As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18 , 2013
 Registration No. 333- 189160
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO THE
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and
WaterStone Bank SSB 401(k) Plan
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Maryland 6712 To be Applied For
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial  (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)   Classification Code Number)  Identification Number)
                                                                                             
11200 West Plank Court
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
(414) 761-1000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
 
Mr. Douglas S. Gordon
President and Chief Executive Officer
11200 West Plank Court
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
(414) 761-1000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
Agent for Service)
 
Copies to:
Edward A. Quint, Esq.
Eric Luse, Esq.
Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.
5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 780
Washington, D.C. 20015
(202) 274-2000
 
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
 
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box:   x

If this Form is filed to register additional shares for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:   o

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:   o

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
  Large accelerated filer     o Accelerated filer  x
  Non-accelerated filer  o Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
     
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
Title of each class of
securities to be registered
Amount to be
registered
Proposed maximum
offering price per share
Proposed maximum
aggregate offering price
Amount of
registration fee
 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
38,120,069 shares
$8.00
$ 304,960,552 (1)
$ 41,597 (2)
 
Participation interests
527,930 interests ( 3 )
   
( 3 )

(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2)
Previously paid.
(3)
The securities of Waterstone Financial, Inc. to be purchased by the WaterStone Bank SSB 401(k) Plan are included in the amount shown for the common stock. Accordingly, no separate fee is required for the participation interests. In accordance with Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registration fee has been calculated on the basis of the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased with the current assets of such Plan.

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
 
 
 

 

 
Prospectus Supplement

Interests in

WATERSTONE BANK SSB 401(k) PLAN

Offering of Participation Interests in up to 527,930 Shares of

WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
Common Stock
 
 
In connection with the conversion and reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC from the mutual holding company to the stock holding company form of organization, Waterstone Financial, Inc., a newly formed Maryland corporation (“New Waterstone”), is offering shares of common stock for sale.  New Waterstone is allowing participants in the WaterStone Bank SSB 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”) to invest all or a portion of their accounts in the common stock of New Waterstone.

Based upon the value of the Plan assets at March 31, 2013, the trustee of the Plan could purchase or acquire up to 527,930 shares of the common stock of New Waterstone, at the purchase price of $8.00 per share.  This prospectus supplement relates to the initial election of Plan participants to direct the trustee of the Plan to invest all or a portion of their Plan accounts in the New Waterstone Stock Fund at the time of the stock offering.

New Waterstone’s prospectus, dated __________, 2013, accompanies this prospectus supplement.  It contains detailed information regarding the conversion and stock offering of New Waterstone common stock and the financial condition, results of operations and business of WaterStone Bank SSB.  This prospectus supplement provides information regarding the Plan. You should read this prospectus supplement together with the prospectus and keep both for future reference.
 


For a discussion of risks that you should consider, see the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus.

The interests in the Plan and the offering of common stock of New Waterstone have not been approved or disapproved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other federal or state agency.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The securities offered in this prospectus supplement and in the prospectus are not deposits or accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
 
 

 

This prospectus supplement may be used only in connection with offers and sales by New Waterstone, in the stock offering, of interests or shares of common stock in the New Waterstone Stock Fund of the Plan.  No one may use this prospectus supplement to re-offer or resell interests or shares of common stock of New Waterstone acquired through the Plan.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.  New Waterstone, WaterStone Bank SSB and the Plan have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different.

This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction.  Neither the delivery of this prospectus supplement and the prospectus nor any sale of common stock of New Waterstone common stock shall under any circumstances imply that there has been no change in the affairs of WaterStone Bank SSB or any of its subsidiaries or the Plan since the date of this prospectus supplement, or that the information contained in this prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference is correct as of any time after the date of this prospectus supplement.

The date of this prospectus supplement is ___________, 2013.

 
 

 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
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LEGAL OPINION  23
 
 
 

 

 
 
New Waterstone is offering participants in the WaterStone Bank SSB 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”) the opportunity to purchase participation interests in the common stock of New Waterstone.  The ownership of common stock of New Waterstone in the Plan is referred to as a “participation interest” since the common stock will be titled in the name of the Plan and not directly in a participant’s name.  Given the purchase price of $8.00 per share in the stock offering, the Plan may purchase (or acquire) up to 527,930 shares of New Waterstone common stock in the stock offering.
 
Only employees of WaterStone Bank SSB may become participants in the Plan and only participants may purchase stock in the New Waterstone Stock Fund.  Your investment in stock in connection with the stock offering through the New Waterstone Stock Fund is subject to the purchase priorities contained in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC.
 
Information with regard to the Plan is contained in this prospectus supplement and information with regard to the financial condition, results of operations and business of New Waterstone is contained in the accompanying prospectus.  The address of the principal executive office of New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank SSB is 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226.
 
All questions about completing the Special Investment Election Form should be addressed to Ian Konrath, PHR, Human Resources Director, WaterStone Bank SSB, 11200 W. Plank Ct., Wauwatosa, WI 53226; telephone number (414) 459-4127; or e-mail Ian Konrath at IanKonrath@wsbonline.com.
 
Questions about the common stock being offered or about the prospectus may be directed to the Stock Information Center at 1- ______________.
 
In connection with the stock offering, you may elect to transfer all or part of your account balances in the Plan to the New Waterstone Stock Fund, to be used to purchase common stock of New Waterstone issued in the stock offering.  The New Waterstone Stock Fund is a new fund in the Plan established to hold shares of common stock of New Waterstone.
   
Purchase Priorities  
All Plan participants are eligible to direct a transfer of funds to the New Waterstone Stock Fund.  However, such directions are subject to the purchase priorities in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, which provides for a subscription offering and a community offering.  In the offering, the purchase priorities are as follows and apply in case more shares are ordered than are available for sale (an “oversubscription”):
 
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  Subscription Offering:
       
    (1) Depositors of WaterStone Bank SSB with $50 or more on deposit at the close of business on December 31, 2011, get first priority.
       
    (2) WaterStone Bank SSB’s tax-qualified plans, including the employee stock ownership plan, get second priority.
       
    (3) Depositors of WaterStone Bank SSB with $50 or more on deposit at the close of business on __________, 2013 who are not eligible under priority #1 get third priority.
       
    (4)
Depositors of WaterStone Bank SSB as of the close of business on _________, 2013 who are not eligible under priority #1 or #3 get fourth priority.
       
  Community Offering:
       
    (5)
Natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in the Wisconsin counties of Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha get fifth priority.
       
    (6) Waterstone-Federal’s public stockholders as of _________, 2013 get sixth priority.
       
    (7)
Other members of the general public get seventh priority.
       
 
If you fall into subscription offering   categories (1), (3) or (4), you have subscription rights to purchase shares of New Waterstone common stock in the subscription offering and you may use funds in the Plan to pay for the common stock.   You may also be able to purchase shares of New Waterstone common stock in the subscription offering even though you are ineligible to purchase through subscription offering categories (1), (3) or (4) by purchasing stock in the Plan through subscription offering category (2), reserved for WaterStone Bank SSB’s tax-qualified employee plans.
       
The trustee of the New Waterstone Stock Fund will purchase common stock of New Waterstone in the stock offering in accordance with your directions.  Once you make your election, the amount that you elect to transfer from your existing investment options for the purchase of common stock in connection with the stock offering will be sold from your existing investment options and transferred to the New Waterstone Stock Fund and held in a money market account pending the formal closing of the stock offering, several weeks later.  After the end of the stock offering period, we will determine whether all or any portion of your order will be filled (if the offering is oversubscribed you may not receive any or all of your order, depending on your purchase priority, as described above).  The amount that can be used toward your order will be applied to the purchase of common stock of New Waterstone and will be denominated in stock in the Plan.   
 
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  In the event the offering is oversubscribed, i.e. , there are more orders for common stock of New Waterstone than shares available for sale in the offering, and the trustee is unable to use the full amount allocated by you to purchase interests in common stock of New Waterstone in the offering, the amount that cannot be invested in common stock of New Waterstone, and any interest earned on such amount, will be reinvested in the existing funds of the Plan, in accordance with your then existing investment election (in proportion to your investment direction for future contributions).  The prospectus describes the allocation procedures in the event of an oversubscription.  If you choose not to direct the investment of your account balances towards the purchase of any shares of common stock of New Waterstone through the New Waterstone Stock Fund in connection with the offering, your account balances will remain in the investment funds of the Plan as previously directed by you.
       
As of March 31, 2013, the market value of the assets of the Plan was approximately $4,223,447.
   
In connection with the stock offering, the Plan will permit you to direct the trustee to transfer all or part of the funds which represent your current beneficial interest in the assets of the Plan to the New Waterstone Stock Fund.  The trustee of the Plan will subscribe for New Waterstone common stock offered for sale in connection with the stock offering, in accordance with each participant’s direction.  In order to purchase stock representing an ownership interest in common stock of New Waterstone in the stock offering through the Plan, you must  order at least 25 shares in the offering through the Plan.  The prospectus describes maximum purchase limits for investors in the stock offering.  The trustee will pay $8.00 per share of stock in the offering, which will be the same price paid by all other persons who purchase shares in the subscription and community offerings.
 
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  Enclosed is a Special Investment Election Form on which you can elect to purchase stock through the New Waterstone Stock Fund in connection with the stock offering.  Please note the following stipulations concerning this election:
       
    You can direct all or a portion of your current account to the New Waterstone Stock Fund in increments of $8.00.
       
    Your election is subject to a minimum purchase of 25 shares of common stock, which equals $200.
       
    Your election, plus any order you placed outside the Plan, are together subject to a maximum purchase of 375,000 shares, which equals $3,000,000.00.
       
    The election period closes at ___________, Central Time, on ____________, 2013.
       
    During the stock offering period, you will continue to have the ability to transfer amounts that are not directed to purchase stock in the New Waterstone Stock Fund among all other investment funds.  However, you will not be permitted to change the investment amounts that you designated to be transferred to the New Waterstone Stock Fund on your Special Investment Election Form.
       
   
The amount you elect to transfer to the New Waterstone Stock Fund will be held separately until the offering closes.  Therefore, this money is not available for distributions, loans, or withdrawals until the transaction is completed, which is expected to be several weeks after the closing of the subscription offering period.
       
 
If you wish to use all or part of your account balance in the Plan to purchase common stock of New Waterstone issued in the stock offering, you should indicate that decision on the Special Investment Election Form.    If you do not wish to make an election, you should check Box E in Section D of the Special Investment Election Form and return the form to Jodi Stephens in the Human Resources Department at WaterStone Bank SSB, 11200 W. Plank Ct., Wauwatosa, WI 53226 , to be received no later than __________, Central Time, on ____________, 2013.  You may return your Special Investment Election Form by hand delivery, inter-office mail or by mailing it to Jodi Stephens at the above address in the enclosed self-addressed envelope, so long as it is received by the time specified.
 
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You must return your Special Investment Election Form to Jodi Stephens, at WaterStone Bank SSB, to be received no later than ____________, Central Time, on _______________, 2013.
   
Once you make an election to transfer amounts to the New Waterstone Stock Fund in connection with the stock offering, you may not change your election .  Your election is irrevocable.  You will, however, continue to have the ability to transfer amounts not directed towards the purchase of stock among all of the other investment funds on a daily basis.
   
You will be able to purchase New Waterstone stock after the offering through your investment in the   New Waterstone Stock Fund.  You may direct that your future contributions or your account balance in the Plan be transferred to the New Waterstone Stock Fund.  After the offering, to the extent that shares are available, the trustee of the Plan will acquire common stock of New Waterstone at your election in open market transactions at the prevailing price.  You may change your investment allocation on a daily basis.  Special restrictions may apply to transfers directed to and from the New Waterstone Stock Fund by the participants who are subject to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to the purchase and sale of securities by officers, directors and principal shareholders of New Waterstone.
   
The Plan provides that you may direct the trustee as to how to vote any shares of New Waterstone common stock held by the New Waterstone Stock Fund, and the interest in such shares that is credited to your account.  If the trustee does not receive your voting instructions, the plan administrator will exercise these rights as it determines in its discretion and will direct the trustee accordingly.  All voting instructions will be kept confidential.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
 
Introduction

WaterStone Bank SSB adopted the WaterStone Bank SSB 401(k) Plan on January 1, 1996.  The Plan is a tax-qualified plan with a cash or deferred compensation feature established in accordance with the requirements under Section 401(a) and Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  The Plan has been amended and restated over the years to maintain compliance with the tax laws.  Most recently, the Plan was transferred from a volume submitter plan document at Fidelity Investments to a volume submitter plan at Principal Financial Group in order to allow the WaterStone Bank SSB employees to purchase shares in the New-Waterstone’s initial public offering with their 401(k) account balances.
 
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WaterStone Bank SSB intends that the Plan, in operation, will comply with the requirements under Section 401(a) and Section 401(k) of the Code.  WaterStone Bank SSB will adopt any amendments to the Plan that may be necessary to ensure the continuing qualified status of the Plan under the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).   The Plan is an “individual account plan” other than a “money purchase pension plan” within the meaning of ERISA.  As such, the Plan is subject to all of the provisions of Title I (Protection of Employee Benefit Rights) and Title II (Amendments to the Code Relating to Retirement Plans) of ERISA, except to the funding requirements contained in Part 3 of Title I of ERISA, which by their terms do not apply to an individual account plan (other than a money purchase plan).  The Plan is not subject to Title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of ERISA.  The funding requirements contained in Title IV of ERISA are not applicable to participants or beneficiaries under the Plan.

Reference to Full Text of Plan. The following portions of this prospectus supplement summarize certain provisions of the Plan. They are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the Plan.  Copies of the Plan are available to all employees by filing a request with the Plan Administrator c/o WaterStone Bank SSB, Attn: Ian Konrath, PHR, Human Resources Director; telephone number: (414) 459-4127;   e-mail: IanKonrath@wsbonline.com. You are urged to read carefully the full text of the Plan.

Eligibility and Participation

As an employee of WaterStone Bank SSB, you are eligible to become a participant in the Plan on the first day of the month after you have reached age 18.  Union employees, leased employees and  nonresident aliens who receive no earned income from the U.S. are not eligible to participate in the Plan.  The Plan year is January 1 to December 31 (the “Plan Year”).

As of March 31, 2013, there were approximately 182 employees, former employees and beneficiaries eligible to participate in the Plan.

Contributions Under the Plan

The Plan provides for employee before-tax contributions and employee Roth after-tax contributions (“Roth contributions”), employer matching contributions made on behalf of employees who make employee before-tax contributions and Roth contributions, and discretionary employer contributions.  Each type is summarized below.  In determining contribution amounts under the Plan, an employee’s annual compensation in excess of $250,000 is disregarded, as are certain other amounts of employee compensation.
 
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Employee Before-tax Contributions .  If you are an eligible employee, WaterStone Bank SSB will automatically reduce your salary on a before-tax basis by 1%, unless you elect not to have your salary reduced at all, or you elect to have your salary reduced by another percentage.    You may elect to contribute up to 90% of your salary or and 100% of your cash bonuses (as defined in the Plan) for the purpose of making employee before-tax contributions (as discussed below), however, the most you can contribute on a before-tax basis is $17,500 for the 2013 Plan year.  You may change the amount of your employee before-tax contributions, including discontinuing or resuming them, by telephone through Principal Financial Group at (800) 547-7754 or through the Internet (which can be reached via www.principal.com ).  

Employee After-tax Roth Contributions .  You can elect to have your salary reduction contributions treated as after-tax Roth contributions.  The same contribution limits set forth above that apply to Employee before-tax contributions also apply to your Roth after-tax contributions.  You may also the amount of your employee after-tax Roth contributions, including discontinuing or resuming them, by telephone through Principal Financial Group at (800) 547-7754 or through the Internet (which can be reached via www.principal.com )

Catch-Up Contributions .  If you are over age 50 or will attain age 50 before the close of the plan year and have made the maximum elective deferral set forth above (or are prevented from making the maximum contribution due to one or more Plan limitations that prohibit you from otherwise contributing an additional before-tax contribution or Roth contribution), you may also make “catch-up” contributions, in accordance with the tax laws and subject to the tax law limits (for 2013, the limit on catch-up contributions is $5,500).  Your catch-up contributions may be either employee before-tax contributions or after-tax Roth contributions.

Discretionary Employer Contributions .  Discretionary employer contributions may be made for each plan year in an amount determined by WaterStone Bank SSB.  Discretionary employer contributions will be allocated to your account based on the ratio of your salary during the plan year for which the contribution is made to the total salaries of all employees eligible for a discretionary employer contribution for that year.

Rollover Contributions .  You are permitted to make rollover contributions to the Plan.
 
Limitations on Contributions

Limitations on Employee Before-Tax Contributions and Roth Contributions.   For the plan year beginning January 1,   2013, the amount of your employee before-tax contributions may not exceed   $17,500 per calendar year.  This amount may be adjusted periodically by law, based on changes in the cost of living.  Contributions in excess of this limit are known as excess deferrals.  If you defer amounts in excess of this limitation, your gross income for federal income tax purposes will include the excess in the year of the deferral.  In addition, unless the excess deferral is distributed before April 15 of the following year, it will be taxed again in the year distributed.  Income on the excess deferral distributed by April 15 of the immediately succeeding year will be treated, for federal income tax purposes, as earned and received by you in the tax year in which the contribution is made.
 
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Catch-up Contributions .  If you have made the maximum amount of regular employee before-tax contributions allowed by the Plan or other legal limits and you have attained at least age 50 (or will reach age 50 prior to the end of the plan year ), you are also eligible to make an additional catch-up contribution.  You may authorize your employer to withhold a specified dollar amount of your compensation for this purposes.   For 2013, the maximum catch-up contribution is $5,500.

Limitation on Plan Contributions for Highly Compensated Employees. Special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code limit the amount of employee before-tax contributions, Roth contributions and employer matching contributions that may be made to the Plan in any year on behalf of highly compensated employees, in relation to the amount of employee deferrals and employer matching contributions made by or on behalf of all other employees eligible to participate in the Plan.  A highly compensated employee includes any employee who (1) was a 5% owner of Waterstone-Federal or New Waterstone at any time during the current or preceding year, or (2) had compensation for the preceding year of more than $115,000.  The dollar amounts in the foregoing sentence may be adjusted annually to reflect increases in the cost of living.  If these limitations are exceeded, the level of deferrals by highly compensated employees may have to be adjusted.

Benefits Under the Plan

Vesting.   At all times, you have a fully vested and nonforfeitable interest in your elective deferral contributions and any rollover contributions.  Employer d iscretionary contributions credited to your account are subject to a six-year graded vesting schedule pursuant to which such amounts vest in 20% increments, beginning after the second completed year of service, beginning upon the completion of the second year of service, until a participant becomes 100% vested upon completion of five years of service.  In addition, you will also become 100% vested in the employer contributions credited to your account upon your death, disability or normal retirement upon attainment of age 65.

To earn a year of service, you must be credited with at least 1,000 hours of service during any Plan Year.

In-Service Distributions from the Plan

Loan s .  You may apply for a loan under the Plan, subject to the rules and limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and the Plan document.  The amount of any loan is limited to the lesser of $50,000, or 50%, of your vested account balance under the Plan.  The minimum amount of loan and the term of the loan is determined in accordance with the guidelines of the loan policy established by WaterStone Bank SSB with respect to the Plan.

Rollover Withdrawals from the Plan .  A substantial federal tax penalty may be imposed on withdrawals made prior to your attainment of age 59½, regardless of whether such a withdrawal occurs during your employment with WaterStone Bank SSB or after termination of employment.  If you have not yet reached age 59½, you may request a withdrawal from rollover funds within your Plan accounts for any reason.  Non-Hardship Withdrawals are not allowed within the Plan, except in the case of Rollover Withdrawals.
 
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Age 59½ Withdrawals .  Upon attainment of age 59½, you may withdraw from your vested Elective Deferral Contributions, Catch-up Contributions, and Employer Discretionary Contributions accounts for any reason.

Hardship Withdrawals .  You may be eligible for a hardship withdrawal if you have an immediate and substantial financial need to meet certain expenses and you have no other reasonably available resources to meet your need.  Among other requirements, you must first withdraw all amounts available to you under the non-hardship provisions of the Plan before you may apply for a hardship withdrawal.  Your hardship withdrawal may include amounts necessary to pay any federal, state or local income taxes or penalties expected to result from the withdrawal.  The financial needs for which you can receive a hardship withdrawal are:

Payment of post-secondary school education for the next 12 months for you, your spouse or dependents;
Unreimbursed medical expenses which were previously incurred, or expenses which are necessary to obtain medical care for you, your spouse or dependents;
Purchase of your principal residence (not including mortgage payments);
Prevention of eviction from your principal residence or foreclosure on the mortgage of your principal residence;
Payment of funeral expenses for your parent, spouse, child, or dependent; and
Expenses for the repair of damage to your principal residence that would qualify for a casualty loss deduction under the Internal Revenue Code.

You must show that the amount does not exceed the amount you need to meet your financial need, you must have obtained all other distributions and non-taxable loans available to you under any employer plan, and you may not have any employee before-tax contributions, Roth contributions  or matching contributions made on your behalf for at least six months.

Distribution Upon Retirement, Disability, or Upon Termination of Employment

You may choose to have retirement benefits begin on or after your normal retirement date (age 65).  If you continue working after your normal retirement date, your distribution will generally be deferred at least until your actual retirement date (your postponed retirement date).  You are also eligible for a benefit distribution if you become disabled while you are an active employee of WaterStone Bank SSB.  In addition, if you terminate your employment before you are eligible to retire, for any reason other than disability or death, you will be entitled to the vested value of your Plan accounts.

Forms of Distributions

Plan distributions at retirement, upon disability or upon termination of employment for reasons other than death will be made in the following standard forms of payment, unless you choose an optional form of payment.  If you terminate employment at your normal or postponed retirement date, or upon becoming permanently disabled, and the value of your Plan accounts is $1,000 or less, your benefits will be paid to you in a single cash payment as soon as administratively possible following your termination of employment.
 
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You may elect to defer receipt of your vested Plan accounts until after your normal retirement date or after your actual retirement date (if you retire after your normal retirement date), provided you receive at least a portion of your account balance no later than the first day of April following the calendar year in which you  retire (or terminate employment due to disability) or, if later, you attain age 70½.

Regardless of the reason for which you terminate employment, you may request that the value of your Plan accounts be transferred to a rollover IRA, another employer’s qualified plan, a Section 403(b) annuity contract or a Section 457(b) governmental plan maintained by a state or agency of the state, if the other plan or contract permits it.

If you die and have not made a valid election as to how payments are to be made, the value of your vested Plan account will be paid to your beneficiary in a single cash payment.  If your vested account is $1,000 or less, your account will be paid to your beneficiary in a single cash payment as soon as administratively possible.  If your designated beneficiary is your spouse and you die before attaining age 70½, payment to your spouse will be made no later than the date you would have attained age 70½.  If your designated beneficiary is your spouse and you die on or after attaining age 70½, payment to your spouse will be made as soon as administratively possible.  If your designated beneficiary is not your spouse, payment to your designated beneficiary will be made within one year of the date of your death.

Investment of Contributions and Account Balances

All amounts credited to your accounts under the Plan are held in the Plan trust (the “Trust”), which is administered by the trustee appointed by WaterStone Bank SSB’s Board of Directors.

Prior to the effective date of the stock offering, you were provided the opportunity to direct the investment of your account into one of the following funds:

Principal Trust(SM) Income Fund I
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2010 – 2055 Fund I
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Inst Fund
MidCap Inst Fund
MidCap S&P 400 Index Inst Fund
SmallCap S&P 600 Index Inst Fund
LargeCap Growth I Inst Fund
Columbia Acorn A Fund
Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund
Fidelity Contrafund
Fidelity Leveraged Company Stock Fund
Oppenheimer Developing Markets Y Fund
 
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First Eagle Gold A Fund
American Beacon International Equity Fund
Harbor International Inst Fund
Oppenheimer Global Strategic Income Y Fund
Oppenheimer International Growth Y Fund
BlackRock Equity Dividend I Fund
Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Inst Fund
JP Morgan Core Bond R5 Fund
DWS RREEF Real Estate Sec S Fund
BlackRock Global Allocation Institutional Fund
John Hancock Disciplined Value Mid Cap I Fund
Janus Triton T Fund
BlackRock High Yield Bond Institutional Fund
Oppenheimer Equity Income Y Fund
Ivy Science & Technology I Fund

You may stop making salary deferral contributions at any time.  You may change your salary deferral amount daily.  Changes will be implemented as soon as possible.

You may change your investment direction of future contributions at any time by telephone through Principal Financial Group at (800) 547-7754 or through the Internet (which can be reached via www.principal.com ).  For further information regarding changes to your investment directions, please contact Ian Konrath, PHR, in the Human Resources Department of WaterStone Bank SSB at (414) 459-4127.

You can transfer existing investment account balances from one fund to another at any time, by telephone or through the Internet.

In connection with the stock offering, the Plan now provides that in addition to the funds specified above, you may direct the trustee, or its representative, to invest all or a portion of your account in the New Waterstone Stock Fund.

Special rules may apply to investment in the New Waterstone Stock Fund, for certain officers who are subject to restrictions on distributions under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These special rules affect withdrawals, loans, investment direction and transfers of investment account balances for the officers who are subject to these restrictions.

Pending investment in shares of New Waterstone common stock, amounts allocated towards the purchase of New Waterstone common stock in the stock offering will be held in a money market fund.   In the event of an oversubscription that prevents you from purchasing all of the shares of New Waterstone that you ordered in the stock offering, the amounts that you elected to invest but were unable to invest, plus any earnings on those amounts, will be reinvested among the other funds of the Plan in accordance with your then existing investment election (in proportion to your investment direction for future contributions).
 
11
 

 


Following the stock offering, you may elect to have both past contributions and earnings, as well as future contributions to your account invested among the funds listed above and the New Waterstone Stock Fund.

Performance History and Fund Description

The following table provides performance data with respect to the investment funds available under the Plan through March 31, 2013:
                         
          Average Annual Total Returns as of March 31, 2013
Fund Name
 
Year to
Date
 
1 Year
 
3 Year
 
5 Year
 
10 Year
 
Since
Inception
Principal Trust(SM) Income Fund I
 
2.40%
 
6.81%
 
7.38%
 
--
 
--
 
9.61%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2010 Fund I
 
4.23%
 
8.85%
 
9.08%
 
--
 
--
 
13.40%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2015 Fund I
 
5.34%
 
9.74%
 
9.58%
 
--
 
--
 
14.47%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2020 Fund I
 
5.90%
 
10.52%
 
10.06%
 
--
 
--
 
15.37%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2025 Fund I
 
6.41%
 
11.37%
 
10.42%
 
--
 
--
 
16.03%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2030 Fund I
 
7.03%
 
11.60%
 
10.55%
 
--
 
--
 
16.44%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2035 Fund I
 
7.13%
 
11.76%
 
10.72%
 
--
 
--
 
16.82%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2040 Fund I
 
7.69%
 
12.35%
 
10.91%
 
--
 
--
 
17.14%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2045 Fund I
 
7.83%
 
12.60%
 
11.13%
 
--
 
--
 
17.57%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2050 Fund I
 
7.97%
 
12.64%
 
11.19%
 
--
 
--
 
17.29%
Principal Trust(SM) Target 2055 Fund I
 
8.15%
 
12.75%
 
11.22%
 
--
 
--
 
17.57%
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Inst Fund
 
10.53%
 
13.81%
 
12.47%
 
5.61%
 
8.32%
 
n/a
MidCap Inst Fund
 
12.17%
 
19.99%
 
18.66%
 
11.00%
 
13.06%
 
n/a
MidCap S&P 400 Index Inst Fund
 
13.33%
 
17.52%
 
14.86%
 
9.58%
 
12.20%
 
n/a
SmallCap S&P 600 Index Inst Fund
 
11.73%
 
15.86%
 
14.92%
 
8.95%
 
12.14%
 
n/a
LargeCap Growth I Inst Fund
 
9.12%
 
7.63%
 
13.11%
 
9.12%
 
8.90%
 
n/a
Columbia Acorn A Fund
 
9.78%
 
11.85%
 
12.88%
 
7.87%
 
12.62%
 
n/a
Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund
 
10.35%
 
15.15%
 
12.72%
 
7.59%
 
10.41%
 
n/a
Fidelity Contrafund
 
9.18%
 
10.41%
 
12.68%
 
6.27%
 
10.89%
 
n/a
Fidelity Leveraged Company Stock Fund
 
12.35%
 
23.61%
 
14.41%
 
5.08%
 
16.11%
 
n/a
Oppenheimer Developing Markets Y Fund
 
0.17%
 
5.73%
 
7.29%
 
6.05%
 
21.33%
 
n/a
First Eagle Gold A Fund
 
-15.13%
 
-17.09%
 
-0.45%
 
1.41%
 
12.31%
 
n/a
American Beacon International Equity Fund
 
2.41%
 
11.17%
 
5.15%
 
0.02%
 
10.31%
 
n/a
Harbor International Inst Fund
 
2.09%
 
7.85%
 
6.86%
 
0.94%
 
13.31%
 
n/a
Oppenheimer Global Strategic Income Y Fund
 
1.46%
 
9.89%
 
9.03%
 
6.35%
 
8.01%
 
n/a
Oppenheimer International Growth Y Fund
 
6.06%
 
14.03%
 
10.02%
 
4.20%
 
14.68%
 
n/a
BlackRock Equity Dividend I Fund
 
8.43%
 
12.59%
 
12.16%
 
5.30%
 
10.77%
 
n/a
Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Inst Fund
 
12.62%
 
17.75%
 
15.22%
 
10.18%
 
12.40%
 
n/a
JP Morgan Core Bond R5 Fund
 
0.15%
 
4.42%
 
6.07%
 
6.31%
 
5.45%
 
n/a
DWS RREEF Real Estate Sec S Fund
 
5.84%
 
13.08%
 
17.11%
 
6.32%
 
12.45%
 
n/a
BlackRock Global Allocation Institutional Fund
 
4.29%
 
6.37%
 
6.36%
 
3.88%
 
11.03%
 
n/a
John Hancock Disciplined Value Mid Cap I Fund
 
12.41%
 
17.64%
 
15.14%
 
11.62%
 
13.90%
 
n/a
Janus Triton T Fund
 
9.66%
 
13.27%
 
17.33%
 
12.26%
 
--
 
12.20%
BlackRock High Yield Bond Institutional Fund
 
3.24%
 
13.82%
 
11.32%
 
11.25%
 
10.12%
 
n/a
Oppenheimer Equity Income Y Fund
 
11.10%
 
16.43%
 
11.94%
 
9.03%
 
10.83%
 
n/a
Ivy Science & Technology I Fund
 
12.98%
 
19.70%
 
14.55%
 
11.22%
 
13.73%
 
n/a
                         
*************
                       
Principal Fixed Income Guaranteed Option – See discussion under Description of the Investment Funds .
 
12
 

 

 
D escription of the Investment Funds

The following is a description of each of the funds:

Principal Trust(SM) Income Fund I.   The investment option seeks current income and, as a secondary objective, capital appreciation.  To pursue its goal, this Target Date Fund generally invests in affiliated and may invest in nonaffiliated open-ended mutual funds, insurance company separate accounts, and collective trust funds that Principal Trust considers appropriate based on investors who have reached their investment time horizon.

Principal Trust(SM) Target 2010-2055 Fund I.    These investment options seek a total return consisting of long-term growth of capital and current income.  To pursue this goal, these Target Date Funds generally invest in affiliated and may invest in nonaffiliated open-ended mutual funds, insurance company separate accounts, and collective trust funds that Principal Trust considers appropriate based on the remaining time horizon of a particular Target Date Fund.  Over time, Principal Trust intends to gradually shift the asset allocation targets of each Fund (other than the Principal Trust Income Fund) to accommodate investors progressing from asset accumulation years to income generation years.  It is expected that within 15 years after its target year, a Fund’s underlying fund allocation will match that of the Principal Trust Income Fund.

LargeCap S&P 500 Index Inst Fund.    The investment seeks long-term growth of capital.  The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of companies that compose the S&P 500 Index at the time of purchase.  The index is designed to represent U.S. equities with risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe.  It invests in index futures and options and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) on a daily basis to gain exposure to the index in an effort to minimize tracking error relative to the benchmark.

MidCap Inst Fund.   The investment seeks long-term growth of capital.  The fund normally invests at least 80% of net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of companies with medium market capitalizations at the time of purchase.  It invests in foreign securities.  The fund invests in equity securities with value and/or growth characteristics and constructs an investment portfolio that has a “blend” of equity securities with these characteristics.  Investing in value equity securities is an investment strategy that emphasizes buying equity securities that appear to be undervalued.

MidCap S&P 400 Index Inst Fund.    The investment seeks long-term growth of capital.  The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of companies that compose the Standard &Poor’s (“S&P”) MidCap 400 Index at the time of purchase. The investment is designed to represent U.S. equities with risk/return characteristics of the mid cap universe.  It invests in index futures and options and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) on a daily basis to gain exposure to the index in an effort to minimize tracking error relative to the benchmark.

SmallCap S&P 600 Index Inst Fund.   The investment seeks long-term growth of capital.  The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of companies that compose the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”)  SmallCap 600 Index at the time of purchase.  The index is designed to represent U.S. equities with risk/return characteristics of the small cap universe.  The fund invests in index futures and options and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) on a daily basis to gain exposure to the index in an effort to minimize tracking error relative to the benchmark.
 
13
 

 


LargeCap Growth I Inst Fund .   The investment seeks long-term growth of capital.  The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of companies with large market capitalizations (those with market capitalization ranges similar to the companies in the Russell 1000® Growth Index) at the time of purchase.  It invests in growth equity securities; growth orientation emphasizes buying equity securities of companies whose potential for growth of capital and earning is expected to be above average.  The fund also invests in securities of foreign companies.

Columbia Acorn A Fund .  The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation.  Under normal circumstances, the fund invests a majority of its net assets in the common stock of small- and mid-sized companies with market capitalizations under $5 billion at the time of investment.  It invests the majority of its assets in U.S. companies, but also may invest up to 33% of its total assets in foreign companies in developed markets (for example, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom) and in emerging markets (for example, China, India and Brazil).

Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund .   The investment seeks capital appreciation.  The fund invests primarily in common stocks.  It invests in domestic and foreign issuers.  The fund invests in either “growth” stocks or “value” stocks or both.  It uses fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions, to select investments.

Fidelity Contrafund .  The investment seeks capital appreciation.  The fund normally invests primarily in common stocks.  It invests in securities of companies whose value the advisor believes is not fully recognized by the public.  The fund invests in domestic and foreign issuers.  It invests in either “growth” stocks or “value” stocks or both.  The fund uses fundamental analysis of factors such as each issuer’s financial condition and industry position, as well as market and economic conditions to select investments.

Fidelity Leveraged Company Stock Fund .  The investment seeks capital appreciation.  The fund normally invests as least 80% of assets in stocks.  It invests primarily in common stocks of leveraged companies (companies that issue lower-quality debt and other companies with leveraged capital structures).  The fund potentially invests in lower-quality debt securities and invests in domestic and foreign issuers.  It invests in either “growth” stocks or “value” stocks or both.  The fund uses fundamental analysis of each issuer’s financial condition and industry position and market and economic conditions to select investments.
 
Oppenheimer Developing Markets Y Fund .  The investment seeks capital appreciation aggressively.  The fund mainly invests in common stocks of issuers in developing and emerging markets throughout the world and at times it may invest up to 100% of its total assets in foreign securities.  Under normal market conditions, it will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of issuers whose principal activities are in a developing market, i.e. are in a developing market or are economically tied to a developing market country.  The fund will invest in at least three developing markets.
 
14
 

 


First Eagle Gold A Fund .  The investment seeks to provide investors the opportunity to participate in the investment characteristics of gold (and to a limited extent other precious metals) for a portion of their overall investment portfolio.  The fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in gold and/or securities (which may include both equity and, to a limited extent, debt instruments) directly related to gold or of issuers principally engaged in the gold industry, including securities of gold mining finance companies as well as operating companies with long-life, medium-life or short-life mines.  It is non-diversified.

American Beacon International Equity Fund .  The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation.  The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks (collectively, “stocks”) of issuers based in at least three different countries located outside the United States.  It primarily invests in countries comprising the Morgan Stanley Capital International® Europe Autralasia Far East Index (“MSCI EAFE Index”).  The MSCI EAFE Index is comprised of equity securities of companies from various industrial sectors whose primary trading markets are located outside the United States.

Harbor International Inst Fund .  The investment seeks long-term total return, principally from growth of capital.  The fund invests normally in a minimum of ten countries throughout the world, focusing on companies located in Europe, the Pacific Basin and emerging industrialized countries whose economies and political regimes appear stable.  It invests primarily (no less than 65% of its total assets) in common and preferred stocks of foreign companies, including those located in emerging market countries.  Companies in the fund’s portfolio generally have market capitalizations in excess of $1 billion at the time of purchase.

Oppenheimer Global Strategic Income Y Fund .   The investment seeks total return.  The fund invests mainly in debt securities in three market sectors: Foreign governments and issuers, U.S. government securities, and lower-grade, high-yield securities of U.S. and foreign issuers (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”).  It can invest up to 100% of its assets in any one sector at any time.  Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest a substantial portion of its assets in a number of different countries, including the U.S.  It has no limitations regarding the range of maturities of the debt securities it can buy or the market capitalization of the issuers of those securities.

Oppenheimer International Growth Y Fund .  The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation.  The fund mainly invests in the common stock of growth companies that are domiciled or have their primary operations outside of the United States.  It may invest 100% of its assets in securities of foreign companies.  The fund may invest in emerging markets as well as in developed markets throughout the world.  It normally will invest at least 65% of its total assets in common and preferred stocks of issuers in at least three different countries outside of the United States, and emphasize investments in common stocks of issuers that the portfolio managers consider to be “growth” companies.
 
15
 

 

 
BlackRock Equity Dividend I Fund .  The investment seeks long-term total return and current income.  The fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities.  Under normal circumstances, it will invest at least 80% of its assets in equity securities and at least 80% of its assets in dividend paying securities.  The fund may invest in securities of companies with any market capitalization, but will generally focus on large cap securities.  It may also invest in convertible securities and non-convertible preferred stock.  The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers.
 
Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Inst Fund .  The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation.  The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes (measured at time of purchase) (“net assets”) in a diversified portfolio of equity investments in small-cap issuers with public stock market capitalizations within the range of the market capitalization of companies constituting the Russell 2000® Value Index at the time of investment.  Although it invests primarily in publicly traded U.S. securities, the fund may also invest in foreign securities, including securities of issuers in emerging countries and securities quoted in foreign currencies.

JP Morgan Core Bond R5 Fund .   The investment seeks to maximize total return by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of intermediate- and long-term debt securities.  The fund is designed to maximize total return by investing in a portfolio of investment grade intermediate- and long-term debt securities.  As part of its main investment strategy, it may principally invest in corporate bonds, U.S. treasury obligations and other U.S. government and agency securities, and asset-backed, mortgage-related and mortgage-backed securities.  The fund’s average weighted maturity will ordinarily range between four and 12 years.

DWS RREEF Real Estate Sec S Fund .  The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income.  The fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowing for investment purposes (calculated at the time of any investment), in equity securities of real estate investment trust (“REITs”) and real estate companies.  It may also invest a portion of its assets in other types of securities.  These securities may include short-term securities, bonds, notes, securities of companies not principally engaged in the real estate industry, non-leveraged stock index futures contracts and other similar securities.  The fund is non-diversified.

BlackRock Global Allocation Institutional Fund .  The investment seeks to provide high total investment return.  The fund invests in a portfolio of equity, debt and money market securities.  It may invest up to 35% of its total assets in “junk bonds,” corporate loans and distressed securities.  The fund may also invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”).  It has no geographic limits on where it may invest and may invest in the securities of companies of any market capitalization.

John Hancock Disciplined Value Mid Cap I Fund .  The investment seeks long-term growth of capital with current income as a secondary objective.  The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of equity securities, such as common stocks, of issuers with medium market capitalizations and identified by the subadviser as having value characteristics.  It may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign currency-denominated securities.  The fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.
 
16
 

 

 
Janus Triton T Fund .  The investment seeks long-term growth of capital.  The fund pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in common stocks selected for their growth potential.  In pursuing that objective, it invests in equity securities of small- and medium-sized companies.  Generally, small- and medium-sized companies have a market capitalization of less than $10 billion.  Market capitalization is a commonly used measure of the size and value of a company.  The fund may also invest in foreign equity and debt securities, which may include investments in emerging markets.

BlackRock High Yield Bond Institutional Fund .   The investment seeks to maximize total return, consistent with income generation and prudent investment management.  The fund invests primarily in non-investment grade bonds with maturities of ten years or less.  It normally invests at least 80% of its assets in high yield bonds.  The fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in non-dollar denominated bonds of issuers located outside of the United States.  Its investment in non-dollar denominated bonds may be on a currency hedged or unhedged basis.  The fund may also invest in convertible and preferred securities.

Oppenheimer Equity Income Y Fund .   The investment seeks total return.  The fund mainly invests in common stocks of U.S. companies that the portfolio manager believes are undervalued.  It will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities.  The fund may invest in equity securities issued by companies of different capitalization ranges, but will typically focus on larger capitalization stocks.  It does not intend to invest more than 25% of its net assets in securities of issuers in any single foreign country or more than 5% of its net assets in companies or government issuers in emerging market countries.

Ivy Science & Technology I Fund .   The investment seeks to provide growth of capital.  The fund invests primarily in the equity securities of science and technology companies around the globe.  Under normal circumstances, it invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of science or technology companies.  Science and technology companies are companies whose products, processes or services, are being or are expected to be significantly benefited by the use or commercial application of scientific or technological developments or discoveries.

An investment in any of the funds listed above is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.  As with any mutual fund investment, there is always a risk that you may lose money on your investment in any of the funds listed above.

Principal Fixed Income Guaranteed Option.   The Principal Fixed Income Guaranteed Option is a guaranteed general-account backed group annuity contract that has been issued by Principal Life Insurance Company (Principal Life) to Principal Trust Company as custodian.   Following is a history of the varios rates at which interest has been credited under the the Principal Fixed Income Guaranteed Option since March 2007.
 
17
 

 

 
Crediting Rate History
06/13
     --
11/13
12/12
--
05/13
06/12
--
11/12
12/11
--
05/12
06/11
--
11/11
12/10
--
05/11
06/10
--
11/10
12/09
--
05/10
06/09
--
11/09
12/08
--
05/09
06/08
--
11/08
12/07
--
05/08
03/07
--
11/07
1.35%
1.45%
1.75%
2.00%
2.20%
2.20%
2.55%
2.60%
2.60%
3.95%
3.95%
4.00%
4.00%

Investment in Common Stock of New Waterstone

The New Waterstone Stock Fund will consist primarily of investments in common stock of New Waterstone.  The trustee will use all amounts allocated to the New Waterstone Stock Fund pursuant to the Special Investment Election Form to acquire shares in the conversion and common stock offering.  After the offering, the trustee will, to the extent practicable, use amounts held by it in the New Waterstone Stock Fund, including cash dividends paid on common stock held in the New Waterstone Stock Fund, to purchase shares of common stock of New Waterstone.  It is expected that all purchases will be made at prevailing market prices.  Under certain circumstances, the trustee may be required to limit the daily volume of shares purchased.  Pending investment in common stock, amounts allocated towards the purchase of shares in the offering will be held in the New Waterstone Stock Fund in an interest-bearing account.  In the event of an oversubscription, any earnings that result therefrom will be reinvested among the other funds of the 401(k) plan in accordance with your then existing investment election (in proportion to your investment direction allocation percentages).

Following the offering, New Waterstone, a Maryland corporation, will be 100% owned by its public shareholders, including WaterStone Bank SSB’s tax-qualified plans.  Currently, WaterStone Bank SSB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waterstone-Federal, a federal mid-tier holding company, that is a majority-owned subsidiary of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, a mutual holding company.  Performance of the New Waterstone Stock Fund will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the financial condition and profitability of New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank SSB and market conditions for the common stock generally.  An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency.  It is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.

As of the date of this prospectus supplement, none of the shares of New Waterstone common stock have been issued or are outstanding and there is no established market for New Waterstone common stock.  Accordingly, there is no record of the historical performance of the New Waterstone Stock Fund.  Performance of the New Waterstone Stock Fund depends on a number of factors, including the financial condition and profitability of New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank SSB and market conditions for New Waterstone common stock generally.

Investments in the New Waterstone Stock Fund involve special risks common to investments in the common stock of New Waterstone.

For a discussion of material risks you should consider, see the “Risk Factors” section of the accompanying Prospectus and the section of the Prospectus Supplement entitled “Notice of Your Rights Concerning Employer Securities” (see below).
 
 
 
An investment in any of the funds listed above is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.  As with any mutual fund or stock investment, there is always a risk that you may lose money on your investment in any of the funds listed above.
 
18
 

 


Administration of the Plan

The Trustee and Custodian .  The trustee of the Plan is Delaware Charter Guarantee & Trust Company d/b/a Principal Trust Company .

Plan Administrator .   Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Plan is administered by the Plan Administrator, WaterStone Bank SSB.  The address of the Plan Administrator is 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226,   telephone number (___) ________.  The Plan Administrator is responsible for the administration of the Plan, interpretation of the provisions of the Plan, prescribing procedures for filing applications for benefits, preparation and distribution of information explaining the Plan, maintenance of Plan records, books of account and all other data necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, preparation and filing of all returns and reports relating to the Plan which are required to be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service, and for all disclosures required to be made to participants, beneficiaries and others under Sections 104 and 105 of ERISA.

Reports to Plan Participants .  The Plan Administrator will furnish you a statement at least quarterly showing the balance in your account as of the end of that period, the amount of contributions allocated to your account for that period, and any adjustments to your account to reflect earnings or losses (if any).

Amendment and Termination

It is the intention of WaterStone Bank SSB to continue the Plan indefinitely.  Nevertheless, WaterStone Bank SSB may terminate the Plan at any time.  If the Plan is terminated in whole or in part, then regardless of other provisions in the Plan, you will have a fully vested interest in your accounts.  WaterStone Bank SSB reserves the right to make any amendment or amendments to the Plan which do not cause any part of the trust to be used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than the exclusive benefit of participants or their beneficiaries; provided, however, that WaterStone Bank SSB may make any amendment it determines necessary or desirable, with or without retroactive effect, to comply with ERISA.

Merger, Consolidation or Transfer

In the event of the merger or consolidation of the Plan with another plan, or the transfer of the trust assets to another plan, the Plan requires that you would receive a benefit immediately after the merger, consolidation or transfer which is equal to or greater than the benefit you would have been entitled to receive immediately before the merger, consolidation or transfer.
 
19
 

 

 
Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a brief summary of the material federal income tax aspects of the Plan. You should not rely on this summary as a complete or definitive description of the material federal income tax consequences relating to the Plan.  Statutory provisions change, as do their interpretations, and their application may vary in individual circumstances.  Finally, the consequences under applicable state and local income tax laws may not be the same as under the federal income tax laws.  Please consult your tax advisor with respect to any distribution from the Plan and transactions involving the Plan.

As a “tax-qualified retirement plan,” the Internal Revenue Code affords the Plan special tax treatment, including:

(1)           the sponsoring employer is allowed an immediate tax deduction for the amount contributed to the Plan each year;

(2)           participants pay no current income tax on amounts contributed by the employer on their behalf;

(3)           earnings of the Plan are tax-deferred, thereby permitting the tax-free accumulation of income and gains on investments.

WaterStone Bank SSB will administer the Plan to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code as of the applicable effective date of any change in the law.

Lump-Sum Distribution . A distribution from the Plan to a participant or the beneficiary of a participant will qualify as a lump-sum distribution if it is made within one taxable year, on account of the participant’s death, disability or separation from service, or after the participant attains age 59 ½, and consists of the balance credited to the participant under the Plan and all other profit sharing plans, if any, maintained by WaterStone Bank SSB.  The portion of any lump-sum distribution required to be included in your taxable income for federal income tax purposes consists of the entire amount of the lump-sum distribution, less the amount of after-tax contributions, if any, you have made to this Plan and any other profit sharing plans maintained by WaterStone Bank SSB, which is included in the distribution.

New Waterstone Common Stock Included in Lump-Sum Distribution . If a lump-sum distribution includes New Waterstone common stock, the distribution generally will be taxed in the manner described above, except that the total taxable amount may be reduced by the amount of any net unrealized appreciation with respect to New Waterstone common stock; that is, the excess of the value of New Waterstone common stock at the time of the distribution over its cost or other basis of the securities to the trust.  The tax basis of New Waterstone common stock, for purposes of computing gain or loss on its subsequent sale, equals the value of New Waterstone common stock at the time of distribution, less the amount of net unrealized appreciation.  Any gain on a subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of New Waterstone common stock, to the extent of the amount of net unrealized appreciation at the time of distribution, will constitute long-term capital gain, regardless of the holding period of New Waterstone common stock.  Any gain on a subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of New Waterstone common stock, in excess of the amount of net unrealized appreciation at the time of distribution, will be considered long-term capital gain.  The recipient of a distribution may elect to include the amount of any net unrealized appreciation in the total taxable amount of the distribution, to the extent allowed by regulations to be issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
 
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Distributions: Rollovers and Direct Transfers to Another Qualified Plan or to an IRA . You may roll over virtually all distributions from the Plan to another qualified plan or to an individual retirement account in accordance with the terms of the other plan or account.

Notice of Your Rights Concerning Employer Securities.

Federal law provides specific rights concerning investments in employer securities.  Because you may in the future have investments in the New Waterstone Stock Fund under the Plan, you should take the time to read the following information carefully.

Your Rights Concerning Employer Securities . The Plan must allow you to elect to move any portion of your account that is invested in the New Waterstone Stock Fund from that investment into other investment alternatives under the Plan.  You may contact the Plan Administrator shown above for specific information regarding this right, including how to make this election.  In deciding whether to exercise this right, you will want to give careful consideration to the information below that describes the importance of diversification.  All of the investment options under the Plan are available to you if you decide to diversify out of either the New Waterstone Stock Fund.

The Importance of Diversifying Your Retirement Savings .  To help achieve long-term retirement security, you should give careful consideration to the benefits of a well-balanced and diversified investment portfolio.  Spreading your assets among different types of investments can help you achieve a favorable rate of return, while minimizing your overall risk of losing money.  This is because market or other economic conditions that cause one category of assets, or one particular security, to perform very well often cause another asset category, or another particular security, to perform poorly.  If you invest more than 20% of your retirement savings in any one company or industry, your savings may not be properly diversified.  Although diversification is not a guarantee against loss, it is an effective strategy to help you manage investment risk.

In deciding how to invest your retirement savings, you should take into account all of your assets, including any retirement savings outside of the Plan.  No single approach is right for everyone because, among other factors, individuals have different financial goals, different time horizons for meeting their goals, and different tolerance for risk.  Therefore, you should carefully consider the rights described here and how these rights affect the amount of money that you invest in employer common stock through the Plan.

It is also important to periodically review your investment portfolio, your investment objectives, and the investment options under the Plan to help ensure that your retirement savings will meet your retirement goals.
 
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Additional Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) Considerations

As noted above, the Plan is subject to certain provisions of ERISA, including special provisions relating to control over the Plan’s assets by participants and beneficiaries.  The Plan’s feature that allows you to direct the investment of your account balances is intended to satisfy the requirements of section 404(c) of ERISA relating to control over plan assets by a participant or beneficiary.  The effect of this is two-fold.  First, you will not be deemed a “fiduciary” because of your exercise of investment discretion.  Second, no person who otherwise is a fiduciary, such as WaterStone Bank SSB, the Plan administrator, or the Plan’s trustee is liable under the fiduciary responsibility provision of ERISA for any loss which results from your exercise of control over the assets in your Plan account.

Because you will be entitled to invest all or a portion of your account balance in the Plan in New Waterstone common stock, the regulations under section 404(c) of the ERISA require that the Plan establish procedures that ensure the confidentiality of your decision to purchase, hold, or sell employer securities, except to the extent that disclosure of such information is necessary to comply with federal or state laws not preempted by ERISA.  These regulations also require that your exercise of voting and similar rights with respect to the common stock be conducted in a way that ensures the confidentiality of your exercise of these rights.

Securities and Exchange Commission Reporting and Short-Swing Profit Liability

Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 imposes reporting and liability requirements on officers, directors, and persons beneficially owning more than 10% of public companies such as New Waterstone.  Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the filing of reports of beneficial ownership.  Within 10 days of becoming an officer, director or person beneficially owning more than 10% of the shares of New Waterstone, a Form 3 reporting initial beneficial ownership must be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Changes in beneficial ownership, such as purchases, sales and gifts generally must be reported periodically, either on a Form 4 within 2 business days after the change occurs, or annually on a Form 5 within 45 days after the close of New Waterstone’s fiscal year.  Discretionary transactions in and beneficial ownership of the common stock through the New Waterstone Stock Fund of the Plan by officers, directors and persons beneficially owning more than 10% of the common stock of New Waterstone generally must be reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission by such individuals.

In addition to the reporting requirements described above, Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provides for the recovery by New Waterstone of profits realized by an officer, director or any person beneficially owning more than 10% of New Waterstone’s common stock resulting from non-exempt purchases and sales of New Waterstone common stock within any six-month period.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules that provide exemptions from the profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) for all transactions in employer securities within an employee benefit plan, provided certain requirements are met.  These requirements generally involve restrictions upon the timing of elections to acquire or dispose of employer securities for the accounts of Section 16(b) persons.
 
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Except for distributions of common stock due to death, disability, retirement, termination of employment or under a qualified domestic relations order, persons affected by Section 16(b) are required to hold shares of common stock distributed from the Plan for six months following such distribution and are prohibited from directing additional purchases of common stock within the New Waterstone Stock Fund for six months after receiving such a distribution.

Financial Information Regarding Plan Assets

Financial information representing the net assets available for Plan benefits and the change in net assets available for Plan benefits at December 31, 2012, is available upon written request to the Plan Administrator at the address shown above.

LEGAL OPINION

The validity of the issuance of the common stock has been passed upon by Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., Washington, D.C., which firm is acting as special counsel to WaterStone Bank SSB in connection with New Waterstone’s stock offering.

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SUBSCRIPTION AND COMMUNITY
OFFERING PROSPECTUS
WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
(Proposed Holding Company for WaterStone Bank)
Up to 28,031,250 Shares of Common Stock
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation, is offering up to 28,031,250 shares of common stock for sale at $8.00 per share on a best efforts basis in connection with the conversion of Lamplighter Financial, MHC from the mutual holding company to the stock holding company form of organization. The shares we are offering represent the ownership interest in Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal corporation, currently owned by Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  In this prospectus, we will refer to Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Maryland corporation, as “New Waterstone,” and we will refer to Waterstone Financial, Inc., the federal corporation, as “Waterstone-Federal.”  Waterstone-Federal’s common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “WSBF,” and we expect the shares of New Waterstone common stock will also trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF.”
 
The shares of common stock are first being offered in a subscription offering to eligible depositors and tax-qualified employee benefit plans of WaterStone Bank SSB, as described in this prospectus.  Shares not purchased in the subscription offering will be offered for sale simultaneously to the general public in a community offering, with a preference given to residents of the communities served by WaterStone Bank SSB and existing stockholders of Waterstone-Federal.  Any shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription or community offerings may be offered to the public through a syndicate of broker-dealers, referred to in this prospectus as the syndicated offering, or, in a separate firm commitment underwritten public offering.  The syndicated offering or the firm commitment underwritten offering may commence before the subscription and community offerings (including any extensions) have expired.  The subscription, community, syndicated and firm commitment underwritten offerings are collectively referred to in this prospectus as the offering. We must sell a minimum of 20,718,750 shares in order to complete the offering and the conversion.
 
In addition to the shares we are selling in the offering, the shares of Waterstone-Federal currently held by the public will be exchanged for shares of common stock of New Waterstone based on an exchange ratio that will result in existing public stockholders of Waterstone-Federal owning approximately the same percentage of New Waterstone common stock as they owned in Waterstone-Federal common stock immediately prior to the completion of the conversion.  The number of shares we expect to issue in the exchange ranges from 7,456,953 shares to 10,088,819 shares.
 
The minimum order is 25 shares.  The subscription and community offerings are expected to expire at 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date].  We may extend this expiration date without notice to you until [extension date].  Once submitted, orders are irrevocable unless the subscription and community offerings are terminated or extended, with regulatory approval, beyond [extension date], or the number of shares of common stock to be sold is increased to more than 28,031,250 shares or decreased to less than 20,718,750 shares.  If the subscription and community offerings are extended past [extension date], all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders.  If you do not respond to this notice, we will promptly return your funds with interest at 0.01% per annum or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization.  If the number of shares to be sold in the offering is increased to more than 28,031,250 shares or decreased to less than 20,718,750 shares, we will resolicit subscribers, and all funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be returned promptly with interest. Funds received in the subscription and the community offerings will be held in a segregated account at WaterStone Bank SSB and will earn interest at 0.01% per annum until completion or termination of the offering.  No shares purchased in the subscription offering or the community offering will be issued until the completion of any syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will assist us in selling the shares on a best efforts basis in the subscription and community offerings, and will serve as sole book-running manager for any syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering. Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. is not required to purchase any shares of common stock that are sold in the subscription and community offerings.
 
                   
OFFERING SUMMARY
Price: $8.00 per Share  
Minimum     Midpoint     Maximum  
Number of shares
    20,718,750       24,375,000       28,031,250  
Gross offering proceeds
  $ 165,750,000     $ 195,000,000     $ 224,250,000  
Estimated offering expenses, excluding selling agent and underwriters’ commissions
  $ 1,549,550     $ 1,549,550     $ 1,549,550  
Selling agent and underwriters’ commissions (1)
  $ 4,684,150     $ 5,491,450     $ 6,298,750  
Estimated net proceeds
  $ 159,516,300     $ 187,959,000     $ 216,401,700  
Estimated net proceeds per share
  $ 7.70     $ 7.71     $ 7.72  
       
 
(1)
The amounts shown assume that 50% of the shares are sold in the subscription and community offerings and the remaining 50% are sold in a syndicated or   firm commitment underwritten offering.  The amounts shown further assume that Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will receive fees and expenses in the amount of: (i) 1.0% of the aggregate amount of common stock sold in the subscription offering (net of insider purchases and shares purchased by our employee stock ownership plan); (ii) records management fees and expenses of $60,000; and (iii) other expenses of the offering of $115,000.  The amounts shown also include fees of 5% of the aggregate amount of common stock sold in the syndicated or   firm commitment underwritten offering, which will be paid to Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and any other broker-dealers included in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  See “The Conversion and Offering—Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriter Compensation” for information regarding compensation to be received by Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. in the subscription and community offerings and the compensation to be received by Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and the other broker-dealers that may participate in the syndicated or   firm commitment underwritten offering.  If all shares of common stock were sold in the syndicated or   firm commitment underwritten offering, the selling agent and broker-dealers’ commissions would be approximately $ 8.3 million, $ 9.8 million and $11. 2 million at the minimum, midpoint and maximum levels of the offering, respectively.
 
This investment involves a degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Please read “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 .
 
These securities are not deposits or accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.  Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P.
For assistance, please contact the Stock Information Center, toll-free, at [stock center phone #].
The date of this prospectus is [Prospectus Date].
 
 
 

 

 
(MAP)
 
 
 

 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
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28
 
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31
 
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38
 
46
 
74
 
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104
 
117
 
119
 
132
 
133
 
134
 
156
 
162
 
166
 
167
 
167
 
167
 
167
 
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SUMMARY
 
The following summary explains the significant aspects of the conversion, the offering and the exchange of existing shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock for shares of New Waterstone common stock.  It may not contain all of the information that is important to you.  Before making an investment decision, you should read this entire document carefully, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, and the section entitled “Risk Factors.”
 
Our Organizational Structure and the Proposed Conversion
 
Since 2005 we have operated in a two-tiered mutual holding company structure.  Waterstone-Federal is our federally chartered, publicly-traded stock holding company and the parent company of WaterStone Bank SSB, which we refer to as “WaterStone Bank” in this prospectus.  At March 31, 2013, Waterstone-Federal had consolidated assets of $1.63 billion, deposits of $914.9 million and stockholders’ equity of $207.1 million.  Waterstone-Federal’s parent company is Lamplighter Financial, MHC, a federally chartered mutual holding company.   At March 31, 2013, Waterstone-Federal had 31,348,556 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 8,298,373 shares, or 26.5%, were owned by the public (including 19,334 shares owned by Waukesha County Community Foundation, Inc.), and the remaining 23,050,183 shares were held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the plan of conversion and reorganization, we are now converting from the mutual holding company corporate structure to the stock holding company corporate structure.  Upon completion of the conversion, Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone-Federal will cease to exist, and New Waterstone will become the successor corporation to Waterstone-Federal.  The shares of New Waterstone being offered in this offering represent the majority ownership interest in Waterstone-Federal currently held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  Public stockholders of Waterstone-Federal will receive shares of common stock of New Waterstone in exchange for their shares of Waterstone-Federal at an exchange ratio intended to preserve the same aggregate ownership interest in New Waterstone as they had in Waterstone-Federal. Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s shares of Waterstone-Federal will be cancelled.  Shares of Waterstone-Federal currently owned by the WaterStone Bank Fund of the Waukesha County Community Foundation, Inc. will be exchanged for shares of New Waterstone, but no additional shares will be contributed to the foundation in connection with the conversion and offering.
 
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The following diagram shows our current organizational structure, reflecting ownership percentages as of March 31, 2013:
 
(FLOW CHART)
 
After the conversion and offering are completed, we will be organized as a fully public holding company, as follows:
 
(FLOW CHART)
 
 
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Our Business
 
Our business operations are conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary, WaterStone Bank.  WaterStone Bank is a community bank that has served the banking needs of its customers in the metropolitan Milwaukee area and surrounding markets since 1921.  WaterStone Bank also has an active mortgage banking subsidiary, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, which has 81 offices in 12 states as of March 31, 2013.
 
WaterStone Bank conducts its community banking business from eight banking offices and nine automated teller machines located in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin.  WaterStone Bank’s principal lending activity is originating one- to four-family and over four-family, or “multi-family,” residential real estate loans, for retention in its portfolio.   At March 31, 2013, such loans comprised 39.6% and 45.7%, respectively, of WaterStone Bank’s loan portfolio. WaterStone Bank also offers, to a lesser extent, home equity loans and lines of credit, construction and land loans, commercial real estate and commercial business loans, and consumer loans.  WaterStone Bank funds its loan production primarily with retail deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  Our deposits consist primarily of certificates of deposit, which accounted for 77.9% of total deposits at March 31, 2013.  Our investment securities portfolio is comprised principally of mortgage-backed securities, government-sponsored enterprise bonds and municipal obligations. WaterStone Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (the “WDFI”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
Waterstone Bank’s mortgage banking operations are conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation originates residential real estate loans for sale in the secondary market.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation utilizes lines of credit provided by WaterStone Bank as a primary source of funds, and also utilizes lines of credit with other financial institutions as needed.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation originated $430.1 million, $1.75 billion and $1.03 billion, respectively, in mortgage loans held for sale.
 
New Waterstone’s executive offices are located at 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226, and its telephone number is (414) 761-1000. Our website address is www.wsbonline.com.  Information on this website is not and should not be considered a part of this prospectus.
 
Business Strategy
 
Our goal is to build stockholder value by operating a well-capitalized and profitable financial institution that delivers a superior banking experience to our customers.  Beginning in 2007, due to the adverse economic environment, we experienced significant increases in non-performing assets, which resulted in net losses and increased regulatory oversight.  In response, we concentrated our efforts on resolving problem assets, curtailing growth, and preserving a strong capital position.  We have made significant progress in our efforts while simultaneously building our mortgage banking business, which resulted in a return to profitability in 2012. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $34.9 million (which reflected a reversal of a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets of $17.0 million), and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 net income was $4.6 million.
 
Our current principal business strategies are summarized below:
 
 
Continued reduction of problem assets .   Our non-performing assets have decreased to $96.8 million, or 5.94% of total assets at March 31, 2013, from $141.9 million, or 7.85% of total assets at December 31, 2010.  Our non-performing assets at March 31, 2013 included $66.0 million of non-performing loans and $30.8 million of real estate owned.  Of the $66.0 million of non-accrual loans, $33.7 million, or 51.1%, were troubled debt restructurings that were on non-accrual status either due to being past due greater than 90 days or because they had not yet performed under the modified terms for a required period of time.  At March 31, 2013, total troubled debt restructurings totaled $55.8 million, of which $49.9 million, or 89.4%, were performing in accordance with their restructured terms.  Reducing our level of non-performing assets will continue to be a key element of our business strategy.
 
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Controlled loan growth with a focus on multi-family and commercial real estate lending .   Our principal business activity historically has been the origination of residential mortgage loans, including multi-family residential real estate loans, for retention in our portfolio.  In an effort to increase our commercial business and commercial real estate loan portfolios, we established a commercial loan department in 2007.  We currently have four commercial business loan officers and four commercial real estate loan officers.  Multi-family residential and commercial real estate loans comprised 66.9% of total loans originated for investment during the year ended December 31, 2012, while one- to four-family residential mortgage loans comprised 17.2% of total originations in 2012.  We intend to continue our emphasis on multi-family residential and commercial real estate lending.  However, we would purchase adjustable-rate mortgage loans from Waterstone Mortgage Corporation in the future in the event changes in interest rates or consumer preferences enable Waterstone Mortgage Corporation to originate such loans.
 
 
Continued emphasis on mortgage banking operations .   Waterstone Mortgage Corporation has become a significant originator of fixed-rate, one-to-four family mortgage loans, with total originations increasing to $1.75 billion during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.03 billion in 2011.  Subject to market conditions and particularly changes in the interest rate environment, we intend to continue to grow our mortgage banking business, which has been a significant source of our net income in recent periods.  Such growth may occur through geographic expansion, online direct consumer origination, or both.
 
 
Enhance core earnings through improved core funding mix .   We have made a concerted effort to improve our core funding profile by increasing lower-cost transaction deposit accounts and reducing time deposits.  Our ratio of time deposits to total deposits has decreased from 87.1% at December 31, 2008 to 77.9% at March 31, 2013.  We plan to continue to aggressively market our core transaction accounts and savings accounts, emphasizing our high quality service and competitive pricing of these products.  In the past two years we have also introduced remote deposit capture, internet banking and mobile banking.
 
 
Stockholder-focused management of capital .   We recognize that a strong capital position is essential to achieving our long-term objective of building stockholder value.  Following the offering, at the minimum of the offering range, our pro forma tier 1 leverage ratio is expected to be 15.25% and our pro forma total risk-based capital ratio is expected to be 18.75%.  This capital position will support our future growth and expansion, and will give us flexibility to pursue other capital management strategies to enhance stockholder value.  In particular, New Waterstone intends to commence payment of a regular quarterly dividend following completion of the conversion.     See “Our Dividend Policy” for a discussion of our expected dividend policy following the completion of the conversion.
 
 
Disciplined expansion through organic growth coupled with opportunistic acquisitions .  Since our initial public offering, we have opened three additional branches in the Milwaukee area.  Given our current regulatory status, we have been unable to open any additional branches.  However, subject to regulatory approval, we plan to open one office in 2013 and two additional offices in each of 2014 through 2016, all in our local market area, and we may also seek to open one or more loan production offices or full service branches in other markets.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation now has locations in 12 states and does business nationally.  While organic growth has been our primary focus, we will also consider acquisition opportunities that we believe will enhance our franchise and yield financial benefits for our stockholders.
 
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Business Strategy” for a more complete discussion of our business strategy.
 
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Reasons for the Conversion and Offering
 
Our primary reasons for converting to the fully public stock form of ownership and undertaking the stock offering are to:
 
 
Eliminate the uncertainties associated with the mutual holding company structure under financial reform legislation .  Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve Board became the federal regulator of all savings and loan holding companies and mutual holding companies, which has resulted in changes in regulations applicable to Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone-Federal.  Among other things, these changes have adversely affected our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders, including the ability of Lamplighter Financial, MHC to waive any dividends declared by Waterstone-Federal.  The conversion will eliminate our mutual holding company structure and will enable us to pay dividends to our stockholders, subject to the customary legal, regulatory and financial considerations applicable to all financial institutions.  See “Our Dividend Policy.”  It also will eliminate the risk that the Federal Reserve Board will amend existing regulations applicable to the conversion process in a manner disadvantageous to our public stockholders or depositors.
 
 
Transition us to a more familiar and flexible organizational structure .   The stock holding company structure is a more familiar form of organization, which we believe will make our common stock more appealing to investors, and will give us greater flexibility to access the capital markets through possible future equity and debt offerings, although we have no current plans, agreements or understandings regarding any additional securities offerings.
 
 
Enhance our regulatory capital position.   A strong capital position is essential to achieving our long-term objective of building stockholder value.  While WaterStone Bank significantly exceeds all regulatory capital requirements, including the minimum capital requirements required by the memorandum of understanding we have entered into with the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the proceeds from the offering will greatly strengthen our capital position and enable us to support our planned growth and expansion.  Minimum regulatory capital requirements will also increase in the future under recently adopted regulations , and compliance with these new requirements will be essential to the continued implementation of our business strategy.
 
 
Improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock .  The larger number of shares that will be outstanding after completion of the conversion and offering is expected to result in a more liquid and active market for Waterstone-Federal common stock.  A more liquid and active market will make it easier for our stockholders to buy and sell our common stock and will give us greater flexibility in implementing capital management strategies.
 
 
Facilitate future mergers and acquisitions .  Although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction, the stock holding company structure will give us greater flexibility to structure, and make us a more attractive and competitive bidder for, mergers and acquisitions of other financial institutions as opportunities arise.  The additional capital raised in the offering also will enable us to consider larger merger transactions.  In addition, although we intend to remain an independent financial institution, the stock holding company structure may make us a more attractive acquisition candidate for other institutions.  Applicable regulations prohibit the acquisition of New Waterstone for three years following completion of the conversion.
 
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Terms of the Offering
 
We are offering between 20,718,750 and 28,031,250 shares of common stock to eligible depositors of WaterStone Bank, to our tax-qualified employee benefit plans and, to the extent shares remain available, in a community offering to the general public, with a preference given first to residents of Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin, and then to our existing public stockholders.   If necessary, we will also offer shares to the general public in a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  Unless the number of shares of common stock to be offered is increased to more than 28,031,250 shares or decreased to fewer than 20,718,750 shares, or the subscription and community offerings are extended beyond [extension date], subscribers will not have the opportunity to change or cancel their stock orders once submitted.  If the subscription and community offerings are extended past [extension date], all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders.  If you do not respond to this notice, your order will be cancelled and we will promptly return your funds with interest at 0.01% per annum or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization.  If the number of shares to be sold is increased to more than 28,031,250 shares or decreased to less than 20,718,750 shares, all subscribers’ stock orders will be canceled, their withdrawal authorizations will be canceled and funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be returned promptly with interest at 0.01% per annum.  We will then resolicit subscribers, giving them an opportunity to place new orders for a period of time.  No shares purchased in the subscription offering and community offering will be issued until the completion of any syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.
 
The purchase price of each share of common stock offered for sale in the offering is $8.00.  All investors will pay the same purchase price per share, regardless of whether the shares are purchased in the subscription offering, the community offering or a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.  Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P., our marketing agent in the subscription and community offerings, will use its best efforts to assist us in selling shares of our common stock in the subscription and community offerings but is not obligated to purchase any shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings.
 
How We Determined the Offering Range, the Exchange Ratio and the $8.00 Per Share Stock Price
 
The amount of common stock we are offering for sale and the exchange ratio for the exchange of shares of New Waterstone for shares of Waterstone-Federal are based on an independent appraisal of the estimated market value of New Waterstone, assuming the offering has been completed.  RP Financial, LC., our independent appraiser, has estimated that, as of May 17, 2013, this market value was $265.2 million.  Based on federal regulations, this market value forms the midpoint of a valuation range with a minimum of $225.4 million and a maximum of $305.0 million.  Based on this valuation range, the 73.5% ownership interest of Lamplighter Financial, MHC in Waterstone-Federal as of March 31, 2013 being sold in the offering and the $8.00 per share price, the number of shares of common stock being offered for sale by New Waterstone ranges from 20,718,750 shares to 28,031,250 shares.  The purchase price of $8.00 per share was determined by us, taking into account, among other factors, the market price of our common stock prior to adoption of the plan of conversion and reorganization, the requirement under federal regulations that the common stock be offered in a manner that will achieve the widest distribution of the common stock, and desired liquidity in the common stock after the offering.  The exchange ratio ranges from 0.8986 shares at the minimum of the offering range to 1.2158 shares at the maximum of the offering range, and will preserve the existing percentage ownership of public stockholders of Waterstone-Federal (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the stock offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares).
 
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The appraisal is based in part on Waterstone-Federal’s financial condition and results of operations, the pro forma effect of the additional capital raised by the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, and an analysis of a peer group of ten publicly traded thrift holding companies that RP Financial, LC. considers comparable to Waterstone-Federal.  The appraisal peer group consists of the following companies, all of which are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
             
Company Name
 
Ticker
Symbol
 
Headquarters
    Total Assets (1)
              (In millions)
                 
Bank Mutual Corporation
 
BKMU
 
Milwaukee, WI
   $
    2,394
 
First Defiance Financial Corp.
 
FDEF
 
Defiance, OH
   $
    2,039
 
Meta Financial Group, Inc.
 
CASH
 
Sioux Falls, SD
   $
    1,740
 
Pulaski Financial Corporation
 
PULB
 
St. Louis, MO
   $
    1,351
 
HF Financial Corp.
 
HFFC
 
Sioux Falls, SD
   $
    1,197
 
NASB Financial, Inc.
 
NASB
 
Grandview, MO
   $
    1,179
 
Fox Chase Bancorp, Inc.
 
FXCB
 
Hatboro, PA
   $
    1,085
 
Franklin Financial Corporation
 
FRNK
 
Glen Allen, VA
   $
    1,052
 
First Financial Northwest, Inc.
 
FFNW
 
Renton, WA
   $
       887
 
Simplicity Bancorp, Inc.
 
SMPL
 
Covina, CA
   $
       882
 
 
(1)
Asset size for all companies is as of March 31, 2013.
 
The following table presents a summary of selected pricing ratios for New Waterstone (on a pro forma basis) and for the peer group companies based on earnings and other information as of and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2013, and stock prices as of May 17, 2013, as reflected in the appraisal report.  Compared to the average pricing of the peer group, our pro forma pricing ratios at the midpoint of the offering range indicated a discount of 27.0% on a price-to-book value basis, a discount of 30.0% on a price-to-tangible book value basis, and a discount of 33.2% on a price-to-earnings basis.
                   
   
Price-to-earnings
multiple (1)
 
Price-to-book
value ratio
 
Price-to-tangible
book value ratio
 
                   
New Waterstone (on a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the conversion)
                 
Maximum
    20.04 x     76.92 %     77.07 %
Midpoint
    17.31 x     71.36 %     71.49 %
Minimum
    14.32 x     65.04 %     65.15 %
                         
Valuation of peer group companies, all of which are fully converted (on an historical basis)
                       
Averages
    25.66 x     97.81 %     102.07 %
Medians
    28.73 x     95.41 %     97.86 %
 

(1)
Price-to-earnings multiples calculated by RP Financial, LC. in the independent appraisal are based on an estimate of “core” or recurring earnings on a trailing twelve-month basis through March 31, 2013.  These ratios are different than those presented in “Pro Forma Data.”
 
The independent appraisal does not indicate trading market value.  Do not assume or expect that our valuation as indicated in the appraisal means that after the conversion and offering the shares of our common stock will trade at or above the $8.00 per share purchase price.  Furthermore, the pricing ratios presented in the appraisal were utilized by RP Financial, LC. to estimate our pro forma   appraised value for regulatory purposes and not to compare the relative value of shares of our common stock with the value of the capital stock of the peer group.  The value of the capital stock of a particular company may be affected by a number of factors such as financial performance, asset size and market location.
 
For a more complete discussion of the amount of common stock we are offering for sale and the independent appraisal, see “The Conversion and Offering—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued.”
 
7
 

 

 
The Exchange of Existing Shares of Waterstone-Federal Common Stock
 
If you are currently a stockholder of Waterstone-Federal, at the completion of the conversion your shares will be exchanged for shares of common stock of New Waterstone.  The number of shares of common stock you will receive will be based on the exchange ratio, which will depend upon our final appraised value and the percentage of outstanding shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock owned by public stockholders immediately prior to the completion of the conversion.  The following table shows how the exchange ratio will adjust, based on the appraised value of New Waterstone as of May 17, 2013, assuming public stockholders of Waterstone-Federal own 26.5% of Waterstone-Federal common stock immediately prior to the completion of the conversion.  The table also shows the number of shares of New Waterstone common stock a hypothetical owner of Waterstone-Federal common stock would receive in exchange for 100 shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock owned at the completion of the conversion, depending on the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering.
                                                                         
                                        Equivalent       Equivalent        
                              Total Shares           Value of      Pro Forma     Shares to  
                              of Common           Shares     Tangible     be  
          Shares of New Waterstone to       Stock to be           Based     Book Value     Received   
   
Shares to be Sold in
    be Issued for Shares of       Issued in           Upon     Per     for 100  
    This Offering     Waterstone-Federal     Exchange and     Exchange     Offering     Exchanged     Existing  
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
    Offering     Ratio     Price (1)     Share (2)     Shares (3)  
Minimum
    20,718,750       73.5 %     7,456,953       26.5 %     28,175,703       0.8986     $ 7.19     $ 11.03       89  
Midpoint
    24,375,000       73.5       8,772,886       26.5       33,147,886       1.0572       8.46       11.83       105  
Maximum
    28,031,250       73.5       10,088,819       26.5       38,120,069       1.2158       9.73       12.62       121  
 

(1)
Represents the value of shares of New Waterstone common stock to be received in the conversion by a holder of one share of Waterstone-Federal, pursuant to the exchange ratio, based upon the $8.00 per share purchase price.
(2)
Represents the pro forma tangible book value per share at each level of the offering range multiplied by the respective exchange ratio.
(3)
Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.
 
No fractional shares of New Waterstone common stock will be issued to any public stockholder of Waterstone-Federal.  For each fractional share that otherwise would be issued, New Waterstone will pay in cash an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which the holder otherwise would be entitled by the $8.00 per share offering price.
 
Outstanding options to purchase shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock also will convert into and become options to purchase shares of New Waterstone common stock based upon the exchange ratio. The aggregate exercise price, duration and vesting schedule of these options will not be affected by the conversion.  At March 31, 2013, there were 1,012,500 outstanding options to purchase shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock, 784,500 of which have vested.  Such outstanding options will be converted into options to purchase 909,832 shares of common stock at the minimum of the offering range and 1,230,997 shares of common stock at the maximum of the offering range.  Because federal regulations prohibit us from repurchasing our common stock during the first year following the conversion unless compelling business reasons exist for such repurchases, we may use authorized but unissued shares to fund option exercises that occur during the first year following the conversion.  If all existing options were exercised and funded with authorized but unissued shares of common stock following the conversion, stockholders would experience ownership dilution of approximately 5.0% at the minimum of the offering range.
 
How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering
 
We intend to invest at least 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering in WaterStone Bank, loan funds to our employee stock ownership plan to fund its purchase of shares of common stock in the stock offering and retain the remainder of the net proceeds from the offering at New Waterstone.  Therefore, assuming we sell 24,375,000 shares of common stock in the stock offering, and we have net proceeds of $188.0 million, we intend to invest $94.0 million in WaterStone Bank, loan $15.6 million to our employee stock ownership plan to fund its purchase of shares of common stock and retain the remaining $78.4 million of the net proceeds at New Waterstone.
 
8
 

 

 
New Waterstone may use the funds it retains for investment, to pay cash dividends, to repurchase shares of common stock, to acquire other financial institutions and for other general corporate purposes.  WaterStone Bank may use the proceeds it receives to expand its branch network, to support increased lending and other products and services or to acquire other financial institutions.
 
Please see the section of this prospectus entitled “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering” for more information on the proposed use of the proceeds from the offering.
 
Persons Who May Order Shares of Common Stock in the Offering
 
We are offering the shares of common stock in a subscription offering in the following descending order of priority:
 
 
(i)
To depositors with accounts at WaterStone Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2011.
 
 
(ii)
To our tax-qualified employee benefit plans (including WaterStone Bank’s employee stock ownership plan and WaterStone Bank’s 401(k) plan), which may subscribe for up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.  We expect our employee stock ownership plan to purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering.
 
 
(iii)
To depositors with accounts at WaterStone Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on [supplemental eligibility record date].
 
 
(iv)
To depositors of WaterStone Bank at the close of business on [member record date].
 
Shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering will be offered for sale to the general public in a community offering, with a preference given first to natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin, and then to Waterstone-Federal’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date].  The community offering is expected to begin concurrently with the subscription offering.  We also may offer for sale shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or the community offering through a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will act as sole book-running manager for the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  We have the right to accept or reject, in our sole discretion, orders received in the community offering or syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  Any determination to accept or reject stock orders in the community offering or syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering will be based on the facts and circumstances available to management at the time of the determination.
 
If we receive orders for more shares than we are offering, we may not be able to fully or partially fill your order.  A detailed description of the subscription offering, the community offering and the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering, as well as a discussion regarding allocation procedures, can be found in the section of this prospectus entitled “The Conversion and Offering.”
 
Limits on How Much Common Stock You May Purchase
 
The minimum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased is 25 shares.
 
Generally, no individual may purchase more than 375,000 shares ($3.0 million) of common stock.  If any of the following persons purchase shares of common stock, their purchases, in all categories of the offering, when combined with your purchases, cannot exceed 375,000 shares ($3.0 million) of common stock:
 
 
your spouse or relatives of you or your spouse living in your house;
 
9
 

 

 
 
most companies, trusts or other entities in which you are a trustee, have a substantial beneficial interest or hold a senior position; or
 
 
other persons who may be your associates or persons acting in concert with you.
 
Unless we determine otherwise, persons having the same address and persons exercising subscription rights through qualifying deposit accounts registered to the same address will be subject to the overall purchase limitation of 375,000 shares ($3.0 million).
 
In addition to the above purchase limitations, there is an ownership limitation for current stockholders of Waterstone-Federal other than our employee stock ownership plan.  Shares of common stock that you purchase in the offering individually and together with persons described above, plus any shares you and they receive in exchange for existing shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock, may not exceed 9.9% of the total shares of common stock to be issued and outstanding after the completion of the conversion.  However, if, based on your current ownership level, you will own more than 9.9% of the total shares of common stock to be issued and outstanding after the completion of the conversion following the exchange of your shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock, you will not need to divest any of your shares.  You will be required to obtain the approval or non-objection of the Federal Reserve Board prior to acquiring more than 10% of New Waterstone’s common stock.
 
Subject to regulatory approval, we may increase or decrease the purchase and ownership limitations at any time.  See the detailed description of the purchase limitations in “The Conversion and Offering—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”
 
How You May Purchase Shares of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering
 
In the subscription offering and community offering, you may pay for your shares only by:
 
 
(i)
personal check, bank check or money order made payable directly to Waterstone Financial, Inc.; or
 
 
(ii)
authorizing us to withdraw available funds from your WaterStone Bank deposit accounts.
 
WaterStone Bank is not permitted to lend funds to anyone to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.  Additionally, you may not use a WaterStone Bank line of credit check or any type of third party check to pay for shares of common stock.  Please do not submit cash.  You may not designate withdrawal from WaterStone Bank’s accounts with check-writing privileges; instead, please submit a check.  You may not authorize direct withdrawal from a WaterStone Bank retirement account.  See “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares of Common Stock.”
 
You may subscribe for shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings by delivering a signed and completed original stock order form, together with full payment payable to Waterstone Financial, Inc. or authorization to withdraw funds from one or more of your WaterStone Bank deposit accounts, provided that the stock order form is received before 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], which is the end of the subscription offering period.  You may submit your stock order form and payment by mail using the stock order reply envelope provided or by overnight delivery to our Stock Information Center, which will be located at [stock center address].  You may also hand-deliver stock order forms to the Stock Information Center.  Hand-delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location.  We will not accept stock order forms at our banking offices.   Please do not mail stock order forms to WaterStone Bank’s or Waterstone Mortgage Corporation’s offices.
 
Please see “The Conversion and Offering— Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings—Payment for Shares” for a complete description of how to purchase shares in the subscription and community offerings.
 
10
 

 

 
Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares of Common Stock
 
You may be able to subscribe for shares of common stock using funds in your individual retirement account, or IRA.  If you wish to use some or all of the funds in your WaterStone Bank individual retirement account, the applicable funds must be transferred to a self-directed account maintained by an independent trustee, such as a brokerage firm, and the purchase must be made through that account. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing your stock order. An annual administrative fee may be payable to the independent trustee. Because individual circumstances differ and the processing of retirement fund orders takes additional time, we recommend that you contact our Stock Information Center promptly, preferably at least two weeks before the [expiration date] offering deadline, for assistance with purchases using your individual retirement account or other retirement account you may have at WaterStone Bank or elsewhere .  Whether you may use such funds to purchase shares in the stock offering may depend on timing constraints and, possibly, limitations imposed by the institution where the funds are held.
 
See “The Conversion and Offering—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings—Payment for Shares” and “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds” for a complete description of how to use IRA funds to purchase shares in the stock offering.
 
Market for Common Stock
 
Existing publicly held shares of Waterstone-Federal’s common stock are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF.” Upon completion of the conversion, the shares of common stock of New Waterstone will replace the existing shares, and we expect the shares of New Waterstone common stock will also trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF.”  In order to list our stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, we are required to have at least three broker-dealers who will make a market in our common stock.  As of [stockholder record date], Waterstone-Federal had approximately ________ registered market makers in its common stock.  Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. has advised us that they intend to make a market in our common stock following the offering, but are under no obligation to do so.
 
Our Dividend Policy
 
After the completion of the conversion, we intend to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis.  Initially, we expect the quarterly dividends to be $0.06 per share, which equals $0.24 per share on an annualized basis and an annual yield of 3.0% based on a price of $8.00 per share.
 
The dividend rate and the initial and continued payment of dividends will depend on a number of factors, including the receipt of any necessary regulatory approval to pay dividends, our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions.  We cannot assure you that we will receive regulatory approval to pay dividends in the future or when such approval may be obtained, or that any such dividends will not be reduced or eliminated in the future.
 
For information regarding our current and proposed dividend policy, see “Our Dividend Policy.”  For additional information regarding our ability to declare and pay cash dividends, see “Supervision and Regulation—Regulatory Developments.”
 
Purchases by Officers and Directors
 
We expect our directors and executive officers, together with their associates, to subscribe for 273,125 shares of common stock in the offering, representing ________% of shares to be sold at the minimum of the offering range.  The purchase price paid by them will be the same $8.00 per share price paid by all other persons who purchase shares of common stock in the offering.  Following the conversion, our directors and executive officers, together with their associates, are expected to beneficially own ______________ shares of common stock, or ______________% of our total outstanding shares of common stock at the minimum of the offering range, which includes shares they currently own that will be exchanged for shares of New Waterstone.
 
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See “Subscriptions by Directors and Executive Officers” for more information on the proposed purchases of shares of common stock by our directors and executive officers.
 
Deadline for Orders of Shares of Common Stock in the Subscription and Community Offerings
 
The deadline for purchasing shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], unless we extend this deadline.  If you wish to purchase shares of common stock, a properly completed and signed original stock order form, together with full payment, must be received (not postmarked) by this time.
 
Although we will make reasonable attempts to provide this prospectus and offering materials to holders of subscription rights, the subscription offering and all subscription rights will expire at 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], whether or not we have been able to locate each person entitled to subscription rights.
 
See “The Conversion and Offering— Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings—Expiration Date” for a complete description of the deadline for purchasing shares in the stock offering.
 
You May Not Sell or Transfer Your Subscription Rights
 
Federal regulations prohibit you from transferring your subscription rights.  If you order shares of common stock in the subscription offering, you will be required to certify that you are purchasing the common stock for yourself and that you have no agreement or understanding to sell or transfer your subscription rights or the shares that you are purchasing.  We intend to take legal action, including reporting persons to federal agencies, against anyone who we believe has sold or transferred his or her subscription rights.  We will not accept your order if we have reason to believe you have sold or transferred your subscription rights.  On the order form, you cannot add the names of others for joint stock registration unless they are also named on the qualifying deposit account.  Doing so may jeopardize your subscription rights.  In addition, the stock order form requires that you list all deposit accounts, giving all names on each account and the account number at the applicable eligibility date.  Failure to provide this information, or providing incomplete or incorrect information, may result in a loss of part or all of your share allocation if there is an oversubscription.
 
Delivery of Shares of Common Stock
 
All shares of common stock sold will be issued in book entry form. Stock certificates will not be issued. A statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock issued in the subscription and community offerings will be mailed by our transfer agent to the persons entitled thereto at the registration address noted by them on their stock order forms as soon as practicable following consummation of the conversion and offering.    We expect trading in the stock to begin on the day of completion of the conversion and offering or the next business day.  The conversion and offering are expected to be completed as soon as practicable following satisfaction of the conditions described below in “—Conditions to Completion of the Conversion.”   It is possible that   until a statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock is available and delivered to purchasers, purchasers might not be able to sell the shares of common stock that they ordered, even though the common stock will have begun trading.   Your ability to sell the shares of common stock before receiving your statement will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.
 
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Conditions to Completion of the Conversion
 
We cannot complete the conversion and offering unless:
 
 
The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by at least a majority of votes eligible to be cast by members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC (depositors of WaterStone Bank) as of [member record date];
 
 
The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by Waterstone-Federal stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone-Federal as of [stockholder record date], including shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC;
 
 
The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by Waterstone-Federal stockholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone-Federal as of [stockholder record date], excluding shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC;
 
 
We sell at least the minimum number of shares of common stock offered in the offering;
 
 
The WDFI approves New Waterstone’s acquisition of WaterStone Bank; and
 
 
We receive the approval of the Federal Reserve Board to complete the conversion and offering.
 
Lamplighter Financial, MHC intends to vote its shares in favor of the plan of conversion and reorganization.  At [stockholder record date], Lamplighter Financial, MHC owned 73.5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone-Federal.  Therefore, the condition requiring that the plan of conversion and reorganization be approved by Waterstone-Federal stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone-Federal, including shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC, would be satisfied.  The directors and executive officers of Waterstone-Federal and their affiliates owned ____________ shares of Waterstone-Federal (excluding exercisable options), or _______% of the outstanding shares of common stock and ___________% of the outstanding shares of common stock excluding shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC. They intend to vote those shares in favor of the plan of conversion and reorganization.
 
Steps We May Take if We Do Not Receive Orders for the Minimum Number of Shares
 
If we do not receive orders for at least 20,718,750 shares of common stock, we may take several steps in order to sell the minimum number of shares of common stock in the offering range.  Specifically, we may:
 
 
(i)
increase the purchase and ownership limitations; and/or
 
 
(ii)
seek regulatory approval to extend the offering beyond [extension date], so long as we resolicit subscriptions that we have previously received in the offering; and/or
 
 
(iii)
increase the shares purchased by the employee stock ownership plan.
 
If one or more purchase limitations are increased, subscribers in the subscription offering who ordered the maximum amount will be, and, in our sole discretion, some other large purchasers may be, given the opportunity to increase their subscriptions up to the then-applicable limit.
 
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Possible Change in the Offering Range

RP Financial, LC. will update its appraisal before we complete the offering.  If our pro forma market value at that time is either below $225.4 million or above $305.0 million, then, after consulting with the Federal Reserve Board, we may:

 
terminate the stock offering and promptly return all funds (with interest paid on funds received in the subscription and community offerings);

 
set a new offering range; or
 
 
take such other actions as may be permitted by the Federal Reserve Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

If we set a new offering range, we will promptly return funds, with interest at 0.01% per annum for funds received for purchases in the subscription and community offerings, and cancel any authorization to withdraw funds from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock.  We will then resolicit subscribers, allowing them to place a new stock order for a period of time.

Possible Termination of the Offering

We may terminate the offering at any time prior to the special meeting of members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC that has been called to vote on the conversion, and at any time after member approval with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board.  If we terminate the offering, we will promptly return your funds with interest at 0.01% per annum and we will cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations.
 
Benefits to Management and Potential Dilution to Stockholders Resulting from the Conversion
 
We expect our employee stock ownership plan, which is a tax-qualified retirement plan for the benefit of all WaterStone Bank employees, to purchase up to 8% of the shares of common stock we sell in the offering.  If we receive orders in the subscription offering for more shares of common stock than the maximum of the offering range, the employee stock ownership plan’s subscription order will not be filled and the employee stock ownership plan may, with prior Federal Reserve Board approval, purchase shares in the open market following completion of the conversion.
 
Federal regulations permit us to implement one or more new stock-based benefit plans no earlier than six months after completion of the conversion.  Stockholder approval of these plans would be required.  Our current intention is to implement one or more new stock-based benefit plans, but we have not determined whether we would adopt the plans within 12 months following the completion of the conversion or more than 12 months following the completion of the conversion.  If we implement stock-based benefit plans within 12 months following the completion of the conversion, the stock-based benefit plans would reserve a number of shares (i) up to 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering (reduced by amounts purchased by our 401(k) plan using its purchase priority in the stock offering) for awards of restricted stock to key employees and directors, at no cost to the recipients, and (ii) up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering for issuance pursuant to the exercise of stock options by key employees and directors.  If the stock-based benefit plan is adopted more than 12 months after the completion of the conversion, it would not be subject to the percentage limitations set forth above.  We have not yet determined the number of shares that would be reserved for issuance under these plans.  For a description of our current stock-based benefit plan, see “Management—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity Awards.”
 
14
 

 

 
The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock and the aggregate dollar value of grants that are available under one or more stock-based benefit plans if such plans reserve a number of shares of common stock equal to 4% and 10% of the shares sold in the stock offering for restricted stock awards and stock options, respectively.  The table shows the dilution to stockholders if all such shares are issued from authorized but unissued shares, instead of shares purchased in the open market.  A portion of the stock grants shown in the table below may be made to non-management employees. The table also sets forth the number of shares of common stock to be acquired by the employee stock ownership plan for allocation to all qualifying employees.
                                                 
      Number of Shares to be Granted or Purchased     Dilution     Value of Grants (In  
                As a     Resulting     Thousands) (1)  
                Percentage     From        
      At     At     of Common     Issuance of     At     At  
      Minimum of     Maximum     Stock to be     Shares for     Minimum     Maximum  
      Offering     of Offering     Sold in the     Stock-Based     of Offering     of Offering  
    Range     Range     Offering     Benefit Plans     Range     Range  
                                                 
Employee stock ownership plan
    1,657,500       2,242,500       8.0 %     N/A  (2)   $ 13,260,000     $ 17,940,000  
Restricted stock awards
    828,750       1,121,250       4.0       2.86 %     6,630,000       8,970,000  
Stock options
    2,071,875       2,803,125       10.0       6.85 %     5,241,844       7,091,906  
Total
    4,558,125       6,166,875       22.0 %     9.33 %   $ 25,131,844     $ 34,001,906  
 

(1)
The actual value of restricted stock awards will be determined based on their fair value as of the date grants are made.  For purposes of this table, fair value for stock awards is assumed to be the same as the offering price of $8.00 per share.  The fair value of stock options has been estimated at $2.53 per option using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:  a grant-date share price and option exercise price of $8.00; an expected option term of 10 years; a dividend yield of 3.0%; a risk-free rate of return of 1.87%; and expected volatility of 24.34%. The actual value of option grants will be determined by the grant-date fair value of the options, which will depend on a number of factors, including the valuation assumptions used and the option pricing model ultimately adopted.
(2)
No dilution is reflected for the employee stock ownership plan because such shares are assumed to be purchased in the stock offering.

We may fund our stock-based benefit plans through open market purchases, as opposed to new issuances of stock; however, if any options previously granted under our existing 2006 Equity Incentive Plan are exercised during the first year following completion of the offering, they will be funded with newly issued shares as federal regulations do not permit us to repurchase our shares during the first year following the completion of the offering except to fund the grants of restricted stock under our existing stock-based benefit plan or under extraordinary circumstances.
 
The following table presents information as of March 31, 2013 regarding our employee stock ownership plan, our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and our proposed stock-based benefit plan.  The table below assumes that 38,120,069 shares are outstanding after the offering, which includes the sale of 28,031,250 shares in the offering at the maximum of the offering range and the issuance of new shares in exchange for shares of Waterstone-Federal using an exchange ratio of 1.2158.  It also assumes that the value of the stock is $8.00 per share.
 
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Existing and New Stock Benefit Plans
 
Participants
 
Shares at Maximum
of Offering Range
   
Estimated Value of
Shares
   
Percentage of
Shares Outstanding
After the
Conversion
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan:
 
Officers and
Employees
                 
Shares purchased in 2005 offering (1)
        925,850 (2)   $ 7,406,800       2.43 %
Shares to be purchased in this offering
        2,242,500       17,940,000       5.88  
   Total employee stock ownership plan shares
        3,168,350     $ 25,346,800       8.31 %
                             
Restricted Stock Awards:
 
Directors, Officers
and Employees
                       
2006 Equity Incentive Plan (1)
        519,076 (3)   $ 4,152,608 (4)     1.36 %
New shares of restricted stock
        1,121,250       8,970,000 (4)     2.94  
   Total shares of restricted stock
        1,640,326     $ 13,122,608       4.30 %
                             
Stock Options:
 
Directors, Officers
and Employees
                       
2006 Equity Incentive Plan (1)
        1,230,998 (5)   $ 3,114,424       3.23 %
New stock options
        2,803,125       7,091,906 (6)     7.35  
Total stock options
        4,034,123     $ 10,206,330       10.58 %
                             
Total of stock benefit plans
        8,842,799     $ 48,675,738       23.19 %
 

(1)
The number of shares indicated has been adjusted for the 1.2158 exchange ratio at the maximum of the offering range.
(2)
As of March 31, 2013, 740,645 of these shares, or 609,184 shares prior to adjustment for the exchange, have been allocated.
(3)
As of March 31, 2013, 423,949 of these shares, or 348,700 shares prior to adjustment for the exchange, have been awarded, and 325,469 of these shares, or 267,700 shares prior to adjustment for the exchange, have vested.
(4)
The value of restricted stock awards is determined based on their fair value as of the date grants are made.  For purposes of this table, the fair value of awards under the new stock-based benefit plan is assumed to be the same as the offering price of $8.00 per share.
(5)
As of March 31, 2013, options to purchase 1,230,997 of these shares, or 1,012,500 shares prior to adjustment for the exchange, have been awarded, and options to purchase 953,795 of these shares, or 784,500 shares prior to adjustment for the exchange, have vested.
(6)
The weighted-average fair value of stock options to be granted has been estimated at $2.53 per option, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: exercise price, $8.00; trading price on date of grant, $8.00; dividend yield, 3.0%; expected term, 10 years; expected volatility, 24.34%; and risk-free rate of return, 1.87%.  The actual value of option grants will be determined by the grant-date fair value of the options, which will depend on a number of factors, including the valuation assumptions used and the option pricing model ultimately adopted.
 
Tax Consequences
 
Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal, WaterStone Bank and New Waterstone have received an opinion of counsel, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., regarding the material federal income tax consequences of the conversion, and have received an opinion of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP regarding the material Wisconsin state tax consequences of the conversion.  As a general matter, the conversion will not be a taxable transaction for purposes of federal or state income taxes to Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal (except for cash paid for fractional shares), WaterStone Bank, New Waterstone, persons eligible to subscribe in the subscription offering, or existing stockholders of Waterstone-Federal.  Existing stockholders of Waterstone-Federal who receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of New Waterstone will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and the tax basis of the fractional share.
 
How You Can Obtain Additional Information—Stock Information Center
 
Our banking personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the offering.  If you have any questions regarding the conversion or offering, please call our Stock Information Center.  The toll-free telephone number is [stock center phone #].  The Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  The Stock Information Center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays.
 
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RISK FACTORS
 
You should consider carefully the following risk factors in evaluating an investment in the shares of common stock.
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
We operate in a highly regulated environment and we are subject to supervision, examination and enforcement action by various bank regulatory agencies.

We are subject to extensive supervision, regulation, and examination by the WDFI, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Reserve Board.  As a result, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business, undertake new investments and activities, and obtain financing.  This system of regulation is designed primarily for the protection of the Deposit Insurance Fund and our depositors, and not to benefit our stockholders.  Under this system of regulation, the regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory, enforcement, rulemaking and examination activities and policies, including rules or policies that: establish minimum capital levels; restrict the timing and amount of dividend payments; govern the classification of assets; determine the adequacy of loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes; and establish the timing and amounts of assessments and fees.

Moreover, as part of their examination authority, the banking regulators assign numerical ratings to banks and savings institutions relating to capital, asset quality, management, liquidity, earnings and other factors.  These ratings are inherently subjective and the receipt of a less than satisfactory rating in one or more categories may result in enforcement action by the banking regulators against a financial institution.  A less than satisfactory rating may also prevent a financial institution, such as WaterStone Bank or its holding company, from obtaining necessary regulatory approvals to access the capital markets, pay dividends, acquire other financial institutions or establish new branches.

Federal regulations governing the conversion require that we prepare a business plan that addresses, among other items, our projected operations and activities for three years following the conversion.  The business plan is a confidential document that is submitted to the banking regulatory agencies and may not reflect currently unanticipated potential business opportunities or activities, such as increased dividends or acquisitions of other financial institutions.  Federal regulations require that we operate within the parameters of the business plan, and that the Federal Reserve Board approve any material deviation from the business plan.  In addition, Waterstone Bank has filed a strategic plan with the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as required by the memorandum of understanding, and any major deviation or material change from the strategic plan would require non-objection of the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  This could affect our ability to conduct activities that deviate from the regulatory business plan or the strategic plan but would otherwise benefit our stockholders.

In addition, we must comply with significant anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws and regulations, Community Reinvestment Act laws and regulations, and fair lending laws and regulations.  Government agencies have the authority to impose monetary penalties and other sanctions on institutions that fail to comply with these laws and regulations, which could significantly affect our business activities, including our ability to acquire other financial institutions or expand our branch network.
 
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WaterStone Bank operates under a memorandum of understanding and Waterstone-Federal has adopted board resolutions requested by the Federal Reserve Board .  The memorandum of understanding and the board resolutions restrict our operations, and the failure to comply with either could result in additional enforcement actions by the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the WDFI.  Continued compliance with the memorandum of understanding and the board resolutions may also adversely affect our financial condition and operations .
 
Effective December 11, 2012, the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation terminated a Consent Order and replaced it with a memorandum of understanding.   The memorandum of understanding between WaterStone Bank and the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation requires, among other things, maintenance of a minimum Tier I capital ratio of 8.0% of total average assets and a minimum total risk based capital ratio of 12.0%, and also prohibits dividend payments without prior regulatory non-objection.  The memorandum of understanding also requires WDFI and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation non-objection prior to WaterStone Bank materially changing or deviating from its strategic plan, such as material changes to funding strategies or asset mix.

Effective July 9, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board terminated an Order to Cease and Desist that was originally issued to Waterstone-Federal by the Office of Thrift Supervision on November 25, 2009.  At the same time, the Federal Reserve Board requested that the board of directors adopt resolutions relating to certain operations of Waterstone-Federal.  The board resolutions require written approval from the Federal Reserve Board prior to the declaration or payment of dividends, any increase in debt or the redemption of holding company stock.  Waterstone-Federal’s board has adopted the resolutions requested by the Federal Reserve Board and we cannot determine when New Waterstone would no longer be subject to the conditions of the board resolutions.
 
Failure to comply with the memorandum of understanding or the board resolutions could result in additional enforcement actions by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the WDFI and the Federal Reserve Board.  We have incurred significant expense in complying with the Order to Cease and Desist and the Consent Order , and continued compliance with the memorandum of understanding and the board resolutions may restrict our operations or result in continued expense, either of which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Changing interest rates may have a negative effect on our results of operations.

Our earnings and cash flows are dependent on our net interest income and income from our mortgage banking operations.  Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve Board.  Changes in market interest rates could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Our interest-bearing liabilities generally reprice or mature more quickly than our interest-earning assets.  If rates increase rapidly, we may have to increase the rates we pay on our deposits, particularly our higher cost time deposits and borrowed funds, more quickly than any changes in interest rates earned on our loans and investments, resulting in a negative effect on interest spreads and net interest income.  Furthermore, our mortgage banking income varies directly with movements in interest rates, and increases in interest rates could negatively affect our ability to originate loans in the same volumes as we have in recent years.   Increases in interest rates may also make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans.

Conversely, should market interest rates fall below current levels, our net interest margin could also be negatively affected if competitive pressures keep us from further reducing rates on our deposits, while the yields on our assets decrease more rapidly through loan prepayments and interest rate adjustments.  Decreases in interest rates often result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities, as borrowers refinance their loans to reduce borrowings costs.  Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments in loans or other investments that have interest rates that are comparable to the interest rates on existing loans and securities.
 
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See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Management of Market Risk.”

An increase in interest rates may reduce our mortgage banking revenues, which would negatively impact our net income.
 
Our mortgage banking operations provide a significant portion of our non-interest income. We generate revenues primarily from gains on the sale of mortgage loans to investors. We also earn interest on loans held for sale while they are awaiting delivery to our investors.  In a rising or higher interest rate environment, our mortgage loan originations may decrease, resulting in fewer loans that are available to be sold to investors. This would result in a decrease in interest income, a decrease in revenues from loan sales and a corresponding decrease in non-interest income. In addition, our results of operations are affected by the amount of non-interest expenses associated with mortgage banking activities, such as salaries and employee benefits, occupancy, equipment and data processing expense and other operating costs. During periods of reduced loan demand, our results of operations may be adversely affected to the extent that we are unable to reduce expenses commensurate with the decline in mortgage loan origination activity.
 
We continue to experience high levels of delinquencies, non-accrual loans and charge-offs, which negatively impacts our financial condition and results of operations.
 
We continue to experience high levels of non-accrual loans and loan delinquencies.  Our non-accrual loans totaled $66.0 million, or 5.86% of total loans, at March 31, 2013, $74.7 million, or 6.59% of total loans, at December 31, 2012 and $78.2 million, or 6.43% of total loans, at December 31, 2011.  Our loans past due totaled $71.2 million, or 6.3% of total loans receivable, at March 31, 2013, $74.4 million, or 6.6% of total loans receivable, at December 31, 2012 and $93.4 million, or 7.7% of total loans, at December 31, 2011.  The continued high level of non-performing and delinquent loans has resulted in high levels of loan charge-offs.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, net charge-offs totaled $3.5 million and $9.7 million, respectively.  Our high level of problem assets has also increased our costs associated with monitoring delinquent loans and managing and disposing of foreclosed property. We expect these costs to remain elevated until our delinquencies improve and we dispose of our foreclosed property.  To the extent that our loan portfolio deteriorates, our financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.  Continued deterioration could also lead to additional actions by regulators that could have a direct material effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We rely heavily on certificates of deposit, which has increased our cost of funds and could continue to do so in the future.

At March 31, 2013, certificates of deposit comprised 77.9% of our total deposits.  Our reliance on certificates of deposit to fund our operations has resulted in a higher cost of funds than would otherwise be the case if we had a higher percentage of demand deposits, savings and money market accounts.  In addition, if our certificates of deposit do not remain with us, we may be required to seek other sources of funds, including loan sales, other types of deposits, including replacement certificates of deposit, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and other borrowing sources. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on our certificates of deposit.
 
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We intend to increase our commercial business lending, and we intend to continue our commercial real estate and multi-family residential real estate lending, which may expose us to increased lending risks and have a negative effect on our results of operations.

In an effort to increase our commercial loan portfolio, we established a commercial loan department in 2007 and we currently have four commercial business loan officers.  We also continue to focus on originating commercial real estate and multi-family residential real estate loans.  These types of loans generally have a higher risk of loss compared to our one- to four-family residential real estate loans.  Commercial business loans may expose us to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans may not be sold as easily as residential real estate.  In addition, commercial business and commercial real estate loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to individual borrowers or groups of borrowers.  These loans also have greater credit risk than residential real estate loans as repayment is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the borrower’s business.  Also, the collateral underlying commercial business loans may fluctuate in value.  Some of our commercial business loans are collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable or other business assets, and the liquidation of collateral in the event of default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories may be obsolete or of limited use.  Multi-family residential real estate and commercial real estate loans involve increased risk because repayment is dependent on income being generated in amounts sufficient to cover property maintenance and debt service.  In addition, if loans that are collateralized by real estate become troubled and the value of the real estate has been significantly impaired, then we may not be able to recover the full contractual amount of principal and interest that we anticipated at the time we originated the loan, which could cause us to increase our provision for loan losses and adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.
 
Secondary mortgage market conditions could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our mortgage banking operations provide a significant portion of our non-interest income.  In addition to being affected by interest rates, the secondary mortgage markets are also subject to investor demand for residential mortgage loans and increased investor yield requirements for these loans.  These conditions may fluctuate or worsen in the future.  In light of current conditions, there is greater risk in retaining mortgage loans pending their sale to investors.  We believe our ability to retain fixed-rate residential mortgage loans is limited.  As a result, a prolonged period of secondary market illiquidity may reduce our loan production volumes and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If we are required to repurchase mortgage loans that we have previously sold, it would negatively affect our earnings.
 
One of our primary business operations is our mortgage banking, which involves originating residential mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market under agreements that contain representations and warranties related to, among other things, the origination and characteristics of the mortgage loans.  We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans that we have sold in cases of borrower default or breaches of these representations and warranties.  We have experienced more frequent disputes and repurchase demands from these buyers.  If we are required to repurchase mortgage loans or provide indemnification or other recourse, this could significantly increase our costs and thereby affect our future earnings.
 
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Proposed and f inal r egulations c ould r estrict our a bility to o riginate and s ell l oans.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a rule designed to clarify for lenders how they can avoid legal liability under the Dodd-Frank Act, which would hold lenders accountable for ensuring a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. Loans that meet this “ qualified mortgage ” definition will be presumed to have complied with the new ability-to-repay standard.   Under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule, a “qualified mortgage” loan must not contain certain specified features, including:

 
excessive upfront points and fees (those exceeding 3% of the total loan amount, less “bona fide discount points” for prime loans);

 
interest-only payments;
 
 
negative-amortization; and

 
terms of longer than 30 years.

 
      Also, to qualify as a “qualified mortgage,” a loan must be made to a borrower whose total monthly debt-to-income ratio does not exceed 43%.  Lenders must also verify and document the income and financial resources relied upon to qualify the borrower on the loan and underwrite the loan based on a fully amortizing payment schedule and maximum interest rate during the first five years, taking into account all applicable taxes, insurance and assessments.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule on qualified mortgages could limit our ability or desire to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, or could make it more costly/and or time consuming to make these loans, which could limit our growth or profitability.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the regulatory agencies to issue regulations that require securitizers of loans to retain “not less than 5% of the credit risk for any asset that is not a qualified residential mortgage.”  The regulatory agencies have issued a proposed rule to implement this requirement.  The Dodd-Frank Act provides that the definition of “qualified residential mortgage” can be no broader than the definition of “qualified mortgage” issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for purposes of its regulations.  Although the final rule with respect to the retention of credit risk has not yet been issued, the final rule could have a significant effect on the secondary market for loans and the types of loans we originate, and restrict our ability to make loans.

A continuation or worsening of economic conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Although the U.S. economy has emerged from the severe recession that occurred in 2008 and 2009, economic growth has been slow and uneven, and unemployment levels remain high.  Recovery by many businesses has been impaired by lower consumer spending.  A return to prolonged deteriorating economic conditions could significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability.  Further declines in real estate values and sales volumes and continued elevated unemployment levels may result in higher than expected loan delinquencies, increases in our nonperforming and criticized classified assets and a decline in demand for our products and services. These events may cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations .  

If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our results of operations would be negatively affected.
 
In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we analyze our loss and delinquency experience by loan categories and we consider the effect of existing economic conditions.  In addition, we make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility 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.  If the results of our analyses are incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, which would require additions to our allowance and would decrease our net income.  Our emphasis on loan growth and on increasing our portfolio of commercial real estate loans, as well any future credit deterioration, could require us to increase our allowance further in the future.
 
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In addition, bank regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs.  Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Because most of our borrowers are located in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin metropolitan area, a prolonged downturn in the local economy, or a decline in local real estate values, could cause an increase in nonperforming loans or a decrease in loan demand, which would reduce our profits.

Substantially all of our loans are secured by real estate located in our primary market area.  Continued weakness in our local economy and our local real estate markets could adversely affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans and the value of the collateral securing our loans, which could adversely affect our results of operations.  Real estate values are affected by various factors, including supply and demand, changes in general or regional economic conditions, interest rates, governmental rules or policies and natural disasters.  Continued weakness in economic conditions also could result in reduced loan demand and a decline in loan originations.  In particular, a significant decline in real estate values would likely lead to a decrease in new loan originations and increased delinquencies and defaults by our borrowers.

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

Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense.  In our market areas, we compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, money market funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere.  Some of our competitors have greater name recognition and market presence and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide, all of which benefit them in attracting business.  In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we do.

For additional information, see “Business of WaterStone Bank—Competition.”

Our inability to achieve profitability on new branches may negatively affect our earnings .

Subject to our ability to receive regulatory approval, we currently intend to open seven new full-service branch offices by the end of 2016, with one branch office opening in 2013 and two branch offices opening in each of 2014, 2015 and 2016.  The profitability of these branches will depend on whether the income that we generate from the additional branches will offset the increased expenses resulting from operating new branches.  We expect that it may take time before new branches become profitable.  During this period, operating new branches may negatively affect our operating results.

For information on restrictions on our ability to establish new branch offices, see “Supervision and Regulation—General.”

Financial reform legislation is expected to increase our costs of operations.

The Dodd-Frank Act has significantly changed the bank regulatory structure and affected the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of depository institutions and their holding companies.  The Dodd-Frank Act authorized the Federal Reserve Board to supervise and regulate all savings and loan holding companies, such as New Waterstone, in addition to bank holding companies.  The Dodd-Frank Act also instructed the Federal Reserve Board to set minimum capital levels for holding companies that are as stringent as those required for their insured depository subsidiaries, and requires the components of Tier 1 capital to be restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions.  Savings and loan holding companies are subject to a five-year transition period before the holding company capital requirement will apply.
 
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The Dodd-Frank Act also created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, such as WaterStone Bank, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets.  Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets, such as WaterStone Bank, will be examined by their applicable bank regulators.

It is difficult to predict at this time the effect that the legislation and implementing regulations will have on community banks with regard to lending and credit practices.  Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have delayed effective dates, and the legislation requires various federal agencies to promulgate numerous and extensive implementing regulations over the next several years.  Although the substance and scope of all of these regulations cannot be determined at this time, it is expected that the legislation and implementing regulations, particularly those relating to the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will increase our operating and compliance costs.

Changes in our accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially affect how we report our financial condition and results of operations.

Our accounting policies are essential to understanding our financial condition and results of operations.  Some of these policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and financial results.  Some of our accounting policies are critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective, and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.  If such estimates or assumptions underlying our financial statements are incorrect, we may experience material losses.

From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission change the financial accounting and reporting standards or the interpretation of those standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements.  These changes are beyond our control, can be hard to predict and could materially affect how we report our financial condition and results of operations.  We could also be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in our restating prior period financial statements in material amounts.

The need to account for certain assets at estimated fair value may adversely affect our results of operations.

