008 compared to $472.7 million at December 31, 2007. The allowance for loan loss was .43% of total loans at December 31, 2008 compared to .34% in the prior year.

Management assesses the allowance for loan losses monthly. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, additional loan loss provisions in the future may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their periodic examinations, review the allowance for loan losses and may require us to record additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income includes fees and service charges on loans, commissions on the sale of title insurance policies, bank-owned life insurance income, and other miscellaneous income. Non-interest income increased $169 thousand or 4.2%, to $4.2 million in 2008 compared to $4.1 million in the prior year.

Commissions on sale of title policies decreased minimally to $1.0 million compared to $1.2 million in the prior year, primarily due to the decline in the real estate market.

Fees and service charges on deposits and loans increased $207 thousand, or 15.8%, to $1.5 million compared to $1.3 million in the prior year. Fees and service-charges on deposits increased $174 thousand, or 16.8%, to $1.2 million compared to $1.0 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to increases in fees from our overdraft protection program.  Fees and service charges on loans increased minimally in 2008.

Income from bank-owned life insurance increased in 2008 primarily due to the purchase of $2.0 million of additional policies in July of 2007 which generated income for the entire year in 2008.

Other non-interest income increased $72 thousand to $751 thousand in 2008 compared to $751  thousand in the prior year.

Non-Interest Expense.  Non-interest expense decreased $4.8 million, or 23.6%, to $25.1 million in 2008 compared to $20.3 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $2.7 million and increases of $1.5 million in net occupancy costs, equipment costs and data processing costs. The year ending December 31, 2008 was also the first full year of consolidating costs for RomAsia Bank.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.7 million, or 22.7%, to $14.6 million in 2008 compared to $11.9 million in the prior year. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to the following: (1) the opening of five branches during the year, $766 thousand; (2) opening of RomAsia Bank in June 2008 with a year to year increase in salaries of $627 thousand; and, (3) six months of stock- based compensation expense from the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan which was approved by shareholders in April 2008 of $626 thousand.

52

Net occupancy expense of premises increased approximately $762 thousand, or 41.2%, to $2.6 million in 2008 compared to $1.8 million in the prior year.  The increase was primarily due to the following: (1) increases in occupancy costs relating to our five new branches of $527 thousand; (2) increase in occupancy costs for the RomAsia Bank location of $172 thousand; and, (3) increase in costs for the consolidated variable interest entity of $123 thousand.

Equipment costs increased $584.3 thousand, or 34.8%, to $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $1.7 million in the prior year.  The increase was primarily related to costs for the five new branches and for the opening of RomAsia Bank.

Data processing costs increased $184 thousand, or 13.8%, to $1.5 million in 2008 compared to $1.3 million in the prior year. This increase was primarily related to costs for the core system at RomAsia and an increase in various fees.

Advertising increased $185 thousand, or 21%, to $1.1 million in 2008 compared to $.9 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily related to the cost of opening and promoting RomAsia Bank.
 
Other non-interest expense increased $286 thousand, or 11.0%, to $2.9 million in 2008 compared to $2.6 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to consolidating costs relating to RomAsia Bank and increases in insurance, telephone and postage, supplies and audit fees.

Provision for Income Taxes.  The provision for income taxes decreased $1.9 million, or 47.0%, to $2.2 million in 2008 compared to $4.1 million in the prior year. The decrease is primarily related to a decrease of 35.6% in net income and the small increases in tax free income. The effective tax rate for 2008 was 32.7% compared to 36.8% for 2007.


 
53

 

Average Balance Sheet. The average yields and costs shown in the following table are derived by dividing income or expense by the daily average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. No tax equivalent adjustments have been made.


   
At December 31,
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
 
Actual
Balance
 
Actual
Yield/
Cost
 
 
Average
Balance
 
 
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield/
Cost
 
 
Average
 Balance
 
 
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield/
Cost
 
 
Average
 Balance
 
 
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield/
Cost
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                                           
Loans receivable, net (1)
 
$
585,759
 
5.68
%
$
551,369
 
$
31,282
 
5.67
%
$
480,492
 
$
28,851
 
6.00
%
$
438,187
 
$
27,446
 
6.26
%
Mortgage-backed
 securities held to maturity
   
248,426
 
5.07
   
273,871
   
14,292
 
5.20
   
238,791
   
12,184
 
5.10
   
140,499
   
7,041
 
5.01
 
Investment securities: (2)
                                                           
Tax-exempt
   
12,171
 
3.76
   
10,928
   
599
 
5.48
   
10,920
   
569
 
5.21
   
12,335
   
538
 
4.36
 
Taxable
   
323,322
 
4.94
   
208,673
   
7,949
 
3.80
   
89,796
   
4,195
 
4.67
   
168,844
   
7,818
 
4.63
 
Other interest-earning assets (3)
   
44,282
 
0.10
   
82,478
   
691
 
0.80
   
 75,312
   
 2,296
 
3.05
   
 58,403
   
 2,926
 
5.01
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,213,960
 
5.14
   
1,127,319
   
54.813
 
4.86
   
895,311
   
48,095
 
5.37
   
818,268
   
45,769
 
5.59
 
Non-interest-earning assets
   
98,041
       
89,927
             
 77,390
             
 64,081
           
Total assets
 
$
1,312,001
     
$
1,217,246
           
$
972,701
           
$
882,349
           
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                           
Interest-bearing demand
 
$
129,505
 
0.31
 
$
112,193
   
618
 
0.54
 
$
98,985
   
539
 
0.54
 
$
94,239
   
515
 
0.55
 
Savings and club
   
275,990
 
0.91
   
243,867
   
3,005
 
1.23
   
189,641
   
2,049
 
 1.08
   
180,645
   
1,691
 
 0.94
 
Certificates of deposit
   
577,770
 
2.47
   
518,885
   
15,592
 
3.01
   
384,526
   
15,493
 
4.03
   
331,859
   
15,114
 
4.55
 
Securities sold under agreement to re purchase
   
40,000
 
3.55
   
40,000
   
1,420
 
3.55
   
15,384
   
513
 
3.33
   
   
 
 
Federal Home Loan Bank
borrowings
   
24,826
 
3.92
   
29,423
   
1,048
 
3.56
   
 29,558
   
 1,126
 
 3.81
   
 10,734
   
 463
 
4.31
 
Total interest-bearing
liabilities
   
1,048,100
 
 1.68
   
944,368
   
21,683
 
2.30
   
718,094
   
 19,720
 
2.75
   
617,477
   
 17,783
 
2.88
 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
47,681
       
58,189
             
 35,952
             
 33,319
           
Total liabilities
   
1,095,781
       
1,002,557
             
 754,046
             
650,796
           
Minority interest
   
1,645
       
1,651
             
 1,080
             
 479
           
Stockholders’ equity
   
214,575
       
213,038
             
 217,575
             
 231,074
           
Total liabilities and
stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,312,001
     
$
1,217,246
           
$
972,701
           
$
882,349
           
Net interest income
                   
33,130
           
$
28,375
           
$
27,986
     
Interest rate spread (4)
       
3.46
%
           
2.56
%
           
2.62
%
           
2.71
%
Net yield on interest-earning assets (5)
                       
2.94
%
           
3.17
%
           
3.42
%
Ratio of average interest
-earning assets to average
interest-bearing liabilities
             
1.19
x
           
1.25
x
           
1.33
x
         
 
(1)  
Non-accruing loans have been included in loans receivable, and the effect of such inclusion was not material.
(2)  
Includes both available for sale and held to maturity securities.
(3)  
Includes interest-bearing deposits at other banks, federal funds purchased Federal Home Loan Bank of New York capital stock and bank owned life insurance.
(4)  
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.   
(5)  
Net yield on interest-earning assets represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.   
 
 
 
54

 

Rate/Volume Analysis.

The following table reflects the sensitivity of our interest income and interest expense to changes in volume and in prevailing interest rates during the periods indicated. Each category reflects the: (1) changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by old rate); (2) changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by old volume): and (3) net change. The net change attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated proportionally to the absolute dollar amounts of change in each.



   
Year Ended December 31,
2009 vs. 2008
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
Year Ended December 31,
2008 vs. 2007
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
   
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                       
Interest and dividend income:
                                     
Loans receivable
 
$
3,576
 
$
(1,145
)
$
2,431
 
$
2,579
 
$
(1,175
)
$
1,404
 
Mortgage-backed securities,
held to maturity
   
1,893
   
215
   
2,108
   
 5,015
   
 128
   
5,143
 
Investment securities:
                                     
Tax-exempt
   
--
   
30
   
30
   
13
   
 18
   
31
 
Taxable
   
5,329
   
(1,575
)
 
3,754
   
(4,170
)
 
 548
   
(3,622
)
Other interest earnings assets
   
219
   
(1,824
)
 
(1,605
)
 
 606
   
(1,236
)
 
(630
)
Total interest-earning assets
 
$
11,017
 
$
(4,299
)
$
6,718
 
$
4,043
 
$
 (1,717
)
$
2,326
 
                                       
Interest expense:
                                     
Interest-bearing demand
 
$
79
 
$
--
 
$
79
 
$
24
 
$
 
$
24
 
Savings and club
   
406
   
550
   
956
   
 90
   
269
   
 359
 
Certificates of deposit
   
4,566
   
(4,467
)
 
99
   
 2,226
   
(1,847
)
 
379
 
Securities sold under agreement to
repurchase
   
873
   
34
   
907
   
513
   
 —
   
513
 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
   
(13
 
(65
)
 
(78
 
722
   
(60
)
 
662
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
$
5,911
 
$
(3,948
)
$
1,963
 
$
3,575
 
$
(1,638
)
$
1,937
 
                                       
Change in net interest income
 
$
5,106
 
$
(351
)
$
4,755
 
$
468
 
$
 ( 79
)
$
389
 
 
 

 
55

 

Liquidity, Commitments and Capital Resources

The Banks’ liquidity, represented by cash and cash equivalents, is a product of their operating, investing and financing activities. The Banks’ primary sources of funds are deposits, amortization, prepayments and maturities of mortgage-backed securities and outstanding loans, maturities of investment securities and funds provided from operations. In addition, the Banks invest excess funds in short-term interest-earnings assets such as overnight deposits or U.S. agency securities, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements. While scheduled payments from the amortization of loans and mortgage-backed securities and maturing investment securities and short-term investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, general interest rates, economic conditions and competition greatly influence deposit flows and prepayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities.

The Banks are required to have enough investments that qualify as liquid assets in order to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure a safe operation. Liquidity may increase or decrease depending upon the availability of funds and comparative yields on investments in relation to the return on loans. The Banks attempt to maintain adequate but not excessive liquidity, and liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management.

The Banks review cash flow projections regularly and updates them in order to maintain liquid assets at levels believed to meet the requirements of normal operations, including loan commitments and potential deposit outflows from maturing certificates of deposit and savings withdrawals. At December 31, 2009, the Banks had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $12.7 million, and unused lines of credit of $72.0 million. Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less at December 31, 2009 totaled $430.0 million.

While deposits are the Banks’ primary source of funds, Roma Bank also generates cash through borrowings from the HLBNY. The Banks have traditionally enjoyed cash flows from deposit activities that were sufficient to meet its day-to-day funding obligations and only occasionally used  overnight lines of credit or other borrowings with the FHLBNY. At various times during 2007, 2006 and 2005, Roma Bank used its overnight line of credit at the FHLBNY to meet daily operations. In October of 2008 Roma Bank borrowed $20.0 million of overnight funds to arbitrage into higher earning overnight deposits. In the third quarter of 2005, Roma Bank took a five year advance from the FHLBNY to meet the strong demand for loans. In October  2007, Roma Bank borrowed $23.0 million  from the FHLBNY at 3.90%, interest only quarterly, for ten years with a three year call. At December 31, 2009, Roma Bank’s borrowing limit with the FHLBNY was $200.0 million. Roma Bank also had at December 31, 2009 securities sold under an agreement to repurchase in the amount of $40.0 million.


 
56

 

The following table discloses our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2009.

 
Total
 
Less Than
1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
4-5 Years
 
After
5 years
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Federal Home Loan Bank
borrowings
  $ 24,826     $ 1,826     $ --     $ --     $ 23,000  
Securities sold under agreement
to repurchase
  $ 40,000     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ 40,000  
                                         
 
Total
Amounts
Committed
 
Less Than
1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
4-5 Years
 
Over
5 Years
 
 
(In thousands)
 
                                         
Lines of credit (1)
  $ 72,001     $ 72,001     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Construction loans in process
    5,524       5,524       --       --       --  
Other commitments to
extend credit
    12,688       12,688       --       --       --  
Total
  $ 90,213     $ 90,213     $ --     $ --     $ --  
(1)  Represents amounts committed to customers.
 
Roma Bank has non-cancelable operating leases for branch offices. The following is a schedule by years of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2009:
 
Years Ended December 31:
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
 
$     440
 
2010
 
442
 
2011
 
447
 
2012
 
463
 
2013
 
472
 
Thereafter
 
6,008
 
Total Minimum Payments Required
 
$  8,272
 

Included in the total required minimum lease payments is $ 1.9 million of payments to the “LLC” a variable interest entity in which the Company hold a 50% ownership interest. The Company eliminates these payments in consolidation.

Consistent with its goals to operate sound and profitable financial organizations, the Banks actively seek to maintain their status as  well-capitalized institutions in accordance with regulatory standards. As of December 31, 2009, the Banks exceeded all capital requirements of the Office of Thrift Supervision (The “OTS”).

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of our business of investing in loans and securities as well as in the normal course of maintaining and improving the Bank’s facilities. These financial instruments include significant purchase commitments, such as commitments related to capital expenditure plans and commitments to purchase investment securities or mortgage backed securities, and commitments to extend credit to meet the financial needs of our customers.

