UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 FORM 10-K
 
 T
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
 
 OR
 
 o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 For the transition period from _________________________ to _____________
 
 Commission File Number: 000-52674
 
 HOMETOWN BANCORP, INC.
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 UNITED STATES

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

02-0783010

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)12 Main Street, Walden, New York

(Address of principal executive offices)

12586

(Zip Code)
 
 Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:  845-778-2171
 
 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 None.
 
 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes oNo T
 
 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes oNo T
 
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes TNo o
 
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 Yes oNo o
 
 Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. T
 
 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
oNon-accelerated filer
o
Smaller reporting company
T
 
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
 Yes oNo T
 
 The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by the registrant’s nonaffiliates as of June 30, 2009 was approximately $5.6 million.
 
 The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 19, 2010 was 2,326,939.
  DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
  
 
  1. Portions of the 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part II of this Form 10-K.
  2. Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.
  
  INDEX
  PagePART IItem 1.

Business

K-   1Item 1A.

Risk Factors

K- 26Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

K- 27Item 2.

Properties

K- 27Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

K- 27Item 4.

Reserved

K- 28PART IIItem 5.

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

K- 28Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

K- 29Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

K- 29Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

K- 29Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

K- 29Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

K- 29Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

K- 29Item 9B.

Other Information

K- 30PART IIIItem 10.

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

K- 30Item 11.

Executive Compensation

K- 32Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

K- 32Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

K- 32Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

K- 33PART IVItem 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

K- 33SIGNATURES
  Index
  Forward Looking Statements
 
 This report contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are not historical facts, rather statements based on Hometown Bancorp, Inc.’s current expectations regarding its business strategies, intended results and future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” and similar expressions.
 
 Management’s ability to predict results or the effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could affect actual results include the following: interest rate trends; the general economic climate in the market area in which Hometown Bancorp, Inc. operates, as well as nationwide; Hometown Bancorp, Inc.’s ability to control costs and expenses; competitive products and pricing; loan delinquency rates and changes in federal and state legislation and regulation. These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Hometown Bancorp, Inc. assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
 
 PART I
 
 ITEM1.
BUSINESS
 
 General
  Hometown Bancorp, Inc. (“Hometown Bancorp” or the “Company”) is a federally chartered mid-tier stock holding company formed in 2006 to be the holding company for Walden Federal Savings and Loan Association (“Walden Federal” or the “Bank”). Hometown Bancorp’s primary business activity is the ownership of the outstanding capital stock of Walden Federal. Hometown Bancorp does not own or lease any property, but uses the premises, equipment and other property of Walden Federal with the payment of appropriate rental fees, as required by applicable law and regulations, under the terms of an expense allocation agreement. In the future, Hometown Bancorp may acquire or organize other operating subsidiaries; however, there are no current plans, arrangements, agreements or understandings, written or oral, to do so.
  On June 28, 2007, the Company completed its minority stock offering of 45% of the aggregate total voting stock of the Company. In connection with the minority offering, 2,380,500 shares of common stock were issued, of which 1,071,225 shares were sold to the Bank’s eligible account holders and the employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”), resulting in net proceeds of approximately $9.1 million. As of December 31, 2009, 56.3% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, or 1,309,275 shares, were owned by Hometown Bancorp MHC, a federally chartered mutual holding company.
  Walden Federal is a federally chartered savings association originally founded in 1919.  We operate as a community-oriented financial institution offering financial services to consumers and businesses in our market area.  We attract deposits from the general public and use those funds to originate one- to four-family real estate, multi-family and commercial real estate loans, construction, land, commercial and consumer loans, which, with the exception of long-term (more than 10 year terms) fixed-rate one- to four-family real estate loans, we primarily hold for investment.  In addition, a segment of our lending business involves the purchase and sale of loan participation interests.  We also offer insurance and investment services through Walden Federal.
  Our website address is www.waldenfederal.com. Information on our website should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
  K-1
 Index
  Market Area
  We are headquartered in Walden, New York.  Our main office (12 Main Street) functions out of three locations within Walden.  In addition to our main office, we operate five full-service branch offices in Montgomery, Otisville, Newburgh and Monroe, New York.  Each of our branch offices are located in Orange County, New York, situated approximately 70 miles northwest from New York City.  We generate deposits through our six offices and conduct lending activities throughout Orange, lower Sullivan and lower Ulster Counties, New York. Continued economic weakness combined with uncertainty of an economic recovery has resulted in a continued housing market downturn and rising unemployment in our market area. The unemployment rate for Orange County has increased to 7.8% at December 31, 2009 from 7.3% at January 31, 2009 according to the New York State Department of Labor.  These factors have resulted in an increase in problem assets and foreclosures in our market area.
  Competition
 
 We face significant competition for the attraction of deposits and origination of loans.  Our most direct competition for deposits has historically come from the many financial institutions and credit unions operating in our market area and, to a lesser extent, from other financial service companies such as brokerage firms and insurance companies.  Several large holding companies operate banks in our market area, including Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Keycorp and Citizens Financial Group, Inc.  These institutions are significantly larger than us and, therefore, have significantly greater resources.  We also face competition for investors’ funds from money market funds, mutual funds and other corporate and government securities.  At June 30, 2009, which is the most recent date for which data is available from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, we held 2.48% of the deposits in Orange County, New York.  This amount does not include credit unions.
  Our competition for loans comes from financial institutions and credit unions in our market area and from other financial service providers, such as mortgage companies and mortgage brokers.  Competition for loans also comes from the increasing number of non-depository financial service companies entering the mortgage market, such as insurance companies, securities companies and specialty finance companies.
  We expect competition to remain intense in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry.  Technological advances, for example, have lowered barriers to entry, allowed banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the Internet and made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks.  Changes in federal law permit affiliation among banks, securities firms and insurance companies, which promotes a competitive environment in the financial services industry.  Competition for deposits and the origination of loans could limit our growth in the future.
 
 Lending Activities
 
 Loan Portfolio Analysis
 
 The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio, by type of loan at the dates indicated, excluding loans held for sale of $1.2 million and $106,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
  K-2
 Index
 
 December 31,2009


2008(Dollars in thousands)

Amount


Percent


Amount


PercentReal estate loans:One- to four-family residential

$
59,590



43.0
%

$
65,565



47.1
%Construction(1)


7,750



5.6



9,162



6.6Multi-family and commercial real estate


28,156



20.3



24,971



17.9Land


15,345



11.0



13,632



9.8Total real estate loans


110,841



79.9



113,330



81.4Commercial loans


15,235



11.0



12,763



9.2Consumer loans:Home equity


11,950



8.6



12,434



8.9Other


648



0.5



625



0.5Total consumer loans


12,598



9.1



13,059



9.4Total loans


138,674



100.0
%


139,152



100.0
%Net deferred loan costs


37







63Allowance for losses


(1,918
)






(1,347
)Loans, net

$
136,793






$
137,868
 __________________
 (1)
Amount does not include the unadvanced portions of construction loans.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the additional unadvanced portions of construction loans were $2.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
 
 The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2009 regarding the dollar amount of loan principal repayments becoming due during the periods indicated.  The table does not include any estimate of prepayments which significantly shorten the average life of all loans and may cause our actual repayment experience to differ from that shown below.  Demand loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity are reported as due in one year or less.  The amounts shown below exclude applicable unadvanced portions of construction loans, net deferred loan costs and the allowance for loan losses.  The table also sets forth the scheduled repayments of fixed and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2009 that are contractually due after December 31, 2010.
 
 Contractual Maturities and Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
 December 31, 2009 (Dollars in thousands)

Real Estate

Loans


Commercial Loans


Consumer

Loans


Total

LoansAmounts due in:One year or less

$
18,688


$
9,216


$
1,776


$
29,680More than one to five years


10,303



4,671



709



15,683More than five years


81,850



1,348



10,113



93,311Total

$
110,841


$
15,235


$
12,598


$
138,674Interest rate terms on  amounts due after one year:Fixed-rate loans

$
13,602


$
4,740


$
6,397


$
24,739Adjustable-rate loans


78,551



1,279



4,425



84,255Total

$
92,153


$
6,019


$
10,822


$
108,994
 
 One- to Four-Family Residential Loans.The largest segment of our loan portfolio is comprised of mortgage loans to enable borrowers to purchase or refinance existing homes most of which serve as the primary residence of the owner.  At December 31, 2009, one- to four-family residential loans totaled $59.6 million, or 43.0% of total loans. We offer fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans with terms up to 30 years.  Our adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally adjust annually after an initial fixed period that ranges from one to 10 years.  Interest rates and payments on our adjustable-rate loans generally are adjusted to a rate equal to a percentage above the one year U.S. Treasury index.  The maximum amount by which the interest rate may be increased or decreased is generally 2% per adjustment period and the lifetime interest rate cap is generally 6% over the initial interest rate of the loan.
  K-3
 Index
  Borrower demand for adjustable-rate compared to fixed-rate loans is a function of the level of interest rates, the expectations of changes in the level of interest rates, and the difference between the interest rates and loan fees offered for fixed-rate mortgage loans as compared to the interest rates and loan fees for adjustable-rate loans.  The relative amount of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans that can be originated at any time is largely determined by the demand for each in a competitive environment.  The loan fees, interest rates and other provisions of mortgage loans are determined by us on the basis of our own pricing criteria and competitive market conditions.
 
 While one- to four-family residential real estate loans are normally originated with up to 30-year terms, such loans typically remain outstanding for substantially shorter periods because borrowers often prepay their loans in full either upon sale of the property pledged as security or upon refinancing the original loan.  Therefore, average loan maturity is a function of, among other factors, the level of purchase and sale activity in the real estate market, prevailing interest rates and the interest rates payable on outstanding loans.  We do not offer loans with negative amortization and generally do not offer interest-only one- to four-family residential real estate loans.  Additionally, our current practice is generally to (1) sell to the secondary market newly originated longer term (more than 10 year terms) fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans, and (2) to hold in our portfolio shorter-term fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate loans.  Generally, loans are sold to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and to a lesser extent Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) with servicing retained and sold to other investors on a servicing released basis.
 