We report certain assets, such as loans held for sale, at estimated fair value.  Generally, for assets that are reported at fair value, we use quoted market prices or valuation models that utilize observable market inputs to estimate fair value.  Because we carry these assets on our books at their estimated fair value, we may incur losses even if the asset in question presents minimal credit risk.

Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, we face significant operational risks.

We operate in diverse markets and rely on the ability of our employees and systems to process a high number of transactions.  Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside our company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and technology, breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements, and business continuation and disaster recovery.  Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits.  This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation, and customer attrition due to potential negative publicity.  In the event of a breakdown in the internal control system, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, we could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action, and suffer damage to our reputation.
 
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Risks associated with system failures, interruptions, or breaches of security could negatively affect our earnings.

Information technology systems are critical to our business.  We use various technology systems to manage our customer relationships, general ledger, securities investments, deposits, and loans.  We have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the effect of system failures, interruptions, and security breaches, but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur.  In addition, any compromise of our systems could deter customers from using our products and services.  Although we rely on security systems to provide security and authentication necessary to effect the secure transmission of data, these precautions may not protect our systems from security breaches.

In addition, we outsource a majority of our data processing to certain third-party providers.  If these third-party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely affected.  Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.

The occurrence of any system failures, interruption, or breach of security could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business thereby subjecting us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose us to litigation and possible financial liability.  Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risk and reducing the potential for significant losses.

Our risk management framework is designed to minimize risk and loss to us. We seek to identify, measure, monitor, report and control our exposure to risk, including strategic, market, liquidity, compliance and operational risks. While we use a broad and diversified set of risk monitoring and mitigation techniques, these techniques are inherently limited because they cannot anticipate the existence or future development of currently unanticipated or unknown risks.  Recent economic conditions and heightened legislative and regulatory scrutiny of the financial services industry, among other developments, have increased our level of risk. Accordingly, we could suffer losses as a result of our failure to properly anticipate and manage these risks.

Acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute stockholder value.

We regularly evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities with other financial institutions and financial services companies.  As a result, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt, or equity securities may occur at any time.  We would seek acquisition partners that offer us either significant market presence or the potential to expand our market footprint and improve profitability through economies of scale or expanded services.

Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches may have an adverse effect on our financial results and may involve various other risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things:

 
difficulty in estimating the value of the target company;

 
payment of a premium over book and market values that may dilute our tangible book value and earnings per share in the short and long term;
 
 
potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company;
 
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exposure to potential asset quality problems of the target company;
 
 
 
potential volatility in reported income associated with goodwill impairment losses;
 
difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the target company;

 
inability to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits;
 
 
 
potential disruption to our business;
 
 
 
potential diversion of our management’s time and attention;
 
 
 
the possible loss of key employees and customers of the target company; and
 
 
 
potential changes in banking or tax laws or regulations that may affect the target company.

Risks Related to the Offering

The future price of the shares of common stock may be less than the $8.00 purchase price per share in the offering.
 
If you purchase shares of common stock in the offering, you may not be able to sell them later at or above the $8.00 purchase price in the offering.  In many cases, shares of common stock issued by newly converted savings institutions or mutual holding companies have traded below the initial offering price.  The aggregate purchase price of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be based on an independent appraisal. The independent appraisal is not intended, and should not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock. The independent appraisal is based on certain estimates, assumptions and projections, all of which are subject to change from time to time.  After the shares begin trading, the trading price of our common stock will be determined by the marketplace, and may be influenced by many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the overall performance of the economy, investor perceptions of New Waterstone and the outlook for the financial services industry in general.  Price fluctuations in our common stock may be unrelated to our operating performance.

Our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds may have an adverse effect on our financial performance.
 
We intend to invest between $79.8 million and $108.2 million of the net proceeds of the offering in WaterStone Bank.  We may use the remaining net proceeds to invest in short-term investments, repurchase shares of common stock, pay dividends or for other general corporate purposes.  We also expect to use a portion of the net proceeds we retain to fund a loan to our employee stock ownership plan to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.  WaterStone Bank may use the net proceeds it receives to fund new loans, expand its retail banking franchise by establishing or acquiring new branches or by acquiring other financial institutions or other financial services companies, or for other general corporate purposes.  However, with the exception of the loan to the employee stock ownership plan, we have not allocated specific amounts of the net proceeds for any of these purposes, and we will have significant flexibility in determining the amount of the net proceeds we apply to different uses and when we apply or reinvest such proceeds. Also, certain of these uses, such as opening new branches or acquiring other financial institutions, may require the approval of the WDFI, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Reserve Board.  We have not established a timetable for reinvesting the net proceeds, and we cannot predict how long we will require to reinvest the net proceeds.  Our failure to utilize these funds effectively would reduce our profitability and may adversely affect the value of our common stock.
 
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Our return on equity may be low following the stock offering.  This could negatively affect the trading price of our shares of common stock.

Net income divided by average equity, known as “return on equity,” is a ratio many investors use to compare the performance of financial institutions.  Our return on equity may be low until we are able to leverage the additional capital we receive from the stock offering.  Our return on equity will be negatively affected by added expenses associated with our employee stock ownership plan and the stock-based benefit plan we intend to adopt. Until we can increase our net interest income and non-interest income and leverage the capital raised in the stock offering, we expect our return on equity to be low, which may reduce the market price of our shares of common stock.

Our stock-based benefit plans will increase our expenses and reduce our income.
 
We intend to adopt one or more new stock-based benefit plans after the conversion, subject to stockholder approval, which will increase our annual compensation and benefit expenses related to the stock options and stock awards granted to participants under the stock-based benefit plan.  The actual amount of these new stock-related compensation and benefit expenses will depend on the number of options and stock awards actually granted under the plan, the fair market value of our stock or options on the date of grant, the vesting period, and other factors which we cannot predict at this time.  In the event we adopt the plan within 12 months following the conversion, the total shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards of restricted stock and grants of options under our proposed stock-based benefit plans would be limited to 4% and 10%, respectively, of the total shares of our common stock sold in the stock offering .  If we award restricted shares of common stock or grant options in excess of these amounts under stock-based benefit plans adopted more than 12 months after the completion of the conversion, our costs would increase further.
 
In addition, we will recognize expense for our employee stock ownership plan when shares are committed to be released to participants’ accounts, and we will recognize expense for restricted stock awards and stock options over the vesting period of awards made to recipients.  The expense in the first year following the offering for shares purchased in the offering has been estimated to be approximately $4.3 million ($3.1 million after tax) at the maximum of the offering range as set forth in the pro forma financial information under “Pro Forma Data,” assuming the $8.00 per share purchase price as fair market value. Actual expenses, however, may be higher or lower, depending on the price of our common stock.  For further discussion of our proposed stock-based plans, see “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion.”
 
The implementation of stock-based benefit plans may dilute your ownership interest.  Historically, stockholders have approved these stock-based benefit plans.
 
We intend to adopt one or more new stock-based benefit plans following the stock offering. These plans may be funded either through open market purchases or from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock.  Our ability to repurchase shares of common stock to fund these plans will be subject to many factors, including applicable regulatory restrictions on stock repurchases, the availability of stock in the market, the trading price of the stock, our capital levels, alternative uses for our capital and our financial performance.  While our intention is to fund the new stock-based benefit plan through open market purchases, stockholders would experience a 9.3% dilution in ownership interest at the maximum of the offering range in the event newly issued shares of our common stock are used to fund stock options and shares of restricted common stock in an amount equal to 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares sold in the offering.  In the event we adopt the plan more than 12 months following the conversion, the plan would not be subject to these limitations and stockholders could experience greater dilution.

Although the implementation of the stock-based benefit plan will be subject to stockholder approval, historically, the overwhelming majority of stock-based benefit plans adopted by savings institutions and their holding companies following mutual-to-stock conversions have been approved by stockholders.
 
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We have not determined when we will adopt one or more new stock-based benefit plans.  Stock-based benefit plans adopted more than 12 months following the completion of the conversion may exceed regulatory restrictions on the size of stock-based benefit plans adopted within 12 months, which would further increase our costs.
 
If we adopt stock-based benefit plans more than 12 months following the completion of the conversion, then grants of shares of common stock or stock options under our existing and proposed stock-based benefit plans may exceed 4% and 10%, respectively, of shares of common stock sold in the stock offering.  Stock-based benefit plans that provide for awards in excess of these amounts would increase our costs beyond the amounts estimated in “—Our stock-based benefit plans will increase our expenses and reduce our income.”  Stock-based benefit plans that provide for awards in excess of these amounts could also result in dilution to stockholders in excess of that described in “—The implementation of stock-based benefit plans may dilute your ownership interest.  Historically, stockholders have approved these stock-based benefit plans.”  Although the implementation of stock-based benefit plans would be subject to stockholder approval, the determination as to the timing of the implementation of such plans will be at the discretion of our board of directors.
 
Various factors may make takeover attempts more difficult to achieve.
 
Our board of directors has no current intention to sell control of New Waterstone. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws, federal regulations, WaterStone Bank’s articles of incorporation, Maryland law, shares of restricted stock and stock options that we have granted or may grant to employees and directors and stock ownership by our management and directors, and various other factors may make it more difficult for companies or persons to acquire control of New Waterstone without the consent of our board of directors.  You may want a takeover attempt to succeed because, for example, a potential acquiror could offer a premium over the then prevailing price of our common stock.  For additional information, see “Restrictions on Acquisition of New Waterstone,” and “—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion.”
 
We may not receive regulatory approval to pay dividends following the completion of the conversion, or we may not pay dividends on our shares of common stock even if we receive regulatory approval.

Waterstone-Federal has never paid dividends on its common stock.  Although New Waterstone intends to pay a quarterly cash dividend to its stockholders, stockholders are not entitled to receive dividends.  Furthermore, the payment of dividends to all New Waterstone stockholders currently is subject to regulatory approval .  We may not receive such regulatory approval , either promptly following the completion of the conversion or at all, or we may only receive approval to pay a smaller special dividend than we currently intend.  See “Our Dividend Policy” and “Supervision and Regulation—Regulatory Developments” for additional information.
 
You may not revoke your decision to purchase New Waterstone common stock in the subscription or community offerings after you send us your order.
 
Funds submitted or automatic withdrawals authorized in connection with a purchase of shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be held by us until the completion or termination of the conversion and offering, including any extension of the expiration date and consummation of a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  Because completion of the conversion and offering will be subject to regulatory approvals and an update of the independent appraisal prepared by RP Financial, LC., among other factors, there may be one or more delays in the completion of the conversion and offering.  Orders submitted in the subscription and community offerings are irrevocable, and purchasers will have no access to their funds unless the offering is terminated, or extended beyond [extension date], or the number of shares to be sold in the offering is increased to more than 28,031,250 shares or decreased to fewer than 20,718,750 shares.
 
The distribution of subscription rights could have adverse income tax consequences.

If the subscription rights granted to certain current or former depositors of WaterStone Bank are deemed to have an ascertainable value, receipt of such rights may be taxable in an amount equal to such value.  Whether subscription rights are considered to have ascertainable value is an inherently factual determination.  We have received an opinion of counsel, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., that it is more likely than not that such rights have no value; however, such opinion is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service.
 
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SELECTE D CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
 
The following tables set forth selected consolidated historical financial and other data of Waterstone-Federal and its subsidiaries for the periods and at the dates indicated.  The following is only a summary and you should read it in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding Waterstone-Federal contained elsewhere in this prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus.  The information at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 is derived in part from the audited consolidated financial statements that appear in this prospectus.  The information at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, is derived in part from audited consolidated financial statements that do not appear in this prospectus.  The information at March 31, 2013 and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, is unaudited and reflects only normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for all of 2013 or for any other period .
                                     
   
At March 31,
   
At December 31,
 
      2013       2012       2011    
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
      (Unaudited)                                
      (In Thousands)  
                                     
Selected Financial Condition Data:
                                   
Total assets
  $ 1,628,754     $ 1,661,076     $ 1,712,851     $ 1,808,966     $ 1,868,266     $ 1,885,432  
Securities available for sale
    220,471       205,017       206,519       203,166       205,415       179,887  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    20,193       20,193       21,653       21,653       21,653       21,653  
Loans receivable, net
    1,095,639       1,102,629       1,184,234       1,277,262       1,391,516       1,534,591  
Cash and cash equivalents
    64,114       71,469       80,380       75,331       71,120       23,849  
Deposits
    914,919       939,513       1,051,292       1,145,529       1,164,890       1,195,897  
Borrowings
    479,324       479,888       461,138       456,959       507,900       487,000  
Total shareholders’ equity
    207,105       202,634       166,372       172,220       168,592       171,267  
Allowance for loan losses
    29,298       31,043       32,430       29,175       28,494       25,167  
 
                                           
   
For the Three Months
                               
    Ended March 31,    
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
                               
   
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Selected Operating Data:
                                         
Interest income
  $ 16,186     $ 18,142     $ 69,846     $ 79,352     $ 89,933     $ 98,488     $ 104,078  
Interest expense
    6,040       7,716       27,901       32,836       40,269       54,577       63,027  
Net interest income
    10,146       10,426       41,945       46,516       49,664       43,911       41,051  
Provision for loan losses
    1,760       3,675       8,300       22,077       25,832       26,687       37,629  
Net income after provision for loan losses
    8,386       6,751       33,645       24,439       23,832       17,224       3,422  
Noninterest income
    23,033       15,002       91,203       43,229       38,993       12,208       6,291  
Noninterest expense
    23,871       19,515       102,138       74,579       64,627       40,876       33,860  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    7,548       2,238       22,710       (6,911 )     (1,802 )     (11,444 )     (24,147 )
Provision for income taxes (benefit)
    2,923       30       (12,204 )     562       52       (1,306 )     2,299  
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,625     $ 2,208     $ 34,914     $ (7,473 )   $ (1,854 )   $ (10,138 )   $ (26,446 )
Income (loss) per share – basic
  $ 0.15     $ 0.07     $ 1.12     $ (0.24 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.33 )   $ (0.87 )
Income (loss) per share – diluted
  $ 0.15     $ 0.07     $ 1.12     $ (0.24 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.33 )   $ (0.87 )

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      At or for the Three
Months Ended
March 31, (1)
   
At or for the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:
                                         
Performance Ratios:
                                         
Return (loss) on average assets
    1.14 %     0.52 %     2.07 %     (0.43 %)     (0.10 %)     (0.53 %)     (1.44 %)
Return (loss) on average equity
    9.14       5.24       18.89       (4.47 )     (1.09 )     (6.12 )     (13.76 )
Interest rate spread (2)
    2.45       2.46       2.45       2.67       2.67       2.21       1.99  
Net interest margin (3)
    2.66       2.62       2.62       2.82       2.83       2.41       2.32  
Efficiency ratio (4)
    71.95       76.75       76.71       83.12       72.90       72.84       71.52  
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
    112.82       108.07       109.84       107.67       107.11       106.68       107.85  
                                                         
Capital Ratios:
                                                       
Equity to total assets
    12.72 %     9.94 %     12.20 %     9.71 %     9.52 %     9.02 %     9.08 %
Average equity to average assets
    12.47       9.99       10.94       9.55       9.18       8.67       10.44  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
    18.75       14.69       17.34       14.58       14.13       13.83       12.84  
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets
    17.49       13.42       16.07       13.31       12.87       12.57       11.58  
Tier I capital to average assets
    11.79       9.60       11.13       9.16       8.83       8.77       8.93  
                                                         
Asset Quality Ratios:
                                                       
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans
    2.60 %     2.75 %     2.74 %     2.67 %     2.23 %     2.01 %     1.61 %
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-performing loans
    44.42       35.98       41.58       41.46       34.66       37.83       23.36  
Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period
    1.14       0.96       0.76       1.43       1.75       1.54       1.67  
Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans
    5.86       7.65       6.59       6.43       6.44       5.30       6.91  
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets
    5.94       8.70       6.66       7.88       7.85       6.76       7.02  
                                                         
Other Data:
                                                       
Number of full-service banking offices
    8       8       8       8       8       8       8  
Number of mortgage banking offices
    81       60       69       39       33       23       11  
Number of full-time equivalent employees
    750       613       726       574       595       518       320  
 

(1)
Annualized where appropriate.
(2)
Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.
(4)
Represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
 
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
 
 
statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;
 
 
statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;
 
 
statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and
 
 
estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.
 
These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change.
 
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:
 
 
general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;
 
 
competition among depository and other financial institutions;
 
 
inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, our mortgage banking revenues or reduce the fair value of financial instruments or reduce the origination levels in our lending business, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make whether held in portfolio or sold in the secondary markets;
 
 
adverse changes in the securities markets;
 
 
changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements;
 
 
our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic conditions;
 
 
our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;
 
 
our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities;
 
 
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
 
 
changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
 
 
our ability to retain key employees;
 
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significant increases in our loan losses; and
 
 
changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.
 
Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.  Please see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17.
 
HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE OFFERING
 
Although we cannot determine what the actual net proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock in the offering will be until the offering is completed, we anticipate that the net proceeds will be between $159.5 million and $216.4 million.
 
We intend to distribute the net proceeds as follows:
                                                 
   
Based Upon the Sale at $8.00 Per Share of
 
   
20,718,750 Shares
   
24,375,000 Shares
   
28,031,250 Shares
 
   
Amount
   
Percent of
Net
Proceeds
   
Amount
   
Percent of
Net
Proceeds
   
Amount
   
Percent of
Net
Proceeds
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                     
Offering proceeds                                     
  $ 165,750           $ 195,000           $ 224,250        
Less offering expenses                                     
    (6,234 )           (7,041 )           (7,848 )      
Net offering proceeds
  $ 159,516       100.0 %   $ 187,959       100.0 %   $ 216,402       100.0 %
                                                 
Distribution of net proceeds:
                                               
To WaterStone Bank
  $ 79,758       50.0 %   $ 93,980       50.0 %   $ 108,201       50.0 %
To fund loan to employee stock ownership plan
  $ 13,260       8.3 %   $ 15,600       8.3 %   $ 17,940       8.3 %
Retained by New Waterstone (1)
  $ 66,498       41.7 %   $ 78,380       41.7 %   $ 90,261       41.7 %
 

 
(1)
In the event the stock-based benefit plan providing for stock awards and stock options is approved by stockholders, and assuming shares are purchased for the stock awards at $8.00 per share, an additional $6.6 million, $7.8 million and $9.0 million of net proceeds will be used by New Waterstone.  In this case, the net proceeds retained by New Waterstone would be $59.9 million, $70.6 million and $81.3 million, respectively, at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the offering range.

Payments for shares of common stock made through withdrawals from existing deposit accounts will not result in the receipt of new funds for investment but will result in a reduction of WaterStone Bank’s deposits.  The net proceeds may vary because total expenses relating to the offering may be more or less than our estimates.  For example, our expenses would increase if fewer shares were sold in the subscription and community offerings and more in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering than we have assumed.
 
New Waterstone may use the proceeds it retains from the offering:

 
to invest in securities;
 
 
to pay cash dividends to stockholders, subject to the receipt of any required regulatory approvals;
 
 
to repurchase shares of our common stock, subject to the receipt of any required regulatory approvals;
 
 
to finance the acquisition of financial institutions, although we do not currently have any agreements or understandings regarding any specific acquisition transaction; and
 
 
for other general corporate purposes.
 
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See “Our Dividend Policy” for a discussion of our expected dividend policy following the completion of the conversion.  Under current federal regulations, we may not repurchase shares of our common stock during the first year following the completion of the conversion, except when extraordinary circumstances exist and with prior regulatory approval, or except to fund management recognition plans (which would require notification to the Federal Reserve Board) or tax qualified employee stock benefit plans.
 
WaterStone Bank may use the net proceeds it receives from the offering:

 
to fund new loans;
 
 
to enhance existing products and services and to support the development of new products and services;
 
 
to expand its retail banking franchise by establishing or acquiring new branches or by acquiring other financial institutions or other financial services companies as opportunities arise, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements to acquire a financial institution or other entity;
 
 
to invest in securities; and
 
 
for other general corporate purposes.
 
Initially, a substantial portion of the net proceeds will be invested in short-term investments, investment-grade debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities.  We have not determined specific amounts of the net proceeds that would be used for the purposes described above.  The use of the proceeds outlined above may change based on many factors, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity markets, laws and regulations affecting the financial services industry, the attractiveness of potential acquisitions to expand our operations, and overall market conditions.  The use of the proceeds may also change depending on our ability to receive regulatory approval to establish new branches or acquire other financial institutions.
 
We expect our return on equity to be low until we are able to reinvest effectively the additional capital raised in the offering.  Until we can increase our net interest income and non-interest income, we expect our return on equity to be below the industry average, which may negatively affect the value of our common stock. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Offering—Our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds may have an adverse effect on our financial performance.”

OUR DIVIDEND POLICY
 
After the completion of the conversion, we intend to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis.  Initially, we expect the quarterly dividends to be $0.06 per share, which equals $0.24 per share on an annualized basis and an annual yield of 3.0% based on a price of $8.00 per share.

The dividend rate and the initial and continued payment of dividends will depend on a number of factors, including the receipt of any necessary regulatory approval to pay dividends, our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions.  We cannot assure you that we will receive regulatory approval to pay dividends in the future or when such approval may be obtained, or that any such dividends will not be reduced or eliminated in the future.
 
New Waterstone will not be permitted to pay dividends on its common stock if its stockholders’ equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account established by New Waterstone in connection with the conversion.  The source of dividends will depend on the net proceeds retained by New Waterstone and earnings thereon, and dividends from WaterStone Bank.  In addition, New Waterstone will be subject to state law limitations and federal bank regulatory policy on the payment of dividends. Maryland law generally limits dividends if the corporation would not be able to pay its debts in the usual course of business after giving effect to the dividend or if the corporation’s total assets would be less than the corporation’s total liabilities plus the amount needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights on dissolution are superior to those receiving the distribution.
 
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Waterstone-Federal has adopted board resolutions that require regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve Board prior to the payment of cash dividends.  WaterStone Bank is subject to a memorandum of understanding with the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that prohibits WaterStone Bank from paying dividends to New WaterStone without receiving the prior written consent of the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  See “Supervision and Regulation—Regulatory Developments.”

After the completion of the conversion, WaterStone Bank will not be permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock to New Waterstone, its sole stockholder, if WaterStone Bank’s stockholder’s equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account established in connection with the conversion.  In addition, WaterStone Bank will not be permitted to make a capital distribution if, after making such distribution, it would be undercapitalized.  WaterStone Bank must file an application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for approval of a capital distribution if the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of WaterStone Bank’s net income for that year to date plus its retained net income for the preceding two years or WaterStone Bank would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution.  Under Wisconsin law and applicable regulations, WaterStone Bank may declare dividends on capital stock based upon net profits, provided that its paid-in surplus equals its capital stock and that it meets its regulatory capital requirements.  If WaterStone Bank’s paid-in surplus does not equal its capital stock, the board of directors may not declare a dividend unless at least 10% of the net profits of the preceding half year, in the case of quarterly or semi-annual dividends, or 10% of the net profits of the preceding year, in the case of annual dividends, has been transferred to paid-in surplus. In addition, prior WDFI approval will be required before WaterStone Bank declares any dividends exceeding 50% of profits for any calendar year and before a dividend may be declared out of retained earnings.
 
Any payment of dividends by WaterStone Bank to New Waterstone that would be deemed to be drawn from WaterStone Bank’s bad debt reserves established prior to calendar 1988, if any, would require a payment of taxes at the then-current tax rate by WaterStone Bank on the amount of earnings deemed to be removed from the reserves for such distribution.  WaterStone Bank does not intend to make any distribution that would create such a federal tax liability.  See “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights.” For further information concerning additional federal law and regulations regarding the ability of WaterStone Bank to make capital distributions, including the payment of dividends to New Waterstone, see “Taxation—Federal Taxation” and “Supervision and Regulation—Dividends.”
 
We will file a consolidated federal tax return with WaterStone Bank.  Accordingly, it is anticipated that any cash distributions made by us to our stockholders would be treated as cash dividends and not as a non-taxable return of capital for federal tax purposes.  Additionally, pursuant to Federal Reserve Board regulations, during the three-year period following the conversion, we will not make any capital distribution to stockholders that would be treated by recipients as a tax-free return of capital for federal income tax purposes.

MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK
 
Waterstone-Federal’s common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF.”  Upon completion of the conversion, we expect the shares of common stock of New Waterstone will replace the existing shares of Waterstone-Federal and trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF.” In order to list our stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, we are required to have at least three broker-dealers who will make a market in our common stock.  As of [stockholder record date], Waterstone-Federal had approximately ___ registered market makers in its common stock. Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. has advised us that they intend to make a market in our common stock following the offering, but are under no obligation to do so.
 
33
 

 

 
The following table sets forth the high and low trading prices for shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock for the periods indicated, as obtained from the Nasdaq Stock Market.  We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock.  As of the close of business on [stockholder record date], there were ______________ shares of common stock outstanding, including _____________ publicly held shares (shares held by stockholders other than Lamplighter Financial, MHC), and approximately _____________ stockholders of record.
               
   
Price Per Share
 
   
High
   
Low
 
2013
           
Third quarter (through [stockholder record date])
  $       $    
Second quarter
  $ 10.16     $ 7.59  
First quarter
  $ 8.68     $ 6.66  
                 
2012
               
Fourth quarter
  $ 8.39     $ 5.16  
Third quarter
  $ 5.19     $ 3.33  
Second quarter
  $ 4.05     $ 3.01  
First quarter
  $ 3.18     $ 1.78  
                 
2011
               
Fourth quarter
  $ 2.69     $ 2.40  
Third quarter 
  $ 2.83     $ 2.25  
Second quarter 
  $ 3.22     $ 2.50  
First quarter
  $ 3.80     $ 1.80  

On June 5, 2013, the business day immediately preceding the public announcement of the conversion, and on _____________, 2013, the closing prices of Waterstone-Federal common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market were $7.77 per share and $_____________ per share, respectively.  On the effective date of the conversion, all publicly held shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock, including shares of common stock held by our officers and directors, will be converted automatically into and become the right to receive a number of shares of New Waterstone common stock determined pursuant to the exchange ratio.  See “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”  Options to purchase shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock will be converted into options to purchase a number of shares of New Waterstone common stock determined pursuant to the exchange ratio, for the same aggregate exercise price. See “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock.”
 
34
 

 


HISTORICA L AND PRO FORMA REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE
 
At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank exceeded all of the applicable regulatory capital requirements and was considered “well capitalized.” The table below sets forth the historical equity capital and regulatory capital of WaterStone Bank at March 31, 2013, and the pro forma equity capital and regulatory capital of WaterStone Bank, after giving effect to the sale of shares of common stock at $8.00 per share.  The table assumes the receipt by WaterStone Bank of 50% of the net offering proceeds.  See “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”
                                                                 
        WaterStone Bank
Historical at

March 31, 2013
                                                 
       
Pro Forma at March 31, 2013, Based Upon the Sale in the Offering of (1)
 
     
20,718,750 Shares
 
24,375,000 Shares
   
28,031,250 Shares
   
Amount
   
Percent of Assets (2)
   
Amount
   
Percent of Assets (2)
   
Amount
   
Percent of Assets (2)
   
Amount
   
Percent of Assets (2)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Equity
  $ 199,610       12.30 %   $ 266,108       15.76 %   $ 277,990       16.35 %   $ 289,871       16.93 %
                                                                 
Tier 1 leverage capital
  $ 191,736       11.79 %   $ 258,234       15.25 %   $ 270,116       15.84 %   $ 281,997       16.43 %
Leverage requirement (3)
    81,326       5.00       84,651       5.00       85,245       5.00       85,839       5.00  
Excess
  $ 110,410       6.79 %   $ 173,583       10.25 %   $ 184,871       10.84 %   $ 196,158       11.43 %
                                                                 
Tier 1 risk-based capital (4)
  $ 191,736       17.49 %   $ 258,234       23.27 %   $ 270,116       24.29 %   $ 281,997       25.30 %
Risk-based requirement
    65,794       6.00       66,592       6.00       66,735       6.00       66,877       6.00  
Excess
  $ 125,942       11.49 %   $ 191,642       17.27 %   $ 203,381       18.29 %   $ 215,120       19.30 %
                                                                 
Total risk-based capital (4)
  $ 205,635       18.75 %   $ 272,133       24.52 %   $ 284,015       25.54 %   $ 295,896       26.55 %
Risk-based requirement (3)
    109,657       10.00       110,987       10.00       111,225       10.00       111,462       10.00  
Excess
  $ 95,978       8.75 %   $ 161,146       14.52 %   $ 172,790       15.54 %   $ 184,434       16.55 %
                                                                 
Reconciliation of capital infused into WaterStone Bank:
                                                 
Net proceeds
    $ 79,758             $ 93,980             $ 108,201          
Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan
      (13,260 )             (15,600 )             (17,940 )        
Pro forma increase
    $ 66,498             $ 78,380             $ 90,261          
 
 
(1)
Pro forma capital levels assume that the employee stock ownership plan purchases 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering with funds we lend.  Pro forma generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) capital and regulatory capital have been reduced by the amount required to fund this plan.  See “Management” for a discussion of the employee stock ownership plan.
 
(2)
Equity and Tier 1 leverage capital levels are shown as a percentage of total average assets. Risk-based capital levels are shown as a percentage of risk-weighted assets.
 
(3)
WaterStone Bank has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which requires that WaterStone Bank maintain Tier 1 leverage capital of 8.0% of total average assets and minimum total risk-based capital of 12.0% of risk-weighted assets.
 
(4)
Pro forma amounts and percentages assume net proceeds are invested in assets that carry a 20% risk weighting.
 
35
 

 


CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table presents the historical consolidated capitalization of Waterstone-Federal at March 31, 2013 and the pro forma consolidated capitalization of New Waterstone after giving effect to the conversion and offering based upon the assumptions set forth in the “Pro Forma Data” section.
                         
     
Waterstone-
Federal
Historical at
March 31, 2013
   
Pro Forma at March 31, 2013
Based upon the Sale in the Offering at
$8.00 per Share of
 
       
20,718,750
Shares
   
24,375,000
Shares
   
28,031,250
Shares
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Deposits (1)
  $ 914,919     $ 914,844     $ 914,844     $ 914,844  
Borrowed funds
    479,324       479,324       479,324       479,324  
Total deposits and borrowed funds
  $ 1,394,243     $ 1,394,168     $ 1,394,168     $ 1,394,168  
                                 
Stockholders’ equity:
                               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized (post-conversion) (2)
                       
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized (post-conversion); shares to be issued as reflected (2) (3)
    341       282       331       381  
Additional paid-in capital (2)
    110,458       270,033       298,427       326,820  
MHC capital contribution
          55       55       55  
Retained earnings (4)
    141,112       95,851       95,851       95,851  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,949       1,949       1,949       1,949  
Less:
                               
Treasury stock
    (45,261 )                  
Common stock held by employee stock ownership plan (5)
    (1,494 )     (14,754 )     (17,094 )     (19,434 )
Common stock to be acquired by stock-based benefit plan (6)
          (6,630 )     (7,800 )     (8,970 )
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 207,105     $ 346,786     $ 371,719     $ 396,652  
                                 
Pro Forma Shares Outstanding
                               
Shares offered for sale
          20,718,750       24,375,000       28,031,250  
Exchange shares issued
          7,456,953       8,772,886       10,088,819  
Total shares outstanding
          28,175,703       33,147,886       38,120,069  
                                 
Total stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets (1)
    12.72 %     19.61 %     20.73 %     21.81 %
Tangible equity as a percentage of total assets
    12.68 %     19.58 %     20.69 %     21.78 %
 

(1)
Does not reflect withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock in the conversion and offering. These withdrawals would reduce pro forma deposits and assets by the amount of the withdrawals.
(2)
Waterstone-Federal currently has 20,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock , par value $0.01 per share, and 200,000,000 authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.  On a pro forma basis, common stock and additional paid-in capital have been revised to reflect the number of shares of New Waterstone common stock to be outstanding.
(3)
No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of New Waterstone common stock pursuant to the exercise of options under one or more stock-based benefit plans. If the plans are implemented within the first year after the closing of the offering, an amount up to 10% of the shares of New Waterstone common stock sold in the offering will be reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options under the plans.  No effect has been given to the exercise of options currently outstanding. See “Management.”
(4)
The retained earnings of WaterStone Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion.  See “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation—Capital Distributions.”

 (footnotes continue on following page)
 
36
 

 

(continued from previous page)

(5)
Assumes that 8% of the shares sold in the offering will be acquired by the employee stock ownership plan financed by a loan from New Waterstone.  The loan will be repaid principally from WaterStone Bank’s contributions to the employee stock ownership plan.  Since New Waterstone will finance the employee stock ownership plan debt, this debt will be eliminated through consolidation and no liability will be reflected on New Waterstone’s consolidated financial statements.  Accordingly, the amount of shares of common stock acquired by the employee stock ownership plan is shown in this table as a reduction of total stockholders’ equity.
(6)
Assumes a number of shares of common stock equal to 4% of the shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be purchased for grant by one or more stock-based benefit plans.  The funds to be used by the plan to purchase the shares will be provided by New Waterstone.  The dollar amount of common stock to be purchased is based on the $8.00 per share subscription price in the offering and represents unearned compensation. This amount does not reflect possible increases or decreases in the value of common stock relative to the subscription price in the offering. New Waterstone will accrue compensation expense to reflect the vesting of shares pursuant to the plan and will credit capital in an amount equal to the charge to operations. Implementation of the plan will require stockholder approval.

37
 

 

 
PRO FORMA DATA
 
The following tables summarize historical data of Waterstone-Federal and pro forma data of New Waterstone at and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and at and for the year ended December 31, 2012.  This information is based on assumptions set forth below and in the tables, and should not be used as a basis for projections of market value of the shares of common stock following the conversion and offering.
 
The net proceeds in the tables are based upon the following assumptions:
 
 
(i)
50% of all shares of common stock will be sold in the subscription and community offerings and 50% will be sold in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering;
 
 
(ii)
our executive officers and directors, and their associates, will purchase 273,125 shares of common stock;
 
 
(iii)
our employee stock ownership plan will purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering with a loan from New Waterstone.  The loan will be repaid in substantially equal payments of principal and interest (at the prime rate of interest, calculated as of the date of the origination of the loan)   over a period of 20 years.  Interest income that we earn on the loan will offset the interest paid by WaterStone Bank;
 
 
(iv)
we will pay Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. a fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate amount of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings (net of insider purchases and shares purchased by our employee stock ownership plan);
 
 
(v)
we will pay Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and any other broker-dealers participating in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering an aggregate fee of 5% of the aggregate dollar amount of the common stock sold in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering;
 
 
(vi)
No fee will be paid with respect to shares of common stock purchased by our qualified and non-qualified employee stock benefit plans, or stock purchased by our officers, directors and employees, and their immediate families, and no fee will be paid with respect to exchange shares; and
 
 
(vii)
total expenses of the offering, other than the fees and commissions to be paid to Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and other broker-dealers, will be $1.5 million.
 
We calculated pro forma consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 as if the estimated net proceeds we received had been invested at the beginning of the period at an assumed interest rate of 0.77% (0.46% on an after-tax basis) and 0.72% (0.43% on an after-tax basis), respectively.  These figures represent the yield on the five-year U.S. Treasury Note as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which, in light of current market interest rates, we consider to more accurately reflect the pro forma reinvestment rate than the arithmetic average of the weighted average yield earned on our interest earning assets and the weighted average rate paid on our deposits, which is the reinvestment rate generally required by federal regulations.
 
We further believe that the reinvestment rate is factually supportable because:

 
·
the yield on the U.S Treasury Note can be determined and/or estimated from third-party sources; and

 
·
we believe that U.S. Treasury securities are not subject to credit losses due to a U.S. Government guarantee of payment of principal and interest.
 
38
 

 

 
We calculated historical and pro forma per share amounts by dividing historical and pro forma amounts of consolidated net income and stockholders’ equity by the indicated number of shares of common stock.  We adjusted these figures to give effect to the shares of common stock purchased by the employee stock ownership plan.  We computed per share amounts for each period as if the shares of common stock were outstanding at the beginning of each period, but we did not adjust per share historical or pro forma stockholders’ equity to reflect the earnings on the estimated net proceeds.
 
The pro forma tables give effect to the implementation of one or more stock-based benefit plans.  Subject to the receipt of stockholder approval, we have assumed that the stock-based benefit plans will acquire for restricted stock awards a number of shares of common stock equal to 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering at the same price for which they were sold in the stock offering.  We assume that awards of common stock granted under the plans vest over a five-year period.
 
We have also assumed that options will be granted under the stock-based benefit plans to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering.  In preparing the tables below, we assumed that stockholder approval was obtained, that the exercise price of the stock options and the market price of the stock at the date of grant were $8.00 per share and that the stock options had a term of ten years and vested over five years.  We applied the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate a grant-date fair value of $2.53 for each option.  In addition to the terms of the options described above, the Black-Scholes option pricing model assumed an estimated volatility rate of 24.34% for the shares of common stock, a dividend yield of 3.0%, an expected option term of 10 years and a risk-free rate of return of 1.87%.
 
We may grant options and award shares of common stock under one or more stock-based benefit plans in excess of 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering and that vest sooner than over a five-year period if the stock-based benefit plans are adopted more than one year following the stock offering.
 
As discussed under “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Stock Offering,” we intend to contribute 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering to WaterStone Bank, and we will retain the remainder of the net proceeds from the stock offering.  We will use a portion of the proceeds we retain for the purpose of making a loan to the employee stock ownership plan and retain the rest of the proceeds for future use.
 
The pro forma table does not give effect to:
 
 
·
withdrawals from deposit accounts to purchase shares of common stock in the stock offering;
 
 
·
our results of operations after the stock offering; or
 
 
·
changes in the market price of the shares of common stock after the stock offering.
 
The following pro forma information may not be representative of the financial effects of the offering at the dates on which the offering actually occurs, and should not be taken as indicative of future results of operations. Pro forma consolidated stockholders’ equity represents the difference between the stated amounts of our assets and liabilities.  The pro forma stockholders’ equity is not intended to represent the fair market value of the shares of common stock and may be different than the amounts that would be available for distribution to stockholders if we liquidated.  Moreover, pro forma stockholders’ equity per share does not give effect to the liquidation accounts to be established in the conversion or, in the unlikely event of a liquidation of WaterStone Bank, to the tax effect of the recapture of the bad debt reserve.  See “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights.”
 
39
 

 


   
At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Based upon the Sale at $8.00 Per Share of
 
   
20,718,750
Shares
   
24,375,000
Shares
   
28,031,250
Shares
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                   
Gross proceeds of offering
  $ 165,750     $ 195,000     $ 224,250  
Market value of shares issued in the exchange
    59,656       70,183       80,711  
Pro forma market capitalization
  $ 225,406     $ 265,183     $ 304,961  
                         
Gross proceeds of offering
  $ 165,750     $ 195,000     $ 224,250  
Expenses
    (6,234 )     (7,041 )     (7,848 )
Estimated net proceeds
    159,516       187,959       216,402  
Assets received from mutual holding company
    55       55       55  
Common stock purchased by employee stock ownership plan
    (13,260 )     (15,600 )     (17,940 )
Common stock purchased by stock-based benefit plan
    (6,630 )     (7,800 )     (8,970 )
Estimated net proceeds, as adjusted
  $ 139,681     $ 164,614     $ 189,547  
                         
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
                       
Consolidated net earnings:
                       
Historical
  $ 4,625     $ 4,625     $ 4,625  
Income on adjusted net proceeds
    161       190       219  
Employee stock ownership plan (1)
    16       (2 )     (19 )
Stock awards (2)
    (199 )     (234 )     (269 )
Stock options (3)
    (236 )     (278 )     (319 )
Pro forma net income
  $ 4,367     $ 4,302     $ 4,236  
                         
Earnings per share (4):
                       
Historical
  $ 0.17     $ 0.15     $ 0.13  
Income on adjusted net proceeds
    0.01       0.01       0.01  
Employee stock ownership plan (1)
                 
Stock awards (2)
    (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
Stock options (3)
    (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
Pro forma earnings per share (4)
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14     $ 0.12  
                         
Offering price to pro forma net earnings per share
    12.50 x     14.29 x     16.67 x
Number of shares used in earnings per share calculations
    26,538,922       31,222,261       35,905,600  
                         
At March 31, 2013
                       
Stockholders’ equity:
                       
Historical
  $ 207,105     $ 207,105     $ 207,105  
Estimated net proceeds
    159,519       187,959       216,402  
Equity increase from the mutual holding company
    55       55       55  
Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (1)
    (13,260 )     (15,600 )     (17,940 )
Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plan (2)
    (6,630 )     (7,800 )     (8,970 )
Pro forma stockholders’ equity
  $ 346,786     $ 371,719     $ 396,652  
Intangible assets
  $ (601 )   $ (601 )   $ (601 )
Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity (5)
  $ 346,185     $ 371,118     $ 396,051  
                         
Stockholders’ equity per share (6):
                       
Historical
  $ 7.35     $ 6.25     $ 5.43  
Estimated net proceeds
    5.66       5.67       5.68  
Equity increase from the mutual holding company
                 
Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (1)
    (0.47 )     (0.47 )     (0.47 )
Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plan (2)
    (0.24 )     (0.24 )     (0.24 )
Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share (5) (6)
  $ 12.30     $ 11.21     $ 10.40  
Intangible assets
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )
Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity per share (5) (6)
  $ 12.28     $ 11.19     $ 10.38  
                         
Offering price as percentage of pro forma stockholders’ equity per share
    65.04 %     71.36 %     76.92 %
Offering price as percentage of pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity per share
    65.15 %     71.49 %     77.07 %
Number of shares outstanding for pro forma book value per share calculations
    28,175,703       33,147,886       38,120,069  

(footnotes begin on following page)
 
40
 

 

 
(1)
Assumes that 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan.  For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire these shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the employee stock ownership plan from New Waterstone, and the outstanding loan with respect to existing shares of Waterstone-Federal held by the employee stock ownership plan will be refinanced and consolidated with the new loan from New Waterstone.  WaterStone Bank intends to make annual contributions to the employee stock ownership plan in an amount at least equal to the required principal and interest payments on the debt.  WaterStone Bank’s total annual payments on the employee stock ownership plan debt are based upon 20 equal annual installments of principal and interest.  ASC 718-40 requires that an employer record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares committed to be released to employees.  The pro forma adjustments assume that the employee stock ownership plan shares are allocated in equal annual installments based on the number of loan repayment installments assumed to be paid by WaterStone Bank, the fair value of the common stock remains equal to the subscription price and the employee stock ownership plan expense reflects an effective combined federal and state tax rate of 40.0%.  The unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.  No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed to fund the employee stock ownership plan.  The pro forma net income further assumes that 22,430, 26,388 and 30,346 shares were committed to be released during the period at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the offering range, respectively, and in accordance with ASC 718-40, only the employee stock ownership plan shares committed to be released during the period were considered outstanding for purposes of net income per share calculations.
(2)
Assumes that one or more stock-based benefit plans purchase an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 4% of the shares to be sold in the offering.  Stockholder approval of the plans and purchases by the plans may not occur earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion. The shares may be acquired directly from New Waterstone or through open market purchases. Shares in the stock-based benefit plan are assumed to vest over a period of five years. The funds to be used to purchase the shares will be provided by New Waterstone.  The table assumes that (i) the stock-based benefit plan acquires the shares through open market purchases at $8.00 per share, (ii) 5% of the amount contributed to the plan is amortized as an expense during the three months ended March 31, 2013, and (iii) the plan expense reflects an effective combined federal and state tax rate of 40.0%.  Assuming stockholder approval of the stock-based benefit plans and that shares of common stock (equal to 4% of the shares sold in the offering) are awarded through the use of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, stockholders would have their ownership and voting interests diluted by approximately 2.9%.
(3)
Assumes that options are granted under one or more stock-based benefit plans to acquire an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares to be sold in the offering. Stockholder approval of the plans may not occur earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion.  In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock-based benefit plans, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and the trading price of the common stock at the date of grant were $8.00 per share, the estimated grant-date fair value determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $2.53 for each option, the aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five-year vesting period of the options, and that 25% of the amortization expense (or the assumed portion relating to options granted to directors) resulted in a tax benefit using an assumed tax rate of 40.0%.  The actual expense will be determined by the grant-date fair value of the options, which will depend on a number of factors, including the valuation assumptions used and the option pricing model ultimately adopted.  Under the above assumptions, the adoption of the stock-based benefit plans will result in no additional shares under the treasury stock method for purposes of calculating earnings per share.  There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $8.00 price per share.  If a portion of the shares used to satisfy the exercise of options comes from authorized but unissued shares, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share would decrease.  The issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of options under such plan would dilute stockholders’ ownership and voting interests by approximately 6.9%.

(footnotes continue on following page)

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(continued from previous page)

(4)
Per share figures include publicly held shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock that will be exchanged for shares of New Waterstone common stock in the conversion.  See “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”  Net income per share computations are determined by taking the number of shares assumed to be sold in the offering and the number of new shares assumed to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares and, in accordance with ASC 718-40, subtracting the employee stock ownership plan shares which have not been committed for release during the year. See note 1.  The number of shares of common stock actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed amounts.  Pro forma net income per share has been annualized to calculate the offering price to pro forma net earnings per share.
(5)
The retained earnings of WaterStone Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Our Dividend Policy,” “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation—Capital Distributions.”
(6)
Per share figures include publicly held shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock that will be exchanged for shares of New Waterstone common stock in the conversion. Stockholders’ equity per share calculations are based upon the sum of (i) the number of shares assumed to be sold in the offering and (ii) shares to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the offering range, respectively. The exchange shares reflect an exchange ratio of 0.8986, 1.0572 and 1.2158 at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the offering range, respectively. The number of shares actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed amounts.
 
42
 

 


   
At or for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Based upon the Sale at $8.00 Per Share of
 
   
20,718,750
Shares
   
24,375,000
Shares
   
28,031,250
Shares
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                   
Gross proceeds of offering
  $ 165,750     $ 195,000     $ 224,250  
Market value of shares issued in the exchange
    59,656       70,183       80,711  
Pro forma market capitalization
  $ 225,406     $ 265,183     $ 304,961  
                         
Gross proceeds of offering
  $ 165,750     $ 195,000     $ 224,250  
Expenses
    (6,234 )     (7,041 )     (7,848 )
Estimated net proceeds
    159,516       187,959       216,402  
Assets received from mutual holding company
    55       55       55  
Common stock purchased by employee stock ownership plan
    (13,260 )     (15,600 )     (17,940 )
Common stock purchased by stock-based benefit plan
    (6,630 )     (7,800 )     (8,970 )
Estimated net proceeds, as adjusted
  $ 139,681     $ 164,614     $ 189,547  
                         
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
                       
Consolidated net earnings:
                       
Historical
  $ 34,914     $ 34,914     $ 34,914  
Income on adjusted net proceeds
    603       711       819  
Employee stock ownership plan (1)
    63       (7 )     (77 )
Stock awards (2)
    (796 )     (936 )     (1,076 )
Stock options (3)
    (944 )     (1,110 )     (1,277 )
Pro forma net income
  $ 33,840     $ 33,572     $ 33,303  
                         
Earnings per share (4):
                       
Historical
  $ 1.31     $ 1.12     $ 0.97  
Income on adjusted net proceeds
    0.02       0.02       0.02  
Employee stock ownership plan (1)
                 
Stock awards (2)
    (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )
Stock options (3)
    (0.04 )     (0.04 )     (0.04 )
Pro forma earnings per share (4)
  $ 1.26     $ 1.07     $ 0.92  
                         
Offering price to pro forma net earnings per share
    6.35 x     7.48 x     8.70 x
Number of shares used in earnings per share calculations
    26,601,078       31,295,386       35,989,694  
                         
At December 31, 2012
                       
Stockholders’ equity:
                       
Historical
  $ 202,634     $ 202,634     $ 202,634  
Estimated net proceeds
    159,516       187,959       216,402  
Equity increase from the mutual holding company
    55       55       55  
Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (1)
    (13,260 )     (15,600 )     (17,940 )
Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plan (2)
    (6,630 )     (7,800 )     (8,970 )
Pro forma stockholders’ equity
  $ 342,315     $ 367,248     $ 392,181  
Intangible assets
  $ (601 )   $ (601 )   $ (601 )
Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity (5)
  $ 341,714     $ 366,647     $ 391,580  
                         
Stockholders’ equity per share (6):
                       
Historical
  $ 7.19     $ 6.11     $ 5.32  
Estimated net proceeds
    5.66       5.67       5.68  
Equity increase from the mutual holding company
                 
Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (1)
    (0.47 )     (0.47 )     (0.47 )
Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plan (2)
    (0.24 )     (0.24 )     (0.24 )
Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share (5) (6)
  $ 12.14     $ 11.07     $ 10.29  
Intangible assets
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )
Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity per share (5) (6)
  $ 12.12     $ 11.05     $ 10.27  
                         
Offering price as percentage of pro forma stockholders’ equity per share
    65.90 %     72.27 %     77.75 %
Offering price as percentage of pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity per share
    66.01 %     72.40 %     77.90 %
Number of shares outstanding for pro forma book value per share calculations
    28,175,703       33,147,886       38,120,069  

(footnotes begin on following page)
 
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(1)
Assumes that 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan.  For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire these shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the employee stock ownership plan from New Waterstone, and the outstanding loan with respect to existing shares of Waterstone-Federal held by the employee stock ownership plan will be refinanced and consolidated with the new loan from New Waterstone.  WaterStone Bank intends to make annual contributions to the employee stock ownership plan in an amount at least equal to the required principal and interest payments on the debt.  WaterStone Bank’s total annual payments on the employee stock ownership plan debt are based upon 20 equal annual installments of principal and interest.  ASC 718-40 requires that an employer record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares committed to be released to employees.  The pro forma adjustments assume that the employee stock ownership plan shares are allocated in equal annual installments based on the number of loan repayment installments assumed to be paid by WaterStone Bank, the fair value of the common stock remains equal to the subscription price and the employee stock ownership plan expense reflects an effective combined federal and state tax rate of 40.0%.  The unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.  No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed to fund the employee stock ownership plan.  The pro forma net income further assumes that 89,718, 105,551 and 121,384 shares were committed to be released during the year at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the offering range, respectively, and in accordance with ASC 718-40, only the employee stock ownership plan shares committed to be released during the period were considered outstanding for purposes of net income per share calculations.
(2)
Assumes that one or more stock-based benefit plans purchase an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 4% of the shares to be sold in the offering.  Stockholder approval of the plans and purchases by the plans may not occur earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion. The shares may be acquired directly from New Waterstone or through open market purchases. Shares in the stock-based benefit plan are assumed to vest over a period of five years. The funds to be used to purchase the shares will be provided by New Waterstone.  The table assumes that (i) the stock-based benefit plan acquires the shares through open market purchases at $8.00 per share, (ii) 20% of the amount contributed to the plan is amortized as an expense during the year ended December 31, 2012, and (iii) the plan expense reflects an effective combined federal and state tax rate of 40.0%.  Assuming stockholder approval of the stock-based benefit plans and that shares of common stock (equal to 4% of the shares sold in the offering) are awarded through the use of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, stockholders would have their ownership and voting interests diluted by approximately 2.9%.
(3)
Assumes that options are granted under one or more stock-based benefit plans to acquire an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares to be sold in the offering. Stockholder approval of the plans may not occur earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion.  In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock-based benefit plans, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and the trading price of the common stock at the date of grant were $8.00 per share, the estimated grant-date fair value determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $2.53 for each option, the aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five-year vesting period of the options, and that 25% of the amortization expense (or the assumed portion relating to options granted to directors) resulted in a tax benefit using an assumed tax rate of 40.0%.  The actual expense will be determined by the grant-date fair value of the options, which will depend on a number of factors, including the valuation assumptions used and the option pricing model ultimately adopted.  Under the above assumptions, the adoption of the stock-based benefit plans will result in no additional shares under the treasury stock method for purposes of calculating earnings per share.  There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $8.00 price per share.  If a portion of the shares used to satisfy the exercise of options comes from authorized but unissued shares, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share would decrease.  The issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of options under such plan would dilute stockholders’ ownership and voting interests by approximately 6.9%.

(footnotes continue on following page)

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(continued from previous page)

(4)
Per share figures include publicly held shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock that will be exchanged for shares of New Waterstone common stock in the conversion.  See “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”  Net income per share computations are determined by taking the number of shares assumed to be sold in the offering and the number of new shares assumed to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares and, in accordance with ASC 718-40, subtracting the employee stock ownership plan shares which have not been committed for release during the year. See note 1.  The number of shares of common stock actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed amounts.
(5)
The retained earnings of WaterStone Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Our Dividend Policy,” “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation—Capital Distributions.”
(6)
Per share figures include publicly held shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock that will be exchanged for shares of New Waterstone common stock in the conversion. Stockholders’ equity per share calculations are based upon the sum of (i) the number of shares assumed to be sold in the offering and (ii) shares to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the offering range, respectively. The exchange shares reflect an exchange ratio of 0.8986, 1.0572 and 1.2158 at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the offering range, respectively. The number of shares actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed amounts.

45
 

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION   AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
This discussion and analysis reflects our consolidated financial statements and other relevant statistical data, and is intended to enhance your understanding of our financial condition and results of operations.  The information in this section has been derived from the audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements, which appear beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus.  You should read the information in this section in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding Waterstone-Federal and the financial statements provided in this prospectus.
 
Overview

Our profitability is highly dependent on our net interest income, mortgage banking income and provision for loan losses.  Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest earning assets, which are loans receivable, investment securities and cash and cash equivalents, and the interest we pay on deposits and other borrowings.  Our banking subsidiary, WaterStone Bank, is primarily a mortgage lender with loans secured by real estate comprising 98.3% of total loans receivable as of March 31, 2013.  Further, 88.5% of loans receivable are residential mortgage loans with multi-family loans comprising 45.7% of all loans as of March 31, 2013.  WaterStone Bank funds its loan originations primarily with retail deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  On March 31, 2013, deposits comprised 64.4% of total liabilities.  Time deposits, also known as certificates of deposit, accounted for 77.9% of total deposits as of March 31, 2013.  WaterStone Bank’s mortgage banking subsidiary, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, utilizes lines of credit provided by WaterStone Bank as a primary source of funding loans held for sale.  In addition, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation utilizes lines of credit with other banks as needed.  Federal Home Loan Bank advances outstanding as of March 31, 2013 totaled $350.0 million, or 24.6% of total liabilities.  During the current prolonged period of low interest rates and economic weakness, our investment philosophy emphasizes short-term liquid investments, including cash and cash equivalents, which should position us to take advantage of investment, lending and interest rate risk management opportunities that may arise as the local and national economies continue to recover from the recession.  Our high level of time deposits relative to total deposits, would result in a greater increase in our cost of funds in a rising market interest rate environment.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, our results of operations were positively impacted by a significant increase in income from our mortgage banking segment and from a decrease in our provision for loan losses, which resulted from a stabilization of our asset quality.  A significant increase in both sales volumes and margins earned on the sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market yielded $4.4 million, $19.2 million and $3.0 million in pre-tax earnings from our mortgage banking segment during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Our provision for loan losses decreased $13.8 million to $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $22.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, and was $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The decrease in provision for loan losses reflects a stabilization in both the quality of our loan portfolio and the local real estate market.  We have experienced a stabilization or improvement in a number of key loan quality metrics compared to December 31, 2011, including impaired loans, loans contractually past due and non-accrual loans.  In addition, the turnover of loans in each of the three aforementioned metrics has slowed, which has resulted in fewer loans requiring a specific collateral analysis to determine a potential collateral shortfall and loan loss reserve.  Furthermore, as the local real estate market stabilized, those loans that have required a specific collateral review to assess the level of impairment have experienced less significant collateral shortfalls when compared to the prior year.  Additional information regarding loan quality and its impact on our financial condition and results of operations can be found in the “Asset Quality” discussion.
 
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 were also positively impacted by our recognizing a net income tax benefit of $12.2 million despite recognizing pre-tax income of $22.7 million for the year.  The tax benefit was primarily the result of the December 31, 2012 full reversal of $17.0 million of remaining net deferred tax asset valuation allowances originally established in 2008, as our analysis has concluded that it was more likely than not that net deferred tax assets would be realized in subsequent periods.
 
46
 

 

 
Partially offsetting the positive impact of the increase in income from mortgage banking operations and a reduction of the provision for loan losses, net interest income decreased $4.6 million to $41.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $46.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in net interest income for 2012 resulted from a 20 basis point decrease in our net interest margin and a 22 basis point decrease in our net interest rate spread, as the yield on earning assets declined more rapidly than the cost of funds. This decrease in our net interest rate margin and spread was only partially offset by a $25.5 million increase in our average net interest earning assets during 2012 compared to 2011.  Net interest income decreased $280,000 to $10.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $10.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
Business Strategy

Our goal is to build stockholder value by operating a well-capitalized and profitable financial institution that delivers a superior banking experience to our customers.  Beginning in 2007, due to the adverse economic environment, we experienced significant increases in non-performing assets, which resulted in net losses and increased regulatory oversight.  In response, we concentrated our efforts on resolving problem assets, curtailing growth, and preserving a strong capital position.  We have made significant progress in our efforts while simultaneously building our mortgage banking business, which resulted in a return to profitability in 2012. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $34.9 million (which reflected a reversal of a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets of $17.0 million), and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 net income was $4.6 million.

Our current principal business strategies are summarized below:

 
·
Continued reduction of problem assets .   Our strategy with respect to non-performing loans is to work with borrowers to return loans to performing status when possible, including through temporary forbearance or troubled debt restructurings.  If a loan cannot be returned to performing status, we foreclose on the loan, taking the collateral into real estate owned.  In an effort to strengthen our oversight of problem assets and minimize overall costs and expenses as well as any loss on the sale of real estate owned, we have established an internal asset management group and an internal sales group to manage and market our real estate owned.  These groups also enable our lenders to focus on loan originations instead of foreclosed asset management.  Our non-performing assets have decreased to $96.8 million, or 5.94% of total assets at March 31, 2013, from $141.9 million, or 7.85% of total assets at December 31, 2010.  Our non-performing assets at March 31, 2013 included $66.0 million of non-performing loans and $30.8 million of real estate owned.  Of the $66.0 million of non-accrual loans, $33.7 million, or 51.1%, were troubled debt restructurings that were on non-accrual status either due to being past due greater than 90 days or because they had not yet performed under the modified terms for a required period of time.  At March 31, 2013, total troubled debt restructurings totaled $55.8 million, of which $49.9 million, or 89.4%, were performing in accordance with their restructured terms.  Reducing our level of non-performing assets will continue to be a key element of our business strategy.

 
·
Controlled loan growth with a focus on multi-family and commercial real estate lending .   Our principal business activity historically has been the origination of residential mortgage loans, including multi-family residential real estate loans, for retention in our portfolio.  In an effort to increase our commercial business and commercial real estate loan portfolios, we established a commercial loan department in 2007 and we currently have four commercial business loan officers and four commercial real estate loan officers.  During the past five years, our total loan portfolio has decreased substantially, from $1.56 billion at December 31, 2008 to $1.12 billion at March 31, 2013.  This decrease reflects a decline in loan demand, a shift in consumer preference for fixed-rate, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans (which we generally do not retain in our portfolio), and our efforts to control overall growth to maintain strong capital ratios and comply with regulatory directives.  There has also been a change in the mix of our portfolio, as one- to four-family residential mortgage loans have decreased from $788.2 million, or 50.5% of the portfolio at December 31, 2008, to $445.2 million, or 39.6% of the portfolio at March 31, 2013.  During the same period, multi-family residential and commercial real estate loans have increased from $567.9 million, or 36.4% of the portfolio, to $591.3 million, or 52.6% of the portfolio.  Multi-family and commercial real estate loans comprised 66.9% of total loans originated for investment during the year ended December 31, 2012, while one- to four-family residential mortgage loans comprised 17.2% of total originations in 2012.  We intend to continue our emphasis on multi-family residential and commercial real estate lending.  However, we would consider purchasing adjustable-rate mortgage loans from Waterstone Mortgage Corporation in the future in the event changes in interest rates or consumer preferences enable Waterstone Mortgage Corporation to originate such loans.
 
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·
Continued emphasis on mortgage banking operations .   Waterstone Mortgage Corporation has become a significant originator of fixed-rate, one-to-four family mortgage loans, with total originations increasing to $1.75 billion during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.03 billion in 2011.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation originates loans in the retail market, and sells most of its loan production to Wells Fargo, Freddie Mac, Chase and Fannie Mae.  It has also applied to sell loans to Ginnie Mae.  Subject to market conditions and particularly changes in the interest rate environment, we intend to continue to grow our mortgage banking business, which has been a significant source of our net income in recent periods.  Such growth may occur through geographic expansion, online direct consumer origination, or both.

 
·
Enhance core earnings through improved core funding mix .   We have made a concerted effort to improve our core funding profile by increasing lower-cost transaction deposit accounts and reducing time deposits.  Our ratio of time deposits to total deposits has decreased from 87.1% at December 31, 2008 to 77.9% at March 31, 2013.  We plan to continue to aggressively market our core transaction accounts and savings accounts, emphasizing our high quality service and competitive pricing of these products.  In the past two years we have also introduced remote deposit capture, internet banking and mobile banking.

 
·
Stockholder-focused management of capital .   We recognize that a strong capital position is essential to achieving our long-term objective of building stockholder value.  Following the offering, at the minimum of the offering range, our pro forma tier 1 leverage ratio is expected to be 15.25% and our pro forma total risk-based capital ratio is expected to be 18.75%, which are well in excess of the minimum ratios of 8. 0 % and 12.0%, respectively, required under the memorandum of understanding to which we are subject.  This capital position will support our future growth and expansion, and will give us flexibility to pursue other capital management strategies to enhance stockholder value.  In particular, New Waterstone intends to commence payment of a regular quarterly dividend following completion of the conversion.     See “Our Dividend Policy” for a discussion of our expected dividend policy following the completion of the conversion.

 
·
Disciplined expansion through organic growth coupled with opportunistic acquisitions . Since we became a public company in 2005, we have successfully pursued a strategy of organic growth by continuing to leverage our existing community banking franchise and expanding our mortgage banking operations. Since our initial public offering, we have opened three additional branches in the Milwaukee area.  Given our current regulatory status, we have been unable to open any additional branches.  However, subject to regulatory approval, we plan to open one office in 2013 and two additional offices in each of 2014 through 2016, all in our local market area, and we may also seek to open one or more loan production offices or full service branches in other markets.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation now has locations in 12 states and does business nationally.  While organic growth has been our primary focus, we will also consider acquisition opportunities that we believe would enhance our franchise and yield financial benefits for our stockholders.
 
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Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those that involve significant judgments and assumptions by management and that have, or could have, a material impact on our income or the carrying value of our assets.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses. WaterStone Bank establishes valuation allowances on loans deemed to be impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that WaterStone Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the impairment when the carrying amount of the loan exceeds the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral (specific component).  We recognize the change in present value of expected future cash flows on impaired loans attributable to the passage of time as bad debt expense.  On an ongoing basis, at least quarterly for financial reporting purposes, the fair value of collateral dependent impaired loans and real estate owned is determined or reaffirmed by the following procedures:

 
·
Obtaining updated real estate appraisals or performing updated discounted cash flow analysis;

 
·
Confirming that the physical condition of the real estate has not significantly changed since the last valuation date;

 
·
Comparing the estimated current book value to that of updated sales values experienced on similar real estate owned;

 
·
Comparing the estimated current book value to that of updated values seen on more current appraisals of similar properties; and

 
·
Comparing the estimated current book value to that of updated listed sales prices on our real estate owned and that of similar properties (not owned by us).

WaterStone Bank also establishes valuation allowances based on an evaluation of the various risk components that are inherent in the credit portfolio (general component). The risk components that are evaluated include past loan loss experience; the level of non-performing and classified assets; current economic conditions; volume, growth, and composition of the loan portfolio; adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay; the estimated value of any underlying collateral; regulatory guidance; and other relevant factors. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and recoveries of previously charged-off loans and reduced by charge-offs. Charge-offs approximate the amount by which the outstanding principal balance exceeds the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral.  The appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed and approved quarterly by the WaterStone Bank board of directors. The allowance reflects management’s best estimate of the amount needed to provide for the probable loss on impaired loans and other inherent losses in the loan portfolio, and is based on a risk model developed and implemented by management and approved by the WaterStone Bank board of directors.
 
Actual results could differ from this estimate, and future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on unforeseen changes in loan quality and economic conditions.  More specifically, if our future charge-off experience increases substantially from our past experience, or if the value of underlying loan collateral, in our case real estate, declines in value by a substantial amount or if unemployment in our primary market area increases significantly, our allowance for loan losses may be inadequate and we will incur higher provisions for loan losses and lower net income in the future.
 
 In addition, state and federal regulators periodically review the WaterStone Bank allowance for loan losses. Such regulators have the authority to require WaterStone Bank to recognize additions to the allowance at the time of their examination.
 
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Income Taxes.   Waterstone-Federal and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal and combined state income tax returns. The provision for income taxes is based upon income in the consolidated financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the income tax return.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as for net operating loss carry forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.  

Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.  The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. Examples of positive evidence may include the existence of taxes paid in available carry-back years as well as the probability that taxable income will be generated in future periods.  Examples of negative evidence may include cumulative losses in a current year and prior two years and general business and economic trends.  At December 31, 2011, we determined a valuation allowance originally established in 2008 continued to be necessary, largely based on the negative evidence represented by a cumulative loss in the most recent three-year period caused by the significant loan loss provisions recorded during those three years.  However, the valuation allowance was fully reversed at December 31, 2012 as a result of positive cumulative net income for the latest three-year period, the payment of federal income taxes potentially available for subsequent carry back in future periods and improvement in our asset quality metrics as well as in general economic conditions.
 
Positions taken in our tax returns are subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination.  The benefit of uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities.  Such tax positions are both initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.   Interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties are classified within income tax expense in the income statement.
 
Management believes our tax policies and practices are critical because the determination of the tax provision and current and deferred tax assets and liabilities have a material impact on our net income and the carrying value of our assets.
 
Fair Value Measurements.   We determine the fair value of our assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC 820. ASC 820 establishes a standard framework for measuring and disclosing fair value under GAAP. A number of valuation techniques are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities in our financial statements. The valuation techniques include quoted market prices for investment securities, appraisals of real estate from independent licensed appraisers and other valuation techniques. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where limited or no observable market data exists are based primarily upon estimates, and are often calculated based on the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors. Therefore, the valuation results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability. Additionally, there are inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values. Significant changes in the aggregate fair value of assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value or for impairment are recognized in the income statement under the framework established by GAAP.

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2013 and at December 31, 2012
 
Total Assets .   Total assets decreased by $32.3 million, or 2.0%, to $1.63 billion at March 31, 2013 from $1.66 billion at December 31, 2012.  The decrease in total assets reflects decreases in loans held for sale of $29.4 million, loans receivable of $8.7 million and real estate owned of $5.2 million.  Funds received from the sale of loans held for sale and the repayment of loans held in portfolio and from escrow deposits were combined with cash and used to fund net deposit outflows of $24.6 million and increase available-for-sale securities by $15.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
 
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Cash and Cash Equivalents .   Cash and cash equivalents decreased $7.4 million, or 10.3%, to $64.1 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $71.5 million at December 31, 2012.  Despite the decrease, the overall level of cash and cash equivalents continues to reflect our plan to maintain higher than usual liquidity given the current economic environment and relatively low rates of return available on securities and other investments.

Securities Available for Sale . Securities available for sale increased by $15.5 million, or 7.5%, to $220.5 million at March 31, 2013 from $205.0 million at December 31, 2012.  This increase reflects a $21.4 million increase in municipal securities, partially offset by a $5.0 million decrease in mortgage-backed securities and a $3.5 million decrease in government sponsored enterprise bonds.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the proceeds from principal repayments on mortgage-related securities were reinvested in municipal securities deemed to provide a better risk-adjusted return.  As of March 31, 2013, we held two municipal securities with a total fair value of $237,000 and amortized cost of $215,000 that were determined to be other than temporarily impaired.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, $100,000 was recognized as additional other than temporary impairment with respect to these municipal securities which was charged against earnings.  There was no additional other than temporary impairment recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Loans Held for Sale .   Loans held for sale, all of which were held by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, decreased $29.4 million, or 22.0%, to $104.2 million at March 31, 2013 from $133.6 million at December 31, 2012.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, $430.1 million in residential loans were originated for sale.  During the same period, sales of loans held for sale totaled $459.6 million.  We have elected to carry loans held for sale at fair value.  Fair value is estimated using the prices of our existing commitments to sell such loans and/or the quoted market price to sell similar loans.  The amount by which cost differs from the market value is accounted for as a valuation adjustment to the carrying value of the loans.  Changes in the value of loans held for sale are included in mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.  Costs to originate loans held for sale are expensed as incurred and are included on the appropriate noninterest expense lines of the consolidated statements of income.

Loans Receivable . Loans receivable held for investment decreased $8.7 million, or 0.8%, to $1.12 billion at March 31, 2013 from $1.13 billion at December 31, 2012.  The decrease in total loans receivable was primarily attributable to a $15.6 million decrease in one- to four-family loans, partially offset by an $11.3 million increase in commercial real estate loans.  The decrease in one- to four-family loans reflects a decline in loan demand for variable-rate real estate mortgage loans as borrowers continue to prefer long-term fixed-rate loans that we do not generally retain in our portfolio.  As a result of the low interest rate environment, we continued to experience a shift in the composition of loans originated for investment during 2013 and 2012 from one- to four-family residential variable-rate loans to residential real estate loans collateralized by multi-family properties and commercial real estate, as these categories of borrowers displayed relatively stable levels of demand for our existing products.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, $2.7 million in loans were transferred to real estate owned and $3.5 million were charged-off, net of recoveries.

Allowance for Loan Losses .   The allowance for loan losses decreased $1.7 million, or 5.6%, to $29.3 million at March 31, 2013 from $31.0 million at December 31, 2012.  The $1.7 million decrease in the allowance for loan losses during the three months ended March 31, 2013 reflects a stabilization in both the quality of the loan portfolio as well as the overall local real estate market.  We have experienced a stabilization or improvement in a number of key loan quality metrics compared to December 31, 2012, including impaired loans, substandard loans, loans contractually past due and non-accrual loans.  In addition, the decrease in the allowance for loan losses reflects a decrease in the balance of loans outstanding.  As of March 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses to total loans receivable was 2.60% and was equal to 44.42% of non-performing loans, compared to 2.74% and 41.58%, respectively, at December 31, 2012.  The overall $1.7 million decrease in the allowance for loan losses during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was primarily the result of a $1.4 million decrease in the allowance for loan losses related to the one- to four-family category.  The decrease related to this category resulted from the charge-off of specific reserves, a stabilization or improvement of key loan quality metrics, as well as a decrease in the overall balance of loans outstanding.  While the local real estate market has stabilized during the current fiscal year, the risk of loss on loans secured by residential real estate remains at an elevated level.  That portion of the allowance for loan losses attributable to mortgage loans secured by residential real estate comprised 88.1% of the total allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2013 and 89.1% at December 31, 2012.
 
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Real Estate Owned . Total real estate owned decreased $5.2 million, or 14.4%, to $30.8 million at March 31, 2013 from $36.0 million at December 31, 2012.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, $2.7 million was transferred from loans to real estate owned upon completion of foreclosure.  Declines in property values evidenced by updated appraisals, responses to list prices on properties held for sale and/or deterioration in the condition of properties resulted in write downs totaling $480,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  During the same period, sales of real estate owned totaled $7.7 million.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets .   Prepaid expenses and other assets increased by $1.1 million, or 4.2%, to $28.3 million at March 31, 2013 from $27.2 million at December 31, 2012.  The increase is primarily due to an increase in mortgage banking derivative assets, as well as an increase in the mortgage servicing rights intangible asset that relates to an increase in loans sold on a servicing retained basis.  The increase in prepaid expenses and other assets was partially offset by a decrease in net deferred tax assets.

Deposits .   Total deposits decreased $24.6 million, or 2.6%, to $914.9 million at March 31, 2013 from $939.5 million at December 31, 2012.  The reduction in deposits reflects management’s decision to accept a certain level of deposit run-off during a period of diminished loan demand.  Total time deposits decreased $24.5 million, or 3.3%, to $712.4 million at March 31, 2013 from $736.9 million at December 31, 2012.  Total money market and savings deposits decreased $2.9 million, or 2.4%, to $115.6 million at March 31, 2013 from $118.5 million at December 31, 2012.  The decrease in time deposits, money market and savings deposits was partially offset by an increase in demand deposits.  Total demand deposits increased $2.8 million, or 3.3%, to $86.9 million at March 31, 2013 from $84.1 million at December 31, 2012.

Borrowings . Total borrowings decreased $564,000, or 0.1%, to $479.3 million at March 31, 2013 from $479.9 million at December 31, 2012.  The decrease in borrowings relates to a decrease in the use of short-term repurchase agreements to finance loans held for sale by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.  The balance of these lines of credit decreased by $564,000 to $45.3 million at March 31, 2013, from $45.9 million at December 31, 2012.

Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes .   Advance payments by borrowers for taxes increased $5.7 million to $7.3 million at March 31, 2013 from $1.7 million at December 31, 2012.  The increase was the result of payments received from borrowers for their real estate taxes and is seasonally normal, as balances increase during the course of the calendar year until real estate tax obligations are paid out in the fourth quarter.

Other Liabilities .   Other liabilities decreased $17.3 million, or 46.3%, to $20.1 million at March 31, 2013 from $37.4 million at December 31, 2012.  The decrease resulted primarily from a seasonal decrease in outstanding escrow checks.  We receive payments from borrowers for their real estate taxes during the course of the calendar year until real estate tax obligations are paid out in the fourth quarter.  These amounts remain classified as other liabilities until settled.  The decrease related to escrow checks was partially offset by an increase in amounts due to third parties related to the origination of loans held for sale.
 
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Shareholders’ Equity .   Shareholders’ equity increased by $4.5 million, or 2.2%, to $207.1 million at March 31, 2013 from $202.6 million at December 31, 2012.  The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to a $4.6 million increase in retained earnings reflecting net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  In addition to the increase in retained earnings, shareholders’ equity was positively impacted by a $214,000 decrease in unearned ESOP shares.  Partially offsetting the increases was a $336,000 decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2012 and at December 31, 2011
 
Total Assets.   Total assets decreased by $51.8 million, or 3.0%, to $1.66 billion at December 31, 2012 from $1.71 billion at December 31, 2011.  The decrease in total assets reflects decreases in loans receivable of $83.0 million and real estate owned of $20.7 million, partially offset by an increase in loans held for sale of $45.3 million.  We used funds received from the repayment of loans held in portfolio and short-term borrowings, as well as excess cash, to fund a reduction in deposits of $111.8 million, as discussed below.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.   Cash and cash equivalents decreased $8.9 million, or 11.1%, to $71.5 million at December 31, 2012 from $80.4 million at December 31, 2011.  The overall level of cash and cash equivalents continues to reflect our plan to maintain higher than customary liquidity given the current economic environment and relatively low rates of return available on securities and other investments.

Securities Available for Sale.   Securities available for sale decreased by $1.5 million, or 0.7%, to $205.0 million at December 31, 2012 from $206.5 million at December 31, 2011.  This decrease reflects a $63.3 million decrease in government sponsored enterprise bonds and a $22.1 million decrease in collateralized mortgage obligations, which was largely offset by an $83.6 million increase in mortgage backed securities.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the proceeds from maturities and calls of government sponsored enterprise securities and from the sale of collateralized mortgage obligations and municipal securities were primarily reinvested in mortgage-related securities, as we believe such securities provided us with a better risk-versus-reward trade-off during much of the year.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we sold $11.6 million in short-term municipal securities at a gain of $240,000.  As of December 31, 2012, we held two municipal securities with a total fair value of $237,000 and amortized cost of $215,000 that were determined to be other than temporarily impaired.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, $100,000 was recognized as additional other-than-temporary impairment with respect to these municipal securities and was charged against earnings.   During the year ended December 31, 2012, we sold two private-label collateralized mortgage obligations for a combined gain of $282,000.  At the time of sale, these securities had a combined amortized cost of $18.0 million.  Each of these two securities had been previously determined to be other other-than-temporarily impaired in a prior period.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, our analysis resulted in an additional $113,000 in credit losses that were charged to earnings.  Life-to-date other than temporary impairment losses recognized on these two securities totaled $2.2 million.
 
Loans Held for Sale .   Loans held for sale, all of which were held by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, increased $45.3 million, or 51.3%, to $133.6 million at December 31, 2012 from $88.3 million at December 31, 2011.  Loans originated for sale in the secondary market totaled $1.75 billion during the year ended December 31, 2012, representing a $722.1 million, or 70.3%, increase in originations from the year ended December 31, 2011, which totaled $1.03 billion.
 
Loans Receivable.   Loans receivable held for investment decreased $83.0 million, or 6.8%, to $1.13 billion at December 31, 2012 from $1.22 billion at December 31, 2011.  The 2012 decrease in total loans receivable was primarily attributable to a $35.9 million decrease in one- to four-family loans and a $37.9 million decrease in multi-family loans.  The decrease in one- to four-family loans reflects a decline in loan demand for variable-rate real estate mortgage loans as borrowers continue to prefer long-term fixed-rate products that we do not generally retain in our portfolio.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, $22.3 million in loans were transferred to real estate owned and $9.7 million were charged-off, net of recoveries.
 
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Allowance for Loan Losses.   The allowance for loan losses decreased $1.4 million, or 4.3%, to $31.0 million at December 31, 2012 from $32.4 million at December 31, 2011.  The $1.4 million decrease in the allowance for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects a stabilization in both the quality of the loan portfolio as well as the overall local real estate market.  We have experienced a stabilization or improvement in a number of key loan quality metrics compared to December 31, 2011, including impaired loans, substandard loans, loans contractually past due and non-accrual loans.  In addition, the decrease in the allowance for loan losses reflects a decrease in the balance of loans outstanding.    As of December 31, 2012, the allowance for loan losses to total loans receivable was 2.74% and was equal to 41.58% of non-performing loans, compared to 2.67% and 41.46%, respectively, at December 31, 2011.  The overall $1.4 million decrease in the allowance for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily the result of decreases in the allowance for loan losses related to construction and land and multi-family categories.  The decrease in allowance for loan losses related to these categories resulted from both the charge-off of specific reserves as well as a decrease in the overall balance of loans outstanding.   The decrease in allowance for loan losses related to these two loan categories were partially offset by an increase in allowance for loan losses related to the one- to four-family and commercial real estate categories.  Increases in the allowance for loan losses related to the one- to four-family and commercial real estate categories were the result of a decrease in collateral values related to loans previously classified as impaired, as well as an increase in the overall level of commercial real estate loans identified as impaired.  While the local real estate market has stabilized during the current fiscal year, the risk of loss on loans secured by residential real estate remains at an elevated level.  That portion of the allowance for loan losses attributable to mortgage loans secured by residential real estate comprised 89.1% of the total allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2012 and 85.5% at December 31, 2011.

Real Estate Owned.   Total real estate owned decreased $20.7 million, or 36.5%, to $36.0 million at December 31, 2012 from $56.7 million at December 31, 2011.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, $22.3 million was transferred from loans to real estate owned upon completion of foreclosure proceedings.  Declines in property values evidenced by updated appraisals, responses to list prices on properties held for sale and/or deterioration in the condition of properties resulted in write downs totaling $7.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2012.  During the same period, sales of real estate owned totaled $35.2 million.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets.   Prepaid expenses and other assets increased by $18.8 million to $27.2 million at December 31, 2012 from $8.4 million at December 31, 2011.  The increase is primarily due to a $16.2 million increase in deferred tax assets, which resulted from the reversal of $17.0 million in deferred income tax valuation allowances.  In addition, the mortgage servicing rights intangible asset related to loans sold on a servicing retained basis increased by $3.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Deposits. Total deposits decreased $111.8 million, or 10.6%, to $939.5 million at December 31, 2012 from $1.05 billion at December 31, 2011.  The reduction in deposits reflects management’s decision to accept a certain level of deposit run-off during a period of diminished loan demand.  Total time deposits decreased $141.8 million, or 16.1%, to $736.9 million at December 31, 2012 from $878.7 million at December 31, 2011.  The decrease in time deposits was partially offset by an increase in money market and demand deposits.  Total money market and savings deposits increased $14.4 million, or 13.8%, to $118.5 million at December 31, 2012 from $104.1 million at December 31, 2011.  Total demand deposits increased $15.7 million, or 22.9%, to $84.1 million at December 31, 2012 from $68.5 million at December 31, 2011.

Borrowings. Total borrowings increased $18.8 million, or 4.1%, to $479.9 million at December 31, 2012 from $461.1 million at December 31, 2011.  The increase in borrowings relates entirely to an increase in the use of bank lines of credit to finance loans held for sale.  The outstanding balance of these lines of credit increased by $18.8 million, to $45.9 million at December 31, 2012, from $27.1 million at December 31, 2011.

Other Liabilities.   Other liabilities increased $4.3 million, or 12.9%, to $37.4 million at December 31, 2012 from $33.1 million at December 31, 2011.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase in accrued compensation and accrued expenses due to third parties related to our mortgage banking operations.

Shareholders’ Equity.   Shareholders’ equity increased by $36.3 million, or 21.8%, to $202.6 million at December 31, 2012 from $166.4 million at December 31, 2011.  The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to a $34.9 million increase in retained earnings reflecting net income for the year ended December 31, 2012.  In addition to the increase in retained earnings, shareholders’ equity was positively impacted by an $897,000 increase in accumulated other comprehensive income and an $854,000 decrease in unearned ESOP shares.

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Average Balance Sheets, Interest and Yields/Costs
 
The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information at and for the periods indicated.  No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material.  All average balances are daily average balances.  Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances.  The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.
                                                         
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
         
2013
   
2012
 
   
At March 31,
               
Average
               
Average
 
    2013     Average           Yield/Rate    
Average
          Yield/Rate  
    Yield/Rate    
Balance
   
Interest
    (7)    
Balance
   
Interest
    (7)  
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                                       
Loans receivable and held for sale
    5.03 %   $ 1,248,893     $ 15,213 (1)     4.94 %   $ 1,294,031     $ 16,572 (1)     5.14  
Mortgage related securities (2)
    2.06       143,628       437       1.23       103,039       863       3.36  
Debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments (2) (3)
    1.91       155,973       536       1.40       198,266       707       1.43  
Total interest-earning assets
    4.43       1,548,494       16,186       4.24       1,595,336       18,142       4.56  
Noninterest-earning assets
            98,893                       96,883                  
Total assets
          $ 1,647,387                     $ 1,692,219                  
                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                       
Demand accounts
    0.03     $ 44,206       3       0.03     $ 38,563       7       0.07  
Money market and savings accounts
    0.12       119,569       37       0.13       110,686       86       0.31  
Certificates of deposit
    0.79       723,477       1,426       0.80       869,367       3,111       1.43  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    0.63       887,252       1,466       0.67       1,018,616       3,204       1.26  
Borrowings
    3.83       485,259       4,574       3.82       457,658       4,512       3.95  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1.78       1,372,511       6,040       1.79       1,476,274       7,716       2.10  
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                       
Non-interest bearing deposits
            39,866                       28,194                  
Other non-interest bearing liabilities
            29,713                       18,692                  
Total non-interest bearing liabilities
            69,579                       46,886                  
Total liabilities
            1,442,090                       1,523,160                  
Equity
            205,297                       169,059                  
Total liabilities and equity
          $ 1,647,387                     $ 1,692,219                  
Net interest income
                  $ 10,146                     $ 10,426          
Net interest rate spread (4)
                            2.45 %                     2.46 %
Net interest-earning assets (5)
          $ 175,983                     $ 119,062                  
Net interest margin (6)
                            2.66 %                     2.62 %
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
                            112.82 %                     108.07 %
 
(footnotes on following page)

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Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Average Yield/Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Average
Yield/Rate
 
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
     
Loans receivable and held for sale
  $ 1,276,271     $ 64,317 (1)     5.03 %   $ 1,314,068     $ 72,269 (1)     5.50 %   $ 1,440,417     $ 81,161 (1)     5.63 %
Mortgage related securities (2)
    138,133       3,278       2.37       94,099       3,822       4.06       107,406       5,360       4.99  
Debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments (2) (3)
    180,117       2,251       1.25       239,400       3,261       1.36       206,066       3,412       1.66  
Total interest-earning assets
    1,594,521       69,846       4.37       1,647,567       79,352       4.82       1,753,889       89,933       5.13  
Noninterest-earning assets
    95,222                       101,671                       97,215                  
Total assets
  $ 1,689,743                     $ 1,749,238                     $ 1,851,104                  
                                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Demand accounts
  $ 39,818       24       0.06     $ 38,328       30       0.08     $ 37,852       37       0.10  
Money market and savings accounts
    127,261       273       0.21       120,231       369       0.31       110,479       495       0.45  
Certificates of deposit
    809,446       9,180       1.13       925,209       14,890       1.61       1,007,304       20,457       2.03  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    976,525       9,477       0.97       1,083,768       15,289       1.41       1,155,635       20,989       1.82  
Borrowings
    475,114       18,424       3.87       446,401       17,547       3.93       481,808       19,280       4.00  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1,451,639       27,901       1.92       1,530,169       32,836       2.15       1,637,443       40,269       2.46  
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Non-interest bearing deposits
    33,500                       28,917                       26,940                  
Other non-interest bearing liabilities
    19,817                       23,099                       16,789                  
Total non-interest bearing liabilities
    53,317                       52,016                       43,729                  
Total liabilities
    1,504,956                       1,582,185                       1,681,172                  
Equity
    184,787                       167,053                       169,932                  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 1,689,743                     $ 1,749,238                     $ 1,851,104                  
Net interest income
          $ 41,945                     $ 46,516                     $ 49,664          
Net interest rate spread (4)
                    2.45 %                     2.67 %                     2.67 %
Net interest-earning assets (5)
  $ 142,882                     $ 117,398                     $ 116,446                  
Net interest margin (6)
                    2.62 %                     2.82 %                     2.83 %
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
                    109.84 %                     107.67 %                     107.11 %


(1)
Includes net deferred loan fee amortization income of $156,000, $150,000, $657,000, $636,000 and $739,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)
Average balance of available for sale securities is based on amortized historical cost.
(3)
Interest income from tax exempt securities is not significant to total interest income, therefore, interest and yield on interest earnings assets are not stated on a tax equivalent basis. The average balance of tax exempt securities totaled $36.5 million, $26.3 million, $19.1 million, $27.6 million and $24.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(4)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)
Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(6)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
(7)
Annualized.

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Rate/Volume Analysis
 
The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods indicated.  The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume).  The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate).  The net column represents the sum of the prior columns.  For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
                                                                     
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
2013 vs. 2012
Increase (Decrease) due to
   
Years Ended December 31,
2012 vs. 2011
Increase (Decrease) due to
   
Years Ended December 31,
2011 vs. 2010
Increase (Decrease) due to
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Interest income:
                                                     
Loans receivable and held for sale (1) (2)
  $ (648 )   $ (711 )   $ (1,359 )   $ (1,990 )   $ (5,962 )   $ (7,952 )   $ (6,985 )   $ (1,907 )   $ (8,892 )
Mortgage related securities
    257       (683 )     (426 )     1,399       (1,943 )     (544 )     (615 )     (923 )     (1,538 )
Other interest-earning assets
    (154 )     (17 )     (171 )     (752 )     (258 )     (1,010 )     505       (656 )     (151 )
Total interest-earning assets
    (545 )     (1,411 )     (1,956 )     (1,343     (8,163 )     (9,506 )     (7,095     (3,486 )     (10,581 )
                                                                         
Interest expense:
                                                                       
Demand accounts
    1       (5 )     (4 )     1       (7 )     (6 )           (7 )     (7 )
Money market and savings accounts
    6       (55 )     (49 )     21       (117 )     (96 )     41       (167 )     (126 )
Certificates of deposit
    (463 )     (1,222 )     (1,685 )     (1,692 )     (4,018 )     (5,710 )     (1,570 )     (3,997 )     (5,567 )
Total interest-bearing deposits
    (456 )     (1,282 )     (1,738 )     (1,670 )     (4,142 )     (5,812 )     (1,529 )     (4,171 )     (5,700 )
Borrowings
    234       (172 )     62       1,154       (277 )     877       (1,384 )     (349 )     (1,733 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    (222 )     (1,454 )     (1,676 )     (516 )     (4,419 )     (4,935 )     (2,913 )     (4,520 )     (7,433 )
Net change in net interest income
  $ (323 )   $ 43     $ (280 )   $ (827 )   $ (3,744 )   $ (4,571 )   $ (4,182 )   $ 1,034     $ (3,148 )
 

(1)
Includes net deferred loan fee amortization income of $156,000, $150,000, $657,000, $636,000 and $739,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)
Non-accrual loans have been included in average loans receivable balance.
 
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Segment Review

As described in the notes to consolidated financial statements, we have two reportable segments: community banking and mortgage banking.  Community banking, which is conducted through WaterStone Bank, consists of lending and deposit gathering (as well as other banking-related products and services) to consumers and businesses and the support to deliver, fund, and manage such banking services. Mortgage banking, which is conducted through Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, consists of originating residential mortgage products for sale in the secondary market.

Our community banking segment provides the significant majority of our consolidated net interest income and requires the significant majority of our provision for loan losses.  Our mortgage banking segment provides the significant majority of our non-interest income and a majority of our non-interest expense.  Accordingly, we have provided below a discussion of the material results of operations of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation on a separate basis for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years end December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, which focuses on a discussion of non-interest income and non-interest expense.  We have also provided a discussion of the consolidated operations of Waterstone-Federal, which includes the consolidated operations of WaterStone Bank and Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, for the same periods.

For further information, see note 15 of the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and note 20 of the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Comparison of Mortgage Banking Segment Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

Mortgage banking revenues increased $8.2 million, or 57.5%, to $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $14.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The $8.2 million increase in mortgage banking revenues was attributable to both an increase in loan origination volume, as well as increased margins.  Despite an increase in pricing, overall loan origination volumes increased significantly compared to the prior year, which reflects the continued strong demand for fixed-rate loans due in large part to historically low interest rates on these products.  Loans originated for sale in the secondary market totaled $430.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, which represents a $103.2 million, or 31.6%, increase in originations from the three months ended March 31, 2012, which totaled $326.9 million.  In addition to the increase in revenues resulting from the increase in origination volume, mortgage banking revenues increased due to an increase in average sales margin.  The increase in average sales margin reflects an increase in pricing and fees on all products in all geographic markets.

Our overall margin can be affected by the mix of both loan type (conventional loans versus governmental) and loan purpose (purchase versus refinance). Conventional loans include loans that conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, whereas governmental loans are those loans guaranteed by the federal government, such as a Federal Housing Authority or U.S. Department of Agriculture loan.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the growth in loan origination volume resulted in a shift towards conventional loans and loans made for the purpose of refinancing.  These loans provided a greater increase in margin during the three months ended March 31, 2013 than governmental loans and loans originated for the purchase of a residential property compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012.   Loans originated for the purchase of a residential property comprised 47.3% of total originations during the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 55.3% during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The mix of loan type also changed slightly with conventional loans and governmental loans comprising 67.0% and 33.0% of all loan originations, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, conventional loans and governmental loans comprised 63.7% and 36.3% of all loan originations, respectively.

Due primarily to an increase in loan origination activity, total compensation, payroll taxes and other benefits at Waterstone Mortgage Corporation increased $5.5 million, or 71.7%, to $13.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $7.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The increase in compensation at Waterstone Mortgage Corporation resulted from the increase in mortgage banking income due to the commission-based compensation structure in place for Waterstone Mortgage Corporation’s loan officers.
 
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Comparison of Consolidated Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
 
General .   Consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $4.6 million, or $0.15 for both basic and diluted income per share, compared to net income of $2.2 million, or $0.07 for both basic and diluted income per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The three months ended March 31, 2013 generated an annualized return on average assets of 1.14% and an annualized return on average equity of 9.14%, compared to an annualized return on average assets of 0.52% and an annualized return on average equity of 5.24% for the comparable period in 2012.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012 reflect a $2.4 million increase in pre-tax income from our mortgage banking operations, a $1.9 million decrease in the provision for loan losses and a $1.3 million decrease in real estate owned expense, partially offset by a $280,000 decrease in net interest income and a $2.9 million increase in income tax expense. The provision for loan losses totaled $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Total Interest Income .   Total interest income decreased $2.0 million, or 10.8%, to $16.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $18.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Interest income on loans decreased $1.4 million, or 8.2%, to $15.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $16.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a 20 basis point decrease in the average yield on loans to 4.94% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from 5.14% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in interest income on loans also reflects a $45.1 million, or 3.5%, decrease in the average balance of loans outstanding to $1.25 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $1.29 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Interest income from mortgage-related securities decreased $426,000, or 49.4%, to $437,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $863,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in interest income was due to a 213 basis point decrease in the average yield on mortgage-related securities to 1.23% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from 3.36% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in average yield was partially offset by a $40.6 million, or 39.4%, increase in the average balance of mortgage-related securities to $143.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $103.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in average yield resulted from a general turnover of the investment security portfolio in which higher yielding securities matured and were replaced with securities at lower interest rates due to the low interest rate environment.   

Interest income from other interest earning assets (comprised of debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments) decreased $171,000, or 24.2%, to $536,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $707,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Interest income decreased due to a decrease of $42.3 million, or 21.3%, in the average balance of other earning assets to $156.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $198.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in interest income from other earning assets also reflects a 3 basis point decrease in the average yield on other earning assets to 1.40% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from 1.43% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Total Interest Expense .   Total interest expense decreased by $1.7 million, or 21.7%, to $6.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $7.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  This decrease was the result of both a decrease in the average cost of funds as well as a decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits and borrowings.  The average cost of funds decreased 31 basis points to 1.79% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from 2.10% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Total average interest bearing deposits and borrowings outstanding decreased $103.8 million, or 7.0%, to $1.37 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to an average balance of $1.48 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
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Interest expense on deposits decreased $1.7 million, or 54.2%, to $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $3.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in interest expense on deposits was primarily due to a decrease in the cost of average deposits of 59 basis points to 0.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 1.26% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in the cost of deposits reflects the current low interest rate environment due to the Federal Reserve Board’s low short-term interest rate policy.  These rates are typically used by financial institutions in pricing deposit products.  The decrease in the cost of deposits also reflects a shift in the composition of deposits from higher cost time deposits to lower cost demand, money market and savings accounts.  The decrease in interest expense attributable to the decrease in the cost of deposits was compounded by a decrease of $131.4 million, or 12.9%, in the average balance of interest bearing deposits to $887.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $1.02 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in average interest-bearing deposits was exclusively the result of a decrease in time deposits, which carry a higher cost than demand, money market or savings accounts.  The decrease in time deposits was consistent with our liquidity needs and funding obligations.

Interest expense on borrowings increased $62,000, or 1.4%, to $4.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $4.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The increase primarily resulted from a $27.6 million, or 6.0%, increase in average borrowings outstanding to $485.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $457.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The increased use of borrowings as a funding source during the three months ended March 31, 2013 reflects an increased use of short-term repurchase agreements within our mortgage banking segment to fund loan originations to be sold in the secondary market.  The increase in average balance was partially offset by a 13 basis point decrease in the average cost of borrowings to 3.82% during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 3.95% during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Net Interest Income .   Net interest income decreased by $280,000, or 2.7%, to $10.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to $10.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in net interest income resulted primarily from a $46.8 million, or 2.9%, decrease in the average balance of interest earning assets to $1.55 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $1.60 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2012, together with a $103.8 million, or 7.0%, decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to $1.37 billion from $1.48 billion. The 32 basis point decrease in the average yield on interest earning assets was largely offset by a 31 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

Provision for Loan Losses .   Our provision for loan losses decreased $1.9 million, or 52.1%, to $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, from $3.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses resulted from a decrease in loans exhibiting risk characteristics that require estimated loan loss provisions in excess of our historical average experience rates.  While the provision for loan losses has decreased from the prior year, it remains at historically elevated levels.  These levels remain elevated due to continued general economic stress resulting in reduced levels of income earned by many of our borrowers combined with loan collateral values, primarily real estate, that remain at levels below those estimated at the time the loans were originally made.  These factors result in higher levels of actual loss experience which, when applied to the portfolio in general, require higher loan loss provisions.  See the “Asset Quality” section for an analysis of charge-offs, nonperforming assets, specific reserves and additional provisions.

Noninterest Income .   Total noninterest income increased $8.0 million, or 53.5%, to $23.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $15.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase in mortgage banking income.

Mortgage banking income increased $7.8 million, or 54.8%, to $22.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $14.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  See “Comparison of Mortgage Banking Segment Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012” above, for a discussion of the increase in mortgage banking income.
 
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Noninterest Expense .   Total noninterest expense increased $4.4 million, or 22.3%, to $23.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $19.5 million during the three months March 31, 2012.  The increase was primarily attributable to increased compensation expense, partially offset by a decrease in real estate owned expense.

Compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefit expense increased $5.8 million, or 55.0%, to $16.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $10.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Due primarily to an increase in loan origination activity, total compensation, payroll taxes and other benefits at our mortgage banking subsidiary increased $5.5 million, or 71.7%, to $13.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $7.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The increase in compensation at our mortgage banking subsidiary resulted from the increase in mortgage banking income due to the commission-based compensation structure in place for our mortgage banking loan officers.

Real estate owned expense decreased $1.3 million, or 90.2%, to $141,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $1.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Real estate owned expense includes the operating costs related to the properties, net of rental income.  In addition, it includes net gain or loss recognized upon the sale of a foreclosed property, as well as write-downs recognized to maintain the properties at the lower of cost or estimated fair value.  The decrease in real estate owned expense results from a decrease in net property management expense and a decrease in net losses recognized upon the sale or write-downs of properties.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, net operating expense, which primarily relates to property taxes, maintenance and management fees, net of rental income, decreased $437,000, or 47.0%, to $492,000 from $929,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in net operating expense compared to the prior period resulted from both an improvement in the operating results of income producing properties as well as a decrease in the number and average balance of properties owned.  The average balance of real estate owned totaled $34.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $56.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Sales and write-downs of real estate owned resulted in a net gain of $352,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, sales and write downs of real estate owned resulted in a net loss of $506,000.

Income Taxes .   Income tax expense increased from $30,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 to $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. This increase was partially due to the increase in our income before income taxes, which increased from $2.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 to $7.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  During the third quarter of 2008, we established a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. That valuation allowance effectively resulted in no income tax expense being recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2012 other than state income taxes for states in which separate company returns are filed.  During the fourth quarter of 2012, we released the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. Therefore, income tax expense is recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2013 at an effective rate of 38.7% of pretax book income.

As of March 31, 2013, net deferred tax assets totaled $15.3 million, which, in the judgment of management, will more-likely-than-not be fully realized. The largest components of the deferred tax assets are associated with the allowance for loan losses and basis adjustments on real estate owned. We are largely relying on earnings generated in the current year and forecasted earnings in future years in making the determination that we will more-likely-than-not realize our deferred tax assets.

Comparison of Mortgage Banking Segment Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
 
Mortgage banking segment revenues increased $47.1 million, or 115.6%, to $87.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $40.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.   The $47.1 million increase in mortgage banking revenues was attributable to both an increase in loan origination volume, as well as increased margins.  Loans originated for sale in the secondary market totaled $1.75 billion during the year ended December 31, 2012, representing a $722.1 million, or 70.3%, increase in originations from the year ended December 31, 2011, which totaled $1.03 billion.  In addition to the increase in revenues resulting from the increase in origination volume, mortgage banking revenues increased due to an increase in average sales margin.  The increase in average sales margin was driven by an increase in pricing on products in all geographic markets.  Despite the increase in pricing, overall loan origination volumes increased significantly compared to the prior year, reflecting the continued strong demand for fixed-rate loans due in large part to historically low interest rates on these products.
 
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During the year ended December 31, 2012, the growth in loan origination volume resulted in a shift towards lower yielding conventional loans and loans made for the purpose of refinancing; however, margins increased for all loan types and loan purposes, compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.   Loans originated for the purpose of a residential property purchase, which generally yield a higher margin than loans originated for the purpose of a refinance, comprised 55.4% of total originations during the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to 65.1% during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The mix of loan type changed slightly with conventional loans and governmental loans comprising 67.3% and 32.7% of all loan originations, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2012.  During the year ended December 31, 2011 conventional loans and governmental loans comprised 61.6% and 38.4% of all loan originations, respectively. Conventional loans include loans that conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, whereas governmental loans are those loans guaranteed by the federal government, such as a Federal Housing Authority or U.S. Department of Agriculture loan.

Due primarily to an increase in loan origination activity, total compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefits at Waterstone Mortgage Corporation increased $23.8 million, or 88.5%, to $50.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $26.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase in compensation expense at Waterstone Mortgage Corporation resulted from the increase in mortgage banking income and higher compensation due for Waterstone Mortgage Corporation’s banking loan officers under our commission-based compensation structure.  In addition, operational costs of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation increased $4.6 million to $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $5.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, related to the expansion of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.

Comparison of Consolidated Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
 
General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $39.4 million, or $1.12 for both basic and diluted income per share, compared to a net loss of $7.5 million, or $0.24 for both basic and diluted loss per share, for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The year ended December 31, 2012 generated a return on average assets of 2.07% and a return on average equity of 18.89%, compared to a loss on average assets of 0.43% and a loss on average equity of 4.47% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 reflect a $16.2 million increase in the pre-tax results of operations from our mortgage banking operations, a $12.8 million increase in income tax benefit, a $13.8 million decrease in the provision for loan losses and a $3.4 million decrease in expense related to real estate owned, which were partially offset by a $4.6 million decrease in net interest income.

Total Interest Income. Total interest income decreased $9.5 million, or 12.0%, to $69.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $79.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was the result of a decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets and a decrease in the average balance of interest-earning assets.  The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 45 basis points to 4.37% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 4.82% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The average balance of interest-earning assets decreased $53.0 million to $1.60 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.65 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Interest income on loans decreased $8.0 million, or 11.0%, to $64.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $72.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a 47 basis point decrease in the average yield on loans to 5.03% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 5.50% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in interest income on loans also reflects a $37.8 million, or 2.9%, decrease in the average balance of loans outstanding to $1.28 billion during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.31 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
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Interest income from mortgage-related securities decreased $544,000, or 14.2%, to $3.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $3.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in interest income was due to a 169 basis point decrease in the average yield on mortgage-related securities to 2.37% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 4.06% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in average yield resulted from a general turnover of the investment securities portfolio in the current, historically low, interest rate environment.  The decrease in average yield was partially offset by a $44.0 million, or 46.8%, increase in the average balance of mortgage-related securities to $138.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $94.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Interest income from other interest earning assets (comprised of debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments) decreased $1.0 million, or 31.0%, to $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Interest income decreased due to a decrease of $59.3 million, or 24.8%, in the average balance of other earning assets to $180.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $239.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in interest income from other earning assets also reflects an 11 basis point decline in the average yield on other earning assets to 1.25% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 1.36% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the debt security portfolio decreased as a result of $71.1 million in maturities and $11.8 million in sales.  A substantial portion of the proceeds from maturities and sales of debt securities were reinvested in mortgage-related securities.

Total Interest Expense.   Total interest expense decreased by $4.9 million, or 15.0%, to $27.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $32.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease was the result of both a decrease in the average cost of funds as well as a decrease in the average balance of interest bearing deposits and borrowings.  The average cost of funds decreased 23 basis points to 1.92% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 2.15% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in interest expense was also due to a decrease of $75.5 million, or 5.1%, in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to $1.45 billion during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.53 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011

Interest expense on deposits decreased $5.8 million, or 38.0%, to $9.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $15.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in interest expense on deposits was primarily due to a 44 basis point decrease in the cost of average deposits to 0.97% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 1.41% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in the cost of deposits reflects the current low market interest rate environment due to the Federal Reserve Board’s low short-term interest rate policy.  These rates are typically used by financial institutions in pricing deposits.  The decrease in the cost of deposits also reflects a shift in the composition of deposits from higher cost time deposits to lower cost demand, money market and savings accounts. The decrease in interest expense attributable to the decrease in the cost of deposits was compounded by a decrease of $107.2 million, or 9.9%, in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits to $976.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.08 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in average interest-bearing deposits was exclusively the result of a decrease in time deposits, which carry a higher cost than demand, money market or savings accounts.  The decrease in time deposits was consistent with our liquidity needs and funding obligations.

Interest expense on borrowings increased $877,000, or 5.0%, to $18.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $17.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase resulted from a $28.7 million, or 6.4%, increase in average borrowings outstanding to $475.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $446.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increased use of borrowings as a funding source during the year ended December 31, 2012 reflected an increased use of external lines of credit by our mortgage banking segment to fund loan originations to be sold in the secondary market.  The average cost of borrowings decreased six basis points to 3.87% during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 3.93% during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased by $4.6 million, or 9.8%, to $41.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $46.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in net interest income resulted primarily from a 22 basis point decrease in our interest rate spread to 2.45% during the year ended December 31, 2012 from 2.67% during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The 22 basis point decrease in the interest rate spread resulted from a 45 basis point decrease in the average yield on interest earning assets, which was only partially offset by a 23 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest bearing liabilities.
 
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Provision for Loan Losses. Our provision for loan losses decreased $13.8 million, or 62.4%, to $8.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, from $22.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses resulted from a decrease in loans exhibiting risk characteristics that require estimated loan loss provisions in excess of our historical average experience rates when compared to the same period of the prior year.  While the provision for loan losses has decreased from the prior year, it remains at historically high levels.  These levels remain high due to continued general economic stress resulting in reduced levels of income earned by many of our borrowers combined with loan collateral values, primarily real estate, that remain at levels below those estimated at the time the loans were originally made.  These factors result in higher levels of actual loss experience which, when applied to the portfolio in general, require higher loan loss provisions.  The provision for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects $9.7 million of net loan charge-offs.  See the “Asset Quality” section for an analysis of charge-offs, nonperforming assets, specific reserves and additional provisions.

Noninterest Income. Total noninterest income increased $48.0 million, or 111.0%, to $91.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $43.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase resulted from an increase in mortgage banking income.

Mortgage banking income increased $47.5 million, or 119.3%, to $87.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $39.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  See “Comparison of Mortgage Banking Segment Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011” above, for a discussion of the increase in mortgage banking income.

Noninterest Expense. Total noninterest expense increased $27.6 million, or 37.0%, to $102.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $74.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase was primarily attributable to increased compensation and other noninterest expense related to our mortgage banking segment.

Compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefit expense increased $24.3 million, or 62.2%, to $63.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $39.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  Due primarily to an increase in loan origination activity, total compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefits at our mortgage banking subsidiary increased $23.8 million, or 88.5%, to $50.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $26.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase in compensation expense at our mortgage banking subsidiary resulted from the increase in mortgage banking income and higher compensation due for our mortgage banking loan officers under our commission-based compensation structure.  Compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefits at our banking segment increased $418,000, or 3.2%, to $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $13.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Real estate owned expense decreased $3.4 million, or 28.0%, to $8.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $12.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  Real estate owned expense includes the net operating costs related to the properties.  In addition, it includes net gain or loss recognized upon the sale of foreclosed property, as well as write-downs recognized to maintain the properties at the lower of cost or estimated fair value.  The decrease in real estate owned expense results from a decrease in net property management expense and an increase in net gains on the sales of properties, partially offset by an increase in write-downs of asset values.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, net operating expense, which includes, among other items, property taxes, maintenance and management fees, net of rental income, decreased $3.5 million, or 57.6%, to $2.6 million from $6.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in net operating expense compared to the prior period resulted from both an improvement in the operating results of income producing properties as well as a decrease in the number and balance of properties owned.  Total real estate owned decreased $20.7 million, or 36.5%, to $36.0 million at December 31, 2012 from $56.7 million at December 31, 2011.  Net losses recognized on the sale or write-down of real estate owned totaled $6.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $6.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
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Other noninterest expense increased $4.6 million, or 61.9%, to $12.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $7.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase resulted from an increase in operational costs related to the expansion of our mortgage banking operations of $4.6 million to $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $5.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Income Taxes.   Despite pre-tax income of $22.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized a net income tax benefit of $12.2 million.  The $12.2 million benefit was primarily the result of the December 31, 2012 full reversal of $17.0 million of remaining net deferred tax asset valuation allowances originally established in 2008.  From 2008 until the end of 2012, a valuation allowance was necessary largely because of cumulative losses for three or more consecutive years as a result of significant loan loss provisions and related asset quality issues, combined with real estate instability and general economic weakness.  At December 31, 2012, however, positive cumulative net income for the most recent three years, the existence of federal income taxes paid during the year ended December 31, 2012 and available for carry back in future years, the stabilization of real estate markets and general improvements in economic conditions indicated that it was more likely than not that net deferred tax assets will be realized in future periods.  The $17.0 million in deferred federal and state income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was partially offset by $4.7 million in current federal and state income tax expense.

Despite a pre-tax loss, we recorded income tax expense of $562,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Tax expense is comprised of current estimated expense of $1.2 million resulting from an Internal Revenue Service audit of tax years 2005 through 2009 which is still in progress, plus current estimated state income tax expense of $74,000 related to mortgage banking operations apportioned to states in which taxes are based on separate company operations.  This was partially offset by current income tax benefit of $736,000 for an intra-period tax allocation between other comprehensive income and loss from continuing operations, and represents an out-of-period adjustment for an error that originated in 2008 and that was corrected during the quarter ended June 30, 2011.  The correction of the error was not material to the year ended December 31, 2011.

Comparison of Mortgage Banking Segment Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
Mortgage banking income increased $4.4 million, or 12.4%, to $39.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $35.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The $4.4 million increase in mortgage banking income was primarily the result of an increase in average sales margin which was driven by the following factors: an increase in pricing on all products in all geographic markets, a change in product mix towards real estate purchase loans, which yield a higher margin than loans originated for the purpose of a refinancing, and changes in the geographic composition of origination activity towards higher yielding geographic markets.

Despite the increase in pricing, overall loan origination volumes remained relatively consistent which reflects the continued strong demand for fixed-rate loans due in large part to historically low interest rates on these products. While the loan origination volume remained relatively consistent during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, there was a shift in the mix of loan purpose toward loans originated for the purpose of a residential property purchase, which yield a higher return, as opposed to a loan originated for the purpose of refinancing an existing mortgage loan. During the year ended December 31, 2011, approximately 64% of all loans were originated for purchase and 36% were originated to refinance an existing loan. During the year ended December 31, 2010, approximately 45% of all loans were originated for purchase and 55% were originated to refinance an existing loan. In addition to the shift in product mix during the year ended December 31, 2011, there was a shift in origination volume by geographic market. Loan origination volumes increased by a combined $164.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 with respect to three of our higher yielding geographic markets. In addition, during the same time frame, loan origination volumes decreased by approximately $165.5 million in one of our lower yielding geographic markets. While margins increased in all markets, this shift in origination volumes by market resulted in higher average margins during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
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Compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefits increased by $3.5 million, or 14.7% to $26.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $23.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2010.  The increase is primarily the result of an increase in commissions paid to loan originators by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation and correlates to the increase in mortgage banking income.

Comparison of Consolidated Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
General . Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $7.5 million, or $0.24 for both basic and diluted loss per share, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.06 for both basic and diluted loss per share, for the year ended December 31, 2010.  For the year ended December 31, 2011 we had a loss on average assets of 0.43% and a loss on average equity of 4.47%, compared to a loss on average assets of 0.10% and a loss on average equity of 1.09% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 reflect a $5.6 million increase in real estate owned expense, a $3.1 million decrease in net interest income and a $1.1 million decrease in pre-tax results of operations from our mortgage banking subsidiary partially offset by a $3.8 million reduction in the provision for loan losses.

Total Interest Income. Total interest income decreased $10.6 million, or 11.8%, to $79.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $89.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Interest income on loans decreased $8.9 million, or 11.0%, to $72.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $81.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a $126.3 million, or 8.8%, decrease in the average balance of loans outstanding to $1.31 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $1.44 billion during the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in interest income on loans also reflects a 13 basis point decrease in the average yield on loans to 5.50% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 5.63% for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Interest income from mortgage-related securities decreased $1.5 million, or 28.7%, to $3.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $5.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a 93 basis point decrease in the average yield on mortgage-related securities to 4.06% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 4.99% during the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in interest income from mortgage-related securities also reflects a $13.3 million, or 12.4%, decrease in the average balance of mortgage-related securities to $94.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $107.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The decline in the average balance of mortgage-related securities during the year ended December 31, 2011 reflects management’s decision to deemphasize investments in mortgage-related securities and emphasize more liquid, less volatile, government agency and municipal securities.

Finally, interest income from other interest earning assets (comprised of debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments) decreased to $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Interest income decreased due to a 30 basis point decline in the average yield on other earning assets to 1.36% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 1.66% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decline in average yield provided by these assets reflects the lower overall interest rate environment as opposed to a shift in investment strategy and product mix. The decrease in interest income due to a decline in average yield was partially offset by an increase of $33.3 million, or 16.2%, in the average balance of other earning assets to $239.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $206.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in average balance reflects a strategic shift towards investments which provide higher levels of liquidity.  We intend to maintain higher than usual liquidity given the current economic environment and relatively low rates of return available on loans and mortgage related securities.

Total Interest Expense. Total interest expense decreased by $7.4 million, or 18.5%, to $32.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $40.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. This decrease was the result of a decrease of 31 basis points in the average cost of funds to 2.15% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 2.46% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in interest expense resulted from a decrease in the average cost of funds as well as a decrease of $107.3 million, or 6.6%, in average interest bearing deposits and borrowings outstanding to $1.53 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to an average balance of $1.64 billion for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
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Interest expense on deposits decreased $5.7 million, or 27.2%, to $15.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $21.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. This was due to a decrease in the cost of average deposits of 41 basis points to 1.41% for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 1.82% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in the cost of deposits reflects the low interest rate environment due to the Federal Reserve Board’s low short-term interest rate policy. These rates are typically used by financial institutions in pricing deposit products. The decrease in interest expense attributable to the decrease in the cost of deposits was compounded by a decrease of $71.9 million, or 6.2%, in the average balance of interest bearing deposits to $1.08 billion during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $1.16 billion during the year ended December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2011, proceeds received from the loan principal pay downs were primarily utilized to maintain a higher than normal level of liquidity. Consistent with our liquidity needs and funding obligations we reduced our level of higher cost time deposits during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Interest expense on borrowings decreased $1.7 million, or 9.0%, to $17.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $19.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease resulted from a $35.4 million, or 7.3%, decrease in average borrowings outstanding to $446.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $481.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in interest expense resulted from a decrease in the average balance as well as a decrease in the cost of borrowings of seven basis points to 3.93% for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 4.00% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decreased use of borrowings as a source of funding during the year ended December 31, 2011 reflects our decision to utilize core deposits as our primary funding source.