57

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Our exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. For additional information regarding our outstanding lending commitments at December 31, 2009, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Impact of Inflation

The financial statements included in this document have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

Our primary assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on our performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates, however, do not necessarily move in the same direction or with the same magnitude as the price of goods and services, since such prices are affected by inflation. In a period of rapidly rising interest rates, the liquidity and maturities of our assets and liabilities are critical.

The principal effect of inflation on earnings, as distinct from levels of interest rates, is in the area of non-interest expense. Expense items such as employee compensation, employee benefits and occupancy and equipment costs may be subject to increases as a result of inflation. An additional effect of inflation is the possible increase in the dollar value of the collateral securing loans that we have made. We are unable to determine the extent, if any, to which properties securing our loans have appreciated in dollar value due to inflation.

Item 6A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Management of Interest Rate Risk and Market Risk

Qualitative Analysis. Because the majority of our assets and liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, a significant form of market risk for us is interest rate risk, or changes in interest rates.

We derive our income mainly from the difference or “spread” between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets, and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. In general, the larger the spread, the more we earn. When market rates of interest change, the interest we receive on our assets and the interest we pay on our liabilities will fluctuate. This can cause decreases in our spread and can adversely affect our income.

The rates that we earn on our assets are generally fixed for a contractual period of time. We, like many savings institutions, have liabilities that have generally shorter contractual maturities than our assets, such as certificates of deposit, or have no stated maturity, such as savings and money market deposits. This imbalance can create significant volatility because market interest rates change over time. In a period of rising interest rates, the interest income earned on our assets, which consist primarily of long-term fixed rate securities, may not increase as rapidly as the interest paid on our liabilities.

58

While the federal funds rate and other short-term market interest rates, which we use as a guide to our deposit pricing, have decreased, intermediate-and long-term market interest rates, which we use as a guide to our loan pricing, have decreased to a larger extent than deposits rates. Although the yield curve has steepened, competitive deposit rates in our market areas have not permitted the Bank to lower rates in proportion to loan rates. This has lead to a tightening of our interest spread. If short-term interest rates continue to be high in the market area, we would expect that our  interest spread and net interest margin would continue to compress, which would hurt our net interest income.

A falling rate environment would result in a decrease in rates we pay on deposits and borrowings, but the decrease in the cost of our funds may not be as great at the decrease in the yields on our loan portfolio and mortgage-backed securities and loan portfolios. This could cause a narrowing of our net interest rate spread and could cause a decrease in our earnings.

Quantitative Analysis. The following table presents Roma Bank’s net portfolio value as of December 31, 2009. The net portfolio values shown in this table were calculated by the Office of Thrift Supervision, based on information provided by the Bank (in thousands).

December 31, 2009
Net Portfolio Value
Net Portfolio Value
as % of Present Value of Assets
 
Changes in rate
 
$ Amount
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Net Portfolio
 Value Ratio
Basis Point
Change
+300 bp
135,266
-93,981
(41)%
11.68%
(636) bp
+200 bp
169,644
-59,603
(26)%
14.16%
(388) bp
+100 bp
201,121
-28,126
(12)%
16.27%
(176) bp
      0 bp
229,247
-
-
18.04%
-
–100 bp
251,350
22,103
10%
19.34%
 130bp
 
(1) The -200bp and -300bp scenarios are not shown due to the low prevailing interest rate environment.
 
 


 
59

 

The following table presents RomAsia Bank’s net portfolio value as of December 31, 2009. The net portfolio values shown in this table were calculated by the Office of Thrift Supervision, based on information provided by the Bank (in thousands).

December 31, 2008
Net Portfolio Value
Net Portfolio Value
as % of Present Value of Assets
 
Changes in rate
 
$ Amount
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Net Portfolio
 Value Ratio
Basis Point
Change
+300 bp
           7,506         
-8,099
(52)%
8.79%
    (770) bp
+200 bp
10,634
-4,971
(32)%
11.96%
    (452) bp
+100 bp
13,244
-2,360
(15)%
14.42%
    (207)  bp
      0 bp
15,605
-
-
16.49%
-
–100 bp
17,773
2,169
14%
18.30%
       181 bp
 
(1) The -200bp and -300bp scenarios are not shown due to the low prevailing interest rate environment.

Future interest rates or their effect on net portfolio value or net interest income are not predictable. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, prepayments, and deposit run-offs, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Certain shortcomings are inherent in this type of computation. Although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturity or periods of repricing, they may react in different times and in different degrees to changes in the marker interest rates. The interest rate on certain types of assets and liabilities, such as demand deposits and savings accounts, may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while rates on other types of assets and liabilities may lag behind changes in market interest rates. Certain assets, such as adjustable rate mortgages, generally have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. In the event of a change in interest rates, prepayments and early withdrawal levels could deviate significantly from those assumed in making calculations set forth above. Additionally, an increased credit risk may result as the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.

Notwithstanding the discussion above, the quantitative interest rate analysis presented above indicates that a rapid increase in interest rates would adversely affect our net interest margin and earnings.
 
 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The Company’s financial statements and supplementary data are contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K immediately following Item 14.

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

Not applicable.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

 
(a)
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision, and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule l3a-l5(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2007.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2009.

60

 
(b)
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

1.  Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

Management’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting appears in the Company’s financial statements that are contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K immediately following Item 15.  Such report is incorporated herein by reference.

2.  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

The report of ParenteBeard LLC on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting appears in the Company’s financial statements that are contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K immediately following Item 15.  Such report is incorporated herein by reference.

3.  Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

During the last quarter of the year under report, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information contained under the sections captioned “Additional Information About Directors and Executive Officers - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Proposal I -- Election of Directors” and “-- Biographical Information” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.

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. A copy of the Code of Ethics will be furnished without charge upon written request to the Chief Financial Officer, Roma Financial Corporation, 2300 Route 33, Robbinsville, New Jersey, 08691.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information contained under the section captioned “Executive Officer Compensation”, “Director Compensation” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 
61

 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

(a)           Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Section captioned “Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof -- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” of the Proxy Statement.

(b)           Security Ownership of Management

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof -- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Proposal I -- Election of Directors” of the Proxy Statement.

 
(c)
Changes in Control

Management of the Company knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.

 
(d)
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2008 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Registrant are authorized for issuance.

   
( a )
 
( b )
 
( c )
             
   
Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options
 
Number of securities remaining available for issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
             
Equity compensation plans   approved by shareholders
 
820,000
 
$13.67
 
768,073
             
Total
 
820,000
 
$13.67
 
768,073
             

(1)  Options outstanding have been granted pursuant to the Roma Financial Corporation 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).  The Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up to 1,292,909 shares of common stock of which options to purchase 820,000 shares were outstanding at December 31, 2009. The Plan also provides for grants of up to 517,164 shares of restricted common stock of which 222,000 shares have already been granted.


62

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

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Additional Information About Directors and Executive Officers” of the Proxy Statement.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Proposal I – Election of Directors – Principal Accounting Fees and Services” in the Proxy Statement.

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 
(a)
Listed below are all financial statements and exhibits filed as part of this report, and are incorporated by reference.

 
1.
The consolidated statements of financial condition of Roma Financial Corporation and subsidiary as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2009, together with the related notes and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 
2.
Schedules omitted as they are not applicable.

3.           Exhibits

The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report:

3.1           Charter of Roma Financial Corporation*
3.2           Amended and Restated Bylaws of Roma Financial Corporation**
 
4
Stock Certificate of Roma Financial Corporation*
10.1          
Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement*
10.2          
Form of Phantom Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement*
10.3          
Roma Financial Corporation 2008 Equity Incentive Plan***
10.4          
Employment Agreement between the Registrant, Roma Bank and Peter A. Inverso****
10.5          
Employment Agreement between the Registrant, Roma Bank and Maurice T. Perilli****
10.6          
Employment Agreement between Roma Bank and Sharon L. Lamont*****
10.7          
Employment Agreement between Roma Bank and Margaret Norton*****
10.8          
Employment Agreement between Roma Bank and Keith Pericoloso*****
 
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
 
23
Consent of ParenteBeard LLC
 
31.1
Certifications of CEO to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
31.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 

 
63

*                  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on  March 14, 2006
**                Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 23, 2008
***              Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on March 27, 2009
      (Registration Number 333-158249)
****            Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 26, 2009
*****         Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 5, 2010


 




 
ROMA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
INDEX TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
 
Page
Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm Regarding Internal Control Over Financial Reporting   
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting firm 
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition                                                                                                                
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Income                                                                                                                
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity                                                                                                                
F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                                                                                                
F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                                                
F-8


 
64

 
 
[Roma Financial Corporation Letterhead]
 
 
February 22, 2010

ParenteBeard LLC
1200 Atwater Drive
Suite 225
Malvern, PA 19355

RE:           Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published consolidated financial statements.

One internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitation.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to consolidated financial statement preparation and presentation.  Also, projections of any valuation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.  In making this assessment, we used the criteria set by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.  Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2009 the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements has issued an audit report on our assessment of, and the effective operation of, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.


/s/ Peter A. Inverso
 
/s/ Sharon L. Lamont
Peter A. Inverso
 
Sharon L. Lamont
President & CEO
 
Chief Financial Officer


 
2300 Route 33, Robbinsville, New Jersey 08691-1411
 
 
609-223-8300   Fax 609-223-8303   www.romabank.com
 

 
o strength
   
o loyalty
   
o wisdom
   
o  vision
 




 
F-1

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Roma Financial Corporation

We have audited Roma Financial Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Roma Financial Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, Roma Financial Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Roma Financial Corporation, and our report dated February 22, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ ParenteBeard LLC


Malvern, Pennsylvania
February 22, 2010
 


 
F-2

 


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Roma Financial Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiares (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009.  The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and peform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by managmenet, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis of our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Roma Financial Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 22, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion.


/s/ ParenteBeard LLC


Malvern, Pennsylvania
February 22, 2010



 
F-3

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries


Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands, except for share data)
 
Assets
           
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions
  $ 9,658     $ 7,476  
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
    25,647       11,500  
Money market funds
    15,590       61,443  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
    50,895       80,419  
                 
Investment securities available for sale (“AFS”) at fair value
    30,144       17,000  
Investment securities held to maturity at amortized cost (fair value of $301,673 and $74,022 respectively)
    305,349       74,115  
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity at amortized cost (fair value of $258,758 and $309,324 respectively)
    248,426       301,878  
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $5,243 and $2,223 at December 31, 2009 and 2008
    585,759       520,406  
Real estate owned
    1,928       -  
Real estate owned via equity investment
    4,053       4,033  
Premises and equipment, net
    39,129       39,971  
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and ACBB stock
    3,045       3,479  
Accrued interest receivable
    6,468       5,059  
Bank owned life insurance
    24,299       23,326  
Other assets
    12,506       7,409  
Total Assets
  $ 1,312,001     $ 1,077,095  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Deposits:
               
     Non-interest bearing
  $ 32,481     $ 27,898  
     Interest-bearing
    983,274       736,335  
        Total deposits
    1,015,755       764,233  
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances
    24,826       46,929  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    40,000       40,000  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
    2,663       2,398  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    12,537       10,519  
Total Liabilities
    1,095,781       864,079  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common stock, $.10 par value, 45,000,000 authorized; 32,731,875
       issued; 30,932,653 and 30,888,253 respectively outstanding.
    3,274       3,274  
Paid-in capital
    98,921       98,294  
Retained earnings
    150,131       149,926  
Unearned shares held by Employee Stock Ownership Plan
    (6,224 )     (6,765 )
Treasury stock, 1,799,222 and 1,843,622 respectively outstanding
    (29,214 )     (29,935 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (2,313 )     (3,421 )
                 
Total Roma Financial Corporation stockholders’ equity
    214,575       211,373  
Noncontolling interest
    1,645       1,643  
              Total Stockholders’ Equity
    216,220       213,016  
                 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 1,312,001     $ 1,077,095  
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
F-4

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

 
Consolidated Statements of Income

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands, except for per share data)
 
                   
Interest Income
                 
Loans, including fees
  $ 31,282     $ 28,851     $ 27,447  
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity
    14,292       12,184       7,041  
Investment securities held to maturity
    7,949       4,063       7,730  
Securities available for sale
    599       701       626  
Other interest-earning assets
    691       2,296       2,925  
Total Interest Income
    54,813       48,095       45,769  
                         
Interest Expense
                       
Deposits
    19,215       18,081       17,320  
Borrowings
    2,468       1,639       463  
Total Interest Expense
    21,683       19,720       17,783  
Net Interest Income
    33,130       28,375       27,986  
                         
Provision for Loan Losses
    3,280       787       492  
                         
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses
    29,850       27,588       27,494  
                         
Non-Interest  Income (Loss)
                       
Commissions on sales of title policies
    1,145       1,049       1,292  
Fees and service charges on deposits and loans
    1,573       1,515       1,308  
Income from bank owned life insurance
    1,143       866       778  
Net gain from sale of mortgage loans originated for sale
    109       48       3  
Net gain from sale of available for sale securities
    158       26       -  
Impairment loss on available for sale equity security
    (2,246 )     -       -  
Net realized loss from real estate owned
    8       -       -  
Other
    914       725       679  
Total Non-Interest Income (Loss)
    2,804       4,229       4,060  
                         
Non-Interest Expenses
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    16,022       14,633       11,899  
Net occupancy expense of premises
    2,900       2,612       1,850  
Equipment
    2,541       2,261       1,677  
Data processing fees
    1,620       1,513       1,329  
Advertising
    842       1,066       881  
Federal deposit insurance premiums
    1,710       94       74  
Other
    3,377       2,941       2,617  
Total Non-Interest Expenses
    29,012       25,120       20,327  
                         