 We will make one- to four-family residential loans with loan-to-value ratios up to 95%; however, we require private mortgage insurance or other credit enhancements for loans with a loan-to-value ratio over 80%.  We require all properties securing mortgage loans to be appraised by a board-approved independent appraiser.  We generally require title insurance on all first mortgage loans.  Borrowers must obtain hazard insurance, and flood insurance is required for loans on properties located in a flood zone.
 
 The majority of one- to four-family residential loans originated by Walden Federal are sold to Freddie Mac or kept in portfolio, in both instances with Walden Federal servicing the loans.  We also sell some loans to the State of New York Mortgage Agency (“SONYMA”) and other investors, with servicing released.  In each case, we utilize the guidelines of the applicable investor that set forth underwriting criteria which factor in various aspects of loan risk, including loan purpose, the borrower’s credit history and credit rating and the ability of the borrower to repay the loan.  Walden Federal does not make subprime loans.  All of the loans sold by us are sold without recourse.
 
 Generally, all one- to four-family residential mortgage loans to be sold to Freddie Mac or retained in portfolio are underwritten to Freddie Mac standards, generally using Loan Prospector, Freddie Mac’s automated loan underwriting system, although on occasion a loan may be manually underwritten.  Borrower information is input into Loan Prospector by our loan processor and reviewed by the underwriter, whose primary responsibility is to ensure that underwriting standards are in conformance with Freddie Mac guidelines.  Once it is determined that the loan meets the Freddie Mac criteria and guidelines, the loan is subject to review and approval by the underwriter and by our loan area manager or chief lending officer. Freddie Mac requires that a sampling of loans be reviewed within two to three months of closing for quality control and to ensure that processing and underwriting are within guidelines.  If it is determined that there were inadequacies or exceptions in the underwriting process, we could be required to repurchase the loan.  In the past ten years, we have not been required to repurchase any loans sold to Freddie Mac.
 
 We also sell one- to four-family residential loans, servicing released, to a third party mortgage conduit and to SONYMA.  These loans are underwritten and approved by the investor or SONYMA, as applicable, based on the information that we provide them.  Once the loan is approved by the investor or SONYMA, as applicable, the loan is subject to review and approval by the underwriter and by our loan area manager or chief lending officer.
  K-4
 Index
  In an effort to provide financing for first-time home buyers, we offer fixed-rate 30-year residential real estate loans through the State of New York Mortgage Agency, Freddie Mac and the United States Department of Agriculture.  We offer mortgage loans through these programs to qualified individuals and originate the loans using modified underwriting guidelines, reduced interest rates and loan conditions.
 
 Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Loans.We offer fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans secured by a variety of commercial and multi-family real estate, such as small office buildings, warehouses, retail properties and small apartment buildings.  At December 31, 2009, multi-family and commercial real estate loans totaled $28.2 million, or 20.3% of total loans. We originate a variety of fixed- and adjustable-rate commercial real estate and multi-family real estate loans generally with rates fixed for up to 10 years and for terms of up to 20 years.  Adjustable-rate loans are typically based on the 1- to 5-year U.S. Treasury Bill or Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal plus a specified percentage over the initial rate of interest.  Loans are secured by first mortgages, and amounts generally do not exceed 75% of the property’s appraised value.  These loans are typically repaid or the term is extended before maturity, in which case a new rate is negotiated to meet market conditions and an extension of the loan is executed for a new term with a new amortization schedule.  We require all properties securing multi-family and commercial real estate loans to be appraised by a board-approved independent licensed appraiser.  In most cases, multi-family and commercial real estate loans also are supported by personal guarantees.
 
 At December 31, 2009 our largest multi-family loan was $1.1 million and was secured by apartment buildings and our largest commercial real estate loan was $1.3 million and was secured by a mixed use auto body and repair shop and office building. The $1.3 million represents Walden Federal’s 75% participation share of a $1.7 million loan originated by Walden Federal. Both of these loans were performing in accordance with their terms at December 31, 2009.
 
 Construction Loans.We originate fixed-rate loans to individuals and to builders to finance the construction of residential dwellings.  We also make construction loans for small commercial development projects. At December 31, 2009, construction loans totaled $7.8 million, or 5.6% of total loans. Our construction loans generally are interest-only loans that provide for the payment of only interest during the construction phase, which is usually up to 12 months for residential and commercial properties and up to 24 months for builder development properties.  At the end of the construction phase, the loan generally converts to a permanent mortgage loan.  Loans generally can be made with a maximum loan to value ratio of 95% on residential construction (with credit enhancements) and 75% on commercial construction, based on appraised value as if complete.  Before making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require an appraisal of the property by an independent licensed appraiser.  We also will generally require an inspection of the property before disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan.
 
 At December 31, 2009 our largest construction loan was $990,000 and was secured by a one family residential home. This loan was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2009.
 
 Commercial Loans.We offer commercial business loans to professionals, sole proprietorships and small businesses in our market area. At December 31, 2009, commercial business loans totaled $15.2 million, or 11.0% of total loans.  The maximum amount of our commercial loans is limited by our in-house loans-to-one borrower limit.  We offer term loans for capital improvements, equipment acquisition and long-term working capital.  We originate these loans on both a fixed-rate and adjustable-rate basis with terms up to 10 years.  Adjustable-rate loans are generally based on the Prime Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal.  Secured commercial loans are secured by business assets other than real estate, such as business equipment and inventory.  In addition, in most cases, our commercial loans are backed by the personal guarantee of the borrower.  We also make unsecured commercial loans, but generally only on a short-term basis.
 
 We originate lines of credit to finance the working capital needs of businesses to be repaid by seasonal cash flows or to provide a period of time during which the business can borrow funds for planned equipment purchases. Commercial lines of credit can be fixed- or adjustable-rate based on the prime rate.
  K-5
 Index
  When making commercial business loans, we consider the financial statements of the borrower, the borrower’s payment history of both corporate and personal debt, the debt service capabilities of the borrower, the projected cash flows of the business, the viability of the industry in which the customer operates and the value of the collateral.
 
 At December 31, 2009 our largest commercial business loan was $1.3 million, which was partially secured by marketable securities. This loan was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2009.
 
 Land Loans.We also originate loans secured by developed and undeveloped land to individuals and builders. At December 31, 2009, land loans totaled $15.3 million, or 11.0% of total loans. Loans to individual borrowers who either own or are purchasing building lots are underwritten in accordance with our consumer loan guidelines discussed below.  These loans typically carry fixed-rates and are written on a 15- year amortization basis but with a short-term balloon maturity (typically five years).  Loans to builders and developers are underwritten using our commercial loan guidelines and are dependent upon the collateral value, borrower financial strength and other loan specific data.  Generally, land loans to builders and developers are written for up to a two-year term on an interest-only basis, with the rate tied to the Prime Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal on an adjustable rate basis or on a fixed-rate basis in accordance with commercial loan pricing.  Loan amounts generally do not exceed 65% of the lesser of the appraised value or the purchase price.  Our land loans are not made on a speculative basis, but rather for the development of either residential or commercial real estate.
 
 Included within our portfolio of land loans are loans issued to collateralize letters of credit totaling $3.7 million at December 31, 2009, issued by Walden Federal.  These letters of credit typically are issued to municipalities to ensure completion of roads and other improvements in subdivisions.
 
 At December 31, 2009 our largest land loan was a $1.4 million letter of credit and was secured by a residential land development loan. This loan was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2009.
 
 Consumer Loans.Our consumer loans consist primarily of home equity loans and lines of credit. At December 31, 2009, consumer loans totaled $12.6 million, or 9.1% of total loans.  We occasionally make loans secured by passbook or certificate accounts, unsecured loans, overdraft loans and automobile loans.
 
 We offer fixed-rate home equity loans with a maximum combined loan to value ratio of 90% or less for terms up to 15 years.  At December 31, 2009, fixed-rate home equity loans totaled $8.2 million, or 5.9% of total loans. Home equity loans have fixed and adjustable interest rates and terms up to 20 years. Home equity lines of credit have adjustable rates of interest with five-year draws amortized over 15 years that are indexed to the Prime Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal.  At December 31, 2009, home equity lines of credit totaled $3.7 million, or 2.7% of total loans.
 
 The procedures for underwriting consumer loans include an assessment of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.  Although the applicant’s creditworthiness is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, to the proposed loan amount.  The procedures for underwriting one- to four-family residential real estate loans apply equally to home equity loans.
 
 Loan Underwriting Risks.
 
 Adjustable-Rate Loans.  While we anticipate that adjustable-rate loans will better offset the adverse effects of an increase in interest rates as compared to fixed-rate mortgages, an increased monthly mortgage payment required of adjustable-rate loan borrowers in a rising interest rate environment could cause an increase in delinquencies and defaults.  The marketability of the underlying property also may be adversely affected in a high interest rate environment.  In addition, although adjustable-rate mortgage loans make our
  K-6
 Index
  asset base more responsive to changes in interest rates, the extent of this interest rate sensitivity is limited by the annual and lifetime interest rate adjustment limits.
 
 Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Loans.Loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans.  Of primary concern in commercial and multi-family real estate lending is the borrower’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the project.  Payments on loans secured by income properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties.  As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a greater extent than residential real estate loans, to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.  To monitor cash flows on income producing properties, we require borrowers and loan guarantors, if any, to provide annual financial statements on commercial and multi-family real estate loans.  In reaching a decision on whether to make a commercial or multi-family real estate loan, we consider and review a global cash flow analysis of the borrower and consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property.  We have generally required that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of earnings before debt service to debt service) of at least 1.10x.  An environmental phase one report is obtained when the possibility exists that hazardous materials may have existed on the site, or the site may have been impacted by adjoining properties that handled hazardous materials.
 