Net Interest Income.   Net interest income decreased by $3.1 million, or 6.3%, to $46.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $49.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in net interest income resulted primarily from a reduction in the loan portfolio during the year and a change in the composition of interest earning assets that became more weighted towards lower yielding other earning assets during the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, partially offset by a decrease in time deposits and borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Provision for Loan Losses.   Our provision for loan losses decreased $3.8 million, or 14.5%, to $22.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, from $25.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. While the provision for loan losses has decreased from the prior year, it remains at high levels. These levels remain high due to continued general economic stress resulting in reduced levels of income earned by many of our borrowers combined with loan collateral values, primarily real estate, that remain at levels below those estimated at the time the loans were originally made. These factors result in higher levels of actual loss experience which when applied to the portfolio in general require higher loan loss provisions. They also result in more loans exhibiting risk characteristics that require estimated loan loss provisions in excess of our historical average experience rates. These risk characteristics include reduced borrower cash flow, reduced borrower FICO scores and known declines in collateral value even though the loan may still be performing. The provision for the year ended December 31, 2011 reflects $18.8 million of net loan charge-offs combined with continued weakness in local real estate markets which required an overall increase to the allowance for loan losses. See “Business of WaterStone Bank—Asset Quality” and “—Allowance for Loan Losses” for an analysis of charge-offs, nonperforming assets, specific reserves and additional provisions.

Noninterest Income. Total noninterest income increased $4.2 million, or 10.9%, to $43.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $39.0 million during 2010. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in mortgage banking income.

Mortgage banking income increased $4.4 million, or 12.4%, to $39.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $35.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2010.   See “Comparison of Mortgage Banking Segment Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010” above, for a discussion of the increase in mortgage banking income.
 
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Noninterest Expense. Total noninterest expense increased $10.0 million, or 14.4%, to $74.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $64.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to increased compensation, real estate owned expense and other noninterest expense.

Compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefit expense increased $2.8 million, or 7.8%, to $39.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $36.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in compensation is primarily the result of an increase in commissions paid to loan originators by our mortgage banking subsidiary and correlates to the increase in mortgage banking income. Loan commissions increased by $2.9 million, or 40.0% to $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $7.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Real estate owned expense increased $5.6 million, or 84.4%, to $12.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $6.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. Real estate owned expense includes the net operating and carrying costs related to the properties. In addition, it includes net gain or loss recognized upon the sale of a foreclosed property, as well as write-downs recognized to maintain the properties at their estimated fair value. The increase in real estate owned expense results from an increase in properties under management and an increase in write downs of asset values, which is reflective of a strategy to become more aggressive in pricing specific properties to expedite the sale process. During the year ended December 31, 2011, net operating expense, which includes but is not limited to property taxes, maintenance and management fees, net of rental income increased $180,000, or 3.0%, to $6.1 million from $5.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in net operating expense compared to the prior period resulted from an increase in the number of properties owned. The average balance of real estate owned totaled $60.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $53.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Net losses recognized on write-down of real estate owned net of net gains on sales totaled $6.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $675,000 during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Other noninterest expense increased $1.0 million, or 15.8%, to $7.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 from $6.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase resulted from an increase in operational costs related to the expansion of our mortgage banking operations to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $4.6 million during 2010.

Income Taxes. Despite a pre-tax loss, we recorded income tax expense of $562,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Tax expense is comprised of current estimated expense of $1.2 million resulting from an Internal Revenue Service audit of tax years 2005 through 2009 which is still in progress, plus current estimated state income tax expense of $74,000 related to mortgage banking operations apportioned to states in which taxes are based on separate company operations.  These were partially offset by current income tax benefit of $736,000 for an intra-period tax allocation between other comprehensive income and loss from continuing operations, and represents an out-of-period adjustment for an error that originated beginning in 2008 that was corrected during the quarter ended June 30, 2011. The correction of the error was not material to the years ended December 31, 2011 or 2010.

Despite a pre-tax loss, we recorded income tax expense of $52,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to differences between prior year estimates and actual tax returns filed plus state income tax due to taxable income generated by the mortgage banking subsidiary. Due to the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, we were not able to record an income tax benefit related to the pre-tax loss incurred. A current income tax benefit that would normally result from a pre-tax loss was offset by additional deferred tax expense due to an increase in the required valuation allowance.

Management of Market Risk
 
General.   The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature.  Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk.  Our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits.  As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and reduce the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates.  Accordingly, WaterStone Bank’s board of directors has established an Asset/Liability Committee, which is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the board of directors.  Management monitors the level of interest rate risk on a regular basis and the Asset/Liability Committee meets at least weekly to review our asset/liability policies and interest rate risk position, which are evaluated quarterly.
 
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We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates.  We have implemented the following strategies to manage our interest rate risk: (i) emphasizing variable rate loans, including variable rate one- to four-family and commercial real estate loans, as well as three- to five-year commercial real estate balloon loans; (ii) reducing and shortening the expected average life of our investment portfolio; and (iii) whenever possible, lengthening the term structure of our deposit base and our borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.  These measures should reduce the volatility of our net interest income in different interest rate environments.

Income Simulation .   Simulation analysis is an estimate of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time.  At least quarterly we review the potential effect changes in interest rates may have on the repayment or repricing of rate sensitive assets and funding requirements of rate sensitive liabilities.  Our most recent simulations use projected repricing of assets and liabilities at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated repayments and scheduled rate adjustments.  Prepayment rate assumptions may have a significant impact on interest income simulation results.  Because of the large percentage of loans and mortgage-backed securities we hold, rising or falling interest rates may have a significant impact on the actual prepayment speeds of our mortgage related assets that may in turn affect our interest rate sensitivity position.  When interest rates rise, prepayment speeds slow and the average expected lives of our assets would tend to lengthen more than the expected average lives of our liabilities and therefore would most likely have a negative impact on net interest income and earnings.
 
   
Percentage Increase in
Estimated Net Annual
Interest Income
Over 12 Months
As of March 31, 2013
 
       
300 basis point gradual rise in rates
    5.96 %
200 basis point gradual rise in rates
    5.03 %
100 basis point gradual rise in rates
    4.39 %
Unchanged rate scenario                                                  
    3.51 %
100 basis point gradual decline in rates (1)
    2.16 %

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Percentage Increase (Decrease) in
Estimated Net Annual
Interest Income
Over 12 Months
As of December 31, 2012
 
       
300 basis point gradual rise in rates
    1.32 %
200 basis point gradual rise in rates
    0.26 %
100 basis point gradual rise in rates
    (0.78 %)
Unchanged rate scenario                                                  
    (2.21 %)
100 basis point gradual decline in rates (1)
    (4.37 %)
 

(1)         Given the current low point in the interest rate cycle, scenarios in excess of 100 basis point declines are not meaningful.
 
WaterStone Bank’s Asset/Liability policy limits projected changes in net average annual interest income to a maximum decline of 25% for various levels of interest rate changes measured over a 12-month period when compared to the flat rate scenario.  In addition, projected changes in the economic value of equity are limited to a maximum decline of 35% for interest rate movements of up to 300 basis points when compared to the flat rate scenario.  These limits are re-evaluated on a periodic basis and may be modified, as appropriate.  At March 31, 2013, a 100 basis point gradual increase in interest rates had the effect of increasing forecast net interest income by 4.39% while a 100 basis point decrease in rates had the effect of increasing net interest income by 2.16%.  At March 31, 2013, a 100 basis point gradual increase in interest rates had the effect of reducing the economic value of equity by 7.24% while a 100 basis point decrease in rates had the effect of increasing the economic value of equity by 7.13%.  While we believe the assumptions used are reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates will approximate actual future mortgage-backed security and loan repayment activity.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We maintain liquid assets at levels we consider adequate to meet our liquidity needs. Our liquidity ratio averaged 4.2%, 5.1% and 6.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The liquidity ratio is equal to average daily cash and cash equivalents for the period divided by average total assets. We adjust our liquidity levels to fund loan commitments, repay our borrowings, fund deposit outflows and pay real estate taxes on mortgage loans. We also adjust liquidity as appropriate to meet asset and liability management objectives. The operational adequacy of our liquidity position at any point in time is dependent upon the judgment of the Chief Financial Officer as supported by the full Asset/Liability Committee. Liquidity is monitored on a daily, weekly and monthly basis using a variety of measurement tools and indicators. Regulatory liquidity, as required by the WDFI, is based on current liquid assets as a percentage of the prior month’s average deposits and short-term borrowings. Minimum primary liquidity is equal to 4.0% of deposits and short-term borrowings and minimum total regulatory liquidity is equal to 8.0% of deposits and short-term borrowings. The Bank’s primary and total regulatory liquidity at March 31, 2013 were 10.21% and 18.18% respectively, and at December 31, 2012 were 11.69% and 17.38%, respectively.

Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, repayment of loans, sales of loans held for sale, maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments, and earnings and funds provided from operations. While scheduled principal repayments on loans are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows, loan prepayments and the origination and sale of loans held for sale are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, and rates offered by our competitors. We set the interest rates on our deposits to maintain a desired level of total deposits. In addition, we invest excess funds in short-term interest-earning assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements. Additional sources of liquidity for the purpose of managing long- and short-term cash flows include advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

A portion of our liquidity consists of cash and cash equivalents, which are a product of our operating, investing and financing activities. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and 2011, $64.1million, $71.5 million and $80.4 million, respectively, of our assets were invested in cash and cash equivalents. Our primary sources of cash are principal repayments on loans, proceeds from the calls and maturities of debt and mortgage related securities, increases in deposit accounts, Federal funds purchased and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.
 
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On October 10, 2007, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago entered into a consensual cease and desist order with its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board. Under the terms of the order, capital stock repurchases and redemptions, including redemptions upon membership withdrawal or other termination, are prohibited unless the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago has received approval of the Director of the Office of Supervision of the Federal Housing Finance Board (the “OS Director”). The order also provides that dividend declarations are subject to the prior written approval of the OS Director.  At March 31, 2013, we held, at cost, $20.2 million of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago stock, all of which we believe we will ultimately be able to recover. During 2011, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago received authorization to resume dividend payments to its members and received authorization to initiate an excess stock repurchase plan. Subject to a quarterly assessment of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s capacity to repurchase, the stock repurchase plan will allow for the repurchase of member bank’s excess stock that they no longer wish to hold.

Our cash flows are derived from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, loan repayments net of loan originations generated positive cash flows of $2.5 million, $51.0 million, $42.7 million and $46.6 million, respectively. The decrease in loans receivable is reflective of the general decline in loan demand for variable-rate residential real estate mortgage loans combined with the Company’s tightened underwriting standards given the current economic conditions. Cash received from the calls, maturities and principal repayments of debt and mortgage related securities totaled $11.9 million, $109.2 million, $93.5 million and $87.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We purchased $29.4 million, $134.9 million, $100.0 million and $101.7 million in debt and mortgage related securities classified as available for sale during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We sold $921,000, $30.1 million, $3.3 million and $20.7 million in available for sale debt and mortgage related securities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Deposit flows are generally affected by the level of interest rates, market conditions and products offered by local competitors and other factors. The net decrease in deposits was $24.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, while the net decrease in deposits was $111.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. This compares to a net decrease in deposits of $94.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $19.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Liquidity management is both a daily and longer-term function of business management. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, which provide an additional source of funds. At March 31, 2013, we had $350.0 million in fixed-rate advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, of which none were due within 12 months, but all of which are putable at the option of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. The weighted average rate on these advances was 3.88% as of December 31, 2013.

At March 31, 2013, we had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $23.1 million and unfunded commitments under construction loans, lines of credit and standby letters of credit of $34.7 million. At March 31, 2013, certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in less than one year totaled $452.4 million. Based on prior experience, management believes that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with us, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case. In the event a significant portion of our deposits are not retained by us, we will have to utilize other funding sources, such as Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago advances or the Federal Reserve Discount Window to maintain our level of assets. However, such borrowings may not be available on attractive terms, or at all, if and when needed. Alternatively, we would reduce our level of liquid assets, such as our cash and cash equivalents and securities available for sale in order to meet funding needs. In addition, the cost of such deposits may be significantly higher if market interest rates are higher or there is an increased amount of competition for deposits in our market area at the time of renewal.
 
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WaterStone Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements, including a risk-based capital measure.  The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories.  At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements, including the regulatory capital requirements set forth in the memorandum of understanding WaterStone Bank has entered into with the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the order issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision, and is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.  See “Supervision and Regulation—Capital Requirements,” “—Regulatory Developments” and note 8 of the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

The net proceeds from the stock offering will significantly increase our liquidity and capital resources. Over time, the initial level of liquidity will be reduced as net proceeds from the stock offering are used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of loans. Our financial condition and results of operations will be enhanced by the net proceeds from the stock offering, resulting in increased net interest-earning assets and net interest income. However, due to the increase in equity resulting from the net proceeds from the stock offering, our return on equity will be adversely affected following the stock offering.

Contractual Obligations, Commitments, Contingent Liabilities, and Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
 
WaterStone Bank has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments that may require future cash payments.  The following tables present information indicating various non-deposit contractual obligations and commitments of WaterStone Bank as of December 31, 2012 and the respective maturity dates.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
   
Total
   
One Year or
Less
   
More Than
One Year
Through
Three Years
   
More Than
Three Years
Through Five
Years
   
Over Five
Years
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
       
Deposits without a stated maturity (1)
  $ 202,593     $ 202,593     $     $     $  
Certificates of deposit (1)
    736,920       454,561       251,822       30,517       20  
Bank lines of credit (1)
    45,888       45,888                    
Federal Home Loan Bank advances (2)
    350,000                   285,000       65,000  
Repurchase agreements (1) (3)
    84,000                   84,000        
Operating leases (4)
    3,223       1,664       1,306       253        
Salary continuation agreements
    765       170       340       255        
Total Contractual Obligations
  $ 1,423,389     $ 704,876     $ 253,468     $ 400,025     $ 65,020  
 

(1)
Excludes interest.
(2)
Secured under a blanket security agreement on qualifying assets, principally, mortgage loans.  Excludes interest that will accrue on the advances.  All Federal Home Loan Bank advances are callable on a quarterly basis.
(3)
The repurchase agreements are callable on a quarterly basis.
(4)
Represents non-cancellable operating leases for offices and equipment.
 
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The following table details the amounts and expected maturities of significant off-balance sheet commitments as of December 31, 2012.  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 and generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses.
 
Other Commitments
 
   
Total
   
One Year or
Less
   
More Than
One Year
Through
Three Years
   
More Than
Three Years
Through Five
Years
   
Over Five
Years
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
       
Real estate loan commitments (1)
  $ 20,836     $ 20,836     $     $     $  
Unused portion of home equity lines of credit (2)
    17,628       17,628                    
Unused portion of construction loans (3)
    5,502       5,502                    
Unused portion of business lines of credit
    10,967       10,967                    
Standby letters of credit
    736       736                    
Total Other Commitments
  $ 55,669     $ 55,669     $     $     $  
 

(1)
Commitments for loans are extended to customers for up to 180 days after which they expire.
(2)
Unused portions of home equity loans are available to the borrower for up to 10 years.
(3)
Unused portions of construction loans are available to the borrower for up to one year.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we serviced $632.9 million and $29.9 million of loans, respectively, primarily for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  At the time of the closing of these loans we owned the loans and subsequently sold them, and, with respect to loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, providing normal and customary representations and warranties, including representations and warranties related to underwriting standards.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, substantially all of the loans serviced for others were performing in accordance with their contractual terms and management believes that we have no material repurchase obligations associated with these loans.

Future Accounting Pronouncements

New accounting policies we adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and during 2012 are discussed in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” of each of the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and to the audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  To the extent the adoption of new accounting standards materially affects our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity, the impacts are discussed in the applicable sections of this financial review and the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The financial statements and accompanying notes of Waterstone-Federal have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations.  Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature.  As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than do the effects of inflation.
 
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BUSINESS OF NEW WATERSTONE AND WATERSTONE-FEDERAL
 
New Waterstone
 
New Waterstone is a Maryland corporation that was organized in June 2013.  Upon completion of the conversion, New Waterstone will become the holding company of WaterStone Bank and will succeed to all of the business and operations of Waterstone-Federal and each of Waterstone-Federal and Lamplighter Financial, MHC will cease to exist.
 
Initially following the completion of the conversion, New Waterstone will have a total of $6.4 million in cash and securities held by Waterstone-Federal and Lamplighter Financial, MHC as of March 31, 2013, and the net proceeds it retains from the offering, part of which will be used to make a loan to the WaterStone Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  New Waterstone will have no significant liabilities.  New Waterstone intends to use the support staff and offices of WaterStone Bank and will pay WaterStone Bank for these services.  If New Waterstone expands or changes its business in the future, it may hire its own employees.
 
New Waterstone intends to invest the net proceeds of the offering as discussed under “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering.”  In the future, we may pursue other business activities, including mergers and acquisitions, investment alternatives and diversification of operations.  There are, however, no current understandings or agreements for these activities.
 
Waterstone-Federal
 
Waterstone-Federal is a federally chartered corporation that owns all of the outstanding shares of common stock of WaterStone Bank.  At March 31, 2013, Waterstone-Federal had consolidated assets of $1.63 billion, deposits of $914.9 million and stockholders’ equity of $207.1 million.
 
WaterStone Bank became the wholly-owned subsidiary of Waterstone-Federal’s Wisconsin predecessor, Wauwatosa Holdings, Inc. in 2005, when WaterStone Bank reorganized into the two-tier mutual holding company structure and Wauwatosa Holdings, Inc. concurrently sold 10,117,125 shares of its common stock to the public, representing 30% of its then-outstanding shares, at $10.00 per share.  An additional 23,050,183 shares, or 68.35% of the outstanding shares, were issued to Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and 556,442 shares, or 1.65% of the outstanding shares were issued to the WaterStone Bank Fund of the Waukesha County Community Foundation, Inc.
 
Waterstone-Federal’s executive offices are located at 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226 and the telephone number is (414) 761-1000.  Its website address is www.wsbonline.com .  Information on this website is not and should not be considered a part of this prospectus.
 
BUSINESS OF WATERSTONE BANK
 
WaterStone Bank is a community bank that has served the banking needs of its customers since 1921.  WaterStone Bank also has an active mortgage banking subsidiary, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, which has 81 offices in 12 states as of March 31, 2013.
 
WaterStone Bank conducts its community banking business from eight banking offices and nine automated teller machines located in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin.  WaterStone Bank’s principal lending activity is originating one- to four-family and multi-family residential real estate loans for retention in its portfolio.   At March 31, 2013, such loans comprised 39.6% and 45.7%, respectively, of WaterStone Bank’s loan portfolio. WaterStone Bank also offers, to a lesser extent, home equity loans and lines of credit, construction and land loans, commercial real estate and commercial business loans, and consumer loans.  WaterStone Bank funds its loan production primarily with retail deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  Our deposits consist primarily of certificates of deposit, which accounted for 77.9% of total deposits at March 31, 2013.  Our investment securities portfolio is comprised principally of mortgage-backed securities, government-sponsored enterprise bonds and municipal obligations.
 
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WaterStone Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
WaterStone Bank’s executive offices are located at 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226, and its telephone number is (414) 761-1000.  Its website address is www.wsbonline.com .  Information on this website is not and should not be considered to be a part of this prospectus.
 
Waterstone Bank’s mortgage banking operations are conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation originates single-family residential real estate loans for sale into the secondary market.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation utilizes lines of credit provided by WaterStone Bank as a primary source of funds, and also utilizes lines of credit with other financial institutions as needed.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, and the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation originated $430.1 million, $1.75 billion and $1.03 billion, respectively, in mortgage loans held for sale.
 
Market Area
 
WaterStone Bank.   WaterStone Bank’s market area is broadly defined as the Milwaukee, Wisconsin metropolitan market, which is geographically located in the southeast corner of the state.  WaterStone Bank’s primary market area is Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and the five surrounding counties of Ozaukee, Washington, Jefferson, Walworth and Racine. We have four branch offices in Milwaukee County, three branch offices in Waukesha County and one branch office in Washington County.  At June 30, 2012 (the latest date for which information was publicly available), 48.2% of deposits in the State of Wisconsin were located in the seven-county metropolitan Milwaukee market.

WaterStone Bank’s primary market area for deposits includes the communities in which we maintain our banking office locations.  Our primary lending market area is broader than our primary deposit market area and includes all of the primary market area noted above but extends further west to the Madison, Wisconsin market and further north to the Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin markets.

From 2000 to 2010, our market area experienced population increases from a high of 13.1% in Jefferson County to a low of 0.8% in Milwaukee County, compared to 6.0% for Wisconsin and 9.7% for the United States as a whole.  Projections indicate that through 2017, the population will continue to increase in all market area counties ranging from a low of 1.0% in Racine County to a high of 4.6% in Washington County compared to projected increases of 3.2% and 4.9% in Wisconsin and the United States, respectively.  Consistent with trends in population, our market areas experienced increases in households from 2000 to 2010 at rates ranging from a high of 17.7% in Washington County to a low of 1.6% in Milwaukee County, compared to increases in households of 9.4% in Wisconsin and 10.7% in the United States.  Through 2017, households are projected to increase at rates ranging from 1.6% in Racine County to 4.7% in Washington County, compared to 3.6% in Wisconsin and 5.1% in the United States.

The 2000 median household income levels of six of our seven community banking market area counties were above the state and national levels, with Milwaukee County being the only county with per capita income levels below state and national levels.  The 2000 median household income levels ranged from a low of $38,100 in Milwaukee County to a high of $62,839 in Waukesha County.  From 2000 to 2010, median household income increased in all area counties by percentages ranging from a low of 6.8% in Milwaukee County to a high of 19.4% in Walworth County.  In 2010, median household income ranged from a low of $40,702 in Milwaukee County to a high of $73,703 in Ozaukee County, with all but Milwaukee County having higher median income levels than both the state and national levels of $50,395 and $50,046, respectively.  By 2017, the projected increases in median household income are expected to range from 3.0% in Walworth County to 22.8% in Milwaukee County, with median household income levels in Jefferson, Milwaukee and Walworth Counties increasing less than both state and national levels and the four other counties increasing more that the increases at the state and national levels.  The 2017 projected median household income levels ranged from $50,001 in Milwaukee County to $81,501 in Waukesha County, compared to $57,220 in Wisconsin and $56,895 in the United States.
 
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In 2008, four of the seven counties in the market area had lower unemployment rates than that of the State of Wisconsin as a whole while the remaining three counties had unemployment rates lower than that of the United States as a whole.  Through 2010, unemployment rates increased in the United States and in Milwaukee County but decreased in Wisconsin as a whole and in six of the market area counties.  In 2011, unemployment rates continued to decrease in all market areas.  In 2012, unemployment rates decreased in all market area counties and ranged from a high of 8.5% in both Milwaukee and Racine Counties to a low of 5.7% in Ozaukee County compared to 6.9% in Wisconsin and 8.1% in the United States.  Through March 2013, unemployment increased in all but the national level, ranging from a low of 6.0% in Ozaukee County to a high of 9.8% in Racine County with the state and national levels at 7.7% and 7.6%, respectively.

According to the 2010 Census, the median home values in the community banking market area ranged from a low of $159,800 in Milwaukee County to a high of $253,700 in Ozaukee County, with an average of $204,414 for the seven market area counties.  Median 2010 home values for the State of Wisconsin and for the United States were $166,700 and $179,900, respectively.

In March 2013, Corelogic reported that the foreclosure rate in the metropolitan Milwaukee area, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington Counties, fell to 1.97% of mortgaged homes in January 2013 from 2.69% in January 2012.  Similarly, the foreclosure rate for the State of Wisconsin fell to 1.68% in January 2013 from 2.30% in January 2012.  For the United States, the foreclosure rate dropped to 2.8% in 2013 compared to 3.5% in 2012.  In a related trend, year-over-year increases in home sales in market area counties are reported.  According to Metro MLS Inc. data released by the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors, home sales in May 2013 increased by 14.7% compared to May 2012 for the metropolitan area defined as Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties.
 
Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.   As of March 31, 2013, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation had 19 offices in Wisconsin, 15 offices in Minnesota, 12 offices in each of Florida and Pennsylvania, six offices in Indiana, five offices in Arizona, four offices in Ohio, two offices in each of Idaho, Illinois and Iowa, and one office in each of Colorado and Maryland.

Competition
 
WaterStone Bank .   WaterStone Bank faces competition within our market area both in making real estate loans and attracting deposits. The Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan statistical area has a high concentration of financial institutions, including large commercial banks, community banks and credit unions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has determined that our market area is a “high-rate” area with regard to deposit pricing as compared to the rest of the United States. As of June 30, 2012, based on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s annual Summary of Deposits Report, we had the sixth largest market share in our metropolitan statistical area out of 56 financial institutions in our metropolitan statistical area, representing 1.7% of all deposits.

Our competition for loans and deposits comes principally from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms and credit unions. We face additional competition for deposits from money market funds, brokerage firms, and mutual funds. Some of our competitors offer products and services that we do not offer, such as trust services, private banking and brokerage and insurance services.
 
Our primary focus is to build and develop profitable consumer and commercial customer relationships while maintaining our role as a community bank.

Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.   Waterstone Mortgage Corporation faces competition for originating loans both directly within the markets in which it operates and from entities that provide services throughout the United States through internet services.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation’s competition comes principally from other mortgage banking firms, as well as from commercial banks, savings institutions and credit unions.  In 2012, the Business Journal of Milwaukee ranked Waterstone Mortgage Corporation as southeastern Wisconsin’s largest mortgage lender for the fourth year in a row.
 
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Lending Activities

The scope of the discussion included under “Lending Activities” is limited to lending operations related to loans originated for investment.  A discussion of the lending activities related to loans originated for sale is included under “—Mortgage Banking Activities.”

Historically, our principal lending activity has been originating mortgage loans for the purchase or refinancing of residential real estate. Generally, we retain the loans that we originate which we refer to as loans originated for investment. One- to four-family residential mortgage loans totaled $445.2 million, or 39.6% of our total loan portfolio at March 31, 2013.  Multi-family residential real estate loans totaled $514.6 million, or 45.7% of our total loan portfolio at March 31, 2013.  We also offer construction and land loans, commercial real estate loans, home equity lines of credit and commercial loans. At March 31, 2013, commercial real estate loans, construction and land loans, home equity loans and commercial business loans totaled $76.8 million, $33.2 million, $35.9 million and $19.0 million, respectively.

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Loan Portfolio Composition.   The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the total portfolio at the dates indicated.
       
               
At December 31,
 
   
At March 31, 2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Mortgage loans:
                                                                       
Residential real estate:
                                                                       
One- to four-family
  $ 445,243       39.58 %   $ 460,821       40.65 %   $ 496,736       40.83 %   $ 582,026       44.56 %   $ 679,657       47.86 %   $ 788,152       50.54 %
Multi-family
    514,566       45.74       514,363       45.37       552,240       45.39       542,602       41.53       536,731       37.80       512,746       32.87  
Home equity
    35,949       3.20       36,494       3.22       38,599       3.17       46,149       3.53       57,589       4.06       59,281       3.80  
Construction and land
    33,249       2.96       33,818       2.98       39,528       3.25       53,961       4.13       61,953       4.36       111,599       7.15  
Commercial real estate
    76,759       6.82       65,495       5.78       65,434       5.38       51,733       3.96       48,948       3.45       55,193       3.54  
Commercial loans
    19,043       1.69       22,549       1.99       24,018       1.97       29,812       2.28       34,513       2.43       32,422       2.08  
Consumer
    128       0.01       132       0.01       109       0.01       154       0.01       619       0.04       365       0.02  
Total loans
    1,124,937       100.00 %     1,133,672       100.00 %     1,216,664       100.00 %     1,306,437       100.00 %     1,420,010       100.00 %     1,559,758       100.00 %
Allowance for loan losses
       (29,298 )             (31,043 )             (32,430 )             (29,175 )             (28,494 )             (25,167 )        
Loans, net
  $ 1,095,639             $ 1,102,629             $ 1,184,234             $ 1,277,262             $ 1,391,516             $ 1,534,591          
 
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Loan Portfolio Maturities and Yields.   The following table summarizes the final maturities of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2012.  Maturities are based upon the final contractual payment dates and do not reflect the impact of prepayments and scheduled monthly payments that will occur.

   
One- to four-family
   
Multi-family
   
Home Equity
   
Construction and Land
 
Due during the years ended
December 31,
 
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
       
2013                   
  $ 29,228       5.66 %   $ 45,816       5.84 %   $ 10,857       4.34 %   $ 16,102       5.25 %
2014             
    33,138       5.79 %     42,475       5.70 %     5,776       4.01 %     2,519       4.80 %
2015                      
    5,244       5.10 %     22,679       5.06 %     8,397       4.07 %     3,898       4.54 %
2016 and 2017
    9,187       4.77 %     38,570       4.23 %     5,494       5.26 %     978       3.16 %
2018 through 2022
    75,887       5.48 %     291,260       5.04 %     5,914       4.65 %     8,318       4.43 %
2023 through 2027
    11,188       6.06 %     10,336       5.22 %                 639       4.92 %
2028 and thereafter
    296,949       5.09 %     63,227       5.57 %     56       4.50 %     1,364       4.77 %
Total                           
  $ 460,821       5.26 %   $ 514,363       5.16 %   $ 36,494       4.41 %   $ 33,818       4.85 %

   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Commercial Business
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
Due during the years ended
December 31,
 
Amount
   
Weighted
Average Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average Rate
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
       
2013                             
  $ 5,481       6.17 %   $ 12,385       3.46 %   $ 94       5.60 %   $ 119,963       5.36 %
2014                              
    6,556       5.77 %     1,514       6.11 %     14       6.03 %     91,992       5.61 %
2015                              
    9,513       5.85 %     3,173       5.28 %                 52,904       5.02 %
2016 and 2017
    20,235       5.33 %     2,129       5.30 %     24       3.00 %     76,617       4.67 %
2018 through 2022
    18,112       5.50 %     2,888       4.80 %                 402,379       5.12 %
2023 through 2027
    38       6.75 %                             22,201       5.64 %
2028 and thereafter
    5,560       5.94 %     460       5.50 %                 367,616       5.17 %
Total                           
  $ 65,495       5.62 %   $ 22,549       4.28 %   $ 132       4.25 %   $ 1,133,672       5.18 %

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The following table sets forth the scheduled repayments of fixed and adjustable rate loans at December 31, 2012 that are contractually due after December 31, 2013.
 
   
Due After December 31, 2013
 
   
Fixed
   
Adjustable
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Mortgage loans
                 
Real estate loans:
                 
One- to four-family
  $ 28,504     $ 403,089     $ 431,593  
Multi-family                      
    59,235       409,312       468,547  
Home equity                          
    5,170       20,467       25,637  
Construction and land
    2,416       15,300       17,716  
Commercial                                
    33,215       26,799       60,014  
Commercial                                   
    8,415       1,749       10,164  
Consumer                                   
    38             38  
Total loans                                   
  $ 136,993     $ 876,716     $ 1,013,709  

One- to Four-Family Residential Mortgage Loans.   WaterStone Bank’s primary lending activity is originating residential mortgage loans secured by properties located in Milwaukee and surrounding counties.  One- to four-family residential mortgage loans totaled $445.2 million, or 39.6% of total loans at March 31, 2013.  One- to four-family residential mortgage loans originated for investment during the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $5.6 million, or 15.0% of all loans originated for investment, and such loans originated for investment during the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $17.1 million, or 17.2% of all loans originated for investment.  Our one- to four-family residential mortgage loans have fixed or adjustable rates.  Our adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally provide for maximum annual rate adjustments of 200 basis points, with a lifetime maximum adjustment of 600 basis points.  Our adjustable-rate mortgage loans typically amortize over terms of up to 30 years, and are indexed to the 12-month LIBOR rate.  We do not and have never offered residential mortgage loans specifically designed for borrowers with sub-prime credit scores, including Alt-A and negative amortization loans.  Further, prior to 2007, we did not offer indexed, adjustable-rate loans other than home equity lines of credit, and we have never offered “teaser rate” first mortgage products.
 
Adjustable rate mortgage loans can decrease the interest rate risk associated with changes in market interest rates by periodically repricing, but involve other risks because, as interest rates increase, the loan payments by the borrower increase, thus increasing the potential for default by the borrower.  At the same time, the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates.  Upward adjustment of the contractual interest rate is also limited by the maximum periodic and lifetime interest rate adjustments permitted by our loan documents and, therefore, the effectiveness of adjustable rate mortgage loans in decreasing the risk associated with changes in interest rates may be limited during periods of rapidly rising interest rates.  Moreover, during periods of rapidly declining interest rates the interest income received from the adjustable rate loans can be significantly reduced, thereby adversely affecting interest income.
 
All residential mortgage loans that we originate include “due-on-sale” clauses, which give us the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event that, among other things, the borrower sells or otherwise transfers the real property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid.  We also require homeowner’s insurance and where circumstances warrant, flood insurance, on properties securing real estate loans.  The average single family first mortgage loan balance was $188,000 and the largest outstanding balance was $3.9 million on March 31, 2013.  The average two- to four-family first mortgage loan balance was $148,000 on March 31, 2013, and the largest outstanding balance on that date was $5.1 million, which is a consolidation loan that is collateralized by 29 properties.
 
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Multi-family   Real Estate Loans.   Multi-family loans totaled $514.6 million, or 45.7% of total loans at March 31, 2013.  Multi-family loans originated during the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $19.5 million or 52.4% of all loans originated for investment, and such loans originated during the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $51.8 million, or 52.2% of all loans originated for investment.  These loans are generally secured by properties located in our primary market area.  Our multi-family real estate underwriting policies generally provide that such real estate loans may be made in amounts of up to 80% of the appraised value of the property provided the loan complies with our current loans-to-one borrower limit.  Multi-family real estate loans are offered with interest rates that are fixed for periods of up to five years or are variable and either adjust based on a market index or at our discretion.  Contractual maturities do not exceed 10 years while principal and interest payments are typically based on a 30-year amortization period.  In reaching a decision whether to make a multi-family real estate loan, we consider gross revenues and the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise and credit history, business cash flow, and the appraised value of the underlying property.  In addition, we will also consider the terms and conditions of the leases and the credit quality of the tenants.  We generally require that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization divided by interest expense and current maturities of long term debt) of at least 1.15 times.  Generally, multi-family loans made to corporations, partnerships and other business entities require personal guarantees by the principals and by the owners of 20% or more of the borrower.
 
A multi-family borrower’s financial information is monitored on an ongoing basis by requiring periodic financial statement updates, payment history reviews and periodic face-to-face meetings with the borrower.  We generally require borrowers with aggregate outstanding balances exceeding $1.0 million to provide updated financial statements and federal tax returns annually.  These requirements also apply to all guarantors on these loans.  We also require borrowers with rental investment property to provide an annual report of income and expenses for the property, including a tenant list and copies of leases, as applicable.  The average outstanding multi-family mortgage loan balance was $729,000 on March 31, 2013, with the largest outstanding balance at $8.0 million.  At March 31, 2013, our largest exposure to one borrower or to a related group of borrowers was $20.5 million.  The largest loan in the group is a mortgage loan with an outstanding balance at March 31, 2013 of $8.0 million.
 
Loans secured by multi-family real estate generally involve larger principal amounts and greater risk than owner-occupied, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans.  Because payments on loans secured by multi-family properties   often depend on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.
 
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit . We also offer home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, both of which are secured by owner-occupied and non-owner occupied one- to four-family residences.  At March 31, 2013, outstanding home equity loans and equity lines of credit totaled $35.9 million, or 3.2% of total loans outstanding.  At March 31, 2013, the unadvanced portion of home equity lines of credit totaled $16.8 million.  Home equity loans and lines originated during the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $924,000, or 2.5% of all loans originated for investment, and such loans originated during the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $3.1 million, or 3.1% of all loans originated for investment.  The underwriting standards utilized for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit include a determination of the applicant’s credit history, an assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan, and the value of the collateral securing the loan.  Home equity loans are offered with adjustable rates of interest and with terms up to 10 years.  The loan-to-value ratio for our home equity loans and our lines of credit is generally limited to 90% when combined with the first security lien, if applicable.  Our home equity lines of credit have ten-year terms and adjustable rates of interest, subject to a contractual floor, which are indexed to the prime rate, as reported in The Wall Street Journal .  Interest rates on home equity lines of credit are generally limited to a maximum rate of 18%.  The average outstanding home equity loan balance was $49,000 at March 31, 2013, with the largest outstanding balance at that date of $887,000.
 
Residential Construction and Land Loans.   We originate construction loans to individuals and contractors for the construction and acquisition of single and multi-family residences.  At March 31, 2013, construction and land loans totaled $33.2 million, or 3.0% of total loans.  Construction and land loans originated during the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $468,000, or 1.3% of all loans originated for investment, and such loans originated during the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $2.7 million, or 2.7% of all loans originated for investment.  At March 31, 2013, the unadvanced portion of these construction loans totaled $5.8 million.
 
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Our construction mortgage loans generally provide for the payment of interest only during the construction phase, which is typically up to nine months although our policy is to consider construction periods as long as 12 months or more.  At the end of the construction phase, the construction loan converts to a longer-term mortgage loan.  Construction loans can be made with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 90%, provided that the borrower obtains private mortgage insurance if the loan balance exceeds 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or sales price of the secured property.  The average outstanding construction loan balance totaled $950,000 on March 31, 2013, with the largest outstanding balance at $2.9 million.   The average outstanding land loan balance was $337,000 on March 31, 2013, and the largest outstanding balance on that date was $5.0 million.
 
Before making a commitment to fund a residential construction loan, we require an appraisal of the property by an independent licensed appraiser.  We also review and inspect each property before disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan.  Loan proceeds are disbursed after inspection based on the percentage of completion method.
 
Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than longer-term financing on improved, owner-occupied real estate.  Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the value of the property at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction and other assumptions.  If the estimate of construction cost is inaccurate, we may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed in order to protect the value of the property.  Additionally, if the estimate of value is inaccurate, we may be confronted with a project, when completed, with a value that is insufficient to ensure full repayment of the loan.
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans.   Commercial real estate loans totaled $76.8 million at March 31, 2013, or 6.8% of total loans, and are made up of loans secured by office and retail buildings, churches, restaurants, other retail properties and mixed use properties.  Commercial real estate loans originated during the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $9.3 million, or 24.9% of all loans originated for investment, and such loans originated during the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $14.6 million, or 14.7% of all loans originated for investment.  These loans are generally secured by property located in our primary market area.  Our commercial real estate underwriting policies provide that such real estate loans may be made in amounts of up to 80% of the appraised value of the property.  Commercial real estate loans are offered with interest rates that are fixed up to five years or are variable and either adjust based on a market index or at our discretion.  Contractual maturities do not exceed 10 years while principal and interest payments are typically based on a 30-year amortization period.   In reaching a decision whether to make a commercial real estate loan, we consider gross revenues and the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise and credit history, business cash flow, and the appraised value of the underlying property.  In addition, we will also consider the terms and conditions of the leases and the credit quality of the tenants.  We generally require that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization divided by interest expense and current maturities of long term debt) of at least 1.15 times.  Environmental surveys are required for commercial real estate loans when environmental risks are identified.  Generally, commercial real estate loans made to corporations, partnerships and other business entities require personal guarantees by the principals and by the owners of 20% or more of the borrower.
 
A commercial real estate borrower’s financial information is monitored on an ongoing basis by requiring periodic financial statement updates, payment history reviews and periodic face-to-face meetings with the borrower.  We generally require borrowers with aggregate outstanding balances exceeding $1.0 million to provide annual updated financial statements and federal tax returns.  These requirements also apply to all guarantors on these loans.  We also require borrowers to provide an annual report of income and expenses for the property, including a tenant list and copies of leases, as applicable.  The average commercial real estate loan in our portfolio at March 31, 2013 was $529,000, and the largest outstanding balance at that date was $3.6 million.
 
Commercial Loans.   Commercial loans totaled $19.0 million at March 31, 2013, or 1.7% of total loans, and are made up of loans secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate.  Commercial loans originated during the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $1.5 million, or 3.9% of all loans originated, and such loans originated during the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $9.9 million, or 9.9% of all loans originated.  In an effort to increase our commercial loan portfolio, we established a commercial loan department in 2007 and we currently have four commercial business loan officers.
 
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Our commercial loans are generally made to borrowers that are located in our primary market area.  Working capital lines of credit are granted for the purpose of carrying inventory and accounts receivable or purchasing equipment.  These lines require that certain working capital ratios must be maintained and are monitored on a monthly or quarterly basis.  Working capital lines of credit are short-term loans of 12 months or less with variable interest rates.  At March 31, 2013, the unadvanced portion of working capital lines of credit totaled $11.0 million.  Outstanding balances fluctuate up to the maximum commitment amount based on fluctuations in the balance of the underlying collateral.  Personal property loans secured by equipment are considered commercial business loans and are generally made for terms of up to 84 months and for up to 80% of the value of the underlying collateral.  Interest rates on equipment loans may be either fixed or variable.  Commercial business loans are generally variable rate loans with initial fixed rate periods of up to five years.  These loans generally amortize over 15 to 25 years.
 
A commercial business borrower’s financial information is monitored on an ongoing basis by requiring periodic financial statement updates, usually quarterly, payment history reviews and periodic face-to-face meetings with the borrower.  The average outstanding commercial loan at March 31, 2013 was $173,000 and the largest outstanding balance on that date was $1.7 million.
 
The following table shows loan origination, principal repayment activity, transfers to real estate owned, charge-offs and sales during the periods indicated.
 
   
As of or for the Three
Months Ended

March 31,
   
As of or for the Year Ended
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
       
Total gross loans receivable and held for sale at beginning of period
  $ 1,267,285     $ 1,304,947     $ 1,304,947     $ 1,443,824     $ 1,516,800  
Real estate loans originated for investment:
                                       
Residential :
                                       
One- to four-family
    5,606       3,047       17,088       13,651       11,390  
Multi-family
    19,526       10,959       51,816       60,367       69,602  
Home equity
    924       981       3,112       4,328       5,528  
Construction and land
    468       202       2,695       3,487       8,355  
Commercial real estate
    9,292       4,950       14,572       25,398       5,813  
Total real estate loans originated for investment
    35,816       20,139       89,283       107,231       100,688  
Consumer loans originated for investment
                35             76  
Commercial loans originated for investment
    1,460       1,294       9,857       9,366       11,204  
Total loans originated for investment
    37,276       21,433       99,175       116,597       111,968  
                                         
Real estate loans purchased for investment:
                                       
One- to four-family
                12,148              
Home equity
                3,338              
Total real estate loans purchased for investment
                15,486              
                                         
Principal repayments
    (39,772 )     (28,212 )     (165,683 )     (200,544 )     (169,093 )
Transfers to real estate owned
    (2,734 )     (6,349 )     (22,282 )     (28,259 )     (41,781 )
Loan principal charged-off, net of recoveries
    (3,505 )     (3,059 )     (9,687 )     (18,821 )     (25,151 )
Net activity in loans held for investment
    (8,735 )     (16,187 )     (82,991 )     (131,027 )     (124,057 )
                                         
Loans originated for sale
    430,108       326,882       1,749,426       1,027,346       1,084,362  
Loans sold
    (459,553 )     (324,464 )     (1,704,097 )     (1,035,196 )     (1,033,281 )
Net activity in loans held for sale
    (29,445 )     2,418       45,329       (7,850 )     51,081  
Total gross loans receivable and held for sale at end of period
  $ 1,229,105     $ 1,291,178     $ 1,267,285     $ 1,304,947     $ 1,443,824  

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Origination and Servicing of Loans.   All loans originated for investment are underwritten pursuant to internally developed policies and procedures.  While we generally underwrite owner-occupied residential mortgage loans to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae standards, due to several unique characteristics, our loans originated prior to 2008 do not conform to the secondary market standards.  The unique features of these loans include: interest payments in advance of the month in which they are earned, discretionary rate adjustments that are not tied to an independent index and pre-payment penalties.
 
Exclusive of our mortgage banking operations, we generally retain in our portfolio a significant majority of the loans that we originate.  At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank was servicing $2.9 million in loan participations we originated and subsequently sold to unrelated third parties.  Loan servicing includes collecting and remitting loan payments, accounting for principal and interest, contacting delinquent mortgagors, supervising foreclosures and property dispositions in the event of unremedied defaults, making certain insurance and tax payments on behalf of the borrowers and generally administering the loans.
 
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority .   WaterStone Bank’s lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by WaterStone Bank’s board of directors.  The loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, the viability of the loan and the adequacy of the value of the property that will secure the loan, if applicable.  To assess the borrower’s ability to repay, we review the employment and credit history and information on the historical and projected income and expenses of borrowers.
 
Loan officers are authorized to approve and close any loan that qualifies under WaterStone Bank underwriting guidelines within the following lending limits:
 
 
A secured one- to four-family mortgage loan up to $500,000 for a borrower with total outstanding loans from us of less than $1,000,000 that is independently underwritten can be approved by select loan officers.

 
·
A loan up to $500,000 for a borrower with total outstanding loans from us of less than $500,000 can be approved by select commercial loan officers.

 
·
Any secured mortgage loan ranging from $500,001 to $2,999,999 or any new loan to a borrower with outstanding loans from us exceeding $1,000,000 must be approved by the Officer Loan Committee.

 
·
Any loan for $3,000,000 or more must be approved by the Officer Loan Committee and the board of directors prior to closing.  Any new loan to a borrower with outstanding loans from us exceeding $10,000,000 must be reviewed by the board of directors prior to closing.

Asset Quality
 
When a loan becomes more than 30 days delinquent, WaterStone Bank sends a letter advising the borrower of the delinquency.  The borrower is given a specific date by which delinquent payments must be made or by which they must contact WaterStone Bank to make arrangements to bring the loan current over a longer period of time.  If the borrower fails to bring the loan current within the specified time period or to make arrangements to cure the delinquency over a longer period of time, the matter is referred to legal counsel and foreclosure or other collection proceedings are considered
 
All loans are reviewed on a regular basis, and such loans are placed on non-accrual status when they become more than 90 or more days delinquent. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is reversed, and further income is recognized only to the extent received.
 
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Non-Performing Assets.   Non-performing assets consist of non-accrual loans and other real estate owned.  Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments.  Additionally, whenever management becomes aware of facts or circumstances that may adversely impact the collectibility of principal or interest on loans, management may place such loans on non-accrual status immediately, rather than waiting until the loan becomes 90 days past due. At the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest on such loans is reversed and additional income is recorded only to the extent that payments are received and the collection of principal is reasonably assured.  Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate collectibility of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
 
The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-accrual loans and real estate owned at the dates indicated.
                                     
   
At
March 31,
    At December 31,  
    2013     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
                  (Dollars in Thousands)            
Non-accrual loans:
                                   
Residential
                                   
One- to four-family
  $ 41,928     $ 46,467     $ 55,609     $ 56,759     $ 45,988     $ 42,182  
Multi-family
    19,067       23,205       13,680       20,587       16,683       35,787  
Home equity
    1,539       1,578       1,334       712       1,159       2,015  
Construction and land
    2,175       2,215       6,946       3,013       6,269       18,271  
Commercial real estate
    665       668       514       1,577       2,773       9,325  
Commercial
    511       511       135       1,530       2,441       150  
Consumer
    22       24                          
Total non-accrual loans
    65,964       74,668       78,218       84,178       75,313       107,730  
                                                 
Real estate owned
                                               
One- to four-family
    15,348       17,353       27,449       28,142       27,016       16,720  
Multi-family
    7,849       9,890       16,231       14,903       8,824       6,057  
Construction and land
    6,048       7,029       8,796       9,926       10,458       1,094  
Commercial real estate
    1,554       1,702       4,194       4,781       4,631       782  
Total real estate owned
    30,799       35,974       56,670       57,752       50,929       24,653  
                                                 
Total non-performing assets
  $ 96,763     $ 110,642     $ 134,888     $ 141,930     $ 126,242     $ 132,383  
                                                 
Total accruing troubled debt restructurings
  $ 22,110     $ 16,011     $ 24,589     $ 33,592     $ 42,730     $ 2,409  
                                                 
Total non-accrual loans to total loans, net
    5.86 %     6.59 %     6.43 %     6.44 %     5.30 %     6.91 %
Total non-accrual loans and accruing troubled debt restructurings to total loans receivable
    7.83 %     8.00 %     8.45 %     9.01 %     8.31 %     7.06 %
Total non-accrual loans to total assets
    4.05 %     4.50 %     4.57 %     4.65 %     4.03 %     5.71 %
Total non-performing assets to total assets
    5.94 %     6.66 %     7.88 %     7.85 %     6.76 %     7.02 %

Troubled debt restructurings which are still on nonaccrual either due to being past due greater than 90 days, or which have not yet performed under the modified terms for a reasonable period of time, are included in the table above.  In addition, loans which are past due less than 90 days are evaluated to determine the likelihood of collectability given other credit risk factors such as early stage delinquency, the nature of the collateral or the results of a borrower fiscal review.  When the collection of all contractual principal and interest is determined to be unlikely, the loan is moved to non-accrual status and an updated appraisal of the underlying collateral is ordered.  This process generally takes place between contractual past due dates 60 and 90 days.  Upon determining the updated estimated value of the collateral, a loan loss provision is recorded to establish a specific reserve to the extent that the outstanding principal balance exceeds the updated estimated net realizable value of the collateral.  When a loan is determined to be uncollectible, typically coinciding with the initiation of foreclosure action, the specific reserve is reviewed for adequacy, adjusted if necessary, and charged-off.
 
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The following table sets forth activity in our non-accrual loans for the periods indicated.

   
At or for the Three
Months Ended

March 31,
   
At or for the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                           
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 74,668     $ 78,218     $ 78,218     $ 84,178     $ 75,313     $ 107,730     $ 80,350  
Additions  
    7,039       23,834       44,617       59,703       87,349       76,435       106,286  
Transfers to real estate owned
    (2,734 )     (6,349 )     (22,282 )     (28,259 )     (41,781 )     (54,072 )     (32,946 )
Charge-offs  
    (3,314 )     (2,265 )     (8,379 )     (14,138 )     (24,395 )     (23,541 )     (24,517 )
Returned to accrual status  
    (8,391 )     (55 )     (8,194 )     (12,021 )     (7,936 )     (17,601 )     (13,600 )
Principal paydowns and other
    (1,304 )     (1,547 )     (9,312 )     (11,245 )     (4,372 )     (13,638 )     (7,843 )
Balance at end of period  
  $ 65,964     $ 91,836     $ 74,668     $ 78,218     $ 84,178     $ 75,313     $ 107,730  
 
Total non-accrual loans decreased by $8.7 million, or 11.7%, to $66.0 million as of March 31, 2013 compared to $74.7 million as of December 31, 2012, resulting in the ratio of non-accrual loans to total loans decreasing to 5.86% at March 31, 2013 compared to 6.59% at December 31, 2012.  A total of $7.0 million in loans were placed on non-accrual status during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we transferred $2.7 million of loans to real estate owned (net of charge-offs), $8.4 million of loans returned to accrual status, we charged-off $3.3 million of loans and we experienced $1.5 million in principal pay downs.

Total non-accrual loans decreased by $3.6 million, or 4.5%, to $74.7 million as of December 31, 2012 compared to $78.2 million as of December 31, 2011.  Notwithstanding the decrease in non-accrual loans during the current year, the ratio of non-accrual loans to total loans increased to 6.59% at December 31, 2012 compared to 6.43% at December 31, 2011 due to total loans decreasing by $83.0 million, or 6.8%, during the year ended December 31, 2012.  A total of $44.6 million in loans were placed on non-accrual status during the year ended December 31, 2012.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we transferred $22.3 million of loans to real estate owned (net of charge-offs), $8.2 million of loans returned to accrual status, we charged-off $6.9 million of loans and we experienced $6.7 million in principal pay downs.

Our largest non-accrual relationship at March 31, 2013 consisted of five loans with an aggregate principal balance of $10.9 million, all of which is collateralized by multi-family residential real estate.   The loans are part of a troubled debt restructuring, and are performing in accordance with their modified terms.  We have established a specific valuation allowance of $1.1 million for these loans, or 10.5% of the outstanding principal balance of the loans at March 31, 2013.  This relationship includes four of our five largest non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2013.  Our remaining largest non-accrual loan as of March 31, 2013 was also collateralized by multi-family residential real estate located in southeastern Wisconsin.  This loan had a principal balance of $4.0 million at March 31, 2013 and a specific valuation allowance of $180,000.  Together, the loan relationship and the other largest non-accrual loan comprised 22.5% of total non-accrual loans and 77.8% of total non-accrual loans secured by multi-family residential real estate at March 31, 2013.

Of the $66.0 million in total non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2013, $54.4 million in loans have been specifically reviewed to assess whether a specific valuation allowance is necessary.  A specific valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the impairment when the carrying value of the loan exceeds the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral with an adjustment made for costs to dispose of the asset.  Based upon these specific reviews, a total of $7.4 million in partial charge-offs has been recorded with respect to these loans as of March 31, 2013.  Partially charged-off loans measured for impairment based upon net realizable collateral value are maintained in a “non-performing” status and are disclosed as impaired loans.  In addition, specific reserves totaling $6.9 million have been recorded as of March 31, 2013.  The remaining $11.5 million of non-accrual loans were reviewed on an aggregate basis and $3.0 million in general valuation allowance was deemed necessary as of March 31, 2013.   The $3.0 million in general valuation allowance is based upon a migration analysis performed with respect to similar non-accrual loans in prior periods.
 
86
 

 


For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, gross interest income that would have been recorded had our non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms was $1.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively.  We recognized $685,000 and $2.9 million of interest income on such loans during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.

There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more during the three months ended March 31, 2013 or during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Troubled Debt Restructurings.   The following table summarizes troubled debt restructurings.
                                     
   
At March
    At December 31,  
      31, 2013     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
                (In Thousands)              
                               
Troubled debt restructurings
                                   
Substandard
  $ 41,432     $ 48,235     $ 47,220     $ 15,769     $ 18,003     $ 2,409  
Watch
    14,362       11,171       8,192       20,703       34,082        
Total troubled debt restructurings
  $ 55,794     $ 59,406     $ 55,412     $ 36,472     $ 52,085     $ 2,409  

Troubled debt restructurings totaled $55.8 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $59.4 million at December 31, 2012 and $55.4 million at December 31, 2011.  At March 31, 2013, $49.9 million of troubled debt restructurings, or 89.4%, were performing in accordance with their restructured terms.  All troubled debt restructurings are considered to be impaired and are risk rated as either substandard or watch and are included in the internal risk rating tables disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  Specific reserves have been established to the extent that the collateral-based impairment analyses indicate that a collateral shortfall exists or to the extent that a discounted cash flow analysis results in an impairment.
 
We do not participate in government-sponsored troubled debt restructuring programs.  Our troubled debt restructurings are short-term modifications.  Typical initial restructured terms include six to twelve months of principal forbearance, a reduction in interest rate or both.  Restructured terms do not include a reduction of the outstanding principal balance unless mandated by a bankruptcy court. Troubled debt restructuring terms may be renewed or further modified at the end of the initial term for an additional period if performance has been acceptable and the short-term borrower difficulty persists.
 
Information with respect to the accrual status of our troubled debt restructurings is provided in the following table.
 
         
At December 31,
 
   
At March 31, 2013
    2012    
2011
 
   
Non-
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Non-
Accruing
   
Accruing
   
Non-
Accruing
   
Accruing
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
                                   
Residential
                                   
One- to four-family
  $ 15,942     $ 13,212     $ 21,585     $ 9,921     $ 26,773     $ 8,293  
Multi-family
    16,024       6,727       20,030       3,917       2,453       14,845  
Home equity
    975             986             1,024       43  
Construction and land
    78       2,171       79       2,173       79       1,408  
Commercial real estate
    665             668             452        
Commercial
                                42        
Total
  $ 33,684     $ 22,110     $ 43,348     $ 16,011     $ 30,823     $ 24,589  
 
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The following table sets forth activity in our troubled debt restructurings for the periods indicated.

    At or for the Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2013
   
At or for the Year Ended December 31,
 
       
2012
 
 
2011
 
   
Accrual
   
Non-
Accrual
   
Accrual
   
Non-
Accrual
   
Accrual
   
Non-
Accrual
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                     
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 16,011     $ 43,610     $ 24,589     $ 30,823     $ 33,592     $ 2,879  
Additions  
    98       245       3,651       24,049       15,066       24,614  
Change in accrual status  
    6,202       (6,202 )     (2,060 )     2,060       (3,764 )     3,764  
Charge-offs  
          (1,416 )     (270 )     (1,795 )     (836 )     (191 )
Returned to contractual/market terms
          (1,927 )     (8,773 )     (8,502 )     (18,758 )     (225 )
Transferred to real estate owned
          (337 )     (125 )     (1,009 )     (359 )      
Principal paydowns and other
    (201 )     (289 )     (1,001 )     (2,016 )     (352 )     (18 )
Balance at end of period  
  $ 22,110     $ 33,684     $ 16,011     $ 43,610     $ 24,589     $ 30,823  

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, gross interest income that would have been recorded had our troubled debt restructurings been current in accordance with their original terms was $842,000 and $3.6 million, respectively.  We recognized $737,000 and $2.4 million of interest income on such loans during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.
 
If a restructured loan is current in all respects and a minimum of six consecutive restructured payments have been received, it can be considered for return to accrual status.  After a restructured loan that is current in all respects reverts to contractual/market terms, if a credit department review indicates no evidence of elevated market risk, the loan is removed from the troubled debt restructuring classification.
 
Loan Delinquency.   The following table summarizes loan delinquency in total dollars and as a percentage of the total loan portfolio:
                   
          At December 31,  
    At March 31, 2013    
2012
    2011  
        (Dollars in Thousands)  
       
Loans past due less than 90 days                                                            
  $ 19,372     $ 23,092     $ 36,798  
Loans past due 90 days or more                                                            
    51,820       51,358       56,612  
Total loans past due                                                         
  $ 71,192     $ 74,450     $ 93,410  
Total loans past due to total loans receivable
    6.33 %     6.57 %     7.68 %

Real Estate Owned.   Total real estate owned decreased by $5.2 million, or 14.4%, to $30.8 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $36.0 million at December 31, 2012.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, $2.7 million was transferred from loans to real estate owned upon completion of foreclosure.  Declines in property values evidenced by updated appraisals, responses to list prices on properties held for sale and/or deterioration in the condition of properties resulted in write-downs totaling $480,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  During the same period, sales of real estate owned totaled $7.7 million, resulting in a net gain of $832,000.

In an effort to strengthen our oversight of problem assets and minimize overall costs and expenses as well as any loss on the sale of real estate owned, during 2011 we established an internal asset management group and an internal sales group, which also enable our lenders to focus on loan origination instead of foreclosed asset management.

Total real estate owned decreased by $20.7 million, or 36.5%, to $36.0 million at December 31, 2012, compared to $56.7 million at December 31, 2011.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, $22.3 million was transferred from loans to real estate owned upon completion of foreclosure.  Declines in property values evidenced by updated appraisals, responses to list prices on properties held for sale and/or deterioration in the condition of properties resulted in write-downs totaling $7.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2012.  During the same period, sales of real estate owned totaled $35.2 million, resulting in a net gain of $1.4 million.
 
88
 

 


New appraisals received on real estate owned and collateral dependent impaired loans are based upon an “as is value” assumption.  During the period of time in which we are awaiting receipt of an updated appraisal, loans evaluated for impairment based upon collateral value are measured by the following:

 
·
Applying an updated adjustment factor (as described previously) to an existing appraisal;

 
·
Confirming that the physical condition of the real estate has not significantly changed since the last valuation date;

 
·
Comparing the estimated current value of the collateral to that of updated sales values experienced on similar collateral;

 
·
Comparing the estimated current value of the collateral to that of updated values seen on current appraisals of similar collateral; and

 
·
Comparing the estimated current value to that of updated listed sales prices on our real estate owned and that of similar properties (not owned by us).

We owned 205 properties at March 31, 2013, compared to 223 properties as of December 31, 2012 and 323 properties at December 31, 2011.  Of the $30.8 million in real estate owned properties as of March 31, 2013, $24.8 million consist of one- to four-family, multi-family and commercial real estate properties.  Of all real estate owned, these property types present the greatest opportunity to offset operating expenses through the generation of rental income.  Of the $24.8 million in one- to four-family, multi-family and commercial real estate properties, $11.6 million, or 46.8%, represent properties that are generating rental revenue or are being managed with the intent of attracting a lessee to generate revenue.  Foreclosed properties are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value with charge-offs, if any, charged to the allowance for loan losses upon transfer to real estate owned.  The fair value is primarily based upon updated appraisals in addition to an analysis of current real estate market conditions.

Allowance for Loan Losses
 
We establish valuation allowances on loans that are deemed to be impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the impairment when the carrying amount of the loan exceeds the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral.
 
We also establish valuation allowances based on an evaluation of the various risk components that are inherent in the loan portfolio. The risk components that are evaluated include past loan loss experience; the level of non-performing and classified assets; current economic conditions; volume, growth, and composition of the loan portfolio; adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay; the estimated value of any underlying collateral; regulatory guidance; and other relevant factors. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and recoveries of previously charged-off loans and reduced by charge-offs. The appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed and approved quarterly by the WaterStone Bank board of directors. The allowance reflects management’s best estimate of the amount needed to provide for the probable loss on impaired loans and other inherent losses in the loan portfolio, and is based on a risk model developed and implemented by management and approved by the WaterStone Bank board of directors.
 
89
 

 

 
Actual results could differ from this estimate, and future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on unforeseen changes in loan quality and economic conditions. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the WDFI, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review WaterStone Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such regulators have the authority to require WaterStone Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their review or examination.
 
Any loan that is 90 or more days past due is placed on non-accrual and classified as a non-performing asset. A loan is classified as impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.  Non-performing assets are then evaluated and accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
90
 

 

 
The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.
 
   
At or for the Three
Months Ended

March 31,
   
At or for the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                                           
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 31,043     $ 32,430     $ 32,430     $ 29,175     $ 28,494     $ 25,167     $ 12,839  
Provision for loan losses
    1,760       3,675       8,300       22,077       25,832       26,687       37,629  
Charge-offs:
                                                       
Mortgage loans
                                                       
One- to four-family
    3,642       2,446       6,472       11,553       16,906       13,602       8,397  
Multi-family
    137       447       1,108       3,996       3,439       3,304       10,056  
Home equity
    78       150       485       634       619       861       394  
Construction and land
          35       1,668       1,745       2,319       3,957       5,088  
Commercial real estate
    7       120       1,182       734       575       910       1,838  
Consumer
                4       10       13       9       4  
Commercial
                59       619       1,470       1,000        
Total charge-offs
    3,864       3,198       10,978       19,291       25,341       23,643       25,777  
                                                         
Recoveries:
                                                       
Mortgage loans
                                                       
One- to four-family
    153       116       667       311       127       181       313  
Multi-family
    201       4       56       40       55       23       31  
Home equity
    2       7       25       7       3       1       1  
Construction and land
                250       69       2       77       125  
Commercial real estate
                      6       1              
Consumer
    2                   1       1       1       6  
Commercial
    1       13       293       35       1              
Total recoveries
    359       140       1,291       469       190       283       476  
                                                         
Net charge-offs
    3,505       3,058       9,687       18,822       25,151       23,360       25,301  
Allowance at end of period
  $ 29,298     $ 33,047     $ 31,043     $ 32,430     $ 29,175     $ 28,494     $ 25,167  
                                                         
Ratios:
                                                       
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans at end of period
    44.42 %     35.98 %     41.58 %     41.46 %     34.66 %     37.83 %     23.36 %
Allowance for loan losses to net loans outstanding at end of period
    2.60 %     2.75 %     2.74 %     2.67 %     2.23 %     2.01 %     1.61 %
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (annualized)
    1.14 %     0.96 %     0.76 %     1.43 %     1.75 %     1.54 %     1.67 %
Current period provision for loan losses to net charge-offs
    50.22 %     120.15 %     85.68 %     117.29 %     102.71 %     114.24 %     148.73 %
Net charge-offs to beginning of the period allowance (annualized)
    45.79 %     35.25 %     29.87 %     64.51 %     88.27 %     92.82 %     197.06 %

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Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses.   The following table sets forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category, the total loan balances by category, and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated.  The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.
 
                        At December 31,  
   
At March 31, 2013
    2012       2011  
     
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
    % of
Loans in
Category
to Total
Loans
    % of
Allowance
in Category
to Total
Allowance
    Allowance
for Loan
Losses
    % of Loans
in Category
to Total
Loans
    % of
Allowance
in Category
to Total
Allowance
    Allowance
for Loan
Losses
    % of Loans
in Category
to Total
Loans
    % of
Allowance
in Category
to Total
Allowance
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  
                                                       
Real Estate:
                                                     
Residential
                                                     
One- to four-family
  $ 16,385       39.58 %     55.93 %   $ 17,819       40.65 %     57.40 %   $ 17,475       39.71 %     53.89 %
Multi-family
    7,469       45.74       25.49       7,734       45.37       24.90       8,252       43.95       25.44  
Home equity
    1,947       3.20       6.65       2,097       3.22       6.76       1,998       4.78       6.16  
Construction and land
    1,355       2.96       4.62       1,323       2.98       4.26       2,922       3.60       9.01  
Commercial real estate
    1,391       6.82       4.75       1,259       5.78       4.06       941       5.21       2.90  
Commercial
    721       1.69       2.46       781       1.99       2.52       814       2.74       2.51  
Consumer
    30       0.01       0.10       30       0.01       0.10       28       0.01       0.09  
Total allowance for loan losses
  $ 29,298       100.00 %     100.00 %   $ 31,043       100.00 %     100.00 %   $ 32,430       100.00 %     100.00 %

   
At December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
   
% of
Loans in
Category
to Total
Loans
   
% of
Allowance
in Category
to Total
Allowance
   
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
   
% of Loans
in Category
to Total
Loans
   
% of
Allowance
in Category
to Total
Allowance
   
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
   
% of Loans
in Category
to Total
Loans
   
% of
Allowance
in Category
to Total
Allowance
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
       
Real Estate:
                                                     
Residential
                                                     
One- to four-family
  $ 16,150       43.34 %     55.36 %   $ 17,875       46.31 %     62.73 %   $ 14,218       48.70 %     56.49 %
Multi-family
    6,877       40.26       23.57       5,208       36.47       18.28       6,844       31.59       27.20  
Home equity
    1,196       5.34       4.10       1,642       5.84       5.76       1,027       5.52       4.08  
Construction and land
    3,252       4.21       11.14       2,635       4.74       9.25       2,137       8.12       8.49  
Commercial real estate
    671       3.84       2.30       720       3.33       2.53       445       3.40       1.77  
Commercial
    1,001       3.00       3.43       371       3.27       1.30       457       2.65       1.82  
Consumer
    28       0.01       0.10       43       0.04       0.15       39       0.02       0.15  
Total allowance for loan losses
  $ 29,175       100.00 %     100.00 %   $ 28,494       100.00 %     100.00 %   $ 25,167       100.00 %     100.00 %
 
92
 

 


All impaired loans meeting the criteria established by management are evaluated either individually, based primarily on the value of the collateral securing each loan and the ability of the borrowers to repay according to the terms of the loans, or based upon an analysis of the present value of the expected future cash flows under the original contract terms as compared to the modified terms in the case of certain troubled debt restructurings.  Specific loss allowances are established as required by this analysis.  At least once each quarter, management evaluates the appropriateness of the balance of the allowance for loan losses based on several factors some of which are not loan specific, but are reflective of the inherent losses in the loan portfolio.  This process includes, but is not limited to, a periodic review of loan collectability in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of loan activity, conditions that may affect the ability of the borrower to repay, underlying value of collateral and economic conditions in our immediate market area.  All loans for which a specific loss review is not required are segregated by loan type and a loss allowance is established by using loss experience data and management’s judgment concerning other matters it considers significant including trends in non-performing loan balances, impaired loan balances, classified asset balances and the current economic environment.  The allowance is allocated to each category of loans based on the results of the above analysis.
 
The above analysis is both quantitative and subjective, as it requires us to make estimates that are susceptible to revisions as more information becomes available.  Although we believe that we have established the allowance at levels appropriate to absorb probable and estimable losses, additions may be necessary if future economic conditions differ substantially from the current environment.
 
At March 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses was $29.3 million, compared to $31.0 million at December 31, 2012 and $32.4 million at December 31, 2011.  As of March 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses to total loans receivable was 2.60% and equal to 44.42% of non-performing loans, compared to 2.74%, and 41.58%, respectively at December 31, 2012 and 2.67% and 41.46%, respectively, at December 31, 2011.  The decrease in the allowance for loan losses during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects a stabilization in both the quality of the loan portfolio as well as the overall local real estate market.  During each period we experienced a stabilization or improvement in a number of key loan-related loan quality metrics, including impaired loans, substandard loans, loans contractually past due and non-accrual loans.  In addition, the decrease in the allowance for loan losses reflects a decrease in the overall balance of loans outstanding.

Net charge-offs totaled $3.5 million, or an annualized 1.14% of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $3.1 million, or an annualized 0.97% of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The increase in net charge-offs was result of an increase in charge-offs related to loans secured by one- to four-family residential loans.  Net charge-offs related to loans secured by one- to four-family residential loans increased $1.2 million, or 48.9%, to $3.6 million for three months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The increase in net charge-offs reflects $1.4 million in charge-offs related to one borrower with six loans.  The $1.4 million had been included in specific reserves in prior periods.

The $1.8 million loan loss provision for the three months ended March 31, 2013 reflects our determination that the allowance for loan losses should total $29.3 million following the net charge-offs recorded during the period and a review of our loan portfolio and general economic conditions.

Net charge-offs totaled $9.7 million, or 0.76% of average loans for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $18.8 million, or 1.43% of average loans for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in net charge-offs was primarily the result of a decrease in charge-offs related to loans secured by one- to four-family and multi-family residential loans.  Net charge-offs related to loans secured by one- to four-family residential loans decreased $5.4 million, or 48.4%, to $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Net charge-offs related to loans secured by multi-family residential loans decreased $2.9 million, or 73.4%, to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in net charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects a stabilization in both the quality of the loan portfolio as well as the overall local real estate market.
 
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The $8.3 million loan loss provision for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects our determination that the allowance for loan losses should total $31.0 million following the net charge-offs recorded during the period and a review of our loan portfolio and general economic conditions.

Our underwriting policies and procedures emphasize that credit decisions must rely on both the credit quality of the borrower and the estimated value of the underlying collateral.  Credit quality is assured only when the estimated value of the collateral is objectively determined and is not subject to significant fluctuation.  The quantified deterioration of the credit quality of our loan portfolio as described above is the direct result of borrowers who were not financially strong enough to make regular interest and principal payments or maintain their properties when the economic environment no longer allowed them the option of converting estimated real estate value increases into short-term cash flow.

Mortgage Banking Activity
 
In addition to the lending activities previously discussed, we also originate residential mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market through WaterStone Mortgage Corporation.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we originated $430.1 million, $1.75 billion and $1.03 billion, respectively, in mortgage loans held for sale.  Proceeds from sales to third parties during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $479.5 million, $1.79 billion and $1.07 billion, respectively.  This activity generated approximately $22.0 million, $87.4 million and $39.8 million in mortgage banking income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Driven by an increase in both loan origination volume and sales margin, net income related to this segment totaled $2.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, and increased by $9.9 million to $11.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $1.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  We sell loans on both a servicing-released and a servicing retained basis.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation has contracted with a third party to service the loans for which we retain servicing.

Despite higher market interest rates during 2012, overall loan origination volumes increased significantly compared to 2011, which reflects the continued strong demand for fixed-rate loans due in large part to historically low interest rates on these products.  Loans originated for sale in the secondary market totaled $1.75 billion during the year ended December 31, 2012, which represents a $722.1 million, or 70.3%, increase in originations from the year ended December 31, 2011, which totaled $1.03 million.  Loans originated for sale in the secondary market totaled $430.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Our overall margin can be affected by the mix of both loan type (conventional loans versus governmental) and loan purpose (purchase versus refinance).  Conventional loans include loans that conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, whereas governmental loans are those loans guaranteed by the federal government, such as a Federal Housing Authority or U.S. Department of Agriculture loan.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the growth in loan origination volume resulted in a shift towards lower yielding conventional loans and loans made for refinancing existing loans, however, margins increased for all loan types and loan purpose, compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.  Loans originated for the purchase of a residential property, which generally yield a higher margin than loans originated for refinancing existing loans, comprised 47.3% of total originations during the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 55.3% of total originations during the three months ended March 31, 2012, and 55.4% of total originations during the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to 65.1% during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The mix of loan type has changed slightly with conventional loans and governmental loans comprising 67.0% and 33.0% of all loan originations, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to 63.7% and 36.3% of all loan originations, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2012, and 67.3% and 32.7% of all loan originations, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 61.6% and 38.4% of all loan originations, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
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Compensation expense associated with our mortgage banking activities totaled $13.3 million and $7.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and increased $23.8 million, or 88.5%, to $50.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $26.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase from 2011 to 2012 resulted from both an increase in commissions earned on the higher margin sales noted above, as well as an increase in administrative compensation expenses that resulted from an increase in origination volumes.  Occupancy expense totaled $1.1 million and $931,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and increased $630,000, or 19.5%, to $3.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $3.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase from 2011 to 2012 resulted from an expansion of the branch network that occurred primarily throughout the year ended December 31, 2011.  The year ended December 31, 2012 reflects a full year of expense related to those locations.  Other noninterest expense totaled $3.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, and $3.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, and increased $6.6 million, or 84.1%, to $14.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $7.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.  The increase from 2011 to 2012 resulted from the significant increase in origination volumes during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Investment Activities
 
Wauwatosa Investments, Inc. is WaterStone Bank’s investment subsidiary headquartered in Nevada.   Wauwatosa Investments manages WaterStone Bank’s investment portfolio.  Our Treasurer and Treasury Officer are responsible for implementing our investment policy and monitoring the investment activities of Wauwatosa Investments.  The investment policy is reviewed annually by management and changes to the policy are recommended to and subject to the approval of our board of directors.  Authority to make investments under the approved investment policy guidelines is delegated by the board to designated employees.  While general investment strategies are developed and authorized by management, the execution of specific actions rests with the Treasurer and Treasury Officer who may act jointly or severally.  In addition, the President of Wauwatosa Investments has execution authority for securities transactions.  The Treasurer and Treasury Officer are responsible for ensuring that the guidelines and requirements included in the investment policy are followed and that all securities are considered prudent for investment.  The Treasurer, the Treasury Officer and the President of Wauwatosa Investments are authorized to execute investment transactions (purchases and sales) without the prior approval of the board and within the scope of the established investment policy.
 
Our investment policy requires that all securities transactions be conducted in a safe and sound manner.  Investment decisions are based upon a thorough analysis of each security instrument to determine its quality, inherent risks, fit within our overall asset/liability management objectives, effect on our risk-based capital measurement and prospects for yield and/or appreciation.
 
Consistent with our overall business and asset/liability management strategy, which focuses on sustaining adequate levels of core earnings, our investment portfolio is comprised primarily of securities that are classified as available for sale.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, municipal securities with a total book value of $930,000 were sold at a loss of $9,000.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, collateralized mortgage obligations with a total book value of $18.0 million were sold at a gain of $282,000 and municipal securities with a total book value of $11.6 million were sold at a gain of $240,000.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, collateralized mortgage obligations with a total book value of $3.2 million were sold at a gain of $53,000.  During the year ended December 31, 2010, municipal securities with a total book value of $14.0 million were sold at a gain of $11,000.  During the same period, collateralized mortgage obligations with a total book value of $6.7 million were sold at a gain of $44,000.
 
Available for Sale Portfolio
 
Government Sponsored Enterprise Bonds.   At March 31, 2013, our government sponsored enterprise bond portfolio totaled $10.0 million, all of which were issued by Fannie Mae and were classified as available for sale.  The weighted average yield on these securities was 0.78% and the weighted average remaining life was 3.9 years at March 31, 2013.  While these securities generally provide lower yields than other investments in our securities investment portfolio, we maintain these investments, to the extent appropriate, for liquidity purposes and prepayment protection.  The estimated fair value of our government sponsored enterprise bond portfolio at March 31, 2013 was $21,000 more than the amortized cost of $10.0 million.  A total of $6.1 million of government enterprise bonds are pledged as collateral for borrowings at March 31, 2013.
 
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Mortgage-backed Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.   We purchase mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by investment banks.  We invest in mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations to achieve positive interest rate spreads with minimal administrative expense, and to lower our credit risk.
 
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are created by the pooling of mortgages and the issuance of a security with an interest rate which is less than the interest rate on the underlying mortgages.  These securities typically represent a participation interest in a pool of single-family or multi-family mortgages, although we focus our investments on mortgage related securities backed by one- to four-family mortgages.  The issuers of such securities pool and resell the participation interests in the form of securities to investors such as WaterStone Bank, and in the case of government agency sponsored issues, guarantee the payment of principal and interest to investors.  Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations generally yield less than the loans that underlie such securities because of the cost of payment guarantees, if any, and credit enhancements.  These fixed-rate securities are usually more liquid than individual mortgage loans.
 
At March 31, 2013, mortgage-backed securities totaled $114.1 million.  The mortgage-backed securities portfolio had a weighted average yield of 1.99% and a weighted average remaining life of 3.6 years at March 31, 2013.  The estimated fair value of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio at March 31, 2013 was $2.3 million more than the amortized cost of $111.8 million.  Mortgage-backed securities valued at $68.5 million are pledged as collateral for borrowings at March 31, 2013. Investments in mortgage-backed securities involve a risk that actual prepayments may differ from estimated prepayments over the life of the security, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such instruments, thereby changing the net yield on such securities.  There is also reinvestment risk associated with the cash flows from such securities or if such securities are redeemed by the issuer.  In addition, the market value of such securities may be adversely affected in a rising interest rate environment, particularly since all of our mortgage-backed securities have a fixed rate of interest.  The relatively short weighted average remaining life of our mortgage-backed security portfolio mitigates our potential risk of loss in a rising interest rate environment.
 
At March 31, 2013, collateralized mortgage obligations totaled $26.1 million.  At March 31, 2013, the collateralized mortgage obligations portfolio consisted entirely of securities backed by government sponsored enterprises or U.S. Government agencies.
 
The collateralized mortgage obligations portfolio had a weighted average yield of 2.36% and a weighted average remaining life of 2.2 years at March 31, 2013.  The estimated fair value of our collateralized mortgage obligations portfolio at March 31, 2013 was $410,000 more than the amortized cost of $25.7 million.  Collateralized mortgage obligations valued at $26.1 million are pledged as collateral for borrowings at March 31, 2013. Investments in collateralized mortgage obligations involve a risk that actual prepayments may differ from estimated prepayments over the life of the security, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such instruments, thereby changing the net yield on such securities.  There is also reinvestment risk associated with the cash flows from such securities or if such securities are redeemed by the issuer.  In addition, the market value of such securities may be adversely affected in a rising interest rate environment, particularly since all of our collateralized mortgage obligations have a fixed rate of interest.  The relatively short weighted average remaining life of our collateralized mortgage obligation portfolio mitigates our potential risk of loss in a rising interest rate environment.
 
At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we held no private-label collateralized mortgage obligations.  During the year ended December 31, 2012 , we held two private-label collateralized mortgage obligation securities that were other-than-temporarily impaired.  Estimates of discounted cash flows based on expected yield at time of original purchase, prepayment assumptions based on actual and anticipated prepayment speed, actual and anticipated default rates and estimated level of severity given the loan to value ratios, credit scores, geographic locations, vintage and levels of subordination related to the security and its underlying collateral resulted in a projected credit loss on the collateralized mortgage obligations.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, our analysis resulted in an additional $113,000 in credit losses that were charged to earnings with respect to one of these two collateralized mortgage obligations.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the two aforementioned private-label collateralized mortgage obligations were sold at a combined gain of $282,000.  At the time of sale, these securities had a combined amortized cost of $18.0 million.  Life-to-date other than temporary impairment losses recognized totaled $2.2 million.
 
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Municipal Obligations.   These securities consist of obligations issued by school districts, counties and municipalities or their agencies and include general obligation bonds, industrial development revenue bonds and other revenue bonds.  Our Investment Policy requires that such municipal obligations be rated A+ or better by a nationally recognized rating agency at the date of purchase.  A security that is downgraded below investment grade will require additional analysis of creditworthiness and a determination will be made to hold or dispose of the investment.  At March 31, 2013, our municipal obligations portfolio totaled $58.7 million, all of which was classified as available for sale.  The weighted average yield on this portfolio was 3.97% at March 31, 2013, with a weighted average remaining life of 10.1 years.  The estimated market value of our municipal obligations bond portfolio at March 31, 2013 was $1.2 million more than the amortized cost of $57.6 million.   During the year ended December 31, 2012, we identified two municipal securities that were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.  Both securities were issued by a tax incremental district in a municipality located in Wisconsin.  Our analysis of these securities resulted in $100,000 in credit losses that were charged to earnings with respect to these two municipal securities.  As of March 31, 2013, these securities had a combined amortized cost of $215,000 and a combined estimated fair value of $237,000.
 
Other Debt Securities.   As of March 31, 2013, we held a trust preferred security with a fair value of $5.1 million and amortized cost of $5.0 million.  This security, which yields 10.0% is callable beginning in the second quarter of 2013 with final maturity in 2068.
 
Certificates of Deposit.   At March 31, 2013, we held certificates of deposit with a fair value and amortized cost of $6.4 million.  The weighted average yield on these securities was 0.94% and the weighted average remaining life was 1.7 years at March 31, 2013.  While these certificates generally provide lower yields than other investments in our securities investment portfolio, we maintain these investments, to the extent appropriate, for liquidity purposes and prepayment protection.
 
Investment Securities Portfolio.   The following table sets forth the carrying values of our available for sale securities portfolio at the dates indicated.
 
         
At December 31,
 
   
At March 31, 2013
   
2012
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
Securities available for sale:
                                         
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 111,803     $ 114,076     $ 116,813     $ 119,056     $ 33,561     $ 35,417     $ 42,607     $ 44,330  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                                               
Government sponsored enterprise issued
    25,682       26,092       29,207       29,579       32,650       33,196       38,262       39,277  
Private label issued
                            19,475       18,451       26,199       25,447  
Government sponsored enterprise bonds
    10,000       10,021       8,000       8,017       71,210       71,349       57,327       57,698  
Municipal obligations
    57,550       58,729       35,493       37,371       37,644       39,068       31,804       31,120  
Other debt securities
    5,000       5,136       5,000       5,070       5,000       5,118       5,000       5,294  
Certificates of deposit
    6,370       6,417       5,880       5,924       3,920       3,920              
Total securities available for sale
  $ 216,405     $ 220,471     $ 200,393     $ 205,017     $ 203,460     $ 206,519     $ 201,199     $ 203,166  
 
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The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities as of March 31, 2013 that exceeded 10% of our stockholders’ equity as of that date.

   
At March 31, 2013
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
           
Fannie Mae                                            
  $ 103,368     $ 105,144  
Freddie Mac                                            
    40,292       41,088  
 
Held to Maturity Portfolio
 
As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2013, we did not hold any securities that were designated as held to maturity.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the one security held by us that had been designated as held to maturity was called by the issuer.  This security had an amortized cost of $2.6 million at the time that it was called.  The amortized cost of that security at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $2.6 million and its fair value was $2.5 million.

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Portfolio Maturities and Yields.   The composition and maturities of the securities portfolio at March 31, 2013 are summarized in the following table.  Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur.  Municipal obligation yields have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.  Certain mortgage related securities have interest rates that are adjustable and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges.  These repricing schedules are not reflected in the table below.
 
   
One Year or Less
   
More than One Year
through Five Years
   
More than Five Years
through Ten Years
   
More than Ten Years
   
Total Securities
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Carrying
Value
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Carrying
Value
   
Weighted
Average

Yield
   
Carrying
Value
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Carrying
Value
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                                                             
Securities available for sale:
                                                           
Mortgage-backed securities
  $           $ 109,407       1.98 %   $ 2,045       1.34 %   $ 2,624       3.40 %   $ 114,076       1.99 %
Collateralized mortgage obligations
                                                                               
Government sponsored enterprise issued
    1,664       4.79 %     24,428       2.20                               26,092       2.36  
Government sponsored enterprise bonds
                10,021       0.78                               10,021       0.78  
Municipal obligations
    792       1.83       11,738       4.56       19,680       2.96       26,519       4.56       58,729       3.97  
Other debt securities
                                        5,136       10.00       5,136       10.00  
Certificates of deposit
    1,964       0.69       4,209       1.06       244       1.00                   6,417       0.94  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 4,420       2.43 %   $ 159,803       2.08 %   $ 21,969       2.79 %   $ 34,279       5.28 %   $ 220,471       2.66 %
 
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Sources of Funds
 
General.   Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We also rely on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and borrowings from other commercial banks in the form of repurchase agreements collateralized by investment securities.  In addition to deposits and borrowings, we derive funds from scheduled loan payments, investment maturities, loan prepayments, retained earnings and income on earning assets.  While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing market interest rates, economic conditions and competition from other financial institutions.
 
Deposits.   A majority of our depositors are persons who work or reside in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties and, to a lesser extent, other southeastern Wisconsin communities.  We offer a selection of deposit instruments, including checking, savings, money market deposit accounts, and fixed-term certificates of deposit.  Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate.  Certificates of deposit comprised 77.9% of total deposits at March 31, 2013, and had a weighted average cost of 0.79% on that date.  Our reliance on certificates of deposit has resulted in a higher cost of funds than would otherwise be the case if demand deposits, savings and money market accounts made up a larger part of our deposit base.  Development of our branch network and expansion of our commercial products and services and aggressively seeking lower cost savings, checking and money market accounts are expected to result in decreased reliance on higher cost certificates of deposit.
 
Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis.  Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market rates, liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors and growth goals.  To attract and retain deposits, we rely upon personalized customer service, long-standing relationships and competitive interest rates.  We also provide remote deposit capture, internet banking and mobile banking.
 
The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market and other prevailing interest rates and competition.  The variety of deposit accounts that we offer allows us to be competitive in obtaining funds and responding to changes in consumer demand.  Based on historical experience, management believes our deposits are relatively stable.  The ability to attract and maintain money market accounts and certificates of deposit, and the rates paid on these deposits, has been and will continue to be significantly affected by market conditions.  At March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $712.4 million, $736.9 million and $878.7 million, or 77.9%, 78.4% and 83.6%, respectively, of our deposit accounts were certificates of deposit, of which $452.4 million, $454.6 million and $787.9 million, respectively, had maturities of one year or less.  The percentage of our deposit accounts that are certificates of deposit is greater than most of our competitors.
 
Deposits decreased by $24.6 million, or 2.6%, from December 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013.  The decrease in deposits was the result of a $24.5 million decrease in time deposits and a $2.9 million decrease in money market and savings deposits, partially offset by a $2.8 million increase in demand deposits.   Total deposits decreased by $111.8 million, or 10.6%, from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012.  This net decrease was the result of a $141.8 million, or 16.1%, decrease in certificates of deposit, which was partially offset by a $15.7 million, or 22.9%, increase in demand deposits and a $14.4 million, or 13.8%, increase in money market and savings accounts.  Deposits obtained from brokers totaled $100,000, $100,000 and $399,000 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Brokered deposits have historically been utilized when the relative cost compares favorably to the cost of retail deposits we generate directly.  Brokered deposits have also been historically utilized in order to obtain significant additional deposit funding   over a period of weeks rather than months.
 
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The following tables set forth the distribution of total deposit accounts, by account type, at the dates indicated.
 
    At March 31, 2013     At December 31, 2012  
    Balance     Percent     Weighted
Average
Rate
    Balance     Percent     Weighted
Average
Rate
 
      (Dollars in Thousands)  
                                     
Deposit type:
                                   
Demand deposits                                   
  $ 41,979       4.59 %       0.00%     $ 39,767       4.23 %       0.00%  
NOW accounts                                   
    44,969       4.92       0.03%       44,373       4.72       0.03%  
Regular savings                                   
    58,315       6.37       0.10%       54,837       5.84       0.10%  
Money market and savings deposits
    57,263       6.26       0.16%       63,616       6.77       0.15%  
Total transaction accounts
    202,526       22.14       0.08%       202,593       21.56       0.08%  
Certificates of deposit
    712,393       77.86       0.79%       736,920       78.44       0.83%  
Total deposits                                   
  $ 914,919       100.00 %       0.63%     $ 939,513       100.00 %       0.67%  

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Balance
   
Percent
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
   
Balance
   
Percent
    Weighted
Average

Rate
 
 
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                                     
Deposit type:
                                   
Demand deposits                                   
  $ 28,812       2.74 %       0.00 %     $ 30,030       2.62 %       0.00 %  
NOW accounts                                   
    39,645       3.77       0.08 %       37,705       3.29       0.08 %  
Regular savings                                   
    45,511       4.33       0.20 %       44,540       3.89       0.22 %  
Money market and savings deposits
    58,591       5.57       0.41 %       58,863       5.14       0.48 %  
Total transaction accounts
    172,559       16.41       0.21 %       171,138       14.94       0.24 %  
Certificates of deposit
    878,733       83.59       1.53 %       974,391       85.06       1.74 %  
Total deposits                                   
  $ 1,051,292       100.00 %       1.31 %     $ 1,145,529       100.00 %       1.51 %  

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Balance
   
Percent
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
   
Balance
   
Percent
    Weighted
Average

Rate
 
 
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                                     
Deposit type:
                                   
Demand deposits                                   
  $ 24,255       2.08 %       0.00 %     $ 20,664       1.73 %       0.00 %  
NOW accounts                                   
    37,165       3.19       0.08 %       32,770       2.74         0.13 %  
Regular savings                                   
    45,219       3.88       0.48 %       27,029       2.26       0.47 %  
Money market and savings deposits
    46,809       4.02       0.46 %       73,901       6.18       0.22 %  
Total transaction accounts
    153,448       13.17       0.18 %       154,364       12.91       0.21 %  
Certificates of deposit
    1,011,442       86.83       2.52 %       1,041,533       87.09       3.85 %  
Total deposits                                   
  $ 1,164,890       100.00 %       2.21 %     $ 1,195,897       100.00 %       3.38 %  
 
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At March 31, 2013, the aggregate balance of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more was approximately $186.1 million.  The following table sets forth the maturity of those certificates at March 31, 2013.
 
Due in:
  At March 31, 2013  
    (In Thousands)  
       
Three months or less
  $ 47,384  
Over three months through six months
    36,891  
Over six months through 12 months
    33,098  
Over 12 months
    68,685  
Total
  $ 186,058  

The following table sets forth all of our certificates of deposit classified by interest rate as of the dates indicated.
                         
    At March 31,    
At December 31,
 
    2013     2012    
2011
    2010  
    (In thousands)  
                         
Interest Rate:
                       
Less than 1%                                 
  $ 557,422     $ 562,186     $ 177,225     $ 56,294  
1.00% to 1.99%                                 
    143,614       162,541       588,989       771,822  
2.00% to 2.99%                                 
    10,174       10,681       92,330       111,511  
3.00% to 3.99%                                 
    1,183       1,512       4,929       8,840  
4.00% to 4.99%                                 
                14,757       25,060  
5.00% to 5.99%                                 
                503       864  
Total                               
  $ 712,393     $ 736,920     $ 878,733     $ 974,391  

The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of all our certificates of deposit by interest rate at March 31, 2013.
 
   
At March 31, 2013
 
   
Period to Maturity
 
   
One Year or
Less
   
Over One
Year to Two
Years
   
Over Two
Years to
Three Years
   
Over Three
Years
   
Total
   
Percentage
of Total
Certificate
Accounts
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
       
Interest Rate:
                                   
Less than 1%
  $ 377,412     $ 177,670     $ 2,340     $     $ 557,422       78.2 %
1.00% to 1.99%
    72,463       33,192       4,574       33,385       143,614       20.2  
2.00% to 2.99%
    1,293       3,224       5,657             10,174       1.4  
3.00% to 3.99%
    1,183                         1,183       0.2  
Total
  $ 452,351     $ 214,086     $ 12,571     $ 33,385     $ 712,393       100.0 %

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Borrowings.   Our borrowings at March 31, 2013 consist of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, repurchase agreements collateralized by investment securities and $45.3 million outstanding on two bank lines of credit totaling $90.0 million used to finance loans held for sale.  The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on borrowings at the dates and for the periods indicated.

   
At or For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
   
At or For the Year
Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                               
Balance outstanding at end of period
  $ 479,314     $ 459,193     $ 479,888     $ 461,138     $ 456,959  
Weighted average interest rate at the end of period
    3.83 %     3.89 %     3.82 %     3.93 %     3.94 %
Maximum amount of borrowings outstanding at any month end during the period
  $ 490,124     $ 461,610     $ 491,053     $ 465,290     $ 506,902  
Average balance outstanding during the period
    485,259       457,658       475,114       446,401       481,808  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    3.82 %     3.95 %     3.87 %     3.93 %     4.03 %

Legal Proceedings

We and our subsidiaries are not involved in any legal proceedings where the outcome, if adverse to us, would have a material and adverse affect on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
Subsidiary Activities
 
Waterstone-Federal currently has one wholly-owned subsidiary, WaterStone Bank, which in turn has three wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Wauwatosa Investments, Inc., which holds and manages our investment portfolio, is located and incorporated in Nevada.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation is a mortgage banking business incorporated in Wisconsin. Main Street Real Estate Holdings, LLC is an inactive Wisconsin limited liability corporation and previously owned WaterStone Bank office facilities and held WaterStone Bank office facility leases.

Wauwatosa Investments, Inc.   Established in 1998, Wauwatosa Investments, Inc. operates in Nevada as WaterStone Bank’s investment subsidiary.  This wholly-owned subsidiary owns and manages the majority of the consolidated investment portfolio.  It has its own board of directors currently comprised of its President, the WaterStone Bank Chief Financial Officer, Treasury Officer and the Chairman of Waterstone-Federal’s board of directors.

Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.   Acquired in February 2006, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation is a mortgage banking business with offices in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Florida, Ohio, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado and Maryland.  Waterstone Mortgage Corporation was the largest mortgage broker in the Milwaukee area based on 2012 dollar volume of retail first and second mortgages originated.  It has its own board of directors currently comprised of its President, its Chief Financial Officer, the WaterStone Bank Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

Main Street Real Estate Holdings, LLC.   Established in 2002, Main Street Real Estate Holdings, LLC was established to acquire and hold WaterStone Bank office and retail facilities, both owned and leased.  Main Street Real Estate Holdings, LLC is currently inactive, but we have filed an application with the WDFI to permit Main Street Real Estate Holdings, LLC to conduct real estate broker activities limited to real estate owned, bank-owned branch office facilities and real estate securing loans.
 
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Personnel
 
As of March 31, 2013, we had approximately 750 full-time equivalent employees.  Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group.  Management believes that we have good working relations with our employees.
 
Expense and Tax Allocation Agreements
 
WaterStone Bank will enter into an agreement with New Waterstone to provide it with certain administrative support services, whereby WaterStone Bank will be compensated at not less than the fair market value of the services provided.  In addition, WaterStone Bank and New Waterstone will enter into an agreement to establish a method for allocating and for reimbursing the payment of their consolidated tax liability.
 
Properties

WaterStone Bank.   WaterStone Bank operates from its corporate center, eight full-service banking offices, a drive-through office and nine automated teller machines, located in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin.   The net book value of our premises, land, and equipment was $26.8 million at March 31, 2013.  We own our corporate center and all of our full-service banking offices.

Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.   As of March 31, 2013, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation had 19 offices in Wisconsin, 15 offices in Minnesota, 12 offices in each of Florida and Pennsylvania, six offices in Indiana, five offices in Arizona, four offices in Ohio, two offices in each of Idaho, Illinois and Iowa, and one office in each of Colorado and Maryland.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
 
General
 
WaterStone Bank is a stock savings bank organized under the laws of the State of Wisconsin. The lending, investment, and other business operations of WaterStone Bank are governed by Wisconsin law and regulations, as well as applicable federal law and regulations, and WaterStone Bank is prohibited from engaging in any operations not authorized by such laws and regulations. WaterStone Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the WDFI and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s deposit insurance fund and depositors, and not for the protection of security holders.  WaterStone Bank also is regulated to a lesser extent by the Federal Reserve Board, governing reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters.  WaterStone Bank also is a member of and owns stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, which is one of the twelve regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

Under this system of regulation, the regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory, enforcement, rulemaking and examination activities and policies, including rules or policies that: establish minimum capital levels; restrict the timing and amount of dividend payments; govern the classification of assets; determine the adequacy of loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes; and establish the timing and amounts of assessments and fees.  Moreover, as part of their examination authority, the banking regulators assign numerical ratings to banks and savings institutions relating to capital, asset quality, management, liquidity, earnings and other factors.  These ratings are inherently subjective and the receipt of a less than satisfactory rating in one or more categories may result in enforcement action by the banking regulators against a financial institution.  A less than satisfactory rating may also prevent a financial institution, such as WaterStone Bank or its holding company, from obtaining necessary regulatory approvals to access the capital markets, pay dividends, acquire other financial institutions or establish new branches.
 
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In addition, we must comply with significant anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws and regulations, Community Reinvestment Act laws and regulations, and fair lending laws and regulations.  Government agencies have the authority to impose monetary penalties and other sanctions on institutions that fail to comply with these laws and regulations, which could significantly affect our business activities, including our ability to acquire other financial institutions or expand our branch network.

As a savings and loan holding company following the conversion, New Waterstone will be required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.  It will be required to file certain reports with the Federal Reserve Board and will be subject to examination by and the enforcement authority of the Federal Reserve Board.  New Waterstone will also be subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.

Any change in applicable laws or regulations, whether by the WDFI, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the operations and financial performance of New Waterstone, WaterStone Bank and WaterStone Mortgage Corporation.

Set forth below is a brief description of material regulatory requirements that are or will be applicable to WaterStone Bank, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation and New Waterstone.  The description is limited to certain material aspects of the statutes and regulations addressed, and is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on WaterStone Bank, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation and New Waterstone.

Intrastate and Interstate Merger and Branching Activities

Wisconsin Law and Regulation . Any Wisconsin savings bank meeting certain requirements may, upon approval of the WDFI, establish one or more branch offices in the state of Wisconsin or the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio. In addition, upon WDFI approval, a Wisconsin savings bank may establish a branch office in any other state as the result of a merger or consolidation.

Federal Law and Regulation . The Interstate Banking Act permits the federal banking agencies to, under certain circumstances, approve acquisition transactions between banks located in different states, regardless of whether an acquisition would be prohibited under state law. The Interstate Banking Act, as amended, authorizes de novo branching into another state at locations at which banks chartered by the host state could establish a branch. Additionally, the IBA authorizes branching by merger, subject to certain state law limitations.

Loans and Investments

Wisconsin Law and Regulations . Under Wisconsin law and regulation, WaterStone Bank is authorized to make, invest in, sell, purchase, participate or otherwise deal in mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans without geographic restriction, including loans made on the security of residential and commercial property. Wisconsin savings banks also may lend funds on a secured or unsecured basis for business, commercial or agricultural purposes, provided the total of all such loans does not exceed 20% of WaterStone Bank’s total assets, unless the WDFI authorizes a greater amount. Loans are subject to certain other limitations, including percentage restrictions based on WaterStone Bank’s total assets.

Wisconsin savings banks may invest funds in certain types of debt and equity securities, including obligations of federal, state and local governments and agencies. Subject to prior approval of the WDFI, compliance with capital requirements and certain other restrictions, Wisconsin savings banks may invest in residential housing development projects. Wisconsin savings banks may also invest in service corporations or subsidiaries with the prior approval of the WDFI, subject to certain restrictions.  Similarly, the line of credit that WaterStone Bank provides to Waterstone Mortgage Company is subject to the approval of the WDFI.
 
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Wisconsin savings banks may make loans and extensions of credit, both direct and indirect, to one borrower in amounts up to 15% of the savings bank’s capital plus an additional 10% for loans fully secured by readily marketable collateral. In addition, and notwithstanding the 15% of capital and additional 10% of capital limitations set forth above, Wisconsin savings banks may make loans to one borrower, or a related group of borrowers, for any purpose in an amount not to exceed $500,000, or to develop domestic residential housing units in an amount not to exceed the lesser of $30 million or 30% of the savings bank’s capital, subject to certain conditions. At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank did not have any loans which exceeded the “loans-to-one borrower” limitations.

In addition, under Wisconsin law, WaterStone Bank must qualify for and maintain a level of qualified thrift investments equal to 60% of its assets as prescribed in Section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. A Wisconsin savings bank that fails to meet this qualified thrift lender test becomes subject to certain operating restrictions otherwise applicable only to commercial banks. At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank maintained 98.8% of its assets in qualified thrift investments and therefore met the qualified thrift lender requirement.

Federal Law and Regulation . Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations also govern the equity investments of WaterStone Bank and, notwithstanding Wisconsin law and regulations, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations prohibit WaterStone Bank from making certain equity investments and generally limit WaterStone Bank’s equity investments to those that are permissible for national banks and their subsidiaries. Under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations, WaterStone Bank must obtain prior Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approval before directly, or indirectly through a majority-owned subsidiary, engaging “as principal” in any activity that is not permissible for a national bank unless certain exceptions apply. The activity regulations provide that state banks that meet applicable minimum capital requirements would be permitted to engage in certain activities that are not permissible for national banks, including certain real estate and securities activities conducted through subsidiaries. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will not approve an activity that it determines presents a significant risk to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance fund. The current activities of WaterStone Bank and its subsidiaries are permissible under applicable federal regulations.

Loans to, and other transactions with, affiliates of WaterStone Bank, such as New Waterstone, are restricted by the Federal Reserve Act and regulations issued by the Federal Reserve Board thereunder. See “—Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders” below.

Lending Standards

Wisconsin Law and Regulation . Wisconsin law and regulations issued by the WDFI impose on Wisconsin savings banks certain fairness in lending requirements and prohibit savings banks from discriminating against a loan applicant based upon the applicant’s physical condition, developmental disability, sex, marital status, race, color, creed, national origin, religion or ancestry.

Federal Law and Regulation . The federal banking agencies have adopted uniform regulations prescribing standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens on interests in real estate or made for the purpose of financing the construction of a building or other improvements to real estate. Under the joint regulations adopted by the federal banking agencies, all insured depository institutions, such as WaterStone Bank, must adopt and maintain written policies that establish appropriate limits and standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens or interests in real estate or are made for the purpose of financing permanent improvements to real estate. These policies must establish loan portfolio diversification standards, prudent underwriting standards (including loan-to-value limits) that are clear and measurable, loan administration procedures, and documentation, approval and reporting requirements. The real estate lending policies must reflect consideration of the Interagency Guidelines for Real Estate Lending Policies that have been adopted by the federal bank regulators.

The Interagency Guidelines, among other things, require a depository institution to establish internal loan-to-value limits for real estate loans that are not in excess of the following supervisory limits:

 
for loans secured by raw land, the supervisory loan-to-value limit is 65% of the value of the collateral;
 
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for land development loans (i.e., loans for the purpose of improving unimproved property prior to the erection of structures), the supervisory limit is 75%;

 
for loans for the construction of commercial, multi-family or other non-residential property, the supervisory limit is 80%;

 
for loans for the construction of one- to four-family properties, the supervisory limit is 85%; and

 
for loans secured by other improved property (e.g., farmland, completed commercial property and other income-producing property, including non-owner occupied, one- to four-family property), the limit is 85%.

Although no supervisory loan-to-value limit has been established for owner-occupied, one- to four-family and home equity loans, the Interagency Guidelines state that for any such loan with a loan-to-value ratio that equals or exceeds 90% at origination, an institution should require appropriate credit enhancement in the form of either mortgage insurance or readily marketable collateral.

Deposits

Under Wisconsin law, WaterStone Bank is permitted to establish deposit accounts and accept deposits. WaterStone Bank’s board of directors determines the rate and amount of interest to be paid on or credited to deposit accounts subject to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limitations.

Deposit Insurance

Wisconsin Law and Regulation . Under Wisconsin law, WaterStone Bank is required to obtain and maintain insurance on its deposits from a deposit insurance corporation. The deposits of WaterStone Bank are insured up to the applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Federal Law and Regulation . WaterStone Bank is a member of the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. WaterStone Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, generally up to a maximum of $250,000.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation imposes an assessment against all depository institutions. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned and certain adjustments specified by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations, with less risky institutions paying lower rates.  Assessment rates (inclusive of possible adjustments) currently range from 2 ½ to 45 basis points of each institution’s total assets less tangible capital.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may increase or decrease the range of assessments uniformly, except that no adjustment can deviate more than two basis points from the base assessment rate without notice and comment rulemaking.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s current system represents a change, required by the Dodd-Frank Act, from its prior practice of basing the assessment on an institution’s aggregate deposits.

On November 12, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued a rule requiring all depository institutions to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. Under the rule, this prepayment was due on December 31, 2009. The assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 was based on each institution’s total base assessment rate for the third quarter of 2009, modified to assume that the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 had been in effect for the entire third quarter, and the assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 would be equal to the modified third quarter assessment rate plus an additional three basis points. In addition, each institution’s base assessment rate for each period was calculated using its third quarter assessment base, adjusted quarterly for an estimated 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base through the end of 2012. WaterStone Bank received a waiver from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation relative to the 2010, 2011 and 2012 prepayment.
 
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The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has the authority to increase insurance assessments.  A significant increase in insurance premiums would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of WaterStone Bank.  We cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future.

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

In addition to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments, the Financing Corporation (FICO) is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO are due to mature in 2017 through 2019. For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the annualized FICO assessment was equal to 0.64 basis points of total assets less tangible capital.

Capitalization

Wisconsin Law and Regulation . Wisconsin savings banks are required to maintain a minimum capital to assets ratio of 6% and must maintain total capital necessary to ensure the continuation of insurance of deposit accounts by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. If the WDFI determines that the financial condition, history, management or earning prospects of a savings bank are not adequate, the WDFI may require a higher minimum capital level for the savings bank. If a Wisconsin savings bank’s capital ratio falls below the required level, the WDFI may direct the savings bank to adhere to a specific written plan established by the WDFI to correct the savings bank’s capital deficiency, as well as a number of other restrictions on the savings bank’s operations, including a prohibition on the declaration of dividends. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and 2011, WaterStone Bank’s capital to assets ratio, as calculated under Wisconsin law, was 11.82%, 11.15% and 9.31%, respectively.

Federal Law and Regulation . Under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations, federally insured state-chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System (“state non-member banks”), such as WaterStone Bank, are required to comply with minimum capital requirements. For an institution determined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to not be anticipating or experiencing significant growth and to be, in general, a strong banking organization, rated composite 1 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Ranking System established by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, the minimum Tier I leverage capital to total assets ratio is 3%. For all other institutions, the minimum leverage capital ratio is not less than 4%. Tier I leverage capital is the sum of common shareholders’ equity, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock (including any related surplus) and minority investments in certain subsidiaries, less intangible assets (except for certain servicing rights and credit card relationships) and certain other specified items.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations require state non-member banks to maintain certain levels of regulatory capital in relation to regulatory risk-weighted assets. The ratio of regulatory capital to regulatory risk-weighted assets is referred to as a bank’s “risk-based capital ratio.” Risk-based capital ratios are determined by allocating assets and specified off-balance sheet items (including recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes and residual interests) to four risk-weighted categories generally ranging from 0% to 200%, with higher levels of capital being required for the categories perceived as representing greater risk. For example, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s risk-weighting system, cash and securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are given a 0% risk weight, loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties generally have a 50%   risk weight, and commercial loans have a risk weighting of 100%.
 
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State non-member banks, such as WaterStone Bank, must maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8%, of which at least one-half must be Tier I capital. Total capital consists of Tier I capital plus Tier 2 or supplementary capital items, which include allowances for loan losses in an amount of up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, cumulative preferred stock and certain other capital instruments, and a portion of the net unrealized gain on equity securities. The includable amount of Tier 2 capital cannot exceed the amount of the institution’s Tier I capital.  Savings banks that engage in specified levels of trading activities are subject to adjustments in their risk based capital calculation to ensure the maintenance of sufficient capital to support market risk.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, along with the other federal banking agencies, has adopted a regulation providing that the agencies will take into account the exposure of a bank’s capital and economic value to changes in interest rate risk in assessing a bank’s capital adequacy. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation also has authority to establish individual minimum capital requirements in appropriate cases upon a determination that an institution’s capital level is, or is likely to become, inadequate in light of the particular circumstances.

In July 201 3 , the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that will revise their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.  The final rule appl ies to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more and top-tier savings and loan holding companies.  Among other things, the rule establish es a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets) , increases the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement ( from 4% to 6% of risk-weighted assets) and assign s a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property.  The final rule also require s unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt-in or opt-out is exercised .  The rule limit s a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.  The final rule become s effective for WaterStone Bank on January 1, 2015.  The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 and ending January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer requirement will be effective .

Safety and Soundness Standards

Each federal banking agency, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, has adopted guidelines establishing general standards relating to internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action

Federal bank regulatory authorities are required to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the statute establishes five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Under the regulations, a bank shall be deemed to be (i) “well capitalized” if it has total risk-based capital of 10.0% or more, has a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or more, has a Tier I leverage capital ratio of 5.0% or more and is not subject to any written capital order or directive; (ii) “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or more and a Tier I leveraged capital ratio of 4.0% or more (3.0% under certain circumstance) and does not meet the definition of “well capitalized”; (iii) “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4.0% or a Tier I leverage capital ratio that is less than 4.0% (3.0% under certain circumstances); (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3.0%; and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%. Federal law and regulations also specify circumstances under which a federal banking agency may reclassify a well capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an institution classified as less than well capitalized to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized).
 
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The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may order savings banks which have insufficient capital to take corrective actions. For example, a savings bank which is categorized as “undercapitalized” would be subject to growth limitations and would be required to submit a capital restoration plan, and a holding company that controls such a savings bank would be required to guarantee that the savings bank complies with the restoration plan. A “significantly undercapitalized” savings bank would be subject to additional restrictions. Savings banks deemed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to be “critically undercapitalized” would be subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

The recently adopted final rule that will increase regulatory capital requirements will adjust the prompt corrective action categories accordingly.

At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank was considered well-capitalized with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.79%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 17.49% and a total risk based capital ratio of 18.75%.

Regulatory Developments

On November 25, 2009, pursuant to a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order, WaterStone Bank agreed to the issuance of a Consent Order jointly issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the WDFI, WaterStone Bank’s primary banking regulators. At the same time, pursuant to a Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist, Waterstone-Federal agreed to the issuance of an Order to Cease and Desist by the Office of Thrift Supervision, Waterstone-Federal’s holding company regulator at the time. Collectively, the Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order which became effective on December 18, 2009 and the Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist which became effective on December 1, 2009, are referred to as the “Orders”.

The Order issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the WDFI required, among other things, that WaterStone Bank (i) maintain minimum Tier 1 capital of 8.5% of total average assets and minimum total risk-based capital of 12.0% of risk-weighted assets; (ii) perform a study with respect to the management of WaterStone Bank; and (iii) manage its bad loans and real estate acquired in foreclosure. The Order issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the WDFI prohibited the payment of cash dividends to Waterstone-Federal without prior regulatory consent.

The Order issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision require d , among other things, that Waterstone-Federal adopt a two year capital plan that included plans for WaterStone Bank to maintain minimum Tier 1 capital of 8.5% of total average assets and minimum total risk-based capital of 12.0% of risk-weighted assets.  The Order issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision also prohibited the payment of cash dividends or repurchases of common stock, and restricted the ability of Waterstone-Federal to incur debt, in each case without prior regulatory non-objection.

Effective December 11, 2012, the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation terminated the Order issued to WaterStone Bank.  The terminated Order was replaced with a memorandum of understanding that requires, among other things, maintenance of a minimum Tier I capital ratio of 8.0% and a minimum total risk based capital ratio of 12.0%, and also prohibits dividend payments without prior regulatory non-objection.  The memorandum of understanding also requires WDFI and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation non-objection prior to WaterStone Bank materially changing or deviating from its strategic plan, such as material changes to funding strategies or asset mix.
 
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Effective July 9, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board terminated the Order issued to Waterstone-Federal and requested that the board of directors adopt resolutions related to the operations of Waterstone-Federal.   The board resolutions adopted by Waterstone-Federal require written approval from the Federal Reserve Board prior to the declaration or payment of dividends, any increase in debt or the redemption of holding company stock.

Failure to comply with the memorandum of understanding or the board resolutions could result in additional enforcement actions by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the WDFI and the Federal Reserve Board.  We have incurred significant expense in complying with the Orders, and continued compliance with the memorandum of understanding and the board resolutions may restrict our operations or result in continued expense, either of which could have adverse effects on our operations and financial condition.

Dividends

Under Wisconsin law and applicable regulations, a Wisconsin savings bank that meets its regulatory capital requirements may declare dividends on capital stock based upon net profits, provided that its paid-in surplus equals its capital stock. If the paid-in surplus of the savings bank does not equal its capital stock, the board of directors may not declare a dividend unless at least 10% of the net profits of the preceding half year, in the case of quarterly or semi-annual dividends, or 10% of the net profits of the preceding year, in the case of annual dividends, has been transferred to paid-in surplus. In addition, prior WDFI approval is required before dividends exceeding 50% of net profits for any calendar year may be declared and before a dividend may be declared out of retained earnings. Under WDFI regulations, a Wisconsin savings bank which has converted from mutual to stock form also is prohibited from paying a dividend on its capital stock if the payment causes the regulatory capital of the savings bank to fall below the amount required for its liquidation account.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has the authority to prohibit WaterStone Bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice in light of the financial condition of WaterStone Bank. Institutions may not pay dividends if they would be “undercapitalized” following payment of the dividend within the meaning of the prompt corrective action regulations. In addition, since WaterStone Bank is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, WaterStone Bank must file a notice with the Federal Reserve Board at least 30 days before the board declares a dividend or approves a capital distribution.

A memorandum of understanding we have entered into with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the WDFI prohibits WaterStone Bank from making dividend payments without prior written regulatory approval.

Liquidity and Reserves

Wisconsin Law and Regulation . Under WDFI regulations, all Wisconsin savings banks are required to maintain a certain amount of their assets as liquid assets, consisting of cash and certain types of investments. The exact amount of assets a savings bank is required to maintain as liquid assets is set by the WDFI, but generally ranges from 4% to 15% of the saving bank’s average daily balance of net withdrawable accounts plus short-term borrowings (the “Required Liquidity Ratio”). At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank’s Required Liquidity Ratio was 8.0%, and WaterStone Bank was in compliance with this requirement. In addition, 50% of the liquid assets maintained by Wisconsin savings banks must consist of “primary liquid assets,” which are defined to include securities issued by the United States Government and United States Government agencies. At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank was in compliance with this requirement.

Federal Law and Regulation . Under federal law and regulations, WaterStone Bank is required to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure safe and sound banking practices. Regulation D, promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, imposes reserve requirements on all depository institutions, including WaterStone Bank, which maintain transaction accounts or non-personal time deposits. Checking accounts, NOW accounts, Super NOW checking accounts, and certain other types of accounts that permit payments or transfers to third parties fall within the definition of transaction accounts and are subject to Regulation D reserve requirements, as are any non-personal time deposits (including certain money market deposit accounts) at a savings institution. For 2013, a depository institution is required to maintain average daily reserves equal to 3% on the first $79.5 million of transaction accounts and an initial reserve of $1.4 million, plus 10% of that portion of total transaction accounts in excess of $79.5 million. The first $12.4 million of otherwise reservable balances (subject to adjustment by the Federal Reserve Board) are exempt from the reserve requirements. These percentages and threshold limits are subject to adjustment by the Federal Reserve Board. Savings institutions have authority to borrow from the Federal Reserve’s “discount window,” but Federal Reserve policy generally requires savings institutions to exhaust all other sources before borrowing from the Federal Reserve. As of March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank met its Regulation D reserve requirements.
 
