Letter from the Chairman & President/CEO

Dear Shareholders and Friends,

 

There are times when the results simply speak or themselves.  2010 was one of those years for Pascack Bancorp, Inc.

 

In 2010, the Company’s net income was $1.9 million,or $0.77 per share. This represented a $4.4 million turnaround from 2009, or $2.12 per share, when the Company reported a net loss of $2.5 million, which was incurred primarily in relation to expansion of our bank branch network. By contrast, because of our increased size, in 2010 the Company was able to absorb the costs of building and opening two new bank branches, in Rochelle Park and Hillsdale, and still realize record net annual income and per share earnings. 

 

Importantly, the Company’s 2010 earnings were driven mainly by a substantial increase in our loan portfolio of $44.6 million, or 22.9%, from $194.7 million as of 12/31/09 to $239.3 million as of 12/31/10. This occurred in an economic environment of virtually no growth when many of our peers, both large and small, were experiencing minimal, or actually negative, loan originations. As a consequence, the Company’s core interest income for the year increased by $3.6 million or 32.5%, from $11.0 million as of 12/31/09 to $14.6 million as of 12/31/10. 

 

We are most pleased to further report that the Company distinguished itself from many of our competitors by entering 2011 with zero non-accrual loans. This is indicative of our loan department’s hand’s on approach to lending where “knowing your customer” is not a slogan, but our mantra. The Company ended 2010 with assets of $298.0 million. At the same time, the Bank’s capitalization increased by $1.9 million, or 10.7%, from $18.3 million to $20.2 million and our per share book value likewise increased by $0.88, or 13.1%, from $6.72 as of 12/31/09 to $7.60 as of 12/31/10.

 

In addition, the Company maintained its “well capitalized” classification by ending 2010 with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.34%, up from 6.88% as of 12/31/09 and risk based capital ratio of 11.00%, up from 10.11% as of 12/31/09. To reward our loyal shareholders, in February 2011, the Board of Directors declared a 5% stock dividend.

 

In late 2010, we began construction of a new 9,000 square foot combined retail bank branch and corporate headquarters which will be located in Waldwick, in northwestern Bergen County, at the central and well traveled intersection of Wyckoff (County Road 502) and Crescent Avenues. Our executive offices, loan and compliance departments will all be consolidated at this location along with what will be our 7th branch. The projected branch opening and relocation of our corporate offices will occur in the 3rd quarter of 2011.

 

Our short-term strategic plan calls for shifting our focus in 2011 from physically expanding our franchise by opening new bank branches to maximizing the business generated by our existing seven bank branch network, three of which will have been open less than 18 months. Our goal, quite simply, is to continue to increase our top line revenue through loan growth while maximizing our bottom line net profits by continued efficient, hands on management of our assets.

 

Finally, unlike many of our competitors, the Company is pleased to report that we continue to experience virtually no employee turnover among our 50 employees. This is a testament to a culture that respects both our customers as well as our loyal employees who are committed to delivering everyday on our pledge to “Expect the Exceptional”. Along the same lines, we are most fortunate to have a hard working and battle tested board of directors who make a significant contribution to the success of the Company in many ways, both large and small, not the least of which is through their individual and collective wisdom in terms of corporate governance and referral of business.

 

On behalf of the Pascack Bancorp, Inc. family, we thank you for your continued support.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Jon F. Hanson,
Chairman of the Board

 

Bruce M. Meisel,
President and CEO