 Construction Loans. Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction and the estimated cost (including interest) of construction.  During the construction phase, a number of factors could result in delays and cost overruns. If the estimate of construction costs proves to be inaccurate, we may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the building or be confronted, at or before the maturity of the loan, with a building having a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment.  If we are forced to foreclose on a building before or at completion due to a default, there can be no assurance that we will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs.
 
 Commercial Loans.  Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business.  As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself.  Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value.
 
 Land Loans.  Loans secured by undeveloped land or improved lots generally involve greater risks than residential mortgage lending because land loans are more difficult to evaluate.  If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, in the event of default and foreclosure, we may be confronted with a property the value of which is insufficient to assure full payment.
 
 Consumer Loans.Consumer loans may entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by assets that depreciate rapidly, such as motor vehicles.  Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower.  Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.
  K-7
 Index
  Loan Originations, Purchases and Sales.  Loan originations come from a number of sources.  The primary sources of loan originations are existing customers, walk-in traffic, advertising and referrals from customers.  We advertise in newspapers that are widely circulated throughout our market area.
 
 Our customary practice is to sell almost all newly originated conforming long-term (more than 10 year terms) fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans and to hold in our portfolio shorter-term fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate loans.  Generally, loans are sold to Freddie Mac with servicing retained and sold to other investors on a servicing released basis.  In addition, we sell participation interests to local financial institutions, primarily on construction and commercial real estate loans that exceed our lending limits.
 
 From time to time, we will purchase participations in loans in our market area from local financial institutions to supplement our lending portfolio.  Loan participations that we purchase are also subject to the same credit analysis and approvals as loans we originate.  We are required to review all of the documentation relating to any loan in which we participate.  However, in a purchased participation loan, we do not service the loan and thus are subject to the policies and practices of the lead lender with regard to monitoring delinquencies, pursuing collections and instituting foreclosure proceedings.
 
 We have not historically purchased any whole loans.  However, we would entertain doing so if a loan was presented to us that met our underwriting criteria and was consistent with our interest rate risk strategy.
 
 Summary of Loan Activity
 
 Year Ended December 31,(Dollars in thousands)

2009


2008Total loans at beginning of period

$
139,258


$
122,243Originations:Real estate loans (1)


69,929



62,631Commercial loans


7,534



8,217Consumer loans, net activity


(461
)


(4
)Total loans originated


77,002



70,844Purchases of loan participations (2)


—



107Less:Principal payments


34,373



39,589Loan sales


40,534



14,347Transfers to foreclosed real estate


1,504



—Total loans at end of period (3)

$
139,849


$
139,258
 _____________________
 (1)
Includes $1.2 million and $106,000 in real estate loans held-for-sale which are not reflected in our loan portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 (2)
From time to time, we purchase loan participations from local financial institutions to supplement our loan portfolio.  We purchased a total of two construction loan participations during 2006, which advances were made in 2008 and 2007 for completed construction stages.  The loans were underwritten by Walden Federal in accordance with its underwriting standards.
 (3)
Excludes net deferred loan costs, the allowance for loan losses and unadvanced portions of construction loans.
 
 Loan Approval Procedures and Authority.  Our lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by our board of directors and management.  The board of directors has granted loan approval authority to certain officers or groups of officers up to prescribed limits.  All unsecured commercial loans and commercial loans with collateral other than marketable securities or real estate over $500,000 must be approved by the board of directors.  Commercial loans over $750,000 secured by real estate and commercial loans over $850,000 secured by marketable securities or cash or cash equivalents must be approved by the board of directors.  All one- to four-family residential loans, including construction and land loans, over $750,000 and all consumer loans over $250,000 must be approved by the board of directors.  The same approval procedures for commercial loans are applicable to commercial real estate and multi-family real estate loans.
  K-8
 Index
  Loans-to-One Borrower Limit and Loan Category Concentration.A federal savings bank generally may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount my be loaned, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate. At December 31, 2009, our regulatory limit on loans-to-one borrower was $2.3 million. At that date, our largest lending relationship consisted of twelve loans totaling $2.2 million attributed to one individual, including loans to various corporate entities as well as direct loans. These loans were performing in accordance with their original terms at December 31, 2009.
 
 Pursuant to a risk management policy adopted by our board of directors, and in an effort to closely monitor the origination and portfolio balances of higher risk real estate loans and commercial business loans, Walden Federal has established a goal to limit its combined balance of higher risk real estate loans plus commercial business loans to a maximum of 425% of Tier 1 capital, with the commercial business loans component not exceeding 100% of Tier 1 capital.  At December 31, 2009, the combined balance of our higher risk real estate loans and commercial business loans was 380.9% of Tier 1 capital, with the commercial business loan component at 97.5% of Tier 1 capital.  We will continue to closely monitor the origination and portfolio balances of these types of loans and may adjust these ratios after consideration of all relevant factors, including consultations with the Office of Thrift Supervision, our primary federal bank regulator.
 
 Loan Commitments.  We issue commitments for fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans conditioned upon the occurrence of certain events.  Commitments to originate mortgage loans are legally binding agreements to lend to our customers.  Generally, our loan commitments expire after 60 days. See Note 13 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 Risk Management
 
 Overview.  Managing risk is an essential part of successfully managing a financial institution.  Our most prominent risk exposures are credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk.  Credit risk is the risk of not collecting the interest and/or the principal balance of a loan or investment when it is due.  Interest rate risk is the potential reduction of net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates.  Market risk arises from fluctuations in interest rates that may result in changes in the values of financial instruments, such as available-for-sale securities that are accounted for at fair value.  Other risks that we face are operational risks, liquidity risks and reputation risk.  Operational risks include risks related to fraud, regulatory compliance, processing errors, technology and disaster recovery.  Liquidity risk is the possible inability to fund obligations to depositors, lenders or borrowers.  Reputation risk is the risk that negative publicity or press, whether true or not, could cause a decline in our customer base or revenue.
 
 Credit Risk Management.  Our strategy for credit risk management focuses on having well-defined credit policies and uniform underwriting criteria and providing prompt attention to potential problem loans.
 
 When a borrower fails to make a required loan payment, we take a number of steps to have the borrower cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status, including contacting the borrower by letter and phone at regular intervals.  Generally, when a real estate loan becomes 90 days past due, we institute foreclosure proceedings.  If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full or refinanced before the foreclosure sale, the real property securing the loan generally goes to foreclosure sale.  On non-real estate loans, we attempt to repossess any other collateral that secures the loan if collection efforts have failed.  Management informs the board of directors monthly of the amount of loans delinquent more than 30 days.  Management provides detailed information to the board of directors on loans 60 or more days past due and all loans in foreclosure and repossessed property that we own.
 
 Loans that we sell are generally sold without recourse and therefore, there is minimal risk that we would have to repurchase a previously sold loan due to early default.  However, if it is determined that there
  K-9
 Index
  were inadequacies or exceptions in the underwriting process, we could be required to repurchase the loan.  In the past ten years, we have not been required to repurchase any loans sold to Freddie Mac.
 
 Analysis of Nonperforming and Classified Assets.  We consider repossessed assets and loans that are 90 days or more past due to be nonperforming assets.  The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectibility of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing.  A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest is reversed against interest income.  Interest received on nonaccrual loans generally is either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectibility of principal.  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.
 
 Real estate that we acquire as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until it is sold.  When property is acquired, it is initially recorded at fair value at the date of foreclosure less estimated disposal costs. Losses are charged to the allowance for loan losses upon foreclosure. Holding costs and declines in fair value after acquisition of the property result in charges against income. We had $1.4 million of foreclosed real estate at December 31, 2009.
 
 The following table provides information with respect to our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated. We did not have any accruing loans past due 90 days or more at the dates presented.
 
 Nonperforming Assets
 
 December 31,(Dollars in thousands)

2009


2008Nonaccrual loans:One- to four-family residential real estate

$
2,600


$
2,384Construction


599



959Multi-family and commercial real estate


360



360Land


2,004



935Commercial


-



318Consumer


-



18Total nonaccrual loans


5,563



4,974Foreclosed real estate


1,435



—Other nonperforming assets


—



—Total nonperforming assets


6,998



4,974Troubled debt restructurings


1,076



285Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings

$
8,074


$
5,259Total nonperforming loans to total loans


4.01
%


3.57
%Total nonperforming loans to total assets


3.56



3.31Total nonperforming assets and troubleddebt restructurings to total assets


5.17



3.50
 
 For the year ended December 31, 2009, gross interest income that would have been recorded had our non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms was approximately $381,000 as compared to approximately $208,000 at December 31, 2008.
 
 Increases in nonperforming loans were a direct result of the continued housing market downturn and rising unemployment. Nonperforming loans totaled $5.6 million, or 4.0% of total loans at December 31, 2009 compared to $5.0 million, or 3.6% of total loans at December 31, 2008. The $5.6 million in nonperforming loans at year end were comprised of $2.6 million in one-to four-family residential loans, (two of these loans totaling $433,000 were paid off in January 2010), $2.0 million of land loans which included
  K-10
 Index
  $1.7 million of loans extended to two residential subdivisions, two loans to builders for construction of unsold homes totaling $599,000 and commercial real estate loans totaling $360,000.
 
 During 2009, we established a specific loan loss allowance of $212,000 for the two relationships totaling $1.7 million of land and construction loan participations mentioned above. These loans are secured by mortgages on residential subdivisions located in our market area. The total specific loan loss allowance on these loans totaled $601,000 at December 31, 2009, based on updated appraisals on the projects indicating lower collateral values given current market conditions.
 