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Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders

Wisconsin Law and Regulation . Under Wisconsin law, WaterStone Bank may not make a loan to a person owning 10% or more of its stock, an affiliated person, agent, or attorney of the savings bank, either individually or as an agent or partner of another, except as approved by the WDFI and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition, unless the prior approval of the WDFI is obtained, WaterStone Bank may not purchase, lease or acquire a site for an office building or an interest in real estate from an affiliated person, including a shareholder owning more than 10% of its capital stock, or from any firm, corporation, entity or family in which an affiliated person or 10% shareholder has a direct or indirect interest.

Federal Law and Regulation . Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act govern transactions between an insured savings bank, such as WaterStone Bank, and any of its affiliates, including New Waterstone. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted Regulation W, which comprehensively implements and interprets Sections 23A and 23B, in part by codifying prior Federal Reserve Board interpretations under Sections 23A and 23B.

An affiliate of a savings bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the savings bank. A subsidiary of a savings bank that is not also a depository institution or a “financial subsidiary” under federal law is not treated as an affiliate of the savings bank for the purposes of Sections 23A and 23B; however, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has the discretion to treat subsidiaries of a savings bank as affiliates on a case-by-case basis. Sections 23A and 23B limit the extent to which a savings bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such savings bank’s capital stock and surplus, and limit all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus. The statutory sections also require that all such transactions be on terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Further, most loans and other extensions of credit by a savings bank to any of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100% to 130% of the loan amounts, depending on the type of collateral. In addition, any covered transaction by a savings bank with an affiliate and any purchase of assets or services by a savings bank from an affiliate must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the savings bank as those that would be provided to a non-affiliate.

A savings bank’s loans to its executive officers, directors, any owner of more than 10% of its stock (each, an insider) and any of certain entities affiliated with any such person (an insider’s related interest) are subject to the conditions and limitations imposed by Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation O thereunder. Under these restrictions, the aggregate amount of the loans to any insider and the insider’s related interests may not exceed the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to national banks, which is comparable to the loans-to-one-borrower limit applicable to WaterStone Bank’s loans. All loans by a savings bank to its insiders and insiders’ related interests in the aggregate may not exceed WaterStone Bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. With certain exceptions, loans to an executive officer, other than loans for the education of the officer’s children and certain loans secured by the officer’s residence, may not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 2.5% of the savings bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, but in no event more than $100,000. Regulation O also requires that any proposed loan to an insider or a related interest of that insider be approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the savings bank, with any interested director not participating in the voting, if such loan, when aggregated with any existing loans to that insider and the insider’s related interests, would exceed either $500,000 or the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the savings bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Generally, such loans must be made on substantially the same terms as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are no less stringent than, those that are prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and must not present more than a normal risk of collectibility.
 
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An exception to this requirement is made for extensions of credit made pursuant to a benefit or compensation plan of a savings bank that is widely available to employees of the savings bank and that does not give any preference to insiders of the savings bank over other employees of the savings bank. Consistent with these requirements, WaterStone Bank offered employees special terms for home mortgage loans on their principal residences. Effective April 1, 2006, this program was discontinued for new loan originations. Under the terms of the discontinued program, the employee interest rate is based on WaterStone Bank’s cost of funds on December 31 of the immediately preceding year and is adjusted annually. At March 31, 2013, the rate of interest on an employee rate mortgage loan was 1.68%, compared to the weighted average rate of 5.03% on all of WaterStone Bank’s single-family mortgage loans.  Employee rate mortgage loans totaled $3.3 million, or 0.3% of our residential mortgage loan portfolio, on March 31, 2013.

Transactions between Bank Customers and Affiliates

Under Wisconsin and federal laws and regulations, Wisconsin savings banks, such as WaterStone Bank, are subject to the prohibitions on certain tying arrangements. A savings bank is prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service to a customer, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that such customer obtain some additional service from the institution or certain of its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.

Examinations and Assessments

WaterStone Bank is required to file periodic reports with and is subject to periodic examinations by the WDFI and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Federal regulations require annual on-site examinations for all depository institutions, except certain well-capitalized and highly rated institutions with assets of less than $500 million, which are examined every 18 months.  Federal law also requires WaterStone Bank to pay examination fees and annual assessments to fund its supervision. WaterStone Bank paid an aggregate of $88,000 in assessments for the calendar year ended December 31, 2012.

Customer Privacy

Under Wisconsin and federal law and regulations, savings banks, such as WaterStone Bank, are required to develop and maintain privacy policies relating to information on its customers, restrict access to and establish procedures to protect customer data. Applicable privacy regulations further restrict the sharing of non-public customer data with non-affiliated parties if the customer requests.

Community Reinvestment Act

Under the Community Reinvestment Act, WaterStone Bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The Community Reinvestment Act does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the Community Reinvestment Act. The Community Reinvestment Act requires the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in connection with its examination of WaterStone Bank, to assess its record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take that record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by WaterStone Bank. For example, the regulations specify that a bank’s Community Reinvestment Act performance will be considered in its expansion (e.g., branching) proposals and may be the basis for approving, denying or conditioning the approval of an application. As of the date of its most recent regulatory examination, WaterStone Bank was rated “satisfactory” with respect to its Community Reinvestment Act compliance.
 
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Federal Home Loan Bank System

The Federal Home Loan Bank System, consisting of twelve Federal Home Loan Banks, is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Finance Board. The designated duties of the Federal Housing Finance Board are to supervise the Federal Home Loan Banks; ensure that the Federal Home Loan Banks carry out their housing finance mission; ensure that the Federal Home Loan Banks remain adequately capitalized and able to raise funds in the capital markets; and ensure that the Federal Home Loan Banks operate in a safe and sound manner.

WaterStone Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago in specified amounts. WaterStone Bank is in compliance with this requirement with an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago stock of $20.2 million at March 31, 2013. Potential risks identified with respect to the Company’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago stock is addressed in “Risk Factors.”

Among other benefits, the Federal Home Loan Banks provide a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. It makes advances to members in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Federal Housing Finance Board and the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank had $350.0 million in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

USA PATRIOT Act

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

Dodd-Frank Act

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) is making extensive changes in the regulation of insured depository institutions. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Office of Thrift Supervision was eliminated as of July 21, 2011. Responsibility for the supervision and regulation of federal savings banks was transferred to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which is the agency that is currently primarily responsible for the regulation and supervision of national banks. At the same time, responsibility for the regulation and supervision of savings and loan holding companies, such as Lamplighter Financial and Waterstone Financial, was transferred to the Federal Reserve Board, which also supervises bank holding companies.

Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve Board. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has assumed responsibility for the implementation of the federal financial consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations, a function previously assigned to prudential regulators, and has authority to impose new requirements. Institutions of less than $10 billion in assets, however, such as WaterStone Bank, will continue to be examined for compliance with consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations by, and be subject to the primary enforcement authority of, their prudential regulators rather than the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

In addition to eliminating the Office of Thrift Supervision and creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, directed changes in the way that institutions are assessed for deposit insurance, mandated the imposition of consolidated capital requirements on savings and loan holding companies, required originators of securitized loans to retain a percentage of the risk for the transferred loans, provided for regulatory rate-setting for certain debit card interchange fees, repealed restrictions on the payment of interest on commercial demand deposits and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage originations. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to delayed effective dates and/or require the issuance of implementing regulations. Their impact on operations cannot yet be fully assessed. However, there is a significant possibility that the Dodd-Frank Act will, at a minimum, result in increased regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for WaterStone Bank and New Waterstone.
 
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Regulation of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation

Waterstone Mortgage Corporation is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations and may be subject to various judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions on its business.  These laws, regulations and judicial and administrative decisions to which Waterstone Mortgage Corporation is subject include those pertaining to: real estate settlement procedures; fair lending; fair credit reporting; truth in lending; compliance with net worth and financial statement delivery requirements; compliance with federal and state disclosure and licensing requirements; the establishment of maximum interest rates, finance charges and other charges; secured transactions; collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims-handling procedures; other trade practices and privacy regulations providing for the use and safeguarding of non-public personal financial information of borrowers; and guidance on non-traditional mortgage loans issued by the federal financial regulatory agencies. By agreement with its private-label clients, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation is required to comply with additional requirements that its clients may be subject to through their regulators.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of WaterStone Bank, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation is also subject to supervision and regulation by the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as part of their supervision and regulation of WaterStone Bank.

Holding Company Regulation

New Waterstone will be a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board.  The Federal Reserve Board will have enforcement authority over New Waterstone and its non-savings institution subsidiaries.  Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a risk to WaterStone Bank.  In addition, any company that owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of a state savings bank is subject to regulation as a savings bank holding company by the WDFI.  New Waterstone will be subject to regulation as a savings bank holding company under Wisconsin law. However, the WDFI has not issued specific regulations governing savings bank holding companies.

As a savings and loan holding company, New Waterstone’s activities will be limited to those activities permissible by law for financial holding companies (if New Waterstone makes an election to be treated as a financial holding company and meets the other requirements to be a financial holding company) or multiple savings and loan holding companies.  A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature, incidental to financial activities or complementary to a financial activity.  Such activities include lending and other activities permitted for bank holding companies, insurance and underwriting equity securities.  Multiple savings and loan holding companies are authorized to engage in activities specified by federal regulation.

Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring more than 5% of another savings institution or savings and loan holding company without prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board, and from acquiring or retaining control of any depository institution not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.   In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the Federal Reserve Board must consider such things as the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on and the risk to the federal deposit insurance fund, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.  A savings and loan holding company may not acquire a savings institution in another state and hold the target institution as a separate subsidiary unless it is a supervisory acquisition under Section 13(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or the law of the state in which the target is located authorizes such acquisitions by out-of-state companies.
 
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Savings and loan holding companies historically have not been subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements.  However, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve Board to set for all depository institution holding companies minimum consolidated capital levels that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries.  The components of Tier 1 capital are restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions, which exclude s instruments such as trust preferred securities and cumulative preferred stock.  Instruments issued before May 19, 2010 are grandfathered for companies with consolidated assets of $15 billion or less.  The final capital rule discussed above implement s the consolidated capital requirements for savings and loan holding companies effective January 1, 2015 .

The Dodd-Frank Act extended the “source of strength” doctrine to savings and loan holding companies.  The regulatory agencies must promulgate regulations implementing the “source of strength” policy that requires holding companies to act as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies.  In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.  Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition.  The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized.  The policy statement also states that a holding company should inform the Federal Reserve Board supervisory staff prior to redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock if the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or if the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction, as of the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies may affect the ability of New Waterstone to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

Federal Securities Laws

New Waterstone common stock will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission after the conversion and stock offering.  New Waterstone will be subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of shares of common stock issued in New Waterstone’s public offering does not cover the resale of those shares.  Shares of common stock purchased by persons who are not affiliates of New Waterstone may be resold without registration.  Shares purchased by an affiliate of New Waterstone will be subject to the resale restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933.  If New Waterstone meets the current public information requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, each affiliate of New Waterstone that complies with the other conditions of Rule 144, including those that require the affiliate’s sale to be aggregated with those of other persons, would be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a number of shares not to exceed, in any three-month period, the greater of 1% of the outstanding shares of New Waterstone, or the average weekly volume of trading in the shares during the preceding four calendar weeks. In the future, New Waterstone may permit affiliates to have their shares registered for sale under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
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Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is intended to improve corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws.  We have policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations, and we review and document such policies, procedures and systems to ensure continued compliance with these regulations.
 
Change in Control Regulations

Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of a savings and loan holding company such as New Waterstone unless the Federal Reserve Board has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition.  Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the institution’s directors, or a determination by the regulator that the acquiror has the power, directly or indirectly, to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the institution.  Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a savings and loan holding company’s voting stock constitutes a rebuttable determination of control under the regulations under certain circumstances including where, as will be the case with New Waterstone, the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

In addition, federal regulations provide that no company may acquire control of a savings and loan holding company without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.  Any company that acquires such control becomes a “savings and loan holding company” subject to registration, examination and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board.

TAXATION

Federal Taxation
 
General .   Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal and WaterStone Bank are, and New Waterstone will be, subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below.  The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to Waterstone-Federal, New Waterstone or WaterStone Bank.
 
All tax years prior to 2010 are closed to federal tax examination.   During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, following receipt of notice from the Internal Revenue Service, we made a protective payment of $982,000 to cover all tax adjustments and estimated interest and penalties resulting from an audit of our federal tax returns for calendar years 2005 through 2009.  Final billing from the Internal Revenue Service for actual interest and penalties is pending.
 
Method of Accounting .   For federal income tax purposes, Waterstone-Federal currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal and state income tax returns.
 
Bad Debt Reserves .   Prior to 1996, WaterStone Bank was permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make annual additions to the reserve. These additions could, within specified formula limits, be deducted in arriving at our taxable income. As a result of tax law changes in 1996, WaterStone Bank was required to use the specific charge-off method in computing its bad debt deduction beginning with its 1996 federal tax return. Savings institutions were required to recapture any excess reserves over those established as of December 31, 1987 (base year reserve). At March 31, 2013, WaterStone Bank had no reserves subject to recapture in excess of its base year reserves.
 
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Waterstone-Federal is required to use the specific charge-off method to account for tax bad debt deductions.
 
Taxable Distributions and Recapture .   Prior to 1996, bad debt reserves created prior to 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income if WaterStone Bank failed to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests or made certain distributions.  Tax law changes in 1996 eliminated thrift-related recapture rules.  However, under current law, pre-1988 tax bad debt reserves remain subject to recapture if WaterStone Bank makes certain non-dividend distributions, repurchases any of its common stock, pays dividends in excess of earnings and profits, or fails to qualify as a “bank” for tax purposes.  At March 31, 2013, our total federal pre-base year bad debt reserve was approximately $16.7 million.

Alternative Minimum Tax .   The Internal Revenue Code imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, less any available exemption.  The alternative minimum tax is imposed to the extent it exceeds the regular income tax.  Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of alternative taxable income.  Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years.  Due to a federal net operating loss carry back generated in 2008, Waterstone-Federal became subject to alternative minimum tax for 2006 and 2007.  At March 31, 2013, Waterstone-Federal had no such amounts available as credits for carryover.

Net Operating Loss Carryovers.   A financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years.  A 2009 federal tax law change allows for a one-time carry back of either 2008 or 2009 taxable losses for up to five years.  Waterstone-Federal had a federal net operating loss carryforward of $3.0 million at December 31, 2011, which was fully utilized during the year ended At December 31, 2012.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction .   Waterstone-Federal may exclude from its federal taxable income 100% of dividends received from WaterStone Bank as a wholly-owned subsidiary by filing consolidated tax returns.  The corporate dividends-received deduction is 80% when the corporation receiving the dividend owns at least 20% of the stock of the distributing corporation.  The dividends-received deduction is 70% when the corporation receiving the dividend owns less than 20% of the distributing corporation.

State Taxation
 
Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone-Federal are subject to the Wisconsin corporate franchise (income) tax. Under current law, the State of Wisconsin imposes a corporate franchise tax of 7.9% on the combined taxable incomes of the members of our consolidated income tax group.  Prior to January 1, 2009, the income of our investment subsidiary, Wauwatosa Investments, Inc., was only subject to taxation in Nevada, which currently does not impose a corporate income or franchise tax.  In February 2009, the Wisconsin legislature passed legislation that requires combined state tax reporting effective January 1, 2009. This legislation results in the apportioned income of the Nevada subsidiary being subject to the Wisconsin corporate franchise tax of 7.9%.

Our state tax returns have not been audited for the last five years.
 
As a Maryland business corporation, New Waterstone is required to file an annual report with and pay franchise taxes to the state of Maryland.
 
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MANAGEMENT

Shared Management Structure
 
E ach executive officer of New Waterstone is also an executive officer of WaterStone Bank. We expect that New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank will continue to have common executive officers until there is a business reason to establish separate management structures.
 
Executive Officers
 
The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers.  Age information is as of December 31, 2012.  The executive officers of New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank are elected annually.   Except as noted below, e ach of our executive officers has held their positions listed below for at least the past five years.

Name
 
Age
 
Position
Douglas S. Gordon
 
55
 
President and Chief Executive Officer, New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank
Richard C. Larson
 
55
 
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank
William F. Bruss
 
43
 
Chief Operating Officer (appointed June 2013), General Counsel   and Secretary, New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank
Rebecca M. Arndt
 
45
 
Vice President, Retail Banking, WaterStone Bank
Eric J. Egenhoefer
 
37
 
President, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation

Directors
 
Directors serve three-year staggered terms so that approximately one-third of the directors are elected at each annual meeting.  Directors of WaterStone Bank will be elected by New Waterstone as its sole stockholder.
 
The following details include for each of our directors: their age as of December 31, 2012; the year in which they first became a director of WaterStone Bank; the year that their term expires; and their business experience for at least the past five years.   Ms. Bartel and Ms. Rappé are directors of WaterStone Bank; each of our other directors are directors of both New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank.   None of the directors listed below currently serves as a director, or served as a director during the past five years, of a publicly-held entity (other than Waterstone-Federal).  The following also includes the particular experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that led the board of directors to conclude that such person should serve as a director of Waterstone-Federal.  The mailing address for each person listed is 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226.  Each of the persons listed as a director is also a director of Lamplighter Financial, MHC and WaterStone Bank.
 
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Name, Age,
Director Since,
Term Expiration
 
Experience, Qualifications, Attributes, Skills
     
Douglas S. Gordon,
55, director since
2005, term expires
2015
 
Chief Executive Officer and President of Waterstone-Federal and WaterStone Bank since January 2007; President and Chief Operating Officer of WaterStone Bank from 2005 to 2007; real estate investor. Mr. Gordon brings extensive prior banking experience as an executive officer at M&I Bank and at Security Savings Bank. He has extensive firsthand knowledge and experience with our lending markets and our customers. Mr. Gordon has a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside and an M.B.A. from Marquette University.
     
Ellen S. Bartel, 58,
director since 2013,
term expires 2016
 
President of Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA) High School (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) since 1998 where she achieved significant and measurable improvements in DSHA curriculum, facilities, financial infrastructure, image, and reputation. Ms. Bartel has balanced DSHA’s budget for 15 consecutive years, oversaw endowment growth from under $1 million to nearly $10 million, and developed recruitment strategies leading to an incoming class wait list for 14 consecutive years. Prior to her employment at DSHA, Bartel held several positions at Alverno College (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) (1986 to 1997) with the most recent being Vice President of Institutional Advancement from 1994 to 1997.  Ms. Bartel’s experience overseeing a large corporate entity provides significant perspective on financial management and human resources.  Ms. Bartel has a B.A. and an M.S.A. from the University of Notre Dame.
     
Thomas E. Dalum, 72,
director since 1979,
term expires 2016
 
Former chairman and CEO of UELC, an equipment leasing company and of DUECO, an equipment manufacturer and distributor. Mr. Dalum brings a strong entrepreneurial background, an outstanding history of community involvement and public service plus more than 30 years of experience as a member of the Waterstone-Federal board of directors. Mr. Dalum has a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University.
     
Michael L. Hansen,
61, director since
2003, term expires
2014
 
Business investor; current significant ownership interest in Jacsten Holdings LLC, Eagle Metal Finishing LLC, Mid-States Contracting, Inc., and Midwest Metals LLC. In addition to extensive entrepreneurial experience, Mr. Hansen is a C.P.A. with 13 years of audit and tax experience at an international public accounting firm. Mr. Hansen brings this experience to the board of directors and to the audit committee in particular. Mr. Hansen has a B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.
     
Patrick S. Lawton, 56,
director since 2000,
term expires 2015
 
Managing Director of Fixed Income Capital Markets for Robert W. Baird & Co., Incorporated. As an R.W. Baird Managing Director, Mr. Lawton brings his investment portfolio expertise to the board of directors. Mr. Lawton has a B.S.B.A. and an M.B.A. from Marquette University.
     
Kristine A. Rapp é, 56,
director since 2013,
term expires 2016
 
Special advisor to the Wisconsin Energy Foundation (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) following a 30-year career with Wisconsin Energy Corporation. In her roles at Wisconsin Energy Corporation as Vice President of Customer Services (1994 to 2001), Vice President and Corporate Secretary (2001 to 2004) and Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (2004 to 2012), Ms. Rappé had responsibility for shared services including information technology, human resources, supply chain management, business continuity/corporate security, and the WEC Foundation. Ms. Rappé’s experience overseeing a large corporate entity provides significant perspective on financial management and human resources, and she has an outstanding history of community involvement and public service.  Ms. Rappé has a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.
 
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Stephen J. Schmidt,
51, director since
2002, term expires
2014
 
President of Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services.  Mr. Schmidt has solid entrepreneurial experience and extensive community contact throughout the communities served by WaterStone Bank.  Mr. Schmidt has an Associate ’ s Degree from the New England Institute and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.
 
Board Independence

The board of directors determines the independence of each director in accordance with Nasdaq Stock Market rules, which include all elements of independence as set forth in the listing requirements for Nasdaq securities.   The board of directors has determined that Messrs. Dalum, Hansen, Lawton and Schmidt are “independent” directors within the meaning of such standards. In evaluating the independence of our independent directors, we found no transactions between us and our independent directors that are not required to be reported in this prospectus and that had an impact on our determination as to the independence of our directors.
 
Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics
 
Waterstone-Federal has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that reflects current circumstances and Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq definitions for such codes.  The code of business conduct and ethics covers Waterstone-Federal, WaterStone Bank and other subsidiaries. Among other things, the code of business conduct and ethics includes provisions regarding honest and ethical conduct, conflicts of interest, full and fair disclosure, compliance with law, and reporting of and sanctions for violations. The code applies to all directors, officers and employees of Waterstone-Federal and subsidiaries. We have posted a copy of the code of business conduct and ethics on our corporate website, at www.wsbonline.com , on the “Resources” tab under the link “Investor Relations-Corporate Governance.” As further matters are documented, or if those documents (including the code of business conduct and ethics) are changed, waivers from the code of business conduct and ethics are granted, or new procedures are adopted, those new documents, changes and/or waivers will be posted on the corporate website at that address.
 
Transactions With Certain Related Persons
 
WaterStone Bank has had, and expects to continue to have, regular business dealings with its officers and directors, as well as their associates and the firms which they serve. Our historical policy has been that transactions with its directors and executive officers be on terms that are no more beneficial to the director or executive officer than we would provide to unaffiliated third parties. Under our policies and procedures, all of our transactions with officers and directors require review, approval or ratification by the board of directors. Directors and executive officers, and their associates, regularly deposit funds with WaterStone Bank. The deposits are made on the same terms and conditions which are offered to other depositors.

In the ordinary course of business, WaterStone Bank makes loans available to its directors, officers and employees. After six months of continuous employment, full-time employees of WaterStone Bank were entitled to receive a mortgage loan at a reduced interest rate, consistent with applicable laws and regulations. In December 2005, the board of directors discontinued the employee loan program for employee loans originated after March 31, 2006.  Employee loans at reduced interest rates originated on or before March 31, 2006 continue on their same terms.  Employees pay income tax on the difference between interest paid pursuant to their employee rate and interest that would have been paid pursuant to the non-employee rate.

The chart below lists the named executive officers who participated in the employee mortgage loan program during the year s ended December 31, 2012 , 2011 or 2010, and certain information with respect to their loans.  No directors or other executive officers of Waterstone Financial participated in the employee mortgage loan program during the year s ended December 31, 2012 , 2011 or 2010 .
 
121
 

 


Name
 
Largest Aggregate
Balance 01/01/12
to 12/31/12
   
Interest
Rate
   
Non-
employee
Interest Rate
   
Principal
Balance
12/31/12
   
Principal Paid
01/01/12 to
12/31/12
   
Interest Paid
01/01/12 to
12/31/12
 
                                     
Richard C. Larson
  $ 283,171       2.06 %     5.75 %   $ 272,457     $ 10,714     $ 5,779  
William F. Bruss
  $ 281,517       2.06 %     5.50 %   $ 271,866     $ 9,651     $ 5,754  

 
 
Name
 
Largest Aggregate
Balance 01/01/11
to 12/31/11
   
Interest
Rate
   
Non-
employee
Interest Rate
   
Principal
Balance
12/31/11
   
Principal Paid
01/01/11 to
12/31/11
   
Interest Paid
01/01/11 to
12/31/11
 
                                     
Richard C. Larson
  $ 293,458       2.16 %     5.75 %   $ 283,171     $ 10,287     $ 6,498  
William F. Bruss
  $ 290,768       2.16 %     5.50 %   $ 281,517     $ 9,251     $ 6,448  

 
 
Name
 
Largest Aggregate
Balance 01/01/10
to 12/31/10
   
Interest
Rate
   
Non-
employee
Interest Rate
   
Principal
Balance
12/31/10
   
Principal Paid
01/01/10 to
12/31/10
   
Interest Paid
01/01/10 to
12/31/10
 
                                     
Richard C. Larson
  $ 302,278       2.71 %     5.75 %   $ 293,458     $ 9,327     $ 8,521  
William F. Bruss
  $ 299,104       2.71 %     5.50 %   $ 290,768     $ 8,336     $ 8,428  

At the time of termination of employment with WaterStone Bank, the interest rate will be adjusted to the non-employee interest rate as set forth in the mortgage note.

Management believes that these loans neither involve more than the normal risk of collection nor present other unfavorable features. Federal regulations permit executive officers and directors to participate in loan programs that are available to other employees, as long as the director or executive officer is not given preferential treatment compared to other participating employees. Loans made to directors or executive officers, including any modification of such loans, must be approved by a majority of disinterested members of the board of directors. The interest rate on loans to directors and officers is the same as that offered to other employees.

Since January 1, 2010, o ther than described above, and except for loans to directors made in the ordinary course of business that were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to WaterStone Bank, and for which management believes neither involve more than the normal risk of collection nor present other unfavorable features, we and our subsidiaries have not had any transaction or series of transactions, or business relationships, nor are any such transactions or relationships proposed, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which our directors, executive officers or 5% or more shareholders have a direct or indirect material interest.
 
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Director Compensation
 
Set forth below is summary compensation for each of our non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2012.
         
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2012
Name
 
Fees earned or paid in
cash ($)(1)
 
Total ($)
Patrick S. Lawton
Chairman of the Board;
Compensation Committee Chairman
 
108,000
 
108,000
         
Michael L. Hansen
Audit Committee Chairman
 
88,000
 
88,000
         
Stephen J. Schmidt
Nominating Committee Chairman
 
80,500
 
80,500
         
Thomas E. Dalum
Director
 
80,500
 
80,500
 
   
(1)
Includes annual retainer, committee and chairman fees.
(2)
As of December 31, 2012, each of Messrs. Lawton, Hansen, Schmidt and Dalum had 50,000 vested but unexercised stock options, respectively, and no unvested stock options, respectively.

In 2012, we paid each non-officer director an annual retainer of $36,000. In addition, annual fees paid to the Chairman of the Board totaled $20,000 while annual fees paid to the Chairman of the Audit Committee totaled $10,000 and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee received $5,000. Finally, each non-chairperson member of each of the two committees previously mentioned received an annual fee of $5,000. Total non-officer director cash compensation increased by $229,000 or 179% over the prior year. Total non-officer director compensation expense as reported in the audited financial statements declined by $254,000, or 42% due to the vesting of all remaining equity incentives originally granted in 2007.  The compensation committee commissioned a third party compensation analysis in 2011 to be used as the basis of for determining both WaterStone Bank’s and Waterstone-Federal’s executive and director compensation for calendar 2012.

Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Philosophy .  The primary objectives of our executive compensation programs are to attract and retain highly-qualified executives, encourage extraordinary management effort through well-designed incentive opportunities and contribute to the short- and long-term interests of our shareholders. Executive compensation includes base salary, discretionary bonus and equity incentive awards. The programs are intended to reward the accomplishment of strategic plan goals and objectives as evaluated by members of the compensation committee.  They are further intended to reward enhanced shareholder value as measured by share price.

Base Salary .   In determining the base salary of executive officers, the committee reviewed, among other things, third party surveys of peer institutions, the historical compensation of those officers under review and performance measures of Waterstone-Federal and its subsidiaries.  The compensation committee’s executive base salary review and analyses for calendar year 2012 resulted in an 85.7% increase in base salary from 2011 for the Chief Executive Officer.  The significant increase was primarily the result of the lack of stock incentives available to replace grants awarded in 2007 that vested in prior years.  Total 2011 compensation expense as reported in the audited Waterstone-Federal consolidated financial statements included Chief Executive Officer stock incentive expense of $604,100.  The calendar 2012 average increase for the other named WaterStone Bank executive officers was 1.9%.  The compensation committee concluded that the level of base salary did not need to be further raised in order to accomplish the objectives noted above.  Base salary for the president of the mortgage banking subsidiary was increased by 23.6% in 2012 based on the subsidiary’s 2011 operating performance.  The Compensation Committee commissioned Verisight to perform a third party compensation analysis in 2011 to be used as the basis for determining both WaterStone Bank executive and director compensation for calendar 2012.
 
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Bonus .   Bonus amounts have historically been determined on a discretionary basis following a review of our performance and that of the executive in question.  As a result of the net income generated in 2012, the compensation committee awarded discretionary bonus compensation to all WaterStone Bank executives.  A $350,000 bonus was awarded to the Chief Executive Officer as compensation for significant improvement to operating performance achieved by the company in 2012.  Discretionary bonuses averaging 13.4% of base salary were awarded to other named WaterStone Bank executives in 2012 in recognition of the significant operating performance achieved by the company.  No bonuses were awarded to named WaterStone Bank executives in 2011 or 2010.   During 2010, the compensation committee established a bonus formula for the President of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation based on the level of pretax book income generated by the subsidiary as adjusted for net interest income earned on intercompany advances from WaterStone Bank .   The bonus pool established by the formula totaled $200,000, 100% of which would be earned in the event that subsidiary pre-tax income exceeded $10 million .  No bonus would be earned for adjusted pre-tax income of less than $1 million, with four income tiers between $1 million and $10 million which earned between 25% and 75% of the bonus pool.  Adjusted pre-tax income for the year immediately preceding the establishment of this bonus formula totaled $1.6 million.  The formula was revised for 2012 to provide for a bonus of 5% of subsidiary pre-tax book income in excess of $2 million, before bonus expense, as adjusted for (i) the difference between the cost of the intracompany line of credit provided by WaterStone Bank and third-party pricing, and (ii) $100,000 as the estimated value of support services provided by WaterStone Bank.  No bonus is payable if Waterstone Mortgage Corporation or WaterStone Bank becomes subject to a regulatory order caused or contributed to by the operations of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.
 
Equity Incentives .   The Compensation Committee believes that equity-based compensation can provide an important incentive to executive officers while also aligning their interests with those of shareholders, since the value of the compensation will depend upon stock price performance.  The Employee Stock Ownership Plan, initially established in 2005, and the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, approved by shareholders in May 2006, provide certain equity-based incentive compensation.  Both restricted stock awards and option awards were granted to directors and Bank executive officers in January 2007 and were reported as a component of their total compensation for 2007.  The Compensation Committee targeted long-term equity incentives at approximately one-third of total annual compensation for executive management.  With regard to the chief executive officer, the Compensation Committee targeted long-term equity incentives at more than half of total annual compensation.  The allocation between the restricted stock awards and the option awards was generally an equal split.  This is especially true for newly employed executives.  For those executives that remain with us throughout the vesting period and who are fully vested in our other benefit plans, the allocation between restricted stock awards and option awards was more heavily weighted to the restricted stock awards.  Dividends declared on our stock would be paid to the holders of both vested and unvested restricted stock awards.
 
The initial grants of restricted stock awards and option awards under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan were made to WaterStone Bank executives on January 5, 2007 and all of those awards vested on or before January 5, 2012.  A second significant grant of restricted stock and option awards was made to WaterStone Bank executives on January 4, 2012.  The Chief Executive Offer and the non-officer Directors were not eligible for awards in connection with the second grant due to regulatory limitations.  Total 2011 compensation expense reported in the audited Waterstone-Federal consolidated financial statements included equity compensation expense of $1,087,380 for the Chief Executive Officer and all non-officer directors.  There is no comparable expense reported in 2012.   Both grant dates were prior to the availability of fourth quarter operating information and were more than a month prior to our fourth quarter earnings release.  The grant price and the exercise price of the option awards granted were equal to the closing market price for our shares of common stock on the grant dates.  The equity incentive elements of total compensation very clearly tie to the compensation committee’s objectives of executive retention due to the vesting schedules and to enhanced shareholder value due to the tie to our share value.  A stock option award was granted to Mr. Egenhoefer on October 20, 2010.  The grant price and the exercise price of the option awards granted were equal to the closing market price for our shares of common stock on the grant date.
 
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In the event of a change in control, the unvested equity incentive awards held by each recipient will vest automatically.  Vested awards may be immediately cancelled and paid out in cash or stock based upon the highest fair market value per share of the stock during the 60-day period immediately preceding cancellation. A second-step conversion of our mutual holding company to stock form will not be considered a change in control.
 
The Employee Stock Ownership Plan is a tax-qualified retirement plan that benefits all eligible WaterStone Bank employees proportionately.  The Employee Stock Ownership Plan replaced WaterStone Bank’s defined benefit pension plan and is not separately considered in the review and evaluation of annual executive compensation.  Employee Stock Ownership Plan allocations are made annually as of December 31 to all eligible WaterStone Bank employees.  An employee must complete a full year of service and be employed by us on December 31 in order to receive an annual allocation each year.  In the event of plan termination, all allocated benefits become fully vested immediately.  Dividends paid with respect to shares of our stock allocated to participant accounts shall be used to repay any Employee Stock Ownership Plan loan or credited proportionately to participant accounts.
 
Our chief executive officer had an active role in working with the compensation committee to develop overall, long-term compensation programs.  All final decisions were made exclusively by the compensation committee.

Chief Executive Officer Compensation .  Base salary and bonus paid to Douglas S. Gordon for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased by 169.0% as a result of the significant improvement in Waterstone Federal’s operating performance combined with the lack of stock incentive compensation available.    That increase is exclusive of equity incentive compensation.  Total 2011 compensation expense reported in the Waterstone-Federal consolidated financial statements included Chief Executive Officer stock incentive expense of $604,100.  There was no comparable expense reported in 2012.  Mr. Gordon’s long-term commitment to us is supported by the equity incentive awards issued in 2007 that vested over the five years ended January 5, 2012.  Regulatory limitations on restricted stock and stock option grants made to the Chief Executive Officer mean that there are minimal equity incentive awards remaining in the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan that can be granted to Mr. Gordon.

Compensation Committee Report

The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed the section of this prospectus entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management.  Based on this review and discussion, the compensation committee recommended to the board of directors that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this prospectus.

This report has been provided by the compensation committee:
Patrick S. Lawton, Chairman
Thomas E. Dalum
Michael L. Hansen
Stephen J. Schmidt
 
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Compensation Tables

Summary Compensation Table.   The following table shows the compensation of Douglas S. Gordon, our principal executive officer, Richard C. Larson, our principal financial officer and three other executive officers who received total compensation of more than $100,000 during the past fiscal year.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
Name and Principal Position
 
Year
   
Salary
($)(1)
   
Bonus
($)
   
Stock
Awards
($)(2)
   
Option
Awards
($)(2)
   
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
($)
   
All Other Compensation
($)(3)
   
Total
($)
 
Douglas S. Gordon
Chief Executive Officer of Waterstone-Federal and WaterStone Bank
  2012
2011
2010
      780,000 420,000 420,000      
350,000
 
     

     

     

     
16,552
16,263
7,320
      1,146,552 436,263 427,320  
                                                                 
Richard C. Larson
Chief Financial Officer of Waterstone-Federal and WaterStone Bank
  2012
2011
2010
      240,000 236,000 233,400       30,000

      47,250

      37,500

     

      23,857
21,458
19,762
      378,607 257,458 253,162  
                                                                 
William F. Bruss
Chief Operating Officer and
General Counsel of Waterstone-Federal and WaterStone Bank
  2012
2011
2010
      207,200 204,200 196,700       30,000

      47,250

      43,750

     

      26,314
21,448
18,363
      354,544 225,648 215,063  
                                                                 
Eric J. Egenhoefer
President of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation
  2012
2011
2010
      247,115 200,000 173,462      

     

     

109,000
      879,371
80,000
120,000
     
6,600
5,600
      1,133,086 285,600 402,462  
                                                                 
Rebecca M. Arndt
Vice President, Retail Operations of WaterStone Bank
  2012
2011
2010
      152,000 148,000 145,000       20,000

      28,350

      25,000

     

      16,938
12,064
18,074
      242,288 160,064 163,074  
 

(1)
Salary includes amounts contributed by participants in the WaterStone Bank 401(k) Plan.  Mr. Gordon’s salary includes 401(k) contributions of $22,500 in 2012, $19,314 in 2011 and $22,000 in 2010.  Mr. Larson’s salary includes 401(k) contributions of $5,514 in 2012 and $4,085 in 2011.  Mr. Bruss’ salary includes 401(k) contributions of $9,873 in 2012, $5,483 in 2011 and $6,506 in 2010.  Ms. Arndt’s salary includes 401(k) contributions of $15,177 in 2012, $14,093 in 2011 and $14,509 in 2010.  Mr. Egenhoefer contributed $16,500 to the Waterstone Mortgage Corp 401(k) Plan in 2010.
(2)
Reflects the aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock and option awards granted during the years shown as calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718.  The fair value of stock awards is equal to the quoted market closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The assumptions used in the valuation of stock options, as well as additional information related to these awards, are included in Note 10 to Waterstone-Federal’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in Waterstone-Federal’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year then ended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(3)
All other 2012 compensation includes Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares valued at $4.02 per share allocated on December 31, 2012 and total $10,323 for Messrs. Gordon and Mr. Larson, $9,998 for Mr. Bruss and $7,248 for Ms. Arndt.  Mr. Egenhoefer is not eligible to participate in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  All other 2011 compensation includes Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares valued at $2.65 per share allocated on December 31, 2011 and total $7,517 for Mr. Gordon, $7,285 for Mr. Larson, $6,289 for Mr. Bruss and $4,537 for Ms. Arndt.  All other 2010 compensation includes Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares valued at $3.48 per share allocated on December 31, 2010 and total $8,467 for Mr. Gordon, $8,227 for Mr. Larson, $6,922 for Mr. Bruss and $5,105 for Ms. Arndt.  All other compensation also includes club membership dues.  Mr. Gordon’s membership dues were expense of $1,498 for 2012, expense of $1,699 for 2011 and a refund of $7,770 for 2010; Mr. Larson’s membership dues were $5,280 for 2012, $5,615 for 2011 and $4,960 for 2010; Mr. Bruss’ membership dues were $6,884 for 2012, $6,621 for 2011 and $6,411 for 2010; Ms. Arndt’s dues were $925 for 2012, and $984 for 2011 and 2010.  All other compensation includes personal use of company-owned vehicles.  The value of such use amounted to $4,731 in 2012, $7,051 in 2011 and $6,623 in 2010 for Mr. Gordon; $8,253 in 2012, $8,558 in 2011 and $6,575 in 2010 for Mr. Larson; $9,462 in 2012, $8,538 in 2011 and $5,030 in 2010 for Mr. Bruss; $8,765 in 2012, $6,543 in 2011 and $11,985 in 2010 for Ms. Arndt.   Mr. Egenhoefer was paid a car allowance of $6,600 in 2012 and $5,600 in 2011.
 
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Plan-based awards.   The following table sets forth for the year ended December 31, 2012 certain information as to grants of plan-based awards.  The equity awards set forth in the following table vest ratably over a five-year period, and stock options expire if not exercised prior to the end of the tenth year.   The non-equity award granted to Mr. Egenhoefer is described above in “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Bonus.”
                                                               
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
 
                              All other    
All other
         
Grant
 
                           
stock
   
option
   
Exercise
   
Date Fair
 
                           
awards:
   
awards:
   
or base
   
Value of
 
      Estimated Future Payouts Under    
number
   
number of
   
price of
   
Stock and
 
      Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards    
of shares
   
securities
   
option
   
Option
 
   
Grant
   
Threshold
   
Target
   
Maximum
   
or units
   
underlying
   
awards
   
Awards
 
Name
 
Date
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
      (#)    
options (#)
   
($/Sh)
   
($)
 
Richard C. Larson
 
1/4/12
                        25,000                   47,250  
   
1/4/12
                              30,000       1.89       37,500  
William E. Bruss
 
1/4/12
                        25,000                   47,250  
   
1/4/12
                              35,000       1.89       43,750  
Eric J. Egenhoefer
  (1)       (1 )     63,000 (1)     (1 )                        
Rebecca M. Arndt
 
1/4/12
                        15,000                   28,350  
   
1/4/12
                              20,000       1.89       25,000  
 

(1)
On an annual basis, Mr. Egenhoefer is entitled to earn a bonus under the criteria described under “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Bonus.”  There is no minimum, target or maximum amount. Therefore, pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, the target amount listed is based upon operating results for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Year End .  The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2012.  All grants were made under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.
                                               
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2012
 
   
Option Awards
   
Stock Awards
 
                                   
Name
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
   
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
   
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
   
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)(1)
   
Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)(2)
 
Douglas S. Gordon
    250,000             17.67    
1/5/2017
             
Richard C. Larson
    50,000             17.67    
1/5/2017
      25,000       195,000  
            30,000 (3)     1.89    
1/4/2022
                 
William F. Bruss
    50,000             17.67    
1/5/2017
      25,000       195,000  
            35,000 (3)     1.89    
1/4/2022
                 
Rebecca M. Arndt
    25,000             17.67    
1/5/2017
      15,000       117,000  
            20,000 (3)     1.89    
1/4/2022
                 
Eric J. Egenhoefer
    20,000       30,000 (3)     3.80    
10/20/2020
             
 

(1)
Consists of restricted shares awarded on January 4, 2012 under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.  The restricted shares vest in five annual increments of 20% each beginning on the first anniversary of the initial award.
(2)
Based on the $7.80 per share closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2012, the last trading day of the year.
(3)
Options vest in five annual increments of 20% each beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.
 
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Option Exercises and Stock Vested.   The following table sets forth information with respect to option exercises and stock that vested during the year ended December 31, 2012
                                 
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
 
   
Option Awards
   
Stock Awards
 
Name
 
Number of Shares Acquired
on Exercise (#)
   
Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
   
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting(#)
   
Value Realized on
Vesting ($)(1)
 
Douglas S. Gordon
                20,000       37,800  
Richard C. Larson
                3,300       6,237  
William F. Bruss
                2,700       5,103  
Rebecca M. Arndt
                2,000       3,780  
Eric J. Egenhoefer
                       
 

(1)
Based on the $1.89 per share closing price of our common stock on January 4, 2012.

Employment Agreement

Waterstone Mortgage Corporation is a party to an employment agreement with its President, Eric J. Egenhoefer.  The employment agreement, which was entered into when WaterStone Bank acquired Waterstone Mortgage Corporation in 2006, has an initial term of three years and extends for one additional year at the end of each year during the term, commencing at the end of the initial term.  Under the employment agreement, Mr. Egenhoefer is entitled to a base salary, which is currently $250,000, and is also entitled to three weeks vacation, health, hospitalization, disability, dental, life and other insurance plan coverage paid by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, reimbursement for all necessary business travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of his services, participation in company-wide employee benefits, including Waterstone Mortgage Corporation’s 401(k) Plan and other qualified and non-qualified plans that may be maintained by the company.  Mr. Egenhoefer is also entitled to participate in a Bonus Compensation Plan sponsored by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.

Under the employment agreement, Mr. Egenhoefer may terminate his employment for “good reason,” which is defined to include any material breach of the employment agreement by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, including the failure, without “good cause” (as defined in the employment agreement), to pay the amounts due under the agreement on a timely basis.  In the event the employment agreement is terminated for good reason, he is entitled to receive all compensation, benefits and reimbursements through the date of termination, as well as an additional 25% of his base salary at the rate then in effect.  In the event of his termination due to disability, Mr. Egenhoefer will be entitled to receive the lesser of (i) 33% of his base salary at the rate then in effect or (ii) his base salary for the remaining term of the employment agreement.  In the event of his death during the term of the employment agreement, the agreement will terminate with no severance compensation to his estate.  Similarly, in the event of his termination for good cause, Mr. Egenhoefer will not be entitled to any severance compensation.

In the event of his termination of employment, the employment agreement contains provisions which prevent Mr. Egenhoefer from soliciting business from customers of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation or the withdrawal of any customers business, or the hiring of any employees, consultants or personnel of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation.  In addition, he must not disclose confidential information or compete with Waterstone Mortgage Corporation for one year following termination of employment.  In consideration of these restrictive provisions, Mr. Egenhoefer was paid an additional $50,000 upon his entering into the agreement.

Other Benefit Plans

Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust . The Employee Stock Ownership Plan became effective on October 4, 2005.  Employees who are at least 21 years old and who have completed at least one year of service are eligible to participate. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan trust borrowed funds from Waterstone-Federal for the purchase of 761,515 shares, which represented 7.5% of the total Waterstone-Federal shares sold in the initial public offering and those contributed to the charitable foundation.
 
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The common stock purchased by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan serves as collateral for the loan. The loan is being repaid principally from WaterStone Bank discretionary contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan over a period of up to 10 years. The loan documents provide that the loan may be repaid over a shorter period, without penalty for prepayments. The interest rate for the loan is fixed at 5.0% per annum. Shares purchased by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan are held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loan is repaid.

Contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and shares released from the suspense account in an amount proportional to the repayment of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan loan are allocated among Employee Stock Ownership Plan participants on the basis of their compensation in the year of allocation. Benefits under the plan vest in accordance with a graded vesting schedule providing full vesting after the completion of six years of credited service. A participant’s interest in his account under the plan fully vests in the event of termination of service due to a participant’s normal retirement, death, or disability. Vested benefits are payable in the form of common stock and/or cash and benefits are generally distributable upon a participant’s separation from service.

WaterStone Bank contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan are discretionary, subject to the loan terms and tax law limits. In any plan year, WaterStone Bank may make additional discretionary contributions (beyond those necessary to satisfy the loan obligation) to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan for the benefit of plan participants in either cash or shares of common stock, which may be acquired through the purchase of outstanding shares in the market or from individual shareholders or which constitute authorized but unissued shares or shares held in treasury by Waterstone-Federal. The timing, amount and manner of discretionary contributions will be affected by several factors, including applicable regulatory policies, the requirements of applicable laws and regulations and market conditions. WaterStone Bank’s contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan are not fixed; therefore, benefits payable under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan cannot be estimated. We are required to record compensation expense each year in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares committed to be released.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, 76,151 shares were allocated to participants in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which resulted in compensation expense of $307,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Plan participants are entitled to direct the plan trustee on how to vote common stock credited to their accounts. The trustee votes all allocated shares held in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan as instructed by the plan participants and unallocated shares and allocated shares for which no instructions are received will be voted by the trustee, subject to the fiduciary responsibilities of the trustee.
 
The Employee Stock Ownership Plan must meet certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. WaterStone Bank received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the tax-qualified status of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 2012.

The Employee Stock Ownership Plan intends to purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.

401(k) Plan . The WaterStone Bank 401(k) Plan and the Waterstone Mortgage Corporation 401(k) Plan are tax qualified plans under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code with a cash or deferred arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Bank employees over the age of 18 and Waterstone Mortgage employees over the age of 21 become eligible to make salary reduction contributions to the 401(k) Plan and to receive any matching or discretionary contributions made to the 401(k) Plan by WaterStone Bank or Waterstone Mortgage Corporation on the first of the month following their date of employment.

Participants under age 50 could elect to annually contribute a maximum of $17,000 in calendar year 2012 while participants age 50 and greater could elect a maximum annual contribution of $22,500.  Maximum annual employee contributions are further restricted to 90% of eligible compensation.  WaterStone Bank and/or Waterstone Mortgage Corporation may make discretionary profit sharing contributions to their respective 401(k) Plans but have never done so.  Waterstone Mortgage added a company match component to its plan during 2012 and, as a result, contributed $70,000 to the plan for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Plan participants direct the investment of their accounts in several types of investment funds.  Participants are always 100% vested in their elective deferrals and related earnings.  Participants become vested in any discretionary profit sharing contributions and related earnings in 20% increments, beginning with the completion of two years of service and ending with the completion of six years of service.  Participants are permitted to receive a distribution from the 401(k) Plan only in the form of a lump sum payment.   The WaterStone Bank 401(k) Plan has been amended to give participants in the plan the opportunity to buy shares of New Waterstone with their 401(k) Plan account balances, both in the offering and after the offering in the open market.
 
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Say-on-Pay

At the 2011 Annual Meeting, stockholders voted, on an advisory basis, whether to approve the compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers.  A majority of the votes were cast in favor of the resolution to approve the executive compensation described in the Proxy Statement.  Stockholders also voted on a non-binding proposal to establish whether stockholders should vote on executive compensation every one, two or three years.  A majority of the votes were cast in favor of holding the non-binding vote on executive compensation every year.  The board of directors took this vote into account in passing a resolution in which it approved holding a non-binding stockholder vote on executive compensation every year.

Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion
 
Following the stock offering, we intend to adopt a new stock-based benefit plan that will provide for grants of stock options and restricted common stock awards.  If adopted within 12 months following the completion of the conversion, the number of shares reserved for the exercise of stock options or available for stock awards under the stock-based benefit plan would be limited to 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares sold in the stock offering.
 
The stock-based benefit plan will not be established sooner than six months after the stock offering and if adopted within one year after the stock offering would require the approval of a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by stockholders.  If the stock-based benefit plan is established more than one year after the stock offering, it would require the approval of our stockholders by a majority of votes cast.  The following additional restrictions would apply to our stock-based benefit plan only if the plan is adopted within one year after the stock offering:
 
 
 
 
non-employee directors in the aggregate may not receive more than 30% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;
 
 
 
 
any one non-employee director may not receive more than 5% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;
 
 
 
 
any officer or employee may not receive more than 25% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;
 
 
 
 
any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans and restricted stock plan, in the aggregate, may not acquire more than 10% of the shares sold in the offering, unless WaterStone Bank has tangible capital of 10% or more, in which case tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans and restricted stock plans may acquire up to 12% of the shares sold in the offering;
 
 
 
 
the options and restricted stock awards may not vest more rapidly than 20% per year, beginning on the first anniversary of stockholder approval of the plan;
 
 
 
 
accelerated vesting is not permitted except for death, disability or upon a change in control of WaterStone Bank or New Waterstone; and
 
 
 
 
our executive officers or directors must exercise or forfeit their options in the event that WaterStone Bank becomes critically undercapitalized, is subject to enforcement action or receives a capital directive.
 
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We have not determined whether we will present the stock-based benefit plan for stockholder approval prior to or more than 12 months after the completion of the conversion.  In the event either federal or state regulators change their regulations or policies regarding stock-based benefit plans, including any regulations or policies restricting the size of awards and vesting of benefits as described above, the restrictions described above may not be applicable.
 
We may obtain the shares needed for our stock-based benefit plans by issuing additional shares of common stock from authorized but unissued shares or through stock repurchases.
 
The actual value of the shares awarded under the stock-based benefit plan will be based in part on the price of New Waterstone’s common stock at the time the shares are awarded. The stock-based benefit plan is subject to stockholder approval, and cannot be implemented until at least six months after the offering.  The following table presents the total value of all shares of restricted stock that would be available for issuance under the stock-based benefit plan, assuming the shares are awarded when the market price of our common stock ranges from $6.00 per share to $12.00 per share.
                             
Share Price
   
828,750 Shares
Awarded at Minimum
of Offering Range
   
975,000 Shares
Awarded at Midpoint of
Offering Range
   
1,121,250 Shares
Awarded at Maximum
of Offering Range
 
(In thousands, except share price information)
 
                     
$ 6.00     $ 4,973     $ 5,850     $ 6,728  
  8.00       6,630       7,800       8,970  
  10.00       8,288       9,750       11,213  
  12.00       9,945       11,700       13,455  

The grant-date fair value of the options granted under the stock-based benefit plan will be based in part on the price of shares of common stock of New Waterstone at the time the options are granted.  The value also will depend on the various assumptions utilized in the option pricing model ultimately adopted.  The following table presents the total estimated value of the options to be available for grant under the stock-based benefit plan, assuming the market price and exercise price for the stock options are equal and the range of market prices for the shares is $6.00 per share to $12.00 per share.  The Black-Scholes option pricing model provides an estimate only of the fair value of the options, and the actual value of the options may differ significantly from the value set forth in this table.
                                     
Exercise Price
   
Grant-Date Fair
Value Per Option
   
2,071,875 Options
at Minimum of
Offering Range
   
2,437,500 Options
at Midpoint of
Offering Range
   
2,803,125 Options
at Maximum of
Offering Range
 
(In thousands, except exercise price and fair value information)
 
                           
$ 6.00     $ 1.90     $ 3,937     $ 4,631     $ 5,326  
  8.00       2.53       5,242       6,167       7,092  
  10.00       3.16       6,547       7,703       8,858  
  12.00       3.80       7,873       9,263       10,652  
 
The tables presented above are provided for informational purposes only.  There can be no assurance that our stock price will not trade below $8.00 per share.  Before you make an investment decision, we urge you to read this prospectus carefully, including, but not limited to, the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17.
 
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
 
The following table provides the beneficial ownership of shares of common stock of Waterstone-Federal held by our directors and executive officers, individually and as a group, and all individuals known to management to own more than 5% of our common stock as of [stockholder record date].
                 
Name of Beneficial Owner
  Total Shares Beneficially
Owned (1)(2)
   
Percent of All Common
Stock Outstanding
 
               
Rebecca M. Arndt
             
Ellen S. Bartel  
              *
William F. Bruss
              *
Thomas E. Dalum
             
Eric J. Egenhofer
             
Douglas S. Gordon
               
Michael L. Hansen
             
Richard C. Larson
             
Patrick S. Lawton
             
Kristine A. Rapp é  
              *
Stephen J. Schmidt
             
                 
All directors and executive officers as a
group ( 11 persons) (3)
           
 
%
                 
Lamplighter Financial, MHC
11200 West Plank Court
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
   
23,050,183
      73.5 %
 

 
*
Less than 1%.
 
(1)
Unless otherwise noted, the specified persons have sole voting and dispositive power as to the shares. Number of shares identified as indirect beneficial ownership with shared voting and dispositive power: Mr. Egenhoefer - _____________; Ms. Arndt – ____________; Mr. Bruss – ____________; Mr. Dalum – _____________; Mr. Gordon – _____________; Mr. Hansen – ___________; Mr. Larson – ____________; Mr. Lawton – ____________; group – _____________.
 
(2)
Includes the following shares underlying options which are exercisable within 60 days of [stockholder record date]: Ms. Arndt – 25,000; Messrs. Bruss, Dalum, Hansen, Larsen, Lawton and Schmidt – 50,000 shares each; Mr. Gordon – 250,000; all directors and executive officers as a group – ______________.
 
(3)
The total for the group (but not any individual) includes ____________ unallocated shares held in the employee stock ownership plan, as to which voting and dispositive power is shared. As administrator, WaterStone Bank (through its board) may vote, in its discretion, shares which have not yet been allocated to participants. Employees may vote the shares allocated to their accounts; the administrator will vote unvoted shares in its discretion. Allocated shares are included only if allocated to named executive officers, in which case they are included in those individuals’ (and the group’s) beneficial ownership.
 
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SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
The table below sets forth, for each of New Waterstone’s directors and executive officers, and for all of these individuals as a group, the following information:
 
 
 
 
(i)
the number of exchange shares to be held upon completion of the conversion, based upon their beneficial ownership of Waterstone-Federal common stock as of [stockholder record date];
 
 
 
 
(ii)
the proposed purchases of subscription shares, assuming sufficient shares of common stock are available to satisfy their subscriptions; and
 
 
 
 
(iii)
the total shares of common stock to be held upon completion of the conversion.
 
In each case, it is assumed that subscription shares are sold at the minimum of the offering range.  See “The Conversion and Offering—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”  Federal regulations prohibit our directors and officers from selling the shares they purchase in the offering for one year after the date of purchase.  Subscriptions by management through our 401(k) plan are included in the proposed purchases set forth below and will be counted as part of the maximum number of shares such individuals may subscribe for in the stock offering and as part of the maximum number of shares directors and officers may purchase in the stock offering.
                                         
                           
Total Common Stock to be
 
         
Proposed Purchases of Stock
    Held at Minimum of  
   
Number of 
    in the Offering (1)     Offering Range (3)  
    Exchange               Percentage  
    Shares to Be    
Number of
          Number of    
 of Shares
 
Name of Beneficial Owner
  Held (2)     Shares    
Amount
   
Shares
    Outstanding  
Rebecca M. Arndt                                             
            25,000     $ 200,000                 *
Ellen S. Bartel                                              
            6,250       50,000                 *  
William F. Bruss                                             
            15,625       125,000                
Thomas E. Dalum                                             
            31,250       250,000                 *
Eric J. Egenhofer                                             
            12,500       100,000                 *
Douglas S. Gordon                                             
            62,500       500,000                  
Michael L. Hansen                                             
            31,250       250,000                 *
Richard C. Larson                                             
            1,250       10,000                 *
Patrick S. Lawton                                             
            62,500       500,000                 *
Kristine A. Rapp é                                              
            12,500       100,000                 *
Stephen J. Schmidt                                             
            12,500       100,000                 *
Total for Directors and Executive Officers
            273,125     $ 2,185,000              
 
%
 

*
Less than 1%.
(1)
Includes proposed subscriptions, if any, by associates.
(2)
Based on information presented in “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock,” and assuming an exchange ratio of 0.8986 at the minimum of the offering range.
(3)
At the maximum of the offering range, directors and executive officers would own __________ shares, or _________% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
 
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THE CONVERSION AND OFFERING
 
The boards of directors of Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone-Federal have approved the plan of conversion and reorganization.  The plan of conversion and reorganization must also be approved by the members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC (depositors of WaterStone Bank) and the stockholders of Waterstone-Federal.  A special meeting of members and a special meeting of stockholders have been called for this purpose. The Federal Reserve Board has conditionally approved the application that includes the plan of conversion and reorganization; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion and reorganization by Federal Reserve Board.
 
General
 
The boards of directors of Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone-Federal adopted the plan of conversion and reorganization on June 6, 2013.  Pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization, our organization will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully stock form.  Lamplighter Financial, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Waterstone-Federal, will be merged into Waterstone-Federal, and Lamplighter Financial, MHC will no longer exist.  Waterstone-Federal, which owns 100% of WaterStone Bank, will be merged into a new Maryland corporation named Waterstone Financial, Inc.  As part of the conversion, the 73.5% ownership interest of Lamplighter Financial, MHC in Waterstone-Federal will be offered for sale in the stock offering.  When the conversion is completed, all of the outstanding common stock of WaterStone Bank will be owned by New Waterstone, and all of the outstanding common stock of New Waterstone will be owned by public stockholders.  Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone-Federal will cease to exist.  A diagram of our corporate structure before and after the conversion is set forth in the “Summary” section of this prospectus.
 
Under the plan of conversion and reorganization, at the completion of the conversion and offering, each share of Waterstone-Federal common stock owned by persons other than Lamplighter Financial, MHC will be converted automatically into the right to receive new shares of New Waterstone common stock determined pursuant to an exchange ratio.  The exchange ratio will ensure that immediately after the exchange of existing shares of Waterstone-Federal for new shares of New Waterstone, the public stockholders will own the same aggregate percentage of shares of common stock of New Waterstone that they owned in Waterstone-Federal immediately prior to the conversion, excluding any shares they purchased in the offering and their receipt of cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.
 
We intend to retain between $66.5 million and $90.3 million of the net proceeds of the offering and to invest between $79.8 million and $108.2 million of the net proceeds in WaterStone Bank.   The conversion will be consummated only upon the issuance of at least the minimum number of shares of our common stock offered pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization.
 
The plan of conversion and reorganization provides that we will offer shares of common stock for sale in the subscription offering to eligible account holders, our tax-qualified employee benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plans, supplemental eligible account holders and other members. In addition, we will offer common stock for sale in a community offering to members of the general public, with a preference given in the following order:
     
 
(i)
Natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin; and
     
 
(ii)
Waterstone-Federal’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date].
 
We have the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any orders to purchase shares of the common stock received in the community offering. The community offering will begin at the same time as the subscription offering and must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by the Federal Reserve Board. See “—Community Offering.”
 
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We also may offer for sale shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription or community offerings through a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering in which Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will be sole book-running manager.  See “—Syndicated or Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering” herein.
 
We determined the number of shares of common stock to be offered in the offering based upon an independent valuation appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of New Waterstone.  All shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be sold at $8.00 per share. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock.  The independent valuation will be updated and the final number of the shares of common stock to be issued in the offering will be determined at the completion of the offering. See “—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued” for more information as to the determination of the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock.
 
The following is a brief summary of the conversion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the plan of conversion and reorganization. A copy of the plan of conversion and reorganization is available for inspection at each branch office of WaterStone Bank. The plan of conversion and reorganization is also filed as an exhibit to Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s application to convert from mutual to stock form of which this prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the Federal Reserve Board. The plan of conversion and reorganization is also filed as an exhibit to the registration statement we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, of which this prospectus is a part.  Copies of the registration statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission or online at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, www.sec.gov .  See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”
 
Reasons for the Conversion
   
  Our primary reasons for converting and undertaking the stock offering are to:
     
  Eliminate the uncertainties associated with the mutual holding company structure under financial reform legislation .  Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve Board became the federal regulator of all savings and loan holding companies and mutual holding companies, which has resulted in changes in regulations applicable to Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone-Federal.  Among other things, these changes have adversely affected our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders, including the ability of Lamplighter Financial, MHC to waive any dividends declared by Waterstone-Federal.  The conversion will eliminate our mutual holding company structure and will enable us to pay dividends to our stockholders, subject to the customary legal, regulatory and financial considerations applicable to all financial institutions.  See “Our Dividend Policy.”  It also will eliminate the risk that the Federal Reserve Board will amend existing regulations applicable to the conversion process in a manner disadvantageous to our public stockholders or depositors.
     
  Transition us to a more familiar and flexible organizational structure.    The stock holding company structure is a more familiar form of organization, which we believe will make our common stock more appealing to investors, and will give us greater flexibility to access the capital markets through possible future equity and debt offerings, although we have no current plans, agreements or understandings regarding any additional securities offerings.
     
  Enhance our regulatory capital position.   A strong capital position is essential to achieving our long-term objective of building stockholder value.  While WaterStone Bank significantly exceeds all regulatory capital requirements, including the minimum capital requirements required by the memorandum of understanding we have entered into with the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the proceeds from the offering will greatly strengthen our capital position and enable us to support our planned growth and expansion.  Minimum regulatory capital requirements will also increase in the future under recently adopted regulations, and compliance with these new requirements will be essential to continued implementation of our business strategy.
 
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Improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock .  The larger number of shares that will be outstanding after completion of the conversion and offering is expected to result in a more liquid and active market than currently exists for Waterstone-Federal common stock.  A more liquid and active market would make it easier for our stockholders to buy and sell our common stock and would give us greater flexibility in implementing capital management strategies.
 
 
 
 
Facilitate future mergers and acquisitions .  Although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction, the stock holding company structure will give us greater flexibility to structure and make us a more attractive and competitive bidder for, mergers and acquisitions of other financial institutions as opportunities arise.  The additional capital raised in the offering will also enable us to consider larger transactions.  In addition, although we intend to remain an independent financial institution, the stock holding company structure may make us a more attractive acquisition candidate for other institutions, although applicable regulations prohibit the acquisition of New Waterstone for three years following completion of the conversion.
 
Approvals Required
 
The affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by the members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC is required to approve the plan of conversion and reorganization. By their approval of the plan of conversion and reorganization, the members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC will also be approving the merger of Lamplighter Financial, MHC into Waterstone-Federal.  The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone-Federal and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone-Federal held by the public stockholders of Waterstone-Federal (stockholders other than Lamplighter Financial, MHC) also are required to approve the plan of conversion and reorganization. The plan of conversion and reorganization also must be approved by the Federal Reserve Board, which has approved the application that includes the plan of conversion and reorganization.  The WDFI must also approve New Waterstone’s acquisition of WaterStone Bank and the amendments to WaterStone Bank’s articles of incorporation .
 
Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders
 
Federal regulations provide that in a conversion of a mutual holding company to stock form, the public stockholders will be entitled to exchange their shares for common stock of the new holding company, provided that the mutual holding company demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Federal Reserve Board that the basis for the exchange is fair and reasonable.  At the completion of the conversion, each publicly held share of Waterstone-Federal common stock will be converted automatically into the right to receive a number of shares of New Waterstone common stock.  The number of shares of common stock will be determined pursuant to the exchange ratio, which ensures that the public stockholders will own the same percentage of common stock in New Waterstone after the conversion as they held in Waterstone-Federal immediately prior to the conversion, exclusive of their purchase of additional shares of common stock in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares. The exchange ratio will not depend on the market value of Waterstone-Federal common stock.  The exchange ratio will be based on the percentage of Waterstone-Federal common stock held by the public, the independent valuation of New Waterstone prepared by RP Financial, LC., and the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering.  The exchange ratio is expected to range from approximately 0.8986 shares for each publicly held share of Waterstone-Federal at the minimum of the offering range to 1.2158 shares for each publicly held share of Waterstone-Federal at the maximum of the offering range.
 
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The following table shows how the exchange ratio will adjust, based on the appraised value of New Waterstone as of May 17, 2013, assuming public stockholders of Waterstone-Federal own 26.5% of Waterstone-Federal common stock immediately prior to the completion of the conversion.  The table also shows how many shares of New Waterstone a hypothetical owner of Waterstone-Federal common stock would receive in the exchange for 100 shares of common stock owned at the completion of the conversion, depending on the number of shares issued in the offering.
                                                                         
                                       
Equivalent
   
Equivalent
       
                           
Total Shares
         
Value of
   
Pro Forma
   
Shares to
 
                           
of Common
         
Shares
   
Tangible
   
be
 
               
Shares of New Waterstone to
   
Stock to be
         
Based
   
Book Value
   
Received
 
   
Shares to be Sold in
   
be Issued for Shares of
   
Issued in
         
Upon
   
Per
   
for 100
 
   
This Offering
   
Waterstone-Federal
   
Exchange and
   
Exchange
   
Offering
   
Exchanged
   
Existing
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Offering
   
Ratio
   
Price (1)
   
Share (2)
   
Shares (3)
 
Minimum
    20,718,750       73.5 %     7,456,953       26.5 %     28,175,703       0.8986     $ 7.19     $ 11.03       89  
Midpoint
    24,375,000       73.5       8,772,886       26.5       33,147,886       1.0572       8.46       11.83       105  
Maximum
    28,031,250       73.5       10,088,819       26.5       38,120,069       1.2158       9.73       12.62       121  
 

(1)
Represents the value of shares of New Waterstone common stock to be received in the conversion by a holder of one share of Waterstone-Federal, pursuant to the exchange ratio, based upon the $8.00 per share offering price.
(2)
Represents the pro forma tangible book value per share at each level of the offering range multiplied by the respective exchange ratio.
(3)
Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.
 
Options to purchase shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock that are outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the conversion will be converted into options to purchase shares of New Waterstone common stock, with the number of shares subject to the option and the exercise price per share to be adjusted based upon the exchange ratio.  The aggregate exercise price, term and vesting period of the options will remain unchanged.

Effects of Conversion on Depositors, Borrowers and Members
 
Continuity . The conversion will not affect the normal business of WaterStone Bank of accepting deposits and making loans. WaterStone Bank will continue to be a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank and will continue to be regulated by the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. After the conversion, WaterStone Bank will continue to offer existing services to depositors, borrowers and other customers.  The directors serving Waterstone-Federal at the time of the conversion will be the directors of New Waterstone after the conversion.
 
Effect on Deposit Accounts .   Pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization, each depositor of WaterStone Bank at the time of the conversion will automatically continue as a depositor after the conversion, and the deposit balance, interest rate and other terms of such deposit accounts will not change as a result of the conversion. Each such account will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to the same extent as before the conversion. Depositors will continue to hold their existing certificates, passbooks and other evidences of their accounts.
 
Effect on Loans . No loan outstanding from WaterStone Bank will be affected by the conversion, and the amount, interest rate, maturity and security for each loan will remain as it was contractually fixed prior to the conversion.
 
Effect on Voting Rights of Members . At present, all depositors of WaterStone Bank are members of, and have voting rights in, Lamplighter Financial, MHC as to all matters requiring membership action. Upon completion of the conversion, depositors will cease to be members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC and will no longer have voting rights. Upon completion of the conversion, all voting rights in WaterStone Bank will be vested in New Waterstone as the sole stockholder of WaterStone Bank.   The stockholders of New Waterstone will possess exclusive voting rights with respect to New Waterstone common stock.
 
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Tax Effects . We have received an opinion of counsel with regard to the federal income tax consequences of the conversion and an opinion of a tax advisor with regard to the state income tax consequences of the conversion to the effect that the conversion will not be a taxable transaction for federal or state income tax purposes to Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal, the public stockholders of Waterstone-Federal (except for cash paid for fractional shares), members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders, or WaterStone Bank.  See “—Material Income Tax Consequences.”
 
Effect on Liquidation Rights .   Each depositor in WaterStone Bank has both a deposit account in WaterStone Bank and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of Lamplighter Financial, MHC based upon the deposit balance in his or her account. This ownership interest is tied to the depositor’s account and has no tangible market value separate from the deposit account. This ownership interest may only be realized in the event of a complete liquidation of Lamplighter Financial, MHC and WaterStone Bank; however, there has never been a liquidation of a solvent mutual holding company.  Any depositor who opens a deposit account obtains a pro rata ownership interest in Lamplighter Financial, MHC without any additional payment beyond the amount of the deposit. A depositor who reduces or closes his or her account receives a portion or all of the balance in the deposit account but nothing for his or her ownership interest in the net worth of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, which is lost to the extent that the balance in the account is reduced or closed.
 
Consequently, depositors in a stock subsidiary of a mutual holding company normally have no way of realizing the value of their ownership interest, which would be realizable only in the unlikely event that Lamplighter Financial, MHC and WaterStone Bank are liquidated. If this occurs, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would share pro rata in any residual surplus and reserves of Lamplighter Financial, MHC after other claims, including claims of depositors to the amounts of their deposits, are paid.
 
Under the plan of conversion, Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will receive an interest in liquidation accounts maintained by New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank in an aggregate amount equal to (i) Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s ownership interest in Waterstone-Federal’s total stockholders’ equity as of the date of the latest statement of financial condition used in this prospectus plus (ii) the value of the net assets of Lamplighter Financial, MHC as of the date of the latest statement of financial condition of Lamplighter Financial, MHC prior to the consummation of the conversion (excluding its ownership of Waterstone-Federal). New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank will hold the liquidation accounts for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain deposits in WaterStone Bank after the conversion.  The liquidation accounts would be distributed to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who maintain their deposit accounts in WaterStone Bank only in the event of a liquidation of (a) New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank or (b) WaterStone Bank.  The liquidation account in WaterStone Bank would be used only in the event that New Waterstone does not have sufficient assets to fund its obligations under its liquidation account.  The total obligation of New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank under their respective liquidation accounts will never exceed the dollar amount of New Waterstone’s liquidation account as adjusted from time to time pursuant to the plan of conversion and federal regulations.  See “—Liquidation Rights.”
 
Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued
 
The plan of conversion and reorganization and federal regulations require that the aggregate purchase price of the common stock sold in the offering must be based on the appraised pro forma market value of the common stock, as determined by an independent valuation.  We have retained RP Financial, LC. to prepare an independent valuation appraisal.  For its services in preparing the initial valuation, RP Financial, LC. will receive a fee of $90,000, as well as payment for reimbursable expenses and an additional $15,000 upon completion of the conversion.   We have paid RP Financial, LC. no other fees during the previous three years.   We have agreed to indemnify RP Financial, LC. and its employees and affiliates against specified losses, including any losses in connection with claims under the federal securities laws, arising out of its services as independent appraiser, except where such liability results from RP Financial, LC.’s bad faith or negligence.
 
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The independent valuation was prepared by RP Financial, LC. in reliance upon the information contained in this prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements of Waterstone-Federal.  RP Financial, LC. also considered the following factors, among others:
 
 
 
 
the present results and financial condition of Waterstone-Federal and the projected results and financial condition of New Waterstone;
 
 
 
 
the economic and demographic conditions in Waterstone-Federal’s existing market area;
 
 
 
 
certain historical, financial and other information relating to Waterstone-Federal;
 
 
 
 
a comparative evaluation of the operating and financial characteristics of Waterstone-Federal with those of other publicly traded savings institutions;
 
 
 
 
the effect of the conversion and offering on New Waterstone’s stockholders’ equity and earnings potential;
 
 
 
 
the proposed dividend policy of New Waterstone; and
 
 
 
 
the trading market for securities of comparable institutions and general conditions in the market for such securities.
 
The independent valuation is also based on an analysis of a peer group of publicly traded savings and loan holding companies that RP Financial, LC. considered comparable to New Waterstone under regulatory guidelines applicable to the independent valuation.  Under these guidelines, a minimum of ten peer group companies are selected from the universe of all publicly-traded savings institutions with relatively comparable resources, strategies and financial and other operating characteristics.  Such companies must also be traded on an exchange (such as Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange).  The peer group companies selected for New Waterstone also consisted of fully-converted stock institutions that were not subject to an actual or rumored acquisition and that had been in fully-converted form for at least one year.  In addition, RP Financial, LC. limited the peer group companies to the following two selection criteria: (1) those institutions headquartered in the Midwest region of the U.S. with total assets between $1.0 billion and $5.0 billion and reporting positive net income on a trailing twelve month basis; and, (2) those institutions located nationwide (other than the Midwest) with total assets between $750.0 million and $5.0 billion, reporting positive net income on a trailing twelve-month basis, a tangible equity/assets ratio greater than 15.0% and a non-performing assets/total assets ratio greater than 2.5%.
 
The independent valuation appraisal considered the pro forma effect of the offering.  Consistent with federal appraisal guidelines, the appraisal applied three primary methodologies:  (i) the pro forma price-to-book value approach applied to both reported book value and tangible book value; (ii) the pro forma price-to-earnings approach applied to reported and core earnings; and (iii) the pro forma price-to-assets approach. The market value ratios applied in the three methodologies were based on the current market valuations of the peer group companies. RP Financial, LC. placed the greatest emphasis on the price-to-earnings and price-to-book approaches in estimating pro forma market value.  RP Financial, LC. did not consider a pro forma price-to-assets approach to be meaningful in preparing the appraisal, as this approach is more meaningful when a company has low equity or earnings.  The price-to-assets approach is less meaningful for a company like us, as we have equity in excess of regulatory capital requirements and positive reported and core earnings.
 
In applying each of the valuation methods, RP Financial, LC. considered adjustments to the pro forma market value based on a comparison of New Waterstone with the peer group.  RP Financial, LC. made downward adjustments for financial condition, earnings, market area and stock market conditions.  No adjustments were made for asset growth, dividend policy, liquidity of the stock, management or the effect of government regulations and regulatory reform.  The downward valuation adjustments considered, among other things, New Waterstone’s less favorable balance sheet structure, including a greater dependence on higher cost borrowed funds and higher non-performing asset ratios than the peer group, a material dependence on mortgage banking operations for net income compared to the peer group, and the general condition of the primary market area in which New Waterstone operates.  The valuation adjustment for stock market conditions took into consideration the prevailing stock market environment for the common stock of thrifts and their holding companies, which has been relatively volatile in relation to the U.S. stock market generally, and the results and pro forma pricing ratios of recently completed thrift conversion transactions.
 
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Included in RP Financial, LC.’s independent valuation were certain assumptions as to the pro forma earnings of New Waterstone after the conversion that were utilized in determining the appraised value.  These assumptions included estimated expenses, an assumed after-tax rate of return of 0.77% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 on the net offering proceeds and purchases in the open market of 4% of the common stock issued in the offering by the stock-based benefit plan at the $8.00 per share purchase price. See “Pro Forma Data” for additional information concerning these assumptions. The use of different assumptions may yield different results.
 
The independent valuation states that as of May 17, 2013, the estimated pro forma market value of New Waterstone was $265.2 million.  Based on federal regulations, this market value forms the midpoint of a range with a minimum of $225.4 million and a maximum of $305.0 million.  The aggregate offering price of the shares will be equal to the valuation range multiplied by the percentage of Waterstone-Federal common stock owned by Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  The number of shares offered will be equal to the aggregate offering price of the shares divided by the price per share. Based on the valuation range, the percentage of Waterstone-Federal common stock owned by Lamplighter Financial, MHC and the $8.00 price per share, the minimum of the offering range is 20,718,750 shares, the midpoint of the offering range is 24,375,000 shares and the maximum of the offering range is 28,031,250 shares.
 
The board of directors of New Waterstone reviewed the independent valuation and, in particular, considered the following:
 
 
 
 
Waterstone-Federal’s financial condition and results of operations;
 
 
 
 
a comparison of financial performance ratios of Waterstone-Federal to those of other financial institutions of similar size;
 
 
 
 
market conditions generally and in particular for financial institutions; and
 
 
 
 
the historical trading price of the publicly held shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock.
 
All of these factors are set forth in the independent valuation. The board of directors also reviewed the methodology and the assumptions used by RP Financial, LC. in preparing the independent valuation and believes that such assumptions were reasonable. The offering range may be amended with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board, if required, as a result of subsequent developments in the financial condition of Waterstone-Federal or WaterStone Bank or market conditions generally. In the event the independent valuation is updated to amend the pro forma market value of New Waterstone to less than $225.4 million or more than $305.0 million, the appraisal will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by a post-effective amendment to New Waterstone’s registration statement.
 
The following table presents a summary of selected pricing ratios for New Waterstone (on a pro forma basis) and the peer group companies based on earnings and other information as of and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2013, and stock price information for the peer group companies as of May 17, 2013, as reflected in the appraisal report.  Compared to the average pricing of the peer group, our pro forma pricing ratios at the midpoint of the offering range indicated a discount of 27.0% on a price-to-book value basis, a discount of 30.0% on a price-to-tangible book value basis and a discount of 33.2% on a price-to-earnings basis.  Our board of directors, in reviewing and approving the appraisal, considered the range of price-to-earnings multiples and the range of price-to-book value and price-to-tangible book value ratios at the different amounts of shares to be sold in the offering.  The appraisal did not consider one valuation approach to be more important than the other.  The estimated appraised value and the resulting premium/discount took into consideration the potential financial effect of the conversion and offering as well as the trading price of Waterstone-Federal’s common stock. The closing price of the common stock was $8.37 per share on May 17, 2013, the effective date of the appraisal, and $7.77 per share on June 5, 2013, the last trading day immediately preceding the announcement of the conversion.
 
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Price-to-earnings
multiple (1)
   
Price-to-book
value ratio
   
Price-to-tangible
book value ratio
 
New Waterstone (on a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the conversion)
                 
Maximum
    20.04 x     76.92 %     77.07 %
Midpoint
    17.13 x     71.36 %     71.49 %
Minimum
    14.32 x     65.04 %     65.15 %
                         
Valuation of peer group companies, all of which are fully converted (on an historical basis)
                       
Averages
    25.66 x     97.81 %     102.07 %
Medians
    28.73 x     95.41 %     97.86 %
 

 (1)
Price-to-earnings multiples calculated by RP Financial, LC. in the independent appraisal are based on an estimate of “core,” or recurring, earnings on a trailing twelve-month basis through March 31, 2013.  These ratios are different than those presented in “Pro Forma Data.”

The independent valuation is not intended, and must not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing our shares of common stock. RP Financial, LC. did not independently verify our consolidated financial statements and other information that we provided to them, nor did RP Financial, LC. independently value our assets or liabilities. The independent valuation considers WaterStone Bank as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of WaterStone Bank.  Moreover, because the valuation is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which may change from time to time, no assurance can be given that persons purchasing our common stock in the offering will thereafter be able to sell their shares at prices at or above the $8.00 price per share.
 
We will not decrease the minimum of the valuation range and the minimum of the offering range or increase the maximum of the valuation range and the minimum of the offering range without a resolicitation of subscribers.  The subscription price of $8.00 per share will remain fixed.
 
If the update to the independent valuation at the conclusion of the offering results in an increase in the maximum of the valuation range to more than $305.0 million and a corresponding increase in the offering range to more than 28,031,250 shares, or a decrease in the minimum of the valuation range to less than $225.4 million and a corresponding decrease in the offering range to fewer than 20,718,750 shares, then we will promptly return with interest at 0.01% per annum all funds previously delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings and cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations and, after consulting with the Federal Reserve Board, we may terminate the plan of conversion and reorganization.  Alternatively, we may establish a new offering range, extend the offering period and commence a resolicitation of purchasers or take other actions as permitted by the Federal Reserve Board in order to complete the offering.  In the event that we extend the offering and conduct a resolicitation due to a change in the independent valuation, we will notify subscribers of the extension of time and of the rights of subscribers to place a new stock order for a specified period of time.  Any single offering extension will not exceed 90 days; aggregate extensions may not conclude beyond _______________, 2015, which is two years after the special meeting of members to vote on the conversion.
 
An increase in the number of shares to be issued in the offering would decrease both a subscriber’s ownership interest and New Waterstone’s pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis while increasing stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares to be issued in the offering would increase both a subscriber’s ownership interest and New Waterstone’s pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis, while decreasing stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis.
 
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Copies of the independent valuation appraisal report of RP Financial, LC. and the detailed memorandum setting forth the method and assumptions used in the appraisal report are filed as exhibits to the documents specified under “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”
 
Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights
 
In accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization, rights to subscribe for shares of common stock in the subscription offering have been granted in the following descending order of priority.  The filling of all subscriptions that we receive will depend on the availability of common stock after satisfaction of all subscriptions of all persons having prior rights in the subscription offering and on the purchase and ownership limitations set forth in the plan of conversion and reorganization and as described below under “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”
 
Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders . Each depositor of WaterStone Bank with aggregate deposit account balances of $50.00 or more (a “Qualifying Deposit”) at the close of business on December 31, 2011 (an “Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to $3.0 million (375,000 shares) of our common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations.  See “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”  If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will first be allocated so as to permit each Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, any remaining shares will be allocated to each Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled. If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.
 
To ensure proper allocation of our shares of common stock, each Eligible Account Holder must list on his or her stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she has an ownership interest on December 31, 2011.  In the event of an oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.  In the event of an oversubscription, the subscription rights of Eligible Account Holders who are also directors or executive officers of Waterstone-Federal or who are associates of such persons will be subordinated to the subscription rights of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent attributable to their increased deposits in the 12 months preceding December 31, 2011.
 
Priority 2: Tax-Qualified Plans .   Our tax-qualified employee plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, although our employee stock ownership plan intends to purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.  If market conditions warrant, in the judgment of its trustees, the employee stock ownership plan may instead elect to purchase shares in the open market following the completion of the conversion, subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board.  The amount of the subscription requests by the 401(k) plan will be determined by its participants, who will have the right to invest all or a portion of their 401(k) plan accounts in our common stock, subject to the maximum purchase limitations.  However, to comply with the limitations applicable to our tax-qualified employee plans, our 401(k) plan may purchase no more than 2% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.
 
Priority 3: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders .   To the extent that there are sufficient shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders and our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, each depositor of WaterStone Bank with a Qualifying Deposit at the close of business on [supplemental eligibility record date] who is not an Eligible Account Holder (“Supplemental Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to $3.0 million (375,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will be allocated so as to permit each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, any remaining shares will be allocated to each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled.  If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.
 
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To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she has an ownership interest at [supplemental eligibility record date].  In the event of oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.
 
Priority 4: Other Members . To the extent that there are shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders, our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, each depositor of WaterStone Bank as of the close of business on [member record date] who is not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder (“Other Members”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to $3.0 million (375,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will be allocated so as to permit each Other Member to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed.  Thereafter, any remaining shares will be allocated in the proportion that the amount of the subscription of each Other Member bears to the total amount of the subscriptions of all Other Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied.
 
To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Other Member must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest at [member record date].  In the event of oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.
 
Expiration Date . The subscription offering will expire at 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], unless extended by us for up to 45 days or such additional periods with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board, if necessary. Subscription rights will expire whether or not each eligible depositor can be located.  We may decide to extend the expiration date of the subscription offering for any reason, whether or not subscriptions have been received for shares at the minimum, midpoint or maximum of the offering range. Subscription rights which have not been exercised prior to the expiration date will become void.
 
We will not execute orders until at least the minimum number of shares of common stock have been sold in the offering.  If at least 20,718,750 shares have not been sold in the offering by [extension date] and the Federal Reserve Board has not consented to an extension, all funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the offering will be returned promptly, with interest at 0.01% per annum for funds received in the subscription and community offerings, and all deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled.  If an extension beyond [extension date] is granted by the Federal Reserve Board, we will resolicit purchasers in the offering as described under “—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings—Expiration Date.”
 
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Community Offering
 
To the extent that shares of common stock remain available for purchase after satisfaction of all subscriptions of Eligible Account Holders, our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, we will offer shares pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization to members of the general public in a community offering.  Shares will be offered in the community offering with the following preferences:
 
 
 
 
(i)
Natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin;
 
 
 
 
(ii)
Waterstone-Federal’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date]; and
 
 
 
 
(iii)
Other members of the general public.
 
Subscribers in the community offering may purchase up to $3.0 million (375,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”   The opportunity to purchase shares of common stock in the community offering category is subject to our right, in our sole discretion, to accept or reject any such orders in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following the expiration date of the offering.
 
If we do not have sufficient shares of common stock available to fill the orders of natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin, we will allocate the available shares among those persons in a manner that permits each of them, to the extent possible, to purchase the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares subscribed for by such person.  Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated among natural persons residing in those counties whose orders remain unsatisfied on an equal number of shares basis per order.  If an oversubscription occurs due to the orders of public stockholders of Waterstone-Federal or members of the general public, the allocation procedures described above will apply to the stock orders of such persons.  In connection with the allocation process, orders received for shares of common stock in the community offering will first be filled up to a maximum of 2% of the shares sold in the offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order until all shares have been allocated.
 
The term “residing” or “resident” as used in this prospectus means any person who occupies a dwelling within Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin, has a present intent to remain within this community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the community, together with an indication that this presence within the community is something other than merely transitory in nature.  We may utilize deposit or loan records or other evidence provided to us to decide whether a person is a resident. In all cases, however, the determination shall be in our sole discretion.
 
Expiration Date.   The community offering will begin concurrently with the subscription offering, and is currently expected to terminate at the same time as the subscription offering, and must terminate no more than 45 days following the subscription offering, unless extended.  New Waterstone may decide to extend the community offering for any reason and is not required to give purchasers notice of any such extension unless such period extends beyond [extension date], in which event we will resolicit purchasers.
 
Syndicated or Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering
 
 If feasible, our board of directors may decide to offer for sale shares of common stock not subscribed for or purchased in the subscription and community offerings in a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering, subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as we may determine, in a manner that will achieve a wide distribution of our shares of common stock.

If a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering is held, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will serve as sole book-running manager.  In the event that shares of common stock are sold in a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering, we will pay fees of 5% of the aggregate amount of common stock sold in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering to Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and any other broker-dealers included in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  The shares of common stock will be sold at the same price per share ($8.00 per share) that the shares are sold in the subscription offering and the community offering.
 
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In the event of a syndicated offering, it is currently expected that investors would follow the same general procedures applicable to purchasing shares in the subscription and community offerings (the use of order forms and the submission of funds directly to New Waterstone for the payment of the purchase price of the shares ordered) except that payment must be in immediately available funds (bank checks, money orders, deposit account withdrawals from accounts at WaterStone Bank or wire transfers).  See “—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings.”  “Sweep” arrangements and delivery versus payment settlement will only be used in a syndicated offering to the extent consistent with Rules 10b-9 and 15c2-4 and then-existing guidance and interpretations thereof of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the conduct of “min/max” offerings.

In the event of a firm commitment underwritten offering, the proposed underwriting agreement will not be entered into with Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and New Waterstone, WaterStone Bank, Waterstone-Federal and Lamplighter Financial, MHC until immediately prior to the completion of the firm commitment underwritten offering. At that time, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and any other broker-dealers included in the firm commitment underwritten offering will represent that they have received sufficient indications of interest to complete the offering.  Pursuant to the terms of the underwriting agreement, and subject to certain customary provisions and conditions to closing, upon execution of the underwriting agreement, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and any other underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the shares subject to the firm commitment underwritten offering.

If for any reason we cannot effect a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering of shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings, or in the event that there are an insignificant number of shares remaining unsold after such offerings, we will try to make other arrangements for the sale of unsubscribed shares.  The Federal Reserve Board and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority must approve any such arrangements.

Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases
 
The plan of conversion and reorganization includes the following additional limitations on the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in the offering:
 
 
 
 
(i)
No person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of common stock;
 
 
 
 
(ii)
Tax qualified employee benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, may purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock issued in the offering;
 
 
 
 
(iii)
Except for the employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, as described above, no person or entity, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such person or entity, may purchase more than $3.0 million (375,000 shares) of common stock in all categories of the offering combined;
 
 
 
 
(iv)
Current stockholders of Waterstone-Federal are subject to an ownership limitation.  As previously described, current stockholders of Waterstone-Federal will receive shares of New Waterstone common stock in exchange for their existing shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock. The number of shares of common stock that a stockholder may purchase in the offering, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such stockholder, when combined with the shares that the stockholder and his or her associates will receive in exchange for existing Waterstone-Federal common stock, may not exceed 9.9% of the shares of common stock of New Waterstone to be issued and outstanding at the completion of the conversion; and
 
 
 
 
(v)
The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in all categories of the offering by executive officers and directors of WaterStone Bank and their associates, in the aggregate, when combined with shares of common stock issued in exchange for existing shares, may not exceed 25% of the total shares issued in the conversion.
 
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Depending upon market or financial conditions, our board of directors, with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board and without further approval of members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, may decrease or increase the purchase limitations.  If a purchase limitation is increased, subscribers in the subscription offering who ordered the maximum amount will be given the opportunity to increase their orders up to the then applicable limit.  The effect of this type of resolicitation will be an increase in the number of shares of common stock owned by persons who choose to increase their orders.  In the event that the maximum purchase limitation is increased to 5% of the shares sold in the offering, such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, provided that orders for shares of common stock exceeding 5% of the shares sold in the offering shall not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total shares sold in the offering.
 
The term “associate” of a person means:
 
 
 
 
(i)
any corporation or organization, other than Waterstone-Federal, WaterStone Bank or a majority-owned subsidiary of WaterStone Bank, of which the person is a senior officer, partner or 10% beneficial stockholder;
 
 
 
 
(ii)
any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; provided, however, it does not include any employee stock benefit plan in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and
 
 
 
 
(iii)
any blood or marriage relative of the person, who either has the same home as the person or who is a director or officer of Waterstone-Federal or WaterStone Bank.
 
The term “acting in concert” means:
 
 
 
 
(i)
knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or
 
 
 
 
(ii)
a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.
 
A person or company that acts in concert with another person or company (“other party”) will also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for determining whether common stock held by the trustee and common stock held by the employee stock benefit plan will be aggregated.
 
We have the sole discretion to determine whether prospective purchasers are “associates” or “acting in concert.”  Persons having the same address, and persons exercising subscription rights through qualifying deposits registered at the same address will be deemed to be acting in concert unless we determine otherwise.
 
Our directors are not treated as associates of each other solely because of their membership on the board of directors. Common stock purchased in the offering will be freely transferable except for shares purchased by directors and certain officers of New Waterstone or WaterStone Bank and except as described below.  Any purchases made by any associate of New Waterstone or WaterStone Bank for the explicit purpose of meeting the minimum number of shares of common stock required to be sold in order to complete the offering shall be made for investment purposes only and not with a view toward redistribution.  In addition, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority guidelines, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and their associates are subject to certain restrictions on transfer of securities purchased in accordance with subscription rights and to certain reporting requirements upon purchase of these securities.  For a further discussion of limitations on purchases of our shares of common stock at the time of conversion and thereafter, see “—Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after Conversion” and “Restrictions on Acquisition of New Waterstone.”
 
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Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriter Compensation
 
Subscription and Community Offerings.   To assist in the marketing of our shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings, we have retained Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P., which is a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will assist us on a best efforts basis in the subscription and community offerings by:
 
 
(i)
consulting as to the financial and marketing implications of the plan of conversion and reorganization;
 
 
 
(ii)
reviewing with our board of directors the financial effect of the offering on us, based on the independent appraiser’s appraisal of the shares of common stock;
 
 
(iii)
reviewing all offering documents, including this prospectus and any prospectus related to a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering, stock order forms and related offering materials;
 
 
(iv)
assisting in the design and implementation of a marketing strategy for the offering;
 
 
(v)
assisting management in scheduling and preparing for meetings with potential investors and other broker-dealers in connection with the offering; and
 
 
(vi)
providing such other general advice and assistance as may be reasonably necessary to promote the successful completion of the offerings.
 
For these services, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will receive a fee of 1.0% of the dollar amount of all shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings.  No fee will be payable to Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. with respect to shares purchased by officers, directors, employees or their immediate families and shares purchased by our tax-qualified and non-qualified employee benefit plans, and no sales fee will be payable with respect to the exchange shares.
 
Syndicated or Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering.   In the event that shares of common stock are sold in a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering, we will pay fees of 5% of the aggregate amount of common stock sold in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering to Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and any other broker-dealers included in the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.
 
Expenses.   Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. also will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including legal fees, in an amount not to exceed $115,000.  If the plan of conversion is terminated or if Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. engagement is terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agency agreement, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will only receive reimbursement of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and will return any amounts paid or advanced by us in excess of these amounts.  We have separately agreed to pay Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. up to $60,000 in fees and expenses for records management, as described below.
 
Records Management
 
We have also engaged Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. as records management agent in connection with the conversion and the subscription and community offerings. In its role as records management agent, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P., will assist us in the offering in the:
 
 
consolidation of deposit accounts and vote calculations;
 
 
design and preparation of proxy and stock order forms;
 
 
organization and supervision of the Stock Information Center;
 
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proxy solicitation and other services for our special meeting of members; and
 
 
preparation and processing of other documents related to the stock offering.
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will receive fees of up to $30,000 and reimbursement for expenses of up to $30,000 for these services.  Of the fees for records management, $15,000 have been paid as of the date of this prospectus.
 
Indemnity
 
We will indemnify Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. against liabilities and expenses, including legal fees, incurred in connection with certain claims or litigation arising out of or based upon untrue statements or omissions contained in the offering materials for the common stock, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
Solicitation of Offers by Officers and Directors
 
Some of our directors and executive officers may participate in the solicitation of offers to purchase common stock in the subscription and community offerings. These persons will be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation. Other regular employees of WaterStone Bank may assist in the offering, but only in ministerial capacities, and may provide clerical work in effecting a sales transaction.  No offers or sales may be made by tellers or at the teller counters.  Investment-related questions of prospective purchasers will be directed to executive officers or registered representatives of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.  Our other employees have been instructed not to solicit offers to purchase shares of common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase of common stock.  We will rely on Rule 3a4-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and sales of common stock will be conducted within the requirements of Rule 3a4-1, so as to permit officers, directors and employees to participate in the sale of common stock. None of our officers, directors or employees will be compensated in connection with their participation in the offering.
 
Lock-up Agreements
 
We, and each of our directors and executive officers have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, that during the period beginning on the date of this prospectus and ending 90 days after the closing of the offering, without the prior written consent of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P., directly or indirectly, we will not (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of Waterstone-Federal or New Waterstone stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Waterstone-Federal or New Waterstone stock, whether owned on the date of this prospectus or acquired after the date of this prospectus or with respect to which we or any of our directors or executive officers has or after the date of this prospectus acquires the power of disposition, or file any registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to any of the foregoing, or (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of Waterstone-Federal or New Waterstone stock, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise.  In the event that either (1) during the period that begins on the date that is 15 calendar days plus three business days before the last day of the restricted period and ends on the last day of the restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs, or (2) prior to the expiration of the restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the restricted period, the restrictions set forth above will continue to apply until the expiration of the date that is 15 calendar days plus three business days after the date on which the earnings release is issued or the material news or event related to us occurs.
 
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Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings
 
Expiration Date . The subscription and community offerings will expire at 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], unless we extend one or both for up to 45 days, with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board, if required. This extension may be approved by us, in our sole discretion, without notice to purchasers in the offering. Any extension of the subscription and/or community offering beyond [extension date] would require the Federal Reserve Board’s approval.  If the offering is so extended, all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders.  If you do not respond to this notice, we will promptly return your funds with interest at 0.01% per annum or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization.  If the offering range is decreased below the minimum of the offering range or is increased above the maximum of the offering range, all subscribers’ stock orders will be cancelled, their deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be cancelled, and funds submitted to us will be returned promptly, with interest at 0.01% per annum for funds received in the subscription and community offerings.  We will then resolicit the subscribers, giving them an opportunity to place a new stock order for a period of time.
 
We reserve the right in our sole discretion to terminate the offering at any time and for any reason, in which case we will cancel any deposit account withdrawal authorizations and promptly return all funds submitted, with interest at 0.01% per annum from the date of receipt as described above.
 
Use of Order Forms in the Subscription and Community Offerings . In order to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings, you must properly complete an original stock order form and remit full payment.  We are not required to accept orders submitted on photocopied or facsimiled order forms. All order forms must be received (not postmarked) prior to 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date]. We are not required to accept order forms that are not received by that time, are not signed or are otherwise executed defectively or are received without full payment or without appropriate deposit account withdrawal instructions. We are not required to notify subscribers of incomplete or improperly executed order forms, and we have the right to waive or permit the correction of incomplete or improperly executed order forms.  We do not represent, however, that we will do so and we have no affirmative duty to notify any prospective subscriber of any such defects.  You may submit your order form and payment by mail using the stock order return envelope provided, or by overnight delivery to our Stock Information Center, which will be located at [stock center address].  You may also hand-deliver stock order forms to the Stock Information Center.  Hand-delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location.  We will not accept stock order forms at our banking offices.  Please do not mail stock order forms to WaterStone Bank’s or Waterstone Mortgage Corporation’s offices.
 
Once tendered, an order form cannot be modified or revoked without our consent.  We reserve the absolute right, in our sole discretion, to reject orders received in the community offering, in whole or in part, at the time of receipt or at any time prior to completion of the offering.  If you are ordering shares in the subscription offering, you must represent that you are purchasing shares for your own account and that you have no agreement or understanding with any person for the sale or transfer of the shares.  We have the right to reject any order submitted in the offering by a person who we believe is making false representations or who we otherwise believe, either alone or acting in concert with others, is violating, evading, circumventing, or intends to violate, evade or circumvent the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and reorganization.  Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and reorganization and of the acceptability of the order forms will be final.
 
By signing the order form, you will be acknowledging that the common stock is not a deposit or savings account and is not federally insured or otherwise guaranteed by WaterStone Bank or the federal government, and that you received a copy of this prospectus. However, signing the order form will not result in you waiving your rights under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Payment for Shares . Payment for all shares of common stock will be required to accompany all completed order forms for the purchase to be valid. Payment for shares in the subscription and community offerings may be made by:
 
 
(i)
personal check, bank check or money order, made payable to Waterstone Financial, Inc.; or
 
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(ii)
authorization of withdrawal of available funds from your WaterStone Bank deposit accounts.
 
Appropriate means for designating withdrawals from deposit accounts at WaterStone Bank are provided on the order form. The funds designated must be available in the account(s) at the time the order form is received. A hold will be placed on these funds, making them unavailable to the depositor. Funds authorized for withdrawal will continue to earn interest within the account at the contractual rate until the offering is completed, at which time the designated withdrawal will be made. Interest penalties for early withdrawal applicable to certificate accounts will not apply to withdrawals authorized for the purchase of shares of common stock; however, if a withdrawal results in a certificate account with a balance less than the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate will be canceled at the time of withdrawal without penalty and the remaining balance will earn interest at the current passbook rate subsequent to the withdrawal.  In the case of payments made by personal check, these funds must be available in the account(s). Checks and money orders received in the subscription and community offerings will be immediately cashed and placed in a segregated account at WaterStone Bank and will earn interest at 0.01% per annum from the date payment is processed until the offering is completed or terminated.
 
You may not remit cash, WaterStone Bank line of credit checks or any type of third-party checks (including those payable to you and endorsed over to New Waterstone).  You may not designate on your stock order form direct withdrawal from a WaterStone Bank retirement account.  See “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds.”  Additionally, you may not designate a direct withdrawal from WaterStone Bank accounts with check-writing privileges.  Please provide a check instead.  If you request that we directly withdraw the funds, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account.  If permitted by the Federal Reserve Board, in the event we resolicit large purchasers, as described above in “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases,” such purchasers who wish to increase their purchases will not be able to use personal checks to pay for the additional shares, but instead must pay for the additional shares using immediately available funds.
 
Once we receive your executed stock order form, it may not be modified, amended or rescinded without our consent, unless the offering is not completed by [extension date].  If the subscription and community offerings are extended past [extension date], all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders.  If you do not respond to this notice, we will promptly return your funds with interest at 0.01% per annum or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization.  We may resolicit purchasers for a specified period of time.
 
Regulations prohibit WaterStone Bank from lending funds or extending credit to any persons to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
 
We shall have the right, in our sole discretion, to permit institutional investors to submit irrevocable orders together with the legally binding commitment for payment and to thereafter pay for the shares of common stock for which they subscribe in the community offering at any time prior to 48 hours before the completion of the conversion.  This payment may be made by wire transfer.
 
If our employee stock ownership plan purchases shares in the offering, it will not be required to pay for such shares until completion of the offering, provided that there is a loan commitment from an unrelated financial institution or New Waterstone to lend to the employee stock ownership plan the necessary amount to fund the purchase.  In addition, if our 401(k) plan purchases shares in the offering, it will not be required to pay for such shares until completion of the offering.
 
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Using Individual Retirement Account Funds.   If you are interested in using funds in your individual retirement account or other retirement account to purchase shares of common stock, you must do so through a self-directed retirement account.  By regulation, WaterStone Bank’s retirement accounts are not self-directed, so they cannot be invested in our shares of common stock.  Therefore, if you wish to use funds that are currently in a WaterStone Bank retirement account, you may not designate on the order form that you wish funds to be withdrawn from the account for the purchase of common stock. The funds you wish to use for the purchase of common stock will instead have to be transferred to an independent trustee or custodian, such as a brokerage firm, offering self-directed retirement accounts.  The purchase must be made through that account.  If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing a stock order.  An annual administrative fee may be payable to the independent trustee or custodian.  There will be no early withdrawal or Internal Revenue Service interest penalties for these transfers.  Individuals interested in using funds in an individual retirement account or any other retirement account, whether held at WaterStone Bank or elsewhere , to purchase shares of common stock should contact our Stock Information Center for guidance as soon as possible, preferably at least two weeks prior to the [expiration date] offering deadline.  Processing such transactions takes additional time, and whether such funds can be used may depend on limitations imposed by the institutions where such funds are currently held. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to use such funds.
 
Delivery of Shares of Common Stock . All shares of common stock sold will be issued in book entry form. Stock certificates will not be issued. A statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock issued in the subscription and community offerings will be mailed by our transfer agent to the persons entitled thereto at the registration address noted by them on their stock order forms as soon as practicable following consummation of the conversion and offering.   We expect trading in the stock to begin on the day of completion of the conversion and stock offering or the next business day.   It is possible that until a statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock is available and delivered to purchasers, purchasers might not be able to sell the shares of common stock that they ordered, even though the shares of common stock will have begun trading.   Your ability to sell the shares of common stock before receiving your statement will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.
 
Other Restrictions . Notwithstanding any other provision of the plan of conversion and reorganization, no person is entitled to purchase any shares of common stock to the extent the purchase would be illegal under any federal or state law or regulation, including state “blue sky” regulations, or would violate regulations or policies of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, particularly those regarding free riding and withholding. We may ask for an acceptable legal opinion from any purchaser as to the legality of his or her purchase and we may refuse to honor any purchase order if an opinion is not timely furnished.  In addition, we are not required to offer shares of common stock to any person who resides in a foreign country, or in a State of the United States with respect to which any of the following apply:
 
 
(i)
a small number of persons otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under the plan of conversion and reorganization reside in such state;
 
 
(ii)
the issuance of subscription rights or the offer or sale of shares of common stock to such persons would require us, under the securities laws of such state, to register as a broker, dealer, salesman or agent or to register or otherwise qualify our securities for sale in such state; or
 
 
(iii)
such registration or qualification would be impracticable for reasons of cost or otherwise.
 
Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares
 
Regulations of the Federal Reserve Board prohibit any person with subscription rights, including the Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, from transferring or entering into any agreement or understanding to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of the subscription rights issued under the plan of conversion and reorganization or the shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise. These rights may be exercised only by the person to whom they are granted and only for his or her account.  When registering your stock purchase on the order form, you cannot add the name(s) of others for joint stock registration unless they are also named on the qualifying deposit account.  Doing so may jeopardize your subscription rights.  Each person exercising subscription rights will be required to certify that he or she is purchasing shares solely for his or her own account and that he or she has no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares. The regulations also prohibit any person from offering or making an announcement of an offer or intent to make an offer to purchase subscription rights or shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise prior to completion of the offering.
 
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We will pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies in the event we become aware of the transfer of subscription rights, and we will not honor orders that we believe involve the transfer of subscription rights.
 
Stock Information Center
 
Our banking office personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the offering.  If you have any questions regarding the conversion or offering, please call our Stock Information Center.  The toll-free phone number is [stock center phone #].  The Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  The Stock Information Center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays.
 
Liquidation Rights
 
Liquidation prior to the conversion.   In the unlikely event that Lamplighter Financial, MHC is liquidated prior to the conversion, all claims of creditors of Lamplighter Financial, MHC would be paid first. Thereafter, if there were any assets of Lamplighter Financial, MHC remaining, these assets would first be distributed to certain depositors of WaterStone Bank under such depositors’ liquidation rights.  The amount received by such depositors would be equal to their pro rata interest in the remaining value of Lamplighter Financial, MHC after claims of creditors, based on the relative size of their deposit accounts.
 
Liquidation following the conversion.   The plan of conversion and reorganization provides for the establishment, upon the completion of the conversion, of a liquidation account by New Waterstone for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in an amount equal to (i) Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s ownership interest in Waterstone-Federal’s total stockholders’ equity as of the date of the latest statement of financial condition used in this prospectus plus (ii) the value of the net assets of Lamplighter Financial, MHC as of the date of the latest statement of financial condition of Lamplighter Financial, MHC prior to the consummation of the conversion (excluding its ownership of Waterstone-Federal). The plan of conversion also provides for the establishment of a parallel liquidation account in WaterStone Bank to support the New Waterstone liquidation account in the event New Waterstone does not have sufficient assets to fund its obligations under the New Waterstone liquidation account.
 
In the unlikely event that WaterStone Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first.  However, except with respect to the liquidation account to be established in Waterstone-Federal, a depositor’s claim would be solely for the principal amount of his or her deposit accounts plus accrued interest. Depositors generally would not have an interest in the value of the assets of WaterStone Bank or New Waterstone above that amount.
 
The liquidation account established by New Waterstone is designed to provide qualifying depositors a liquidation interest (exchanged for the liquidation interests such persons had in Lamplighter Financial, MHC) after the conversion in the event of a complete liquidation of New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank or a liquidation solely of WaterStone Bank.  Specifically, in the unlikely event that either (i) WaterStone Bank or (ii) New Waterstone and WaterStone Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first, followed by a distribution to depositors as of December 31, 2011 and [supplemental eligibility record date] of their interests in the liquidation account maintained by New Waterstone.  Also, in a complete liquidation of both entities, or of WaterStone Bank only, when New Waterstone has insufficient assets (other than the stock of WaterStone Bank) to fund the liquidation account distribution due to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and WaterStone Bank has positive net worth, WaterStone Bank shall immediately make a distribution to fund New Waterstone’s remaining obligations under the liquidation account. In no event will any Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder be entitled to a distribution that exceeds such holder’s interest in the liquidation account maintained by New Waterstone as adjusted from time to time pursuant to the plan of conversion and federal regulations.  If New Waterstone is completely liquidated or sold apart from a sale or liquidation of WaterStone Bank, then the New Waterstone liquidation account will cease to exist and Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will receive an equivalent interest in the WaterStone Bank liquidation account, subject to the same rights and terms as the New Waterstone liquidation account.
 
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Pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization, after two years from the date of conversion and upon the written request of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, New Waterstone will transfer the liquidation account and the depositors’ interests in such account to WaterStone Bank and the liquidation account shall thereupon be subsumed into the liquidation account of WaterStone Bank.
 
Under the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, a post-conversion merger, consolidation, or similar combination or transaction with another depository institution or depository institution holding company in which New Waterstone or WaterStone Bank is not the surviving institution, would not be considered a liquidation.  In such a transaction, the liquidation account would be assumed by the surviving institution or company.
 
Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have an initial pro-rata interest in the liquidation account for each deposit account, including savings accounts, transaction accounts such as negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit, with a balance of $50.00 or more held in WaterStone Bank on December 31, 2011 or [supplemental eligibility record date] equal to the proportion that the balance of each Eligible Account Holder’s and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder’s deposit account on December 31, 2011 and [supplemental eligibility record date], respectively, bears to the balance of all deposit accounts of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in WaterStone Bank on such date.
 
If, however, on any December 31 annual closing date commencing after the effective date of the conversion, the amount in any such deposit account is less than the amount in the deposit account on December 31, 2011 or [supplemental eligibility record date], or any other annual closing date, then the interest in the liquidation account relating to such deposit account would be reduced from time to time by the proportion of any such reduction, and such interest will cease to exist if such deposit account is closed. In addition, no interest in the liquidation account would ever be increased despite any subsequent increase in the related deposit account. Payment pursuant to liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders would be separate and apart from the payment of any insured deposit accounts to such depositor. Any assets remaining after the above liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are satisfied would be available for distribution to stockholders.
 
Material Income Tax Consequences
 
Completion of the conversion is subject to the prior receipt of an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with respect to federal and state income tax consequences of conversion to Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal, WaterStone Bank, Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  Unlike private letter rulings, opinions of counsel or tax advisors are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or any state taxing authority, and such authorities may disagree with such opinions. In the event of such disagreement, there can be no assurance that New Waterstone or WaterStone Bank would prevail in a judicial proceeding.
 
Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal, WaterStone Bank and New Waterstone have received an opinion of counsel, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., regarding all of the material federal income tax consequences of the conversion, which includes the following:
 
 
1.
The merger of Lamplighter Financial, MHC with and into Waterstone-Federal will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
 
2.
The constructive exchange of Eligible Account Holders’ and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders’ liquidation interests in Lamplighter Financial, MHC for liquidation interests in Waterstone-Federal will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Federal Income Tax Regulations.
 
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3.
None of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal, Eligible Account Holders nor Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, will recognize any gain or loss on the transfer of the assets of Lamplighter Financial, MHC to Waterstone-Federal in constructive exchange for liquidation interests in Waterstone-Federal.
 
 
4.
The basis of the assets of Lamplighter Financial, MHC and the holding period of such assets to be received by Waterstone-Federal will be the same as the basis and holding period of such assets in Lamplighter Financial, MHC immediately before the exchange.
 
 
5.
The merger of Waterstone-Federal with and into New Waterstone will constitute a mere change in identity, form or place of organization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code and, therefore, will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code. Neither Waterstone-Federal nor New Waterstone will recognize gain or loss as a result of such merger.
 
 
6.
The basis of the assets of Waterstone-Federal and the holding period of such assets to be received by New Waterstone will be the same as the basis and holding period of such assets in Waterstone-Federal immediately before the exchange.
 
 
7.
Current stockholders of Waterstone-Federal will not recognize any gain or loss upon their exchange of Waterstone-Federal common stock for New Waterstone common stock.
 
 
8.
Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will not recognize any gain or loss upon the constructive exchange of their liquidation interests in Waterstone-Federal for interests in the liquidation account in New Waterstone.
 
 
9.
The exchange by the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders of the liquidation interests that they constructively received in Waterstone-Federal for interests in the liquidation account established in New Waterstone will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Federal Income Tax Regulations.
 
 
10.
Each stockholder’s aggregate basis in shares of New Waterstone common stock (including fractional share interests) received in the exchange will be the same as the aggregate basis of Waterstone-Federal common stock surrendered in the exchange.
 
 
11.
Each stockholder’s holding period in his or her New Waterstone common stock received in the exchange will include the period during which the Waterstone-Federal common stock surrendered was held, provided that the Waterstone-Federal common stock surrendered is a capital asset in the hands of the stockholder on the date of the exchange.
 
 
12.
Cash received by any current stockholder of Waterstone-Federal in lieu of a fractional share interest in shares of New Waterstone common stock will be treated as having been received as a distribution in full payment in exchange for a fractional share interest of New Waterstone common stock, which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled to receive. Accordingly, a stockholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and the basis of the fractional share. If the common stock is held by the stockholder as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be capital gain or loss.
 
 
13.
It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase New Waterstone common stock is zero. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders or Other Members upon distribution to them of nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of New Waterstone common stock. Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members will not realize any taxable income as the result of the exercise by them of the nontransferable subscriptions rights.
 
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14.
It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the benefit provided by the liquidation account of WaterStone Bank supporting the payment of the New Waterstone liquidation account in the event New Waterstone lacks sufficient net assets is zero.  Accordingly, it is more likely than not that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders upon the constructive distribution to them of such rights in the WaterStone Bank liquidation account as of the effective date of the merger of Waterstone-Federal with and into New Waterstone.
 
 
15.
It is more likely than not that the basis of the shares of New Waterstone common stock purchased in the offering by the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will be the purchase price. The holding period of the New Waterstone common stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will commence on the date the right to acquire such stock was exercised.
 
 
16.
No gain or loss will be recognized by New Waterstone on the receipt of money in exchange for New Waterstone common stock sold in the offering.
 
We believe that the tax opinions summarized above address all material federal income tax consequences that are generally applicable to Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal, WaterStone Bank, New Waterstone and persons receiving subscription rights and stockholders of Waterstone-Federal.  With respect to items 13 and 15 above, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. noted that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, are legally non-transferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of common stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in any community offering. The firm further noted that RP Financial, LC. has issued a letter that the subscription rights have no ascertainable fair market value.  The firm also noted that the Internal Revenue Service has not in the past concluded that subscription rights have value. Based on the foregoing, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. believes that it is more likely than not that the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock have no value. However, the issue of whether or not the nontransferable subscription rights have value is based on all the facts and circumstances. If the subscription rights granted to Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members are deemed to have an ascertainable value, receipt of these rights could result in taxable gain to those Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members who exercise the subscription rights in an amount equal to the ascertainable value, and we could recognize gain on a distribution. Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences in the event that subscription rights are deemed to have an ascertainable value.
 
The opinion as to item 14 above is based on the position that:  (i) no holder of an interest in a liquidation account has ever received any payment attributable to a liquidation account; (ii) the interests in the liquidation accounts are not transferable; (iii) the amounts due under the liquidation account with respect to each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder will be reduced as their deposits in WaterStone Bank are reduced; and (iv) the WaterStone Bank liquidation account payment obligation arises only if New Waterstone lacks sufficient assets to fund the liquidation account.
 
In addition, we have received a letter from RP Financial, LC. stating its belief that the benefit provided by the WaterStone Bank liquidation account supporting the payment of the liquidation account in the event New Waterstone lacks sufficient net assets does not have any economic value at the time of the conversion.  Based on the foregoing, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. believes it is more likely than not that such rights in the WaterStone Bank liquidation account have no value.  If such rights are subsequently found to have an economic value, income may be recognized by each Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder in the amount of such fair market value as of the date of the conversion.
 
