As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2002
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM SB-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
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(Exact name of Small Business Issuer as specified in charter)
United States 6035 22-3798677
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(State or other jurisdiction (Primary SIC No.) (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
310 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016
800-693-3838
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(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices
and principal place of business)
Mr. John S. Fiore, President and Chief Executive Officer
310 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016
(800) 693-3838
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(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Please send copies of all communications to:
Samuel J. Malizia, Esq. Richard T. Hills, Esq.
Tiffany A. Hasselman, Esq. WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
MALIZIA SPIDI & FISCH, PC One Atlantic Center, Suite 3500
1100 New York Ave., N.W. 1201 West Peachtree Street, N.E.
Suite 340 West Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Washington, D.C. 20005 (404) 888-7475
(202) 434-4660
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the same
offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the same
offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of Each Shares Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum Amount of
Class of Securities to be Offering Price Aggregate Registration
To Be Registered Registered Per Unit Offering Price(1) Fee
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Common Stock,
$0.10 Par Value 1,322,500 $10.00 $13,225,000 $1,216.70
Interests of participants
in the 401(k) Plan 269,653(2) $10.00 $ 2,696,530 -- (3)
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(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee.
(2) These shares are included in the 1,322,500 shares being registered.
(3) The $2,696,530 of participations to be registered are based upon the assets
of the 401(k) Plan. Pursuant to Rule 457(h)(2) under the Securities Act of
1933, no additional fee is required with respect to the interests of
participants of the 401(k) Plan.
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance
with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration
statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
PROSPECTUS
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. (logo)
(Holding Company for Synergy Bank and Synergy Financial Services, Inc.)
310 North Avenue East
Cranford, New Jersey 07016
(908) 956-4011
Up to 1,150,000 Shares of Common Stock
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is a federally-chartered corporation that
is offering for sale up to 1,150,000 shares of its common stock at $10.00 per
share. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is the holding company for Synergy Bank and
Synergy Financial Services, Inc. The shares being offered will represent 43.5%
of the outstanding common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. after the
completion of this stock offering. Synergy, MHC, a federally-chartered mutual
holding company will own the remainder of the outstanding common stock of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
The deadline for ordering stock is 12:00 noon, eastern time, on _______
__, 2002, and may be extended to _______ __, 2002. The minimum purchase is 25
shares (minimum investment of $250). All funds submitted shall be placed in a
segregated deposit account at Synergy Bank until the shares are issued or the
funds are returned. No stock will be sold if Synergy Financial Group, Inc. does
not receive orders for at least 850,000 shares.
There is currently no public market for the stock. Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. anticipates that the stock will be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board,
and if so, the trading symbol is expected to be "SFGI." See Market for the Stock
on page __ of this document.
Trident Securities is not required to sell any specific number or
dollar amount of stock but will use its best efforts to sell the stock offered.
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MINIMUM MAXIMUM
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Number of Shares 850,000 1,150,000
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Total Underwriting Commissions and Expenses $600,000 $600,000
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Net Proceeds $7,900,000 $10,900,000
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Net Proceeds Per Share $9.29 $9.48
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Based upon market conditions and the approval of the Office of Thrift
Supervision, Synergy Financial Group, Inc. may increase the offering by up to
15% of the 1,150,000 shares to be sold, which would bring the number of shares
to be sold to 1,322,500 shares. No notice of an increase will be given to
persons who have subscribed for stock unless the number of shares to be sold is
increased beyond 1,322,500 shares.
Please refer to Risk Factors beginning on page __ of this document.
These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
governmental agency.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Office of Thrift
Supervision, nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved
these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TRIDENT SECURITIES
A Division of McDonald Investments, Inc.
The Date of this Prospectus is ___________ __, 2002
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SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information from this document and may not
contain all the information that is important to you. To understand the stock
offering fully, you should read this entire document carefully, including the
consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial
statements of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. References in this document to "we,"
"us" and "our" refer to Synergy Financial Group, Inc., Synergy Bank or Synergy
Financial Services, Inc., as the context indicates. In certain instances where
appropriate, "we", "us", or "our" refers collectively to Synergy Financial
Group, Inc., Synergy Bank and Synergy Financial Services, Inc.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is a federally-chartered corporation that
was formed for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock that Synergy
Bank issued upon its reorganization from the mutual to stock form of ownership
in 2001. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. also holds all of the stock of Synergy
Financial Services, Inc. Currently, all of the outstanding common stock of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is held by Synergy, MHC, a federally-chartered
mutual holding company.
The shares being offered will represent 43.5% of the outstanding common
stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. after the completion of this stock
offering. Synergy, MHC will own the remainder of the outstanding common stock of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. The following chart shows the corporate structure
after completion of the stock offering.
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| Synergy, MHC | | Minority Stockholders of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.|
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| 56.5% | 43.5%
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| Synergy Financial Group, Inc. |
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| 100% | 100%
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| Synergy Bank | | Synergy Financial Services, Inc.|
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Synergy Financial Group, Inc. has not engaged in any significant
business since its formation in 2001. Its primary activity is holding all of the
stock of Synergy Bank and Synergy Financial Services, Inc. Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. will invest the proceeds of the offering as discussed under Use of
Proceeds on page __. In the future, it may pursue other business activities,
including mergers and acquisitions, investment alternatives and diversification
of operations. There are, however, no current understandings or agreements for
these activities.
Synergy, MHC
Synergy, MHC is a federally-chartered mutual holding company that was
formed in 2001 in connection with the mutual holding company reorganization of
Synergy Bank. Synergy, MHC currently owns 100% of the outstanding common stock
of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. So long as Synergy, MHC is in existence, it
will at all times own at least a majority of the outstanding common stock of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. It is anticipated that the only business activity
of Synergy, MHC going forward will be to own a majority of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc.'s common stock.
Synergy Bank
Synergy Bank is a federally-chartered stock savings bank that was
organized in 1952 as a federal credit union. In May 1998, Synergy Bank converted
its charter from a credit union to a federal mutual savings bank and, as a
result, was able to begin serving the general public as well as the employees of
its former credit union sponsor corporation. Synergy Bank conducts a traditional
community bank operation, offering retail
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banking services, one- to-four family residential, multi-family and
non-residential mortgages, home equity and other consumer loans. Synergy Bank
has undertaken a branch expansion strategy in order to lessen its dependence on
deposits primarily obtained from branch offices located within the corporate
facilities of its former corporate credit union sponsor corporation. In recent
years, Synergy Bank has significantly expanded loan origination, including
automobile, home equity and non-residential mortgage loans.
Our Use of the Proceeds Raised from the Sale of Stock.
The proceeds from the sale of common stock will provide us with
additional equity capital, which will support future deposit growth and expanded
operations. While we currently exceed the regulatory capital requirements to be
considered well capitalized, the sale of stock, coupled with the accumulation of
earnings, less dividends or other reductions in capital, from year to year,
represents a means for the orderly preservation and expansion of our capital
base. If our current growth continues at the same rate and if we expand further
as we currently plan, we will need the additional capital to remain well
capitalized under regulatory capital requirements.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. will use at least 50% of the proceeds of
the offering to make a capital contribution to Synergy Bank. Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. will also lend its employee stock ownership plan cash to enable the
plan to buy 8.0% of the shares sold in the offering. The balance will be
retained as Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s initial capitalization and used for
general business purposes which may include investment in securities, paying
cash dividends or repurchasing shares of its common stock.
The funds received by Synergy Bank will be used for general business
purposes, including originating loans and purchasing securities. We intend to
grow our branch office network, which will expand our geographic reach. At March
31, 2002, Synergy Bank had eleven office locations, including its main office.
Subsequent to March 31, 2002, one branch office was closed, and two new branch
offices were opened in April and May 2002. Two additional new branch offices are
expected to open in the third quarter of 2002. Synergy Bank currently plans to
open four additional new branch locations over the next year. Although we do not
have any current arrangements, understandings or agreements, we also may
consider various diversification opportunities in addition to expanding our core
banking business through internal growth and the opening of new branch
locations. See Use of Proceeds on page ___.
How We Determined the Offering Range.
The offering range is based on an independent valuation prepared by
FinPro, Inc., an appraisal firm experienced in appraisals of financial
institutions. FinPro has determined that as of May 28, 2002, our estimated
aggregate pro forma market value ranged from a minimum of $19,540,230 to a
maximum of $26,436,780, with a midpoint of $22,988,500. Based on this valuation
and the $10.00 per share price, the number of shares of common stock being
issued by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. will range from 1,954,023 to 2,643,678.
The $10.00 per share price was selected primarily because it is the price most
commonly used in stock offerings of this type. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is
offering 43.5% of these shares, or between 850,000 shares and 1,150,000 shares,
for purchase by eligible depositors of Synergy Bank in a subscription offering
and to the general public if a community or a syndicated community offering is
held. The number of shares of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. that Synergy, MHC
will own after completion of the stock offering will range from 1,104,023 to
1,493,678.
The independent valuation does not indicate market value. Do not assume or
expect that Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s valuation as indicated above means
that the common stock will trade at or above the $10.00 purchase price after the
stock offering.
FinPro's valuation contains an analysis of a number of factors,
including but not limited to:
o our financial condition and results of operations as of March 31, 2002;
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o our operating trends;
o the competitive environment in which we operate;
o operating trends of certain savings institutions and mutual holding
companies;
o relevant economic conditions both nationally and in New Jersey which affect
the operations of savings institutions;
o stock market values of certain institutions; and
o stock market conditions for publicly traded savings institutions and mutual
holding companies.
In addition, FinPro's valuation takes into account the effect of the
additional capital raised by the sale of the common stock on our estimated pro
forma market value. In preparing its independent valuation, FinPro focused
primarily on the price/earnings and price/book valuation methodologies, both of
which are discussed in the valuation report. See Where You Can Find Additional
Information on page ___ for how to obtain a copy of the valuation report. The
following table compares Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s pro forma
price/earnings and price/book ratios, on a fully converted equivalent basis at
the minimum and maximum of the offering range to the medians for all publicly
traded thrifts, all publicly traded New Jersey thrifts and a comparable group of
twelve publicly traded thrifts identified in the valuation report. Thrift
institutions not in the mutual holding company structure are excluded from each
comparison group. See Pro Forma Data on page ___ for a description of the
assumptions used in calculating the multiples and ratios for Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the offering range.
Price/Core
Earnings Price/Book
Multiple* Ratio
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Synergy Financial Group, Inc.:
Minimum................................................................................. 10.64x 49.68%
Midpoint................................................................................ 12.50x 54.26%
Maximum................................................................................. 14.08x 58.24%
Median for all publicly traded thrifts that underwent a standard conversion.................. 13.97x 116.01%
Median for all publicly traded New Jersey thrifts that underwent a standard conversion....... 14.89x 172.19%
Median for the comparable group.............................................................. 12.41x 114.21%
___________
* The pro forma price/core earnings multiples for Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. presented in the above table are based on core earnings for
the trailing twelve months as required by regulatory appraisal
guidelines. Therefore, these ratios differ from the ratios presented in
the tables under Pro Forma Data on page ___.
The independent valuation must be updated before we complete the stock
offering. The amount of common stock being offered may be increased by up to 15%
without notice to persons who have subscribed for stock, so that a total of
1,322,500 shares would be sold in the offering. Any changes in the valuation
would be subject to the approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"). If
the updated independent valuation would result in more than 1,322,500 shares
being sold, we would be required to notify all persons who have subscribed and
such persons would have the opportunity to change or cancel their subscription
orders. See pages ____.
The Amount of Stock You May Purchase.
Minimum purchase = 25 shares
Maximum purchase = 25,000 shares
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The maximum number of shares that any individual (or individuals
through a single account) may purchase is 25,000. The maximum number of shares
that any individual (or individuals through a single account) together with any
associate or group of persons acting in concert is 30,000 shares.
How We Will Prioritize Orders if We Receive Orders for More Shares than are
Available.
You might not receive any or all of the stock you request. We have
granted subscription rights in the following order of priority:
o Priority 1 - depositors of Synergy Bank at the close of business on April
30, 2001 with deposits of at least $50.00.
o Priority 2 - the tax qualified employee stock benefit plans of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc.
o Priority 3 - depositors of Synergy Bank at the close of business on June
30, 2002 with deposits of at least $50.00.
To the extent that shares remain available and depending on market
conditions at or near the completion of the subscription offering, we may
conduct a community offering and possibly a syndicated community offering, and
preference may be given first to residents of Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris and
Union counties, New Jersey, and second to residents of New Jersey. The community
offering, if any, may commence simultaneously with, during or subsequent to the
completion of the subscription offering. A syndicated community offering, if we
conduct one, would commence just prior to, or as soon as practicable after, the
termination of the subscription offering and would be open to the general public
beyond the local community. We will have the right to reject orders, in whole or
in part, in the community or syndicated community offerings, and orders received
in connection with a syndicated community offering would receive a lower
priority than orders received in the subscription offering and community
offering. See The Stock Offering on page __.
Our Officers, Directors and Employees Will Receive Additional Compensation and
Benefits after the Stock Offering.
In order to tie our employees' and directors' interests closer to our
stockholders' interests, we intend to establish certain benefit plans that use
our stock as compensation. Officers, directors, and employees will not be
required to pay cash in exchange for shares received under the employee stock
ownership plan or shares received under the restricted stock plan, but will be
required to pay the exercise price to exercise stock options.
The following table presents information regarding the participants in
each plan, the percentage of total shares sold in the offering, and the dollar
value of the stock for our employee stock ownership plan and stock- based
incentive plans. The table below assumes the sale of 1,000,000 shares in the
stock offering. It is assumed that the value of the stock in the table is $10.00
per share. Options are given no value because their exercise price will be equal
to the fair market value of the stock on the day the options are granted. As a
result, anyone who receives an option will only benefit from the option if the
price of the stock rises above the exercise price and the option is exercised.
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Percentage of
Individuals Total Shares Sold
Eligible Estimated Number in the Offering
to Receive Value of Shares/ Based on Midpoint
Awards of Shares Options of Offering Range
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Employee Stock Ownership Plan............ Employees $800,000 80,000 8.0%
Restricted Stock Plan Awards............. Officers and
Directors 400,000 40,000 4.0
Stock Options............................ Officers and
Directors - 100,000 10.0
See pages _______ for more information, including regulatory
restrictions on the maximum amount of and the rate at which benefits may be
earned under the incentive plans.
Our Policy Regarding Dividends.
At this time, we have not yet determined whether to pay dividends on
the common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. We will in the future consider
paying cash dividends, and the timing, amount and frequency would be determined
at that time. There are also restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. See
Dividend Policy on page ___.
If we pay dividends to stockholders of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.,
we will also be required to pay dividends to Synergy, MHC, unless Synergy, MHC
elects to waive dividends. Any dividend waivers by Synergy, MHC are subject to
the approval of the OTS. We anticipate that Synergy, MHC would waive dividends,
and under OTS regulations, such dividend waivers would not result in dilution to
public stockholders in the event Synergy, MHC converts to stock form in the
future. See Regulation - Regulation of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. on page
___.
Deadlines for Purchasing Stock.
The subscription offering will terminate at 12:00 noon, eastern time,
on ________ __, 2002 unless extended. The subscription offering may be extended
to ________ __, 2002. A community offering and a syndicated community offering,
if such offerings are conducted, may terminate at any time without notice but no
later than ____________, 2002. See The Stock Offering on page __.
How You May Pay for Your Shares.
In the subscription offering and the direct community offering you may
pay for your shares by:
(1) payment in cash, if delivered in person;
(2) personal check, bank draft or money order; or
(3) authorizing us to withdraw available funds from your deposit
accounts maintained with Synergy Bank.
Any orders received in the subscription or community offering which
aggregate $25,000 or more, if paid by check, must be paid by official bank or
certified check. We will not accept copies or facsimiles of order forms or
permit wire transfers as payment for shares ordered for purchase. Synergy Bank
cannot lend funds to anyone for the purpose of purchasing shares. See The Stock
Offering on page ___.
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Your Subscription Rights Are Not Transferable.
Selling or transferring your right to buy stock in the subscription
offering is illegal. If you exercise this violates this restriction, your order
will not be filled. You also may be subject to penalties imposed by the OTS.
Market for the Stock.
We expect the stock to be traded on the over-the-counter market with
quotations available on the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board. The stock is not
expected to meet the listing requirements for the Nasdaq system and it is not
expected that an application to the Nasdaq system will be made. Prior to this
offering, Synergy Financial Group, Inc. has not offered its stock to the public,
and it is highly unlikely that an active and liquid trading market for the stock
will develop. The lack of an active and liquid trading market may adversely
affect the liquidity and price of the Stock. See Market for the Stock on page
___ . Trident Securities intends to make a market in the stock but is under no
obligation to do so.
Possible Conversion of Synergy, MHC to Stock Form.
In the future, Synergy, MHC may convert from the mutual to capital
stock form, in a transaction commonly known as a "second-step conversion." In a
second-step conversion, members of Synergy, MHC would have subscription rights
to purchase common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. or its successor, and
the public stockholders of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. would be entitled to
exchange their shares of common stock for an equal percentage of shares of the
converted Synergy, MHC. This percentage may be adjusted to reflect any assets
owned by Synergy, MHC. Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s public stockholders,
therefore, would own approximately the same percentage of the resulting entity
as they owned prior to the second-step conversion. The Board of Directors has no
current plans to undertake a "second-step conversion" transaction.
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RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information in this document, you should
consider carefully the following risk factors in evaluating an investment in our
common stock.
Increases in market rates of interest could adversely affect our equity.
At March 31, 2002, we held approximately $49.5 million in
available-for-sale securities. Generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")
require that these securities be carried at fair value on our balance sheet.
Unrealized holding gains or losses on these securities, that is, the difference
between the fair value and the amortized cost of these securities, net of
deferred taxes, is reflected in our stockholders' equity. If interest rates
increase, the fair value of our available-for-sale securities generally
decreases, which also decreases equity.
Recently, market rates of interest have increased which caused the fair
value of our available-for-sale securities to decrease and also caused equity to
decrease. As of December 31, 2001, our available-for-sale securities portfolio
had an unrealized loss of approximately $39,000. At March 31, 2002, our
available-for-sale securities portfolio had an unrealized loss of approximately
$445,000. At March 31, 2002, our stockholders' equity included approximately
$285,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss, which was comprised
exclusively of net unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities
portfolio. If market interest rates further increase, our equity could be
further adversely affected.
Future changes in interest rates may reduce our profits.
Our ability to make a profit largely depends on our net interest
income, which could be negatively affected by changes in interest rates. Net
interest income is the difference between:
o the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as
mortgage loans and investment securities; and
o the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as
deposits and amounts we borrow.
The rates we earn on our assets and the rates we pay on our liabilities
are generally fixed for a contractual period of time. We, like many savings
institutions, have liabilities that generally have shorter contractual
maturities than our assets. This imbalance can create significant earnings
volatility, because market interest rates change over time. In a period of
rising interest rates, the interest income earned on our assets may not increase
as rapidly as the interest paid on our liabilities. In a period of declining
interest rates, the interest income earned on our assets may decrease more
rapidly than the interest paid on our liabilities. See Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Management of
Interest Rate Risk and Market Risk on page ___.
In addition, changes in interest rates can affect the average life of
loans and mortgage-backed and related securities. A reduction in interest rates
results in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed and related
securities, as borrowers refinance their debt in order to reduce their borrowing
cost. This causes reinvestment risk. This means that we may not be able to
reinvest prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates we earned on the
prepaid loans or securities.
A relatively large portion of our total loan portfolio consists of consumer
loans, primarily auto loans, and we intend to increase our origination of such
loans after the offering. The repayment risk related to these types of loans is
considered to be greater than the risk related to residential loans.
7
At March 31, 2002, our loan portfolio included approximately $58.8
million of consumer loans, or 22.35% of our total loan portfolio, including
$53.2 million of auto loans. It is our intention to increase the size of the
auto loan portfolio until such loans constitute approximately one-third of our
total loan portfolio. Consumer lending is generally considered to involve a
higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing of residential properties
and any late payments or the failure to repay such loans would hurt our
earnings. See Business of Synergy Bank - Lending Activities - Consumer Loans on
page ____.
We intend to increase our origination of non-residential mortgage loans after
the offering. These types of loans traditionally involve a higher degree of
repayment risk than residential loans.
At March 31, 2002, our loan portfolio included approximately $17.1
million of non-residential mortgage loans, or 6.50% of our total loan portfolio.
Although non-residential mortgage loans constitute a relatively small
percentage of our loan portfolio, we intend to increase our origination of
non-residential mortgage loans after the offering to comprise a total of
approximately one-third of our total loan portfolio with consumer loans
comprising another third of our total loan portfolio and traditional
single-family residential real estate lending together with home equity loans
comprising the last third of our total loan portfolio.
Non-residential lending is generally considered to involve a higher
degree of credit risk than long-term financing of residential properties. The
likelihood that non-residential mortgage loans will not be repaid or will be
late in paying is generally greater than with residential loans. Any failure to
pay or late payments would hurt our earnings. See Business of Synergy Bank -
Lending Activities - Non-residential mortgage Loans on page ___.
We have a relatively high percentage of unseasoned credits, which are considered
to pose a potentially greater repayment risk than loans that have been
outstanding for a longer period of time.
As a result of our recent growth, including growth in our
non-residential mortgage loans, a significant portion of our loan portfolio is
represented by new credits. Generally, loans that are relatively new, referred
to as unseasoned loans, do not have sufficient repayment history to determine
the likelihood of repayment in accordance with their terms. At March 31, 2002, a
significant percentage of our total loan portfolio consisted of loans that would
be considered unseasoned.
Our return on equity after the offering will be low; this may negatively affect
the price of our stock.
The net proceeds from the offering will substantially increase our
equity capital. It will take a significant period of time to prudently invest
this capital. As a result, our return on equity, which is the ratio of our
earnings divided by our equity capital, may be lower than that of similar
companies. To the extent that the stock market values a company based in part on
its return on equity, our low return on equity relative to our peer group could
negatively affect the trading price of our stock.
We intend to adopt an employee stock ownership plan as part of the
stock offering. We also intend to adopt other stock-based benefit plans. The
money that we use to buy stock to fund our stock-based benefit plans will not be
available for investment and will increase our future expenses. In addition, the
public company costs of preparing reports for stockholders and the SEC will also
cause our expenses to be higher than they would be if we did not conduct the
stock offering and did not expand our employee benefit plans. See Pro Forma Data
and Management - Executive Compensation - Employee Stock Ownership Plan on page
___.
8
We intend to expand our branch office network, and expenses related to such
expansion will negatively impact earnings in future periods.
We intend to increase our branch presence. At March 31, 2002, we had
eleven office locations, including our main office. Subsequent to March 31,
2002, one branch office was closed, and two new branch offices were opened in
April and May 2002. Two additional new branch offices are expected to open in
the third quarter of 2002. We currently plan to open four additional new branch
locations over the next year in an expansion of our geographic reach. This plan
will result in a tripling of our fixed assets over such period. The expenses
associated with opening new branch offices, in addition to the personnel and
operating costs that we will have once such offices open, will significantly
increase our non-interest expense in future periods, decreasing earnings.
We may not continue to experience the same rate of growth that we have in the
past, and we may not be able to successfully manage our current growth.
Over the past several years, we have experienced rapid and significant
growth. Our total assets have increased by $169 million, from $176 million at
December 31, 1997, to $345 million at March 31, 2002. There can be no assurance
that we will continue to experience such rapid growth, or any growth, in the
future. If we do experience continued growth, we can not assure you that we will
be able to adequately and profitably manage such growth or that our earnings
will adequately provide the necessary capital to maintain required regulatory
capital levels.
We have a high concentration of loans and deposits with the employees of one
company and the majority of our branch locations are located on the corporate
premises of such company. This concentration of our business with the employees
of a specific company exposes us to the risk of a downturn in such company's
performance or an acquisition of such company.
Synergy Bank was originally chartered as a credit union for a
pharmaceutical research and manufacturing company. We converted from a credit
union charter in 1998, and a significant concentration of our loans and deposits
continue to be associated with employees of our former credit union sponsor. At
March 31, 2002, approximately 30% of our total loan portfolio was comprised of
loans made to individuals employed by such company, and approximately 40% of our
total deposits were associated with individuals employed by such company. If
such company experienced difficulties, it could affect the ability of such
employees to repay their loans in a timely manner, and our level of deposits, in
particular, demand deposits, could fall.
In addition, we currently operate six on-site branch offices located on
various corporate premises of the former credit union sponsor corporation. A
change in the corporate ownership of such company could affect this
relationship.
We originate approximately two-thirds of our auto loans though a single source,
and we would be unable to maintain the current high volume of auto loan
originations if we were no longer able to obtain business though this source.
In late 1999, we began to originate direct auto loans over the Internet
through an independent online loan referral web site. Currently, we originate an
average of approximately $2.5 million of auto loans per month through this
source. We intend to continue to grow the auto loan portfolio as part of our
plan through originations and purchases in order to increase the consumer loan
portfolio to approximately one-third of our total loans. However, if for any
reason we lose this source of business, we would be unable to maintain or
increase our level of auto lending.
9
Strong competition within our market area may limit our growth and
profitability.
Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense.
We compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage
firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and
brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. Many of
these competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than
we do and may offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. Our
profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our
market area.
We plan to remain independent and you should not invest in our common stock if
you are anticipating our sale.
Over the past year, there have occurred several acquisitions of
companies that have a mutual holding company form of organization, as we do,
with large premiums paid to the stockholders of such companies. It is our
intention to continue operating as an independent financial institution, and you
are urged not to invest in our stock if you are anticipating a quick sale of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. We do not plan to undertake a sale of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. even if the acquisition would result in our stockholders
receiving a substantial premium over the market price of our stock at the time
of a sale.
If we are faced with challenges to our independence, such as an
election or proxy contest, we intend to defend ourselves. Our defense could
significantly increase our expenses and reduce our net income and return on
equity, which could negatively impact our stock price.
The OTS has recently stated its intention to impose more stringent
restrictions on the approval of acquisitions of greater than 10% of the
outstanding stock in the three years after a thrift holding company's initial
stock offering and has stated that it intends to approve only those acquisitions
of control within three years that comply strictly with the regulatory criteria.
The OTS may require as a condition of approving our stock offering that we
retain our federal stock charter for a minimum of three years following our
stock offering. In addition, the charter of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
contains provisions which have an anti-takeover effect and restrict the ability
to purchase our stock. See Restrictions on Acquisition of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. on page ____.
Persons who purchase stock in the offering will own a minority of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc.'s common stock and will not be able to exercise voting
control over most matters put to a vote of stockholders.
Public stockholders will own a minority of the outstanding shares of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s common stock. Synergy, MHC will own a majority
of Synergy Financial Group, Inc's common stock after the offering. The same
directors and officers who manage Synergy Financial Group, Inc. also manage
Synergy, MHC. The Board of Directors of Synergy, MHC is also the Board of
Directors of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and will be able to exercise voting
control over most matters put to a vote of stockholders. For example, Synergy,
MHC may exercise its voting control to prevent a sale or merger transaction in
which stockholders could receive a premium for their shares or to approve
employee benefit plans.
The small amount of stock being offered may make it difficult to buy or sell our
stock in the future.
We expect that our common stock will trade on the over-the-counter
market with quotations available on the OTC Bulletin Board. Due to the
relatively small size of the offering to the public, an active market for the
stock is not expected to exist after the offering. This means that there will be
limited secondary market liquidity for our stock. This might make it difficult
for you to buy or sell the stock after the initial offering which
10
may negatively affect the price of the stock or cause significant volatility in
the price of our stock. See Market for the Stock on page ____.
The implementation of stock-based benefit plans may dilute your ownership
interest in Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
We intend to adopt a stock option plan and a restricted stock plan
following the stock offering. These stock benefit plans will be funded through
either open market purchases or from the issuance of authorized but unissued
shares. Stockholders would experience a reduction in ownership interest in the
event newly issued shares are used to fund stock options and awards made under
the restricted stock plan. The use of newly issued shares of stock to fund the
restricted stock plan instead of open market purchases would dilute the voting
interests of existing stockholders by approximately 3.8%. The use of newly
issued shares of stock to fund the stock option plan instead of open market
purchases would dilute the voting interests of existing stockholders by
approximately 9.1%. See Management - Potential Stock Benefit Plans on page __.
We believe that subscription rights have no value and that your tax basis in our
common stock will be the purchase price, but the Internal Revenue Service may
disagree.