 Federal regulations require us to review and classify our assets on a regular basis.  In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision has the authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, require them to be classified.  There are three classifications for problem assets:  substandard, doubtful and loss.  “Substandard assets” must have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  “Doubtful assets” have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss.  An asset classified “loss” is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset of the institution is not warranted.  The regulations also provide for a “special mention” category, described as assets which do not currently expose us to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification but do possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving our close attention.  When we classify an asset as substandard or doubtful we evaluate the need to establish a specific allowance for loan losses.  If we classify an asset as loss, we charge off an amount equal to 100% of the portion of the asset classified as loss.
 
 The following table shows the aggregate amounts of our classified assets at the dates indicated.
 
 Classified Assets
 
 At December 31,(Dollars in thousands)

2009


2008Substandard assets

$
8,495


$
4,052Doubtful assets


—



37Loss assets


—



—Total classified assets

$
8,495


$
4,089
 
 The reason for the increases in classified assets is discussed above in the nonperforming assets section.
 
 Special mention loans have increased to $7.3 million as of December 31, 2009 from $3.2 million at December 31, 2008. The increase in special mention loans was a result of the same economic factors discussed above and management’s assessment of potential weaknesses in individual loans that deserve our close attention.
 
 At December 31, 2009, other than the classified asset discussed above, there are no other loans that management has serious doubts about the ability of the borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms.
 
 Delinquencies.  The following table provides information about delinquencies in our loan portfolio at the dates indicated.
  K-11
 Index
  Loan Delinquencies
 
 December 31,2009


2008(Dollars in thousands)

30-59

Days

Past Due


60-89

Days

Past Due


30-59

Days

Past Due


60-89

Days

Past DueOne- to four-family residential real estate

$
947


$
320


$
315


$
117Construction


—



—



435



—Commercial and multi-family real estate


—



—



340



—Land


32



—



914



—Commercial


—



—



—



—Consumer


14



5



2



—Total

$
993


$
325


$
2,006


$
117
 
 
 Analysis and Determination of the Allowance for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  We evaluate the need to establish allowances against losses on loans on a quarterly basis.  We review previously classified assets and any new nonaccrual loans and other loans where collectibility may be in question as part of determining whether additional allowances are necessary.  When additional allowances are necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings.
 
 Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses consists of:  (1) a specific valuation allowance on identified problem loans; and (2) a general valuation allowance on the remainder of the loan portfolio.  Although we determine the amount of each element of the allowance separately, the entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio.
 
 We establish a specific allowance on certain identified problem loans based on such factors as:  (1) the strength of the customer’s personal or business cash flows and personal guarantees; (2) the availability of other sources of repayment; (3) the amount due or past due; (4) the type and value of collateral; (5) the strength of our collateral position; (6) the estimated cost to sell the collateral; and (7) the borrower’s effort to cure the delinquency.
 
 We establish a general allowance for loans that are not classified to recognize the inherent losses associated with lending activities.  This general valuation allowance is determined by segregating the loans by loan category and assigning allowance percentages to each category.  The allowance percentages have been derived using percentages commonly applied under the regulatory framework for Walden Federal and other similarly-sized institutions.  The percentages may be adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date.  These significant factors may include changes in lending policies and procedures, changes in existing general economic and business conditions affecting our primary lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral value, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio, duration of the current business cycle and bank regulatory examination results.  The applied loss factors are reevaluated quarterly to ensure their relevance in the current economic environment.
 
 We identify loans that may need to be charged off as a loss by reviewing all delinquent loans, classified loans and other loans that management may have concerns about collectibility.  For individually reviewed loans, the borrower’s inability to make payments under the terms of the loan or a shortfall in collateral value would result in establishing a specific loss provision or our charging off the loan or the portion of the loan that was impaired.
  K-12
 Index
  The Office of Thrift Supervision, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews our allowance for loan losses.  The Office of Thrift Supervision may require us to make additional provisions for loan losses based on judgments different from ours.
 
 At December 31, 2009, our allowance for loan losses represented 1.38% of total loans. The allowance for loan losses increased by 42.4% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009, increased by the provision for loan losses during 2009 of $656,000 and reduced by net charge-offs of $85,000.  The decision to increase the allowance reflected management’s consideration of decreases in the real estate values in our market area and increases in our non-performing loans. Other factors affecting the allowance calculation are national and local economic trends and conditions, industry conditions and changes in credit concentrations. Factors such as quality of lending management and staff and lending standards remained reasonably stable during this period.
 
 The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated.
 
 Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 December 31,2009


2008(Dollars in thousands)

Amount


% of

Loans in

Category

to Total

Loans


Amount


% of

Loans in

Category

to Total

LoansOne- to four-family residential real estate

$
238



43.0
%

$
161



47.1
%Construction


291



5.6



100



6.6Multi-family and commercial real estate


265



20.3



210



17.9Land


826



11.0



599



9.8Commercial


196



11.0



162



9.2Consumer


102



9.1



115



9.4Total allowance for loan losses

$
1,918



100.0
%

$
1,347



100.0
%
 
 
 Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and our results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations.  Furthermore, while we believe we have established our allowance for loan losses in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, there can be no assurance that regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, will not require us to increase our allowance for loan losses.  In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above.  Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
 The following table sets forth an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.
  K-13
 Index
  Analysis of Loan Loss Experience.
 
 Year Ended December 31,(Dollars in thousands)

2009


2008Allowance at beginning of year

$
1,347


$
787Provision for loan losses


656



579Charge offs:One- to four-family residential real estate loans


27



—Construction


—



—Commercial and multi-family real estate loans


—



—Land


—



—Commercial loans


24



—Consumer loans


48



23Total charge-offs


99



23Recoveries:One- to four-family residential real estate loans


—



—Construction


—



—Commercial and multi-family real estate loans


—



—Land


—



—Commercial loans


—



—Consumer loans


14



4Total recoveries


14



4Net charge-offs


85



19Allowance at end of year

$
1,918


$
1,347Allowance to nonperforming loans


34.5
%


27.1
%Allowance to total loans outstanding at the end of the year


1.38



0.97Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the year


0.06



0.01
 
 Investment Activities
 
 We have legal authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies and of state and municipal governments, mortgage-backed securities and certificates of deposit of federally insured institutions.  Within certain regulatory limits, we also may invest a portion of our assets in corporate securities and mutual funds.  We also are required to maintain an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock and Atlantic Central Bankers Bank (ACBB).
 
 At December 31, 2009, our investment portfolio totaled $1.3 million, or 0.8% of total assets, and consisted of U.S. agency securities and mortgage-backed securities held to maturity.
 
 Our investment objectives are to provide and maintain liquidity, to establish an acceptable level of interest rate and credit risk, to provide an alternate source of low-risk investments when demand for loans is weak and to generate a favorable return.  Our board of directors has the overall responsibility for the investment portfolio, including approval of our investment policy.  The Investment Committee is responsible for implementation of the investment policy and monitoring our investment performance.  Our board of directors reviews the status of our investment portfolio on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if warranted.
 
 At the time of purchase, we designate a security as either held to maturity, available-for-sale, or trading, based upon our ability and intent. Securities available-for-sale are reported at estimated fair value, trading securities are reported at estimated fair value and securities held to maturity are reported at amortized
  K-14
 Index
  cost. A periodic review and evaluation of the available-for-sale and held to maturity securities portfolios is conducted to determine if the fair value of any security has declined below its carrying value and whether such decline is other-than-temporary. If such decline is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis and the resulting loss is charged against earnings for credit related factors and other comprehensive income for noncredit related factors. At December 31, 2009, we had no securities deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. At December 31, 2009, we had no securities classified as available for sale or trading.
 
 The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair values of our securities portfolio at the dates indicated (excludes FHLB and ACBB stock).
 
 Investment Securities
 
 December 31,2009


2008(Dollars in thousands)

Amortized

Cost


Fair

Value


Amortized

Cost


Fair

ValueSecurities available for sale:U.S. Government agency securities

$
-


$
-


$
1,000


$
1,002Total available for sale


-



-



1,000



1,002Securities held to maturity:U.S. Government agency securities


750



752



750



756Mortgage-backed securities


540



571



759



774Total held to maturity


1,290



1,323



1,509



1,530Total

$
1,290


$
1,323


$
2,509


$
2,532
 
 
 The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2009.  Certain mortgage-backed securities have adjustable interest rates and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges.  These repricing schedules are not reflected in the table below.  Approximately $68,000 of the mortgage-backed securities listed below have adjustable interest rates.
 
 Investment Maturities Schedule
 
 One Year or Less


More than One Year to Five Years


More than Five Years to Ten Years


More than Ten Years


TotalDecember 31, 2009

(Dollars in thousands)

Carrying Value


Weighted

Average

Yield


Carrying Value


Weighted

Average

Yield


Carrying Value


Weighted

Average

Yield


Carrying Value


Weighted

Average

Yield


Carrying Value


Weighted

Average

YieldSecurities available-for-sale:U.S. Government agency securities


—



—


$
—



—
%


—



—


$
—



—
%

$
—



—
%Total available for sale


—



—



—



—



—



—



—



—



—



—Securities held to maturity:U.S. Government agency securities


—



—



750



1.55



—



—



—



—



750



1.55Mortgage-backed securities


—



—



472



5.46



—



—


$
68



2.91
%


540



5.14Total held to maturity


—



—



1,222



3.06



—



—



68



2.91



1,290



3.05Total


—



—


$
1,222



3.06
%


—



—


$
68



2.91
%

$
1,290



3.05
%
  K-15
 Index
  Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds
 
 General.  Deposits, borrowings and loan repayments are the major sources of our funds for lending and other investment purposes.  Scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions.
 