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The opinion of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., unlike a letter ruling issued by the Internal Revenue Service, is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service and the conclusions expressed therein may be challenged at a future date. The Internal Revenue Service has issued favorable rulings for transactions substantially similar to the proposed reorganization and stock offering, but any such ruling may not be cited as precedent by any taxpayer other than the taxpayer to whom the ruling is addressed.  We do not plan to apply for a letter ruling concerning the transactions described herein.
 
We have also received an opinion from Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP that the Wisconsin state income tax consequences are consistent with the federal income tax consequences.
 
The federal and state tax opinions have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to New Waterstone’s registration statement.
 
Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after Conversion
 
All shares of common stock purchased in the offering by a director or certain officers of WaterStone Bank generally may not be sold for a period of one year following the closing of the conversion, except in the event of the death of the director or executive officer.  Each certificate for restricted shares will bear a legend giving notice of this restriction on transfer, and instructions will be issued to the effect that any transfer within this time period of any certificate or record ownership of the shares other than as provided above is a violation of the restriction.  Any shares of common stock issued at a later date as a stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise, with respect to the restricted stock will be similarly restricted. The directors and executive officers of New Waterstone also will be restricted by the insider trading rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Purchases of shares of our common stock by any of our directors, certain officers and their associates, during the three-year period following the closing of the conversion may be made only through a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except with the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board. This restriction does not apply, however, to negotiated transactions involving more than 1% of our outstanding common stock or to purchases of our common stock by our stock option plan or any of our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans or non-tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including any restricted stock plans.
 
Federal regulations prohibit New Waterstone from repurchasing its shares of common stock during the first year following conversion unless compelling business reasons exist for such repurchases, or to fund management recognition plans that have been ratified by stockholders (with Federal Reserve Board approval) or tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans.  In addition, the repurchase of shares of common stock is subject to Federal Reserve Board policy related to repurchases of shares by financial institution holding companies.
 
COMPARISON OF STO CKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS FOR EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS OF
WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
 
General. As a result of the conversion, existing stockholders of Waterstone-Federal will become stockholders of New Waterstone  There are differences in the rights of stockholders of Waterstone-Federal and stockholders of New Waterstone caused by differences between federal and Maryland law and regulations and differences in Waterstone-Federal’s federal stock charter and bylaws and New Waterstone’s Maryland articles of incorporation and bylaws.
 
This discussion is not intended to be a complete statement of the differences affecting the rights of stockholders, but rather summarizes the material differences and similarities affecting the rights of stockholders. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” for procedures for obtaining a copy of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation and bylaws.
 
Authorized Capital Stock. The authorized capital stock of Waterstone-Federal consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share .
 
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The authorized capital stock of New Waterstone consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.
 
Under Maryland General Corporation Law and New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation, the board of directors may increase or decrease the number of authorized shares without stockholder approval.  Stockholder approval is required to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of Waterstone-Federal.
 
Waterstone-Federal’s charter and New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation both authorize the board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock and, for any series of preferred stock, to determine the terms and rights of the series, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion and redemption rates and liquidation preferences. As a result of the ability to fix voting rights for a series of preferred stock, our board of directors has the power, to the extent consistent with its fiduciary duty, to issue a series of preferred stock to persons friendly to management in order to attempt to block a hostile tender offer, merger or other transaction by which a third party seeks control.  We currently have no plans for the issuance of additional shares for such purposes.
 
Issuance of Capital Stock. Pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, Lamplighter Financial, MHC is required to own not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock. Lamplighter Financial, MHC will no longer exist following completion of the conversion.
 
New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation do not contain restrictions on the issuance of shares of capital stock to directors, officers or controlling persons, whereas Waterstone-Federal’s stock charter restricts such issuances to general public offerings, or to directors for qualifying shares, unless the share issuance or the plan under which they would generally be issued has been approved by stockholders. However, stock-based compensation plans, such as stock option plans and restricted stock plans, would have to be submitted for approval by New Waterstone stockholders due to requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market and in order to qualify stock options for favorable federal income tax treatment.
 
Voting Rights. Neither Waterstone-Federal’s stock charter or bylaws nor New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation or bylaws provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors. For additional information regarding voting rights, see “—Limitations on Voting Rights of Greater-than-10% Stockholders” below.
 
Payment of Dividends.   Waterstone-Federal’s ability to pay dividends depends, to a large extent, upon WaterStone Bank’s ability to pay dividends to Waterstone-Federal, which is restricted by federal regulations and by federal income tax considerations related to federally-chartered savings associations.
 
The same restrictions will apply to WaterStone Bank’s payment of dividends to New Waterstone.  In addition, Maryland law generally provides that New Waterstone is limited to paying dividends in an amount equal to its capital surplus over payments that would be owed upon dissolution to stockholders whose preferential rights upon dissolution are superior to those receiving the dividend, and to an amount that would not make it insolvent.
 
Board of Directors . Waterstone-Federal’s bylaws and New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation require the board of directors to be divided into three classes and that the members of each class shall be elected for a term of three years and until their successors are elected and qualified, with one class being elected annually.
 
Under Waterstone-Federal’s bylaws, any vacancies on the board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors although less than a quorum of the board of directors.  Persons elected by the board of directors of Waterstone-Federal to fill vacancies may only serve until the next election of directors by stockholders. Under New Waterstone’s bylaws, any vacancy occurring on the board of directors, including any vacancy created by reason of an increase in the number of directors, may be filled only by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the remaining directors, and any director so chosen shall hold office for the remainder of the term to which the director has been elected and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
 
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Limitations on Liability. The charter and bylaws of Waterstone-Federal do not limit the personal liability of directors or officers.
 
New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation provide that directors and officers will not be personally liable for monetary damages to New Waterstone for certain actions as directors or officers, except for (i) receipt of an improper personal benefit, (ii) actions or omissions that are determined to have materially involved active and deliberate dishonesty, or (iii) to the extent allowed by Maryland law. These provisions might, in certain instances, discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors or officers for a breach of their duties even though such an action, if successful, might benefit New Waterstone.
 
Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents.   As generally allowed under current Federal Reserve Board regulations, Waterstone-Federal will indemnify its directors, officers and employees for any reasonable costs incurred in connection with any litigation involving such person’s activities as a director, officer or employee if such person obtains a final judgment on the merits in his or her favor. In addition, indemnification is permitted in the case of a settlement, a final judgment against such person, or final judgment other than on the merits, if a majority of disinterested directors determines that such person was acting in good faith within the scope of his or her employment as he or she could reasonably have perceived it under the circumstances and for a purpose he or she could reasonably have believed under the circumstances was in the best interests of Waterstone-Federal or its stockholders.  Waterstone-Federal also is permitted to pay ongoing expenses incurred by a director, officer or employee if a majority of disinterested directors concludes that such person may ultimately be entitled to indemnification.  Before making any indemnification payment, Waterstone-Federal is required to notify the Federal Reserve Board of its intention, and such payment cannot be made if the Federal Reserve Board objects to such payment.
 
The articles of incorporation of New Waterstone provide that it shall indemnify (i) its current and former directors and officers to the fullest extent required or permitted by Maryland law, including the advancement of expenses, and (ii) other employees or agents to such extent as shall be authorized by the board of directors and Maryland law, all subject to any applicable federal law.  Maryland law allows New Waterstone to indemnify any person for expenses, liabilities, settlements, judgments and fines in suits in which such person has been made a party by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer or employee of New Waterstone.  No such indemnification may be given if the acts or omissions of the person are adjudged to be in bad faith and material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding, if such person is liable to the corporation for an unlawful distribution, or if such person personally received a benefit to which he or she was not entitled.  The right to indemnification includes the right to be paid the expenses incurred in advance of final disposition of a proceeding.
 
Special Meetings of Stockholders. Waterstone-Federal’s bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by the chairman, the president, a majority of the members of the board of directors or the holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote at the meeting.  New Waterstone’s bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by the chairperson, the vice chairperson, by a majority vote of the total authorized directors, or upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all votes entitled to vote at the meeting.
 
Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. Waterstone-Federal’s bylaws provide that stockholders may submit nominations for election of directors at an annual meeting of stockholders and may propose any new business to be taken up at such a meeting by filing the proposal in writing with Waterstone-Federal at least five days before the date of any such meeting.
 
New Waterstone’s bylaws provide that any stockholder desiring to make a nomination for the election of directors or a proposal for new business at a meeting of stockholders must submit written notice to New Waterstone at least 80 days prior and not earlier than 90 days prior to such meeting.  However, if less than 90 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice must be submitted by a stockholder not later than the tenth day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders or such public disclosure was made.
 
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Management believes that it is in the best interest of New Waterstone and its stockholders to provide sufficient time to enable management to disclose to stockholders information about a dissident slate of nominations for directors.  This advance notice requirement may also give management time to solicit its own proxies in an attempt to defeat any dissident slate of nominations, should management determine that doing so is in the best interests of stockholders generally.  Similarly, adequate advance notice of stockholder proposals will give management time to study such proposals and to determine whether to recommend to the stockholders that such proposals be adopted.  In certain instances, such provisions could make it more difficult to oppose management’s nominees or proposals, even if stockholders believe such nominees or proposals are in their best interests.
 
Stockholder Action Without a Meeting. Neither the bylaws of Waterstone-Federal nor New Waterstone provide for action to be taken by stockholders without a meeting.  However, under Maryland law, action may be taken by stockholders without a meeting if all stockholders entitled to vote on the action consent to taking such action without a meeting.
 
Stockholder’s Right to Examine Books and Records. A federal regulation, which is applicable to Waterstone-Federal, provides that stockholders may inspect and copy specified books and records after proper written notice for a proper purpose.  Maryland law provides that a stockholder may inspect a company’s bylaws, stockholder minutes, annual statement of affairs and any voting trust agreements. However, only a stockholder or group of stockholders who together, for at least six months, hold at least 5% of the company’s total shares, have the right to inspect a company’s stock ledger, list of stockholders and books of accounts.
 
Limitations on Voting Rights of Greater-than-10% Stockholders. New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation provide that no beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock will be permitted to vote any shares in excess of such 10% limit.  Waterstone-Federal’s charter does not contain voting limits based on stock ownership.
 
In addition, federal regulations provide that for a period of three years following the date of the completion of the offering, no person, acting singly or together with associates in a group of persons acting in concert, may directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of a class of New Waterstone’s equity securities without the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board.  Where any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10% of a class of New Waterstone’s equity securities without the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board, the securities beneficially owned by such person in excess of 10% may not be voted by any person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote, and will not be counted as outstanding for purposes of determining the affirmative vote necessary to approve any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote.
 
Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders. Under Maryland law, “business combinations” between New Waterstone and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.  These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or, in circumstances specified in the statute, certain transfers of assets, certain stock issuances and transfers, liquidation plans and reclassifications involving interested stockholders and their affiliates or issuance or reclassification of equity securities.  Maryland law defines an interested stockholder as: (i) any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of New Waterstone’s voting stock after the date on which New Waterstone had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock; or (ii) an affiliate or associate of New Waterstone at any time after the date on which New Waterstone had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock who, within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding voting stock of New Waterstone.  A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board.
 
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After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between New Waterstone and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of New Waterstone and approved by the affirmative vote of at least: (i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of New Waterstone, and (ii) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of New Waterstone other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder. These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if New Waterstone’s common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.
 
Current federal regulations do not provide a vote standard for business combinations involving federal mid-tier stock holding companies.
 
Mergers, Consolidations and Sales of Assets .  Under New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation, a merger or consolidation of New Waterstone requires approval of a majority of all votes entitled to be cast by stockholders.  However, no approval by stockholders is required for a merger if:
 
 
the plan of merger does not make an amendment to the articles of incorporation that would be required to be approved by the stockholders;
 
 
each stockholder of the surviving corporation whose shares were outstanding immediately before the effective date of the merger will hold the same number of shares, with identical designations, preferences, limitations, and rights, immediately after; and
 
 
the number of shares of any class or series of stock outstanding immediately after the effective time of the merger will not increase by more than 20% the total number of voting shares outstanding immediately before the merger.
 
In addition, under certain circumstances the approval of the stockholders shall not be required to authorize a merger with or into a 90% owned subsidiary of New Waterstone.
 
Under Maryland law, a sale of all or substantially all of New Waterstone’s assets other than in the ordinary course of business, or a voluntary dissolution of New Waterstone, requires the approval of its board of directors and the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes of stockholders entitled to be cast on the matter.
 
Current federal regulations do not provide a vote standard for mergers, consolidations or sales of assets by federal mid-tier stock holding companies.
 
Evaluation of Offers.   The articles of incorporation of New Waterstone provide that its board of directors, when evaluating a transaction that would or may involve a change in control of New Waterstone (whether by purchases of its securities, merger, consolidation, share exchange, dissolution, liquidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets, proxy solicitation or otherwise), may, in connection with the exercise of its business judgment in determining what is in the best interests of New Waterstone and its stockholders and in making any recommendation to the stockholders, give due consideration to all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
 
 
the economic effect, both immediate and long-term, upon New Waterstone’s stockholders, including stockholders, if any, who do not participate in the transaction;
 
 
the social and economic effect on the present and future employees, creditors and customers of, and others dealing with, New Waterstone and its subsidiaries and on the communities in which New Waterstone and its subsidiaries operate or are located;
 
 
whether the proposal is acceptable based on the historical, current or projected future operating results or financial condition of New Waterstone;
 
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whether a more favorable price could be obtained for New Waterstone’s stock or other securities in the future;
 
 
the reputation and business practices of the other entity to be involved in the transaction and its management and affiliates as they would affect the employees of New Waterstone and its subsidiaries;
 
 
the future value of the stock or any other securities of New Waterstone or the other entity to be involved in the proposed transaction;
 
 
any antitrust or other legal and regulatory issues that are raised by the proposal;
 
 
the business and historical, current or expected future financial condition or operating results of the other entity to be involved in the transaction, including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing financial obligations, financial obligations to be incurred in connection with the proposed transaction, and other likely financial obligations of the other entity to be involved in the proposed transaction; and
 
 
the ability of New Waterstone to fulfill its objectives as a financial institution holding company and on the ability of its subsidiary financial institution(s) to fulfill the objectives of a federally insured financial institution under applicable statutes and regulations.
 
If the board of directors determines that any proposed transaction should be rejected, it may take any lawful action to defeat such transaction.
 
Waterstone-Federal’s charter and bylaws do not contain a similar provision.
 
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal . Under Maryland law, stockholders of New Waterstone will not have dissenters’ appraisal rights in connection with a plan of merger or consolidation to which New Waterstone is a party as long as the common stock of New Waterstone trades on a national securities exchange.
 
Current federal regulations do not provide for dissenters’ appraisal rights in business combinations involving federal mid-tier stock holding companies.
 
Amendment of Governing Instruments . No amendment of Waterstone-Federal’s stock charter may be made unless it is first proposed by the board of directors then approved or preapproved by the Federal Reserve Board, and thereafter approved by the holders of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting.  Amendments to Waterstone-Federal’s bylaws require either preliminary approval by or post-adoption notice to the Federal Reserve Board as well as approval of the amendment by a majority vote of the authorized board of directors, or by a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders of Waterstone-Federal at any legal meeting.
 
New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation may be amended, upon the submission of an amendment by the board of directors to a vote of the stockholders, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock, or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock if at least two-thirds of the members of the whole board of directors approves such amendment; provided, however, that approval by at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock is generally required to amend the following provisions:
 
 
(i)
The limitation on voting rights of persons who directly or indirectly beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock;
 
 
(ii)
The division of the board of directors into three staggered classes;
 
 
(iii)
The ability of the board of directors to fill vacancies on the board;
 
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(iv)
The requirement that directors may only be removed for cause and by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by stockholders;
 
 
(v)
The ability of the board of directors to amend and repeal the bylaws;
 
 
(vi)
The ability of the board of directors to evaluate a variety of factors in evaluating offers to purchase or otherwise acquire New Waterstone;
 
 
(vii)
The authority of the board of directors to provide for the issuance of preferred stock;
 
 
(viii)
The validity and effectiveness of any action lawfully authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock;
 
 
(ix)
The number of stockholders constituting a quorum or required for stockholder consent;
 
 
(x)
The indemnification of current and former directors and officers, as well as employees and other agents, by New Waterstone;
 
 
(xi)
The limitation of liability of officers and directors to New Waterstone for money damages;
 
 
(xii)
The inability of stockholders to cumulate their votes in the election of directors;
 
 
(xiii)
The advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations; and
 
 
(xiv)
The provision of the articles of incorporation requiring approval of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock to amend the provisions of the articles of incorporation provided in (i) through (xiii) of this list.
 
The articles of incorporation also provide that the bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of our directors or by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be voted at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders.  Any amendment of this super-majority requirement for amendment of the bylaws would also require the approval of 80% of the outstanding voting stock.
 
RESTRICTION S ON ACQUISITION OF NEW WATERSTONE
 
Although the board of directors of New Waterstone is not aware of any effort that might be made to obtain control of New Waterstone after the conversion, the board of directors believes that it is appropriate to include certain provisions as part of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation to protect the interests of New Waterstone and its stockholders from takeovers which the board of directors might conclude are not in the best interests of WaterStone Bank, New Waterstone or New Waterstone’s stockholders.
 
The following discussion is a general summary of the material provisions of Maryland law, New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, WaterStone Bank’s articles of incorporation and bylaws and certain other regulatory provisions that may be deemed to have an “anti-takeover” effect.  The following description is necessarily general and is not intended to be a complete description of the document or regulatory provision in question.  New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation and bylaws are included as part of Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s application for conversion filed with the Federal Reserve Board and New Waterstone’s registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”
 
Maryland Law and Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of New Waterstone
 
Maryland law, as well as New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, contain a number of provisions relating to corporate governance and rights of stockholders that may discourage future takeover attempts.  As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such transactions may not have an opportunity to do so. In addition, these provisions will also render the removal of the board of directors or management of New Waterstone more difficult.
 
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Directors . The board of directors will be divided into three classes.  The members of each class will be elected for a term of three years and only one class of directors will be elected annually.  Thus, it would take at least two annual elections to replace a majority of the board of directors.   The bylaws establish qualifications for board members, including restrictions on affiliations with competitors of WaterStone Bank and restrictions based upon prior legal or regulatory violations.  Further, the bylaws impose notice and information requirements in connection with the nomination by stockholders of candidates for election to the board of directors or the proposal by stockholders of business to be acted upon at an annual meeting of stockholders.  Such notice and information requirements are applicable to all stockholder business proposals and nominations, and are in addition to any requirements under the federal securities laws.
 
Restrictions on Call of Special Meetings .   The articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders can be called by the president, by a majority of the whole board of directors or upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all votes entitled to vote at the meeting.
 
Prohibition of Cumulative Voting .   The articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting for the election of directors.
 
Limitation of Voting Rights .    The articles of incorporation provide that in no event will any person who beneficially owns more than 10% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock, be entitled or permitted to vote any of the shares of common stock held in excess of the 10% limit.  This provision has been included in the articles of incorporation in reliance on Section 2-507(a) of the Maryland General Corporation Law, which entitles stockholders to one vote for each share of stock unless the articles of incorporation provide for a greater or lesser number of votes per share or limit or deny voting rights.
 
Restrictions on Removing Directors from Office .   The articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of our then-outstanding common stock entitled to vote (after giving effect to the limitation on voting rights discussed above in “—Limitation of Voting Rights.”).
 
Authorized but Unissued Shares .  After the conversion, New Waterstone will have authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock.  See “Description of Capital Stock of New Waterstone Following the Conversion.”  The articles of incorporation authorize 50,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock.  New Waterstone is authorized to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series subject to applicable provisions of law, and the board of directors is authorized to fix the designations, and relative preferences, limitations, voting rights, if any, including without limitation, offering rights of such shares (which could be multiple or as a separate class).  In the event of a proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of New Waterstone that the board of directors does not approve, it may be possible for the board of directors to authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock with rights and preferences that would impede the completion of the transaction.  An effect of the possible issuance of preferred stock therefore may be to deter a future attempt to gain control of New Waterstone.  The board of directors has no present plan or understanding to issue any preferred stock.
 
Amendments to Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.   Amendments to the articles of incorporation must be approved by the board of directors and by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock, or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock if at least two-thirds of the members of the whole board of directors approves such amendment; provided, however, that approval by at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock is generally required to amend certain provisions.  A list of these provisions is provided under “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights For Existing Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.—Amendment of Governing Instruments” above.
 
The articles of incorporation also provide that the bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of New Waterstone’s directors or by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be cast at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders.  Any amendment of this super-majority requirement for amendment of the bylaws would also require the approval of 80% of the total votes eligible to be cast.
 
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The provisions requiring the affirmative vote of 80% of the total eligible votes eligible to be cast for certain stockholder actions have been included in the articles of incorporation of New Waterstone in reliance on Section 2-104(b)(4) of the Maryland General Corporation Law.  Section 2-104(b)(4) permits the articles of incorporation to require a greater proportion of votes than the proportion that would otherwise be required for stockholder action under the Maryland General Corporation Law.
 
Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders . Maryland law restricts mergers, consolidations, sales of assets and other business combinations between New Waterstone and an “interested stockholder”.  See “Comparison of Stockholder Rights for Existing Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.—Mergers, Consolidations and Sales of Assets” above.
 
Evaluation of Offers.   The articles of incorporation of New Waterstone provide that its board of directors, when evaluating a transaction that would or may involve a change in control of New Waterstone (whether by purchases of its securities, merger, consolidation, share exchange, dissolution, liquidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets, proxy solicitation or otherwise), may, in connection with the exercise of its business judgment in determining what is in the best interests of New Waterstone and its stockholders and in making any recommendation to the stockholders, give due consideration to all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, certain enumerated factors.  For a list of these enumerated factors, see “Comparison of Stockholder Rights for Existing Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.—Evaluation of Offers” above.
 
Purpose and Anti-Takeover Effects of New Waterstone s Articles of Incorporation  and Bylaws .   Our board of directors believes that the provisions described above are prudent and will reduce our vulnerability to takeover attempts and certain other transactions that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors.  These provisions also will assist us in the orderly deployment of the offering proceeds into productive assets during the initial period after the conversion.  We believe these provisions are in the best interests of New Waterstone and its stockholders. Our board of directors believes that it will be in the best position to determine the true value of New Waterstone and to negotiate more effectively for what may be in the best interests of all our stockholders. Accordingly, our board of directors believes that it is in the best interests of New Waterstone and all of our stockholders to encourage potential acquirers to negotiate directly with the board of directors and that these provisions will encourage such negotiations and discourage hostile takeover attempts. It is also the view of our board of directors that these provisions should not discourage persons from proposing a merger or other transaction at a price reflective of the true value of New Waterstone and that is in the best interests of all our stockholders.
 
Takeover attempts that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors present the risk of a takeover on terms that may be less favorable than might otherwise be available. A transaction that is negotiated and approved by our board of directors, on the other hand, can be carefully planned and undertaken at an opportune time in order to obtain maximum value for our stockholders, with due consideration given to matters such as the management and business of the acquiring corporation.
 
Although a tender offer or other takeover attempt may be made at a price substantially above the current market price, such offers are sometimes made for less than all of the outstanding shares of a target company.  As a result, stockholders may be presented with the alternative of partially liquidating their investment at a time that may be disadvantageous, or retaining their investment in an enterprise that is under different management and whose objectives may not be similar to those of the remaining stockholders.
 
Despite our belief as to the benefits to stockholders of these provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, these provisions also may have the effect of discouraging a future takeover attempt that would not be approved by our board of directors, but pursuant to which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have any opportunity to do so.  Such provisions will also make it more difficult to remove our board of directors and management.  Our board of directors, however, has concluded that the potential benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages.
 
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Articles of Incorporation of WaterStone Bank
 
WaterStone Bank’s articles of incorporation will provide that for a period of five years from the closing of the conversion and offering, no person other than New Waterstone may offer directly or indirectly to acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of WaterStone Bank.  This provision does not apply to any tax-qualified employee benefit plan of WaterStone Bank or New Waterstone or to an underwriter or member of an underwriting or selling group involving the public sale or resale of securities of New Waterstone or any of its subsidiaries, so long as after the sale or resale, no underwriter or member of the selling group is a beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of any class of equity securities of WaterStone Bank.  In addition, during this five-year period, all shares owned over the 10% limit may not be voted on any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote.
 
Conversion Regulations
 
Federal Reserve Board regulations prohibit any person from making an offer, announcing an intent to make an offer or participating in any other arrangement to purchase stock or acquire stock or subscription rights in a converting institution or its holding company from another person prior to completion of its conversion.  Further, without the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board, no person may make an offer or announcement of an offer to purchase shares or actually acquire shares of a converted institution or its holding company for a period of three years from the date of the completion of the conversion if, upon the completion of such offer, announcement or acquisition, the person would become the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding stock of the institution or its holding company.  The Federal Reserve Board has defined “person” to include any individual, group acting in concert, corporation, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities of an insured institution.  However, offers made exclusively to a bank or its holding company, or to an underwriter or member of a selling group acting on the converting institution’s or its holding company’s behalf for resale to the general public, are excepted.  The regulation also provides civil penalties for willful violation or assistance in any such violation of the regulation by any person connected with the management of the converting institution or its holding company or who controls more than 10% of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a converted institution or its holding company.
 
Change in Control Regulations
 
Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of an insured savings association or its parent holding company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition.  The Federal Reserve Board takes into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition.  In addition, federal regulations provide that no company may acquire control of a savings association without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.  Any company that acquires such control becomes a “savings and loan holding company” subject to registration, examination and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board.
 
Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the company’s directors, or a determination by the Federal Reserve Board that the acquiror has the power to direct, or directly or indirectly to exercise a controlling influence over, the management or policies of the institution.  Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a savings and loan holding company’s voting stock constitutes a rebuttable determination of control under the regulations under certain circumstances including where, as will be the case with New Waterstone, the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Federal Reserve Board regulations provide that parties seeking to rebut control will be provided an opportunity to do so in writing.
 
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF NEW WATERSTONE FOLLOWING THE CONVERSION
 
General
 
New Waterstone is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.  New Waterstone currently expects to issue in the offering and exchange up to 38,120,069 shares of common stock.  New Waterstone will not issue shares of preferred stock in the conversion.  Each share of common stock will have the same relative rights as, and will be identical in all respects to, each other share of common stock.  Upon payment of the subscription price for the common stock, in accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization, all of the shares of common stock will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
The shares of common stock will represent nonwithdrawable capital, will not be an account of an insurable type, and will not be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
Common Stock
 
Dividends . New Waterstone may pay dividends to an amount equal to the excess of our capital surplus over payments that would be owed upon dissolution to stockholders whose preferential rights upon dissolution are superior to those receiving the dividend, and to an amount that would not make us insolvent, as and when declared by our board of directors.  The payment of dividends by New Waterstone is also subject to limitations that are imposed by law and applicable regulation, including restrictions on payments of dividends that would reduce New Waterstone’s assets below the then-adjusted balance of its liquidation account.  The holders of common stock of New Waterstone will be entitled to receive and share equally in dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor.  If New Waterstone issues shares of preferred stock, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to dividends.
 
Voting Rights . Upon completion of the conversion, the holders of common stock of New Waterstone will have exclusive voting rights in New Waterstone.  They will elect New Waterstone’s board of directors and act on other matters as are required to be presented to them under Maryland law or as are otherwise presented to them by the board of directors. Generally, each holder of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors.  Any person who beneficially owns more than 10% of the then-outstanding shares of New Waterstone’s common stock, however, will not be entitled or permitted to vote any shares of common stock held in excess of the 10% limit.  If New Waterstone issues shares of preferred stock, holders of the preferred stock may also possess voting rights. Certain matters require the approval of 80% of our outstanding common stock.
 
As a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank, corporate powers and control of WaterStone Bank are vested in its board of directors, who elect the officers of WaterStone Bank and who fill any vacancies on the board of directors.  Voting rights of WaterStone Bank are vested exclusively in the owners of the shares of capital stock of WaterStone Bank, which will be New Waterstone, and voted at the direction of New Waterstone’s board of directors.  Consequently, the holders of the common stock of New Waterstone will not have direct control of WaterStone Bank.
 
Liquidation . In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of WaterStone Bank, New Waterstone, as the holder of 100% of WaterStone Bank’s capital stock, would be entitled to receive all assets of WaterStone Bank available for distribution, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of WaterStone Bank, including all deposit accounts and accrued interest thereon, and after distribution of the balance in the liquidation account to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of New Waterstone, the holders of its common stock would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all its debts and liabilities (including payments with respect to its liquidation account), all of the assets of New Waterstone available for distribution. If preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock in the event of liquidation or dissolution.
 
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Preemptive Rights . Holders of the common stock of New Waterstone will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares that may be issued.  The common stock is not subject to redemption.
 
Preferred Stock
 
None of the shares of New Waterstone’s authorized preferred stock will be issued as part of the offering or the conversion. Preferred stock may be issued with preferences and designations as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue shares of preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion rights that could dilute the voting strength of the holders of the common stock and may assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control.
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
The transfer agent and registrar for New Waterstone’s common stock is Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., Brentwood, New York.
 
EXPERTS
 
The consolidated financial statements of Waterstone-Federal and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, have been included herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
RP Financial, LC. has consented to the publication herein of the summary of its report setting forth its opinion as to the estimated pro forma market value of the shares of common stock upon completion of the conversion and offering and its letters with respect to subscription rights and the liquidation accounts.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., Washington, D.C., counsel to New Waterstone, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone-Federal and WaterStone Bank, has issued to New Waterstone its opinion regarding the legality of the common stock and the federal income tax consequences of the conversion.  Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP has provided an opinion to us regarding the Wisconsin income tax consequences of the conversion.  Certain legal matters will be passed upon for Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and, in the event of a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering, for the other co-managers, by Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, Washington, D.C.
 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
New Waterstone has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the shares of common stock offered hereby. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement.  Such information, including the appraisal report which is an exhibit to the registration statement, can be examined without charge at the public reference facilities of the Securities and Exchange Commission located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of such material can be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission at prescribed rates.  The Securities and Exchange Commission telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330.  In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including New Waterstone.  The statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are, of necessity, brief descriptions of the material terms of, and should be read in conjunction with, such contract or document.
 
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Lamplighter Financial, MHC has filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System an Application on Form AC with respect to the conversion, and New Waterstone has filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System an Application H-(e)1 with respect to its acquisition of WaterStone Bank. This prospectus omits certain information contained in those applications. To obtain a copy of the applications filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, you may contact ____________, _________________ of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, at (______) _______-__________.  The Plan of Conversion and Reorganization is available, upon request, at each of WaterStone Bank’s offices.
 
In connection with the offering, New Waterstone will register its common stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, upon such registration, New Waterstone and the holders of its common stock will become subject to the proxy solicitation rules, reporting requirements and restrictions on common stock purchases and sales by directors, officers and greater than 10% stockholders, the annual and periodic reporting and certain other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Under the plan of conversion and reorganization, New Waterstone has undertaken that it will not terminate such registration for a period of at least three years following the offering.
 
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) F-3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) F-8
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-42
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2012 and 2011 F-45
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-46
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-47
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-48
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 F-49
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-51
***
All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required information either is not applicable or is included in the financial statements or related notes.

 

F-1


 

 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

 

    (Unaudited)      
    March 31,   December 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands, except share data)  
Assets          
Cash   $ 54,652   37,129  
Federal funds sold   9,209   28,576  
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions and other short term investments   253   5,764  
Cash and cash equivalents   64,114   71,469  
Securities available for sale (at fair value)   220,471   205,017  
Loans held for sale (at fair value)   104,168   133,613  
Loans receivable   1,124,937   1,133,672  
Less: Allowance for loan losses   29,298   31,043  
Loans receivable, net   1,095,639   1,102,629  
           
Office properties and equipment, net   26,844   26,935  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)   20,193   20,193  
Cash surrender value of life insurance   38,201   38,061  
Real estate owned   30,799   35,974  
Prepaid expenses and other assets   28,325   27,185  
Total assets   $ 1,628,754   1,661,076  
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
Liabilities:          
Demand deposits   $ 86,948   84,140  
Money market and savings deposits   115,578   118,453  
Time deposits   712,393   736,920  
Total deposits   914,919   939,513  
           
Short-term borrowings   45,324   45,888  
Long-term borrowings   434,000   434,000  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes   7,346   1,672  
Other liabilities   20,060   37,369  
Total liabilities   1,421,649   1,458,442  
           
Shareholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share) Authorized - 20,000,000 shares, no shares issued      
Common stock (par value $.01 per share) Authorized - 200,000,000 shares in 2013 and 2012 Issued - 34,072,909 in 2013 and 2012 Outstanding - 31,348,556 in 2013 and 2012   341   341  
Additional paid-in capital   110,458   110,490  
Retained earnings   141,112   136,487  
Unearned ESOP shares   (1,494 ) (1,708 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes   1,949   2,285  
Treasury shares (2,724,353 shares), at cost   (45,261 ) (45,261 )
Total shareholders’ equity   207,105   202,634  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 1,628,754   1,661,076  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-2


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

    Three months ended March 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands, except per share amounts)  
           
Interest income:          
Loans   $ 15,213   16,572  
Mortgage-related securities   437   863  
Debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments   536   707  
Total interest income   16,186   18,142  
Interest expense:          
Deposits   1,466   3,204  
Borrowings   4,574   4,512  
Total interest expense   6,040   7,716  
Net interest income   10,146   10,426  
Provision for loan losses   1,760   3,675  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   8,386   6,751  
Noninterest income:          
Service charges on loans and deposits   365   249  
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   140   145  
Total other-than-temporary investment losses     (901 )
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (before income taxes)     897  
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings     (4 )
Mortgage banking income   21,988   14,201  
(Loss) gain on sale of available for sale securities   (9 ) 241  
Other   549   170  
Total noninterest income   23,033   15,002  
Noninterest expenses:          
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   16,482   10,637  
Occupancy, office furniture, and equipment   1,916   1,721  
Advertising   824   555  
Data processing   477   392  
Communications   408   296  
Professional fees   405   426  
Real estate owned   141   1,435  
FDIC insurance premiums   673   941  
Other   2,545   3,112  
Total noninterest expenses   23,871   19,515  
Income before income taxes   7,548   2,238  
Income tax expense   2,923   30  
Net income   $ 4,625   2,208  
Income per share:          
Basic   $ 0.15   0.07  
Diluted   $ 0.15   0.07  
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic   31,123,857   31,024,139  
Diluted   31,334,490   31,036,711  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-3


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

 

    Three months ended
March 31,
 
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands)  
Net income   $ 4,625   2,208  
           
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:          
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain on avaliable for sale securities:          
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain arising during the period, net of tax benefit (expense) of $225 and ($100) respectively   (341 ) 340  
           
Reclassification adjustment for net loss (gain) included in net income during the period, net of tax (benefit) expense of $4 and ($96), respectively   5   (144 )
           
Total other comprehensive (loss) income   (336 ) 196  
Comprehensive income   $ 4,289   2,404  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-4


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

 

                        Accumulated          
            Additional       Unearned   Other       Total  
    Common Stock   Paid-In   Retained   ESOP   Comprehensive   Treasury   Shareholders’  
    Shares   Amount   Capital   Earnings   Shares   Income   Shares   Equity  
    (In Thousands)  
Balances at December 31, 2011   31,250   $ 340   110,894   101,573   (2,562 ) 1,388   (45,261 ) 166,372  
                                   
Comprehensive income:                                  
Net income         2,208         2,208  
Other comprehensive income:             196     196  
Total comprehensive income                               2,404  
                                   
ESOP shares committed to be released to Plan participants       (170 )   214       44  
Stock based compensation   100     40           40  
                                   
Balances at March 31, 2012   31,350   $ 340   110,764   103,781   (2,348 ) 1,584   (45,261 ) 168,860  
                                   
Balances at December 31, 2012   31,348   $ 341   110,490   136,487   (1,708 ) 2,285   (45,261 ) 202,634  
                                   
Comprehensive income:                                  
Net income         4,625         4,625  
Other comprehensive loss:             (336 )   (336 )
Total comprehensive income                               4,289  
                                   
ESOP shares committed to be released to Plan participants       (64 )   214       150  
Stock based compensation       32           32  
                                   
Balances at March 31, 2013   31,348   $ 341   110,458   141,112   (1,494 ) 1,949   (45,261 ) 207,105  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-5


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

    Three months ended March 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands)  
           
Operating activities:          
Net income   $ 4,625   2,208  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses   1,760   3,675  
Provision for depreciation   606   486  
Deferred income taxes   1,671    
Stock based compensation   32   40  
Net amortization of premium/discount on debt and mortgage related securities   620   216  
Amortization of unearned ESOP shares   150   44  
Gain on sale of loans held for sale   (19,996 ) (14,964 )
Loans originated for sale   (430,108 ) (326,882 )
Proceeds on sales of loans originated for sale   479,549   339,428  
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable   (500 ) 147  
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   (140 ) (145 )
Decrease in accrued interest on deposits and borrowings   (64 ) (117 )
Increase in other liabilities   (4,947 ) (2,610 )
Decrease in accrued tax payable   (557 ) (17 )
(Loss) gain on sale of available for sale securities   9   (241 )
Impairment of securities     4  
Net realized and unrealized (gain) loss related to real estate owned   (352 ) 533  
Other   (2,319 ) (1,232 )
           
Net cash provided by operating activities   30,039   573  
           
Investing activities:          
Net decrease in loans receivable   2,496   6,779  
Purchases of:          
Debt securities   (26,316 ) (980 )
Mortgage related securities   (3,096 ) (51,367 )
Premises and equipment, net   (537 ) (396 )
Proceeds from:          
Principal repayments on mortgage-related securities   11,036   7,339  
Maturities of debt securities   815   25,072  
Sales of debt securities   921   11,908  
Calls of structured notes     2,648  
Sales of real estate owned   8,512   6,490  
Redemption of FHLB stock     852  
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (6,169 ) 8,345  
             

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-6


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

    Three months ended March 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands)  
Financing activities:          
Net decrease in deposits   (24,594 ) (7,538 )
Net change in short-term borrowings   (564 ) (1,945 )
Net change in advance payments by borrowers for taxes   (6,067 ) (4,208 )
Net cash used in financing activities   (31,225 ) (13,691 )
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (7,355 ) (4,773 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   71,469   80,380  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 64,114   75,607  
           
Supplemental information:          
Cash paid, credited or (received) during the period for:          
Income tax payments   1,809   47  
Interest payments   6,105   7,833  
Noncash investing activities:          
Loans receivable transferred to real estate owned   2,734   6,349  
             

 

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-7


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

 

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) and the Company’s subsidiaries.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-Q. The financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s December 31, 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013 or for any other period.

 

The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes and real estate owned.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities , which amended disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset on the balance sheet. Reporting entities are required to provide both net and gross information for these assets and liabilities in order to enhance comparability between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of international financial reporting standards (“IFRS”). Companies were required to apply the amendments for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those years.  The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operation, financial position, or liquidity.

 

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income .  Under this standard, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to

 

F-8


 

 

 

 

other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. This standard does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements and was effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operation, financial position, or liquidity.

 

Note 2— Securities Available for Sale

 

The amortized cost and fair values of the Company’s investment in securities available for sale follow:

 

    March 31, 2013  
        Gross   Gross      
    Amortized   unrealized   unrealized      
    cost   gains   losses   Fair value  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 111,803   2,381   (108 ) 114,076  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                  
Government sponsored enterprise issued   25,682   410     26,092  
Mortgage-related securities   137,485   2,791   (108 ) 140,168  
                   
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   10,000   21     10,021  
Municipal securities   57,550   1,746   (567 ) 58,729  
Other debt securities   5,000   136     5,136  
Debt securities   72,550   1,903   (567 ) 73,886  
                   
Certificates of Deposit   6,370   51   (4 ) 6,417  
    $ 216,405   4,745   (679 ) 220,471  

 

    December 31, 2012  
        Gross   Gross      
    Amortized   unrealized   unrealized      
    cost   gains   losses   Fair value  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 116,813   2,349   (106 ) 119,056  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                  
Government sponsored enterprise issued   29,207   373   (1 ) 29,579  
Mortgage-related securities   146,020   2,722   (107 ) 148,635  
                   
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   8,000   17     8,017  
Municipal securities   35,493   2,043   (165 ) 37,371  
Other debt securities   5,000   70     5,070  
Debt securities   48,493   2,130   (165 ) 50,458  
                   
Certificates of Deposit   5,880   45   (1 ) 5,924  
    $ 200,393   4,897   (273 ) 205,017  

 

F-9


 

 

 

 

The Company’s mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by government sponsored enterprises are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.  At March 31, 2013, $6.1 million of the Company’s government sponsored enterprise bonds and $94.6 million of the Company’s mortgage related securities were pledged as collateral to secure repurchase agreement obligations of the Company.

 

The amortized cost and fair values of investment securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2013 are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

    Amortized   Fair  
    Cost   Value  
    (In Thousands)  
Debt and other securities          
Due within one year   $ 2,750   2,756  
Due after one year through five years   24,726   25,737  
Due after five years through ten years   20,248   20,155  
Due after ten years   31,196   31,655  
Mortgage-related securities   137,485   140,168  
    $ 216,405   220,471  

 

Gross unrealized losses on securities available for sale and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows:

 

    March 31, 2013  
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total  
    Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized  
    value   loss   value   loss   value   loss  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 8,012   (108 )     8,012   (108 )
Municipal securities   30,938   (477 ) 384   (90 ) 31,322   (567 )
Certificates of Deposit   1,221   (4 )     1,221   (4 )
    $ 40,171   (589 ) 384   (90 ) 40,555   (679 )

 

    December 31, 2012  
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total  
    Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized  
    value   loss   value   loss   value   loss  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 19,382   (106 )     19,382   (106 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                          
Government sponsored enterprise issued   1,419   (1 )     1,419   (1 )
Municipal securities   9,009   (94 ) 398   (71 ) 9,407   (165 )
Certificates of Deposit   244   (1 )     244   (1 )
    $ 30,054   (202 ) 398   (71 ) 30,452   (273 )

 

F-10


 

 

 

 

The Company reviews the investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to monitor its exposure to other-than-temporary impairment.  In evaluating whether a security’s decline in market value is other-than-temporary, management considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, financial condition of the issuer and the underlying obligors, quality of credit enhancements, volatility of the fair value of the security, the expected recovery period of the security and ratings agency evaluations.  In addition the Company may also evaluate payment structure, whether there are defaulted payments or expected defaults, prepayment speeds and the value of any underlying collateral.  For certain securities in unrealized loss positions, the Company prepares cash flow analyses to compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security.

 

As of March 31, 2013, the Company identified two municipal securities that were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.  Both securities were issued by a tax incremental district in a municipality located in Wisconsin.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company received audited financial statements with respect to the municipal issuer that called into question the ability of the underlying taxing district that issued the securities to operate as a going concern.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s analysis of these securities resulted in $100,000 in credit losses that were charged to earnings with respect to these two municipal securities.  No additional credit loss was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2013.   As of March 31, 2013, these securities had a combined amortized cost of $215,000 and a combined estimated fair value of $237,000.  As of March 31, 2013, the Company had one municipal security which had been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.  This security was determined not to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2013.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, two private-label collateralized mortgage obligations, that had been identified as other than temporarily impaired, were sold at a combined gain of $282,000.  At the time of sale, these securities had a combined amortized cost of $18.0 million.

 

The following table presents the change in other-than-temporary credit related impairment charges on securities available for sale for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairments related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive loss.

 

    (In Thousands)  
Credit-related impairments on securities as of December 31, 2011   $ 2,096  
Credit-related impairments related to securites for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized   100  
Increase in credit-related impairments related to securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized   113  
Reduction for sales of securities for which other-than-temporary was previously recognized   (2,209 )
Credit-related impairments on securities as of December 31, 2012   100  
Credit-related impairments related to securites for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized    
Increase in credit-related impairments related to securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized    
Credit-related impairments on securities as of March 31, 2013   $ 100  

 

Exclusive of the aforementioned securities, the Company has determined that the decline in fair value of the remaining securities is not attributable to credit deterioration.  Based on the foregoing evaluation criteria, and as the Company does not intend to sell nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis, these securities are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

F-11


 

 

 

 

Continued deterioration of general economic market conditions could result in the recognition of future other-than-temporary impairment losses within the investment portfolio and such amounts could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, proceeds from the sale of securities totaled $921,000 and resulted in losses totaling $9,000.  The $9,000 loss included in (loss) gain on sale of available for sale securities in the consolidated statements of income during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, proceeds from the sale of securities totaled $11.9 million and resulted in gains totaling $241,000.  The $241,000 gain included in (loss) gain on sale of available for sale securities in the consolidated statements of income during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

Note 3 - Loans Receivable

 

Loans receivable at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized as follows:

 

    March 31,   December 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage loans:          
Residential real estate:          
One- to four-family   $ 445,243   460,821  
Over four-family   514,566   514,363  
Home equity   35,949   36,494  
Construction and land   33,249   33,818  
Commercial real estate   76,759   65,495  
Consumer   128   132  
Commercial loans   19,043   22,549  
    $ 1,124,937   1,133,672  

 

The Company provides several types of loans to its customers, including residential, construction, commercial and consumer loans.  Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to one borrower or to multiple borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions.  While credit risks are geographically concentrated in the Company’s Milwaukee metropolitan area, and while 88.5% of the Company’s loan portfolio involves loans that are secured by residential real estate, there are no concentrations with individual or groups of related borrowers.  While the real estate collateralizing these loans is residential in nature, it ranges from owner-occupied single family homes to large apartment complexes.  In addition, real estate collateralizing $79.0 million, or 7.0% of total loans, is located outside of the state of Wisconsin.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, $430.1 million in residential loans were originated for sale.  During the same period, sales of loans held for sale totaled $459.6 million, generating mortgage banking income of $22.0 million.  The unpaid principal balance of loans serviced for others was $787.6 million and $635.8 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. These loans are not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

 

Qualifying loans receivable totaling $818.2 million and $801.6 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, are pledged as collateral against $350.0 million in outstanding Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago advances under a blanket security agreement.

 

F-12


 

 

 

 

An analysis of past due loans receivable as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 follows:

 

    As of March 31, 2013  
    1-59 Days
Past Due (1)
  60-89 Days
Past Due (2)
  Greater Than
90 Days
  Total Past
Due
  Current (3)   Total Loans  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage loans:                          
Residential real estate:                          
One- to four-family   $ 8,344   4,766   29,016   42,126   403,117   445,243  
Over four-family   1,819   1,562   19,040   22,421   492,145   514,566  
Home equity   914   105   448   1,467   34,482   35,949  
Construction and land     763   2,140   2,903   30,346   33,249  
Commercial real estate   258     665   923   75,836   76,759  
Consumer           128   128  
Commercial loans     841   511   1,352   17,691   19,043  
Total   $ 11,335   8,037   51,820   71,192   1,053,745   1,124,937  

 

    As of December 31, 2012  
Mortgage loans:                          
Residential real estate:                          
One- to four-family   $ 11,745   5,402   29,259   46,406   414,415   460,821  
Over four-family   3,543   1,498   18,336   23,377   490,986   514,363  
Home equity   416   111   404   931   35,563   36,494  
Construction and land   87     2,180   2,267   31,551   33,818  
Commercial real estate   290     668   958   64,537   65,495  
Consumer           132   132  
Commercial loans       511   511   22,038   22,549  
Total   $ 16,081   7,011   51,358   74,450   1,059,222   1,133,672  

 


(1)          Includes $4.9 million and $2.4 million for March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which are on non-accrual status.

(2)          Includes $2.2 million and $2.8 million for March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which are on non-accrual status.

(3)          Includes $7.1 million and $18.2 million for March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which are on non-accrual status.

 

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there are no loans that are 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest.

 

F-13


 

 

 

 

A summary of the activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 in the allowance for loan losses follows:

 

    One- to Four-
 Family
  Over Four-
 Family
  Home Equity   Construction
and Land
  Commercial
Real Estate
  Consumer   Commercial   Total  
    (In Thousands)  
Three months ended March 31, 2013                                  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 17,819   7,734   2,097   1,323   1,259   30   781   31,043  
Provision (credit) for loan losses   2,055   (329 ) (74 ) 39   132   (2 ) (61 ) 1,760  
Charge-offs   (3,642 ) (137 ) (78 ) (7 )       (3,864 )
Recoveries   153   201   2       2   1   359  
Balance at end of period   $ 16,385   7,469   1,947   1,355   1,391   30   721   29,298  
                                   
Three months ended March 31, 2012                                  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 17,475   8,252   1,998   2,922   941   28   814   32,430  
Provision (credit) for loan losses   2,245   762   448   264   14   (1 ) (57 ) 3,675  
Charge-offs   (2,446 ) (447 ) (150 ) (120 ) (35 )     (3,198 )
Recoveries   116   4   7         13   140  
Balance at end of period   $ 17,390   8,571   2,303   3,066   920   27   770   33,047  

 

F-14


 

 

 

 

A summary of the allowance for loan loss for loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment by collateral class as of March 31, 2013 follows:

 

    One- to Four-
Family
  Over Four
Family
  Home
Equity
  Construction
and Land
  Commercial
Real Estate
  Consumer   Commercial   Total  
    (In Thousands)  
Allowance related to loans individually evaluated for impairment   $ 5,190   2,383   951   377   228     331   9,460  
Allowance related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment   11,195   5,086   996   978   1,163   30   390   19,838  
                                   
Balance at end of period   $ 16,385   7,469   1,947   1,355   1,391   30   721   29,298  
                                   
Loans individually evaluated for impairment   $ 56,498   25,794   2,221   4,429   665   22   1,352   90,981  
                                   
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   388,745   488,772   33,728   28,820   76,094   106   17,691   1,033,956  
Total gross loans   $ 445,243   514,566   35,949   33,249   76,759   128   19,043   1,124,937  

 

F-15


 

 

 

 

A summary of the allowance for loan loss for loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment by collateral class as of the year ended December 31, 2012 follows:

 

    One- to Four-
Family
  Over Four
Family
  Home
Equity
  Construction
and Land
  Commercial
Real Estate
  Consumer   Commercial   Total  
    (In Thousands)  
Allowance related to loans individually evaluated for impairment   $ 7,058   3,268   1,033   377   341     331   12,408  
                                   
Allowance related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment   10,761   4,466   1,064   946   918   30   450   18,635  
                                   
Balance at end of period   $ 17,819   7,734   2,097   1,323   1,259   30   781   31,043  
                                   
Loans individually evaluated for impairment   $ 57,467   28,281   2,127   4,470   1,250   24   1,352   94,971  
                                   
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   403,354   486,082   34,367   29,348   64,245   108   21,197   1,038,701  
Total gross loans   $ 460,821   514,363   36,494   33,818   65,495   132   22,549   1,133,672  

 

F-16


 

 

 

 

The following table presents information relating to the Company’s internal risk ratings of its loans receivable as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

    One- to Four-
Family
  Over Four
Family
  Home
Equity
  Construction
and Land
  Commercial
Real Estate
  Consumer   Commercial   Total  
    (In Thousands)  
At March 31, 2013                                  
Substandard   $ 51,706   19,696   2,637   3,665   665   22   1,364   79,755  
                                   
Watch   15,550   18,464   1,558   2,891   2,005     1,331   41,799  
                                   
Pass   377,987   476,406   31,754   26,693   74,089   106   16,348   1,003,383  
    $ 445,243   514,566   35,949   33,249   76,759   128   19,043   1,124,937  
                                   
At December 31, 2012                                  
Substandard   $ 53,242   24,767   2,913   3,705   1,251   23   1,365   87,266  
                                   
Watch   17,082   14,157   606   2,803   1,234     964   36,846  
                                   
Pass   390,497   475,439   32,975   27,310   63,010   109   20,220   1,009,560  
    $ 460,821   514,363   36,494   33,818   65,495   132   22,549   1,133,672  

 

F-17


 

 

 

 

Factors that are important to managing overall credit quality include sound loan underwriting and administration, systematic monitoring of existing loans and commitments, effective loan review on an ongoing basis, early identification of potential problems, an allowance for loan losses, and sound non-accrual and charge-off policies.  Our underwriting policies require an officers’ loan committee review and approve all loans in excess of $500,000.  In addition, an independent loan review function exists for all loans.  Our ability to manage credit risk depends in large part on our ability to properly identify and manage problem loans.  To do so, we maintain a loan review system under which our credit management personnel review non-owner occupied one- to four-family, over four-family, construction and land, commercial real estate and commercial loans that individually, or as part of an overall borrower relationship, exceed $1.0 million in potential exposure.  Loans meeting these criteria are reviewed on an annual basis, or more frequently if the loan renewal is less than one year.  With respect to this review process, management has determined that pass loans include loans that exhibit acceptable financial statements, cash flow and leverage.  Watch loans have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s attention and, if left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the credit.  Substandard loans are considered inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged.  These loans generally have a well-defined weakness that may jeopardize liquidation of the debt and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Finally, a loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management has determined that all non-accrual loans and loans modified under troubled debt restructurings meet the definition of an impaired loan.

 

The Company’s procedures dictate that an updated valuation must be obtained with respect to underlying collateral at the time a loan is deemed impaired.  Updated valuations may also be obtained upon transfer from loans receivable to real estate owned based upon the age of the prior appraisal, changes in market conditions or known changes to the physical condition of the property.

 

Estimated fair values are reduced to account for sales commissions, broker fees, unpaid property taxes and additional selling expenses to arrive at an estimated net realizable value.  The adjustment factor is based upon the Company’s actual experience with respect to sales of real estate owned over the prior two years.  An additional adjustment factor is applied by appraisal vintage to account for downward market pressure since the date of appraisal.  The additional adjustment factor is based upon relevant sales data available for our general operating market as well as company-specific historical net realizable values as compared to the most recent appraisal prior to disposition.

 

With respect to over-four family income-producing real estate, appraisals are reviewed and estimated collateral values are adjusted by updating significant appraisal assumptions to reflect current real estate market conditions.  Significant assumptions reviewed and updated include the capitalization rate, rental income and operating expenses.  These adjusted assumptions are based upon recent appraisals received on similar properties as well as on actual experience related to real estate owned and currently under Company management.

 

F-18


 

 

 

 

The following tables present data on impaired loans at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

    As of or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013  
    Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
  Reserve   Cumulative
Charge-Offs
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Paid
 
    (In Thousands)  
Total Impaired with Reserve                          
One- to four-family   $ 23,875   24,097   5,190   222   24,445   226  
Over four-family   16,030   16,275   2,383   245   16,732   214  
Home equity   1,463   1,463   951     1,539   10  
Construction and land   2,315   2,315   377     2,315   15  
Commercial real estate   228   594   228   366   594    
Consumer              
Commercial   1,352   1,352   331     1,352   3  
    45,263   46,096   9,460   833   46,977   468  
                           
Total Impaired with no Reserve                          
                           
One- to four-family   32,623   38,246     5,623   38,154   271  
Over four-family   9,764   9,929     165   10,489   5  
Home equity   758   924     166   934   3  
Construction and land   2,114   3,579     1,465   3,579   1  
Commercial real estate   437   461     24   472   2  
Consumer   22   22       23    
Commercial              
    45,718   53,161     7,443   53,651   282  
                           
Total Impaired                          
                           
One- to four-family   56,498   62,343   5,190   5,845   62,599   497  
Over four-family   25,794   26,204   2,383   410   27,221   219  
Home equity   2,221   2,387   951   166   2,473   13  
Construction and land   4,429   5,894   377   1,465   5,894   16  
Commercial real estate   665   1,055   228   390   1,066   2  
Consumer   22   22       23    
Commercial   1,352   1,352   331     1,352   3  
    $ 90,981   99,257   9,460   8,276   100,628   750  

 

F-19


 

 

 

 

    As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 2012  
    Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
  Reserve   Cumulative
Charge-Offs
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Paid
 
    (In Thousands)  
Total Impaired with Reserve                          
One- to four-family   $ 29,057   29,456   7,058   399   29,768   874  
Over four-family   17,397   17,642   3,268   245   18,073   722  
Home equity   1,544   1,544   1,033     1,615   74  
Construction and land   2,316   2,316   377     2,316   78  
Commercial real estate   813   1,179   341   366   1,748   50  
Consumer              
Commercial   1,352   1,352   331     1,352   42  
    52,479   53,489   12,408   1,010   54,872   1,840  
                           
Total Impaired with no Reserve                          
                           
One- to four-family   28,410   31,315     2,905   31,358   1,175  
Over four-family   10,884   11,179     295   11,649   549  
Home equity   583   749     166   755   14  
Construction and land   2,154   3,655     1,501   3,656   5  
Commercial real estate   437   461     24   473   12  
Consumer   24   24       24   1  
Commercial              
    42,492   47,383     4,891   47,915   1,756  
                           
Total Impaired                          
                           
One- to four-family   57,467   60,771   7,058   3,304   61,126   2,049  
Over four-family   28,281   28,821   3,268   540   29,722   1,271  
Home equity   2,127   2,293   1,033   166   2,370   88  
Construction and land   4,470   5,971   377   1,501   5,972   83  
Commercial real estate   1,250   1,640   341   390   2,221   62  
Consumer   24   24       24   1  
Commercial   1,352   1,352   331     1,352   42  
    $ 94,971   100,872   12,408   5,901   102,787   3,596  

 

The difference between a loan’s recorded investment and the unpaid principal balance represents a partial charge-off resulting from a confirmed loss due to the value of the collateral securing the loan being below the loan balance and management’s assessment that the full collection of the loan balance is not likely.

 

When a loan is considered impaired, interest payments received are treated as interest income on a cash basis as long as the remaining book value of the loan (i.e., after charge-off of all identified losses) is deemed to be fully collectible. If the remaining book value is not deemed to be fully collectible, all payments received are applied to unpaid principal. Determination as to the ultimate collectability of the remaining book value is supported by an updated credit department evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects for repayment, including consideration of the borrower’s sustained historical repayment performance and other relevant factors.

 

F-20


 

 

 

 

The determination as to whether an allowance is required with respect to impaired loans is based upon an analysis of the value of the underlying collateral and/or the borrower’s intent and ability to make all principal and interest payments in accordance with contractual terms.  The evaluation process is subject to the use of significant estimates and actual results could differ from estimates.  This analysis is primarily based upon third party appraisals and/or a discounted cash flow analysis.  In those cases in which no allowance has been provided for an impaired loan, the Company has determined that the estimated value of the underlying collateral exceeds the remaining outstanding balance of the loan.  Of the total $45.7 million of impaired loans as of March 31, 2013 for which no allowance has been provided, $7.4 million in charge-offs have been recorded to reduce the unpaid principal balance to an amount that is commensurate with the loan’s net realizable value, using the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.  To the extent that further deterioration in property values continues, the Company may have to reevaluate the sufficiency of the collateral servicing these impaired loans resulting in additional provisions to the allowance for loans losses or charge-offs.

 

At March 31, 2013, total impaired loans includes $55.8 million of troubled debt restructurings.  Troubled debt restructurings involve granting concessions to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty by modifying the terms of the loan in an effort to avoid foreclosure.  The vast majority of debt restructurings include a modification of terms to allow for an interest only payment and/or reduction in interest rate.  The restructured terms are typically in place for six to twelve months.  At December 31, 2012, total impaired loans included $59.6 million of troubled debt restructurings.

 

The following presents data on troubled debt restructurings:

 

    As of March 31, 2013  
    Accruing   Non-accruing   Total  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)  
                           
One- to four-family   $ 13,212   21   $ 15,942   85   $ 29,154   106  
Over four-family   6,727   5   16,024   8   22,751   13  
Home equity       975   3   975   3  
Construction and land   2,171   2   78   1   2,249   3  
Commercial real estate       665   2   665   2  
                           
    $ 22,110   28   $ 33,684   99   $ 55,794   127  

 

    As of December 31, 2012  
    Accruing   Non-accruing   Total  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)  
                           
One- to four-family   $ 9,921   17   $ 21,847   95   $ 31,768   112  
Over four-family   3,917   4   20,030   13   23,947   17  
Home equity       986   3   986   3  
Construction and land   2,173   2   79   1   2,252   3  
Commercial real estate       668   2   668   2  
    $ 16,011   23   $ 43,610   114   $ 59,621   137  

 

At March 31, 2013, $55.8 million in loans had been modified in troubled debt restructurings and $33.7 million of these loans were included in the non-accrual loan total.  The remaining $22.1 million, while meeting the internal requirements for modification in a troubled debt restructuring, were current with respect to payments under their original loan terms at the time of the restructuring and thus, continued to be

 

F-21


 

 

 

 

included with accruing loans.  Provided these loans perform in accordance with the modified terms, they will continue to be accounted for on an accrual basis.

 

All loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring are considered to be impaired.  As such, an analysis has been performed with respect to all of these loans to determine the need for a valuation reserve.  When a loan is expected to perform in accordance with the restructured terms and ultimately return to and perform under contract terms, a valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the excess of the present value of the expected future cash flows under the original contract terms as compared with the modified terms, including an estimated default rate.  When there is doubt as to the borrower’s ability to perform under the restructured terms or ultimately return to and perform under market terms, a valuation allowance is established equal to the impairment when the carrying amount exceeds fair value of the underlying collateral.  As a result of the impairment analysis, a $4.4 million valuation allowance has been established as of March 31, 2013 with respect to the $55.8 million in troubled debt restructurings.  As of December 31, 2012, a $6.4 million valuation allowance had been established with respect to the $59.6 million in troubled debt restructurings.

 

After a troubled debt restructuring reverts to market terms, a minimum of six consecutive contractual payments must be received prior to consideration for a return to accrual status.  If an updated credit department review indicates no other evidence of elevated credit risk, the loan is returned to accrual status at that time.

 

The following presents troubled debt restructurings by concession type as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

    As of March 31, 2013  
    Performing in
accordance with
modified terms
  In Default   Total  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Interest reduction and principal forbearance   $ 24,809   70   2,266   9   27,075   79  
Principal forbearance   17,374   11   347   1   17,721   12  
Interest reduction   7,694   10   3,304   26   10,998   36  
    $ 49,877   91   5,917   36   55,794   127  

 

    As of December 31, 2012  
    Performing in
accordance with
modified terms
  In Default   Total  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Interest reduction and principal forbearance   $ 26,051   77   2,770   11   28,821   88  
Principal forbearance   17,574   11   348   1   17,922   12  
Interest reduction   11,984   35   894   2   12,878   37  
    $ 55,609   123   4,012   14   59,621   137  

 

F-22


 

 

 

 

The following presents data on troubled debt restructurings as of March 31, 2013:

 

    For the Three Months
Ended March 31, 2013
  For the Three Months
Ended March 31, 2012
 
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)   (dollars in thousands)  
Loans modified as a troubled debt restructure                  
One- to four-family   $ 343   3   $ 2,971   7  
    $ 343   3   $ 2,971   7  
                   
Troubled debt restructuring modified within the past twelve months for which there was a default                  
One- to four-family   $     $ 520   1  
    $     $ 520   1  

 

There have been no troubled debt restructurings modified within the past twelve months for which there was a default.

 

The following table presents data on non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

    March 31,   December 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  
Non-accrual loans:          
Residential          
One- to four-family   $ 41,985   46,467  
Over four-family   19,067   23,205  
Home equity   1,539   1,578  
Construction and land   2,175   2,215  
Commercial real estate   665   668  
Consumer   22   24  
Commercial   511   511  
Total non-accrual loans   $ 65,964   74,668  
           
Total non-accrual loans to total loans receivable   5.86 % 6.59 %
Total non-accrual loans and performing troubled debt restructurings to total loans receivable   7.83 % 8.00 %
Total non-accrual loans to total assets   4.05 % 4.50 %

 

F-23


 

 

 

 

Note 4— Real Estate Owned

 

Real estate owned is summarized as follows:

 

    March 31,   December 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands)  
           
One- to four-family   $ 15,348   17,353  
Over four-family   7,849   9,890  
Construction and land   6,048   7,029  
Commercial real estate   1,554   1,702  
    $ 30,799   35,974  

 

The following table presents the activity in the Company’s real estate owned:

 

    Three months ended March 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands)  
Real estate owned at beginning of the period   $ 35,974   56,670  
Transferred from loans receivable   2,734   6,349  
Sales   (7,680 ) (6,122 )
Write downs   (480 ) (875 )
Other   251   (12 )
Real estate owned at the end of the period   $ 30,799   56,010  

 

Note 5— Mortgage Servicing Rights

 

The following table presents the activity in the Company’s mortgage servicing rights:

 

    Three months ended March 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage servicing rights at beginning of the period   $ 3,220   198  
Additions   958   439  
Amortization   (269 ) (22 )
Mortgage servicing rights at end of the period   3,909   615  
Valuation allowance at end of period      
Mortgage servicing rights at the end of the period, net   $ 3,909   615  

 

F-24


 

 

 

 

The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense for mortgage servicing rights for the periods indicated:

 

        March 31,  
        2013  
        (In Thousands)  
Estimate for the period ended December 31:   2013   $ 862  
    2014   935  
    2015   765  
    2016   597  
    2017   429  
    Thereafter   321  
    Total   $ 3,909  

 

Note 6— Deposits

 

A summary of the contractual maturities of time deposits at March 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

    (In Thousands)  
       
Within one year   $ 452,351  
More than one to two years   214,086  
More than two to three years   12,571  
More than three to four years   10,869  
More than four through five years   22,490  
After five years   26  
    $ 712,393  

 

F-25


 

 

 

 

Note 7— Borrowings

 

Borrowings consist of the following:

 

        March 31, 2013   December 31, 2012  
            Weighted       Weighted  
            Average       Average  
        Balance   Rate   Balance   Rate  
        (Dollars in Thousands)  
Short term:                      
Short-term repurchase agreements       $ 45,324   3.22 % 45,888   3.09 %
                       
Long term:                      
Federal Home Loan Bank, Chicago advances maturing:                      
    2016   220,000   4.34 % 220,000   4.34 %
    2017   65,000   3.19 % 65,000   3.19 %
    2018   65,000   2.97 % 65,000   2.97 %
                       
Repurchase agreements maturing   2017   84,000   3.96 % 84,000   3.96 %
        $ 479,324   3.83 % 479,888   3.82 %

 

The short-term repurchase agreements represent the outstanding portion of a total $90.0 million commitment with two unrelated banks.  The short-term repurchase agreements are utilized by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation to finance loans originated for sale.  These agreements are secured by the underlying loans being financed.  Related interest rates are based upon the note rate associated with the loans being financed.  The first of the two short-term repurchase agreements has an outstanding balance of $29.8 million, a rate of 2.95% and a total commitment of $40.0 million at March 31, 2013.  The second short-term repurchase agreement has an outstanding balance of $15.5 million, a rate of 3.75% and a total commitment of $50.0 million at March 31, 2013.

 

The $220.0 million in advances due in 2016 consist of eight advances with fixed rates ranging from 4.01% to 4.82% callable quarterly until maturity.

 

The $65.0 million in advances due in 2017 consist of three advances with fixed rates ranging from 3.09% to 3.46% callable quarterly until maturity.

 

The $65.0 million in advances due in 2018 consist of three advances with fixed rates ranging from 2.73% to 3.11% callable quarterly until maturity.

 

The $84.0 million in repurchase agreements have fixed rates ranging from 2.89% to 4.31% callable quarterly until their maturity in 2017.  The repurchase agreements are collateralized by securities available for sale with an estimated fair value of $100.7 million at March 31, 2013 and $101.9 million at December 31, 2012.

 

The Company selects loans that meet underwriting criteria established by the Federal Home Loan Bank Chicago (FHLBC) as collateral for outstanding advances. The Company’s borrowings at the FHLBC are limited to 75% of the carrying value of unencumbered one- to four-family mortgage loans, 40% of the carrying value of home equity loans and 60% of the carrying value of over four-family loans. In addition, these advances are collateralized by FHLBC stock of $20.2 million at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. In the event of prepayment, the Company is obligated to pay all remaining contractual interest on the advance.

 

F-26


 

 

 

 

Note 8 — Regulatory Capital

 

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

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). As of March 31, 2013, the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

 

On November 25, 2009, pursuant to a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order, WaterStone Bank agreed to the issuance of a Consent Order jointly issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the WDFI, WaterStone Bank’s primary banking regulators.  At the same time, pursuant to a Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist, Waterstone Financial, Inc. agreed to the issuance of an Order to Cease and Desist by the Office of Thrift Supervision, Waterstone Financial Inc.’s thrift holding company regulator at the time.  The Order issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision requires, among other things, that WaterStone Bank maintain minimum Tier 1 capital of 8.5% of total average assets and minimum total risk-based capital of 12.0% of risk-weighted assets.  Effective December 11, 2012, the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation terminated the Order issued to WaterStone Bank.  The terminated Order was replaced with a memorandum of understanding that requires, among other things, maintenance of a minimum Tier I capital of 8.0% and a minimum total risk based capital ratio of 12.0%, and also prohibits dividend payments without prior regulatory non-objection.  Waterstone Financial, Inc. remains subject to its Order issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision, through enforcement by the Federal Reserve Board, as the successor holding company regulator to the Office of Thrift Supervision.  At March 31, 2013, the Company is in compliance with all requirements of the memorandum of understanding and order to cease and desist.

 

As of March 31, 2013 the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as quantitatively “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios, as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

 

As a state-chartered savings bank, the Bank is required to meet minimum capital levels established by the state of Wisconsin in addition to federal requirements. For the state of Wisconsin, regulatory capital consists of retained income, paid-in-capital, capital stock e quity and other forms of capital considered to be qualifying capital by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

 

F-27


 

 

 

 

The actual and required capital amounts and ratios for the Bank as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are presented in the table below:

 

    March 31, 2013  
                    To Be Well-Capitalized  
            For Capital   Under Prompt Corrective  
    Actual   Adequacy Purposes   Action Provisions  
    Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio  
    (Dollars In Thousands)  
                           
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)   $ 205,635   18.75 % 87,726   8.00 % 109,657   10.00 %
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)   191,736   17.49 % 43,863   4.00 % 65,794   6.00 %
Tier I capital (to average assets)   191,736   11.79 % 65,061   4.00 % 81,326   5.00 %
State of Wisconsin (to total assets)   191,736   11.82 % 97,339   6.00 % N/A   N/A  
                             

 

    December 31, 2012  
    (Dollars In Thousands)  
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)   $ 199,098   17.34 % 91,844   8.00 % 114,806   10.00 %
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)   184,542   16.07 % 45,922   4.00 % 68,883   6.00 %
Tier I capital (to average assets)   184,542   11.13 % 66,312   4.00 % 82,890   5.00 %
State of Wisconsin (to total assets)   184,542   11.15 % 99,305   6.00 % N/A   N/A  

 

Note 9 — Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense increased from $30,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 to $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. This increase was partially due to the increase in our income before income taxes, which increased from $2.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 to $7.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  During the third quarter of 2008, we established a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. That valuation allowance effectively resulted in no income tax expense being recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2012 other than state income taxes for states in which separate company returns are filed.  During the fourth quarter of 2012, we released the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. Therefore, income tax expense is recognized on the statement of income during the three months ended March 31, 2013 at an effective rate of 38.7% of pretax book income.

 

As of March 31, 2013, net deferred tax assets totaled $15.3 million, which, in the judgment of management, will more-likely-than-not be fully realized. The largest components of the deferred tax asset are associated with the allowance for loan losses and basis adjustments on real estate owned. We are largely relying on earnings generated in the current year and forecasted earnings in future years in making the determination that we will more-likely-than-not realize our deferred tax asset.

 

Note 10 — Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities

 

The Company enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities.  In addition, the Company enters into agreements under which it sells loans held for sale subject to an obligation to repurchase the same loans.  Under these arrangements, the Company may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase the assets.  As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing arrangements (i.e., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of assets.  The obligation to repurchase the assets is reflected as a liability in the Company’s consolidated statements of condition, while the securities and loans held for sale underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities and loans held for sale asset accounts. In other words, there is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities or loans held for sale assets with the repurchase agreement liabilities.  One of the Company’s two short-term repurchase agreements and all of the Company’s long-term repurchase agreements are subject to master netting agreements, which sets forth

 

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the rights and obligations for repurchase and offset.  Under the master netting agreement, the Company is entitled to set off the collateral placed with a single counterparty against obligations owed to that counterparty.

 

The following table presents the liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting agreement as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

    Gross
Recognized
Liabilities
  Gross
Amounts
Offset
  Net
Amounts
Presented
  Gross
Amounts Not
Offset
  Net Amount  
    (In Thousands)  
March 31, 2013                      
Repurchase Agreements                      
Short-term   $ 29,847     29,847   29,847    
Long-term   84,000     84,000   84,000    
    $ 113,847     113,847   113,847    
                       
December 31, 2012                      
Repurchase Agreements                      
Short-term   $ 38,090     38,090   38,090    
Long-term   84,000     84,000   84,000    
    $ 122,090     122,090   122,090    

 

Note 11— Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

 

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

 

    March 31,   December 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands)  
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk:          
Commitments to extend credit under amortizing loans (1)   $ 23,101   20,836  
Commitments to extend credit under home equity lines of credit   16,814   17,628  
Unused portion of construction loans   5,770   5,502  
Unused portion of business lines of credit   10,988   10,967  
Standby letters of credit   1,159   736  
             

 


(1) Excludes commitments to originate loans held for sale.

 

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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 drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements of the Company. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral obtained generally consists of mortgages on the underlying real estate.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds mortgages on the underlying real estate as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

 

The Company has determined that there are no probable losses related to commitments to extend credit or the standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

Residential mortgage loans sold to others are predominantly conventional residential first lien mortgages.  The Company’s agreements to sell residential mortgage loans in the normal course of business usually require certain representations and warranties on the underlying loans sold related to credit information, loan documentation and collateral, which if subsequently are untrue or breached, could require the Company to repurchase certain loans affected.  The Company has only been required to make insignificant repurchases as a result of its representations and warranties.  The Company’s agreements to sell residential mortgage loans also contain limited recourse provisions.  The recourse provisions are limited in that the recourse provision ends after certain payment criteria have been met.  With respect to these loans, repurchase could be required if defined delinquency issues arose during the limited recourse period.  Given that the underlying loans delivered to buyers are predominantly conventional first lien mortgages and that historical experience shows negligible losses and insignificant repurchase activity, management believes that losses and repurchases under the limited recourse provisions will continue to be insignificant.

 

Note 12 — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

In connection with its mortgage banking activities, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments as part of its strategy to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates.   Mortgage banking derivatives include interest rate lock commitments provided to customers to fund mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans to third party investors.  It is the Company’s practice to enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rates on its commitments to fund the loans as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale. The Company’s mortgage banking derivatives have not been designated as being in hedge relationships.  These instruments are used to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes.

 

Forward commitments to sell mortgage loans represent commitments obtained by the Company from a secondary market agency to purchase mortgages from the Company at specified interest rates and within specified periods of time.  Commitments to sell loans are made to mitigate interest rate risk on interest rate lock commitments to originate loans and loans held for sale.  At March 31, 2013, the Company had forward commitments to sell mortgage loans with an aggregate notional amount of approximately $295.0 million and interest rate lock commitments with an aggregate notional amount of approximately $184.0 million.  The fair value of the mortgage derivatives at March 31, 2013 included a gain of $2.4 million on mortgage banking derivative assets and a $124,000 net loss on mortgage banking liabilities that are reported as a

 

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component of other asset and other liabilities, respectively on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition.

 

In determining the fair value of its derivative loan commitments, the Company considers the value that would be generated by the loan arising from exercise of the loan commitment when sold in the secondary mortgage market. That value includes the price that the loan is expected to be sold for in the secondary mortgage market.  The fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition with the changes in fair value recorded as a component of mortgage banking income.

 

Note 13 — Earnings per share

 

Earnings per share are computed using the two-class method.  Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities.  Participating securities include unvested restricted shares.  Unvested restricted shares are considered participating securities because holders of these securities have the right to receive dividends at the same rate as holders of the Company’s common stock.  Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of all potential common shares.  Unvested restricted stock and stock options are considered outstanding for diluted earnings per share only.  Unvested restricted stock totaling 81,000 and 105,000 shares are considered outstanding for dilutive earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively.  Unvested stock options totaled 228,000 and 295,000 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

 

Presented below are the calculations for basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2013   2012  
    (In Thousands,  except per share amounts)  
           
Net income   $ 4,625   2,208  
Net income available to unvested restricted shares   12   7  
Net income available to common stockholders   $ 4,613   2,201  
           
Weighted average shares outstanding   31,124   31,024  
Effect of dilutive potential common shares   211   13  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   31,335   31,037  
           
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.15   0.07  
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.15   0.07  

 

Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements

 

The FASB issued an accounting standard (subsequently codified into ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This accounting standard applies to reported balances that are required or permitted to be measured at fair value under existing accounting pronouncements. The standard also emphasizes that fair value (i.e., the price that would be received in an

 

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orderly transaction that is not a forced liquidation or distressed sale at the measurement date), among other things, is based on exit price versus entry price, should include assumptions about risk such as nonperformance risk in liability fair values, and is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. When considering the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, this accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

 

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels.

 

Level 1 inputs - In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.

 

Level 2 inputs - Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets where there are few transactions and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

Level 3 inputs - Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

 

In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

The following table presents information about our assets recorded in our consolidated statement of financial position at their fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.

 

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        Fair Value Measurements Using  
    March 31, 2013   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
                   
Available for sale securities                  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 114,076     114,076    
Collateralized mortgage obligations                  
Government sponsored enterprise issued   26,092     26,092    
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   10,021     10,021    
Municipal securities   58,729     58,729    
Other debt securities   5,136   5,136      
Certificates of deposit   6,417     6,417    
Loans held for sale   104,168     104,168    
Mortgage banking derivative assets   2,364       2,364  
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities   124       124  
                     

 

    December 31,   Fair Value Measurements Using  
    2012   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
                   
Available for sale securities                  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 119,056     119,056    
Collateralized mortgage obligations                  
Government sponsored enterprise issued   29,579     29,579    
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   8,017     8,017    
Municipal securities   37,371     37,371    
Other debt securities   5,070   5,070      
Certificates of deposit   5,924     5,924    
Loans held for sale   133,613     133,613    
Mortgage banking derivative assets   1,668       1,668  
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities   249       249  
                     

 

The following summarizes the valuation techniques for assets recorded in our consolidated statements of financial condition at their fair value on a recurring basis:

 

Available for sale securities — The Company’s investment securities classified as available for sale include: mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, government sponsored enterprise bonds, municipal securities and other debt securities. The fair value of mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and government sponsored enterprise bonds are determined by a third party valuation source using observable market data utilizing a matrix or multi-dimensional relational pricing model.  Standard inputs to these models include observable market data such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, prepayment models and bid/offer market data.  For securities with an early redemption feature, an option adjusted spread model is utilized to adjust the issuer spread.  These model and matrix measurements are classified as Level 2 and Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value of municipal securities is determined by a third party valuation source using observable market data utilizing a multi-dimensional relational pricing model.  Standard inputs to this model include observable market data such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, rating updates and issuer spreads.  These model measurements are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value of other debt securities, which includes a trust preferred security issued by a financial institution, is determined through quoted prices in active markets and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Loans held for sale — The Company carries loans held for sale at fair value under the fair value option model.  Fair value is generally determined by estimating a gross premium or discount, which is derived from pricing currently observable in the secondary market, principally from observable prices for forward sale commitments.  Loans held-for-sale are considered to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.

 

Mortgage banking derivatives - Mortgage banking derivatives include interest rate lock commitments to originate residential loans held for sale to individual customers and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to various investors.  The Company relies on a valuation model to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale, which includes applying a pull through rate based upon historical experience and the current interest rate environment and then multiplying by quoted investor prices.  The Company also relies on a valuation model to estimate the fair value of its forward commitments to sell residential loans, which includes matching specific terms and maturities of the forward commitments against applicable investor pricing available.  While there are Level 2 and 3 inputs used in the valuation models, the Company has determined that one or more of the inputs significant in the valuation of both of the mortgage banking derivatives fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The table below presents reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2013 and 2012.

 

    Available for sale
securities
  Mortgage banking
derivatives, net
 
    (In Thousands)  
           
Balance at December 31, 2011   $ 18,451   527  
           
Transfer into level 3      
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period:          
Included in other comprehensive income   1,023    
Other than temporary impairment included in net loss   (113 )  
Principal repayments   (1,352 )  
Net accretion of discount/amortization of premium      
Sales of available for sale securities   (18,009 )    
Mortgage derivative gain, net     892  
Balance at December 31, 2012     1,419  
           
Transfer into level 3      
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period:          
Included in other comprehensive income      
Other than temporary impairment included in net loss      
Principal repayments      
Net accretion of discount/amortization of premium      
Mortgage derivative gain, net     821  
Balance at March 31, 2013   $   2,240  

 

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 measurements during the periods.

 

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

 

The following table presents information about our assets recorded in our consolidated statement of financial position at their fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.

 

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        Fair Value Measurements Using  
    March 31, 2013   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
Impaired loans, net (1)   $ 35,803       35,803  
Real estate owned   30,799       30,799  
                     

 

    December 31,   Fair Value Measurements Using  
    2012   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
Impaired loans, net (1)   $ 40,071       40,071  
Real estate owned   35,974       35,974  
                     

 


(1)  Represents collateral-dependent impaired loans, net, which are included in loans.

 

Loans — We do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  On a non-recurring basis, loans determined to be impaired are analyzed to determine whether a collateral shortfall exists, and if such a shortfall exists, are recorded on our consolidated statements of financial condition at net realizable value of the underlying collateral.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals.  Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  Given the significance of the adjustments made to appraised values necessary to estimate the fair value of impaired loans, loans that have been deemed to be impaired are considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.  At March 31, 2013, loans determined to be impaired with an outstanding balance of $45.3 million were carried net of specific reserves of $9.5 million for a fair value of $35.8 million.  At December 31, 2012, loans determined to be impaired with an outstanding balance of $52.5 million were carried net of specific reserves of $12.4 million for a fair value of $40.1 million.  Impaired loans collateralized by assets which are valued in excess of the net investment in the loan do not require any specific reserves.

 

Real estate owned — On a non-recurring basis, real estate owned, is recorded in our consolidated statements of financial condition at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals and, if less than the carrying value of the foreclosed loan, the carrying value of the real estate owned is adjusted to the fair value.  Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  Given the significance of the adjustments made to appraised values necessary to estimate the fair value of the properties, real estate owned is considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.  Changes in the value of real estate owned totaled $480,000 and $875,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively and are recorded in real estate owned expense. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, real estate owned totaled $30.8 million and $36.0 million, respectively.

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2013, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

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            Significant   Significant Unobservable
Input Value
 
    Fair Value at   Valuation   Unobservable   Minimum   Maximum  
    March 31, 2013   Technique   Inputs   Value   Value  
                       
Mortgage banking derivatives   $ 2,240   Pricing models   Pull through rate   68.7 % 100.0 %
Impaired loans   35,803   Market approach   Disount rates applied to appraisals   15.0 % 30.0 %
Real estate owned   30,799   Market approach   Disount rates applied to appraisals   5.0 % 89.4 %
                         

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s mortgage banking derivatives, including interest rate lock commitments is the loan pull through rate.  This represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position which the Company estimates will ultimately close.  Generally, the fair value of an interest rate lock commitment will be positively (negatively) impacted when the prevailing interest rate is lower (higher) than the interest rate lock commitment.  Generally, an increase in the pull through rate will result in the fair value of the interest rate lock increasing when in a gain position, or decreasing when in a loss position.  The pull through rate is largely dependent on the loan processing stage that a loan is currently in and the change in prevailing interest rates from the time of the rate lock.  The pull through rate is computed using historical data and the ratio is periodically reviewed by the Company.

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of collateral for collateral-dependent impaired loans and real estate owned included in the above table primarily relate to discounting criteria applied to independent appraisals received with respect to the collateral.  Discounts applied to the appraisals are dependent on the vintage of the appraisal as well as the marketability of the property.  The discount factor is computed using actual realization rates on properties that have been foreclosed upon and liquidated in the open market.

 

Fair value information about financial instruments follows, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

 

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The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments consist of the following at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

    March 31, 2013   December 31, 2012  
    Carrying   Fair Value   Carrying   Fair Value  
    amount   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   amount   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
Financial Assets                                          
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 64,114   64,114   64,114       71,649   71,469   71,469      
Securities available-for-sale   220,471   220,471   5,136   215,335     205,017   205,017   5,070   199,947    
Loans held for sale   104,168   104,168     104,168     133,613   133,613     133,613    
Loans receivable   1,124,937   1,139,665       1,139,665   1,133,672   1,148,107       1,148,107  
FHLB stock   20,193   20,193     20,193     20,193   20,193   20,193      
Cash surrender value of life insurance   38,201   38,201   38,201       38,061   38,061   38,061      
Real estate owned   30,799   30,799       30,799   35,974   35,974       35,974  
Accrued interest receivable   3,952   3,952   3,952       3,452   3,452   3,452      
Mortgage banking derivative assets   2,364   2,364       2,364   1,668   1,668       1,668  
                                           
Financial Liabilities                                          
Deposits   914,919   917,255   202,526   714,729     939,513   942,118   202,593   739,525    
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes   7,346   7,346   7,346       1,672   1,672   1,672      
Borrowings   479,324   531,868     531,868     479,888   537,299     537,299    
Accrued interest payable   1,651   1,651   1,651       1,715   1,715   1,715      
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities   124   124       124   249   249       249  
                                           
Other Financial Instruments                                          
Stand-by letters of credit   8   8       8   5   5       5  
                                             

 

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The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in determining its fair value disclosures for financial instruments.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The carrying amount reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Securities

 

The fair value of securities is determined by a third party valuation source using observable market data utilizing a matrix or multi-dimensional relational pricing model.  Standard inputs to these models include observable market data such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities and bid/offer market data.  For securities with an early redemption feature, an option adjusted spread model is utilized to adjust the issuer spread.  Prepayment models are used for mortgage related securities with prepayment features.

 

Loans Held for Sale

 

Fair value is estimated using the prices of the Company’s existing commitments to sell such loans and/or the quoted market price for commitments to sell similar loans.

 

Loans Receivable

 

Loans determined to be impaired are analyzed to determine whether a collateral shortfall exists, and if such a shortfall exists, are recorded on our consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals.  Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  With respect to loans that are not considered to be impaired, fair value is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using discount rates that reflect a current rate offered to borrowers of similar credit standing for the remaining term to maturity.  This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value prescribed by ASC 820-10 and generally produces a higher fair value.

 

FHLBC Stock

 

For FHLBC stock, the carrying amount is the amount at which shares can be redeemed with the FHLBC and is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

 

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition for the cash surrender value of life insurance approximate those assets’ fair values.

 

Deposits and Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes

 

The fair values for interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates of similar remaining maturities to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities of the outstanding certificates of deposit. The advance payments by borrowers for taxes are equal to their carrying amounts at the reporting date.

 

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Borrowings

 

Fair values for borrowings are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current interest rates to estimated future cash flows of the borrowings.

 

Accrued Interest Payable and Accrued Interest Receivable

 

For accrued interest payable and accrued interest receivable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit

 

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are generally not marketable. Furthermore, interest rates on any amounts drawn under such commitments would be generally established at market rates at the time of the draw. Fair values for the Company’s commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements, the counterparty’s credit standing, and discounted cash flow analyses. The fair value of the Company’s commitments to extend credit is not material at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

Mortgage Banking Derivative Assets and Liabilities

 

Mortgage banking derivatives include interest rate lock commitments to originate residential loans held for sale to individual customers and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to various investors.  The Company relies on a valuation model to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale, which includes applying a pull through rate based upon historical experience and the current interest rate environment, and then multiplying by quoted investor prices.  The Company also relies on a valuation model to estimate the fair value of its forward commitments to sell residential loans, which includes matching specific terms and maturities of the forward commitments against applicable investor pricing available.  On the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition, instruments that have a positive fair value are included in prepaid expenses and other assets, and those instruments that have a negative fair value are included in other liabilities.

 

Note 15 — Segment Reporting

 

Selected financial and descriptive information is required to be provided about reportable operating segments, considering a “management approach” concept as the basis for identifying reportable segments. The management approach is based on the way that management organizes the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions, allocating resources, and assessing performance. Consequently, the segments are evident from the structure of the enterprise’s internal organization, focusing on financial information that an enterprise’s chief operating decision-makers use to make decisions about the enterprise’s operating matters.  The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments: community banking and mortgage banking.  The Company’s operating segments are presented based on its management structure and management accounting practices.  The structure and practices are specific to the Company and therefore, the financial results of the Company’s business segments are not necessarily comparable with similar information for other financial institutions.

 

Community Banking

 

The Community Banking segment provides consumer and business banking products and services to customers primarily within Southeastern Wisconsin. Consumer products include loan and deposit products:  mortgage, home equity loans and lines, personal term loans, demand deposit accounts, interest

 

F-39


 

 

 

 

bearing transaction accounts and time deposits.  Business banking products include secured and unsecured lines and term loans for working capital, inventory and general corporate use, commercial real estate construction loans, demand deposit accounts, interest bearing transaction accounts and time deposits.

 

Mortgage Banking

 

The Mortgage Banking segment provides residential mortgage loans for the purpose of sale on the secondary market.  Mortgage banking products and services are provided by offices in: Wisconsin, Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

 

    Three Months ended March 31, 2013  
    Community
Banking
  Mortgage
Banking
  Holding
Company and
Other
  Consolidated  
    (In Thousands)  
                   
Net interest income   $ 9,936   86   124   10,146  
Provision for loan losses   1,700   60     1,760  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   8,236   26   124   8,386  
                   
Noninterest income:   639   22,406   (12 ) 23,033  
                   
Noninterest expenses:                  
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   3,291   13,270   (79 ) 16,482  
Occupancy, office furniture and equipment   833   1,083     1,916  
FDIC insurance premiums   673       673  
Real estate owned   141       141  
Other   960   3,656   43   4,659  
Total noninterest expenses   5,898   18,009   (36 ) 23,871  
Income before income taxes   2,977   4,423   148   7,548  
Income tax exense   1,116   1,782   25   2,923  
Net income   $ 1,861   2,641   123   4,625  
                   
Total Assets   $ 1,558,139   119,725   (49,110 ) 1,628,754  

 

F-40


 

 

 

 

    Three Months ended March 31, 2012  
    Community
Banking
  Mortgage
Banking
  Holding
Company and
Other
  Consolidated  
    (In Thousands)  
                   
Net interest income   $ 10,247   54   125   10,426  
Provision for loan losses   3,600   75     3,675  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   6,647   (21 ) 125   6,751  
                   
Noninterest income:   774   14,228     15,002  
                   
Noninterest expenses:                  
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   3,127   7,727   (217 ) 10,637  
Occupancy, office furniture and equipment   790   931     1,721  
FDIC insurance premiums   941       941  
Real estate owned   1,435       1,435  
Other   1,218   3,497   66   4,781  
Total noninterest expenses   7,511   12,155   (151 ) 19,515  
Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit)   (90 ) 2,052   276   2,238  
Income tax expense (benefit)   (794 ) 824     30  
Net income   $ 704   1,228   276   2,208  
                   
Total Assets   $ 1,654,117   101,578   (56,793 ) 1,698,902  

 

F-41


 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors

Waterstone Financial, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. 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 the Company as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, 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 15, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  /s/ KPMG LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  
March 15, 2013, except for note 20, as to which the date is June 6, 2013  

 

F-42


 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Waterstone Financial, Inc.:

 

We have audited Waterstone Financial, Inc’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Waterstone Financial, Inc’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 Annual 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, Waterstone Financial, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal

 

F-43


 

 

 

 

Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial condition of Waterstone Financial, Inc and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 and our report dated March 15, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

  /s/ KPMG LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  
March 15, 2013  

 

F-44


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

December 31, 2012 and 2011

 

    December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands, except share data)  
Assets          
Cash   $ 37,129   72,336  
Federal funds sold   28,576   8,044  
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions and other short term investments   5,764    
Cash and cash equivalents   71,469   80,380  
Securities available for sale (at fair value)   205,017   206,519  
Securities held to maturity (at amortized cost) fair value of $2,542 in 2011     2,648  
Loans held for sale (at fair value)   133,613   88,283  
Loans receivable   1,133,672   1,216,664  
Less: Allowance for loan losses   31,043   32,430  
Loans receivable, net   1,102,629   1,184,234  
           
Office properties and equipment, net   26,935   27,356  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)   20,193   21,653  
Cash surrender value of life insurance   38,061   36,749  
Real estate owned   35,974   56,670  
Prepaid expenses and other assets   27,185   8,359  
Total assets   $ 1,661,076   1,712,851  
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
Liabilities:          
Demand deposits   $ 84,140   68,457  
Money market and savings deposits   118,453   104,102  
Time deposits   736,920   878,733  
Total deposits   939,513   1,051,292  
           
Short-term borrowings   45,888   27,138  
Long-term borrowings   434,000   434,000  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes   1,672   942  
Other liabilities   37,369   33,107  
Total liabilities   1,458,442   1,546,479  
           
Shareholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share)          
Authorized - 20,000,000 shares, no shares issued      
Common stock (par value $.01 per share)          
Authorized - 200,000,000 shares in 2012 and 2011          
Issued - 34,072,909 in 2012 and 33,974,450 in 2011          
Outstanding - 31,348,556 in 2012 and 31,250,097 in 2011   341   340  
Additional paid-in capital   110,490   110,894  
Retained earnings   136,487   101,573  
Unearned ESOP shares   (1,708 ) (2,562 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes   2,285   1,388  
Treasury shares (2,724,353 shares), at cost   (45,261 ) (45,261 )
Total shareholders’ equity   202,634   166,372  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 1,661,076   1,712,851  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-45


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    Years ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands, except per share amounts)  
               
Interest income:              
Loans   $ 64,317   72,269   81,161  
Mortgage-related securities   3,278   3,822   5,360  
Debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments   2,251   3,261   3,412  
Total interest income   69,846   79,352   89,933  
Interest expense:              
Deposits   9,477   15,289   20,989  
Borrowings   18,424   17,547   19,280  
Total interest expense   27,901   32,836   40,269  
Net interest income   41,945   46,516   49,664  
Provision for loan losses   8,300   22,077   25,832  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   33,645   24,439   23,832  
Noninterest income:              
Service charges on loans and deposits   1,331   1,078   1,093  
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   1,071   1,124   1,138  
Total other-than-temporary investment losses   (190 ) (1,479 )  
Portion of (gain) loss recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax)   (23 ) 1,023    
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings   (213 ) (456 )  
Mortgage banking income   87,375   39,845   35,465  
Gain on sale of available for sale securities   522   53   55  
Other   1,117   1,585   1,242  
Total noninterest income   91,203   43,229   38,993  
Noninterest expenses:              
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   63,507   39,159   36,323  
Occupancy, office furniture, and equipment   6,968   6,488   5,762  
Advertising   2,647   1,568   1,259  
Data processing   1,523   1,400   1,372  
Communications   1,277   968   902  
Professional fees   2,109   1,648   1,689  
Real estate owned   8,746   12,140   6,583  
FDIC insurance premiums   3,390   3,814   4,353  
Other   11,971   7,394   6,384  
Total noninterest expenses   102,138   74,579   64,627  
Income (loss) before income taxes   22,710   (6,911 ) (1,802 )
Income tax expense (benefit)   (12,204 ) 562   52  
Net income (loss)   $ 34,914   (7,473 ) (1,854 )
Income (loss) per share:              
Basic   $ 1.12   (0.24 ) (0.06 )
Diluted   $ 1.12   (0.24 ) (0.06 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:              
Basic   31,054,825   30,929,415   30,804,063  
Diluted   31,161,922   30,929,415   30,804,063  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-46


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    Years ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands)  
Net income (loss)   $ 34,914   (7,473 ) (1,854 )
               
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:              
               
Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on avaliable for sale securities arising during the period, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($791), ($1,240) and ($2,102) respectively   1,082   (201 ) 3,592  
               
Reclassification adjustment for net gain (loss) on available for sale securities realized during the period, net of tax expense (benefit) of $124, ($22) and $22, respectively   (185 ) 31   (33 )
               
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   897   (170 ) 3,559  
Comprehensive income (loss)   $ 35,811   (7,643 ) 1,705  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-47


 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

                        Accumulated          
            Additional       Unearned   Other       Total  
    Common Stock   Paid-In   Retained   ESOP   Comprehensive   Treasury   Shareholders’  
    Shares   Amount   Capital   Earnings   Shares   Income (Loss)   Shares   Equity  
    (In Thousands)  
                                   
Balances at December 31, 2009   31,250   340   108,883   110,900   (4,269 ) (2,001 ) (45,261 ) 168,592  
                                   
Comprehensive income (loss):                                  
Net loss         (1,854 )       (1,854 )
Other comprehensive income             3,559     3,559  
Total comprehensive loss                               1,705  
ESOP shares committed to be released to Plan participants       (589 )   853       264  
Stock based compensation       1,659           1,659  
                                   
Balances at December 31, 2010   31,250   $   340   109,953   109,046   (3,416 ) 1,558   (45,261 ) 172,220  
                                   
Comprehensive income (loss):                                  
Net loss         (7,473 )       (7,473 )
Other comprehensive loss:             (170 )   (170 )
Total comprehensive loss                               (7,643 )
ESOP shares committed to be released to Plan participants       (652 )   854       202  
Stock based compensation       1,593           1,593  
                                   
Balances at December 31, 2011   31,250   $   340   110,894   101,573   (2,562 ) 1,388   (45,261 ) 166,372  
                                   
Comprehensive income:                                  
Net income         34,914         34,914  
Other comprehensive income:             897     897  
Total comprehensive income                               35,811  
ESOP shares committed to be released to Plan participants       (548 )   854       306  
Stock based compensation   98   1   144           145  
                                   
Balances at December 31, 2012   31,348   $   341   110,490   136,487   (1,708 ) 2,285   (45,261 ) 202,634  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-48


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    Years ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands)  
               
Operating activities:              
Net income (loss)   $ 34,914   (7,473 ) (1,854 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:              
Provision for loan losses   8,300   22,077   25,832  
Provision for depreciation   2,081   1,842   1,859  
Deferred income taxes   (16,895 ) (735 )  
Stock based compensation   145   1,593   1,659  
Net amortization of premium/discount on debt and mortgage related securities   1,647   635   70  
Amortization of unearned ESOP shares   306   202   264  
Gain on sale of loans held for sale   (90,171 ) (37,667 ) (35,465 )
Loans originated for sale   (1,749,426 ) (1,027,346 ) (1,084,362 )
Proceeds on sales of loans originated for sale   1,794,268   1,072,863   1,068,746  
Decrease in accrued interest receivable   612   37   424  
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   (1,071 ) (1,124 ) (1,138 )
Decrease in accrued interest on deposits and borrowings   (372 ) (239 ) (1,011 )
Increase in other liabilities   4,796   211   7,565  
Increase (decrease) in accrued tax payable   (161 ) 1,282   5,606  
Gain on sale of available for sale securities   (522 ) (53 ) (55 )
Impairment of securities   213   456    
Net realized and unrealized loss related to real estate owned   6,162   6,052   675  
Other   (2,963 ) 2,477   (1,943 )
               
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (8,137 ) 35,090   (13,128 )
               
Investing activities:              
Net decrease in loans receivable   51,023   42,692   46,642  
Purchases of:              
Debt securities   (19,269 ) (85,802 ) (66,955 )
Mortgage related securities   (115,660 ) (14,184 ) (34,700 )
Premises and equipment, net   (1,674 ) (1,021 ) (925 )
Bank owned life insurance   (240 ) (240 ) (306 )
Proceeds from:              
Principal repayments on mortgage-related securities   35,504   31,433   40,624  
Maturities of debt securities   71,065   62,115   47,202  
Sales of debt securities   11,798     14,023  
Sales of mortgage-related securities   18,291   3,230   6,710  
Calls of structured notes   2,648      
Sales of foreclosed properties and other assets   36,580   23,231   33,577  
Redemption of FHLB stock   1,459      
               
Net cash provided by investing activities   91,525   61,454   85,892  
                 

 

See Accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-49


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    Years ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands)  
               
Financing activities:              
Net decrease in deposits   (111,779 ) (94,237 ) (19,361 )
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings   18,750   4,179   (50,941 )
Net increase (decrease) in advance payments by borrowers for taxes   730   (1,437 ) 1,749  
               
Net cash used by financing activities   (92,299 ) (91,495 ) (68,553 )
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (8,911 ) 5,049   4,211  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   80,380   75,331   71,120  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 71,469   80,380   75,331  
               
Supplemental information:              
Cash paid, credited or (received) during the period for:              
Income tax payments (refunds)   4,852   69   (5,554 )
Interest payments   28,273   33,076   41,013  
Noncash investing activities:              
Loans receivable transferred to other real estate   22,282   28,259   41,781  
                 

 

See Accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-50


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

1)              Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

a)              Organization

 

The board of directors of WaterStone Bank (the Bank) adopted the Plan of Reorganization and related Stock Issuance Plan on May 17, 2005, as amended on June 3, 2005, under which Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the Company) was formed to become the mid-tier holding company for the Bank. In addition, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, a Federally-chartered mutual holding company, was formed to become the majority owner of Waterstone Financial, Inc. The Company’s outstanding common shares are 73.5% owned by Lamplighter Financial, MHC at December 31, 2012.

 

b)              Nature of Operations

 

The Company is a one-bank holding company with two operating segments — community banking and mortgage banking.  The Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using such deposits to originate real estate, business and consumer loans.

 

The Bank provides a full range of financial services to customers through branch locations in southeastern Wisconsin. The Bank is subject to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

 

The Bank owns a mortgage banking subsidiary that originates residential real estate loans held for sale at various branch offices across the country.  Mortgage banking volume fluctuates widely given movements in interest rates.  Mortgage banking income is reported as a single line item in the statements of operations while mortgage banking expense is distributed among the various noninterest expense lines.  Compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefits expense varies directly with mortgage banking income.

 

c)               Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, WaterStone Bank.  The Bank has the following wholly owned subsidiaries: Wauwatosa Investments, Inc. and Waterstone Mortgage Corporation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

d)              Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: the allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes, valuation of investments, evaluation of other than temporary impairment on investments and valuation of real estate owned. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in those estimates and assumptions.

 

e)               Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers federal funds sold and highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

F-51


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

f)                 Securities

 

Available for Sale Securities

 

At the time of purchase, investment securities are classified as available for sale, as management has the intent and ability to hold such securities for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity.  Any decision to sell investment securities available for sale would be based on various factors, including, but not limited to asset/liability management strategies, changes in interest rates or prepayment risks, liquidity needs, or regulatory capital considerations.  Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred tax, reported as a separate component of equity, accumulated other comprehensive income.  The cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, over the estimated life of the security. Such amortization is included in interest income from securities.  Realized gains or losses on securities sales (using specific identification method) are included in other income.  Declines in value judged to be other than temporary are included in net impairment losses recognized in earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Held to Maturity Securities

 

Debt securities that the Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity have been designated as held to maturity.  Such securities are stated at amortized cost.

 

Other Than Temporary Impairment

 

One of the significant estimates related to securities is the evaluation of investments for other than temporary impairment.  The Company assesses investment securities with unrealized loss positions for other than temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis.  When the fair value of an investment is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which impairment is assessed, the impairment is designated as either temporary or other than temporary.  In evaluating other than temporary impairment, management considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the expected recovery period of the security, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term.  Declines in the fair value of investment securities below amortized cost are deemed to be other than temporary when the Company cannot assert that it will recover its amortized cost basis, including whether the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security. If it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery or if the Company has the intent to sell, an other than temporary impairment write down is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the security’s amortized cost and its fair value.  If it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery and if the Company does not intend to sell, the other than temporary impairment write down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and an amount related to other factors, which is recognized as a separate component of equity.  Following the recognition of an other than temporary impairment representing credit loss, the book value of an investment less the impairment loss realized becomes the new cost basis.  Because the Company’s assessments are based on factual information as well as subjective information available at the time of assessment, the determination as to whether an other than temporary impairment exists and, if so, the amount considered other than temporarily impaired, or not impaired, is subjective and, therefore, the timing and amount of other than temporary impairments constitute material estimates that are subjective to significant change.

 

F-52


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock is carried at cost, which is the amount that the stock is redeemable by tendering to the FHLBC or the amount at which shares can be sold to other FHLBC members.  FHLBC dividends are recognized as income on their ex-dividend date.

 

g)              Loans Held for Sale

 

The origination of residential real estate loans is an integral component of the business of the Company. The Company generally sells its originations of long-term fixed interest rate mortgage loans in the secondary market. Gains and losses on the sales of these loans are determined using the specific identification method. The Company generally sells mortgage loans in the secondary market on a servicing released basis, however, servicing is retained when economic conditions so warrant. Mortgage loans originated for sale are generally sold within 45 days after closing.

 

The Company has elected to carry loans held for sale at fair value.  Fair value is generally determined by estimating a gross premium or discount, which is derived from pricing currently observable in the market.  The amount by which cost differs from market value is accounted for as a valuation adjustment to the carrying value of the loans.  Changes in value are included in mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of operations.  The carrying value of loans held for sale included a market valuation adjustment of $6.0 million at December 31, 2012 and $3.2 million at December 31, 2011.

 

Costs to originate loans held for sale are expensed as incurred and are included on the appropriate noninterest expense lines of the statements of operations.  Salaries, commissions and related payroll taxes are the primary costs to originate and comprise approximately 73% of total mortgage banking noninterest expense.

 

The value of mortgage loans held for sale and other residential mortgage loan commitments to customers are hedged by utilizing both best efforts and mandatory forward commitments to sell loans to investors in the secondary market. Such forward commitments are generally entered into at the time when applications are taken to protect the value of the mortgage loans from increases in market interest rates during the period held. The Corporation recognizes revenue associated with the expected future cash flows of servicing loans at the time a forward loan commitment is made, as required under Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings.

 

h)              Loans Receivable and Related Interest Income

 

Loans are classified as held for investment when management has both the intent and ability to hold the loan for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff.  Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding, net of any unearned income, charge-offs and unamortized deferred fees and costs.  Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net amount amortized as an adjustment of the related loan yield. Amortization is based on a level-yield method over the contractual life of the related loans or until the loan is paid in full.

 

Loan interest income is recognized on the accrual basis.  Accrual of interest is generally discontinued either when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal, or when a loan becomes contractually past due more than 90 days with respect to interest or principal. At that time, previously accrued and uncollected interest on such loans is reversed and additional income is recorded only to the extent that payments are received and the collection of principal is reasonably

 

F-53


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

assured.  Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate collectibility of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

 

A loan is accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring if the Company, for economic reasons related to the borrower’s financial condition, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.  A troubled debt restructuring typically involves a modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate, a deferral of principal payments or a combination of both for a temporary period of time.  If the borrower was performing in accordance with the original contractual terms at the time of the restructuring, the restructured loan is accounted for on an accruing basis as long as the borrower continues to comply with the modified terms.  If the loan was not accounted for on an accrual basis at the time of restructuring, the restructured loan remains in non-accrual status until the loan returns to its original contractual terms and a positive payment history is established.

 

i)                 Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is presented as a reserve against loans and represents the Bank’s assessment of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to income.  Estimated loan losses are charged against the allowance when the loan balance is confirmed to be uncollectible directly or indirectly by the borrower or upon initiation of a foreclosure action by the Bank.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

 

The allowance provides for probable losses that have been identified with specific customer relationships and for probable losses believed to be inherent in the loan portfolio, but have not been specifically identified.  The Bank utilizes its own loss history to estimate inherent losses on loans. Although the Bank allocates portions of the allowance to specific loans and loan types, the entire allowance is available for any loan losses that occur.

 

The Bank evaluates the need for specific valuation allowances on loans that are considered impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Within the loan portfolio, all non-accrual loans and loans modified under troubled debt restructurings have been determined by the Bank to meet the definition of an impaired loan.  In addition, other one- to four-family, over four-family, construction and land, commercial real estate and commercial loans may be considered impaired loans.  A valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the impairment when the carrying amount of the loan exceeds the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral.

 

The Bank also establishes valuation allowances based on an evaluation of the various risk components that are inherent in the loan portfolio. The risk components that are evaluated include past loan loss experience; the level of non-performing and classified assets; current economic conditions; volume, growth, and composition of the loan portfolio; adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay; the estimated value of any underlying collateral; regulatory guidance; and other relevant factors.

 

The appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses is approved quarterly by the Bank’s board of directors. The allowance reflects management’s best estimate of the amount needed to provide for the probable loss on impaired loans, as well as other credit risks of the Bank, and is based on a risk model developed and implemented by management and approved by the Bank’s board of directors.

 

F-54


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Actual results could differ from this estimate, and future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on unforeseen changes in economic conditions. In addition, federal regulators periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such regulators have the authority to require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance at the time of their examination.

 

j)                 Real Estate Owned

 

Real estate owned consists of properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure.  Real estate owned is transferred into the portfolio at the lower of estimated fair value less anticipated selling costs based upon the property’s appraised value at the date of transfer or the net carrying value of the loan.  To the extent that the net carrying value of the loan exceeds the estimated fair value of the property at the date of transfer, the excess is charged to the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequent write-downs to reflect current fair market value, as well as gains and losses upon disposition and revenue and expenses incurred in maintaining such properties, are treated as period costs and included in real estate owned in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

k)              Mortgage Servicing Rights

 

The Company sells residential mortgage loans in the secondary market and, on a selective basis, retains the right to service the loans sold.  Upon sale, a mortgage servicing rights asset is capitalized, which represents the then current fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing servicing activities.  Mortgage servicing rights, when purchased, are initially recorded at fair value.  Mortgage servicing rights are amortized over the period of estimated net servicing income, and assessed for impairment at each reporting date. Mortgage servicing rights are carried at the lower of the initial capitalized amount, net of accumulated amortization, or estimated fair value, and are included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

l)                 Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

 

The Company purchased bank owned life insurance on the lives of certain employees.  The Company is the beneficiary of the life insurance policies.  The cash surrender value of life insurance is reported at the amount that would be received in cash if the polices were surrendered.  Increases in the cash value of the policies and proceeds of death benefits received are recorded in non-interest income.  The increase in cash surrender value of life insurance is not subject to income taxes, as long as the Company has the intent and ability to hold the policies until the death benefits are received.

 

m)           Office Properties and Equipment

 

Office properties and equipment, including leasehold improvements and software, are stated at cost, net of depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lease term, if shorter than the estimated useful life. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while additions or major improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives of the assets are 10 to 30 years for office properties, three to 10 years for equipment, and three years for software. Rent expense related to long-term operating leases is recorded on the accrual basis.

 

n)              Income Taxes

 

The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal and combined state income tax returns. The provision for income taxes is based upon income in the consolidated financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the income tax returns.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for

 

F-55


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as net operating loss carry fowards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis.  Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.  The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions.

 

Positions taken in the Company’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination.  The benefit of uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities.  Such tax positions are both initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.  Interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties are classified within income tax expense in the income statement.

 

o)              Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share are computed using the two-class method.  Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities.  Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of all potential common shares.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.  Shares of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan committed to be released are considered outstanding for both common and diluted EPS.  Incentive stock compensation awards granted can result in dilution.

 

p)              Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income is the total of reported net income and changes in unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, on securities available for sale.

 

q)              Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

 

Compensation expense under the ESOP is equal to the fair value of common shares released or committed to be released to participants in the ESOP in each respective period.  Common stock purchased by the ESOP and not committed to be released to participants is included in the consolidated statements of financial condition at cost as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

 

F-56


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

r)                Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income.  The amendments require that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income.  The amendments were effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 with retrospective application.  Subsequently, in December 2011, the FASB decided that the requirement to present items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income will be deferred. Therefore, those requirements will not be effective for public entities for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.  See the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for required disclosures.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance on measuring fair value to create common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.  The amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements.  The amendments also clarify the Board’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements.  The amendments were effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.  See Note 16 for required disclosures on fair value measurements.

 

F-57


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

2)              Securities

 

Securities Available for Sale

 

The amortized cost and fair values of the Company’s investment in securities follow:

 

    December 31, 2012  
        Gross   Gross      
    Amortized   unrealized   unrealized      
    cost   gains   losses   Fair value  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 116,813   2,349   (106 ) 119,056  
Collateralized mortgage obligations                  
Government sponsored enterprise issued   29,207   373   (1 ) 29,579  
Mortgage related securities   146,020   2,722   (107 ) 148,635  
                   
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   8,000   17     8,017  
Municipal securities   35,493   2,043   (165 ) 37,371  
Other debt securities   5,000   70     5,070  
Debt securities   48,493   2,130   (165 ) 50,458  
                   
Certificates of Deposit   5,880   45   (1 ) 5,924  
    $ 200,393   4,897   (273 ) 205,017  

 

    December 31, 2011  
        Gross   Gross      
    Amortized   unrealized   unrealized      
    cost   gains   losses   Fair value  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 33,561   1,857   (1 ) 35,417  
Collateralized mortgage obligations                  
Government sponsored enterprise issued   32,650   559   (13 ) 33,196  
Private label issued   19,475   16   (1,040 ) 18,451  
Mortgage related securities   85,686   2,432   (1,054 ) 87,064  
                   
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   71,210   152   (13 ) 71,349  
Municipal securities   37,644   1,744   (320 ) 39,068  
Other debt securities   5,000   118     5,118  
Debt securities   113,854   2,014   (333 ) 115,535  
                   
Certificates of Deposit   3,920   2   (2 ) 3,920  
    $ 203,460   4,448   (1,389 ) 206,519  

 

The Company’s mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by government sponsored enterprises are guaranteed by one of the following government sponsored enterprises: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.  At December 31, 2012, $6.1 million of the Company’s government sponsored enterprise bonds and $95.8 million of the Company’s mortgage related securities were pledged as collateral to secure repurchase agreement obligations of the

 

F-58


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Company.  As of December 31, 2012, $8.0 million of municipal securities were pledged as collateral to secure Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers or borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

 

    December 31, 2012  
    Amortized      
    cost   Fair value  
    (In Thousands)  
Debt securities:          
Due within one year   $ 2,925   2,932  
Due after one year through five years   22,354   23,376  
Due after five years through ten years   10,239   10,288  
Due after ten years   18,855   19,786  
Mortgage-related securities   146,020   148,635  
    $ 200,393   205,017  

 

Total proceeds and gross gains and losses from sales of investment securities available for sale for each of periods listed below.