Income before Income Taxes
    3,642       6,697       11,227  
                         
Income Taxes
    1,035       2,190       4,134  
      Net income before noncontrolling interests
    2,607       4,507       7,093  
          Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    8       161       123  
Net Income attributable to Roma Financial Corporation
  $ 2,615     $ 4,668     $ 7,216  
                         
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ROMA FINANCIAL CORPORATION PER COMMON SHARE
                       
Basic and Diluted
  $ .09     $ .15     $ .23  
Dividends declared per share
  $ .32     $ .32     $ .24  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
                       
Basic and Diluted
    30,680       30,584       31,563  
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-5

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

   
 
 
Common Stock
Shares        Amount
 
 
 
Paid-In Capital
 
 
 

Retained Earnings
 


Unearned Shares Held by ESOP
 


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 
Treasury Stock
 
 
Non-controlling Interest
 
 
 
 
Total
           
                         (In Thousands)
                   
Balance - December 31, 2006
 
32,732
 
$      3,274
 
$  97,069
 
$    143,068
 
$   (7,847)
 
$       (910)
 
$       -
 
$       -
 
$234,654
                                     
Other comprehensive income:
                                   
Net income
     
-
 
-
 
7,216
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(123)
 
7,093
Unrealized loss on securities
         available for sale, net of
         income taxes of $(56)
     
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
21
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
21
Pension cost, net of income
         taxes $(315)
     
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
475
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
475
Total Comprehensive Income
                                 
7,589
                                     
Contribution of capital by noncontrolling interest
     
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
602
 
 
602
Treasury shares repurchased
 
(1,344)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(22,792)
 
-
 
(22,792)
Dividends paid and declared
     
-
     
(2,148)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,148)
ESOP shares earned
     
-
 
336
 
-
 
541
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
877
Balance - December 31, 2007
 
31,388
 
3,274
 
97,405
 
148,136
 
(7,306)
 
(414)
 
(22,792)
 
479
 
218,782
                                     
Other comprehensive income:
                                   
  Net income
     
-
 
-
 
4,668
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(161)
 
4,507
  Unrealized loss on securities available for  sale,  net of income taxes of $(139)
     
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
2,593
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
(460)
  Pension cost, net of income taxes $(1,698)
     
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(46)
 
 
-
 
 
(2,547)
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(2,593)
Total Comprehensive Income
     
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
1,454
                                     
Contribution of capital by noncontrolling interest
     
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
1,325
 
 
 
1,325
 
 
 
 
F-6


 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

                                 
   
 
 
Common Stock
Shares      Amount
 
 
 
Paid-In Capital
 
 
 

Retained Earnings
 


Unearned Shares Held by ESOP
 


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 
Treasury Stock
 
 
Non-controlling Interest
 
 
 
 
Total
           
(In Thousands)
               
Dividends paid and declared
     
-
 
-
 
 (2,514)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,514)
Adoption of new accounting principle for split dollar life insurance benefits
     
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
(318)
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
(318)
Stock based compensation including warrants
     
 
-
 
 
634
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
634
Treasury shares repurchased
 
(500)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(7,143)
 
-
 
(7,143)
ESOP shares earned
 
-
 
-
 
255
 
-
 
541
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
796
Balance - December 31, 2008
 
30,888
 
      3,274
 
  98,294
 
  149,926
 
   (6,765)
 
      (3,421)
 
      (29,935)
 
1,643
 
$213,016
                                     
Other comprehensive income:
                                   
Net income
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2,615
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(8)
 
2,607
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of income taxes of ($140)
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
487
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
487
Pension cost, net of income taxes $(405)
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
621
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
621
                                     
Total Comprehensive Income
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
3,715
                                     
Dividends paid and declared
     
-
 
-
 
(2,410)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,410)
Vesting of restricted stock
 
45
 
-
 
(721)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
721
 
-
 
-
Contribution by noncontrolling interest
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
10
 
 
10
Stock based compensation, including warrants
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
1,219
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
1,219
ESOP shares earned
 
-
 
-
 
129
 
-
 
541
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
670
                                     
Balance - December 31, 2009
 
  30,933
 
$   3,274
 
$ 98,921
 
$  150,131
 
  $  (6,224)
 
$     (2,313)
 
$ (29,214)
 
$  1,645
 
$216,220
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
F-7

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   
Years Ended December 31,
   
2009
   
2008
    2007
 
   
(In Thousands)
               
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
             
Net income
  $ 2,607     $ 4,507     $ 7,093  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
                         
Depreciation and amortization
    1,949       1,773       1,037  
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities
    (106 )     209       (130 )
Accretion of deferred loan fees and discounts
    (126 )     (91 )     (51 )
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans originated for sale
    (109 )     (48 )     (3 )
Mortgage loans originated for sale
    (9,130 )     (4,065 )     (409 )
Net realized loss from real estate owned
    8       -       -  
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans originated for sale
    9,239       4,113       412  
Provision for loan losses
    3,280       787       492  
Stock based compensation, including warrants
    1,219       634       -  
Gain on sale of securities available for sale
    (158 )     -       -  
Impairment loss on  available for sale security
    2,246       -       -  
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable
    (1,409 )     (564 )     103  
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
    (973 )     (687 )     (617 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (3,281 )     31       (1,646 )
(Increase) decrease in interest payable
    (380 )     (269 )     606  
Increase in other liabilities
    2,424       537       1,052  
(Increase) decrease in deferred tax asset
    (2,361 )     (1,048 )     -  
ESOP shares earned
    670       796       896  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    5,609       6,615       8,835  
                           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
                         
Proceeds from calls and repayments on securities available for sale
    8,101       10,592       2,248  
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale
    7,311       -       -  
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (29,015 )     (10,934 )     (114 )
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities held to maturity
    152,555       122,325       101,272  
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
    (383,764 )     (68,697 )     (59,235 )
Principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities held to maturity
    77,417       33,762       28,309  
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity
    (23,887 )     (191,805 )     (27,621 )
Net increase in loans receivable
    (70,503 )     (62,297 )     (38,951 )
Additions to premises and equipment
    (1,027 )     (8,511 )     (3,549 )
Redemption (purchases) Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and ACBB stock
    434       (1,014 )     (1,033 )
Addition to real estate via equity investments
    (100 )     (4,085 )     -  
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
    -       (3,837 )     (2,000 )
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned
    60       -       -  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (262,418 )     (184,501 )     (674 )
                           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
                         
Net increase in deposits
    251,522       113,203       25,057  
Increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
    265       8       115  
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances
    -       20,000       23,000  
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances
    (22,103 )     (2,011 )     (1,922 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       (7,143 )     (22,792 )
Dividends paid to minority shareholders of Roma Financial Corp
    (2,409 )     (2,379 )     (1,620 )
Proceeds from securities sold under agreement to repurchase
    -       40,000       -  
Capital contributed by noncontrolling interests
    10       1,325       602  
                         
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
    227,285       163,003       22,440  
                           
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (29,524 )     (14,883 )     30,601  
                           
Cash and Cash Equivalents – Beginning
    80,419       95,302       64,701  
                           
Cash and Cash Equivalents – Ending
  $ 50,895     $ 80,419     $ 95,302  
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-8

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)


Supplementary Cash Flows Information

Income taxes paid, net
  $ 2,867     $ 3,157     $ 4,633  
                         
Interest paid
  $ 22,063     $ 19,968     $ 17,177  
                         
Loans receivable transferred to real estate owned
  $ 1,928     $ 68     $ 18  
                         
Securities purchased and not settled
  $ 1,000       -       -  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
F-9

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Roma Financial Corporation (the “Company”), its wholly-owned subsidiary, Roma Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Roma Capital Investment Co. (the “Investment Co.”) and General Abstract and Title Agency (the “Title Co.”) and the Company’s majority owned investment of 89.55% in RomAsia Bank. Roma Bank and RomAsia Bank are collectively referred to as (“the Banks”). As discussed in Note 5, Real Estate owned Via Equity Investments, the consolidated financial statements also include the Company’s 50% interest in 84 Hopewell, LLC (the “LLC”), a real estate investment deemed to be a variable interest entity, which is consolidated by the Company when it was determined to be the primary beneficiary according to the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 810.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
The Investment Co. is a special purpose entity whose activities are limited to holding investment securities, collecting earnings, principal repayments and recognizing other gains/losses thereon.  It holds a substantial portion of the Company’s investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolios and is subject to the investment company provisions of the New Jersey Corporation Business Tax Act.  The Title Co. was incorporated in the State of New Jersey effective March 7, 2005 and commenced operations April 1, 2005 upon the acquisition of the assets of the General Abstract & Title Agency (the “Agency”), which consisted primarily of the Agency’s title search files.  Related goodwill of approximately $572,000 was recognized as a result of the purchase price exceeding the fair market value of assets acquired. RomAsia Bank received all regulatory approvals on June 23, 2008 to be a federal savings bank and began operations on that date. The Company invested $13.4 million in RomAsia Bank and currently holds a 89.55% ownership interest. The Company, together with two individuals, formed a limited liability company, 84 Hopewell, LLC. The LLC was formed to build a commercial office building in which is located the Company’s Hopewell branch, corporate offices for the other LLC members’ construction company and tenant space. The Company invested $360,000 in the LLC and provided a loan in the amount of $3.6 million to the LLC. The Company and the other 50% owner’s construction company both have signed lease commitments to the LLC.
 
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance now codified as FASB ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events.  This guidance establishes general standards for accounting and for disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued.  The subsequent event guidance sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition in the financial statements, identifies the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in the financial statements, and the disclosures that should be made about events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date.  
 
Basis of Consolidated Financial Statement Presentation
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition and revenues and expenses for the periods then ended.  Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
 
F-10

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 
A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change relates to the determination of the allowance for loan losses.  Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.  While management uses the most current information available to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions in the market area.
 
In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the Banks to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations.
 
Business of the Company and Subsidiaries
 
The Company’s primary business is the ownership and operation of the Banks, Roma Bank and the Company’s majority owned subsidiary, RomAsia Bank.  The Banks are principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public at its fifteen locations in New Jersey and using those deposits, together with other funds, to invest in securities and to make loans collateralized by residential and commercial real estate and, to a lesser extent, consumer loans.  Roma Bank’s subsidiary, Roma Capital Investment Company, was organized to hold investments and mortgage-backed securities.  Roma Bank’s subsidiary, General Abstract and Title Agency, provides title searches and policies to its customers real estate investments.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from depository institutions, with original maturities of three months or less and money market funds.
 
Interest –Bearing Deposits in Banks
 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks mature within three months or less and are carried at cost.
 
Securities
 
Investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity securities and reported at amortized cost.  Debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings.  Debt and equity securities not classified as trading securities, nor as held to maturity securities are classified as available for sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized holding gains or losses, net of deferred income taxes, reported in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of stockholders’ equity. The Company held no trading securities at December 31, 2009 and 2008. Discounts and premiums are accreted/amortized to income by use of the level-yield method. Gain or loss on sales of securities available for sale is based on the specific identification method.
 
FASB recently issued accounting guidance related to the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairment, which the Company adopted effective June 30, 2009 (“Pending Content” of FASB ASC 320-1). This recent accounting guidance amends the recognition guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities and expands the financial statement disclosures for other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt and equity securities.  The recent guidance replaced the “intent and ability” indication in current guidance by specifying that (a) if a company does not have the intent to sell a debt security prior to recovery and, (b) it is more likely than not that it will not have to sell the debt security prior to recovery, the security would not be considered other-than-temporarily impaired unless there is a credit loss.
 

 
F-11

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 
When an entity does not intend to sell the security, and it is more likely than not, the entity will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it will recognize the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income.  For held-to-maturity debt securities, the amount of an other-than-temporary impairment recorded in other comprehensive income for the noncredit portion of a previous other-than-temporary impairment should be amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the security on the basis of the timing of future estimated cash flows of the security.
 
Prior to the adoption of the recent accounting guidance on June 30, 2009, management considered, in determining whether other-than-temporary impairment exists (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
 
For equity securities, when the Company has decided to sell an impaired available-for-sale security and the entity does not expect the fair value of the security to fully recover before the expected time of sale, the security is deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made.  The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the impairment is deemed other than temporary even if a decision to sell has not been made.
 
Loans Receivable
 
Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are carried at unpaid principal balances, less the allowance for loan losses and net deferred loan fees and discounts.
 
The Banks defer loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs and accretes/amortizes such amounts to income using the level-yield method over the contractual lives of the related loans.
 
The Banks provide an allowance for the loss of uncollected interest on loans that are more than ninety days delinquent as to principal or interest.  Such interest ultimately collected is credited to income in the period of recovery.
 
The Company originates mortgage loans and may sell such originations to the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. with servicing rights retained.
 
Servicing rights fees, which are usually based on a percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the loan, are recorded for servicing functions.  The Company has determined that the fair value of the servicing rights are immaterial to the financial statements as a whole. The Company had no loans held for sale at December 31, 2009 and 2008.
 

 

 
F-12

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
It is the policy of the Banks to maintain an allowance for loan loss (ALLL) level sufficient to absorb probable and reasonably estimatable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The balance in the allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimates at the given point of time, of the potential losses inherent in the Bank’s outstanding credit portfolio.  Such estimates are based on both current judgement about the credit quality of the entire portfolio, combined with specifically identified risks on certain loans and consider all known relevant internal and external factors that may affect loan collectability.
 
Management’s process considers the following fundamentals in the reserve analysis: criticized and other internally identified non-performing obligations; portfolio quality, performance and trends; consideration of loans past due and potential problem loans; the results of regulatory examinations; and, current environmental conditions, such as industry, economic, geographical, and political factors.
 
In order to comprehensively address periodic provisioning and the resultant ALLL, the Banks utilize a multidisciplinary approach, which considers each of the following factors: historical realized losses in the credit portfolio; delinquency trends currently experienced in the current portfolio; internal risk rating system that assigns a risk factor, and current and anticipated economic conditions that could affect borrowers’ ability to continually meet their contractual repayment obligations.
 
