f10k_1231090-0312.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 0-16668


WSFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware
 
22-2866913
(State or other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


500 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware
   
19801
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
   
(Zip Code)
 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (302) 792-6000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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

Indicated by check if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES __   NO __X_
 
Indicate by check if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. YES __   NO __X___
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to  such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  X   NO ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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 definitions of  “large accelerated filer,”  “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
   Large accelerated filer____ Accelerated filer   X   Non-accelerated filer ___ Smaller reporting company ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes  ____ No __X___

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock as quoted on NASDAQ as of June 30, 2009 was $162,750,000. For purposes of this calculation only, affiliates are deemed to be directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of the outstanding shares.

As of March 11, 2010, there were issued and outstanding 7,084,903 shares of the registrant’s common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2010 are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

 
 

 

WSFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
Part I
Page
     
Item 1.
Business
3
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
26
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
32
Item 2.
Properties
33
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
36
Item 4.
[Reserved]
36
 
 
Part II
 
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities
36
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
38
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
39
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
59
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
61
Item 9
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
109
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
109
Item 9B.
Other Information
112
 
 
Part III
 
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
112
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
112
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
112
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
113
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
113
 
 
Part IV
 
     
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
113
 
Signatures
116
     
     
     



 
- 2 -

 

PART I

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
    Within this Annual Report on Form 10-K and exhibits thereto, management has included certain “forward-looking statements” concerning the future operations of WSFS Financial Corporation (“the Company,” “our Company,”  “WSFS” “we,” “our” or “us”). It is management’s desire to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This statement is for the express purpose of availing the Company of the protections of such safe harbor with respect to all “forward-looking statements” contained in its financial statements. Management has used “forward-looking statements” to describe the future plans and strategies including expectations of our future financial results. Management’s ability to predict results or the effect of future plans and strategy is inherently uncertain. Factors that could affect results include interest rate trends, competition, the general economic climate in Delaware, the mid-Atlantic region and the country as a whole, asset quality, loan growth, loan delinquency rates, operating risk, uncertainty of estimates in general and changes in federal and state regulations, among other factors. These factors should be considered in evaluating the “forward-looking statements,” and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

OUR BUSINESS

WSFS Financial Corporation is parent to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB (“WSFS Bank” or the “Bank”), one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously operating under the same name. A permanent fixture in this community, WSFS has been in operation for more than 177 years. In addition to its focus on stellar customer service, the Bank has continued to fuel growth and remain relevant. The Bank is a relationship-focused, locally-managed, community banking institution that has grown to become the largest thrift holding company in the State of Delaware, the second largest commercial lender in the state and the fourth largest bank in terms of Delaware deposits.  We state our mission simply: We Stand for Service and Strengthening Our Communities.

WSFS’ core banking business is commercial lending funded by customer-generated deposits. We have built a $1.9 billion commercial loan portfolio by recruiting the best seasoned commercial lenders in our markets and offering a high level of service and flexibility typically associated with a community bank. We fund this business primarily with deposits generated through commercial relationships and retail deposits in our 41 banking offices located in Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania and Virginia. We also offer a broad variety of consumer loan products, retail securities and insurance brokerage through our retail branches.  In 2009, WSFS was the number one reverse mortgage originator in Delaware.

In 2005, we established our WSFS Trust and Wealth Management division (WSFS Trust). WSFS Trust was formed in response to our commercial customers’ demand for the same high level service in their investment relationships that they enjoy as banking customers of WSFS. We found that many competitors are not devoting human capital to clients with less than $5 million in investable assets, thereby creating an opportunity for WSFS Trust. This division is complemented by Cypress Capital Management, a Registered Investment Advisor, acquired by WSFS in 2004.

Our Cash Connect division is a premier provider of ATM Vault Cash and related services in the United States. Cash Connect manages more than $308 million in vault cash in more than 10,000 ATMs nationwide and also provides online reporting and ATM cash management, predictive cash ordering, armored

 
- 3 -

 
carrier management, ATM processing and equipment sales. Cash Connect also operates over 360 ATMs for WSFS Bank, which owns the largest branded ATM network in Delaware.

WSFS POINTS OF DIFFERENTIATION

While all banks offer similar products and services, we believe that WSFS has set itself apart from other banks in our market and the industry in general. Also, community banks including WSFS have been able to distinguish themselves from large national or international banks that fail to provide their customers with the service levels they want as reorganizations, government rescues and other big-bank problems distract their emphasis on the customer, especially in the current environment. The following factors summarize what we believe are those points of differentiation.

Building Associate Engagement and Customer Advocacy

Our business model is built on a concept called Human Sigma, which we have implemented in our strategy of “Engaged Associates delivering Stellar Service to create Customer Advocates”, resulting in a high performing, very profitable company. The Human Sigma model, identified by Gallup, Inc., begins with Associates who have taken ownership of their jobs and therefore perform at a higher level.  We invest significantly in training, development and talent management as our Associates are the cornerstone of our model.  This strategy motivates Associates, and unleashes innovation and productivity to engage our most valuable asset, our customers, by providing them Stellar Service experiences.  As a result, we create Customer Advocates, or customers who have built an emotional attachment to the Bank. Research studies continue to show a direct link between Associate engagement, customer engagement and a company’s financial performance.



Surveys conducted for us by a nationally recognized polling company indicate:

·  
Our Associate Engagement scores consistently rank in the top quartile of companies polled. In 2009 our engagement ratio was 17.5:1, which means there are 17.5 engaged Associates for every disengaged Associate. This compares to a 2.6:1 ratio in 2003 and a national average of 1.45:1.  Gallup defines “world-class” as 8:1.
 
·  
Customer surveys rank us in the top 10% of all companies Gallup surveys, a “world class” rating. More than 40% of our customers ranked us a “five” out of “five,” strongly agreeing with the statement “I can’t imagine a world without WSFS.”
 
We believe that by fostering a culture of engaged and empowered Associates, we have become an employer of choice in our market. During each of the past four years, WSFS was ranked among the top five “Best Places to Work” by The Wilmington News Journal.  In 2009 we were awarded the News Journal’s number one “Best Place to Work” for large corporations in the state of Delaware.

 
- 4 -

 
Community Banking Model

Our size and community banking model play a key role in our success. Our approach to business combines a service-oriented culture with a strong complement of products and services, all aimed at meeting the needs of our retail and business customers. We believe the essence of being a community bank means that we are:
 
·  
Small enough to offer customers responsive, personalized service and direct access to decision makers.
 
·  
Large enough to provide all the products and services needed by our target market customers.
 
As the financial services industry has consolidated, many independent banks have been acquired by national companies that have centralized their decision-making authority away from their customers and focused their mass-marketing to a regional or even national customer base. We believe this trend has frustrated smaller business owners who have become accustomed to dealing directly with their bank’s senior executives and discouraged retail customers who often experience deteriorating levels of service in the branches and other service outlets. Additionally, it frustrates bank Associates who are no longer empowered to provide good and timely service to their customers.

WSFS Bank offers:

·  
One point of contact. Our Relationship Managers are responsible for understanding his or her customers’ needs and bringing together the right resources in the Bank to meet those needs.
 
    ·  
A customized approach to our clients. We believe this gives us an advantage over our competitors who are too large or centralized to offer customized products or services.
 
    ·  
Products and services that our customers value. This includes a broad array of banking and cash management products, as well as a legal lending limit high enough to meet the credit needs of our customers, especially as they grow.
 
    ·  
Rapid response and a company that is easy to do business with. Our customers tell us this is an important differentiator from larger, in-market competitors.
 

Strong Market Demographics

Delaware is situated in the middle of the Washington, DC - New York corridor which includes the urban markets of Philadelphia and Baltimore. The state benefits from this urban concentration as well as from a unique political environment that has created favorable law and legal structure, a business-friendly environment and a fair tax system.  Additionally, Delaware is one of only seven states with a AAA bond rating from the three predominant rating agencies. Delaware’s demographics compare favorably to U.S. economic and demographic averages.

 
(Most recent available statistics)
 
 
Delaware
 
National Average
 
Unemployment (For December 2010) (1)
   
9.0
%
 
10.0
%
Median Household Income (Average 2008) (2)
 
$
58,380
 
$
52,029
 
Population Growth (2000-2009) (3)
   
13.0
%
 
9.1
%
House Price Depreciation (last twelve months) (4)
   
(5.14)
%
 
(4.66)
%
House Price Appreciation (last five years) (4)
   
11.68
%
 
6.38
%
Average GDP Growth (Average 2007-2008) (5)
   
(1.6)
%
 
0.7
%
               
(1) Bureau of Labor Statistics, Economy at a Glance
             
(2) U.S. Census Bureau, State & County Quick Facts
             
(3) U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates
             
(4) Federal Housing Finance Agency, All-Transaction Indexes
             
(5) Bureau of Economic Analysis, GDP by State
             


 
- 5 -

 
Balance Sheet Management

We put a great deal of focus on actively managing our balance sheet. This management manifests itself in:

·  
Prudent capital levels. Maintaining prudent capital levels is key to our operating philosophy. All regulatory capital levels exceed well-capitalized levels. Our Tier 1 capital ratio was 11% as of December 31, 2009, more than $140 million in excess of the 6% “well-capitalized” level.
 
·  
We maintain discipline in our lending, including planned portfolio diversification. Additionally, we take a proactive approach to identifying trends in our business and lending market and have responded proactively to areas of concern. For instance, in 2005 we limited our exposure to construction and land development (CLD) loans as we anticipated an end to the expansion in housing prices. We have also increased our portfolio monitoring and reporting sophistication and hired additional senior credit administration and asset disposition professionals to manage our portfolio.  We maintain diversification in our loan portfolio to limit our exposure to any single type of credit. Such discipline supplements careful underwriting and the benefits of knowing our customers.
 
·  
We seek to avoid credit risk in our investment portfolio and use this portion of our balance sheet primarily to help us manage liquidity and interest rate risk, while providing some marginal income. As a result, we have no exposure to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae preferred securities or Trust Preferred securities. Our security purchases have been almost exclusively AAA-rated credits. This philosophy has allowed us to avoid the significant investment write-downs taken by many of our bank peers.
 

We have been subject to many of the same pressures facing the banking industry.  The extended recession has negatively impacted our customers and has driven increased provisioning and an increase in our delinquent loans, problem loans and charge-offs. The measures we have taken strengthen the Bank’s credit position by diversifying risk and limiting exposure, but do not insulate us from the effects of this recession.
 
Disciplined and Aggressive Capital Management

We understand that our capital (or shareholders’ equity) belongs to our shareholders. They have entrusted this capital to us with the expectation that it will be kept safe and with the expectation that it will earn an adequate return. As a result, we prudently but aggressively manage our shareholders’ capital with an eye to this balance.

Strong Performance Expectations

We are focused on high-performing long-term financial goals. We define “high-performing” as the top quintile of a relevant peer group in return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and earnings per share (EPS) growth.  Management incentives are paid, in large part, based on driving performance in these areas. A “Target” payment level is only achieved by reaching performance at the 60th percentile of a peer group of all publicly traded banks and thrifts in our size range. More details on this plan are included in our proxy statement.

As we navigate through this recession we are focused on strengthening our franchise to optimize financial performance when the recession subsides.  We are taking steps to strengthen net interest margin, enhance revenues and manage expenses as we continue to build our market share.





 
- 6 -

 

Growth

Our successful long-term trend in lending, deposit gathering and EPS have been the result of our focused strategy that provides the service and responsiveness of a community bank in a consolidating marketplace. We will continue to grow by:

 
·  Recruiting and developing talented, service-minded Associates. We have successfully recruited Associates with strong community ties to strengthen our existing markets and provide a strong start in new communities. We also focus efforts on developing talent and leadership in our current Associate base to better equip those Associates for their jobs and prepare them for leadership roles at WSFS.
 
 
·  Embracing the Human Sigma concept. We are committed to building Associate engagement and customer advocacy as a way to differentiate ourselves and grow our franchise.
 
 
·  Continuing strong growth in commercial lending by:
 
 
    o
  Selectively building a presence in contiguous markets.
 
    o
  Providing product solutions like Remote Deposit Capture to facilitate commercial banking outside of our primary market.
 
    o
  Offering our community banking model that combines Stellar Service with the banking products and services our business customers demand.

 
·  Aggressively growing deposits. In 2003, we energized our retail branch strategy by combining Stellar Service with an expanded and updated branch network. We have also implemented a number of additional measures to accelerate our deposit growth. Our three-year goal is to attain a 100% loan to customer funding (deposit) ratio.  We will continue to grow deposits by:
 
 
    o
  Opening new branches in Delaware and contiguous markets.
 
    o
  Renovating our retail branch network in our current footprint.
 
    o
  Further expanding our commercial customer relationships with deposit products.
 
    o
  Finding creative ways to build deposit market share such as targeted marketing programs.
 
    o
  Acquisitions such as the branch acquisition we completed in 2008. Over the next several years we intend to grow approximately 80% organically
  and 20% through acquisition, although each year’s growth will reflect the opportunities available then.

    ·  
Growing our Trust and Wealth Management division by leveraging the strong relationships we have with our current customer base promoting the “Delaware Advantage” and providing unparalleled service to modestly wealthy clients in our market.
  
    ·  
Exploring niche businesses. We are an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and we are open to the risk/reward proposition that comes with niche businesses. We have developed a set of decision rules that will guide our consideration of future niche business opportunities.
 
Values
 
    We are:
 
    ·  Committed to always doing the right thing.
 
    ·  Empowered to serve our customers and communities.
 
    ·  Dedicated to openness and candor.
 
    ·  Driven to grow and improve.
 
    Our values speak to integrity, service, accountability, transparency, honesty, growth and desire to improve. They are the core of our culture, they make us who we are and we live them everyday.
 

 
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Results
 

Our focus on these points of differentiation has allowed us to grow our core franchise and build value for our shareholders.  Since 2005, our commercial loans have grown from $1.1 billion to $1.9 billion, a strong 16% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Over the same period, customer deposits have grown from $1.2 billion to $2.1 billion, a 15% CAGR. More importantly, over the last decade, shareholder value has increased at a far greater rate than our banking peers and the market in general.  An investment of $100 in WSFS stock in 2000 would be worth $213 at December 31, 2009.  By comparison, $100 invested in the Dow Jones Total Market Index in 2000, would be worth $90 at December 31, 2009 and $100 invested in the Nasdaq Bank Index in 2000 would be worth $107 at December 31, 2009.

SUBSIDIARIES

We have two consolidated subsidiaries, WSFS Bank and Montchanin Capital Management, Inc.

WSFS Bank has one wholly owned subsidiary, WSFS Investment Group, Inc., which markets various third-party investment and insurance products, such as single-premium annuities, whole life policies and securities primarily through the Bank’s retail banking system and directly to the public.

Montchanin Capital Management, Inc. (“Montchanin”) provides asset management services in our primary market area. Montchanin has one wholly owned subsidiary, Cypress Capital Management, LLC (“Cypress”). Cypress is a Wilmington-based investment advisory firm servicing high net-worth individuals and institutions and had approximately $458 million in assets under management at December 31, 2009.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Condensed average balance sheets for each of the last three years and analyses of net interest income and changes in net interest income due to changes in volume and rate are presented in “Results of Operations” included in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

At December 31, 2009, WSFS’ total securities portfolio had a carrying value of $727.3 million. The Company’s strategy has been to avoid credit risk in our securities portfolio.  Our investment portfolio is intended to keep the Bank’s funds fully employed at the maximum after-tax return, while maintaining acceptable credit, market and interest-rate risk limits, and providing needed liquidity under current circumstances. In addition, our taxable investments provide collateral for various Bank obligations. Our municipal securities provide for a portion of the Bank’s CRA investment program.

·  
WSFS owns no CDOs, Bank Trust Preferred, Agency Preferred securities or equity securities in other FDIC insured banks or thrifts.
 
    The portfolio is comprised of:

·  
$40.7 million in Federal Agency debt securities with a maturity of four years or less.
 
·  
$238.5 million in “plain vanilla” Agency MBS. Of these, $85.8 million are sequential pay CMOs with no contingent cash flows and $152.7 million are Agency MBS with 10-30 year original final maturities.
 
·  
$433.8 million in Non-Agency MBS, including purchases of $172.0 million during 2009.  These MBS purchases were all short duration, super-senior tranches.  These bonds not only underwent significant internal pre-purchase due diligence using sophisticated models, but also were rated AAA during 2009, under

 
- 8 -

 

heightened rating agency scrutiny.  The remaining bonds are 90% 2005 vintage or earlier and the remainder is 2006 vintage.  They are predominately 15 year pass through cash flow with an average LTV of 39% (based on scheduled amortization and initial appraisal value) and average FICO scores greater the 700 at origination.

Of the 100 Non-Agency bonds, 28 bonds with a par value of $97.6 million were downgraded as of December 31, 2009. Based on stress tests of these 28 bonds using proprietary models of two independent companies, management believes the collection of the contractual principal and interest is probable in nearly all cases and therefore most of the unrealized losses are considered to be temporary.  The Bank took a charge of $86,000 due to other-than-temporary impairment on one security during 2009 and has not needed to take any other-than-temporary impairment charge to earnings prior to this year.

Amortized cost of investment securities and investments by category, stated in dollar amounts and as a percent of total assets, follow:

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
       
Percent of
         
Percent of
         
Percent of
 
   
Amount
 
Assets
     
Amount
 
Assets
     
Amount
 
Assets
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Held-to-Maturity:
                                       
                                         
State and political subdivisions
 
$
709
 
%
   
$
1,181
 
%
   
$
1,516
 
0.1
%
                                         
Available-for-Sale:
                                       
                                         
Reverse Mortgages
   
(530
)
       
(61
)
       
 2,037
 
0.1
 
State and political subdivisions
   
3,935
 
0.1
       
 4,020
 
0.1
       
 4,115
 
0.1
 
U.S. Government and agencies
   
40,695
 
1.1
       
 43,778
 
1.3
       
 20,477
 
0.6
 
     
44,100
 
1.2
       
 47,737
 
1.4
       
 26,629
 
0.8
 
Short-term investments:
                                       
                                         
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
   
1,090
 
       
 216
 
 —
       
 1,078
 
 —
 
   
$
45,899
 
1.2
%
   
$
49,134
 
 1.4
%
   
$
29,223
 
 0.9
%

There were no sales of investment securities (excluding mortgage-backed securities) classified as available-for-sale during 2009, 2008 or 2007.  Investment securities totaling $18.6 million (including $566,000 of municipal bonds) were called by the issuers during 2009 and municipal bonds totaling $404,000 were called by the issuers during 2008. There were no net losses realized on sales in 2009, 2008 or 2007.   The cost basis for all investment security sales was based on the specific identification method. There were no sales of investment securities classified as held-to-maturity in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

The investment in reverse mortgages are reverse mortgage loans with contracts that require us to make monthly advances throughout the borrower’s life or until the borrower relocates, prepays or the home is sold, at which time the loan becomes due and payable. Reverse mortgages are nonrecourse obligations, which means that the loan repayments are generally limited to the net sale proceeds of the borrower’s residence.  We account for our investment in reverse mortgages by estimating the value of the future cash flows on the reverse mortgages at a rate deemed appropriate for these mortgages, based on the market rate for similar collateral. Actual cash flows from the maturity of these mortgage loans can result in significant volatility in the recorded value of reverse mortgage assets.


 
- 9 -

 

The following table shows the terms to maturity and related weighted average yields of investment securities and short-term investments at December 31, 2009. Substantially all of the related interest and dividends represent taxable income.

   
At December 31, 2009
 
   
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Held-to-Maturity:
           
             
State and political subdivisions (2):
           
Within one year
 
$
340
 
7.53
%
After one but within five years
   
 
 
After ten years
   
369
 
5.20
 
             
Total debt securities, held-to-maturity
   
709
 
6.32
 
             
Available-for-Sale:
           
             
Reverse Mortgages (3):
           
Within one year
 
 
(530
)
 
             
State and political subdivisions (2):
           
Within one year
   
825
 
3.84
 
After one but within five years
   
2,860
 
4.19
 
After five but within ten years
   
250
 
4.25
 
             
     
3,935
 
4.12
 
             
U.S. Government and agencies:
           
Within one year
 
 
10,569
 
2.97
 
After one but within five years
   
30,126
 
2.19
 
             
     
40,695
 
2.39
 
             
Total debt securities, available-for-sale
   
44,100
 
2.54
 
             
Total debt securities
   
44,809
 
2.60
 
             
Short-term investments:
           
             
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
   
1,090
 
0.01
 
             
Total short-term investments
   
1,090
 
0.01
 
             
   
$
45,899
 
2.54
%

(1)
Reverse mortgages have been excluded from weighted average yield calculations because income can vary significantly from reporting period to reporting period due to the volatility of factors used to value the portfolio.
(2)
Yields on state and political subdivisions are not calculated on a tax-equivalent basis since the effect would be immaterial.
(3)
Reverse mortgages do not have contractual maturities.  We have included reverse mortgages in maturities within one year.

 
- 10 -

 

In addition to these investment securities, we have maintained a $684.5 million portfolio of mortgage-backed securities (of which $12.2 million is classified as “trading”) that are BBB+ rated and were purchased in conjunction with a 2002 reverse mortgage securitization. At December 31, 2009, mortgage-backed securities with a par value of $250.3 million were pledged as collateral for customer repurchase agreements and municipal deposits. Accrued interest receivable for mortgage-backed securities was $2.8 million, $2.1 million and $2.0 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Proceeds from the sale of mortgage-backed securities classified as available-for-sale totaled $111.5 million with a net gain on sale of $2.0 million in 2009.  There were no sales of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale in 2008.  During 2007, proceeds from the sale of mortgage-backed securities classified as available-for-sale totaled $2.7 million with a net gain of $82,000.

The following table shows the amortized cost of mortgage-backed securities and their related weighted average contractual rates at the end of the last three fiscal years.

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
     
2007
 
   
Amount
 
Rate
     
Amount
 
Rate
     
Amount
 
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Available-for-Sale:
                                       
                                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
 
$
519,527
 
5.44
%
   
$
419,177
 
 5.12
%
   
$
407,113
 
 4.97
%
FNMA
   
61,603
 
3.63
       
 35,578
 
4.19
       
 35,654
 
4.04
 
FHLMC
   
44,536
 
3.87
       
 30,477
 
4.44
       
 31,357
 
4.31
 
GNMA
   
46,629
 
4.32
       
 22,536
 
5.01
       
 15,923
 
4.73
 
   
$
672,295
 
5.00
%
   
$
507,768
 
 4.97
%
   
$
490,047
 
 4.85
%
                                         
Trading:
                                       
                                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
$
12,183
 
3.74
%
   
$
10,816
 
 6.01
%
   
$
12,364
 
 7.79
%
(1) Includes Agency CMO’s available-for-sale.

CREDIT EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Over the past several years we have focused on increasing the more profitable segments of our loan portfolio. Our current lending activity is concentrated on lending to small to mid-sized businesses in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States primarily in Delaware and contiguous counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. In 2005, residential first mortgage loans comprised 25.8% of the loan portfolio, while the combination of commercial loans and commercial real estate loans made up 61.8%. In contrast, at December 31, 2009, residential first mortgage loans totaled only 14.4%, while commercial loans and commercial real estate loans have increased to a combined total of 75.7% of the loan portfolio. Traditionally, the majority of typical thrift institutions’ loan portfolios have consisted of first mortgage loans on residential properties.

 
- 11 -

 

The following table shows the composition of our loan portfolio at year-end for the last five years.



   
December 31,
 
   
2009
     
2008
     
2007
     
2006
     
2005
 
Types of Loans
 
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                                                                     
Residential real estate (1)
 
$
357,250
 
14.4
%
   
$
425,018
 
17.4
%
   
$
449,853
 
20.1
%
   
$
474,871
 
23.5
%
   
$
457,651
 
25.8
%
Commercial real estate:
                                                                   
Commercial mortgage
   
524,380
 
21.2
       
558,979
 
 22.9
       
465,928
 
 20.9
       
422,089
 
20.9
       
410,552
 
23.1
 
Construction
   
231,625
 
9.3
       
251,508
 
10.3
       
276,939
 
12.4
       
241,931
 
12.0
       
178,418
 
10.0
 
Total commercial real estate
   
756,005
 
30.5
       
810,487
 
 33.2
       
742,867
 
 33.3
       
664,020
 
32.9
       
588,970
 
33.1
 
Commercial
   
1,120,807
 
45.2
       
942,920
 
38.6
       
787,539
 
 35.3
       
643,918
 
31.9
       
508,930
 
28.7
 
Consumer
   
300,648
 
12.1
       
296,728
 
 12.1
       
278,272
 
12.4
       
263,478
 
13.0
       
244,820
 
13.8
 
                                                                     
Gross loans
 
$
2,534,710
 
102.2
     
$
2,475,153
 
 101.3
     
$
2,258,531
 
 101.1
     
$
2,046,287
 
101.3
     
$
1,800,371
 
101.4
 
                                                                     
                                                                     
Less:
                                                                   
Deferred fees (unearned income)
   
2,109
 
0.1
       
129
 
 0.0
       
(701
)
 0.0
       
(838
)
0.0
       
(304
)
0.0
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
53,531
 
2.1
       
31,189
 
1.3
       
25,252
 
1.1
       
27,384
 
1.3
       
25,381
 
1.4
 
                                                                     
Net loans
 
$
2,479,070
 
100.0
%
   
$
2,443,835
 
100.0
%
   
$
2,233,980
 
100.0
%
   
$
2,019,741
 
100.0
   
$
1,775,294
 
100.0
%

(1) Includes $8,377, $2,275, $2,418, $925 and $438 of residential mortgage loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005.



 
- 12 -

 

The following tables show how much time remains until our loans mature. The first table details the total loan portfolio by type of loan. The second table details the total loan portfolio by loans with fixed interest rates and loans with adjustable interest rates. The tables show loans by contractual maturity. Loans may be pre-paid so that the actual maturity may be earlier than the contractual maturity. Prepayments tend to be highly dependent upon the interest rate environment. Loans having no stated maturity or repayment schedule are reported in the Less than One Year category.

   
Less than
 
One to
 
Over
     
   
One Year
 
Five Years
 
Five Years
 
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                           
Real estate loans (1)
 
$
12,931
 
$
45,475
 
$
290,467
 
$
348,873
 
Commercial mortgage loans
   
139,228
   
247,997
   
137,155
   
524,380
 
Construction loans
   
187,270
   
21,856
   
22,499
   
231,625
 
Commercial loans
   
362,935
   
472,025
   
285,847
   
1,120,807
 
Consumer loans
   
201,333
   
46,817
   
52,498
   
300,648
 
   
$
903,697
 
$
834,170
 
$
788,466
 
$
2,526,333
 
                           
Rate sensitivity:
                         
Fixed
 
$
96,710
 
$
317,736
 
$
261,716
 
$
676,162
 
Adjustable (2)
   
806,987
   
516,434
   
526,750
   
1,850,171
 
Gross loans
 
$
903,697
 
$
834,170
 
$
788,466
 
$
2,526,333
 

(1)           Excludes loans held-for-sale.
(2)           Includes hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages.

Residential Real Estate Lending.

We generally originate residential first mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% and require private mortgage insurance for up to 30% of the mortgage amount for mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios exceeding 80%. We do not have any significant concentrations of such insurance with any one insurer. On a very limited basis, we originate or purchase loans with loan-to-value ratios exceeding 80% without a private mortgage insurance requirement. At December 31, 2009, the balance of all such loans was approximately $4.9 million.

Generally, our residential mortgage loans are underwritten and documented in accordance with standard underwriting criteria published by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) to assure maximum eligibility for subsequent sale in the secondary market. Generally, we sell only those loans that are originated specifically with the intention to sell on a “flow” basis.  However, during 2009 we completed a bulk sale of $16.7 million in residential first mortgages in order to take advantage of market improvements and optimize our portfolio.

To protect the propriety of our liens, we require that title insurance be obtained. We also require fire, extended coverage casualty and flood insurance (where applicable) for properties securing residential loans. All properties securing residential loans made by us are appraised by independent, licensed and certified appraisers and are subject to review in accordance with our standards.

The majority of our adjustable-rate, residential real estate loans have interest rates that adjust yearly after an initial period. Typically, the change in rate is limited to two percentage points at each adjustment date. Adjustments are generally based upon a margin (currently 2.75%) over the weekly average yield on U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity, as published by the Federal Reserve Board.

 
- 13 -

 

Generally, the maximum rate on these loans is up to six percent above the initial interest rate. We underwrite adjustable-rate loans under standards consistent with private mortgage insurance and secondary market underwriting criteria. We do not originate adjustable-rate mortgages with payment limitations that could produce negative amortization.

The retention of adjustable-rate mortgage loans in our loan portfolio helps mitigate our risk to changes in interest rates. However, there are unquantifiable credit risks resulting from potential increased costs to the borrower as a result of re-pricing adjustable-rate mortgage loans. It is possible that during periods of rising interest rates, the risk of default on adjustable-rate mortgage loans may increase due to the upward adjustment of interest costs to the borrower. Further, although adjustable-rate mortgage loans allow us to increase the sensitivity of our asset base to changes in interest rates, the extent of this interest sensitivity is limited by the periodic and lifetime interest rate adjustment limitations. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that yields on our adjustable-rate mortgages will adjust sufficiently to compensate for increases to our cost of funds during periods of extreme interest rate increases.

The original contractual loan payment period for residential loans is normally 10 to 30 years. Because borrowers may refinance or prepay their loans without penalty, these loans tend to remain outstanding for a substantially shorter period of time. First mortgage loans customarily include “due-on-sale” clauses on adjustable- and fixed-rate loans. This provision gives us the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of the real property subject to the mortgage. Due-on-sale clauses are an important means of adjusting the rate on existing fixed-rate mortgage loans to current market rates. We enforce due-on-sale clauses through foreclosure and other legal proceedings to the extent available under applicable laws.

In general, loans are sold without recourse except for the repurchase right arising from standard contract provisions covering violation of representations and warranties or, under certain investor contracts, a default by the borrower on the first payment. We also have limited recourse exposure under certain investor contracts in the event a borrower prepays a loan in total within a specified period after sale, typically one year. The recourse is limited to a pro rata portion of the premium paid by the investor for that loan, less any prepayment penalty collectible from the borrower.

We have a very limited amount of subprime loans, $15.1 million, at December 31, 2009 (0.59% of loans) and no negative amortizing loans or interest only first mortgage loans. Subprime mortgage delinquencies of 10.15% in our small portfolio are a fraction of the national average of 26.67%, due to our underwriting and the seasoning of these loans.

Commercial Real Estate, Construction and Commercial Lending.

Pursuant to section 5(c) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (“HOLA”) federal savings banks are generally permitted to invest up to 400% of their total regulatory capital in nonresidential real estate loans and up to 20% of its assets in commercial loans. As a federal savings bank that was formerly chartered as a Delaware savings bank, we have certain additional lending authority.

We offer commercial real estate mortgage loans on multi-family properties and other commercial real estate. Generally, loan-to-value ratios for these loans do not exceed 80% of appraised value at origination.

We offer commercial construction loans to developers. In some cases these loans are made as “construction/permanent” loans, which provides for disbursement of loan funds during construction and automatic conversion to mini-permanent loans (1-5 years) upon completion of construction. These construction loans are made on a short-term basis, usually not exceeding two years, with interest rates indexed to our prime rate, the “Wall Street” prime rate or London InterBank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”), in most cases, and are adjusted periodically as these rates change. The loan appraisal process includes the same evaluation criteria as required

 
- 14 -

 
for permanent mortgage loans, but also takes into consideration: completed plans, specifications, comparables and cost estimates. Prior to approval of the credit, these items are used as a basis to determine the appraised value of the subject property when completed. Our policy requires that all appraisals be reviewed independently from our commercial lending staff. Generally, at origination, the loan-to-value ratios for construction loans do not exceed 75%. The initial interest rate on the permanent portion of the financing is determined by the prevailing market rate at the time of conversion to the permanent loan. At December 31, 2009, $287.6 million was committed for construction loans, of which $231.6 million was outstanding.

The remainder of our commercial lending includes loans for working capital, financing equipment acquisitions, business expansion and other business purposes. These loans generally range in amounts up to $10 million (with a few loans higher), and their terms range from less than one year to seven years. The loans generally carry variable interest rates indexed to our Wall Street prime rate, national prime rate or LIBOR, at the time of closing.

Commercial, commercial mortgage and construction lending have a higher level of risk than residential mortgage lending. These loans typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, the payment experience on loans secured by income-producing properties is typically dependent on the successful operation of the related real estate project and may be more subject to adverse conditions in the commercial real estate market or in the general economy. The majority of our commercial and commercial real estate loans are concentrated in Delaware and surrounding areas.

As of December 31, 2009 our commercial loan portfolio was $1.1 billion and represented 44% of our total loan portfolio.  These loans are diversified by industry, with no industry representing more than 10% of the portfolio (Retail Trades).  We have noticed some weakness in this portfolio primarily from smaller credits with most of these loans well below $1 million.  This weakness was mainly in the small business sector which has been affected by the prolonged economic downturn.

Our commercial real estate (CRE) portfolio was $524.4 million at December 31, 2009.  This portfolio is diversified by property type, with no type representing more than 28% of the portfolio.  The largest concentration is retail related (shopping centers, malls and other retail) with balances of $146.7 million.  The average loan size of the CRE portfolio is $1.6 million and we have only eight loans greater than $5 million with no loans greater than $10 million.  Most significant projects are located in our geographic footprint and while we have not experienced significant weakness to date, management continues to monitor this portfolio closely.