Our tax counsel, Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC, believes that it is more
likely than not that the non- transferable subscription rights to purchase
common stock have no value in the absence of both an oversubscription in the
subscription offering and an increase in the market price of the common stock
upon commencement of trading following completion of the stock offering. Tax
counsel expresses no belief as to whether or not the subscription rights have
value, if both an oversubscription in the subscription offering occurs and the
market price of the common stock increases upon commencement of trading
following completion of the stock offering, as the issue of whether or not the
subscription rights have value is dependent upon all of the facts and
circumstances that occur. If the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") determines
that your subscription rights have ascertainable value, you could be taxed in an
amount equal to the value of those rights. We are aware of no case in which the
IRS has ever asserted that subscription rights are taxable.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We are conducting this stock offering principally to raise additional
capital to support our continued growth. The net proceeds will depend on the
expenses incurred by us in connection with the offering and the total number of
shares of stock issued in the offering, which will depend on the independent
valuation and marketing considerations. Although the actual net proceeds from
the sale of the common stock cannot be determined until the offering is
completed, we estimate that we will receive net proceeds from the sale of common
stock of between $7.9 million at the minimum and $10.9 million at the maximum of
the offering range.
Assuming the sale of $8.5 million, $10.0 million and $11.5 million of
common stock at the minimum, midpoint and maximum, respectively, of the offering
range, expenses of $600,000, and the purchase of 8% of the shares by the
employee stock ownership plan, the following table shows the manner in which we
will use the net proceeds:
11
MINIMUM MIDPOINT MAXIMUM
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
$ % $ % $ %
----------- ----- ----------- ----- ----------- -----
Loan to employee stock ownership plan $ 680,000 8.6% $ 800,000 8.5% $ 920,000 8.4%
Investment in Synergy Bank .......... 3,950,000 50.0 4,700,000 50.0 5,450,000 50.0
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. .......
working capital ................. 3,270,000 41.4 3,900,000 41.5 4,530,000 41.6
----------- ----- ----------- ----- ----------- -----
Net Proceeds ............... $ 7,900,000 100.0% $ 9,400,000 100.0% $10,900,000 100.0%
=========== ===== =========== ===== =========== =====
We will use at least 50% of the cash received in the offering to make a
capital contribution to Synergy Bank. We will also lend our employee stock
ownership plan cash to enable the plan to buy 8% of the shares sold in the
offering. The balance will be retained as our initial capitalization and used
for general business purposes which may include investment in securities, paying
cash dividends or repurchasing shares of our common stock.
The funds received by Synergy Bank from us will be used for general
business purposes, including originating loans and purchasing securities. We
intend to grow Synergy Bank's branch network either through opening or acquiring
branch offices. At March 31, 2002, we had eleven office locations, including our
main office. Subsequent to March 31, 2002, one branch office was closed, and two
new branch offices were opened in April and May 2002. Two additional new branch
offices are expected to open in the third quarter of 2002. We currently plan to
open four additional new branch locations over the next year.
If the employee stock ownership plan does not purchase common stock in
the offering, it may purchase shares of common stock in the market after the
stock offering. If the purchase price of the common stock is higher than $10 per
share, the amount of proceeds required for the purchase by the employee stock
ownership plan will increase and the resulting stockholders' equity will
decrease.
The net proceeds may vary significantly because total expenses of the
stock offering may be significantly more or less than those estimated. The net
proceeds will also vary if the number of shares to be issued in the stock
offering are adjusted to reflect a change in the estimated pro forma market
value of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank. The net proceeds will
also vary if our employee stock ownership plan purchases shares in the open
market at an average cost that is higher or lower than $10.00 per share.
Payments for shares made through withdrawals from existing deposit accounts at
Synergy Bank will not result in the receipt of new funds for investment but will
result in a reduction of Synergy Bank's deposits and interest expense as funds
are transferred from interest-bearing certificates or other deposit accounts.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have not determined when, or if, we will pay cash dividends on our
common stock. Dividends will be subject to determination and declaration by the
Board of Directors of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. In making its decision
regarding the timing, frequency and initial annual amount of any dividends, the
Board of Directors will consider several factors, including:
o financial condition;
o results of operations;
o tax considerations;
o alternative investment opportunities available to us;
12
o industry standards; and
o general economic conditions.
There can be no assurance that dividends will be paid on the stock or
that, if paid, dividends will not be reduced or eliminated in future periods.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s ability to pay dividends also depends
on the receipt of dividends from Synergy Bank which is subject to a variety of
regulatory limitations on the payment of dividends. See Regulation - Regulation
of Synergy Bank - Dividend and Other Capital Distribution Limitations on page
___. Furthermore, as a condition to OTS approval of the stock offering, Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. has agreed that it will not initiate any action within one
year of completion of the stock offering in the furtherance of payment of a
special distribution or return of capital to stockholders of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc.
If Synergy Financial Group, Inc. pays dividends to its stockholders, it
also will be required to pay dividends to Synergy, MHC, unless Synergy, MHC
elects to waive the receipt of dividends. We anticipate that Synergy, MHC will
waive dividends paid by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Any decision to waive
dividends will be subject to regulatory approval. Under OTS regulations, public
stockholders would not be diluted for any dividends waived by Synergy, MHC in
the event Synergy, MHC converts to stock form. See Regulation - Regulation of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. on page ___.
MARKET FOR THE STOCK
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. has never issued capital stock.
Consequently, there is not, at this time, any market for the stock. Following
the completion of the offering, Synergy Financial Group, Inc. anticipates that
its stock will be traded on the over-the-counter market under the symbol "SFGI"
with quotations available through the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board. Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. expects that Trident Securities will use its best efforts
to make a market in the stock. Making a market may include the solicitation of
potential buyers and sellers in order to match buy and sell orders. However,
Trident Securities will not be obligated with respect to these efforts.
The development of an active trading market depends on the existence of
willing buyers and sellers. Due to the small size of the offering, it is highly
unlikely that an active trading market will develop and be maintained after the
offering. The relatively small amount of stock being issued to the public may
make it difficult to buy or sell our stock in the future. You could have
difficulty disposing of your shares and you should not view the shares as a
short term investment. You may not be able to sell your shares at a price equal
to or above the price you paid.
13
CAPITALIZATION
Set forth below is the historical capitalization as of March 31, 2002
and the pro forma capitalization of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. after giving
effect to the offering. The table also gives affect to the assumptions set forth
under Pro Forma Data on page __. A change in the number of shares sold in the
offering may affect materially the pro forma capitalization.
Pro Forma Capitalization at March 31, 2002
---------------------------------------------------------
Maximum,
Minimum Midpoint Maximum as adjusted
850,000 1,000,000 1,150,000 1,322,500
Actual, at Shares at Shares at Shares at Shares at
March 31, $10.00 per $10.00 per $10.00 per $10.00 per
2002 share share share share (1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands)
Deposits(2)......................................... $276,762 $276,762 $276,762 $276,762 $276,762
Borrowed funds...................................... 41,500 41,500 41,500 41,500 41,500
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total deposits and borrowed funds................... $318,262 $318,262 $318,262 $318,262 $318,262
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value, 2,000,000
shares authorized; none to be issued.............. $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Common stock, $0.10 par value, 18,000,000
shares authorized, assuming shares
outstanding as shown(3)......................... - 195 230 264 304
Additional paid-in capital(3)(4).................... 100 7,805 9,270 10,736 12,421
Retained earnings................................... 22,824 22,824 22,824 22,824 22,824
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss),
net of tax...................................... (285) (285) (285) (285) (285)
Less:
Common stock acquired by employee stock
ownership plan(5)............................... - (680) (800) (920) (1,058)
Common stock acquired by restricted stock plan(6). - (340) (400) (460) (529)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total stockholders' equity.......................... $ 22,639 $ 29,519 $ 30,839 $ 32,159 $ 33,677
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
__________________
(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares which
could occur due to an increase in the independent valuation and a
commensurate increase in the offering range of up to 15% to reflect changes
in market and financial conditions.
(2) Does not reflect withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of
stock in the offering. Any withdrawals would reduce pro forma deposits by
an amount equal to the withdrawals.
(3) Includes shares held at March 31, 2002 by Synergy, MHC and shares to be
held by Synergy, MHC after completion of the stock offering. No effect has
been given to the issuance of additional shares of stock pursuant to any
stock option plan that may be adopted by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and
presented for approval by the stockholders after the offering. An amount
equal to 10% of the shares of stock sold in the offering would be reserved
for issuance upon the exercise of options to be granted under the stock
option plan following the stock offering. See Management - Potential Stock
Benefit Plans - Stock Options Plan on page __.
(4) Additional paid-in capital amounts under pro forma capitalization are net
of stock offering expenses. Actual capitalization at March 31, 2002
consists of the existing capitalization of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
and this amount is also included under pro forma capitalization.
(5) Assumes that 8.0% of the shares sold in the offering will be purchased by
the employee stock ownership plan, and that the funds used to acquire the
employee stock ownership plan shares will be borrowed from Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. For an estimate of the impact of the loan on
earnings, see Pro Forma Data on page.__ Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
intends to make scheduled discretionary contributions to the employee stock
ownership plan sufficient to enable the plan to service and repay its debt
over a ten year period. The amount of shares to be acquired by the employee
stock ownership plan is reflected as a reduction of stockholders' equity.
See Management - Executive Compensation - Employee Stock Ownership Plan on
page __. If the employee stock ownership plan is unable to purchase stock
in the stock offering due to an oversubscription in the offering by
eligible account holders having first priority, and the purchase price in
the open market is greater than the original $10.00 price per share, there
will be a corresponding reduction in stockholders' equity. See The Stock
Offering - Subscription Offering - Subscription Rights on page __.
(6) Assumes that an amount equal to 4% of the shares of stock sold in the
offering is purchased by the restricted stock plan following the stock
offering. The stock purchased by the restricted stock plan is reflected as
a reduction of stockholders' equity. See footnote (2) to the table under
Pro Forma Data on page __. See Management - Potential Stock Benefit Plans -
Restricted Stock Plan on page __.
14
PRO FORMA DATA
The actual net proceeds from the sale of the stock cannot be determined
until the offering is completed. However, investable net proceeds to Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. are currently estimated to be between approximately $7.9
million and $10.9 million (or $12.6 million if the independent valuation is
increased by 15%) based on the following assumptions:
o an amount equal to the cost of purchasing 8% of the shares issued will be
loaned to the employee stock ownership plan to fund its purchase of 8% of
the shares issued;
o an amount equal to 4% of the shares issued will be awarded pursuant to the
restricted stock plan adopted no sooner than six months following the
offering, funded through open market purchases; and
o expenses of the offering are estimated to be approximately $600,000.
We have prepared the following table, which sets forth our historical
net income and stockholders' equity prior to the offering and our pro forma
consolidated net income and stockholders' equity following the offering. In
preparing this table and in calculating pro forma data, we have made the
following assumptions:
o Pro forma earnings have been calculated assuming the stock had been sold at
the beginning of the period and the net proceeds had been invested at an
average yield of 2.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and for the
year ended December 31, 2001, respectively, which approximates the yield on
a one-year U.S. Treasury bill on March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001. The
yield on a one-year U.S. Treasury bill, rather than an arithmetic average
of the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid
on deposits, has been used to estimate income on net proceeds because it is
believed that the one-year U.S. Treasury bill rate is a more accurate
estimate of the rate that would be obtained on an investment of net
proceeds from the offering.
o The pro forma after-tax yield on the net proceeds is assumed to be 1.73%
for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and for the year ended December
31, 2001, based on an effective tax rate of 36% for both periods.
o We did not include any withdrawals from deposit accounts to purchase shares
in the offering.
o Historical and pro forma per share amounts have been calculated by dividing
historical and pro forma amounts by the indicated number of shares of
stock, as adjusted in the pro forma net earnings per share to give effect
to the purchase of shares by the employee stock ownership plan.
o Pro forma stockholders' equity amounts have been calculated as if the stock
had been sold on March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively, and no
effect has been given to the assumed earnings effect of the transactions.
The following pro forma data relies on the assumptions we outlined
above, and this data does not represent the fair market value of the common
stock, the current value of assets or liabilities, or the amount of money that
would be distributed to stockholders if we liquidated Synergy Financial Group,
Inc. The pro forma data does not predict how much we will earn in the future.
You should not use the following information to predict future results of
operations.
15
The following table summarizes historical data and pro forma data of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. at or for the three months ended March 31, 2002
based on the assumptions set forth above and in the table and should not be used
as a basis for projections of market value of the stock following the stock
offering. No effect has been given in the table to the possible issuance of
additional stock reserved for future issuance pursuant to a stock option plan
that may be adopted by the Board of Directors of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
and approved by stockholders following the stock offering, nor does book value
give any effect to the liquidation account to be established or the bad debt
reserve in liquidation. See Management - Potential Stock Benefit Plans - Stock
Option Plan on page __.
At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------
$8,500,000 $10,000,000 $11,500,000 $13,225,000
Independent Independent Independent Independent
Valuation Valuation Valuation Valuation
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
850,000 1,000,000 1,150,000 1,322,500
Shares Shares Shares Shares
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Gross proceeds .................................................. $ 8,500 $ 10,000 $ 11,500 $ 13,225
Less expenses ................................................... (600) (600) (600) (600)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Estimated net proceeds ....................................... 7,900 9,400 10,900 12,625
Less ESOP funded by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. ............... (680) (800) (920) (1,058)
Less restricted stock plan adjustment ........................... (340) (400) (460) (529)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Estimated investable net proceeds ............................ $ 6,880 $ 8,200 $ 9,520 $ 11,038
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Net Income:
Historical ................................................... $ 509 $ 509 $ 509 $ 509
Pro forma income on net proceeds ............................. 30 35 41 48
Pro forma ESOP adjustments(1) ................................ (11) (13) (15) (17)
Pro forma restricted stock plan adjustment(2) ................ (11) (13) (15) (17)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma net income(1)(3)(4) ................................ $ 517 $ 518 $ 520 $ 523
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Per share net income:
Historical ................................................... $ 0.27 $ 0.23 $ 0.20 $ 0.17
Pro forma income on net proceeds ............................. 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02
Pro forma ESOP adjustments(1) ................................ (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01)
Pro forma restricted stock plan adjustment(2) ................ (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma net income per share(1)(3)(4) ...................... $ 0.27 $ 0.23 $ 0.20 $ 0.17
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Shares used in calculation of income per share (1) .............. 1,887,723 2,220,850 2,553,978 2,937,075
Stockholders' equity:
Historical ................................................... $ 22,639 $ 22,639 $ 22,639 $ 22,639
Estimated net proceeds ....................................... 7,900 9,400 10,900 12,625
Less: Common Stock acquired by the ESOP(1) ................... (680) (800) (920) (1,058)
Less: Common Stock acquired by the restricted stock
plan(2) ................................................ (340) (400) (460) (529)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma stockholders' equity(1)(3)(4) ...................... $ 29,519 $ 30,839 $ 32,159 $ 33,677
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Stockholders' equity per share:
Historical ................................................... $ 11.59 $ 9.85 $ 8.56 $ 7.45
Estimated net proceeds ....................................... 4.04 4.09 4.12 4.15
Less: Common Stock acquired by the ESOP(1) ................... (0.35) (0.35) (0.35) (0.35)
Less: Common stock acquired by the restricted stock plan(2)... (0.17) (0.17) (0.17) (0.17)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma stockholders' equity per share(4) .................. $ 15.11 $ 13.42 $ 12.16 $ 11.08
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Offering price as a percentage of pro forma
stockholders' equity per share ................................ 66.18% 74.52% 82.24% 90.25%
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Offering price to pro forma net income per share ................ 9.26X 10.87X 12.50X 14.71X
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Shares used in calculation of stockholders' equity per share ... 1,954,023 2,298,850 2,643,678 3,040,230
(Footnotes on following page)
16
- -----------------
(1) Assumes that 8% of the shares of stock sold in the offering will be
purchased by the employee stock ownership plan and that the plan will
borrow funds from Synergy Financial Group, Inc. The stock acquired by
the employee stock ownership plan is reflected as a reduction of
stockholder's equity. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. intends to make
annual contributions to the plan in an amount at least equal to the
principal and interest requirement of the loan. This table assumes a 10
year amortization period. See Management - Executive Compensation -
Employee Stock Ownership Plan on page __. The pro forma net earnings
assumes: (i) that Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s contribution to the
employee stock ownership plan for the principal portion of the debt
service requirement for the three months ended March 31, 2002 was made
at the end of the period; (ii) that 1,700, 2,000, 2,300 and 2,645
shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and 15% above the maximum of
the range, respectively, were committed to be released during the three
months ended March 31, 2002, at an average fair value of $10.00 per
share and were accounted for as a charge to expense in accordance with
Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 93-6; and (iii) only the employee
stock ownership plan shares committed to be released were considered
outstanding for purposes of the net earnings per share calculations.
All employee stock ownership plan shares were considered outstanding
for purposes of the stockholders' equity per share calculations.
(2) Gives effect to the restricted stock plan that may be adopted by
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. following the stock offering and
presented for approval at a meeting of stockholders to be held after
completion of the stock offering. If the restricted stock plan is
approved by the stockholders, the restricted stock plan would be
expected to acquire an amount of stock equal to 4% of the shares of
stock sold in the offering, or 34,000, 40,000, 46,000 and 52,900 shares
of stock respectively at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above
the maximum of the range through open market purchases. Funds used by
the restricted stock plan to purchase the shares will be contributed to
the restricted stock plan by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. In
calculating the pro forma effect of the restricted stock plan, it is
assumed that the required stockholder approval has been received, that
the shares were acquired by the restricted stock plan at the beginning
of the three months ended March 31, 2002 through open market purchases,
at $10.00 per share, and that 20% of the amount contributed was
amortized to expense during the three months ended March 31, 2002. The
restricted stock plan will be amortized over 5 years. The issuance of
authorized but unissued shares of stock to the restricted stock plan
instead of open market purchases would dilute the voting interests of
existing stockholders by approximately 3.8% and pro forma net income
per share for the three months ended March 31, 2002 would be $0.27,
$0.23, $0.20 and $0.18 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above
the maximum of the range, respectively, and pro forma stockholders'
equity per share at March 31, 2002 would be $14.85, $13.19, $11.96 and
$10.89 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above the maximum of
the range, respectively. There can be no assurance that stockholder
approval of the restricted stock plan will be obtained, or the actual
purchase price of the shares will be equal to $10.00 per share. See
Management - Potential Stock Benefit Plans - Restricted Stock Plan on
page __.
(3) The retained earnings of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank
will continue to be substantially restricted after the stock offering.
See Dividend Policy on page __ and Regulation - Regulation of Synergy
Bank - Dividends and Other Capital Distribution Limitations on page __.
(4) No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of stock
pursuant to the stock option plan that may be adopted by Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. following the stock offering which, in turn,
would be presented for approval at a meeting of stockholders to be held
after the completion of the stock offering. If the stock option plan is
presented and approved by stockholders, an amount equal to 10% of the
stock sold in the offering, or 85,000, 100,000, 115,000 and 132,250
shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above the maximum of
the range, respectively, will be reserved for future issuance upon the
exercise of options to be granted under the stock option plan. The
issuance of authorized but unissued shares of stock to the stock option
plan instead of open market purchases would dilute the voting interests
of existing stockholders by approximately 9.1%. Assuming stockholder
approval of the stock option plan and the exercise of all options at
the end of the period at an exercise price of $10.00 per share, the pro
forma net earnings per share would be $0.26, $0.22, $0.19 and $0.17,
respectively at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above the
maximum of the range for the three months ended March 31, 2002; pro
forma stockholders' equity per share would be $14.89, $13.27, $12.07,
and $11.03, respectively at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15%
above the maximum of the range at March 31, 2002. See Management -
Potential Stock Benefit Plans - Stock Option Plan on page __.
17
The following table summarizes historical data and pro forma data of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. at or for the year ended December 31, 2001 based
on the assumptions set forth above and in the table and should not be used as a
basis for projections of market value of the stock following the stock offering.
No effect has been given in the table to the possible issuance of additional
stock reserved for future issuance pursuant to a stock option plan that may be
adopted by the Board of Directors of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and approved
by stockholders following the stock offering. See Management - Potential Stock
Benefit Plans - Stock Option Plan on page __.
At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2001
------------------------------------------------------------------
$8,500,000 $10,000,000 $11,500,000 $13,225,000
Independent Independent Independent Independent
Valuation Valuation Valuation Valuation
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
850,000 1,000,000 1,150,000 1,322,500
Shares Shares Shares Shares
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Gross proceeds .................................................. $ 8,500 $ 10,000 $ 11,500 $ 13,225
Less expenses ................................................... (600) (600) (600) (600)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Estimated net proceeds ....................................... 7,900 9,400 10,900 12,625
Less ESOP funded by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. ............... (680) (800) (920) (1,058)
Less restricted stock plan adjustment ........................... (340) (400) (460) (529)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Estimated investable net proceeds ............................ $ 6,880 $ 8,200 $ 9,520 $ 11,038
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Net Income:
Historical ................................................... $ 1,902 $ 1,902 $ 1,902 $ 1,902
Pro forma income on net proceeds ............................. 119 142 165 191
Pro forma ESOP adjustments(1) ................................ (44) (51) (59) (68)
Pro forma restricted stock plan adjustment(2) ................ (44) (51) (59) (68)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma net income(1)(3)(4) ................................ $ 1,933 $ 1,942 $ 1,949 $ 1,957
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Per share net income:
Historical ................................................... $ 1.00 $ 0.85 $ 0.74 $ 0.65
Pro forma income on net proceeds ............................. 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06
Pro forma ESOP adjustments(1) ................................ (0.02) (0.02) (0.02) (0.02)
Pro forma restricted stock plan adjustment(2) ................ (0.02) (0.02) (0.02) (0.02)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma net income per share(1)(3)(4) ...................... $ 1.02 $ 0.87 $ 0.76 $ 0.67
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Shares used in calculation of income per share (1) .............. 1,892,823 2,226,850 2,560,878 2,945,010
Stockholders' equity:
Historical ................................................... $ 22,390 $ 22,390 $ 22,390 $ 22,390
Estimated net proceeds ....................................... 7,900 9,400 10,900 12,625
Less: Common Stock acquired by the ESOP(1) ................... (680) (800) (920) (1,058)
Less: Common Stock acquired by the restricted stock
plan(2) ................................................ (340) (400) (460) (529)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma stockholders' equity(1)(3)(4) ...................... $ 29,270 $ 30,590 $ 31,910 $ 33,428
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Stockholders' equity per share:
Historical ................................................... $ 11.46 $ 9.74 $ 8.47 $ 7.37
Estimated net proceeds ....................................... 4.04 4.09 4.12 4.15
Less: Common Stock acquired by the ESOP(1) ................... (0.35) (0.35) (0.35) (0.35)
Less: Common stock acquired by the restricted stock plan(2)... (0.17) (0.17) (0.17) (0.17)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma stockholders' equity per share(4) .................. $ 14.98 $ 13.31 $ 12.07 $ 11.00
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Offering price as a percentage of pro forma
stockholders' equity per share ................................ 66.76% 75.13% 82.85% 90.91%
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Offering price to pro forma net income per share ................ 9.80 X 11.49X 13.16X 14.93X
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Shares used in calculation of stockholders' equity
per share ..................................................... 1,954,023 2,298,850 2,643,678 3,040,230
(Footnotes on following page)
18
- ---------------------
(1) Assumes that 8% of the shares of stock sold in the offering will be
purchased by the employee stock ownership plan and that the plan will
borrow funds from Synergy Financial Group, Inc. The stock acquired by
the employee stock ownership plan is reflected as a reduction of
stockholder's equity. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. intends to make
annual contributions to the plan in an amount at least equal to the
principal and interest requirement of the loan. This table assumes a 10
year amortization period. See Management - Executive Compensation -
Employee Stock Ownership Plan on page __. The pro forma net earnings
assumes: (i) that Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s contribution to the
employee stock ownership plan for the principal portion of the debt
service requirement for year ended December 31, 2001 was made at the
end of the period; (ii) that 6,800, 8,000, 9,200 and 10,580 shares at
the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and 15% above the maximum of the range,
respectively, were committed to be released during the year ended
December 31, 2001, at an average fair value of $10.00 per share and
were accounted for as a charge to expense in accordance with Statement
of Position ("SOP") No. 93-6; and (iii) only the employee stock
ownership plan shares committed to be released were considered
outstanding for purposes of the net earnings per share calculations.
All employee stock ownership plan shares were considered outstanding
for purposes of the stockholders' equity per share calculations.
(2) Gives effect to the restricted stock plan that may be adopted by
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. following the stock offering and
presented for approval at a meeting of stockholders to be held after
completion of the stock offering. If the restricted stock plan is
approved by the stockholders, the restricted stock plan would be
expected to acquire an amount of stock equal to 4% of the shares of
stock sold in the offering, or 34,000, 40,000, 46,000 and 52,900 shares
of stock respectively at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above
the maximum of the range through open market purchases. Funds used by
the restricted stock plan to purchase the shares will be contributed to
the restricted stock plan by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. In
calculating the pro forma effect of the restricted stock plan, it is
assumed that the required stockholder approval has been received, that
the shares were acquired by the restricted stock plan at the beginning
of the year ended December 31, 2001 through open market purchases, at
$10.00 per share, and that 20% of the amount contributed was amortized
to expense during the year ended December 31, 2001. The restricted
stock plan will be amortized over 5 years. The issuance of authorized
but unissued shares of stock to the restricted stock plan instead of
open market purchases would dilute the voting interests of existing
stockholders by approximately 3.8% and pro forma net income per share
for the year ended December 31, 2001 would be $1.00, $0.86, $0.75, and
$0.65, at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above the maximum of
the range, respectively, and pro forma stockholders' equity per share
at December 31, 2001 would be $14.72, $13.08, $11.86 and $10.81 at the
minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above the maximum of the range,
respectively. There can be no assurance that stockholder approval of
the restricted stock plan will be obtained, or the actual purchase
price of the shares will be equal to $10.00 per share. See Management -
Potential Stock Benefit Plans - Restricted Stock Plan on page __.
(3) The retained earnings of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank
will continue to be substantially restricted after the stock offering.
See Dividend Policy on page __ and Regulation - Regulation of Synergy
Bank - Dividends and Other Capital Distribution Limitations on page __.
(4) No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of stock
pursuant to the stock option plan that may be adopted by Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. following the stock offering which, in turn,
would be presented for approval at a meeting of stockholders to be held
after the completion of the stock offering. If the stock option plan is
presented and approved by stockholders, an amount equal to 10% of the
stock sold in the offering, or 85,000, 100,000, 115,000 and 132,250
shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above the maximum of
the range, respectively, will be reserved for future issuance upon the
exercise of options to be granted under the stock option plan. The
issuance of authorized but unissued shares of stock to the stock option
plan instead of open market purchases would dilute the voting interests
of existing stockholders by approximately 9.1%. Assuming stockholder
approval of the stock option plan and the exercise of all options at
the end of the period at an exercise price of $10.00 per share, the pro
forma net earnings per share would be $0.98, $0.83, $0.73 and $0.64,
respectively at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above the
maximum of the range for the year ended December 31, 2001; pro forma
stockholders' equity per share would be $14.77, $13.17, $11.98, and
$10.95, respectively at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above
the maximum of the range at December 31, 2001. See Management -
Potential Stock Benefit Plans - Stock Option Plan on page __.
19
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CAPITAL COMPLIANCE
The following table presents Synergy Bank's historical and pro forma
capital position relative to its capital requirements as of March 31, 2002. Pro
forma capital levels assume receipt by Synergy Bank of at least 50% of the net
proceeds, and that the Synergy Financial Group, Inc. employee stock ownership
plan purchases 8% of the stock sold in the offering, and that 4% of the shares
of stock sold in the offering is purchased by the restricted stock plan at the
purchase price subsequent to the offering. For a discussion of the assumptions
underlying the pro forma capital calculations presented below, see Use of
Proceeds, Capitalization and Pro Forma Data on pages __, __ and ___. The
definitions of the terms used in the table are those provided in the capital
regulations issued by the OTS. For a discussion of the capital standards
applicable to Synergy Bank, see Regulation - Regulation of Synergy Bank -
Regulatory Capital Requirements on page __.
Pro Forma at March 31, 2002
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual, at $8,500,000 $10,000,000 $11,500,000 $13,225,000
March 31, 2002 Offering Offering Offering Offering (1)
------------------ -------------------- ------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage
Amount of Assets(2) Amount of Assets(2) Amount of Assets(2) Amount of Assets(2) Amount of Assets(2)
------ ------------ ------ ------------ ------ ------------ ------ ------------ ------ ------------
(Dollars in thousands)
GAAP Capital(3)..... $22,484 6.52% $25,414 7.31% $25,984 7.46% $26,554 7.61% $27,210 7.78%
Tangible Capital:
Actual or
Pro Forma....... $22,769 6.59% $25,699 7.38% $26,269 7.53% $26,839 7.68% $27,495 7.86%
Required.......... 5,179 1.50 5,223 1.50 5,231 1.50 5,240 1.50 5,250 1.50
------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ----
Excess............ $17,590 5.09% $20,476 5.88% $21,038 6.03% $21,599 6.18% $22,245 6.36%
======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ====
Core Capital:
Actual or
Pro Forma....... $22,769 6.59% $25,699 7.38% $26,269 7.53% $26,839 7.68% $27,495 7.86%
Required(4)....... 10,358 3.00 10,446 3.00 10,463 3.00 10,480 3.00 10,500 3.00
------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ----
Excess............ $12,411 3.59% $15,253 4.38% $15,806 4.53% $16,359 4.68% $16,995 4.86%
======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ====
Risk-Based Capital:
Actual or
Pro Forma(5)(6). $24,387 10.76% $27,317 11.97% $27,887 12.21% $28,457 12.44% $29,113 12.71%
Required.......... 18,135 8.00 18,253 8.00 18,275 8.00 18,298 8.00 18,324 8.00
------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ----
Excess............ $ 6,252 2.76% $ 9,064 3.97% $ 9,612 4.21% $10,159 4.44% $10,789 4.71%
======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ====
_________________
(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares which
could occur due to an increase in the offering range of up to 15% as a
result of regulatory considerations or changes in market or general
financial and economic conditions following the commencement of the
offerings.