 Deposit Accounts.Substantially all of our depositors are residents of the State of New York.  Deposits are attracted from within our market area through advertising and the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments, including noninterest-bearing demand deposits (such as checking accounts), interest-bearing demand accounts (such as NOW and money market accounts), savings accounts and certificates of deposit.  In addition to accounts for individuals, we also offer commercial checking accounts designed for the businesses operating in our market area.  We do not have any brokered deposits. Municipal deposits comprise a portion of our total deposits.  The New York State Banking Department has designated the Town of Mount Hope, including the Village of Otisville, as a Banking Development District.  The objective of the program is to encourage the establishment of bank branches in geographic locations where there is a demonstrated need for banking services.  The New York State Office of the Comptroller is authorized to deposit funds with our Otisville branch.  Additionally, Walden Federal can accept public funds from the Town of Mount Hope and the Village of Otisville.  At December 31, 2009, $10.0 million, or 7.6% of our total deposits consisted of one municipal deposit from the New York State Office of the Comptroller.  We have applied to the New York State Banking Department to renew this $10.0 million certificate of deposit for one additional year and we expect this certificate of deposit to remain with us past April 2010. At December 31, 2009, we had a total of $78.2 million in certificates of deposit, of which $72.4 million had remaining maturities of one year or less. Based on historical experience, we believe we will retain a large portion of these accounts upon maturity.
 
 The following table sets forth the balances of our deposit products at the dates indicated.
 
 Deposits
 
 December 31,2009


2008(Dollars in thousands)

Amount


Percent


Amount


PercentNoninterest-bearing demand deposits

$
19,770



15.0
%

$
16,947



13.6
%Interest-bearing demand deposits


7,395



5.6



6,644



5.3Money market accounts


10,526



8.0



11,579



9.3Savings accounts


15,868



12.0



13,561



10.9Certificates of deposit


78,189



59.4



76,008



60.9Total

$
131,748



100.0
%

$
124,739



100.0
%
 
  Time Deposit Maturities of $100,000 or more
 
 December 31, 2009 (Dollars in thousands)

Certificates

of DepositMaturity PeriodThree months or less

$
9,047Over three through six months


14,104Over six through twelve months


8,935Over twelve months


2,006Total

$
34,092
 
 
 Borrowings.We have the ability to utilize advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to supplement our investable funds.  The FHLB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for member financial institutions.  As a member, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and are
  K-16
 Index
  authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of our mortgage loans and other assets (principally securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States), provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have been met.  Advances are made under several different programs, each having its own interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based either on a fixed percentage of an institution’s net worth or on the FHLB’s assessment of the institution’s creditworthiness. The Bank at year end December 31, 2009, had a maximum borrowing capacity with the FHLB of approximately $38.0 million, including line of credit facilities, of which $10.0 million was used to secure a municipal letter of credit and $3.0 million of outstanding FHLB advances at December 31, 2009. The unused borrowing capacity with the FHLB was $25.0 million at December 31, 2009.
  We had FHLB short-term advances at December 31, 2009 of $3.0 million. We have an unused $2.0 million federal funds line from our correspondent bank Atlantic Central Bankers Bank as of December 31, 2009.
 
 Borrowings
 
 Year Ended December 31,(Dollars in thousands)

2009


2008Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the year:FHLB advances

$
9,700


$
5,550Average amount outstanding during the year:FHLB advances

$
2,810


$
2,437Weighted average interest rate during the year:FHLB advances


1.00
%


2.38
%Balance outstanding at end of year:FHLB advances

$
3,000


$
4,375Weighted average interest rate at end of year:FHLB advances


0.81
%


1.42
%
 
 
 Personnel
 
 At December 31, 2009, we had 58 full-time employees and four part-time employees, none of whom is represented by a collective bargaining unit.
 
 Subsidiaries
 
 Hometown Bancorp’s only direct subsidiary is Walden Federal.  Walden Federal has two active wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ever-Green Financial Services Inc. and Valley Services, Inc., both of which are New York corporations.  Evergreen was formed in 1984.  Evergreen’s sole business activity is a 50% ownership interest in Evergreen Title Agency, LP, which is in the title insurance business.  Valley Services was formed in 1999 to hold real estate owned.
 
 
 REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
  General
  Walden Federal is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision, as its primary federal regulator, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as the insurer of its deposits.  Walden Federal is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund managed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Walden Federal must file reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory
  K-17
 Index
  approvals before entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions.  There are periodic examinations by the Office of Thrift Supervision and, under certain circumstances, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to evaluate Walden Federal’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements.  This regulatory structure is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors.  The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.  Any change in such policies, whether by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on Hometown Bancorp, Hometown Bancorp MHC and Walden Federal and their operations.  Hometown Bancorp and Hometown Bancorp MHC, as savings and loan holding companies, are required to file certain reports with, are subject to examination by, and otherwise must comply with the rules and regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision.
 
 Certain of the regulatory requirements that are applicable to Walden Federal, Hometown Bancorp and Hometown Bancorp MHC are described below.  This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete explanation of such statutes and regulations and their effects on Walden Federal, Hometown Bancorp and Hometown Bancorp MHC and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual statutes and regulations.
 
 Proposed Federal Legislation
 
 Legislation has been proposed that would implement sweeping changes to the current bank regulatory structure, including eliminating our current primary federal regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision, by merging the Office of Thrift Supervision into the Comptroller of the Currency (the primary federal regulator for national banks). The proposed legislation would also establish a Financial Services Oversight Council and grant the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System exclusive authority to regulate all banks and thrift holding companies.  As a result, Hometown Bancorp would become a bank holding company subject to supervision by the Federal Reserve Board as opposed to the Office of Thrift Supervision, and would become subject to the Federal Reserve’s regulations, including holding company capital requirements, that Hometown Bancorp would not be subject to as a savings and loan holding company. In addition, compliance with new regulations and being supervised by one or more new regulatory agencies could increase our expenses.
 
 
 Regulation of Federal Savings Associations
 
 Capital Requirements.The Office of Thrift Supervision’s capital regulations require federal savings institutions to meet three minimum capital standards:  a 1.5% tangible capital to total assets ratio, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS examination rating system) and an 8% risk-based capital ratio.  In addition, the prompt corrective action standards discussed below also establish, in effect, a minimum 2% tangible capital standard, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS system) and, together with the risk-based capital standard itself, a 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital standard.  The Office of Thrift Supervision regulations also require that, in meeting the tangible, leverage and risk-based capital standards, institutions must generally deduct investments in and loans to subsidiaries engaged in activities as principal that are not permissible for a national bank.
 
 The risk-based capital standard requires federal savings institutions to maintain Tier 1 (core) and total capital (which is defined as core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and 8%, respectively.  In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, recourse obligations, residual interests and direct credit substitutes, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100%, assigned by the Office of Thrift Supervision capital regulation based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset.  Core (Tier 1) capital is defined as common stockholders’
  K-18
 Index
  equity (including retained earnings), certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles other than certain mortgage servicing rights and credit card relationships.  The components of supplementary capital currently include cumulative preferred stock, long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock, the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and up to 45% of unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values.  Overall, the amount of supplementary capital included as part of total capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital.
 
 The Office of Thrift Supervision also has authority to establish individual minimum capital requirements in appropriate cases upon a determination that an institution’s capital level is or may become inadequate in light of the particular circumstances.  At December 31, 2009, Walden Federal met each of these capital requirements.
 
 Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. The Office of Thrift Supervision is required to take certain supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions, the severity of which depends upon the institution’s degree of undercapitalization.  Generally, a savings institution that has a ratio of total capital to risk weighted assets of less than 8%, a ratio of Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 4% or a ratio of core capital to total assets of less than 4% (3% or less for institutions with the highest examination rating) is considered to be “undercapitalized.”  A savings institution that has a total risk-based capital ratio less than 6%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized” and a savings institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.”  Subject to a narrow exception, the Office of Thrift Supervision is required to appoint a receiver or conservator within specified time frames for an institution that is “critically undercapitalized.”  An institution must file a capital restoration plan with the Office of Thrift Supervision within 45 days of the date it receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.”  Compliance with the plan must be guaranteed by any parent holding company in the amount of the lesser of 5% of the savings association’s total assets when it was deemed undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve compliance with applicable capital regulations.  In addition, numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to an undercapitalized institution, including, but not limited to, increased monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth, capital distributions and expansion.  “Significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to more extensive mandatory regulatory actions.  The Office of Thrift Supervision could also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.  At December 31, 2009, Walden Federal was well-capitalized.
 
 Standards for Safety and Soundness.  As required by statute, the federal banking agencies have adopted Interagency Guidelines prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness.  The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired.  If the Office of Thrift Supervision determines that a savings institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the Office of Thrift Supervision may require the institution to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard.  Walden Federal has not received any notice from the Office of Thrift Supervision that it has failed to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines.
 
 Limitation on Capital Distributions.  Office of Thrift Supervision regulations impose limitations upon all capital distributions by a savings institution, including cash dividends, payments to repurchase its shares and payments to stockholders of another institution in a cash-out merger.  Under the regulations, an application to and the prior approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision is required before any capital distribution if the institution does not meet the criteria for “expedited treatment” of applications under Office of Thrift Supervision regulations (i.e., generally, examination and Community Reinvestment Act ratings in the two top categories), the total capital distributions for the calendar year exceed net income for that year plus the amount of retained net income for the preceding two years, the institution would be undercapitalized
  K-19
 Index
  following the distribution or the distribution would otherwise be contrary to a statute, regulation or agreement with the Office of Thrift Supervision.  If an application is not required, the institution must still provide prior notice to the Office of Thrift Supervision of the capital distribution if, like Walden Federal, it is a subsidiary of a holding company.  If Walden Federal’s capital were ever to fall below its regulatory requirements or the Office of Thrift Supervision notified it that it was in need of increased supervision, its ability to make capital distributions could be restricted.  In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision could prohibit a proposed capital distribution that would otherwise be permitted by the regulation, if the agency determines that such distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.
 