Construction loans involve additional risk because loan funds are advanced as construction projects progress. The valuation of the underlying collateral can be difficult to quantify prior to the completion of the construction. This is due to uncertainties inherent in construction such as changing construction costs, delays arising from labor or material shortages and other unpredictable contingencies. We attempt to mitigate these risks and plan for these contingencies through additional analysis and monitoring of our construction projects. Construction loans receive independent inspections prior to disbursement of funds.

As of December 31, 2009, our construction and land development (CLD) loans totaled $231.6 million, or only 9.3% of our loan portfolio. Since 2005, we have imposed limits on each category of residential and commercial CLD loans, as well as geographic sub-limits and a sub-limit on “land hold” CLD.  Residential CLD, one of the hardest hit sectors in today’s economy, represents only $109.6 million or 4.3% of the loan portfolio. Our average residential CLD loan is $1.3 million. Only five of our residential CLD loans exceeded $5 million in outstandings and our largest geographic concentration (Sussex County, Delaware) represents only $37.0 million.  Our commercial CLD portfolio was only $84.7 million or 3.3% of total loans.  We continue to reduce the amount of exposure we have to these types of loans.  We are recording very few new

 
- 15 -

 

CLD loans, the remaining amount of availability on existing loans is minimal and there are very few loans with interest reserves remaining.

Land loans were $113.6 million at December 31, 2009 including $50.6 million of “land hold” loans which are land loans not currently being developed.

Only nine commercial relationships have outstandings in excess of $20.0 million and each of these relationships is collateralized by real estate.

Federal law limits the extensions of credit to any one borrower to 15% of unimpaired capital, or 25% if the difference is secured by readily marketable collateral having a market value that can be determined by reliable and continually available pricing. Extensions of credit include outstanding loans as well as contractual commitments to advance funds, such as standby letters of credit, but do not include unfunded loan commitments. At December 31, 2009, no borrower had collective outstandings exceeding these limits.

Consumer Lending.

Our primary consumer credit products are home equity lines of credit and equity-secured installment loans. At December 31, 2009, home equity lines of credit totaled $177.4 million and equity-secured installment loans totaled $102.7 million. In total these product lines represent 93.2% of total consumer loans. Some home equity products granted a borrower credit availability of up to 100% of the appraised value (net of any senior mortgages) of their residence. Maximum LTV limits were reduced to 80% as of November 2008 and 75% as of June 2009.  At December 31, 2009, we had extended $284.9 million in home equity lines of credit. Home equity lines of credit offer customers potential Federal income tax advantages, the convenience of checkbook access and revolving credit features and are typically more attractive in the current low interest rate environment. Home equity lines of credit expose us to the risk that falling collateral values may leave us inadequately secured, while the risk on products like home equity loans is mitigated as they amortize over time.

Prior to 2008, we had not observed any significant adverse experience on home equity lines of credit or equity-secured installment loans but delinquencies and net charge-offs on these products increased over the past two years, mainly as a result of the deteriorating economy and declining home values.  Since 2008, we also increased our loan loss reserves related to consumer loans.

 
- 16 -

 

The following table shows our consumer loans at year-end, for the last five years.

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
     
2008
     
2007
     
2006
     
2005
 
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                                                                     
Equity secured installment loans
 
$
102,727
 
34.2
%
   
$
131,550
 
 44.3
%
   
$
147,551
 
 53.0
%
   
$
141,708
 
 53.8
%
   
$
136,721
 
 55.8
%
Home equity lines of credit
   
177,407
 
59.0
       
 141,678
 
47.8
       
 107,912
 
38.8
       
 98,567
 
37.4
       
 85,505
 
34.9
 
Automobile
   
1,135
 
0.4
       
 1,134
 
0.4
       
 1,159
 
0.4
       
 1,702
 
0.7
       
 2,616
 
 1.1
 
Unsecured lines of credit
   
7,246
 
2.4
       
 6,779
 
2.3
       
 5,972
 
2.1
       
 11,361
 
4.3
       
 10,778
 
 4.4
 
Other
   
12,133
 
4.0
       
 15,587
 
5.2
       
 15,678
 
5.7
       
 10,140
 
3.8
       
 9,200
 
 3.8
 
                                                                     
                                                                     
Total consumer loans
 
$
300,648
 
100.0
%
   
$
296,728
 
 100.0
%
   
$
278,272
 
 100.0
%
   
$
263,478
 
 100.0.0
%
   
$
244,820
 
 100.0
%













 
- 17 -

 

Loan Originations, Purchase and Sales.

We have engaged in traditional lending activities primarily in Delaware and contiguous areas of neighboring states. As a federal savings bank, however, we may originate, purchase and sell loans throughout the United States. We have purchased limited amounts of loans from outside our normal lending area when such purchases are deemed appropriate. We originate fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential real estate loans through our banking offices. In addition, we have established relationships with correspondent banks and mortgage brokers to originate loans.

During 2009, we originated $482.8 million of residential real estate loans. This compares to originations of $434.7 million in 2008. From time to time, we have purchased whole loans and loan participations in accordance with our ongoing asset and liability management objectives. Purchases of residential real estate loans from correspondents and brokers primarily in the mid-Atlantic region totaled $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $27.7 million for 2008. Residential real estate loan sales totaled $269.4 million in 2009 and $30.2 million in 2008.  We sell certain newly originated mortgage loans in the secondary market primarily to control the interest rate sensitivity of our balance sheet and to manage overall balance sheet mix. We hold certain fixed-rate mortgage loans for investment consistent with our current asset/liability management strategies.

At December 31, 2009, we serviced approximately $256.7 million of residential mortgage loans for others compared to $268.8 million at December 31, 2008. We also service residential mortgage loans for our own portfolio totaling $348.9 million and $422.7 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

We originate commercial real estate and commercial loans through our commercial lending division. Commercial loans are made for working capital, financing equipment acquisitions, business expansion and other business purposes. During 2009, we originated $502.7 million of commercial and commercial real estate loans compared with $870.4 million in 2008. To reduce our exposure on certain types of these loans, or to maintain relationships within internal lending limits, at times we will sell a portion of our commercial real estate loan portfolio, typically through loan participations. Commercial real estate loan sales totaled $23.5 million and $39.3 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. These amounts represent gross contract amounts and do not necessarily reflect amounts outstanding on those loans.
 
Our consumer lending activity is conducted mainly through our branch offices. We originate a variety of consumer credit products including home improvement loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans, unsecured lines of credit and other secured and unsecured personal installment loans.

During 2006, we formed a new reverse mortgage initiative under the Bank’s retail leadership. While the Bank’s activity during 2009 has been limited to acting as a correspondent for these loans, our intention is to originate and underwrite our own reverse mortgages in the future.  We expect to sell most of these loans and not hold them in our portfolio. These reverse mortgages are government insured.  During 2009 we originated $46.9 million in reverse mortgages compared to $38.6 million during 2008, of which all were sold (does not include loan originated by 1st Reverse Financial Services, LLC).

During 2008, we acquired a majority interest in 1st Reverse Financial Services, LLC (1st Reverse), which specializes in originating and subsequently selling reverse mortgage loans nationwide. These reverse mortgages are government approved and insured.  During the latter part of 2009, we decided to conduct an orderly wind-down of 1st Reverse operations (discussed further in Note 20 of the Financial Statements).

All loans to one borrowing relationship exceeding $3.5 million must be approved by the Senior Management Loan Committee (“SLC”). The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors (“EC”) reviews the minutes of the SLC meetings. They also approve individual loans exceeding $5 million for customers with less than one year of significant loan history with the Bank and loans in excess of $7.5 million for customers with established borrowing relationships. Depending upon their experience and management position,

 
- 18 -

 

individual officers of the Bank have the authority to approve smaller loan amounts. Our credit policy includes a “House Limit” to one borrowing relationship of $20 million.  In extraordinary circumstances, we will approve exceptions to the “House Limit”.  Currently we have nine relationships that exceed this limit.  Those nine relationships were allowed to exceed the “House Limit” because either the relationship contained several loans/borrowers that have no economic relationship (typically real estate investors with amounts diversified across a number of properties) or the exposure was marginally in excess of the “House Limit” and the credit profile was deemed strong. 

Fee Income from Lending Activities.

    We earn fee income from lending activities, including fees for originating loans, servicing loans and selling loan participations.  We also receive fee income for making commitments to originate construction, residential and commercial real estate loans. Additionally, we collect fees related to existing loans which include prepayment charges, late charges, assumption fees and swap fees.

    We charge fees for making loan commitments.  Also as part of the loan application process, the borrower may pay us for out-of-pocket costs to review the application, whether or not the loan is closed.

    Most loan fees are not recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations immediately, but are deferred as adjustments of yield in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are reflected in interest income. Those fees represented interest income of $944,000, $1.1 million, and $124,000 during 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.  Fee income in 2009 was mainly due to fee accretion on existing loans (including the acceleration of the accretion on loans that paid early), loan growth and prepayment penalties. The increase in 2008 was mainly the result of several large prepayment penalties. Loan fees other than those considered adjustments of yield (such as late charges) are reported as loan fee income, a component of noninterest income.

LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE, PROBLEM ASSETS AND DELINQUENCIES

Our results of operations can be negatively impacted by nonperforming assets, which include nonaccruing loans, nonperforming real estate investments, assets acquired through foreclosure and restructured loans. Nonaccruing loans are those on which the accrual of interest has ceased. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status immediately if, in the opinion of management, collection is doubtful, or when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more and collateral is insufficient to cover principal and interest. Interest accrued, but not collected at the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, is reversed and charged against interest income. In addition, the amortization of net deferred loan fees is suspended when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Subsequent cash receipts are applied either to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on management’s assessment of the ultimate collectability of principal and interest.

We endeavor to manage our portfolio to identify problem loans as promptly as possible and take immediate actions to minimize losses. To accomplish this, our Risk Management Department monitors the asset quality of our loan and investment in real estate portfolios and reports such information to the Credit Policy Committee, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Bank’s Controller’s Department.

SOURCES OF FUNDS

We manage our liquidity risk and funding needs through our treasury function and our Asset/Liability Committee. Historically, we have had success in growing our loan portfolio. For example, during the year ended December 31, 2009, net loan growth resulted in the use of $109.3 million in cash. The loan growth was primarily the result of our continued success increasing corporate and small business lending. Management expects this trend to continue. While our loan-to-deposit ratio has been well above 100% for many years, during 2009 we have made significant improvements to decrease this ratio through increased deposit growth.

 
- 19 -

 

Our long-term goal is 100% by 2012.  Management has significant experience managing its funding needs through borrowings and deposit growth.

As a financial institution, we have ready access to several sources of funding. Among these are:

·  
Deposit growth
·  
Brokered deposits
·  
Borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)
·  
Fed Discount Window access
·  
Other borrowings such as repurchase agreements
·  
Cash flow from securities and loan sales and repayments
·  
Net income.

Our current branch expansion and renovation program is focused on expanding our retail footprint in Delaware and attracting new customers to provide additional deposit growth. Customer deposit growth was strong, equaling $438.9 million, or 26%, between December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009.

Deposits. We offer various deposit programs to our customers, including savings accounts, demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposits. In addition, we accept “jumbo” certificates of deposit with balances in excess of $100,000 from individuals, businesses and municipalities in Delaware.

WSFS is the second largest independent full service banking institution headquartered and operating in Delaware. The Bank primarily attracts deposits through its 41 banking offices. Twenty-four banking offices were located in northern Delaware’s New Castle County, WSFS’ primary market. These banking offices maintain approximately 167,000 total account relationships with approximately 65,000 total households. Seven banking offices are located in Delaware’s Sussex County. Five banking offices are located in central Delaware’s Kent County, three of which are in the state capital, Dover.  Four banking offices are located in nearby southeastern Pennsylvania and one banking office is located in Annandale, Virginia.

Growth in total deposits of $439.5 million, or 21% compares favorably to the national average growth rate of 6% based on a recent Federal Reserve statistical release (FRB: H.8 Release dated February 5, 2010).

The following table shows the maturity of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2009:

 
Maturity Period
   December 31,
2009
 
 
   
   (In Thousands)
 
             
Less than 3 months
 
$
125,491
       
Over 3 months to 6 months
   
  42,597
       
Over 6 months to 12 months
   
  38,612
       
Over 12 months
      65,634
 
       
   
$
 
272,334
 
       







 
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    Borrowings. We utilize the following borrowing sources to fund operations:
 
    Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
 
    As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, we are able to obtain Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances. Advances from the FHLB of Pittsburgh had rates ranging from 0.26% to 5.45% at December 31, 2009. Pursuant to collateral agreements with the FHLB, the advances are secured by qualifying first mortgage loans, qualifying fixed-income securities, FHLB stock and an interest-bearing demand deposit account with the FHLB. We are required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB of Pittsburgh in an amount at least equal to 4.75% of its borrowings from them, plus 0.75% of our unused borrowing capacity. As of December 31, 2009, our FHLB stock investment totaled $39.3 million.
   
    At December 31, 2009 we had $613.1 million in FHLB advances with a weighted average rate of 2.59% maturing in 2010 and beyond. Six advances totaling $95.0 million are convertible on a quarterly basis (at the discretion of the FHLB) to a variable rate advance based upon the three-month LIBOR rate, after an initial fixed term. If any of these advances convert, WSFS has the option to prepay these advances at predetermined times or rates.
   
    In December 2008, the FHLB of Pittsburgh announced the suspension of both dividend payments and the repurchase of capital stock until such time as it becomes prudent to reinstate both. We received no dividends from the FHLB of Pittsburgh during 2009.
 
    Trust Preferred Borrowings
 
    In 2005, we issued $67.0 million aggregate principal amount of Pooled Floating Rate Securities at a variable interest rate of 177 basis points over the three-month LIBOR rate. The proceeds from this issuance were used to fund the redemption of $51.5 million of Floating Rate Capital Trust I Preferred Securities which had a variable interest rate of 250 basis points over the three-month LIBOR rate.
 
    Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”)
 
    During 2009, we participated in the FDIC’s TLGP Debt Guarantee Program.  Under this program we issued $30.0 million of unsecured debt with a coupon rate of 2.74% and a 3 year maturity.
 
    Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
 
    During 2009, we purchased federal funds as a short-term funding source. At December 31, 2009, we had purchased $75.0 million in federal funds at a rate of 0.38%. At December 31, 2008, we had purchased $50.0 million in federal funds at a rate of 0.38%.
 
    During 2009, we sold securities under agreements to repurchase as a funding source. At both December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had $25.0 million of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with a fixed rate of 4.87%. The underlying securities are mortgage-backed securities with a book value of $29.2 million at December 31, 2009.

PERSONNEL
 
    As of December 31, 2009 we had 643 full-time equivalent Associates (employees).  The Associates are not represented by a collective bargaining unit.  Management believes its relationship with its Associates is very good.




 
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REGULATION

Regulation of the Corporation

General. We are a registered savings and loan holding company and are subject to the regulation, examination, supervision and reporting requirements of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”). We are also a registered public company subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The filings we make with Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, are available on the investor relations page of our website at www.wsfsbank.com.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has promulgated new regulations pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”) and may continue to propose additional implementing or clarifying regulations as necessary in furtherance of the Act. The passage of the Act and the regulations implemented by the SEC subject publicly-traded companies to additional and more cumbersome reporting regulations and disclosure. Compliance with the Act and corresponding regulations has increased our expenses.
   
Restrictions on Acquisitions. A savings and loan holding company must obtain the prior approval of the Director of OTS before acquiring (i) control of any other savings association or savings and loan holding company or substantially all the assets thereof, or (ii) more than 5% of the voting shares of a savings association or holding company thereof which is not a subsidiary. Except with the prior approval of the Director of OTS, no director or officer of a savings and loan holding company or person owning or controlling by proxy or otherwise more than 25% of such company’s stock, may also acquire control of any savings association, other than a subsidiary savings association, or of any other savings and loan holding company.

The OTS may only approve acquisitions resulting in the formation of a multiple savings and loan holding company which controls savings associations in more than one state if: (i) the company involved controls a savings institution which operated a home or branch office in the state of the association to be acquired as of March 5, 1987; (ii) the acquirer is authorized to acquire control of the savings association pursuant to the emergency acquisition provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (iii) the statutes of the state in which the association to be acquired is located specifically permit institutions to be acquired by state-chartered associations or savings and loan holding companies located in the state where the acquiring entity is located (or by a holding company that controls such state-chartered savings institutions). The laws of Delaware do not specifically authorize out-of-state savings associations or their holding companies to acquire Delaware-chartered savings associations.

The statutory restrictions on the formation of interstate multiple holding companies would not prevent us from entering into other states by mergers or branching. OTS regulations permit federal associations to branch in any state or states of the United States and its territories. Except in supervisory cases or when interstate branching is otherwise permitted by state law or other statutory provision, a federal association may not establish an out-of-state branch unless the federal association qualifies as a “domestic building and loan association” under Section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code or as a “qualified thrift lender” under the Home Owners’ Loan Act and the total assets attributable to all branches of the association in the state would qualify such branches taken as a whole for treatment as a domestic building and loan association or qualified thrift lender. Federal associations generally may not establish new branches unless the association meets or exceeds minimum regulatory capital requirements. The OTS will also consider the association’s record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 in connection with any branch application.

Recent Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives to Address the Current Financial and Economic Crisis   Congress, the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) and the federal banking regulators, including the FDIC, have taken broad action since early September 2008 to address volatility in the

 
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U.S. banking system and financial markets. See “Recent Legislation” under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further discussion.

Regulation of WSFS Bank

General. As a federally chartered savings institution, the Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The lending activities and other investments of the Bank must comply with various federal regulatory requirements. The OTS periodically examines the Bank for compliance with regulatory requirements. The FDIC also has the authority to conduct special examinations of the Bank. The Bank must file reports with the OTS describing its activities and financial condition. The Bank is also subject to certain reserve requirements promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board.

Transactions with Affiliates; Tying Arrangements. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions in its dealings with us and our affiliates. Transactions between savings associations and any affiliate are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An affiliate of a savings association, generally, is any company or entity which controls or is under common control with the savings association or any subsidiary of the savings association that is a bank or savings association. In a holding company context, the parent holding company of a savings association (such as “WSFS Financial Corporation”) and any companies which are controlled by such parent holding company are affiliates of the savings association. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B (i) limit the extent to which the savings institution or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such institution’s capital stock and surplus, and limit the aggregate of all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus and (ii) require that all such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the institution or subsidiary as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and similar types of transactions. In addition to the restrictions imposed by Sections 23A and 23B, no savings association may (i) lend or otherwise extend credit to an affiliate that engages in any activity impermissible for bank holding companies, or (ii) purchase or invest in any stocks, bonds, debentures, notes or similar obligations of any affiliate, except for affiliates which are subsidiaries of the savings association. Savings associations are also prohibited from extending credit, offering services, or fixing or varying the consideration for any extension of credit or service on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or certain of its affiliates or that the customer not obtain services from a competitor of the institution, subject to certain limited exceptions.

Regulatory Capital Requirements. Under OTS capital regulations, savings institutions must maintain “tangible” capital equal to 1.5% of adjusted total assets, “Tier 1” or “core” capital equal to 4% of adjusted total assets (or 3% if the institution is rated composite 1 under the OTS examiner rating system), and “total” capital (a combination of core and “supplementary” capital) equal to 8% of risk-weighted assets. In addition, OTS regulations impose certain restrictions on savings associations that have a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 4.0% or a ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets of less than 4.0% (or 3.0% if the institution is rated Composite 1 under the OTS examination rating system). For purposes of these regulations, Tier 1 capital has the same definition as core capital.

The OTS capital rule defines Tier 1 or core capital as common stockholders’ equity (including retained earnings), noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus, minority interests in the equity accounts of fully consolidated subsidiaries, certain nonwithdrawable accounts and pledged deposits of mutual institutions and “qualifying supervisory goodwill,” less intangible assets other than certain supervisory goodwill and, subject to certain limitations, mortgage and non-mortgage servicing rights, purchased credit card relationships and credit-enhancing interest only strips. Tangible capital is given the same definition as core capital but does not include qualifying supervisory goodwill and is reduced by the amount of all the savings

 
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institution’s intangible assets except for limited amounts of mortgage servicing assets. The OTS capital rule requires that core and tangible capital be reduced by an amount equal to a savings institution’s debt and equity investments in “non-includable” subsidiaries engaged in activities not permissible to national banks, other than subsidiaries engaged in activities undertaken as agent for customers or in mortgage banking activities and subsidiary depository institutions or their holding companies. At December 31, 2009, the Bank was in compliance with both the core and tangible capital requirements.

The risk weights assigned by the OTS risk-based capital regulation range from 0% for cash and U.S. government securities to 100% for consumer and commercial loans, non-qualifying mortgage loans, property acquired through foreclosure, assets more than 90 days past due and other assets. In determining compliance with the risk-based capital requirement, a savings institution may include both core capital and supplementary capital in its total capital, provided the amount of supplementary capital included does not exceed the savings institution’s core capital. Supplementary capital is defined to include certain preferred stock issues, non-withdrawable accounts and pledged deposits that do not qualify as core capital, certain approved subordinated debt, certain other capital instruments, general loan loss allowances up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and up to 45% of unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair values. Total capital is reduced by the amount of the institution’s reciprocal holdings of depository institution capital instruments and all equity investments. At December 31, 2009, WSFS Bank was in compliance with the OTS risk-based capital requirements.

Dividend Restrictions. As the subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, WSFS bank must submit notice to the OTS prior to making any capital distribution (which includes cash dividends and payments to shareholders of another institution in a cash merger). In addition, a savings association must make application to the OTS to pay a capital distribution if (x) the association would not be adequately capitalized following the distribution, (y) the association’s total distributions for the calendar year exceeds the association’s net income for the calendar year to date plus its net income (less distributions) for the preceding two years, or (z) the distribution would otherwise violate applicable law or regulation or an agreement with or condition imposed by the OTS.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Bank’s deposits are insured to applicable limits by the FDIC (“Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation”).  The Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (the “Reform Act”), which was signed into law on February 15, 2006, resulted in significant changes to the federal deposit insurance program: (i) effective March 31, 2006, the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund were merged into a new combined fund, called the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”); (ii) the current $100,000 deposit insurance coverage will be indexed for inflation (with adjustments every five years, commencing January 1, 2011); and (iii) deposit insurance coverage for retirement accounts was increased to $250,000 per participant subject to adjustment for inflation. However, due to the recent difficult economic conditions, deposit insurance per account owner has been raised to $250,000 for all types of accounts until December 2013. In addition, the Reform Act gave the FDIC greater latitude in setting the assessment rates for insured depository institutions, which could be used to impose minimum assessments.

Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital level, and certain other factors, with less risky institutions paying lower assessments. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned. No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the federal deposit insurance assessment.

For calendar year 2008, assessments ranged from five to 43 basis points of each institution’s deposit assessment base. Due to losses incurred by the DIF in 2008 from failed institutions, and anticipated future losses, the FDIC adopted an across the board seven-basis point increase in the assessment range for the first quarter of 2009. The FDIC made further refinements to its risk-based assessment system, as of April 1, 2009, that effectively made the range seven to 77.5 basis points. The FDIC may adjust the scale uniformly from one quarter to the next, except that no adjustment can deviate more than three basis points from the base scale without notice and comment rulemaking.

 
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The FDIC also imposed on all insured institutions a special emergency assessment of five basis points of total assets minus Tier 1 capital (capped at ten basis points of an institution’s deposit assessment base, as of June 30, 2009), in order to cover losses to the DIF. That special assessment was collected on September 30, 2009.

In November 2009, the FDIC issued a rule that required all insured depository institutions, with limited exceptions, to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012 on December 30, 2009. The assessment was calculated by taking the institution’s actual September 30, 2009 assessment base and increasing it quarterly by an estimated 5% annual growth rate through the end of 2012. The FDIC also adopted a uniform three basis point increase in assessment rates effective on January 1, 2011. Under GAAP accounting rules, the prepaid assessments would not immediately affect a bank’s earnings. Each institution records the entire amount of the prepaid assessment as a prepaid expense, an asset on its balance sheet, as of December 30, 2009, the date the payment was made.  As of December 31, 2009, and each quarter thereafter, each institution records an expense for its quarterly assessment invoiced on its quarterly statement and an offsetting credit to the prepaid assessment until the asset is exhausted.  The FDIC would also have the authority to exercise its discretion as supervisor and insurer to exempt an institution from the prepayment requirement if the FDIC determines that the prepayment would significantly impair the institution’s liquidity or would otherwise create significant hardship.

Federal law also provides for the possibility that the FDIC may pay dividends to insured institutions once the DIF reserve ratio equals or exceeds 1.35% of estimated insured deposits.
 
The Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 provided the FDIC with authority to adjust the DIF ratio to insured deposits within a range of 1.15% and 1.50%, in contrast to the prior statutorily fixed ratio of 1.25%. The Restoration Plan adopted by the FDIC seeks to restore the DIF to a 1.15% ratio within a period of eight years.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order, or condition imposed by the FDIC. Management does not know of any practice, condition, or violation that might lead to termination of the deposit insurance of the Bank.

In addition, all FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay assessments to the FDIC to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”), an agency of the Federal government established to recapitalize the predecessor to the SAIF. The FICO assessment rates, which are determined quarterly, averaged 1.06 basis points of assessable deposits in 2009. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2019.

Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. In November 2008, the Board of Directors of the FDIC adopted a final rule relating to the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLG Program”). Under the TLG Program, the FDIC will (i) guarantee, through the earlier of maturity or December 31, 2012 (extended from June 30, 2012 by subsequent amendment), certain newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by participating institutions on or after October 14, 2008, and before October 31, 2009 (extended from June 30, 2009 by subsequent amendment) and (ii) provide full FDIC deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts paying less than 0.5% interest per annum and Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (“IOLTA”) held at participating FDIC insured institutions through June 30, 2010 (extended from December 31, 2009, subject to an opt-out provision, by subsequent amendment). We have elected to participate in both guarantee programs and did not opt out of the six-month extension of the transaction account guarantee program.  In 2009, we issued $30.0 million of unsecured debt under this program.

 
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   Federal Reserve System. Pursuant to regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, a savings institution must maintain reserves against their transaction accounts. As of December 31, 2009, no reserves were required to be maintained on the first $10.7 million of transaction accounts, reserves of 3% were required to be maintained against the next $55.2 million of transaction accounts and a reserve of 10% against all remaining transaction accounts. This percentage is subject to adjustment by the Federal Reserve Board. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or in a non-interest bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank, the effect of the reserve requirement may reduce the amount of an institution’s interest-earning assets. As of December 31, 2009 we met our reserve requirements.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following are certain risks that management believes are specific to our business. This should not be viewed as an all inclusive list and the order is not intended as an indicator of the level of importance.

 
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.
 
On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) which, among other measures, authorizes the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“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. Under the TARP Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”), Treasury is purchasing equity securities from participating institutions. On January 23, 2009, as part of CPP, we sold (i) 52,625 shares of the Registrant’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and (ii) a warrant to purchase 175,105 shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $52.6 million in cash. 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 encourages 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. More 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.
 
            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, 2010. 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

 
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30, 2008. The guarantee will extend to June 30, 2012 even if the maturity of the debt is after that date. The Bank pays a fee equal to 300 basis points for its participation in the unsecured debt guarantee program.

The purpose of these legislative and regulatory actions is to stabilize the U.S. economy and banking system. The EESA, the ARRA 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.
 
Higher Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance premiums and assessments will adversely impact our earnings.
 
    FDIC insurance premiums have increased substantially in 2009 already, and we expect to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums in the future. A large number of bank failures have significantly depleted the deposit insurance fund and reduced the ratio of reserves to insured deposits. On May 22, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule levying a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. The special assessment was payable on September 30, 2009. We recorded an expense of $1.7 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, to reflect the special assessment. The final rule permits the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to levy up to two additional special assessments of up to five basis points each during 2009 if the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation estimates that the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio will fall to a level that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation believes would adversely affect public confidence or to a level that will be close to or below zero. We participate in the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, or TLG, for noninterest-bearing transaction deposit accounts. Banks that participate in the TLG’s noninterest-bearing transaction account guarantee will pay the FDIC an annual assessment of 10 basis points on the amounts in such accounts above the amounts covered by FDIC deposit insurance. To the extent that these TLG assessments are insufficient to cover any loss or expenses arising from the TLG program, the FDIC is authorized to impose an emergency special assessment on all FDIC-insured depository institutions. The FDIC has authority to impose charges for the TLG program upon depository institution holding companies, as well. The FDIC has extended the TLG to June 30, 2010, and increased the fee to banks that elect to participate in the extension to 15 to 25 basis points, depending on the institution’s risk category. WSFS Bank elected to continue to participate in the TLG. These changes will cause our deposit insurance expense to increase. These actions could significantly increase our noninterest expense for the foreseeable future.
 
    Any further special assessments that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation levies will be recorded as an expense during the appropriate period. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation increased the general assessment rate and our prior credits for federal deposit insurance were fully utilized during the quarter ended June 30, 2009. Therefore, our Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation general insurance premium expense will increase compared to prior periods.
 
    On November 12, 2009, the FDIC issued a final rule requiring all banks to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012 on December 30, 2009. Under the rule, the assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 will be based on each bank’s base assessment rate in effect as of September 30, 2009, and the assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 will be equal to such September 30, 2009 assessment rate plus an additional three basis points. In addition, each institution’s base assessment rate for each period would be calculated using its assessment base as of September 30, 2009, adjusted quarterly for an estimated 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base through the end of 2012. Based on the final rule, we were required to make a payment of $21.3 million to the FDIC on December 30, 2009 and to record the pre-payment as a prepaid expense, which will be amortized to expense over three years. Whether this prepayment will provide sufficient funding is uncertain. There is no assurance the FDIC will not require additional funding from the banking system which may negatively impact us.

 

 

 
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The prolonged deep recession, 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 year, with decreasing home prices and increasing delinquencies and foreclosures, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage and construction loans that 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 credit supply in part due to the reduction in non-bank providers of credit in the marketplace. 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. Financial institutions have experienced decreased access to deposits or borrowings. 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:
 
   •  An increase in the number of borrowers unable to repay their loans in accordance with the original terms
     
 
 •
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.
 
 
 
 •
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 increases in foreclosures, delinquencies and customer bankruptcies, as well as more restricted access to funds.
 
Concentration of loans in our primary market area, which has recently experienced an economic downturn, may increase risk.
 
Our success depends primarily on the general economic conditions in the State of Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Virginia, as nearly all of our loans are to customers in this market. Accordingly, the local economic conditions in these markets have a significant impact on the ability of borrowers to repay loans as well as our ability to originate new loans. As such, a continuation of the decline in real estate valuations in these markets would lower the value of the collateral securing those loans. In addition, a continued weakening in general economic conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond our control could negatively affect our financial results.
 

 

 
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If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings will decrease.
 
    We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans, our loss and delinquency experience, and we evaluate economic conditions. If our assumptions are incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover probable incurred losses in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance. Material additions to our allowance could materially decrease our net income.
 
Our loan portfolio includes a substantial amount of commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. The credit risk related to these types of loans is greater than the risk related to residential loans.
 
    Our commercial loan portfolio, which includes commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans, totaled $1.9 billion at December 31, 2009, comprising 74% of total loans. Commercial and industrial loans generally carry larger loan balances and involve a greater degree of risk of nonpayment or late payment than home equity loans or residential mortgage loans. Any significant failure to pay or late payments by our customers would hurt our earnings. The increased credit risk associated with these types of loans is a result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the size of loan balances, and the effects of general economic conditions on income-producing properties. A significant portion of our commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loan portfolios includes a balloon payment feature. A number of factors may affect a borrower’s ability to make or refinance a balloon payment, including the financial condition of the borrower, the prevailing local economic conditions and the prevailing interest rate environment.
 
    Furthermore, commercial real estate loans secured by owner-occupied properties are dependent upon the successful operation of the borrower’s business. If the operating company suffers difficulties in terms of sales volume and/or profitability, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Loans secured by properties where repayment is dependent upon payment of rent by third party tenants or the sale of the property may be impacted by loss of tenants, lower lease rates needed to attract new tenants or the inability to sell a completed project in a timely fashion and at a profit. The collateral for our commercial loans that are secured by real estate are classified as 64% owner occupied properties and 36% non-owner occupied properties.
 
We are subject to extensive regulation which could have an adverse effect on our operations.
 
    We are subject to extensive regulation and supervision from the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC. This regulation and supervision is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC insurance fund, our depositors and borrowers, rather than for holders of our equity securities. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of the allowance for loan losses. As a result of recent market conditions, 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.
 
WSFS Bank has entered into a memorandum of understanding.
 
    In December 2009, WSFS Bank entered into an informal memorandum of understanding (the “Understanding”) with the OTS. An Understanding is characterized by bank regulatory agencies as an informal action that is neither published nor made publicly available by the agencies and is used when circumstances warrant a milder response than a formal regulatory action. Regulatory actions, such as this Understanding, are on the rise as a result of the current severe economic conditions and the related impact on the banking industry.
 

 
- 29 -

 

In accordance with the terms of the Understanding, WSFS Bank has agreed, among other things, to: (i) adopt and implement a written plan to reduce criticized assets; (ii) review and revise its policies regarding the identification, monitoring and managing the risks associated with loan concentrations for certain commercial loans and reduce concentration limits of such loans; (iii) review and revise credit administration policies and dedicate additional staffing resources to this department; (iv) implement a revised internal review program; (v) obtain prior OTS approval before increasing the amount of brokered deposits; and (vi) approve a written strategic business plan and compliance plan concerning the exercise of fiduciary powers.
 