 

    December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands)  
Gross gains   $ 522   53   136  
Gross losses       (81 )
Gains on sale of investment securities, net   $ 522   53   55  
               
Proceeds from sales of investment securities   $ 30,089   3,230   20,733  

 

F-59


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Gross unrealized losses on securities available for sale and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows:

 

    December 31, 2012  
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total  
    Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized  
    value   loss   value   loss   value   loss  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage-backed securities   19,382   (106 )     19,382   (106 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations                          
Government sponsored enterprise issued   1,419   (1 )     1,419   (1 )
Municipal securities   9,009   (94 ) 398   (71 ) 9,407   (165 )
Certificates of Deposit   244   (1 )     244   (1 )
    $ 30,054   (202 ) 398   (71 ) 30,452   (273 )
                             

 

    December 31, 2011  
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total  
    Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized  
    value   loss   value   loss   value   loss  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage-backed securities   1,167   (1 )     1,167   (1 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations                          
Government sponsored enterprise issued   5,726   (13 )     5,726   (13 )
Private-label issue       15,408   (1,040 ) 15,408   (1,040 )
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   12,487   (13 )     12,487   (13 )
Municipal securities   228   (87 ) 1,989   (233 ) 2,217   (320 )
Certificates of Deposit   1,958   (2 )     1,958   (2 )
    $ 21,566   (116 ) 17,397   (1,273 ) 38,963   (1,389 )
                             

 

The Company reviews the investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to monitor its exposure to other-than-temporary impairment.  In evaluating whether a security’s decline in market value is other-than-temporary, management considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, financial condition of the issuer and the underlying obligors, quality of credit enhancements, volatility of the fair value of the security, the expected recovery period of the security and ratings agency evaluations.  In addition the Company may also evaluate payment structure, whether there are defaulted payments or expected defaults, prepayment speeds and the value of any underlying collateral.  For certain securities in unrealized loss positions, the Company prepares cash flow analyses to compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company identified two private-label collateralized mortgage obligation securities for which a cash flow analysis was performed to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment was warranted.  This evaluation indicated that the two private-label collateralized mortgage obligations were other-than-temporarily impaired.  Estimates of discounted cash flows based on expected yield at time of original purchase, prepayment assumptions based on actual and anticipated prepayment speed, actual and anticipated default rates and estimated level of severity given the loan to value ratios, credit scores, geographic locations, vintage and levels of

 

F-60


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

subordination related to the security and its underlying collateral resulted in a projected credit loss on the collateralized mortgage obligations.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s analysis resulted in an additional $113,000 in credit losses that were charged to earnings with respect to one of these two collateralized mortgage obligations.  The analysis with respect to the second collateralized mortgage obligation indicated no additional estimated credit loss for the year ended December 31, 2012.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the two aforementioned private-label collateralized mortgage obligations were sold at a combined gain of $282,000.  At the time of sale, these securities had a combined amortized cost of $18.0 million.

 

In addition to the securities discussed above, during the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company identified two municipal securities that were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.  Both securities were issued by a tax incremental district in a municipality located in Wisconsin.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company received audited financial statements with respect to the municipal issuer that called into question the ability of the underlying taxing district that issued the securities to operate as a going concern.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s analysis of these securities resulted in $100,000 in credit losses that were charged to earnings with respect to these two municipal securities.  As of December 31, 2012, these securities had a combined amortized cost of $215,000 and a combined estimated fair value of $237,000.  As of December 31, 2012, the Company had one municipal security which had been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.  This security was determined not to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2012.

 

The following table presents the change in other-than-temporary credit related impairment charges on collateralized mortgage obligations and municipal securities for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairments related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive loss.

 

    (in thousands)  
Credit related impairments on securities as of December 31, 2010   $ 1,640  
Credit related impairments related to a security for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized    
Increase in credit related impairments related to securities for which an other-than- temporary impairment was previously recognized   456  
Credit related impairments on securities as of December 31, 2011   2,096  
Credit related impairments related to a security for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized   100  
Increase in credit related impairments related to securities for which an other-than- temporary impairment was previously recognized   113  
Reduction for sales of securities for which other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized   (2,209 )
Credit related impairments on securities as of December 31, 2012   $ 100  

 

Exclusive of the two aforementioned municipal securities, the Company has determined that the decline in fair value of the remaining securities is not attributable to credit deterioration, and as the Company does not intend to sell nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis, these securities are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

F-61


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Continued deterioration of general economic market conditions could result in the recognition of future other than temporary impairment losses within the investment portfolio and such amounts could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Securities Held to Maturity

 

As of December 31, 2012, the Company does not hold any securities that are designated as held to maturity.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the one security held by the Company that had been designated as held to maturity was called by the issuer.  This security had an amortized cost of $2.6 million at the time that it was called.

 

3)              Loans Receivable

 

Loans receivable at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

 

    December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage loans:          
Residential real estate:          
One- to four-family   $ 460,821   496,736  
Over four-family   514,363   552,240  
Home equity   36,494   38,599  
Construction and land   33,818   39,528  
Commercial real estate   65,495   65,434  
Consumer   132   109  
Commercial loans   22,549   24,018  
Total loans receivable   $ 1,133,672   1,216,664  

 

The Company provides several types of loans to its customers, including residential, construction, commercial and consumer loans.  Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to one borrower or to multiple borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions.  While credit risks tend to be geographically concentrated in the Company’s Milwaukee metropolitan area and while 89.2% of the Company’s loan portfolio involves loans that are secured by residential real estate, there are no concentrations with individual or groups of related borrowers.  While the real estate collateralizing these loans is primarily residential in nature, it ranges from owner-occupied single family homes to large apartment complexes.  In addition, real estate collateralizing $81.1 million or 7.2% of total mortgage loans is located outside of the state of Wisconsin.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, $1.75 billion in residential loans were originated for sale.  During the same period, sales of loans held for sale totaled $1.70 billion, generating mortgage banking income of $87.4 million.   During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company began selectively selling loans on a servicing retained basis.  The unpaid principal balance of loans serviced for others was $635.8 million and $29.9 million at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. These loans are not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

 

Qualifying loans receivable totaling $801.6 million and $715.7 million are pledged as collateral against $350.0 million in outstanding Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago advances under a blanket security agreement at both December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

F-62


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

An analysis of past due loans receivable as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 follows:

 

    As of December 31, 2012  
    1-59 Days Past
Due (1)
  60-89 Days Past
Due (2)
  Greater Than 90
Days
  Total Past Due   Current (3)   Total Loans  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage loans:                          
Residential real estate:                          
One- to four-family   $ 11,745   5,402   29,259   46,406   414,415   460,821  
Over four-family   3,543   1,498   18,336   23,377   490,986   514,363  
Home equity   416   111   404   931   35,563   36,494  
Construction and land   87     2,180   2,266   31,552   33,818  
Commercial real estate   290     668   959   64,536   65,495  
Consumer           132   132  
Commercial loans       511   511   22,038   22,549  
Total   $ 16,081   7,011   51,358   74,450   1,059,222   1,133,672  

 

    As of December 31, 2011  
    1-59 Days Past
Due (1)
  60-89 Days Past
Due (2)
  Greater Than 90
Days
  Total Past Due   Current (3)   Total Loans  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage loans:                          
Residential real estate:                          
One- to four-family   $ 12,650   5,536   40,001   58,187   438,549   496,736  
Over four-family   13,044   2,630   8,946   24,620   527,620   552,240  
Home equity   1,982   131   290   2,403   36,196   38,599  
Construction and land   49   155   6,790   6,994   32,534   39,528  
Commercial real estate   70     515   585   64,849   65,434  
Consumer   8       8   101   109  
Commercial loans   543     70   613   23,405   24,018  
Total   $ 28,346   8,452   56,612   93,410   1,123,254   1,216,664  

 


(1)          Includes $2.4 million and $4.6 million for December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which are on non-accrual status.

(2)          Includes $2.8 million and $1.4 million for December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which are on non-accrual status.

(3)          Includes $18.2 million and $15.7 million for December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which are on non-accrual status.

 

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, there are no loans that are 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest.

 

F-63


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

A summary of the activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 in the allowance for loan losses follows:

 

    One- to Four-
Family
  Over Four
Family
  Home Equity   Construction
and Land
  Commercial
Real Estate
  Consumer   Commercial   Total  
    (In Thousands)  
Year ended December 31, 2012                                  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 17,475   8,252   1,998   2,922   941   28   814   32,430  
Provision for loan losses   6,149   534   559   (181 ) 1,500   6   (267 ) 8,300  
Charge-offs   (6,472 ) (1,108 ) (485 ) (1,668 ) (1,182 ) (4 ) (59 ) (10,978 )
Recoveries   667   56   25   250       293   1,291  
Balance at end of period   $ 17,819   7,734   2,097   1,323   1,259   30   781   31,043  
                                   
Year ended December 31, 2011                                  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 16,150   6,877   1,196   3,252   671   28   1,001   29,175  
Provision for loan losses   12,567   5,331   1,429   1,346   998   9   397   22,077  
Charge-offs   (11,553 ) (3,996 ) (634 ) (1,745 ) (734 ) (10 ) (619 ) (19,291 )
Recoveries   311   40   7   69   6   1   35   469  
Balance at end of period   $ 17,475   8,252   1,998   2,922   941   28   814   32,430  
                                   
Year ended December 31, 2010                                  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 17,875   5,208   1,642   2,635   720   43   371   28,494  
Provision for loan losses   15,054   5,053   170   2,934   525   (3 ) 2,099   25,832  
Charge-offs   (16,906 ) (3,439 ) (619 ) (2,319 ) (575 ) (13 ) (1,470 ) (25,341 )
Recoveries   127   55   3   2   1   1   1   190  
Balance at end of period   $ 16,150   6,877   1,196   3,252   671   28   1,001   29,175  

 

F-64


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

A summary of the allowance for loan loss for loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment by collateral class as of the year ended December 31, 2012 follows:

 

    One- to Four-
Family
  Over Four
Family
  Home
Equity
  Construction
and Land
  Commercial
Real Estate
  Consumer   Commercial   Total  
    (In Thousands)  
Allowance related to loans individually evaluated for impairment   $ 7,058   3,268   1,033   377   341     331   12,408  
Allowance related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment   10,761   4,466   1,064   946   918   30   450   18,635  
                                   
Balance at end of period   $ 17,819   7,734   2,097   1,323   1,259   30   781   31,043  
                                   
Loans individually evaluated for impairment   $ 57,467   28,281   2,127   4,470   1,250   24   1,352   94,971  
                                   
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   403,354   486,082   34,367   29,348   64,245   108   21,197   1,038,701  
Total gross loans   $ 460,821   514,363   36,494   33,818   65,495   132   22,549   1,133,672  

 

F-65


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

A summary of the allowance for loan loss for loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment by collateral class as of the year ended December 31, 2011 follows:

 

    One- to Four-
Family
  Over Four
Family
  Home
Equity
  Construction
and Land
  Commercial
Real Estate
  Consumer   Commercial   Total  
    (In Thousands)  
Allowance related to loans individually evaluated for impairment   $ 5,707   3,719   803   2,077       269   12,575  
Allowance related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment   11,768   4,533   1,195   845   941   28   545   19,855  
                                   
Balance at end of period   $ 17,475   8,252   1,998   2,922   941   28   814   32,430  
                                   
Loans individually evaluated for impairment   $ 68,321   40,783   2,227   8,436   515     1,115   121,397  
                                   
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   428,415   511,457   36,372   31,092   64,919   109   22,903   1,095,267  
Total gross loans   $ 496,736   552,240   38,599   39,528   65,434   109   24,018   1,216,664  

 

F-66


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

The following table presents information relating to the Company’s internal risk ratings of its loans receivable as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

    One- to Four-
Family
  Over Four
Family
  Home
Equity
  Construction
and Land
  Commercial
Real Estate
  Consumer   Commercial   Total  
    (In Thousands)  
At December 31, 2012                                  
                                   
Substandard   $ 53,242   24,767   2,913   3,705   1,251   23   1,365   87,266  
                                   
Watch   17,082   14,157   606   2,803   1,234     964   36,846  
                                   
Pass   390,497   475,439   32,975   27,310   63,010   109   20,220   1,009,560  
    $ 460,821   514,363   36,494   33,818   65,495   132   22,549   1,133,672  

 

    (In Thousands)  
At December 31, 2011                                  
                                   
Substandard   $ 68,566   37,502   3,188   8,436   1,114     1,116   119,922  
                                   
Watch   14,341   16,993   721   6,199   1,549     1,108   40,911  
                                   
Pass   413,829   497,745   34,690   24,893   62,771   109   21,794   1,055,831  
    $ 496,736   552,240   38,599   39,528   65,434   109   24,018   1,216,664  

 

F-67


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Factors that are important to managing overall credit quality include sound loan underwriting and administration, systematic monitoring of existing loans and commitments, effective loan review on an ongoing basis, early identification of potential problems, an allowance for loan losses, and sound non-accrual and charge-off policies.  Our underwriting policies require an officers’ loan committee review and approval of all loans in excess of $500,000.  In addition, an independent loan review function exists for all loans.  Our ability to manage credit risk depends in large part on our ability to properly identify and manage problem loans.  To do so, we maintain a loan review system under which our credit management personnel review non-owner occupied one- to four-family, over four-family, construction and land, commercial real estate and commercial loans that individually, or as part of an overall borrower relationship exceed $1.0 million in potential exposure.  Loans meeting these criteria are reviewed on an annual basis, or more frequently, if the loan renewal is less than one year.  With respect to this review process, management has determined that pass loans include loans that exhibit acceptable financial statements, cash flow and leverage.  Watch loans have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s attention, and if left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the credit.  Substandard loans are considered inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged.  These loans generally have a well-defined weakness that may jeopardize liquidation of the debt and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Finally, a loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management has determined that all non-accrual loans and loans modified under troubled debt restructurings meet the definition of an impaired loan.

 

The Company’s procedures dictate that an updated valuation must be obtained with respect to underlying collateral at the time a loan is deemed impaired.  Updated valuations may also be obtained upon transfer from loans receivable to real estate owned based upon the age of the prior appraisal, changes in market conditions or known changes to the physical condition of the property.

 

Estimated fair values are reduced to account for sales commissions, broker fees, unpaid property taxes and additional selling expenses to arrive at an estimated net realizable value.  The adjustment factor is based upon the Company’s actual experience with respect to sales of real estate owned over the prior two years.  In situations in which we are placing reliance on an appraisal that is more than one year old, an additional adjustment factor is applied to account for downward market pressure since the date of appraisal.  The additional adjustment factor is based upon relevant sales data available for our general operating market as well as company-specific historical net realizable values as compared to the most recent appraisal prior to disposition.

 

With respect to over-four family income producing real estate, appraisals are reviewed and estimated collateral values are adjusted by updating significant appraisal assumptions to reflect current real estate market conditions.  Significant assumptions reviewed and updated include the capitalization rate, rental income and operating expenses.  These adjusted

 

F-68


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

assumptions are based upon recent appraisals received on similar properties as well as on actual experience related to real estate owned and currently under Company management.

 

The following tables present data on impaired loans at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

    As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 2012  
    Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
  Reserve   Cumulative
Charge-Offs
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Int Paid YTD  
Total Impaired with Reserve                          
One- to four-family   $ 29,057   29,456   7,058   399   29,768   874  
Over four-family   17,397   17,642   3,268   245   18,073   722  
Home equity   1,544   1,544   1,033     1,615   74  
Construction and land   2,316   2,316   377     2,316   78  
Commercial real estate   813   1,179   341   366   1,748   50  
Consumer              
Commercial   1,352   1,352   331     1,352   42  
    $ 52,479   53,489   12,408   1,010   54,872   1,840  
                           
Total Impaired with no Reserve                          
                           
One- to four-family   $ 28,410   31,315     2,905   31,358   1,175  
Over four-family   10,884   11,179     295   11,649   549  
Home equity   583   749     166   755   14  
Construction and land   2,154   3,655     1,501   3,656   5  
Commercial real estate   437   461     24   473   12  
Consumer   24   24       24   1  
Commercial              
    $ 42,492   47,383     4,891   47,915   1,756  
                           
Total Impaired                          
                           
One- to four-family   $ 57,467   60,771   7,058   3,304   61,126   2,049  
Over four-family   28,281   28,821   3,268   540   29,722   1,271  
Home equity   2,127   2,293   1,033   166   2,370   88  
Construction and land   4,470   5,971   377   1,501   5,972   83  
Commercial real estate   1,250   1,640   341   390   2,221   62  
Consumer   24   24       24   1  
Commercial   1,352   1,352   331     1,352   42  
    $ 94,971   100,872   12,408   5,901   102,787   3,596  

 

The difference between a loan’s recorded investment and the unpaid principal balance represents a partial charge-off resulting from a confirmed loss due to the value of the collateral securing the loan being below the loan balance and management’s assessment that the full collection of the loan balance is not likely.

 

When a loan is considered impaired, interest payments received are treated as interest income on a cash basis as long as the remaining book value of the loan (i.e., after charge-off of all identified losses) is deemed to be fully collectible. If the remaining book value is not deemed to be fully collectible, all payments received are applied to unpaid principal. Determination as to the ultimate collectability of the remaining book value is supported by an updated credit department evaluation of the borrower’s

 

F-69


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

financial condition and prospects for repayment, including consideration of the borrower’s sustained historical repayment performance and other relevant factors.

 

    As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 2011  
    Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
  Reserve   Cumulative
Charge-Offs
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Int Paid YTD  
Total Impaired with Reserve                          
One- to four-family   $ 25,735   25,913   5,707   178   26,093   579  
Over four-family   21,268   21,648   3,719   380   21,846   761  
Home equity   1,428   1,428   803     1,448   2  
Construction and land   6,543   6,543   2,077     6,543   113  
Commercial real estate              
Commercial   1,033   1,033   269     1,037   42  
    $ 56,007   56,565   12,575   558   56,967   1,497  
                           
Total Impaired with no Reserve                          
                           
One- to four-family   $ 42,586   48,482     5,896   48,552   1,448  
Over four-family   19,515   21,264     1,749   21,535   780  
Home equity   799   799       833   3  
Construction and land   1,893   3,413     1,520   3,413   60  
Commercial real estate   515   539     24   538   17  
Commercial   82   100     18   90    
    $ 65,390   74,597     9,207   74,961   2,308  
                           
Total Impaired                          
                           
One- to four-family   $ 68,321   74,395   5,707   6,074   74,645   2,027  
Over four-family   40,783   42,912   3,719   2,129   43,381   1,541  
Home equity   2,227   2,227   803     2,281   5  
Construction and land   8,436   9,956   2,077   1,520   9,956   173  
Commercial real estate   515   539     24   538   17  
Commercial   1,115   1,133   269   18   1,127   42  
    $ 121,397   131,162   12,575   9,765   131,928   3,805  

 

F-70


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

The determination as to whether an allowance is required with respect to impaired loans is based upon an analysis of the value of the underlying collateral and/or the borrower’s intent and ability to make all principal and interest payments in accordance with contractual terms.  The evaluation process is subject to the use of significant estimates and actual results could differ from estimates.  This analysis is primarily based upon third party appraisals and/or a discounted cash flow analysis.  In those cases in which no allowance has been provided for an impaired loan, the Company has determined that the estimated value of the underlying collateral exceeds the remaining outstanding balance of the loan.  Of the total $42.5 million of impaired loans as of December 31, 2012 for which no allowance has been provided, $4.9 million in charge-offs have been recorded to reduce the unpaid principal balance to an amount that is commensurate with the loan’s net realizable value, using the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.  To the extent that further deterioration in property values continues, the Company may have to reevaluate the sufficiency of the collateral servicing these impaired loans resulting in additional provisions to the allowance for loans losses or charge-offs.

 

The following presents data on troubled debt restructurings:

 

    As of December 31, 2012  
    Accruing   Non-accruing   Total  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)  
                           
One- to four-family   $ 9,921   17   $ 21,847   95   $ 31,768   112  
Over four-family   3,917   4   20,030   13   23,947   17  
Home equity       986   3   986   3  
Construction and land   2,173   2   79   1   2,252   3  
Commercial real estate       668   2   668   2  
                           
    $ 16,011   23   $ 43,610   114   $ 59,621   137  

 

    As of December 31, 2011  
    Accruing   Non-accruing   Total  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)  
                           
One- to four-family   $ 8,293   26   $ 26,773   93   $ 35,066   119  
Over four-family   14,845   13   2,453   8   17,298   21  
Home equity   43   1   1,024   4   1,067   5  
Construction and land   1,408   1   79   1   1,487   2  
Commercial real estate       452   1   452   1  
Commercial       42   2   42   2  
                           
    $ 24,589   41   $ 30,823   109   $ 55,412   150  

 

Troubled debt restructurings involve granting concessions to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty by modifying the terms of the loan in an effort to avoid foreclosure.  Typical restructured terms include six to twelve months of principal forbearance, a reduction in interest rate or both.  In no instances have the restructured terms included a reduction of outstanding principal balance.  At December 31, 2012, $59.6 million in loans had been modified in troubled debt restructurings and $43.6 million of these loans were included in the non-accrual loan total.  The remaining $16.0 million, while meeting the internal requirements for modification in a troubled debt restructuring, were current with

 

F-71


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

respect to payments under their original loan terms at the time of the restructuring and thus, continued to be included with accruing loans.  Provided these loans perform in accordance with the modified terms, they will continue to be accounted for on an accrual basis.

 

All loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring are considered to be impaired.  As such, an analysis has been performed with respect to all of these loans to determine the need for a valuation reserve.  When a loan is expected to perform in accordance with the restructured terms and ultimately return to and perform under contract terms, a valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the excess of the present value of the expected future cash flows under the original contract terms as compared with the modified terms, including an estimated default rate.  When there is doubt as to the borrower’s ability to perform under the restructured terms or ultimately return to and perform under market terms, a valuation allowance is established equal to the impairment when the carrying amount exceeds fair value of the underlying collateral.  As a result of the impairment analysis, a $6.4 million valuation allowance has been established as of December 31, 2012 with respect to the $59.6 million in troubled debt restructurings.  As of December 31, 2011, $6.2 million in valuation allowance had been established with respect to the $55.4 million in troubled debt restructurings.

 

After a troubled debt restructuring reverts to market terms, a minimum of six consecutive contractual payments must be received prior to consideration for a return to accrual status.  If an updated credit department review indicates no other evidence of elevated credit risk, the loan is returned to accrual status at that time.

 

F-72


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

The following presents troubled debt restructurings by concession type at December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

    As of December 31, 2012  
    Performing in
accordance with
modified terms
  In Default   Total  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Interest reduction and principal forebearance   $ 26,051   77   2,770   11   28,821   88  
Principal forebearance   17,574   11   348   1   17,922   12  
Interest reduction   11,984   35   894   2   12,878   37  
    $ 55,609   123   4,012   14   59,621   137  

 

    As of December 31, 2011  
    Performing in
accordance with
modified terms
  In Default   Total  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Interest reduction and principal forebearance   $ 22,752   61   6,564   22   29,316   83  
Principal forebearance   3,894   29   1,771   9   5,665   38  
Interest reduction   20,006   27   425   2   20,431   29  
    $ 46,652   117   8,760   33   55,412   150  

 

The following presents data on troubled debt restructurings:

 

    For the Year Ended  
    December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011  
    Amount   Number   Amount   Number  
    (dollars in thousands)   (dollars in thousands)  
Loans modified as a troubled debt restructure                  
One- to four-family   $ 14,821   27   $ 23,049   86  
Over four-family   18,520   8   10,340   12  
Home equity   12   1   1,062   3  
Land and construction   764   1      
    $ 34,117   37   $ 34,451   101  
                   
Troubled debt restructuring modified within the past twelve months for which there was a default                  
One- to four-family       $ 702   6  
    $     $ 702   6  

 

F-73


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

The following table presents data on non-accrual loans:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  
Residential          
One- to four-family   $ 46,467   $ 55,609  
Over four-family   23,205   13,680  
Home equity   1,578   1,334  
Construction and land   2,215   6,946  
Commercial real estate   668   514  
Commercial   511   135  
Consumer   24    
Total non-accrual loans   $ 74,668   $ 78,218  
           
Total non-accrual loans to total loans, net   6.59 % 6.43 %
Total non-accrual loans and performing troubled debt restructurings to total loans receivable   8.00 % 8.45 %
Total non-accrual loans to total assets   4.50 % 4.57 %

 

F-74


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

4)              Office Properties and Equipment

 

Office properties and equipment are summarized as follows:

 

    December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
           
Land   $ 6,836   6,959  
Office buildings and improvements   29,652   29,583  
Furniture and equipment   12,347   10,679  
    48,835   47,221  
Less accumulated depreciation   (21,900 ) (19,865 )
    $ 26,935   27,356  

 

Depreciation of premises and equipment totaled $2.1 million, $1.8 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The Company and certain subsidiaries are obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for other facilities and equipment.  Rent and equipment lease expense totaled $2.8 million, $2.6 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The appropriate minimum annual commitments under all non-cancelable lease agreements as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

    Operating  
    leases  
    (In Thousands)  
Within one year   $ 1,664  
One to two years   916  
Two to three years   390  
Three to four years   230  
Four through five years   23  
After five years    
Total   $ 3,223  

 

F-75


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

5)              Real Estate Owned

 

Real estate owned is summarized as follows:

 

    December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
           
One- to four-family   $ 17,353   27,449  
Over four-family   9,890   16,231  
Construction and land   7,029   8,796  
Commercial real estate   1,702   4,194  
    $ 35,974   56,670  

 

The following table presents the activity in real estate owned:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
           
Real estate owned at beginning of period   $ 56,670   57,752  
Transferred in from loans receivable   22,282   28,259  
Sales   (35,159 ) (22,432 )
Write downs   (7,562 ) (6,825 )
Other activity   (257 ) (84 )
Real estate owned at end of period   $ 35,974   56,670  

 

6)              Mortgage Servicing Rights

 

The following table presents the activity related to the Company’s mortgage servicing rights:

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
Mortgage servicing rights at beginning of the period   $ 198   $ 42  
Additions   3,411   169  
Amortization   (389 ) (13 )
Mortgage servicing rights at end of the period   3,220   198  
Valuation allowance at end of period      
Mortgage servicing rights at the end of the period, net   $ 3,220   $ 198  

 

The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense for mortgage servicing rights at

 

F-76


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

December 31, 2012 for the periods indicated:

 

        (In Thousands)  
Estimate for the years ended December 31:   2013   890  
    2014   747  
    2015   603  
    2016   459  
    2017   316  
    Thereafter   205  
    Total   3,220  

 

7)              Deposits

 

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, time deposits with balances greater than $100,000 amounted to $193.6 million and $232.8 million, respectively.

 

A summary of interest expense on deposits is as follows:

 

    Years ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands)  
               
Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 23   30   37  
Money market and savings deposits   272   369   493  
Time deposits   9,182   14,890   20,459  
    $ 9,477   15,289   20,989  

 

A summary of the contractual maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2012 is as follows:

 

    (In Thousands)  
Within one year   $ 454,561  
One to two years   236,816  
Two to three years   15,006  
Three to four years   6,269  
Four through five years   24,248  
After five years   20  
    $ 736,920  

 

F-77


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

8)              Borrowings

 

Borrowings consist of the following:

 

    December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011  
        Weighted       Weighted  
        Average       Average  
    Balance   Rate   Balance   Rate  
    (In Thousands)  
                   
Short-term repurchase agreements   $ 45,888   3.09 % 27,138   4.50 %
                   
Federal Home Loan Bank advances maturing:                  
2016   220,000   4.34 % 220,000   4.34 %
2017   65,000   3.19 % 65,000   3.19 %
2018   65,000   2.97 % 65,000   2.97 %
                   
Repurchase agreements maturing:                  
2017   84,000   3.96 % 84,000   3.96 %
    $ 479,888   3.82 % 461,138   3.93 %

 

The short-term repurchase agreements represent the outstanding portion of a total $90.0 million commitment with two unrelated banks.  The short-term repurchase agreements are utilized by Waterstone Mortgage Corporation to finance loans originated for sale.  These agreements are secured by the underlying loans being financed.  Related interest rates are based upon the note rate associated with the loans being financed.  The first of short-term repurchase agreements has an outstanding balance of $38.1 million, a rate of 2.96% and a total commitment of $40.0 million at December 31, 2012.  The second short-term repurchase agreement has an outstanding balance of $7.8 million, a rate of 3.75% and a total commitment of $50.0 million at December 31, 2012.

 

The $220.0 million in advances due in 2016 consist of eight advances with fixed rates ranging from 4.01% to 4.82% callable quarterly until maturity.

 

The $65.0 million in advances due in 2017 consist of three advances with fixed rates ranging from 3.09% to 3.46% callable quarterly until maturity.

 

The $65.0 million in advances due in 2018 consist of three advances with fixed rates ranging from 2.73% to 3.11% callable quarterly until maturity.

 

The $84.0 million in repurchase agreements have fixed rates ranging from 2.89% to 4.31% callable quarterly until their maturity in 2017.  The repurchase agreements are collateralized by securities available for sale with an estimated fair value of $101.9 million at December 31, 2012.

 

The Company selects loans that meet underwriting criteria established by the Federal Home Loan Bank Chicago (FHLBC) as collateral for outstanding advances. The Company’s borrowings at the FHLBC are limited to 75% of the carrying value of unencumbered one- to four-family mortgage loans, 40% of the carrying value of home equity loans and 60% of the carrying value of over four-family loans. In addition, these advances are collateralized by FHLBC stock of $20.2 million at December 31, 2012 and $21.7 million at December 31, 2011. In the event of prepayment, the Company is obligated to pay all remaining contractual interest on the advance.

 

F-78


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

9)              Regulatory Capital

 

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

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2012, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

 

On November 25, 2009, pursuant to a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order, WaterStone Bank agreed to the issuance of a Consent Order jointly issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the WDFI, WaterStone Bank’s primary banking regulators.  At the same time, pursuant to a Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist, Waterstone Financial, Inc. agreed to the issuance of an Order to Cease and Desist by the Office of Thrift Supervision, Waterstone Financial Inc.’s thrift holding company regulator at the time.  The Order issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision requires, among other things, that WaterStone Bank maintain minimum Tier 1 capital of 8.5% of total average assets and minimum total risk-based capital of 12.0% of risk-weighted assets.  Effective December 11, 2012, the WDFI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation terminated the Order issued to WaterStone Bank.  The terminated Order was replaced with a memorandum of understanding that requires, among other things, maintenance of a minimum Tier I capital of 8.0% and a minimum total risk based capital ratio of 12.0%, and also prohibits dividend payments without prior regulatory non-objection.  Waterstone Financial, Inc. remains subject to its Order issued by the Office of Thrift Supervision, through enforcement by the Federal Reserve Board, as the successor holding company regulator to the Office of Thrift Supervision.  At December 31, 2012, the Company is in compliance with all requirements of the memorandum of understanding and order to cease and desist.

 

As of December 31, 2012 the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as quantitatively “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios, as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

 

As a state-chartered savings bank, the Bank is required to meet minimum capital levels established by the state of Wisconsin in addition to federal requirements. For the state of Wisconsin, regulatory capital consists of retained income, paid-in-capital, capital stock equity and other forms of capital considered to be qualifying capital by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

 

F-79


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

The actual and required capital amounts and ratios for the Bank as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented in the table below:

 

    December 31, 2012  
                    To Be Well-Capitalized  
            For Capital   Under Prompt Corrective  
    Actual   Adequacy Purposes   Action Provisions  
    Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio  
    (Dollars In Thousands)  
                           
WaterStone Bank                          
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)   $ 199,098   17.34 % 91,844   8.00 % 114,806   10.00 %
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)   184,542   16.07 % 45,922   4.00 % 68,883   6.00 %
Tier I capital (to average assets)   184,542   11.13 % 66,312   4.00 % 82,890   5.00 %
State of Wisconsin (to total assets)   184,542   11.15 % 99,305   6.00 % N/A   N/A  
                             

 

    December 31, 2011  
                           
WaterStone Bank                          
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)   $ 174,144   14.58 % 95,579   8.00 % 119,474   10.00 %
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)   158,994   13.31 % 47,790   4.00 % 71,684   6.00 %
Tier I capital (to average assets)   158,994   9.16 % 69,447   4.00 % 86,808   5.00 %
State of Wisconsin (to total assets)   158,994   9.31 % 102,463   6.00 % N/A   N/A  
                             

 

F-80


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

10)       Stock Based Compensation

 

Stock-Based Compensation Plan

 

In 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.  All stock awards granted under this plan vest over a period of five years and are required to be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock.  The exercise price for all stock options granted is equal to the quoted NASDAQ market close price on the date that the awards were granted and expire ten years after the grant date, if not exercised.  All restricted stock grants are issued from previously unissued shares.

 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Plan

 

The fair value of stock options granted is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes pricing model.   The fair value of restricted shares is equal to the quoted NASDAQ market close price on the date of grant.  The fair value of stock grants is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the grants.  Compensation expense is included in compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income.

 

Assumptions are used in estimating the fair value of stock options granted.  The weighted average expected life of the stock options represent the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding and is based on the SEC simplified approach to calculating expected term.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  The expected volatility is based on the actual volatility of Waterstone Financial, Inc. stock from the original date of issue, October 4, 2005.  The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of options granted in the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2010.  There were no options granted during the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

    2012   2010  
Dividend Yield   0.00 % 0.00 %
Risk-free interest rate   0.25 % 0.25 %
Expected volatility   74.53 % 75.67 %
Weighted average expected life   6.5 years   6.5 years  
Weighted average per share value of options   $ 1.25   $ 2.54  
               

 

The Company estimates potential forfeitures of stock grants and adjusts compensation expense recorded accordingly.  The estimate of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates.  Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized in the period of change and will also impact the amount of stock compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is presented below.

 

F-81


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

            Weighted Average   Aggregate  
        Weighted Average   Years Remaining in   Instrinsic Value  
Stock Options   Shares   Exercise Price   Contractual Term   (000’s)  
Outstanding December 31, 2009   757,500   17.41   7.07    
Options exercisable at December 31, 2009   298,000   17.60   7.03    
                   
Granted   50,000   $ 3.80        
Exercised              
Forfeited   (5,000 ) 17.67        
Outstanding December 31, 2010   802,500   16.44   6.34    
Options exercisable at December 31, 2010   446,500   17.54   6.04    
                   
Granted              
Exercised              
Forfeited   (10,000 ) 17.16        
Outstanding December 31, 2011   792,500   16.32   5.37    
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011   599,000   17.28   5.12    
                   
Granted   255,000   $ 2.03        
Exercised   (3,000 ) 4.65       9  
Forfeited   (24,000 ) 8.93       (72 )
Outstanding December 31, 2012   1,020,500   13.11   5.69   1,622  
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012   744,500   16.59   4.31   80  

 

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s nonvested stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

        Weighted Average  
Stock Options   Shares   Grant Date Fair Value  
           
Nonvested at December 31, 2010   356,000   $ 5.60  
Granted        
Vested   (160,500 ) 5.79  
Forfeited   (2,000 ) 6.04  
Nonvested at December 31, 2011   193,500   5.31  
           
Nonvested at December 31, 2011   193,500   $ 5.31  
Granted   255,000   1.33  
Vested   (158,500 ) 5.78  
Forfeited   (14,000 ) 1.32  
Nonvested at December 31, 2012   276,000   1.48  

 

The Company amortizes the expense related to stock options as compensation expense over the vesting period.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, 255,000 options were granted, 24,000 were forfeited, of which 10,000 were vested and 3,000 shares were exercised.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, 10,000 were forfeited, of which 8,000 were vested.  During the year ended December 31, 2010, 50,000 options were granted and 5,000 were forfeited, of which 2,000 were vested.

 

F-82


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Expense for the stock options granted of $94,000, $745,000 and $810,000 was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  At December 31, 2012, the Company had $305,000 in estimated unrecognized compensation costs related to outstanding stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 40 months.

 

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s restricted stock shares activity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

        Weighted Average  
Restricted Stock   Shares   Grant Date Fair Value  
           
Nonvested at December 31, 2010   101,400   $ 16.91  
Granted      
Vested   (49,200 ) 17.24  
Forfeited      
Nonvested at December 31, 2011   52,200   16.61  
           
Nonvested at December 31, 2011   52,200   16.61  
Granted   100,000   1.89  
Vested   (49,200 ) 17.24  
Forfeited   (2,000 ) 4.65  
Nonvested at December 31, 2012   101,000   1.96  
             

 

The Company amortizes the expense related to restricted stock awards as compensation expense over the vesting period.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, 100,000 shares of restricted stock were granted and 2,000 were forfeited.  During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, no shares of restricted stock were awarded and no shares were forfeited.  Expense for the restricted stock awards of $51,000, $848,000 and $848,000 was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  At December 31, 2012, the Company had $158,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock shares that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period 40 months.

 

11)       Employee Benefit Plans

 

The Company has two 401(k) profit sharing plans and trusts covering substantially all employees.  WaterStone Bank employees over 18 years of age are immediately eligible to participate in the Bank’s Plan.  Waterstone Mortgage employees over 21 years of age are eligible to participate in its Plan as of the first of the month following their date of employment.  Participating employees may annually contribute pretax compensation in accordance with IRS limits.  The Company made a contribution of $70,000 to one of the Plans during the year ended December 31, 2012.  The Company made no contributions to the Plans during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

The Company has a nonqualified salary continuation plan for one former employee. This agreement provides for payments of specific amounts over a 10-year period subsequent to the employee’s retirement. The deferred compensation liability was accrued ratably to the employee’s respective normal retirement date. Payments made to the retired employee reduce the liability.  As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $687,000 and $826,000 was accrued related to this plan. This agreement is funded by a life insurance policy with a death benefit of $6.4 million and a cash surrender value of $3.3 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The former

 

F-83


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

employee has no interest in this policy.  There was no expense for compensation under this agreement during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

12)       Employee Stock Ownership Plan

 

All employees are eligible to participate in the WaterStone Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “Plan”) after they attain twenty-one years of age and complete twelve consecutive months of service in which they work at least 1,000 hours of service.  During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Plan borrowed $8.5 million from the Company and purchased 761,515 shares of common stock of the Company in the open market.  The Plan debt is secured by shares of the Company.  The Company has committed to make annual contributions to the Plan necessary to repay the loan, including interest.  The loan is scheduled to be repaid in ten annual installments through the year ended December 31, 2015.  While the shares are not released and allocated to Plan participants until the loan payment is made, the shares are deemed to be earned and are therefore, committed to be released throughout the service period.  As such, one-tenth of the shares are scheduled to be released annually as shares are earned over a period of ten years, beginning with the period ended December 31, 2005.  As the debt is repaid, shares are released from collateral and allocated to active participant accounts.  The shares pledged as collateral are reported as “Unearned ESOP shares” in the consolidated statement of financial condition.  As shares are committed to be released from collateral, the Company reports compensation expense equal to the average fair market price of the shares, and the shares become outstanding for earnings per share computations.  Compensation expense attributed to the ESOP was $306,000, $202,000 and $264,000, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

The aggregate activity in the number of unearned ESOP shares, considering the allocation of those shares committed to be released as of December 31, is as follows:

 

    2012   2011  
Beginning ESOP shares   228,453   304,605  
Shares committed to be released   (76,151 ) (76,152 )
Unreleased shares   152,302   228,453  
           
Fair value of unreleased shares (in thousands)   $ 1,188   432  
             

 

F-84


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

13)       Income Taxes

 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 consists of the following:

 

    Years ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands)  
Current:              
Federal   $ 4,256   1,216   30  
State   435   81   22  
    4,691   1,297   52  
Deferred:              
Federal   (12,664 ) (590 )  
State   (4,231 ) (145 )  
    (16,895 ) (735 )  
Total   $ (12,204 ) 562   52  

 

The income tax provisions differ from that computed at the Federal statutory corporate tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 as follows:

 

    Years ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (Dollars In Thousands)  
               
Income (loss) before income taxes   $ 22,710   (6,911 ) (1,802 )
Tax at Federal statutory rate (35%)   7,949   (2,419 ) (631 )
Add (deduct) effect of:              
State income taxes net of Federal income tax benefit (expense)   (2,467 ) (41 ) 14  
Cash surrender value of life insurance   (375 ) (393 ) (398 )
Non-deductible ESOP and stock option expense   103   119   168  
Tax-exempt interest income   (185 ) (254 ) (294 )
Reversal of federal valuation allowance on deferred taxes   (17,008 ) 2,921   1,281  
Intra-period tax allocation between other comprehensive income and loss from operations     (591 )  
Increase in tax exposure reserve   (184 ) 1,216    
Other   (37 ) 4   (88 )
Income tax provision (benefit)   (12,204 ) 562   52  
Effective tax rate   (53.7 )% (8.1 )% (2.9 )%
                 

 

Deferred tax asset valuation allowances originally established in 2008 were fully reversed at December 31, 2012.  Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.  The

 

F-85


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. Examples of positive evidence may include the existence of taxes paid in available carry back years as well as the probability that taxable income will be generated in future periods, while examples of negative evidence may include the cumulative losses in the current year and prior two years and general business and economic trends.  In addition, general uncertainty surrounding future economic and business conditions increased the potential volatility and uncertainty of projected earnings.  At both December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company determined a valuation allowance was necessary, largely based on the negative evidence represented by a cumulative loss in the most recent three-year period caused by the significant loan loss provisions recorded during the period.  At December 31, 2012, pretax income in each of the four quarters in 2012 and for the year, the existence of taxes paid in 2012 and available for carry back in future years, applicable tax planning strategies and general economic conditions resulted in the conclusion that as of December 31, 2012, it is more likely than not that net deferred tax assets will be realized in future periods.

 

The income tax provision for 2011 includes a federal and state tax benefit of $736,000 due to an intra-period tax allocation between other comprehensive income and loss from continuing operations representing an out-of-period adjustment for an error that originated beginning in 2008 that was corrected during the quarter ended June 30, 2011.  The correction of the error was not material to the year ended December 31, 2011.  The impact of this error to all prior periods was not deemed to be material.

 

F-86


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

The significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets (liabilities) included in prepaid expenses and other assets are as follows at December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

    December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
Gross deferred tax assets:          
Excess book depreciation   $ 653   617  
Compensation agreements   277   335  
Restricted stock and stock options   935   1,252  
Allowance for loan losses   12,316   13,113  
Repurchase reserve for loans sold   357    
Real estate owned write-downs   4,005   4,826  
Interest recognized for tax but not books   1,609   1,169  
Federal NOL carryforward     915  
State NOL carryforward   817   1,563  
Unrealized loss on impaired securities     841  
Other   426   213  
Total gross deferred tax assets   21,395   24,844  
Valuation allowance     (21,270 )
Deferred tax assets   21,395   3,574  
Gross deferred tax liabilities:          
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net   (1,834 ) (1,228 )
Mortgage servicing rights   (1,278 )  
FHLB stock dividends   (858 ) (931 )
Deferred loan fees   (639 ) (859 )
Deferred liabilities   (4,609 ) (3,018 )
Net deferred tax assets   $ 16,786   556  

 

The Company had a Federal NOL carry forward of $3.0 million at December 31, 2011 which was fully utilized in 2012.  The Company has a non-sharable Wisconsin NOL carry forward of $17.5 million at December 31, 2012 generated by the community banking segment which will begin to expire in 2028.

 

Under the Internal Revenue Code and Wisconsin Statutes, the Company was permitted to deduct, for tax years beginning before 1988, an annual addition to a reserve for bad debts. This amount differs from the provision for loan losses recorded for financial accounting purposes. Under prior law, bad debt deductions for income tax purposes were included in taxable income of later years only if the bad debt reserves were used for purposes other than to absorb bad debt losses. Because the Company did not intend to use the reserve for purposes other than to absorb losses, no deferred income taxes were provided. Retained earnings at December 31, 2012 include approximately $16.7 million for which no deferred Federal or state income taxes were provided.  Deferred income taxes have been provided on certain additions to the tax reserve for bad debts.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal and state tax returns. One subsidiary also files separate state income tax returns in certain states.  The Company is no longer subject to federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010 and state income taxes for years before 2005.

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

F-87


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
Balance at January 1   $ 2,004    
Increases related to prior year tax positions   13   1,526  
Increases related to current year tax positions   2   478  
Decreases related to prior year tax positions   (1,948 )  
Balance at December 31   $ 71   2,004  

 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced an examination of the Company’s income tax returns for 2005 through 2009 in the first quarter of 2010.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, the IRS proposed significant adjustments related to the Company’s deduction of expenses related to real estate owned and acquired through foreclosure, loan loss charge-offs and state tax deductions.  All of these significant proposed adjustments are timing differences which resulted in current tax expense offset by deferred tax benefit to be realized in future periods.  In the second quarter of 2012, a payment of $982,000 was made towards the proposed IRS adjustment.  Final settlement of interest due is still pending.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized $241,000 in interest which was accrued for as of December 31, 2011.  The Company recognized no interest or penalties during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2010.  The Company had an accrual for the payment of interest and penalties of $53,000 at December 31, 2012, $241,000 at December 31, 2011 and zero at December 31, 2010.

 

14)       Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

 

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

 

    December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk:          
Commitments to extend credit under first mortgage loans   $ 20,836   14,259  
Commitments to extend credit under home equity lines of credit   17,628   21,403  
Unused portion of construction loans   5,502   5,684  
Unused portion of business lines of credit   10,967   10,347  
Standby letters of credit   736   970  
             

 

F-88


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements of the Company. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counter-party. Collateral obtained generally consists of mortgages on the underlying real estate.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds mortgages on the underlying real estate as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

 

The Company has determined that there are no probable losses related to commitments to extend credit or the standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

15)       Derivative Financial Instruments

 

In connection with its mortgage banking activities, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments as part of its strategy to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates.   Mortgage banking derivatives include interest rate lock commitments provided to customers to fund mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans.  It is the Company’s practice to enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rates on its commitments to fund the loans as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held-for-sale.  The Company’s mortgage banking derivatives have not been designated as being in hedge relationships.  These instruments are used to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings.  The Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes.

 

Forward commitments to sell mortgage loans represent commitments obtained by the Company from a secondary market agency to purchase mortgages from the Company at specified interest rates and within specified periods of time.  Commitments to sell loans are made to mitigate interest rate risk on interest rate lock commitments to originate loans and loans held for sale.    At December 31, 2012, the Company had forward commitments to sell mortgage loans with an aggregate notional amount of $138.1 million and interest rate lock commitments with an aggregate notional amount of $147.9 million.  The fair value of the mortgage derivatives at December 31, 2012 included a gain of $1.7 million on mortgage banking derivative assets and a $249,000 net loss on mortgage banking liabilities that are reported as a component of other asset and other liabilities, respectively on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition.

 

In determining the fair value of its derivative loan commitments, the Company considers the value that would be generated when the loan arising from exercise of the loan commitment is sold in the secondary mortgage market. That value includes the price that the loan is expected to be sold for in the secondary mortgage market.  The fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated

 

F-89


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

statements of financial condition with the changes in fair value recorded as a component of mortgage banking income.

 

16)       Fair Values Measurements

 

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This accounting standard applies to reported balances that are required or permitted to be measured at fair value under existing accounting pronouncements. The standard also emphasizes that fair value (i.e., the price that would be received in an orderly transaction that is not a forced liquidation or distressed sale at the measurement date), among other things, is based on exit price versus entry price, should include assumptions about risk such as nonperformance risk in liability fair values, and is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. When considering the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, this accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

 

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels.

 

Level 1 inputs - In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.

 

Level 2 inputs - Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets where there are few transactions and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

Level 3 inputs - Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

 

In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

The following table presents information about our assets recorded in our consolidated statement of financial position at their fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.

 

F-90


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    December 31,   Fair Value Measurements Using  
    2012   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
                   
Available for sale securities                  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 119,056     119,056    
Collateralized mortgage obligations                  
Government sponsored enterprise issued   29,579     29,579    
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   8,017     8,017    
Municipal securities   37,371     37,371    
Other debt securities   5,070   5,070      
Certificates of deposit   5,924     5,924    
Loans held for sale   133,613     133,613    
Mortgage banking derivative assets   1,668       1,668  
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities   249       249  
                     

 

    December 31,   Fair Value Measurements Using  
    2011   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
                   
Available for sale securities                  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 35,417     35,417    
Collateralized mortgage obligations                  
Government sponsored enterprise issued   33,196     33,196    
Private-label issued   18,451       18,451  
Government sponsored enterprise bonds   71,349     71,349    
Municipal securities   39,068     39,068    
Other debt securities   5,118   5,118      
Certificates of deposit   3,920     3,920    
Loans held for sale   88,283     88,283    
Mortgage banking derivative assets   924       924  
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities   397       397  
                     

 

The following summarizes the valuation techniques for assets recorded in our consolidated statements of financial condition at their fair value on a recurring basis:

 

Available for sale securities — The Company’s investment securities classified as available for sale include: mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, government sponsored enterprise bonds, municipal securities and other debt securities. The fair value of mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and government sponsored enterprise bonds are determined by a third party valuation source using observable market data utilizing a matrix or multi-dimensional relational pricing model.  Standard inputs to these models include observable market data such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, prepayment models and bid/offer market data.  For securities with an early redemption feature, an option adjusted spread model is utilized to adjust the issuer spread.  These model and matrix measurements are classified as Level 2 and Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value of municipal securities is determined by a third party valuation source using observable market data

 

F-91


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

utilizing a multi-dimensional relational pricing model.  Standard inputs to this model include observable market data such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, rating updates and issuer spreads.  These model measurements are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value of other debt securities, which includes a trust preferred security issued by a financial institution, is determined through quoted prices in active markets and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Loans held for sale — The Company carries loans held for sale at fair value under the fair value option model.  Fair value is generally determined by estimating a gross premium or discount, which is derived from pricing currently observable in the secondary market, principally from observable prices for forward sale commitments.  Loans held-for-sale are considered to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.

 

Mortgage banking derivatives - Mortgage banking derivatives include interest rate lock commitments to originate residential loans held for sale to individual customers and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to various investors.  The Company utilizes a valuation model to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale, which includes applying a pull through rate based upon historical experience and the current interest rate environment and then multiplying by quoted investor prices.  The Company also utilizes a valuation model to estimate the fair value of its forward commitments to sell residential loans, which includes matching specific terms and maturities of the forward commitments against applicable investor pricing available.  While there are Level 2 and 3 inputs used in the valuation models, the Company has determined that one or more of the inputs significant in the valuation of both of the mortgage banking derivatives fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The table below presents reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2012 and 2011.

 

    Available for sale
securities
  Mortgage banking
derivatives, net
 
    (In Thousands)  
           
Balance at December 31, 2010   $ 20,301   407  
           
Transfer into level 3      
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period:          
Included in other comprehensive income   (142 )  
Other than temporary impairment included in net loss   (456 )  
Principal repayments   (1,252 )  
Net accretion of discount/amortization of premium      
Mortgage derivative gain, net     120  
Balance at December 31, 2011   18,451   527  
           
Transfer into level 3      
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period:          
Included in other comprehensive income   1,023    
Other than temporary impairment included in net loss   (113 )  
Principal repayments   (1,352 )  
Net accretion of discount/amortization of premium      
Sales of available for sale securities   (18,009 )    
Mortgage derivative gain, net     892  
Balance at December 31, 2012   $   1,419  

 

F-92


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Prior to December 31, 2012, level 3 available-for-sale securities included two corporate collateralized mortgage obligations.  The market for these securities was not active as of December 31, 2011.  As such, the Company valued these securities based on the present value of estimated future cash flows.

 

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

 

The following table presents information about our assets recorded in our consolidated statement of financial position at their fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.

 

    December 31,   Fair Value Measurements Using  
    2012   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
Impaired loans, net (1)   $ 40,071       40,071  
Real estate owned   35,974       35,974  
                     

 

    December 31,   Fair Value Measurements Using  
    2011   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
    (In Thousands)  
Impaired loans, net (1)   $ 43,432       43,432  
Real estate owned   56,670       56,670  
                     

 


(1)  Represents collateral-dependent impaired loans, net, which are included in loans.

 

Loans — We do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  On a non-recurring basis, loans determined to be impaired are analyzed to determine whether a collateral shortfall exists, and if such a shortfall exists, are recorded on our consolidated statements of financial condition at net realizable value of the underlying collateral.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals.  Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  Given the significance of the adjustments made to appraised values necessary to estimate the fair value of impaired loans, loans that have been deemed to be impaired are considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.  At December 31, 2012, loans determined to be impaired with an outstanding balance of $52.5 million were carried net of specific reserves of $12.4 million for a fair value of $40.1 million.  At December 31, 2011, loans determined to be impaired with an outstanding balance of $56.0 million were carried net of specific reserves of $12.6 million for a fair value of $43.4 million.  Impaired loans collateralized by assets which are valued in excess of the net investment in the loan do not require any specific reserves.

 

Real estate owned — On a non-recurring basis, real estate owned, is recorded in our consolidated statements of financial condition at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals and, if less than the carrying value of the foreclosed loan, the carrying value of the real estate owned is adjusted to the fair value.  Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  Given the significance of the adjustments made to appraised values necessary to estimate the fair value of the properties, real estate owned is considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.  Changes in

 

F-93


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

the fair value of real estate owned totaled $7.6 million and $6.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively and are recorded in real estate owned expense. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, real estate owned totaled $36.0 million and $56.7 million, respectively.

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2012, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

    Fair Value at       Significant   Significant Unobservable
Input Value
 
    December 31,
2012
  Valuation
Technique
  Unobservable
Inputs
  Minimum
Value
  Maximum
Value
 
                       
Mortgage banking derivatives   1,419   Pricing models   Pull through rate   68.9 % 100.0 %
Impaired loans   40,071   Market approach   Disount rates applied to appraisals   15.0 % 30.0 %
Real estate owned   35,974   Market approach   Disount rates applied to appraisals   5.0 % 76.5 %

 

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s mortgage banking derivatives, including interest rate lock commitments, is the loan pull through rate.  This represents the percentage of loans currently in a lock position which the Company estimates will ultimately close.  Generally, the fair value of an interest rate lock commitment will be positively (negatively) impacted when the prevailing interest rate is lower (higher) than the interest rate lock commitment.  Generally, an increase in the pull through rate will result in the fair value of the interest rate lock increasing when in a gain position, or decreasing when in a loss position.  The pull through rate is largely dependent on the loan processing stage that a loan is currently in and the change in prevailing interest rates from the time of the rate lock.  The pull through rate is computed using historical data and the ratio is periodically reviewed by the Company.

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of collateral for collateral-dependent impaired loans and real estate owned included in the above table primarily relate to discounting criteria applied to independent appraisals received with respect to the collateral.  Discounts applied to the appraisals are dependent on the vintage of the appraisal as well as the marketability of the property.  The discount factor is computed using actual realization rates on properties that have been foreclosed upon and liquidated in the open market.

 

Fair value information about financial instruments follows, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

 

F-94


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments consist of the following at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

    December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011  
    Carrying                   Carrying   Fair  
    amount   Fair Value   amount   value  
        Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3          
    (In Thousands)  
Financial Assets                              
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 71,649   71,469   71,469       80,380   80,380  
Securities available-for-sale   205,017   205,017   5,070   199,947     206,519   206,519  
Securities held-to-maturity             2,648   2,542  
Loans held for sale   133,613   133,613     133,613     88,283   88,283  
Loans receivable   1,133,672   1,148,107       1,148,107   1,216,664   1,225,141  
FHLB stock   20,193   20,193     20,193     21,653   21,653  
Cash surrender value of life insurance   38,061   38,061   38,061       36,749   36,749  
Real estate owned   35,974   35,974       35,974   56,670   56,670  
Accrued interest receivable   3,452   3,452   3,452       4,064   4,064  
Mortgage banking derivative assets   1,668   1,668       1,668   924   924  
                               
Financial Liabilities                              
Deposits   939,513   942,118   202,593   739,525     1,051,292   1,052,663  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes   1,672   1,672   1,672       942   942  
Borrowings   479,888   537,299     537,299     461,138   517,624  
Accrued interest payable   1,715   1,715   1,715       2,087   2,087  
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities   249   249       249   397   397  
                               
Other Financial Instruments                              
Stand-by letters of credit   5   5       5   6   6  
                                 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in determining its fair value disclosures for financial instruments.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The carrying amount reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value for these short-term instruments.

 

Securities

 

The fair value of securities is determined by a third party valuation source using observable market data utilizing a matrix or multi-dimensional relational pricing model.  Standard inputs to these models

 

F-95


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

include observable market data such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities and bid/offer market data.  For securities with an early redemption feature, an option adjusted spread model is utilized to adjust the issuer spread.  Prepayment models are used for mortgage related securities with prepayment features.

 

Loans Held for Sale

 

Fair value is estimated using the prices of the Company’s existing commitments to sell such loans and/or the quoted market price for commitments to sell similar loans.

 

Loans Receivable

 

Loans determined to be impaired are analyzed to determine whether a collateral shortfall exists, and if such a shortfall exists, are recorded on our consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals.  Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  With respect to loans that are not considered to be impaired, fair value is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using discount rates that that reflect a current rate offered to borrowers of similar credit standing for the remaining term to maturity.  This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value prescribed by ASC 820-10 and generally produces a higher fair value.

 

FHLB Stock

 

For FHLB stock, the carrying amount is the amount at which shares can be redeemed with the FHLB and is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

 

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition for the cash surrender value of life insurance approximate those assets’ fair values.

 

Deposits and Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes

 

The fair values for interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates of similar remaining maturities to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities of the outstanding certificates of deposit. The advance payments by borrowers for taxes are equal to their carrying amounts at the reporting date.

 

Borrowings

 

Fair values for borrowings are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current interest rates to estimated future cash flows of the borrowings.

 

Accrued Interest Payable and Accrued Interest Receivable

 

For accrued interest payable and accrued interest receivable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

F-96


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit

 

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are generally not marketable. Furthermore, interest rates on any amounts drawn under such commitments would be generally established at market rates at the time of the draw. Fair values for the Company’s commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements, the counterparty’s credit standing, and discounted cash flow analyses. The fair value of the Company’s commitments to extend credit is not material at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

Mortgage Banking Derivative Assets and Liabilities

 

Mortgage banking derivatives include interest rate lock commitments to originate residential loans held for sale to individual customers and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to various investors.  The Company utilizes a valuation model to estimate the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale, which includes applying a pull through rate based upon historical experience and the current interest rate environment, and then multiplying by quoted investor prices.  The Company also utilizes a valuation model to estimate the fair value of its forward commitments to sell residential loans, which includes matching specific terms and maturities of the forward commitments against applicable investor pricing available.  On the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition, instruments that have a positive fair value are included in prepaid expenses and other assets, and those instruments that have a negative fair value are included in other liabilities.

 

17)       Earnings (loss) per share

 

Earnings per share are computed using the two-class method.  Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) allocated to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities.  Participating securities include unvested restricted shares.  Unvested restricted shares are considered participating securities because holders of these securities have the right to receive dividends at the same rate as holders of the Company’s common stock.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of all potential common shares.  Unvested restricted stock and stock options are considered outstanding for diluted earnings per share only.  Unvested restricted stock and stock options totaling 101,000 and 276,000 shares for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 52,200 and 193,500 shares for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 101,400 and 356,000 shares for the year ended December 31, 2010 are antidilutive and are excluded from the loss per share calculation.  Presented below are the calculations for basic and diluted earnings loss per share.

 

F-97


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands, except per share amounts)  
Net income (loss)   34,914   (7,473 ) (1,854 )
Net income available to unvested restricted stockholders   113      
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders   $ 34,801   (7,473 ) (1,854 )
               
Weighted average shares outstanding   31,055   30,929   30,804  
Effect of dilutive potential common shares   107      
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   31,162   30,929   30,804  
               
Basic income (loss) per share   $ 1.12   (0.24 ) (0.06 )
Diluted income (loss) per share   $ 1.12   (0.24 ) (0.06 )

 

F-98


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

18)       Condensed Parent Company Only Statements

 

Statements of Financial Condition

 

    December 31,  
    2012   2011  
    (In Thousands)  
Assets          
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 337   521  
Securities available for sale (at fair value)   5,070   5,118  
Investment in subsidiaries   195,451   160,933  
Other assets   1,926   21  
Total Assets   $ 202,784   166,593  
           
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity          
Liabilities:          
Other liabilities   150   221  
Shareholders’ equity          
Preferred Stock (par value $.01 per share) Authorized - 20,000,000 shares, no shares issued      
Common stock (par value $.01 per share) Authorized - 200,000,000 shares in 2012 and 2011 Issued - 34,072,909 in 2012 and 33,974,450 in 2011 Outstanding - 31,348,556 in 2012 and 31,250,097 in 2011   341   340  
Additional paid-in-capital   110,490   110,894  
Retained earnings   136,487   101,573  
Unearned ESOP shares   (1,708 ) (2,562 )
Treasury stock (2,724,353 shares), at cost   (45,261 ) (45,261 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of taxes)   2,285   1,388  
Total shareholders’ equity   202,634   166,372  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 202,784   166,593  

 

F-99


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

Statements of Operations

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands)  
               
Interest income   $ 644   669   715  
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries   33,448   (8,250 ) (2,790 )
Total income (loss)   34,092   (7,581 ) (2,075 )
               
Compensation   (523 ) (605 ) (541 )
Professional fees   3   57   40  
Other expense   279   440   280  
Total expense   (241 ) (108 ) (221 )
               
Income (loss) before income tax expense   34,333   (7,473 ) (1,854 )
               
Income tax benefit   (581 )    
Net income (loss)   $ 34,914   (7,473 ) (1,854 )

 

Statements of Cash Flows

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2012   2011   2010  
    (In Thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities              
Net income (loss)   $ 34,914   (7,473 ) (1,854 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:              
Amortization of unearned ESOP   306   202   264  
Stock based compensation   145   1,593   1,659  
Deferred income taxes   (954 ) (71 ) 319  
Equity in (earnings) loss of subsidiaries   (33,448 ) 8,250   2,790  
Change in other assets and liabilities   (1,147 ) (1,537 ) (2,067 )
Net cash (used in) provided by operating actitivies   (184 ) 964   1,111  
               
Cash flows used in investing activities:              
Capital contributions to subsidiary     (1,000 ) (1,000 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,000 ) (1,000 )
               
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities        
Net increase (decrease) in cash   (184 ) (36 ) 111  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   521   557   446  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 337   521   557  

 

F-100


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

19)   Segments and Related Information

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company determined that it has two reportable segments: community banking and mortgage banking.  During this period, the Company realigned its operations to allow for all mortgage banking activities to be managed exclusively within its mortgage banking subsidiary.  Based upon this realignment, the Company determined that the mortgage banking subsidiary represents a segment that is distinct from the operations of the core community banking function.  Prior to the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company’s operations were aligned such that it had one reportable segment.  All segment data related to the year ended December 31, 2010 reflects the Company’s operations in the same manner as they were aligned during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.  The Company’s operating segments are presented based on its management structure and management accounting practices.  The structure and practices are specific to the Company and therefore, the financial results of the Company’s business segments are not necessarily comparable with similar information for other financial institutions.

 

Community Banking

 

The Community Banking segment provides consumer and business banking products and services to customers primarily within Southeastern Wisconsin. Consumer products include loan and deposit products:  mortgage, home equity loans and lines, personal term loans, demand deposit accounts, interest bearing transaction accounts and time deposits.  Business banking products include secured and unsecured lines and term loans for working capital, inventory and general corporate use, commercial real estate construction loans, demand deposit accounts, interest bearing transaction accounts and time deposits.

 

Mortgage Banking

 

The Mortgage Banking segment provides residential mortgage loans for the purpose of sale on the secondary market.  Mortgage banking products and services are provided by offices in: Wisconsin, Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

 

F-101


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    As of or for the Year ended December 31, 2012  
    Community
Banking
  Mortgage
Banking
  Holding
Company and
Other
  Consolidated  
    (in thousands)  
                   
Net interest income   $ 40,973   470   502   41,945  
Provision for loan losses   8,250   50     8,300  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   32,723   420   502   33,645  
                   
Noninterest income   3,259   87,944     91,203  
                   
Noninterest expenses:                  
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   13,424   50,748   (665 ) 63,507  
Occupancy, office furniture and equipment   3,112   3,856     6,968  
FDIC insurance premiums   3,390       3,390  
Real estate owned   8,746       8,746  
Other   4,728   14,517   282   19,527  
Total noninterest expenses   33,400   69,121   (383 ) 102,138  
Income before income taxes (benefit)   2,582   19,243   885   22,710  
Income taxes (benefit)   (19,347 ) 7,724   (581 ) (12,204 )
Net income   $ 21,929   11,519   1,466   34,914  
                   
Total Assets   $ 1,589,314   147,699   (75,937 ) 1,661,076  

 

    As of or for the Year ended December 31, 2011  
    Community
Banking
  Mortgage
Banking
  Holding
Company and
Other
  Consolidated  
    (in thousands)  
                   
Net interest income   $ 45,611   406   499   46,516  
Provision for loan losses   21,960   117     22,077  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   23,651   289   499   24,439  
                   
Noninterest income   2,431   40,798     43,229  
                   
Noninterest expenses:                  
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   13,006   26,929   (776 ) 39,159  
Occupancy, office furniture and equipment   3,262   3,226     6,488  
FDIC insurance premiums   3,814       3,814  
Real estate owned   12,140       12,140  
Other   4,598   7,883   497   12,978  
Total noninterest expenses   36,820   38,038   (279 ) 74,579  
Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit)   (10,738 ) 3,049   778   (6,911 )
Income taxes (benefit)   (833 ) 1,395     562  
Net income (loss)   $ (9,905 ) 1,654   778   (7,473 )
                   
Total Assets   $ 1,669,231   100,177   (56,557 ) 1,712,851  

 

F-102


 

 

 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

    As of or for the Year ended December 31, 2010  
    Community
Banking
  Mortgage
Banking
  Holding
Company and
Other
  Consolidated  
    (in thousands)  
                   
Net interest income   $ 48,521   641   502   49,664  
Provision for loan losses   25,553   279     25,832  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   22,968   362   502   23,832  
                   
Noninterest income   3,295   35,698     38,993  
                   
Noninterest expenses:                  
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   13,600   23,478   (755 ) 36,323  
Occupancy, office furniture and equipment   3,313   2,449     5,762  
FDIC insurance premiums   4,353       4,353  
Real estate owned   6,583       6,583  
Other   5,251   6,034   321   11,606  
Total noninterest expenses   33,100   31,961   (434 ) 64,627  
Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit)   (6,837 ) 4,099   936   (1,802 )
Income taxes (benefit)   (1,554 ) 1,606     52  
Net income (loss)   $ (5,283 ) 2,493   936   (1,854 )
                   
Total Assets   $ 1,770,912   108,928   (70,874 ) 1,808,966  

 

20)   Subsequent Events

 

On June 6, 2013, the Boards of Directors of Lamplighter Financial, MHC and the Company adopted a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”).  Pursuant to the Plan, Lamplighter Financial, MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully public form.  Lamplighter Financial, MHC will be merged into the Company, and Lamplighter Financial, MHC will no longer exist.  The Company will then merge into a new Maryland corporation also named Waterstone Financial, Inc.  As part of the conversion, Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s ownership interest of the Company will be offered for sale in a public offering.  The existing publicly held shares of the Company, which represent the remaining ownership interest in the Company, will be exchanged for new shares of common stock of the new Maryland corporation.  The exchange ratio will ensure that immediately after the conversion and public offering, the public shareholders of the Company will own the same aggregate percentage of common stock of the new Maryland corporation that they owned immediately prior to the completion of the conversion and public offering (excluding shares purchased in the stock offering and cash received in lieu of fractional shares).  When the conversion and public offering are completed, all of the capital stock of the Bank will be owned by the new Maryland corporation.

 

The Plan provides for the establishment, upon the completion of the conversion, of special “liquidation accounts” for the benefit of certain depositors of the Bank in an amount equal to the greater of Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s ownership interest in the retained earnings of the Company as of the date of the latest balance sheet contained in the prospectus or the retained earnings of the Bank at the time it reorganized into Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  Following the completion of the conversion, under the rules of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank will not be permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock to Waterstone Financial, Inc., its sole shareholder, if the Bank’s

 

F-103


 

 

Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

 

shareholder equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation accounts.  The liquidation accounts will be reduced annually to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits.  Subsequent increases will not restore an eligible account holder’s interest in the liquidation accounts.

 

Direct costs of the conversion and public offering will be deferred and reduce the proceeds from the shares sold in the public offering.  No costs have been incurred as of December 31, 2012 related to the conversion.

 

F-104


 

 

 

 

 

 



No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation other than as contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, such other information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by Waterstone Financial, Inc. or WaterStone Bank.  This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.  Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Waterstone Financial, Inc. or WaterStone Bank since any of the dates as of which information is furnished herein or since the date hereof.
 
Up to 28,031,250 Shares
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
(Proposed Holding Company for
WaterStone Bank)
 
 
COMMON STOCK
par value $0.01 per share
 
 

 
PROSPECTUS
 

 
 
Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P.
 
[Prospectus Date]
 

 
These securities are not deposits or accounts and are not federally insured or guaranteed.
 

 
Until ________________, 2013, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus.  This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
[Existing Logo of Waterstone Financial, Inc.]


Dear Fellow Stockholder:

Waterstone Financial, Inc. is soliciting stockholder votes regarding the mutual-to-stock conversion of Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  Pursuant to a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization, our organization will convert from a partially public company to a fully public company by selling a minimum of 20,718,750 shares of common stock of a newly formed company, also named Waterstone Financial, Inc. (“New Waterstone”), which will become the holding company for WaterStone Bank SSB.

The Proxy Vote
We have received conditional regulatory approval to implement the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization.  However, we must also receive the approval of our stockholders.  Enclosed is a proxy statement/prospectus describing the proposals being presented at our special meeting of stockholders.   Please promptly vote the enclosed proxy card.  Our Board of Directors urges you to vote “FOR” the approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization and “FOR” the other matters being presented at the special meeting.

The Exchange
At the conclusion of the conversion, your shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock will be exchanged for shares of New Waterstone common stock.  The number of new shares that you receive will be based on an exchange ratio that is described in the proxy statement/prospectus.  Shortly after the completion of the conversion, our exchange agent will send a transmittal form to each stockholder of Waterstone Financial, Inc. who holds stock certificates.  The transmittal form explains the procedure to follow to exchange your shares.  Please do not deliver your certificate(s) before you receive the transmittal form.  Shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. that are held in street name (e.g., in a brokerage account) will be converted automatically at the conclusion of the conversion; no action or documentation is required of you.

The Stock Offering
We are offering the shares of common stock of New Waterstone for sale at $8.00 per share.  The shares are first being offered in a subscription offering to eligible depositors of WaterStone Bank SSB.  If all shares are not subscribed for in the subscription offering, shares would be available in a community offering to Waterstone Financial, Inc. public stockholders and others not eligible to place orders in the subscription offering.   If you may be interested in purchasing shares of our common stock, contact our Stock Information Center at [stock center number] to receive a stock order form and prospectus.  The stock offering period is expected to expire on [expiration date] .

If you have any questions, please refer to the Questions & Answers section herein.

We thank you for your support as a stockholder of Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Sincerely,
 
 
Douglas S. Gordon
President and Chief Executive Officer

These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.  None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 
 

 

 
PROSPECTUS OF WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC., A MARYLAND CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT OF WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC., A FEDERAL CORPORATION

WaterStone Bank SSB, which we sometimes refer to in this document as “WaterStone Bank,” is converting from the mutual holding company structure to a fully-public stock holding company structure. Currently, WaterStone Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federally chartered corporation, which we sometimes refer to in this document as “Waterstone-Federal,” and Lamplighter Financial, MHC owns 73.5% of Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s common stock. The remaining 26.5% of Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s common stock is owned by public stockholders. As a result of the conversion, a newly formed Maryland corporation named Waterstone Financial, Inc. (“New Waterstone”) will replace Waterstone Financial, Inc. as the holding company of WaterStone Bank.  Each share of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock owned by the public will be exchanged for between 0.8986 and 1.2158 shares of common stock of New Waterstone, so that immediately after the conversion Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s existing public stockholders will own the same percentage of New Waterstone common stock as they owned of Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s common stock immediately prior to the conversion, excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares.  The actual number of shares that you will receive will depend on the percentage of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock held by the public at the completion of the conversion, the final independent appraisal of New Waterstone and the number of shares of New Waterstone common stock sold in the offering described in the following paragraph. It will not depend on the market price of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock. See “Proposal 1—Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Share Exchange Ratio” for a discussion of the exchange ratio.  Based on the $_______________ per share closing price of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock as of the last trading day prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, unless at least _____________________ shares of New Waterstone common stock are sold in the offering (which is between the _____________ and the _____________ of the offering range), the initial value of the New Waterstone common stock you receive in the share exchange would be less than the market value of the Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock you currently own. See “Risk Factors—The market value of New Waterstone common stock received in the share exchange may be less than the market value of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock exchanged.”

Concurrently with the exchange offer, we are offering for sale up to 28,031,250 shares of common stock of New Waterstone, representing the ownership interest of Lamplighter Financial, MHC in Waterstone Financial, Inc.  We are offering the shares of common stock to eligible depositors of WaterStone Bank, to WaterStone Bank’s tax qualified benefit plans and to the public, including Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders, at a price of $8.00 per share. The conversion of Lamplighter Financial, MHC and the offering and exchange of common stock by New Waterstone is referred to herein as the “conversion and offering.” After the conversion and offering are completed, WaterStone Bank will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Waterstone, and 100% of the common stock of New Waterstone will be owned by public stockholders. As a result of the conversion and offering, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the federal corporation, and Lamplighter Financial, MHC will cease to exist.

Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “WSBF,” and we expect New Waterstone’s shares of common stock will also trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF.”

The conversion and offering cannot be completed unless the stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. approve the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, which may be referred to herein as the “plan of conversion.”  Waterstone Financial, Inc. is holding a special meeting of stockholders at [meeting location], on [meeting date], at [meeting time], Central Time, to consider and vote upon the plan of conversion.  We must obtain the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) two-thirds of the total number of votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders, including shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and (ii) a majority of the total number of votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders other than Lamplighter Financial, MHC.   Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s board of directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the plan of conversion.
 
 
 

 

 
This document serves as the proxy statement for the special meeting of stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and the prospectus for the shares of New Waterstone common stock to be issued in exchange for shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock. We urge you to read this entire document carefully. You can also obtain information about us from documents that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  This document does not serve as the prospectus relating to the offering by New Waterstone of its shares of common stock in the offering, which is being made pursuant to a separate prospectus.  Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. are not required to participate in the stock offering.
 
This proxy statement/prospectus contains information that you should consider in evaluating the plan of conversion. In particular, you should carefully read the section captioned “Risk Factors” beginning on page  11 for a discussion of certain risk factors relating to the conversion and offering.

These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions or any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

For answers to your questions, please read this proxy statement/prospectus including the Questions and Answers section, beginning on page 1. Questions about voting on the plan of conversion may be directed to [proxy solicitor], at [proxy solicitor number], Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

The date of this proxy statement/prospectus is [document date], and it is first being mailed to stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. on or about _________________, 2013.
 
 
 

 

 
WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
11200 West Plank Court
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
(414) 761-1000

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

On [meeting date], Waterstone Financial, Inc. will hold a special meeting of stockholders at [meeting location].  The meeting will begin at [meeting time], Central Time.  At the meeting, stockholders will consider and act on the following:
     
 
1.
The approval of a plan of conversion and reorganization, whereby Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal corporation, will convert and reorganize from the mutual holding company structure to the stock holding company structure, as more fully described in the attached proxy statement;
     
 
2.
The approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the plan of conversion and reorganization;
     
  The following informational proposals:
     
 
3 .
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve certain amendments to New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation;
     
 
4 .
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder-proposed amendments to New Waterstone’s bylaws;
     
 
5 .
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of New Waterstone’s outstanding voting stock; and
     
  Such other business that may properly come before the meeting.
 
NOTE:  The board of directors is not aware of any other business to come before the meeting.

The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized as informational proposals 3 through 5 were approved as part of the process in which our board of directors approved the plan of conversion and reorganization (referred to herein as the “plan of conversion”).  These proposals are informational in nature only because the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion.  While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals.

The board of directors has fixed [record date], as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Upon written request addressed to the Corporate Secretary of Waterstone Financial, Inc. at the address given above, stockholders may obtain an additional copy of this proxy statement/prospectus and/or a copy of the plan of conversion.  In order to assure timely receipt of the additional copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and/or the plan of conversion, the written request should be received by Waterstone Financial, Inc. by [request date].

Please complete and sign the enclosed proxy card, which is solicited by the board of directors, and mail it promptly in the enclosed envelope.  The proxy will not be used if you attend the meeting and vote in person.
 
 
 

 

 
   
  BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
   
  William F. Bruss
  Corporate Secretary
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin  
[document date]  
 
 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
 
   
 
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
F-1
 
 
 

 

 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FOR STOCKHOLDERS OF WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
REGARDING THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION
 
You should read this document for more information about the conversion.  The plan of conversion described herein has been conditionally approved by Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s primary federal regulator, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  However, such conditional approval by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion.
       
Q. WHAT ARE STOCKHOLDERS BEING ASKED TO APPROVE?
       
A. 
Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders as of [record date] are being asked to vote on the plan of conversion pursuant to which Lamplighter Financial, MHC will convert from the mutual to the stock form of organization. As part of the conversion, a newly formed Maryland corporation, New Waterstone, is offering its common stock to eligible depositors of WaterStone Bank, to WaterStone Bank’s tax qualified benefit plans, to stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. as of [record date] and to the public. The shares offered represent Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s current ownership interest in Waterstone Financial, Inc.  Voting for approval of the plan of conversion will also include approval of the exchange ratio and the articles of incorporation of New Waterstone (including the anti-takeover provisions and provisions limiting stockholder rights).   Your vote is important. Without sufficient votes “FOR” its adoption, we cannot implement the plan of conversion and complete the stock offering.
       
  In addition, Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders are being asked to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the plan of conversion.
       
  Stockholders also are asked to vote on the following informational proposals with respect to the articles of incorporation of New Waterstone:
       
   
Approval of a provision requiring a super-majority vote to approve certain amendments to New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation;
       
   
Approval of a provision requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder-proposed amendments to New Waterstone’s bylaws; and
       
   
Approval of a provision to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of New Waterstone’s outstanding voting stock.
       
 
The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are included as informational proposals were approved as part of the process in which our board of directors approved the plan of conversion. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion.  While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals.  The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized above as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring, or rendering more difficult, attempts by third parties to obtain control of New Waterstone if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.
   
  Your vote is important. Without sufficient votes “FOR” adoption of the plan of conversion, we cannot implement the plan of conversion and the related stock offering.
 
1
 

 

 
       
Q.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THE CONVERSION AND RELATED OFFERING?
   
A . The primary reasons for the conversion and offering are to:
       
 
eliminate some of the uncertainties associated with the mutual holding company structure under financial reform legislation;
     
 
transition us to a more familiar and flexible organizational structure;
     
 
enhance our regulatory capital position;
     
 
improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock; and
     
 
facilitate future mergers and acquisitions.
       
  As a fully converted stock holding company, we will have greater flexibility in structuring mergers and acquisitions, including the form of consideration that we can use to pay for an acquisition.  Our current mutual holding company structure limits our ability to offer shares of our common stock as consideration in a merger or acquisition since Lamplighter Financial, MHC is required to own a majority of Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s outstanding shares of common stock.  Potential sellers often want stock for at least part of the purchase price.  Our new stock holding company structure will enable us to offer stock or cash consideration, or a combination of stock and cash, and therefore will enhance our ability to compete with other bidders when acquisition opportunities arise.  We currently have no arrangements or understandings regarding any specific acquisition.
   
Q.
WHAT WILL STOCKHOLDERS RECEIVE FOR THEIR EXISTING WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. SHARES?
   
A.
As more fully described in “Proposal 1 — Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization — Share Exchange Ratio,” depending on the number of shares sold in the offering, each share of common stock that you own at the time of the completion of the conversion will be exchanged for between 0.8986 shares at the minimum and 1.2158 shares at the maximum of the offering range of New Waterstone common stock (cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional shares).   For example, if you own 100 shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock, and the exchange ratio is 1.2158 (at the maximum of the offering range), after the conversion you will receive 121 shares of New Waterstone common stock and $4.64 in cash, the value of the fractional share based on the $8.00 per share purchase price of stock in the offering.
   
 
If you own shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock in a brokerage account in “street name,” your shares will be automatically exchanged within your account, and you do not need to take any action to exchange your shares of common stock or receive cash in lieu of fractional shares.  If you own shares in the form of Waterstone Financial, Inc. stock certificates, after the completion of the conversion and stock offering, our exchange agent will mail to you a transmittal form with instructions to surrender your stock certificates. A statement reflecting your ownership of shares of common stock of New Waterstone and a check representing cash in lieu of fractional shares will be mailed to you within five business days after the transfer agent receives a properly executed transmittal form and your existing Waterstone Financial, Inc. stock certificate(s).   New Waterstone will not issue stock certificates.   You should not submit a stock certificate until you receive a transmittal form.
 
2
 

 

 
       
Q.
WHY WILL THE SHARES THAT I RECEIVE BE BASED ON A PRICE OF $8.00 PER SHARE RATHER THAN THE TRADING PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK PRIOR TO COMPLETION OF THE CONVERSION?
   
A.
The shares will be based on a price of $8.00 per share because that is the price at which New Waterstone will sell shares in its stock offering.  The amount of common stock New Waterstone will issue at $8.00 per share in the offering and the exchange is based on an independent appraisal of the estimated market value of New Waterstone, assuming the conversion and offering are completed.  RP Financial, LC., an appraisal firm experienced in the appraisal of financial institutions, has estimated that, as of May 17, 2013, this market value was $265.2 million.  Based on Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regulations, the market value forms the midpoint of a range with a minimum of $225.4 million and a maximum of $305.0 million.  Based on this valuation and the valuation range, the number of shares of common stock of New Waterstone that existing public stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. will receive in exchange for their shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock is expected to range from 7,456,953 to 10,088,819 with a midpoint of 8,772,886 (a value of approximately $59.7 million to $80.7 million, with a midpoint of $69.8 million, at $8.00 per share).  The number of shares received by the existing public stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. is intended to maintain their existing ownership in our organization (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares). The independent appraisal is based in part on Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s financial condition and results of operations, the pro forma impact of the additional capital raised by the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, and an analysis of a peer group of ten publicly traded savings bank and thrift holding companies that RP Financial, LC. considered comparable to Waterstone Financial, Inc.
   
Q.
DOES THE EXCHANGE RATIO DEPEND ON THE TRADING PRICE OF WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. COMMON STOCK?
   
A.
No, the exchange ratio will not be based on the market price of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock. Instead, the exchange ratio will be based on the appraised value of New Waterstone.  The purpose of the exchange ratio is to maintain the ownership percentage of existing public stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.  Therefore, changes in the price of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock between now and the completion of the conversion and offering will not affect the calculation of the exchange ratio.
   
Q.
SHOULD I SUBMIT MY STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?
   
A.
No.  If you hold stock certificate(s), instructions for exchanging the certificates will be sent to you by our exchange agent after completion of the conversion.  If your shares are held in “street name” ( e.g., in a brokerage account) rather than in certificate form, the share exchange will be reflected automatically in your account upon completion of the conversion.
   
Q.
HOW DO I VOTE?
   
A.
Mark your vote, sign each proxy card enclosed and return the card(s) to us, in the enclosed proxy reply envelope.  For information on submitting your proxy, please refer to instructions on the enclosed proxy card.   YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.  PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY.
   
Q.
IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN STREET NAME, WILL MY BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE AUTOMATICALLY VOTE ON THE PLAN ON MY BEHALF?
   
A.
No.  Your broker, bank or other nominee will not be able to vote your shares without instructions from you.  You should instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares, using the directions that they provide to you.
 
3
 

 

 
       
Q.
WHY SHOULD I VOTE?  WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T VOTE?
   
A.
Your vote is very important.  We believe the conversion and offering are in the best interests of our stockholders.  Not voting all the proxy card(s) you receive will have the same effect as voting “against” the plan of conversion. Without sufficient favorable votes “for” the plan of conversion, we cannot complete the conversion and offering.
   
Q.
WHAT IF I DO NOT GIVE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS TO MY BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE?
   
A.
Your vote is important.  If you do not instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares, the unvoted proxy will have the same effect as a vote “against” the plan of conversion.
   
Q.
MAY I PLACE AN ORDER TO PURCHASE SHARES IN THE COMMUNITY OFFERING, IN ADDITION TO THE SHARES THAT I WILL RECEIVE IN THE EXCHANGE?
   
A.
Yes. If you would like to receive a prospectus and stock order form, you must call our Stock Information Center at [stock center number], Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  The Stock Information Center is closed weekends and bank holidays.
   
  Eligible depositors of WaterStone Bank have priority subscription rights allowing them to purchase common stock in a subscription offering.  Shares not purchased in the subscription offering may be available for sale to the public in a community offering, as described herein.  In the event orders for New Waterstone common stock in a community offering exceed the number of shares available for sale, shares may be allocated (to the extent shares remain available) first to cover orders of natural persons residing in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin; second to cover orders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders as of [record date]; and thereafter to cover orders of the general public.
   
  Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. are subject to an ownership limitation.  Shares of common stock purchased in the offering by a stockholder and his or her associates or individuals acting in concert with the stockholder, plus any shares a stockholder and these individuals receive in the exchange for existing shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock, may not exceed 9.9% of the total shares of common stock of New Waterstone to be issued and outstanding after the completion of the conversion.
   
  Please note that properly completed and signed stock order forms, with full payment, must be received (not postmarked) no later than 4:00 p.m., Central Time on [expiration date].
       
Q.
WILL THE CONVERSION HAVE ANY EFFECT ON DEPOSIT AND LOAN ACCOUNTS AT WATERSTONE BANK?
   
A.
No.  The account number, amount, interest rate and withdrawal rights of deposit accounts will remain unchanged.  Deposits will continue to be federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the legal limit.  Loans and rights of borrowers will not be affected.  Depositors will no longer have voting rights in Lamplighter Financial, MHC as to matters currently requiring such vote.  Lamplighter Financial, MHC will cease to exist after the conversion and offering.  Only stockholders of New Waterstone will have voting rights after the conversion and offering.
 
OTHER QUESTIONS?

For answers to other questions, please read this proxy statement/prospectus. Questions about voting on the plan of conversion may be directed to [proxy solicitor], at [proxy solicitor number], Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.  Questions about the stock offering may be directed to our Stock Information Center at [stock center number], Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  The Stock Information Center is closed weekends and bank holidays.
 
4
 

 

 
 
         
SUMMARY
     
 
This summary highlights material information from this proxy statement/prospectus and may not contain all the information that is important to you.  To understand the conversion and other proposals fully, you should read this entire document carefully, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Proposal 1 — Approval of The Plan of Conversion and Reorganization,” “Proposal 2 — Adjournment of the Special Meeting,” “Proposals 3 through 5 — Informational Proposals Related to the Articles of Incorporation of New Waterstone” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
     
  The Special Meeting  
     
  Date, Time and Place.   Waterstone Financial, Inc. will hold its special meeting of stockholders at [meeting location], on [meeting date], at [meeting time], Central Time.  
     
  The Proposals.   Stockholders will be voting on the following proposals at the special meeting:  
         
   
1.
The approval of a plan of conversion and reorganization whereby: (a) Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal corporation, will convert and reorganize from the mutual holding company structure to the stock holding company structure; (b) Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“New Waterstone”), will become the new stock holding company of WaterStone Bank; (c) the outstanding shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc., other than those held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC, will be converted into shares of common stock of New Waterstone; and (d) New Waterstone will offer shares of its common stock for sale in a subscription offering, a community offering and, if necessary, a syndicated offering;
 
         
   
2.
The approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the plan of conversion; and
 
         
    The following informational proposals:  
         
   
3.
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve certain amendments to New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation;
 
         
   
4 .
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder-proposed amendments to New Waterstone’s bylaws;
 
         
   
5 .
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of New Waterstone’s outstanding voting stock; and
 
         
   
Such other business that may properly come before the meeting.
 
         
  The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized as informational proposals 3 through 5 were approved as part of the process in which our board of directors approved the plan of conversion. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion. While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals. The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring or rendering more difficult attempts by third parties to obtain control of New Waterstone, if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.  
         
 
5
 

 

 
         
  Vote Required for Approval of Proposals by the Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.  
     
 
Proposal 1: Approval of the Plan of Conversion.   We must obtain the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) two-thirds of the total number of votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders, including shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and (ii) a majority of the total number of votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders other than Lamplighter Financial, MHC.
 
     
 
Proposal 1 must also be approved by the members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC (depositors of WaterStone Bank) at a special meeting of members called for that purpose.  Members will receive separate informational materials from Lamplighter Financial, MHC regarding the conversion.
 
     
 
Proposal 2:  Approval of the adjournment of the special meeting.   We must obtain the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast by Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders at the special meeting to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposal to approve the plan of conversion.
 
     
 
Informational Proposals 3 through 5 .   The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized as informational proposals were approved as part of the process in which the board of directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc. approved the plan of conversion. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion.  While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals.  The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring or rendering more difficult attempts by third parties to obtain control of New Waterstone, if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.
 
     
 
Other Matters. We must obtain the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by holders of outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc.  At this time, we know of no other matters that may be presented at the special meeting.
 
     
  Revocability of Proxies  
     
 
You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the special meeting.  To revoke your proxy, you must advise the corporate secretary of Waterstone Financial, Inc. in writing before your common stock has been voted at the special meeting, deliver a later-dated proxy or attend the special meeting and vote your shares in person.  Attendance at the special meeting will not in itself constitute revocation of your proxy.
 
     
 
Vote by Lamplighter Financial, MHC
 
     
 
Management anticipates that Lamplighter Financial, MHC, our majority stockholder, will vote all of its shares of common stock in favor of all the matters set forth above.  If Lamplighter Financial, MHC votes all of its shares in favor of each proposal, the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, would be assured, and the approval of the plan of conversion and reorganization by stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone-Federal, including shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC, would also be assured.
 
     
 
As of [record date] the directors and executive officers of Waterstone Financial, Inc. beneficially owned _________________ shares, or approximately _____________% of the outstanding shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock, and Lamplighter Financial, MHC owned 23,050,183 shares, or approximately 73.5% of the outstanding shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock.
 
     
 
6
 

 

 
         
 
Vote Recommendations
 
     
 
Your board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the plan of conversion, “FOR” the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, and “FOR” the Informational Proposals 3 through 5 .
 
     
 
Our Business
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Plan of Conversion and Reorganization
 
     
 
The Boards of Directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc., Lamplighter Financial, MHC, WaterStone Bank and New Waterstone have adopted a plan of conversion pursuant to which WaterStone Bank will reorganize from a mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure. Public stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. will receive shares in New Waterstone in exchange for their shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock based on an exchange ratio.  See “—The Exchange of Existing Shares of Waterstone-Federal Common Stock.”  This conversion to a stock holding company structure also includes the offering by New Waterstone of shares of its common stock to eligible depositors of WaterStone Bank and to the public, including Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders, in a subscription offering and, if necessary, in a community offering and/or in a separate public offering through a syndicate of broker-dealers, referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as the syndicated offering.  Following the conversion and offering, Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone Financial, Inc. will no longer exist, and New Waterstone will be the parent company of WaterStone Bank.
 
     
 
The conversion and offering cannot be completed unless the stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. approve the plan of conversion.  Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s stockholders will vote on the plan of conversion at Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s special meeting.  This document is the proxy statement used by Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s board of directors to solicit proxies for the special meeting.  It is also the prospectus of New Waterstone regarding the shares of New Waterstone common stock to be issued to Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s stockholders in the share exchange.  This document does not serve as the prospectus relating to the offering by New Waterstone of its shares of common stock in the subscription offering and any community offering or syndicated community offering, which will be made pursuant to a separate prospectus.
 
     
 
Our Organizational Structure
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Business Strategy
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Reasons for the Conversion
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
See “Proposal 1 — Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization” for a more complete discussion of our reasons for conducting the conversion and offering.
 
     
 
7
 

 

 
         
 
Conditions to Completion of the Conversion
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
The Exchange of Existing Shares of Waterstone-Federal Common Stock
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
How We Determined the Offering Range, the Exchange Ratio and the $8.00 Per Share Stock Price
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Our Dividend Policy
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Purchases and Ownership by Officers and Directors
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Benefits to Management and Potential Dilution to Stockholders Resulting from the Conversion
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Market for Common Stock
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Tax Consequences
 
     
 
[same as prospectus]
 
     
 
Changes in Stockholders’ Rights for Existing Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
     
 
As a result of the conversion, existing stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. will become stockholders of New Waterstone.  Some rights of stockholders of New Waterstone will be reduced compared to the rights stockholders currently have in Waterstone Financial, Inc.  The reduction in stockholder rights results from differences between the federal and Maryland charters and bylaws, and from distinctions between federal and Maryland law.  Many of the differences in stockholder rights under the articles of incorporation and bylaws of New Waterstone are not mandated by Maryland law but have been chosen by management as being in the best interests of New Waterstone and all of its stockholders.  The differences in stockholder rights in the articles of incorporation and bylaws of New Waterstone include the following:  (i) greater lead time required for shareholders to submit proposals for certain provisions of new business or to nominate directors; (ii) approval by at least 80% of outstanding shares required to amend the bylaws and certain provisions of the articles of incorporation; and (iii) a limit on voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of New Waterstone’s outstanding voting stock.  See “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights For Existing Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.” for a discussion of these differences.
 
         
 
8
 

 

 
         
 
Dissenters’ Rights
 
     
 
Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. do not have dissenters’ rights in connection with the conversion and offering.
 
     
 
Important Risks in Owning New Waterstone’s Common Stock
 
     
 
Before you vote on the conversion, you should read the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 10 of this proxy statement/prospectus.
 
         
 
9
 

 

 
RISK FACTORS
 
You should consider carefully the following risk factors when deciding how to vote on the conversion and before purchasing shares of New Waterstone common stock.

Risks Related to Our Business
 
[same as prospectus]

Risks Related to the Offering and the Exchange

The market value of New Waterstone common stock received in the share exchange may be less than the market value of Waterstone-Federal common stock exchanged.

The number of shares of New Waterstone common stock you receive will be based on an exchange ratio that will be determined as of the date of completion of the conversion and offering. The exchange ratio will be based on the percentage of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock held by the public prior to the completion of the conversion and offering, the final independent appraisal of New Waterstone common stock prepared by RP Financial, LC. and the number of shares of common stock sold in the offering. The exchange ratio will ensure that existing public stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock will own the same percentage of New Waterstone common stock after the conversion and offering as they owned of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock immediately prior to completion of the conversion and offering (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares).  The exchange ratio will not depend on the market price of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock.

The exchange ratio ranges from 0.8986 shares at the minimum and 1.2158 shares at the maximum of the offering range of New Waterstone common stock per share of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock. Shares of New Waterstone common stock issued in the share exchange will have an initial value of $8.00 per share. Depending on the exchange ratio and the market value of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock at the time of the exchange, the initial market value of the New Waterstone common stock that you receive in the share exchange could be less than the market value of the Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock that you currently own. Based on the most recent closing price of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock prior to the date of this proxy statement /prospectus, which was $____________, unless at least _____________________ shares of New Waterstone common stock are sold in the offering (which is between the _____________ and the ____________ of the offering range), the initial value of the New Waterstone common stock you receive in the share exchange would be less than the market value of the Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock you currently own.

There may be a decrease in stockholders’ rights for existing stockholders of Waterstone-Federal.
 
As a result of the conversion, existing stockholders of Waterstone-Federal will become stockholders of New Waterstone.  In addition to the provisions discussed above that may discourage takeover attempts that may be favored by stockholders, some rights of stockholders of New Waterstone will be reduced compared to the rights stockholders currently have in Waterstone-Federal.  The reduction in stockholder rights results from differences between the federal and Maryland chartering documents and bylaws, and from differences between federal and Maryland law.  Many of the differences in stockholder rights under the articles of incorporation and bylaws of New Waterstone are not mandated by Maryland law but have been chosen by management as being in the best interests of New Waterstone and its stockholders.  The articles of incorporation and bylaws of New Waterstone include the following provisions:  (i) greater lead time required for stockholders to submit proposals for new business or to nominate directors; and (ii) approval by at least 80% of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally is required to amend the bylaws and certain provisions of the articles of incorporation. See “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights For Existing Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.” for a discussion of these differences.

[Remaining risks same as prospectus]
 
10
 

 

 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
General

This proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation by the board of directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc. of proxies to be voted at the special meeting of stockholders to be held at [meeting location], on [meeting date], at [meeting time], Central Time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The purpose of the special meeting is to consider and vote upon the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC (referred to herein as the “plan of conversion”).

In addition, stockholders will vote on a proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposal.  Stockholders also will vote on informational proposals with respect to the articles of incorporation of New Waterstone.

Voting in favor of or against the plan of conversion includes a vote for or against the conversion of Lamplighter Financial, MHC to a stock holding company as contemplated by the plan of conversion.  Voting in favor of the plan of conversion will not obligate you to purchase any shares of common stock in the offering and will not affect the balance, interest rate or federal deposit insurance of any deposits at WaterStone Bank.

Who Can Vote at the Meeting

You are entitled to vote your Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock if our records show that you held your shares as of the close of business on [record date].  If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee.  As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or nominee how to vote.

As of the close of business on [record date], there were _______________ shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock outstanding.  Each share of common stock has one vote.

Attending the Meeting

If you are a stockholder as of the close of business on [record date], you may attend the meeting.  However, if you hold your shares in street name, you will need proof of ownership to be admitted to the meeting.  A recent brokerage statement or a letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership.  If you want to vote your shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock held in street name in person at the meeting, you will have to get a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares.

Quorum; Vote Required

The special meeting will be held only if there is a quorum.  A quorum exists if a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, is present at the meeting.  If you return valid proxy instructions or attend the meeting in person, your shares will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum, even if you abstain from voting.  Broker non-votes also will be counted for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum.  A broker non-vote occurs when a broker, bank or other nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner.

Proposal 1: Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization.   We must obtain the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) two-thirds of the outstanding common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc. entitled to be cast at the special meeting, including shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and (ii) a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc. entitled to be cast at the special meeting, other than shares held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC.
 
11
 

 

 
Proposal 2:  Approval of the adjournment of the special meeting.   We must obtain the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast by Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposal to approve the plan of conversion.

Informational Proposals 3 through 5 :  Approval of certain provisions in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation.   The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized as informational proposals were approved as part of the process in which the board of directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc. approved the plan of conversion.  These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion.  While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals.  The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring or rendering more difficult attempts by third parties to obtain control of New Waterstone, if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.

Other Matters.   We must obtain the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by holders of outstanding shares of common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc.  At this time, we know of no other matters that may be presented at the special meeting.

Shares Held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Our Officers and Directors

As of [record date], Lamplighter Financial, MHC beneficially owned 23,050,183 shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock.  This equals approximately 73.5% of our outstanding shares.  We expect that Lamplighter Financial, MHC will vote all of its shares in favor of Proposal 1—Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization, Proposal 2—Approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, and Informational Proposals 3 through 5 .

As of [record date], our officers and directors beneficially owned ___________ shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock.  This equals _______________% of our outstanding shares and ___________% of shares held by persons other than Lamplighter Financial, MHC.

Voting by Proxy

Our board of directors is sending you this proxy statement/prospectus to request that you allow your shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock to be represented at the special meeting by the persons named in the enclosed proxy card.  All shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock represented at the meeting by properly executed and dated proxies will be voted according to the instructions indicated on the proxy card.  If you sign, date and return a proxy card without giving voting instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by our board of directors.  Our board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the plan of conversion, “FOR” approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, and “FOR” each of the Informational Proposals 3 through 5 .

If any matters not described in this proxy statement/prospectus are properly presented at the special meeting, the board of directors will use their judgment to determine how to vote your shares.  We do not know of any other matters to be presented at the special meeting.

If your Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock is held in street name, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow to have your shares voted.  Your broker, bank or other nominee may allow you to deliver your voting instructions via the telephone or the Internet.  Please see the instruction form provided by your broker, bank or other nominee that accompanies this proxy statement/prospectus.
 
12
 

 

 
Revocability of Proxies

You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the special meeting.  To revoke your proxy, you must advise the corporate secretary of Waterstone Financial, Inc. in writing before your common stock has been voted at the special meeting, deliver a later-dated proxy or attend the special meeting and vote your shares in person.  Attendance at the special meeting will not in itself constitute revocation of your proxy.

Solicitation of Proxies

This proxy statement/prospectus and the accompanying proxy card are being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the special meeting by the board of directors.  Waterstone Financial, Inc. will pay the costs of soliciting proxies from its stockholders.  To the extent necessary to permit approval of the plan of conversion and the other proposals being considered, [proxy solicitor], our proxy solicitor, and directors, officers or employees of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and WaterStone Bank may solicit proxies by mail, telephone and other forms of communication.  We will reimburse such persons for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such solicitation.  For its services as information agent and stockholder proxy solicitor, we will pay [proxy solicitor] $_____________ plus out-of-pocket expenses and charges for telephone calls made and received in connection with the solicitation.

We will also reimburse banks, brokers, nominees and other fiduciaries for the expenses they incur in forwarding the proxy materials to you.

Participants in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan

If you participate in WaterStone Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan, you will receive a voting instruction form that reflects all shares you may direct the trustees to vote on your behalf under the plan. Under the terms of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan trustee votes all shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, but each Employee Stock Ownership Plan participant may direct the trustee how to vote the shares of common stock allocated to his or her account. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan trustee, subject to the exercise of its fiduciary duties, will vote all unallocated shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and allocated shares for which no voting instructions are received in the same proportion as shares for which it has received timely voting instructions. The deadline for returning your voting instructions to the plan’s trustee is _____________, 2013.

The board of directors recommends that you promptly sign and mark the enclosed proxy in favor of the above described proposals, including the adoption of the plan of conversion, and promptly return it in the enclosed envelope.  Voting the proxy card will not prevent you from voting in person at the special meeting.  For information on submitting your proxy, please refer to the instructions on the enclosed proxy card.

Your prompt vote is very important. Failure to vote will have the same effect as voting against the plan of conversion.
 
13
 

 


 
PROPOSAL 1 — APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION
 
The boards of directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Lamplighter Financial, MHC have approved the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, referred to herein as the “plan of conversion.”  The plan of conversion must also be approved by the members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC (depositors of WaterStone Bank) and the stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.  A special meeting of members and a special meeting of stockholders have been called for this purpose. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has conditionally approved the plan of conversion; however, such conditional approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

General
 
Pursuant to the plan of conversion, our organization will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully stock form.  Currently, WaterStone Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Lamplighter Financial, MHC owns approximately 73.5% of Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s common stock. The remaining 26.5% of Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s common stock is owned by public stockholders. As a result of the conversion, a newly formed company, New Waterstone, will become the holding company of WaterStone Bank.  Each share of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock owned by the public will be exchanged for between 0.8986 shares at the minimum and 1.2158 shares at the maximum of the offering range of New Waterstone common stock, so that Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s existing public stockholders will own the same percentage of New Waterstone common stock as they owned of Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s common stock immediately prior to the conversion (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares).  The actual number of shares that you will receive will depend on the percentage of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock held by the public immediately prior to the completion of the conversion, the final independent appraisal of New Waterstone and the number of shares of New Waterstone common stock sold in the offering described in the following paragraph. It will not depend on the market price of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock.

Concurrently with the exchange offer, New Waterstone is offering up to 28,031,250 shares of common stock for sale, representing the 73.5% ownership interest of Lamplighter Financial, MHC in Waterstone Financial, Inc., to eligible depositors and to the public at a price of $8.00 per share. After the conversion and offering are completed, WaterStone Bank will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Waterstone, and 100% of the common stock of New Waterstone will be owned by public stockholders. As a result of the conversion and offering, Waterstone Financial, Inc. and Lamplighter Financial, MHC will cease to exist.

New Waterstone intends to contribute between $79.8 million and $108.2 million of the net proceeds to WaterStone Bank and to retain between $66.5 million and $90.3 million of the net proceeds.  The conversion will be consummated only upon the issuance of at least the minimum number of shares of our common stock offered pursuant to the plan of conversion.

The plan of conversion provides that we will offer shares of common stock in a “subscription offering” in the following descending order of priority:
     
  (i)
To depositors with accounts at WaterStone Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2011.
     
  (ii)
To our tax-qualified employee benefit plans (including WaterStone Bank’s employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan), which will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.  We expect our employee stock ownership plan to purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering, although we reserve the right to have the employee stock ownership plan purchase more than 8% of the shares sold in the offering to the extent necessary to complete the offering at the minimum of the offering range.
 
14
 

 

 
     
  (iii)
To depositors with accounts at WaterStone Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on [supplemental date].
     
  (iv)
To depositors of WaterStone Bank at the close of business on [voting record date].
 
Shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering will be offered for sale to the general public in a community offering, with a preference given first to natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin.  To the extent shares of common stock remain available, we will also offer the shares to Waterstone-Federal’s public stockholders as of [record date].  The community offering is expected to begin concurrently with the subscription offering.  We also may offer for sale shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or the community offering through a syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will act as sole book-running manager for the syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  We have the right to accept or reject, in our sole discretion, orders received in the community offering or syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering.  Any determination to accept or reject stock orders in the community offering or syndicated or firm commitment underwritten offering will be based on the facts and circumstances available to management at the time of the determination.

We determined the number of shares of common stock to be offered in the offering based upon an independent valuation of the estimated pro forma market value of New Waterstone.  All shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be sold at $8.00 per share. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.  The independent valuation will be updated and the final number of shares of common stock to be issued in the offering will be determined at the completion of the offering. See “—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued” for more information as to the determination of the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock.

A copy of the plan of conversion is available for inspection at each branch office of WaterStone Bank and at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The plan of conversion is also filed as an exhibit to Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s application to convert from mutual to stock form of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The plan of conversion is also filed as an exhibit to the registration statement we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission or online at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website.  See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC.

[Remaining sections same as Prospectus under “The Conversion and Offering,” with the following to be added]
 
Exchange of Existing Stockholders’ Stock Certificates
 
The conversion of existing outstanding shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock into the right to receive shares of New Waterstone common stock will occur automatically at the completion of the conversion. As soon as practicable after the completion of the conversion, our exchange agent will send a transmittal form to each public stockholder of Waterstone-Federal who holds physical stock certificates.  The transmittal form will contain instructions on how to surrender certificates evidencing Waterstone-Federal common stock in exchange for shares of New Waterstone common stock in book entry form, to be held electronically on the books of our transfer agent.    New Waterstone will not issue stock certificates.   We expect that a statement reflecting your ownership of shares of common stock of New Waterstone common stock will be distributed within five business days after the exchange agent receives properly executed transmittal forms, Waterstone-Federal stock certificates and other required documents.  Shares held by public stockholders in street name (such as in a brokerage account) will be exchanged automatically upon the completion of the conversion; no transmittal forms will be mailed relating to these shares.
 
15
 

 

 
No fractional shares of New Waterstone common stock will be issued to any public stockholder of Waterstone-Federal when the conversion is completed. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued to a stockholder who holds a stock certificate, we will pay by check an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the $8.00 offering purchase price per share. Payment for fractional shares will be made as soon as practicable after the receipt by the exchange agent of the transmittal forms and the surrendered Waterstone-Federal stock certificates.  If your shares of common stock are held in street name, you will automatically receive cash in lieu of fractional shares in your account.
 
You should not forward your stock certificates until you have received transmittal forms, which will include forwarding instructions.   After the conversion, stockholders will not receive shares of New Waterstone common stock and will not be paid dividends on the shares of New Waterstone common stock until existing certificates representing shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock are surrendered for exchange in compliance with the terms of the transmittal form. When stockholders surrender their certificates, any unpaid dividends will be paid without interest. For all other purposes, however, each certificate that represents shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock outstanding at the effective date of the conversion will be considered to evidence ownership of shares of New Waterstone common stock into which those shares have been converted by virtue of the conversion.
 
If a certificate for Waterstone-Federal common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, our exchange agent will issue a new stock certificate upon receipt of appropriate evidence as to the loss, theft or destruction of the certificate, appropriate evidence as to the ownership of the certificate by the claimant, and appropriate and customary indemnification, which is normally effected by the purchase of a bond from a surety company at the stockholder’s expense.
 
All shares of New Waterstone common stock that we issue in exchange for existing shares of Waterstone-Federal common stock will be considered to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of common stock, subject, however, to our obligation to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the effective date of the conversion that may have been declared by us on or prior to the effective date, and which remain unpaid at the effective date.
 
PROPOSAL 2 — ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
If there are not sufficient votes to constitute a quorum or to approve the plan of conversion at the time of the special meeting, the proposals may not be approved unless the special meeting is adjourned to a later date or dates in order to permit further solicitation of proxies.  In order to allow proxies that have been received by Waterstone Financial, Inc. at the time of the special meeting to be voted for an adjournment, if necessary, Waterstone Financial, Inc. has submitted the question of adjournment to its stockholders as a separate matter for their consideration.  The board of directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc. recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the adjournment proposal.  If it is necessary to adjourn the special meeting, no notice of the adjourned special meeting is required to be given to stockholders (unless the adjournment is for more than 30 days or if a new record date is fixed), other than an announcement at the special meeting of the hour, date and place to which the special meeting is adjourned.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the plan of conversion.
 
16
 

 


 
PROPOSALS 3 THROUGH 5 — INFORMATIONAL PROPOSALS RELATED TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF NEW WATERSTONE.
 
By their approval of the plan of conversion as set forth in Proposal 1, the board of directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc. has approved each of the informational proposals numbered 3 through 5 , all of which relate to provisions included in the articles of incorporation of New Waterstone.  Each of these informational proposals is discussed in more detail below.

As a result of the conversion, the public stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc., whose rights are presently governed by the charter and bylaws of Waterstone Financial, Inc., will become stockholders of New Waterstone, whose rights will be governed by the articles of incorporation and bylaws of New Waterstone.  The following informational proposals address the material differences between the governing documents of the two companies.  This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the charter and bylaws of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of New Waterstone.  See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” for procedures for obtaining a copy of those documents.

The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation that are summarized as informational proposals 3 through 5 were approved as part of the process in which the board of directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc. approved the plan of conversion.  These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion.  Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s stockholders are not being asked to approve these informational proposals at the special meeting.  While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals set forth below, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals.  The provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation and bylaws that are summarized as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring or rendering more difficult attempts by third parties to obtain control of New Waterstone, if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.

Informational Proposal 3 . – Approval of a Provision in New Waterstone’s Articles of Incorporation Requiring a Super-Majority Vote to Amend Certain Provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of New Waterstone.   No amendment of the charter of Waterstone Financial, Inc. may be made unless it is first proposed by the board of directors, then preliminarily approved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and thereafter approved by the holders of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting.  The articles of incorporation of New Waterstone generally may be amended by the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote; provided, however, that any amendment of Section C, D, E or F of Article Fifth (Preferred Stock, Restrictions on Voting Rights of the Corporation’s Equity Securities, Majority Vote and Quorum), Article 7 (Directors), Article 8 (Bylaws), Article 9 (Evaluation of Certain Offers), Article 10 (Indemnification, etc. of Directors and Officers), Article 11 (Limitation of Liability) and Article 12 (Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation) must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, except that the board of directors may amend the articles of incorporation without any action by the stockholders to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of capital stock.

These limitations on amendments to specified provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation are intended to ensure that the referenced provisions are not limited or changed upon a simple majority vote.  While this limits the ability of stockholders to amend those provisions, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, as a 73.5% stockholder, currently can effectively block any stockholder proposed change to the charter.

The requirement of a super-majority stockholder vote to amend specified provisions of New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation could have the effect of discouraging a tender offer or other takeover attempt where the ability to make fundamental changes through amendments to the articles of incorporation is an important element of the takeover strategy of the potential acquiror.  The board of directors believes that the provisions limiting certain amendments to the articles of incorporation will put the board of directors in a stronger position to negotiate with third parties with respect to transactions potentially affecting the corporate structure of New Waterstone and the fundamental rights of its stockholders, and to preserve the ability of all stockholders to have an effective voice in the outcome of such matters.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote to approve certain amendments to New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation.
 
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Informational Proposal 4 . – Approval of a Provision in New Waterstone’s Articles of Incorporation Requiring a Super-Majority Vote of Stockholders to Approve Stockholder Proposed Amendments to New Waterstone’s Bylaws.   An amendment to Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s bylaws proposed by stockholders must be approved by the holders of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting subject to applicable approval by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The articles of incorporation of New Waterstone provides that stockholders may only amend the bylaws if such proposal is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.

The requirement of a super-majority stockholder vote to amend the bylaws of New Waterstone is intended to ensure that the bylaws are not limited or changed upon a simple majority vote of stockholders.  While this limits the ability of stockholders to amend the bylaws, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, as a 73.5% stockholder, currently can effectively block any stockholder proposed change to the bylaws. Also, the board of directors of both Waterstone Financial, Inc. and New Waterstone may by a majority vote amend either company’s bylaws.

This provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation could have the effect of discouraging a tender offer or other takeover attempt where the ability to make fundamental changes through amendments to the bylaws is an important element of the takeover strategy of the potential acquiror. The board of directors believes that the provision limiting amendments to the bylaws will put the board of directors in a stronger position to negotiate with third parties with respect to transactions potentially affecting the corporate structure of New Waterstone and the fundamental rights of its stockholders, and to preserve the ability of all stockholders to have an effective voice in the outcome of such matters.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of the provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder proposed amendments to New Waterstone’s bylaws.

Informational Proposal 5 . – Approval of a Provision in New Waterstone’s Articles of Incorporation to Limit the Voting Rights of Shares Beneficially Owned in Excess of 10% of New Waterstone’s Outstanding Voting Stock.   The articles of incorporation of New Waterstone provide that in no event shall any person, who directly or indirectly beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock as of the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled or permitted to vote on any matter, be entitled or permitted to vote in respect of the shares held in excess of the 10% limit. Beneficial ownership is determined pursuant to the federal securities laws and includes, but is not limited to, shares as to which any person and his or her affiliates (i) have the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options and (ii) have or share investment or voting power (but shall not be deemed the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of a revocable proxy granted for a particular meeting of shareholders, and that are not otherwise beneficially, or deemed by New Waterstone to be beneficially, owned by such person and his or her affiliates).

The foregoing restriction does not apply to any employee benefit plans of New Waterstone or any subsidiary or a trustee of a plan.
 
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The provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation limiting the voting rights of beneficial owners of more than 10% of New Waterstone’s outstanding voting stock is intended to limit the ability of any person to acquire a significant number of shares of New Waterstone common stock and thereby gain sufficient voting control so as to cause New Waterstone to effect a transaction that may not be in the best interests of New Waterstone and its stockholders generally.  This provision will not prevent a stockholder from seeking to acquire a controlling interest in New Waterstone, but it will prevent a stockholder from voting more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock unless that stockholder has first persuaded the board of directors of the merits of the course of action proposed by the stockholder.  The board of directors of New Waterstone believes that fundamental transactions generally should be first considered and approved by the board of directors as it generally believes that it is in the best position to make an initial assessment of the merits of any such transactions and that its ability to make the initial assessment could be impeded if a single stockholder could acquire a sufficiently large voting interest so as to control a stockholder vote on any given proposal.  This provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation makes an acquisition, merger or other similar corporate transaction less likely to occur, even if such transaction is supported by most stockholders, because it can prevent a holder of shares in excess of the 10% limit from voting the excess shares in favor of the transaction.  Thus, it may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of New Waterstone’s outstanding voting stock.
19
 

 


SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

[Same as prospectus]

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
[Same as prospectus]
 
HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE OFFERING
 
[Same as prospectus]

OUR DIVIDEND POLICY
 
[Same as prospectus]

MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK
 
[Same as prospectus]

HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE
 
[Same as prospectus]

CAPITALIZATION
 
[Same as prospectus]

PRO FORMA DATA
 
[Same as prospectus]

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
[Same as prospectus]

BUSINESS OF NEW WATERSTONE
 
[Same as prospectus]

BUSINESS OF WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND WATERSTONE BANK
 
[Same as prospectus]

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

[Same as prospectus]
 
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TAXATION

[Same as prospectus]

MANAGEMENT
 
[Same as prospectus]

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
 
[Same as prospectus]

SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
[Same as prospectus]

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS FOR EXISTING
STOCKHOLDERS OF WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.