 Qualified Thrift Lender Test.  Federal law requires savings institutions to meet a qualified thrift lender test.  Under the test, a savings association is required to either qualify as a “domestic building and loan association” under the Internal Revenue Code or maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” (total assets less:  (i) specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets; (ii) intangibles, including goodwill; and (iii) the value of property used to conduct business) in certain “qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including certain mortgage-backed securities) in at least 9 months out of each 12 month period.  Education loans, credit card loans and small business loans may be considered “qualified thrift investments.”  A savings institution that fails the qualified thrift lender test is subject to certain operating restrictions and may be required to convert to a bank charter.  As of December 31, 2009, Walden Federal met the qualified thrift lender test.
 
 Transactions with Related Parties.  Federal law limits Walden Federal’s authority to lend to, and engage in certain other transactions with (collectively, “covered transactions”), “affiliates” (e.g., any company that controls or is under common control with an institution, including Hometown Bancorp, Hometown Bancorp MHC and their non-savings institution subsidiaries).  The aggregate amount of covered transactions with any individual affiliate is limited to 10% of the capital and surplus of the savings institution.  The aggregate amount of covered transactions with all affiliates is limited to 20% of the savings institution’s capital and surplus.  Loans and other specified transactions with affiliates are required to be secured by collateral in an amount and of a type described in federal law.  The purchase of low quality assets from affiliates is generally prohibited.  Transactions with affiliates must be on terms and under circumstances that are at least as favorable to the institution as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated companies.  In addition, savings institutions are prohibited from lending to any affiliate that is engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and no savings institution may purchase the securities of any affiliate other than a subsidiary.
 
 The Sarbanes-Oxley Act generally prohibits loans by Hometown Bancorp to its executive officers and directors.  However, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act contains a specific exemption from such prohibition for loans by Walden Federal to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking regulations.  Federal regulations require that all loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors of insured institutions must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.  Walden Federal is therefore prohibited from making any new loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors at different rates or terms than those offered to the general public.  Notwithstanding this rule, federal regulations permit Walden Federal to make loans to executive officers and directors at reduced interest rates if the loan is made under a benefit program generally available to all other employees and does not give preference to any executive officer or director over any other employee.
 
 In addition, loans made to a director or executive officer in an amount that, when aggregated with the amount of all other loans to the person and his or her related interests, are in excess of the greater of $25,000 or 5% of Walden Federal’s capital and surplus, up to a maximum of $500,000, must be approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors.
 
 Insurance of Deposit Accounts.In October 2008, deposit insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was increased to a maximum of $250,000 per depositor.  On January 1, 2014, the
  K-20
 Index
  maximum insurance amount will return to $100,000 per depositor for all deposit accounts except certain retirement accounts, which will remain at $250,000 per depositor. In addition, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program, most of our non-interest-bearing transaction accounts are guaranteed regardless of amount until June 30, 2010.
 
 Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (the “Reform Act”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is authorized to set the reserve ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund annually at between 1.15% and 1.5% of estimated insured deposits. As of June 30, 2008, the reserve ratio had decreased to 1.01% as a result of bank failures.  As part of a plan to restore the reserve ratio to 1.15%, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation imposed a special assessment equal to five basis points of assets less Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009, which was payable on September 30, 2009.  In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has increased its quarterly deposit insurance assessment rates and amended the method by which rates are calculated.  Beginning in the second quarter of 2009, institutions are assigned an initial base assessment rate ranging from 12 to 45 basis points of deposits depending on risk category. The initial base assessment is then adjusted based upon the level of unsecured debt, secured liabilities, and brokered deposits to establish a total base assessment rate ranging from seven to 77.5 basis points.
 
 On November 12, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved a final rule requiring insured depository institutions to prepay on December 30, 2009, their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012.   Estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010 are based upon the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009, with three basis points added for the 2011 and 2012 assessment rates.  In addition, a 5% annual growth in the assessment base is assumed.  Prepaid assessments are to be applied against the actual quarterly assessments until exhausted, and may not be applied to any special assessments that may occur in the future.  Any unused prepayments will be returned to the institution on June 30, 2013.  On December 30, 2009, Walden Federal prepaid $887,000 in estimated assessment fees for the fourth quarter of 2009 through 2012.  Because the prepaid assessments represent the prepayment of future expense, they do not affect our regulatory capital (the prepaid asset will have a risk-weighting of 0%) or tax obligations.
 
 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 currently know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of our 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 December 31, 2009, the annualized FICO assessment was equal to 1.06 basis points for each $100 in domestic deposits maintained at an institution.
  Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program guarantees newly issued senior unsecured debt of a participating organization, up to certain limits established for each institution, issued between October 14, 2008 and June 30, 2009.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation extended this component of the program to cover debt issued through October 31, 2009.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will pay the unpaid principal and interest on Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-guaranteed debt instruments upon the uncured failure of the participating entity to make timely payments of principal or interest in accordance with the terms of the instrument.  The guarantee will remain in effect until December 31, 2012. In return for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s guarantee, participating institutions are required to pay the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation a fee based on the amount and maturity of the debt.  Walden Federal opted not to participate in this part of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.
  K-21
 Index
  The other component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program provides full federal deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts, regardless of dollar amount, until June 30, 2010.  Through December 31, 2009, an annualized 10 basis point assessment on balances in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts that exceed $250,000 was assessed to insured depository institutions that have not opted out of this component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.  Beginning January 1, 2010, the fees will be based on the institution’s risk category rating assigned with respect to regular Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments.  Institutions in Risk Category I (generally well-capitalized institutions with composite CAMELS 1 or 2 ratings) will pay an annualized assessment rate of 15 basis points.  Institutions in Risk Category II (generally adequately capitalized institutions with composite CAMELS 3 or better) will pay an annualized assessment rate of 20 basis points.  Institutions in Risk Category III or IV (generally under capitalized or composite CAMELS 4 or 5) will pay an annualized assessment rate of 25 basis points.  Walden Federal opted not to participate in this component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.
  U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program.The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 was enacted in October 2008 and provides the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury with broad authority to implement certain actions to help restore stability and liquidity to U.S. markets. One of the provisions resulting from the legislation is the Troubled Asset Relief Program, Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”), which provides direct equity investment in perpetual preferred stock by the U.S. Treasury Department in qualified financial institutions. The program is voluntary and requires an institution to comply with a number of restrictions and provisions, including limits on executive compensation, stock redemptions and declaration of dividends.  The CPP provides for a minimum investment of one percent of total risk-weighted assets and a maximum investment equal to the lesser of three percent of total risk-weighted assets or $25 billion. Participation in the program is not automatic and is subject to approval by the U.S. Treasury Department.  Hometown Bancorp did not participate in the CPP.
  In addition, the current economic crisis has generated new federal legislation, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”), which has created new corporate governance reporting obligations, as well as compensation and financial restrictions, on banks and financial services companies receiving federal assistance pursuant to this statute and the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  There can be no assurance that some of these restrictions may be applied more broadly in the future to financial institutions that are not receiving federal assistance.  Moreover, it is likely that additional legislation will be enacted in the future affecting the regulation of financial institutions and their holding companies.
 
 Federal Home Loan Bank System.  Walden Federal is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks.  The FHLB provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions.  Walden Federal, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in that FHLB.  Walden Federal was in compliance with this requirement with an investment in FHLB stock at December 31, 2009 of $431,000.
 
 Community Reinvestment Act.Under the Community Reinvestment Act, as implemented by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, a savings association 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 Office of Thrift Supervision, in connection with its examination of a savings association, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution.
 
 The Community Reinvestment Act requires public disclosure of an institution’s rating and requires the Office of Thrift Supervision to provide a written evaluation of an association’s Community Reinvestment Act performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system.
  K-22
 Index
  Walden Federal received an “outstanding” rating as a result of its most recent Community Reinvestment Act assessment.
 
 Holding Company Regulation
 
 General.Hometown Bancorp and Hometown Bancorp MHC are savings and loan holding companies within the meaning of federal law.  As such, they are registered with the Office of Thrift Supervision and are subject to Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, examinations, supervision, reporting requirements and regulations concerning corporate governance and activities.  In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision has enforcement authority over Hometown Bancorp and Hometown Bancorp MHC and their non-savings institution subsidiaries.  Among other things, this authority permits the Office of Thrift Supervision to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to Walden Federal.
 
 Restrictions Applicable to Mutual Holding Companies.According to federal law and Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, a mutual holding company, such as Hometown Bancorp MHC, may generally engage in the following activities:  (1) investing in the stock of a bank; (2) acquiring a mutual association through the merger of such association into a bank subsidiary of such holding company or an interim bank subsidiary of such holding company; (3) merging with or acquiring another holding company, one of whose subsidiaries is a bank; and (4) any activity approved by the Federal Reserve Board for a bank holding company or financial holding company or previously approved by Office of Thrift Supervision for multiple savings and loan holding companies.  In addition, mutual holding companies may engage in activities permitted for financial holding companies.  Financial holding companies may engage in a broad array of financial service activities including insurance and securities.
 
 Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, including a federal mutual holding company, from directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of another savings institution, or its holding company, without prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision.  Federal law also prohibits a savings and loan holding company from acquiring more than 5% of a company engaged in activities other than those authorized for savings and loan holding companies by federal law; or acquiring or retaining control of a depository institution that is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the Office of Thrift Supervision must consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.
 
 The Office of Thrift Supervision is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings institutions in more than one state, except:  (1) the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies, and (2) the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisitions.  The states vary in the extent to which they permit interstate savings and loan holding company acquisitions.
 
 If the savings institution subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company fails to meet the qualified thrift lender test, the holding company must register with the Federal Reserve Board as a bank holding company within one year of the savings institution’s failure to so qualify.
 