We are committed to expeditiously addressing and resolving all the issues raised in the Understanding and the Board of Directors and management of WSFS Bank have already initiated actions to comply with its provisions. A material failure to comply with the terms of the Understanding could subject the Bank to additional regulatory actions and further regulation by the OTS, or result in a formal action or constraints on the Bank’s business, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations and financial condition.
 
The fiscal, monetary and regulatory policies of the Federal Government and its agencies could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
The Federal Reserve regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States. Its policies determine in large part the cost of funds for lending and investing and the return earned on those loans and investments, both of which affect the net interest margin. It also can materially decrease the value of financial assets we hold, such as debt securities. Its policies also can adversely affect borrowers, potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to repay their loans. Additionally, legislation has been introduced into each house of Congress proposing sweeping financial reforms, including the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency with extensive powers. If enacted, the legislation would significantly alter not only how financial firms are regulated but also how they conduct their business. Changes in Federal Reserve policies and our regulatory environment generally are beyond our control, and we are unable to predict what changes may occur or the manner in which any future changes may affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
 
The securities purchase agreement between us and Treasury permits Treasury to impose additional restrictions on us retroactively.
 
On January 23, 2009, as part of the TARP Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”), we entered into a securities purchase agreement with the Treasury pursuant to which we sold (i) 52,625 shares of the Registrant’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and (ii) a warrant to purchase 175,105 shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $52.6 million in cash. The Series A Preferred Stock is included in the calculation of Tier 1 capital and pays cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and 9% per annum thereafter. The Treasury warrant has a 10-year term and is immediately exercisable upon its issuance, with an exercise price, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, equal to $45.08 per share of the Common Stock. The securities purchase agreement we entered into with Treasury permits Treasury to unilaterally amend the terms of the securities purchase agreement to comply with any changes in federal statutes after the date of its execution. ARRA imposed additional executive compensation and expenditure limits on all current and future TARP recipients, including us, until we have repaid the Treasury. These additional restrictions may impede our ability to attract and retain qualified executive officers. ARRA also permits TARP recipients to repay the Treasury without penalty or requirement that additional capital be raised, subject to Treasury’s consultation with our primary federal regulator. The securities purchase agreement required that, for a period of three years, the Series A Preferred Stock could generally only be repaid if we raised additional capital to repay the securities and such capital qualified as Tier 1 capital.  The terms of the CPP also restrict our ability to increase dividends on our common stock and undertake stock repurchase programs.  Congress may impose additional restrictions in the future which may also apply retroactively. These restrictions may have a material adverse affect on our operations, revenue and financial condition, on the ability to pay dividends, our ability to attract and retain
 

 
- 30 -

 

executive talent and restricts our ability to increase our cash dividends or undertake stock repurchase programs.
 
We are subject to liquidity risk.
 
    Due to the continued growth in our lending operations, particularly in corporate and small business lending, our total loans have exceeded customer deposit funding. Changes in interest rates, alternative investment opportunities and other factors may make deposit gathering more difficult. Additionally, interest rate changes or disruptions in the capital markets may make the terms of the borrowings and brokered deposits less favorable and may make it difficult to sell securities when needed to provide additional liquidity. As a result, there is a risk that the cost of funding will increase or that we will not have sufficient funds to meet our obligations when they come due.
 
The market value of our securities portfolio may be impacted by the level of interest rates and the credit quality and strength of the underlying issuers and general liquidity in the market for investment securities.

    If a decline in market value of a security is determined to be other than temporary, under generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to write these securities down to their estimated fair value with the amount of impairment related to credit losses recognized in earnings while the amount of impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2009, we owned securities classified as available for sale with an aggregate historical cost of $716.5 million and an estimated fair value of $713.9 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, we had one security that was determined to be other than temporarily impaired with a credit loss recognized in earnings of only $86,000, although we can give no assurance that we will not have additional other than temporarily impaired securities in the future.  Future changes in interest rates or the credit quality and strength of the underlying issuers may reduce the market value of these and other securities.  As a result, changes in values of securities affect our equity and may impact earnings.
 
            In addition, the value of our BBB+ rated mortgage-backed security is subject to market value fluctuations. To develop a range of likely fair value prices, our valuation is highly dependent upon various observable and unobservable inputs.  If the value of the observable inputs declines or as a result of economic conditions, management changes its assumptions regarding what market participants would use in pricing this asset, the value of this asset may decline.  As a result, we would record any market adjustments related to this asset as a charge to earnings.
 
We must evaluate whether any portion of our recorded goodwill is impaired. Impairment testing may result in a material, non-cash write-down of our goodwill assets and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
 
 
At December 31, 2009 we had $13.7 million of goodwill and intangible assets.  We have recorded goodwill because we paid more for some of our businesses than the fair market value of the tangible and separately measurable intangible net assets of those businesses. We test our goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment at least annually (or whenever events occur which may indicate possible impairment). Goodwill impairment begins with a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, a Step 2 impairment test is required. Determining the fair value of our reporting unit requires a high degree of subjective management assumptions. Any changes in key assumptions about our business and its prospects, changes in market conditions or other external factors, for impairment testing purposes could result in an impairment charge to earnings.

 

 
- 31 -

 

Our investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB) stock may be subject to impairment charges in future periods if the financial condition of the FHLB declines further.
 

We are required to hold FHLB stock as a condition of membership in the FHLB.  Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted and there is no market for these securities.  As of December 31, 2009, the carrying value of our FHLB stock was $39.3 million. In 2009, the FHLB reported significant losses due to numerous factors, including other-than-temporary impairment charges on its portfolio of private-label mortgage-backed securities. The FHLB announced a capital restoration plan in February 2009 which restricts it from repurchasing or redeeming capital stock or paying dividends. If the FHLB financial condition continues to decline, other-than-temporary impairment charges related to our investment in FHLB stock may occur in future periods.  An additional discussion related to our evaluation of impairment of FHLB stock is included in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our Cash Connect Division relies on numerous couriers and armored car companies to transport its cash and fund the ATMs it services for our customers, and numerous networks to settle its cash.
 
 
            The profitability of Cash Connect is reliant upon its efficient distribution of large amounts of cash to its customers’ ATMs using an extensive network of couriers and armored car companies.  It is possible those associated with a courier or armored car company could misappropriate funds belonging to Cash Connect.  Cash Connect has experienced such occurrences in the past, including one in 2001 and potentially another in 2010.  For additional information see Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, Cash Connect settles its transactions through a number of national networks.  It is possible a network could fraudulently redirect the settlement of cash belonging to Cash Connect.  It is also possible Cash Connect would not have established proper policies, controls or insurance and, as a result, any misappropriation of funds could result in an impact to earnings.


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 
- 32 -

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following table shows information regarding offices and material properties held by us, and our subsidiaries, at December 31, 2009:
 
 
 
 
 
Location
 
 
Owned/
Leased
 
 
Date Lease
Expires
Net Book Value
of Property
or Leasehold
Improvements (1)
 
 
 
Deposits
       
         (In Thousands)
WSFS :
       
WSFS Bank Center Branch
   Main Office
  500 Delaware Avenue
  Wilmington, DE   19801
Leased
2011
$723
$1,054,959
Union Street Branch
  211 North Union Street
  Wilmington, DE   19805
Leased
2012
53
54,830
Trolley Square Branch
  1711 Delaware Ave
  Wilmington, DE   19806
Leased
2011
41
34,200
Fairfax Shopping Center (3)
  2005 Concord Pike
  Wilmington, DE   19803
Master Lease
 
7,780
88,805
Branmar Plaza Shopping Center Branch
  1812 Marsh Road
  Wilmington, DE   19810
Leased
2013
66
106,964
Prices Corner Shopping Center Branch
  3202 Kirkwood Highway
  Wilmington, DE   19808
Leased
2023
312
101,464
Pike Creek Shopping Center Branch
  4730 Limestone Road
  Wilmington, DE   19808
Leased
2015
583
101,840
University Plaza Shopping Center Branch
   100 University Plaza
  Newark, DE   19702
Leased
2026
1,244
50,620
College Square Shopping Center Branch
  Route 273 & Liberty Avenue
  Newark, DE   19711
Leased
2012
244
114,165
Airport Plaza Shopping Center Branch
  144 N. DuPont Hwy.
  New Castle, DE   19720
Leased
2013
607
70,354
Stanton Branch
  Inside ShopRite
  1600 W. Newport Pike
  Wilmington, DE   19804
Leased
2011
14
40,879
Glasgow Branch
  Inside Safeway at People Plaza
  Routes 40 & 896
  Newark, DE   19702
Leased
2012
24
34,972
Middletown Crossing Shopping Center
 400 East Main Street
 Middletown, DE   19709
Leased
2017
835
58,668
Dover Branch
  Dover Mart
  262 S. DuPont Highway
  Dover, DE   19901
Leased
2010
29
11,510
West Dover Loan Office
  Greentree Office Center
  160 Greentree Drive
  Suite 105
  Dover, DE   19904
Leased
2014
17
N/A

 
- 33 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
Location
 
 
Owned/
Leased
 
 
Date Lease
Expires
Net Book Value
of Property
or Leasehold
Improvements (1)
 
 
 
Deposits
       
         (In Thousands)
Blue Bell Loan Office
  721 Skippack Pike
  Suite 101
  Blue Bell, PA   19422
Leased
2012
$18
$8,993
Glen Eagle
  Inside Genaurdi’s  Family Market
  475 Glen Eagle Square
  Glen Mills, PA   19342
Leased
2024
9
13,751
University of Delaware-Trabant University  Center
  17 West Main Street
  Newark, DE   19716
Leased
2013
25
12,531
Brandywine Branch
  Inside Safeway Market
  2522 Foulk Road
  Wilmington, DE   19810
Leased
2014
9
34,849
Operations Center
  2400 Philadelphia Pike
  Wilmington, DE   19703
Owned
 
636
N/A
Longwood Branch
  Inside Genaurdi’s Family Market
  830 E. Baltimore Pike
  E. Marlboro, PA 19348
Leased
2010
33
15,876
Holly Oak Branch
  Inside Super Fresh
  2105 Philadelphia Pike
  Claymont, DE 19703
Leased
2015
22
28,358
Hockessin Branch
  7450 Lancaster Pike
  Wilmington, DE 19707
Leased
2015
511
89,418
Lewes LPO
  Southpointe Professional Center
  1515 Savannah Road, Suite 103
  Lewes, DE   19958
Leased
2013
84
N/A
Fox Run Shopping Center
  210 Fox Hunt Drive
  Bear, DE  19701
Leased
2015
812
67,230
Camden Town Center
  4566 S. Dupont Highway
  Camden, DE   19934
Leased
2024
879
32,656
Rehoboth Branch
  19335 coastal Highway
  Lighthouse Plaza
  Rehoboth, DE   19771
Leased
2028
859
50,166
Loan Operations
  30 Blue Hen Drive
  Suite 200
  Newark, DE   19713
Leased
2010 (4)
N/A
N/A
West Dover Branch
  1486 Forest Avenue
  Dover, DE   19904
Owned
 
2,134
32,416
Longneck Branch
  25926 Plaza Drive
  Millsboro, DE   19966
Leased
2026
1,157
35,557

 
- 34 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location
 
 
Owned/
Leased
 
 
Date Lease
Expires
Net Book Value
of Property
or Leasehold
Improvements (1)
 
 
 
Deposits
       
         (In Thousands)
Smyrna
  Simon’s Corner Shopping Center
  400 Jimmy Drive
  Smyrna, DE   19977
Leased
2028
$1,190
$34,561
Oxford, LPO
  59 South Third Street
  Suite 1
  Oxford, PA  19363
Leased
2011
24
7,527
Greenville
  3908 Kennett Pike
  Greenville, DE  19807
Owned
 
2,020
44,415
WSFS Bank Center (2)
  500 Delaware Avenue
  Wilmington, DE  19801
Leased
2019
1,837
N/A
Market Street Branch
  833 Market Street
  Wilmington, DE  19801
Leased
2010
35
20,698
Annandale, VA
  7010 Little River Tnpk.
  Suite 330
  Annandale, VA  22003
Leased
2011
12
834
Oceanview
  69 Atlantic Avenue
  Oceanview, DE   19970
Leased
2024
1,346
11,915
Selbyville
  Strawberry Center
  Unit 2
  Selbyville, DE  19975
Leased
2013
49
8,391
Lewes Branch
  34383 Carpenters Way
  Lewes, DE  19958
Leased
2028
313
18,258
Millsboro
  26644 Center View Drive
  Millsboro, DE   19966
Leased
2029
1,212
7,062
Concord Square
  4401 Concord Pike
  Wilmington, DE  19803
Leased
2011
57
27,893
Crossroads
  2080 New Castle Avenue
  New Castle, DE  19720
Leased
2013
57
16,779
Delaware City
  145 Clinton Street
  Delaware City, DE  19706
Owned
 
93
7,015
Governor’s Square
  1101 Governor’s Place
  Bear, DE  19701
Leased
2010
57
10,492
Glen Mills Shopping Center
  Route 202
  Glen Mills, PA  19342
Leased
2039
256
N/A
        $2,561,871 

- 35 -

 Location  Owned/
Leased
 Date Lease
Expires
 Net Book Value
of Property
or Leasehold
Improvements (1)
Deposits
      (In Thousands)
       
Cypress Capital Management, LLC
  1220 Market Street
  Suite 704
  Wilmington, DE  19801
Leased
2010
5
N/A
 
(1)
The net book value of all the Company’s investment in premise and equipment totaled $36.1 million at December 31, 2009.
(2)
Location of Corporate Headquarters and Montchanin Capital Management, Inc.
(3)
Includes Fairfax Branch office and shopping center which is under a master lease. Net book value represents the value of the entire facility.
(4)
This lease expired in February of 2010 and was not renewed.  The Company no longer occupies this property.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material legal proceedings to be disclosed under this item.

ITEM 4. [Reserved]


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Our Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol WSFS. At December 31, 2009, we had 1,122 registered common stockholders of record. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices for the Common Stock for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years as well as the quarterly dividends paid.

The closing market price of our common stock at December 31, 2009 was $25.63.

Stock Price Range

     
Low
 
High
 
Dividends
 
2009
4th
 
$
24.16
 
$
30.18
 
$
0.12
 
 
3rd
 
$
26.00
 
$
32.70
 
$
0.12
 
 
2nd
 
$
20.78
 
$
33.85
 
$
0.12
 
 
1st
 
$
16.47
 
$
49.50
 
$
0.12
 
                 
$
0.48
 
                       
2008
4th
 
$
35.51
 
$
60.50
 
$
0.12
 
 
3rd
 
$
40.04
 
$
65.50
 
$
0.12
 
 
2nd
 
$
42.79
 
$
53.84
 
$
0.12
 
 
1st
 
$
41.12
 
$
54.17
 
$
0.10
 
                 
$
0.46
 
                       

 
- 36 -

 

COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The graph and table which follow show the cumulative total return on our Common Stock over the last five years compared with the cumulative total return of the Dow Jones Total Market Index and the Nasdaq Bank Index over the same period as obtained from Bloomberg L.P. Cumulative total return on our Common Stock or the index equals the total increase in value since December 31, 2004, assuming reinvestment of all dividends paid into the Common Stock or the index, respectively. The graph and table were prepared assuming $100 was invested on December 31, 2004 in our Common Stock and in each of the indexes. There can be no assurance that our future stock performance will be the same or similar to the historical stock performance shown in the graph below. We neither make nor endorse any predictions as to stock performance.


CUMULATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN
COMPARED WITH PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED INDEXES
December 31, 2004 through December 31, 2009
 
 
 


 
Cumulative Total Return
 
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
             
WSFS Financial Corporation
$100
$103
$113
$85
$82
$45
Dow Jones Total Market Index
100
106
123
130
82
106
Nasdaq Bank Index
100
98
111
90
71
59


 
- 37 -

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
At December 31,
                               
Total assets
 
$
3,748,507
 
$
3,432,560
 
$
3,200,188
 
$
2,997,396
 
$
2,846,752
 
Net loans (1)
   
2,479,155
   
2,443,835
   
2,233,980
   
2,019,741
   
1,775,294
 
Investment securities (2)
   
46,047
   
49,749
   
26,235
   
53,893
   
56,704
 
Investment in reverse mortgages, net
   
(530
)
 
(61
)
 
2,037
   
598
   
785
 
Other investments
   
40,395
   
39,521
   
46,615
   
41,615
   
46,466
 
Mortgage-backed securities (2)
   
681,242
   
498,205
   
496,492
   
516,711
   
620,323
 
Deposits
   
2,561,871
   
2,122,352
   
1,827,161
   
1,756,348
   
1,446,236
 
Borrowings (3)
   
787,798
   
999,734
   
1,068,149
   
935,668
   
1,127,997
 
Trust preferred borrowings
   
67,011
   
67,011
   
67,011
   
67,011
   
67,011
 
Stockholders’ equity
   
301,800
   
216,635
   
211,330
   
212,059
   
181,975
 
Number of full-service branches (4)
   
37
   
35
   
29
   
27
   
24
 
                                 
For the Year Ended December 31,
                               
Interest income
 
$
157,730
 
$
166,477
 
$
189,477
 
$
177,177
 
$
136,022
 
Interest expense
   
53,086
   
77,258
   
107,468
   
99,278
   
62,380
 
Noninterest income
   
50,241
   
45,989
   
48,166
   
40,305
   
34,653
 
Noninterest expenses
   
108,504
   
89,098
   
82,031
   
69,314
   
62,877
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
(2,093
)
 
6,950
   
13,474
   
15,660
   
14,847
 
Net Income
   
663
   
16,136
   
29,649
   
30,441
   
27,856
 
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion of discount
   
2,590
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net (loss) income allocable to common stockholders
   
(1,927
)
 
16,136
   
29,649
   
30,441
   
27,856
 
  Earnings (loss) per share allocable to common stockholders:
                               
     Basic
   
(0.30
)
 
2.62
   
4.69
   
4.59
   
4.10
 
     Diluted
   
(0.30
)
 
2.57
   
4.55
   
4.41
   
3.89
 
                                 
Interest rate spread
   
3.10
%
 
 2.94
%
 
2.80
%
 
2.70
%
 
2.91
%
Net interest margin
   
3.30
   
3.13
   
3.09
   
2.98
   
3.13
 
Efficiency ratio
   
69.56
   
65.36
   
62.48
   
58.09
   
57.46
 
Noninterest income as a percentage of total 
  revenue (5)
   
32.21
   
33.74
   
36.69
   
33.78
   
31.67
 
Return on average equity
   
0.24
   
7.30
   
14.34
   
15.42
   
14.78
 
Return on average assets
   
0.02
   
0.50
   
0.98
   
1.03
   
1.05
 
Average equity to average assets
   
7.86
   
6.86
   
6.87
   
6.68
   
7.10
 
Tangible equity to assets
   
7.72
   
5.88
   
6.52
   
7.00
   
6.33
 
Tangible common equity to assets
   
6.31
   
5.88
   
6.52
   
7.00
   
6.33
 
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets
   
2.19
   
1.04
   
0.99
   
0.14
   
0.12
 
                                 

(1)
Includes loans held-for-sale.
(2)
Includes securities available-for-sale and trading.
(3)
Borrowings consist of FHLB advances, securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other borrowed funds.
(4)
WSFS opened two branches in 2009, acquired six (keeping four open and closing two) in 2008, opened three branches and closed one branch in 2007, and opened three in 2006.
(5)
Computed on a fully tax-equivalent basis.



 
- 38 -

 

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

WSFS Financial Corporation (“the Company,” “our Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is a thrift holding company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.  Substantially all of our assets are held by our subsidiary, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB (“WSFS Bank” or the “Bank”). Founded in 1832, we are one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously-operating under the same name.  As a federal savings bank, which was formerly chartered as a state mutual savings bank, we enjoy broader fiduciary powers than most other financial institutions.  We have served the residents of the Delaware Valley for over 177 years.  We are the largest thrift institution headquartered in Delaware and the fourth largest financial institution in the state on the basis of total deposits traditionally garnered in-market.  Our primary market area is the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, which is characterized by a diversified manufacturing and service economy. Our long-term strategy is to serve small and mid-size businesses through loans, deposits, investments, and related financial services, and to gather retail core deposits.  Our strategy of “Engaged Associates delivering Stellar Service to create Customer Advocates” focuses on exceeding customer expectations, delivering stellar service and building customer advocacy through highly trained, relationship oriented, friendly, knowledgeable, and empowered Associates.

We provide residential and commercial real estate, commercial and consumer lending services, as well as retail deposit and cash management services.  In addition, we offer a variety of wealth management and personal trust services through WSFS Trust and Wealth Management, which was formed during 2005.  Lending activities are funded primarily with retail deposits and borrowings. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures our customers’ deposits to their legal maximum.  We serve our customers primarily from our 41 banking offices located in Delaware (36), Pennsylvania (4), and Virginia (1) and through our website at www.wsfsbank.com.

We have two consolidated subsidiaries, WSFS Bank and Montchanin Capital Management, Inc. (“Montchanin”). We also have one unconsolidated affiliate, WSFS Capital Trust III (“the Trust”).  WSFS Bank has a fully-owned subsidiary, WSFS Investment Group, Inc., which markets various third-party insurance products and securities through the Bank’s retail banking system.
 
Montchanin has one consolidated subsidiary, Cypress Capital Management, LLC (“Cypress”).  Cypress is a Wilmington-based investment advisory firm serving high net-worth individuals and institutions.  Cypress had approximately $458 million in assets under management at December 31, 2009.
 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Within this annual report and financial statements, management has included certain “forward-looking statements” concerning our future operations. Statements contained in this annual report which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It is management’s desire to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This statement is for the express purpose of availing the Corporation of the protections of such safe harbor with respect to all “forward-looking statements.”  Management has used “forward-looking statements” to describe future plans and strategies including expectations of our future financial results. Management’s ability to predict results or the effect of future plans and strategy is inherently uncertain. Factors that could affect results include interest rate trends, competition, the general economic climate in Delaware, the mid-Atlantic region and the country as a whole, asset quality, loan growth, loan delinquency rates, operating risk, uncertainty of estimates in general, and changes in federal and state regulations, among other factors. These factors should be considered in evaluating the “forward-looking statements,” and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations. We do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions

 
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that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

WSFS Financial Corporation recorded net income of $663,000, or a net loss allocable to common stockholders’ of $1.9 million (after preferred stock dividends), for a loss per common share of $0.30 for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to net income of $16.1 million or $2.57 per diluted common share and net income of $29.6 million or $4.55 per diluted common share for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income increased $15.4 million, or 17%, to $104.6 million in 2009 compared to $89.2 million in 2008. The net interest margin for 2009 was 3.30%, up 17 basis points (0.17%) from 2008. These increases were the result of the Company’s growth in core deposits (which improved our funding mix) combined with active management of deposit and wholesale pricing.  In comparison to 2008, the yield on interest-bearing liabilities declined by 1.03%, while the yield on interest-earning assets only declined by 0.87% due to ongoing loan pricing management. Also, contributing to the increase in net interest income was an increase in our mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio during 2009, due to purchases made throughout the year to take advantage of market opportunity and optimize our capital position. In addition, the yield on our loan portfolio remained relatively stable.

Net interest income increased $7.2 million, or 9%, to $89.2 million in 2008 compared to $82.0 million in 2007. The net interest margin for 2008 was 3.13%, up 0.04% from 2007. These increases were the result of a liability sensitive balance sheet combined with active management of loan and deposit pricing. In comparison to 2007, the yield on interest-bearing liabilities declined by 1.41%, while the yield on interest-earning assets only declined by 1.27%. The improvement in the net interest margin also reflects growth, and the improved mix of our balance sheet. The investment category on our average balance sheet includes income from reverse mortgages, which declined substantially in 2008 compared to 2007, consistent with decreases in home prices during the year 2008. During 2008 we lost $1.1 million on reverse mortgages compared to income of $2.0 million in 2007.























 
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The following table sets forth certain information regarding changes in net interest income attributable to changes in the volumes of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in the rates for the periods indicated.  For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on the changes that are attributable to:  (i) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior year rate); (ii) changes in rates (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume on each category); and (iii) net change (the sum of the change in volume and the change in rate).  Changes due to the combination of rate and volume changes (changes in volume multiplied by changes in rate) are allocated proportionately between changes in rate and changes in volume.

Year Ended December 31,
 
2009 vs. 2008
   
2008 vs. 2007
 
   
Volume
 
Yield/Rate
 
Net
   
Volume
 
Yield/Rate
 
Net
 
(Dollars in Thousands)     
                                       
Interest Income:     
                                       
Commercial real estate loans     
 
$
942
 
$
(11,287
)
$
(10,345
)
 
$
5,722
 
$
 (15,131
)
$
(9,409
)
Residential real estate loans     
   
(2,020
)
 
(1,732
)
 
(3,752
)
   
(1,280
)
 
360
   
(920
)
Commercial loans (1)     
   
11,368
   
(7,171
)
 
4,197
     
9,460
   
(15,396
)
 
(5,936
)
Consumer loans     
   
1,043
   
(3,556
)
 
(2,513
)
   
894
   
(3,480
)
 
(2,586
)
Mortgage-backed securities     
   
4,723
   
(147
)
 
4,576
     
(588
)
 
335
   
(253
)
Investment securities      
   
149
   
519
   
668
     
504
   
(3,610
)
 
(3,106
)
FHLB Stock and deposits in other banks
   
(113
)
 
(1,465
)
 
(1,578
)
   
155
   
(945
)
 
(790
)
Favorable (unfavorable)     
   
16,092
   
(24,839
)
 
(8,747
)
   
14,867
   
(37,867
)
 
(23,000
)
                                         
Interest expense:     
                                       
Deposits:     
                                       
Interest-bearing demand
   
233
   
(649
)
 
(416
)
   
217
   
(546
)
 
(329
)
Money market
   
2,045
   
(3,097
)
 
(1,052
)
   
(419
)
 
(5,542
)
 
(5,961
)
Savings
   
89
   
(304
)
 
(215
)
   
(106
)
 
(837
)
 
(943
)
Retail time deposits
   
3,700
   
(4,686
)
 
(986
)
   
2,933
   
(4,515
)
 
(1,582
)
Jumbo certificates of deposits – nonretail
   
(479
)
 
(767
)
 
(1,246
)
   
(229
)
 
(1,856
)
 
(2,085
)
Brokered certificates of deposits
   
1,320
   
(6,825
)
 
(5.505
)
   
258
   
(6,860
)
 
(6,602
)
FHLB of Pittsburgh advances
   
(6,559
)
 
(4,755
)
 
(11,314
)
   
3,460
   
(12,401
)
 
(8,941
)
Trust Preferred
   
   
(1,478
)
 
(1,478
)
   
   
(1,478
)
 
(1,478
)
Other borrowed funds
   
345
   
(2,305
)
 
(1,960
)
   
1,500
   
(3,789
)
 
(2,289
)
Unfavorable (favorable)
   
694
   
(24,866
)
 
(24,172
)
   
7,614
   
(37,824
)
 
(30,210
)
Net change, as reported
 
$
15,398
 
$
27
 
$
15,425
   
$
7,253
 
$
(43
)
$
7,210
 

(1)  The tax-equivalent income adjustment is related to commercial loans.

 
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The following table provides information regarding the average balances of, and yields/rates on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities during the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate (1)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate (1)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate (1)
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
                                               
Assets
                                               
Interest-earning assets:
                                               
Loans (2) (3):
                                               
Commercial real estate loans
$
781,433
  $
36,302
 
4.65
%
$
763,825
 
$
46,647
 
6.11
%
$
687,614
 
$
56,056
 
8.15
%
Residential real estate loans
 
400,561
   
21,779
 
5.44
   
437,223
   
25,531
 
5.84
   
459,043
   
26,451
 
5.76
 
Commercial loans
 
1,063,339
   
55,027
 
5.21
   
840,303
   
50,830
 
6.08
   
709,507
   
56,766
 
8.05
 
Consumer loans
 
301,234
   
15,140
 
5.03
   
282,943
   
17,653
 
6.24
   
270,518
   
20,239
 
7.48
 
Total loans
 
2,546,567
   
128,248
 
5.08
   
2,324,294
   
140,661
 
6.10
   
2,126,682
   
159,512
 
7.55
 
Mortgage-backed securities (4)
 
574,176
   
28,560
 
4.97
   
480,002
   
23,984
 
5.00
   
491,650
   
24,237
 
4.93
 
Investment securities (4) (5)
 
47,710
   
922
 
1.93
   
34,263
   
254
 
0.74
   
29,130
   
3,360
 
11.53
 
Other interest-earning assets
 
39,839
   
-
 
0.00
   
42,934
   
1,578
 
3.68
   
40,137
   
2,368
 
5.90
 
Total interest-earning assets
 
3,208,292
   
157,730
 
4.95
   
2,881,493
   
166,477
 
5.82
   
2,687,599
   
189,477
 
7.09
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
(40,731
)
           
(27,210
)
           
(28,192
)
         
Cash and due from banks
 
57,396
             
65,022
             
70,387
           
Cash in non-owned ATMs
 
204,912
             
172,304
             
158,091
           
Bank-owned life insurance
 
59,750
             
58,503
             
56,307
           
Other noninterest-earning assets
 
94,213
             
70,838
             
67,711
           
Total assets
$
3,583,832
           
$
3,220,950
           
$
3,011,903
           
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing deposits:
                                               
Interest-bearing demand
$
230,738
 
$
648
 
0.28
%
$
174,080
   
 1,064
 
0.61
%
$
148,039
   
 1,393
 
0.94
%
Money market
 
430,437
   
4,857
 
1.13
   
300,775
   
5,909
 
1.96
   
312,192
   
11,870
 
3.80
 
Savings
 
221,913
   
521
 
0.23
   
197,175
   
736
 
0.37
   
211,453
   
1,679
 
0.79
 
Customer time deposits
 
662,733
   
19,789
 
2.99
   
543,808
   
20,775
 
3.82
   
476,159
   
22,357
 
4.70
 
Total interest-bearing 
    customer
deposits
 
1,545,821
   
25,815
 
1.67
   
1,215,838
   
28,484
 
2.34
   
1,147,843
   
37,299
 
3.25
 
Other jumbo certificates of deposit
 
77,087
   
1,845
 
2.39
   
93,901
   
3,091
 
3.29
   
98,452
   
5,176
 
5.26
 
Brokered certificates of deposit
 
337,394
   
2,729
 
0.81
   
282,760
   
8,234
 
2.91
   
277,860
   
14,836
 
5.34
 
Total interest-bearing
     deposits
 
1,960,302
   
30,389
 
1.55
   
1,592,499
   
39,809
 
2.50
   
1,524,155
   
57,311
 
3.76
 
FHLB of Pittsburgh advances
 
642,496
   
18,306
 
2.81
   
841,005
   
29,620
 
3.46
   
765,974
   
38,561
 
4.97
 
Trust preferred borrowings
 
67,011
   
1,797
 
2.64
   
67,011
   
3,275
 
4.81
   
67,011
   
4,753
 
7.00
 
Other borrowed funds
 
206,635
   
2,594
 
1.26
   
186,081
   
4,554
 
2.45
   
147,251
   
6,843
 
4.65
 
Total interest-bearing 
      liabilities
 
2,876,444
   
53,086
 
1.85
   
2,686,596
   
77,258
 
2.88
   
2,504,391
   
107,468
 
4.29
 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
392,069
             
283,845
             
272,964
           
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
 
33,488
             
29,560
             
27,737
           
Minority interest
 
-
             
             
38
           
Stockholders’ equity
 
281,831
             
220,949
             
206,773
           
Total liabilities and
  stockholders’ equity
$
3,583,832
           
$
3,220,950
           
$
3,011,903
           
Excess of interest-earning assets
over interest-bearing liabilities
$
331,848
           
$
194,897
           
$
183,208
           
Net interest and dividend income
     
$
104,644
           
$
89,219
           
$
82,009
     
Interest rate spread
           
3.10
%
           
2.94
%
           
2.80
%
Net interest margin
           
3.30
%
           
3.13
%
           
3.09
%

(1)  Weighted average yields have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a 35% effective tax rate.
(2)  Nonperforming loans are included in average balance computations.
(3)  Balances are reflected net of unearned income.
(4)  Includes securities available-for-sale.
(5)  Includes reverse mortgages.

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Provision for Loan Losses. We maintain an allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level based on management’s assessment of the estimable and probable losses in the loan portfolio, pursuant to accounting literature, which is discussed further in the “Nonperforming Assets” section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.  Management’s evaluation is based upon a review of the portfolio and requires significant judgment.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $47.8 million compared to $23.0 million in 2008 and $5.0 million in 2007.  The $47.8 million was the reslt of credit risk migration and collateral depreciation in our commercial loan portfolio due to economic conditions (mostly in our construction and land development (CLD) portfolio), net charge-offs, continued growth of our loan portfolio and restructured consumer loans. The increase in the provision for loan loss reflects the protracted economic recession and its adverse effects on our customers’ ability to pay their obligations.