Although management believes that appropriate loan loss allowances have been established, actual losses are dependent upon future events and, as such, further additions to the level of loan loss allowances may be  necessary.
 
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.   Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
 
Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement due to financial difficulties of the borrower.
 

 
F-13

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 
Premises and Equipment
 
Premises and equipment are comprised of land, including land held for future development, land improvements, at cost, buildings and improvements and furnishings and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation charges are computed on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
 
     
Years
 
Buildings and improvements
 
20 - 40
 
Leasehold improvements
 
15 - 40
 
Furnishings and equipment
 
3 - 10

Construction in progress primarily represents facilities under construction for future use in our business and includes all costs to acquire land and construct buildings, as well as capitalized interest during the construction period. Interest is capitalized at the average interest rate of overnight funds.

Significant renewals and betterments are charged to the premises and equipment account.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense in the year incurred.  Rental income is netted against occupancy costs in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Foreclosed Assets
 
Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis.  Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.  Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance (any direct write-down) are included in net expenses from foreclosed assets.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank and ACBB Stock

Federal law requires a member institution of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system to hold restricted stock of its district Federal Home Loan Bank according to a predetermined formula. The restricted stock in the amount of $2,980,000 and $3,414,000 is carried at cost at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on an assessment of the ultimate recoverability of their cost, rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value.  The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of their cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, and (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the FHLB.

Management believes no impairment charge is necessary related to the FHLB restricted stock as of December 31, 2009.  RomAsia Bank owns $65,000 of stock in Atlantic Central Bankers Bank.


 
F-14

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 
Bank Owned Life Insurance
 
Roma Bank is the beneficiary of insurance policies on the lives of certain officers, employees and directors of the Bank.  This life insurance investment is accounted for using the cash surrender value method and is recorded at its net realizable value.  The change in the net asset value is recorded as non-interest income.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance (FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the recent accounting guidance related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which sets out a consistent framework to determine the appropriate level of tax reserves to maintain for uncertain tax positions. The Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.  The Company’s policy is to account for interest as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of other expense.
 
The Company and its’ subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.  Income taxes are allocated to the Company and its subsidiaries based on the contribution of their income or use of their loss in the consolidated return.  Separate state income tax returns are filed by the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for the years before January 1, 2006.
 
Federal and state income taxes have been provided on the basis of reported income or loss.  The amounts reflected on the tax returns differ from these provisions due principally to temporary differences in the reporting of certain items for financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes. The tax effect of these temporary differences is accounted for as deferred taxes applicable to future periods. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is determined by recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.  The realization of deferred tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance provided for the full amount which is not more likely than not to be realized.
 
Advertising Costs
 
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.  The direct response advertising conducted by the Banks is immaterial and has not been capitalized.
 
Other Comprehensive Income
 
The Company records unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, on available for sale securities in accumulated other comprehensive income.  Realized gains and losses, if any, are reclassified to non-interest income upon the sale of the related securities or upon the recognition of an impairment loss.  The Company has elected to report the effects of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.
 
Other comprehensive income also includes changes in the minimum pension liability as accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits”.
 

 
F-15

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
The Company is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using these deposits, together with borrowings and other funds, to purchase securities and to make loans secured by real estate.  The potential for interest rate risk exists as a result of the generally shorter duration of interest-sensitive liabilities compared to the generally longer duration of interest-sensitive assets.  In a rising rate environment, liabilities will reprice faster than assets, thereby reducing net interest income.  For this reason, management regularly monitors the maturity structure of our assets and liabilities in order to measure the level of interest rate risk and to plan for future volatility.
 
Concentration of Risk
 
The Banks’ lending activities are chiefly concentrated in loans secured by real estate located in the State of New Jersey.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, Roma Bank had deposits totaling $41.2 million and $72.9 million, which were held by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and other financial institutions, which are not insured by the FDIC.
 
Transfers of Financial Assets
 
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from us, (2) 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, (3) we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Bank’s have entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under lines and letters of credit.  Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
 
Stock Compensation Plan
 
The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation”  upon approval of the Roma Financial Corp. Equity Incentive Plan on April 23, 2008, and accordingly, expenses the fair value of all options granted over their vesting periods and the fair value of all share-based compensation granted over the requisite service periods.
 
Treasury Stock
 
Common stock shares repurchased are recorded as treasury stock at cost.
 
Earnings per Common Share (“EPS”)

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares  outstanding adjusted for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares not yet committed to be released. Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding to include the effect of outstanding stock options and unvested stock awards, if dilutive, using the treasury stock method. Shares issued and reacquired during any period are weighted for the portion of the period they were outstanding.
F-16

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the net shares that would be issued related to dilutive stock options and restricted stock grants pursuant to the treasury stock method. Outstanding stock options and unvested stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. There were no outstanding stock options and unvested stock awards in the year ended December 31, 2007.

Treasury shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations.

Reclassification
 
Certain amounts as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.
 
Note 2 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4) which is now codified in FASB ASC Topic 820,   Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell the asset or transfer the liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The guidance provides additional guidance on determining when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability has significantly decreased. It also includes guidance on identifying circumstances when a transaction may not be considered orderly.

The guidance provides a list of factors that a reporting entity should evaluate to determine whether there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability. When the reporting entity concludes there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, further analysis of the information from that market is needed and significant adjustments to the related prices may be necessary to estimate fair value.

This guidance clarifies that when there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, some transactions may not be orderly. In those situations, the entity must evaluate the weight of the evidence to determine whether the transaction is orderly. The guidance provides a list of circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly. A transaction price that is not associated with an orderly transaction is given little, if any, weight when estimating fair value.

This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company adopted the guidance for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.  The adoption of the guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements although additional disclosures were required and are included in Note 18.
 
F-17

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)
 
In November 2008, the SEC released a proposed roadmap regarding the potential use by U.S. issuers of financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). IFRS is a comprehensive series of accounting standards published by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). Under the proposed roadmap, the Company may be required to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS as early as 2014.  The SEC will make a determination in 2011 regarding the mandatory adoption of IFRS. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this potential change would have on its consolidated financial statements, and it will continue to monitor the development of the potential implementation of IFRS.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement  Benefit Plan Assets”, which is now codifies as ASC 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits”,  provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan.  The disclosures about plan assets required by the guidance shall be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009.  The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” which is now codified as ASC 105. The guidance establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The guidance was effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The implementation of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-16, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) – Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets.  This Update amends the Codification for the issuance of FASB Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140.  The amendments in this update improve financial reporting by eliminating the exceptions for qualifying special-purpose entities from the consolidation guidance and the exception that permitted sale accounting for certain mortgage securitizations when a transferor has not surrendered control over the transferred financial assets.  In addition, the amendments require enhanced disclosures about the risks that a transferor continues to be exposed to because of its continuing involvement in transferred financial assets.  Comparability and consistency in accounting for transferred financial assets will also be improved through clarifications of the requirements for isolation and limitations on portions of financial assets that are eligible for sale accounting.  This update is effective at the start of a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009.  Early application is not permitted.  We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operation.
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810) – Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities.  This Update amends the Codification for the issuance of FASB Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).  The amendments in this update replace the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which reporting entity, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which reporting entity has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity.  An approach that is expected to be primarily qualitative will be more effective for identifying which reporting entity has a controlling financial interest in a variable
 

 
F-18

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)
 
interest entity.  The amendments in this Update also require additional disclosures about a reporting entity’s involvement in variable interest entities, which will enhance the information provided to users of financial statements.  This update is effective at the start of a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009.  Early application is not permitted.  We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operation.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-01, Equity (Topic 505) – Accounting for Distributions to Shareholders with Components of Stock and Cash.  The amendments in this update clarify that the stock portion of a distribution to shareholders that allows them to elect to receive cash or stock with a potential limitation on the total amount of cash that all shareholders can elect to receive in the aggregate is considered a share issuance that is reflected in earnings per share prospectively and is not a stock dividend.  This update codifies the consensus reached in EITF Issue No. 09-E, “Accounting for Stock Dividends, Including Distributions to Shareholders with Components of Stock and Cash.”  This update is effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after December 15, 2009, and should be applied on a retrospective basis.  The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) – Accounting and Reporting for Decreases in Ownership of a Subsidiary – A Scope Clarification.  This update clarifies that the scope of the decrease in ownership provisions of Subtopic 810-10 and related guidance applies to:
             
  ●  A subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity; 
 
A subsidiary that is a business or nonprofit activity that is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture; and
 
An exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business or nonprofit activity for a noncontrolling interest in an entity (including an equity method investee or joint venture).

This update also clarifies that the decrease in ownership guidance in Subtopic 810-10 does not apply to (a) sales of in substance real estate; and (b) conveyances of oil and gas mineral rights, even if these transfers involve businesses.

The amendments in this update expand the disclosure requirements about deconsolidation of a subsidiary or derecognition of a group of assets to include:
            
  ●  The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of any retained investment; 
 
The nature of any continuing involvement with the subsidiary or entity acquiring the group of assets; and
 
Whether the transaction that resulted in the deconsolidation or derecognition was with a related party or whether the former subsidiary or entity acquiring the assets will become a related party after the transaction.

This update is effective beginning in the period that an entity adopts FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB 51 (now included in Subtopic 810-10).  If an entity has previously adopted Statement 160, the amendments are effective beginning in the first interim or annual reporting period ending on or after December 15, 2009.  The amendments in this update should be applied retrospectively to the first period that an entity adopts Statement 160.  The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
F-19

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)
 
The FASB has issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.  This ASU requires some new disclosures and clarifies some existing disclosure requirements about fair value measurements as set forth in Codification Subtopic 820-10.  The FASB’s objective is to improve these disclosures and, thus, increase the transparency in financial reporting.  Specifically, ASU 2010-06 amends Codification Subtopic 820-10 to now require:

 
A reporting entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers; and
 
In the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, a reporting entity should present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements.

In addition, ASU 2010-06 clarifies the requirements of the following existing disclosures:

 
For purposes of reporting fair value measurement for each class of assets and liabilities, a reporting  entity needs to use judgment in determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities; and
 
A reporting entity should provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements.

ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.   We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operation.

Note 3 – Restrictions on Cash and Amounts Due From Banks
 
Roma Bank is required to maintain average balances on hand or with the Federal Reserve Bank.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, these reserve balances amounted to $6.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
 
Note 4 – Stock Offering and Stock Repurchase Plans
 
On July 11, 2006, the Company completed its public offering and began trading on NASDAQ. The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $96.1 million (gross proceeds of $98.2 million for the issuance of 9,819,562 shares, less offering costs of approximately $2.1 million). The Company also issued 22,584,995 shares to Roma Financial Corporation, MHC and 327,318 shares to the Roma Bank Community Foundation, Inc., resulting in a total of 32,731,875 shares issued and outstanding after the completion of the offering. A portion of the proceeds were loaned to the Roma Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to purchase 811,750 shares of the Company’s stock at a cost of $8.1 million on July 11, 2006.
 
On August 9, 2007, the Company announced a ten percent stock repurchase plan, equivalent to 981,956 shares in the open market, based on stock availability, price and the Company’s financial performance. The repurchase was completed on August 27, 2007 at a total cost of $16.7 million, or approximately $17.01 per share.
 
On October 24, 2007, the Company announced a five percent stock repurchase plan equivalent to 441,880 shares. The repurchase was completed on March 18, 2008 at a total cost of $7.2 million, or approximately $16.23 per share.
 

 
F-20

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 4 – Stock Offering and Stock Repurchase Plans
 
On August 1, 2008, the Company announced a second five percent stock repurchase plan, equivalent to 419,786 shares. The repurchase was completed on November 21, 2008 at a total cost of $6.1 million, or approximately $14.44 per share.
 
During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Roma Financial Corporation, MHC waived its right, upon non-objection from the Office of Thrift Supervision, to receive cash dividends of $7.2 million, $7.2 million, and $5.4 million, respectively, declared by the Company during the year.

 
Note 5 – Real Estate Owned Via Equity Investments
 
In 2008,  Roma Bank, together with two individuals, formed, 84 Hopewell, LLC (“LLC”). The LLC was formed to build a commercial office building which includes the Company’s Hopewell branch, corporate offices for the other 50% owner’s construction company and tenant space.  The Company invested approximately $360,000 in the LLC and provided a loan to the LLC in the amount of $3.6 million.  The Company and the construction company both have signed lease commitments to the LLC.  With the adoption of guidance in regards to variable interest entities now codified in FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation” the Company is required to perform an analysis to determine whether such an investment meets the criteria for consolidation into the Company’s financial statements.  As of December 31, 2009, this variable interest entity met the requirements of ASC Topic 810 for consolidation based on the Bank being the primary financial beneficiary.  This was determined based on the amount invested by the Bank compared to the other partners to the LLC and the lack of personal guarantees.  As of December 31, 2009, the LLC had $4.0 million in fixed assets and a loan from Roma Bank for $3.5 million, which was eliminated in consolidation.  The LLC had accrued interest to the Bank of $11 thousand at December 31, 2009 and the Bank had paid $129 thousand in rent to the LLC for the space occupied by the bank branch.  Both of these amounts were eliminated in consolidation.
 