(2) Tangible and core capital levels are shown as a percentage of total
adjusted assets. The risk-based capital level is shown as a percentage of
risk-weighted assets.
(3) GAAP capital includes unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale
securities, net, which is not included as regulatory capital.
(4) The current OTS core capital requirement for savings banks is 3% of total
adjusted assets for thrifts that receive the highest supervisory rating for
safety and soundness and a 4% to 5% core capital ratio requirement for all
other thrifts. See Regulation - Regulation of Synergy Bank - Regulatory
Capital Requirements on page __.
(5) Assumes net proceeds are invested in assets that carry a 50% risk-weighing.
(6) The difference between equity under GAAP and regulatory risk-based capital
is attributable to the subtraction of accumulated other comprehensive loss
of $285,000.
20
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
The following financial information and other data in this section is
derived from Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s audited consolidated financial
statements for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 and unaudited
consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and
2001, and should be read together with Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto beginning on page F-2 of
this prospectus. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of
normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the
interim periods have been reflected.
Selected Financial Highlights
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance Sheet: At December 31,
- -------------- At March 31, ---------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Assets............................................ $344,928 $296,963 $244,742
Loans receivable, net............................. 261,434 224,689 189,098
Investment securities............................. 61,636 51,047 38,225
Cash and cash equivalents......................... 1,942 3,708 6,139
Deposits.......................................... 276,762 249,813 191,144
FHLB advances..................................... 41,500 22,500 31,500
Total equity...................................... 22,639 22,390 20,362
Summary of Operations: For the Three For the Years Ended
Months Ended December 31,
March 31, -----------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Interest income....................................... $ 5,115 $18,954 $16,960
Interest expense...................................... 1,979 9,296 7,959
Net interest income................................... 3,136 9,658 9,001
Provision for loan losses............................. 270 363 480
Net interest income after provision for loan losses... 2,866 9,295 8,521
Other income.......................................... 319 2,632 1,930
Operating expense..................................... 2,410 9,001 8,209
Income before income tax expense...................... 775 2,926 2,242
Income tax expense.................................... 266 1,024 712
Net income............................................ 509 1,902 1,530
Actual number (not in thousands):
Loans............................................. 7,266 7,029(1) 11,345
Deposit accounts.................................. 40,751 41,566 42,177
Full service offices (2).......................... 11 11 11
________________
(1) The decrease in the number of loan accounts is primarily attributable to
the sale of the credit card portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2001, which
held 4,222 individual accounts.
(2) At March 31, 2002, we had eleven office locations, including our main
office. Subsequent to March 31, 2002, one branch office was closed, and two
new branch offices were opened in April and May 2002. Two additional new
branch offices are expected to open in the third quarter of 2002. We
currently plan to open four additional new branch locations over the next
year.
21
Selected Financial Ratios At or For the At or For
Three Months Ended the Year Ended
March 31, December 31,
----------------------- ---------------------------
Performance Ratios: 2002 2001 2001 2000
- ------------------- ---- ---- ---- ----
Return on average assets (net income divided by
average total assets).................................. 0.63 % 0.38% 0.69% 0.65%
Return on average equity (net income divided by
average equity)........................................ 9.00 4.61 8.95 7.52
Net interest rate spread.................................. 4.09 3.72 3.53 3.88
Net interest margin on average interest-earning
assets................................................. 4.15 3.88 3.67 4.03
Average interest-earning assets to average
interest-bearing liabilities........................... 102.24 104.43 104.17 104.37
Efficiency ratio (operating expenses divided
by the sum of net interest income and
other income).......................................... 69.77 85.15 73.24 75.10
Asset Quality Ratios:
Non-performing loans to total loans, net.................. 0.18 0.09 0.03 0.10
Non-performing assets to total assets..................... 0.14 0.06 0.02 0.08
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding.............. 0.01 0.01 0.08 0.17
Allowance for loan losses to total loans.................. 0.62 0.63 0.61 0.62
Capital Ratios:
Average equity to average assets ratios
(average equity divided by average total assets)....... 7.03 8.31 7.70 8.12
Equity to assets at period end............................ 6.56 7.97 7.54 8.32
22
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results
of operations is intended to provide assistance in understanding the
consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. The information in this section should be read with the consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto beginning on page F-2.
Our results of operations are primarily dependent on our net interest
income. Net interest income is a function of the balances of loans and
investments outstanding in any one period, the yields earned on those loans and
investments and the interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds that were
outstanding in that same period. To a lesser extent, our results of operations
are also affected by the relative levels of our non-interest income and
operating expenses. Our non-interest income consists primarily of fees and
service charges, dividends on FHLB stock, and gains on the sale of loans and
investments. Our results of operations are significantly impacted by the amount
of provisions for loan losses which, in turn, are dependent upon, among other
things, the size and makeup of the loan portfolio, loan quality and loan trends.
The operating expenses consist primarily of employee compensation and benefits,
occupancy and equipment expenses, data processing costs, marketing costs,
professional fees, office supplies, and telephone and postage costs. Our results
of operations are affected by general economic, regulatory and competitive
conditions, including changes in prevailing interest rates and the policies of
regulatory agencies.
Forward - Looking Statements
This document contains statements that project our future operations,
which involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ
significantly from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements.
Factors that might cause a difference in results include, but are not limited
to, those discussed in "Risk Factors" beginning on page __ of this document.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy has been to operate as a well-capitalized
independent financial institution dedicated to providing convenient access and
quality service at competitive prices. Generally, we have sought to implement
this strategy by maintaining a substantial part of our assets in loans secured
by one- to four-family residential real estate located in our market area and
home equity and consumer loans. During recent years, we have significantly
increased our origination of automobile loans and non-residential mortgage
loans. To the extent that new deposits have exceeded loan originations, we have
invested these deposits primarily in mortgage- backed securities.
We intend to continue to emphasize a variety of deposit and loan
products, with the latter consisting primarily of residential mortgages,
non-residential mortgages and consumer loans. We may use the proceeds of the
offering to expand our business beyond traditional retail banking to include
other financial services such as insurance products, as well as trust and asset
management services, either through internal development of such lines of
business, third party affiliations or through acquisitions. We intend to grow
our branch office network, which will expand our geographic reach. We do not,
however, have any current understandings, agreements or arrangements for the
expansion of our business, other than opening new branch office locations.
Initially, we will invest the proceeds in short term securities.
23
Synergy Bank converted its charter in May of 1998 from a credit union,
known as Synergy Federal Credit Union, to a federal savings bank. As a credit
union, Synergy Bank was limited to serving employees of its former credit union
sponsor corporation and its operations consisted primarily of accepting deposits
and originating residential mortgages and consumer loans. Since its conversion
from a credit union, Synergy Bank has implemented a strategy to grow into a full
service financial institution offering a variety of financial products to the
general public. The highlights of this strategy include the following:
o In May 1998, Synergy Bank had nine offices, including its main office,
eight of which were located on various corporate premises of its former
credit union sponsor corporation. Subsequent to its conversion to a federal
savings bank, Synergy Bank opened one additional branch office open to the
general public in each of the years 1998, 1999, and 2001. Subsequent to
March 31, 2002, the Bank opened two new branch offices in April and May
2002. Two additional branch offices are expected to open in the third
quarter of 2002 and four additional branch locations will open over the
next year in an expansion of its geographic reach.
o As a credit union, Synergy Bank's only source of funds was deposits from
members. As of December 31, 1997, the credit union had $158.8 million of
deposits. As a result of its conversion to a federal savings bank, Synergy
Bank is able to accept deposits from the general public and to obtain
borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the "FHLB"). At March 31, 2002,
Synergy Bank had $276.8 million of deposits and $41.5 million of FHLB
borrowings.
o Synergy Bank has actively increased its volume of loan originations and the
size of its loan portfolios. It began to originate automobile loans through
an Internet source in late 1999 and began to originate non- residential
mortgage loans in 2000. As of March 31, 2002, Synergy Bank had total
automobile loans of approximately $53.2 million and total non-residential
mortgage loans of approximately $17.1 million. Automobile loans and
non-residential mortgage loans generally have higher interest rates and
shorter terms than residential mortgages.
o In order to enhance non-interest income, Synergy Financial Services, Inc.,
a subsidiary of Synergy Financial Group, Inc., began operations in 1998 for
the purpose of providing securities brokerage, insurance and investment
services and products, including mutual funds and annuities, to customers
of Synergy Bank and the general public. See Subsidiary Activity on page __.
Analysis of Net Interest Income
Our earnings have historically been significantly affected by our net
interest income, which is the difference between interest income earned on loans
and investments ("interest-earning assets") and interest paid on deposits and
any borrowed funds ("interest-bearing liabilities"). Net interest income is
affected by (a) the difference between rates of interest earned on our
interest-earning assets and rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities
("interest rate spread") and (b) the relative amounts of our interest-earnings
assets and interest-bearing liabilities.
Management of Interest Rate Risk and Market Risk
Qualitative Analysis. Because the majority of our assets and
liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, a significant form of
market risk is interest rate risk, or changes in interest rates. We are
vulnerable to an increase in interest rates to the extent that interest-bearing
liabilities mature or reprice more rapidly than interest-earning assets. Our
assets include long-term, fixed rate loans and investments, while our primary
source of funds is deposits with substantially shorter maturities. Although
having interest-bearing liabilities that reprice more frequently than
interest-earnings assets is generally beneficial to net interest income during a
period of
24
declining interest rates, this type of an asset/liability mismatch is generally
detrimental during periods of rising interest rates.
The Board of Directors has established a Budget and Asset/Liability
Management Committee which consists of Directors Putvinski (Chairman), De Perez,
Fiore, Scott and Stender. The Committee meets generally during October and
November each year with the goal of developing an annual business and operating
plan for presentation to the full Board at the regular November meeting. In
addition, at least one non-employee member of the Committee meets monthly with
management to review current investments, loan and deposit pricing and
production volumes, interest rate risk analysis, liquidity and borrowing needs,
and a variety of other assets and liability management topics. The results of
the monthly meetings of the committee are reported to the full Board at its
regular monthly meeting.
To reduce the effect of interest rate changes on net interest income,
we have adopted various strategies to enable us to improve the matching of
interest-earning asset maturities to interest-bearing liability maturities. The
main elements of these strategies include seeking to:
o originate loans with adjustable rate features or fixed rate loans with
short maturities;
o lengthen the maturities of our liabilities when it would be cost effective
through the pricing and promotion of certificates of deposit and
utilization of FHLB advances;
o attract low cost checking and transaction accounts which tend to be less
interest rate sensitive; and
o maintain an investment portfolio that provides a stable cash flow, thereby
providing investable funds in varying interest rate cycles.
We have also made a significant effort to maintain our level of lower
cost deposits as a method of enhancing profitability. At March 31, 2002, we had
approximately 51% of deposits in lower cost savings and checking accounts. These
deposits have traditionally remained relatively stable and are expected to be
only moderately affected in periods of rising interest rates.
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001
Assets. Total assets increased $47.9 million, or 16.1%, to $344.9
million at March 31, 2002 from approximately $297.0 million at December 31,
2001. The increase in total assets resulted primarily from a $36.7 million
increase in net loans receivable and a $10.6 million increase in securities. The
increase in loans primarily resulted from growth in the residential and
non-residential mortgage portfolios of $33.1 million and $3.3 million,
respectively. The increase in securities was due primarily to an increase in
FNMA mortgage backed securities and CMO/REMIC securities, which increased by
$6.2 million, or 30.5%, and $3.7 million, or 25%, respectively.
Liabilities. Total liabilities increased $47.7 million, or 17.4%, to
$322.3 million at March 31, 2002 from $274.6 million at December 31, 2001. The
increase in total liabilities resulted primarily from an increase of $26.9
million in deposits and a $19.0 million increase in FHLB advances. The majority
of the deposit growth consisted of an increase in certificates of deposit, with
terms predominantly in excess of one year, which were offered at competitive
rates to lock in prevailing low interest rates. The increase in FHLB advances
was to fund strong loan originations during the quarter and in anticipation of
opening new offices. It is projected that the deposit flow from existing and new
branches will be used to pay down the FHLB advances.
Equity. Total equity increased $249,000 to $22.6 million at March 31,
2002 from $22.4 million at December 31, 2001. The increase in equity reflects
$509,000 in net income for the three months ended March
25
31, 2002, offset by a net increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of
$260,000, attributable to a $406,000 increase in unrealized loss on
available-for-sale securities.
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2001 and 2000
Assets. Total assets increased $52.3 million, or 21.3%, to $297.0
million at December 31, 2001 from $244.7 million at December 31, 2000. The
increase was primarily attributable to a $35.6 million increase in net loans
receivable, and a $12.8 million increase in securities, partially offset by a
$2.4 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents. The increase in loans
receivable at December 31, 2001 resulted primarily from a $25.3 million increase
in residential loans and a $13.5 million increase in non-residential mortgage
loans.
Liabilities. Total liabilities increased $50.2 million, or 22.4%, to
$274.6 million at December 31, 2001 from $224.4 million at December 31, 2000.
The increase in total liabilities was primarily attributable to a $58.7 million
increase in deposits, partially offset by a $9.0 million decrease in FHLB
advances. The majority of the deposit growth at December 31, 2001 was
attributable to a $46 million increase in certificates of deposit from $75.0
million at December 31, 2000 to $121 million for the same period in 2001.
Equity. Stockholders' equity increased $2.0 million to $22.4 million at
December 31, 2001 from $20.4 million for the same period in 2000. The increase
in stockholders' equity reflects net income of $1.9 million for 2001 along with
a $227,000 improvement in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We maintain liquid assets at levels we consider adequate to meet
liquidity needs. The liquidity of a savings institution reflects its ability to
provide funds to meet loan requests, accommodate possible outflows in deposits,
fund current and planned expenditures and take advantage of interest rate market
opportunities in connection with asset and liability management objectives.
Funding of loan requests, providing for liability outflows, and management of
interest rate fluctuations require continuous analysis in order to match the
maturities of earning assets with specific types of deposits and borrowings.
Savings institution liquidity is normally considered in terms of the nature and
mix of the savings institution's sources and uses of funds.
Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, scheduled amortization
and prepayment of loans and mortgage-backed securities. In addition, we invest
excess funds in overnight federal funds investments, which provide liquidity.
Our cash and cash equivalents, defined as cash and deposits in other financial
institutions with original maturities of three months or less, totaled
approximately $1.9 million at March 31, 2002. To a lesser extent, the earnings
and funds provided from our operating activities are a source of liquidity.
For the three months ended March 31, 2002, purchases of securities
totaled approximately $20.0 million, proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed
securities totaled $2.0 million and principal repayments of mortgage- backed
securities totaled approximately $6.9 million.
Loan originations, net of principal repayments, totaled approximately
$37.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002. There were no loan
purchases. Loan sales totaled approximately $500,000.
For the year ended December 31, 2001, purchases of securities totaled
approximately $42.9 million, proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities
totaled $1.0 million, maturities and principal repayments of investment
securities totaled approximately $14.5 million, and principal repayments of
mortgage-backed securities totaled approximately $14.8 million.
26
Loan originations, net of principal repayments, totaled approximately
$46.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. Loan purchases totaled
approximately $4.0 million. Loan sales totaled approximately $15.8 million, of
which $6.2 million pertained to the sale of the credit card portfolio.
For the year ended December 31, 2001, we experienced a net increase of
deposits of approximately $58.7 million, as compared to a net increase of
approximately $10.2 million for the prior year. At March 31, 2002, certificates
of deposit of $100,000 or more scheduled to mature in less than one year totaled
approximately $16.1 million. Based on prior experience, management believes that
a significant portion of such deposits will remain with Synergy Bank upon
maturity, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case. In
addition, the cost of such deposits may be significantly higher upon renewal in
a rising interest rate environment.
Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business
management. While scheduled principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed
securities are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan
prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic
conditions, and competition. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate
them internally, we have the ability to obtain advances from the Federal Home
Loan Bank of New York, which provides an additional source of funds. See
Business of Synergy Bank - Sources of Funds - Borrowings on page __. At March
31, 2002, we had $41.5 million of borrowings outstanding.
Synergy Bank is subject to federal regulations that impose minimum
capital requirements. For a discussion on these capital levels, see Historical
and Pro Forma Capital Compliance on page __ and Regulation - Regulation of
Synergy Bank - Regulatory Capital Requirements on page __.
We are not aware of any trends, events or uncertainties that will have
or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our liquidity, capital or
operations nor are we aware of any current recommendation by regulatory
authorities, which, if implemented, would have a material effect on liquidity,
capital or operations. The total amount of our commitments to extend credit for
mortgage and consumer loans as of March 31, 2002, was approximately $28.1
million, excluding commitments on unused lines of credit which totaled
approximately $9.7 million.
For additional information about cash flows from our operating,
financing, and investing activities, see the statements of cash flows included
in the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-2.
Comparison of Operating Results for Three Months Ended March 31, 2002 and 2001
Net Income. Net income increased by $271,000 to $509,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2002 compared to the same period in 2001, a nearly 114%
increase. The increase was attributable primarily to an $843,000 increase in net
interest income, offset by a $225,000 increase in the provision for loan losses,
a $108,000 decrease in other income, and a $95,000 increase in operating
expenses.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income grew $843,000 or 36.8% for the
three months ended March 31, 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. Total
interest income increased by $688,000 to $5.1 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2002, while total interest expense fell by $155,000 to $2.0 million
for the three months ended March 31, 2002.
The 15.6% increase in total interest income was primarily due to a
$66.3 million, or 28.1%, increase in the average balance of interest-earning
assets, offset by a 73 basis point decrease in the average yield earned thereon.
27
The 7.2% decrease in total interest expense resulted primarily from a
110 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities,
offset by a $69.6 million, or 30.8%, increase in the average balance of
interest-bearing liabilities. The decrease in the average cost of
interest-bearing liabilities reflects lower market interest rates in the 2002
period. The majority of the increase in the average balance of liabilities for
the 2002 period was comprised of a $47.5 million increase in the average balance
of certificates of deposit, on which the average cost declined 182 basis points.
Provision for Loan Losses. We maintain an allowance for loan losses
through provisions for loan losses which are charged to operations. The
provision is made to adjust the total allowance for loan losses to an amount
that represents management's best estimate of losses inherent in the loan
portfolio at the balance sheet date that are both probable and reasonably
estimable. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan
losses, management considers factors such as internal analysis of credit
quality, general levels of loan delinquencies, collateral values, Synergy Bank's
historical loan loss experience, changes in loan concentrations by loan
category, peer group information and economic and market trends. See Business of
Synergy Bank - Non- Performing Loans and Problem Assets - Allowance for Loan
Losses on page __. The provision established for loan losses each month reflects
management's assessment of these factors in relation to the level of the
allowance at such time.
The provision for loan losses was $270,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 2002 and $45,000 for the same period in 2001. We had net charge-offs
of $24,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2002 compared to net charge-offs
of $28,000 for the same period in 2001. The increase in the provision for loan
losses resulted from the growth in the loan portfolio of $36.7 million, or
16.4%, between December 31, 2001 and March 31, 2002, which includes a 24.3%
increase in non-residential mortgage loans. Management's evaluation of the
adequacy of the allowance for which includes a 24.3% increase loan losses
involved consideration of the general factors described in the paragraph above.
Its evaluation did not change either in estimation methods or assumptions during
either period.
Our allowance for loan losses stood at $1.6 million at March 31, 2002
compared to $1.2 million at March 31, 2001. Management allocates the allowance
to various categories based on its assessment of the risk characteristics of
each loan category and the relative balances at month end of each loan category.
The allocation did not change materially from March 31, 2002 to March 31, 2001.
See Business of Synergy Bank - Non- Performing Loans and Problem Assets -
Allowance for Loan Losses on page ____, and - Allocation of Allowance for Loan
Losses on page ____.
Other Income. Other income, which is primarily composed of deposit
account fees, ATM fees, loan fees and service charges, decreased by $108,000 to
$319,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2002 from $427,000 the same period
in 2001. The decrease was primarily due to a $70,000 decrease in commission fees
from Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, Synergy Financial
Services, Inc., due to lower commissions from securities and insurance sales. In
addition, loan servicing fees and dividends on FHLB stock decreased by $22,000
and $17,000, respectively, and there was a $6,000 loss on the sale of
investments in the 2002 period not present in the 2001 period.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses increased to $2.4 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2002, a $95,000 increase compared to the same
period in 2001. The increase resulted mostly from an $81,000 increase in loan
servicing expenses associated with the management of a larger loan portfolio
during the 2002 period.
We expect increased expenses in the future as a result of the
establishment of the employee stock ownership plan, potential stock benefit
plans, and directors' retirement plan, as well as increased costs associated
28
with being a public company such as periodic reporting, annual meeting
materials, retention of a transfer agent, and professional fees.
Furthermore, we intend to expand our branch office network, and
expenses related to such expansion will impact earnings in future periods.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased by $145,000, or 120%,
during the three months ended March 31, 2002 as compared to the same period in
2001, reflecting higher income for the 2002 period.
Comparison of Operating Results for Years Ended December 31, 2001 and 2000
Net Income. Net income for 2001 increased $371,000 to $1.9 million
compared to net income of $1.5 million for 2000. This increase was primarily
attributable to a $656,000 increase in net interest income, a $703,000 increase
in other income, and a $117,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses,
partially offset by a $792,000 increase in operating expenses and a $312,000
increase in income tax expense.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased by $656,000, or
7.3%, to $9.7 million for 2001 compared to $9.0 million for 2000. This increase
was attributable to a $2.0 million increase in total interest income, partially
offset by a $1.3 million increase in interest expense.
Total interest income increased by 11.8% to $19.0 million for 2001
compared to $17.0 million for 2000 as a result of a $40.0 million increase in
the average balance of interest-earning assets, consisting of a $28.0 million,
or 15.6%, increase in the average balance of loans and a $12.0 million, or
27.1%, increase in the average balance of securities. Interest income on loans
increased by $1.7 million, reflecting the increase in the average balance of
loans, offset by a decrease in the average yield thereon of 25 basis points,
from 7.97% for 2000 to 7.72% for 2001. Interest income on securities increased
by $265,000, or 9.8%, for 2001, reflecting the increase in the average balance
of securities, offset by a decrease in the average yield thereon of 83 basis
points, from 6.11% for 2000 to 5.28% for 2001.
Total interest expense increased by 16.8%, to $9.3 million in 2001,
primarily as a result of a $38.8 million increase in the average balance of
interest-bearing liabilities to $252.5 million for 2001 as compared to $213.7
million for 2000. The majority of this increase was in certificates of deposit,
the average balance of which increased by 52.4%. The average cost of total
interest-bearing liabilities fell 4 basis points to 3.68% for 2001 as compared
to 3.72% for 2000, with the decrease primarily attributable to a 59 basis point
decrease in the average rate paid on FHLB advances.
Provision for Loan Losses. We maintain an allowance for loan losses
through provisions for loan losses which are charged to operations. The
provision is made to adjust the total allowance for loan losses to an amount
that represents management's best estimate of losses inherent in the loan
portfolio at the balance sheet date that are both probable and reasonably
estimable. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan
losses, management considers factors such as internal analysis of credit
quality, general levels of loan delinquencies, collateral values, Synergy Bank's
historical loan loss experience, changes in loan concentrations by loan
category, peer group information and economic and market trends. See Business of
Synergy Bank - Non- Performing Loans and Problem Assets - Allowance for Loan
Losses on page __. The provision established for loan losses each month reflects
management's assessment of these factors in relation to the level of the
allowance at such time.
The provision for loan losses was $363,000 for the year ended December
31, 2001 and $480,000 for the same period in 2000. We had net charge-offs of
$167,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to net charge-offs of
$299,000 for the same period in 2000. The major changes in the loan portfolio
during 2001
29
were an increase in loans secured by real estate from 68% of total loans at
December 31, 2000 to 74% at December 31, 2001 and a drop in our unsecured loan
portfolio from 8.2% of total loans at December 31, 2000 to 2.7% at December 31,
2001 resulting from the sale of the credit card portfolio. Management's
evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses involved
consideration of the general factors described in the paragraph above. Its
evaluation did not change either in estimation methods or assumptions during
either period.
Our allowance for loan losses stood at $1.4 million at December 31,
2001 compared to $1.2 million at December 31, 2000. Management allocates the
allowance to various categories based on its assessment of the risk
characteristics of each loan category and the relative balances at month end of
each loan category. The allocation did not change materially from December 31,
2001 to December 31, 2000. See Business of Synergy Bank - Non-Performing Loans
and Problem Assets - Allowance for Loan Losses on page __ and - Allocation of
Allowance for Loan Losses on page ____.
Other Income. Other income, which is primarily composed of deposit
account fees, ATM fees, loan fees and service charges increased $703,000 to $2.6
million for 2001 from $1.9 million for 2000, primarily attributable to the gain
on the sale of loans of $888,000 comprised mostly of the sale of the credit card
portfolio, partially offset by a $345,000 decrease in commissions on securities
and insurance sales through Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s wholly-owned
subsidiary, Synergy Financial Services, Inc. Other income for 2001 also includes
$274,000 in loan servicing fees for 2001 as compared to $256,000 for 2000, and a
$5,000 gain in 2001 on the sale of securities.
Operating Expense. Operating expense increased $792,000, or 9.7%, to
$9.0 million for 2001 compared to $8.2 million for 2000. This increase was
primarily due to a $425,000, or 9.6%, increase in compensation and employee
benefits and a $385,000, or 13.8%, increase in office operation and office
occupancy expenses due primarily to the opening of one new branch and the costs
associated with renovating our main office.
Historically, we have had a high level of operating expense because of
the large number of branch offices relative to our asset size. Synergy Bank
currently operates six on-site branch offices located on the corporate premises
of its former credit union sponsor. Although we do not compensate such company
for the use of this office space, higher personnel costs are needed to operate
these facilities along with our independent branch offices and main office.
We also expect increased expenses in the future as a result of the
establishment of the employee stock ownership plan, stock benefit plans, and
directors' retirement plan, as well as increased costs associated with being a
public company, such as periodic reporting, annual meeting materials, retention
of a transfer agent and professional fees.
Provision for Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased by $312,000,
or 43.9%, to $1.0 million for 2001 compared to $712,000 for 2000, reflecting
higher income for 2001.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations,
effective for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, as well
as all business combinations accounted for by the purchase method that are
completed after June 30, 2001. The new statement requires that the purchase
method of accounting be used for all business combinations and prohibits the use
of the pooling-of-interests method. The adoption of Statement No. 141 is not
expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of
operations.
30
In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2001. The new statement changes the
accounting for goodwill from an amortization method to an impairment-only
approach. Thus, amortization of goodwill, including goodwill recorded in past
business combinations, will cease upon adoption of this statement. The adoption
of Statement No. 142 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial
position or results of operations.
In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations, effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15,
2002. This statement requires entities to record the fair value of a liability
for an asset retirement obligation ("ARO") in the period in which it is
incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes a
cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over
time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the
capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon
settlement of the liability, an entity either settles the obligation for its
recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss upon settlement. The adoption of
Statement No. 143 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial
position or results of operations.
In October 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 144, Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2001. This statement replaces FASB Statement No. 121, Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed
Of. The primary objectives of this project were to develop one accounting model
for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and to address significant
implementation issues using the framework established in Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121. The adoption of Statement No. 144 is not
expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of
operations.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes presented
elsewhere in this document have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles which generally require the measurement of
financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without
considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time and
due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of
our operations. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on our
performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates
do not necessarily move in the same direction, or to the same extent, as prices
of goods and services.
31
Average Balance Sheet. The following tables set forth certain
information at March 31, 2002 and for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and
2001 and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999. The average
yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average
balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.
Average balances are derived primarily from month-end balances. Management does
not believe that the use of month-end balances instead of daily average balances
has caused any material differences in the information presented. The table does
not include the allowance for loan losses in the average balances of loans
receivable. Management does not believe that this causes any material
differences in the information presented.