 Stock Holding Company Subsidiary Regulation.The Office of Thrift Supervision has adopted regulations governing the two-tier mutual holding company form of organization and subsidiary stock holding companies that are controlled by mutual holding companies.  We have adopted this form of organization.  Hometown Bancorp is the stock holding company subsidiary of Hometown Bancorp MHC.  Hometown Bancorp is permitted to engage in activities that are permitted for Hometown Bancorp MHC subject to the same restrictions and conditions.
  K-23
 Index
  Waivers of Dividends by Hometown Bancorp MHC.Office of Thrift Supervision regulations require Hometown Bancorp MHC to notify the Office of Thrift Supervision if it proposes to waive receipt of dividends from Hometown Bancorp.  The Office of Thrift Supervision reviews dividend waiver notices on a case-by-case basis, and, in general, does not object to a waiver if:  (i) the waiver would not be detrimental to the safe and sound operation of the savings association; and (ii) the mutual holding company’s board of directors determines that such waiver is consistent with such directors’ fiduciary duties to the mutual holding company’s members.  We anticipate that Hometown Bancorp MHC will waive dividends that Hometown Bancorp may pay, if any.
 
 Conversion of Hometown Bancorp MHC to Stock Form.Office of Thrift Supervision regulations permit Hometown Bancorp MHC to convert from the mutual form of organization to the capital stock form of organization.  There can be no assurance when, if ever, a conversion transaction will occur, and the board of directors has no current intention or plan to undertake a conversion transaction.  In a conversion transaction, a new holding company would be formed as the successor to Hometown Bancorp, Hometown Bancorp MHC’s corporate existence would end, and certain depositors of Walden Federal would receive the right to subscribe for additional shares of the new holding company.  In a conversion transaction, each share of common stock held by stockholders other than Hometown Bancorp MHC would be automatically converted into a number of shares of common stock of the new holding company based on an exchange ratio determined at the time of conversion that ensures that stockholders other than Hometown Bancorp MHC own the same percentage of common stock in the new holding company as they owned in Hometown Bancorp immediately before conversion.  The total number of shares held by stockholders other than Hometown Bancorp MHC after a conversion transaction would be increased by any purchases by such stockholders in the stock offering conducted as part of the conversion transaction.
 
 Acquisition of Control.Under the federal Change in Bank Control Act, a notice must be submitted to the Office of Thrift Supervision if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire “control” of a savings and loan holding company or savings association.  An acquisition of “control” can occur upon the acquisition of 10% or more of the voting stock of a savings and loan holding company or savings institution or as otherwise defined by the Office of Thrift Supervision.  Under the Change in Bank Control Act, the Office of Thrift Supervision has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the anti-trust effects of the acquisition.  Any company that so acquires control would then be subject to regulation as a savings and loan holding company.
 
 FEDERAL AND STATE TAXATION
  Federal Income Taxation
  General.We report our income on a fiscal year basis using the accrual method of accounting.  The federal income tax laws apply to us in the same manner as to other corporations with some exceptions, including particularly our reserve for bad debts discussed below.  The following discussion of tax matters is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to us.  Our federal income tax returns have been either audited or closed under the statute of limitations through tax year 2005.  For its 2009 fiscal year, Walden Federal’s maximum federal income tax rate was 34%.
 
 Hometown Bancorp and Walden Federal have entered into a tax allocation agreement.  Because Hometown Bancorp owns 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Walden Federal, Hometown Bancorp and Walden Federal are members of an affiliated group within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, of which group Hometown Bancorp is the common parent corporation.  As a result of this affiliation, Walden Federal may be included in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return with Hometown Bancorp and, if a decision to file a consolidated tax return is made, the parties agree to compensate each other for their individual share of the consolidated tax liability and/or any tax benefits provided by them in the filing of the consolidated federal income tax return.
  K-24
 Index
  Bad Debt Reserves.For fiscal years beginning before September 30, 1996, thrift institutions that qualified under certain definitional tests and other conditions of the Internal Revenue Code were permitted to use certain favorable provisions to calculate their deductions from taxable income for annual additions to their bad debt reserve.  A reserve could be established for bad debts on qualifying real property loans, generally secured by interests in real property improved or to be improved, under the percentage of taxable income method or the experience method.  The reserve for nonqualifying loans was computed using the experience method.  Federal legislation enacted in 1996 repealed the reserve method of accounting for bad debts and the percentage of taxable income method for tax years beginning after 1995 and required savings institutions to recapture or take into income certain portions of their accumulated bad debt reserves.  Approximately $500,000 of our accumulated bad debt reserves would not be recaptured into taxable income unless Walden Federal makes a “non-dividend distribution” to Hometown Bancorp as described below.
 
 Distributions.  If Walden Federal makes “non-dividend distributions” to Hometown Bancorp, the distributions will be considered to have been made from Walden Federal’s unrecaptured tax bad debt reserves, including the balance of its reserves as of March 31, 1987, to the extent of the “non-dividend distributions,” and then from Walden Federal’s supplemental reserve for losses on loans, to the extent of those reserves, and an amount based on the amount distributed, but not more than the amount of those reserves, will be included in Walden Federal’s taxable income.  Non-dividend distributions include distributions in excess of Walden Federal’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, distributions in redemption of stock, and distributions in partial or complete liquidation.  Dividends paid out of Walden Federal’s current or accumulated earnings and profits will not be so included in Walden Federal’s taxable income.
 
 The amount of additional taxable income triggered by a non-dividend is an amount that, when reduced by the tax attributable to the income, is equal to the amount of the distribution.  Therefore, if Walden Federal makes a non-dividend distribution to Hometown Bancorp, approximately one and one-half times the amount of the distribution not in excess of the amount of the reserves would be includable in income for federal income tax purposes, assuming a 34% federal corporate income tax rate.  Walden Federal does not intend to pay dividends that would result in a recapture of any portion of its bad debt reserves.
 
 State Taxation
 
 New York Taxation.  Hometown Bancorp reports income on a calendar year basis to New York State.  New York State franchise tax on corporations is imposed in an amount equal to the greater of (a) 7.1% of “entire net income” allocable to New York State, (b) 3% of “alternative entire net income” allocable to New York State, or (c) 0.01% of the average value of assets allocable to New York State plus nominal minimum tax of $250 per company.  Entire net income is based on federal taxable income, subject to certain modifications.  Alternative entire net income is equal to entire net income without certain modifications.
 
 Bad Debt Reserves.  Deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized with respect to the New York State base-year reserve of approximately $5.2 million at December 31, 2009, since Walden Federal does not expect that these amounts will become taxable in the foreseeable future.
  K-25
 Index
  ITEM1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
 The current economic downturn coupled with turmoil and uncertainty in the financial markets may adversely impact Hometown Bancorp and its ability to successfully execute its business plan.
 
 The current economic downturn may adversely impact the financial condition of the households and businesses comprising Hometown Bancorp’s loan customers. Such a deteriorating financial condition could arise from loss of employment or business revenue exacerbated by a reduction in the value of real estate collateralizing Hometown Bancorp’s customers’ loans. As a consequence, Hometown Bancorp may continue to experience an increase in nonperforming loans which will negatively impact earnings through reduced collections of interest income coupled with possible increases in the provision for loan losses, charge-offs and foreclosure costs. Hometown Bancorp’s ability to originate new loans in accordance with its business plan goals and objectives may also be diminished as a result of these same factors.
 
 Higher Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance premiums and special assessments will adversely affect our earnings.
  On May 22, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule levying a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution's assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009.  Any further special assessments that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation levies will be recorded as an expense during the appropriate period.  In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation increased the general deposit insurance assessment rate and, therefore, our Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance premium expense will increase compared to prior periods.
  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation also adopted a rule pursuant to which all insured depository institutions were required to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012.  The prepayment amount was collected on December 30, 2009.  The assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 is 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 will 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.  We recorded the pre-payment as a prepaid expense, which will be amortized to expense over three years.  Based on our deposits and assessment rate as of September 30, 2009, our prepayment amount was $887,000 at December 31, 2009.
  These actions will significantly increase our noninterest expense in 2010 and in future years as long as the increased premiums are in place.
 
 A downturn in the local economy or local real estate values could hurt Hometown Bancorp’s profits.
 
 Almost all of Hometown Bancorp’s real estate loans are secured by real estate in upstate New York.  As a result of this concentration, a downturn in the local economy could cause significant increases in non-performing loans, which would hurt Hometown Bancorp’s profits.  Additionally, a decrease in asset quality could require additions to Hometown Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses through increased provisions for loan losses, which would hurt Hometown Bancorp’s profits.  Until 2007, there had been significant increases in real estate values in Hometown Bancorp’s market area.  As a result of these rising home prices, Hometown Bancorp’s loans were well collateralized.  During 2007, however, the real estate market in Orange County began to slow, and during 2008 and continuing in 2009, real estate values in Orange County declined.  Further declines in real estate values could cause some of Hometown Bancorp’s mortgage loans to become inadequately collateralized, which would expose Hometown Bancorp to a greater risk of loss.
  K-26
 Index
  ITEM1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
 None.
 
 ITEM2.
PROPERTIES
 
 We conduct our business through our main office and five branch offices. The following table sets forth certain information relating to these facilities at December 31, 2009.
  
 Location

Owned/

Leased

Date of

Lease Expiration

(including lease extensions)


Net Book Value of Property or Leasehold Improvements at December 31, 2009(In thousands)Main Office:12 Main Street

Walden, New York 12586

Owned

N/A


$
1,123Branches:(Montgomery)

201 Ward Street, Suite L

Montgomery, New York 12549

Leased

10/01/2011



2(Monroe Wal-Mart)

288 Larkin Drive

Monroe, New York 10950

Leased

10/31/2015



79(Otisville)

2 Sanatorium Avenue, Suite 2

Otisville, New York 10963

Leased

11/01/2014



57(Monroe ShopRite)

785 Route 17M

Monroe, New York 10950

Leased

06/01/2021



105(Newburgh)

211 South Plank Road

Newburgh, New York 12550

Owned

N/A



1,832Other Properties:(Loan Center)

74 W. Main Street

Walden, New York 12586

Owned

N/A



488(Loan Annex)

8 Main Street

Walden, New York 12586

Owned

N/A



73
 
 As of December 31, 2009, the total net book value of Walden Federal’s offices was $3.8 million.
 