 
F-21

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6 – Securities Available for Sale
 

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Carrying Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 8,091     $ 217     $ -     $ 8,308  
                                 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions:
                               
       One year through five years
    1,053       7        -       1,060  
After five years through ten years
    8,504       41       149       8,396  
      9,557       48       149       9,456  
                                 
U.S. Government (including agencies):
                               
       After five years through ten years
    8,500       3       196       8,307  
                                 
Equity securities
    1,383       4       -       1,387  
Mutual fund shares
    2,740       -       54       2,686  
    $ 30,271     $ 272     $ 399     $ 30,144  

   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Carrying Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 2,963     $ 93     $ -     $ 3,056  
                                 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions:
                               
One year through five years
    799       2       -       801  
After five years through ten years
    3,944       45       -       3,989  
      4,743       47       -       4,790  
                                 
U.S. Government (including agencies):
                               
       One year through five years
    1,999       8       -       2,007  
       After five years through ten years
    832       30       -       862  
      2,831       38       -       2,869  
                                 
Corporate bond
    980       -       25       955  
Equity securities
    3,630       -       749       2,881  
Mutual fund shares
    2,607       -       158       2,449  
    $ 17,754     $ 178     $ 932     $ 17,000  

 
F-22

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6 – Securities Available for Sale (Continued)
 
The unrealized losses, categorized by the length of time of continuous loss position, and the fair value of related securities available for sale are as follows:

 
   
Less than 12 Months
   
More than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
December 31, 2009:
                                   
     U.S. Government
                                   
        (including agencies)
  $ 5,351     $ 149     $ -     $ -     $ 5,351     $ 149  
     Obligations of state and
                                               
        Political subdivisions
    8,307       196       -       -       8,307       196  
     Mutual funds
    -       -       2,686       54       2,686       54  
                                                 
    $ 13,658     $ 345     $ 2,686     $ 54     $ 16,344     $ 399  
                                                 
December 31, 2008:
                                               
    Corporate bond
  $ 955     $ 25     $ -     $ -     $ 955     $ 25  
    Equity securities
    -       -       2,881       749       2,881       749  
    Mutual funds
    -       -       2,449       158       2,449       158  
                                                 
    $ 955     $ 25     $ 5,330     $ 907     $ 6,285     $ 932  

As of December 31, 2009, The Company’s available for sale portfolio consisted of 42 securities. There was one mutual fund in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months compared to one mutual fund, one corporate bond, and one equity security in an unrealized loss position in the prior year.
 
Equity securities had gross unrealized losses of $-0- thousand and $749 thousand at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. All equity securities are held with one issuer. In May 2009 the company in which our Company holds equity investment in a financial institution announced it had reached a definitive agreement to be acquired and merged into a publicly traded financial institution with an anticipated closing by December 2009. The severity of the unrealized loss is correlated to the decline of the stock market that started in the fall of 2007, primarily in the financial industry, and a result of the current economic recession. In December 2009 the definitive agreement to merge was terminated and management evaluated analysts’ near term earnings estimates and recent stock price decline in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss. At December 31, 2009 the Company recorded an other –than- temporary impairment charge to earnings of $2.2 million related to its equity investment

The available for sale mutual funds are a CRA investment had unrealized loss of approximately $54 thousand and $158 thousand at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. They have been in a loss position for the last two years with the greatest unrealized loss being approximately $184 thousand. Management does not believe the mutual fund securities available for sale are other-than-temporarily impaired due to reasons of credit quality. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2009, management believes the impairments are temporary and no impairment loss has been realized in the Company’s consolidated income statement.

F-23

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
  Note 6 – Securities Available for Sale (Continued)
 
Available for sale securities with total amortized cost of $7.2 million were sold during 2009 and realized a  gain of $158 thousand. Available for sale securities with a total amortized cost of $5.0 million were sold during 2008 with a net realized loss of $26 thousand.  All the securities were purchased and sold by RomAsia Bank and held less than one year.
 
  Note 7 – Investment Securities Held to Maturity
 
 
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
U.S. Government (including agencies):
                       
    After one year through five years
   $ 15,996      $ 54      $ -     16,050  
    After five years through ten years
    200,224       95       2,612       197,707  
    After ten years
    76,207       -       1,285       74,922  
      292,427       149       3,897       288,679  
Corporate Bond:
                               
    After one year through five years
    979       19       -       998  
                                 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions:
                               
    After one year through five years
    295       6       -       301  
    After five years through ten years
    4,693       94       32       4,755  
    After ten years
    6,955       39       54       6,940  
      11,943       139       86       11,996  
    $ 305,349     $ 307     $ 3,983     $ 301,673  

   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
U.S. Government (including agencies):
                       
    Within one year
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
    After one year through five years
    3,997       4        -       4,001  
    After five years through ten years
    18,997       78        -       19,075  
    After ten years
    44,991       94       115       44,970  
      67,985       176       115       68,046  
Obligations of state and political subdivisions:
                               
    After one year through five years
    1,550       72       -       1,622  
    After ten years
    4,580       5       231       4,354  
      6,130       77       231       5,976  
    $ 74,115     $ 253     $ 346     $ 74,022  
 
 
F-24

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7 – Investment Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
 
The unrealized losses, categorized by the length of time of continuous loss position, and the fair value of related investments held to maturity are as follows:
 
   
Less than 12 Months
   
More than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
December 31, 2009:
                                   
U.S. Government (including agencies)
  $ 243,639     $ 3,897     $ -     $ -     $ 243,639     $ 3,897  
                                                 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    5,574       86       -       -       5,574       86  
                                                 
    $ 249,213     $ 3,983     $ -     $ -     $ 249,213     $ 3,983  
                                                 
December 31, 2008:
                                               
U.S. Government (including agencies)
  $ 11,883     $ 115     $ -     $ -     $ 11,883     $ 115  
                                                 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    1,706       96       2,378       135       4,084       231  
                                                 
    $ 13,589     $ 211     $ 2,378     $ 135     $ 15,967     $ 346  

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.
 
In determining OTTI under the ASC Topic 320, management considers many factors, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost; (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the entity has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary-impairment decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on information available to management at a point in time. An OTTI is deemed to have occurred if there has been an adverse change in the remaining expected future cash flows.
 
When OTTI, for debt securities, occurs under the model, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss. If an entity intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If any entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period loss, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors shall be recognized in other
 
 
F-25

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7 – Investment Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
 
comprehensive income, net of applicable tax benefit. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings shall become the new amortized cost basis of the investment.
 
At December 31, 2009, the Company’s  held to maturity debt securities portfolio consisted of 177 securities, of which 113 were in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and none were in a loss position for more than twelve months. No OTTI charges were recorded on held to maturity securities for the year  ended December 31, 2009. The company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities. Unrealized losses primarily relate to interest rate fluctuations and not credit concerns.
 
There were no sales of investment securities held to maturity during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007.
 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, approximately $220.7 million and $61.0 million, respectively, of investment securities held to maturity were callable within one year.
 
See Note 13 for information as to investment securities held to maturity which are pledged for borrowings.
 

 
F-26

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 8 – Mortgage-Backed Securities Held to Maturity
 
 
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Government National Mortgage Association
  $ 7,148     $ 149     $ 21     $ 7,276  
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
    123,244       5,190       721       127,713  
Federal National Mortgage Association
    107,294       5,299       23       112,570  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    10,740       459       -       11,199  
                                 
    $ 248,426     $ 11,097     $ 765     $ 258,758  

   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Government National Mortgage Association
  $ 8,888     $ 45     $ 118     $ 8,815  
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
    154,246       4,200       405       158,041  
Federal National Mortgage Association
    124,942       3,630       75       128,497  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    13,802       205       36       13,971  
                                 
    $ 301,878     $ 8,080     $ 634     $ 309,324  

All of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities are residential. The unrealized losses, categorized by the length of time of continuous loss position, and the fair value of related mortgage-backed securities held to maturity are as follows:
 
 
   
Less than 12 Months
   
More than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                     
December 31, 2009:
                                   
Government National Mortgage Association
  $ 994     $ 20     $ 52     $ 1     $ 1,046     $ 21  
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
    5,230       224       1,549       497       6,779       721  
Federal National Mortgage
Association
    -       -       1,131       23       1,131       23  
                                                 
    $ 6,224     $ 244     $ 2,732     $ 521     $ 8,956     $ 765  
 
 
 
F-27

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 8 – Mortgage-Backed Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
 

 
   
Less than 12 Months
   
More than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                     
December 31, 2008:
                                   
Government National Mortgage Association
  $ 4,920     $ 112     $ 188     $ 6     $ 5,108     $ 118  
Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation
    13,068       286       7,022       119       20,090       405  
Federal National Mortgage
Association
    2,479       24       3,757       51       6,236       75  
Collateralized mortgage
obligations
    3,162       36       -       -       3,162       36  
                                                 
    $ 23,629     $ 458     $ 10,967     $ 176     $ 34,596     $ 634  

Management does not believe that any of the individual unrealized losses represent an other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). The unrealized losses on mortgage-backed securities relate primarily to fixed interest rates, and, to a lesser extent, adjustable interest rate securities. Such losses are the result of changes in interest rates and not credit concerns. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities, therefore, no OTTI is required.
 
At December 31, 2009, there were 5 Government National Mortgage Association, 13 Federal Home Loan  Mortgage Corporation, 3 Federal National Mortgage Association, and no Collateralized mortgage obligations, in unrealized loss positions compared to 50, 34, 30 and 7, respectively, in unrealized loss positions as of December 31, 2008.
 
There were no sales of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007.
 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, mortgage-backed securities held to maturity with a carrying value of approximately $960,000 and $754,000, respectively, were pledged to secure public funds on deposit.
 



 
F-28
 

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 9 – Loans Receivable
 

 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
    (In Thousands)  
Real estate mortgage loans:
           
Conventional 1-4 family
  $ 251,937     $ 230,956  
Commercial and multi-family
    172,334       128,990  
                 
      424,271       359,946  
                 
Construction
    26,162       28,899  
                 
Consumer:
               
Passbook or certificate
    982       881  
Automobile
    42       62  
Equity and second mortgages
    133,199       133,855  
                 
      134,223       134,798  
                 
Commercial
    12,302       5,762  
                 
Total Loans
    596,958       529,405  
                 
Less:
               
Allowance for loan losses
    5,243       2,223  
Deferred loan fees and discounts
    432       233  
Loans in process
    5,524       6,543  
                 
      11,199       8,999  
                 
 Loans, net
  $ 585,759     $ 520,406  

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, loans serviced for the benefit of others totaled approximately $17,169,000 and $10,188,000, respectively, which balances are excluded from the above portfolio. Roma Bank has an agreement to sell residential mortgages to the FHLBNY and Freddie Mac.  The maximum to be sold under the agreement with FHLBNY is $25.0 million and approximately $16.6 million has been sold as of December 31, 2009.  The agreement includes a maximum credit enhancement of $177,500, which the Bank may be required to pay if realized losses on any of the sold mortgages exceed the amount held in the FHLB’s Spread Account.  The FHLB is funding the Spread Account at 3.55% of the outstanding balance of loans sold.  The Bank’s historical losses on residential mortgages have been lower than the amount being funded to the Spread Account.  As such, the Bank does not anticipate recognizing any losses and accordingly, has not recorded a liability for the credit enhancement.  As compensation for the credit enhancement, the FHLB is paying the Bank at rates of .07% to .10% of the outstanding loan balance in the portfolio on a quarterly basis.
 

 
F-29

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 9 – Loans Receivable (Continued)
 
Roma Bank retains the servicing on the loans sold to the FHLB and receives a fee based upon the principal balance outstanding.  During the years ended 2009 and 2008, the Bank recognized approximately $39,700 and $18,700, respectively, of servicing fee income.
 
At December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, nonaccrual loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued totaled approximately $14,790,000, $10,308,000, and $6,889,000, respectively.  Interest income on such loans is recognized only when actually collected.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Bank recognized interest income of approximately $130,000, $167,000, and $370,000, respectively, on these loans.  Interest income that would have been recorded had the loans been on accrual status, would have amounted to approximately $893,000, $798,000, and $670,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Bank is not committed to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been placed on nonaccrual status.
 
A loan is considered impaired when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.  Impaired loans include nonperforming commercial loans but also include loans modified in troubled debt restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties.  These concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate on the loans, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection.
 
Impaired loans and related amounts recorded in the allowance for loan losses are summarized as follows

 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
Recorded investment in impaired loans without specific allowance
  $ 16,842     $ 7,865  
Recorded investment in impaired loans with specific allowance
    7,783       4,178  
Related allowance for loan losses
    (2,483 )     (520 )
                 
    $ 22,142     $ 11,523  

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the average recorded investment in impaired loans totaled approximately $17,314,000, $9,144,000, and $3,042,000, respectively. Interest income of approximately $251,000, $448,000, and $63,000, respectively, all recorded on the cash basis, was recognized on impaired loans during the period of impairment.
 

 
F-30

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 9 – Loans Receivable (Continued)
 
The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses:

     
Years Ended December 31,
 
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
     
(In Thousands)
 
                 
 
Balance – beginning
 
$
2,223
 
$
1,602
 
$
1,169
 
 
Provisions charged to operations
   
3,280
   
787
   
492
 
 
Recoveries
   
18
   
15
   
 
 
Losses charged to allowance
   
(278
)
 
(181
)
 
(59
)
                       
 
Balance - ending
 
$
5,243
 
$
2,223
 
$
1,602
 


The Banks have  granted loans to officers and directors.  Related party loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and do not involve more than normal risk of collectibility.  The aggregate amount of these loans at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $2,280,000 and $2,201,000 respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were new loans totaling $219,000 and $0 to a related party and repayments totaled $140,000 and $136,000, respectively.
 