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
At March 31, -----------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2002 2001
------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Average Average Average Average
Balance Yield/Cost Balance Interest Yield/Cost Balance Interest Yield/Cost
------- ---------- ------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable(1).............. $261,434 7.11% $243,767 $4,341 7.12 % $189,471 $3,780 7.98%
Securities(2).................... 61,636 5.41 58,526 774 5.29 46,562 646 5.56
-------- -------- ------ -------- ------
Total interest-earning
assets..................... 323,070 6.79 302,293 5,115 6.77 236,033 4,426 7.50
------ ------
Non-interest-earning assets....... 21,858 19,850 12,095
-------- -------- --------
Total assets................. $344,928 $322,143 $248,128
======== ======== ========
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Checking accounts................ $ 34,963 - $ 33,114 - - $ 29,567 - -
Savings and club accounts........ 62,274 1.24 58,561 175 1.20 51,615 246 1.91
Money market accounts............ 43,823 1.79 42,555 187 1.76 33,863 279 3.30
Certificates of deposit.......... 135,702 3.73 125,483 1,203 3.83 77,985 1,100 5.65
FHLB advances.................... 41,500 3.77 35,950 414 4.61 33,000 509 6.17
-------- -------- -------- ------
Total interest-bearing
liabilities................ 318,262 2.57 295,663 1,979 2.68 226,030 2,134 3.78
------ ------
Non-interest-bearing
liabilities..................... 4,027 3,848 1,476
-------- -------- --------
Total liabilities............ 322,289 299,511 227,506
Stockholders' equity.............. 22,639 22,632 20,622
-------- -------- --------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity....... $344,928 $322,143 $248,128
======== ======== ========
Net interest income............... $3,136 $2,292
====== ======
Interest rate spread(3)........... 4.22% 4.09% 3.72%
====== ====== ======
Net yield on interest-earning
assets(4)....................... 4.15% 3.88%
====== ======
Ratio of average
interest-earning assets to
average interest-bearing
liabilities.................... 101.51% 102.24% 104.43%
====== ====== ======
_______________________________
(1) Non-accruing loans have been included in loans receivable, and the effect
of such inclusion was not material.
(2) Includes U.S. government obligations, mortgage-backed securities,
interest-bearing deposits in banks, and FHLB stock.
(3) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on
interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing
liabilities.
(4) Net yield on interest-earning assets represents net interest income as a
percentage of average interest-earning assets.
32
For the Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
----------------------------- ------------------------------ ----------------------------
Average Average Average Average Average Average
Balance Interest Yield/Cost Balance Interest Yield/Cost Balance Interest Yield/Cost
------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable, net(1)....... $206,612 $15,975 7.72% $178,686 $14,247 7.97% $147,109 $12,004 8.16%
Securities(2).................. 56,440 2,979 5.28 44,396 2,713 6.11 59,170 3,424 5.79
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
Total interest-earning
assets................... 263,052 18,954 7.21 223,082 16,960 7.60 206,279 15,428 7.48
------- ------- -------
Non-interest-earning assets..... 12,709 11,373 9,289
-------- -------- --------
Total assets............... $275,761 $234,455 $215,568
======== ======== ========
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Checking accounts ............. $ 31,252 - - $ 29,070 - - $ 26,829 177 0.66
Savings and club accounts...... 54,047 970 1.80 52,414 1,095 2.09 51,023 1,069 2.10
Money market accounts.......... 36,359 1,040 2.86 34,425 1,131 3.29 37,324 1,351 3.62
Certificates of deposit........ 101,488 5,453 5.37 66,610 3,601 5.41 63,809 3,265 5.12
FHLB advances.................. 29,385 1,833 6.24 31,227 2,132 6.83 17,208 968 5.63
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
Total interest-bearing
liabilities.............. 252,531 9,296 3.68 213,746 7,959 3.72 196,193 6,830 3.48
------- ------- -------
Non-interest-bearing
liabilities................... 1,992 1,676 1,507
-------- -------- --------
Total liabilities.......... 254,523 215,422 197,700
Stockholders' equity............ 21,238 19,033 17,868
-------- -------- --------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity..... $275,761 $234,455 $215,568
======== ======== ========
Net interest income............. $9,658 $ 9,001 $ 8,598
====== ======= =======
Interest rate spread(3)......... 3.53% 3.88% 4.00%
====== ====== ======
Net yield on interest-earning
assets(4)..................... 3.67% 4.03% 4.17%
====== ====== ======
Ratio of average
interest-earning assets to
average interest-bearing
liabilities................... 104.17% 104.37% 105.14%
====== ====== ======
_______________________________
(1) Non-accruing loans have been included in loans receivable, and the effect
of such inclusion was not material.
(2) Includes U.S. government obligations, mortgage-backed securities,
interest-bearing deposits in banks, and FHLB stock.
(3) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on
interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing
liabilities.
(4) Net yield on interest-earning assets represents net interest income as a
percentage of average interest-earning assets.
33
Rate/Volume Analysis. The relationship between the volume and rates of
our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities influences our net
interest income. The following table reflects the sensitivity of our interest
income and interest expense to changes in volume and in prevailing interest
rates during the periods indicated. Each category reflects the: (1) changes in
volume (changes in volume multiplied by old rate); (2) changes in rate (changes
in rate multiplied by old volume); (3) changes in rate/volume (change in rate
multiplied by the change in volume); and (4) net change. The net change
attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated
proportionally to the absolute dollar amounts of change in each.
For the Three Months Ended For the Year Ended
March 31, December 31,
--------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
2002 vs. 2001 2001 vs. 2000
--------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) Increase (Decrease)
Due to Due to
--------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Rate/ Rate/
Volume Rate Volume Net Volume Rate Volume Net
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(In thousands)
Interest and dividend income:
Loans receivable ...................... $ 1,083 $ (407) $ (115) $ 561 $ 2,226 $ (447) $ (51) $ 1,728
Investments, mortgage-backed securities
and other ........................... 166 (31) (7) 128 736 (368) (102) 266
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total interest-earning assets ...... $ 1,249 $ (438) $ (122) $ 689 $ 2,962 $ (815) $ (153) $ 1,994
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Interest expense:
Checking accounts ..................... $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Savings and club accounts ............. 33 (92) (12) (71) 34 (152) (7) (125)
Money market accounts ................. 72 (130) (34) (92) 64 (148) (7) (91)
Certificate accounts .................. 671 (355) (213) 103 1,887 (27) (8) 1,852
FHLB advances ......................... 46 (129) (12) (95) (126) (184) 11 (299)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total interest-bearing liabilities . $ 822 $ (706) $ (271) $ (155) $ 1,859 $ (511) $ (11) $ 1,337
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Change in net interest income ............ $ 427 $ 268 $ 149 $ 844 $ 1,103 $ (304) $ (142) $ 657
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
34
BUSINESS OF SYNERGY, MHC
Synergy, MHC is a federal mutual holding company and is subject to
regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision. Synergy, MHC currently owns 100%
of the outstanding common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. So long as
Synergy, MHC is in existence, it will at all times own at least a majority of
the outstanding common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
The only business activity of Synergy, MHC going forward will be to own
a majority of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s common stock. Synergy, MHC,
however, will be authorized to engage in any other business activities that are
permissible for mutual holding companies under federal law, including investing
in loans and securities. Synergy, MHC does not maintain offices separate from
those of Synergy Bank or employ any persons other than certain of Synergy Bank's
officers. Officers of Synergy, MHC are not separately compensated for their
service.
BUSINESS OF SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is a federal mutual holding company
subsidiary and is subject to regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision. It
was organized for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock that Synergy
Bank issued upon its mutual holding company reorganization from the mutual to
stock form of ownership in 2001. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. acquired all of
the shares of Synergy Financial Services, Inc. later in 2001. Synergy Financial
Services, Inc. is engaged in offering insurance and securities products.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. has not engaged in any significant
business to date. Its primary activity is holding all of the stock of Synergy
Bank and Synergy Financial Services, Inc. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. will
invest the proceeds of the offering as discussed under Use of Proceeds on page
__. In the future, it may pursue other business activities, including mergers
and acquisitions, investment alternatives and diversification of operations.
There are, however, no current understandings or agreements for these
activities. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. does not maintain offices separate
from those of Synergy Bank or employ any persons other than certain of Synergy
Bank's officers. Officers of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. are not separately
compensated for their service.
BUSINESS OF SYNERGY BANK
General
Synergy Bank was originally founded in 1952 as a federal credit union
for a pharmaceutical research and manufacturing company. Synergy Bank undertook
a charter conversion in 1998 to become a federal savings bank and in 2001 became
a federal stock savings bank upon the completion of its mutual holding
reorganization. Synergy Bank's deposits are federally insured by the Savings
Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") as administered by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). Synergy Bank is regulated by the OTS and the
FDIC.
Synergy Bank is in the business of offering financial services,
including offering retail banking services, one- to four-family residential
mortgage loans, home equity loans, multi-family and non-residential loans, and
consumer loan products, including auto and personal loans.
We attract deposits from the general public and borrow money from the
FHLB and use these deposits and FHLB borrowings primarily to originate loans and
to purchase investment, mortgage-backed and other securities. Our principal
sources of funds for lending and investing activities are deposits, FHLB
borrowings, the repayment and maturity of loans and the sale, maturity, and call
of securities. Our principal source of income
35
is interest on loans and mortgage-backed and other securities. Our principal
expense is interest paid on deposits and FHLB borrowings.
Market Area
Our main office is located in Cranford, New Jersey, and our branches
are located in Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris and Union counties, New Jersey. Our
primary market area is Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset and Union
counties, New Jersey. Essex and Union counties are highly urbanized and densely
populated counties the New York City metropolitan area, lying at the heart of
the northeast corridor, one of the largest population and industrial areas in
the country. The remaining counties are suburban areas located in central New
Jersey. The market areas surrounding each of Synergy Bank's branches are mostly
growth markets, with population densities and income levels generally above the
average levels for New Jersey.
Our business of attracting deposits and making loans is primarily
conducted within our market area. A downturn in the local economy could reduce
the amount of funds available for deposit and the ability of borrowers to repay
their loans. As a result, our profitability could be hurt.
Competition
We face substantial competition in our attraction of deposits, which
are our primary source of funds for lending, and in the origination of loans.
Many of our competitors are significantly larger institutions and have greater
financial and managerial resources. Our ability to compete successfully is a
significant factor affecting our profitability.
Our competition for deposits and loans historically has come from other
insured financial institutions such as local and regional commercial banks,
thrift institutions, and credit unions located in our primary market area. We
also compete with mortgage banking companies for real estate loans, and
commercial banks and savings institutions for consumer loans; and face
competition for funds from investment products such as mutual funds, short-term
money funds and corporate and government securities.
Lending Activities
General. We primarily originate real estate loans, including one- to
four-family first mortgage loans, multi-family and non-residential mortgages,
and consumer loans, comprised mostly of direct auto loans, both new and used.
The loan portfolio is predominately comprised of one- to four-family residential
real estate loans, most of which have fixed rates of interest.
36
Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table analyzes the
composition of the loan portfolio by loan category at the dates indicated.
At December 31,
At March 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
--------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ -------
(Dollars in thousands)
Type of Loans:
Mortgage loans:
Residential...... $187,192 71.15% $154,107 68.15% $128,845 67.65% $116,727 70.95% $ 91,746 68.07% $ 70,872 58.69%
Non-Residential.. 17,108 6.50 13,763 6.09 231 0.12 - - - - - -
Automobile......... 53,237 20.24 52,206 23.08 45,812 24.06 30,171 18.34 22,475 16.68 23,959 19.84
Credit Card........ 21 0.01 30 0.01 6,969 3.66 7,260 4.41 8,093 6.01 8,863 7.34
Other(1)........... 5,526 2.10 6,033 2.67 8,594 4.51 10,363 6.30 12,457 9.24 17,057 14.13
-------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------
Total loans... 263,084 100.00% 226,139 100.00% 190,451 100.00% 164,521 100.00% 134,771 100.00% 120,751 100.00%
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Less:
Deferred loan
fees and costs. (32) (78) (177) (353) (257) (163)
Allowance for
loan losses..... (1,618) (1,372) (1,176) (995) (1,148) (1,041)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total
loans, net.. $261,434 $224,689 $189,098 $163,173 $133,366 $119,547
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
________________
(1) This category consists of personal loans and savings secured loans.
37
Loan Maturity Schedule. The following table sets forth the maturity or
repricing of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2002. Demand loans, loans having no
stated maturity and overdrafts are shown as due in one year or less.
Non- Other
Residential Residential Consumer-
Mortgages Mortgages Automobile Credit Card Unsecured Total
--------- --------- ---------- ----------- --------- -----
(In thousands)
Amounts Due:
Within 1 Year ............... $ 297 $ - $ 1,383 $ 21 $ 520 $ 2,221
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
After 1 year:
1 to 3 years .............. 2,138 - 13,235 - 2,178 17,551
3 to 5 years .............. 8,677 102 35,514 - 2,734 47,027
5 to 10 years ............. 21,008 332 3,083 - 29 24,452
10 to 15 years ............ 83,973 4,642 - - 55 88,670
Over 15 years ............. 71,099 12,032 22 - 10 83,163
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total due after one year 186,895 17,108 51,854 - 5,006 260,863
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total amount due ....... $187,192 $ 17,108 $ 53,237 $ 21 $ 5,526 $263,084
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans at March
31, 2002 due after March 31, 2003, which have fixed interest rates and which
have floating or adjustable interest rates.
Floating or
Fixed Rates Adjustable Rates Total
----------- ---------------- -----
(In thousands)
Mortgage loans:
Residential.................. $140,194 $46,701 $186,895
Non-Residential.............. 2,505 14,603 17,108
Other Consumer - Unsecured....... 5,006 - 5,006
Automobile....................... 51,854 - 51,854
-------- ------- --------
Total....................... $199,559 $61,304 $260,863
======== ======= ========
Residential Lending. Our primary lending activity consists of the
origination of one- to four-family mortgage loans, the majority of which are
secured by property located in New Jersey. We will generally originate a
mortgage loan in an amount up to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or the
purchase price of a mortgaged property. For loans exceeding this guideline,
private mortgage insurance for the borrower is required.
The majority of our residential loans are originated with fixed rates
and have terms of fifteen to thirty years. Our adjustable rate loans have terms
of fifteen to thirty years and adjustment periods of one, three, five or ten
years according to the terms of the loan. These loans provide for an interest
rate that is tied to a U.S. treasury security index.
We generally make fixed rate mortgage loans that meet the secondary
mortgage market standards of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC"). In accordance with our interest rate risk management policies, we
occasionally sell qualifying one- to four-family residential mortgages in the
secondary market to the FHLMC without recourse and with servicing retained.
During the year ended December 31, 2001, we sold approximately $11.0 million of
residential mortgages, the majority of which were 30 year fixed-rate loans.
38
Substantially all of our residential mortgages include "due on sale"
clauses, which are provisions giving us the right to declare a loan immediately
payable if the borrower sells or otherwise transfers an interest in the property
to a third party. Property appraisals on real estate securing our one- to
four-family residential loans are made by state certified or licensed
independent appraisers approved by the Board of Directors. Appraisals are
performed in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. We require
title insurance policies on all first mortgage real estate loans originated. All
property secured loans require fire and casualty insurance. Loans made on
property located in designated flood zones require minimum flood insurance
coverage based on the amount of the loan.
Our residential loan portfolio includes home equity loans, which are
originated in our market area and have maturities of up to fifteen years. At
March 31, 2002, home equity loans totaled $56.0 million, or 21%, of total loans.
Collateral value is determined through the use of an Internet based on-line
value estimator, a drive-by appraisal or a full appraisal. All loans over
$250,000 require a full appraisal and title insurance policy.
Non-Residential Mortgage Loans. Starting in 2000, we began to originate
non-residential mortgage loans, including loans on multi-family dwellings,
retail/service space, and other income-producing properties. We require no less
than a 25% down payment or equity position for non-residential mortgage loans.
Typically these loans are made with variable rates of interest with terms of up
to twenty years. Essentially all of our non-residential mortgage loans are on
properties located within our market area and all are within New Jersey. We
occasionally sell participation interests in non-residential mortgage loans
originated by us that would otherwise exceed our loans-to-one-borrower limit.
The non-residential mortgage loans portfolio grew by $13.5 million
during the year ended December 31, 2001. It is our intention to continue
emphasizing the origination of non-residential mortgage loans, with the goal of
growing this portfolio to approximately one-third of our total loans
outstanding.
Non-residential mortgage loans generally are considered to entail
significantly greater risk than that which is involved with one- to four-family
real estate lending. The repayment of these loans typically is dependent on the
successful operations and income stream of the real estate and the borrower.
These risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. In addition,
non-residential real estate lending generally requires substantially greater
evaluation and oversight efforts compared to residential real estate lending.
Consumer Loans. At March 31, 2002, consumer loans amounted to
approximately $58.8 million, or 22% of the total loan portfolio, the vast
majority of which are auto loans. At March 31, 2002, auto loans totaled $53.2
million. In late 1999, we began to originate direct auto loans over the Internet
through an independent online loan referral web site. Currently, we originate an
average of $2.5 million of auto loans per month through this source. All of
these loans are made as direct loans through new and used auto dealers. We
intend to continue to grow the auto loan portfolio as part of our plan to
increase the consumer loan portfolio to approximately one-third of our total
loans outstanding.
Consumer loans also consist of personal loans (unsecured) and savings
secured loans. Consumer loans generally have maturities of up to five years. For
all secured consumer loans, we will generally lend up to 100% of the account
balance on a savings secured loan and 100% of the purchase price on a new,
leased or used auto loan.
Consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates
than residential loans. The consumer loan market can be helpful in improving the
spread between the average loan yield and the cost of funds and at the same time
improve the matching of the rate sensitive assets and liabilities.
39
Consumer loans entail greater risks than residential mortgage loans,
particularly consumer loans secured by rapidly depreciable assets such as
automobiles or loans that are unsecured. In these cases, any repossessed
collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment
of the outstanding loan balance, since there is a greater likelihood of damage,
loss or depreciation of the underlying collateral. Further, consumer loan
collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability and
are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or
personal bankruptcy. Finally, the application of various federal laws, including
federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can
be recovered on consumer loans in the event of a default.
Our underwriting standards for consumer loans include a determination
of the applicant's credit history and an assessment of the applicant's ability
to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. The stability of
the applicant's monthly income may be determined by verification of gross
monthly income from primary employment, and additionally from any verifiable
secondary income. Creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary consideration;
however, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the
collateral in relation to the proposed loan amount. Certain of our officers are
authorized to approve unsecured consumer loan applications of up to $20,000.
Loans to One Borrower. Under federal law, savings institutions have,
subject to certain exemptions, lending limits to one borrower in an amount equal
to the greater of $500,000 or 15% of the institution's unimpaired capital and
surplus. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2002, our loans to one borrower limit was
approximately $3.4 million, and we had twenty-three borrowers with loan balances
in excess of $500,000.
At March 31, 2002, our largest single borrower had an aggregate balance
of $3.0 million, representing three non-residential mortgage loans secured by
apartment buildings located in our market area. The loans were originated in
March 2002 with an original loan-to-value ratio of less than 65%. Our second
largest single borrower had an aggregate balance of $2.8 million, representing
two non-residential mortgage loans secured by retail strip mall shopping centers
located in our market area. The total balance for these two loans at March 31,
2002 was $3.8 million, of which we sold a $1.0 million participation interest
pursuant to our loans-to-one-borrower limit. Our third largest borrower had an
aggregate balance of approximately $2.7 million, representing five separate
loans secured by multi-family real estate and non-residential properties located
in our market area. At March 31, 2002, all of these three lending relationships
were current and performing in accordance with the terms of their loan
agreements.
Loan Originations, Purchases, Sales, Solicitation and Processing. Our
customary sources of loan applications include repeat customers, on-line
applications through Synergy Bank's Internet site, real-estate broker referrals,
and "walk-in" customers. A significant source for our auto loan originations is
an independent online loan referral web site, through which we currently
originate an average of approximately $2.5 million of auto loans per month.
We occasionally sell participation interests in non-residential
mortgage loans originated by us that would otherwise exceed our
loans-to-one-borrower limit. A total of $15.8 million of loans were sold during
the year ended December 31, 2001, which included the sale of our credit card
portfolio of approximately $6.0 million. We generally sell loans on a
non-recourse basis, with servicing retained and with an average loan servicing
fee of 0.25% of the loan balance. At March 31, 2002, loans serviced for the
benefit of other lenders totaled $17.4 million, which included $4.5 million of
credit card loans which we stopped servicing in April 2002.
We occasionally purchase loans through other financial institutions'
participation programs. During the year ended December 31, 2001, we purchased
approximately $4.0 million of loans. At March 31, 2002, we had participations in
three indirect auto loan pools (each a 90% participation interest). Two of the
three
40
indirect auto loan pools were purchased with full recourse and totaled
approximately $3.9 million at March 31, 2002. The third auto loan pool was
purchased without recourse and at March 31, 2002 had a remaining balance of
approximately $400,000. On each of these three auto loan participations, the
seller retained servicing, however, we do not pay a servicing fee on these
loans.
Subsequent to March 31, 2002, we purchased a $13.7 million indirect
auto loan portfolio without recourse from a local bank.
In addition, at March 31, 2002, we had a $990,000 participation in one
non-residential mortgage loan secured by real estate in our market area, which
was purchased without recourse and on which we pay a servicing fee of 0.25% of
the loan balance.
Loan Commitments. We give written commitments to prospective borrowers
on all residential and non-residential mortgage loans. The total amount of
commitments to extend credit for mortgage and consumer loans as of March 31,
2002, was approximately $28.1 million, excluding commitments on unused lines of
credit of $9.7 million.
Loan Origination and Other Loan Fees. In addition to interest earned on
loans, we receive commitment fees, loan origination fees and points on certain
loans. We also receive other fees and charges relating to existing loans, which
include late charges, and fees collected in connection with a change in borrower
or other loan modifications. These fees and charges have not constituted a
material source of income.
Non-Performing Loans and Problem Assets
Collection Procedures. The borrower is notified by mail when a loan is
ten days delinquent. If the delinquency continues, subsequent efforts are made
to contact the delinquent borrower and additional collection notices and letters
are sent. When a loan is ninety days delinquent, it is referred to an attorney
for repossession or foreclosure. All reasonable attempts are made to collect
from borrowers prior to referral to an attorney for collection. In certain
instances, we may modify the loan or grant a limited moratorium on loan payments
to enable the borrower to reorganize his or her financial affairs and we attempt
to work with the borrower to establish a repayment schedule to cure the
delinquency.
As to mortgage loans, if a foreclosure action is taken and the loan is
not reinstated, paid in full or refinanced, the property is sold at judicial
sale at which we may be the buyer if there are no adequate offers to satisfy the
debt. Any property acquired as the result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of
foreclosure is classified as real estate owned ("REO") until it is sold or
otherwise disposed of. When REO is acquired, it is recorded at the lower of the
unpaid principal balance of the related loan or its fair market value less
estimated selling costs. The initial writedown of the property is charged to the
allowance for loan losses. Adjustments to the carrying value of the properties
that result from subsequent declines in value are charged to operations in the
period in which the declines occur. At March 31, 2002, we held no real estate
owned.
Loans are reviewed on a regular basis and are placed on a non-accrual
status when they are more than ninety days delinquent. Loans may be placed on a
non-accrual status at any time if, in the opinion of management, the collection
of additional interest is doubtful. Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a
loan is placed on non-accrual status is charged against interest income.
Subsequent payments are either applied to the outstanding principal balance or
recorded as interest income, depending on the assessment of the ultimate
collectibility of the loan. At March 31, 2002, we had approximately $449,000 of
loans that were held on a non-accrual basis. Subsequent to March 31, 2002,
$345,000 of this amount, attributable to one non-residential mortgage loan, was
repaid in full.
41
Non-Performing Assets. The following table provides information
regarding our non-performing loans and other non-performing assets as of the
dates indicated. As of each of the dates indicated, we did not have any troubled
debt restructurings within the meaning of SFAS 15 or any impaired loans within
the meaning of SFAS 114, as amended by SFAS 118. At March 31, 2002, loans
accounted for on a non-accrual basis included one non-residential mortgage loan
in the amount of $345,000. Subsequent to March 31, 2002, this loan was repaid in
full.
At December 31,
At March 31, --------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis:
Residential mortgages ........................ $ - $ - $ 57 $ 58 $113 $ -
Non-Residential mortgages .................... 345 - - - - -
Automobile ................................... 49 32 19 55 45 130
Credit Card .................................. 1 22 32 67 38 73
Other ........................................ 54 17 79 112 125 335
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total ..................................... $449 $ 71 $187 $292 $321 $538
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Accruing loans which are contractually past
due 90 days or more:
Residential mortgages ........................ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Non-Residential mortgages .................... - - - - - -
Automobile ................................... - - - - - -
Credit Card .................................. - - - - - -
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total ..................................... $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Total non-performing loans ................ $449 $ 71 $187 $292 $321 $538
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Other non-performing assets .................... $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Total non-performing assets ............... $449 $ 71 $187 $292 $321 $538
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Total non-performing loans to net loans ... 0.17% 0.03% 0.10% 0.18% 0.24% 0.45%
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Total non-performing loans to total assets 0.13% 0.02% 0.08% 0.13% 0.16% 0.30%
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Total non-performing assets to total assets 0.13% 0.02% 0.08% 0.13% 0.16% 0.30%
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
42
For the year ended December 31, 2001, the amount of interest that would
have been recorded on loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis if those loans
had been current according to the original loan agreements for the entire period
was $5,000. This amount was not included in our interest income for the period.
No interest income on loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis was included in
income during the year ended December 31, 2001.
Classified Assets. Management, in compliance with OTS guidelines, has
instituted an internal loan review program, whereby non-performing loans are
classified as substandard, doubtful or loss. It is our policy to review the loan
portfolio, in accordance with regulatory classification procedures, on at least
a monthly basis. When a loan is classified as substandard or doubtful,
management is required to establish a valuation reserve for loan losses in an
amount considered prudent by management. When management classifies a portion of
a loan as loss, a reserve equal to 100% of the loss amount is required to be
established or the loan is to be charged-off.
An asset is considered "substandard" if it is inadequately protected by
the paying capacity and net worth of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if
any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility
that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not
corrected. Assets classified as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in
those classified substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses
present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and
improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values.
Assets classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of so little
value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific
loss reserve is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the insured
institution to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification in one of
the aforementioned categories but which have credit deficiencies or potential
weaknesses are required to be designated special mention by management.
Management's evaluation of the classification of assets and the
adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed by the Board on a regular
basis and by the regulatory agencies as part of their examination process. At
March 31, 2002, classified loans totaled $142,000. This amount included $38,000
of loans classified as "substandard." None of the loans classified as
substandard are included under non-performing assets, as shown in the table on
page ___. At March 31, 2002, we had approximately $104,000 of loans classified
as "doubtful," all of which amount is included under non-performing assets, as
shown in the table on page ___. At March 31, 2002, we had no loans classified as
"loss."
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation
account that reflects our evaluation of the losses known and inherent in our
loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonable to estimate associated both
with lending activities and particular problem assets. The allowance is
maintained through provisions for loan losses that are charged to income in the
period they are established. We charge losses on loans against the allowance for
loan losses when we believe the collection of loan principal is unlikely.
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off are added back to the allowance.
Our evaluation of the appropriate amount to provide for loan losses
includes a separate review of all loans on which the collectibility of principal
may not be reasonably assured. We evaluate all classified loans individually and
base our determination of a loss factor on the likelihood of collectibility of
principal including consideration of the value of the underlying collateral
securing the loan. Larger loans, which would generally include multi-family
mortgages and other non-residential mortgage loans, are also generally evaluated
for impairment individually. We also segregate loans by loan category as part of
our allowance evaluation, and we evaluate homogenous loans as a group.
Although there may be other factors that also warrant consideration in
maintaining an allowance at a level sufficient to provide for probable and
reasonably estimable losses, we consider the following factors
43
in connection with our determination of appropriate loss factors and as part of
our overall evaluation of the allowance for loan losses:
o our historical loan loss experience;
o internal analysis of credit quality;
o general levels of non-performing loans and delinquencies;
o changes in loan concentrations by loan category;
o current estimated collateral values;
o peer group information;
o evaluation of credit quality conducted in bank regulatory examinations; and
o economic and market trends impacting our lending area.
In recent years, our charge-offs have been low and, consequently,
additions to the allowance have been more reflective of other factors.
This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that
are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available
or as future events change. Future additions to the allowance for loan losses
may be necessary if economic and other conditions in the future differ
substantially from the current operating environment. In addition, the OTS as an
integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews our loan and
foreclosed real estate portfolios and the related allowance for loan losses and
valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate. The OTS may require the
allowance for loan losses or the valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate
to be increased based on its review of information available at the time of the
examination, which would negatively affect our earnings.