Noninterest Income.  Noninterest income increased $4.3 million to $50.2 million in 2009, or 9%, from $46.0 million in 2008.  A significant amount of this increase was due to securities gains, which increased $3.3 million during 2009.  This security gain included $3.0 million of incremental mark-to-market adjustments on the BBB+ mortgage-backed security (“MBS”), as we recognized positive adjustments of $1.4 million during 2009 compared with negative adjustments of $1.6 million in 2008.  The securities gains increase also included $2.0 million in gains from the sale of securities during 2009.  Partially offsetting these increases was the absence of any gains on the sale of Visa, Inc. shares in 2009.  During 2008 we recognized $1.8 million in gains on sale of Visa, Inc shares related to the completion of their initial public offer.  In addition to securities gains, mortgage banking activities increased $1.5 million due to increased mortgage loan originations and sales, including a $16.7 million bulk loan sale completed during 2009.  Also during 2009, loan fee income increased $1.2 million as a result of increased fees from 1st Reverse, our majority owned national reverse mortgage subsidiary.  During the second quarter of 2009 the decision was made to conduct an orderly wind-down of 1st Reverse which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2009.  These noninterest income increases were partially offset by a reduction in BOLI income of $869,000 due to lower yields in underlying investments funding this program and a $707,000 decrease in credit/debit card and ATM income which was the result of reduced prime-based ATM bailment fees from Cash Connect resulting from the lower interest rate environment.  Although noninterest income was negatively impacted by lower bailment fees, the net interest margin benefited due to lower funding costs for these borrowings.

Noninterest income decreased $2.2 million, or 5%, to $46.0 million in 2008, from $48.2 million in 2007. The majority of the decrease was due to a $2.5 million decrease in credit card/debit card and ATM income due to reduced prime-based ATM bailment fees. In addition, 2007 had included a $1.1 million non-recurring gain related to the sale of our former headquarters building and an $882,000 gain from the sale of our credit card portfolio. Also during 2009, income from BOLI decreased $483,000 from the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in loan fee income of $1.3 million. The majority of the increase in loan fee income was due to $851,000 in fees from 1st Reverse.  Deposit service charges also increased $1.1 million, as a result of overall growth in deposits. In 2008 we also recorded a $1.8 million gain on the sale of shares related to the completion of Visa’s initial public offering, and a $1.6 million charge related to the mark-to-market adjustment on the BBB+ rated MBS.

Noninterest Expenses.  Noninterest expenses increased $19.4 million, or 22%, to $108.5 million in 2009 from $89.1 million in 2008.  A large portion of the increase is attributable to $6.1 million of non-routine items recorded during 2009, including a $1.9 million charge related to the wind-down of 1st Reverse, $1.7 million for the FDIC Special Assessment, $1.5 million of expense resulting from a wire fraud and $1.0 million of due diligence expenses on an acquisition prospect in which discussions have terminated.  For additional information on any of these non-routine items see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  Excluding the non-routine items, the remaining increase was mainly due to an additional $5.4 million of FDIC insurance premium expense during 2009.  Also during 2009, write-downs of assets acquired through foreclosure (REO) and other credit related costs increased $3.3 million, related to additional deterioration in housing prices and appraisal values.  Further, during 2009 professional fees increased $3.0 million mainly due to increased credit related costs. In addition, the increase in professional fees included a $1.2 million accrual of consulting expenses related the Company’s efficiency effort: Creative Opportunities for Revenues and

 
- 43 -

 

Expenses (CORE) program. This expense accrual is for the portion of the consultant’s work that is substantially performed, while the consultant’s payments, expense savings and revenue enhancements will largely be realized in future periods.  Lastly, salaries, benefits and other compensation as well as occupancy and equipment expenses increased $3.4 million due to the continued growth of our banking franchise during 2009.  This growth included the full year impact of seven branch openings and renovations during 2008 (including four branches from Sun National Bank) and an additional two new branches and two branch relocations during 2009.

Noninterest expenses increased $7.1 million to $89.1 million in 2008, or 9%, from $82.0 million in 2007. Excluding $2.8 million of expenses related to 1st Reverse, acquired in the second quarter of 2008, expenses increased $4.3 million or 5% over 2007. As a result of continued growth efforts salaries, benefits, and other compensation increased $1.1 million while other operating expenses increased $1.2 million. Included in other operating expenses was a $453,000 increase in FDIC charges due to increased assessment rates. During 2008 the investment in the WSFS franchise included the opening of one branch in Selbyville, Delaware, the relocation of another branch in Smyrna, Delaware, and the previously mentioned acquisition of branches in 2008. Further, during 2008 professional fees increased $1.3 million as a result of legal fees reflecting increased costs relating to problem credits.

Income Taxes. We recorded a $2.1 million tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to tax expense of $7.0 million and $13.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The 2009 tax benefit is a result of our pre-tax operating loss, combined with tax free income and a reduction in unrecognized tax benefits during the year.  Volatility in effective tax rates is directly impacted by the level of pretax income or loss combined with the amount of tax-free income as well as the effects of unrecognized tax benefits. The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and local income taxes that are currently payable or deferred because of temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax reporting bases of the assets and liabilities.

We analyze our projection of taxable income and make adjustments to our provision for income taxes accordingly. For additional information regarding our tax provision and net operating loss carryforwards, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets increased $315.9 million, or 9%, during 2009 to $3.7 billion. This increase was due to growth in mortgage-backed securities, which grew $183.0 million, or 37% and cash in non-owned ATMs which increased $75.0 million, or 39% during 2009.  Additionally, net loans increased by $35.3 million, or 1% during the year.  Funding this growth was an increase in customer deposits of $438.9 million, or 26% and an increase in stockholders’ equity of $85.2 million, or 39%. Partially offsetting these funding increases was a  decrease in wholesale funding, including $202.8 million, or 25% decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

Cash in non-owned ATMs. During 2009, cash in non-owned ATMs managed by Cash Connect, our ATM unit, increased $74.9 million, or 39%.  During the year one of our cash management partners decided to no longer invest their cash in bailments and as a result we replaced $28 million of external funding with our own cash.  In addition, the number of ATMs serviced by Cash Connect increased from 10,031 at December 31, 2008 to 10,791 at December 31, 2009. Of these, 364 ATMs were WSFS owned and operated during 2009.

Mortgage-backed Securities. Investments in mortgage-backed securities increased $183.0 million during 2009 to $681.2 million.  Included in the increase was the purchase of $172.0 short-duration; recently AAA-rated, super senior tranches of securities during fourth quarter. There were proceeds from sales of $111.5 million in mortgage-backed securities during 2009 for a gain of $2.0 million. The weighted average duration of the mortgage-backed securities portfolio was 2.4 years at December 31, 2009.

 
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    Investment Securities. Our investment securities are comprised mostly of Federal Agency debt securities with a maturity of four years or less. We own no Collateralized Debt Obligations, Bank Trust Preferred, Agency Preferred securities or equity securities in other FDIC insured banks or thrifts.

Loans, net. Net loans increased $35.3 million, or 1%, during 2009. This included increases of $121.9 million, or 7%, in commercial and commercial real estate loans, and $3.9 million, or 1%, in consumer loans. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $68.2 million, or 16%, in residential mortgage loans mainly due to our strategy to originate then sell these loans in the secondary market to generate fee income.  First mortgage originations for the year totaled $102.7 million, the majority of which were subsequently sold.

Customer Deposits. Customer deposits increased $438.9 million, or 26%, during 2009 to $2.1 billion. During 2008 we acquired six Delaware branches from Sun National Bank, including $95.3 million in customer deposit accounts and paid a 12% premium on the balances. For additional information regarding this transaction, see Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Core deposit relationships (demand deposits, money market and savings accounts) increased $411.5 million, or 39%, during 2009.  In addition, customer time deposits (CDs) increased $27.4 million, or 4%, in 2009. The table below depicts the changes in customer deposits over the last three years:

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
(In Millions)
 
Beginning balance
 
$
1,707.1
 
$
1,479.2
 
$
1,343.7
 
Interest credited
   
27.2
   
34.6
   
32.4
 
Deposit inflows, net
   
411.7
   
193.3
   
103.1
 
Ending balance
 
$
2,146.0
 
$
1,707.1
 
$
1,479.2
 

Borrowings and Brokered Certificates of Deposit. Borrowings and brokered certificates of deposit decreased by $176.7 million, or 13%, during 2009. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in FHLB Advances of $202.8 million, or 25%, as customer deposits replaced these borrowings and we improved our funding mix.  Partially offsetting this decrease was a $35.2 million, or 11%, increase in brokered deposits.  Also during 2009 we issued $30.0 million of debt under the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Program.

Stockholders’ Equity. Stockholders’ equity increased $85.2 million to $301.8 million at December 31, 2009.  This increase was mainly due to the sale of senior preferred stock to the U.S. Department of the Treasury under its Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”) totaling $52.6 million and the sale of $25.0 million of common stock to Peninsula Investment Partners, L.P (“Peninsula”). The increase also included $10.6 million in comprehensive income mainly due to an increase in the fair value of securities available-for-sale.  Partially offsetting these increases was the payment of cash dividends (both preferred and common stock) totaling $3.1 million during 2009.  During 2009 we did not repurchase any shares of common stock.

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

Our primary asset/liability management goal is to maximize long term net interest income opportunities within the constraints of managing interest rate risk, while ensuring adequate liquidity and funding and maintaining a strong capital base.

In general, interest rate risk is mitigated by closely matching the maturities or repricing periods of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities to ensure a favorable interest rate spread. We regularly review our interest-rate sensitivity, and use a variety of strategies as needed to adjust that sensitivity within acceptable tolerance ranges established by management and the Board of Directors. Changing the relative proportions of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate assets and liabilities is one of our primary strategies to accomplish this objective.

The matching of assets and liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent to which such assets and liabilities are “interest-rate sensitive” and by monitoring an institution’s interest-sensitivity gap. An interest-sensitivity gap is considered positive when the amount of interest-rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities repricing within a defined period, and is considered negative when the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest-rate sensitive assets repricing within a defined period.

 
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The repricing and maturities of our interest-rate sensitive assets and interest-rate sensitive liabilities at December 31, 2009 are set forth in the following table:

   
Less than
One Year
 
One to
Five Years
 
Over
Five Years
 
Total
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
                         
Interest-rate sensitive assets:
                         
Real estate loans (1) (2)
 
$
733,777
 
$
191,185
 
$
123,121
 
$
1,048,083
 
Commercial loans (2)
   
919,473
   
144,906
   
48,100
   
1,112,479
 
Consumer loans (2)
   
201,292
   
45,620
   
52,918
   
299,830
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
143,616
   
370,206
   
167,420
   
681,242
 
Loans held-for-sale (2)
   
8,377
   
   
(11
)
 
8,366
 
Investment securities
   
14,283
   
32,416
   
38,123
   
84,822
 
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
   
1,090
   
   
   
1,090
 
     
2,021,908
   
784,333
   
429,671
   
3,235,912
 
Interest-rate sensitive liabilities:
                         
Money market and interest-bearing demand deposits
   
545,834
   
9
   
270,515
   
816,358
 
Savings deposits
   
112,456
   
4
   
112,461
   
224,921
 
Retail time deposits
   
430,720
   
241,324
   
1,221
   
673,265
 
Jumbo certificates of deposit
   
69,208
   
   
   
69,208
 
Brokered certificates of deposit
   
345,388
   
1,255
   
   
346,643
 
FHLB advances
   
405,517
   
207,627
   
   
613,144
 
Trust preferred borrowings
   
67,011
   
   
   
67,011
 
Other borrowed funds
   
119,654
   
55,000
   
   
174,654
 
     
2,095,788
   
505,219
   
384,197
   
2,985,204
 
(Deficiency) excess of interest-rate sensitive
assets over interest-rate liabilities
 (“interest-rate sensitive gap”)
 
$
(73,880
)
$
279,114
 
$
45,474
 
$
250,708
 
One-year interest-rate sensitive assets/
  Interest-rate sensitive liabilities
   
96.47
%
                 
One-year interest-rate sensitive gap as a
  Percent of total assets
   
(1.97)
%
                 

(1)
Includes commercial mortgage, construction, and residential mortgage loans.
(2)
Loan balances exclude nonaccruing loans, deferred fees and costs.


Generally, during a period of rising interest rates, a positive gap would result in an increase in net interest income while a negative gap would adversely affect net interest income. Conversely, during a period of falling rates, a positive gap would result in a decrease in net interest income while a negative gap would augment net interest income. However, the interest-sensitivity table does not provide a comprehensive representation of the impact of interest rate changes on net interest income. Each category of assets or liabilities will not be affected equally or simultaneously by changes in the general level of interest rates. Even assets and liabilities which contractually reprice within the rate period may not, in fact, reprice at the same price or the same time or with the same frequency. It is also important to consider that the table represents a specific point in time. Variations can occur as we adjust our interest-sensitivity position throughout the year.

To provide a more accurate position of our one-year gap, certain deposit classifications are based on the interest-rate sensitive attributes and not on the contractual repricing characteristics of these deposits. Management estimates, based on historical trends of our deposit accounts, that 75% of money market and 50% of interest-bearing demand deposits are sensitive to interest rate changes and that 50% of savings deposits are sensitive to interest rate changes. Accordingly, these interest-sensitive portions are classified in the less than one-year category with the remainder in the over five-year category.

Deposit rates other than time deposit rates are variable, and changes in deposit rates are generally subject to local market conditions and management’s discretion and are not indexed to any particular rate.

 
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During the first quarter of 2010 we executed $75.0 million of intermediate-term FHLB Advances in order to reduce the sensitivity of our net interest income to increases in market interest rates.

REVERSE MORTGAGES

We hold an investment in reverse mortgages of $(530,000) at December 31, 2009 representing a participation in reverse mortgages with a third party. Eighteen loans remain in this portfolio.  The loans were originated in the early 1990’s.

These reverse mortgage loans are contracts that require the lender to make monthly advances throughout the borrower’s life or until the borrower relocates, prepays or the home is sold, at which time the loan becomes due and payable. Reverse mortgages are nonrecourse obligations, which means that the loan repayments are generally limited to the net sale proceeds of the borrower’s residence.

We account for our investment in reverse mortgages by estimating the value of the future cash flows on the reverse mortgages at a rate deemed appropriate for these mortgages, based on the market rate for similar collateral. Actual cash flows from the maturity of these mortgage loans can result in significant volatility in the recorded value of reverse mortgage assets. As a result, income varies significantly from reporting period to reporting period. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we lost $464,000 in interest income on reverse mortgages. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we lost $1.1 million in interest income on reverse mortgages as compared to posting income of $2.0 million in 2007. The losses in 2008 and 2009 primarily resulted from the decrease in the values of the properties securing the mortgages, based on annual re-evaluations and consistent with the decrease in home values over the past two years.

The projected cash flows depend on assumptions about life expectancy of the mortgagee and the future changes in collateral values. Projecting the changes in collateral values is the most significant factor impacting the volatility of reverse mortgage values. Our current assumptions include a short-term annual appreciation rate of 0.0% in the first year, and a long-term annual appreciation rate of 0.5% in future years. If the long-term appreciation rate was increased to 1.5%, the resulting impact on income would have been $19,000. Conversely, if the long-term appreciation rate was decreased to -0.5%, the resulting impact on income would have been $(17,000).  If housing values do not change (0.0% annual appreciation for all future years) the resulting impact on income would be $(8,000).

We also hold $12.2 million fair value of BBB+ rated mortgage-backed securities classified as trading and have options to acquire up to 49.9% of Class “O” Certificates issued in connection with securities consisting of a portfolio of reverse mortgages we previously owned. The Class “O” Certificates are currently recorded on our financial statements at a zero value. At the time of the securitization, the third-party securitizer (Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc. “Lehman Brothers”) retained 100% of the Class “O” Certificates from the securitization. These Class “O” Certificates have no priority over other classes of Certificates under the Trust and no distributions will be made on the Class “O” Certificates until, among other conditions, the principal amount of each other class of notes has been reduced to zero. The underlying assets, the reverse mortgages, are very long-term assets. Therefore, any cash flow that might inure to the holder of the Class “O” Certificates is not expected to occur until a number of years in the future. Additionally, we can exercise our option on 49.9% of the Class “O” Certificates in up to five separate increments for an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million any time between January 1, 2004 and the termination of the Securitization Trust. The option to purchase the Class “O” Certificates does not meet the definition of a derivative under ASU 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging (SFAS No. 161, Disclosure about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133) and is carried in our financial statements at cost. During the third quarter of 2008 Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy. During 2009 we filed a “Proof of Claim” against Lehman Brothers regarding the option on the Class “O” Certificate.  Also during 2009 we notified Lehman Brothers that we were exercising our option on these securities.  The status of this exercise is pending.

During 2006, we formed a new reverse mortgage initiative, originating reverse mortgages primarily in our retail banking footprint.  In 2009 we ranked as the #1 reverse mortgage lender in Delaware and seventy-seventh nationwide.  While our activity during the past two years has been limited to acting as a correspondent

 
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for these loans, it is our intention to originate and underwrite our own reverse mortgages in the future. We expect to sell most of these loans and do not intend to hold them in our portfolio. These reverse mortgages are government approved and insured.

During 2008, we acquired a majority interest in 1st Reverse Financial Services, LLC (1st Reverse), which specializes in originating and subsequently selling reverse mortgage loans nationwide. These reverse mortgages are government approved and insured.  During the latter part of 2009, we decided to conduct an orderly wind-down of 1st Reverse operations (discussed further in Note 19 of the Financial Statements).

NONPERFORMING ASSETS

Nonperforming assets, which include nonaccruing loans, nonperforming real estate investments and assets acquired through foreclosure and troubled debt restructures, can negatively affect our results of operations. Nonaccruing loans are those on which the accrual of interest has ceased. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status immediately if, in the opinion of management, collection is doubtful, or when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more and the value of the collateral is insufficient to cover principal and interest. Interest accrued but not collected at the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed and charged against interest income. In addition, the amortization of net deferred loan fees is suspended when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Subsequent cash receipts are applied either to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on management’s assessment of the ultimate collectability of principal and interest. Past due loans are defined as loans contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest payments but which remain in accrual status because they are considered well secured and in the process of collection.

The following table sets forth our nonperforming assets and past due loans at the dates indicated:

December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
     
(Dollars in Thousands)
                                   
Nonaccruing loans:
                                   
Commercial
 
$
8,328
 
$
986
 
$
17,187
 
$
1,282
 
$
925
     
Consumer
   
818
   
352
   
835
   
557
   
155
     
Commercial mortgages
   
2,156
   
5,748
   
3,873
   
500
   
727
     
Residential mortgages
   
9,958
   
4,753
   
2,417
   
1,493
   
1,567
     
Construction
   
44,681
   
16,595
   
6,794
   
   
36
     
Total nonaccruing loans
   
65,941
   
28,434
   
31,106
   
3,832
   
3,410
     
Assets acquired through foreclosure
   
8,945
   
4,471
   
703
   
388
   
59
     
Restructured loans
   
7,274
   
2,855
   
   
   
     
Total nonperforming assets
 
$
82,160
 
$
35,760
 
$
31,809
 
$
4,220
 
$
3,469
     
                                     
Past due loans:
                                   
Residential mortgages
 
$
1,221
 
$
1,313
 
$
388
 
$
219
 
$
327
     
Commercial and commercial mortgages
   
105
   
   
14
   
3
   
     
Consumer
   
97
   
26
   
173
   
29
   
59
     
Total past due loans
 
$
1,423
 
$
1,339
 
$
575
 
$
251
 
$
386
     
                                     
Ratio of nonaccruing loans to total loans (1)
   
2.61
%
 
1.15
%
 
1.38
%
 
0.19
%
 
0.19
%
   
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to gross loans (1)
   
2.12
   
1.26
   
1.12
   
1.34
   
1.41
     
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets
   
2.19
   
1.04
   
0.99
   
0.14
   
0.12
     
Ratio of loan loss allowance to nonaccruing loans (2)
   
63.10
   
108.30
   
78.80
   
705.32
   
709.47
     

 
(1)
Total loans exclude loans held-for-sale.
 
(2)
The applicable allowance represents general valuation allowances only.
Total non-performing assets increased $46.4 million during 2009. As a result, nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets increased from 1.04% at December 31, 2008 to 2.19% at December 31, 2009. Nonperforming assets increased in all portfolios except commercial mortgages. Nonaccruing construction loans increased $28.1 million during 2009 with a bulk of the dollar increase related to six borrowing relationships that were placed on nonaccrual status during the year.  Nonaccruing commercial loans increased by $7.3 million.  Except for the addition of two larger relationships ($2.6 million in balances), the increase was mostly due to the

 
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migration of small business loans during 2009.  Assets acquired through foreclosure increased $4.5 million predominantly due to the foreclosure of two residential construction and land development loans during the year.  Restructured loans increased by $4.4 million.  All of the restructured loans continue to be residential mortgage and consumer loans.  Concessions on these loans consisted mainly of forbearance agreements, reduction in interest rate or extensions of maturity.  All loans classified above as restructured are accruing and there were only $1.0 million of restructured loans included in nonaccruing loan balances.  Nonaccruing restructured loans remain in nonaccrual status until there has been sustained historical repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.

The following table provides an analysis of the change in the balance of nonperforming assets during the last three years:
Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
(In Thousands)
                   
Beginning balance
 
$
35,760
 
$
31,809
 
$
4,220
 
Additions
   
100,925
   
48,152
   
37,017
 
Collections
   
(19,133
)
 
(26,574
)
 
(3,029
)
Transfers to accrual
   
(6,236
)
 
(1,345
)
 
(295
)
Charge-offs/write-downs
   
(29,156
)
 
(16,282
)
 
(6,104
)
Ending balance
 
$
82,160
 
$
35,760
 
$
31,809
 

As of December 31, 2009, we had $98.5 million of loans, which although performing at that date, require increased supervision and review, and may, depending on the economic environment and other factors, become nonperforming assets in future periods. The amount of such loans at December 31, 2008 was $70.2 million. The majority of the loans are secured by commercial real estate, with lesser amounts being secured by residential real estate, inventory and receivables.

At December 31, 2009, we did not have a material amount of loans not classified as non-accrual, 90 days past due or restructured but where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers caused us to have serious concerns as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and may result in disclosure as non-accrual, 90 days past due or restructured.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  We maintain allowances for credit losses and charge losses to these allowances when such losses are realized. The determination of the allowance for loan losses requires significant judgment reflecting management’s best estimate of probable loan losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable loan losses in the remaining loan portfolio. Our evaluation is based upon a continuing review of these portfolios.

We established our loan loss allowance in accordance with guidance provided in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 102 (SAB 102). Its methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of several key elements which include: specific allowances for identified problem loans; formula allowances for commercial and commercial real estate loans; and allowances for pooled homogenous loans.

Specific reserves are established for certain loans in cases where management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related to a specific credit that management believes indicate the probability that a loss has been incurred.

The formula allowances for commercial and commercial real estate loans are calculated by applying estimated loss factors to outstanding loans based on the internal risk grade of loans. For low risk commercial and commercial real estate loans the portfolio is pooled, based on internal risk grade, and estimates are based on a ten-year net charge-off history. Higher risk and criticized loans have loss factors that are derived from an analysis of both the probability of default and the probability of loss should default occur. Loss adjustment factors are applied based on criteria discussed below. As a result, changes in risk grades of both performing and nonperforming loans affect the amount of the formula allowance.

Pooled loans are loans that are usually smaller, not-individually-graded and homogenous in nature, such as consumer installment loans and residential mortgages. Loan loss allowances for pooled loans are based on a

 
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ten-year net charge-off history. The average loss allowance per homogenous pool is based on the product of  the average annual historical loss rate and the estimated duration of the pool multiplied by the pool balances. These separate risk pools are assigned a reserve for losses based upon this historical loss information and loss adjustment factors.

Historical loss adjustment factors are based upon our evaluation of various current conditions including those listed below:
·  
General economic and business conditions affecting our key lending areas,
·  
Credit quality trends,
·  
Recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio,
·  
Collateral values and loan-to-value ratios,
·  
Loan volumes and concentrations, including changes in mix,
·  
Seasoning of the loan portfolio,
·  
Specific industry conditions within portfolio segments,
·  
Bank regulatory examination results, and
·  
Other factors, including changes in quality of the loan origination, servicing and risk management processes.

Our loan officers and risk managers meet at least quarterly to discuss and review these conditions and risks associated with individual problem loans. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for such losses. We also give consideration to the results of these regulatory agency examinations.  In addition, we also contract with a loan review firm to review portions of the portfolio.

During 2009, the provision for loan losses was affected by the protracted economic recession; including (1) increased charge-offs; (2) continued migration in loans to lower credit grades; (3) continued deterioration of collateral values; and (4) an increase in estimated disposition costs.

Increases in the allowance for loan losses were also due to rising trends in our past due and nonperforming loans (as discussed in the earlier nonperforming assets section) and rising unemployment rates.  This increase in non-performing loans is a direct result of the weak economic environment, impacting numerous borrowers’ ability to pay as scheduled.  This has resulted in increased loan delinquencies, and in some cases decreases in the collateral value used to secure real estate loans and the ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure.  Collateral value is assessed based on collateral value trends, liquidation value trends, and other liquidation expenses to determine appropriate discounts that may be needed.  In response to this deterioration in real estate loan quality, management is aggressively monitoring its classified loans and is continuing to monitor credits with material weaknesses.
 
As a result of continued economic deterioration in 2009, a detailed review and analysis of our commercial loan portfolio was completed during the year.  This included a review of every commercial loan commitment greater than $1 million, regardless of risk rating. This represented 74% of our commercial portfolio.  The review considered cash flows from the business or project, appropriately conservative real estate values, a careful view of guarantor support, and the direction of the economy.

Our real estate portfolio has approximately $524.4 million of commercial real estate loans, $231.6 million of construction loans, $357.3 million in first lien mortgage loans (only $15.1 million of which are considered subprime loans), and $284.3 million in home equity loans and lines as of December 31, 2009.  We do not have any option ARM products in our portfolio.  We consider our construction loans our riskiest loans within our real estate portfolio.  Construction loans are typically comprised of loans to borrowers for real estate to be developed.  Normally, these loans are repaid with the proceeds from the sale or lease of the developed property.  The greater degree of strain on these real estate types of loans and the significance to our overall loan portfolio has caused us to apply a greater degree of scrutiny in analyzing the ultimate collectability of amounts due.  A number of these borrowers are having financial difficulties that may affect their ability to repay their loans.  Our analysis has resulted in a significant provision expense to increase our allowance to appropriate levels based on continued deterioration in the portfolio during 2009.  

 
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    The table below represents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses during the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
                                 
(Dollars in Thousands)     
                               
Beginning balance     
 
$
31,189
 
$
25,252
 
$
27,384
 
$
25,381
 
$
24,222
 
Provision for loan losses      
   
47,811
   
23,024
   
5,021
   
2,738
   
2,582
 
                                 
Charge-offs:     
                               
Residential real estate     
   
1,164
   
628
   
41
   
75
   
90
 
Commercial real estate (1)      
   
15,932
   
12,195
   
1,398
   
   
104
 
Commercial      
   
5,796
   
1,992
   
4,379
   
470
   
1,048
 
Overdrafts (2)     
   
1,216
   
1,327
   
1,441
   
607
   
 
Consumer     
   
2,458
   
1,697
   
790
   
483
   
631
 
Total charge-offs     
   
26,566
   
17,839
   
8,049
   
1,635
   
1,873
 
                                 
Recoveries:     
                               
Residential real estate     
   
38
   
7
   
11
   
14
   
59
 
Commercial real estate (1)      
   
379
   
12
   
127
   
170
   
42
 
Commercial     
   
150
   
100
   
173
   
343
   
209
 
Overdrafts (2)     
   
380
   
384
   
446
   
217
   
 
Consumer      
   
65
   
249
   
139
   
156
   
140
 
Total recoveries     
   
1,012
   
752
   
896
   
900
   
450
 
                                 
Net charge-offs     
   
25,554
   
17,087
   
7,153
   
735
   
1,423
 
Ending balance     
 
$
53,446
 
$
31,189
 
$
25,252
 
$
27,384
 
$
25,381
 
                                 
Net charge-offs to average gross loans outstanding, net of unearned income
   
1.01
%
 
0.74
%
 
0.34
%
 
0.04
%
 
0.09
%

(1) Includes commercial mortgage and construction loans.     
(2) Prior to April 2006, overdraft charge-offs/recoveries were recognized in other operating expense.     

Net charge-offs did increase this year as we moved loans through the resolution process in some of the larger construction loans we identified earlier in this cycle.  During 2009, net charge-offs increased to $25.6 million, or 1.01% of average loans, from $17.1 million, or 0.74% of average loans in 2008.  This is due to the fact we provide for losses earlier in the problem loan identification process when they are probable and charge the loans off and utilize the provision when the losses are certain or near certain.

The allowance for loan losses is allocated by major portfolio type. As these portfolios have developed, they have become a source of historical data in projecting delinquencies and loss exposure; however, such allocations are not a guarantee of where future losses may occur. While we have allocated the allowance for loan losses by portfolio type in the following table, the entire reserve is available for any loan portfolio to utilize. The allocation of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio type at the end of each of the last five fiscal years, and the percentage of outstanding loans in each category to total gross outstanding, at such dates follow:

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
     
2008
     
2007
     
2006
     
2005
 
   
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
     
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
                                                                   
Residential real estate
 
$
4,073
 
13.8
%
   
$
2,480
 
17.1
%
   
$
1,304
 
19.8
%
   
$
1,645
 
23.1
%
   
$
1,632
 
25.4
%
Commercial real estate
   
17,082
 
29.9
%
     
10,656
 
32.8
%
     
12,151
 
32.9
%
     
11,343
 
32.5
%
     
10,978
 
32.7
%
Commercial
   
24,834
 
44.4
%
     
12,510
 
38.1
%
     
8,088
 
35.0
%
     
11,019
 
31.5
%
     
9,471
 
28.3
%
Consumer
   
7,457
 
11.9
%
     
5,543
 
12.0
%
     
3,709
 
12.3
%
     
3,377
 
12.9
%
     
3,300
 
13.6
%
Total
 
$
53,446
 
100.0
%
   
$
31,189
 
100.0
%
   
$
25,252
 
100.0
%
   
$
27,384
 
100.0
%
   
$
25,381
 
100.0
%




 
- 51 -

 

LIQUIDITY
 
We manage our liquidity risk and funding needs through our treasury function and our Asset/Liability Committee. Historically, we have had success in growing our loan portfolio. For example, during the year ended December 31, 2009, net loan growth resulted in the use of $103.8 million in cash. The loan growth was primarily the result of our continued success increasing corporate and small business lending. Management expects this trend to continue. Our loan-to-deposit ratio has been well above 100% for many years, however during 2009 we have made significant improvements in this ratio through increased deposit growth.  At December 31, 2009 our loan-to-deposit ratio was 114% compared to 143% at December 31, 2008.  Our long-term goal is 100% by 2012.  Management has significant experience managing its funding needs through borrowings and deposit growth.
 
 
As a financial institution, we have ready access to several sources of funding. Among these are:
 
 
          Deposit growh
          Borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank
          Fed Discount Window access
          Other borrowings such as repurchase agreements
          Cash flow from securities and loan sales and repayments
          Net income
          Deposit growh

Our current branch expansion and renovation program is focused on expanding our retail footprint in Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania and attracting new customers to provide additional deposit growth. Customer deposit growth was strong, equaling $438.9 million, or 26% between December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009.

Our portfolio of high-quality, liquid investments, primarily short-duration mortgage-backed securities and Agency notes also provide a source of cash flow to meet current cash needs. If necessary, portions of this portfolio, as well as portions of the loan portfolio, could be sold to provide liquidity or new loans. During the year ended December 31, 2009, $21.1 million in cash was provided by operating activities.

We have a policy that separately addresses liquidity, and management monitors our adherence to policy limits. As part of the liquidity management process, we also monitor our available wholesale funding capacity. At December 31, 2009, we had $376.3 million in funding capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. Also, liquidity risk management is a primary area of examination by the OTS.

We have not used and have no intention of using any significant off balance sheet financing arrangement for liquidity management purposes. Our financial instruments with off balance sheet risk are limited to obligations to fund loans to customers pursuant to existing commitments and obligations of letters of credit. In addition, we have not had and have no intention to have any significant transactions, arrangements or other relationships with any unconsolidated, limited purpose entities that could materially affect our liquidity or capital resources.


CAPITAL RESOURCES

Federal laws, among other things, require the OTS to mandate uniformly applicable capital standards for all savings institutions. These standards currently require institutions such as us to maintain a “tangible” capital ratio equal to 1.5% of adjusted total assets, “core” (or “leverage”) capital equal to 4.0% of adjusted total assets, “Tier 1” capital equal to 4.0% of “risk-weighted” assets and total “risk-based” capital (a combination of core and “supplementary” capital) equal to 8.0% of “risk-weighted” assets.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA), as well as other requirements, established five capital tiers: well-capitalized, adequately-capitalized, under-capitalized, significantly under-capitalized, and critically under- capitalized. A depository institution’s capital tier depends upon its capital levels in relation to various relevant capital measures, which include leverage and risk-based capital measures and

 
- 52 -

 

certain other factors. Depository institutions that are not classified as well-capitalized are subject to various restrictions regarding capital distributions, payment of management fees, acceptance of brokered deposits and other operating activities.

At December 31, 2009, we are classified as well-capitalized, the highest regulatory defined level, and in compliance with all regulatory capital requirements.  Additional information concerning our regulatory capital compliance is included in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Since 1996, the Board of Directors has approved several stock repurchase programs to acquire common stock outstanding. We did not acquire any shares in 2009, but as part of these programs, we acquired approximately 73,500 shares in 2008. At December 31, 2009, we held 9.6 million shares of our common stock as treasury shares.  At December 31, 2009, we had 506,000 shares remaining under our current share repurchase authorization.