 
Note 10 – Premises and Equipment

 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
Land held for future development
  $ 1,054     $ 1,054  
                 
Construction in progress
    220       90  
                 
Land
    5,428       5,428  
                 
Buildings and improvements
    35,299       34,597  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (6,154 )     (5,288 )
                 
      29,145       29,309  
                 
Furnishings and equipment
    9,543       9,348  
Accumulated depreciation
    (6,261 )     (5,258 )
                 
      3,282       4,090  
                 
    $ 39,129     $ 39,971  

 
F-31

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 11 – Interest Receivable

 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
    Loans receivable
  $ 2,793     $ 2,446  
    Investment securities held to maturity
    2,241       1,122  
    Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity
    1,191       1,395  
    Securities available for sale
    221       60  
    Other interest-earning assets
    22       36  
                 
    $ 6,468     $ 5,059  

Note 12 – Deposits

 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Amount
   
Weighted Average Interest Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
   
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
                         
    Demand:
                       
    Non-interest bearing checking
  $ 32,481       0.00 %   $ 27,898       0.00 %
    Interest bearing checking
    129,505       0.44 %     99,788       0.54 %
                                 
    Total Demand
    161,986       0.25 %     127,686       0.42 %
                                 
    Savings and club
    275,990       0.91 %     204,031       1.21 %
                                 
    Certificates of deposit
    577,779       2.47 %     432,516       3.63 %
                                 
    $ 1,015,755       1.71 %   $ 764,233       2.44 %

 
 
F-32

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 12 – Deposits (Continued)
 
Certificates of deposit with balances of more than $100,000 totaled approximately $186,582,000 and $119,577,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2009, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were:

 
   Amounts  
 
 
   (In Thousands)      
     
                2010
  $ 430,033  
                2011
    109,143  
                2012
    22,493  
                2013
    5,259  
                2014
    9,841  
                Thereafter
    1,010  
     
    $ 577,779  

Interest expense on deposits consists of the following:
 

 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                Demand
  $ 618     $ 539     $ 515  
                Savings and club
    3,005       2,049       1,691  
                Certificates of deposit
    15,592       15,493       15,114  
                         
    $ 19,215     $ 18,081     $ 17,320  
 

 
 
F-33

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 13 – Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLBNY”) Advances and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008,  Roma Bank had an outstanding long-term FHLBNY advance totaling $1.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively.  The borrowing is at a fixed rate of 4.49% and requires monthly principal and interest payments of $186,385 with a final maturity of September 15, 2010.
 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Bank also had an outstanding FHLBNY advance totaling $23.0 million. The borrowing is at a fixed rate of 3.90% for ten years, maturing in 2017, callable in October 2010. Interest is paid quarterly.

At December 31, 2008, the Bank had a short term FHLBNY advance totaling $20.0 million at a rate of .48% which was paid in  January 2009.

At December 31, 2009 and 2008 the advances were secured by pledges of the Bank’s investment in the capital stock of the FHLB totaling $2,980,000 and $3,479,000, respectively, and a specific pledge of investment securities held to maturity with a par value totaling $41 million and $54 million, respectively.
 
At December 31, 2009, the Bank also had available to it $100,000,000 under a revolving line of credit and an additional $100,000,000 under a Companion (DRA) Commitment, both expiring July 31, 2010 with the FHLBNY. Borrowings are at the lender’s cost of funds plus 0.25%.  There were no outstanding borrowings under the line of credit or DRA at December 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase are treated as a financing arrangement and are reflected as a liability in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Securities sold under an agreement to repurchase amounted to $40.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008. The maturities and respective interest rates are as follows: $10.0 million maturing in 2015, callable in August 2010, at 3.22%; $20.0 million maturing in 2018 callable in August 2011 3.51%; and, $10.0 million maturing in 2018, callable in August 2013 at 3.955%. The agreement is collateralized by securities described in the underlying agreement which are held in safekeeping at the FHLBNY. At December 31, 2009, the fair value of the securities used as collateral under the agreement  was approximately $48.3 million.
 
 
Note 14 – Regulatory Capital Requirement
 
The Banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by Federal banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Banks’ assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Banks’ capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weighting, and other factors.
 

 
F-34

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 14 – Regulatory Capital Requirement (Continued)
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets (as defined).

 
                   
To Be Well Capitalized
 
           
For Capital
 
Under Prompt
 
           
Adequacy
 
Corrective Action
 
   
Actual
 
Purposes
 
Provisions
 
   
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
As of December 31, 2009:
                               
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                               
Roma Bank
 
$
194,084
 
30.67
%
³ $50,625
 
³8.00
%
$
63,281
   
³10.00%
%
RomAsia Bank
 
 
12,381
 
25.98
 
³ 3,812
 
³8.00
 
 
4,765
   
³10.00
 
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                               
Roma Bank
   
191,639
 
30.28
 
N/A
 
N/A
   
37,969
   
³ 6.00
 
RomAsia Bank
   
12,073
 
25.34
 
N/A
 
N/A
   
2,859
   
³ 6.00
 
Core (Tier 1) capital (to adjusted total assets)
                               
Roma Bank
   
191,639
 
15.75
 
³36,499
 
³3.00
   
60,831
   
³ 5.00
 
RomAsia Bank
   
12,073
 
13.34
 
³ 2,714
 
³3.00
   
4,524
   
³ 5.00
 
Tangible capital (to adjusted total assets)
                               
Roma Bank
   
191,639
 
15.75
 
³18,249
 
³1.50
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
RomAsia Bank
   
12,073
 
13.34
 
³ 1,357
 
³1.50
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
                                 
As of December 31, 2008:
                               
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                               
Roma Bank
 
$
187,080
 
32.78
%
³ $45,653
 
³8.00
%
$
57,067
   
³10.00%
%
RomAsia Bank
 
 
13,086
 
50.75
 
³ 2,063
 
³8.00
 
 
2,579
   
³10.00
 
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                               
Roma Bank
   
185,154
 
32.45
 
N/A
 
N/A
   
34,240
   
³ 6.00
 
RomAsia Bank
   
12,946
 
50.20
 
N/A
 
N/A
   
1,547
   
³ 6.00
 
Core (Tier 1) capital (to adjusted total assets)
                               
Roma Bank
   
185,154
 
18.25
 
³30,432
 
³3.00
   
50,720
   
³ 5.00
 
RomAsia Bank
   
12,946
 
25.40
 
³ 1,529
 
³3.00
   
2,548
   
³ 5.00
 
Tangible capital (to adjusted total assets)
                               
Roma Bank
   
185,154
 
18.25
 
³15,216
 
³1.50
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
RomAsia Bank
   
12,946
 
25.40
 
³ 765
 
³1.50
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
 
 
 

 

 
As of November 10, 2009, the most recent notification from the Office of Thrift Supervision, Roma Bank, based on its actual capital amounts at June 30, 2009, was categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as well capitalized, the Banks must maintain minimum total, risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios of 10%, 6% and 5%, respectively.  There are no conditions existing or events which have occurred since notification that management believes have changed the Banks’ category.   As of July 20, 2009, the most recent notification from the Office of Thrift Supervision, RomAsia Bank, based on its actual capital amounts at June 30, 2009 was categorized
 
F-35

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 14 – Regulatory Capital Requirement (Continued)
 
as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans
 
Pension Plan
 
Roma Bank has a defined benefit pension plan covering all eligible employees.  All employees who have worked for a period of one year and who have been credited with 1,000 or more hours of service are eligible to accrue benefits under the plan. The Bank’s policy is to fund the pension plan with annual contributions which equal the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes.  The following table sets forth the plan’s funded status and components of net periodic pension expense:
 

 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
           
Benefit obligation – beginning
  $ 9,878     $ 8,309  
    Adjustment for measurement date change
    -       216  
    Service cost
    387       328  
    Interest cost
    588       536  
    Actuarial (gain) loss
    (107 )     883  
    Benefits paid
    (315 )     (368 )
    Settlements
    (13 )     (26 )
Benefit obligation – ending
    10,418       9,878  
                 
Change in Plan Assets
               
Fair value of assets – beginning
    6,052       8,423  
    Actual (loss) gain on plan assets
    1,040       (2,487 )
    Employer contributions
    101       510  
    Benefits paid
    (315 )     (368 )
    Settlements
    (13 )     (26 )
Fair value of assets – ending
    6,865       6,052  
                 
Funded status
  $ (3,553 )   $ (3,826 )
                 
Change in Other Comprehensive Loss
               
Other comprehensive loss – beginning
  $ (4,771 )   $ (526 )
Adjustment for measurement date change
    -       4  
Amortization of prior service cost
    15       15  
Amortization of gain/loss
    356       -  
Net gain (loss) during year
    655       (4,264 )
                 
Other comprehensive loss –  ending
  $ (3,745 )   $ (4,771 )
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 9,551     $ 8,606  
 
 
 
F-36

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans (Continued)
 
Pension Plan (Continued)

 

     
Years Ended December 31,
 
     
2008
     
2007
     
2006
 
     
(In Thousands)
 
 
Net periodic pension expense
                           
 
Service cost
 
$
387
     
$
328
     
$
340
 
 
Interest cost
   
588
       
535
       
488
 
 
Expected return on assets
   
(491
)
     
(714
)
     
(641
)
 
Amortization of:
                           
 
Unrecognized prior service liability
   
15
       
15
       
38
 
 
Unrecognized loss
   
355
       
       
42
 
                               
 
Total pension expense
 
$
854
     
$
164
     
$
267
 
                               
The assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are as follows for the years ended December 31:

         
2009
 
2008
 
Discount rate
 
 
 
6.13%
 
6.13%
 
Salary increase rate
 
 
 
3.00%
 
4.00%

 
The assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost are as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
       
2009
 
2008
        
           
  Discount rate        6.13%    6.62%
  Long-term rate on return of plan assets
     
8.50%
 
8.50%
      Salary increase rate
     
3.00%
 
4.00%
      Market related value of assets
     
N/A
 
N/A
      Amortization period
     
10.48%
 
10.14%

 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had an accrued pension liability of $3,553,621 and $3,826,159, respectively.
 

 
F-37

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans (Continued)
 
Pension Plan (Continued)
 
The fair value of the Corporation’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2009, by asset category are as follows:

 
   
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total
   
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
   
 
 
Significant observable inputs (Level 2)
   
 
 
Significant unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
      (Dollars in Thousands)  
Mutual funds - equity                                
Large-cap value
  $ 451     $ 451     $ -     $ -  
Small-cap core
    532       532       -       -  
                                 
Common/collective trusts-equity
                               
Large-cap core
    506       -       506       -  
Large-cap value
    252       -       252       -  
Large-cap growth
    742       -       742       -  
International core
    720       -       720       -  
                                 
Common/collective trusts-fixed income
    3,641       -       3,641       -  
                                 
Total
  $ 6,844     $ 983     $ 5,861     $ -  

 
The Bank’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations, by asset category, are as follows:
 
     
December 31,  
 
     
2009
 
2008
 
               
   
Equity securities
 
47%
 
59%
 
   
Debt securities (Bond Mutual Funds)
 
53    
 
41  
 
               
       
100%
 
100%
 

The long term rate of return on assets assumption is based on historical returns earned by equities and fixed income securities, adjusted to reflect expectations of future returns as applied to the plan’s target allocation of asset classes.  Equities and fixed income securities were assumed to earn real rates of return in the ranges of 5-9% and 2-6%, respectively.  The long term inflation rate was estimated to be 3%.  When these overall return expectations are applied to the plan’s target allocation, the result is an expected rate of return of 7% to 11%.
 

 
F-38

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans (Continued)
 
Pension Plan (Continued)
 
The Bank expects to contribute a minimum $468,000 to its pension plan in 2010.
 
Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid for the years ended December 31 as follows (in thousands):
 
2010
  $     588
 
2011
  595
 
2012
  616
 
2013
  637
 
2014
  673
 
2015-2019
  3,738
 

 
Savings and Investment Plan (“SIP”)
 
The Banks’ sponsors a SIP pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for all eligible employees.  Employees may elect to save a percentage of their compensation up to statutory limits which the Banks will match 50% of the first 6% of the employee’s contribution.  The SIP expense amounted to approximately $181,000, $170,000, and $140,000 during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Officers’ Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements
 
Roma Bank has an unfunded, non-qualified supplemental pension plan to provide supplemental pension benefits to certain senior officers of the Bank. The plan provides benefits at normal established retirement ages for the covered officers at an amount established when the plan was created in equal monthly installments per year for ten years. At December 31, 2009 and 2008 the Bank had accrued approximately $1,311,000 and $1,215,000, respectively. Expense recorded for the plan totaled approximately $96,000, $68,000 and $251,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 no payments were made to the beneficiaries.
 
Phantom Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
 
Roma Bank implemented a phantom stock plan, effective November 1, 2002, to reward key management and the Board of Directors for achieving strategic goals of the Bank.  Under the plan, the future value of units awarded to plan participants will be based upon the accumulation of future retained earnings of the Bank. The units vest equally over a ten year period and are non-forfeitable after participants have completed ten years of service with the Bank at a rate of 10% per year or age 65, whichever is earlier. At December 31, 2009 and 2008 the Bank had accrued approximately $965,000 and $1,271,000, respectively. Expense recorded for the plan totaled approximately $279,000 and $132,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Bank had a credit to expense of approximately $118,000 to adjust the original projected earnings of the plan.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 $188,000, $-0-, and $-0- payments were made to the beneficiaries and to individuals who terminated their employment.
 

 
F-39

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans (Continued)
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Effective upon completion of the Company’s initial public offering in July 2006, Roma Bank established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) for all eligible employees who complete a twelve-month period of employment with the Bank, have attained the age of 21 and complete at least 1,000 hours of service in a plan year. The ESOP used $8,117,500 in proceeds from a term loan obtained from the Company to purchase 811,750 shares of Company common stock. The term loan principal is payable over 60 quarterly installments through June 30, 2021. The interest rate on the term loan is 8.25%. Each year, the Bank intends to make discretionary contributions to the ESOP, which will be equal to principal and interest payments required on the term loan. The loan may be further repaid with dividends paid, if any, on the unallocated Company common stock owned by the ESOP.