44
The following table sets forth information with respect to our
allowance for loan losses at the dates indicated:
For the Three Months Ended For the Year Ended
March 31, December 31,
------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance balance
(at beginning of period) ............. $ 1,372 $ 1,176 $ 1,176 $ 995 $ 1,148 $ 1,041 $ 1,019
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Charge-offs:
Residential mortgages ................ - - - - 35 - 60
Non-Residential mortgages ............ - - - - - - -
Automobile ........................... 30 17 61 101 27 141 93
Credit Card .......................... 4 38 108 127 135 264 266
Other ................................ 44 46 248 267 329 902 974
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total ............................. 78 101 417 495 526 1,307 1,393
Recoveries ............................. 54 73 250 196 248 204 165
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total ............................. 54 73 250 196 248 204 165
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net (charge-offs) recoveries ........... (24) (28) (167) (299) (278) (1,103) (1,228)
Provision for loan losses .............. 270 45 363 480 125 1,210 1,250
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Allowance balance (at end of period) ... $ 1,618 $ 1,193 $ 1,372 $ 1,176 $ 995 $ 1,148 $ 1,041
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Total gross loans outstanding
(at end of period)............... $ 263,084 $ 188,739 $ 226,139 $ 190,451 $ 164,521 $ 134,771 $ 120,751
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Allowance for loan losses as a
percent of total loans outstanding .. 0.62% 0.63% 0.61% 0.62% 0.60% 0.85% 0.86%
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net loans charged off as a percent of
average loans outstanding during
the period .......................... 0.01% 0.01% 0.08% 0.17% 0.19% 0.87% 1.04%
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
45
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth
the allocation of our allowance for loan losses by collateral and the percent of
loans in each category to total loans receivable, net, at the dates indicated.
Management determines the allocation of our allowance for loan losses based on
its assessment of the risk characteristics of each loan category. The change in
allocation of the allowance from period to period also reflects the relative
balances of each loan category. The portion of the loan loss allowance allocated
to each loan category does not represent the total available for losses which
may occur within the loan category since the total loan loss allowance is a
valuation reserve applicable to the entire loan portfolio. The allocation is
subject to change as management's assessment of the risk characteristics of each
loan category may change from time to time.
At December 31,
At March 31, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent
of Loans of Loans of Loans of Loans of Loans of Loans
to Total to Total to Total to Total to Total to Total
Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans
------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
(Dollars in thousands)
At end of period
allocated to:
Residential
mortgages......... $ 947 71.15% $ 813 68.15% $ 409 67.65% $312 70.95% $ 293 68.07% $ 48 58.69%
Non-Residential
mortgages......... 163 6.50 105 6.09 8 0.12 - - - - - -
Automobile.......... 296 20.24 319 23.08 158 24.06 86 18.34 96 16.68 52 19.84
Credit Card......... 1 0.01 - 0.01 268 3.66 216 4.41 198 6.01 218 7.34
Other............... 211 2.10 135 2.67 333 4.51 381 6.30 561 9.24 723 14.13
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ---- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total allowance.. $1,618 100.00% $1,372 100.00% $1,176 100.00% $995 100.00% $1,148 100.00% $1,041 100.00%
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ==== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
46
Securities Portfolio
General. Federally chartered savings banks have the authority to invest
in various types of liquid assets, including U.S. government and government
agency obligations, securities of various federal agencies and
government-sponsored entities (including securities collateralized by
mortgages), certificates of deposits of insured banks and savings institutions,
municipal securities and corporate debt securities.
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities," requires that securities be categorized as "held to maturity,"
"trading securities" or "available for sale," based on management's intent as to
the ultimate disposition of each security. SFAS No. 115 allows debt securities
to be classified as "held to maturity" and reported in financial statements at
amortized cost only if the reporting entity has the positive intent and ability
to hold these securities to maturity. Securities that might be sold in response
to changes in market interest rates, changes in the security's prepayment risk,
increases in loan demand, or other similar factors cannot be classified as "held
to maturity."
We do not currently use or maintain a trading account. Securities not
classified as "held to maturity" are classified as "available for sale." These
securities are reported at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses on the
securities are excluded from earnings and reported, net of deferred taxes, as a
separate component of equity.
All of our securities carry market risk insofar as increases in market
rates of interest may cause a decrease in their market value. Investments in
securities are made based on certain considerations, which include the interest
rate, tax considerations, yield, settlement date and maturity of the security,
our liquidity position, and anticipated cash needs and sources. The effect that
the proposed security would have on our credit and interest rate risk and
risk-based capital is also considered. We purchase securities to provide
necessary liquidity for day-to-day operations, and when investable funds exceed
loan demand.
Our investment policy, which is established by the Board of Directors,
is designed to foster earnings and liquidity within prudent interest rate risk
guidelines, while complementing our lending activities. Generally, our
investment policy is to invest funds in various categories of securities and
maturities based upon our liquidity needs, asset/liability management policies,
investment quality, marketability and performance objectives. The Budget and
Asset/Liability Management Committee reviews the securities portfolio on a
monthly basis. The results of the committee's monthly review are reported to the
full Board at its regular monthly meeting.
We do not participate in hedging programs, interest rate swaps, or
other activities involving the use of off-balance sheet derivative financial
instruments. Further, we do not invest in securities which are not rated
investment grade.
Mortgage-backed Securities. Mortgage-backed securities represent a
participation interest in a pool of one- to four-family or multi-family
mortgages, although we focus primarily on mortgage-backed securities secured by
one- to four-family mortgages.
The mortgage originators use intermediaries (generally U.S. government
agencies and government- sponsored enterprises) to pool and repackage the
participation interests in the form of securities, with investors such as us
receiving the principal and interest payments on the mortgages. Such U.S.
government agencies and government-sponsored entities guarantee the payment of
principal and interest to investors. At March 31, 2002, all of our
mortgage-backed securities were issued by either U.S. government agencies or
government-sponsored entities.
47
Mortgage-backed securities are typically issued with stated principal
amounts, and the securities are backed by pools of mortgages that have loans
with interest rates that are within a specific range and have varying
maturities. The life of a mortgage-backed pass-through security thus
approximates the life of the underlying mortgages. The characteristics of the
underlying pool of mortgages, i.e., fixed-rate or adjustable- rate, as well as
prepayment risk, are passed on to the certificate holder. Mortgage-backed
securities are generally referred to as mortgage participation certificates or
pass-through certificates. Our mortgage-backed securities consist primarily of
securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA" or
"Ginnie Mae"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC" or "Freddie
Mac") and the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA" or "Fannie Mae").
Mortgage-backed securities generally yield less than the mortgage loans
underlying such securities because of their payment guarantees or credit
enhancements which offer nominal credit risk to the security holder.
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities due to
scheduled repayments and because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay
obligations with and without prepayment penalties.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations ("CMOs") and Real Estate Mortgage
Investment Conduits ("REMICs"). We also invest in CMOs and REMICs, issued or
sponsored by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC. CMOs and REMICs are mortgage-derivative
products that aggregate pools of mortgages and mortgage- backed securities and
create different classes of securities with varying maturities and amortization
schedules as well as a residual interest with each class having different risk
characteristics. The cash flows from the underlying collateral are usually
divided into "tranches" or classes whereby tranches have descending priorities
with respect to the distribution of principal and interest repayment of the
underlying mortgages and mortgage-backed securities as opposed to pass through
mortgage-backed securities where cash flows are distributed pro rata to all
security holders. Unlike mortgage-backed securities from which cash flow is
received and prepayment risk is shared pro rata by all securities holders, cash
flows from the mortgages and mortgage-backed securities underlying CMOs and
REMICs are paid in accordance with a predetermined priority to investors holding
various tranches of the securities or obligations. A particular tranche or class
may carry prepayment risk which may be different from that of the underlying
collateral and other tranches. Investing in CMOs and REMICs allows us to
moderate reinvestment risk resulting from unexpected prepayment activity
associated with conventional mortgage-backed securities. Management believes
these securities represent attractive alternatives relative to other investments
due to the wide variety of maturity, repayment and interest rate options
available.
At March 31, 2002, we had $18.6 million of CMOs and REMICs.
Other Securities. In addition, at March 31, 2002 we held an approximate
investment of $2.6 million in FHLB of New York common stock (this amount is not
shown in the securities portfolio). As a member of the FHLB of New York,
ownership of FHLB of New York common shares is required.
48
The following table sets forth the carrying value of our securities
portfolio at the dates indicated. For additional information, see Notes 2 and 3
of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-8.
At December 31,
At March 31, --------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Securities Held to Maturity:
U.S. Government Agency and
Government-Sponsored Entity Securities . $ - $ - $ 2,491 $ 2,490
Mortgage-Backed Securities ................ 8,374 7,153 9,759 11,102
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations and
Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits 3,724 - - -
------- ------- ------- -------
Total Securities Held to Maturity ..... 12,098 7,153 12,250 13,592
------- ------- ------- -------
Securities Available for Sale:
U.S. Government Agency and
Government-Sponsored Entity Securities . - - 5,952 7,798
Mortgage-Backed Securities ................ 34,663 28,314 9,370 11,081
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations and
Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits 14,875 15,580 10,653 13,907
------- ------- ------- -------
Total Securities Available for Sale . 49,538 43,894 25,975 32,786
------- ------- ------- -------
Total ............................... $61,636 $51,047 $38,225 $46,378
======= ======= ======= =======
49
Carrying Values, Yields and Maturities. The following table sets forth
certain information regarding the carrying values, weighted average yields and
maturities of our investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio at the
dates indicated.
At March 31, 2002
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year or Less One to Five Years Five to Ten Years More than Ten Years Total Investment Securities
---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ---------------------------
Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average Market
Value Yield Value Yield Value Yield Value Yield Value Yield Value
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government
Obligations and
Government-
Sponsored Entity
Securities.......... $ - -% $ - -% $ - -% $ - -% $ - -% $ -
Mortgage-Backed
Securities,
Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations and
Real Estate
Mortgage
Investment
Conduits............ 227 5.59 14,980 4.92 26,649 5.35 19,780 5.87 61,636 5.41 61,586
---- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- -------
Total............ $227 5.59% $14,980 4.92% $26,649 5.35% $19,780 5.87% $61,636 5.41% $61,586
==== ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== =======
50
Sources of Funds
General. Deposits are our major source of funds for lending and other
investment purposes. In addition, we derive funds from loan and mortgage-backed
securities principal repayments, and proceeds from the maturity, call and sale
of mortgage-backed securities and investment securities. Loan and mortgage-
backed securities payments are a relatively stable source of funds, while
deposit inflows are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money
market conditions. Borrowings (principally from the FHLB) are also periodically
used to supplement the amount of funds for lending and investment.
Deposits. Our current deposit products include checking, savings, money
market, club accounts, certificates of deposit accounts ranging in terms from
three months to ten years, and individual retirement accounts ("IRAs"). Deposit
account terms vary, primarily as to the required minimum balance amount, the
amount of time that the funds must remain on deposit and the applicable interest
rate.
Deposits are obtained primarily from within New Jersey. Traditional
methods of advertising are used to attract new customers and deposits, including
print media, radio, direct mail and inserts included with customer statements.
We do not utilize the services of deposit brokers. Premiums or incentives for
opening accounts are generally not offered. Periodically we select a particular
certificate of deposit term for promotion.
We pay interest rates on certificates of deposits that are toward the
high range of rates offered by our competitors. Rates on savings and money
market accounts are generally priced toward the middle range of rates offered in
our market. The determination of interest rates is based upon a number of
factors, including: (1) our need for funds based on loan demand, current
maturities of deposits and other cash flow needs; (2) a current survey of a
selected group of competitors' rates for similar products; (3) our current cost
of funds and yield on assets; and (4) the alternate cost of funds on a wholesale
basis, in particular the cost of advances from the FHLB. Interest rates are
reviewed by senior management on at least a weekly basis.
A significant percentage of our deposits are in certificates of deposit
(49% at March 31, 2002). Our liquidity could be reduced if a significant amount
of certificates of deposit, maturing within a short period of time, were not
renewed. A significant portion of the certificates of deposit remain with us
after they mature and we believe that this will continue. However, the need to
retain these time deposits could result in an increase in our cost of funds.
51
The following table sets forth the distribution of deposits in Synergy
Bank at the dates indicated and the weighted average nominal interest rates for
each period on each category of deposits presented.
At March 31, 2002 At December 31,
-------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
---------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted Weighted
Percent Average Percent Average Percent Average Percent Average
of Total Nominal of Total Nominal of Total Nominal of Total Nominal
Amount Deposits Rate Amount Deposits Rate Amount Deposits Rate Amount Deposits Rate
------ -------- ---- ------ -------- ---- ------ -------- ---- ------ -------- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
Money market
accounts....... $ 43,823 15.83% 1.79% $40,811 16.34% 2.00% $ 33,596 17.58% 3.35% $37,522 20.74% 3.47%
Savings and
club
accounts....... 62,274 22.51 1.24 56,816 22.74 1.24 52,257 27.34 1.98 51,409 28.41 2.12
Certificates
of deposit
and other
time deposit
accounts....... 135,702 49.03 3.73 121,038 48.45 4.41 74,989 39.23 5.79 65,143 36.00 5.17
Non-interest-
bearing
checking
accounts....... 34,963 12.63 - 31,148 12.47 - 30,301 15.85 - 26,868 14.85 -
-------- ------ ---- -------- ------ ---- -------- ------ ---- -------- ------ ----
Total
deposits.... $276,762 100.00% 2.39% $249,813 100.00% 2.74% $191,143 100.00% 3.40% $180,942 100.00% 3.18%
======== ====== ==== ======== ====== ==== ======== ====== ==== ======== ====== ====
52
The following table sets forth the time deposits in Synergy Bank
classified by interest rate as of the dates indicated.
At December 31,
At March 31, ---------------
2002 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Interest Rate
2.00-2.99%............. $ 33,127 $ 11,816 $ 95 $ 3
3.00-3.99%............. 54,994 26,303 832 1,052
4.00-4.99%............. 35,583 51,783 5,436 27,804
5.00-5.99%............. 11,193 25,626 45,182 32,856
6.00-6.99%............. 783 5,414 23,019 2,865
7.00-7.99%............. 22 96 425 563
-------- -------- ------- -------
Total................ $135,702 $121,038 $74,989 $65,143
======== ======== ======= =======
The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of time
deposits at March 31, 2002.
Amount Due
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After
March 31, March 31, March 31, March 31, March 31, March 31,
Interest Rate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2007 Total
- ------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- -----
(In thousands)
2.00-2.99%............ $ 33,127 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 33,127
3.00-3.99%............ 19,989 33,438 1,567 - - - 54,994
4.00-4.99%............ 19,352 10,277 4,951 - 888 115 35,583
5.00-5.99%............ 7,442 2,310 407 524 410 100 11,193
6.00-6.99%............ 175 179 333 96 - - 783
7.00-7.99%............ - 22 - - - - 22
------- ------- ------ ------- ------ -------- --------
Total............... $80,085 $46,226 $7,258 $ 620 $1,298 $ 215 $135,702
======= ======= ====== ======= ====== ======== ========
The following table shows the amount of our certificates of deposit of
$100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity as of March 31, 2002.
Certificates
Remaining Time Until Maturity of Deposits
- ----------------------------- -----------
(In thousands)
Within three months................................... $ 5,768
Three through six months.............................. 6,810
Six through twelve months............................. 3,509
Over twelve months.................................... 8,088
-------
$24,175
=======
Borrowings. As the need arises or in order to take advantage of funding
opportunities or to supplement our deposits as a source of funds, we borrow
funds in the form of advances from the FHLB to supplement our supply of lendable
funds and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements. Advances from the FHLB are
typically secured by the FHLB stock we own and a portion of our residential
mortgage loans and may be secured by other assets, mainly securities which are
obligations of or guaranteed by the U.S.
53
government. We use convertible FHLB advances for a portion of our funding needs.
These borrowings are fixed rate advances that can be called at the option of the
FHLB.
At March 31, 2002, we had a line of credit for $26.0 million from the
FHLB, maturing July 2, 2002. We had draws of $13.0 million on this line of
credit at March 31, 2002, and no draws at December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. See Notes 7 and 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements beginning on page F-8.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our
borrowed funds.
At or for the
Three Months Year Ended December 31,
Ended ----------------------------------------
March 31, 2002 2001 2000 1999
-------------- ---- ---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
FHLB Advances:
Average balance outstanding................... $35,950 $29,385 $31,227 $17,208
Maximum amount outstanding
at any month-end during the period.......... $43,150 $34,500 $43,046 $21,700
Balance outstanding at end of period.......... $41,500 $22,500 $31,500 $21,700
Weighted average interest rate during the
period..................................... 4.61% 6.24% 6.83% 5.63%
Weighted average interest rate at end of
period..................................... 3.77% 6.02% 6.24% 5.99%
Subsidiary Activity
In addition to Synergy Bank, Synergy Financial Group, Inc. has one
service corporation subsidiary, Synergy Financial Services, Inc., which was
incorporated under New Jersey law in June 1997 and began operation in May 1998.
It was organized for the purpose of providing securities brokerage, insurance
and investment services and products, including mutual funds and annuities, to
customers of Synergy Bank and the general public. In April 1999, Synergy
Financial Services, Inc. entered into an agreement with INVEST Financial
Corporation of Tampa, Florida, one of the nation's largest full-service
providers of investment and insurance products through financial institutions,
and continues to offer services and products through such company. At March 31,
2002, Synergy Financial Services, Inc. had total assets of $72,000. At March 31,
2002, Synergy Financial Services, Inc. had approximately $17.0 million of assets
under management. For the year ended December 31, 2001, it had commission income
of $270,000, however, it reported a net operating loss of approximately $30,000.
Personnel
As of March 31, 2002, we had seventy-nine full-time employees and
thirty-eight part-time employees. The employees are not represented by a
collective bargaining unit. We believe our relationship with our employees is
satisfactory.
Properties and Equipment
Our main office is located at 310 North Avenue East, Cranford, New
Jersey. At March 31, 2002, we had eleven locations, including our main office.
Subsequent to March 31, 2002, our branch office in Shelby County, Tennessee was
closed. Two new branch offices were opened in April and May 2002. All of our
54
branch offices are located in Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris and Union counties,
New Jersey. We use an outside service company for data processing.
The following table sets forth the location of our main office and
branch offices, the year the offices were opened and the net book value of each
office.
Year Facility Leased or Net Book Value at
Office Location Opened Owned March 31, 2002
- --------------- ------ ----- --------------
Main Office 1991 Owned $2,572,000
310 North Avenue East
Cranford, New Jersey
Branch Offices:
2000 Galloping Hill Road 1989 Leased(1) -
Kenilworth, New Jersey
-
2000 Galloping Hill Road 1978 Leased(1)
Kenilworth, New Jersey
1011 Morris Avenue 1952 Leased(1) -
Union, New Jersey
One Giralda Farms 1983 Leased(1) -
Madison, New Jersey
1095 Morris Avenue 1993 Leased(1) -
Union, New Jersey
2000 Galloping Hill Road 1993 Leased(1) -
Kenilworth, New Jersey
15 Market Street 1998 Leased(2) 686,000
Kenilworth, New Jersey
315 Central Avenue 1999 Leased(3) 434,000
Clark, New Jersey
225 North Wood Avenue 2001 Leased(4) 231,000
Linden, New Jersey
1162 Green Street 2002 Owned 1,645,000
Iselin, New Jersey(5)
168-170 Main Street 2002 Owned 2,027,000
Matawan, New Jersey(5)
Land and buildings acquired N/A Owned 3,164,000
for future branch sites(6)
- ---------------
(1) Branch is located within a corporate facility of Synergy Bank's former
credit union sponsor. Synergy Bank makes no rent payments for such branch.
These branch locations are occupied pursuant to a written agreement that
provides for two-year terms that are automatically renewed upon expiration
unless written notice of termination is given by either party.
(2) Lease term of fifteen years to expire in 2013. Terms provide for four
five-year renewal options.
(3) Lease term of ten years to expire in 2009. Terms provide for one ten-year
renewal option.
(4) Lease term of five-years to expire in 2005. Terms provide for one five-year
renewal option.
(5) Opened in second quarter of 2002.
(6) Consists of two branches to be opened in second half of 2002.
55
Legal Proceedings
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, from time to time,
are a party to routine litigation, which arises in the normal course of
business, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on
properties in which Synergy Bank holds security interests, claims involving the
making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the
business of Synergy Bank. There were no lawsuits pending or known to be
contemplated against us at March 31, 2002 that would have a material effect on
our operations or income.
REGULATION
Set forth below is a brief description of certain laws that relate to
the regulation of Synergy Bank and Synergy Financial Group, Inc. The description
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
applicable laws and regulations. Synergy Bank and Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
operate in a highly regulated industry. This regulation and supervision
establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which a federal savings
bank may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the deposit
insurance fund and depositors.
Any change in applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, whether
by the OTS, the FDIC or the United States Congress, could have a material
adverse impact on Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank, and their
operations. The adoption of regulations or the enactment of laws that restrict
the operations of Synergy Bank and/or Synergy Financial Group, Inc. or impose
burdensome requirements upon one or both of them could reduce their
profitability and could impair the value of Synergy Bank's franchise which could
hurt the trading price of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock.
Regulation of Synergy Bank
General. As a federally chartered, SAIF-insured savings bank, Synergy
Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the OTS and the FDIC. This regulatory
structure gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection
with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies,
including policies regarding the classification of assets and the level of the
allowance for loan losses. The activities of federal savings banks are subject
to extensive regulation including restrictions or requirements with respect to
loans to one borrower, the percentage of non-mortgage loans or investments to
total assets, capital distributions, permissible investments and lending
activities, liquidity, transactions with affiliates and community reinvestment.
Federal savings banks are also subject to reserve requirements of the Federal
Reserve System. A federal savings bank's relationship with its depositors and
borrowers is regulated by both state and federal law, especially in such matters
as the ownership of savings accounts and the form and content of the bank's
mortgage documents.
Synergy Bank must file reports with the OTS and the FDIC concerning its
activities and financial condition, and must obtain regulatory approvals prior
to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with or acquisitions of
other financial institutions. The OTS regularly examines Synergy Bank and
prepares reports to Synergy Bank's Board of Directors on deficiencies, if any,
found in its operations.
Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The FDIC administers two separate
deposit insurance funds. Generally, the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") insures the
deposits of commercial banks and the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF")
insures the deposits of savings institutions. The FDIC is authorized to increase
deposit insurance premiums if it determines such increases are appropriate to
maintain the reserves of either the BIF or SAIF or to fund the administration of
the FDIC. In addition, the FDIC is authorized to
56
levy emergency special assessments on BIF and SAIF members. The assessment rate
for most savings institutions, including Synergy Bank, is currently 0%.
In addition, all FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay
assessments to the FDIC at an annual rate of approximately .0212% of insured
deposits to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation
("FICO"), an agency of the Federal government established to recapitalize the
predecessor to the SAIF. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds
mature in 2017.
Regulatory Capital Requirements. OTS capital regulations require
savings institutions to meet three capital standards: (1) tangible capital equal
to 1.5% of total adjusted assets, (2) "Tier 1" or "core" capital equal to at
least 4% (3% if the institution has received the highest possible rating on its
most recent examination) of total adjusted assets, and (3) risk-based capital
equal to 8% of total risk-weighted assets. For Synergy Bank's compliance with
these regulatory capital standards, see Historical and Pro Forma Capital
Compliance on page __.
In addition, the OTS may require that a savings institution that has a
risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to
risk-weighted assets of less than 4% or a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total
adjusted assets of less than 4% (3% if the institution has received the highest
rating on its most recent examination) take certain action to increase its
capital ratios. If the savings institution's capital is significantly below the
minimum required levels of capital or if it is unsuccessful in increasing its
capital ratios, the OTS may restrict its activities.
For purposes of the OTS capital regulations, tangible capital is
defined as core capital less all intangible assets except for certain mortgage
servicing rights. Tier 1 or core capital is defined as common stockholders'
equity, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus, minority
interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, and certain
non-withdrawable accounts and pledged deposits of mutual savings banks. Synergy
Bank does not have any non-withdrawable accounts or pledged deposits. Tier 1 and
core capital are reduced by an institution's intangible assets, with limited
exceptions for certain mortgage and non-mortgage servicing rights and purchased
credit card relationships. Both core and tangible capital are further reduced by
an amount equal to the savings institution's debt and equity investments in
"non-includable" subsidiaries engaged in activities not permissible to national
banks other than subsidiaries engaged in activities undertaken as agent for
customers or in mortgage banking activities and subsidiary depository
institutions or their holding companies.
The risk-based capital standard for savings institutions requires the
maintenance of total capital of 8% of risk-weighted assets. Total capital equals
the sum of core and supplementary capital. The components of supplementary
capital include, among other items, cumulative perpetual preferred stock,
perpetual subordinated debt, mandatory convertible subordinated debt,
intermediate-term preferred stock, the portion of the allowance for loan losses
not designated for specific loan losses and up to 45% of unrealized gains on
equity securities. The portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses
includable in supplementary capital is limited to a maximum of 1.25% of
risk-weighted assets. Overall, supplementary capital is limited to 100% of core
capital. For purposes of determining total capital, a savings institution's
assets are reduced by the amount of capital instruments held by other depository
institutions pursuant to reciprocal arrangements and by the amount of the
institution's equity investments (other than those deducted from core and
tangible capital) and its high loan-to-value ratio land loans and
non-residential construction loans.
A savings institution's risk-based capital requirement is measured
against risk-weighted assets, which equal the sum of each on-balance-sheet asset
and the credit-equivalent amount of each off-balance-sheet item after being
multiplied by an assigned risk weight. These risk weights range from 0% for cash
to 100% for delinquent loans, property acquired through foreclosure, commercial
loans, and other assets.
57
OTS rules require a deduction from capital for savings institutions
with certain levels of interest rate risk. The OTS calculates the sensitivity of
an institution's net portfolio value based on data submitted by the institution
in a schedule to its quarterly Thrift Financial Report and using the interest
rate risk measurement model adopted by the OTS. The amount of the interest rate
risk component, if any, deducted from an institution's total capital is based on
the institution's Thrift Financial Report filed two quarters earlier. The OTS
has indefinitely postponed implementation of the interest rate risk component,
and Synergy Bank has not been required to determine whether it will be required
to deduct an interest rate risk component from capital.
Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Under the OTS Prompt Corrective
Action regulations, the OTS is required to take supervisory actions against
undercapitalized institutions, the severity of which depends upon the
institution's level of capital. Generally, a savings institution that has total
risk-based capital of less than 8.0%, or a leverage ratio or a Tier 1 core
capital ratio that is less than 4.0%, is considered to be undercapitalized. A
savings institution that has total risk-based capital less than 6.0%, a Tier 1
core risk-based capital ratio of less than 3.0% or a leverage ratio that is less
than 3.0% is considered to be "significantly undercapitalized." A savings
institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than
2.0% is deemed to be "critically undercapitalized." Generally, the banking
regulator is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution
that is "critically undercapitalized." The regulation also provides that a
capital restoration plan must be filed with the OTS within forty-five days of
the date an institution receives notice that it is "undercapitalized,"
"significantly undercapitalized" or "critically undercapitalized." In addition,
numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to the
institution, including, but not limited to, restrictions on growth, investment
activities, capital distributions, and affiliate transactions. The OTS may also
take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against
undercapitalized institutions, including the issuance of a capital directive and
the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.
Dividend and Other Capital Distribution Limitations. The OTS imposes
various restrictions or requirements on the ability of savings institutions to
make capital distributions, including cash dividends.
A savings institution that is a subsidiary of a savings and loan
holding company, such as Synergy Bank, must file an application or a notice with
the OTS at least thirty days before making a capital distribution. A savings
institution must file an application for prior approval of a capital
distribution if: (i) it is not eligible for expedited treatment under the
applications processing rules of the OTS; (ii) the total amount of all capital
distributions, including the proposed capital distribution, for the applicable
calendar year would exceed an amount equal to the savings bank's net income for
that year to date plus the institution's retained net income for the preceding
two years; (iii) it would not adequately be capitalized after the capital
distribution; or (iv) the distribution would violate an agreement with the OTS
or applicable regulations.
Synergy Bank will be required to file a capital distribution notice or
application with the OTS before paying any dividend to Synergy Financial Group,
Inc. However, capital distributions by Synergy Financial Group, Inc., as a
savings and loan holding company, will not be subject to the OTS capital
distribution rules.
The OTS may disapprove a notice or deny an application for a capital
distribution if: (i) the savings institution would be undercapitalized following
the capital distribution; (ii) the proposed capital distribution raises safety
and soundness concerns; or (iii) the capital distribution would violate a
prohibition contained in any statute, regulation or agreement. In addition, a
federal savings institution cannot distribute regulatory capital that is
required for its liquidation account.