[Same as prospectus]

RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF NEW WATERSTONE
 
[Same as prospectus]

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF NEW WATERSTONE
FOLLOWING THE CONVERSION

[Same as prospectus]

TRANSFER AGENT
 
[Same as prospectus]

EXPERTS
 
[Same as prospectus]

LEGAL MATTERS
 
[Same as prospectus]

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
[Same as prospectus]

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

In order to be eligible for inclusion in our proxy materials for our 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, any stockholder proposal to take action at such meeting must be received at our executive office, 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226, no later than December 2, 2013.  Any such proposals shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.
 
21
 

 


ADVANCE NOTICE OF BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT AN ANNUAL MEETING

Provisions of Waterstone-Federal’s Bylaws.   Under Waterstone-Federal’s Bylaws, a stockholder must follow certain procedures to nominate persons for election as directors or to introduce an item of business at a meeting of stockholders.  These procedures provide, generally, that stockholders desiring to make nominations for directors, or to bring a proper subject of business before the meeting, must do so by a written notice timely received (generally not less than 30 days in advance of such meeting, subject to certain exceptions) by the Secretary of Waterstone-Federal.

Provisions of New Waterstone’s Bylaws.   New Waterstone’s Bylaws provide an advance notice procedure for certain business, or nominations to the Board of Directors, to be brought before an annual meeting of shareholders. In order for a shareholder to properly bring business before an annual meeting, or to propose a nominee to the board of directors, New Waterstone’s Secretary must receive written notice not earlier than the 90th day nor later than the 80th day prior to date of the annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than 90 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is provided to shareholders, then, to be timely, notice by the shareholder must be so received not later than the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.
 
The notice with respect to shareholder proposals that are not nominations for director must set forth as to each matter such shareholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) the name and address of such shareholder as they appear on New Waterstone’s books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of New Waterstone which are owned beneficially or of record by such shareholder and such beneficial owner; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such shareholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such shareholder and any material interest of such shareholder in such business; and (v) a representation that such shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting.
 
The notice with respect to director nominations must include (i) as to each individual whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, (A) all information relating to such person that would indicate such person’s qualification under Article 2, Section 12 of New Waterstone’s Bylaws, including an affidavit that such person would not be disqualified under the provisions of Article 2, Section 12 of the Bylaws and (B) all other information relating to such individual that is required to be disclosed in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor rule or regulation; and (ii) as to the shareholder giving the notice, (A) the name and address of such shareholder as they appear on New Waterstone’s books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made; (B) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of New Waterstone which are owned beneficially or of record by such shareholder and such beneficial owner; (C) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such shareholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such shareholder; (D) a representation that such shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice; and (E) any other information relating to such shareholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any successor rule or regulation.  Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to be named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.
 
The 2014 annual meeting of stockholders is expected to be held May 20, 2014.  If the conversion is completed, advance written notice for certain business, or nominations to the Board of Directors, to be brought before the next annual meeting must be given to us no later than March 31, 2014.  If notice is received after March 31, 2014, it will be considered untimely, and we will not be required to present the matter at the stockholders meeting.  If the conversion is not completed, advance written notice for certain business, or nominations to the Board of Directors, to be brought before the next annual meeting must be given to us by April 20, 2014.  If notice is received after April 20, 2014, it will be considered untimely, and we will not be required to present the matter at the stockholders meeting.
 
22
 

 

 
Nothing in this proxy statement/prospectus shall be deemed to require us to include in our proxy statement and proxy relating to an annual meeting any stockholder proposal that does not meet all of the requirements for inclusion established by the Securities and Exchange Commission in effect at the time such proposal is received.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
The Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Proxy Card are available at ____________________________.

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this document, the board of directors is not aware of any business to come before the special meeting other than the matters described above in the proxy statement/prospectus.  However, if any matters should properly come before the special meeting, it is intended that the holders of the proxies will act in accordance with their best judgment.
 
23
 

 

 
REVOCABLE PROXY
 
WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

SEPTEMBER __, 2013

The undersigned hereby appoints the proxy committee of the Board of Directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Federal corporation, with full powers of substitution, to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to vote all shares of common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc. that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders (“Special Meeting”), to be held at Waterstone Bank SSB, 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconson, at _____:_____ _____.m., Central Time, on September _____, 2013.  The proxy committee is authorized to cast all votes to which the undersigned is entitled as follows:
               
     
FOR
 
AGAINST
 
ABSTAIN
1.
The approval of a plan of conversion and reorganization pursuant to which: (a) Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal corporation (“Waterstone-Federal”) will convert and reorganize from the mutual holding company structure to the stock holding company structure; (b) Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“New Waterstone”), will become the holding company for WaterStone Bank SSB; (c) the outstanding shares of Waterstone-Federal, other than those held by Lamplighter Financial, MHC, will be converted into shares of common stock of New Waterstone; and (d) New Waterstone will offer shares of its common stock for sale in a subscription offering, and, if necessary, a community offering and/or syndicated community offering;
 
o
 
o
 
o
               
2.
The approval of the adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to approve the plan of conversion and reorganization;
 
o
 
o
 
o
               
The following informational proposals.            
             
3.
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve certain amendments to New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation;
 
o
 
o
 
o
               
4.
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder-proposed amendments to New Waterstone’s bylaws;  
 
o
 
o
 
o
 
 
 

 

 
               
5.
Approval of a provision in New Waterstone’s articles of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of New Waterstone’s outstanding voting stock; and
 
o
 
o
 
o
 
Such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” each of the above-listed proposals.

VOTING FOR APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION WILL ALSO INCLUDE APPROVAL OF THE EXCHANGE RATIO, THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS OF NEW WATERSTONE (INCLUDING THE ANTI-TAKEOVER/LIMITATIONS ON STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PROVISIONS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ELIGIBLE DEPOSITORS OF WATERSTONE BANK SSB) AND THE AMENDMENT TO WATERSTONE BANK SSB’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO PROVIDE FOR RESTRICTIONS ON THE OWNERSHIP OF MORE THAN 10% OF WATERSTONE BANK SSB’S COMMON STOCK AND A LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT FOR ELIGIBLE DEPOSITORS.

THE PROVISIONS OF NEW WATERSTONE’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION THAT ARE SUMMARIZED AS INFORMATIONAL PROPOSALS 3 THROUGH 5 WERE APPROVED AS PART OF THE PROCESS IN WHICH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. APPROVED THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION.  THESE PROPOSALS ARE INFORMATIONAL IN NATURE ONLY, BECAUSE FEDERAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING MUTUAL-TO-STOCK CONVERSIONS DO NOT PROVIDE FOR VOTES ON MATTERS OTHER THAN THE PLAN.  WHILE WE ARE ASKING YOU TO VOTE WITH RESPECT TO EACH OF THE INFORMATIONAL PROPOSALS LISTED ABOVE, THE PROPOSED PROVISIONS FOR WHICH AN INFORMATIONAL VOTE IS REQUESTED WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE IF STOCKHOLDERS APPROVE THE PLAN, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE ANY OR ALL OF THE INFORMATIONAL PROPOSALS.
 
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED FOR ONE OR MORE PROPOSALS, THIS PROXY, IF SIGNED, WILL BE VOTED FOR THE UNVOTED PROPOSALS.  IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THE MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.
 
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
Should the above-signed be present and elect to vote at the Special Meeting or at any adjournment thereof and after notification to the Secretary of Waterstone Financial, Inc. at the Special Meeting of the stockholder’s decision to terminate this proxy, then the power of said attorneys and proxies shall be deemed terminated and of no further force and effect.  This proxy may also be revoked by sending written notice to the Secretary of Waterstone Financial, Inc. at the address set forth on the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders, or by the filing of a later-dated proxy prior to a vote being taken on a particular proposal at the Special Meeting.
 
The above-signed acknowledges receipt from Waterstone Financial, Inc. prior to the execution of this proxy of a Notice of Special Meeting and the enclosed proxy statement/prospectus dated August _____, 2013.
       
Dated: _________________, 2013
o      Check Box if You Plan to Attend the Special Meeting
 
 
 

 

 
         

PRINT NAME OF STOCKHOLDER 

 

   PRINT NAME OF STOCKHOLDER
 
 
 
     
SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER    SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER
 
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy card.  When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title.  If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign, but only one holder is required to sign.
 
 
Please complete, sign and date this proxy card and return it promptly
 in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope.
 
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING

The Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Proxy Card are available at __________________________________.
 
 
 

 

 
 
PART II:  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
   
Item 13.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
 
      Amount (1)  
           
*
Registrant’s Legal Fees and Expenses
  $ 415,000  
*
Registrant’s Accounting Fees and Expenses
    225,000  
*
Registrant’s State Tax Advisory Fees
    15,000  
*
Marketing Agent Fees (1)
    6, 248 , 750  
*
Records Management Fees and Expenses (1)
    60,000  
*
Appraisal Fees and Expenses
    115,000  
*
Printing, Postage, Mailing, EDGAR and XBRL Fees 
    475,000  
* Filing Fees (Nasdaq, FINRA and SEC)         87,500  
* Transfer Agent Fees and Expenses       20,000  
* Business Plan Fees and Expenses          32,500  
* Proxy Solicitor Fees and Expenses        40,000  
* Other        124 , 550  
* Total       $7,848,300  
     
Estimated
(1)
Waterstone Financial, Inc. has retained Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. to assist in the sale of common stock on a best efforts basis in the subscription, community and syndicated offerings.  Fees are estimated at the maximum of the offering range, assuming 50% of the shares are sold in the subscription and community offerings and 50% of the shares are sold in the syndicated community offering.
 
Item 14.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers

  Articles 10 and 11 of the Articles of Incorporation of Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “Corporation”) sets forth circumstances under which directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation may be insured or indemnified against liability which they incur in their capacities as such:

ARTICLE 10.  Indemnification, etc. of Directors and Officers.
 
A.                 Indemnification.   The Corporation shall indemnify (1) its current and former directors and officers, whether serving the Corporation or at its request any other entity, to the fullest extent required or permitted by the MGCL now or hereafter in force, including the advancement of expenses under the procedures and to the fullest extent permitted by law, and (2) other employees and agents to such extent as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors and permitted by law; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section B of this Article 10 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
 
B.                 Procedure.   If a claim under Section A of this Article 10 is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim.  If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall also be entitled to be reimbursed the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit.  It shall be a defense to any action for advancement of expenses that the Corporation has not received both (i) an undertaking as required by law to repay such advances in the event it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met and (ii) a written affirmation by the indemnitee of his good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Corporation has been met.  In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the MGCL.  Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the MGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit.  In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article 10 or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
 
II-1
 

 

 
C.                 Non-Exclusivity.   The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article 10 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, these Articles, the Corporation’s Bylaws, any agreement, any vote of stockholders or the Board of Directors, or otherwise.
 
D.                 Insurance.   The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to insure itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such Person against such expense, liability or loss under the MGCL.
 
E.                 Miscellaneous.   The Corporation shall not be liable for any payment under this Article 10 in connection with a claim made by any indemnitee to the extent such indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment under any insurance policy, agreement, or otherwise, of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder.  The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in Sections A and B of this Article 10 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.
 
F.                 Limitations Imposed by Federal Law .  Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Article 10, in no event shall any payments made by the Corporation pursuant to this Article 10 exceed the amount permissible under applicable federal law, including, without limitation, Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
Any repeal or modification of this Article 10 shall not in any way diminish any rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses of such director or officer or the obligations of the Corporation arising hereunder with respect to events occurring, or claims made, while this Article 10 is in force.
 
ARTICLE 11.  Limitation of Liability.   An officer or director of the Corporation, as such, shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages, except (A) to the extent that it is proved that the Person actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services, for the amount of the benefit or profit in money, property or services actually received; or (B) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the Person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the Person’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding; or (C) to the extent otherwise provided by the MGCL.  If the MGCL is amended to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of officers and directors, then the liability of officers and directors of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL, as so amended.
 
Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.
 
II-2
 

 

 
Item 15.  
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
                       
 
Not Applicable.
 
Item 16.   
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules:
 
The exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as part of this registration statement are as follows:
                       
    (a)
List of Exhibits
      
1.1
Engagement Letter between Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., WaterStone Bank and Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. ***
1.2
Form of Agency Agreement between Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., WaterStone Bank and Waterstone Financial, Inc., and Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
2
Plan of Conversion and Reorganization ***
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Waterstone Financial, Inc. ***
3.2  
Bylaws of Waterstone Financial, Inc. ***
4 Form of Common Stock Certificate of Waterstone Financial, Inc. ***
5
Opinion of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. regarding legality of securities being registered ***
8.1 Federal Tax Opinion of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.
8.2
State Tax Opinion*
10.1
Wauwatosa Holdings, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan †(1)
10.2
Employment Agreement By and Between Waterstone Mortgage Corporation and Eric J. Egenhoefer †
10.3
Bonus Description for President of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation †
21
Subsidiaries of Registrant (2)
23.1
Consent of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. (contained in Opinions included as Exhibits 5 and 8.1)
23.2  Consent of KPMG LLP
23.3 Consent of RP Financial, LC.
23.4  Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP*
24
Power of Attorney (set forth on signature page)
99.1
Appraisal Agreement between WaterStone Bank and RP Financial, LC. ***
99.2  Letter of RP Financial, LC. with respect to Subscription Rights ***
99.3   Appraisal Report of RP Financial, LC. ***
99.4  Marketing Materials
99.5
Stock Order and Certification Form
99.6
Letter of RP Financial, LC. with respect to Liquidation Account ***
101
The following financial statements of Waterstone Financial, Inc. at March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and 2011, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.**
     
Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
*
To be filed by amendment.
**
Furnished, not filed.
***
Previously filed.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed by Wauwatosa Holdings, Inc. (the predecessor corporation to Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal corporation) (Commission file no. 000-51507), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2006.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal corporation, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (Commission file no. 000-51507), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2013.
 
II-3
 

 

    
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
    
No financial statement schedules are filed because the required information is not applicable or is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
 
Item 17.     Undertakings
                         
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)      To file, during any period in which it offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
(i)       To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
 
(ii)       To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
 
(iii)       To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2)      That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3)      To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)      That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
 
(i)     Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§230.424 of this chapter);
 
(ii)    Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
 
(iii)   The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
 
II-4
 

 

 
(iv)   Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
 
(5) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(6) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(7) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

(8) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-5
 

 

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Wauwatosa, State of Wisconsin on July 18 , 2013.
 
  WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.  
       
  By:   /s/ Douglas S. Gordon   
    Douglas S. Gordon
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Duly Authorized Representative)
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY

We, the undersigned directors and officers of Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby severally constitute and appoint Douglas S. Gordon as our true and lawful attorney and agent, to do any and all things in our names in the capacities indicated below which said Douglas S. Gordon may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with the registration statement on Form S-1 relating to the offering of the Company’s common stock, including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for us in our names in the capacities indicated below the registration statement and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto; and we hereby approve, ratify and confirm all that said Douglas S. Gordon shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signatures
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ Douglas S. Gordon
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
July 18 , 2013
Douglas S. Gordon
     
         
/s/ Richard C. Larson
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
July 18 , 2013
Richard C. Larson
     
         
/s/ Patrick S. Lawton
 
Chairman and Director
 
July 18 , 2013
Patrick S. Lawton
       
         
/s/ Thomas E. Dalum
 
Director
 
July 18 , 2013
Thomas E. Dalum
       
         
/s/ Michael L. Hansen
 
Director
 
July 18 , 2013
Michael L. Hansen
       
         
/s/ Stephen J. Schmidt
 
Director
 
July 18 , 2013
Stephen J. Schmidt
       
 
 
 

 

 
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18 , 2013
 
 Registration No. 333- 189160
 
 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 

EXHIBITS
TO
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ON
FORM S-1
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
WaterStone Bank SSB 401(k) Plan
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
 
 
 
 

 

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
1.1
Engagement Letters between Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., WaterStone Bank and Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. ***
1.2
Form of Agency Agreement between Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., WaterStone Bank and Waterstone Financial, Inc., and Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
Plan of Conversion and Reorganization ***
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Waterstone Financial, Inc. ***
3.2  Bylaws of Waterstone Financial, Inc. ***
4 Form of Common Stock Certificate of Waterstone Financial, Inc. ***
5
Opinion of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. regarding legality of securities being registered ***
8.1  Federal Tax Opinion of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.
8.2
State Tax Opinion*
10.1  Wauwatosa Holdings, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan †(1)
10.2 Employment Agreement By and Between Waterstone Mortgage Corporation and Eric J. Egenhoefer †
10.3 Bonus Description for President of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation †
21   Subsidiaries of Registrant (2)
23.1
Consent of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. (contained in Opinions included as Exhibits 5 and 8.1)
23.2  Consent of KPMG LLP
23.3 Consent of RP Financial, LC.
23.4  Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP*
24
Power of Attorney (set forth on signature page)
99.1
Appraisal Agreement between WaterStone Bank and RP Financial, LC. ***
99.2   Letter of RP Financial, LC. with respect to Subscription Rights ***
99.3  Appraisal Report of RP Financial, LC. ***
99.4  Marketing Materials
99.5
Stock Order and Certification Form
99.6
Letter of RP Financial, LC. with respect to Liquidation Account ***
101
The following financial statements of Waterstone Financial, Inc. at March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and 2011, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.**
     
Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
*
To be filed by amendment.
**
Furnished, not filed.
***
Previously filed.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed by Wauwatosa Holdings, Inc. (the predecessor corporation to Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal corporation) (Commission file no. 000-51507), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2006.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal corporation, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (Commission file no. 000-51507), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2013.
   

 

Exhibit 1.2
 
Up to 28,031,250 Shares
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
(a Maryland corporation)
 
Common Stock
(par value $0.01 per share)
 
 
AGENCY AGREEMENT
 
 
__________________, 2013
 
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6 th Floor
New York, New York 10022
 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal “mid-tier” holding company (the “Mid-Tier Company”), Lamplighter Financial, MHC, a federal mutual holding company (the “MHC”), and WaterStone Bank SSB, a Wisconsin chartered stock savings bank (the “Bank”), hereby confirm their agreement with Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill” or the “Agent”) with respect to the offer and sale by the Company of up to 28,031,250 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”).  The shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Company in the Offerings (as defined below) are hereinafter called the “Securities.”
 
The Securities are being offered for sale in accordance with the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”) adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank pursuant to which the MHC intends to convert from the mutual to stock holding company form of organization pursuant to the following steps: (i) the establishment of the Company as a Maryland-chartered subsidiary of the Mid-Tier Company; (ii) the merger of the MHC with and into the Mid-Tier Company with the Mid-Tier Company as the surviving entity (the “MHC Merger”); (iii) the merger of the Mid-Tier Company with and into the Company with the Company as the surviving entity (the “Mid-Tier Company Merger”); and (iv) the sale and exchange of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan.  As a result of the MHC Merger and the Mid-Tier Company Merger, the Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.  The outstanding shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Company held by persons other than the MHC will be converted into Common Stock pursuant to an exchange ratio as defined in the Plan, which will result in the holders of such shares receiving and owning in the aggregate approximately the same percentage of the Common Stock to be outstanding upon the completion of the conversion as the percentage of Mid-Tier Company common stock owned by them in the aggregate immediately prior to consummation of the conversion before giving effect to (a) cash paid in lieu of any fractional interests of Common Stock (b) any Securities purchased in the Offerings and (c) assets held by the MHC.  The Company will sell and exchange the Common Stock pursuant to the Plan and regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”).
 
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Pursuant to the Plan, the Company will offer to certain depositors of the Bank and to the Bank’s tax qualified employee benefit plans, including the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”) and 401(k) Plan (collectively, the “Employee Plans”), rights to subscribe for the Securities in a subscription offering (the “Subscription Offering”).  To the extent Securities are not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering, such Securities may be offered to certain members of the general public in a community offering (the “Community Offering”), with preference given first to persons who are natural persons and trusts of natural persons who are residents of Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin, second to shareholders of the Mid-Tier Company as of the voting record date and finally to other members of the general public.  The Community Offering, which together with the Subscription Offering, as each may be extended or reopened from time to time, are herein referred to as the “Subscription and Community Offering,” may be commenced concurrently with, during or after, the Subscription Offering.  It is currently anticipated that any Securities not subscribed for in the Subscription and Community Offering will be offered, subject to Section 2 hereof, in a syndicated offering (the “Syndicated Offering”) or an underwritten public offering (the “Public Offering”); provided, however, that the Community Offering may be commenced concurrently with, during or after, the Subscription Offering and the Syndicated Offering or the Public Offering.  The Subscription and Community Offering, the Syndicated Offering and the Public Offering are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Offerings.”  The conversion and reorganization of the MHC from mutual to stock holding company form, the formation of the Company, the MHC Merger, the Mid-Tier Company Merger, the exchange of the Mid-Tier Company’s public stockholders’ shares for shares of Common Stock (the “Exchange Shares”), the acquisition of the capital stock of the Bank by the Company and the Offerings are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Conversion.”  It is acknowledged that the number of Securities to be sold in the Conversion may be increased or decreased as described in the Prospectus (as hereinafter defined).  If the number of Securities is increased or decreased in accordance with the Plan, the term “Securities” shall mean such greater or lesser number, where applicable.  If there is a Public Offering, the Public Offering will be governed by a separate Underwriting Agreement, as hereinafter defined, as described in Section 2 hereof.
 
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-189160), including a related prospectus, for the registration of the sale of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), has filed such amendments thereto, if any, and such amended prospectuses as may have been required to the date hereof by the Commission in order to declare such registration statement effective, and will file such additional amendments thereto and such amended prospectuses and prospectus supplements as may hereafter be required. Such registration statement (as amended to date, if applicable, and as from time to time amended or supplemented hereafter) including post-effective amendments thereto containing the preliminary and final prospectus for the Public Offering, if any (the “Registration Statement”), and the prospectuses constituting a part thereof (including in each case all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein and the information, if any, deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated under the Securities Act, as from time to time amended or supplemented pursuant to the Securities Act or otherwise (the “Securities Act Regulations”)) as well as the preliminary prospectus, if any, as defined in  Rule 430A under the Securities Act Regulations and the prospectus for the Public Offering, if any, contained in a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a new registration statement), are hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement” and the “Prospectus,” respectively, except that if any revised prospectus shall be used by the Company in connection with the Subscription and Community Offering, the Syndicated Offering or the Public Offering, if any, which differs from the Prospectus on file at the Commission at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective (whether or not such revised prospectus is required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations), the term “Prospectus” shall refer to such revised prospectus from and after the time it is first provided to the Agent for such use.
 
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Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Company is delivering to the Agent copies of the Prospectus of the Company to be used in the Subscription and Community Offering and, if necessary, will deliver copies of the Prospectus and a prospectus supplement for use in a Syndicated Offering or Public Offering, if any.  Such Prospectus contains information with respect to the Bank, the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC and the Common Stock.
 
SECTION 1.  Representations and Warranties.
 
(a)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the Bank and the MHC jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Agent as of the date hereof as follows:
 
(i)            The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission, no stop order has been issued with respect thereto and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, threatened by the Commission.  At the time the Registration Statement became effective and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Registration Statement complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.  The Prospectus as of the date hereof does not, and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof will not, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however , that the representations and warranties in this subsection shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information with respect to the Agent furnished to the Company in writing by the Agent or its counsel expressly for use in the Registration Statement or Prospectus (the “Agent Information,” which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank acknowledge appears only in the last sentence of the section entitled “Summary – Market for Common Stock,” the last sentence of the first paragraph of the section entitled “Market for the Common Stock” and the first sentence of the first paragraph of the section entitled “The Conversion and Offering – Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriter Compensation – Subscription and Community Offerings” in the Prospectus).
 
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(ii)           At the time of filing the Registration Statement relating to the offering of the Securities and as of the date hereof, the Company was not, and is not, an ineligible issuer, as defined in Securities Act Rule 405.  At the time of the filing of the Registration Statement and at the time of the use of any issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Securities Act Rule 433(h), the Company met the conditions required by Securities Act Rules 164 and 433 for the use of a free writing prospectus.  If required to be filed, the Company has filed any issuer free writing prospectus related to the Securities at the time it is required to be filed under Securities Act Rule 433 and, if not required to be filed, will retain such free writing prospectus in the Company’s records pursuant to Securities Act Rule 433(g) and if any issuer free writing prospectus is used after the date hereof in connection with the offering of the Securities, the Company will file or retain such free writing prospectus as required by Securities Act Rule 433.
 
(iii)          As of the Applicable Time, neither (i) the Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus(es) issued at or prior to the Applicable Time and the Statutory Prospectus, all considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure Package”), nor (ii) any individual Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Prospectus included in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Agent specifically for use therein.  As used in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Agreement:
 
1.           “Applicable Time” means each and every date when a potential purchaser submitted a subscription or otherwise committed to purchase Securities.
 
2.           “Statutory Prospectus”, as of any time, means the Prospectus relating to the Securities that is included in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities immediately prior to that time, including any document incorporated by reference therein.
 
3.           “Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Securities Act Rule 433(h), relating to the Securities.  The term does not include any writing exempted from the definition of prospectus pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2(a)(10) of the Securities Act, without regard to Securities Act Rule 172 or Securities Act Rule 173.
 
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4.           “Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors.
 
5.           “Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus.  The term Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus also includes any “ bona fide electronic road show,” as defined in Securities Act Rule 433, that is made available without restriction pursuant to Securities Act Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) or otherwise, even though not required to be filed with the Commission.
 
(iv)          Each Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, as of its date of first use and at all subsequent times through the completion of the Offerings and sale of the Securities or until any earlier date that the Company notified or notifies the Agent (as described in the next sentence), did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities, including any document incorporated by reference therein that has not been superseded or modified.  If at any time following the date of first use of an Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company has notified or will notify promptly the Agent so that any use of such Issuer-Represented Free-Writing Prospectus may cease until it is amended or supplemented and the Company has promptly amended or will promptly amend or supplement such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.  The foregoing two sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Agent specifically for use therein.
 
(v)           The Company has filed with the Federal Reserve Board the Company’s application for approval of its acquisition of the Bank, which includes the mergers described above (the “Holding Company Application”) on Form H-(e)1-S promulgated under the savings and loan holding company provisions of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended (the “HOLA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.  The Company has received written notice from the Federal Reserve Board of its approval of the acquisition of the Bank, such approval remains in full force and effect and no order has been issued by the Federal Reserve Board suspending or revoking such approval and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened by the Federal Reserve Board.  At the date of such approval and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Holding Company Application complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of HOLA and the regulations promulgated thereunder and the Holding Company Application is truthful and accurate in all material respects.
 
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(vi)          Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB Regulations”), the MHC has filed with the Federal Reserve Board an Application for Approval of Conversion on Form AC, and has filed such amendments thereto and supplementary materials as may have been required to the date hereof (such application, as amended to date, if applicable, and as from time to time amended or supplemented hereafter, is hereinafter referred to as the “Conversion Application”).  The Offerings and the Plan have been duly adopted by the Boards of Directors of the MHC, the Mid-Tier Company and the Bank and such adoption has not since been rescinded or revoked.  The Conversion Application has been approved by the Federal Reserve Board.  Such approval remains in full force and effect and no order has been issued by the Federal Reserve Board suspending or revoking such approval and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened by the Federal Reserve Board.  At the date of such approval and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Conversion Application complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the FRB Regulations.
 
(vii)        At the time of their use, the Members’ Proxy Statement, the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement and any other proxy solicitation materials will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the FRB Regulations and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as from time to time amended or supplemented pursuant to the Exchange Act or otherwise (the “Exchange Act Regulations”) (the Securities Act Regulations and the Exchange Act Regulations are collectively referred to herein as the “Commission Regulations”), and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The Company and the MHC will promptly file the Prospectus and any supplemental sales literature with the Commission and the Federal Reserve Board.  The Prospectus and all supplemental sales literature, as of the date the Registration Statement became effective and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the FRB Regulations and the Securities Act Regulations and, at or prior to the time of their first use, will have received all required authorizations of the Federal Reserve Board (if any) and the Commission for use in final form.
 
(viii)       None of the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, or any “Blue Sky” authority has, by order or otherwise, prevented or suspended the use of the Members’ Proxy Statement, the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement, the Prospectus or any supplemental sales literature authorized by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank for use in connection with the Offerings, and no proceedings for such purposes are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened.
 
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(ix)          At the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will have completed the conditions precedent to the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the applicable FRB Regulations and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all material terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Federal Reserve Board, or any other regulatory authority, other than those which the regulatory authority permits to be completed after the Conversion.  The Conversion, the Offerings and other transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not require any material consent, approval, authorization or permit or filing with any other governmental agency or regulatory authority, except as disclosed in the Prospectus.
 
(x)           RP Financial, LC. (the “Appraiser”), which prepared the valuation of the Bank as part of the Conversion, has advised the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank in writing that it satisfies all requirements for an appraiser set forth in the FRB Regulations and any interpretations or guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve Board or its staff with respect thereto, and that it has not been advised by the FRB that it is not so qualified to prepare such valuation.
 
(xi)          KPMG LLP, the accountants who audited the consolidated financial statements of the Mid-Tier Company for the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 and performed the procedures established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) for a review of interim financial information as described in SAS No. 100, Interim Financial Information on the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Mid-Tier Company for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 included in the Registration Statement have advised the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank in writing that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of Rule 101 of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the “AICPA”), that they are registered with the PCAOB, and such accountants are, with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, independent certified public accountants as required by the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations and FRB Regulations and such accountants are not in violation of the auditors independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”).
 
(xii)         The only direct subsidiary of the Mid-Tier Company is the Bank; the direct subsidiaries of the Bank are Wauwatosa Investments, Inc. and Waterstone Mortgage Corporation (collectively, the “Subsidiaries”).  Except for the Subsidiaries, none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, and the Bank, directly or indirectly, control any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust or other business organization.  Upon completion of the Conversion, the direct subsidiary of the Company will be the Bank.
 
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(xiii)        The consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the financial position of the Mid-Tier Company and its Subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the results of operations, retained earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods specified, and comply as to form with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act Regulations and the FRB Regulations; except as otherwise stated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis except as noted therein.  The other financial, statistical and pro forma information and related notes included in the Prospectus present fairly the information shown therein on a basis consistent with the audited and unaudited financial statements included in the Prospectus, and as to the pro forma adjustments, the adjustments made therein have been consistently applied on the basis described therein.
 
(xiv)        Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein: (A) there has been no Material Adverse Effect (as hereinafter defined), whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, (B) except for transactions specifically referred to or contemplated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, there have been no transactions entered into by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries, other than those in the ordinary course of business, which are material with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, (C) the capitalization, liabilities, assets, properties and business of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank conform in all material respects to the descriptions contained in the Prospectus and none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries has any material   liabilities of any kind, contingent or otherwise, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and (D) none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries has issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or borrowed money, except borrowings in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice from the same or similar sources and in similar amounts as indicated in the Prospectus, except that the Company will issue 100 shares of its Common Stock to the Mid-Tier Company in connection with its formation, which shares will be cancelled prior to the Closing Time.
 
(xv)         The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and the Company is duly qualified to transact business in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, business affairs or prospects of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise (a “Material Adverse Effect”).
 
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(xvi)        Upon consummation of the Conversion, the authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company will be within the range as set forth in the Prospectus under “Capitalization” (except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to reservations, agreements or employee benefit plans referred to in the Prospectus); except as set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, no shares of Common Stock have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof; at the time of the Conversion, the Securities will have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration calculated as set forth in the Plan and stated on the cover page of the Prospectus, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable; the Exchange Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable; the terms and provisions of the Common Stock and the other capital stock of the Company conform to all statements relating thereto contained in the Prospectus; the certificates representing the shares of Common Stock will conform to the requirements of applicable law and regulations; and the issuance of the Securities and the Exchange Shares is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights except for subscription rights granted under the Plan in accordance with FRB Regulations.
 
(xvii)       The Mid-Tier Company has been duly chartered and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the United States of America with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement.  The MHC has been duly chartered and is validly existing as a mutual holding company under the laws of the United States of America with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
(xviii)      Each of the Mid-Tier Company and the MHC is duly qualified to transact business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(xix)        The MHC has no capital stock.  All holders of the savings, demand or other authorized accounts of the Bank are members of the MHC.
 
(xx)          The Mid-Tier Company and the Bank have been duly organized and are validly existing as a federally chartered mid-tier holding company and a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank in stock form, respectively, in both instances with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate their respective properties and to conduct their respective business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Upon consummation of the Conversion, the Bank will continue to be a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank in stock form. The Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries have obtained all licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations currently required for the conduct of their respective businesses or required for the conduct of their respective businesses as contemplated by the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application, except where the failure to obtain such licenses, permits or other governmental authorizations would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All such licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations are in full force and effect and the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries are in all material respects in compliance therewith. Neither the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC nor the Bank has received notice of any proceeding or action relating to the revocation or modification of any such license, permit or other governmental authorization which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, might have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
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(xxi)         The Bank is a member in good standing of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago; the deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to the applicable limits and upon consummation of the Conversion, the liquidation accounts for the benefit of eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders will be duly established in accordance with the requirements of the FRB Regulations.
 
(xxii)        The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Company Preferred Stock”); except for 100 shares of Company Common Stock issued to the Mid-Tier Company, which shares will be cancelled prior to the Closing Time, no shares of Company Common Stock and no shares of Company Preferred Stock have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Closing Time. The authorized capital stock of the Mid-Tier Company consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Mid-Tier Company Common Stock”) and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Mid-Tier Company Preferred Stock”), of which [34,072,909] shares of Mid-Tier Company Common Stock and no shares of Mid-Tier Company Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof.  The authorized capital stock of the Bank consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Bank Common Stock”) of which [100] shares of Bank Common Stock are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof.  No additional shares of Company Common Stock, Mid-Tier Company Common Stock or Bank Common Stock, and no shares of Company Preferred Stock or Mid-Tier Company Preferred Stock will be issued prior to the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, except for shares of Mid-Tier Company common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options granted under the Mid-Tier Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.  The issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock, Mid-Tier Company Common Stock and Bank Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws.  The MHC owns 23,050,183 shares of Mid-Tier Company Common Stock beneficially and of record free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity.  The terms and provisions of the Company Common Stock and Mid-Tier Company Common Stock conform to all statements relating thereto contained in the Prospectus.  The shares of Bank Common Stock to be issued to the Company will have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Bank pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration described in the Plan and in the Prospectus, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable, and all such Bank Common Stock will be owned beneficially and of record by the Company, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or legal or equitable claim; and the certificates representing the shares of the Bank Common Stock will conform with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. The issuance of the Bank Common Stock is not subject to preemptive or similar rights.
 
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(xxiii)       The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have taken all corporate action necessary for them to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by, and is the valid and binding agreement of, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws and the availability of equitable remedies.
 
(xxiv)      Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and prior to the Closing Time, except as otherwise may be indicated or contemplated therein, none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank will have (A) except as otherwise set forth herein issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or borrowed money, except borrowings in the ordinary course of business from the same or similar sources and in similar amounts as indicated in the Prospectus and except for shares of Mid-Tier Company Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of stock options granted under the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, or (B) entered into any transaction or series of transactions which is material in light of the business of each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank.
 
(xxv)       No approval of any regulatory or supervisory or other public authority is required of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the issuance of the Securities and the Exchange Shares or the consummation of the Conversion that has not been obtained and a copy of which has been delivered to the Agent, except as may be required under the securities laws of various jurisdictions.
 
(xxvi)      None of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is in violation of their respective charters or certificates of incorporation, organization certificates, articles of incorporation or bylaws; and none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is in default (nor has any event occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument to which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is subject, except for such defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; and there are no contracts or documents of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries that are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application that have not been so filed.
 
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(xxvii)     The Conversion, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, do not and will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank pursuant to any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument to which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank is subject, except for such conflicts, breaches or defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the respective certificate of incorporation, organization certificate, articles of incorporation or charter or bylaws of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, or any applicable law, administrative regulation or administrative or court decree.
 
(xxviii)    No labor dispute with the employees of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, is imminent or threatened; and the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank are not aware of any existing or threatened labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers or contractors that might be expected to result in any Material Adverse Effect.
 
(xxix)       Each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all properties and assets for which ownership is material to the business of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries and to those properties and assets described in the Prospectus as owned by them, free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances or restrictions, except such as are described in the Prospectus or are not material in relation to the business of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise; and all of the leases and subleases material to the business of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries under which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries hold properties, including those described in the Prospectus, are valid and binding agreements of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries, enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws and availability of equitable remedies.
 
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(xxx)        None of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries is in violation of any order or directive from the Federal Reserve Board, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (the “WDFI”), the FDIC, the Commission or any regulatory authority to make any material change in the method of conducting its respective businesses; the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, and their respective subsidiaries, have conducted and are conducting their business so as to comply in all material respects with all applicable statutes, regulations and administrative and court decrees (including, without limitation, all regulations, decisions, directives and orders of the Federal Reserve Board, the WDFI, the FDIC and the Commission).  Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank nor any of the Subsidiaries is subject or is party to, or has received any notice or advice that any of them may become subject or party to, any investigation with respect to any cease-and-desist order, agreement, consent agreement, memorandum of understanding or other regulatory enforcement action, proceeding or order with or by, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any directive by, or has been a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or has adopted any board resolutions at the request of, any Regulatory Agency (as defined below) that currently restricts in any material respect the conduct of their business or that in any material manner relates to their capital adequacy, their credit policies, their management or their business (each, a “Regulatory Agreement”), nor has the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries been advised by any Regulatory Agency that it is considering issuing or requesting any such Regulatory Agreement; and, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries that, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, is expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or that might materially and adversely affect the properties or assets thereof or that might materially and adversely affect the consummation of the Conversion or the performance of this Agreement.  As used herein, the term “Regulatory Agency” means any federal or state agency charged with the supervision or regulation of depository institutions or holding companies of depository institutions, or engaged in the insurance of depository institution deposits, or any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental agency, authority or instrumentality having supervisory or regulatory authority with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries.
 
(xxxi)      There is no action, suit or proceeding before or by any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened, against or affecting the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries that is required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement (other than as disclosed therein), or that might result in any Material Adverse Effect or that might materially and adversely affect the properties or assets thereof, the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the Conversion; all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their respective property or assets is the subject that are not described in the Registration Statement, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, are considered in the aggregate not material; and there are no material contracts or documents of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries that are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application that have not been so filed.
 
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(xxxii)      The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have obtained (i) an opinion of its counsel, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. with respect to the legality of the Securities and the Exchange Shares to be issued and the federal income tax consequences of the Conversion and (ii) the opinion of  Baker Tilley Virchow Krause LLP with respect to the Wisconsin state tax consequences of the Conversion, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement; all material aspects of the aforesaid opinions are accurately summarized in the Prospectus; the facts and representations upon which such opinions are based are truthful, accurate and complete in all material respects; and neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank has taken or will take any action inconsistent therewith.
 
(xxxiii)     The Company is not and, upon completion of the Conversion and the Offerings and sale of the Common Stock and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, will not be, required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
 
(xxxiv)     All of the loans represented as assets on the most recent consolidated financial statements or selected financial information of the Mid-Tier Company included in the Prospectus meet or are exempt from all requirements of federal, state or local law pertaining to lending, including, without limitation, truth in lending (including the requirements of Regulations Z and 12 C.F.R. Part 226), real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, equal credit opportunity and all disclosure laws applicable to such loans, except for violations which, if asserted, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(xxxv)      To the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, with the exception of the intended loan to the Bank’s ESOP by the Company to enable the ESOP to purchase securities in an amount up to 8.0% of the Common Stock that will be sold in the Offerings, none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or their employees has made any payment of funds of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank as a loan for the purchase of the Common Stock or made any other payment of funds prohibited by law, and no funds have been set aside to be used for any payment prohibited by law.
 
(xxxvi)     Each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (a) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (b) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (c) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (d) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
 
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(xxxvii)    The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transaction Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.  The Bank has established compliance programs and is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and all applicable regulations promulgated thereunder, and, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there is no charge, investigation, action, suit or proceeding before any court, regulatory authority or governmental agency or body pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, threatened regarding the Bank’s compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
(xxxviii)   None of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any Subsidiary nor any properties owned or operated by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any Subsidiary is in material violation of or liable under any Environmental Law (as defined below).  There are no actions, suits or proceedings, or demands, claims, notices or investigations (including, without limitation, notices, demand letters or requests for information from any environmental agency) instituted or pending, or to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank threatened, relating to the liability of any property owned or operated by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any Subsidiary, under any Environmental Law, except for such actions, suits or proceedings, or demands, claims, notices or investigations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  For purposes of this subsection, the term “Environmental Law” means any federal, state, local or foreign law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license, permit, authorization, approval, consent, order, judgment, decree, injunction or agreement with any regulatory authority relating to (i) the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment (including, without limitation, air, water, vapor, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface soil, subsurface soil, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), and/or (ii) the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal of any substance presently listed, defined, designated or classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous, or otherwise regulated, whether by type or by quantity, including any material containing any such substance as a component.
 
(xxxix)     The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and each Subsidiary have filed all federal, state and local income and franchise tax returns required to be filed and have made timely payments of all taxes shown as due and payable in respect of such returns, and no deficiency has been asserted with respect thereto by any taxing authority which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have no knowledge of any tax deficiency that has been asserted or could be asserted against the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(xl)          The Company has received all approvals required to consummate the Conversion and to have the Securities and Exchange Shares quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market effective as of the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof.
 
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(xli)          At or prior to the Closing, the Company will have filed a Form 8-K/12g or a Form 8-A for the Securities and Exchange Shares to be registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.
 
(xlii)        Except as otherwise disclosed to the Agent or its counsel, there are no affiliations or associations (as such terms are defined by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)) between any member of the FINRA and any of the MHC’s, the Mid-Tier Company’s, the Company’s or the Bank’s officers or directors.
 
(xliii)       The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and each Subsidiary carries, or is covered by, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is adequate for the conduct of their respective businesses and the value for their respective properties as is customary for companies engaged in similar industries.
 
(xliv)       The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have not relied on the Agent or its counsel for any legal, tax or accounting advice in connection with the Conversion.
 
(xlv)        The records of eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders and other depositors are accurate and complete in all material respects.
 
(xlvi)       The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and each Subsidiary are in compliance in all material respects with all presently applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (“ERISA”); no “reportable event” (as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any “pension plan” (as defined in ERISA) for which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any Subsidiary, respectively, would have any liability; each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and each Subsidiary has not incurred and does expect to incur liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “pension plan” or (ii) Sections 412 or 4971 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the “Code”); and each “pension plan” for which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and any Subsidiary would have any liability that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified in all material respects and nothing has occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, that would cause the loss of such qualification.
 
(xlvii)      Each of the Company and the Mid-Tier Company is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and the Nasdaq corporate governance rules applicable to them, and will use its best efforts to comply with those provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Nasdaq corporate governance rules that will become effective in the future upon their effectiveness.
 
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(xlviii)     Each Subsidiary has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has full power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect; the activities of each Subsidiary are permitted to subsidiaries of a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank and a federally chartered holding company by the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board or the applicable regulations of the WDFI and the FDIC; all of the issued and outstanding capital stock or ownership interests of each Subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and nonassessable and is owned by the Mid-Tier Company or the Bank, as the case may be, directly, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or legal or equitable claim; and there are no warrants, options or rights of any kind to acquire shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary.
 
(b)           Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank and delivered to either of the Agent or counsel for the Agent shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank to the Agent as to the matters covered thereby.
 
SECTION 2.   Appointment of Agent; Sale and Delivery of the Securities; Closing.   On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby appoints Sandler O’Neill (i) as its exclusive marketing agent to consult with and advise the Company, and to assist the Company with the solicitation of subscriptions and purchase orders for the Securities, in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering (ii) as sole book-running manager in connection with the solicitation of purchase orders for the Securities in the Syndicated Offering, if applicable and (iii) as the managing underwriter in the Public Offering, if applicable.  On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, Sandler O’Neill accepts its appointment and agrees to use its best efforts to assist the Company with the solicitation of subscriptions and purchase orders for Securities in accordance with this Agreement; provided, however, that the Agent shall not be obligated to take any action that is inconsistent with any applicable laws, regulations, decisions or orders.
 
The services to be rendered pursuant to this appointment include the following: (i) consulting as to the financial and securities marketing implications of any aspect of the Plan; (ii) reviewing with the Board of Directors the financial impact of the Offerings on the Company, based on the Appraiser’s appraisal of the Common Stock; (iii) reviewing all offering documents, including the Prospectus, stock order forms and related offering materials (it being understood that preparation and filing of such documents is the sole responsibility of the Company and the Bank and their counsel); (iv) assisting in the design and implementation of a marketing strategy for the Offerings; (v) assisting Bank and Company management in scheduling and preparing for meetings with potential investors and other broker-dealers in connection with the Offerings, including assistance in preparing presentation materials for such meetings; and (vi) providing such other general advice and assistance as may be reasonably necessary to promote the successful completion of the Offerings.
 
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The appointment of the Agent hereunder shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (a) forty-five (45) days after the last day of the Subscription and Community Offering, unless the Company and the Agent agree in writing to extend such period and the Federal Reserve Board agrees to extend the period of time in which the Securities may be sold, or (b) the receipt and acceptance of subscriptions and purchase orders for all of the Securities, or (c) the completion of the Syndicated or Public Offering, as applicable.
 
If any of the Securities remain available after the expiration of the Subscription and Community Offering, at the request of the Company and the Bank, the Agent will either (i) seek to form a syndicate of registered brokers or dealers (“Selected Dealers”) to assist in the solicitation of purchase orders of such Securities on a best efforts basis in a Syndicated Offering, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a master selling agreement (the “Selected Dealers’ Agreement”), substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C to this Agreement or (ii) enter into an underwriting agreement with the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the Bank and the MHC (the “Underwriting Agreement”) for the Public Offering in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto.  Sandler O’Neill will serve as (i) sole book-running manager of the Syndicated Offering and (ii) managing underwriter of the Public Offering.  The Agent will endeavor to distribute the Securities among the Selected Dealers or selected underwriters, as applicable, in a fashion that best meets the distribution objectives of the Company and the Bank and the requirements of the Plan, which may result in limiting the allocation of stock to certain Selected Dealers or selected underwriters, as applicable.  It is understood that in no event shall the Agent be obligated to act as a Selected Dealer, to enter into the Underwriting Agreement or to take or purchase any Securities except pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.
 
In the event the Company is unable to sell at least the total minimum of the Securities, as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, within the period herein provided, this Agreement shall terminate and the Company shall refund promptly to any persons who have subscribed for any of the Securities the full amount that it may have received from them, together with interest as provided in the Prospectus, and no party to this Agreement shall have any obligation to the others hereunder, except for the obligations of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank as set forth in Sections 4, 6(a) and 7 hereof and the obligations of the Agent as provided in Sections 6(b) and 7 hereof.  Appropriate arrangements for promptly placing the funds received from subscriptions for Securities or other offers to purchase Securities in the Subscription and Community Offering in special interest-bearing accounts with the Bank until all Securities are sold and paid for were made by the Company prior to the commencement of the Subscription Offering, with provision for refund to the purchasers as set forth above, or for delivery to the Company if all Securities are sold.
 
If at least the total minimum of Securities, as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, are sold, the Company agrees to issue or have issued the Securities sold and to release for delivery certificates for such Securities at the Closing Time against payment therefor by release of funds from the special interest-bearing accounts referred to above.  The closing shall be held at the offices of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, or at such other place and time as shall be agreed upon by the parties hereto, on a business day to be agreed upon by the parties hereto.  The Company shall notify the Agent by telephone, confirmed in writing, when funds shall have been received for all the Securities.  Certificates for Securities shall be delivered directly to the purchasers thereof in accordance with their directions.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, certificates for Securities purchased through Selected Dealers shall be made available to the Agent for inspection at least 24 hours prior to the Closing Time at such office as the Agent shall designate.  The hour and date upon which the Company shall release for delivery all of the Securities, in accordance with the terms hereof, is herein called the “Closing Time.”
 
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The Company will pay any stock issue and transfer taxes that may be payable with respect to the sale of the Securities.
 
In addition to the reimbursement of the expenses specified in Section 4 hereof:
 
Sandler O’Neill will receive, (a) as compensation for its marketing agent services hereunder, 1.0%   of the aggregate purchase price of the Securities sold in the Subscription and Community Offering, excluding in each case shares purchased by or on behalf of (i) any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company or the Bank established for the benefit of their respective directors, officers and employees, (ii) any charitable foundation established by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company or the Bank (or any shares contributed to such a charitable foundation, and (iii) any director, officer or employee of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, or the Bank or members of their immediate families (which term shall mean parents, grandparents, spouse, siblings, children and grandchildren) whether directly or through a personal trust ((i), (ii) and (iii) collectively, “Insider Purchases”) and (b) an aggregate fee of 5.0% of the aggregate purchase price of all Securities sold in the Syndicated Offering.
 
If this Agreement is terminated by the Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section 9(a) hereof or the Conversion is terminated by the Company, no fee, as stated in the above paragraph, shall be payable by the Company to the Agent; provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse the Agent for all of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses up to $115,000 incurred prior to termination, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 hereof.  In addition, the Company shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses as contemplated by the provisions of Section 4 hereof in the event of any such termination.
 
All fees payable to the Agent hereunder shall be payable in immediately available funds at Closing Time, or upon the termination of this Agreement, as the case may be.
 
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SECTION 3.  Covenants of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank .  The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank jointly and severally covenant with the Agent as follows:
 
(a)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will prepare and file such amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Conversion Application, the Holding Company Application, the Members’ Proxy Statement and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement as may hereafter be required by the Commission Regulations or the FRB Regulations or as may hereafter be requested by the Agent.  Following completion of the Subscription and Community Offering, in the event of a Syndicated Offering or a Public Offering, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will (i) promptly prepare and file with the Commission a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement relating to the results of the Subscription and Community Offering, any additional information with respect to the proposed plan of distribution, including the Syndicated Offering or the Public Offering, if any, and any revised pricing information or (ii) if no such post-effective amendment is required, will file with the Commission a prospectus or prospectus supplement containing information relating to the results of the Subscription and Community Offering and pricing information pursuant to Securities Act Rule 424 of the Securities Act Regulations, in either case in a form acceptable to the Agent.  The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will notify the Agent immediately, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) of the effectiveness of any post-effective amendment of the Registration Statement, the filing of any supplement to the Prospectus and the filing of any amendment to the Conversion Application or Holding Company Application, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Federal Reserve Board or the Commission with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Plan, (iii) of any request by the Commission or the Federal Reserve Board for any amendment to the Registration Statement, the Conversion Application or Holding Company Application or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information, (iv) of the issuance by the Federal Reserve Board of any order suspending its approval of the Conversion Application or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (v) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, and (vi) of the receipt of any notice with respect to the suspension of any qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction.  The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order and, if any stop order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.
 
(b)           The Company represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Agent and the Agent represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Company, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Securities Act Rule 433, or that would constitute a “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Securities Act Rule 405, required to be filed with the Commission.  Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Company and the Agent is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.”  The Company represents that it has and will comply with the requirements of Securities Act Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely Commission filing where required, legending and record keeping.  The Company need not treat any communication as a free writing prospectus if it is exempt from the definition of prospectus pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2(a)(10) of the Securities Act without regard to Securities Act Rule 172 or 173.
 
(c)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will give the Agent notice of their intention to file or prepare any amendment to the Conversion Application, the Holding Company Application or Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendment) or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus (including any revised prospectus that the Company proposes for use in connection with the Syndicated Offering or the Public Offering of the Securities that differs from the prospectus on file at the Commission at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective, whether or not such revised prospectus is required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations), will furnish the Agent with copies of any such amendment or supplement a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file any such amendment or supplement or use any such prospectus to which the Agent or counsel for the Agent may object.
 
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(d)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will deliver to the Agent as many signed copies and as many conformed copies of the Holding Company Application, the Conversion Application and the Registration Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein) as the Agent may reasonably request, and from time to time such number of copies of the Prospectus as the Agent may reasonably request.
 
(e)           During the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will comply, at their own expense, with all requirements imposed upon them by the Federal Reserve Board, by the applicable FRB Regulations, as from time to time in force, and by the Nasdaq, Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations, the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, including, without limitation, Regulation M under the Exchange Act, so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales or dealing in shares of Common Stock during such period in accordance with the provisions hereof and the Prospectus.
 
(f)            If any event or circumstance shall occur as a result of which it is necessary, in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Agent, to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus in order to make the Prospectus not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will forthwith amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus (in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Agent) so that, as so amended or supplemented, the Registration Statement or Prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, and the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will furnish to the Agent a reasonable number of copies of such amendment or supplement.  For the purpose of this subsection, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will each furnish such information with respect to itself as the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
 
(g)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will take all necessary action, in cooperation with the Agent, to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states of the United States and other jurisdictions as the FRB Regulations may require and as the Agent and the Company have agreed; provided, however , that neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank shall be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified.  In each jurisdiction in which the Securities have been so qualified, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will file such statements and reports as may be required by the laws of such jurisdiction to continue such qualification in effect for a period of not less than one year from the effective date of the Registration Statement.
 
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(h)           The Company authorizes the Agent and any Selected Dealer to act as agent of the Company in distributing the Prospectus to persons entitled to receive subscription rights and other persons to be offered Securities having record addresses in the states or jurisdictions set forth in a survey of the securities or “blue sky” laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Offerings will be made (the “Blue Sky Survey”).
 
(i)            The Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than 60 days after the close of the period covered thereby, an earnings statement (in form complying with the provisions of Rule 158 of the Securities Act Regulations) covering a twelve month period beginning not later than the first day of the Company’s fiscal quarter next following the “effective date” (as defined in said Rule 158) of the Registration Statement.
 
(j)            During the period ending on the third anniversary of the expiration of the fiscal year during which the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby occurs, the Company will furnish to its stockholders as soon as practicable after the end of each such fiscal year an annual report (including consolidated statements of financial condition and consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, certified by independent public accountants) and, as soon as practicable after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal quarter ending after the effective date of the Registration Statement), consolidated summary financial information of the Company and the Bank for such quarter in reasonable detail.  In addition, such annual report and quarterly consolidated summary financial information shall be made public through the issuance of appropriate press releases at the same time or prior to the time of the furnishing thereof to stockholders of the Company.
 
(k)           During the period ending on the third anniversary of the expiration of the fiscal year during which the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby occurs, the Company will furnish to the Agent (i) as soon as publicly available, a copy of each report or other document of the Company furnished generally to stockholders of the Company or furnished to or filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act or any national securities exchange or system on which any class of securities of the Company is listed, and (ii) from time to time, such other information concerning the Company as the Agent may reasonably request.  For purposes of this paragraph, any document filed electronically with the Commission shall be deemed furnished to the Agent.
 
(l)            The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will conduct the Conversion in all material respects in accordance with the Plan, the FRB Regulations, the Commission Regulations and all other applicable regulations, decisions and orders, including all applicable terms, requirements and conditions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Federal Reserve Board and the Commission.
 
(m)          The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will comply, at their own expense, with all requirements imposed by the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Nasdaq or pursuant to the applicable Commission Regulations, FRB Regulations, and Nasdaq regulations as from time to time in force.
 
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(n)           The Company will promptly inform the Agent upon its receipt of service with respect to any material litigation or administrative action instituted with respect to the Conversion or the Offerings.
 
(o)           Each of the Company and the Bank will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the Prospectus under “Use of Proceeds.”
 
(p)           The Company will report the use of proceeds from the Offerings on its first periodic report filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and on any subsequent periodic reports as may be required pursuant to Rule 463 of the Securities Act Regulations.
 
(q)           The Company will maintain the effectiveness of the Exchange Act Registration Statement for not less than three years and will comply in all material respects with its filing obligations under the Exchange Act.  For three years, the Company will use its best efforts to effect and maintain the listing of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and, once listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Company will comply with all applicable corporate governance standards required by the Nasdaq Global Select Market.  The Company will file with the Nasdaq Global Select Market all documents and notices required by the Nasdaq Global Select Market of companies that have issued securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market and quotations for which are reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
 
(r)            The Company and the Bank will take such actions and furnish such information as are reasonably requested by the Agent in order for the Agent to ensure compliance with FINRA Rule 5130.
 
(s)           Other than in connection with any employee benefit plan or arrangement described in the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Agent, sell or issue, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, any shares of Common Stock other than the Securities or the Exchange Shares for a period of 180 days following the Closing Time.
 
(t)            During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later of the third anniversary of the Closing Time or the date on which the Agent receives full payment in satisfaction of any claim for indemnification or contribution to which they may be entitled pursuant to Sections 6 or 7 hereof, respectively, made prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Time, neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank shall, without the prior written consent of the Agent, take or permit to be taken any action that could result in the Common Stock, the Mid-Tier Common Stock or the Bank Common Stock becoming subject to any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance, with the exception of the intended loan to the Bank’s ESOP by the Company to enable the ESOP to purchase securities in an amount up to 8.0% of the Common Stock that will be sold in the Offerings.
 
(u)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will comply with the conditions imposed by or agreed to with the Federal Reserve Board in connection with its approval of the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application.
 
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(v)          The Company shall not deliver the Securities or the Exchange Shares until the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have satisfied each condition set forth in Section 5 hereof, unless such condition is waived by the Agent.
 
(w)          The MHC, the Mid-Tier Company, the Company or the Bank will furnish to the Agent as early as practicable prior to the Closing Date, but no later than two (2) full business days prior thereto, a copy of the latest available unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Mid-Tier Company, which have been read by KPMG LLP, as stated in their letters to be furnished pursuant to subsections (f) and (h) of Section 5 hereof.
 
(x)           During the period in which the Prospectus is required to be delivered, each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will conduct its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, decisions, directives and orders, including all decisions, directives and orders of the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, the WDFI, the FDIC and the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
 
(y)           None of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank will amend the Plan in any manner that would affect the sale of the Securities or the terms of this Agreement without the consent of the Agent.
 
(z)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will not, prior to the Closing Time, incur any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or enter into any material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, except as contemplated by the Prospectus.
 
(aa)         The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will use all reasonable efforts to comply with, or cause to be complied with, the conditions precedent to the several obligations of the Agent specified in Section 5 hereof.
 
(bb)        The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will provide the Agent with any information necessary to carry out the allocation of the Securities in the event of an oversubscription, and such information will be accurate and reliable in all material respects.
 
(cc)         The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will notify the Agent when funds have been received for the minimum number of Securities set forth in the Prospectus.
 
(dd)        The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will (i) use their best efforts to complete the conditions precedent to the Offerings and the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the applicable FRB Regulations and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all material terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion and the Offerings imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board or any other regulatory authority or Blue Sky authority, and to comply with those which the regulatory authority permits to be completed after the Conversion and the Offerings; and (ii) conduct the Conversion and the Offerings in the manner described in the Prospectus and in accordance with the Plan, the FRB Regulations and all other applicable material laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including in compliance with all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion and the Offerings imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank by the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC or any other regulatory or Blue Sky authority.
 
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SECTION 4.  Payment of Expenses .   The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank jointly and severally agree to pay certain expenses incident to the performance of the Agent’s obligations under this Agreement, regardless of whether the Conversion is consummated, including (i) the filing fees paid or incurred by the Agent in connection with all filings with the FINRA, and (ii) all reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses up to $115,000 incurred by the Agent relating to the Offerings, including without limitation, fees and expenses of the Agent’s counsel, advertising, promotional, syndication and travel expenses.  All fees and expenses to which the Agent is entitled to reimbursement under this paragraph of this Section 4 shall be due and payable upon receipt by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank of a written accounting therefor setting forth in reasonable detail the expenses incurred by the Agent.
 
The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank jointly and severally agree to pay all expenses incident to the performance of their obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, (i) the cost of obtaining all securities and bank regulatory approvals, including any required FINRA filing fees, (ii) the cost of printing and distributing the Offering materials, (iii) the costs of Blue Sky qualification (including fees and expenses of Blue Sky counsel) of the Securities in the various states, (iv) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Securities and the Exchange Shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, (v) all fees and disbursements of the Company’s counsel, accountants and other advisors, and (vi) the establishment and operational expenses for the Stock Information Center (e.g. postage, telephones, supplies, etc.).  In the event the Agent incurs any such fees and expenses on behalf of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, the Bank will reimburse the Agent for such fees and expenses whether or not the Conversion is consummated; provided, however, that the Agent shall not incur any substantial expenses on behalf of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank pursuant to this Section 4 without the prior approval of the Bank.
 
SECTION 5.  Conditions of Agent’s Obligations. The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Agent agree that the issuance and the sale of Securities and the issuance of the Exchange Shares and all obligations of the Agent hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank herein contained as of the date hereof and the Closing Time, to the accuracy of the statements of officers and directors of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank made pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank of their obligations hereunder, and to the following further conditions:
 
(a)           No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, including any post-effective amendment thereto, shall have been issued under the Securities Act or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened by the Commission, no order suspending the Offerings or authorization for final use of the Prospectus, including any prospectus included in a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, shall have been issued or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened by the Commission or the Federal Reserve Board and no order suspending the sale of the Securities in any jurisdiction shall have been issued.
 
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(b)          At Closing Time, the Agent shall have received:
 
(1)           The favorable opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., counsel for the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Agent as attached hereto as Exhibit C .
 
(2)           The favorable opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, counsel for the Agent, as to such matters as the Agent shall reasonably require.
 
(3)           In addition to giving their opinions required by subsections (b)(l) and (b)(2), respectively, of this Section, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP shall each additionally state that nothing has come to their attention that would lead them to believe that the Registration Statement (except for financial statements and schedules and other financial or statistical data included therein, as to which counsel need make no statement), at the time it became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus (except for financial statements and schedules and other financial or statistical data included therein, as to which counsel need make no statement), at the time the Registration Statement became effective or at Closing Time, or (if applicable) that the General Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, included or includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
 
In giving their opinions, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP may rely as to matters of fact on certificates of officers and directors of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and certificates of public officials. Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP may also rely on the opinion of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.
 
(c)           At Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank shall have completed in all material respects with the conditions precedent to the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the applicable FRB Regulations and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Federal Reserve Board, or any other regulatory authority other than those which the Federal Reserve Board permits to be completed after the Conversion.
 
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(d)           At Closing Time, there shall not have been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, any Material Adverse Effect, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business and the Agent shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, of the Mid-Tier Company, of the MHC and of the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, of the Mid-Tier Company, of the MHC and of the Bank, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that (i) there has been no such material adverse change, (ii) there shall have been no material transaction entered into by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank from the latest date as of which the financial condition of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus other than transactions referred to or contemplated therein and transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (iii) neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank shall have received from the Federal Reserve Board, the WDFI or the FDIC any order or direction (oral or written) to make any material change in the method of conducting its business with which it has not complied (which order or direction, if any, shall have been disclosed in writing to the Agent) or which materially and adversely would affect the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, considered as one enterprise, (iv) the representations and warranties in Section 1 hereof are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of the Closing Time, (v) each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on their part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to Closing Time, (vi) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or threatened by the Commission and (vii) no order suspending the Federal Reserve Board’s approval of the Conversion Application, or the transactions contemplated thereby, has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or threatened by the Federal Reserve Board and no person has sought to obtain regulatory or judicial review of the action of the Federal Reserve Board in approving the Plan in accordance with the FRB Regulations nor has any person sought to obtain regulatory or judicial review of the action of the Federal Reserve Board in approving the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application.
 
(e)           At the Closing Time, the Agent shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Mid-Tier Company, the Company and the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer of the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC and the Bank, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that (i) they have reviewed the contents of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; (ii) based on each of their knowledge, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading; and (iii) based on each of their knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of the Mid-Tier Company and the Bank as of and for the dates and periods covered by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
 
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(f)           As of the date hereof, the Agent shall have received from KPMG LLP a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, to the effect that: (i) they are independent public accountants with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank within the meaning of the Code of Ethics of the AICPA, the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and the FRB Regulations, they are registered with the PCAOB, and they are not in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (ii) it is their opinion that the consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement and covered by their opinions therein comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations; (iii) based upon limited procedures as agreed upon by the Agent and KPMG LLP set forth in detail in such letter, nothing has come to their attention which causes them to believe that (A) the unaudited consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules of the Mid-Tier Company included in the Registration Statement do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations and the FRB Regulations or are not presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with that of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (B) the unaudited amounts of net interest income and net income set forth under “Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data” or under “Recent Developments” in the Prospectus do not agree with the amounts set forth in unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the dates and periods presented under such captions or such amounts were not determined on a basis substantially consistent with that used in determining the corresponding amounts in the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, (C) at a specified date not more than five (5) business days prior to the date of this Agreement, there has been any increase in the consolidated long term or short term debt of the Mid-Tier Company or any decrease in consolidated total assets, the allowance for loan losses, total deposits or shareholders’ equity of the Mid-Tier Company, in each case as compared with the amounts shown in the March 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheets included in the Registration Statement or, (D) during the period from March 31, 2013 to a specified date not more than five (5) business days prior to the date of this Agreement, there were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, in total interest income, net interest income, net interest income after provision for loan losses, income before income tax expense or net income of the Mid-Tier Company, except in all instances for increases or decreases which the Registration Statement and the Prospectus disclose have occurred or may occur; and (iv) in addition to the examination referred to in their opinions and the limited procedures referred to in clause (iii) above, they have carried out certain specified procedures, not constituting an audit, with respect to certain amounts, percentages and financial information that are included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and that are specified by the Agent, and have found such amounts, percentages and financial information to be in agreement with the relevant accounting, financial and other records of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank identified in such letter.
 
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(g)           The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto, between the Agent and the persons set forth on Exhibit E hereto, relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Common Stock, Mid-Tier Company Common Stock or certain other securities, shall be delivered to the Agent on or before the date hereof and shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Time.
 
(h)           At Closing Time, the Agent shall have received from KPMG LLP a letter, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (f) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than five (5) days prior to Closing Time.
 
(i)            At Closing Time, the Securities and Exchange Shares shall have been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq Global Select Market upon notice of issuance.
 
(j)            At Closing Time, the Agent shall have received a letter from the Appraiser, dated as of the Closing Time, confirming its Appraisal.
 
(k)            At Closing Time, counsel for the Agent shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may require for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities and Exchange Shares as herein contemplated and related proceedings, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities and Exchange Shares as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent and counsel for the Agent.
 
(l)            At any time prior to Closing Time, (i) there shall not have occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or elsewhere or any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis the effect of which, in the judgment of the Agent, are so material and adverse as to make it impracticable to market the Securities or to enforce contracts, including subscriptions or orders, for the sale of the Securities, and (ii) trading generally on either the American Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market shall not have been suspended, and minimum or maximum prices for trading shall not have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required, by either of said Exchanges or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority, and a banking moratorium shall not have been declared by either Federal, Wisconsin or New York authorities.
 
SECTION 6.  Indemnification .
 
(a)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent, each person, if any, who controls the Agent, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and its respective partners, directors, officers, employees and agents as follows:
 
 (i)            from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, related to or arising out of the Conversion or any action taken by the Agent where acting as agent of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank or otherwise as described in Section 2 hereof;
 
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(ii)           from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, based upon or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, or any amendment or supplement thereto (including any post-effective amendment) or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Members’ Proxy Statement, Stockholders’ Proxy Statement or the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
 
(iii)          from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever described in clauses (i) or (ii) above, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and
 
(iv)          from and against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including, subject to Section 6(c) hereof, the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by the Agent), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation, proceeding or inquiry by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim pending or threatened whatsoever described in clauses (i) or (ii) above, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above;
 
provided, however , that the indemnification provided for in this paragraph (a) shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense that (i) arises out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading which was made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Agent Information, or (ii) is primarily attributable to the gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the Agent.  To the extent required by law, the indemnification provided for in this paragraph (a) shall be subject to and limited by Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act, as amended.
 
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(b)           The Agent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the Bank, their directors, each of their officers who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, of a material fact made in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with the Agent Information.
 
(c)           Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability that it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action. In no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to no more than one local counsel in each separate jurisdiction in which any action or proceeding is commenced) separate from their own counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances.
 
(d)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank also agree that the Agent shall not have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract or tort or otherwise) to the MHC, the Mid-Tier Company and its security holders, the Company and its security holders or the MHC’s, the Mid-Tier Company’s, the Bank’s or the Company’s creditors relating to or arising out of the engagement of the Agent pursuant to, or the performance by the Agent of the services contemplated by, this Agreement, except to the extent that any liability is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from such Agent’s bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence.
 
(e)           In addition to, and without limiting, the provisions of Section (6)(a)(iv) hereof, in the event that the Agent, any person, if any, who controls the Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act or any of its partners, directors, officers, employees or agents is requested or required to appear as a witness or otherwise gives testimony in any action, proceeding, investigation or inquiry brought by or on behalf of or against the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank, the Agent or any of its respective affiliates or any participant in the transactions contemplated hereby in which the Agent or such person or agent is not named as a defendant, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank jointly and severally agree to reimburse the Agent and its partners, directors, officers, employees or agents for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with preparing or appearing as a witness or otherwise giving testimony and to compensate the Agent and its partners, directors, officers, employees or agents in an amount to be mutually agreed upon.
 
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SECTION 7.  Contribution.   In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnity agreement provided for in Section 6 hereof is for any reason held to be unenforceable by the indemnified parties although applicable in accordance with its terms, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank, and the Agent shall contribute to the aggregate losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses of the nature contemplated by said indemnity agreement incurred by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank and the Agent, as incurred, in such proportions (i) that the Agent is responsible for that portion represented by the percentage that the maximum aggregate marketing fees appearing on the cover page of the Prospectus bears to the maximum aggregate gross proceeds appearing thereon and the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank are jointly and severally responsible for the balance or (ii) if, but only if, the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank on the one hand and the Agent on the other, as reflected in clause (i), but also the relative fault of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank on the one hand and the Agent on the other, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however , that no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  For purposes of this Section, each person, if any, who controls the Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Agent, and each director of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, to the extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the Agent be required to contribute an aggregate amount in excess of the aggregate marketing fees to which the Agent is entitled and actually paid pursuant to this Agreement.
 
SECTION 8.    Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive Delivery.   All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement, or contained in certificates of officers of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Agent or controlling person, or by or on behalf of the Company, and shall survive delivery of the Securities and the Exchange Shares.
 
SECTION 9.   Termination of Agreement
 
( a)           The Agent may terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to the Closing Time (i) if there has been, since the date of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, any Material Adverse Effect, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, (ii) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or elsewhere or any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis the effect of which, in the judgment of the Agent, is so material and adverse as to make it impracticable to market the Securities or to enforce contracts, including subscriptions or orders, for the sale of the Securities, (iii) if trading generally on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the American Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange has been suspended, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required, by any of said Exchanges or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority, or if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal, Wisconsin or New York authorities, (iv) if any condition specified in Section 5 hereof shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled; (v) if there shall have been such material adverse change in the condition or prospects of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank or the prospective market for the Company’s Securities as in the Agent’s good faith opinion would make it inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Securities; (vi) if, in the Agent’s good faith opinion, the price for the Securities established by the Appraiser is not reasonable or equitable under then prevailing market conditions, or (vii) if the Conversion is not consummated on or prior to March 31, 2014.
 
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(b)           If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Sections 2 and 4 hereof relating to the reimbursement of expenses and except that the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
 
SECTION 10. Notices .   All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication.  Notices to the Agent shall be directed to directed to Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.: 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10020, attention of General Counsel; with a copy to Gary R. Bronstein, Esquire at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, 607 14 th Street, N.W., Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005; notices to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank shall be directed to any of them at 11200 W. Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226, Attention of Douglas S. Gordon, Chief Executive Officer and President, with a copy to Edward A. Quint, Esquire, at Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 780, Washington, D.C. 20015.
 
SECTION 11. Parties .  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Agent, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and their respective successors.  Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the Agent, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and their respective successors and the controlling persons and the partners, officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and 7 hereof and their heirs and legal Agent, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein or therein contained.  This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof and thereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Agent, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and their respective successors, and said controlling persons, partners, officers and directors and their heirs, partners, legal Agent, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation.
 
SECTION 12. Entire Agreement; Amendment.   This Agreement represents the entire understanding of the parties hereto with reference to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes any and all other oral or written agreements heretofore made, except for (i) the engagement letter dated February 7, 2013, by and between Sandler O’Neill and the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, relating to Sandler O’Neill providing records management services in connection with the Conversion and (ii) the Underwriting Agreement, if entered into in connection with the Public Offering.  No waiver, amendment or other modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties hereto.
 
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SECTION 13. Governing Law and Time.   This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed in said State without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.  Unless otherwise noted, specified times of day refer to Eastern time.
 
SECTION 14. Severability.   Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.  If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.
 
SECTION 15. Headings.   Sections headings are not to be considered part of this Agreement, are for convenience and reference only, and are not to be deemed to be full or accurate descriptions of the contents of any paragraph or subparagraph.
 
[The next page is the signature page]
 
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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement between the Agent on the one hand, and the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank on the other in accordance with its terms.
 
  Very truly yours,  
     
 
 
WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
(a Federal corporation)
 
       
 
By:
   
    Douglas S. Gordon  
    Chief Executive Officer and President  
       
       
  WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.  
  (a Maryland corporation)  
       
  By:    
    Douglas S. Gordon  
    Chief Executive Officer and President  
       
       
  WATERSTONE BANK SSB  
       
  By:    
    Douglas S. Gordon  
    Chief Executive Officer and President  
       
 
 
LAMPLIGHTER FINANCIAL, MHC
 
       
  By:    
    Douglas S. Gordon  
    Chief Executive Officer and President  
 
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CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
  as of the date first above written:
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
B y :  Sandler O’Neill & Partners Corp.,
the sole general partner
 
 
By:       
Name:
Jennifer Docherty
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory  
 
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Exhibit A
Form of Underwriting Agreement
 
 
 

 

 
_____________ Shares
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
(a Maryland corporation)
 
 
Common Stock
(par value $0.01 per share)
 
 
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
 
 
______________, 2013
 
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
 as Representative of the Several Underwriters
c/o Sandler O’ Neill & Partners, L.P.
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6 th Floor
New York, New York 10022
 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “Underwriters”), for whom Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”), is acting as Representative (in such capacity, the “Representative”), an aggregate of ___________ shares (the “Shares”) of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), of the Company.  The shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Company in the Offerings (as hereinafter defined), including the Shares being sold pursuant to this Agreement are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Securities.”
 
The Shares are being sold in accordance with the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”) adopted by the Boards of Directors of Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federal “mid-tier” holding company (the “Mid-Tier Company”), WaterStone Bank SSB, a Wisconsin chartered stock savings bank (the “Bank”) and Lamplighter Financial, MHC, a federal mutual holding company (the “MHC”), pursuant to which the MHC intends to convert from the mutual to stock holding company form of organization pursuant to the following steps: (i) the establishment of the Company as a Maryland-chartered subsidiary of the Mid-Tier Company; (ii) the merger of the MHC with and into the Mid-Tier Company with the Mid-Tier Company as the surviving entity (the “MHC Merger”); (iii) the merger of the Mid-Tier Company with and into the Company with the Company as the surviving entity (the “Mid-Tier Company Merger”); and (iv) the sale and exchange of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan and the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”).  As a result of the MHC Merger and the Mid-Tier Company Merger, the Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.  The outstanding shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Company held by persons other than the MHC will be converted into Common Stock pursuant to an exchange ratio as defined in the Plan, which will result in the holders of such shares receiving and owning in the aggregate approximately the same percentage of the Common Stock to be outstanding upon the completion of the conversion as the percentage of Mid-Tier Company common stock owned by them in the aggregate immediately prior to consummation of the conversion before giving effect to (a) cash paid in lieu of any fractional interests of Common Stock and (b) any Securities purchased in the Offerings.
 
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Pursuant to the Plan, the Company offered to certain depositors of the Bank and to the Bank’s tax qualified employee benefit plans, including the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”) and 401(k) Savings Plan (collectively, the “Employee Plans”), rights to subscribe for shares of Common Stock in a subscription offering (the “Subscription Offering”).  In addition, shares of Common Stock were offered to certain members of the general public in a community offering (the “Community Offering”). The Community Offering, together with the Subscription Offering, are herein referred to as the “Subscription and Community Offering.” The Subscription and Community Offering, and the underwritten public offering (“Public Offering”) to which this Agreement relates are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Offerings.”  The conversion and reorganization of the MHC from mutual to stock holding company form, the formation of the Company, the MHC Merger, the Mid-Tier Company Merger, the exchange of the Mid-Tier Company’s public stockholders’ shares for shares of Common Stock (the “Exchange Shares”), the acquisition of the capital stock of the Bank by the Company and the Offerings are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Conversion.”
 
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-189160), including a related prospectus, for the registration of the sale of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), has filed such amendments thereto, if any, and such amended prospectuses as may have been required to the date hereof by the Commission in order to declare such registration statement effective, and will file such additional amendments thereto and such amended prospectuses and prospectus supplements as may hereafter be required. Such registration statement (as amended to date, if applicable, and as from time to time amended or supplemented hereafter) including post-effective amendments thereto containing the preliminary prospectus (the “Preliminary Prospectus”) and the final prospectus for the Public Offering, if any (the “Registration Statement”), and the prospectuses constituting a part thereof (including in each case all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein and the information, if any, deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated under the Securities Act, as from time to time amended or supplemented pursuant to the Securities Act or otherwise (the “Securities Act Regulations”)) as well as the preliminary prospectus, if any, as defined in  Rule 430A under the Securities Act Regulations and the prospectus for the Public Offering, if any, contained in a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement), are hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement” and the “Prospectus,” respectively, except that if any revised prospectus shall be used by the Company in connection with the Subscription and Community Offering, the Syndicated Offering or the Public Offering, if any, which differs from the Prospectus on file at the Commission at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective (whether or not such revised prospectus is required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations), the term “Prospectus” shall refer to such revised prospectus from and after the time it is first provided to the Representative for such use and prior to the termination of the Public Offering of the Shares by the Underwriters.
 
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Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Company is delivering to the Representative copies of the Prospectus of the Company to be used in the Public Offering.  Such prospectus contains information with respect to the Bank, the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC and the Common Stock.
 
SECTION 1.   Representations and Warranties.
 
(a)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the Bank and the MHC jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Representative as of the date hereof as follows:
 
(i)            The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission, no stop order has been issued with respect thereto and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, threatened by the Commission.  At the time the Registration Statement became effective and at the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Registration Statement complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.  The Prospectus as of the date hereof does not, and at the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof will not, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however , that the representations and warranties in this subsection shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information with respect to the Representative furnished to the Company in writing by the Representative or its counsel expressly for use in the Registration Statement or Prospectus (the “Underwriter Information,” which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank acknowledge appears [only in the last sentence of the section entitled “Summary – Market for Common Stock,” and the last sentence of the first paragraph of the section entitled “Market for the Common Stock” in the Prospectus)].
 
(ii)           At the time of filing the Registration Statement relating to the offering of the Shares and as of the date hereof, the Company was not, and is not, an ineligible issuer, as defined in Securities Act Rule 405.  At the time of the filing of the Registration Statement and at the time of the use of any issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Securities Act Rule 433(h), the Company met the conditions required by Securities Act Rules 164 and 433 for the use of a free writing prospectus.  If required to be filed, the Company has filed any issuer free writing prospectus related to the Securities at the time it is required to be filed under Securities Act Rule 433 and, if not required to be filed, will retain such free writing prospectus in the Company’s records pursuant to Securities Act Rule 433(g) and if any issuer free writing prospectus is used after the date hereof in connection with the offering of the Securities, the Company will file or retain such free writing prospectus as required by Securities Act Rule 433.
 
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(iii)          As of the Applicable Time, neither (i) the Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus(es) issued at or prior to the Applicable Time and the Statutory Prospectus, all considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure Package”), nor (ii) any individual Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Prospectus included in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Representative specifically for use therein.  As used in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Agreement:
 
 
1.
“Applicable Time” means  __:00 [a./p] m., Eastern Time, on the date of this Agreement.
 
2.           “Statutory Prospectus”, as of any time, means the preliminary prospectus and the final prospectus relating to the Shares that is included in the Registration Statement relating to the Shares immediately prior to the Applicable Time, including any document incorporated by reference therein.
 
3.           “Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Securities Act Rule 433(h), relating to the Securities.  The term does not include any writing exempted from the definition of prospectus pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2(a)(10) of the Securities Act, without regard to Securities Act Rule 172 or Securities Act Rule 173.
 
4.           “Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors.
 
5.           “Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus.  The term Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus also includes any “ bona fide electronic road show,” as defined in Securities Act Rule 433, that is made available without restriction pursuant to Securities Act Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) or otherwise, even though not required to be filed with the Commission.
 
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(iv)         Each Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, as of its date of first use and at all subsequent times through the completion of the Offerings and sale of the Securities or until any earlier date that the Company notified or notifies the Representative (as described in the next sentence), did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities, including any document incorporated by reference therein that has not been superseded or modified.  If at any time following the date of first use of an Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company has notified or will notify promptly the Representative so that any use of such Issuer-Represented Free-Writing Prospectus may cease until it is amended or supplemented and the Company has promptly amended or will promptly amend or supplement such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.  The foregoing two sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Representative specifically for use therein.
 
(v)          The Company has filed with the Federal Reserve Board the Company’s application for approval of its acquisition of the Bank, which includes the mergers described above (the “Holding Company Application”) on Form H-(e)1-S promulgated under the savings and loan holding company provisions of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended (the “HOLA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.  The Company has received written notice from the Federal Reserve Board of its approval of the acquisition of the Bank, such approval remains in full force and effect and no order has been issued by the Federal Reserve Board suspending or revoking such approval and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened by the Federal Reserve Board.  At the date of such approval and at the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Holding Company Application complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of HOLA and the regulations promulgated thereunder and the Holding Company Application is truthful and accurate in all material respects.
 
(vi)         Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB Regulations”), the MHC has filed with the Federal Reserve Board an Application for Approval of Conversion on Form AC, and has filed such amendments thereto and supplementary materials as may have been required to the date hereof (such application, as amended to date, if applicable, and as from time to time amended or supplemented hereafter, is hereinafter referred to as the “Conversion Application”).  The Offerings and the Plan have been duly adopted by the Boards of Directors the Mid-Tier Company, the Bank and the MHC and such adoption has not since been rescinded or revoked.  The Conversion Application has been approved by the Federal Reserve Board.  Such approval remains in full force and effect and no order has been issued by the Federal Reserve Board suspending or revoking such approval and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened by the Federal Reserve Board.  At the date of such approval and at the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Conversion Application complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the FRB Regulations.
 
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(vii)        At the time of their use, the Members’ Proxy Statement, the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement and any other proxy solicitation materials will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the FRB Regulations and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as from time to time amended or supplemented pursuant to the Exchange Act or otherwise (the “Exchange Act Regulations”) (the Securities Act Regulations and the Exchange Act Regulations are collectively referred to herein as the “Commission Regulations”), and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The Company and the MHC will promptly file the Prospectus and any supplemental sales literature with the Commission and the Federal Reserve Board.  The Prospectus and all supplemental sales literature, as of the date the Registration Statement became effective and at the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof, complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the FRB Regulations and the Securities Act Regulations and, at or prior to the time of their first use, will have received all required authorizations of the Federal Reserve Board (if any) and Commission for use in final form.
 
(viii)       None of the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, or any “Blue Sky” authority has, by order or otherwise, prevented or suspended the use of the Members’ Proxy Statement, the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement, the Prospectus or any supplemental sales literature authorized by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank for use in connection with the Offerings, and no proceedings for such purposes are pending or threatened.
 
(ix)          At the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will have completed the conditions precedent to the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the applicable FRB Regulations and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all material terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Federal Reserve Board, or any other regulatory authority, other than those which the regulatory authority permits to be completed after the Conversion.  The Conversion, the Offerings and other transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not require any material consent, approval, authorization or permit or filing with any other governmental agency or regulatory authority, except as disclosed in the Prospectus.
 
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(x)            RP Financial, LC. (the “Appraiser”), which prepared the valuation of the Bank as part of the Conversion, has advised the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank in writing that it satisfies all requirements for an appraiser set forth in the FRB Regulations and any interpretations or guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve Board or its staff with respect thereto.
 
(xi)          KPMG LLP, the accountants who audited the consolidated financial statements of the Mid-Tier Company for the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 and reported on the three month periods ended March 2013 and 2012 included in the Registration Statement have advised the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank in writing that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of Rule 101 of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the “AICPA”), that they are registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”), and such accountants are, with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, independent certified public accountants as required by the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations and FRB Regulations and such accountants are not in violation of the auditors independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”).
 
(xii)         The only direct subsidiary of the Mid-Tier Company is the Bank; the direct subsidiaries of the Bank are Wauwatosa Investment, Inc. and WaterStone Mortgage Corporation (collectively, the “Subsidiaries”).  Except for the Subsidiaries, none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, and the Bank, directly or indirectly, control any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust or other business organization.  Upon completion of the Conversion, the only direct subsidiary of the Company will be the Bank.
 
(xiii)       The consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the financial position of the Mid-Tier Company and its Subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the results of operations, retained earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods specified, and comply as to form with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act Regulations and the FRB Regulations; except as otherwise stated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis except as noted therein.  The other financial, statistical and pro forma information and related notes included in the Prospectus present fairly the information shown therein on a basis consistent with the audited and unaudited financial statements included in the Prospectus, and as to the pro forma adjustments, the adjustments made therein have been consistently applied on the basis described therein.
 
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(xiv)        Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein: (A) there has been no Material Adverse Effect (as hereinafter defined), whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, (B) except for transactions specifically referred to or contemplated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, there have been no transactions entered into by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries, other than those in the ordinary course of business, which are material with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, (C) the capitalization, liabilities, assets, properties and business of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank conform in all material respects to the descriptions contained in the Prospectus and none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries has any material   liabilities of any kind, contingent or otherwise, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and (D) none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries has issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or borrowed money, except borrowings in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice from the same or similar sources and in similar amounts as indicated in the Prospectus, except that the Company will issue 100 shares of its Common Stock to the Mid-Tier Company in connection with its formation, which shares will be cancelled prior to the Time of Delivery.
 
(xv)         The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and the Company is duly qualified to transact business in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, business affairs or prospects of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise (a “Material Adverse Effect”).
 
(xvi)        Upon consummation of the Conversion, the authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company will be within the range as set forth in the Prospectus under “Capitalization” (except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to reservations, agreements or employee benefit plans referred to in the Prospectus); except as set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, no shares of Common Stock have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof; at the time of the Conversion, the Securities will have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration calculated as set forth in the Plan and stated on the cover page of the Prospectus, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable; the Exchange Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable; the terms and provisions of the Common Stock and the other capital stock of the Company conform to all statements relating thereto contained in the Prospectus; the certificates representing the shares of Common Stock will conform to the requirements of applicable law and regulations; and the issuance of the Securities and the Exchange Shares is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights except for subscription rights granted under the Plan in accordance with FRB Regulations.
 
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 (xvii)         The Mid-Tier Company has been duly chartered and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the United States of America with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement.  The MHC has been duly chartered and is validly existing as a mutual holding company under the laws of the United States of America with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
(xviii)        Each of the Mid-Tier Company and the MHC is duly qualified to transact business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(xix)         The MHC has no capital stock.  All holders of the savings, demand or other authorized accounts of the Bank are members of the MHC.
 
(xx)            The Mid-Tier Company and the Bank have been duly organized and are validly existing as a federally chartered mid-tier holding company and a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank in stock form, respectively, in both instances with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate their respective properties and to conduct their respective business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Upon consummation of the Conversion, the Bank will continue to be a Wiaconsin-chartered savings bank in stock form. The Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries have obtained all licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations currently required for the conduct of their respective businesses or required for the conduct of their respective businesses as contemplated by the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application, except where the failure to obtain such licenses, permits or other governmental authorizations would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All such licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations are in full force and effect and the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries are in all material respects in compliance therewith. Neither the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC nor the Bank has received notice of any proceeding or action relating to the revocation or modification of any such license, permit or other governmental authorization which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, might have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(xxi)         The Bank is a member in good standing of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago; the deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to the applicable limits and upon consummation of the Conversion, the liquidation accounts for the benefit of eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders will be duly established in accordance with the requirements of the FRB Regulations.  The Bank is a “qualified thrift lender” within the meaning of 12 U.S.C. Section 1467a(m).
 
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(xxii)          The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Company Preferred Stock”); except for 100 shares of Company Common Stock issued to the Mid-Tier Company, which shares will be cancelled prior to the Time of Delivery, no shares of Company Common Stock and no shares of Company Preferred Stock have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Time of Delivery. The authorized capital stock of the Mid-Tier Company consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Mid-Tier Company Common Stock”) and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Mid-Tier Company Preferred Stock”), of which [34,072,909] shares of Mid-Tier Company Common Stock and no shares of Mid-Tier Company Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof.  The authorized capital stock of the Bank consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Bank Common Stock”), of which [100] shares of Bank Common Stock are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof.  No additional shares of Company Common Stock, Mid-Tier Company Common Stock or Bank Common Stock, and no shares of Company Preferred Stock or Mid-Tier Company Preferred Stock will be issued prior to the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof, except for shares of Mid-Tier Company common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options granted under the Mid-Tier Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.  The issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock, Mid-Tier Company Common Stock and Bank Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws.  The MHC owns 23,050,183 shares of Mid-Tier Company Common Stock beneficially and of record free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity.  The terms and provisions of the Company Common Stock and Mid-Tier Company Common Stock conform to all statements relating thereto contained in the Prospectus.  The shares of Bank Common Stock to be issued to the Company will have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Bank pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration described in the Plan and in the Prospectus, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable, and all such Bank Common Stock will be owned beneficially and of record by the Company, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or legal or equitable claim; and the certificates representing the shares of the Bank Common Stock will conform with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. The issuance of the Bank Common Stock is not subject to preemptive or similar rights.
 
(xxiii)         The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have taken all corporate action necessary for them to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by, and is the valid and binding agreement of, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws and the availability of equitable remedies.
 
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(xxiv)         Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and prior to the Time of Delivery, except as otherwise may be indicated or contemplated therein, none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank will have (A) except as otherwise set forth herein issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or borrowed money, except borrowings in the ordinary course of business from the same or similar sources and in similar amounts as indicated in the Prospectus and except for shares of Mid-Tier Company Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of stock options granted under the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, or (B) entered into any transaction or series of transactions which is material in light of the business of each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank.
 
(xxv)          No approval of any regulatory or supervisory or other public authority is required of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the issuance of the Securities, including the Shares, and the Exchange Shares or the consummation of the Conversion that has not been obtained and a copy of which has been delivered to the Representative, except as may be required under the securities laws of various jurisdictions.
 
(xxvi)         None of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is in violation of their respective charters or certificates of incorporation, organization certificates, articles of incorporation or bylaws; and none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is in default (nor has any event occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument to which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is subject, except for such defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; and there are no contracts or documents of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries that are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application that have not been so filed.
 
(xxvii)        The Conversion, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, do not and will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank pursuant to any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument to which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank is subject, except for such conflicts, breaches or defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the respective certificate of incorporation, organization certificate, articles of incorporation or charter or bylaws of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, or any applicable law, administrative regulation or administrative or court decree.
 
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(xxviii)       No labor dispute with the employees of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, is imminent or threatened; and the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank are not aware of any existing or threatened labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers or contractors that might be expected to result in any Material Adverse Effect.
 
(xxix)          Each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all properties and assets for which ownership is material to the business of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries and to those properties and assets described in the Prospectus as owned by them, free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances or restrictions, except such as are described in the Prospectus or are not material in relation to the business of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise; and all of the leases and subleases material to the business of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries under which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries hold properties, including those described in the Prospectus, are valid and binding agreements of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries, enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws and availability of equitable remedies.
 
(xxx)           None of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or the Subsidiaries is in violation of any order or directive from the Federal Reserve Board, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (the “WDFI”), the FDIC, the Commission or any regulatory authority to make any material change in the method of conducting its respective businesses; the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, and their respective subsidiaries, have conducted and are conducting their business so as to comply in all material respects with all applicable statutes, regulations and administrative and court decrees (including, without limitation, all regulations, decisions, directives and orders of the Federal Reserve Board, the WDFI, the FDIC and the Commission).  Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank nor any of the Subsidiaries is subject or is party to, or has received any notice or advice that any of them may become subject or party to, any investigation with respect to any cease-and-desist order, agreement, consent agreement, memorandum of understanding or other regulatory enforcement action, proceeding or order with or by, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any directive by, or has been a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or has adopted any board resolutions at the request of, any Regulatory Agency (as defined below) that currently restricts in any material respect the conduct of their business or that in any material manner relates to their capital adequacy, their credit policies, their management or their business (each, a “Regulatory Agreement”), nor has the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries been advised by any Regulatory Agency that it is considering issuing or requesting any such Regulatory Agreement; and, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries that, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, is expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or that might materially and adversely affect the properties or assets thereof or that might materially and adversely affect the consummation of the Conversion or the performance of this Agreement.  As used herein, the term “Regulatory Agency” means any federal or state agency charged with the supervision or regulation of depository institutions or holding companies of depository institutions, or engaged in the insurance of depository institution deposits, or any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental agency, authority or instrumentality having supervisory or regulatory authority with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries.
 
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(xxxi)         There is no action, suit or proceeding before or by any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, threatened, against or affecting the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries that is required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement (other than as disclosed therein), or that might result in any Material Adverse Effect or that might materially and adversely affect the properties or assets thereof, the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the Conversion; all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their respective property or assets is the subject that are not described in the Registration Statement, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, are considered in the aggregate not material; and there are no material contracts or documents of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any of the Subsidiaries that are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application that have not been so filed.
 
(xxxii)        The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have obtained (i) an opinion of its counsel, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. with respect to the legality of the Securities and the Exchange Shares to be issued and the federal income tax consequences of the Conversion and (ii) the opinion of Baker Tilley Virchow Krause LLP with respect to the Wisconsin state tax consequences of the Conversion, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement; all material aspects of the aforesaid opinions are accurately summarized in the Prospectus; the facts and representations upon which such opinions are based are truthful, accurate and complete in all material respects; and neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank has taken or will take any action inconsistent therewith.
 
(xxxiii)       The Company is not and, upon completion of the Conversion and the Offerings and sale of the Common Stock and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, will not be, required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
 
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(xxxiv)       All of the loans represented as assets on the most recent consolidated financial statements or selected financial information of the Mid-Tier Company included in the Prospectus meet or are exempt from all requirements of federal, state or local law pertaining to lending, including, without limitation, truth in lending (including the requirements of Regulations Z and 12 C.F.R. Part 226), real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, equal credit opportunity and all disclosure laws applicable to such loans, except for violations which, if asserted, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(xxxv)        To the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, with the exception of the intended loan to the Bank’s ESOP by the Company to enable the ESOP to purchase securities in an amount up to 8.0% of the Common Stock that will be sold in the Offerings, none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or their employees has made any payment of funds of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank as a loan for the purchase of the Common Stock or made any other payment of funds prohibited by law, and no funds have been set aside to be used for any payment prohibited by law.
 
(xxxvi)       Each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (a) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (b) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (c) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (d) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
 
(xxxvii)      The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transaction Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.  The Bank has established compliance programs and is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and all applicable regulations promulgated thereunder, and, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there is no charge, investigation, action, suit or proceeding before any court, regulatory authority or governmental agency or body pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, threatened regarding the Bank’s compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
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(xxxviii)     None of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any Subsidiary nor any properties owned or operated by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any Subsidiary is in material violation of or liable under any Environmental Law (as defined below).  There are no actions, suits or proceedings, or demands, claims, notices or investigations (including, without limitation, notices, demand letters or requests for information from any environmental agency) instituted or pending, or to the knowledge of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank threatened, relating to the liability of any property owned or operated by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any Subsidiary, under any Environmental Law, except for such actions, suits or proceedings, or demands, claims, notices or investigations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  For purposes of this subsection, the term “Environmental Law” means any federal, state, local or foreign law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license, permit, authorization, approval, consent, order, judgment, decree, injunction or agreement with any regulatory authority relating to (i) the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment (including, without limitation, air, water, vapor, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface soil, subsurface soil, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), and/or (ii) the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal of any substance presently listed, defined, designated or classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous, or otherwise regulated, whether by type or by quantity, including any material containing any such substance as a component.
 
(xxxix)        The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and each Subsidiary have filed all federal, state and local income and franchise tax returns required to be filed and have made timely payments of all taxes shown as due and payable in respect of such returns, and no deficiency has been asserted with respect thereto by any taxing authority.  The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have no knowledge of any tax deficiency that has been asserted or could be asserted against the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank.
 
(xl)            The Company has received all approvals required to consummate the Conversion and to have the Securities and Exchange Shares quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market effective as of the Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof.
 
(xli)           At or prior to the Closing, the Company will have filed a Form 8-K/12g or a Form 8-A for the Securities and Exchange Shares to be registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.
 
(xlii)           There are no affiliations or associations (as such terms are defined by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)) between any member of the FINRA and any of the MHC’s, the Mid-Tier Company’s, the Company’s or the Bank’s officers or directors.
 
(xliii)          The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and each Subsidiary carries, or is covered by, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is adequate for the conduct of their respective businesses and the value for their respective properties as is customary for companies engaged in similar industries.
 
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(xliv)         The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have not relied on the Representative or its counsel for any legal, tax or accounting advice in connection with the Conversion.
 
(xlv)          The records of eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders and other depositors are accurate and complete in all material respects.
 
(xlvi)         The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and each Subsidiary are in compliance in all material respects with all presently applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (“ERISA”); no “reportable event” (as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any “pension plan” (as defined in ERISA) for which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank or any Subsidiary, respectively, would have any liability; each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and each Subsidiary has not incurred and does expect to incur liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “pension plan” or (ii) Sections 412 or 4971 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the “Code”); and each “pension plan” for which the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and any Subsidiary would have any liability that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified in all material respects and nothing has occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, that would cause the loss of such qualification.
 
(xlvii)        Each of the Company and the Mid-Tier Company is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and the Nasdaq corporate governance rules applicable to them, and will use its best efforts to comply with those provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Nasdaq corporate governance rules that will become effective in the future upon their effectiveness.
 
(xlviii)       Each Subsidiary has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has full power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect; the activities of each Subsidiary are permitted to subsidiaries of a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank and a federally chartered mutual holding company by the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board or the applicable regulations of the WDFI and the FDIC; all of the issued and outstanding capital stock or ownership interests of each Subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and nonassessable and is owned by the Mid-Tier Company or the Bank, as the case may be, directly, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or legal or equitable claim; and there are no warrants, options or rights of any kind to acquire shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary.
 
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  (xlix)          The Company has not directly or indirectly distributed, and will not distribute any offering materials in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares other than any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and other materials, if any, permitted under the Securities Act and consistent with Section 3(a) below, and the Company has not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or which constitutes or might reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale of the Shares.
 
  (l)  The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank hereby affirm and incorporate herein the Representations and Warranties contained in the Agency Agreement dated ________, 2013 by and among the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and the Representative (the “Agency Agreement”).
 
(b)            Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank and delivered to either of the Representative or counsel for the Representative shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank to the Representative as to the matters covered thereby.
 
SECTION 2.   Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the Shares.
 
(a)           Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price per share of $8.00, the number of Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto.

(b)           Upon the authorization by you of the release of the Shares, the several Underwriters propose to offer the Shares for sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus.

(c)           The Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter hereunder, in definitive form, and in such authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Representative may request (or in the form of one or more global certificates deposited with the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and registered in the name of [Cede & Co.,] as nominee for DTC) upon at least forty-eight hours prior notice to the Company shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Representative, through the facilities of the DTC, for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by or on behalf of such Underwriter of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of Federal (same day) funds to the account specified by the Company, to the Representative at least forty-eight hours in advance.  The Company will cause the certificates representing the Shares to be made available for checking and packaging at least twenty-four hours prior to the Time of Delivery (as defined below) with respect thereto at the office of DTC or its designated custodian (the “Designated Office”).  The time and date of such delivery and payment shall be, with respect to the Shares, 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time, on  _______, 2013 or such other time and date as the Representative and the Company may agree upon in writing. Such time and date for delivery of the Shares is herein called the “Time of Delivery.”
 
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(d)           The documents to be delivered at the Time of Delivery by or on behalf of the parties hereto pursuant to Section 3 hereof, including the cross receipt for the Shares and any additional documents requested by the Underwriters pursuant to Section 5(j) hereof, will be delivered at the offices of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. (the “Closing Location”), and the Shares will be delivered at the Designated Office, all at such Time of Delivery.  A meeting will be held at the Closing Location at _____ p.m., Eastern Time, on the New York Business Day next preceding such Time of Delivery, at which meeting the final drafts of the documents to be delivered pursuant to the preceding sentence will be available for review by the parties hereto.  For the purposes of this Section 2, “New York Business Day” shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York are generally authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

(e)           With respect to the Shares sold by the Underwriters in the Public Offering, the Representative will receive as compensation for its services hereunder: (i) a management fee of __% of the aggregate purchase price of all Shares sold in the Public Offering; (ii) an underwriting fee of __% of the aggregate purchase price of all shares sold in the Public Offering; and (iii) a selling concession of __% of the aggregate purchase price of all Shares sold in the Public Offering.

SECTION 3. Covenants of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank .  The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank jointly and severally covenant with the Representative as follows:
 
(a)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will prepare the Prospectus in a form approved by the Representative and to file such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act not later than the Commission’s close of business on the second business day following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, or, if applicable, such earlier time as may be required by Rule 430A(a)(3) under the Securities Act Regulation; to make no further amendment or any supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus which shall be disapproved by the Representative promptly after reasonable notice thereof; to advise the Representative, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective or any supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed and to furnish the Representative with copies thereof; to advise the Representative, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus or Prospectus, of the suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus or Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus or Prospectus or suspending any such qualification, promptly to use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order.
 
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(b)           The Company represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Representative and the Representative represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Company, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Securities Act Rule 433, or that would constitute a “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Securities Act Rule 405, required to be filed with the Commission.  Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Company and the Representative is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.”  The Company represents that it has and will comply with the requirements of Securities Act Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely Commission filing where required, legending and record keeping.  The Company need not treat any communication as a free writing prospectus if it is exempt from the definition of prospectus pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2(a)(10) of the Securities Act without regard to Securities Act Rule 172 or 173.

(c)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will give the Representative notice of their intention to file or prepare any amendment to the Conversion Application, the Holding Company Application or the Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendment) or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus (including any revised prospectus that the Company proposes for use in connection with the Public Offering of the Shares that differs from the prospectus on file at the Commission at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective, whether or not such revised prospectus is required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations), will furnish the Representative with copies of any such amendment or supplement a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file any such amendment or supplement or use any such prospectus to which the Representative or counsel for the Representative may object.
 
(d)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will deliver to the Representative as many signed copies and as many conformed copies of the Holding Company Application, the Conversion Application and the Registration Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein) as the Representative may reasonably request, and prior to 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and from time to time such number of copies of the Prospectus as the Representative may reasonably request.
 
(e)           During the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will comply, at their own expense, with all requirements imposed upon them by the Federal Reserve Board, by the applicable FRB Regulations, as from time to time in force, and by the Nasdaq, Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations, the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, including, without limitation, Regulation M under the Exchange Act, so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales or dealing in shares of Common Stock during such period in accordance with the provisions hereof and the Prospectus.
 
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(f)            If any event or circumstance shall occur as a result of which it is necessary, in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Representative, to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus in order to make the Prospectus not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will forthwith amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus (in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Representative) so that, as so amended or supplemented, the Registration Statement or Prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, and the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will furnish to the Representative a reasonable number of copies of such amendment or supplement.  For the purpose of this subsection, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will each furnish such information with respect to itself as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request.
 
(g)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will take all necessary action, in cooperation with the Representative, to qualify the Shares for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states of the United States and other jurisdictions as the FRB Regulations may require and as the Representative and the Company have agreed; provided, however , that neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank shall be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified.  In each jurisdiction in which the Shares have been so qualified, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will file such statements and reports as may be required by the laws of such jurisdiction to continue such qualification in effect for a period of not less than one year from the effective date of the Registration Statement.
 
(h)           The Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than 60 days after the close of the period covered thereby, an earnings statement (in form complying with the provisions of Rule 158 of the Securities Act Regulations) covering a twelve month period beginning not later than the first day of the Company’s fiscal quarter next following the “effective date” (as defined in said Rule 158) of the Registration Statement.
 
(i)            During the period ending on the third anniversary of the expiration of the fiscal year during which the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement occurs, the Company will furnish to its stockholders as soon as practicable after the end of each such fiscal year an annual report (including consolidated statements of financial condition and consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, certified by independent public accountants) and, as soon as practicable after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal quarter ending after the effective date of the Registration Statement), consolidated summary financial information of the Company and the Bank for such quarter in reasonable detail.  In addition, such annual report and quarterly consolidated summary financial information shall be made public through the issuance of appropriate press releases at the same time or prior to the time of the furnishing thereof to stockholders of the Company.
 
(j)            During the period ending on the third anniversary of the expiration of the fiscal year during which the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby occurs, the Company will furnish to the Representative (i) as soon as publicly available, a copy of each report or other document of the Company furnished generally to stockholders of the Company or furnished to or filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act or any national securities exchange or system on which any class of securities of the Company is listed, and (ii) from time to time, such other information concerning the Company as the Representative may reasonably request.  For purposes of this paragraph, any document filed electronically with the Commission shall be deemed furnished to the Representative.
 
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(k)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will conduct the Conversion in all material respects in accordance with the Plan, the FRB Regulations, the Commission Regulations and all other applicable regulations, decisions and orders, including all applicable terms, requirements and conditions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Federal Reserve Board and the Commission.
 
(l)            The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will comply, at their own expense, with all requirements imposed by the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Nasdaq or pursuant to the applicable Commission Regulations, FRB Regulations, and Nasdaq regulations as from time to time in force.
 
(m)          The Company will promptly inform the Representative upon its receipt of service with respect to any material litigation or administrative action instituted with respect to the Conversion or the Offerings.
 
(n)           Each of the Company and the Bank will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the Prospectus under “Use of Proceeds.”
 
(o)           The Company will report the use of proceeds from the Offerings on its first periodic report filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and on any subsequent periodic reports as may be required pursuant to Rule 463 of the Securities Act Regulations.
 
(p)           The Company will maintain the effectiveness of the Exchange Act Registration Statement for not less than three years and will comply in all material respects with its filing obligations under the Exchange Act.  For three years, the Company will use its best efforts to effect and maintain the listing of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and, once listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Company will comply with all applicable corporate governance standards required by the Nasdaq Global Select Market.  The Company will file with the Nasdaq Global Select Market all documents and notices required by the Nasdaq Global Select Market of companies that have issued securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market and quotations for which are reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
 
(q)           The Company and the Bank will take such actions and furnish such information as are reasonably requested by the Representative in order for the Representative to ensure compliance with the FINRA Rule 5130.
 
(r)           Other than in connection with any employee benefit plan or arrangement described in the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Representative, sell or issue, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, any shares of Common Stock other than the Securities or the Exchange Shares for a period of 180 days following the Time of Delivery.
 
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(s)           During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later of the third anniversary of the Time of Delivery or the date on which the Representative receives full payment in satisfaction of any claim for indemnification or contribution to which they may be entitled pursuant to Sections 6 or 7 hereof, respectively, made prior to the third anniversary of the Time of Delivery, neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank shall, without the prior written consent of the Representative, take or permit to be taken any action that could result in the Common Stock, the Mid-Tier Common Stock or the Bank Common Stock becoming subject to any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance, with the exception of the intended loan to the Bank’s ESOP by the Company to enable the ESOP to purchase securities in an amount up to 8.0% of the Common Stock that will be sold in the Offerings.
 
(t)            The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will comply with the conditions imposed by or agreed to with the Federal Reserve Board in connection with its approval of the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application.
 
(u)           The Company shall not deliver the Securities or the Exchange Shares until the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have satisfied each condition set forth in Section 5 hereof, unless such condition is waived by the Representative.
 
(v)           The MHC, the Mid-Tier Company, the Company or the Bank will furnish to the Representative as early as practicable prior to the Closing Date, but no later than two (2) full business days prior thereto, a copy of the latest available unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Mid-Tier Company, which have been read by KPMG LLP, as stated in their letters to be furnished pursuant to subsections (f) and (g) of Section 5 hereof.
 
(w)          During the period in which the Prospectus is required to be delivered, each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will conduct its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, decisions, directives and orders, including all decisions, directives and orders of the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, the WDFI, the FDIC and the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
 
(x)           None of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank will amend the Plan in any manner that would affect the sale of the Securities or the terms of this Agreement without the consent of the Representative.
 
(y)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will not, prior to the Time of Delivery, incur any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or enter into any material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, except as contemplated by the Prospectus.
 
(z)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will use all reasonable efforts to comply with, or cause to be complied with, the conditions precedent to the several obligations of the Representative specified in Section 5 hereof.
 
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(aa)         The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank will (i) use their best efforts to complete the conditions precedent to the Offerings and the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the applicable FRB Regulations and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all material terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion and the Offerings imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board or any other regulatory authority or Blue Sky authority, and to comply with those which the regulatory authority permits to be completed after the Conversion and the Offerings; and (ii) conduct the Conversion and the Offerings in the manner described in the Prospectus and in accordance with the Plan, the FRB Regulations and all other applicable material laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including in compliance with all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion and the Offerings imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank by the Commission, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC or any other regulatory or Blue Sky authority.
 
SECTION 4. The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank jointly and severally agree to pay certain expenses incident to the performance of the Underwriters’ obligations under this Agreement, regardless of whether the Public Offering is consummated, including (i) the filing fees paid or incurred by the Underwriters in connection with all filings with the FINRA, and (ii) all reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses up to $115,000 incurred by the Underwrites relating to the Public Offering including without limitation, fees and expenses of the Underwriters counsel, advertising, promotional, syndication and travel expenses.  All fees and expenses to which the Underwriters are entitled to reimbursement under this paragraph of this Section 4 shall be due and payable upon receipt by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank of a written accounting therefor setting forth in reasonable detail the expenses incurred by the Underwriters.
 
The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank jointly and severally agree to pay all expenses incident to the performance of their obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, (i) the cost of obtaining all securities and bank regulatory approvals, including any required FINRA filing fees, (ii) the cost of printing and distributing the Public Offering materials, (iii) the costs of Blue Sky qualification (including fees and expenses of Blue Sky counsel) of the Shares in the various states, (iv) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and (v) all fees and disbursements of the Company’s counsel, accountants and other advisors. In the event the Underwriters incur any such fees and expenses on behalf of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, the Bank will reimburse the Underwriters for such fees and expenses whether or not the Conversion is consummated; provided, however, that the Underwriters shall not incur any substantial expenses on behalf of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank pursuant to this Section 4 without the prior approval of the Bank.
 
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SECTION 5. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank and the Representative agree that the issuance and the sale of Shares and the issuance and sale of the shares of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering and the issuance of the Exchange Shares and all obligations of the Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank herein contained as of the date hereof and the Time of Delivery, to the accuracy of the statements of officers and directors of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank made pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank of their obligations hereunder, and to the following further conditions:
 
(a)           The Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the Securities Act Regulations and in accordance with Section 3(a) hereof (or a post-effective amendment shall have been filed and declared effective in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A); no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission or the FRB shall have been complied with to the Representative’s reasonable satisfaction; FINRA shall have raised no objection to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements; and no order suspending the sale of the Shares in any jurisdiction shall have been issued.
 
(b)           At Time of Delivery, the Representative shall have received:
 
(1)           The favorable opinion, dated as of Time of Delivery, of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., counsel for the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Representative as attached hereto as Exhibit A .
 
(2)           The favorable opinion, dated as of Time of Delivery, of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, counsel for the Representative, as to such matters as the Representative shall reasonably require.
 
(3)           In addition to giving their opinions required by subsections (b)(l) and (b)(2), respectively, of this Section, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP shall each additionally state that nothing has come to their attention that would lead them to believe that the Registration Statement (except for financial statements and schedules and other financial or statistical data included therein, as to which counsel need make no statement), at the time it became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus (except for financial statements and schedules and other financial or statistical data included therein, as to which counsel need make no statement), at the time the Registration Statement became effective or at Time of Delivery, or (if applicable) that the General Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, included or includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
 
In giving their opinions, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP may rely as to matters of fact on certificates of officers and directors of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and certificates of public officials. Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP may also rely on the opinion of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.
 
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(c)           At Time of Delivery referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank shall have completed in all material respects with the conditions precedent to the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the applicable FRB Regulations and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Federal Reserve Board, or any other regulatory authority other than those which the Federal Reserve Board permits to be completed after the Conversion.
 
(d)           At Time of Delivery, there shall not have been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, any Material Adverse Effect, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business and the Representative shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, dated as of Time of Delivery, to the effect that (i) there has been no such material adverse change, (ii) there shall have been no material transaction entered into by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank from the latest date as of which the financial condition of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus other than transactions referred to or contemplated therein and transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (iii) neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank shall have received from the Federal Reserve Board, the WDFI or the FDIC any order or direction (oral or written) to make any material change in the method of conducting its business with which it has not complied (which order or direction, if any, shall have been disclosed in writing to the Representative) or which materially and adversely would affect the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, considered as one enterprise, (iv) the representations and warranties in Section 1 hereof are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of the Time of Delivery, (v) each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on their part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to Time of Delivery, including all agreements and all conditions set forth in the Agency Agreement, (vi) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or threatened by the Commission and (vii) no order suspending the Federal Reserve Board’s approval of the Conversion Application, or the transactions contemplated thereby, has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or threatened by the Federal Reserve Board and no person has sought to obtain regulatory or judicial review of the action of the Federal Reserve Board in approving the Plan in accordance with the FRB Regulations nor has any person sought to obtain regulatory or judicial review of the action of the Federal Reserve Board in approving the Conversion Application.
 
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(e)           At the Time of Delivery, the Representative shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC and the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer of the Mid-Tier Company, the Company, the MHC and the Bank, dated as of Time of Delivery, to the effect that (i) they have reviewed the contents of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; (ii) based on each of their knowledge, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading; and (iii) based on each of their knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of the Mid-Tier Company and the Bank as of and for the dates and periods covered by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
 
(f)           As of the date hereof, the Representative shall have received from KPMG LLP a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, to the effect that: (i) they are independent public accountants with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank within the meaning of the Code of Ethics of the AICPA, the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and the FRB Regulations, they are registered with the PCAOB, and they are not in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (ii) it is their opinion that the consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement, including any post-effective amendment thereto, and covered by their opinions therein comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations; (iii) based upon limited procedures as agreed upon by the Representative and KPMG LLP set forth in detail in such letter, nothing has come to their attention which causes them to believe that (A) the unaudited consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules of the Mid-Tier Company included in the Registration Statement do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations and the FRB Regulations or are not presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with that of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (B) the unaudited amounts of net interest income and net income set forth under “Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data” in the Prospectus do not agree with the amounts set forth in unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the dates and periods presented under such captions or such amounts were not determined on a basis substantially consistent with that used in determining the corresponding amounts in the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, (C) at a specified date not more than five (5) business days prior to the date of this Agreement, there has been any increase in the consolidated long term or short term debt of the Mid-Tier Company or any decrease in consolidated total assets, the allowance for loan losses, total deposits or net worth of the Mid-Tier Company, in each case as compared with the amounts shown in the March 31, 2013 consolidated statements of financial condition included in the Registration Statement or, (D) during the period from March 31, 2013 to a specified date not more than five (5) business days prior to the date of this Agreement, there were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, in total interest income, net interest income, net interest income after provision for loan losses, income before income tax expense or net income of the Mid-Tier Company, except in all instances for increases or decreases which the Registration Statement and the Prospectus disclose have occurred or may occur; and (iv) in addition to the examination referred to in their opinions and the limited procedures referred to in clause (iii) above, they have carried out certain specified procedures, not constituting an audit, with respect to certain amounts, percentages and financial information that are included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and that are specified by the Representative, and have found such amounts, percentages and financial information to be in agreement with the relevant accounting, financial and other records of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank identified in such letter.
 