On January 23, 2009, under the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Plan (“CPP”), we issued and sold 52,625 shares of senior preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury, having a liquidation amount equal to $1,000 per share, or $52.6 million.  Although we are currently well-capitalized under regulatory guidelines, the Board of Directors believed it was advisable to take advantage of the CPP to raise additional capital to ensure that, during these uncertain times, we are well-positioned to support our existing operations as well as anticipated future growth.  Additional information concerning the CPP is included in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As part of the CPP program, any share repurchases or increase in the dividend level from the September 2008 quarterly payment of $0.12 per share, must be approved by the U.S. Treasury department.

The Company completed a private placement of stock to Peninsula Investment Partners, L.P. (Peninsula) on September 24, 2009, pursuant to which the company issued and sold 862,069 shares of common stock for a total purchase price of $25.0 million, and a 10-year warrant to purchase 129,310 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $29.00 per share. Additional information concerning the Peninsula transaction is included in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have no off balance sheet arrangements that currently have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.  Additional information concerning our off balance sheet arrangements is included in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

At December 31, 2009, we had contractual obligations relating to operating leases, long-term debt, data processing and credit obligations.  These obligations are summarized below.  See Notes 7, 9 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

   
Total
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
More than
5 Years
 
(In Thousands)
                               
Operating lease obligations
 
$
48,581
 
$
5,113
 
$
9,165
 
$
7,675
 
$
26,628
 
Long-term debt obligations
   
680,155
   
405,517
   
174,394
   
33,233
   
67,011
 
Data processing contracts
   
3,972
   
3,170
   
802
   
   
 
Credit obligations
   
640,738
   
640,738
   
   
   
 
Total
 
$
1,373,446
 
$
1,054,538
 
$
184,361
 
$
40,908
 
$
93,639
 



 
- 53 -

 

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration of the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased costs of our operations. Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all of our assets and liabilities are monetary. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on our performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or the same extent as the price of goods and services.

RECENT LEGISLATION

The economy is experiencing significantly reduced business activity as a result of, among other factors, disruptions in the financial system during the past year. Declines in the housing market during the past year, due to falling home prices and increased foreclosures and unemployment, have resulted in substantial declines in mortgage-related asset values, which has had a dramatic negative impact on government-sponsored entities and major commercial and investment banks.

Reflecting concern about the stability of the finance markets in general and the strength of counterparties, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced, and in some cases, ceased, to provide funding and liquidity to borrowers, including other financial institutions. In response to the financial crisis affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, on October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) was signed into law. Pursuant to the EESA, specifically the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) thereunder, the U.S. Treasury will have the authority 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.

On October 14, 2008, the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury announced the Department of the Treasury will purchase equity stakes in a wide variety of banks and thrifts through TARP’s CPP. Under this program, from the $700 billion authorized by the EESA, the Treasury made $250 billion of capital available to U.S. financial institutions in the form of preferred stock as a way for healthy U.S. financial institutions to help stabilize the U.S. economy. In conjunction with the purchase of preferred stock, the Treasury received, from participating financial institutions, warrants to purchase common stock with an aggregate market price equal to 15% of the preferred stock investment. Participating financial institutions were required to adopt the Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the Treasury holds equity in such institution issued under the CPP.  After careful consideration of all the costs, restrictions, risks and benefits, we have elected to participate in the CPP program.  The Treasury’s investment signals their faith in us as a healthy institution that can help stabilize and eventually grow the economy. Additional information regarding this transaction can be found in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

 
- 54 -

 

coverage is 10 basis points per quarter on amounts in covered accounts exceeding $250,000.  We have elected to participate in the TLGP program.

On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) was signed into law by President Obama. The ARRA includes a wide variety of programs intended to stimulate the economy and provide for extensive infrastructure, energy, health, and education needs. In addition, the ARRA imposes certain new executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits on all current and future TARP recipients until the institution has repaid the U.S. Treasury, which is now permitted under the ARRA without penalty and without the need to raise new capital, subject to the U.S. Treasury’s consultation with the recipient’s appropriate regulatory agency.

On November 12, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final ruling that required banks to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the 4th quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010 through 2012.  In addition the FDIC board voted to adopt a uniform three-basis point increase in assessment rates effective January 1, 2011.  Prepayment of the assessments allowed the industry to strengthen the cash position of the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) immediately while allowing the capital impact to be felt over time as the industry’s financial condition improves.  We have paid our estimated assessment for 2010 through 2012 of $19.9 million and will expense this amount based on actual calculations of quarterly provisions during the period to which it relates.

On November 17, 2009, the Federal Reserve adopted a final ruling regarding Regulation E, otherwise known as the Electronic Fund Transfer Act.  The ruling limits our ability to assess fees for overdrafts on ATM or one-time debit transactions without receiving prior consent from our customers who have opted-in to our overdraft service.  This act will become effective on July 1, 2010.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. We regularly evaluate these estimates and assumptions including those related to the allowance for loan losses, contingencies (including indemnifications), and deferred taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other factors and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These form the basis for making judgments on the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The following are critical accounting policies that involve more significant judgments and estimates:

Allowance for Loan Losses

We maintain allowances for credit losses and charge losses to these allowances when realized. The determination of the allowance for loan losses requires significant judgment reflecting our best estimate of probable loan losses related to specifically identified loans as well as those in the remaining loan portfolio. Our evaluation is based upon a continuing review of these portfolios, with consideration given to evaluations resulting from examinations performed by regulatory authorities.

Contingencies (Including Indemnifications)

In the ordinary course of business we are subject to legal actions, which involve claims for monetary relief. Based upon information presently available to us and our counsel, it is our opinion that any legal and financial responsibility arising from such claims will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 
- 55 -

 

We maintain a loss contingency for standby letters of credit and charge losses to this reserve when such losses are realized. The determination of the loss contingency for standby letters of credit requires significant judgment reflecting management’s best estimate of probable losses.

The Bank, as successor to originators of reverse mortgages is, from time to time, involved in arbitration or litigation with various parties including borrowers or the heirs of borrowers. Because reverse mortgages are a relatively new and uncommon product, there can be no assurances about how the courts or arbitrators may apply existing legal principles to the interpretation and enforcement of the terms and conditions of the Bank’s reverse mortgage obligations.

Deferred Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which requires the recording of deferred income taxes that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. We regularly assess the need for valuation allowances on deferred income tax assets that may result from, among other things, limitations imposed by Internal Revenue Code and uncertainties, including the timing of settlement and realization of these differences.  No valuation allowance is required as of December 31, 2009.

Fair Value Measurements

We adopted FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) during 2008, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
In accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, and FASB ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, all assets and liabilities acquired in purchase acquisitions, including goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and other intangibles are recorded at fair value. We consider our accounting policies related to goodwill and other intangible assets to be critical because the assumptions or judgment used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in past acquisitions are subjective and complex. As a result, changes in these assumptions or judgment could have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
The fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, including the resulting goodwill, was based either on quoted market prices or provided by other third-party sources, when available. When third-party information was not available, estimates were made in good faith by management primarily through the use of internal cash flow modeling techniques. The assumptions that were used in the cash flow modeling were subjective and are susceptible to significant changes.
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment at least annually and written down and charged to results of operations only in periods in which the recorded value is more than the estimated fair value. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives and are periodically evaluated for impairment. As of December 31, 2009, goodwill totaled $10.9 million, the majority of which is in the WSFS Bank reporting unit and is the result of a branch acquisition in 2008.  For additional information, see Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  In addition, amortizing intangibles totaled $2.8 million as of December 31, 2009.
 
Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of fair value. The first step compares the estimated fair value of our reporting units with their carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. However, if the carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, a second step would be performed that would compare the implied fair value to the carrying amount of goodwill. An impairment loss would be recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
 
Fair value may be determined using market prices, comparison to similar assets, market multiples, discounted cash flow analysis and other variables. Estimated cash flows extend five years into the future and,

 
- 56 -

 

by their nature, are difficult to estimate over such an extended time-frame. Factors that may significantly affect the estimates include, but are not limited to, balance sheet growth assumptions, credit losses in our investment and loan portfolios, competitive pressures in our market area, changes in customer base and customer product preferences, changes in revenue growth trends, cost structure, changes in discount rates, conditions in the banking sector and general economic variables.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we retained a third-party valuation firm to assist in our Step 1 test for potential goodwill impairment of the WSFS Bank reporting unit. The valuation incorporated both income and market based analyses and indicated the fair value of our WSFS Bank reporting unit was 3.7% above the carrying amount, therefore in accordance with FASB ASC 350-20-35-6; the Step 2 analysis was not required.
 
As of December 31, 2009, goodwill and other intangible assets were not considered impaired; however, changing economic conditions that may adversely affect our performance and stock price could result in impairment, which could adversely affect earnings in future.


RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance impacting FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), (Formerly SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations). This new guidance changes the requirements for an acquirer’s recognition and measurement of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in a business combination, ASC 805 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and is applied prospectively for all business combinations entered into after the date of adoption. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB ASC 810-10, Consolidation (“ASC 810-10”), (Formerly SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51). This Statement requires (i) that noncontrolling (minority) interests be reported as a component of shareholders’ equity, (ii) that net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be separately identified in the consolidated statement of operations, (iii) that changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions, (iv) that any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary be initially measured at fair value, and (v) that sufficient disclosures are provided that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. ASC 810-10 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and is applied prospectively. However, the presentation and disclosure requirements of the statement are applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued FASB ASC 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging (Formerly SFAS No. 161, Disclosure about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133). This statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedges are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance and enhanced disclosures regarding fair value measurements of impairment securities. This guidance is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009, with an early adoption election permitted. We elected early adoption in the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and have determined the adoption did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements:

FASB ASC 825-10-50, Financial Instruments (Formerly FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments), changes the disclosure requirements of any financial instrument not currently reflected on the balance sheet. Prior to issuing this guidance, fair

 
- 57 -

 

values for these financial instruments were only disclosed annually. Effective with adoption of this guidance, the fair value of these instruments are required to be disclosed on an interim and annual basis.

FASB ASC 320-10, Investments (Formerly FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments), amends the guidance on other-than-temporary impairment for debt securities and modifies the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.

FASB ASC 820 (Formerly FSP 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), provides additional guidance for estimating fair value under FASB ASC 820-10 (Formerly SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements) when there is an inactive market or the market is not orderly.

In May 2009, the FASB issued FASB ASC 855, Subsequent Events (Formerly SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events). This Statement incorporates guidance into accounting literature that was previously addressed only in auditing standards. The statement refers to subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the balance-sheet date as “recognized subsequent events”. Subsequent events which provide evidence about conditions that arose after the balance-sheet date but prior to the issuance of the financial statements are referred to as “non-recognized subsequent events”. It also requires companies to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated and whether this date is the date the financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 22, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2009 the FASB issued new guidance impacting FASB ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing (“ASC 860”), (Formerly SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140). This new standard amends derecognition guidance and eliminates the concept of qualifying special-purpose entities. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009. Early adoption of ASC 860 is prohibited. We have not determined whether the adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance impacting FASB ASC 810-10, Consolidation (Formerly SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)). The new standard amends previous guidance to replace the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (i) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (ii) the right to receive benefits from the entity. The pronouncement is effective January 1, 2010 and we have not determined whether the adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2009 the FASB issued FASB ASC 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Formerly SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162). This new standard establishes the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM as the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities. This new standard was effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009 at which time the Codification superseded all than-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2009, the FASB issued an update (Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-05, Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value) impacting FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The update provides clarification about measuring liabilities at fair value in circumstances where a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available and the valuation techniques that should be used. The update also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents

 
- 58 -

 

the transfer of the liability. This update became effective for the Company for the reporting period ending September 30, 2009 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued an update (Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements) impacting FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The update provides clarification regarding existing disclosures and requires additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements.  Specifically, the guidance now requires reporting entities to disclose the amounts of significant transfers between levels and the reasons for the transfers.  In addition, the reconciliation should present separate information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements.  A reporting entity should provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 except for disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements which is not effective until reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010.  Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The matching of maturities or repricing periods of interest rate-sensitive assets and liabilities to promote a favorable interest rate spread and mitigate exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is our primary tool for achieving our asset/liability management strategies. Management regularly reviews our interest-rate sensitivity and adjusts the sensitivity within acceptable tolerance ranges established by management. At December 31, 2009 interest-earning liabilities exceeded interest-bearing assets that mature or reprice within one year (interest-sensitive gap) by $73.9 million. Our interest-sensitive assets as a percentage of interest-sensitive liabilities within the one-year window decreased from 100.6% at December 31, 2008 to 96.4% at December 31, 2009. Likewise, the one-year interest-sensitive gap as a percentage of total assets changed to (1.97%) at December 31, 2009 from 0.3% at December 31, 2008. The change in sensitivity since December 31, 2008 is the result of the current interest rate environment and our continuing effort to effectively manage interest rate risk.

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Our market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing and funding activities. To that end, we actively monitor and manage our interest rate risk exposure. One measure required to be performed by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS)-regulated institutions is the test specified by OTS Thrift Bulletin No. 13A, Management of Interest Rate Risk, Investment Securities and Derivatives Activities. This test measures the impact on the net portfolio value of an immediate change in interest rates in 100 basis point increments. Net portfolio value is defined as the net present value of the estimated cash flows from assets and liabilities as a percentage of the net present value of assets. The following table is the estimated impact of immediate changes in interest rates on our net interest margin and net portfolio value at the specified levels at December 31, 2009 and 2008, calculated in compliance with Thrift Bulletin No. 13A:


December 31,
2009
 
2008
Change in
Interest Rate
(Basis Points)
 
% Change in
Net Interest
Margin (1)
Net Portfolio
Value (2)
 
% Change in
Net Interest
Margin (1)
Net Portfolio
Value (2)
+300
   
+4
%
8.88
%
 
-9
%
7.92
%
+200
   
+3
%
9.24
%
 
-6
%
8.17
%
+100
   
+1
%
9.43
%
 
-3
%
8.37
%
0
   
0
%
9.39
%
 
0
%
8.50
%
-100
   
-7
%
9.16
%
 
-2
%
8.43
%
-200
(3)
 
NMF
NMF
 
NM
F
NM
F
-300
(3)
 
NMF
NMF
 
NM
F
NM
F

(1)  
The percentage difference between net interest margin in a stable interest rate environment and net interest margin as projected under the various rate change environments.

(2)  
The net portfolio value ratio of the Company in a stable interest rate environment and the net portfolio value as projected under the various rate change environments.

(3)  
Sensitivity indicated by a decrease of 200 and 300 basis points is deemed not meaningful (NMF) at December 31, 2009 given the low absolute level of interest rates at that time.

 
- 59 -

 

 
 
Our primary objective in managing interest rate risk is to minimize the adverse impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income and capital, while maximizing the yield/cost spread on our asset/liability structure. We rely primarily on our asset/liability structure to control interest rate risk.

We also engage in other business activities that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For example, mortgage banking revenues and expenses can fluctuate with changing interest rates. These fluctuations are difficult to model and estimate.

During the first quarter of 2010 we executed $75.0 million of intermediate-term FHLB Advances in order to reduce the sensitivity of our net interest income to increases in market interest rates.

 
- 60 -

 

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
WSFS Financial Corporation:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of condition of WSFS Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of WSFS Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (included in FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes), effective January 1, 2007, and FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (included in FASB ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures), effective January 1, 2008.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), WSFS 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 March 16, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
   
                  
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 16, 2010
 

 
- 61 -

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
                   
Interest income:
                   
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
128,248
 
$
140,661
 
$
159,512
 
Interest on mortgage-backed securities
   
28,560
   
23,984
   
24,237
 
Interest and dividends on investment securities
   
1,386
   
1,331
   
1,353
 
Interest on investments in reverse mortgages
   
(464
)
 
(1,077
)
 
2,007
 
Other interest income
   
   
1,578
   
2,368
 
     
157,730
   
166,477
   
189,477
 
                     
Interest expense:
                   
Interest on deposits
   
30,389
   
39,809
   
57,311
 
Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
18,306
   
29,620
   
38,561
 
Interest on federal funds purchased and securities
     sold under agreements to repurchase
   
1,531
   
2,397
   
3,153
 
Interest on trust preferred borrowings
   
1,797
   
3,275
   
4,753
 
Interest on other borrowings
   
1,063
   
2,157
   
3,690
 
     
53,086
   
77,258
   
107,468
 
Net interest income
   
104,644
   
89,219
   
82,009
 
Provision for loan losses
   
47,811
   
23,024
   
5,021
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
56,833
   
66,195
   
76,988
 
                     
Noninterest income:
                   
Deposit service charges
   
16,881
   
16,484
   
19,750
 
Credit/debit card and ATM income
   
16,522
   
17,229
   
15,419
 
Loan fee income
   
4,857
   
3,696
   
2,384
 
Securities gains
   
3,423
   
139
   
82
 
Investment advisory income
   
2,162
   
2,395
   
2,465
 
Mortgage banking activities, net
   
1,646
   
148
   
217
 
Bank-owned life insurance income
   
917
   
1,786
   
2,269
 
Non-recurring gains, net
   
   
   
1,979
 
Other income
   
3,833
   
4,112
   
3,601
 
     
50,241
   
45,989
   
48,166
 
                     
Noninterest expenses:
                   
Salaries, benefits and other compensation
   
48,133
   
46,654
   
43,662
 
Occupancy expense
   
9,664
   
8,416
   
8,280
 
Professional fees
   
7,074
   
4,082
   
2,662
 
FDIC expenses
   
7,064
   
661
   
208
 
Equipment expense
   
6,803
   
6,174
   
5,616
 
Data processing and operations expense
   
4,743
   
4,216
   
4,062
 
Net costs of assets acquired through foreclosure
   
4,310
   
968
   
22
 
Marketing expense
   
3,304
   
3,920
   
3,911
 
Other operating expenses
   
17,409
   
14,007
   
13,608
 
     
108,504
   
89,098
   
82,031
 
(Loss) income before taxes
   
(1,430
)
 
23,086
   
43,123
 
Income tax (benefit) provision
   
(2,093
)
 
6,950
   
13,474
 
Net income
   
663
   
16,136
   
29,649
 
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion of discount
   
2,590
   
   
 
Net (loss) income allocable to common stockholders
 
$
(1,927
)
$
16,136
 
$
29,649
 
Earnings per share:
Basic
 
$
 
(0.30
)
$
 
2.62
 
$
 
4.69
 
Diluted
 
$
(0.30
)
$
2.57
 
$
4.55
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
- 62 -

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CONDITION

2009
 
2008
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
           
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
$
55,756
 
$
58,377
 
Cash in non-owned ATMs
 
264,903
   
189,965
 
Federal funds sold
 
   
 
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
 
1,090
   
216
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
 
321,749
   
248,558
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity  (fair value: 2009-$671; 2008-$1,071)
 
709
   
1,181
 
Investment securities available-for-sale including reverse mortgages
 
44,808
   
48,507
 
Mortgage-backed securities-available-for-sale
 
669,059
   
487,389
 
Mortgage-backed securities-trading
 
12,183
   
10,816
 
Loans held-for-sale
 
8,366
   
2,275
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $53,446 at December 31, 2009
  and $31,189 at December 31, 2008
 
2,470,789
   
2,441,560
 
Bank-owned life insurance
 
60,254
   
59,337
 
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, at cost
 
39,305
   
39,305
 
Assets acquired through foreclosure
 
8,945
   
4,471
 
Premises and equipment
 
36,108
   
34,966
 
Goodwill
 
10,870
   
11,849
 
Intangible assets
 
2,781
   
3,867
 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
62,581
   
38,479
 
Total assets
$
3,748,507
 
$
3,432,560
 
             
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
           
             
Liabilities:
           
Deposits:
           
Noninterest-bearing demand
 $
431,476
 
311,322
 
Interest-bearing demand
 
265,719
   
214,749
 
Money market
 
550,639
   
326,792
 
Savings
 
224,921
   
208,368
 
Time
 
470,139
   
450,056
 
Jumbo certificates of deposit - customer
 
203,126
   
195,846
 
Total customer deposits
 
2,146,020
 
 
1,707,133
 
Other jumbo certificates of deposit
 
69,208
   
103,825
 
Brokered deposits
 
346,643
   
311,394
 
Total deposits
 
2,561,871
   
2,122,352
 
             
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
 
100,000
   
75,000
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
613,144
   
815,957
 
Trust preferred borrowings
 
67,011
   
67,011
 
Other borrowed funds
 
74,654
   
108,777
 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
 
30,027
   
26,828
 
Total liabilities
 
3,446,707
   
3,215,925
 
             
Stockholders’ Equity:
           
Serial preferred stock $.01 par value, 7,500,000 shares authorized;
 issued 52,625 at December 31, 2009 and -0- at December 31, 2008
 
1
   
 
Common stock $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued 16,660,588
 at December 31, 2009 and 15,739,768 at December 31, 2008
 
166
   
157
 
Capital in excess of par value
 
166,627
   
87,033
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(2,022
)
 
(12,613
)
Retained earnings
 
385,308
   
390,338
 
Treasury stock at cost, 9,580,569 shares at December 31, 2009            
and December 31, 2008
 
(248,280
)
 
(248,280
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
301,800
   
216,635
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
3,748,507
 
$
3,432,560
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
- 63 -

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
     
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
(In Thousands)
                                           
Balance, December 31, 2006
 
$
 
$
156
 
$
81,580
 
$
 (8,573
)
$
347,448
 
$
 (208,552
)
$
212,059
 
                                             
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
   
   
   
   
29,649
   
   
29,649
 
Other comprehensive income (1)
   
   
   
   
4,712
   
   
   
4,712
 
Total comprehensive income
                                       
34,361
 
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting 
principle related to
the adoption of FIN 48
   
   
   
   
   
1,988
   
   
1,988
 
Cash dividend, $0.38 per share
   
   
   
   
   
(2,403
)
 
   
(2,403
)
Issuance of common stock, including
proceeds
from exercise of 
common stock options
   
   
1
   
3,704
   
   
   
   
3,705
 
Treasury stock at cost, 564,100 shares
   
   
   
   
   
   
(36,173
)
 
(36,173
)
Issuance of restricted stock
   
   
   
230
   
   
   
   
230
 
Tax liability from exercises of common stock options
   
   
   
(2,437
)
 
   
   
   
(2,437
)
Balance, December 31, 2007
 
$
 
$
157
 
$
83,077
 
$
 (3,861
)
$
376,682
 
$
 (244,725
)
$
211,330
 
                                             
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
   
   
   
   
16,136
   
   
16,136
 
Other comprehensive income (1)
   
   
   
   
(8,752
)
 
   
   
(8,752
)
Total comprehensive income
                                       
7,384
 
Cash dividend, $0.46 per share
   
   
   
   
   
(2,832
)
 
   
(2,832
)
Issuance of common stock, including
proceeds 
from exercise of
common stock options
   
   
   
2,391
   
   
   
   
2,391
 
Treasury stock at cost, 73,500 shares
   
   
   
   
   
   
(3,555
)
 
(3,555
)
Issuance of restricted stock
   
   
   
202
   
   
   
   
202
 
Reclassification adjustment of negative minority interest
   
   
   
   
   
352
   
   
352
 
Tax benefit from exercises of common stock options
   
   
   
1,363
   
   
   
   
1,363
 
Balance, December 31, 2008
 
$
 
$
157
 
$
87,033
 
$
 (12,613
)
$
390,338
 
$
 (248,280
)
$
216,635
 
                                             
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
   
   
   
   
663
   
   
663
 
Other comprehensive income (1)
   
   
   
   
10,591
   
   
   
10,591
 
Total comprehensive income
                                       
11,254
 
Cash dividend, $0.48 per share
   
   
   
   
   
(3,078
)
 
   
(3,078
)
Issuance of common stock, including
proceeds 
from exercise of
common stock options
   
   
9
   
25,109
   
   
   
   
25,118
 
Issuance of restricted stock
   
   
   
174
   
   
   
   
174
 
Reclassification adjustment of negative minority interest
   
   
   
   
   
(352
)
 
   
(352
)
Tax benefit from exercises of common stock options
   
   
   
80
   
   
   
   
80
 
Preferred stock cash dividends
   
   
   
   
   
(2,136
)
 
   
(2,136
)
Preferred stock discount accretion
   
 
   
127
   
   
(127
)
 
   
 
Preferred stock and common stock warrants issued
   
              1
   
   
54,104
   
   
   
   
54,105
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
 
$
1
 
$
166
 
$
166,627
 
$
(2,022
)
$
385,308
 
$
(248,280
)
$
301,800
 


 
- 64 -

 


(1) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale arising during the
  period, net of taxes (2009 - $6,491; 2008 - $(5,364); 2007 - $2,855);
 
$
11,845
 
$
 (8,752
)
$
4,657
 
Actuarial gain reclassified to periodic cost, net of income taxes (2007 - $42);
   
   
   
68
 
Transition obligation reclassified to periodic cost, net of income taxes (2007 - $23);
   
   
   
38
 
Reclassification for losses (gains) included in income,
      net of taxes (2009 - $(768); 2007 - $(31));
   
(1,254
)  
   
(51
)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
10,591
 
$
 (8,752
)
$
4,712
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
- 65 -

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Year Ended December 31,
 
    2009
 
     2008
 
        2007
 
(In Thousands)
                   
Operating activities:
                   
Net income
 
$
663
 
$
16,136
 
$
29,649
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities:
                   
Provision for loan losses
   
47,811
   
23,024
   
5,021
 
Depreciation, accretion and amortization
   
6,823
   
6,218
   
4,930
 
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
(31,217
)
 
(94
)
 
1,142
 
Origination of loans held-for-sale
   
(115,196
)
 
(31,358
)
 
(27,160
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale
   
110,731
   
31,648
   
25,362
 
Gain on mortgage banking activity
   
(1,646
)
 
(148
)
 
(217
)
(Income) loss on mark to market adjustment on trading securities
   
(1,368
)
 
1,616
   
 
Gain on sale of credit card portfolio
   
   
   
(882
)
Securities gain from the sale of MasterCard, Inc. and Visa, Inc. common stock
   
(119
)
 
(1,755
)
 
 
Gain on sale of former headquarters building
   
   
   
(1,093
)
Gain on sale of investments
   
(2,022
)
 
   
(82
)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax benefit recognized
   
874
   
730
   
1,222
 
Excess tax (benefits) liability from share-based payment arrangements
   
(80
)
 
(1,363
)
 
2,437
 
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
3,188
   
1,693
   
(3,328
)
    Loss on wind down of 1st Reverse
   
1,857
   
   
 
Loss (gain) on sale of assets acquired through foreclosure and valuation adjustments
   
1,905
   
816
   
(20
)
Increase in value of bank-owned life insurance
   
(917
)
 
(1,786
)
 
(2,269
)
Decrease (increase) in capitalized interest, net
   
464
   
1,009
   
(2,007
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
21,751
   
46,386
   
32,705
 
                     
Investing activities:
                   
Maturities of investment securities
   
22,591
   
14,440
   
41,893
 
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale
   
(19,070
)
 
(37,298
)
 
(13,986
)
Sales of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale
   
111,214
   
   
2,690
 
Repayments of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale
   
151,571
   
77,856
   
77,328
 
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale
   
(424,813
)
 
(95,195
)
 
(52,507
)
Repayments on reverse mortgages
   
207
   
1,248
   
3,532
 
Disbursements for reverse mortgages
   
(202
)
 
(227
)
 
(2,964
)
Purchase of 1st Reverse Financial Services, LLC
   
   
(2,442
)
 
 
Acquisition of branches
   
   
(11,505
)
 
 
Sales of loans
   
22,270
   
   
909
 
Purchase of Cypress Capital Management, LLC
   
   
   
(240
)
Purchase of ATM vault cash business
   
   
   
(440
)
Purchases of loans
   
   
(3,190
)
 
(2,656
)
Net increase in loans
   
(109,131
)
 
(236,674
)
 
(221,179
)
Net decrease (increase) in stock of Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
   
   
6,232
   
(5,665
)
Sale of assets acquired through foreclosure, net
   
3,274
   
1,674
   
120
 
Sale of credit card portfolio
   
   
   
6,295
 
Proceeds from the sale of MasterCard, Inc. and Visa, Inc. common stock
   
119
   
1,755
   
 
Sale of former headquarters building
   
   
   
2,436
 
Deferred gain on sale of partnership interest
   
   
   
1,335
 
Investment in real estate partnership
   
   
   
1,172
 
Investment in premises and equipment, net
   
(6,776
)
 
(4,989
)
 
(9,181
)
Net cash used for investing activities
   
(248,746
)
 
(288,315
)
 
(171,108
)

(Continued on next page)


 
- 66 -

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (continued)


Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
(In Thousands)
                   
Financing activities:
                   
Net increase in demand and saving deposits
 
$
347,401
 
$
112,850
 
$
82,363
 
Net increase in time deposits
   
27,126
   
195,584
   
4,256
 
    Receipts from federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
18,922,995
   
12,853,000
   
12,709,000
 
Repayments of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
(18,897,995
)
 
(12,853,000
)
 
(12,707,400
)
Receipts of FHLB advances
   
30,481,564
   
82,778,987
   
31,427,417
 
Repayments of FHLB advances
   
(30,684,378
)
 
(82,861,310
)
 
(31,313,165
)
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured bank debt
   
30,000
   
   
 
Dividends paid
   
(5,214
)
 
(2,832
)
 
(2,404
)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
   
52,625
   
   
 
Issuance of common stock and exercise of common stock options
   
25,982
   
1,863
   
2,713
 
Excess tax benefit (liability) from share-based payment arrangements
   
80
   
1,363
   
(2,437
)
Purchase of treasury stock, net of re-issuance
   
   
(3,555
)
 
(36,173
)
Decrease in minority interest
   
   
   
(54
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
300,186
   
222,950
   
164,116
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
73,191
   
(18,979
)
 
25,713
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
248,558
   
267,537
   
241,824
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
321,749
 
$
248,558
 
$
267,537
 
                     
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
                   
Cash paid in interest during the year
 
$
55,640
 
$
80,654
 
$
105,969
 
Cash paid for income taxes, net
   
2,593
   
10,521
   
18,056
 
Loans transferred to assets acquired through foreclosure
   
9,143
   
6,186
   
415
 
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income
   
10,591
   
(8,752
)
 
4,712
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



 
- 67 -

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

WSFS Financial Corporation (“the Company,” “our Company,” “WSFS”, “we,” “our” or “us”) is a savings and loan holding company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal wholly-owned subsidiary, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB (“WSFS Bank” or the “Bank”), is a federal savings bank organized under the laws of the United States which, at December 31, 2009, serves customers from our 41 banking offices located in Delaware (36), Pennsylvania (4), and Virginia (1).

In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the allowance for loan losses for impaired loans and the remainder of the loan portfolios, investment in reverse mortgages, contingencies (including indemnifications), goodwill and income taxes.

Although our current estimates contemplate current conditions and how we expect them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that in 2010, actual conditions could be worse than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition. Amounts subject to significant estimates are items such as the allowance for loan losses and lending related commitments, goodwill and intangible assets, post-retirement obligations, the fair value of financial instruments and other-than-temporary impairments. Among other effects, such changes could result in future impairments of investment securities, goodwill and intangible assets and establishment of allowances for loan losses and lending related commitments as well as increased post-retirement expense.

Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the parent company, Montchanin Capital Management, Inc. (Montchanin) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cypress Capital Management, LLC (Cypress), WSFS Bank and its wholly-owned subsidiary, WSFS Investment Group, Inc. (“WIG”). WIG markets various third-party insurance and securities products to Bank customers through WSFS’ retail banking system. During 2009, WSFS Bank also owned a majority interest in 1st Reverse Financial Services, LLC (1st Reverse), specializing in reverse mortgage lending however operations were wound-down during the 4th quarter of 2009 due, in part, to the current economic climate. Montchanin was formed to provide asset management products and services. In 2007, Montchanin increased its ownership in Cypress, a Wilmington-based investment advisory firm servicing high net-worth individuals and institutions to100%.

WSFS Capital Trust III (“the Trust”) is an unconsolidated subsidiary of ours, and was formed in 2005 to issue $67.0 million aggregate principal amount of Pooled Floating Rate Capital Securities. The proceeds from this issue were used to fund the redemption of $51.5 million of Floating Rate WSFS Capital Trust I Preferred Securities (formerly WSFS Capital Trust I). The Trust invested all of the proceeds from the sale of the Pooled Floating Rate Capital Securities in Junior Subordinated Debentures of the Company.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ Consolidated Financial Statements to conform them to the current year’s presentation. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, cash in non-owned ATMs, cash due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell.

 
- 68 -

 

Debt and Equity Securities

Investments in equity securities that have a readily determinable fair value and investments in debt securities are classified into three categories and accounted for as follows:

o  
Debt securities with the positive intention to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity” and reported at amortized cost.
o  
Debt and equity securities purchased with the intention of selling them in the near future are classified as “trading securities” and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.
o  
Debt and equity securities not classified in either of the above are classified as “available-for-sale securities” and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Debt and equity securities include mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, U.S. Government and agency securities and certain equity securities. Premiums and discounts on debt and equity securities, held-to-maturity and available-for-sale, are recognized in interest income using a level yield method over the period to expected maturity. The fair value of debt and equity securities is primarily obtained from third-party pricing services. Implicit in the valuation are estimated prepayments based on historical and current market conditions.

When we conclude an investment security is other-than-temporarily impaired (“OTTI”), a loss for the difference between the investment security’s carrying value and the fair value is recognized as a reduction to non-interest income in the consolidated statement of operations. For an investment in a debt security, if we do not intend to sell the investment security and conclude that it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovering the carrying value, which may be maturity, the OTTI charge is separated into the “credit” and “other” components. The “other” component of the OTTI is included in other comprehensive loss, net of the tax effect, and the “credit” component of the OTTI is included as a reduction to non-interest income in the consolidated statement of operations. Management is required to use its judgment to determine impairment in certain circumstances. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on sales of investment and mortgage-backed securities. All sales are made without recourse.