Qualified Thrift Lender Test. Federal savings institutions must meet a
qualified thrift lender ("QTL") test or they become subject to the business
activity restrictions and branching rules applicable to
58
national banks. To qualify as a QTL, a savings institution must either (i) be
deemed a "domestic building and loan association" under the Internal Revenue
Code by maintaining at least 60% of its total assets in specified types of
assets, including cash, certain government securities, loans secured by and
other assets related to residential real property, educational loans and
investments in premises of the institution or (ii) satisfy the statutory QTL
test set forth in the Home Owners' Loan Act by maintaining at least 65% of its
"portfolio assets" in certain "Qualified Thrift Investments" (defined to include
residential mortgages and related equity investments, certain mortgage-related
securities, small business loans, student loans and credit card loans, and 50%
of certain community development loans). For purposes of the statutory QTL test,
portfolio assets are defined as total assets minus intangible assets, property
used by the institution in conducting its business, and liquid assets equal to
20% of total assets. A savings institution must maintain its status as a QTL on
a monthly basis in at least nine out of every twelve months. Synergy Bank met
the QTL test as of March 31, 2002 and in each of the last twelve months and,
therefore, qualifies as a QTL.
Transactions with Affiliates. Generally, federal banking law requires
that transactions between a savings institution or its subsidiaries and its
affiliates must be on terms as favorable to the savings institution as
comparable transactions with non-affiliates. In addition, certain types of these
transactions are restricted to an aggregate percentage of the savings
institution's capital. Collateral in specified amounts must usually be provided
by affiliates in order to receive loans from the savings institution. In
addition, a savings institution may not extend credit to any affiliate engaged
in activities not permissible for a bank holding company or acquire the
securities of any affiliate that is not a subsidiary. The OTS has the discretion
to treat subsidiaries of savings institutions as affiliates on a case-by-case
basis.
Community Reinvestment Act. Under the Community Reinvestment Act
("CRA"), every insured depository institution, including Synergy Bank, has a
continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound
operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low
and moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA 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. The CRA requires the OTS
to assess the depository 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, such as a merger or the establishment of a
branch office by Synergy Bank. An unsatisfactory CRA examination rating may be
used as the basis for the denial of an application by the OTS.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. Synergy Bank is a member of the FHLB of
New York, which is one of twelve regional FHLBs. Each FHLB serves as a reserve
or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded
primarily from funds deposited by financial institutions and proceeds derived
from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans to
members pursuant to policies and procedures established by the board of
directors of the FHLB.
As a member, Synergy Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in
the FHLB of New York in an amount equal to the greater of 1% of our aggregate
unpaid residential mortgage loans, home purchase contracts or similar
obligations at the beginning of each year or 5% of FHLB advances. We are in
compliance with this requirement. The FHLB imposes various limitations on
advances such as limiting the amount of certain types of real estate related
collateral to 30% of a member's capital and limiting total advances to a member.
The FHLBs are required to provide funds for the resolution of troubled
savings institutions and to contribute to affordable housing programs through
direct loans or interest subsidies on advances targeted for community investment
and low- and moderate-income housing projects. These contributions have
adversely affected the level of FHLB dividends paid and could continue to do so
in the future.
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Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve System requires all
depository institutions to maintain non-interest-bearing reserves at specified
levels against their checking accounts and non-personal certificate accounts.
The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal
Reserve System may be used to satisfy the OTS liquidity requirements.
Savings institutions have authority to borrow from the Federal Reserve
System "discount window," but Federal Reserve System policy generally requires
savings institutions to exhaust all other sources before borrowing from the
Federal Reserve System.
Regulation of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
General. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is a federal mutual holding
company subsidiary within the meaning of Section 10(o) of the Home Owners' Loan
Act. It is required to file reports with the OTS and is subject to regulation
and examination by the OTS. In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and any non-savings institution subsidiaries. This
permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that it determines to be a
serious risk to Synergy Bank. This regulation is intended primarily for the
protection of the depositors and not for the benefit of stockholders of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc.
Activities Restrictions. As a savings and loan holding company formed
after May 4, 1999, Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is not a grandfathered unitary
savings and loan holding company under the Gramm- Leach-Bliley Act (the "GLB
Act"). As a result, Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and its non-savings
institution subsidiaries are subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions on
their business activities. Under the Home Owners' Loan Act, as amended by the
GLB Act, the non-banking activities of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. are
restricted to certain activities specified by OTS regulation, which include
performing services and holding properties used by a savings institution
subsidiary, activities authorized for savings and loan holding companies as of
March 5, 1987, and non-banking activities permissible for bank holding companies
pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the "BHC Act") or authorized
for financial holding companies pursuant to the GLB Act. Furthermore, no company
may acquire control of Synergy Bank unless the acquiring company was a unitary
savings and loan holding company on May 4, 1999 (or became a unitary savings and
loan holding company pursuant to an application pending as of that date) or the
company is only engaged in activities that are permitted for multiple savings
and loan holding companies or for financial holding companies under the BHC Act
as amended by the GLB Act.
Mergers and Acquisitions. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. must obtain
approval from the OTS before acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of
another savings institution or savings and loan holding company or acquiring
such an institution or holding company by merger, consolidation or purchase of
its assets. In evaluating an application for Synergy Financial Group, Inc. to
acquire control of a savings institution, the OTS would consider the financial
and managerial resources and future prospects of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
and the target institution, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the
insurance funds, the convenience and the needs of the community and competitive
factors.
Waivers of Dividends by Synergy, MHC. OTS regulations require Synergy,
MHC to notify the OTS of any proposed waiver of its receipt of dividends from
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. The OTS reviews dividend waiver notices on a
case-by-case basis, and, in general, does not object to any such waiver if: (i)
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; (ii) for as long as the savings association subsidiary is controlled by
the mutual holding company, the dollar amount of dividends waived by the mutual
holding company are considered as a restriction on the retained earnings of the
savings association, which restriction, if material, is disclosed in the public
financial statements of the savings association as a note to
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the financial statements; (iii) the amount of any dividend waived by the mutual
holding company is available for declaration as a dividend solely to the mutual
holding company, and, in accordance with SFAS 5, where the savings association
determines that the payment of such dividend to the mutual holding company is
probable, an appropriate dollar amount is recorded as a liability; and (iv) the
amount of any waived dividend is considered as having been paid by the savings
association in evaluating any proposed dividend under OTS capital distribution
regulations.
We anticipate that Synergy, MHC will waive dividends paid by Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. , if any. Under OTS regulations, our public stockholders
would not be diluted because of any dividends waived by Synergy, MHC (and waived
dividends would not be considered in determining an appropriate exchange ratio)
in the event Synergy, MHC converts to stock form.
Conversion of Synergy, MHC to Stock Form. OTS regulations permit
Synergy, MHC to convert from the mutual form of organization to the capital
stock form of organization (a "Conversion Transaction"). 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 Synergy Financial Group, Inc. (the "New Holding Company"),
Synergy, MHC's corporate existence would end, and certain depositors of Synergy
Bank 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 Synergy, MHC ("Minority Stockholders") would be
automatically converted into a number of shares of common stock of the New
Holding Company determined pursuant to an exchange ratio that ensures that
Minority Stockholders own the same percentage of common stock in the New Holding
Company as they owned in Synergy Financial Group, Inc. immediately prior to the
Conversion Transaction. Under OTS regulations, Minority Stockholders would not
be diluted because of any dividends waived by Synergy, MHC (and waived dividends
would not be considered in determining an appropriate exchange ratio), in the
event Synergy, MHC converts to stock form. The total number of shares held by
Minority Stockholders after a Conversion Transaction also would be increased by
any purchases by Minority Stockholders in the stock offering conducted as part
of the Conversion Transaction.
TAXATION
Federal Taxation
Savings institutions are subject to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), in the same general manner as other corporations.
All thrift institutions are now subject to the same provisions as banks
with respect to deductions for bad debts. Thrift institutions that are treated
as "small banks" (the average adjusted bases for all assets of such institution
equals $500 million or less) under the Code may account for bad debts by using
the experience method for determining additions to their bad debt reserve.
Thrift institutions that are not treated as small banks must now use the
specific charge-off method.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. may exclude from its income 100% of
dividends received from Synergy Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of
corporations. A 70% dividends received deduction generally applies with respect
to dividends received from corporations that are not members of such affiliated
group.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s and Synergy Bank's federal income tax
returns have not been audited by the IRS during the past five years.
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State Taxation
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries file New Jersey
income tax returns and are subject to a state income tax that is calculated
based on federal taxable income, subject to certain adjustments.
The state income tax returns of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and its
subsidiaries have not been audited during the past five years. For additional
information, see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
beginning on page F-8.
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s Board of Directors is composed of nine
members each of whom serves for a term of three years. Synergy Financial Group,
Inc.'s bylaws require that directors be divided into three classes, as nearly
equal in number as possible, with approximately one-third of the directors
elected each year. Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s executive officers are
appointed annually by the Board and serve at the Board's discretion.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the
directors and executive officers of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
Age at Current
March 31, Director Term
Name 2002 Position Since(1) Expires
- ---- ---- -------- -------- -------
Kenneth S. Kasper 47 Chairman of the Board 1993 2005
Nancy A. Davis 62 Director 1977 2003
Magdalena M. De Perez 51 Director 2001 2005
John S. Fiore 44 President, Chief Executive Officer 2000 2003
and Director
David H. Gibbons, Jr. 32 Director 2001 2004
Paul T. LaCorte 49 Director 2001 2004
George Putvinski 53 Director 1993 2005
W. Phillip Scott 50 Director 1996 2003
Albert N. Stender 56 Director 1999 2004
Kevin M. McCloskey 44 Senior Vice President and Chief N/A N/A
Operating Officer
Kevin A. Wenthen 47 Senior Vice President and Chief N/A N/A
Administrative Officer
Ralph A. Fernandez 37 Vice President and Chief Financial N/A N/A
Officer
______________________
(1) Indicates the year the individual first became a director of Synergy
Bank or Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Following the completion of
Synergy Bank's mutual holding company reorganization and the formation
of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. in 2001, each director of Synergy Bank
automatically became a director of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
The business experience of each of our directors and executive officers
is set forth below. Each has held his or her present position for at least the
past five years, except as otherwise indicated.
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Kenneth S. Kasper has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. since its formation in 2001. He has been a
director of Synergy Bank since 1993, and has served as Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Synergy Bank since 1998. Mr. Kasper is Director of Corporate EHST
Audits for Schering-Plough Corporation, a pharmaceutical research and
manufacturing company, a position he has held since 1991. Prior to that time,
Mr. Kasper was Senior Counsel for Schering-Plough. Mr. Kasper is also actively
involved in civic activities, serving as chairman for the Chester Borough Board
of Adjustment, Director of the Board of Environmental Health & Safety Auditor
Certifications ("BEAC"), board liaison for the BEAC Ethics Committee and
Director of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards.
Nancy A. Davis has served on the Board of Directors of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. since its formation in 2001, and Synergy Bank since 1977.
Ms. Davis is employed as the Senior Legal Assistant for Schering-Plough
Corporation. She has been employed by Schering-Plough Corporation since 1965.
Magdalena M. De Perez has served on the Board of Directors of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank since 2001. Ms. De Perez is Vice
President of Investments and a Quantum Portfolio Manager for Prudential
Securities Inc. She has worked in the financial services industry since 1983 and
acts as a financial advisor to several community service organizations in Union
County.
John S. Fiore has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. since its formation in 2001 and has served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Synergy Bank since 1995. He also serves
as a member of both Boards of Directors. He has been employed by Synergy Bank
since 1989. Mr. Fiore also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Synergy Financial Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. Prior to 2002, Mr. Fiore was Secretary for the Central Jersey County
Savings League.
David H. Gibbons, Jr. has served on the Board of Directors of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank since 2001. Mr. Gibbons is Executive Vice
President and General Counsel of David O. Evans, Inc., Vestal Development Co.,
Elberon Development Co., Gibbons Realty Group, Inc., and Portview Properties,
LLC, all of which are commercial real estate companies. Mr. Gibbons joined
Portview Properties, LLC in 2001 and Gibbons Realty Group, Inc. in 1999. Since
1999, Mr. Gibbons has been a salesperson with Kay Realty Services, LLC, a real
estate brokerage company. Mr. Gibbons is also active in the community and serves
as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elizabeth Development Co., as a Trustee
for Trinitas Hospital and as a Director of the YMCA of Eastern Union County, the
Union County Alliance and Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Mr.
Gibbons serves as a Trustee for the National Association of Office and
Industrial Properties, a commercial real estate trade and lobbying organization.
Paul T. LaCorte has served on the Board of Directors of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank since 2001. Mr. LaCorte is currently
President of Hamilton Holding Company and V & F, Inc., and a partner with
Ditullio and LaCorte Associates, LLC, all of which are real estate management
service companies. He is currently a member of the Union County Tax Board and is
a member and former Chairman of the Cranford Downtown Management Corporation and
the Union County Economic Development Corporation. He is also a member and
former President of the Cranford Chamber of Commerce.
George Putvinski has served on the Board of Directors of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. since its formation in 2001, and Synergy Bank since 1993.
Mr. Putvinski is employed as the Director of Manufacturing Finance for
Schering-Plough Corporation. He has been employed by Schering-Plough Corporation
since 1979.
W. Phillip Scott has served on the Board of Directors of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. since its formation in 2001, and Synergy Bank since 1996.
Mr. Scott is employed as the Manager of Sales and
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Logistics Accounting for Schering-Plough Corporation. He has been employed by
Schering-Plough Corporation since 1980.
Albert N. Stender has served on the Board of Directors of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. since its formation in 2001, and Synergy Bank since 1999.
Mr. Stender is a partner with the law firm of Stender & Hernandez where he has
practiced law since 1985. Mr. Stender serves as a Director of the Cranford
Chamber of Commerce and the Cranford Family Care Association and acts as counsel
to the Cranford Swimming Club and the Township of Cranford.
Kevin M. McCloskey has served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer since 2000. Prior to that time, Mr. McCloskey was the Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer for Lakeview Savings Bank. Mr. McCloskey
is a Board member and Treasurer of the YMCA of Eastern Union County, a member of
the Board of Trustees for Union County Economic Development Corporation and is a
Trustee of the Trinitas Health Foundation.
Kevin A. Wenthen has served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Administrative Officer since 1996. Mr. Wenthen is also President and Chief
Executive Officer of Synergy Financial Services, Inc., a wholly- owned
subsidiary of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Mr. Wenthen serves on the advisory
board of the Center for Kids and Family, a division of Union Hospital.
Ralph A. Fernandez has served as Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer for Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank since 2000 and was
Vice President of Finance for Synergy Bank from 1999. Prior to that time, Mr.
Fernandez was a regional executive policy committee member, a senior examiner
and a senior analyst for the Office of Thrift Supervision.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors conducts its business through meetings of the
Board and through activities of its committees. During the year ended December
31, 2001, the Board of Directors met thirteen times. No director attended fewer
than 75% of the total meetings of the Board of Directors and committees on which
he or she served during the year ended December 31, 2001. The Board maintains an
Audit Committee, as well as an Executive and Compensation Committee, a Budget
and Asset/Liability Management Committee and a Nominating Committee.
The Audit Committee consists of Directors Gibbons (Chair), Davis, De
Perez, Kasper and LaCorte. This committee typically meets every other month with
the internal auditor and periodically as needed with the external auditors. This
committee's main responsibilities include oversight of the internal and external
auditors and monitoring of management and staff compliance with the Board's
audit policies, and applicable laws and regulations. During the year ended
December 31, 2001, this committee met seven times.
The Executive and Compensation Committee consists of Directors Kasper
(Chair), Gibbons, Fiore, Putvinski and Stender. This committee serves as an
interim decision-making body to address matters that arise between regularly
scheduled meetings of the full Board. This committee also makes recommendations
to the Board of Directors on corporate governance matters and exercises
supervision of major agenda items for and periodic reports presented at full
Board meetings. The responsibilities of this committee with regard to
compensation include appraisal of the chief executive officer's performance,
administration of management incentive compensation plans and review of the
directors' compensation. During the year ended December 31, 2001, this committee
met five times.
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The Budget and Asset/Liability Management Committee consists of
Directors Putvinski (Chair), De Perez, Fiore, Scott and Stender. This committee
oversees Synergy Bank's investments, loans, other assets and its liabilities,
primarily its sources of funds, for the purpose of maintaining profitable
spreads between the cost of liabilities and the yield on assets consistent with
prudent risk. This committee meets generally during October and November each
year with the goal of developing an annual business and operating plan for
presentation to the full Board at the regular November meeting. In addition, at
least one non-employee member of this committee meets monthly with management to
review investment policies, loan and deposit pricing and production volumes,
interest rate risk analysis, liquidity and borrowing needs, and a variety of
other asset and liability management topics. The results of each monthly meeting
are presented to the full Board at its regular monthly meeting. During the year
ended December 31, 2001, this committee met twelve times.
The Nominating Committee consists of Directors Stender (Chair), De
Perez, Gibbons, Kasper, LaCorte and Putvinski. This committee recommends
candidates for election to the Board of Directors. This committee is not
required to consider nominees recommended by stockholders. During the year ended
December 31, 2001, this committee met one time.
Director Compensation
Board Fees. Each director is paid a fee of $1,000 per Board meeting and
$300 per committee meeting for each such meeting attended. The Chairman receives
an additional annual fee of $3,000. The total fees paid to the directors for the
year ended December 31, 2001 were approximately $155,000. Directors who also
serve as employees of Synergy Bank do not receive compensation as directors.
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table. The following table sets forth the cash and
non-cash compensation awarded to or earned by our President and Chief Executive
Officer and certain other executive officers for the years ended December 31,
2001, 2000, and 1999. No other officer received a total annual salary and bonus
in excess of $100,000 during the reporting period.
Annual Compensation(1)
------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Other Annual All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation(2) Compensation(3)
- --------------------------- ---- ------ ----- --------------- ---------------
John S. Fiore, President and 2001 $189,000 $68,040 $2,069 $19,532
Chief Executive Officer 2000 175,000 94,500 1,812 17,133
1999 165,000 75,075 1,485 -
Kevin M. McCloskey, Senior 2001 $122,000 $37,820 $1,198 -
Vice President and Chief 2000 115,000 42,263 807 -
Operating Officer 1999 - - - -
Kevin A. Wenthen, Senior Vice 2001 $115,000 $35,650 $1,792 -
President and Chief 2000 103,000 49,870 1,767 -
Administrative Officer 1999 95,000 40,850 1,391 -
Ralph A. Fernandez, Vice 2001 $88,000 $27,280 - -
President and Chief Financial 2000 80,000 39,200 - -
Officer 1999 65,000 27,950 - -
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______________
(1) All compensation set forth in the table was paid by Synergy Bank
(2) Taxable compensation attributed to personal use of company vehicle.
(3) Contributions by Synergy Bank in 2000 and 2001 to the account of Mr. Fiore
under the Bank's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
Employment Agreements. Synergy Bank has entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Fiore. Mr. Fiore's base salary under the employment agreement
for the year ended December 31, 2001 was $189,000. Mr. Fiore's employment
agreement has a term of three years and may be terminated by Synergy Bank for
"cause" as defined in the agreement. If Synergy Bank terminates Mr. Fiore's
employment without just cause, he will be entitled to a continuation of his
salary from the date of termination through the remaining term of the agreement.
The employment agreement contains a provision stating that after Mr. Fiore's
employment is terminated in connection with any change in control, he will be
paid a lump sum amount equal to 2.99 times his base salary and the highest rate
of bonus awarded to him during the three years prior to such termination. If
payments had been made under the agreements as of December 31, 2001, the
payments would have equaled approximately $660,000. In addition, the Board has
entered into Change in Control Severance Agreements with Officers Wenthen,
McCloskey and Fernandez. Under such agreements, if their employment is
terminated within eighteen months of a change in control of Synergy Bank, such
individuals would receive severance benefits equal to approximately three times
their average annual compensation. At December 31, 2001, such payments would
have equaled $313,000, $355,500 and $233,000, respectively, upon termination
following a change in control. All payments to be made under these agreements
shall be reduced as may be necessary so that such payments will not exceed the
tax deductible limits under Section 280G of the Code.
401(k) Savings Plan
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. sponsors a tax-qualified defined
contribution savings plan ("401(k) Plan") for the benefit of its employees and
employees of its subsidiaries. Employees become eligible to participate under
the 401(k) Plan on the first day of any calendar quarter following the
completion of twelve months of service. Under the 401(k) Plan, employees may
voluntarily elect to defer between 1% and 15% of compensation, not to exceed
applicable limits under the Code. In calendar year 2001, an employee could defer
up to the lower of $11,000 or 15% of his or her salary. In addition, the 401(k)
Plan provides for matching contributions up to a maximum of 5% of such person's
salary for each participant under the 401(k) Plan. Employee contributions are
immediately fully vested under the 401(k) Plan and matching contributions are
vested at a rate of 20% per year and completely vested after five years of
service. Participants under the 401(k) Plan may direct Plan assets to be
invested in company stock in the offering. See Note 9 of the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-8.
It is intended that the 401(k) Plan will operate in compliance with the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), and the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code. Contributions to
the 401(k) Plan for employees may be reduced in the future or eliminated as a
result of contributions made to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. See
Management - Employee Stock Ownership Plan on page __.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Synergy Bank has adopted a
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP" or "Plan") and Phantom Stock Plan
for the benefit of John S. Fiore, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Annually, the Bank accrues an expense of approximately 11% of his salary
including projected increases through his retirement at age 60, plus projected
earnings on prior year accruals at the rate of 7% per annum. Such accruals are
projected to furnish Mr. Fiore with an annual pension benefit upon retirement at
age 60 of $102,366 per year for a period of fifteen years. In addition, on
January 1, 2002, Synergy Bank implemented a SERP for the benefit of executive
officers Wenthen, McCloskey and Fernandez.
66
In accordance with the Plan for Messrs. Wenthen, McCloskey and Fernandez, an
annual accrual equal to 10% of each participant's base salary will be credited
to the Plan reserve. The accumulated deferred compensation account for each
participant will be payable to such participant at anytime following termination
of employment after three years following Plan implementation, the death or
disability of the participant, or termination of employment following a change
in control of Synergy Bank whereby Synergy Bank or Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
is not the resulting entity. In addition, the Bank previously adopted a Phantom
Stock and Phantom Option Plan for the benefit of John S. Fiore. Under such plan,
Mr. Fiore was awarded phantom options and phantom stock, the value of which is
determined annually based upon a valuation of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
assuming that it was a stock company. This plan will terminate upon the stock
issuance by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Upon plan termination, Mr. Fiore will
be paid the accrued value of his benefits under the Plan of approximately
$36,000 determined as of December 31, 2001.
Potential Stock Benefit Plans
Employee Stock Ownership Plan. We intend to establish an employee stock
ownership plan for the exclusive benefit of participating employees of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, to be implemented after the
completion of the offering. Participating employees are employees who have
completed one year of service and have attained the age of 21. An application
for a letter of determination as to the tax-qualified status of the employee
stock ownership plan will be submitted to the IRS. Although no assurances can be
given, we expect that the employee stock ownership plan will receive a favorable
letter of determination from the IRS.
The employee stock ownership plan is to be funded by contributions made
by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. in cash or common stock. Benefits may be paid
either in shares of the common stock or in cash. The plan will borrow funds with
which to acquire up to 8% of the common stock to be issued in the offering. The
employee stock ownership plan intends to borrow funds from Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. The loan is expected to be for a term of ten years at an annual
interest rate equal to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal.
Presently it is anticipated that the employee stock ownership plan will purchase
up to 8% of the common stock to be issued in the offering. The loan will be
secured by the shares purchased and earnings of employee stock ownership plan
assets. Shares purchased with loan proceeds will be held in a suspense account
for allocation among participants as the loan is repaid. It is anticipated that
all contributions will be tax-deductible. This loan is expected to be fully
repaid in approximately ten years.
Contributions to the employee stock ownership plan and shares released
from the suspense account will be allocated among participants on the basis of
total compensation. All participants must be employed at least 1,000 hours in a
plan year, or have terminated employment following death, disability or
retirement, in order to receive an allocation. Participant benefits become fully
vested in plan allocations following five years of service. Employment before
the adoption of the employee stock ownership plan shall be credited for the
purposes of vesting. Contributions to the employee stock ownership plan by
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy Bank are discretionary and may cause a
reduction in other forms of compensation, including our 401(k) Plan. As a
result, benefits payable under this plan cannot be estimated.
The Board of Directors has appointed the non-employee directors to a
committee that will administer the plan and serve as the plan's trustees. The
trustees must vote all allocated shares held in the plan as directed by plan
participants. Unallocated shares and allocated shares for which no timely
direction is received will be voted as directed by the Board of Directors or the
plan's committee, subject to the trustees' fiduciary duties.
Stock Option Plan. We intend to adopt a stock option plan for directors
and officers after the offering. Any plan adopted will be subject to stockholder
approval and applicable laws. Up to 10% of the
67
shares of common stock sold in the offering will be reserved for issuance under
the stock option plan. No determinations have been made as to the specific terms
of, or awards under, the stock option plan.
The purpose of the stock option plan will be to attract and retain
qualified personnel in key positions, provide officers and directors with a
proprietary interest in Synergy Financial Group, Inc. as an incentive to
contribute to our success and reward directors and officers for outstanding
performance. Although the terms of the stock option plan have not yet been
determined, it is expected that the stock option plan will provide for the grant
of: (1) options to purchase the common stock intended to qualify as incentive
stock options under the Code (incentive stock options); and (2) options that do
not so qualify (non-statutory stock options). Any stock option plan would be in
effect for up to ten years from the earlier of adoption by the Board of
Directors or approval by the stockholders. Options would expire no later than 10
years from the date granted and would expire earlier if the option committee so
determines or in the event of termination of employment. Options would be
granted based upon several factors, including seniority, job duties and
responsibilities and job performance.
Restricted Stock Plan. After the passage of at least one year
subsequent to the offering, we also intend to establish a restricted stock plan
to provide our officers and directors with a proprietary interest in Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. The restricted stock plan is expected to provide for the
award of common stock, subject to vesting restrictions, to eligible officers and
directors.
We expect to contribute funds to the restricted stock plan to acquire,
in the aggregate, up to 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.
Shares used to fund the restricted stock plan may be acquired through open
market purchases or provided from authorized but unissued shares. No
determinations have been made as to the specific terms of the restricted stock
plan.
Transactions with Management and Others
No directors, officers or their immediate family members were engaged
in transactions with Synergy Financial Group, Inc. or any subsidiary involving
more than $60,000 (other than through a loan) during the year ended December 31,
2001.
Synergy Bank makes loans to its officers, directors and employees in
the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and
conditions as those of comparable transactions prevailing at the time with other
persons, other than a 1% discount on the interest rate paid on loans other than
first mortgages, automobile leases and credit cards, while the person remains an
employee, and do not include more than the normal risk of collectibility or
present other unfavorable features. No discounts are offered to directors.
Proposed Stock Purchases by Management
The following table sets forth for each of the directors and executive
officers of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. (including in each case all
"associates" of the directors and officers) the number of shares of common stock
which each director and officer intends to purchase, assuming the sale of
1,000,000 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share. The table does not include
purchases by the employee stock ownership plan (8% of the common stock sold in
the offering), and does not take into account any stock benefit plans to be
adopted following the stock offering. See Management - Potential Stock Benefit
Plans on page __.
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Percentage if
Total Number Total Dollar 1,000,000 Total
of Shares Amount of Shares Shares Sold in
Name to be Purchased to be Purchased the Offering(1)
- ----------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Kenneth S. Kasper 10,000 $100,000 1.0%
Nancy A. Davis 10,000 100,000 1.0
Magdalena M. De Perez 1,000 10,000 0.1
John S. Fiore 30,000 300,000 3.0
David H. Gibbons, Jr. 25,000 250,000 2.5
Paul T. LaCorte 25,000 250,000 2.5
George Putvinski 5,000 50,000 0.5
W. Phillip Scott 5,000 50,000 0.5
Albert N. Stender 5,000 50,000 0.5
Kevin McCloskey 25,000 250,000 2.5
Kevin A. Wenthen 6,500 65,000 0.7
Ralph A. Fernandez 10,000 100,000 1.0
------- ---------- ----
Total 157,500 $1,575,000 15.8%
======= ========== ====
_________________
(1) In the event the stockholders of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. approve
the stock benefit plans as discussed in this prospectus (the restricted
stock plan (4% of the common stock sold in the offering) and the stock
option plan (10% of the common stock sold in the offering)), and all of
the shares of common stock available for award under the restricted
stock plan are awarded and all of the options available under the stock
option plan are awarded and exercised, directors and officers would own
297,500 or 29.75% of the shares of common stock outstanding, or 26.10%
if the option plan and restricted stock plan were funded with newly
issued shares instead of shares acquired in open market purchases. If
fewer than 1,000,000 shares were publicly sold, these percentage
ownership estimates would increase. See Management - Potential Stock
Benefit Plans on page __.