 ITEM3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
 Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits against us, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which we hold security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to our business. At December 31, 2009, we
   K-27
 Index
  were not a party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
  
 ITEM4.
RESERVED
 
  
 PART II
 
 ITEM5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 Market, Holder and Dividend Information
 
 The Company’s common stock is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board under the trading symbol “HTWC.OB”. The Company completed its initial public offering on June 28, 2007 and commenced trading on June 29, 2007. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices of the common stock and cash dividends paid for the 2009 and 2008 fiscal years, as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not represent actual transactions.
 
 For the Year Ended December 31, 20094thQuarter


3rdQuarter


2ndQuarter


1st QuarterHigh

$
5.40


$
5.45


$
5.50


$
4.80Low


5.00



5.00



3.06


$
3.75Cash dividends declared


0.02



0.02



0.02



n/a
 
 For the Year EndedDecember 31, 20084thQuarter


3rdQuarter


2ndQuarter


1st QuarterHigh

$
6.81


$
7.25


$
7.50


$
7.60Low


3.55



6.75



5.89


$
6.90
 
 As of December 31, 2009, there were approximately 298 holders of record of the Company’s common stock, excluding the number of persons or entities holding stock in street name through various brokerage firms.
 
 Hometown Bancorp is not subject to OTS regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends.  However, Hometown Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends may depend, in part, upon its receipt of dividends from Walden Federal because Hometown Bancorp has no source of income other than earnings from the investment of the net proceeds from the offering that it retained.  Payment of cash dividends on capital stock by a savings institution is limited by OTS regulations.  Walden Federal may not make a distribution that would constitute a return of capital during the three-year term of the business plan submitted in connection with its reorganization.  No insured depository institution may make a capital distribution if, after making the distribution, the institution would be undercapitalized. Beginning in the second quarter of 2009, we have paid a quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share. Hometown Bancorp MHC waived its right to the cash dividend in the third and fourth quarters of 2009.
  K-28
 Index
  As of December 31, 2009, Hometown Bancorp satisfied all prescribed capital requirements.  Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s profitability, approval by its Board of Directors and prevailing OTS regulations.
 
 On July 28, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company announced a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company purchased up to 5% of its outstanding shares (excluding shares held by Hometown Bancorp, MHC, the Company’s mutual holding company), or up to 53,561 shares for a period up to 12 months. On March 10, 2009, the Company completed the stock repurchase program.
 
 
 ITEM6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
 The Selected Financial and Other Data in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders filed as Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K are incorporated herein by reference.
 
 ITEM7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 The “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of the Company’s 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders filed as Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 ITEM7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
 The “Interest Rate Risk Management” section of the Company’s 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders filed as Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 ITEM8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
 The Financial Statements in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders filed as Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K are incorporated herein by reference.
 
 ITEM9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
 None.
 
 ITEM9A(T).
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 (a) Hometown Bancorp’s management, including Hometown Bancorp’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of Hometown Bancorp’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, Hometown Bancorp’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that Hometown Bancorp files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to Hometown Bancorp’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
  K-29
 Index
  (b) The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The internal control process has been designed under our supervision to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
 Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, utilizing the framework established in Internal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 is effective.
 
 Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable detail, transactions and dispositions of assets; and provide reasonable assurances that: (1) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; (2) receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the 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 Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 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.
 
 This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
 
 (c) There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13(a)-15(e) that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 ITEM9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 None.
 
 PART III
 
 ITEM10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
 DIRECTORS
 
 For information concerning the directors of Hometown Bancorp, the information contained under the section captioned “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” in Hometown Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders the (“Proxy Statement”) is incorporated by reference.
  K-30
 Index
  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
 The executive officers of Hometown Bancorp MHC, Hometown Bancorp and Walden Federal are elected annually by the boards of directors and serve at the boards’ discretion.  The executive officers of Hometown Bancorp MHC, Hometown Bancorp and Walden Federal are:
 
 Name

PositionThomas F. Gibney

President and Chief Executive OfficerStephen W. Dederick

Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerJudith B. Weyant

Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate SecretaryL. Bruce Lott

Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
 
 Below is information regarding the executive officers.  Each officer has held his or her current position for at least the last five years, unless otherwise stated.  Ages presented are as of December 31, 2009.
 
 Thomas F. Gibney has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since 1991.  Age 61.  Director of the Bank, Hometown Bancorp MHC and Hometown Bancorp since June 2006.
 
 Stephen W. Dederick has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Walden Federal since 2004.  Prior to joining Walden Federal, Mr. Dederick served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Community Bank of Orange, NA from April 2002 until March 2004.  Mr. Dederick served as Senior Vice President at Berkshire Bank from March 2001 until January 2002.  Mr. Dederick served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Goshen Savings Bank from 1997 until its acquisition in 2001.  Mr. Dederick has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hometown Bancorp MHC and Hometown Bancorp since their formation.  Mr. Dederick joined Walden Federal in 2004.  Age 53.
 
 Judith B. Weyant has been Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Walden Federal since 1992.  Ms. Weyant has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hometown Bancorp MHC and Hometown Bancorp since their formation and as Corporate Secretary of Walden Federal, Hometown Bancorp MHC and Hometown Bancorp since January 2007.  Ms. Weyant joined Walden Federal in 1984.  Age 57.
 
 L. Bruce Lott has been Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Walden Federal since 2004.  Mr. Lott served as Vice President and Senior Loan Officer of Walden Federal since 2000 and joined Walden Federal in 1995.  Mr. Lott has also served as Senior Vice President of Hometown Bancorp MHC and Hometown Bancorp since their formation.  Age 56.
 
 
 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
 
 Reference is made to the cover page of this report and to the section captioned “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement for information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 DISCLOSURE OF AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
 
 For information regarding the audit committee and its composition and the audit committee financial expert, reference is made to the section captioned “Corporate Governance–Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors–Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement.
  K-31
 Index
  DISCLOSURE OF CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT
 
 Hometown Bancorp has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions.  A copy of the Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.waldenfederal.com.
 
 ITEM11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
 The information contained under the sections captioned “Executive Compensation” and “Directors’ Compensation” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MAN­AGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
 (a)
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
 
 Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.
 
 (b)
Security Ownership of Management
 
 Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.
 
 (c)
Changes in Control
 
 Management of Hometown Bancorp knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of Hometown Bancorp, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.
 
 (d)
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
 Plan
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and rights
Weighted average

exercise price (1)
Number of securities remaining available for issuance under planEquity compensation plans approved by stockholders
-
$-
163,301Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
-
-
-Total
-
$-
163,301
 
 (1) No shares have been issued. Closing price as of December 31, 2009 was $5.40.
 
 ITEM13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, ANDIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
  The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Transactions with Related Persons” in the Proxy Statement.
  K-32
 Index
  Director Independence
  The information related to director independence required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Proposed 1 – Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement.
 
 ITEM14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
 The information relating to the principal accountant fees and expenses is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Proposal 2 – Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
  PART IV
 
 ITEM15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
 3.1
Charter of Hometown Bancorp, Inc.(1)
 3.2
Bylaws of Hometown Bancorp, Inc.(2)
 4.0
Specimen Stock Certificate of Hometown Bancorp, Inc.(1)
 10.1
Change in Control Agreement between Walden Federal Savings and Loan Association, Hometown Bancorp, Inc. and Thomas F. Gibney (3)
 10.2
Change in Control Agreement between Walden Federal Savings and Loan Association, Hometown Bancorp, Inc. and Stephen W. Dederick (3)
 10.3
Change in Control Agreement between Walden Federal Savings and Loan Association, Hometown Bancorp, Inc. and L. Bruce Lott (3)
 10.4
Change in Control Agreement between Walden Federal Savings and Loan Association, Hometown Bancorp, Inc. and Judith B. Weyant (3)
 10.5
Walden Federal Savings and Loan Association Directors’ Retirement Plan (3)
 10.6
Walden Federal Savings and Loan Association Employee Stock Ownership Plan (3)
 10.7
Hometown Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (4)
 13.0
2009 Annual Report to Stockholders
 21.0
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (1)
 31.1
Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 31.2
Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
 32.0
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer
 
 
 (1)
Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibits to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2, and amendments thereto, initially filed on March 16, 2007, Registration No. 333-141351.
  (2)
Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibit to Hometown Bancorp, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2008 (File No. 000-52674).
  (3)
Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibits to Hometown Bancorp, Inc.’s Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2009 (File No. 000-52674).
  (4)
Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of Hometown Bancorp, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on April 7, 2008 (File No. 000-52674).
  K-33
 Index
  SIGNATURES
 
 In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
  
 Hometown Bancorp, Inc.Date: March 31, 2010
/s/ Thomas F. GibneyBy: Thomas F. GibneyPresident and Chief Executive Officer
   In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
  
 Name

Title

Date/s/ Thomas F. Gibney

President, Chief Executive

March 31, 2010Thomas F. Gibney

Officer and Director(principal executive officer)/s/ Stephen W. Dederick

Chief Financial Officer and

March 31, 2010Stephen W. Dederick

Vice President(principal accounting and financial officer)/s/ Joseph B. Horan, III

Director

March 31, 2010Joseph B. Horan, III/s/ Steven E. Howell

Director

March 31, 2010Steven E. Howell/s/ Gerald N. Jacobowitz

Director

March 31, 2010Gerald N. Jacobowitz/s/ Graham S. Jamison

Director

March 31, 2010Graham S. Jamison/s/ Stephen E. Sabine

Director

March 31, 2010Stephen E. Sabine/s/ Kenneth R. Schliphack

Director

March 31, 2010Kenneth R. Schliphack/s/ Curt J. Schoeberl, Sr.

Director

March 31, 2010Curt J. Schoeberl, Sr.




K-34