Investment in Reverse Mortgages

We account for our investment in reverse mortgages in accordance with the instructions provided by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) entitled “Accounting for Pools of Uninsured Residential Reverse Mortgage Contracts,” which requires grouping the individual reverse mortgages into “pools” and recognizing income based on the estimated effective yield of the pool. In computing the effective yield, we must project the cash inflows and outflows of the pool including actuarial projections of the life expectancy of the individual contract holder and changes in the collateral value of the residence. At each reporting date, a new economic forecast is made of the cash inflows and outflows of each pool of reverse mortgages; the effective yield of each pool is recomputed, and income is adjusted retroactively and prospectively to reflect the revised rate of return. Because of this highly specialized accounting, the recorded value of reverse mortgage assets can result in significant volatility associated with estimations. As a result, income recognition can vary significantly from reporting period to reporting period. During 2009, we recorded a $464,000 charge (taken through interest income) related to our second-lien interest in the 18 whole-loan reverse mortgage.

During 2009 we recorded income of $1.4 million related to the mark-to-market adjustment on the $12.4 million par value BBB+ rated mortgage-backed security (MBS) issued in connection with a 2002 reverse mortgage securitization.
 
 

 
- 69 -

 

Loans

Loans are stated net of deferred fees and costs and unearned discounts.  Interest income on loans is recognized using the level yield method.  Loan origination and commitment fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized over the life of the related loans using a level yield method over the period to maturity.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future discounted cash flows, the market price of the loan or the fair value of the underlying collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Impaired loans include loans within our commercial, commercial mortgage, commercial construction, residential mortgages and consumer portfolios. Our policy for recognition of interest income on impaired loans is the same as for nonaccrual loans discussed below.

Nonaccrual Loans

Nonaccrual loans are those on which the accrual of interest has ceased. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status immediately if, in the opinion of management, collection is doubtful, or when principal or interest is contractually past due 90 days or more. Interest accrued but not collected at the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed and charged against interest income. In addition, the amortization of net deferred loan fees is suspended when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Subsequent cash receipts are applied either to the outstanding principal or recorded as interest income, depending on management’s assessment of ultimate collectability of principal and interest. Loans are returned to an accrual status when the borrower’s ability to make periodic principal and interest payments has returned to normal (i.e.: brought current with respect to principal or interest or restructured) and the paying capacity of the borrower or the underlying collateral is deemed sufficient to cover principal and interest in accordance with our previously established loan-to-value policies.

Allowances for Loan Losses

We maintain allowances for credit losses and charge losses to these allowances when such losses are realized. The determination of the allowance for loan losses requires significant judgment reflecting management’s best estimate of probable losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable losses in the remaining loan portfolio. Management’s evaluation is based upon a review of these portfolios.

Management establishes the loan loss allowance in accordance with guidance provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 102 (SAB 102). Its methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of several key elements which include: specific allowances for identified problem loans, formula allowances for commercial and commercial real estate loans, and allowances for pooled, homogenous loans.  Troubled debt restructurings are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception.

Specific reserves are established for certain loans in cases where management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related to a specific credit that management believes indicate the probability that a loss has been incurred.

The formula allowances for commercial and commercial real estate loans are calculated by applying estimated loss factors to outstanding loans based on the internal risk grade of loans. For low risk commercial and commercial real estate loans the portfolio is pooled, based on internal risk grade, and estimates are based on a ten-year net charge-off history adjusted to reflect current estimates of loss. Higher risk and criticized loans have loss factors that are derived from an analysis of both the probability of default and the probability of loss should default occur. Loss adjustment factors are applied based on criteria discussed below. As a result, changes in risk grades of both performing and nonperforming loans affect the amount of the formula allowance.

 
- 70 -

 

    Pooled loans are loans that are usually smaller, not-individually-graded and homogeneous in nature, such as consumer installment loans and residential mortgages. Loan loss allowances for pooled loans are based on a ten-year net charge-off history adjusted to reflect current estimates of loss. The average loss allowance per homogeneous pool is based on the product’s average annual historical loss rate and the average estimated duration of the pool multiplied by the pool balances. These separate risk pools are assigned a reserve for loss based upon this historical loss information and loss adjustment factors.

Historical loss adjustment factors are based upon management’s evaluation of various current conditions, including those listed below:

·  
General economic and business conditions affecting WSFS’ key lending areas,
·  
Credit quality trends,
·  
Recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio,
·  
Collateral values and loan-to-value ratios,
·  
Loan volumes and concentrations, including changes in mix,
·  
Seasoning of the loan portfolio,
·  
Specific industry conditions within portfolio segments,
·  
Bank regulatory examination results, and
·  
Other factors, including changes in quality of the loan origination, servicing and risk management processes.

Our loan officers and risk managers meet at least quarterly to discuss and review these conditions, and also risks associated with individual problem loans. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for such losses. We also give consideration to the results of these regulatory agency examinations.

During 2008, the provision for loan losses was affected by changes in estimates used in the calculation. These changes included additional reserves reflecting the effects of updated loss rate expectations on our loan portfolio. These changes resulted in an increase to the provision for loan losses of $2.8 million or $0.29 per share.

During 2009, we recorded a $47.8 million provision for loan losses, which was a result of many factors including increased charge-offs, continued migration in loans to lower credit grades, continued deterioration of collateral values and an increase in estimated disposition costs.

Increases in the allowance for loan losses in both 2009 and 2008 were also due to rising trends in our past due and nonperforming loans (as discussed in the earlier nonperforming assets section) and rising unemployment rates.  This increase in non-performing loans is a direct result of the weak economic environment, impacting numerous borrowers’ ability to pay as scheduled.  This has resulted in increased loan delinquencies, and in some cases decreases in the collateral value used to secure real estate loans and the ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure.  Collateral value is assessed based on collateral value trends, liquidation value trends, and other liquidation expenses to determine appropriate discounts that may be needed.  In response to this deterioration in real estate loan quality, management is aggressively monitoring its classified loans and is continuing to monitor credits with material weaknesses.
 
As a result of continued economic deterioration, a detailed review and analysis of our commercial loan portfolio was completed during the year.  This included a review of every commercial loan commitment greater than $1 million, regardless of risk rating. This represented 74% of our commercial portfolio.  The review considered cash flows from the business or project, appropriately conservative real estate values, a careful view of guarantor support, and the direction of the economy.

Our real estate portfolio has approximately $524.4 million of commercial real estate loans, $231.6 million of construction loans, $357.3 million in first lien mortgage loans (only $15.5 million of which are

 
- 71 -

 

considered subprime loans), and $284.3 million in home equity loans and lines as of December 31, 2009.  We do not have any option ARM products in our portfolio.  We consider our construction loans our riskiest loans within our real estate portfolio.  Construction loans are typically comprised of loans to borrowers for real estate to be developed.  Normally, these loans are repaid with the proceeds from the sale or lease of the developed property.  The greater degree of strain on these real estate types of loans and the significance to our overall loan portfolio has caused us to apply a greater degree of scrutiny in analyzing the ultimate collectability of amounts due.  A number of these borrowers are having financial difficulties that may affect their ability to repay their loans. 

Assets Held-for-Sale

Assets held-for-sale includes loans held-for-sale and are carried at the lower of cost or market of the aggregate or, in some cases, individual assets.

Assets Acquired Through Foreclosure

Assets acquired through foreclosure are recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loans or fair value less estimated disposal costs. Costs subsequently incurred to improve the assets are included in the carrying value provided that the resultant carrying value does not exceed fair value less estimated disposal costs. Costs relating to holding the assets are charged to expense in the current period. We write-down the value of the assets when declines in fair value below the carrying value are identified. Net costs of assets acquired through foreclosure include costs of holding and operating the assets, net gains or losses on sales of the assets and provisions for losses to reduce such assets to fair value less estimated disposal costs. During 2009, we booked $4.1 million in additional write-downs of values of assets acquired through foreclosure (REO).

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Costs of major replacements, improvements and additions are capitalized. Depreciation expense is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, for leasehold improvements, over the effective life of the related lease if less than the estimated useful life. In general, computer equipment, furniture and equipment and building renovations are depreciated over three, five and ten years, respectively.

Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

We enter into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase. Reverse repurchase agreements are treated as financings, with the obligation to repurchase securities sold reflected as a liability in the Consolidated Statement of Condition. The securities underlying the agreements are assets. Generally, federal funds are purchased for periods ranging up to 90 days.

Loss Contingency for Standby Letters of Credit

We maintain a loss contingency for standby letters of credit and charge losses to this contingency when such losses are realized. The determination of the loss contingency for standby letters of credit requires significant judgment reflecting management’s best estimate of probable losses related to standby letters of credit.  During 2009 we increased these reserves by $532,000.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and local income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities.
 
- 72 -

 
We account for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board  (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes and FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement 109). ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions are recognized in the financial statements only when it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. ASC 740 also provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties. ASC 740 became effective for us on January 1, 2007, and resulted in a $2.0 million increase to our retained earnings on that date.

Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
Numerator:
                   
Net (loss) income allocable to common shareholders
 
$
(1,927
)
$
16,136
 
$
29,649
 
                     
Denominator:
                   
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares
   
6,429
   
6,158
   
6,316
 
Effect of dilutive employee stock options
   
   
 132
   
 194
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed exercise
   
6,429
   
 6,290
   
 6,510
 
                     
Earnings per share:
                   
Basic:
                   
Net (loss) income allocable to common shareholders
 
$
(0.30
)
$
2.62
 
$
4.69
 
                     
Diluted:
                   
Net (loss) income allocable to common shareholders
 
$
(0.30
)
$
2.57
 
$
4.55
 
                     
Outstanding common stock equivalents having no dilutive effect
   
939
   
371
   
194
 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, 939,000 employee stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per common share, of which 59,000 were because the effect would have been antidilutive due to the net loss reported in this period.

 
 

 



 
- 73 -

 

Fair Value of Financial Assets

Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 820-10 (Formerly SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements and Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position (FSP) No. 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157), for nonfinancial assets and financial liabilities. This adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820-10 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the use of inputs used in valuation methodologies into the following three levels:

 
Level 1:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available.

 
Level 2:
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs to the valuation methodology that are derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 
Level 3:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of our financial assets carried at fair value effective January 1, 2008. The table below presents the balances of assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2009 (there are no material liabilities measured at fair value):

   
Quoted
             
   
Prices in
             
   
Active
 
Significant
         
   
Markets for
 
Other
 
Significant
     
   
Identical
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
     
   
Asset
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Total
 
Description
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Fair Value
 
   
(in Thousands)
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
                         
                           
Available-for-sale securities including reverse mortgages
 
$
 
$
714,397
 
$
(530
)
$
713,867
 
Trading Securities
   
   
   
12,183
   
12,183
 
                           
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
 
$
714,397
 
$
11,653
 
$
726,050
 
                           
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
                         
                           
Impaired Loans
 
$
 
$
61,375
 
$
 
$
61,375
 
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
 
$
 
$
61,375
 
$
 
$
61,375
 

 
 
- 74 -

 
The table below presents the balances of assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2008 (there were no material liabilities measured at fair value):
   
Quoted
             
   
Prices in
             
   
Active
 
Significant
         
   
Markets for
 
Other
 
Significant
     
   
Identical
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
     
   
Asset
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Total
 
Description
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Fair Value
 
   
(in Thousands)
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
                         
                           
Available-for-sale securities including reverse mortgages
 
$
 
$
535,957
 
$
(61)
 
$
535,896
 
Trading Securities
   
   
   
10,816
   
10,816
 
                           
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
 
$
535,957
 
$
10,755
 
$
546,712
 
                           
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
                         
                           
Impaired Loans
 
$
 
$
22,840
 
$
 
$
22,840
 
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
 
$
 
$
22,840
 
$
 
$
22,840
 

Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models or obtained from third parties that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments have been applied consistently over time. Our valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While we believe our valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

Available for sale securities. As of December 31, 2009, securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. Included in the Level 2 total are approximately $41.3 million in Federal Agency debentures, $240.2 million in Federal Agency MBS, $424.8 million of Private Label MBS, and $3.7 million in municipal bonds. Agency and MBS securities are predominately AAA-rated. We believe that this Level 2 designation is appropriate for these securities under ASC 820-10 as, with almost all fixed income securities, none are exchange traded, and all are priced by correlation to observed market data. For these securities we obtain fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, U.S. government and agency yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the security’s terms and conditions, among other factors.

 
- 75 -

 

Securities classified as available for sale as of December 31, 2008 were also reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. Included under the Level 2 designation was approximately $44.6 million in Federal Agency debentures, $194.7 million in Federal Agency MBS, $292.7 million of Private Label MBS, and $3.9 million in municipal bonds.  Agency and MBS securities were predominately AAA-rated and designated Level 2 pursuant to ASC 820-10.  As discussed above, almost all were fixed income securities, none were exchange traded, and all were priced by correlation to observed market data.

Trading securities. The amount included in the trading securities category represents the fair value of a BBB-rated traunche of a reverse mortgage security. There has never been an active market for these securities. As such, we classify these trading securities as Level 3 under ASC 820-10. As prescribed by ASC 820-10, management used various observable and unobservable inputs to develop a range of likely fair value prices where this security would be exchanged in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The unobservable inputs reflect management’s assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing this asset. Included in these inputs were the median of a selection of other BBB-rated securities as well as quoted market prices from higher rated traunches of this asset class. As a result, the value assigned to this security is determined primarily through a discounted cash flow analysis.  All of these assumptions require a significant degree of management judgment.

Reverse Mortgages available-for-sale. The amount of our investment in reverse mortgages represents the estimated value of future cash flows of the reverse mortgages at a rate deemed appropriate for these mortgages, based on the market rate for similar collateral. The projected cash flows depend on assumptions about life expectancy of the mortgagee and the future changes in collateral values. Due to the significant amount of management judgment and the unobservable input calculations, these reverse mortgages have been classified as Level 3.

The changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value are summarized as follows:

 
 
 
Trading Securities
 
Available-
For-Sale Securities Including Reverse Mortgages
 
 
 
 
Total
 
     
(in Thousands)
     
Balance at December 31, 2007
$
12,364
 
$
2,037
 
$
14,401
 
Total net income (losses) for the period included in net income
 
(1,548
)
 
(1,077
)
 
(2,625
)
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net
 
   
(1,021
)
 
(1,021
)
Balance at December 31, 2008
$
10,816
 
$
(61
)
$
10,755
 
Total net income (losses) for the period included in net income
 
1,367
   
(464
)
 
903
 
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net
 
   
(5
)
 
(5
)
Balance at December 31, 2009
$
12,183
 
$
(530
)
$
11,653
 

Impaired loans. Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a gross amount of $73.2 million and $22.8 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The valuation allowance on impaired loans was $11.8 million as of December 31, 2009 and $395,000 as of December 31, 2008.





 
- 76 -

 

2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The following tables detail the amortized cost and the estimated fair value of the Company’s investment securities:

       
Gross
 
Gross
     
   
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                           
Available-for-sale securities:
                         
                           
December 31, 2009:
                         
Reverse mortgages (1)
 
$
(530
)
$
 
$
 
$
(530
)
U.S. Government and agencies
   
40,695
   
652
   
(35
)
 
41,312
 
State and political subdivisions
   
3,935
   
91
   
   
4,026
 
   
$
44,100
 
$
743
 
$
(35
)
$
44,808
 
                           
December 31, 2008:
                         
Reverse mortgages (1)
 
$
 (61
)
$
 
$
 
$
 (61
)
U.S. Government and agencies
   
 43,778
   
 857
   
(1
)
 
 44,634
 
State and political subdivisions
   
 4,020
   
 —
   
(86
)
 
 3,934
 
   
$
47,737
 
$
857
 
$
 (87
)
$
48,507
 
                           
                           
Held-to-maturity:
                         
                           
December 31, 2009:
                         
State and political subdivisions
 
$
709
 
$
 
$
(38
)
$
671
 
   
$
709
 
$
 
$
(38
)
$
671
 
 
                         
December 31, 2008:
                         
State and political subdivisions
 
$
1,181
 
$
 
$
 (110
)
$
1,071
 
   
$
1,181
 
$
 
$
 (110
)
$
1,071
 

(1) See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of Reverse Mortgages.

Securities with book values aggregating $39.5 million at December 31, 2009 were specifically pledged as collateral for WSFS’ Treasury Tax and Loan account with the Federal Reserve Bank, securities sold under agreement to repurchase and certain letters of credit and municipal deposits which require collateral. Accrued interest receivable relating to investment securities was $352,000 and $409,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


 
- 77 -

 

The scheduled maturities of investment securities held-to-maturity and securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

   
Held-to-Maturity
 
Available-for Sale
 
   
Amortized
 
Fair
 
Amortized
 
Fair
 
   
Cost
 
Value
 
Cost
 
Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
2009
                 
Within one year (1)
 
$
340
 
$
340
 
$
10,864
 
$
11,068
 
After one year but within five years
   
   
   
32,986
   
33,485
 
After five years but within ten years
   
   
   
250
   
255
 
After ten years
   
369
   
331
   
   
 
   
$
709
 
$
671
 
$
44,100
 
$
44,808
 
2008
                         
Within one year (1)
 
$
 
$
 
$
3,940
 
$
4,054
 
After one year but within five years
   
630
   
 630
   
42,522
   
 43,220
 
After five years but within ten years
   
   
   
1,275
   
1,233
 
After ten years
   
 551
   
 441
   
 —
   
 —
 
   
$
1,181
 
$
1,071
 
$
47,737
 
$
48,507
 
                           

(1) Reverse mortgages do not have contractual maturities. We have included reverse mortgages in maturities within one year.

There were no sales of investment securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity during 2009, 2008, or 2007. As a result, there were no net gains/losses realized during 2009, 2008, or 2007. The cost basis for investment security sales is based on the specific identification method. Investment securities totaling $18.6 million were called by their issuers during 2009.

At December 31, 2009, we owned investment securities totaling $3.2 million where the amortized cost basis exceeded fair value. Total unrealized losses on those securities were $73,000 at December 31, 2009. This temporary impairment is the result of changes in market interest rates subsequent to the purchase of the securities. Securities amounting to $242,000 have been impaired for 12 months or longer. We have determined that these securities are not other than temporarily impaired. The following table includes unrealized losses aggregated by category as of December 31, 2009:
 

   
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Loss
 
Value
 
Loss
 
Value
 
Loss
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Held-to-maturity
                                     
State and political subdivisions
 
$
 
$
 
$
242
 
$
38
 
$
242
 
$
38
 
                                       
Available-for-sale
                                     
State and political subdivisions
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
U.S Government and agencies
   
2,985
   
35
   
   
   
2,985
   
35
 
                                       
Total temporarily impaired investments
 
$
2,985
 
$
35
 
$
242
 
$
38
 
$
3,227
 
$
73
 








 
- 78 -

 

The following table includes unrealized losses aggregated by category as of December 31, 2008:

   
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Loss
 
Value
 
Loss
 
Value
 
Loss
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Held-to-maturity
                                     
State and political subdivisions
 
$
92
 
$
 
$
265
 
$
110
 
$
357
 
$
110
 
                                       
Available-for-sale
                                     
State and political subdivisions
   
3,934
   
86
   
   
   
3,934
   
86
 
U.S Government and agencies
   
2,053
   
1
   
   
   
2,053
   
1
 
                                       
Total temporarily impaired investments
 
$
6,079
 
$
87
 
$
265
 
$
110
 
$
6,344
 
$
197
 

3. MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

The following tables detail the amortized cost and the estimated fair value of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities:

       
Gross
 
Gross
     
   
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                         
                           
December 31, 2009:
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
 
$
519,527
 
$
5,368
 
$
(10,383
)
$
514,512
 
        FNMA
   
61,603
   
813
   
(454
)
 
61,962
 
        FHLMC
   
44,536
   
561
   
(83
)
 
45,014
 
    GNMA
   
46,629
   
1,129
   
(187
)
 
47,571
 
   
$
672,295
 
$
7,871
 
$
(11,107
)
$
669,059
 
                           
Weighted average yield
   
5.00
%
                 
                           
December 31, 2008:
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
 
$
419,177
 
$
2,595
 
$
(25,728
)
$
396,044
 
        FNMA
   
35,578
   
 932
   
 —
   
36,510
 
        FHLMC
   
 30,477
   
 830
   
 —
   
 31,307
 
        GNMA
   
 22,536
   
 992
   
 —
   
 23,528
 
   
$
507,768
 
$
5,349
 
$
(25,728
)
$
487,389
 
                           
Weighted average yield
   
4.97
%
                 
                           
(1) Includes Agency CMO’s classified as available-for-sale.
 
 
                         
                           
                           

 

- 79 -


 

                           
Trading securities:
                         
                           
December 31, 2009:
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
$
12,183
 
$
 —
 
$
 —
 
$
12,183
 
   
$
12,183
 
$
 —
 
$
 —
 
$
12,183
 
                           
Weighted average yield
   
3.74
%
                 
                           
December 31, 2008:
                         
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
$
10,816
 
$
 
$
 —
 
$
10,816
 
   
$
10,816
 
$
 
$
 
$
10,816
 
                           
Weighted average yield
   
6.02
%
                 

 
The portfolio of available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities consists of both Agency and non-Agency bonds. All bonds (except the BBB+ rated trading securities) were AAA-rated at the time of purchase; $97.6 million are now rated below AAA-. Downgraded bonds were evaluated at December 31, 2009. The result of this evaluation shows only one bond with other-than-temporary impairment as of December 31, 2009, which resulted in an earnings charge of $86,000 or 9 basis points of downgraded bonds and only 1 basis point of the total MBS portfolio. The weighted average duration of the mortgage-backed securities was 2.4 years at December 31, 2009.
 
At December 31, 2009, mortgage-backed securities with market values aggregating $250.3 million were pledged as collateral for customer repurchase agreements and municipal deposits. Accrued interest receivable relating to mortgage-backed securities was $2.8 million and $2.1 million at both December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. From time to time, mortgage-backed securities are pledged as collateral for Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings. The fair value of these pledged mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $122.7 million and $16.0 million, respectively. In 2009, proceeds from the sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale were $111.2 million, resulting in a gain of $2.0 million. There were no sales of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale in 2008. The cost basis of all mortgage-backed sales is based on the specific identification method.
 
We own $12.4 million par value of SASCO RM-1 2002 securities which are classified as trading, of which, $1.4 million is accrued interest paid in kind. Based on FASB ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”) (Formerly SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities) when these securities were acquired they were classified as trading. It was our intent to sell them in the near term. We have used the guidance under ASC 320 to provide a reasonable estimate of fair value in 2009. We estimated the value of these securities as of December 31, 2009 based on the pricing of BBB+ securities that have an active market through a technique which estimates the fair value of this asset using the income approach. As a result of these mark-to-market adjustments, we recognized $1.4 million of securities gains and $1.6 million of securities losses during 2009 and 2008, respectively. There was no mark-to-market adjustments recorded during 2007.

At December 31, 2009, we owned mortgage-backed securities totaling $298.7 million where the amortized cost basis exceeded fair value. Total unrealized losses on these securities were $11.1 million at December 31, 2009. This temporary impairment is the result of changes in market interest rates, a lack of liquidity in the private-label mortgage-backed securities market and the reduction in credit ratings of 28 bonds out of 175 private-label bonds we own. Most of these securities have been impaired for less than twelve months. We have determined that all except one of these securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired. Quarterly, we evaluate the current characteristics of each of our mortgage-backed securities such as delinquency and foreclosure levels, credit enhancement, projected losses and coverage. In addition, we do not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not we will be required to sell these securities before we are able to recover the amortized cost basis.

 
- 80 -

 

The table below shows our mortgage-backed securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2009.  We have reviewed individual securities to determine whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is other-than-temporary.

   
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Loss
 
Value
 
Loss
 
Value
 
Loss
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Available-for-sale
                                     
CMO
 
$
115,088
 
$
2,701
 
$
108,839
 
$
7,682
 
$
223,927
 
$
10,383
 
FNMA
   
29,360
   
454
   
 —
   
 —
   
29,360
   
454
 
    FHLMC
   
25,434
   
83
   
 —
   
 —
   
25,434
   
83
 
        GNMA
   
19,953
   
187
   
 —
   
 —
   
19,953
   
187
 
                                       
Total temporarily impaired MBS
 
$
189,835
 
$
3,425
 
$
108,839
 
$
7,682
 
$
298,674
 
$
11,107
 

The table below shows our mortgage-backed securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value by investment category and length of time that individual securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2008:

   
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Loss
 
Value
 
Loss
 
Value
 
Loss
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Available-for-sale
                                     
CMO
 
$
249,118
 
$
23,536
 
$
37,298
 
$
2,192
 
$
286,416
 
$
25,728
 
FNMA
   
   
   
 —
   
 —
   
   
 
    FHLMC
   
   
   
 —
   
 —
   
   
 
        GNMA
   
   
   
 —
   
 —
   
   
 
                                       
Total temporarily impaired MBS
 
$
249,118
 
$
23,536
 
$
37,298
 
$
2,192
 
$
286,416
 
$
25,728
 

At December 31, 2009, we owned one $2.6 million mortgage-backed security where the amortized cost exceeded fair value and we recognized other-than-temporary impairment. The total loss on this bond was $187,000 at December 31, 2009. Of this loss, $86,000 was related to credit impairment and $101,000 was related to market interest rates and/or lack of liquidity in the market for mortgage-backed securities. As a result, we realized an earnings charge of $86,000 for other-than-temporary impairment during 2009.  There was no other-than-temporary impairment recognized in any prior years.

4. REVERSE MORTGAGES AND RELATED ASSETS

We hold an investment in reverse mortgages of $(530,000) at December 31, 2009 representing a participation in 18 reverse mortgages with a third party. These loans were originated in the early 1990’s.

These reverse mortgage loans are contracts that require the lender to make monthly advances throughout the borrower’s life or until the borrower relocates, prepays or the home is sold, at which time the loan becomes due and payable. Reverse mortgages are nonrecourse obligations, which means that the loan repayments are generally limited to the net sale proceeds of the borrower’s residence.

We account for our investment in reverse mortgages by estimating the value of the future cash flows on the reverse mortgages at a rate deemed appropriate for these mortgages, based on the market rate for similar collateral. Actual cash flows from these mortgage loans can result in significant volatility in the recorded value of reverse mortgage assets. As a result, income varies significantly from reporting period to reporting period. For the

 
- 81 -

 

year ended December 31, 2009, the Company lost $464,000 in interest income on reverse mortgages as compared to a loss of $1.1 million in 2008 and posting income of $2.0 million in 2007.  The losses in 2008 and 2009 primarily resulted from the decrease in the values of the properties securing these mortgages, based on annual re-evaluation and consistent with the decrease in home values over the past two years.

The projected cash flows depend on assumptions about life expectancy of the mortgagee and the future changes in collateral values. Projecting the changes in collateral values is the most significant factor impacting the volatility of reverse mortgage values. The current assumptions include a short-term annual depreciation rate of 0.0% in the first year, and a long-term annual appreciation rate of 0.5% in future years. If the long-term appreciation rate was increased to 1.5%, the resulting impact on income would have been $19,000. Conversely, if the long-term appreciation rate was decreased to -0.5%, the resulting impact on income would have been $(17,000).  If housing values do not change (0.0% annual appreciation for all future years), the resulting impact on income would be $(8,000).

We also hold $12.2 million fair value in BBB+ rated mortgage-backed securities classified as trading and have options to acquire up to 49.9% of Class “O” Certificates issued in connection with securities consisting of a portfolio of reverse mortgages we previously owned. The Class “O” Certificates are currently recorded on our financial statements at a zero value. At the time of the securitization, the third party securitizer (Lehman Brothers) retained 100% of the Class “O” Certificates from the securitization. These Class “O” Certificates have no priority over other classes of Certificates under the Trust and no distributions will be made on the Class “O” Certificates until, among other conditions, the principal amount of each other class of notes has been reduced to zero. The underlying assets, the reverse mortgages, are long-term assets. Hence, any cash flow that might inure to the holder of the Class “O” Certificates is not expected to occur until 2014 or later. Additionally, the Company can exercise its option on 49.9% of the Class “O” Certificates in up to five separate increments for an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million any time between January 1, 2004 and the termination of the Securitization Trust. The option to purchase the Class “O” Certificates does not meet the definition of a derivative under ASU 815, Derivatives and Hedging (formerly SFAS No. 161, Disclosure about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133). This certificate is an equity security with no readily determinable fair value; as such, it is excluded from the accounting treatment promulgated under ASU 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities (formerly SFAS 115) As a result, the option is carried at cost (which is zero). During the third quarter of 2008 Lehman Brothers Holdings filed for bankruptcy.  During 2009 we filed a “Proof of Claim” against Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc. regarding the option on the Class “O” Certificates.  Also during 2009 we notified Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc. that we were exercising our option on these securities.  The status of this exercise is pending.

5. LOANS

The following table details our loan portfolio:

December 31,
2009
 
2008
(In Thousands)
         
Real estate mortgage loans:
         
Residential (1-4 family)
$
348,873
 
$
422,740
Other
 
524,380
   
558,979
Real estate construction loans
 
231,625
   
251,508
Commercial loans
 
1,120,807
   
942,920
Consumer loans
 
300,648
   
296,728
   
2,526,333
   
2,472,875
Less:
         
Deferred fees (costs), net
 
2,098
   
126
Allowance for loan losses
 
53,446
   
31,189
Net loans
$
2,470,789
 
$
2,441,560


 
- 82 -

 

    Nonaccruing loans aggregated $65.9 million, $28.4 million and $31.8 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  If interest on all such loans had been recorded in accordance with contractual terms, net interest income would have increased by $2.6 million in 2009, $2.0 million in 2008, and $790,000 in 2007. Portfolio delinquency is actually less than nonperforming assets at December 31, 2009 as two large credits, that have been current, were moved to nonaccrual status in the second quarter of 2009.

The total amount of loans serviced for others were $256.7 million, $268.8 million and $255.0 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively all of which were residential first mortgage loans. We received fees from the servicing of loans of $570,000, $650,000 and $718,000 during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

We record mortgage-servicing rights on our mortgage loan-servicing portfolio. Mortgage servicing rights represent the present value of the future net servicing fees from servicing mortgage loans acquired or originated by us. The value of these servicing rights was $349,000 and $329,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in loans on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Condition. Changes in the valuation of these servicing rights resulted in net revenue of $20,000 during 2009 and net expense of $259,000 in 2008. The increase from the prior year was mainly due to an increase in prepayment speeds during 2008 and the resulting impairment charge.  Revenues from originating, marketing and servicing mortgage loans as well as valuation adjustments related to capitalized mortgage servicing rights are included in mortgage banking activities, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Accrued interest receivable on loans outstanding was $7.6 million and $7.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

A summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
(In Thousands)
           
Beginning balance
$   31,189
 
$25,252
 
$27,384
 
Provision for loan losses
47,811
 
23,024
 
5,021
 
Loans charged-off (1)
(26,566
)
(17,839
)
(8,049
)
Recoveries (2)
1,012
 
752
 
896
 
Ending balance
$   53,446
 
$31,189
 
$25,252
 

(1)
2009, 2008 and 2007 include $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million of overdraft charge-offs, respectively.
(2)
2009, 2008 and 2007 include $380,000, $384,000 and $446,000 of overdraft recoveries, respectively.

Net charge-offs increased this year as we moved loans through the resolution process in some of the larger construction loans we identified earlier in this cycle.  During 2009, net charge-offs increased to $25.6 million, or 1.01%, of average loans annualized, from $17.1 million, or 0.74%, of average loans in 2008.  This is due to the fact we provide for losses earlier in the problem loan identification process when they are probable and charge the loans off and utilize the provision when the losses are certain or near certain.

6. IMPAIRED LOANS

Loans from which it is probable we will not collect all principal and interest due according to contractual terms are measured for impairment in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 310, Receivables (Formerly SFAS No. 114, Accounting for Creditors for Impairment of a Loan).  The amount of impairment is required to be measured using one of three methods: (1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (2) the loan’s observable market price; or (3) the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, a specific allowance is allocated for the impairment.

We had impaired loans of approximately $73.2 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $31.3 million at December 31, 2008.  The average recorded balance of aggregate impaired loans was $62.2 million for the year-ended December 31, 2009 and $26.1 million for the year-ended December 31, 2008.  The specific allowance for losses on these impaired loans was $11.8 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $395,000 at December 31,

 
- 83 -

 

2008.  The change in the specific allowance was due to additional provision for loan loss of $12.9 million and net transfers of $3.9 million from general valuation allowances.  These increases were partially offset by $5.4 million of charge-offs and transfers to assets acquired through foreclosure during 2009.

When there is little prospect of collecting principal or interest, loans, or portions of loans, may be charged-off to the allowance for loan losses.  Losses are recognized in the period when an obligation becomes uncollectible.

7. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Land, office buildings, leasehold improvements and furniture and equipment, at cost, are summarized by major classifications:

December 31,
2009
 
2008
(In Thousands)
     
Land
$
4,422
 
$
  4,422
Buildings
 
10,900
   
10,797
Leasehold improvements
 
26,089
   
22,990
Furniture and equipment
 
32,444
   
29,892
   
73,855
   
68,101
Less:
         
Accumulated depreciation
 
37,747
   
33,135
 
$
36,108
 
$
34,966

Depreciation expense is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, for leasehold improvements, over the effective life of the related lease if less than the estimated useful life. In general, computer equipment, furniture and equipment and building renovations are depreciated over three, five and ten years, respectively.