THE STOCK OFFERING
The Board of Directors has adopted the plan authorizing the stock
offering, subject to the approval of the OTS. OTS approval does not constitute a
recommendation or endorsement of an investment in our stock by the OTS.
General
On May 1, 2002, the Board of Directors adopted the plan of stock
issuance, pursuant to which Synergy Financial Group, Inc. will sell its common
stock to eligible depositors of Synergy Bank in a subscription offering and, if
necessary, to the general public if a community and/or a syndicated community
offering is held. The Board of Directors unanimously adopted the plan after
consideration of the advantages and the disadvantages of the stock offering.
After we receive all the required approvals from the OTS, the stock will be
issued. The stock offering will be accomplished in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the plan, the requirements of applicable laws and
regulations, and the policies of the OTS.
We are offering between a minimum of 850,000 shares and an anticipated
maximum of 1,150,000 shares of common stock in the offering (subject to
adjustment to up to 1,322,500 shares if our estimated pro forma market value has
increased at the conclusion of the offering), which will expire at 12:00 noon,
eastern time, on ________ __, 2002 unless extended. The minimum purchase is 25
shares of common stock (minimum investment of $250). Our common stock is being
offered at a fixed price of $10.00 per share in the offering.
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We may hold subscription funds for up to 45 days after the last day of
the subscription offering (as extended) in order to complete the offering and
thus, unless waived by us, all orders will be irrevocable until _________ __,
2002. In addition, the offering may not be completed until we receive approval
from the OTS. Approval by the OTS is not a recommendation of the offering.
Completion of the offering will be delayed, and resolicitation will be required,
if the OTS does not issue a letter of approval within 45 days after the last day
of the subscription offering, or in the event the OTS requires a material change
to the offering prior to the issuance of its approval. If the offering is not
completed by __________ __, 2002, 12:00 noon, eastern time, subscribers will
have the right to modify or rescind their subscriptions and to have their
subscription funds returned with interest at Synergy Bank's regular savings
account rate and all withdrawal authorizations will be canceled.
We may cancel the offering at any time, and if we do, orders for common
stock already submitted would be canceled.
In accordance with Rule 15c2-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, pending completion or termination of the offering, subscription funds
received by us will be invested only in investments permissible under Rule
15c2-4.
Purposes of the Stock Offering
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is offering for sale its common stock in
the stock offering at an aggregate price based on an independent valuation. The
proceeds from the sale of common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. will
provide Synergy Bank with new equity capital, which will support future deposit
growth and expanded operations. While Synergy Bank currently exceeds all
regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized, the sale of
stock, coupled with the accumulation of earnings, less dividends or other
reductions in capital, from year to year, represents a means for the orderly
preservation and expansion of Synergy Bank's capital base. If our current growth
continues at the same rate, and if we expand further as we currently plan, we
will need the additional capital to remain well capitalized under regulatory
capital requirements. After the stock offering, Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
may repurchase shares of its common stock. The investment of the net proceeds of
the offering also will provide additional income to further enhance Synergy
Bank's future capital position.
Conduct of the Offering
Subject to the limitations of the plan of stock issuance adopted by our
Board of Directors, shares of common stock are being offered in descending order
of priority in the subscription offering to:
o Eligible Account Holders (depositors at the close of business on April 30,
2001 with deposits of at least $50.00);
o the employee stock ownership plan; and
o Supplemental Eligible Account Holders (depositors at the close of business
on June 30, 2002 with deposits of at least $50.00).
To the extent that shares remain available and depending on market
conditions at or near the completion of the subscription offering, we may
conduct a community offering and possibly a syndicated community offering. The
community offering, if any, may commence simultaneously with, during or
subsequent to the completion of the subscription offering. A syndicated
community offering, if we conduct one, would commence just prior to, or as soon
as practicable after, the termination of the subscription offering.
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In any community offering or syndicated community offering, we will first fill
orders for our common stock in an equitable manner as determined by the Board of
Directors in order to achieve a wide distribution of the stock. If an
oversubscription occurs in the offering by Eligible Account Holders, the
employee stock ownership plan may, in whole or in part, fill its order through
open market purchases subsequent to the closing of the offering, subject to any
required regulatory approval.
Shares sold above the maximum of the offering range may be sold to the
employee stock ownership plan before satisfying remaining unfilled orders of
Eligible Account Holders to fill the plan's subscription, or the plan may
purchase some or all of the shares covered by its subscription after the
offering in the open market, subject to any required regulatory approval.
Subscription Offering
Subscription Rights. Non-transferable subscription rights to subscribe
for the purchase of common stock have been granted under the plan of stock
issuance to the following persons:
Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders. Each Eligible Account Holder
shall be given the opportunity to purchase up to 25,000 shares, or $250,000, of
common stock offered in the subscription offering; subject to the overall
limitations described under The Stock Offering - Limitations on Purchases of
Stock. See page __. If there are insufficient shares available to satisfy all
subscriptions of Eligible Account Holders, shares will be allocated to Eligible
Account Holders so as to permit each subscribing Eligible Account Holder to
purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal
to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares ordered. Thereafter,
unallocated shares will be allocated to remaining subscribing Eligible Account
Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled in the same proportion that each
subscriber's qualifying deposit bears to the total amount of qualifying deposits
of all subscribing Eligible Account Holders, in each case on April 30, 2001,
whose subscriptions remain unfilled. Subscription rights received by officers
and directors, based on their increased deposits in Synergy Bank in the one year
preceding the eligibility record date will be subordinated to the subscription
rights of other eligible account holders. To ensure proper allocation of stock,
each Eligible Account Holder must list on his or her order form all accounts in
which he or she had an ownership interest as of the Eligibility Record Date.
Priority 2: The Employee Plans. The tax qualified employee plans may be
given the opportunity to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the common stock
issued in the subscription offering. It is expected that the employee stock
ownership plan will purchase up to 8% of the common stock issued in the
offering. If an oversubscription occurs in the offering by Eligible Account
Holders, the employee stock ownership plan may, in whole or in part, fill its
order through open market purchases subsequent to the closing of the offering,
subject to any required regulatory approval.
Priority 3: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. If there are
sufficient shares remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible
Account Holders and the employee stock ownership plan and other tax-qualified
employee stock benefit plans, each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall
have the opportunity to purchase up to 25,000 shares, or $250,000, of common
stock offered in the subscription offering, subject to the overall limitations
described under The Stock Offering - Limitations on Purchases of Common Stock.
See page __. If Supplemental Eligible Account Holders subscribe for a number of
shares which, when added to the shares subscribed for by Eligible Account
Holders and the employee stock ownership plan and other tax-qualified employee
stock benefit plans, if any, is in excess of the total number of shares offered
in the offering, the shares of common stock will be allocated among subscribing
Supplemental Eligible Account Holders first so as to permit each subscribing
Supplemental Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient
to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the
number of shares ordered. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated to
each subscribing
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Supplemental Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the
same proportion that each subscriber's qualifying deposits bear to the total
amount of qualifying deposits of all subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account
Holders, in each case on June 30, 2002, whose subscriptions remain unfilled. To
ensure proper allocation of stock each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder must
list on his or her order form all accounts in which he or she had an ownership
interest as of the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date.
State Securities Laws. We, in our sole discretion, will make reasonable
efforts to comply with the securities laws of any state in the United States in
which Synergy Bank account holders at the eligibility record date or the
supplemental eligibility record date reside, and will only offer the common
stock in states in which the offers and sales comply with state securities laws.
However, subject to our discretion, no person will be offered common stock if he
or she resides in a foreign country or in a state of the United States with
respect to which:
o a small number of persons otherwise eligible to purchase shares reside in
that state or foreign country; or
o the offer or sale of shares of common stock to these persons would require
us or our employees to register, under the securities laws of that state or
foreign country, as a broker or dealer or to register or otherwise qualify
its securities for sale in that state or foreign country; or
o registration or qualification would be impracticable for reasons of cost or
otherwise.
Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares. The plan of
stock issuance prohibits any person with subscription rights, including Eligible
Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, from transferring or
entering into any agreement or understanding to transfer the legal or beneficial
ownership of the subscription rights or the shares of common stock to be issued
when subscription rights are exercised. Subscription rights may be exercised
only by the person to whom they are granted and only for his or her account.
Each person subscribing for shares will be required to certify that he or she is
purchasing shares solely for his or her own account and that he or she has no
agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of the shares. The
regulations also prohibit any person from offering or making an announcement of
an offer or intent to make an offer to purchase subscription rights or shares of
common stock before the completion of the offering.
We will pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies in the event we
become aware of the transfer of subscription rights and will not honor orders
which we determine involve the transfer of subscription rights.
Deadlines for Purchasing Stock
The subscription offering will terminate at 12:00 noon, eastern time,
on ________ __, 2002 unless extended. The subscription offering may be extended
to ________ __, 2002. A community offering and a syndicated community offering,
if such offerings are conducted, may terminate at any time without notice but no
later than ________ __, 2002. See The Stock Offering on page ____.
Community Offering and Syndicated Community Offering
Community Offering. If less than the total number of shares of common
stock to be subscribed for in the offering are sold in the subscription offering
and depending on market conditions at or near the completion of the subscription
offering, shares remaining unsubscribed may be made available for purchase in
the community offering to certain members of the general public. The maximum
amount of common stock
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that any person may purchase in the community offering is 25,000 shares, or
$250,000. In the community offering, if any, shares will be available for
purchase by the general public, and preference may be given to natural persons
residing in counties in which Synergy Bank has branch offices, and second to
natural persons residing in New Jersey. We will attempt to issue the shares in a
manner that would promote a wide distribution of common stock.
If purchasers in the community offering, whose orders would otherwise
be accepted, subscribe for more shares than are available for purchase, the
shares available to them will be allocated among persons submitting orders in
the community offering in an equitable manner we determine.
The community offering, if any, may commence simultaneously with,
during or subsequent to the completion of the subscription offering. The
community offering, if any, must be completed within 45 days after the
completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by the OTS.
We, in our absolute discretion, reserve the right to reject any or all
orders in whole or in part which are received in the community offering, at the
time of receipt or as soon as practicable following the completion of the
community offering.
Syndicated Community Offering. If shares remain available after the
subscription offering, and depending on market conditions at or near the
completion of the subscription offering, we may offer shares to selected persons
through a syndicated community offering on a best-efforts basis conducted
through Trident Securities in accordance with such terms, conditions and
procedures as may be determined by our Board of Directors. A syndicate of
broker-dealers (selected dealers) may be formed to assist in the syndicated
community offering. A syndicated community offering, if we conduct one, would
commence just prior to, or as soon as practicable after, the termination of the
subscription offering.
Orders received in connection with the syndicated community offering,
if any, will receive a lower priority than orders received in the subscription
offering and community offering. Common stock sold in the syndicated community
offering will be sold at the same price as all other shares in the subscription
offering. A syndicated community offering would be open to the general public
beyond the local community, however, we have the right to reject orders, in
whole or in part, in our sole discretion in the syndicated community offering.
No person will be permitted to purchase more than 25,000 shares, or $250,000, of
common stock in the syndicated community offering.
The date by which orders must be received in the syndicated community
offering will be set by us at the time the syndicated community offering
commences; but if the syndicated community offering is extended beyond ________
__, 2002, each purchaser will have the opportunity to maintain, modify, or
rescind his or her order. In that event, all funds received in the syndicated
community offering will be promptly returned with interest to each purchaser
unless he or she requests otherwise.
Limitations on Purchases of Stock
The following additional limitations have been imposed on purchases of
shares of common stock:
1. The maximum number of shares which may be purchased in the
offering by any individual (or individuals through a single
account) shall not exceed 25,000 shares, or $250,000. This limit
applies to stock purchases in total in the subscription,
community and syndicated community offerings.
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2. The maximum number of shares that may be purchased by any
individual (or individuals through a single account) together
with any associate or group of persons acting in concert is
30,000 shares, or $300,000. This limit applies to stock purchases
in total in the subscription, community and syndicated community
offerings. This limit does not apply to our employee stock
benefit plans, which in the aggregate may subscribe for up to 10%
of the common stock issued in the offering.
3. The maximum number of shares which may be purchased in all
categories in the offering by our officers and directors and
their associates in the aggregate shall not exceed 31% of the
total number of shares issued in the offering.
4. The minimum order is 25 shares, or $250.
5. If the number of shares otherwise allocable to any person or that
person's associates would be in excess of the maximum number of
shares permitted as set forth above, the number of shares
allocated to that person shall be reduced to the lowest
limitation applicable to that person, and then the number of
shares allocated to each group consisting of a person and that
person's associates shall be reduced so that the aggregate
allocation to that person and his or her associates complies with
the above maximums, and the maximum number of shares shall be
reallocated among that person and his or her associates in
proportion to the shares subscribed by each (after first applying
the maximums applicable to each person, separately).
6. Depending on market or financial conditions, we may decrease or
increase the purchase limitations, provided that the maximum
purchase limitations may not be increased to a percentage in
excess of 5% of the offering. If we increase the maximum purchase
limitations, we are only required to resolicit persons who
subscribed for the maximum purchase amount and may, in our sole
discretion, resolicit certain other large subscribers.
7. If the total number of shares offered increases in the offering
due to an increase in the maximum of the estimated valuation
range of up to 15% (the adjusted maximum) the additional shares
will be used in the following order of priority: (a) to fill the
employee stock ownership plan's subscription up to 8% of the
adjusted maximum; (b) if there is an oversubscription at the
Eligible Account Holder level, to fill unfilled subscriptions of
Eligible Account Holders exclusive of the adjusted maximum; (c)
if there is an oversubscription at the Supplemental Eligible
Account Holder level, to fill unfilled subscriptions of
Supplemental Eligible Account Holders exclusive of the adjusted
maximum; (d) to fill orders received in a community offering
exclusive of the adjusted maximum, with preference given to
persons who live in the local community; and (e) to fill orders
received in the syndicated community offering exclusive of the
adjusted maximum.
8. No person will be allowed to purchase any stock if that purchase
would be illegal under any federal law or state law or regulation
or would violate regulations or policies of the NASD,
particularly those regarding free riding and withholding. We
and/or our representatives may ask for an acceptable legal
opinion from any purchaser regarding the legality of the purchase
and may refuse to honor any purchase order if that opinion is not
timely furnished.
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9. We have the right to reject any order submitted by a person whose
representations we believe are untrue or who we believe is
violating, circumventing, or intends to violate, evade, or
circumvent the terms and conditions of the plan of stock
issuance, either alone or acting in concert with others.
10. The above restrictions also apply to purchases by persons acting
in concert under applicable regulations of the OTS. Under
regulations of the OTS, our directors are not considered to be
affiliates or a group acting in concert with other directors
solely as a result of membership on our Board of Directors.
11. In addition, in any community offering or syndicated community
offering, we must first fill orders for our common stock up to a
maximum of 2% of the total shares issued in the offering in a
manner that will achieve a wide distribution of the stock, and
thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal
number of shares per order basis, until all orders have been
filled or the shares have been exhausted.
The term "associate" of a person is defined in the plan of stock
issuance to mean:
(1) any corporation or organization of which a person is an officer
or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of
10% or more of any class of equity securities;
(2) any trust or other estate in which a person has a substantial
beneficial interest or as to which a person serves as trustee or
in a similar fiduciary capacity; or
(3) any relative or spouse of a person or any relative of a spouse,
who has the same home as that person.
For example, a corporation for which a person serves as an officer
would be an associate of that person and all shares purchased by that
corporation would be included with the number of shares which that person
individually could purchase under the above limitations.
The term "acting in concert" means:
(1) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent
conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not
pursuant to an express agreement; or
(2) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the
securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any
contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other
arrangement, whether written or otherwise.
A person or company which acts in concert with another person or
company ("other party") shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any
person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except
that any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan will not be deemed to be
acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity
solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and
stock held by the plan will be aggregated. We will presume that certain persons
are acting in concert based upon various facts, including the fact that persons
have joint account relationships or the fact that such persons have filed joint
Schedules 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to other
companies. We reserve the right to make an independent investigation of any
facts or circumstances brought to our attention that indicate that one or more
persons acting independently or as a group acting in concert may be attempting
to violate or circumvent the regulatory prohibition on the transferability of
subscription rights.
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We have the right, in our sole discretion, to determine whether
prospective purchasers are "associates" or "acting in concert." These
determinations are in our sole discretion and may be based on whatever evidence
we believe to be relevant, including joint account relationships or shared
addresses on the records of Synergy Bank.
Each person purchasing shares of the common stock in the offering will
be considered to have confirmed that his or her purchase does not conflict with
the maximum purchase limitation. If the purchase limitation is violated by any
person or any associate or group of persons affiliated or otherwise acting in
concert with that person, we will have the right to purchase from that person at
the $10.00 purchase price per share all shares acquired by that person in excess
of that purchase limitation or, if the excess shares have been sold by that
person, to receive the difference between the purchase price per share paid for
the excess shares and the price at which the excess shares were sold by that
person. Our right to purchase the excess shares will be assignable.
Common stock purchased pursuant to the offering will be freely
transferable, except for shares purchased by our directors and officers. For
certain restrictions on the common stock purchased by our directors and
officers, see The Stock Offering - Restrictions on Transferability by Directors
and Officers on page __. In addition, under guidelines of the NASD, members of
the NASD and their associates are subject to certain restrictions on the
transfer of securities purchased in accordance with subscription rights and to
certain reporting requirements after the purchase.
Ordering and Receiving Common Stock
Use of Order Forms. Rights to subscribe may only be exercised by
completion of an order form. Any person receiving an order form who desires to
subscribe for shares of common stock must do so prior to the applicable
expiration date by delivering by mail or in person a properly executed and
completed order form, together with full payment of the purchase price for all
shares for which subscription is made; provided, however, that if the employee
plans subscribe for shares during the subscription offering, the employee plans
will not be required to pay for the shares at the time they subscribe but rather
may pay for the shares upon completion of the offering. All subscription rights
will expire on the expiration date, whether or not we have been able to locate
each person entitled to subscription rights. Once tendered, subscription orders
cannot be revoked without our consent.
If a stock order form:
o is not delivered and is returned to us by the United States Postal Service
or we are unable to locate the addressee;
o is not received or is received after the applicable expiration date;
o is not completed correctly or executed;
o is not accompanied by the full required payment for the shares subscribed
for, including instances where a savings account or certificate balance
from which withdrawal is authorized is unavailable, uncollected or
insufficient to fund the required payment, but excluding subscriptions by
the employee plans; or
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o is not mailed pursuant to a "no mail" order placed in effect by the account
holder;
then the subscription rights for that person will lapse as though that person
failed to return the completed order form within the time period specified.
However, we may, but will not be required to, waive any irregularity on
any order form or require the submission of corrected order forms or the
remittance of full payment for subscribed shares by a date that we may specify.
The waiver of an irregularity on an order form in no way obligates us to waive
any other irregularity on any other order form. Waivers will be considered on a
case by case basis. We will not accept orders received on photocopies or
facsimile order forms, or for which payment is to be made by wire transfer or
payment from private third parties. Our interpretation of the terms and
conditions of the plan of stock issuance and of the acceptability of the order
forms will be final, subject to the authority of the OTS.
To ensure that each purchaser receives a prospectus at least 48 hours
before the applicable expiration date, in accordance with Rule 15c2-8 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, no prospectus will be mailed any later than
five days prior to the expiration date or hand delivered any later than two days
prior to the expiration date. Execution of the order form will confirm receipt
or delivery in accordance with Rule 15c2-8. Order forms will only be distributed
with a prospectus.
Payment for Shares. For subscriptions to be valid, payment for all
subscribed shares will be required to accompany all properly completed order
forms, on or prior to the expiration date specified on the order form unless we
extend the date. Employee plans subscribing for shares during the subscription
offering may pay for those shares upon completion of the offering. Payment for
shares of common stock may be made:
o in cash, if delivered in person;
o by check or money order made payable to Synergy Bank; or
o for shares subscribed for in the subscription offering, by authorization of
withdrawal from deposit accounts maintained with Synergy Bank.
Payment for subscriptions of $25,000 or more must be paid by account
withdrawal, certified or cashier's check, or money order. In accordance with
Rule 15c2-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, subscribers' checks must be
made payable to Synergy Bank, and checks received by the Stock Information
Center will be transmitted by noon of the following business day directly to the
segregated deposit account at Synergy Bank established to hold funds received as
payment for shares.
Appropriate means by which account withdrawals may be authorized are
provided on the order form. Once a withdrawal has been authorized, none of the
designated withdrawal amount may be used by a subscriber for any purpose other
than to purchase the common stock for which a subscription has been made until
the offering has been completed or terminated. In the case of payments
authorized to be made through withdrawal from savings accounts, all sums
authorized for withdrawal will continue to earn interest at the contract rate
until the offering has been completed or terminated. Interest penalties for
early withdrawal applicable to certificate accounts will not apply to
withdrawals authorized for the purchase of shares, however, if a partial
withdrawal results in a certificate account with a balance less than the
applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate shall be canceled at the
time of withdrawal, without penalty, and the remaining balance will earn
interest at the regular savings account rate subsequent to the withdrawal. In
the case of payments made in cash or by check or money order, funds will be
placed in a segregated account and interest will be paid by Synergy Bank at the
regular savings account rate from the date payment is received until the
offering is completed or terminated. An executed order form, once we receive it,
may not be modified,
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amended, or rescinded without our consent, unless the offering is not completed
within 45 days after the conclusion of the subscription offering, in which event
subscribers may be given the opportunity to increase, decrease, or rescind their
subscription for a specified period of time. If the offering is not completed
for any reason, all funds submitted pursuant to the offerings will be promptly
refunded with interest as described above.
Owners of self-directed IRAs may use the assets of their IRAs to
purchase shares of common stock in the offerings, provided that their IRAs are
not maintained on deposit at Synergy Bank. Persons with IRAs maintained at
Synergy Bank must have their accounts transferred to an unaffiliated institution
or broker to purchase shares of common stock in the offerings. There is no early
withdrawal or IRS interest penalties for these transfers. Instructions on how to
transfer self-directed IRAs maintained at Synergy Bank can be obtained from the
Stock Information Center. Depositors interested in using funds in a Synergy Bank
IRA to purchase common stock should contact the Stock Information Center as soon
as possible so that the necessary forms may be forwarded, executed and returned
prior to the expiration date.
Federal regulations prohibit Synergy Bank from lending funds or
extending credit to any person to purchase the common stock in the offering.
Stock Information Center. Our Stock Information Center is located at
310 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey, 07016. The phone number is (908)
956-4011.
Delivery of Stock Certificates. Certificates representing common stock
issued in the offering will be mailed to the persons entitled thereto at the
address noted on the order form, as soon as practicable following completion of
the offering. Any certificates returned as undeliverable will be held until
claimed by persons legally entitled thereto or otherwise disposed of in
accordance with applicable law. Until certificates for the common stock are
available and delivered to subscribers, subscribers may not be able to sell the
shares of stock for which they subscribed.
Restriction on Sales Activities
Our directors, officers and other employees may participate in the
offering in ministerial capacities and have been instructed not to solicit
offers to purchase common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase of
common stock. Questions of prospective purchasers will be directed to registered
representatives of Trident Securities. None of our officers, directors or other
employees will be compensated in connection with his or her participation in the
offering by the payment of commissions or other remuneration based either
directly or indirectly on transactions in the common stock.
Restrictions on Repurchase of Shares
Generally, during the first year following the offering, we will not be
permitted to repurchase shares of our stock unless we can show extraordinary
circumstances. If extraordinary circumstances exist and if we can show a
compelling and valid business purpose for the repurchase, the OTS may approve
repurchases of up to 5% of the outstanding stock during the first year after the
offering. After the first year following the offering, we can repurchase any
amount of stock so long as the repurchase would not cause us to become
undercapitalized. If, in the future, the rules and regulations regarding the
repurchase of stock are liberalized, we may utilize the rules and regulations
then in effect.
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Stock Pricing and the Number of Shares to be Offered
FinPro, Inc. which is experienced in the valuation and appraisal of
business entities, including savings institutions, has been retained to prepare
an independent valuation of the estimated pro forma market value of the common
stock (the "independent valuation"). This independent valuation will express our
pro forma market value in terms of an aggregate dollar amount. FinPro will
receive fees of $30,000 for its appraisal services, including the independent
valuation and any subsequent update, and assistance in preparation of our
business plan, plus up to $2,400 for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred
in connection with the independent valuation and business plan. We have agreed
to indemnify FinPro under certain circumstances against liabilities and expenses
arising out of or based on any misstatement or untrue statement of a material
fact contained in the information supplied by us to FinPro, except where FinPro
is determined to have been negligent or failed to exercise due diligence in the
preparation of the independent valuation.
The number of shares of common stock to be offered in the offering will
be based on the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock and the
purchase price of $10.00 per share. FinPro has determined that as of May 22,
2002, our estimated aggregate pro forma market value was $22,988,500. Pursuant
to regulations, this estimate must be included within a range with a minimum of
$19,540,230 and a maximum of $26,436,780. We have determined to offer shares of
common stock in the offering at a price of $10.00 per share. We are offering a
maximum of 1,150,000 shares in the offering, subject to adjustment. In
determining the offering range, the Board of Directors reviewed FinPro's
independent valuation. The independent valuation contains an analysis of a
number of factors, including but not limited to our financial condition and
results of operations as of March 31, 2002, our operating trends, the
competitive environment in which we operate, operating trends of certain savings
institutions and savings and loan holding companies, relevant economic
conditions both nationally and in New Jersey which affect the operations of
savings institutions, stock market values of certain institutions, and stock
market conditions for publicly traded savings institutions and savings and loan
holding companies. In addition, FinPro has advised us that it has considered and
will consider the effect of the additional capital raised by the sale of the
common stock on the estimated pro forma market value. The Board also reviewed
the methodology and the assumptions used by FinPro in preparing its independent
valuation. The number of shares is subject to change if the independent
valuation changes at the conclusion of the offering.
The number of shares and price per share of common stock was determined
by the Board of Directors based on the independent valuation. The actual number
of shares to be sold in the offering may be increased or decreased before
completion of the offering, subject to approval and conditions that may be
imposed by the OTS, to reflect any change in our estimated pro forma market
value.
Depending on market and financial conditions at the time of the
completion of the offering, we may increase or decrease the number of shares to
be issued in the offering. No resolicitation of purchasers will be made and
purchasers will not be permitted to modify or cancel their purchase orders
unless the change in the number of shares to be issued in the offering results
in fewer than 850,000 shares or more than 1,322,500 shares being sold in the
offering at the purchase price of $10.00, in which event we may also elect to
terminate the offering. If we terminate the offering, purchasers will receive a
prompt refund of their purchase orders, together with interest earned thereon
from the date of receipt to the date of termination of the offering.
Furthermore, any account withdrawal authorizations will be terminated. If we
receive orders for less than 850,000 shares, at the discretion of the Board of
Directors and subject to approval of the OTS, we may establish a new offering
range and resolicit purchasers. If we resolicit, purchasers will be allowed to
modify or cancel their purchase orders. Any adjustments in our pro forma market
value as a result of market and financial conditions or a resolicitation of
prospective purchasers must be approved by the OTS.
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The independent valuation will be updated at the time of the completion
of the offering, and the number of shares to be issued may increase or decrease
to reflect the changes in market conditions, the results of the offering, or our
estimated pro forma market value. If the updated independent valuation
increases, we may increase the number of shares sold in the offering to up to
1,322,500 shares. Subscribers will not be given the opportunity to change or
withdraw their orders unless more than 1,322,500 shares or fewer than 850,000
shares are sold in the offering. Any adjustment of shares of common stock sold
will have a corresponding effect on the estimated net proceeds of the offering
and the pro forma capitalization and per share data. An increase in the total
number of shares to be issued would decrease a subscriber's percentage ownership
interest and pro forma net worth (book value) per share and increase the pro
forma net income and net worth (book value) on an aggregate basis. In the event
of a reduction in the valuation, we may decrease the number of shares to be
issued to reflect the reduced valuation. A decrease in the number of shares to
be issued would increase a subscriber's percentage ownership interest and the
pro forma net worth (book value) per share and decrease the pro forma net income
and net worth on an aggregate basis. For a presentation of the possible effects
of an increase or decrease in the number of shares to be issued, see Pro Forma
Data on page __.
The independent valuation is not intended, and must not be construed,
as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing the common
stock. In preparing the independent valuation, FinPro has relied on and assumed
the accuracy and completeness of financial and statistical information provided
by us. FinPro did not independently verify the consolidated financial statements
and other information provided by us, nor did FinPro value independently our
assets and liabilities. The independent valuation considers us only as a going
concern and should not be considered as an indication of our liquidation value.