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(g)           The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, between the Representative and the persons set forth on Exhibit C hereto, relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Common Stock, Mid-Tier Company Common Stock or certain other securities, shall be delivered to the Representative on or before the date hereof and shall be in full force and effect on the Time of Delivery.
 
(h)           At Time of Delivery, the Representative shall have received from KPMG LLP a letter, dated as of Time of Delivery, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (f) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than five (5) days prior to Time of Delivery.
 
(i)            At Time of Delivery, the Securities and Exchange Shares shall have been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq Global Select Market upon notice of issuance.
 
(j)           At Time of Delivery, the Representative shall have received a letter from the Appraiser, dated as of the Time of Delivery, confirming its Appraisal.
 
(k)           At Time of Delivery, counsel for the Representative shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may require for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities, including the Shares and Exchange Shares as herein contemplated and related proceedings, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities, including the Shares and Exchange Shares as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and counsel for the Representative.
 
(l)           At any time prior to Time of Delivery, (i) there shall not have occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or elsewhere or any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis the effect of which, in the judgment of the Representative, are so material and adverse as to make it impracticable to market the Shares or to enforce contracts, including subscriptions or orders, for the sale of the Securities, and (ii) trading generally on either the American Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market shall not have been suspended, and minimum or maximum prices for trading shall not have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required, by either of said Exchanges or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority, and a banking moratorium shall not have been declared by either Federal or Wisconsin authorities.
 
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SECTION 6. Indemnification .
 
(a)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls such Underwriter, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and its respective partners, directors, officers, employees and agents as follows:
 
(i)              from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, based upon or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, or any amendment or supplement thereto (including any post-effective amendment) or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Members’ Proxy Statement, Stockholders’ Proxy Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
 
(ii)             from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever described in clause (i) above, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and
 
(iii)            from and against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including, subject to Section 6(c) hereof, the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by the Representative), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation, proceeding or inquiry by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim pending or threatened whatsoever described in clause (i) above, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under clause (i) or (ii) above;
 
provided, however , that the indemnification provided for in this paragraph (a) shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense that (i) arises out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading which was made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriters’ Information, or (ii) is primarily attributable to the gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the Representative.  To the extent required by law, the indemnification provided for in this paragraph (a) shall be subject to and limited by Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act, as amended.
 
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(b)           Each Underwriter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the Bank, their directors, each of their officers who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, of a material fact made in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriters’ Information.
 
(c)           Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability that it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action. In no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to no more than one local counsel in each separate jurisdiction in which any action or proceeding is commenced) separate from their own counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances.
 
(d)           The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank also agree that each Underwriter shall not have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract or tort or otherwise) to the MHC, the Mid-Tier Company and its security holders, the Company and its security holders or the MHC’s, the Mid-Tier Company’s, the Bank’s or the Company’s creditors relating to or arising out of the performance by the Underwriters of the services contemplated by, this Agreement, except to the extent that any liability is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from any such Underwriter’s bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence.
 
(e)           In addition to, and without limiting, the provisions of Section (6)(a)(iii) hereof, in the event that an Underwriter, any person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act or any of its partners, directors, officers, employees or agents is requested or required to appear as a witness or otherwise gives testimony in any action, proceeding, investigation or inquiry brought by or on behalf of or against the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank, the Underwriter or any of their respective affiliates or any participant in the transactions contemplated hereby in which the Underwriter or such person or agent is not named as a defendant, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank jointly and severally agree to reimburse the Underwriter and its partners, directors, officers, employees or agents for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with preparing or appearing as a witness or otherwise giving testimony and to compensate the Underwriter and its partners, directors, officers, employees or agents in an amount to be mutually agreed upon.
 
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  SECTION 7. Contribution.   In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnity agreement provided for in Section 6 hereof is for any reason held to be unenforceable by the indemnified parties although applicable in accordance with its terms, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC, the Bank, and the Representative shall contribute to the aggregate losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses of the nature contemplated by said indemnity agreement incurred by the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank and the Underwriters, as incurred, in such proportions (i) that the Underwriters are responsible for that portion represented by the percentage that the total net proceeds from the Public Offering of the Shares (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus and the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank are jointly and severally responsible for the balance or (ii) if, but only if, the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other, as reflected in clause (i), but also the relative fault of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however , that no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  For purposes of this Section, each person, if any, who controls the Underwriters within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Underwriters, and each director of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, to the extent permitted by applicable law, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.
 
  SECTION 8. Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive Delivery.   All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement, or contained in certificates of officers of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling person, or by or on behalf of the Company, and shall survive delivery of the Shares.
 
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SECTION 9. Default by Underwriters.
 
(a)           If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the Shares which it has agreed to purchase hereunder at a Time of Delivery, the Representative may in its discretion arrange for it or another party or other parties to purchase such Shares on the terms contained herein.  If within thirty-six hours after such default by any Underwriter the Representative does not arrange for the purchase of such Shares, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of thirty six hours within which to procure another party or other parties satisfactory to the Representative to purchase such Shares on such terms.  In the event that, within the respective prescribed periods, the Representative notifies the Company that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Shares, or the Company notifies the Representative that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Shares, the Representative or the Company shall have the right to postpone such Time of Delivery for a period of not more than seven days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which in the Representative’s opinion may thereby be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Shares.
 
(b)           If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representative and the Company as provided in Section 7(a), the aggregate number of such Shares which remains unpurchased does not exceed one tenth of the aggregate number of all the Shares to be purchased at such Time of Delivery, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the number of shares which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder at such Time of Delivery and, in addition, to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share (based on the number of Shares which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder) of the Shares of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.
 
(c)           If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representative and the Company as provided in Section 9(a) hereof, the aggregate number of such Shares which remains unpurchased exceeds one tenth of the aggregate number of all the Shares to be purchased at such Time of Delivery, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in Section 9(b) hereof to require non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, then this Agreement shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company, except for the indemnity and contribution agreements in Sections 6 and 7 hereof; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.
 
(d)           If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9(c) hereof, none of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank shall then be under any liability to any Underwriter except as provided in Sections 6 and 7 hereof; but, if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5 or for any other reason, any Shares are not delivered by or on behalf of the Company as provided herein, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters for all out-of-pocket expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, marketing, syndication and travel expenses incurred by the Underwriters in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of the Shares not so delivered, but the Company shall then be under no further liability to any Underwriter except as provided in Sections 4 and 7 hereof.
 
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SECTION 10.  Termination of Agreement.
 
( a)           The Representative may terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to the Time of Delivery (i) if there has been, since the date of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, any Material Adverse Effect, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, (ii) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or elsewhere or any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis the effect of which, in the judgment of the Representative, are so material and adverse as to make it impracticable to market the Shares or to enforce contracts, including subscriptions or orders, for the sale of the Shares, (iii) if trading generally on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the American Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange has been suspended, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required, by any of said Exchanges or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority, or if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal or Wisconsin authorities, (iv) if any condition specified in Section 5 hereof shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled; (v) if there shall have been such material adverse change in the condition or prospects of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank or the prospective market for the Company’s Securities as in the Representative’s good faith opinion would make it inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Shares; (vi) if, in the Representative’s good faith opinion, the price for the Securities established by the Appraiser is not reasonable or equitable under then prevailing market conditions, or (vii) if the Conversion is not consummated on or prior to March 31, 2014.
 
(b)           If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Sections 2 and 4 relating to the reimbursement of expenses and except that the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
 
SECTION 11. Notices .   All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication.  Notices to the Representative shall be directed to the Representative at: 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6 th Floor, New York, New York 10020, attention of General Counsel; with a copy to Gary R. Bronstein, Esquire at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, 607 14 th Street, N.W., Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005; notices to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank shall be directed to any of them at 11200 West Plank Court, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226, Attention of Douglas S. Gordon, Chief Executive Officer and President, with a copy to Edward A. Quint, Esquire, at Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 780, Washington, D.C. 20015.
 
SECTION 12. Parties .  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Representative, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and their respective successors.  Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the Representative, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and their respective successors and the controlling persons and the partners, officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and 7 hereof and their heirs and legal Representative, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein or therein contained.  This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof and thereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Representative, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and their respective successors, and said controlling persons, partners, officers and directors and their heirs, partners, legal agents, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation.
 
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SECTION 13. Entire Agreement; Amendment.   This Agreement represents the entire understanding of the parties hereto with reference to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes any and all other oral or written agreements heretofore made, except for the engagement letter dated February 7, 2013, by and between Sandler O’Neill and the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, relating to Sandler O’Neill providing records management services in connection with the Conversion and (ii) the Agency Agreement dated ________, 2013 by and between Sandler O’Neill and the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank related to Sandler O’Neill serving as selling agent in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering (‘the “Agency Agreement”).  No waiver, amendment or other modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties hereto.
 
SECTION 14. Governing Law and Time.   This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed in said State without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.  Unless otherwise noted, specified times of day refer to Eastern time.
 
SECTION 15. Severability.   Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.  If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.
 
SECTION 16. Headings.   Sections headings are not to be considered part of this Agreement, are for convenience and reference only, and are not to be deemed to be full or accurate descriptions of the contents of any paragraph or subparagraph.
 
[The next page is the signature page]
 
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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us four counterparts hereof, and upon the acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof shall constitute a binding agreement among each of the Underwriters, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank.  It is understood that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the Underwriters is pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of Agreement among Underwriters, the form of which shall be submitted to the Company for examination upon request, but without warranty on your part as to the authority of the signers thereof.
     
  Very truly yours, 
     
     
 
WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
 
(a Federal corporation)
     
  By:   
    Douglas S. Gordon
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
     
     
 
WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
 
(a Maryland corporation)
     
  By:  
   
Douglas S. Gordon
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
     
     
 
WATERSTONE BANK SSB
     
  By:   
   
Douglas S. Gordon
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
     
     
 
LAMPLIGHTER FINANCIAL, MHC
     
  By:  
   
Douglas S. Gordon
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
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CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
 
  as of the date first above written:
 
     
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
 
B y :  Sandler O’Neill & Partners Corp.,
 
the sole general partner    
 
     
     
By:     
Name:    
Title:     
 
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SCHEDULE I
     
Underwriter
 
Total Number
of Shares
to be Purchased
     
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.                                                                 
   
 
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Exhibit B
Form of Opinion of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.

At the Closing Date, Agent shall have received:
 
The favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., counsel for the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank acceptable to Agent in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for Agent to the effect that:
 
(i)            The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland; the Mid-Tier Company has been organized and is validly existing as a federal “mid-tier” holding company chartered under the laws of the United States; the MHC has been organized and is validly existing as a federal mutual holding company chartered under the laws of the United States; and the Bank has been organized and is validly existing as a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank.
 
(ii)           Each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus.
 
(iii)          Each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank has the authority to transact its business in the State of Wisconsin.
 
(iv)          The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; upon consummation of the Conversion and the Offerings, the authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company will be within the range set forth in the Prospectus under “Capitalization” and, except for 100 shares of Common Stock issued to the Mid-Tier Company, which shares have been cancelled, no shares of Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Closing Time.
 
(v)           The Securities have been duly authorized for issuance and sale; the Exchange Shares have been duly authorized for issuance; the Securities, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration calculated as set forth in the Plan, will be validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable; the Exchange Shares, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to the Plan, will be validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable.
 
(vi)          The issuance of the Securities and the Exchange Shares is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights arising by operation of law or regulation or the articles of incorporation, charter or bylaws of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank.
 
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(vii)         The Bank is a member in good standing of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.
 
(viii)        The deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to the applicable limits.
 
(ix)           Upon consummation of the Conversion, the authorized capital stock of the Bank will consist of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share; upon consummation of the Conversion, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Bank will be duly authorized and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable, and all such capital stock will be owned beneficially and of record by the Company, to such counsel’s actual knowledge, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or restriction.  The issuance of such Bank common stock to the Company was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
 
(x)           The Federal Reserve Board has approved the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application (including the MHC Merger, the Mid-Tier Company Merger) and to such counsel’s actual knowledge, such approvals remain in full force and effect and no action is pending or threatened respecting the Holding Company Application or the Conversion Application or the acquisition by the Company of all of the Bank’s issued and outstanding capital stock; the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application, including the Plan, comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Federal Reserve Board (it being understood, however, that (i) no opinion need be rendered with respect to the financial statements or other financial and statistical data included in, or omitted from, the Holding Company Application or the Conversion Application, (ii) in passing upon the compliance as to form of the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application, such counsel need not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained therein, and (iii) no opinion need be rendered with respect to the business plan or the appraisal report), and to such counsel’s actual knowledge include all documents required to be filed as exhibits thereto; and the Company is authorized to become a bank holding company and is authorized to own all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Bank to be issued pursuant to the Plan.
 
(xi)           At the time of its use, the Members’ Proxy Statement complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the FRB Regulations except as waived or otherwise approved by the Federal Reserve Board and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act Regulations (other than the financial statements, the notes thereto, and the other tabular financial and other statistical and appraisal data included therein as to which no opinion need be rendered).
 
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(xii)         The Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have full corporate power and authority to enter into and perform their obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Plan.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (A) have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank, (B) will not violate the articles of incorporation, charter or bylaws of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank, and (C) will not result in a breach of or default, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance under any agreement filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
 
(xiii)        The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act, and such counsel has been advised by the Commission’s staff that no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, including any post-effective amendment thereto, has been issued under the Securities Act and that no proceedings for such purpose have been initiated or, to such counsel’s actual knowledge, threatened by the Commission.
 
(xiv)        No further approval, authorization, consent or other order of any public board or body is required in connection with the execution and delivery of the Agreement, the issuance of the Securities and the Exchange Shares and the consummation of the Conversion except as may be required under the securities or Blue Sky laws of various jurisdictions as to which no opinion need be rendered.
 
(xv)         At the time the Registration Statement became effective, the Registration Statement complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations; it being understood, however, that (i) no opinion need be rendered with respect to the financial statements, the notes thereto, or other tabular, financial, statistical and appraisal data included in, or omitted from, the Registration Statement and (ii) in passing upon the compliance as to form of the Registration Statement, such counsel may assume that the statements made therein are correct and complete, except as otherwise set forth in paragraph (xx).
 
(xvi)        The Common Stock conforms to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus, and the form of certificate used to evidence the Common Stock complies with all applicable statutory requirements.
 
(xvii)       To such counsel’s actual knowledge, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened against or affecting the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank that are required, individually or in the aggregate, to be disclosed in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, other than those disclosed therein.
 
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(xviii)      The information in the Prospectus under “Taxation,” “Supervision and Regulation,” “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders,” “—Effects of Conversion on Depositors, Borrowers and Members,” “—Liquidation Rights,” “—Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after Conversion,” “—Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares,” and “—Material Income Tax Consequences,” “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights For Existing Stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc.,” “Restrictions on Acquisition of New WaterStone,” and “Description of Capital Stock of New Waterstone Following the Conversion,” to the extent that it constitutes matters of law, summaries of legal matters, documents or proceedings, or legal conclusions, has been reviewed by them and is complete and accurate in all material respects.
 
(xix)         To such counsel’s actual knowledge, there are no contracts, indentures, mortgages, loan agreements, notes, leases or other instruments required to be described or referred to in the Registration Statement and Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits thereto other than those described or referred to therein or filed as exhibits thereto and the descriptions thereof or references thereto are correct, and, except as described in the Prospectus, no default exists, and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default, in the due performance or observance of any material obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument so described, referred to or filed.
 
(xx)          The Plan has been duly authorized by the Boards of Directors of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the Bank and the MHC, and the Plan has been approved by the requisite vote of the MHC’s members and of the Mid-Tier Company’s stockholders.
 
(xxi)         To such counsel’s actual knowledge, the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank have conducted the Conversion in accordance with applicable requirements of the FRB Regulations, (except to the extent that the requirement to comply was specifically waived by the Federal Reserve Board), the Plan and the letter from the Federal Reserve Board dated _______ approving the Holding Company Application and Conversion Application (which letters, to such counsel’s actual knowledge, are the only such letters received from the Federal Reserve Board relating to the approval of the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application), and have satisfied all conditions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC or the Bank by the Federal Reserve Board and no order has been issued by the Federal Reserve Board to suspend the Conversion or the Offerings and no action for such purpose has been instituted or threatened by the Federal Reserve Board; and to such counsel’s actual knowledge no person has sought to obtain review of the final action of the Federal Reserve Board in approving the Plan, the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application.
 
(xxii)        To such counsel’s actual knowledge, neither the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC nor the Bank is currently in violation of their respective articles of incorporation, charters or bylaws.
 
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(xxiii)       The Company is not and, upon completion of the Conversion and the Offerings and the sale of the Common Stock and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, will not be required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
(xxiv)      Each Subsidiary is validly existing as a corporation chartered under its respective jurisdiction of incorporation with corporate power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus. All of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each Subsidiary is owned beneficially and of record by the Bank free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance.  The activities of each Subsidiary as described in the Prospectus are permitted for subsidiaries of Wisconsin-chartered stock savings banks.
 
In giving their opinions, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. may rely as to matters of fact on certificates of officers and directors of the Company, the Mid-Tier Company, the MHC and the Bank and certificates of public officials.
 
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EXHIBIT C

MASTER SELLING AGREEMENT
 
 
_______________, 20__
 
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6 th Floor
New York, New York 10020
 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with offerings of securities after the date hereof for which Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill” or “you”) is acting as manager of an underwriting syndicate or is otherwise responsible for the distribution of securities by means of an offering of securities for sale to selected dealers (“Selected Dealers”), we may be offered the right to purchase as principal a portion of the securities being distributed; the offering of Securities is hereinafter called the “Offering.”  This will confirm our mutual agreement as to the general terms and conditions applicable to our participation in any such selected dealer group organized by Sandler O’Neill as follows:

1.       Applicability of this Agreement.   The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be applicable to any offering of securities (“Securities”) wherein Sandler O’Neill (acting for its own account or for the account of any underwriting or similar group or syndicate) is responsible for managing or otherwise implementing the sale of the Securities to Selected Dealers and has expressly informed us that such terms and conditions shall be applicable.  In the case of any Offering in which you are acting for the account of any underwriting or similar group or syndicate (“Underwriters”), the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, and binding upon, such Underwriters, including, in the case of any Offering in which you are acting with others as representative of the Underwriters.  The term “preliminary prospectus” means any preliminary prospectus, together with any preliminary prospectus supplement, relating to an Offering of Securities; the term “Prospectus” means the prospectus, together with the final prospectus supplement, if any, relating to the Offering of Securities.

2.       Conditions of Offering; Acceptance and Purchases.   The Offering will be subject to delivery of the Securities and their acceptance by you and any other Underwriters, may be subject to the approval of all legal matters by counsel and the satisfaction of other conditions, and may be made on the basis of reservation of Securities or an allotment against subscription.  You will advise us by telegram, telex, facsimile or other form of written communication (“Written Communication,” which term may include a prospectus) of the particular method and supplementary terms and conditions (including, without limitation, the information as to prices and offering date referred to in Section 3(b) hereof) of any Offering in which we are invited to participate and the applicability of the general terms of this Agreement.  To the extent such supplementary terms and conditions are inconsistent with any provision herein, such terms and conditions shall supersede any such provision.  Unless otherwise indicated in any such Written Communication, acceptances and other communications to us with respect to any Offering should be sent to Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P., 1251 Avenue of the Americas., 6th Floor, New York, New York 10020 Attention: Syndicate Department.   We reserve the right in our discretion to reject any acceptance in whole or in part, and to allot.
 
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Payment for Securities purchased by us shall be made at the offices of Sandler O’Neill, 1251 Avenue of Americas., 6th Floor, New York, New York 10020, at the Offering Price (as hereinafter defined), or, if you shall advise us, at such price less the Concession to dealers  (as hereinafter defined) or at the price set forth or indicated in a Written Communication, on such date as you shall determine, on one day’s prior notice to us, payable in New York Clearing House funds against delivery of the Securities.  If Securities are purchased and paid for at such Offering Price, such Concession will be paid after the termination of the provisions of Section 3(b) hereof with respect to such Securities.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless we give you written instructions otherwise, if transactions in the Securities may be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, payment for and delivery of Securities purchased by us will be made through such facilities if we are a member, or, if we are not a member, settlement may be made through our correspondent who is a member in same day funds pursuant to instructions which we will send to you prior to such specified date.

3.       Representations, Warranties and Agreements.

(a)     Use of Prospectus or Offering Circular.   You shall provide us with such number of copies of each preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and any supplement thereto relating to each Offering as we may reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.  We represent and warrant that we are familiar with Rule 15c2-8 under the Exchange Act relating to the distribution of preliminary and final prospectuses and agree that we will comply therewith.  With respect to Securities for which no Registration Statement is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), you will furnish to us, to the extent made available to you by the issuer, copies of any private placement memorandum, offering circular or other offering materials to be used in connection with the offering of the Securities and of each amendment thereto (the “Offering Circular”).  We agree to keep an accurate record of our distribution (including dates, number of copies and persons to whom sent) of any preliminary prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to any thereof), and, promptly upon request by you, to bring all subsequent changes to the attention of anyone to whom such material shall have been furnished. We agree that in purchasing Securities in the Offering we will rely upon no statement whatsoever, written or oral, other than the statements in the final prospectus or Offering Circular, as applicable, delivered to us by you.  We will not be authorized by the issuer or other seller of Securities offered pursuant to a prospectus or Offering Circular or by any Underwriters to give any information or to make any representation not contained in the Prospectus or Offering Circular in connection with the sale of the Securities.

(b)     Offer and Sale.   With respect to any Offering of Securities, you will inform us by a Written Communication of the offering price, the selling concession, the reallowance (if any) to dealers and the time when we may commence selling Securities.  After such offering has commenced, you may change the offering price, the selling concession and the reallowance to dealers.  The offering price, selling concession and reallowance (if any) to dealers at any time in effect with respect to the Offering are hereinafter referred to, respectively, as the “Offering Price,” the “Concession” and the “Reallowance.”  With respect to the Offering, until the provisions of this Section 3(b) shall be terminated pursuant to Section 4 hereof, we agree to offer Securities only at the Offering Price, except that if a Reallowance is in effect, a reallowance from the Offering Price not in excess of such Reallowance may be allowed as consideration for services rendered in distribution to dealers who are actually engaged in the investment banking or securities business, who execute the written agreement prescribed by Rule 2740(c) of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (the “FINRA”)  and who are either members in good standing of the FINRA or foreign banks, dealers or institutions not eligible for membership in the FINRA who represent to us that they will promptly reoffer such Securities at the Offering Price and will abide by the conditions with respect to foreign banks, dealers and institutions set forth in Section 3(e) hereof.
 
C- 2
 

 

 
(c)     Over-allotment; Stabilization; Unsold Allotments.   You may, with respect to any Offering, be authorized to over-allot in arranging sales to Selected Dealers, to purchase and sell Securities, any other securities of the issuer of the Securities of the same class and series and any other securities of such issuer that you may designate for long or short account and to stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities.  We agree to advise you at any time and from time to time upon your request, prior to the termination of the provisions of Section 3(b) hereof, of the amount of Securities purchased by us pursuant to the Offering which then remain unsold by us, and we will, upon your request at any such time, sell to you for your account or the account of one or more of the Underwriters, such amount of such unsold Securities as you may designate, at the Offering Price less an amount to be determined by you not in excess of the Concession.  In the event that prior to the later of (a) the termination of the provisions of Section 3(b) hereof with respect to any Offering, or (b) the covering by you of any short position created by you in connection with such Offering for your account or the account of one or more Underwriters, you purchase or contract to purchase for your account or the account of one or more Underwriters, in the open market or otherwise, any Securities theretofore delivered to us, you reserve the right to withhold the above-mentioned Concession on such Securities if sold to us at the Offering Price, or if such Concession has been allowed to us through our purchase  at a net price, we agree to repay such Concession upon your demand, plus, in each case, any taxes on redelivery, commissions, dealer’s mark-up, accrued interest and dividends, if any, paid in connection with such purchase or contract to purchase.

(d)    Open Market Transaction.   Until such time as the terms of this Agreement shall no longer apply to an Offering or until you notify us that we are released from this restriction, we agree not to deal, trade, bid for, purchase, attempt to purchase, or sell, directly or indirectly, any Securities, any other securities of the issuer of the Securities of the same class and series or any other securities of such issuer as you may designate, except as brokers pursuant to unsolicited orders and as otherwise provided in this Agreement.  If the Securities are common stock or securities convertible into common stock, we agree not to effect, or attempt to induce others to effect, directly or indirectly, any transactions in or relating to put or call options on any stock of such issuer or warrants to purchase such stock, except to the extent permitted by Regulation M upon its effectiveness under the Exchange Act as interpreted by the Commission.

(e)     FINRA.   We represent and warrant that we are actually engaged in the investment banking or securities business and we are either a member in good standing of the FINRA or, if not such a member, a foreign bank, dealer or institution not eligible for membership in the FINRA.  If we are such a member, we agree that in making sales of the Securities we will comply with all applicable rules of the FINRA, including, without limitation, Rule 2740 and 2790 of the FINRA’s Conduct Rules.  If we are such a foreign bank, dealer or institution, we agree not to offer or sell any Securities in the United States, its territories or its possessions or to persons who are citizens thereof or residents therein except through you and in making sales of Securities outside the United States we agree to comply as though we were a member with Rules 2730, 2740, 2750 and 2790 of the FINRA’s Conduct Rules and to comply with Rule 2420 as it applies to nonmember brokers or dealers in a foreign country.  We further represent, by our participation in the Offering, that we have provided to you all documents and other information required to be filed with respect to us, any related person or any person associated with us or any such related person pursuant to the supplementary requirements of the FINRA’s interpretation with respect to review of corporate financing as such requirements relate to the Offering.

(f)      Relationship Among Underwriters and Selected Dealers. You may buy Securities from or sell Securities to any Underwriter or Selected Dealer and, with your consent, the Underwriters (if any) and the Selected Dealers may purchase Securities from and sell Securities to each other at the Offering Price less all or any part of the Concession.   We are not authorized to act as Agent for you, any Underwriter or the issuer or other seller or any guarantor of any Securities in offering Securities to the public or otherwise.    Nothing contained herein or in any Written Communication from you shall constitute the Selected Dealers an association or partners with you or any Underwriter or with one another.  We shall not be under any obligation to you except for obligations expressly assumed hereby or in any Written Communication from you in connection with the Offering.
 
C- 3
 

 

 
(g)     Blue Sky Laws.   Upon application to you, you shall inform us as to the jurisdictions in which you believe the Securities have been qualified for sale or are exempt under the securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions.  We understand and agree that compliance with the securities or “blue sky” laws in each jurisdiction in which we shall offer or sell any of the Securities shall be our sole responsibility and that you assume no responsibility or obligation as to the eligibility of the Securities for sale or our right to sell the Securities in any jurisdiction.

(h)     Compliance with Law.   We agree that in selling Securities pursuant to the Offering (which agreement shall also be for the benefit of the issuer or other seller of such Securities) we will comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, the applicable rules and regulations of the FINRA and the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange having jurisdiction over the Offering.  You shall have full authority to take such action as you may deem advisable in respect of all matters pertaining to any Offering.  Neither you nor any Underwriter shall be under any liability to us, except for lack of good faith and for obligations expressly assumed by you in this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing in this sentence shall be deemed to relieve you from any liability imposed by the Securities Act.

4.       Termination; Supplements and Amendments.   This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto upon five business days’ written notice to the other party; provided, however, that with respect to any Offering for which a Written Communication was sent and accepted prior to such notice, this Agreement, as it applies to such Offering and all previous offerings, shall terminate in accordance with the last sentence of this Section.  This Agreement may be supplemented or amended by you by written notice thereof to us, and any such supplement or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective with respect to any Offering to which this Agreement applies after the date of such supplement or amendment.  Each reference to “this Agreement” herein shall, as appropriate, be to this Agreement as so amended or supplemented.  The terms and conditions set forth in Section 3(b) and (d) with regard to any Offering will terminate at the close of business on the thirtieth day after the effective date of the registration statement pursuant to which such Offering is made, but in your discretion such terms and conditions upon notice to us, may be extended by you for a further period not exceeding thirty days and, whether or not extended, may be terminated by you at any time.

5.       Successors and Assigns.   This Agreement shall be binding on, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and other persons specified in Sections 1 and 3(h) hereof, and the respective successors and assigns of each of them.

6.       Governing Law.   This Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein, together with the supplementary terms and conditions with respect to the Offering as may be contained in any Written Communication from you to us in connection therewith, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to its conflicts of laws principles.
 
C- 4
 

 

 
7.       Certain Tax Matters.   If the Selected Dealers, among themselves or with the Underwriters, are deemed to constitute a partnership for Federal income tax purposes, then we elect to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and agree not to take any position inconsistent with that election.  You are hereby authorized, in your discretion, to execute and file on our behalf such evidence of this election as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service.  In connection with the Offering, we shall be liable for your proportionate amount of any tax, claim, demand or liability that may be asserted against us alone or against  one or more Selected Dealers participating in such Offering, or against you or the Underwriters, based upon the claim that the Selected Dealers, or any of them, constitute an association, an unincorporated business or other entity, including, in each case, our proportionate amount of any expense incurred in defending against any such tax, claim demand or liability.
 
C- 5
 

 

 
By signing this Agreement we confirm that our subscription to, or our acceptance of any reservation of, any Securities pursuant to an Offering shall constitute (i) acceptance of and agreement to the terms and conditions of this Agreement (as supplemented or amended pursuant to Section 4), together with and subject to any supplementary terms and conditions contained in any Written Communication from you in connection with such Offering, all of which shall constitute a binding agreement between us and you, individually or as representative of any Underwriters, (ii) confirmation that our representations and warranties set forth in Section 3 hereof are true and correct at that time, (iii) confirmation that our  agreements set forth in Sections 2 and 3 hereof have been and will be fully performed by us to the extent and at the times required thereby and (iv) acknowledgment that we have requested and received from you sufficient copies of the final prospectus with respect to such Offering in order to comply with our undertakings in Section 3(a) hereof.
       
   
Very truly yours,
       
     
      (Name of Firm)
       
       
    By:  
       
       
     
Print Name
              Title
       
Confirmed as of the date first above written:
   
       
SANDLER O’NEILL & PARTNERS, L.P.
   
       
BY:
SANDLER O’NEILL & PARTNERS CORP.,
   
 
THE SOLE GENERAL PARTNER
   
       
       
 
[Name]
   
 
        [Title]
   
 
C- 6
 

 


EXHIBIT D
 
FORM OF LOCK-UP LETTER
______________ _, 2013
 
 
S andler O’N eill & P artners , L.P.
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6 th Floor
New York, New York 10020

Re:               Proposed Public Offering by Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
The undersigned understands that Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. ( “Sandler O’Neill” ), proposes to enter into an Agency Agreement (the “ Agency Agreement ”) with Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”), Waterstone Financial, Inc., a federally-chartered stock holding company (the “ Mid-Tier ”), Lamplighter Financial, MHC, a federally-chartered mutual holding company (the “ MHC ”) and WaterStone Bank SSB, a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank (the “ Bank ” and, together with the Company, the Mid-Tier and the MHC, the “ WaterStone Parties ”), providing for the public offering (the “ Public Offering ”) of up to 28,031,250 shares (the “ Shares ”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Stock ”).
 
In recognition of the benefit that the Public Offering will confer upon the undersigned, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees with Sandler O’Neill that, during the period beginning on the date of the final prospectus relating to the subscription offering (the “Subscription Offering Prospectus” ) and ending 90 days after the Closing Date of the Public Offering (the “Restricted Period” ), the undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of Sandler O’Neill, directly or indirectly, (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of the Company’s Stock, the common stock of Mid-Tier (“Mid-Tier Stock”) or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Stock or Mid-Tier Stock, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition, or file any registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to any of the foregoing, (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the Stock or Mid-Tier Stock, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of Stock, Mid-Tier Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise or (iii) publicly announce an intention to do any of the foregoing.  If either (i) during the period that begins on the date that is 15 calendar days plus three (3) business days before the last day of the Restricted Period and ends on the last day of the Restricted Period, the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or (ii) prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the Restricted Period, the restrictions set forth herein will continue to apply until the expiration of the date that is 15 calendar days plus three (3) business days after the date on which the earnings release is issued or the material news or event related to the Company occurs.  The Company shall promptly notify Sandler O’Neill of any earnings releases, news or events that may give rise to an extension of the Restricted Period.
 
D- 1
 

 

 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s shares of Stock and Mid-Tier Stock (i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, provided that the donee or donees agree to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, (ii) to any trust or family limited partnership for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned, provided that the trustee of the trust or general partner of the family limited partnership, as the case may be, agrees to be bound by the restrictions set forth herein, and provided further that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, (iii) pledged in a bona fide transaction outstanding as of the date hereof to a lender to the undersigned, as disclosed in writing to Sandler O’Neill, (iv) pursuant to the exercise by the undersigned of stock options that have been granted by the Mid-Tier Company prior to, and are outstanding as of, the date of the Agency Agreement, where the Stock or Mid-Tier Stock received upon any such exercise is held by the undersigned, individually or as fiduciary, in accordance with the terms of this Lock-Up Agreement, (v) the withholding of Stock or Mid-Tier Stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock, or (vi) with the prior written consent of Sandler O’Neill. For purposes of this Lock-Up Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin.
 
The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the undersigned’s Company Stock, except in compliance with this Lock-Up Agreement.  In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company and its transfer agent are hereby authorized to decline to make any transfer of securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach of this Lock-Up Agreement.
 
The undersigned represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this Lock-Up Agreement.  The undersigned understands that the Company and Sandler O’Neill are relying upon this Lock-Up Agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the Public Offering.  The undersigned agrees that the provisions of this Lock-Up Agreement shall be binding also upon the successors, assigns, heirs and personal Agent of the undersigned.
 
The undersigned understands that, if the Agency Agreement does not become effective, or if the Agency Agreement (other than the provisions thereof which survive termination) shall terminate or be terminated prior to payment for and delivery of the Stock to be sold thereunder, the undersigned shall be released from all obligations under this Lock-up Agreement.

This Lock-up Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

[SIGNATURE ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
 
D- 2
 

 

 
     
 
Very truly yours,
     
     
  Signature:  
     
     
  Print Name:  
 
D- 3
 

 

                      
EXHIBIT E

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF WATERSTONE PARTIES

Douglas S. Gordon
Richard C. Larson
William F. Bruss
Rebecca M. Arndt
Eric J. Egenhoefer
Ellen S. Bartel
Thomas E. Dalum
Michael L. Hansen
Patrick S. Lawton
Kristine A. Rappe
Stephen J. Schmidt
 
E- 1

 

 

Exhibit 8.1

 

LUSE GORMAN POMERENK & SCHICK

A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

 

5335 WISCONSIN AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 780

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20015

 

TELEPHONE (202) 274-2000

FACSIMILE (202) 362-2902

www.LuseLaw.com

 

   

July 15, 2013

 

 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Federal)

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

You have requested this firm's opinion regarding the material federal income tax consequences that will result from the conversion of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, a federal mutual holding company (the “Mutual Holding Company”) into the capital stock form of organization (the “Conversion”) pursuant to the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC dated June 6, 2013 (the “Plan”) and the integrated transactions described below.

 

In connection with rendering our opinion, we have made such investigations as we have deemed relevant or necessary for the purpose of this opinion. In our examination, we have assumed the authenticity of original documents, the accuracy of copies and the genuineness of signatures. We have further assumed the absence of adverse facts not apparent from the face of the instruments and documents we examined and have relied upon the accuracy of the factual matters set forth in the Plan and the Registration Statement filed by Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Holding Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Application for Conversion on Form AC filed by the Mutual Holding Company with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). In addition, we are relying on a letter from RP ® Financial, LC. to you dated June 5, 2013, stating its belief as to certain valuation matters described below. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan. Furthermore, we assume that each of the parties to the Conversion will comply with all reporting obligations with respect to the Conversion required under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations issued thereunder (the “Treasury Regulations”). Any terms used herein but not defined herein will have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.

 

Our opinion is based upon the existing provisions of the Code, the Treasury Regulations and upon current Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) published rulings and existing court decisions, any of which could be changed at any time. Any such changes may be retroactive and could significantly modify the statements and opinions expressed herein. Similarly, any change in the facts and assumptions stated below, upon which this opinion is based, could modify the conclusions. This opinion is as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change in any matter considered herein after the date hereof.

 
 

 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 2

 

We opine only as to the matters we expressly set forth herein, and no opinions should be inferred as to any other matters or as to the tax treatment of the transactions that we do not specifically address. We express no opinion as to other federal laws and regulations, or as to laws and regulations of other jurisdictions, or as to factual or legal matters other than as set forth herein.

 

For purposes of this opinion, we are relying on the representations as to factual matters provided to us by the Mutual Holding Company, WaterStone Bank SSB (the “Bank”) , Waterstone Financial, Inc., a Federal corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”) and the Holding Company, as set forth in the certificates for each of those aforementioned entities and signed by authorized officers of each of the aforementioned entities, incorporated herein by reference.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED TRANSACTION

 

Based upon our review of the documents described above, and in reliance upon such documents, we understand that the relevant facts are as follows. The Bank organized into the mutual holding company structure in 2005, concurrently with the Mid-Tier Holding Company completing its initial public offering. The Mutual Holding Company, which is the parent of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, is a federally chartered mutual holding company. The Mid-Tier Holding Company is a federally chartered, publicly-traded mid-tier stock holding company and the parent holding company of the Bank. At March 31, 2013, the Mid-Tier Holding Company had consolidated assets of $1.6 billion, deposits of $914.9 million and stockholders’ equity of $207.1 million. At March 31, 2013, the Mid-Tier Holding Company had 31,348,556 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 8,298,373 shares, or 26.5%, were owned by the public (including 19,334 shares owned by Waukesha County Community Foundation, Inc.), and the remaining 23,050,183 shares were held by the Mutual Holding Company.

 

The Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company have adopted the Plan providing for the Conversion of the Mutual Holding Company from a federally chartered mutual holding company to the capital stock form of organization. A s part of the Conversion, the Holding Company will succeed to all the rights and obligations of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and will offer shares of Holding Company Common Stock to the Bank’s depositors, current stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and members of the general public in the Offering.

 
 

 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 3

 

Pursuant to the Plan, the Conversion will be effected as follows, in such order as is necessary to consummate the Conversion:

 

(1) The Mid-Tier Holding Company will organize the Holding Company as a Maryland corporation subsidiary.
(2) The Mutual Holding Company will merge with and into the Mid-Tier Holding Company with the Mid-Tier Holding Company as the surviving entity (the “MHC Merger”) whereby the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company held by the Mutual Holding Company will be cancelled and the members of the Mutual Holding Company will constructively receive liquidation interests in Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their liquidation interests in the Mutual Holding Company.
(3) Immediately after the MHC Merger, the Mid-Tier Holding Company will merge with and into the Holding Company (the “Mid-Tier Merger”), with the Holding Company as the resulting entity. As part of the Mid-Tier Merger, the liquidation interests in Mid-Tier Holding Company constructively received by the members of Mutual Holding Company will automatically, without further action on the part of the holders thereof, be exchanged for an interest in the Liquidation Account and the Minority Shares will automatically, without further action on the part of the holders thereof, be converted into and become the right to receive Holding Company Common Stock based on the Exchange Ratio.
(4) Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger, the Holding Company will offer for sale Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering.
(5) The Holding Company will contribute at least 50% of the net proceeds of the Offering to the Bank in constructive exchange for common stock of the Bank and the Bank Liquidation Account.

Following the Conversion, a Liquidation Account will be maintained by the Holding Company for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their deposit accounts with the Bank. Pursuant to Section 19 of the Plan, the Liquidation Account will be equal to the product of (a) the percentage of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company owned by the Mutual Holding Company multiplied by (b) the Mid-Tier Holding Company's total stockholders' equity as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus utilized in the Conversion plus the value of the net assets of the Mutual Holding Company as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition of the Mutual Holding Company prior to the effective date of the Conversion (excluding its ownership of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock). The terms of the Liquidation Account and Bank Liquidation Account are described in Section 19 of the Plan.

 
 

 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 4

 

As part of the Conversion, all of the then-outstanding shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock owned by the Minority Stockholders will be converted into and become shares of Holding Company Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Ratio in a manner that ensures that after the Conversion, Minority Stockholders will own in the aggregate the same percentage of Holding Company Common Stock as they held in Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock immediately prior to the Conversion, exclusive of Minority Stockholders' purchases of additional shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering and receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. As part of the Conversion, additional shares of Holding Company Common Stock will be offered for sale on a priority basis to depositors of the Bank, to current shareholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and to members of the public in the Offering.

 

As a result of the Conversion and Offering, the Holding Company will be a publicly-held corporation, will register the Holding Company Common Stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will become subject to the rules and regulations thereunder and file periodic reports and proxy statements with the SEC. The Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company and will continue to carry on its business and activities as conducted immediately prior to the Conversion.

 

The stockholders of the Holding Company will be the former Minority Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the Conversion, plus those persons who purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering. Nontransferable rights to subscribe for the Holding Company Common Stock have been granted, in order of priority, to Eligible Account Holders, the Bank's tax-qualified employee plans (“Employee Plans”), Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and certain depositors of the Bank as of the Voting Record Date (“Other Depositors”). Subscription rights are nontransferable. The Holding Company will also offer shares of Holding Company Common Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering, if any, for sale in a Community Offering or Syndicated Community Offering to certain members of the general public.

 

 
 

 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 5

 

 

OPINIONS

 

Based on the foregoing description of the Conversion, including the MHC Merger and the Mid-Tier Merger, and subject to the qualifications and limitations set forth in this letter, we are of the opinion that:

 

1. The MHC Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code. (Section 368(a)(l)(A) of the Code.)
2. The constructive exchange of the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders liquidation interests in the Mutual Holding Company for liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in the MHC Merger will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Income Tax Regulations. ( cf. Rev. Rul. 69-3, 1969-1 C.B. 103, and Rev. Rul. 69-646, 1969-2 C.B. 54.)
3. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Mutual Holding Company on the transfer of its assets to the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company's assumption of its liabilities, if any, in constructive exchange for liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company or on the constructive distribution of such liquidation interests t o members of the Mutual Holding Company. (Section 361(a), 361(c) and 357(a) of the Code.)
4. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Mid-Tier Holding Company upon the receipt of the assets of the Mutual Holding Company in the MHC Merger in exchange for the constructive transfer to the members of the Mutual Holding Company of the liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company. (Section 1032(a) of the Code.)
5. Neither Eligible Account Holders or Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who have liquidation interests in the Mutual Holding Company will recognize gain or loss upon the constructive receipt of liquidation rights in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their voting and liquidation rights in the Mutual Holding Company. (Section 354(a) of the Code.)
 
 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 6

6. The basis of the assets of Mutual Holding Company (other than stock in the Mid-Tier Holding Company) to be received by the Mid-Tier Holding Company will be the same as the basis of such assets in the Mutual Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 362(b) of the Code.)
7. The holding period of the assets of the Mutual Holding Company transferred to the Mid-Tier Holding Company will include the holding period of those assets in Mutual Holding Company. (Section 1223(2) of the Code.)
8. The Mid-Tier Merger will constitute a mere change in identity, form or place of organization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) (F) of the Code and therefore will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) (1)(F) of the Code . (Section 368(a)(1) (F) of the Code.)
9. The Mid-Tier Holding Company will not recognize any gain or loss on the transfer of its assets to the Holding Company and the Holding Company’s assumption of its liabilities in exchange for shares of Holding Company Common Stock or the distribution of such stock to Minority Stockholders and constructive distribution of interests in the Liquidation Account to the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders . (Sections 361(a), 361(c) and 357(a) of the Code.)
10. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Holding Company upon the receipt of the assets of Mid-Tier Holding Company in the Mid-Tier Merger. (Section 1032(a) of the Code.)
11. The basis of the assets of the Mid-Tier Holding Company to be received by the Holding Company will be the same as the basis of such assets in the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 362(b) of the Code.)
12. The holding period of the assets of Mid-Tier Holding Company to be received by the Holding Company will include the holding period of those assets in the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 1223(2) of the Code.)
 
 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 7

13. Mid-Tier Holding Company shareholders will not recognize any gain or loss upon their exchange of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock for Holding Company Common Stock. (Section 354 of the Code.)
14. Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will not recognize any gain or loss upon their constructive exchange of their liquidation interests in Mid-Tier Holding Company for interests in the Liquidation Account in the Holding Company. (Section 354 of the Code.)
15. The constructive exchange of the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company for interests in a Liquidation Account established in the Holding Company will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Income Tax Regulations. ( cf. Rev. Rul. 69-3, 1969-1 C.B. 103, and Rev. Rul. 69-646, 1969-2 C.B. 54.)
16. The payment of cash to the Minority Stockholders in lieu of fractional shares of Holding Company Common Stock will be treated as though the fractional shares were distributed as part of the Mid-Tier Merger and then redeemed by Holding Company. The cash payments will be treated as distributions in full payment for the fractional shares deemed redeemed under Section 302(a) of the Code, with the result that such shareholders will have short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the extent that the cash they receive differs from the basis allocable to such fractional shares. (Rev. Rul. 66-365, 1966-2 C.B. 116 and Rev. Proc. 77-41, 1977-2 C.B. 574.)
17. It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase Holding Company Common Stock is zero. Accordingly, it is more likely than not that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Depositors upon distribution to them of nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock. ( Section 356(a) of the Code. ) Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Depositors will not realize any taxable income as a result of their exercise of the nontransferable subscriptions rights. (Rev. Rul. 56-572, 1956-2 C.B. 182.)
18. It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the benefit provided by the Bank Liquidation Account supporting the payment of the Liquidation Account in the event the Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets is zero. Accordingly, it is more likely than not that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders upon the constructive distribution to them of such rights in the Bank Liquidation Account as of the effective date of the Mid-Tier Merger. ( Section 356(a) of the Code. )
 
 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 8

19. Each shareholder's aggregate basis in his or her Holding Company Common Stock received in the exchange will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock surrendered in exchange therefore. (Section 358(a) of the Code.)
20. Because it is more likely than not that the subscription rights have no value, it is more likely than not that the basis of the Holding Company Common Stock purchased in the Offering by the exercise of the nontransferable subscription rights will be the purchase price thereof. (Section 1012 of the Code.)
21. Each shareholder's holding period in his or her Holding Company Common Stock received in the exchange will include the period during which the Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock surrendered was held, provided that the common stock surrendered is a capital asset in the hands of the shareholder on the date of the exchange. (Section 1223(1) of the Code.)
22. The holding period of the Holding Company Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of subscriptions rights will commence on the date on which the right to acquire such stock was exercised. (Section 1223(5) of the Code.)
23. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Holding Company on the receipt of money in exchange for Holding Company Common Stock sold in the Offering. (Section 1032 of the Code.)

Our opinions under paragraphs 17, 19 and 20 are based on the position that the subscription rights to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock received by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Depositors have a fair market value of zero. We understand that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, will be legally nontransferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in any Community Offering or Syndicated Community Offering. No person shall receive any payment, whether in money or property, in lieu of the issuance of subscription rights. We also note that the IRS has not in the past concluded that subscription rights have value. In addition, we are relying on a letter from RP ® Financial, LC. to you stating its belief that subscription rights do not have any economic value at the time of distribution or at the time the rights are exercised in the Subscription Offering. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is more likely than not that the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase Holding Company Common Stock have no value. If the subscription rights are subsequently found to have an economic value, income may be recognized by various recipients of the subscription rights (in certain cases, whether or not the rights are exercised) and the Holding Company and/or the Bank may be taxable on the distribution of the subscription rights.

 
 

 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 9

 

Our opinion under paragraph 18 above is based on the position that the benefit provided by the Bank Liquidation Account supporting the payment of the Liquidation Account in the event the Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets has a fair market value of zero. We understand that: (i) no holder of an interest in a liquidation account has ever received payment attributable to such interest in a liquidation account; (ii) the interests in the Liquidation Account and Bank Liquidation Account are not transferable; (iii) the amounts due under the Liquidation Account with respect to each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder will be reduced as their deposits in the Bank are reduced as described in the Plan; and (iv) the Bank Liquidation Account payment obligation arises only if the Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets to fund the Liquidation Account. We also note that the U.S. Supreme Court in Paulsen v. Commissioner, 469 U.S. 131 (1985) stated the following:

 

The right to participate in the net proceeds of a solvent liquidation is also not a significant part of the value of the shares. Referring to the possibility of a solvent liquidation of a mutual savings association, this Court observed: “It stretches the imagination very far to attribute any real value to such a remote contingency, and when coupled with the fact that it represents nothing which the depositor can readily transfer, any theoretical value reduces almost to the vanishing point.” Society for the Savings v. Bowers, 349 U.S. 143, 150 (1955).

 

In addition, we are relying on a letter from RP ® Financial, LC. to you stating its belief that the benefit provided by the Bank Liquidation Account supporting the payment of the Liquidation Account in the event the Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets does not have any economic value at the time of the Conversion. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is more likely than not that such rights in the Bank Liquidation Account have no value.

 
 

 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Maryland)

WaterStone Bank SSB

July 15, 2013

Page 10

  

If such rights in the Bank Liquidation Account are subsequently found to have an economic value, income may be recognized by each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder in the amount of the fair market value as of their interest in the Bank Liquidation Account the effective date of the Conversion.

 

CONSENT

 

We hereby consent to the filing of the opinion as an exhibit to the Mutual Holding Company's Application for Conversion filed with the Federal Reserve and to the Holding Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the SEC. We also consent to the references to our firm in the Prospectus contained in the Application for Conversion and Form S-1 under the captions “The Conversion and Offering-Material Income Tax Consequences” and “Legal Matters.”

 

Very truly yours,
   
/s/ Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick P.C.
   
Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick P.C.

 
  Exhibit 10.2
 
WATERSTONE MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") by and between WATERSTONE MORTGAGE CORPORATION (the "Company") and ERIC J. EGENHOEFER ("Employee") is hereby entered into and effective as of the Closing Date.  This Agreement hereby supersedes any other employment agreements or understandings; written or oral, between the Company and Employee.
 
R E C I T A L S
 
The following statements are true and correct:

As of the date of this Agreement, the Company is engaged primarily in the highly competitive mortgage broker/banker industry.

As of the date of this Agreement, the Shareholders of the Company, including the Employee, are consummating the sale of all of the outstanding stock of the Company to Wauwatosa Savings Bank, a Wisconsin savings bank (“WSB”), pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2006, between the Company, all of its shareholders and WSB (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”).

WSB and the Company desire to maintain Employee as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation and Employee desires to accept such employment.

Employee is employed hereunder by the Company in a confidential relationship wherein Employee, in the course of his employment with the Company, has and will continue to become familiar with and aware of information as to the Company's customers, specific manner of doing business, including the processes and techniques utilized by the Company, and future plans with respect thereto, all of which has been and will be established and maintained at great expense to the Company; this information is a trade secret and constitutes the valuable good will of the Company.  In consideration for the rights granted under this Agreement, Employee agrees to the confidentiality and non-competition provisions contained in the Agreement.
 
Therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises, terms, covenants and conditions set forth herein and the performance of each, it is hereby agreed as follows:
 
- 1 -
 

 

 
A G R E E M E N T S
 
1.               Employment and Duties .

(a)           The Company hereby employs Employee as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.  As such, Employee shall have the responsibilities, duties and authority reasonably accorded to and expected of such position, as well as such other duties and responsibilities as may be designated by the Board of Directors of the Company from time to time.  Employee will report directly to the Board of Directors of the Company.   Employee hereby accepts this employment upon the terms and conditions herein, and agrees to devote his full time, attention and efforts to promote and further the business of the Company.

(b)           Employee shall faithfully adhere to, execute and fulfill all policies established by the Company and its Board of Directors.

(c)           Employee shall not, during the Term of his employment hereunder, be engaged in any other business activity pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage if the Company determines that such activity interferes or creates a conflict of interest with Employee's duties and responsibilities hereunder.  However, the foregoing limitations shall not be construed as prohibiting Employee from making personal investments in such form or manner as will  require his services in the operation or affairs of the companies or enterprises in which such investments are made.

2.              Compensation .  For all services rendered by Employee, the Company shall compensate Employee as follows:

(a)             Base Salary .  Effective the date that Employee commences employment under this Agreement (the "Effective Date”), the base salary payable to Employee shall be One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) per year (the ”Base Salary”), payable on a regular basis in accordance with the Company's standard payroll procedures.  On at least an annual basis following the Effective Date, the Board of Directors of the Company will review Employee's performance and may make increases to the Base Salary if, in its discretion, any such increase is warranted.

(b)             Incentive Bonus Plan .  In addition to Base Salary, Employee shall participate in the Bonus Compensation Plan designed by the Company for the benefit of Employee and certain other key employees of the Company which is based upon the profitability of the Company and is attached hereto as Exhibit A (“Bonus Compensation @ ).
 
- 2 -
 

 


(c)            Benefits and Other Compensation .   Employee shall be entitled to receive additional benefits and compensation from the Company in such form and to such extent as specified below:

 
(1)
Payment of premiums (or such portion thereof as is generally provided by the Company relative to its other employees) for coverage for Employee and his dependent family members under health, hospitalization, disability, dental, life and other insurance plans that the Company may have in effect from time to time.

 
(2)
Reimbursement for all necessary business travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Employee in the performance of his services pursuant to this Agreement.  All reimbursable expenses shall be appropriately documented in reasonable detail by Employee upon submission of any request for reimbursement, and in a format and manner consistent with the Company's expense reporting policy.

 
(3)
The Company shall provide Employee with other benefits as may be  deemed appropriate for Employee by the Board of Directors of the Company and participation in all other Company-wide  employee benefits as available from time to time, including, but not limited to, 401(K), and other qualified and non-qualified plans maintained by the Company.

 
(4)
During the term of this Agreement, Employee shall receive three (3) weeks of vacation in each full calendar year, which shall be prorated for any partial calendar years.  Employee and Company shall determine the time and intervals of his vacation.  Employee is also entitled to those paid holidays that are generally available to other employees of the Company.  Any unused vacation days will not be carried forward into the following year, all subject to the general provisions of the employee handbook of the Company.

3.              Non-Solicitation & Non-Competition Agreement .   In consideration of the employment hereunder, the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), such amount to be paid upon the consummation of the Stock Purchase Agreement, and other consideration received under the Stock Purchase Agreement:

(a)            Employee will not, for the term set forth in Section 3(b) below, for any reason whatsoever, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person, persons, company, partnership, corporation or business of whatever nature:

 (1)           Canvas, solicit or accept any business from any current customer of the Company, or any customer to whom the Company has delivered a proposal during the one (1) year period prior to the termination date of Employee’s employment, or any customer with whom Employee has had contact as a consequence of his employment with the Company (the "Restricted Customers").
 
- 3 -
 

 


(2)           Request, solicit or advise any of the Restricted Customers of the Company to withdraw, curtail or cancel their business with the Company.
 
(3)           Hire or otherwise employ any temporary, staff or other employee, consultant or other personnel of the Company under any circumstances, or induce or attempt to induce any employees, consultants or other personnel of the Company to terminate their employment or breach their agreements with the Company.

(4)           Divulge, transmit or otherwise disclose or cause to be divulged, transmitted or otherwise disclosed, or use personally, any of the confidential information regarding the Company’s business affairs, including, without limitation, such matters as computer programs, research, customer lists, customer development, planning, purchasing, financing, marketing, customer relations, and other information of a similar nature not available to the public which is developed at great expense and which provides the Company with a competitive advantage in conducting its business.  This protected confidential information may be oral or written and may be that which the Employee originates as well as that which otherwise comes into his possession or knowledge.

(5)           Own, operate, manage, join, finance, control, participate in ownership, management, operation or control of, or be paid or employed by or acquire any securities of, or otherwise become associated with or provide assistance to any Significant Competitor of the Company; provided, however, that this restriction shall not prohibit the Employee from acquiring less than 5% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any entity whose securities are publicly traded.  For purposes of this provision, the term "Significant Competitor" means any financial institution, including but not limited to, any commercial bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, mortgage brokerage or mortgage banking corporation which, at the time of termination of Employee's employment with the Company, or during the period of this covenant not to compete, has a home, branch or other office within a fifty (50) mile radius of any home, branch or other office of the Company or Wauwatosa Savings Bank existing at the time of termination of Employee's employment with the Company (the "Non-competition Territory") or has originated within the Non-competition Territory $30,000,000 or more in residential mortgage loans during any continual twelve (12) month period within twenty-four (24) months prior to Employee's termination and inclusive of the period covered by this covenant.

(b)            Time .  The restrictions set forth in Subparagraphs 3(a)(1) through 3(a)(5) shall apply to Employee for a period of equal to the longer of (i) four (4) years from the Effective Date of (ii) one (1) year following termination of employment under this Agreement.

(c)            Acknowledgement .   The parties agree that the terms and conditions of the restrictive covenants set forth in this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the Company and its confidential information and to prevent damage or loss to the Company as a result of action taken by Employee.  Employee acknowledges that the consideration provided for in this Agreement, the consideration of employment with the Company, and the consideration received under the Stock Purchase Agreement are sufficient to fully and adequately compensate Employee for agreeing to the restrictions set forth herein.
 
- 4 -
 

 


(d)           Enforcement .  Employee recognizes that irreparable injury may result to the Company and its business and property in the event of a breach by Employee of the restrictions imposed herein and agrees that if Employee shall engage in any act in violation of the provisions hereof, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to such other remedies and damages as may be available to it, to an injunction prohibiting Employee from engaging in any such act.

4.              Term; Termination; Rights on Termination .  The term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and shall continue for three (3) years (the "Initial Term"), and, unless terminated as herein provided, shall be extended at the end of each year beginning at the end of the Initial Term hereof for a period of one (1) year on the same terms and conditions contained herein unless otherwise renegotiated by the parties.

(a)            Death .  The death of Employee shall immediately terminate the Agreement with no severance compensation due to Employee's estate.

(b)            Disability .  If, as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness or injury, Employee shall have been absent from his full-time duties hereunder for four (4) consecutive months, then thirty (30) days after written notice to the Employee (which notice may occur before or after the end of such four (4) month period, but which shall not be effective earlier than the last day of such four (4) month period), the Company may terminate Employee's employment hereunder provided Employee is unable to resume his full-time duties at the conclusion of such notice period.  Also, Employee may terminate his employment hereunder if his health should become impaired to an extent that makes the continued performance of his duties hereunder hazardous to his physical or mental health or his life, provided that Employee shall have furnished the Company with a written statement from a qualified doctor to such effect and provided, further, that, at the Company's request made within thirty (30) days of the date of such written statement, Employee shall submit to an examination by a doctor selected by the Company who is reasonably acceptable to Employee or Employee's doctor and such doctor shall have concurred in the conclusion of Employee's doctor.  Subject to the last paragraph of this paragraph 4, in the event this Agreement is terminated as a result of Employee's disability, Employee shall receive from the Company the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 33% of the Employee’s Base Salary at the rate then in effect or (ii) the Employee’s Base Salary for whatever time period is remaining under the Term of this Agreement.
 
- 5 -
 

 


(c)            Good Cause .  The Company may terminate the Agreement upon written notice to Employee for good cause, which shall be: (1) Employee's willful, material and irreparable breach of this Agreement; (2) Employee's gross negligence in the performance or intentional nonperformance of any of Employee's material duties and responsibilities hereunder; (3) Employee's willful dishonesty, fraud or misconduct with respect to the business or affairs of the Company which materially and adversely affects the operations or reputation of the Company; (4) Employee's conviction of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude; or (5) alcohol or illegal drug abuse by Employee.  In the event of a termination for good cause, as enumerated above, Employee shall have no right to any severance compensation.  In the event of a termination for good cause, as defined solely with respect to Sections 4(c)(1), 4(c)(3) and 4(c)(4), Employee shall, within five (5) business days of the termination for good cause, reimburse Company for the pro rata portion of the compensation and consideration received in Section 3, which amount shall be measured by the thirty-six (36) month term for which this Agreement is made less the number of calendar months of employment completed hereunder compared with the contractual thirty-six (36) month term for which this Agreement is made.

(d)            Termination by Employee for Good Reason .  Employee may terminate his employment hereunder for "Good Reason."  As used herein, "Good Reason" shall mean any material breach of this Agreement by the Company, including the failure, without good cause, to pay Employee on a timely basis the amounts to which he is entitled under this Agreement.  In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Good Reason, Employee shall receive from the Company an amount equal to 25% of the Employee’s Base Salary at the rate then in effect.

(e)            Payment through Termination .  Upon termination of this Agreement for Good Reason as provided above, Employee shall be entitled to receive all compensation earned and all benefits and reimbursements (including payments for accrued vacation and sick leave) due through the effective date of termination.  Additional compensation subsequent to termination, if any, will be due and payable to Employee only to the extent and in the manner expressly provided above. All other rights and obligations of the Company and Employee under this Agreement shall cease as of the effective date of termination, except that the Company's obligations under paragraph 12 herein and Employee's obligations under paragraphs 3, 5, 6, and 12 herein shall survive such termination in accordance with their terms.

In the event of any termination of Employee's employment under this Agreement, Employee shall have no obligation to seek other employment; provided , however, that in the event that Employee secures employment during the period that any payment is continuing pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph 4, the amounts to be paid hereunder shall be reduced by the amount of Employee's earnings from such other employment.

5.              Return of Company Property .  All records, designs, technical authoring, patents, business plans, financial statements, manuals, memoranda, lists and other property delivered to or compiled by Employee by or on behalf of the Company, vendors or customers which pertain to the business of the Company shall be and remain the property of the Company, and be subject at all times to their discretion and control.  Likewise, all correspondence, reports, records, charts, advertising materials and other similar data pertaining to the business, activities or future plans of the Company  which is collected by Employee shall be delivered promptly to the Company without request by it upon termination of Employee's employment.
 
6.              Trade Secrets .  Employee agrees that he will not, during or after the term of this Agreement with the Company, disclose the specific terms of the Company's relationships or agreements with their respective significant vendors or customers or any other significant and material trade secret of the Company, whether in existence or proposed, to any person, firm, partnership, corporation or business for any reason or purpose whatsoever.
 
- 6 -
 

 


7.             No Prior Agreements .  Employee hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the execution of this Agreement by Employee and his employment by the Company and the performance of his duties hereunder will not violate or be a breach of any agreement with a former employer, client or any other person or entity.  Further, Employee agrees to indemnify the Company for any claim, including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and expenses of investigation, by any such third party that such third party may now have or may hereafter come to have against the Company based upon or arising out of any non-competition agreement, invention or secrecy agreement between Employee and such third party which was in existence as of the date of this Agreement.

8.             Assignment; Binding Effect .  Employee understands that he has been selected for employment by the Company on the basis of his personal qualifications, experience and skills.  Employee agrees, therefore, he cannot assign all or any portion of his performance under this Agreement.  This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

9.             Complete Agreement .   This Agreement is not a promise of future employment.  Employee has no oral representations, understandings or agreements with the Company or any of its officers, directors or representatives covering the same subject matter as this Agreement.  This written Agreement is the final, complete and exclusive statement and expression of the agreement between the Company and Employee and of all the terms of this Agreement, and it cannot be varied, contradicted or supplemented by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements.  This written Agreement may not be later modified except by a further writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and Employee, and no term of this Agreement may be waived except by writing signed by the party waiving the benefit of such term.

10.            Notice .  Whenever any notice is required hereunder, it shall be given in writing addressed as follows:
 
   
To the Company:
WATERSTONE MORTGAGE CORPORATION
  1155 Quail Court
  Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072
  Attn: Douglas S. Gordon, Director
 
   
To Employee:
Eric J. Egenhoefer
  W290 N6241 Hawks Landing
  Hartland, Wisconsin  53029
 
- 7 -
 

 

 
11.            Severability; Headings .  If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid or inoperative, the other portions of this Agreement shall be deemed valid and operative and, so far as is reasonable and possible, effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the portion held invalid or inoperative.  The paragraph headings herein are for reference purposes only and are not intended in any way to describe, interpret, define or limit the extent or intent of the Agreement or of any part hereof.

12.            Arbitration .  Any unresolved dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  The arbitrators shall not have the authority to add to, detract from, or modify any provision hereof nor to award punitive damages to any injured party.  A decision by a majority of the arbitration panel shall be final and binding.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators' award in any court having jurisdiction.  The arbitration proceeding shall be held in the city where the Company is located.

13.            Governing Law .  This Agreement shall in all respects be construed according to the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Employment Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
 
     
  WATERSTONE MORTGAGE CORPORATION
   
  /s/ Michael Blumenfeld    
  By: Michael Blumenfeld, General Counsel
   
  /s/ Douglas S. Gordon  
  Attest: Douglas S. Gordon, Director
   
   
  EMPLOYEE :
   
  /s/ Eric J. Egenhoefer
  Eric J. Egenhoefer, President
- 8 -

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

BONUS DESCRIPTION

PRESIDENT OF WATERSTONE MORTGAGE CORPORATION

APRIL 26, 2012

 

Bonus:

5% of all Waterstone Mortgage pre-tax income in excess of $2,000,000.00,

adjusted as set forth below

 

Adjustments: a. WSB warehouse line to be priced equivalent to USB warehouse line (or best lender pricing by third party to Waterstone Mortgage)
     
b. $100,000 in annual parent company pass-through expenses
     
c. Expensing of Waterstone Mortgage officer bonuses prior to computation of Egenhoefer bonus
     
d. No bonus payable if Waterstone Mortgage or WaterStone Bank become subject to a regulatory order the caused or contributed to by the operations of Waterstone Mortgage.

 

 Exhibit 23.2

 

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

The Board of Directors

Waterstone Financial, Inc.:

 

We consent to the use of our reports with respect to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

 

 

 

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

July 18, 2013

 

Exhibit 23.3

 

 

RP ® FINANCIAL, LC.  

Advisory   Planning   Valuation  

 

   

  July 15, 2013

 

Boards of Directors

Lamplighter Financial, MHC

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

WaterStone Bank SSB

11200 West Plank Court

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226

Members of the Boards of Directors:

We hereby consent to the use of our firm’s name in the Form AC Application for Conversion for Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and in the Form S-1 Registration Statement for Waterstone Financial, Inc., in each case as amended and supplemented. We also hereby consent to the inclusion of, summary of and reference to our Appraisal and our statements concerning subscription rights and liquidation rights in such filings including the prospectus of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

 

  Sincerely,
  RP ® FINANCIAL, LC.

   
   

 

 

 

Washington Headquarters  
Three Ballston Plaza Telephone: (703) 528-1700
100 North Glebe Road, Suite 600 Fax No.: (703) 528-1788
Arlington, VA 22201 Toll-Free No.: (866) 723-0594
www.rpfinancial.com E-Mail: mail@rpfinancial.com


Exhibit 99.4
WaterStone Bank

Dear Depositor of WaterStone Bank:
 
We are pleased to announce that the Boards of Directors of WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and Waterstone Financial, Inc. have voted unanimously in favor of a plan of conversion and reorganization whereby Lamplighter Financial, MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form to the full stock form of organization.   We are converting to eliminate the uncertainties associated with the mutual holding company structure under financial reform legislation   and to transition to a more familiar and flexible organizational structure that will better support our long-term growth, among other reasons.
 
The Proxy Card
As a depositor of WaterStone Bank, you are a member of Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  To accomplish the conversion and reorganization, your participation is extremely important.   On behalf of the Board, I ask that you help us meet our goal by reading the enclosed material and then casting your vote in favor of the plan of conversion and reorganization.  You may vote by mail by returning your proxy using the enclosed postage-paid envelope marked “PROXY RETURN.”  You can also vote by telephone or Internet, as instructed on the proxy card.  If you have more than one account, you may receive more than one proxy.  Please vote by returning all proxy cards received, there are no duplicates.
 
If the plan of conversion and reorganization is approved, let me assure you that:
 
deposit accounts will continue to be federally insured to the maximum extent permitted by law;
 
existing deposit accounts and loans will not undergo any change; and
 
voting for approval will not obligate you to buy any shares of common stock.
 
The Stock Offering
As a qualifying account holder, you also have nontransferable rights to subscribe for shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock on a priority basis, before the stock is offered to the general public. The enclosed prospectus describes the stock offering in more detail.   Please read the prospectus carefully before making an investment decision.
 
If you wish to subscribe for shares of common stock, please complete the enclosed stock order form and return it to Waterstone Financial, Inc., together with your payment for the shares, by mail using the enclosed postage-paid envelope marked “STOCK ORDER RETURN” or by overnight courier to the Waterstone Financial, Inc. Stock Information Center located at [stock center address].  You may also hand deliver stock order forms at this location.  We will not accept stock order forms at our other banking or mortgage offices.   Your order must be physically received (not postmarked) by Waterstone Financial, Inc. no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date].
 
If you have any questions after reading the enclosed material, please call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  Please note that the Stock Information Center will be closed from 12:00 noon Friday, August 30, through 12:00 noon Tuesday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
 
Sincerely,
 
Douglas S. Gordon
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.
 
1
 

 

 
WaterStone Bank
 
Dear Depositor of WaterStone Bank:
 
We are pleased to announce that the Boards of Directors of WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and Waterstone Financial, Inc. have voted unanimously in favor of a plan of conversion and reorganization whereby Lamplighter Financial, MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form to the full stock form of organization.   We are converting to eliminate the uncertainties associated with the mutual holding company structure under financial reform legislation   and to transition to a more familiar and flexible organizational structure that will better support our long-term growth, among other reasons.
 
As a depositor of WaterStone Bank, you are a member of Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  To accomplish the conversion and reorganization, your participation is extremely important.  On behalf of the Board, I ask that you help us meet our goal by reading the enclosed material and then casting your vote in favor of the plan of conversion and reorganization.  You may vote by mail by returning your proxy using the enclosed postage-paid envelope marked “PROXY RETURN.”  You can also vote by telephone or Internet, as instructed on the proxy card.  If you have more than one account, you may receive more than one proxy.  Please vote by returning all proxy cards received, there are no duplicates.
 
If the plan of conversion and reorganization is approved let me assure you that:
 
 
deposit accounts will continue to be federally insured to the maximum extent permitted by law; and
 
existing deposit accounts and loans will not undergo any change.
 
We regret that we are unable to offer you common stock in the subscription offering because the laws of your state or jurisdiction require us to register (1) the to-be-issued common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc. or (2) an agent of WaterStone Bank to solicit the sale of such stock, and the number of eligible subscribers in your state or jurisdiction does not justify the expense of such registration.
 
If you have any questions after reading the enclosed material, please call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  Please note that the Stock Information Center will be closed from 12:00 noon Friday, August 30, through 12:00 noon Tuesday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
 
Sincerely,
 
Douglas S. Gordon
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.
 
2
 

 


  WaterStone Bank
 
Dear Friend of WaterStone Bank:
 
We are pleased to announce that the Boards of Directors of WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and Waterstone Financial, Inc. have voted unanimously in favor of a plan of conversion and reorganization whereby Lamplighter Financial, MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form to the full stock form of organization.   We are converting to eliminate the uncertainties associated with the mutual holding company structure under financial reform legislation   and to transition to a more familiar and flexible organizational structure that will better support our long-term growth, among other reasons.
 
As a former depositor of WaterStone Bank, you have nontransferable rights to subscribe for shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock on a priority basis, before the stock is offered to the general public. The enclosed prospectus describes the stock offering of Waterstone Financial, Inc. and our operations.   Please read the prospectus carefully before making an investment decision.
 
If you wish to subscribe for shares of common stock, please complete the enclosed stock order form and return it to Waterstone Financial, Inc., together with your payment for the shares, by mail using the enclosed postage-paid envelope marked “STOCK ORDER RETURN” or by overnight courier to the Waterstone Financial, Inc. Stock Information Center located at [stock center address].  You may also hand deliver stock order forms at this location.  We will not accept stock order forms at our other banking or mortgage offices.   Your order must be physically received (not postmarked) by Waterstone Financial, Inc. no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date].
 
If you have any questions after reading the enclosed material, please call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  Please note that the Stock Information Center will be closed from 12:00 noon Friday, August 30, through 12:00 noon Tuesday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
 
Sincerely,
 
Douglas S. Gordon
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.
 
3
 

 

 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Dear Potential Investor:
 
We are pleased to provide you with the enclosed material in connection with the stock offering by Waterstone Financial, Inc., the proposed new holding company for WaterStone Bank SSB.
 
This information packet includes the following:
 
PROSPECTUS :  This document provides detailed information about the proposed reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc. and WaterStone Bank SSB from the mutual holding company to stock holding company form and the stock offering by new Waterstone Financial, Inc.   Please read it carefully before making an investment decision.
 
STOCK ORDER FORM:   Use this form to subscribe for shares of common stock and return it to Waterstone Financial, Inc., together with your payment for the shares, by mail using the enclosed postage-paid envelope marked “STOCK ORDER RETURN” or by overnight courier to the Waterstone Financial, Inc. Stock Information Center located at [stock center address] .  You may also hand deliver stock order forms at this location.  We will not accept stock order forms at our other banking or mortgage offices.   Your order must be physically received (not postmarked) by Waterstone Financial, Inc. no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date].
 
We are pleased to offer you this opportunity to become one of our stockholders.  If you have any questions regarding the stock offering, please call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  Please note that the Stock Information Center will be closed from 12:00 noon Friday, August 30, through 12:00 noon Tuesday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
 
Sincerely,
 
Douglas S. Gordon
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.
 
4
 

 

 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
 
Dear Prospective Investor:
 
At the request of Waterstone Financial, Inc., we have enclosed materials regarding its offering of common stock in connection with the conversion and reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC from the mutual holding company form to the full stock form of organization.  Materials include a prospectus and a stock order form, which offer you the opportunity to subscribe for shares of common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
Please read the prospectus carefully before making an investment decision. If you have any questions after reading the enclosed material, please call the Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time, and ask for a Sandler O’Neill representative.  Please note that the Stock Information Center will be closed from 12:00 noon Friday, August 30, through 12:00 noon Tuesday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.   If you decide to subscribe for shares, your order must be physically received (not postmarked) by Waterstone Financial, Inc. no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date].
 
We have been asked to forward these documents to you in view of certain requirements of the securities laws of your jurisdiction. We should not be understood as recommending or soliciting in any way any action by you with regard to the enclosed material.
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.
 
5
 

 

 

 

[Cover page]

WaterStone Bank

Proxy Questions and Answers

Questions & Answers About Voting

We are pleased to announce that the Boards of Directors of WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and Waterstone Financial, Inc. have voted unanimously in favor of a plan of conversion and reorganization whereby Lamplighter Financial, MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form to the full stock form of organization. The plan is subject to the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of outstanding votes entitled to be cast by the members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC (depositors of WaterStone Bank) at a special meeting of members. The plan must also be approved by Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders at a separate meeting of stockholders.

Your vote is very important .   If you have more than one account, you may receive more than one proxy.  Please vote today by returning all proxy cards received, there are no duplicates.

Your Board of Directors urges you to vote "FOR" the plan of conversion and reorganization and return your proxy today.

Q. Why is WaterStone Bank converting from the mutual holding company form to the full stock form of organization?

 

A. We are converting to eliminate the uncertainties associated with the mutual holding company structure under financial reform legislation   and to transition to a more familiar and flexible organizational structure that will better support our long-term growth, among other reasons.  

 

Q. What changes will occur as a result of the conversion and reorganization?  Will there be changes at my local branch?

 

A. No changes are planned in the way we operate our business.  The Plan will have no effect on the staffing, products or services we offer to our customers through our offices, except to enable us to add additional services in the future.

 

Q. Will the conversion affect any of my deposit accounts or loans?

 

A. No.  The conversion will have no effect on the balance or terms of any deposit account.  Your deposits will continue to be federally insured to the fullest extent permissible.  The terms, including interest rates, of your loans with us will also be unaffected by the conversion.

 

Q.           Who is eligible to vote on the conversion?

A. Depositors of WaterStone Bank as of the close of business on [voting record date] are eligible to vote at the special meeting of members.

 

Q.           Why did I receive several proxies?

A. If you have more than one deposit account, you may have received more than one proxy, depending upon the ownership structure of your accounts.  You will also receive a separate proxy statement and proxy card if you are a stockholder of Waterstone Financial, Inc.   Please vote all proxy cards that you received, there are no duplicates.

 

Q. Does my vote for the conversion mean that I must buy common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc.?

 

A. No.  Voting for the plan of conversion and reorganization does not obligate you to buy any shares of common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc.

 

6
 

 

Q.           How do I vote my proxy?

A. You can vote by one of the following ways:
By mailing your signed proxy card(s) in the postage-paid envelope marked “PROXY RETURN.”
By telephone or Internet as instructed on the proxy card.

 

Q. Are two signatures required on the proxy card for a joint account?

 

A. Only one signature is required on a proxy card for a joint account.

 

Q. Who should sign proxies for trust or custodian accounts?

 

A. The trustee or custodian must sign proxies for such accounts, not the beneficiary.

 

Q. I am the executor (administrator) for a deceased depositor.  Can I sign the proxy card?

 

A. Yes.  Please indicate on the card the capacity in which you are signing.

 

Additional Information

Q. What if I have additional questions or require more information?

 

A. Lamplighter Financial, MHC’s proxy statement and Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s prospectus that accompany this brochure describe the conversion in detail.  Please read the proxy statement and prospectus carefully before voting or subscribing for stock.   If you have any questions after reading the enclosed material, you may call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  Additional material may only be obtained from the Stock Information Center.  Please note that the Stock Information Center will be closed from 12:00 noon Friday, August 30, through 12:00 noon Tuesday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

 

The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.

7
 

 

[Cover page]

 Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Stock Questions and Answers

Questions & Answers About the Stock Offering

 

We are pleased to announce that the Boards of Directors of WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and Waterstone Financial, Inc. have voted unanimously in favor of a plan of conversion and reorganization whereby Lamplighter Financial, MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form to the full stock form of organization. The plan is subject to the approval of the members of Lamplighter Financial, MHC (depositors of WaterStone Bank) at a special meeting of members and the stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. at a separate meeting of stockholders.

Investment in common stock involves certain risks.  For a discussion of these risks and other factors, investors are urged to read the accompanying prospectus before making an investment decision.

Q. Why is WaterStone Bank converting from the mutual holding company form to the full stock form of organization?

 

A. We are converting to eliminate the uncertainties associated with the mutual holding company structure under financial reform legislation   and to transition to a more familiar and flexible organizational structure that will better support our long-term growth, among other reasons.

 

Q. Who can purchase stock?

 

A. The common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc., is being offered in the subscription offering in the following order of priority:

 

1) Eligible Account Holders - depositors of WaterStone Bank with accounts totaling $50.00 or more at the close of business on December 31, 2011;

 

2) WaterStone Bank’s tax-qualified employee plans, including the employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan;

 

3) Supplemental Eligible Account Holders - depositors of WaterStone Bank with accounts totaling $50.00 or more as of June 30, 2013; and

 

4) Other Members - depositors of WaterStone Bank with accounts as of [voting record date].

 

Subject to the priority rights of depositors in the subscription offering, common stock is being offered to certain members of the general public in a community offering, with priority to natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in the counties in which WaterStone Bank has offices, and then to Waterstone Financial, Inc. stockholders as of [stockholder record date] and finally to members of the general public.  To the extent any shares remain available after the completion of the subscription and community offerings, they will be offered for sale to the general public in a syndicated offering or a firm commitment underwritten offering.

Q. Am I guaranteed to receive shares by placing an order?

 

A. No.  It is possible that orders received during the offering period will exceed the number of shares being sold.  Such an oversubscription would result in shares being allocated among subscribers starting with subscribers who are Eligible Account Holders.  If the offering is oversubscribed in the subscription offering, no orders received in the community offering will be filled.

 

8
 

 

Q.           Will any account I hold with the Bank be converted into stock?

A. No.  All accounts remain as they were prior to the conversion.

 

Q. How many shares of stock are being offered, and at what price?

 

A. Waterstone Financial, Inc. is offering for sale a maximum of 28,031,250 shares of common stock at a subscription price of $8.00 per share.

 

Q. How much stock can I purchase?

 

A. The minimum purchase is 25 shares ($200).  As more fully discussed in the plan of conversion and in the prospectus, the maximum purchase by any person in the subscription or community offering is 375,000 shares ($3,000,000); in addition, no person by himself or herself or with an associate or group of persons acting in concert, may purchase more than 375,000 shares ($3,000,000) of common stock in the offering.

 

Q. How do I order stock?

 

A. If you decide to subscribe for shares, you must return the properly completed and signed stock order form, along with full payment for the shares, to Waterstone Financial, Inc. by mail using the enclosed postage-paid envelope marked “STOCK ORDER RETURN” or by overnight courier to the Waterstone Financial, Inc. Stock Information Center located at [stock center address].  You may also hand deliver stock order forms at this location.  We will not accept stock order forms at our other banking or mortgage offices.   Your order must be physically received (not postmarked) by Waterstone Financial, Inc. no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date].  Please read the prospectus carefully before making an investment decision.

 

Q. How can I pay for my shares of stock?

 

A. You can pay for the common stock by check, money order, or withdrawal from your deposit account or certificate of deposit at WaterStone Bank.  Checks and money orders must be made payable to Waterstone Financial, Inc.  Withdrawals from a certificate of deposit at WaterStone Bank to buy shares of common stock may be made without penalty.

 

Q. Can I use my WaterStone Bank home equity line of credit to subscribe for shares of common stock?

 

A. No.  WaterStone Bank cannot knowingly lend funds to anyone for them to subscribe for shares.  This includes the use of funds available through a WaterStone Bank home equity line of credit.

 

Q. When is the deadline to subscribe for stock?

 

A. An executed stock order form with the required full payment must be physically received (not postmarked) by Waterstone Financial, Inc. no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time on [expiration date].

 

Q. Can I subscribe for shares using funds in my IRA at WaterStone Bank?

 

A. No.   Federal regulations do not permit the purchase of common stock with your existing IRA or other qualified plan at WaterStone Bank.  To use these funds to subscribe for common stock, you need to establish a "self directed" trust account with an unaffiliated trustee.   The transfer of these funds takes time, so please make arrangements as soon as possible.   However, if you intend to subscribe for common stock due to your eligibility as an IRA account holder but plan to use funds from sources other than your IRA account, you need not close and transfer your IRA account. Please call our Stock Information Center if you require additional information.

 

Q. Can I subscribe for shares and add someone else who is not on my account to my stock registration?

 

A. No. Federal regulations prohibit the transfer of subscription rights.

 

9
 

 

Q. Can I subscribe for shares in my name alone if I have a joint account?

 

A. Yes.

 

Q. Will payments for common stock earn interest until the conversion closes?

 

A. Yes. Any payment made by check or money order will earn interest at 0.01% per annum from the date of receipt to the completion or termination of the conversion.  Depositors who elect to pay for their common stock by a withdrawal authorization will receive interest at the contractual rate on the account until the completion or termination of the offering.

 

Q. Will dividends be paid on the stock?

 

A. After the conversion and reorganization, we intend to pay quarterly cash dividends of $0.06 per share, subject to the receipt of regulatory approval.

 

Q. Will my stock be covered by deposit insurance?

 

A. No.

 

Q. Where will the stock be traded?

 

A. Upon completion of the conversion and reorganization, our shares of common stock are expected to trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF.”

 

Q. Can I change my mind after I place an order to subscribe for stock?

 

A. No.  After receipt, your order may not be modified or withdrawn.

 

Q. What happens to the Waterstone Financial, Inc. shares I currently own?

 

A. The shares of common stock owned by the existing public stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. will be exchanged for shares of common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc., based on an exchange ratio.  The actual number of shares you receive will depend upon the number of shares we sell in our offering.

 

Q. If I purchase shares of common stock during the offering, when will I receive my stock?

 

A. Physical stock certificates will not be issued.  Our transfer agent will send you a stock ownership statement, via the Direct Registration System (DRS), by first class mail as soon as possible after the completion of the conversion and offering. Although the shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock will have begun trading, brokerage firms may require that you have received your stock ownership statement prior to selling your shares. Your ability to sell the shares of common stock prior to your receipt of the statement will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.

 

Q. What is DRS?

 

A. Direct registration is the ownership of stock registered in your own name on the books of the Company, without taking possession of a printed stock certificate. Instead, your ownership is recorded and tracked as an accounting entry (“book entry”) on the books of the Company. DRS is a system that electronically moves investors’ positions between brokers and transfer agents for issuers that offer direct registration.

10
 

 

Additional Information

Q. What if I have additional questions or require more information?

 

A. Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s prospectus that accompanies this brochure describes the conversion in detail.  Please read the prospectus carefully before subscribing for stock.   If you have any questions after reading the enclosed material, you may call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  Please note that the Stock Information Center will be closed from 12:00 noon Friday, August 30, through 12:00 noon Tuesday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

 

The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.

11
 

 

 

         
SECOND REQUEST
   
PLEASE SUPPORT US
   
     
 
Lamplighter Financial, MHC
 
     
 
(Mutual Holding Company for WaterStone Bank SSB)
 
     
 
Dear Member:
 
     
 
As a follow-up to our recent proxy mailing, our records show that you have not voted ALL of your proxy cards on the proposed plan of conversion and reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  As a depositor of WaterStone Bank, you are a member of Lamplighter Financial, MHC.  We value your relationship with WaterStone Bank and ask for your support by voting and returning the enclosed proxy card today.  You can also vote by telephone or Internet, as instructed on the card.   Your Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal.
 
     
 
If you are unsure whether you voted, please vote the enclosed proxy card.  If you have already voted all of your proxy card(s), please accept our thanks.  Let me assure you:
 
     
 
●   The conversion will not affect the terms of your deposit accounts or loans.
 
 
●   Deposit accounts will continue to be federally insured to the legal maximum.
 
 
●   Voting does not obligate you to buy stock.
 
     
 
Thank you for choosing WaterStone Bank, and we appreciate your vote.  If you have any questions, please call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #].
 
     
 
Sincerely,
 
     
 
Douglas S. Gordon
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
     
 
The Plan must be approved by at least a majority of the votes eligible to be cast.
 
     
 
If you have more than one account you may receive more than one proxy card.
 
 
Please support us by voting all proxy cards received.
 
     
 
12
 

 

 
                       
    LAMPLIGHTER FINANCIAL, MHC  
REVOCABLE PROXY
   
             
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1.
The approval of a plan of conversion and reorganization (the “Plan”) whereby Lamplighter    Financial, MHC and Waterstone Financial, Inc. will convert and reorganize from the mutual holding company structure to the stock holding company structure, as described in more detail in the proxy statement.
 
CONTROL NUMBER
 
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P
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þ Please vote by marking
one of the boxes as shown.
FOR o
AGAINST o
  The undersigned acknowledges receipt of a Notice of Special Meeting and attached proxy statement dated ______________, 2013, prior to the execution of this proxy.  
             
               
           
è
 
               
           
Signature
 
Date
 
           
 
Only one signature is required in the case of a joint deposit account. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title.  Corporations or partnership proxies should be signed by an authorized officer.
 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
   
IMPORTANT: IF YOU VOTE BY MAIL, PLEASE  DETACH, SIGN AND RETURN ALL PROXY CARDS IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID PROXY RETURN ENVELOPE
   
                       
                       
 
é
 
 
DETACH HERE
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION
 
     
 
VOTE BY 1 OF 3 WAYS
 
         
 
(IMAGE)  VOTE BY MAIL or
(IMAGE)  VOTE BY TELEPHONE or
(IMAGE)  VOTE BY INTERNET
 
 
 
(GRAPHIC)
 
DETACH THE ABOVE
PROXY CARD
 
 
þ VOTE, SIGN, DATE & RETURN
THE CARD IN THE ENCLOSED
PROXY RETURN ENVELOPE
 
 
(GRAPHIC)
 
WITH THE UNIQUE CONTROL NUMBER
INDICATED ABOVE FOR EACH PROXY
CARD IN FRONT OF YOU:
 
CALL
1-800-xxx-xxxx
 
(GRAPHIC)
 
WITH THE UNIQUE CONTROL NUMBER
INDICATED ABOVE FOR EACH PROXY
CARD IN FRONT OF YOU:
 
VISIT
http://www.xxxx
 
 
YOU MAY RETURN ALL PROXY CARDS
RECEIVED IN ONE ENVELOPE
IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET,
YOU DO NOT NEED TO VOTE YOUR PROXY BY MAIL
 
       
 
VOTING “FOR” THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION DOES NOT OBLIGATE  YOU TO BUY STOCK AND
DOES NOT AFFECT THE TERMS OR INSURANCE ON YOUR ACCOUNTS.
 
     
 
IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT, YOU MAY RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD
 DEPENDING ON THE OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE OF YOUR ACCOUNTS. PLEASE SUPPORT US BY VOTING ALL PROXY CARDS RECEIVED.
 
       
       
       
       
 
13
 

 

 
 
           
 
LAMPLIGHTER FINANCIAL, MHC
REVOCABLE PROXY
 
     
 
LAMPLIGHTER FINANCIAL, MHC
 
 
SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
 
_________________, 2013
 
     
 
The undersigned member of Lamplighter Financial, MHC (the “Mutual Holding Company”) hereby appoints the Board of Directors of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, with full powers of substitution, to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to vote such votes as the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Members of the Mutual Holding Company (the “Meeting”) to be held at ____________________, at ___:___ __.m., Central Time, on ____________, 2013, and at any and all adjournments thereof.  They are entitled to cast all votes to which the undersigned is entitled  to vote on the following proposal as directed on the reverse side of this proxy card:
 
         
 
             1.
The approval of a plan of conversion and reorganization (the “Plan”) whereby Lamplighter Financial, MHC and Waterstone Financial, Inc. will convert and reorganize from the mutual holding company structure to the stock holding company structure, as described in more detail in the proxy statement; and such other business as may properly come before the Meeting. Management is not aware of any other business to be considered.
   
         
 
VOTING FOR APPROVAL OF THE PLAN WILL ALSO INCLUDE APPROVAL OF THE EXCHANGE RATIO, THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS OF THE NEW HOLDING COMPANY FOR WATERSTONE BANK SSB (INCLUDING THE ANTI-TAKEOVER LIMITATIONS AND STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PROVISIONS) AND THE AMENDMENT TO WATERSTONE BANK SSB’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. AS A RESULT OF THE CONVERSION, MEMBERS OF LAMPLIGHTER FINANCIAL, MHC WILL NO LONGER HAVE VOTING RIGHTS UNLESS THEY BECOME STOCKHOLDERS OF WATERSTONE BANK SSB’S NEW HOLDING COMPANY.
 
     
 
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY SIGNED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY, IF SIGNED, WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL STATED ABOVE.  IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THE ABOVE-NAMED PROXIES AT THE DIRECTION OF A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING.
 
     
 
Votes will be cast in accordance with this proxy.  Should the undersigned be present and elect to vote at the Meeting or at any adjournment thereof and after notification to the Secretary of Lamplighter Financial, MHC at the Meeting of the Member’s decision to terminate this proxy, then the power of said attorney-in-fact or agents shall be deemed terminated and of no further force and effect.
 
         
 
PLEASE PROMPTLY COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY CARD ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED PROXY RETURN ENVELOPE.
 
         
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL.  NOT VOTING IS THE EQUIVALENT OF VOTING “AGAINST” THE PROPOSAL.
PLEASE VOTE ALL CARDS THAT YOU RECEIVE.  NONE ARE DUPLICATES.
 
         
 
(Continued on reverse side)
 
     
 
é
DETACH HERE
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VOTING “FOR” THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION DOES NOT OBLIGATE  YOU TO BUY STOCK AND
DOES NOT AFFECT THE TERMS OR INSURANCE ON YOUR ACCOUNTS.
 
IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT, YOU MAY RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD
DEPENDING ON THE OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE OF YOUR ACCOUNTS.   PLEASE SUPPORT US BY VOTING ALL PROXY CARDS RECEIVED.
 
14
 

 

 
Lamplighter Financial, MHC
LOGO
 
Please Support Us
 
Vote Your Proxy Card Today
 
FOR   (GRAPHIC)
 
If you have more than one account, you may have received more than one proxy card depending upon the ownership structure of your accounts.
 
Please vote all proxy cards that you received.
 
15
 

 

 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
_______________, 2013
 
Dear Subscriber:
 
We hereby acknowledge receipt of your order and payment at $8.00 per share, listed below, of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock.  If you are issued shares, the shares will be registered as indicated above.
 
At this time, we cannot confirm the number of shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock that will be issued to you.  Following completion of the stock offering, shares will be allocated in accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization.
 
If you have any questions, please call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
Stock Information Center
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
16
 

 

 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
_______________, 2013
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
Our subscription offering has been completed and we are pleased to confirm your subscription for        shares at a price of $8.00 per share.  If your subscription was paid for by check, bank draft or money order, interest and any refund due to you will be mailed promptly.
 
The closing of the transaction occurred on ______ __, 2013; this is your stock purchase date. Trading will commence on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF” on ________ __, 2013.
 
Thank you for your interest in Waterstone Financial, Inc.  A statement indicating the number of shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. you have purchased will be mailed to you shortly.  This statement will be your evidence of ownership of Waterstone Financial, Inc. stock.  All shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock will be in book entry form and paper stock certificates will not be issued.
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
Stock Information Center
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
17
 

 

 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
_______________, 2013
 
Dear Interested Investor:
 
We recently completed our subscription offering.  Unfortunately, due to the demand for shares from persons with priority rights, stock was not available for our [Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, Other Members or community friends].  If your subscription was paid for by check, bank draft or money order, a refund of any balance due to you with interest will be mailed promptly.
 
We appreciate your interest in Waterstone Financial, Inc. and hope you become an owner of our stock in the future.  The stock is expected to trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF” on ________ __, 2013.
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
Stock Information Center
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
 
18
 

 

 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
_______ __, 2013
 
Welcome Stockholder:
 
We are pleased to enclose a statement from our transfer agent reflecting the number of shares of common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) purchased by you at a price of $8.00 per share on _______ __, 2013, in our second step conversion offering. All stock sold in the subscription and community offering has been issued in book entry form through the direct registration system (“DRS”).  No physical stock certificates will be issued.
 
Please examine this statement carefully to be certain that it properly reflects the number of shares you purchased and the names in which the ownership of the shares is to be shown on the books of the Company. If you also owned shares in Waterstone Financial, Inc. prior to completion of the offering, a Letter of Transmittal regarding the exchange of those shares for new Waterstone Financial, Inc. shares, along with other materials, have been mailed to you separately.
 
If you have any questions about your statement, you should contact the Transfer Agent immediately at the following address:
 
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations Department
[Street Address]
Brentwood, NY [Zip code]
[Phone Number]
email: ________.com
 
A short question and answer sheet regarding your DRS statement is enclosed for your information. If your subscription was paid for by check, bank draft or money order, interest will be mailed promptly. Trading commenced on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WSBF” on _______ __, 2013.
 
On behalf of the Board of Directo r s, officers and employees of Waterstone Financial, Inc., I thank you for supporting our offering.
 
 
Sincerely,
   
 
Douglas S. Gordon
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.
 
19
 

 

 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
_______________, 2013
 
Dear Interested Subscriber:
 
We regret to inform you that Waterstone Financial, Inc., the holding company for WaterStone Bank, did not accept your order for shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. common stock in its community offering.  This action is in accordance with our plan of conversion and reorganization, which gives Waterstone Financial, Inc. the absolute right to reject the order of any person, in whole or in part, in the community offering.
 
If your order was paid for by check, enclosed is your original check.
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
Stock Information Center
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.
 
20
 

 

 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
_______________, 2013
 
To Our Friends:
 
We are enclosing material in connection with the stock offering by Waterstone Financial, Inc., the proposed holding company for WaterStone Bank SSB.
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. is acting as financial and marketing advisor in connection with the subscription and community offering, which will conclude at 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on __________, 2013.
 
Members of the general public are eligible to participate.  If you have any questions about this transaction, please do not hesitate to call the stock information center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.
 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
 
The shares of common stock being offered are not savings accounts or deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock.  The offer is made only by the prospectus.
 
21
 

 

 
DIRECT REGISTRATION STOCK OWNERSHIP
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) has elected to require former registered stockholders and new stockholders of Waterstone Financial, Inc. to use the Direct Registration System (“DRS”) as a means of recording and maintaining the registered shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. they will receive as a result of WaterStone Bank’s “Second-Step Conversion.” This page outlines what DRS is and what it means to you as a registered shareholder.
 
What is DRS?
 
Direct registration is the ownership of stock registered in your own name on the books of the Company, without taking possession of a printed stock certificate. Instead, your ownership is recorded and tracked as an accounting entry (“book entry”) on the books of the Company. DRS is a system that electronically moves investors’ positions between brokers and transfer agents for issuers that offer direct registration.
 
Why is the Company using DRS?
 
DRS gives our stockholders several advantages:
 
 
Ø
It eliminates the risk of loss or theft of your stock certificate and the cost and inconvenience of having to obtain a surety bond to replace a lost security; and
 
 
Ø
It eliminates the need for you to store your certificates and retrieve them should you wish to transfer or sell your shares.
 
How will I know how many shares I own?
 
The Company’s transfer agent, Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge), will periodically send you an account statement showing you how many shares are held by you in book-entry form.
 
What happens if I lose a DRS account statement?
 
If you need a duplicate statement of ownership, contact Broadridge and they will mail you a new one. There is no surety charge for additional account statements.
 
How can I transfer shares to my broker?
 
To transfer your shares to your brokerage account, provide your broker with:
 
 
Ø
The most recent copy of your Broadridge account statement;
 
 
Ø
The Social Security Number on your account;
 
 
Ø
Your Broadridge account number (which is on the statement);
 
 
Ø
The number of whole shares held in book-entry form that you wish to transfer to your brokerage account.
 
Your broker will request that your shares be delivered to your brokerage account through the Depository Trust Company’s Profile System.
 
22


Exhibit 99.5
             
 
[logo] Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
 
Subscription & Community Offering Stock Order Form
 
 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
Expiration Date
 
Stock Information Center
for Stock Order Forms:
 
_____ ________,
[expiration date]
 
_____________, Wisconsin _____
5:00 p.m., Central Time
 
[stock center phone #]
(received not postmarked)
 
IMPORTANT: A properly completed original stock order form must be used to subscribe for common stock.  Copies of this form are not required to be accepted.  Please read the Stock Ownership Guide and Stock Order Form Instructions as you complete this form.
 
(1) Number of Shares
Subscription
Price
X 8.00 =
(2) Total Payment Due
Minimum number of shares: 25 shares ($200)
Maximum number of shares: 375,000 shares ($3,000,000)
Maximum number of shares for associates or group: 375,000 shares ($3,000,000)
See Instructions.
     (IMAGE)   $
(IMAGE)
     
(3) Employee/Officer/Director Information
o Check here if you are an employee, officer or director of WaterStone Bank or a member of such person’s immediate family living in the same household.
(4) Method of Payment by Check
Enclosed is a check, bank draft or money order payable to Waterstone Financial, Inc. in the amount indicated here.
Total
Check
Amount
$
  (IMAGE)
   .
(5) Method of Payment by Withdrawal - The undersigned authorizes withdrawal from the following account(s) at WaterStone Bank.  There is no early withdrawal penalty for this form of payment.  Individual Retirement Accounts maintained at WaterStone Bank cannot be used unless special transfer arrangements are made.
Bank Use
Account Number(s) To Withdraw
$ Withdrawal Amount  
   
$
  (IMAGE)
   .
   
$
  (IMAGE)
   .
(6) Purchaser Information
Subscription Offering
o   a. Check here if you are an Eligible Account Holder with a deposit account(s) at WaterStone Bank totaling $50.00 or more at the close of business on December 31, 2011.
o b. Check here if you are a Supplemental Eligible Account Holder with a deposit account(s) at WaterStone Bank totaling $50.00 or more at the close of business on June 30, 2013 but are not an Eligible Account Holder.
o c. Check here if you are an Other Member with a deposit account(s) on [voting record date] but are not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder.
Community Offering
o d. Check here if you are a community member (Indicate county of residence in #9 below).
o e. Check here if you were a stockholder of Waterstone Financial, Inc. on [stockholder record date].
Account Information
List below all accounts in which you had an ownership interest as of the applicable eligibility date as indicated in a, b or c above.   Failure to list all your eligible accounts, or providing incorrect information, may result in the loss of part or all of your subscription rights .  Use reverse side for additional space.
Bank Use
Account Number(s)
Account Title (Name(s) on Account)
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
     
(7) Form of Stock Ownership and SS# or Tax ID#:
   SS#/Tax ID#
    (IMAGE)
o Individual  
o Joint Tenants
o Tenants in Common
o Fiduciary (i.e., trust, estate)
 
o Uniform Transfers to Minors Act  
      (Indicate SS# of Minor only)
o Company/Corporation/
Partnership
o   IRA or other qualified plan
(Both Tax ID# & SS# for IRAs)
 
   SS#/Tax ID#
    (IMAGE)
(8) Stock Registration and  Address:    Name and address to appear on stock registration statement . Adding the names of other persons who are not owners of your qualifying account(s) may result in the loss of your subscription rights.
Bank Use
Name
(IMAGE)
Bank Use
Name
continued
(IMAGE)
Mail to–
  
Street
 
City
 
State
  (IMAGE)
Zip Code
  (IMAGE)
(9) Telephone
Daytime/Evening
(               )                         --                                           
 (               )
                              --
County of Residence
(10) Associates/Acting in Concert
o   Check here and complete the reverse side of this form if you or any associates or persons acting in concert with you have submitted other orders for shares and/or are current owners of existing shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc.
(11) Acknowledgement - To be effective, this stock order form must be properly completed and physically received (not postmarked) by Waterstone Financial, Inc. no later than _:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], unless extended; otherwise this stock order form and all subscription rights will be void.  The undersigned agrees that after receipt by Waterstone Financial, Inc., this stock order form may not be modified, withdrawn or canceled without Waterstone Financial, Inc.’s consent and if authorization to withdraw from deposit accounts at WaterStone Bank has been given as payment for shares, the amount authorized for withdrawal shall not otherwise be available for withdrawal by the undersigned. Under penalty of perjury, I hereby certify that the Social Security or Tax ID Number and the information provided on this stock order form are true, correct and complete and that I am not subject to back-up withholding.  It is understood that this stock order form will be accepted in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and reorganization of Lamplighter Financial, MHC described in the accompanying prospectus.
Federal regulations prohibit any person from transferring, or entering into any agreement, directly or indirectly, to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of subscription rights or the underlying securities to the account of another.  WaterStone Bank SSB, Lamplighter Financial, MHC, and Waterstone Financial, Inc. will pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies in the event they become aware of the transfer of subscription rights and will not honor orders known by them to involve such transfer.  Under penalty of perjury, I certify that I am purchasing shares solely for my account and that there is no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares, or my right to subscribe for shares.
By signing below, I also acknowledge that I have read the Certification Form on the reverse side of this form.
Bank Use
   
   
   
   
   
Signature
(IMAGE)
Date
Signature
(IMAGE)
Date
   
 
1
 

 

 
     
Item (6) Purchaser Account Information continued:
Bank Use
Account Number(s)
Account Title (Name(s) on Account)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Item (10) Associates/Acting In Concert continued:
If you checked the box in item #10 on the reverse side of this form, list below all other orders submitted by you or your associates and list the number of shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc. currently owned by you or your associates (as defined below) or by persons acting in concert with you (also defined below).
Name(s) listed on other stock order forms
Number of shares ordered
 
Name(s) of existing stockholders
Number of shares owned
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
. Associate - The term “associate” of a particular person means:
 
(1) a corporation or organization other than Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc. or WaterStone Bank SSB or a majority-owned subsidiary of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc. or WaterStone Bank SSB of which a person is a senior officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10% or more of any class of equity securities of such corporation or organization;
 
(2) a trust or other estate in which a person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which a person serves as a trustee or a fiduciary; and
 
(3) any person who is related by blood or marriage to such person and who lives in the same home as such person or who is a director or officer of Lamplighter Financial, MHC, Waterstone Financial, Inc. or WaterStone Bank SSB or any of their parents or subsidiaries.
 
Acting in concert – The term “acting in concert” means:
 
(1) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or
 
(2) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.
 
In general, a person who acts in concert with another party will also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person who is also acting in concert with that other party.
 
We may presume that certain persons are acting in concert based upon various facts, among other things, joint account relationships and the fact that such persons may have filed joint Schedules 13D or 13G with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to other companies.
 
CERTIFICATION FORM
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS SECURITY IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND IS NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, AND IS NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY LAMPLIGHTER FINANCIAL, MHC, WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC, WATERSTONE BANK SSB, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OR BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.  THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF AN INVESTOR’S PRINCIPAL IS SUBJECT TO LOSS.
I further certify that, before purchasing the common stock of Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “Company”), which will become the holding company for WaterStone Bank SSB, I received a prospectus of the Company dated _____, 2013 relating to such offer of common stock.  The prospectus that I received contains disclosure concerning the nature of the common stock being offered by the Company and describes in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page __, the risks involved in the investment in this common stock, including but not limited to the following:
 
       
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
 
1.
We operate in a highly regulated environment and we are subject to supervision, examination and enforcement action by various bank regulatory agencies.
 
 
2.
WaterStone Bank operates under a memorandum of understanding and Waterstone-Federal has adopted board resolutions requested by the Federal Reserve Board.  The memorandum of understanding and the board resolutions restrict our operations, and the failure to comply with either could result in additional enforcement actions by the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the WDFI.  Continued compliance with the memorandum of understanding and the board resolutions consent may also adversely affect our operations and financial condition.
 
 
3.
Changing interest rates may have a negative effect on our results of operations.
 
 
4.
An increase in interest rates may reduce our mortgage banking revenues, which would negatively impact our non-interest income.
 
 
5.
We continue to experience high levels of delinquencies, non-accrual loans and charge-offs, which negatively impacts our financial condition and results of operations.
 
 
6.
We rely heavily on certificates of deposit, which has increased our cost of funds and could continue to do so in the future.
 
 
7.
We intend to increase our commercial business lending, and we intend to continue our commercial real estate and multi-family residential real estate lending, which may expose us to increased lending risks and have a negative effect on our results of operations.
 
 
8.
Secondary mortgage market conditions could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
 
9.
If we are required to repurchase mortgage loans that we have previously sold, it would negatively affect our earnings.
 
 
10.
Proposed and final regulations could restrict our ability to originate and sell loans.
 
 
11.
A continuation or worsening of economic conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
 
12.
If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our results of operations would be negatively affected.
 
 
13.
Because most of our borrowers are located in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin metropolitan area, a prolonged downturn in the local economy, or a decline in local real estate values, could cause an increase in nonperforming loans or a decrease in loan demand, which would reduce our profits.
 
 
14.
Strong competition within our market areas may limit our growth and profitability.
 
 
15.
Our inability to achieve profitability on new branches may negatively affect our earnings.
 
 
16.
Financial reform legislation is expected to increase our costs of operations.
 
 
17.
Changes in our accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially affect how we report our financial condition and results of operations.
 
 
18.
The need to account for certain assets at estimated fair value may adversely affect our results of operations.
 
 
19.
Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, we face significant operational risks.
 
 
20.
Risks associated with system failures, interruptions, or breaches of security could negatively affect our earnings.
 
 
21.
Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risk and reducing the potential for significant losses.
 
 
22.
Acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute stockholder value.
 
       
 
Risks Related to the Offering
 
 
23.
The future price of the shares of common stock may be less than the $8.00 purchase price per share in the offering.
 
 
24.
Our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds may have an adverse effect on our financial performance.
 
 
25.
Our return on equity may be low following the stock offering.  This could negatively affect the trading price of our shares of common stock.
 
 
26.
Our stock-based benefit plans will increase our expenses and reduce our income.
 
 
27.
The implementation of stock-based benefit plans may dilute your ownership interest.  Historically, stockholders have approved these stock-based benefit plans.
 
 
28.
We have not determined when we will adopt one or more new stock-based benefit plans.  Stock-based benefit plans adopted more than 12 months following the completion of the conversion may exceed regulatory restrictions on the size of stock-based benefit plans adopted within 12 months, which would further increase our costs.
 
 
29.
Various factors may make takeover attempts more difficult to achieve.
 
 
30.
We may not receive regulatory approval to pay dividends following the completion of the conversion, or we may not pay dividends on our shares of common stock even if we receive regulatory approval.
 
 
31.
You may not revoke your decision to purchase New Waterstone common stock in the subscription or community offerings after you send us your order.
 
 
32.
The distribution of subscription rights could have adverse income tax consequences.
 
       
(By Signing the Front of this Form the Investor is Not Waiving Any Rights Under the Federal Securities Laws,
 
Including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
 
 
2
 

 

 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
Stock Ownership Guide
 
Individual
Include the first name, middle initial and last name of the shareholder.  Avoid the use of two initials.  Please omit words that do not affect ownership rights, such as Mrs. , Mr. , Dr. , special account , single person , etc.
 
Joint Tenants
Joint tenants with right of survivorship may be specified to identify two or more owners.  When stock is held by joint tenants with right of survivorship, ownership is intended to pass automatically to the surviving joint tenant(s) upon the death of any joint tenant.  All parties must agree to the transfer or sale of shares held by joint tenants.
 
Tenants in Common
Tenants in common may also be specified to identify two or more owners.  When stock is held by tenants in common, upon the death of one co-tenant, ownership of the stock will be held by the surviving co-tenant(s) and by the heirs of the deceased co-tenant.  All parties must agree to the transfer or sale of shares held by tenants in common.
 
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act ( UTMA )
Stock may be held in the name of a custodian for a minor under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act of each state.  There may be only one custodian and one minor designated on a stock certificate.  The standard abbreviation for Custodian is CUST , while the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act is “UTMA”.  Standard U.S. Postal Service state abbreviations should be used to describe the appropriate state.  For example, stock held by John Doe as custodian for Susan Doe under the WI Uniform Transfers to Minors Act will be abbreviated John Doe, CUST Susan Doe UTMA WI (use minor s social security number).
 
Fiduciaries
Information provided with respect to stock to be held in a fiduciary capacity must contain the following:
The name(s) of the fiduciary.  If an individual, list the first name, middle initial and last name.  If a corporation, list the full corporate title (name).  If an individual and a corporation, list the corporation’s title before the individual.
The fiduciary capacity, such as administrator, executor, personal representative, conservator, trustee, committee, etc.
A description of the document governing the fiduciary relationship, such as a trust agreement or court order.  Documentation establishing a fiduciary relationship may be required to register your stock in a fiduciary capacity.
The date of the document governing the relationship, except that the date of a trust created by a will need not be included in the description.
The name of the maker, donor or testator and the name of the beneficiary.
An example of fiduciary ownership of stock in the case of a trust is: John Doe, Trustee Under Agreement Dated 10-1-93 for Susan Doe.
 
Stock Order Form Instructions
 
Items 1 and 2 - Number of Shares and Total Payment Due
Fill in the number of shares that you wish to purchase and the total payment due.  The amount due is determined by multiplying the number of shares by the subscription price of $8.00 per share.  The minimum purchase is 25 shares ($200) of common stock.  As more fully described in the plan of conversion and reorganization outlined in the prospectus, the maximum purchase in all categories of the offering is 375,000 shares ($3,000,000) of common stock.  No person, together with associates and persons acting in concert with such person, may purchase in the aggregate more than 375,000 shares ($3,000,000) of common stock.
 
Item 3 - Employee/Officer/Director Information
Check this box to indicate whether you are an employee, officer or director of WaterStone Bank or a member of such person’s immediate family living in the same household.
 
Item 4 - Method of Payment by Check
If you pay for your stock by check, bank draft or money order, indicate the total amount in this box. Payment for shares may be made by check, bank draft or money order payable to Waterstone Financial, Inc. Your funds will earn interest at a rate of 0.01% per annum until the stock offering is completed.
 
Item 5 - Method of Payment by Withdrawal
If you pay for your stock by a withdrawal from a deposit account at WaterStone Bank, indicate the account number(s) and the amount of your withdrawal authorization for each account.  The total amount withdrawn should equal the amount of your stock purchase.  There will be no penalty assessed for early withdrawals from certificate accounts used for stock purchases.   This form of payment may not be used if your account is an Individual Retirement Account.
 
Item 6 – Purchaser Information
Subscription Offering
a.    Check this box if you had a deposit account(s) at WaterStone Bank totaling $50.00 or more on December  31, 2011 (“Eligible Account Holder”).
b.    Check this box if you had a deposit account(s) at WaterStone Bank totaling $50.00 or more on June 30, 2013  but are not an Eligible Account Holder (“Supplemental Eligible Account Holder”).
c.    Check this box if you had a deposit account(s) on [voting record date] but are not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Account Holder (“Other Member”).
Please list all account numbers and all names on accounts you had on these dates in order to insure proper identification of your purchase rights.
Note: Failure to list all your eligible accounts, or providing incorrect information, may result in the loss of part or all of your subscription rights.
Community Offering
d.     Check this box if you are a community member (Indicate county of residence in item 9).
e.     Check this box if you were a stockholder of Waterstone Financial, Inc. on [stockholder record date].
 
Items 7 and 8 - Form of Stock Ownership, SS# or Tax ID#, Stock Registration and Mailing Address
Check the box that applies to your requested form of stock ownership and indicate your social security or tax ID number(s) in item 7.  Complete the requested stock registration and mailing address in item 8.  The stock transfer industry has developed a uniform system of shareholder registrations that will be used in the issuance of your common stock.  If you have any questions regarding the registration of your stock, please consult your legal advisor.  Stock ownership must be registered in one of the ways described above under Stock Ownership Guide.    Adding the names of other persons who are not owners of your qualifying account(s) may result in the loss of your subscription rights.
 
Item 9 – Telephone Number(s) and County
Indicate your daytime and evening telephone number(s) and county.  We may need to call you if we have any questions regarding your order or we cannot execute your order as given.
 
Item 10 – Associates/Acting in Concert
Check this box and complete the reverse side of the stock order form if you or any associates or persons acting in concert with you (as defined on the reverse side of the stock order form) have submitted other orders for shares or are current owners of existing shares of Waterstone Financial, Inc.
 
Item 11– Acknowledgement
Please review the prospectus carefully before making an investment decision.  Sign and date the stock order form where indicated. Before you sign, review the stock order form, including the acknowledgement and certification.  Normally, one signature is required.  An additional signature is required only when payment is to be made by withdrawal from a deposit account that requires multiple signatures to withdraw funds.
 
Your properly completed signed stock order form and payment in full (or withdrawal authorization) at the subscription price must be physically received (not postmarked) by Waterstone Financial, Inc. no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date] or it will become void.
 
Delivery Instructions :  You may deliver your stock order form by mail using the enclosed stock order return envelope, by hand delivery, or by overnight courier to the Waterstone Financial, Inc. Stock Information Center located at [stock center address]. Hand delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location.   We will not accept stock order forms at our other banking or mortgage offices .   If you have any remaining questions, or if you would like assistance in completing your stock order form, you may call our Stock Information Center at [stock center phone #], Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Central Time.  Please note that the Stock Information Center will be closed from 12:00 noon Friday, August 30, through 12:00 noon Tuesday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Waterstone Financial, Inc. Stock Information Center
[stock center address]
 
 
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