The Company occupies certain premises including some with renewal options, and operates certain equipment under noncancelable leases with terms ranging primarily from 1 to 25 years. These leases are accounted for as operating leases. Accordingly, lease costs are expensed as incurred in accordance with FASB ASC 840-20 Operating Leases.  Rent expense was $5.9 million in 2009, $5.0 million in 2008 and $4.5 million in 2007. Future minimum payments under these leases at December 31, 2009 are as follows:

(In Thousands)
   
2010
$
5,113
2011
 
4,841
2012
 
4,324
2013
 
3,949
2014
 
3,726
Thereafter
 
26,628
Total future minimum lease payments
$
48,581

8. DEPOSITS

The following is a summary of deposits by category, including a summary of the remaining time to maturity for time deposits:

December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
(In Thousands)
             
Money market and demand:
             
Noninterest-bearing demand
 
$
431,476
 
$
311,322
 
Interest-bearing demand
   
265,719
   
214,749
 
Money market
   
550,639
   
326,792
 
Total money market and demand
   
1,247,834
   
852,863
 
               
Savings
   
224,921
   
208,368
 
               
               
 
 
 
- 84 -

 
 
 

December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
(In Thousands)
             
Customer certificates of deposit by maturity:
             
Less than one year
   
292,884
   
287,546
 
One year to two years
   
129,144
   
107,593
 
Two years to three years
   
43,622
   
9,681
 
Three years to four years
   
2,580
   
42,161
 
Over four years
   
1,909
   
3,075
 
Total customer time certificates
   
470,139
   
450,056
 
               
Jumbo certificates of deposit--customer, by maturity:
             
Less than one year
   
137,492
   
144,925
 
One year to two years
   
46,883
   
32,399
 
Two years to three years
   
18,426
   
1,463
 
Three years to four years
   
161
   
16,795
 
Over four years
   
164
   
264
 
Total jumbo certificates of deposit--customer
   
203,126
   
195,846
 
Subtotal customer deposits
   
2,146,020
   
1,707,133
 
               
Other jumbo certificates of deposit--by maturity:
             
Less than one year
   
69,208
   
103,825
 
One year to two years
   
   
 
Two years to three years
   
   
 
Three years to four years
   
   
 
Over four years
   
   
 
Total other jumbo time certificates
   
69,208
   
103,825
 
               
Brokered deposits less than one year
   
346,643
   
311,394
 
               
Total deposits
 
$
2,561,871
 
$
2,122,352
 

Customer deposits increased $438.9 million, or 26%, over balances at December 31, 2008. The growth was across all categories.

Interest expense by category follows:
         
           
Year Ended December 31,
2009
 
2008
 
2007
(In Thousands)
               
Interest-bearing demand
$
648
 
$
1,064
 
$
1,393
Money market
 
4,857
   
5,909
   
11,870
Savings
 
521
   
736
   
1,679
Customer time deposits
 
19,789
   
20,775
   
22,357
Total customer interest expense
 
25,815
   
28,484
   
37,299
                 
Other jumbo certificates of deposit
 
1,845
   
3,091
   
5,176
Brokered deposits
 
2,729
   
8,234
   
14,836
Total interest expense on deposits
$
30,389
 
$
39,809
 
$
57,311





 
- 85 -

 

9. BORROWED FUNDS

The following is a summary of borrowed funds by type:

           
Maximum
     
Weighted
           
Outstanding
 
Average
 
Average
       
Weighted
 
at Month
 
Amount
 
Interest
   
Balance at
 
Average
 
End
 
Outstanding
 
Rate
   
End of
 
Interest
 
During the
 
During the
 
During the
   
Period
 
Rate
 
Period
 
Period
 
Period
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
2009
                             
                               
FHLB advances
 
$
613,144
 
2.59
%
 
$
738,639
 
$
642,496
 
2.81
%
Trust preferred borrowings
   
67,011
 
2.03
     
67,011
   
67,011
 
2.64
 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
100,000
 
1.50
     
100,000
   
101,019
 
1.49
 
Other borrowed funds
   
74,654
 
1.21
     
132,604
   
105,616
 
1.01
 
                               
2008
                             
                               
FHLB advances
 
$
815,957
 
2.74
%
 
$
942,922
 
$
841,005
 
3.46
%
Trust preferred borrowings
   
67,011
 
3.97
     
67,011
   
67,011
 
4.81
 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
75,000
 
1.87
     
99,999
   
75,844
 
3.11
 
Other borrowed funds
   
108,777
 
0.79
     
127,556
   
110,237
 
1.96
 
 
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

Advances from the FHLB of Pittsburgh with rates ranging from 0.26% to 5.45% at December 31, 2009 are due as follows:

       
Weighted
       
Average
                   Matures during:
 
Amount
 
Rate
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
             
                   2010
 
$
405,517
 
2.24
%
                   2011
   
86,855
 
3.64
 
                   2012
   
87,539
 
3.06
 
                   2013
   
33,233
 
2.90
 
   
$
613,144
     

Pursuant to collateral agreements with the FHLB, advances are secured by qualifying first mortgage loans, qualifying fixed-income securities, FHLB stock and an interest-bearing demand deposit account with the FHLB.

As a member of the FHLB of Pittsburgh, we are required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB of Pittsburgh in an amount at least equal to 4.75% of its advances (borrowings) from the FHLB of, plus 0.75% of the unused borrowing capacity. We were in compliance with this requirement with a stock investment in FHLB of Pittsburgh of $39.3 million at December 31, 2009. This stock is carried on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Condition at cost, which approximates liquidation value.

In December 2008, the FHLB of Pittsburgh announced the suspension of both dividend payments and the repurchase of capital stock until such time as it becomes prudent to reinstate both.  We received no dividends from the FHLB of Pittsburgh during 2009.  For additional information regarding our stock in the FHLB of Pittsburgh see Note 15.

 
- 86 -

 

At December 31, 2009, 32 advances were outstanding totaling $613.1 million, with a weighted average rate of 2.59%. Six advances totaling $95.0 million are convertible on a quarterly basis (at the discretion of the FHLB) to a variable rate advance based upon the three-month London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”), after an initial fixed term. If any of these advances convert, WSFS has the option to prepay these advances at predetermined times or rates.

Trust Preferred Borrowings

On April 6, 2005, we completed the issuance of $67.0 million of aggregate principal amount of Pooled Floating Rate Securities at a variable interest rate of 177 basis points over the three-month LIBOR rate. The proceeds from this issuance were used to fund the redemption of $51.5 million of Floating Rate Capital Trust I Preferred Securities.

Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

During 2009 and 2008, we purchased federal funds as a short-term funding source.   At December 31, 2009, we had purchased $75.0 million in federal funds at a rate of 0.38%.  At December 31, 2008, we had purchased $50.0 million in federal funds at a rate of 0.38%. At December 31, 2007, we also had $50.0 million federal funds purchased.

During 2009, we sold securities under agreements to repurchase as a funding source. At December 31, 2009, securities sold under agreements to repurchase had a fixed rate of 4.87%. The underlying securities are mortgage-backed securities with a book value of $29.2 million at December 31, 2009. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with the corresponding carrying and market values of the underlying securities are due as follows:

           
Collateral
 
   
Borrowing
     
Carrying
 
Market
 
Accrued
 
   
Amount
 
Rate
 
Value
 
Value
 
Interest
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
                               
2009
                               
                                 
Over 90 days
 
$
25,000
 
4.87
%
 
$
29,226
 
$
29,471
 
$
101
 
                                 
2008
                               
                                 
Over 90 days
 
$
25,000
 
 4.87
%
 
$
29,500
 
$
30,223
 
$
101
 

Other Borrowed Funds

Included in other borrowed funds are collateralized borrowings of $44.7 million and $108.8 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, consisting of outstanding retail repurchase agreements, contractual arrangements under which portions of certain securities are sold overnight to customers under agreements to repurchase. Such borrowings were collateralized by mortgage-backed securities. The average rates on these borrowings were 0.18% and 0.79% at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  During 2009, we participated in the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”).  Under this program we issued $30.0 million of unsecured debt with a coupon rate of 2.74% and a 3 year maturity.

10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    Under Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) capital regulations, savings institutions such as WSFS, must maintain “tangible” capital equal to 1.5% of adjusted total assets, “core” capital equal to 4.0% of adjusted total assets, “Tier 1” capital equal to 4.0% of risk-weighted assets and “total” or “risk-based” capital (a combination of

 
- 87 -

 

core and “supplementary” capital) equal to 8.0% of risk-weighted assets.  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 WSFS’ Financial Statements.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, WSFS was in compliance with regulatory capital requirements and was deemed a “well-capitalized” institution.

The following table presents WSFS’ capital position as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

   
Consolidated
Bank Capital
 
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
   
Amount
Percent
 
Amount
Percent
 
Amount
Percent
(In Thousands)
                       
As of December 31, 2009:
                       
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
359,834
12.24
%
 
$
235,163
8.00
%
 
$
293,953
10.00
%
Core Capital (to adjusted tangible assets)
   
323,957
8.67
     
149,404
4.00
     
186,755
5.00
 
Tangible Capital (to tangible assets)
   
323,957
8.67
     
56,026
1.50
     
N/A
N/A
 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
323,957
11.02
     
117,581
4.00
     
176,372
6.00
 
                               
As of December 31, 2008:
                             
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
304,679
11.00
%
 
$
221,561
8.00
%
 
$
276,951
10.00
%
Core Capital (to adjusted tangible assets)
   
274,221
7.99
     
137,303
4.00
     
171,629
5.00
 
Tangible Capital (to tangible assets)
   
274,221
7.99
     
51,489
1.50
     
N/A
N/A
 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
274,221
9.90
     
110,780
4.00
     
166,170
6.00
 

           The Holding Company holds additional funds, mostly from the $25 million common equity raised in the third quarter of 2009 that can be contributed as capital to the Bank, if desired.  A $25 million infusion of this cash to the Bank would increase total and Tier 1 capital by 85 basis points and core and tangible capital by 67 basis points.

    Our capital structure includes one class of $0.01 par common stock outstanding, each share having equal voting rights and one class of $.01 par preferred stock.  During 2009 we completed a private placement of common stock to Peninsula Investment Partners, L.P. for a total purchase price of $25.0 million.  Information concerning this transaction is included in Note 21.
 
    During 2009, we issued and sold senior preferred stock to the U.S. Department of Treasury under its Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”) totaling $52.6 million. Information concerning this transaction is included in Note 21.
 
    When infused into the Bank, the Trust Preferred Securities issued in 2005 qualify as Tier 1 capital. We are prohibited from paying any dividend or making any other capital distribution if, after making the distribution, we would be undercapitalized within the meaning of the OTS Prompt Corrective Action regulations.  Since 1996, the Board of Directors has approved several stock repurchase programs to reacquire common shares.  We did not acquire any shares in 2009; however, we acquired 73,500 shares totaling $3.6 million during 2008 as part of these programs.
 
    The Holding Company

In April 2005, WSFS Capital Trust III, an unconsolidated subsidiary of WSFS Financial Corporation, issued $67.0 million of aggregate principle of Pooled Floating Rate Securities at a variable interest rate of 177 basis points over the three-month LIBOR rate.  The proceeds were used to refinance the WSFS Capital Trust I November 1998 issuance of $51.5 million of Trust Preferred Securities which had a variable rate of 250 basis points over the three-month LIBOR rate.  At December 31, 2009, the coupon rate of the Capital Trust III securities was 2.03% with a scheduled maturity of June 1, 2035.  The effective rate will vary, however, due to fluctuations in interest rates. The proceeds from the issue were invested in Junior Subordinated Debentures issued

 
- 88 -

 

by WSFS Financial Corporation. These securities are treated as borrowings with the interest included in interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The remaining proceeds were used primarily to extinguish higher rate debt and for general corporate purposes.  In addition, we had an interest rate cap with a notional amount of $50.0 million, which limited the three month LIBOR to 6.00%. This cap expired on December 1, 2008.

Pursuant to federal laws and regulations, WSFS' ability to engage in transactions with affiliated corporations is limited, and WSFS generally may not lend funds to nor guarantee indebtedness of the Company.
 
11. ASSOCIATE (EMPLOYEE) BENEFIT PLANS

Associate 401(k) Savings Plan

Certain subsidiaries of ours maintain a qualified plan in which Associates may participate. Participants in the plan may elect to direct a portion of their wages into investment accounts that include professionally managed mutual and money market funds and our common stock.  Generally, the principal and earnings thereon are tax deferred until withdrawn.  We match a portion of the Associates' contributions and periodically make discretionary contributions based on our performance into the plan for the benefit of Associates.  Our total cash contributions to the plan on behalf of our Associates resulted in a cash expenditure of $1.5 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Effective November 2007, all of our discretionary contributions are invested in accordance with the Associates’ selection of investments.  If Associates do not designate how discretionary contributions are to be invested, 80% will be invested in a balanced fund and 20% will be invested in our common stock.  Associates may make transfers to various other investment vehicles within the plan without any significant restrictions.  The plan purchased 50,000, 10,000, and 25,000 shares of our common stock during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Postretirement Benefits

We share certain costs of providing health and life insurance benefits to retired Associates (and their eligible dependents).  Substantially all Associates may become eligible for these benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for us.

We account for our obligations under the provisions of FASB ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (“ASC 715”) (Formerly SFAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions). ASC 715 requires that the costs of these benefits be recognized over an Associate’s active working career.  Amortization of unrecognized net gains or losses resulting from experience different from that assumed and from changes in assumptions is included as a component of net periodic benefit cost over the remaining service period of active employees to the extent that such gains and losses exceed 10% of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, as of the beginning of the year.
 
ASC 715 requires that we recognize the funded status of our defined benefit postretirement plan in our statement of financial position, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income at adoption represented the net unrecognized actuarial losses and unrecognized transition obligation remaining from the initial adoption of ASC 715, all of which were previously netted against the plan’s funded status in our statement of financial position pursuant to the provisions of ASC 715. These amounts will be subsequently recognized as net periodic pension costs pursuant to our historical accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Further, actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods and are not recognized as net periodic pension cost in the same periods will be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Those amounts will be subsequently recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost on the same basis as the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at adoption of ASC 715.

 
- 89 -

 

    In accordance with ASC 715, during 2010, the Company expects to recognize $12,000 in expense relating to the amortization of the net actuarial loss and $61,000 in expense relating to the amortization of the net transition obligation.

    The following disclosures relating to postretirement benefits were measured at December 31, 2009:

     
2009
     
2008
     
2007
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
                         
Change in benefit obligation:
                         
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
2,502
   
$
2,339
   
$
2,233
   
Service cost
   
161
     
142
     
137
   
Interest cost
   
141
     
137
     
125
   
Actuarial loss/(gain)
   
(69
)
   
56
     
(29
)
 
Benefits paid
   
(167
)
   
(172
)
   
(127
)
 
Benefit obligation at end of year
 
$
2,568
   
$
2,502
   
$
2,339
   
                           
Change in plan assets:
                         
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
Employer contributions
   
167
     
172
     
127
   
Benefits paid
   
(167
)
   
(172
)
   
(127
)
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
                           
Funded status:
                         
Funded status
 
$
(2,568
)
 
$
 (2,502
)
 
$
 (2,339
)
 
Unrecognized transition obligation
   
     
     
   
Unrecognized net loss
   
     
     
   
Recognized net loss
   
626
     
774
     
795
   
Net amount recognized
 
$
(1,942
)
 
$
(1,728
)
 
$
(1,544
)
 
                           
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                         
Service cost
   
161
     
142
   
$
137
   
Interest cost
   
141
     
137
     
125
   
Amortization of transition obligation
   
61
     
61
     
61
   
Net loss recognition
   
18
     
16
     
19
   
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
381
   
$
356
   
$
342
   
                           
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
                         
Discount rate
   
5.75
%
   
6.00
%
   
5.75
%
 
Health care cost trend rate
   
5.00
%
   
5.00
%
   
5.00
%
 
                           
Sensitivity analysis of health care cost trends:
                         
Effect of +1% on service cost plus interest cost
 
$
(11
)
 
$
 (12
)
 
$
 (7
)
 
Effect of –1% on service cost plus interest cost
   
9
     
9
     
7
   
Effect of +1% on APBO
   
(74
)
   
(89
)
   
(74
)
 
Effect of –1% on APBO
   
60
     
72
     
63
   
                           
Assumptions used to value the Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (APBO):
                         
Discount rate
   
6.00
%
   
5.75
%
   
6.00
%
 
Health care cost trend rate
   
5.00
%
   
5.00
%
   
5.00
%
 
Ultimate trend rate
   
5.00
%
   
5.00
%
   
5.00
%
 
Year of ultimate trend rate
   
2009
     
2008
     
2005
   

 
- 90 -

 

Estimated future benefit payments:

The following table shows the expected future payments for the next ten years:
(In Thousands)

During 2010
$
119
During 2011
 
121
During 2012
 
127
During 2013
 
131
During 2014
 
129
During 2015 through 2019
 
660
 
$
1,287

We assume that the average annual rate of increase for medical benefits will remain flat and stabilize at an average increase of 5% per annum. The costs incurred for retirees’ health care are limited since certain current and all future retirees are restricted to an annual medical premium cap indexed (since 1995) by the lesser of 4% or the actual increase in medical premiums paid by the Company. For 2009, this annual premium cap amounted to $2,496 per retiree. We estimate that we will contribute approximately $119,000 to the plan during fiscal 2010.

We have three additional plans which are no longer being provided to Associates.  They are a Supplemental Pension Plan with a corresponding liability of $646,000, an Early Retirement Window Plan with a corresponding liability of $373,000 and a Director’s Plan with a corresponding liability of $108,000.

12. TAXES ON INCOME
 
    The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and separate state income tax returns.  Our income tax (benefit) provision consists of the following:

Year Ended December 31,
2009
2008
2007
(In Thousands)
                 
Current income taxes:
                 
Federal taxes
$
7,699
 
$
9,741
 
$
10,389
 
State and local taxes
 
(1,408
)
 
119
   
2,274
 
Deferred income taxes:
                 
Federal taxes
 
(8,384
)
 
(2,910
)
 
811
 
State and local taxes
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
                   
Total
$
(2,093
)
$
6,950
 
$
13,474
 

Current federal income taxes include taxes on income that cannot be offset by net operating loss carryforwards.












 
- 91 -

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The following is a summary of the significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

     
2009
2008
(In Thousands)
       
Deferred tax liabilities:
       
 
Accelerated depreciation
 
$
(683
)
$
(802
)
 
Other
   
(140
)
 
(99
)
 
Prepaid expenses
   
(1,537
)
 
(1,556
)
 
Deferred loan costs
   
(1,955
)
 
(1,959
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
     
(4,315
)
 
(4,416
)
                 
Deferred tax assets:
               
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
18,706
   
10,916
 
 
Tax credit carryforwards
   
   
150
 
 
Reserves and other
   
5,242
   
4,399
 
 
Deferred gains
   
343
   
542
 
 
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities
   
1,239
   
7,731
 
Total deferred tax assets
     
25,530
   
23,738
 
                 
Valuation allowance
     
   
 
Net deferred tax asset
   
$
21,215
 
$
19,322
 

Included in the table above is the effect of certain temporary differences for which no deferred tax expense or benefit was recognized. Such items consisted primarily of unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities accounted for under ASC 320.  Also included above for 2008 are $369,000 of deferred tax assets recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of 1st Reverse.  As a result of the wind-down of 1st Reverse, there are no deferred tax assets for 1st Reverse included in 2009.

Based on our history of prior earnings and our expectations of the future, it is anticipated that operating income and the reversal pattern of its temporary differences will, more likely than not, be sufficient to realize a net deferred tax asset of $21.2 million at December 31, 2009. Adjustments to decrease gross deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowance in the amount of $2.0 million and $473,000 were made in 2008 and 2007, respectively, to reflect federal and state tax net operating losses that have expired. No federal or state net operating losses remain at December 31, 2009.

 A reconciliation setting forth the differences between our effective tax rate and the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Statutory federal income tax rate
 
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
State tax net of federal tax benefit
 
64.0
 
0.3
 
3.4
 
Interest income 50% excludable
 
50.6
 
(3.2
)
(1.7
)
Bank-owned life insurance income
 
22.4
 
(2.7
)
(1.8
)
Charitable donation
 
 
 
(5.0
)
Incentive stock option and other
   nondeductible compensation
 
 
(18.0
 
)
 
0.7
 
 
0.5
 
Nondeductible goodwill
 
(8.0
)
 
 
Other
 
0.4
 
 
0.8
 
Effective tax rate
 
146.4
%
30.1
%
31.2
%


 
- 92 -

 

    During 2007, we donated an N.C. Wyeth mural which was previously displayed in our former headquarters. Pursuant to an appraisal by a nationally recognized art appraisal firm, the estimated fair value of the mural was $6.0 million, which was recorded as a charitable contribution expense. We recognized a related offsetting gain on the transfer of the asset during 2007. The expense and offsetting gain was shown net in our Consolidated Financial Statements. As the gain on the transfer of the asset is permanently excludible from taxation, the charitable contribution transaction results in a permanent deduction for income tax purposes. The amount of the deduction represents an income tax uncertainty because it is subject to evaluation by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).
 
    We record interest and penalties on potential income tax deficiencies as income tax expense.  Federal tax years 2006 through 2008 remain subject to examination as of December 31, 2009, while tax years 2006 through 2008 remain subject to examination by state taxing jurisdictions. The IRS audit of our 2004, 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns was completed during 2008. No state income tax return examinations are currently in process. We believe it is reasonably possible that between $800,000 and $1.0 million of unrecognized state tax benefits, net of federal tax, will be realized during 2010 as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations. Excluding the potential impact of the IRS review of the mural valuation, we expect to record less than $50,000 of additional reserves during 2010 related to interest on existing unrecognized tax benefits.
 
    During 2007, an additional $3.6 million tax reserve was established related primarily to the Internal Revenue Service disallowance of the deduction for certain compensation in prior periods. This adjustment was the result of a routine IRS audit of our 2004 through 2006 tax years. Because the original tax benefit for this item was recorded as an increase to equity, $3.4 million of the tax liability was recorded as a reduction to equity in 2007. Even though this matter was not yet settled, as of December 31, 2007, standards under ASC 740 required this reserve to be established during 2007. In order to stop interest from accruing on this tax liability until the matter could be resolved through the IRS appeals process, we deposited the entire $3.4 million, plus interest in 2007 so that no reserve remained for this matter as of December 31, 2007. During 2008 we successfully completed the IRS appeal process and during the first quarter of 2009 we recovered $863,000 of taxes plus $275,000 of interest that were previously assessed during the audit phase.  The tax recovery was recorded as an increase to equity in 2008 while the interest received was recorded as a reduction of income tax expense in 2008.
 
    The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to ASC 740 as of December 31, 2009 was $1.9 million, of which $1.3 million would affect our effective tax rate if recognized. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties included in such unrecognized tax benefits were $372,000 and $0, respectively, of which $119,000 was recorded as expense in 2009. A reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits during 2009 is as follows:
 
 

(In Thousands)
     
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008
$
2,585
 
Additions as a result of tax positions taken during prior years
 
    119
 
Additions as a result of tax positions taken during current year
 
      —
 
Reductions relating to settlements with taxing authorities
 
      —
 
Reductions as a result of a lapse of statutes of limitations
 
  (854)
)))
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009
$
1,850
 

13. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC 718 (Formerly SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment). We have stock options outstanding under two plans (collectively, “Stock Incentive Plans”) for officers, directors and Associates of the Company and its subsidiaries.  After shareholder approval in 2005, the 1997 Stock Option Plan (“1997 Plan”) was replaced by the 2005 Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”).  No future awards may be granted under the 1997 Plan.  The 2005 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its

 
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effective date, after which no awards may be granted.  The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2005 Plan is 862,000.  At December 31, 2009, there were 105,902 shares available for future grants under the 2005 Plan.

The Stock Incentive Plans provide for the granting of incentive stock options as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code as well as nonincentive stock options (collectively, “Stock Options”).  Additionally, the 2005 Plan provides for the granting of stock appreciation rights, performance awards, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, deferred stock units, dividend equivalents, other stock-based awards and cash awards.  All Stock Options are to be granted at not less than the market price of our common stock on the date of the grant.  All Stock Options granted during 2009 vest in 25% per annum increments, start to become exercisable one year from the grant date and expire in five years from the grant date.  Generally, all awards become immediately exercisable in the event of a change in control, as defined within the Stock Incentive Plans.

A summary of the status of our Stock Incentive Plans as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and changes during the years then ended is presented below:

   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
       
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
 
       
Average
     
Average
     
Average
 
       
Exercise
     
Exercise
     
Exercise
 
   
Shares
 
Price
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Stock Options:
                                     
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
675,887
 
$
44.98
   
722,582
 
$
43.14
   
703,427
 
$
39.52
 
Granted
   
83,921
   
23.33
   
33,250
   
49.08
   
121,375
   
54.25
 
Exercised
   
(16,460
)
 
16.48
   
(60,240
)
 
20.51
   
(80,836
)
 
23.85
 
Forfeited
   
(9,880
)
 
59.50
   
(19,705
)
 
59.27
   
(21,384
)
 
60.08
 
Outstanding at end of year
   
733,468
   
42.95
   
675,887
   
44.98
   
722,582
   
43.14
 
                                       
Exercisable at end of year
   
541,910
 
$
43.52
   
473,445
 
$
39.84
   
444,653
 
$
33.75
 
                                       
Weighted-average fair value of awards granted
 
$
5.42
       
$
10.57
       
$
11.36
       

The variance in shares granted between the respective periods is due to a timing change for awarding options.  In periods prior to 2008, options were awarded during December of the respective year.  However, beginning with 2008, awards were granted in March, and as a result the awards typically granted during December 2008 were granted during March of 2009.

Beginning January 1, 2009, 473,445 stock options were exercisable with an intrinsic value of $6.1 million.  In addition, at January 1, 2009 there were 202,442 nonvested options with a grant date fair value of $12.10.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, 93,337 options vested with no intrinsic value, and a grant date fair value of $12.63 per option.  Also during 2009, 16,460 options were exercised with an intrinsic value of $231,000.  In addition, 8,412 vested options were forfeited with no intrinsic value, and a grant date fair value of $14.17, while 9,880 options were forfeited in total with a grant date fair value of $13.86.  There were 541,910 exercisable options remaining at December 31, 2009, with an intrinsic value of $1.5 million and a remaining contractual term of 2.5 years.  At December 31, 2009 there were 733,468 stock options outstanding with an intrinsic value of $1.7 million and a remaining contractual term of 2.8 years and 191,558 nonvested options with a grant date fair value of $8.92.  During 2008, 60,240 options were exercised with an intrinsic value of $2.0 million and 105,479 options vested with a grant date fair value of $12.47 per option.

The total amount of compensation cost related to nonvested stock options as of December 31, 2009 was $1.1 million.  The weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 2.1 years.  We issue new shares upon the exercise of options.

 
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    During 2009, we granted 83,921 options with a five-year life and a four-year vesting period.  The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was used to determine the grant date fair value of these options.  Significant assumptions used in the model included a weighted-average risk-free rate of return of between 1.7% and 2.1% in 2009; an expected option life of three and three-quarter years; and an expected stock price volatility of between 34.4% and 41.3% in 2009.  For the purposes of this option-pricing model, a dividend yield of between 1.8% and 2.1% was used as the expected dividend yield.  The expected option life was determined based on the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term.
 
    Prior to the adoption of ASC 718, we used a graded-vesting schedule to calculate the expense related to stock options.  Since the adoption of ASC 718 we have used a straight-line schedule to calculate the expense related to new stock options issued.
 
    The Black-Scholes and other option-pricing models assume that options are freely tradable and immediately vested.  Since options are not transferable, have vesting provisions, and are subject to trading blackout periods imposed by us, the value calculated by the Black-Scholes model may significantly overstate the true economic value of the options.
 
    During 2009 and 2008 we issued 285 and 185 shares, respectively, of restricted stock units.  These awards vest over five years:  0% during the first two years, 25% at the end of each of the third and fourth years and 50% at the end of the fifth year.  In addition, during 2009 we issued 1,146 shares of restricted stock units, which vest over four years, 25% on each anniversary date.
 
    During 2009 we issued 25,248 shares of restricted stock and 5,259 shares of restricted stock units.  These awards vest over four years (25% per year on the first four anniversaries of the awards).  In addition, for these stock awards made to certain executive officers, there are additional vesting limitations relating to these awards.   Under these additional limitations; 25% of the awards will become transferrable at the time of repayment of at least 25% of the aggregate financial assistance received by the Company under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”); an additional 25% of the shares granted (for an aggregate total of 50% of the shares transferrable) at the time of repayment of at least 50% of the aggregate financial assistance received by the Company under EESA;  an additional 25% of the shares granted (for an aggregate total of 75% of the shares transferrable) at the time of repayment of at least 75% of the aggregate financial assistance received by the Company under EESA.  The remainder of the shares will vest following the time of repayment of 100% of the aggregate financial assistance received by the Company under EESA.   If the date specified has not occurred by the tenth anniversary of the grant date, the grantee shall forfeit all of the restricted shares.  Finally, we issued 640 shares of restricted stock during 2009 that vest over four years, 25% on each anniversary date which are not subject to the additional EESA restrictions.  Compensation costs related to these issuances are recognized over the lives of the restricted stock and restricted stock units.  We amortize the expense related to restricted stock grants into salaries, benefits and other compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.  When we award restricted stock to individuals from whom we may not receive services in the future, such as those who are eligible for retirement, we recognize the expense of restricted stock grants when we make the award, instead of amortizing the expense over the vesting period of the award.
 
    The increase in restricted stock issued during 2009 was due to payment of bonuses to our senior executive officers in restricted stock, in lieu of cash payments, which is a requirement of our agreement with the U.S. Treasury under CPP.
 
    During 2008, we created a performance-based incentive program under the terms of the 2005 Plan.  Under this program shares of WSFS stock may be awarded to certain members of management.
 
    The Long-Term Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program (Long-Term Program) will award up to an aggregate of 109,200 shares of WSFS stock to seventeen participants, only after the achievement of

 
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targeted levels of return on assets (“ROA”).  Under the terms of the plan, if an annual ROA performance level of 1.20% is achieved, up to 54,900 shares will be awarded.  If an annual ROA performance level of 1.35% is achieved, up to 76,100 shares will be awarded.  If an annual ROA performance level of 1.50% or greater is achieved, up to 109,200 shares will be awarded.  If these targets are achieved in any year up until 2011, the awarded stock will then vest in 25% increments over four years.  We did not recognize any compensation expense related to this program during 2009.  Compensation expense for the Long-Term Program will be based on the closing stock price as of May 28, 2008 and will begin to be recognized once the achievement of target performance is considered probable.

At December 31, 2009 we had 105,902 shares remaining available for issuance under the 2005 Plan.  Full share awards, such as restricted stock, have the equivalence of four option grants for the purpose of calculating shares available for issuance.  Under the provisions of the Long Term Program, if a performance level is achieved and there are insufficient shares available for grant, then we would have the option of granting the available shares with the remainder being paid in cash.

The impact of stock-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $1.4 million pretax ($1.1 million after tax), or $0.18 per share, to salaries, benefits and other compensation, compared to $1.1 million pretax ($917,000 after tax), or $0.15 per share in 2008 and $1.5 million pretax ($1.2 million after tax), or $0.19 per share in 2007.

The following table summarizes all stock options outstanding and exercisable for Option Plans as of December 31, 2009, segmented by range of exercise prices:

   
Outstanding
 
Exercisable
 
       
Weighted-
 
Weighted-
     
Weighted
 
       
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
       
Exercise
 
Remaining
     
Exercise
 
   
Number
 
Price
 
Contractual Life
 
Number
 
Price
 
                       
Stock Options:
                         
                           
$6.90-$13.80
 
39,270
 
$
10.88
 
0.9 years
 
39,270
 
$
10.88
 
$13.81-$20.70
 
103,110
   
16.89
 
1.8 years
 
103,110
   
16.89
 
$20.71-$27.60
 
83,921
   
23.33
 
4.2 years
 
-
   
-
 
$27.61-$34.50
 
61,755
   
33.40
 
3.0 years
 
61,755
   
33.40
 
$34.51-$41.40
 
-
   
-
 
- years
 
-
   
-
 
$41.41-$48.30
 
85,215
   
44.49
 
4.0 years
 
67,885
   
44.01
 
$48.31-$55.20
 
118,215
   
53.19
 
3.0 years
 
60,251
   
53.18
 
$55.21-$62.10
 
67,367
   
58.82
 
4.8 years
 
60,804
   
58.86
 
$62.11-$69.00
 
174,615
   
64.53
 
1.5 years
 
148,835
   
64.40
 
                           
Total
 
733,468
 
$
42.95
 
2.8 years
 
541,910
 
$
43.52
 

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Lending Operations

At December 31, 2009, we had commitments to extend credit of $626.9 million. Commercial loan commitments represented $270.1 million, while commercial mortgage and construction commitments were $107.7 million and $56.0 million, respectively.  Outstanding letters of credit were $60.9 million.  Consumer lines of credit totaled $126.3 million of which $107.5 million was secured by real estate and outstanding commitments to make or acquire mortgage loans aggregated $6.0 million; all were at fixed rates ranging from 4.25% to 7.35%. Mortgage commitments generally have closing dates within a six-month period.