Shares purchased with the loan proceeds provide collateral for the term loan and are held in a suspense account for future allocations among participants. Contributions to the ESOP and shares released from the suspense account are to be allocated among the participants on the basis of compensation, as described by the Plan, in the year of allocation.

The ESOP is accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, “Stock Compensation -Employee Stock Ownership Plans,” which was issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Accordingly, ESOP shares pledged as collateral were initially recorded as unearned ESOP shares in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Thereafter, on a quarterly basis, 13,529 shares are committed to be released.  Compensation expense is recorded equal to the number of shares committed to be released times the monthly average market price of the shares, and the committed shares become outstanding for basic net income per common share computations. ESOP compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $670,000, $796,000, $877,000, respectively. The status of Company shares in the ESOP at December 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
 


   
2009
   
2008
 
                               Allocated shares
    135,290       81,174  
                               Shares committed to be released
    54,116       54,116  
                               Unearned shares
    622,344       676,460  
                 
                               Total ESOP Shares
    811,750       811,750  
                 
                               Fair value of unearned shares
  $ 7,692,172     $ 8,516,631  


 

 
F-40

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans (Continued)

Equity Incentive Plan

At the Annual Meeting held on April 23, 2008, stockholders of the Company approved the Roma Financial Corporation  2008 Equity Incentive Plan of Roma Bank. On June 25, 2008, directors, senior officers and certain employees of the Company were granted an aggregate of 820,000 stock options and awarded 222,000 shares of restricted stock.

The 2008 Plan enables the Board of Directors to grant stock options to executives, other key employees and nonemployee directors. The options granted under the Plan may be either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. The Company has reserved 1,292,909 shares of common stock for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the 2008 Plan and 517,164 shares for grants of restricted stock.  The Plan will terminate ten years from the grant date.  Options will be granted with an exercise price not less than the
fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of the grant. Options may not be granted for a term greater than ten years.  Stock options granted under the Incentive Plan are subject to limitations under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.  The number of shares available under the 2008 Plan, the number of shares subject to outstanding options and the exercise price of outstanding options will be adjusted to reflect any stock dividend, stock split, merger, reorganization or other event generally affecting the number of Company’s outstanding shares. At December 31, 2009, there were 472,909 shares available for option grants under the 2008 Plan and 295,164 shares available for grants of restricted stock.

The Company accounts for stock based compensation under FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.”  ASC Topic 718 covers  a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. ASC Topic 718 requires that compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. The cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.

ASC Topic 718 also requires the Company to realize as a financing cash flow rather than an operating cash flow, as previously required, the benefits of realized tax deductions in excess of previously recognized tax benefits on compensation expense.  In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 107, the Company classified share-based compensation for employees and outside directors within “compensation and employee benefits” in the consolidated statement of operations to correspond with the same line item as the cash compensation paid.

Stock options vest over a five year service period and are exercisable within ten years. Compensation expense for all option grants is recognized over the awardee’s respective requisite service period.  The fair values of all option grants for the year ended December 31, 2008 were estimated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model using the following assumptions:

 
F-41

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans (Continued)

Equity Incentive Plan (Continued)

Expected life
        6.5 years
Risk-free rate
     3.81%
Volatility
   27.66%
Dividend yield
     2.34%
Fair Value
$3.64

The ESOP is accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, “Stock Compensation -Employee Stock Ownership Plans,” which was issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Accordingly, ESOP shares pledged as collateral were initially recorded as unearned ESOP shares in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Thereafter, on a quarterly basis, 13,529 shares are committed to be released.  Compensation expense is recorded equal to the number of shares committed to be released times the monthly average market price of the shares, and the committed shares become outstanding for basic net income per common share computations. ESOP compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $670,000, $796,000, $877,000, respectively. The status of Company shares in the ESOP at December 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 
2009
 
2008
                Allocated shares
    135,290
 
81,174
                 Shares committed to be released
54,116
 
54,116
                Unearned shares
622,344
 
676,460
       
                 Total ESOP Shares
811,750
 
811,750
              
                      Fair value of unearned shares
$7,692,172
 
$8,516,631

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for  the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 
 
Number of Stock Options
 
Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price
   
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
             
Balance at   January 1, 2008
-
 
$           -
   
     $            -
             
Granted
820,000
 
       13.67
     
             
Balance at December 31, 2008 and 2009
820,000
 
$    13.67
   
     $           -
             
Exercisable at December 31, 2009
164,000
 
$   13.67
   
     $           -

On December 31, 2009 and 2008, recipients of the stock options under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan were entitled to 20% and 0.00% of the options awarded, or 164,000 and -0- shares. The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding stock options at December 31, 2009 was 8.5 years.


 
F-42

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans (Continued)

Equity Incentive Plan (Continued)

At December 31, 2009 and 2008 all exercisable and non-vested stock options had an exercise price of $13.67.

Restricted shares, granted on June 25, 2008, vest over a five year service period. Compensation expense is recognized for the fair value of restricted shares on a straight-line basis over five years, the requisite service period of the awards.  The number of shares granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock determines the fair value of the restricted shares under the Company’s restricted stock plan.

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s restricted shares for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 
   
Number of Restricted Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
             
 
Non-vested restricted shares at January 1, 2008
     -     $  -  
                 
Granted
    222,000       13.67  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Vested
    -       -  
 
Non-vested restricted shares at December 31, 2008
     222,000     $  13.67  
                 
Granted
    -        
Forfeited
    -        
Vested
    (44,400 )     13.67  
 
Non-vested restricted shares at December 31, 2009
     177,600     $  13.67  
 
Stock option and stock award expenses included within compensation expense were $1,204,000 and $626,000, respectively, for the years ended  December  31,  2009 and 2008,   with  a  related  tax  benefits  of  $481,000 and $250,000, respectively.  Approximately $4.2 million of unrecognized cost related to unvested stock options and restricted shares, which will be recognized over a period of approximately 3.5 years.

Stock Warrants

RomAsia Bank issued warrants to purchase 150,500 shares of RomAsia Common Stock (the “warrants”), bearing an exercise price of $10.00 per share, to the Founding Stockholders who subscribed initially for 150,500 shares of Common Stock and provided $1,505,000 to pay  RomAsia’s organizational expenses. The warrants were issued on June 23, 2008.
 

 

 
F-43

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15 – Benefit Plans (Continued)

Stock Warrants (Continued)

 
The warrants will become exercisable in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries after their respective dates of issuance. Warrants will be convertible into one share of Common Stock and will be transferable only in compliance with the Securities Act  of 1933, as amended,and applicable state securities laws.  RomAsia may redeem the Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Warrant at any time after January 1, 2012 upon 60 days prior written notice to the holders thereof.
 
The Warrants provide that, in the event that RomAsia’s capital falls below certain minimum requirements, the FDIC or the OTS may require RomAsia to notify the holders of the Warrants that such holders must exercise the Warrants within 30 days of such notice, or such longer period as the FDIC or OTS may prescribe, or forfeit all rights to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Warrants after the expiration of such period.
 
The Warrants expire ten years after being issued. In the event a holder fails to exercise the Warrants prior to their expiration, the Warrants will expire and the holder thereof will have no further rights with respect to the Warrants.
 
The fair value of each Warrant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
   
                   Expected life
6.0 years
                   Risk-free rate
3.39%
                   Volatility
22.47%
                   Dividend yield
0.00%
                   Fair Value
$ 3.02

 
The Warrant expense for minority shareholders, (10.45% ownership), in both 2009 and 2008 was $15.7 thousand and $8.3 thousand, respectively, and related deferred taxes were recorded at $7.4 thousand, and $3.9 thousand, respectively. The warrant expense for the majority shareholder, Roma Financial Corporation, was eliminated in consolidation.
 


 
F-44

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 16 – Income Taxes
 
The Banks qualify as thrift institutions under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and, therefore, must calculate tax bad debt deductions using either the experience or specific charge off method. If such amounts are used for purposes other than for bad debt losses, including distributions in liquidation, it will be subject to income taxes at the then current rate.
 
The components of income taxes are summarized as follows:
 
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Current tax expense:
                 
Federal income
  $ 2,891     $ 2,182     $ 3,293  
State income
    505       633       652  
      3,396       2,815       3,945  
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
                       
Federal income
    (2,151 )     (879 )     211  
State income
    (561 )     (255 )     (124 )
      (2,712 )     (1,134 )     87  
Valuation allowance
    351       509       102  
                         
    $ 1,035     $ 2,190     $ 4,134  

 
The following table presents a reconciliation between reported income taxes and the income taxes which would be computed by applying the federal income tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes:

 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Federal income tax
  $ 1,238     $ 2,277     $ 3,929  
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from:
                       
New Jersey income taxes, net of federal income tax effect
    194       297       348  
Tax exempt interest on obligations of state and political subdivisions
    (153 )     (177 )     (172 )
Bank owned life insurance
    (491 )     (233 )     (210 )
Surtax exemption
    (100 )     (100 )     (100 )
Other items, net
    (4 )     (383 )     237  
      684       1,681       4,032  
Valuation allowance
    351       509       102  
                         
Total income tax expense
  $ 1,035     $ 2,190     $ 4,134  
       Effective income tax rate    
28.40
 %     32.7      36.8 
 
 
 
F-45

 

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 16 – Income Taxes (Continued)
 
The effective income tax rate represents total income tax expense divided by income before income taxes.  Under New Jersey tax law, the Investment Co. is subject to a 3.6% state income tax rate as compared to the 9.0% tax rate to which the Company and Banks are subject.  The presence of the Investment Co. during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, resulted in income tax savings of approximately $571,000 and $425,000, respectively, and reduced the consolidated effective income tax rate by 4.8% in each year.
 
The Company established a valuation allowance for the state income taxes for the benefit to be derived from the utilization of the state net operating loss carry forward for prior years for Roma Bank and for a contribution carry forward for Roma Financial Corporation.
 
The tax effects of existing temporary differences that give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
                Stock based compensation
  $ 732     $ 273  
                Deferred loan fees
    25       17  
                Allowance for loan losses and other reserves
    2,250       896  
                Uncollected interest and late fees
    539       261  
                Retirement benefits
    979       1,069  
                Accumulated other comprehensive income-pension liability
    1,503       1,908  
                Charitable contributions
    233       462  
                ESOP
    334       253  
                Unrealized loss on securities available for sale
    56       196  
                Impairment loss on equity security
    966       -  
                State net operating loss carry forward
    660       509  
                Other items
    436       643  
      8,713       6,487  
                Valuation allowance
    (1,063 )     (712 )
                Total Deferred Tax Assets
    7,650       5,775  
                 
                Goodwill and other items
    (78 )     (61 )
                Pension expense
    (100 )     (341 )
                Depreciation
    (1,599 )     (1,386 )
                Capitalized interest
    (181 )     (184 )
                Other items
    (96 )     (23 )
                Total Deferred Tax Liabilities
    (2,054 )     (1,995 )
                 
                Net Deferred Tax Assets
  $ 5,596     $ 3,780  

 
 
F-46

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 16 – Income Taxes (Continued)
 
Roma Bank has approximately $8.1 million of carry forward losses for the State of New Jersey expiring as follows: $.7 million in 2013; $1.7 million in 2014; and $5.7 million in 2015. A valuation allowance of $1.1 million has been established for these amounts. General Abstract has a $73 thousand carry forward loss with the State of New Jersey for which no valuation allowance has been established. RomAsia Bank has a $2.4 million carry forward loss with the State of New Jersey expiring in 2015 for which no valuation allowance has been established.
 
Note 17 – Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Banks are a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of their customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk  in excess of the amount  recognized in the statement of financial condition.  The contract or  notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Banks have in particular classes of financial instruments. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, Roma Bank had stand- by letters of credit of $8.9 million and $9.9 million, respectively.
 
The Banks’ exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit written is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments.  The Banks use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as they do for on-balance-sheet instruments.
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
 
The Banks evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Banks upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty.  Collateral held varies but primarily includes residential and income-producing real estate.
 
Commitments to purchase securities are contracts for delayed delivery of securities in which the seller agrees to make delivery at a specified future date of a specified instrument, at a specified price or yield. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movements in securities values and interest.
 

 

 
F-47

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 17 – Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
 
The Banks had loan origination commitments outstanding as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
Rate Range
 
Amount
 
Rate Range
 
Amount
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
     Mortgage loans
3.99% to 5.375%
 
$  4,722
 
5.500% to 5.815%
 
$   967
               
     Equity loans:
4.99% to 6.240%
 
    1,903
 
4.990% to 6.25%
 
     395
               
     
$6,625
     
$1,362

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, undisbursed funds from approved home equity lines of credit of approximately $40,691,000 and $39,260,000, respectively.  The applicable interest rates on funds disbursed under these lines is prime plus 1.50%, to prime less .50%.  In addition, the Banks had commercial letters and lines of credit of approximately $31,310,000 at December 31, 2009.
 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, undisbursed funds from approved commercial lines and letters of credit, both secured and unsecured, amounted to approximately $31,310,000 and $34,400,000, respectively.  The interest rates charged  on  funds  disbursed  under  these commitments  range  from prime,  to prime plus 4.25%.  Unless they are specifically cancelled by notice from the Banks, these funds represent firm commitments available to the respective borrowers on demand.
 
Roma Bank has non-cancelable operating leases for branch offices. The following is a schedule by years of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2009: (In thousands)
 
                            Year Ended December 31:
 
   
2010
$440
2011
442
2012
447
2013
463
2014
472
Thereafter
6,008
                            Total Minimum Payments Required
$8,272

 
Included in the total required minimum lease payments is $1,856,000 of payments to the “LLC” a variable interest entity in which the Company hold a 50% ownership interest.   These payments are eliminated in the  consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries, from time to time, may be party to litigation which arises primarily in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of such litigation should not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
 

 
F-48

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
 
The Company adopted the guidance on fair value measurements now codified as FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, on January 1, 2008.  Under ASC Topic 820, fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs.  ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The fair value measurement guidance establishes a hierarchy that gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under are described below.
 
Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective period ends and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each period-end.
 
The fair value measurement  hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
 
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported with little or no market activity).

An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
For financial assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used December 31, 2009 were as follows:
 
Impaired loans are those loans that the Bank has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third-party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds.  These assets are included as level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.
 
Real estate owned assets are adjusted to fair value less estimated selling costs upon transfer of the loans to real estate owned.  Subsequently, real estate owned assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value.  Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral.  These assets are included as level 3 fair values.
 

 

 
F-49

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures  (Continued)
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 


(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
 
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
 

 
Total Fair Value
December 31, 2009
   
(In Thousands)

Securities available for sale
 
 
$         -
 
 
$30,144
 
 
$          -
 
 
$30,144
 

For financial assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at December 31, 2008 were as follows:
 
Description
 
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Total Fair Value
December 31, 2008
   
(In Thousands)

Securities available for sale
 
$       -
 
$17,000
 
$          -
 
 
$17,000

For  assets, measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at December 31, 2009 were as follows:

Description
 
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Total Fair Value
 December 31, 2009
   
(In Thousands)
                 
Impaired loans
 
 $       -
 
$      -
 
$5,300
 
$5,300

Real estate owned
 
$       -
 
$      -
 
$1,928
 
$1,928

The effective date of the new fair value guidance was delayed for all non-financial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  As such, the Company began to account and report for non-financial assets and liabilities in 2009.



 
F-50

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures  (Continued)
 
For financial assets, measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements by level  within the fair value hierarchy used at December 31, 2008 were as follows:

Description
 
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Total Fair Value December 31, 2008
   
(In Thousands)
                 
Impaired loans
 
$       -
 
$       -
 
 
$          3,658
 
 
$3,658

 
Below is management’s estimate of the fair value of all financial instruments, whether carried at cost or fair value on the Company’s Statement of Financial Condition. The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company assets and liabilities.  Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and short-term instruments approximate those assets’ fair values.
 
Securities
 
The fair value of securities available for sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1), or matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.  For certain securities which are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence (Level 3).  In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.  Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments.  Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) were used to support fair values of certain Level 3 investments.
 

 
F-51

 

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures  (Continued)
 
Loans Receivable (Carried at Cost)
 
The fair values of loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market rates at the balance sheet date that reflect the credit and interest rate-risk inherent in the loans.  Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal.  Generally, for variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.
 
Impaired Loans (Generally Carried at Fair Value)
 
Impaired loans, carried at fair value, are those loans in which the Company has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loans’ collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third-party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds.  These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.  The fair value at December 31, 2009 consists of the loan balances of $7.8 million, net of a valuation allowance of $2.5 million. The fair value at December 31, 2008 consists of the loan balances of $4.2 million, net of a valuation allowance of $520 thousand.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock and ACBB Stock (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amount of this restricted investment in bank stock approximates fair value, and considers the limited marketability of such securities.
 
Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amounts of accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable approximate their fair value.
 
Deposit Liabilities (Carried at Cost)
 
The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and noninterest checking, passbook savings and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts).  Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Advances and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (Carried at Cost)
 
Fair values of FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on quoted prices for new FHLB advances with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity.  The prices obtained from this active market represent a market value that is deemed to represent the transfer price if the liability were assumed by a third party.
 

 
F-52

 

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures  (Continued)
 
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments (Disclosed at Cost)
 
Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments (lending commitments and letters of credit) are based on fees currently charged in the market to enter into similar agreements, taking into account, the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing. The fair value of these off-balance sheet financial instruments are not considered material as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

 
       
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Estimated Fair
Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Estimated Fair
Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Financial assets:
                       
   Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 50,895     $ 50,895     $ 80,419     $ 80,419  
   Securities available for sale
    30,144       30,144       17,000       17,000  
   Investment securities held to maturity
    305,349       301,673       74,115       74,022  
   Mortgage-backed securities held to
maturity
    248,426       258,758       301,878       309,324  
   Loans receivable
    585,759       594,853       520,406       528,016  
   Federal Home Loan Bank of New York  and ACBB Stock
    3,045       3,045       3,479       3,479  
   Interest receivable
    6,468       6,468       5,059       5,059  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
   Deposits
    1,015,755       1,032,497       764,233       763,839  
   Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Advances
    24,826       27,097       46,929       50,929  
   Securities sold under agreements to
         repurchase
    40,000       42,737       40,000       45,309  
   Accrued interest payable
    1,226       1,226       1,605       1,605  

 
 
 
Limitations
 
The fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments.  Fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future
 

 
F-53

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures  (Continued)
 
expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.
 
These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.  Further, the foregoing estimates may not reflect the actual amount that could be realized if all or substantially all of the financial instruments were offered for sale.  This is due to the fact that no market exists for a sizable portion of the loan, deposit and off balance sheet instruments.
 
In addition, the fair value estimates are based on existing on-and-off balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to value anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.  Other significant assets that are not considered financial assets include premises and equipment.  In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.
 
Finally, reasonable comparability between financial institutions may not be likely due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made given the absence of active secondary markets for many of the financial instruments.  This lack of uniform valuation methodologies introduces a greater degree of subjectivity to these estimated fair values.

Note 19 – Comprehensive Income
 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss included in stockholders’ equity are as follows:

 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Net unrealized (loss) on securities
     available for sale
  $ (127 )   $ (754 )
Tax effect
    56       196  
          Net of tax amount
    (71 )     (558 )
                 
Minimum pension liability
    (3,745 )     (4,771 )
Tax effect
    1,503       1,908  
          Net of tax amount
    (2,242 )     (2,863 )
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (2,313 )   $ (3,421 )

 

 

 

 

 
F-54

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 19 – Comprehensive Income (Continued)
 
The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and their related tax effects are presented in the following table:

 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities:
                 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the year
  $ (1,461 )   $ (599 )   $ 77  
Reclassification adjustment for
                       
Realized gains on sales
    (158 )     -       -  
Impairment loss
    2,246       -       -  
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
    627       (599 )     77  
Defined benefit pension plan:
                       
Pension losses
    655       (4,264 )     748  
Prior service cost
    15       (15 )     43  
Amortization of gain/loss
    356       -       -  
Adjustment for measurement date change
    -       4        
Net change in defined benefit pension plan liability
    1,026       (4,275 )     791  
Other comprehensive income before taxes
    1,653       (4,874 )     868  
Tax effect
    545       1,867       (372 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,108     $ (3,007 )   $ 496  

 
 
 
Note 20 – Related Party Transactions
 
 
The Defined Benefit Plan, ESOP and 401K Plans are administered by Pentegra Retirement Services. During 2009 the President and CEO of Pentegra was elected to the Board of directors of Roma Financial Corporation. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Roma Bank paid Pentegra $93,562 to administer the three plans.
 
Note 21 – Parent Only Financial Information
 
The consolidated earnings of subsidiaries are recognized by the Company using the equity method of accounting.  Accordingly, the consolidated earnings of subsidiaries are recorded as an increase in the Company’s investment in subsidiaries.  The following are the condensed financial statements for the Company (Parent Company only) as December 31, 2009 and 2008, and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
 

 
F-55

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 21 – Parent Only Financial Information (Continued)
 
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
 
December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
(In Thousands)
Assets
           
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions
  $ 1,126     $ 2,651  
Investment in subsidiaries
    202,483       196,531  
Securities available for sale
    1,436       2,813  
ESOP loan receivable
    7,000       7,353  
Premises and equipment
    3,319       3,364  
Other assets
    1,232       747  
                 
    $ 216,596     $ 213,459  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
                 
Other Liabilities
  $ 765     $ 813  
Noncontrolling interest in RomAsia
    1,256       1,273  
Stockholders’ equity
    214,575       211,373  
    $ 216,596     $ 213,459  

 
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2008
Year Ended
December 31,
2007
       
(In Thousands)
Interest income
  $ 604     $ 1,150     $ 2,346  
Equity in earnings of the subsidiaries
    3,674       4,105       5,948  
      4,278       5,255       8,294  
Impairment loss on available for sale security
    2,246       -       -  
Other expenses
    20       313       350  
Income before income tax
    2,012       4,942       7,944  
Income taxes (benefit) expense
    (587 )     450       851  
    Net income before noncontrolling interest
    2,599       4,492       7,093  
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest in RomAsia
     16        176       123  
                         
          Net Income
  $ 2,615     $ 4,668     $ 7,216  


F-56

Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
Year Ended
December 31,
2009
 
Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 
Year Ended
December 31,
2007
 
       
          (In Thousands)
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
               
Net income
  $ 2,615     $ 4,668     $ 7,216  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                 
Depreciation
    45       36       -  
Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries
    (3,826 )     (4,899 )     (6,427 )
Impairment loss on available for sale security
    2,246       -       -  
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (485 )     502       (7 )
Net change in minority interest
    (16 )     794       479  
Increase in other liabilities
    (48 )     214       (38 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    531       1,312       1,223  
                   
Cash Flows Provided by Investing Activities
                 
Repayment of loan to ESOP
    353       324       299  
Purchase of
                 
Held to maturity securities
    -       -       (6,000 )
Mortgage backed securities held to maturity
    -       -       (1,708 )
Sale, call or repayment of:
                 
Held to maturity securities
    -       10,999       -  
Mortgage backed securities held to maturity
    -       1,708       -  
Additions to premises and equipment
    -       (3,045 )     (355 )
                   
Net Cash Provided by (used in) Investing Activities
    353       9,986       (7,764 )
                   
Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities
                 
Distribution from subsidiary
    -       -       12,000  
Contributions to subsidiary
    -       (12,529 )     (255 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       (7,143 )     (22,792 )
Dividends paid, declared  to minority shareholders
    (2,409 )     (2,444 )     (1,620 )
Net cash Used in Financing  Activities
    (2,409 )     (22,116 )     (12,667 )
                   
Net  Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (1,525 )     (10,815 )     (19,208 )
                   
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning
    2,651       13,466       32,674  
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Ending
   1,126      2,651     $  13,466   


 
F-57

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 22 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
 

 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
   
First Quarter
   
Second Quarter
   
Third Quarter
   
Fourth Quarter
 
   
(In thousands, except for per share data)
 
                         
Interest income
  $ 12,559     $ 13,284     $ 14,374     $ 14,596  
Interest expense
    5,298       5,530       5,639       5,216  
                                 
Net Interest Income
    7,261       7,754       8,735       9,380  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
    367       385       1,257       1,271  
                                 
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses
    6,894       7,369       7,478       8,109  
                                 
Non-interest income (loss)
    1,097       1,286       1,299       (878 )
Non-interest expenses
    6,724       7,902       7,157       7,229  
                                 
Income before Income Taxes
    1,267       753       1,620       2  
                                 
Income taxes (Benefit)
    383       207       524       (79 )
                                 
Net Income before noncontrolling interest
    884       546       1,096       81  
                                 
Gain ( loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
     11        2       (11 )      6  
                                 
Net Income Attributable to Roma Financial Corporation
  $  895     $  548     $  1,085     $  87  
                                 
Net Income Attributable to Roma Financial Corporation per Common Share
                               
Basic and Diluted
  $ .03     $ .02     $ .04     $ .00  
Dividends declared, per share
  $ .08     $ .08     $ .08     $ .08  
                                 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
                               
           Basic and Diluted
    30,636       30,652       30,708       30,721  


 
F-58

 
Roma Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Note 22 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Continued)
 

   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
   
First Quarter
   
Second Quarter
   
Third Quarter
   
Fourth Quarter
 
   
(In thousands, except for per share data)
 
       
Interest income
  $ 11,583     $ 11,647     $ 11,996     $ 12,869  
Interest expense
    4,895       4,750       4,835       5,240  
                                 
Net Interest Income
    6,688       6,897       7,161       7,629  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
    147       213       160       267  
                                 
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses
    6,541       6,684       7,001       7,362  
                                 
Non-interest income
    981       1,089       1,153       1,006  
Non-interest expenses
    5,697       6,197       6,379       6,847  
                                 
Income before Income Taxes
    1,825       1,576       1,775       1,521  
                                 
Income taxes
    610       501       765       314  
                                 
Net Income after taxes
    1,215       1,075       1,010       1,207  
                                 
(Gain) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
     51        90       (21 )      41  
                                 
Net Income Attributable to Roma Financial Corporation
  $  1,266     $  1,165     $  989     $  1,248  
                                 
Net income attributable to Roma Financial Corporation per common share
                               
     Basic and diluted
  $ .04     $ .04     $ .03     $ .02  
     Dividends declared per share
  $ .08     $ .08     $ .08     $ .08  
                                 
Weighted average number of common
        shares outstanding
                               
     Basic and diluted
    30,644       30,596       30,609       30,486  
                                 



 
F-59

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized a of March 3, 2010.
 
   
ROMA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
     
/s/ Peter A. Inverso
   
By:
Peter A. Inverso
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Representative)
 
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below on March 3, 2010 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.
     
     
/s/ Peter A. Inverso
 
/s/ Maurice T. Perilli
Peter A. Inverso
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Maurice T. Perilli
Chairman of the Board and
Executive Vice President
     
     
 /s/ Simon H. Belli  
/s/ Alfred DeBlasio
Simon H. Belli
Director
 
Alfred DeBlasio
Director
     
     
/s/ Louis A. Natale
   /s/ Robert C. Albanese 
Louis A. Natale
Director
 
Robert C. Albanese
Director
     
     
/s/ Robert H. Rosen
 
/s/ Michele N. Siekerka
Robert H. Rosen
Director
 
Michele N. Siekerka
Director
     
     
/s/ Sharon L. Lamont
   
Sharon L. Lamont
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)