 
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Data Processing Operations

We have entered into contracts to manage our network operations, data processing and other related services. The projected amounts of future minimum payments contractually due (in thousands) are as follows:

 2010                               $   3,170    
                         2011
                      $      658
 
      
                         2012                               $      144    

We are currently in negotiations with our vendors for a number of these contracts which represents a majority of these payments.  The expenses for data processing and operations were $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to legal actions that involve claims for monetary relief. Based upon information presently available to us and our counsel, it is our opinion that any legal and financial responsibility arising from such claims will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We, as successor to originators, are from time to time involved in arbitration or litigation with reverse mortgage loan borrowers or with the heirs of borrowers. Because reverse mortgages are a relatively new and uncommon product, there can be no assurances regarding how the courts or arbitrators may apply existing legal principles to the interpretation and enforcement of the terms and conditions of our reverse mortgage rights and obligations.

Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk

We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business primarily to meet the financing needs of our customers. To varying degrees, these financial instruments involve elements of credit risk that are not recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Condition.

Exposure to loss for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit written is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. We generally require collateral to support such financial instruments in excess of the contractual amount of those instruments and essentially use the same credit policies in making commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.

The following represents a summary of off-balance sheet financial instruments at year-end:

December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
(In Thousands)
       
Financial instruments with contract amounts which represent potential credit risk:
           
Construction loan commitments
 
$
55,962
 
$
129,935
Commercial mortgage loan commitments
   
107,690
   
126,918
Commercial loan commitments
   
270,100
   
249,643
Commercial standby letters of credit
   
60,903
   
59,703
Residential mortgage loan commitments
   
5,952
   
8,270
Consumer loan commitments
   
116,612
   
126,071


 
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    Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being completely drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness and obtain collateral based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty.
 
    Indemnifications
 
    Secondary Market Loan Sales. We generally do not sell loans with recourse except to the extent arising from standard loan sale contract provisions covering violations of representations and warranties and, under certain circumstances first payment default by the borrower. These are customary repurchase provisions in the secondary market for conforming mortgage loan sales.  These indemnifications may include the repurchase of loans by us. Repurchases and losses are rare, and no provision is made for losses at the time of sale. We had no repurchases during 2009, 2008 or 2007.

    We typically sell fixed-rate, conforming first mortgage loans in the secondary market as part of our ongoing asset/liability management program. Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or market of the aggregate or in some cases individual loans. Gains and losses on sales of loans are recognized at the time of the sale.
 
    Swap Guarantees. We entered into agreements with three unaffiliated financial institutions whereby those financial institutions entered into interest rate derivative contracts (interest rate swap transactions) with customers referred to them by us. By the terms of the agreements, those financial institutions have recourse to us for any exposure created under each swap transaction in the event the customer defaults on the swap agreement and the agreement is in a paying position to the third-party financial institution. This is a customary arrangement that allows financial institutions like us to provide access to interest rate swap transactions for our customers without creating the swap ourselves.
 
    At December 31, 2009, there were forty-four variable-rate to fixed-rate swap transactions between the third-party financial institutions and our customers with an initial notional amount aggregating approximately $209.6 million, and with maturities ranging from one month to thirteen years. The aggregate fair value of these swaps to the customers was a liability of $12.6 million as of December 31, 2009, and all but one of the swap transactions were in a paying position to third-party financial institutions.

15. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The reported fair values of financial instruments are based on a variety of factors. In certain cases, fair values represent quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments. In other cases, fair values have been estimated based on assumptions regarding the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows that are discounted to reflect current market rates and varying degrees of risk. Accordingly, the fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could have been realized as of year-end or that will be realized in the future.
 
    The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
 
    Cash and Short-Term Investments:  For cash and short-term investments, including due from banks, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and interest-bearing deposits with other banks, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 
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Investments and Mortgage-Backed Securities:  Fair value for investment and mortgage-backed securities is based on quoted market prices, where available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted prices for similar securities. The fair value of our investment in reverse mortgages is based on the net present value of estimated cash flows, which have been updated to reflect recent external appraisals of the underlying collateral. For additional discussion of our mortgage-backed securities-trading, see Footnote 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Loans:  Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type: commercial, commercial mortgages, construction, residential mortgages and consumer. For loans that reprice frequently, the book value approximates fair value. The fair values of other types of loans are estimated by discounting expected cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with comparable credit ratings and for similar remaining maturities which is not an exit price under ASU 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The fair value of nonperforming loans is based on recent external appraisals of the underlying collateral. Estimated cash flows, discounted using a rate commensurate with current rates and the risk associated with the estimated cash flows, are utilized if appraisals are not available.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance:  The estimated fair value approximates the book value for this investment

Stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh:  The fair value of FHLB stock is assumed to be essentially equal to its cost.  We carry FHLB stock at cost, or par value, and evaluate FHLB stock for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. As part of the impairment assessment of FHLB stock, management considers, among other things, (i) the significance and length of time of any declines in net assets of the FHLB compared to its capital stock, (ii) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulations and the level of such payments in relation to its operating performance, (iii) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on financial institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB and (iv) the liquidity position of the FHLB.  The FHLB has access to the U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprise Credit Facility, a secured lending facility that serves as a liquidity backstop, substantially reducing the likelihood that the FHLB would need to sell securities to raise liquidity and, thereby, cause the realization of large economic losses. The FHLB is rated AAA and is likely to remain unchanged based on expectations that the FHLB has a very high degree of government support and was in compliance with all regulatory capital requirements as of December 31, 2009.  Based on the above, we have determined there was no other-than-temporary impairment related to our FHLB stock investment as of December 31, 2009.

Deposit Liabilities:  The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, money market and interest-bearing demand deposits and savings deposits, is assumed to be equal to the amount payable on demand. The carrying value of variable rate time deposits and time deposits that reprice frequently also approximates fair value. The fair value of the remaining time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits with comparable remaining maturities.

Borrowed Funds:  Rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments:  The fair value of off-balance sheet instruments, including commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with comparable remaining terms and reflects the present creditworthiness of the counterparties.







 
- 99 -

 





The book value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments are as follows:

December 31,
2009
 
2008
 
Book Value
Fair Value
 
Book Value
Fair Value
(In Thousands)
         
Financial assets:
         
Cash and cash equivalents
$    321,749
$    321,749
 
$    248,558
$    248,558
Investment securities
45,517
45,479
 
49,688
49,578
Mortgage-backed securities
681,242
681,242
 
498,205
498,205
Loans, net
2,479,155
2,487,129
 
2,443,835
2,435,135
Bank-owned life insurance
60,254
60,254
 
59,337
59,337
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
39,305
39,305
 
39,305
39,305
Accrued interest receivable
12,407
12,407
 
11,609
11,609
           
Financial liabilities:
         
Deposits
2,561,871
2,572,418
 
2,122,352
2,101,881
Borrowed funds
854,809
858,896
 
1,066,745
1,035,401
Accrued interest payable
4,240
4,240
 
6,794
6,794


The estimated fair value of our off-balance sheet financial instruments is as follows:

December 31,
 
2009
2008
(In Thousands)
     
Off-balance sheet instruments:
     
 
Commitments to extend credit
 
$5,071
$5,926
 
Standby letters of credit
 
317
248

 
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 

We routinely enter into transactions with our directors and officers.  Such transactions are made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms and conditions, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with other customers, and do not, in the opinion of management, involve more than the normal credit risk or present other unfavorable features.  The aggregate amount of loans to such related parties was $6.0 million and $5.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  During 2009, new loans and credit line advances to such related parties amounted to $8.9 million and repayments amounted to $7.9 million.

We engage a law firm that is affiliated with one of our directors for general legal services. Total fees for such services amounted to $24,000 during 2009 and $56,000 for 2007.  We paid no fees to this firm during 2008.










 
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17. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed Statement of Financial Condition

December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
(In Thousands)
             
Assets:
             
Cash
 
$
30,741
 
$
3,228
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
335,796
   
277,439
 
Investment in Capital Trust III
   
2,011
   
2,011
 
Other assets
   
404
   
1,232
 
Total assets
 
$
368,952
 
$
283,910
 
               
Liabilities:
             
Borrowings
 
$
67,011
 
$
67,011
 
Interest payable
   
117
   
229
 
Other liabilities
   
24
   
35
 
Total liabilities
   
67,152
   
67,275
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
   Preferred stock
   
1
   
-
-
Common stock
   
166
   
157
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
166,627
   
87,033
 
Comprehensive loss
   
(2,022
)
 
(12,613
)
Retained earnings
   
385,308
   
390,338
 
Treasury stock
   
(248,280
)
 
(248,280
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
301,800
   
216,635
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
368,952
 
$
283,910
 

 
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Condensed Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31,
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
(In Thousands)
                   
Income:
                   
Interest income
 
$
1,716
 
$
324
 
$
337
 
Noninterest income
   
64
   
65
   
64
 
     
1,780
   
389
   
401
 
Expenses:
                   
Interest expense
   
1,797
   
3,275
   
4,752
 
Other operating expenses
   
79
   
(941
)
 
(1,437
)
     
1,876
   
2,334
   
3,315
 
                     
Loss before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
   
(96
)
 
(1,945
)
 
(2,914
)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
   
759
   
18,081
   
32,563
 
Net income
   
663
   
16,136
   
29,649
 
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion of discount
   
(2,590
)
 
   
 
Net (loss) income allocable to common stockholders
 
$
(1,927
)
$
16,136
 
$
29,649
 
                     
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
                   
                     
Year Ended December 31,
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
(In Thousands)
                   
Operating activities:
                   
Net income
 
$
663
 
$
16,136
 
$
29,649
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
                   
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
   
(759
)
 
(18,081
)
 
(32,563
)
Amortization
   
   
   
 
Decrease (increase) in other assets
   
829
   
(432
)
 
443
 
Decrease in other liabilities
   
(123
)
 
(146
)
 
(38
)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
   
610
   
(2,523
)
 
(2,509
)
                     
Investing activities:
                   
(Increase) decrease in investment in subsidiaries
   
(47,363
)
 
7,500
   
35,000
 
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities
   
(47,363
)
 
7,500
   
35,000
 
                     
Financing activities:
                   
Issuance of common stock
   
26,851
   
3,956
   
1,784
 
Issuance of preferred stock
   
52,625
   
   
 
Cash dividends paid
   
(5,210
)
 
(2,832
)
 
(2,403
)
Treasury stock, net of reissuance
   
   
(3,555
)
 
(36,174
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
   
74,266
   
(2,431
)
 
(36,793
)
                     
Increase (decrease) in cash
   
27,513
   
2,546
   
(4,302
)
Cash at beginning of period
   
3,228
   
682
   
4,984
 
Cash at end of period
 
$
30,741
 
$
3,228
 
$
682
 




 
- 102 -

 

18. SEGMENT INFORMATION
 

Under the definition of FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”) (Formerly SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information) we discuss our business in four segments.  There is a segment for WSFS Bank (including WSFS Investment Group, Inc.), Cash Connect, (the ATM division of WSFS), 1st Reverse, (the reverse mortgage subsidiary of WSFS), and Trust and Wealth Management.  Trust and Wealth Management combines Montchanin and the WSFS Trust and Wealth Management Division into a single reportable segment because each has similar economic characteristics, products, customers and distribution methods.  During 2009 we began to report the results of 1st Reverse as a separate segment, consistent with the guidance promulgated in ASC 280.  As required by ASC 280, all prior years’ information has been updated to reflect this presentation.

The WSFS Bank segment provides financial products to commercial and retail customers through its 41 banking offices located in Delaware (36), Pennsylvania (4) and Virginia(1).  Retail and Commercial Banking, Commercial Real Estate Lending, Private Banking and other banking business units (including the reorganization of WSFS Investment Group, Inc.) are operating departments of WSFS.  These departments share the same regulator, the same market, many of the same customers and provide similar products and services through the general infrastructure of the Bank.  Because of these and other reasons, these departments are not considered discrete segments and are appropriately aggregated within the WSFS Bank segment of the Company in accordance with ASC 280.

Cash Connect provides turnkey ATM services through strategic partnerships with several of the largest networks, manufacturers and service providers in the ATM industry.  The balance sheet category “Cash in non-owned ATMs” includes cash from which fee income is earned through bailment arrangements with customers of Cash Connect.

During 2008, we acquired a majority interest in 1st Reverse Financial Services, LLC (1st Reverse), which specialized in originating and subsequently selling reverse mortgage loans nationwide. These reverse mortgages were government approved and insured. In 2009, we announced and completed a wind-down of these operations. Included in the year ended December 31, 2009, is a $1.9 million pre-tax charge which consists of the write-off of all related goodwill and intangibles, the uncollectable receivables and our remaining investment in this subsidiary.  This charge combined with the operating losses for 2009 represents the $3.1 million net loss in this column.

The Wealth Management column is comprised of the WSFS Trust & Wealth Management Division and Montchanin. In 2005, the WSFS Trust and Wealth Management division was established in response to our commercial customers’ demand for the same high level service in their investment relationships that they enjoy as banking customers of WSFS Bank. Montchanin provides asset management products and services to customers in the Bank’s primary market area. Montchanin has one consolidated wholly owned subsidiary, Cypress Capital Management, LLC (Cypress). Cypress is a Wilmington-based investment advisory firm serving high net-worth individuals and institutions.

An operating segment is a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision makers to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.  We evaluate performance based on pretax ordinary income relative to resources used, and allocate resources based on these results.  The accounting policies applicable to our segments are those that apply to our preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 follows:



 
- 103 -

 


For the Year Ended December 31, 2009:
 
WSFS Bank
 
Cash Connect
   
1st Reverse
Trust & Wealth Management
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
                                 
External customer revenues:
                                 
Interest income
 
$
157,698
 
$
 
$
32
$
 
$
157,730
     
Noninterest income
   
34,501
   
11,992
   
2,023
 
1,725
   
50,241
     
Total external customer revenues
   
192,199
   
11,992
   
2,055
 
1,725
   
207,971
     
                                   
Intersegment revenues:
                                 
Interest income
   
627
   
 
 
 
   
627
     
Noninterest income
   
3,343
   
408
   
 
   
3,751
     
Total intersegment revenues
   
3,970
   
408
   
 
   
4,378
     
                                   
Total revenue
   
196,169
   
12,400
   
2,055
 
1,725
   
212,349
     
                                   
External customer expenses:
                                 
Interest expense
   
53,086
   
 
 
 
   
53,086
     
Noninterest expenses
   
95,447
   
5,387
   
4,917
 
2,753
   
108,504
     
Provision for loan loss
   
47,811
   
 
 
 
   
47,811
     
Total external customer expenses
   
196,344
   
5,387
   
4,917
 
2,753
   
209,401
     
                                   
Intersegment expenses:
                                 
Interest expense
   
   
627
   
 
   
627
     
Noninterest expenses
   
408
   
905
   
261
 
2,177
   
3,751
     
Total intersegment expenses
   
408
   
1,532
   
261
 
2,177
   
4,378
     
                                   
Total expenses
   
196,752
   
6,919
   
5,178
 
4,930
   
213,779
     
                                   
 Income (loss) before taxes
 
$
            (583
)
$
5,481
 
$
(3,123)
$
(3,205
)
$
(1,430
)
   
                                   
Income tax benefit
                         
(2,093
)
   
Consolidated net income
                       
$
663
     
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
56,124
 
$
264,903
 
$
$
722
 
$
321,749
     
Other segment assets
   
3,410,793
   
14,861
   
 
1,104
   
3,426,758
     
 
Total segment assets at December 31, 2009
 
$
3,466,917
 
$
279,764
 
$
$
1,826
 
$
3,748,507
     
                                   
Capital expenditures
 
$
6,287
 
$
474
 
$
$
15
 
$
6,776
     


 
- 104 -

 


For the Year Ended December 31, 2008:
 
WSFS Bank
 
Cash Connect
   
1st Reverse
Trust & Wealth Management
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
                                 
External customer revenues:
                                 
Interest income
 
$
166,477
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
166,477
     
Noninterest income
   
28,763
   
13,752
   
852
 
2,622
   
45,989
     
Total external customer revenues
   
195,240
   
13,752
   
852
 
2,622
   
212,466
     
                                   
Intersegment revenues:
                                 
Interest income
   
3,524
   
 
 
5
 
   
3,529
     
Noninterest income
   
2,841
   
641
   
 
   
3,482
     
Total intersegment revenues
   
6,365
   
641
   
5
 
   
7,011
     
                                   
Total revenue
   
201,605
   
14,393
   
857
 
2,622
   
219,477
     
                                   
External customer expenses:
                                 
Interest expense
   
77,258
   
 
 
 
   
77,258
     
Noninterest expenses
   
76,424
   
5,978
   
2,568
 
4,128
   
89,098
     
Provision for loan loss
   
23,024
   
 
 
 
   
23,024
     
Total external customer expenses
   
176,706
   
5,978
   
2,568
 
4,128
   
189,380
     
                                   
Intersegment expenses:
                                 
Interest expense
   
5
   
3,524
   
 
   
3,529
     
Noninterest expenses
   
641
   
868
   
204
 
1,769
   
3,482
     
Total intersegment expenses
   
646
   
4,392
   
204
 
1,769
   
7,011
     
                                   
Total expenses
   
177,352
   
10,370
   
2,772
 
5,897
   
196,391
     
                                   
Income (loss) before taxes
 
$
            24,253
 
$
4,023
 
$
(1,915)
$
(3,275
)
$
23,086
     
                                   
Income tax provision
                         
6,950
     
Consolidated net income
                       
$
16,136
     
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
57,962
 
$
189,965
 
$
8
$
623
 
$
248,558
     
Other segment assets
   
3,168,512
   
12,836
   
750
 
1,904
   
3,184,002
     
 
Total segment assets at December 31, 2008
 
$
3,226,474
 
$
202,801
 
$
758
$
2,527
 
$
3,432,560
     
                                   
Capital expenditures
 
$
4,587
 
$
204
 
$
108
$
1
 
$
4,900
     












 
- 105 -

 



For the Year Ended December 31, 2007:
 
WSFS Bank
 
Cash Connect
   
Trust & Wealth Management
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
                             
External customer revenues:
                             
Interest income
 
$
189,477
 
$
 
$
 
$
189,477
     
Noninterest income
   
28,479
   
16,584
   
3,103
   
48,166
     
Total external customer revenues
   
217,956
   
16,584
   
3,103
   
237,643
     
                               
Intersegment revenues:
                             
Interest income
   
8,684
   
 
 
   
8,684
     
Noninterest income
   
2,325
   
675
   
   
3,000
     
Total intersegment revenues
   
11,009
   
675
   
   
11,684
     
                               
Total revenue
   
228,965
   
17,259
   
3,103
   
249,327
     
                               
External customer expenses:
                             
Interest expense
   
107,468
   
 
 
   
107,468
     
Noninterest expenses
   
72,633
   
4,683
   
4,715
   
82,031
     
Provision for loan loss
   
5,021
   
 
 
   
5,021
     
Total external customer expenses
   
185,122
   
4,683
   
4,715
   
194,520
     
                               
Intersegment expenses:
                             
Interest expense
   
   
8,684
   
   
8,684
     
Noninterest expenses
   
675
   
1,076
   
1,249
   
3,000
     
Total intersegment expenses
   
675
   
9,760
   
1,249
   
11,684
     
                               
Total expenses
   
185,797
   
14,443
   
5,964
   
206,204
     
                               
Income (loss) before taxes
 
$
            43,168
 
$
2,816
 
$
(2,861
)
$
43,123
     
                               
Income tax provision
                     
13,474
     
Consolidated net income
                   
$
29,649
     
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
84,552
 
$
182,523
 
$
462
 
$
267,537
     
Other segment assets
   
2,913,379
   
17,314
   
1,958
   
2,932,651
     
 
Total segment assets at December 31, 2007
 
$
2,997,931
 
$
199,837
 
$
2,420
 
$
3,200,188
     
                               
Capital expenditures
 
$
8,134
 
$
194
 
$
5
 
$
8,333
     

The Company did not acquire its interest in 1st Reverse until 2008.









 
- 106 -

 

19. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

1st Reverse Financial Services, LLC Acquisition

On April 30, 2008, we completed the acquisition of a 51% majority stake in 1st Reverse Financial Services, LLC ("1st Reverse").  Operating results of 1st Reverse are included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

The acquisition resulted in recording $685,000 of goodwill, which is the excess cost over the fair value of its assets at the time of acquisition.  Other intangibles amounting to $658,000 were also identified in the transaction, with amortization periods of 5-10 years using straight-line methods.

During 2009 we decided to wind-down the operations of 1st Reverse due to the weakened prospect of achieving required returns due, in part, to the current economic climate.  During 2009 we had pre-tax losses of $1.9 million related to the wind-down, which included the write-down of all related goodwill and intangibles.  We have included these losses in other operating expense.
 
 
Sun National Bank Branch Purchase

On October 24, 2008, we completed the acquisition of six branches from Sun National Bank and their respective deposits.  The operating results of these branches have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.  We expect this acquisition to further build our market share in Delaware, expand our customer base to enhance deposit fee income and provide an opportunity to market additional products and services to new customers.

The aggregate cash purchase price was $11.5 million.  The purchase price resulted in approximately $9.0 million in goodwill and $2.5 million in core deposit intangibles ("CDI").  This CDI will be amortized over 7.5 years, using straight-line methods.  During 2009 and 2008 we recorded amortization expense of $370,000 and $14,000, respectively.  The goodwill and intangible assets will be deducted for tax purposes.  In the transaction, WSFS acquired $95.3 million of deposits.

We engaged an independent third party to perform an appraisal of the Corporation as of December 31, 2009.  This appraisal was completed in accordance with FASB ASC 350 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” (“ASC 350”).  Based on the results of this appraisal, the goodwill related to the Sun National Bank branch purchase passed Step 1 under ASC 350 as of December 31, 2009 and it was determined that no impairment exists.

20. NONINTEREST EXPENSES

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we incurred $6.0 million of charges we consider to be non-routine.  These charges are included in Noninterest expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and include the following:

o  
A $1.9 million charge resulting from management’s decision to conduct an orderly wind-down of 1st Reverse.  The charge represents the write-off of all related goodwill and intangibles, uncollectible receivables and our remaining investment in that subsidiary as well as miscellaneous payables arising during the course of winding-down this subsidiary (reflected in Other operating expenses).

o  
A $1.7 million insurance premium charged by the FDIC representing our share of the special assessment levied on the banking industry at June 30, 2009 (reflected in FDIC expenses).

 
- 107 -

 

o  
A $1.5 million charge related to fraudulent wire transfer activity affecting the accounts of two customers ($1.3 million reflected in Other operating expense and $0.2 million reflected in Professional fees).
 
o  
A A $953,000 expense related to due diligence on an acquisition prospect in which discussions have terminated (reflected in Professional fees). 

There were no material non-routine charges recorded during 2008 or 2007.

21. STOCK AND COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

The Company entered into a purchase agreement with the U.S. Treasury on January 23, 2009, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold 52,625 shares of the Company’s fixed-rate cumulative perpetual preferred stock for a total purchase price of $52.6 million, and a 10-year warrant to purchase 175,105 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $45.08 per share. The Company will pay the Treasury Department a five percent dividend annually for each of the first five years of the investment and a nine percent dividend thereafter until the shares are redeemed.  The cumulative dividend for the preferred stock is accrued for and payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year.  The Company has declared and paid $2.1 million in preferred stock dividends during 2009.

The Company allocated total proceeds of $52.6 million, based on the relative fair value of preferred stock and common stock warrants, to preferred stock for $51.9 million and common stock warrants for $693,000 respectively, on January 23, 2009.  The preferred stock discount will be accreted, on an effective yield method, to preferred stock over five years.  The Company has accreted a total of $127,000 during the year ended December 31, 2009 relating to the discount on preferred stock.

The preferred stock is nonvoting, except for class voting rights on certain matters that could affect the shares adversely. It may be redeemed by us for the liquidation preference ($1,000 per share), plus accrued but unpaid dividends, with the Treasury’s approval. The warrants are exercisable immediately and subject to certain anti-dilution and other adjustments.

The Company completed a private placement of stock to Peninsula Investment Partners, L.P. (Peninsula) on September 24, 2009, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold 862,069 shares of common stock for a total purchase price of $25.0 million, and a 10-year warrant to purchase 129,310 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $29.00 per share.  The warrants are immediately exercisable.

The Company allocated total proceeds of $25.0 million, based on the relative fair value of common stock and common stock warrants, to common stock for $23.5 million and common stock warrants for $1.5 million on  September 24, 2009.

22. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On February 9, 2010, we were advised that an executive of an armored car company based in Mount Vernon, New York, was arrested and charged with fraud and theft in connection with an ATM vault cash program.  This same armored car company serves as an armored carrier for several customers of Cash Connect, our ATM division.

Based on preliminary estimates, we believe there is approximately $4.8 million that should have been in the vaults of the armored car carrier or in transit to those vaults as of February 9, 2010.  Based on the early stage of the federal investigation it is unknown if any or all of these funds are exposed to a loss.  Cash Connect has several layers of safeguards established in its operations.  In the event a loss is determined, we have avenues of recovery, including reimbursements from Cash Connect customers and through insurance claims.  If it is ultimately determined that a loss is probable and estimable, we will record the loss in the appropriate

 
- 108 -

 

fiscal period.  If we are successful in making recoveries, we will record the recoveries in the period received, or when the receipt of such recoveries becomes certain.


QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY (Unaudited)

Three months ended
 
12/31/09
 
09/30/09
 
06/30/09
 
03/31/09
 
12/31/08
 
09/30/08
 
06/30/08
 
03/31/08
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
                                                 
Interest income
 
$
39,954
 
$
39,130
 
$
39,839
 
$
38,807
 
$
39,785
 
$
41,337
 
$
40,795
 
$
44,560
 
Interest expense
   
11,874
   
12,837
   
13,459
   
14,916
   
17,209
   
18,030
   
18,428
   
23,591
 
Net interest income
   
28,080
   
26,293
   
26,380
   
23,891
   
22,576
   
23,307
   
22,367
   
20,969
 
Provision for loan losses
   
12,678
   
15,483
   
11,997
   
7,653
   
14,699
   
3,502
   
2,433
   
2,390
 
Net interest income after provision
   for loan losses
   
15,402
   
10,810
   
14,383
   
16,238
   
7,877
   
19,805
   
19,934
   
18,579
 
Noninterest income
   
11,935
   
14,538
   
12,667
   
11,101
   
10,128
   
11,684
   
11,671
   
12,506
 
Noninterest expenses
   
27,606
   
25,569
   
30,955
   
24,374
   
23,969
   
23,022
   
21,170
   
20,937
 
Income before taxes
   
(269
)
 
(221
)
 
(3,905
)
 
2,965
   
(5,964
)
 
8,467
   
10,435
   
10,148
 
Income tax (benefit) provision
   
(307
)
 
(222
)
 
(1,589
)
 
25
   
(2,644
)
 
2,957
   
3,735
   
2,902
 
Net Income
   
38
   
1
   
(2,316
)
 
2,940
   
 (3,320
)
 
5,510
   
6,700
   
7,246
 
Dividends on preferred stock and
   accretion of discount
   
692
   
634
   
751
   
513
   
   
   
   
 
Net Income available to
   common shareholders
 
$
(654
)
$
(633
)
$
(3,067
)
$
2,427
 
$
(3,320
)
$
5,510
 
$
6,700
 
$
7,246
 
Earnings per share:
                                                 
Basic
   
(0.09
)
 
(0.10
)
 
(0.50
)
 
0.39
   
(0.54
)
 
0.90
   
1.09
   
1.17
 
Diluted
   
(0.09
)
 
(0.10
)
 
(0.50
)
 
0.39
   
(0.54
)
 
0.88
   
1.07
   
1.15
 

 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

There are no matters required to be disclosed under this item.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 











 
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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

To Our Stockholders:

Management of the Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Corporation’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, as stated in their reports, which are included herein.

/s/ Mark A. Turner
 
/s/ Stephen A. Fowle
Mark A. Turner
 
Stephen A. Fowle
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
     
 
March 16, 2010
     
         
         


 
- 110 -

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
WSFS Financial Corporation:

 
We have audited WSFS Financial Corporation’s (the Company) 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 Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’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 perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, 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, WSFS 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.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statement of condition of WSFS Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, and our report dated March 16, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 
   
                  
 
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 16, 2010

 
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During the quarter ended December 31, 2009, there was no change in internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

There are no matters required to be disclosed under this item.


PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Information under “Directors and Officers of WSFS Financial Corporation and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB” and “Corporate Governance - Committees of the Board of Directors” in the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2010 (the “Proxy Statement”) is incorporated into this item by reference.

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Ethics is posted on our website at www.wsfsbank.com.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information under the heading “Compensation” and “Compensation of the Board of Directors” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated into this item by reference.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

 
(a)
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Other Information  - Large Stockholders” of the Proxy Statement

 
(b)
Security Ownership of Management

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Directors and Officers of WSFS Financial Corporation and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB – Ownership of  WSFS Financial Corporation Common Stock” of the Proxy Statement

 
(c)
We know of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of our securities, 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


 
- 112 -

 

Shown below is information as of December 31, 2009 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Registrant are authorized for issuance.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
             
   
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
             
   
Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Weighted-Average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column) (a)
             
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders (1)
   
752,038
     
$
41.89
     
105,902
 
                           
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
   
N/A
       
N/A
     
N/A
 
                           
TOTAL
   
752,038
     
$
41.89
     
105,902
 

(1) Plans approved by stockholders include the 1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended and the 2005 Incentive Plan.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information under “Directors and Officers of WSFS Financial Corporation and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB – Transactions with our Insiders” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated into this item by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information under “Committees of the Board of Directors – Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated into this item by reference.

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 Condition of WSFS 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 report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.
 
 
2.   
Schedules ommitted as they are not applicable.
     
   
     2.  Schedules omitted as they are not applicable.


 
- 113 -

 

The following exhibits are incorporated by reference herein or annexed to this Annual Report:

Exhibit
Number                      Description of Document
3.1
Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.

3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of WSFS Financial Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (filed on October 27, 2008).

3.3
Certificate of Designations for the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009.

4.1
Form of Certificate for the Series A Preferred Stock, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009.

4.2
Warrant for Purchase of Shares of Common Stock, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009.

4.3
Warrant for Purchase of Shares of Common Stock, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2009.

10.1
WSFS Financial Corporation, 1994 Short Term Management Incentive Plan Summary Plan Description is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.

10.2
Amended and Restated Wilmington Savings Fund Society, Federal Savings Bank 1997 Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-26099) filed with the Commission on April 29, 1997.

10.3
2000 Stock Option and Temporary Severance Agreement among Wilmington Savings Fund Society, Federal Savings Bank, WSFS Financial Corporation and Marvin N. Schoenhals on February 24, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

10.4
WSFS Financial Corporation Severance Policy for Executive Vice Presidents dated February 28, 2008.

 
- 114 -

 

10.5
WSFS Financial Corporation’s 2005 Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to appendix A of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14-A for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

10.6
Amendment to WSFS Financial Corporation 2005 Incentive Plan for IRC 409A and FAS 123R dated December 31, 2008.

10.7
Amendment to the WSFS Financial Corporation Severance Policy for Executive Vice Presidents dated December 31, 2008.

10.8
Letter Agreement, dated January 23, 2009, between WSFS Financial Corporation and the United States Department of Treasury, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009.

10.9
Form of Waiver, executed by Messrs. Marvin N. Schoenhals, Mark A. Turner, Stephen A. Fowle, Richard M. Wright, Rodger Levenson and Mrs. Barbara J. Fischer, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009.

10.10
Form of Letter Agreement, executed by Messrs. Marvin N. Schoenhals, Mark A. Turner, Stephen A. Fowle, Richard M. Wright, Rodger Levenson and Mr. Barbara J. Fischer, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009.

10.11
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated July 27, 2009, between WSFS Financial Corporation and Peninsula Investment Partners, L.P., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K on July 27, 2009.

21
Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23
Consent of KPMG LLP

31.1
Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2
Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

99.1        Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 5221

99.2        Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 5221


Exhibits 10.1 through 10.10 represent management contracts or compensatory plan arrangements.




 
- 115 -

 

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.

   
WSFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
     
     
     
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Mark A. Turner
       
Mark A. Turner
       
President and Chief Executive Officer


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


Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Marvin N. Schoenhals
       
Marvin N. Schoenhals
       
Chairman
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Mark A. Turner
       
Mark A. Turner
       
President and Chief Executive Officer
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Charles G. Cheleden
       
Charles G. Cheleden
       
Vice Chairman and Lead Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Jennifer W. Davis
       
Jennifer W. Davis
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Donald W. Delson
       
Donald W. Delson
       
Director



 
- 116 -

 
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ John F. Downey
       
John F. Downey
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Linda C. Drake
       
Linda C. Drake
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ David E. Hollowell
       
David E. Hollowell
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Joseph R. Julian
       
Joseph R. Julian
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Dennis E. Klima
       
Dennis E. Klima
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Calvert A. Morgan, Jr.
       
Calvert A. Morgan, Jr.
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Thomas P. Preston
       
Thomas P. Preston
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Scott E. Reed
       
Scott E. Reed
       
Director
         

 
- 117 -


         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Claibourne D. Smith
       
Claibourne D. Smith
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ R. Ted Weschler
       
R. Ted Weschler
       
Director
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Stephen A. Fowle
       
Stephen A. Fowle
       
Executive Vice President and
       
Chief Financial Officer
         
         
         
Date:
March 16, 2010
 
BY:
/s/ Robert F. Mack
       
Robert F. Mack
       
Senior Vice President and Controller
 
 
 
- 118 -