Moreover, because the independent valuation is based on estimates and
projections on a number of matters, all of which are subject to change from time
to time, no assurance can be given that persons purchasing the common stock will
be able to sell their shares at a price equal to or greater than the purchase
price.
A copy of the independent valuation report is available for your review
at our main office. In addition, our Board of Directors does not make any
recommendation as to whether or not the stock will be a good investment for you.
No sale of shares of common stock may be completed unless FinPro
confirms that, to the best of its knowledge, nothing of a material nature has
occurred that, taking into account all relevant factors, would cause FinPro to
conclude that the independent valuation is incompatible with its estimate of our
pro forma market value at the conclusion of the offering. Any change that would
result in an aggregate value of the shares being offered to the public that is
below $8,500,000 or above $13,225,000 would be subject to OTS approval. If
confirmation from FinPro is not received, we may extend the offering, reopen or
commence a new offering, request a new independent valuation, establish a new
offering range and commence a resolicitation of all purchasers with the approval
of the OTS, or take other action as permitted by the OTS in order to complete
the offering.
Plan of Distribution/Marketing Arrangements
The common stock will be offered in the offering principally by the
distribution of this prospectus and through activities conducted at our Stock
Information Center. It is expected that a registered representative employed by
Trident Securities will be working at, and supervising the operation of, the
Stock Information Center. Trident Securities will provide assistance in
responding to questions regarding the offering and processing order forms.
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We have entered into an agency agreement with Trident Securities under
which Trident Securities will provide financial advisory services and assist, on
a best efforts basis, in the solicitation of subscriptions and purchase orders
for the common stock in the offering. Trident Securities is a division of
McDonald Investments, Inc., which is a broker-dealer registered with the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Specifically, Trident
Securities will assist in the offering in the following manner:
o keeping records of subscriptions and orders for common stock;
o training and educating our employees regarding the mechanics and regulatory
requirements of the stock offering process; and
o providing other general advice and assistance as may be requested to
promote the successful completion of the offering.
Trident Securities will receive, as compensation, a financial advisory
fee of $25,000, which was paid when Trident Securities was retained. Trident
Securities will also receive a success fee of $125,000 for stock sold in the
subscription and community offerings. For stock sold by other NASD member firms
under a selected dealer agreement if a syndicate of broker-dealers (selected
dealers) is formed to assist in the syndicated community offering, the
commission paid to those firms shall not exceed 6%. A syndicate will be formed
only with our consent.
Trident Securities will also be reimbursed up to $45,000 for its
out-of-pocket expenses, including the fees and expenses of its legal counsel. We
have agreed to indemnify Trident Securities, to the extent allowed by law, for
reasonable costs and expenses in connection with certain claims or liabilities,
including certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See
Pro Forma Data on page __ for further information regarding expenses of the
offering.
Restrictions on Transferability by Directors and Officers
Shares of the common stock purchased by our directors or officers
cannot be sold for a period of one year following completion of the offering,
except for a disposition of shares after death. To ensure this restriction is
upheld, shares of the common stock issued to directors and officers will bear a
legend restricting their sale. Any shares issued to directors and officers as a
stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise with respect to restricted stock will
be subject to the same restriction.
For a period of three years following the offering, our directors and
officers and their associates may not, without the prior approval of the OTS,
purchase our common stock except from a broker or dealer registered with the
SEC. This prohibition does not apply to negotiated transactions including more
than 1% of our common stock or purchases made for tax qualified or non-tax
qualified employee stock benefit plans which may be attributable to individual
officers or directors.
Restrictions on Agreements or Understandings Regarding Transfer of Common Stock
to be Purchased in the Offering
Before the completion of the offering, no depositor may transfer or
enter into an agreement or understanding to transfer any subscription rights or
the legal or beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock to be purchased
in the offering. Depositors who submit an order form will be required to certify
that their purchase of common stock is solely for their own account and there is
no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of their shares. We
intend to pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies
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after we become aware of any agreement or understanding, and will not honor
orders we reasonably believe to involve an agreement or understanding regarding
the sale or transfer of shares.
Effects of the Stock Offering
General. The stock offering will not have any effect on Synergy Bank's
present business of accepting deposits and investing its funds in loans and
other investments permitted by law. The stock offering will not result in any
change in the existing services provided to depositors and borrowers, or in
existing offices, management, and staff. After the stock offering, Synergy Bank
will continue to be subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the
OTS and the FDIC.
Deposits and Loans. Each holder of a deposit account in Synergy Bank at
the time of the stock offering will continue as an account holder in Synergy
Bank after the stock offering, and the stock offering will not affect the
deposit balance, interest rate, or other terms. Each deposit account will be
insured by the FDIC to the same extent as before the stock offering. Depositors
will continue to hold their existing certificates, savings records, checkbooks,
and other evidence of their accounts. The stock offering will not affect the
loans of any borrower from Synergy Bank. The amount, interest rate, maturity,
security for, and obligations under each loan will remain contractually fixed as
they existed prior to the stock offering.
Voting Rights. As a federally chartered stock savings bank, all voting
rights of Synergy Bank are held solely by its sole stockholder, Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. All voting rights of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. are
held solely by its sole stockholder, Synergy, MHC. All voting rights of Synergy,
MHC are held by the depositors of Synergy Bank at the applicable record date.
After the stock offering, the voting rights of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
will be held by stockholders. Synergy, MHC will own a majority of the
outstanding common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc., and thus the Board of
Directors of Synergy, MHC, which is comprised of the same individuals who are
directors of Synergy Financial Group, Inc., will control the affairs of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc, including the election of directors of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc.
Tax Effects. We have received an opinion from Malizia Spidi & Fisch,
PC, and from Fontanella and Babitts on the federal and New Jersey tax
consequences of the stock offering. The opinion has been filed as an exhibit to
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and covers those
federal tax matters that are material to the transaction. The opinion provides
that:
o we will recognize no gain or loss upon the receipt of money in
exchange for shares of common stock; and
o no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders and
Supplemental Eligible Account Holders upon the distribution to them of
the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of common
stock.
The opinion in the second bullet above is predicated on representations
from Synergy Bank, Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Synergy, MHC that no person
shall receive any payment, whether in money or property, in lieu of the issuance
of subscription rights. The opinion in the second bullet above is based on the
position that the subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock
received by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders
have a fair market value of zero. In reaching their opinion stated in the second
bullet above, Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC has noted that the subscription rights
will be granted at no cost to the recipients, will be legally non-transferable
and of short duration, and will provide the recipients with the right only to
purchase shares of common stock at the same price to be paid by members of the
general public in any community offering. Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC has also
noted that FinPro, Inc.
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has issued an opinion to the Board of Directors of Synergy Financial Group,
Inc., dated May 29, 2002, as described below, stating that the subscription
rights will have no ascertainable market value. FinPro, Inc. should not be
viewed as a tax expert, since its opinion states it did not undertake any
independent investigation of state or federal law or the position of the
Internal Revenue Service. Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC believes that it is more
likely than not that the fair market value of the subscription rights to
purchase common stock is zero.
In the opinion of FinPro, Inc., the subscription rights do not have any
ascertainable market value, based on the fact that such rights:
o are acquired by the recipients without payment;
o are nontransferable;
o are of short duration; and
o afford the recipients the right only to purchase the common stock at a
price equal to the estimated fair market value, which will be the same
price at which shares would be sold in a community offering of public
offering.
If the non-transferable subscription rights to purchase common stock
are subsequently found to have a fair market value, income may be recognized by
various recipients of the subscription rights (in certain cases, whether or not
the rights are exercised), and we may be taxed on the distribution of the
subscription rights.
We are also subject to New Jersey income taxes and have received an
opinion from Fontanella and Babitts that the stock offering will be treated for
New Jersey state tax purposes similar to the treatment of the stock offering for
federal tax purposes.
Unlike a private letter ruling from the IRS, the federal and state tax
opinions have no binding effect or official status, and no assurance can be
given that the conclusions reached in any of those opinions would be sustained
by a court if contested by the IRS or the New Jersey tax authorities. Eligible
Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are encouraged to
consult with their own tax advisers as to the tax consequences in the event the
subscription rights are determined to have any market value.
Amendment or Termination of the Plan of Stock Offering
If determined to be necessary or desirable by the Board of Directors,
the plan may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the full Board, with the
concurrence of the OTS. The plan may be terminated by the Board of Directors, by
a two-thirds vote with the concurrence of the OTS.
Conditions to the Offering
Completion of the offering is subject to:
1. the receipt of all the required approvals of the OTS for the issuance of
common stock in the offering, and
2. the sale of a minimum of 850,000 shares of common stock.
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If such conditions are not met before we complete the offering, all
funds received will be promptly returned with interest at Synergy Bank's regular
savings account rate and all withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. The
stock purchases of our officers and directors will be counted for purposes of
meeting the minimum number of shares.
RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
General
The principal federal regulatory restrictions which affect the ability
of any person, firm or entity to acquire Synergy Financial Group, Inc., Synergy
Bank or their respective capital stock are described below. Also discussed are
certain provisions in Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s charter and bylaws which
may be deemed to affect the ability of a person, firm or entity to acquire
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
Statutory and Regulatory Restrictions on Acquisition
The Change in Bank Control Act provides that no person, acting directly
or indirectly or through or in concert with one or more other persons, may
acquire control of a savings institution unless the Office of Thrift Supervision
has been given 60 days prior written notice. The Home Owners' Loan Act provides
that no company may acquire "control" of a savings institution without the prior
approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Any company that acquires such
control becomes a savings and loan holding company subject to registration,
examination and regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision. Pursuant to
federal regulations, control of a savings institution is conclusively deemed to
have been acquired by, among other things, the acquisition of more than 25% of
any class of voting stock of the institution or the ability to control the
election of a majority of the directors of an institution. Moreover, control is
presumed to have been acquired, subject to rebuttal, upon the acquisition of
more than 10% of any class of voting stock, or of more than 25% of any class of
stock of a savings institution, where certain enumerated "control factors" are
also present in the acquisition.
The Office of Thrift Supervision may prohibit an acquisition of control
if:
o it would result in a monopoly or substantially lessen competition;
o the financial condition of the acquiring person might jeopardize the
financial stability of the institution; or
o the competence, experience or integrity of the acquiring person indicates
that it would not be in the interest of the depositors or of the public to
permit the acquisition of control by such person.
These restrictions do not apply to the acquisition of a savings
institution's capital stock by one or more tax-qualified employee stock benefit
plans, provided that the plans do not have beneficial ownership of more than 25%
of any class of equity security of the savings institution.
For a period of three years following completion of the stock issuance,
Office of Thrift Supervision regulations generally prohibit any person from
acquiring or making an offer to acquire beneficial ownership of more than 10% of
the stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. or Synergy Bank without Office of
Thrift Supervision approval.
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Charter and Bylaws of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
The following discussion is a summary of certain provisions of the
charter and bylaws of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. that relate to corporate
governance. The description is necessarily general and qualified by reference to
the charter and bylaws.
Classified Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. is required by the charter and bylaws to be divided into
three staggered classes which are as equal in size as is possible. One class is
required to be elected annually by stockholders of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
for three-year terms, and classes are elected in series. A classified board
promotes continuity and stability of management of Synergy Financial Group,
Inc., but makes it more difficult for stockholders to change a majority of the
directors because it generally takes at least two annual elections of directors
for this to occur.
Authorized but Unissued Shares of Capital Stock. Following the stock
offering, Synergy Financial Group, Inc. will have authorized but unissued shares
of preferred stock and common stock. See Description of Capital Stock of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. on page __. Although these shares could be used by the
Board of Directors of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. to make it more difficult or
to discourage an attempt to obtain control of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, it is unlikely that
we would use or need to use shares for these purposes since Synergy, MHC owns a
majority of the common stock.
Special Meetings of Stockholders. Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s
charter provides that for a period of five years after completing the stock
offering, special meetings of stockholders may be called only by Synergy
Financial Group, Inc.'s Board of Directors, for matters relating to changes in
control of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. or amendments to its charter.
How Shares are Voted. Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s charter provides
that there will not be cumulative voting by stockholders for the election of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s directors. No cumulative voting rights means
that Synergy, MHC, as the holder of a majority of the shares eligible to be
voted at a meeting of stockholders, may elect all directors of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. to be elected at that meeting. This could prevent minority
stockholder representation on Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s Board of
Directors.
Restrictions on Acquisitions of Shares. Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s
charter provides that for a period of five years from the date of completion of
the mutual holding company reorganization of Synergy Bank in 2001, no person
other than Synergy, MHC may offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership
of more than 10% of any class of equity security of Synergy Financial Group,
Inc. This provision does not apply to any tax-qualified employee benefit plan of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. or to an underwriter or member of an underwriting
or selling group involving the public sale or resale of securities of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries so long as after the sale or
resale, no underwriter or member of the selling group is a beneficial owner of
more than 10% of any class of equity securities of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
In addition, during this five-year period, all shares owned over the 10% limit
may not be voted in any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote.
Procedures for Stockholder Nominations. Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s
bylaws provide that any stockholder wanting to make a nomination for the
election of directors or a proposal for new business at a meeting of
stockholders must send written notice to the Secretary of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. at least five days before the date of the annual meeting. The bylaws
further provide that if a stockholder wanting to make a nomination or a proposal
for new business does not follow the prescribed procedures, the proposal will
not be considered until an adjourned, special, or annual meeting of the
stockholders taking place 30 days
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or more thereafter. Management believes that it is in the best interests of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and its stockholders to provide enough time for
management to disclose to stockholders information about a dissident slate of
nominations for directors. This advance notice requirement may also give
management time to solicit its own proxies in an attempt to defeat any dissident
slate of nominations if management thinks it is in the best interest of
stockholders generally. Similarly, adequate advance notice of stockholder
proposals will give management time to study such proposals and to determine
whether to recommend to the stockholders that such proposals be adopted.
In addition to discouraging a takeover attempt which a majority of our
public stockholders might determine to be in their best interest or in which our
stockholders might receive a premium over the current market prices for their
shares, the effect of these provisions may render the removal of our management
more difficult.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
General
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. is authorized to issue 18,000,000 shares
of common stock, par value $0.10 per share and 2,000,000 shares of serial
preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share. We currently expect to have between
850,000 and 1,150,000 shares of common stock, subject to an increase to
1,322,500 shares, outstanding after the stock offering, not including shares
that will be held by Synergy, MHC. Upon payment of the purchase price shares of
common stock issued in the offering will be fully paid and non-assessable. Each
share of common stock will have the same relative rights as, and will be
identical in all respects with, each other share of common stock. The common
stock will represent non-withdrawable capital, will not be an account of
insurable type and will not be insured by the FDIC or any other governmental
agency. The Board of Directors can, without stockholder approval, issue
additional shares of common stock, although Synergy, MHC, so long as it is in
existence, must own a majority of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s outstanding
shares of common stock.
Common Stock
Distributions. Synergy Financial Group, Inc. can pay dividends if, as
and when declared by its Board of Directors, subject to compliance with
limitations which are imposed by law. See Dividend Policy on page __. The
holders of common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. will be entitled to
receive and share equally in such dividends as may be declared by the Board of
Directors of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. out of funds legally available
therefor. If Synergy Financial Group, Inc. issues preferred stock, the holders
thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to
dividends.
Voting Rights. The holders of common stock will possess exclusive
voting rights in Synergy Financial Group, Inc. The holder of shares of common
stock will be entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters subject to
stockholder vote and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election
of directors.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or
winding-up of Synergy Financial Group, Inc., the holders of the common stock
generally would be entitled to receive, after payment of all debts and
liabilities of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. (including all debts and
liabilities of Synergy Bank), all assets of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
available for distribution. If preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof
may have a priority over the holders of the common stock in the event of
liquidation or dissolution.
Preemptive Rights; Redemption. Because the holders of the common stock
do not have any preemptive rights with respect to any shares Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. may issue, the Board of Directors may sell shares of capital stock
of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. without first offering such shares to existing
stockholders. The common stock will not be subject to any redemption provisions.
Preferred Stock
We are authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of serial preferred
stock and to fix and state voting powers, designations, preferences, or other
special rights of preferred stock and the qualifications, limitations and
restrictions of those shares as the Board of Directors may determine in its
discretion. Preferred stock may be issued in distinctly designated series, may
be convertible into common stock and may rank prior to the common stock as to
dividends rights, liquidation preferences, or both, and may have full or limited
voting rights. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting
and other rights of holders of common stock.
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The authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock and the
authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of common stock will be available
for issuance in future mergers or acquisitions, in future public offerings or
private placements. Except as otherwise required to approve the transaction in
which the additional authorized shares of preferred stock would be issued, no
stockholder approval generally would be required for the issuance of these
shares.
LEGAL AND TAX OPINIONS
The legality of the issuance of the common stock being offered and
certain matters relating to the stock offering and federal and state taxation
will be passed upon for us by Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC, Washington, D.C. and
Fontanella and Babitts, Totowa Boro, New Jersey. Certain legal matters will be
passed upon for Trident Securities, a Division of McDonald Investments, Inc. by
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, Atlanta, Georgia.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
at December 31, 2001 and 2000 and for each of the years in the two year period
ended December 31, 2001 have been included in this prospectus in reliance upon
the report of Fontanella and Babitts, Totowa Boro, New Jersey, appearing
elsewhere in this prospectus, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
FinPro, Inc. has consented to the publication in this document of a
summary of its letter to Synergy Financial Group, Inc. setting forth its
conclusion as to the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock and
its conclusion as to the value of subscription rights and has also consented to
the use of its name and statements with respect to it appearing in this
document.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Our common stock will be registered with the SEC pursuant to Section
12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
We will be subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading
restrictions, tender offer rules, periodic reporting and other requirements of
the SEC under the Exchange Act. We will not deregister the common stock under
the Exchange Act for a period of at least three years following the stock
offering.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form SB-2 under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the common stock offered
in this document. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, this
document does not contain all the information set forth in the registration
statement. This information can be examined without charge at the public
reference facilities of the SEC located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549, and copies of the registration materials can be obtained from the
SEC at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of the
Public Reference Room by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an
Internet address ("web site") that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding registrants, including Synergy
Financial Group, Inc., that file electronically with the SEC. The address for
this web site is "http://www.sec.gov." The statements contained in this document
as to the contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the
Form SB-2 are, of necessity, brief descriptions, and each statement is qualified
by reference to the complete contract or document.
88
We have filed an application for approval of the stock issuance with
the OTS. This prospectus omits certain information contained in that
application. That information can be examined without charge at the public
reference facilities of the OTS located at 1700 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20552.
A copy of our charter and bylaws, as well as those of Synergy Bank and
Synergy, MHC, are available without charge from Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
Copies of the plan of stock issuance are also available without charge.
89
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Independent Auditors' Report F-1
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income F-3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes Stockholders' Equity F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8
Other schedules are omitted as they are not required or are not
applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial
statements or related notes.
Financial statements of Synergy, MHC have not been provided because it
has conducted no operations.
90
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fontanella and Babitts
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 534 Union Boulevard
Totowa, New Jersey 07512
Tel: (973) 595-5300
Fax: (973) 595-5890
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
----------------------------
To the Board of Directors
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition
of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2001 and
2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income,
changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/Fontanella and Babitts
January 31, 2002, except for Note 14
as to which the date is May 21, 2002
F-1
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
----------------------------------------------
March 31, December 31,
2002 ---------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Assets
Cash and amounts due from banks $ 1,919,030 $ 2,026,535 $ 1,688,012
Interest-bearing deposits with banks 23,318 1,680,969 4,450,733
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents 1,942,348 3,707,504 6,138,745
Investment securities: (Notes 1 and 2)
Held to maturity - - 2,491,382
Available for sale - - 5,951,626
Mortgage-backed securities: (Notes 1 and 3)
Held to maturity 12,098,061 7,152,853 9,759,008
Available for sale 49,537,547 43,894,168 20,023,331
Loans receivable, net (Notes 1 and 4) 261,433,472 224,688,651 189,097,936
Accrued interest receivable (Notes 1 and 5) 1,374,102 1,150,969 1,142,173
Property and equipment, net (Notes 1 and 6) 12,146,332 11,639,424 5,155,086
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost (Note 1) 2,605,000 1,550,000 1,985,000
Cash surrender value of officer life insurance 2,081,942 2,051,079 1,942,200
Deferred income taxes (Notes 1 and 10) 522,955 291,062 384,211
Other assets 1,186,485 836,888 671,469
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total assets $ 344,928,244 $ 296,962,598 $ 244,742,167
================ =============== ================
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits (Notes 1 and 7) $ 276,762,123 $ 249,813,341 $ 191,143,505
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances (Note 8) 41,500,000 22,500,000 31,500,000
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance 1,387,924 1,045,625 730,695
Accrued interest payable on advances 177,926 174,188 249,612
Other liabilities 2,460,978 1,039,073 756,225
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total liabilities 322,288,951 274,572,227 224,380,037
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) - - -
Stockholders' equity: (Note 11)
Preferred stock; $.10 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized;
issued and outstanding - none - - -
Common stock; $.10 par value, 18,000,000 shares authorized;
100 shares issued and outstanding (2001) 10 10 -
Paid-in-capital 99,990 99,990 -
Retained earnings 22,824,207 22,315,215 20,613,504
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) - unrealized loss
on securities available for sale, net of tax (284,914) (24,844) (251,374)
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total stockholders' equity 22,639,293 22,390,371 20,362,130
---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 344,928,244 $ 296,962,598 $ 244,742,167
================ =============== ================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
---------------------------------
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
---------------------------------- For the Year Ended
2002 2001 December 31,
---------------------------------
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Interest income:
Loans $ 4,341,156 $ 3,779,713 $ 15,974,762 $ 14,246,605
Investments - 129,191 354,583 585,597
Mortgage-backed securities 770,595 468,470 2,240,746 2,103,738
Other 3,048 48,991 383,721 24,402
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total interest income 5,114,799 4,426,365 18,953,812 16,960,342
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Interest expense:
Deposits (Note 7) 1,565,210 1,624,373 7,463,442 5,827,132
Borrowed funds 413,952 509,379 1,832,922 2,131,728
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total interest expense 1,979,162 2,133,752 9,296,364 7,958,860
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Net interest income before provision for
loan losses 3,135,637 2,292,613 9,657,448 9,001,482
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Provision for loan losses (Notes 1 and 4) 269,952 45,000 362,692 480,000
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Net interest income after provision for
loan losses 2,865,685 2,247,613 9,294,756 8,521,482
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Other income:
Gain on sale of loans - - 888,137 -
Dividend on FHLB stock 17,606 34,856 102,788 159,161
Gain/(loss) on sale of investments (6,250) - 4,596 -
Commissions (1,929) 68,457 270,166 614,683
Loan servicing fees 46,082 67,527 274,269 255,993
Other fees and service charges 222,126 209,570 884,585 753,559
Insurance investment 30,863 28,518 98,979 47,005
Other 10,346 17,773 108,879 99,260
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total other income 318,844 426,701 2,632,399 1,929,661
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Operating expenses:
Compensation and employee benefits 1,227,512 1,174,024 4,843,916 4,418,953
Office operations 582,180 543,034 2,264,544 2,037,306
Office occupancy 260,280 229,755 903,565 746,124
Professional and outside services 84,179 82,265 301,086 281,326
Education and promotion 73,438 80,362 363,573 321,907
Loan servicing 116,127 34,674 128,379 206,031
Deposit insurance 10,859 8,943 37,351 37,002
Other 55,491 162,461 159,068 160,634
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Total operating expenses 2,410,066 2,315,518 9,001,482 8,209,283
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Income before income tax expense 774,463 358,796 2,925,673 2,241,860
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Income tax expense (Notes 1 and 10) 265,471 120,790 1,023,962 711,628
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
Net income $ 508,992 $ 238,006 $ 1,901,711 $ 1,530,232
================ ================ =============== ================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
-----------------------------------------------
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, For the Year Ended
----------------------------- December 31,
2002 2001 --------------------------------
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2001 2000
----------- --------------- -------------- ---------------
Net income $ 508,992 $ 238,006 $ 1,901,711 $ 1,530,232
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on
securities available
for sale, net of income taxes (benefit)
of ($146,162), $122,319, $127,312, and
$357,268, respectively (260,070) 217,645 226,530 635,697
----------- --------------- -------------- ---------------
Comprehensive income $ 248,922 $ 455,651 $ 2,128,241 $ 2,165,929
=========== =============== ============== ===============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
----------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
Other
Common Paid-In Retained Comprehensive
Stock Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Total Equity
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Balance, December 31, 1999 $ - $ - $ 19,083,272 $ (887,071) $ 18,196,201
Net income for the year ended
December 31, 2000 - - 1,530,232 - 1,530,232
Change in unrealized loss on
securities available for sale,
net of tax - - - 635,697 635,697
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Balance, December 31, 2000 - - 20,613,504 (251,374) 20,362,130
Net income for the year ended
December 31, 2001 - - 1,901,711 - 1,901,711
Distribution to capitalize
Mutual Holding Company and
Stock Holding Company 10 99,990 (200,000) - (100,000)
Change in unrealized loss on
securities available for sale,
net of tax - - - 226,530 226,530
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Balance, December 31, 2001 10 99,990 22,315,215 (24,844) 22,390,371
Net income for the three months ended
March 31, 2002 (unaudited) - - 508,992 - 508,992
Change in unrealized loss on
securities available for sale,
net of tax (unaudited) - - - (260,070) (260,070)
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Balance, March 31, 2002 (unaudited) $ 10 $ 99,990 $ 22,824,207 $ (284,914) $ 22,639,293
================ =============== ================ ================ ================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
-------------------------------------
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, For the Year Ended
--------------------------------- December 31,
2002 2001 ----------------------------------
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 508,992 $ 238,006 $ 1,901,711 $ 1,530,232
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 178,261 170,897 735,525 682,485
Provision for loan losses 269,952 45,000 362,692 480,000
Deferred income taxes (85,731) 5,893 (34,163) (33,566)
Amortization of deferred loan fees (2,299) (12,309) (123,200) (201,379)
Amortization of premiums on investment and
mortgage-backed securities 90,753 17,188 83,292 38,510
Gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities (6,250) - (4,596) -
Gain on sale of loans - - (888,137) -
Increase in accrued interest receivable (223,133) 93,140 (8,796) (129,632)
Increase in other assets (349,597) (362,351) (165,419) (34,326)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 1,421,905 (102,891) 282,848 (474,763)
Increase in cash surrender value of officer life
insurance (30,863) (28,518) (108,879) (99,260)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable on
advances 3,738 1,954 (75,424) 120,952
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,775,728 66,009 1,957,454 1,879,253
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Loan originations, net of principal repayments (37,512,474) 1,677,681 (46,694,087) (23,192,590)
Purchase of loans - - (3,998,072) (3,011,250)
Purchase of investment securities - (1,000,000) (6,000,000) -
Purchase of mortgage-backed securities (19,978,937) (990,625) (36,904,849) -
Maturity and principal repayments of investment securities - 1,000,000 14,500,000 2,002,640
Principal repayments of mortgage-backed securities 6,893,365 1,403,134 14,848,321 7,103,208
Purchase of property and equipment (685,169) (406,513) (7,219,863) (909,566)
(Purchase) redemption of FHLB Stock (1,055,000) - 435,000 (635,000)
Proceeds from sale of mortgage-backed securities 2,006,250 - 1,010,000 -
Proceeds from sale of loans 500,000 - 15,750,089 -
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (49,831,965) 1,683,677 (54,273,461) (18,642,558)
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits 26,948,782 12,769,933 58,669,836 10,200,059
Net change in FHLB overnight lines of credit 4,850,000 - - -
Advances from FHLB 30,250,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 42,000,000
Repayment of advances from FHLB (16,100,000) - (12,000,000) (32,200,000)
Increases in advance payments by borrowers for taxes
and insurance 342,299 61,139 314,930 12,883
Capitalization of Mutual Holding Company - (100,000) (100,000) -
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 46,291,081 15,731,072 49,884,766 20,012,942
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONT'D)
----------------------------------------------
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, For the Year Ended
---------------------------------- December 31,
2002 2001 ---------------------------------
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,765,156) 17,480,758 $ (2,431,241) 3,249,637
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3,707,504 6,138,745 6,138,745 2,889,108
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,942,348 $ 23,619,503 $ 3,707,504 $ 6,138,745
================ ================ =============== ===============
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes $ 169,296 $ 79,000 $ 1,058,125 $ 918,440
================ ================ =============== ===============
Interest paid on deposits $ 1,565,547 $ 1,625,139 $ 7,467,619 $ 5,820,219
================ ================ =============== ===============
Interest paid on borrowed funds $ 410,214 $ 507,425 $ 1,908,346 $ 2,010,776
================ ================ =============== ===============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
(ALL DATA RELATED TO MARCH 31, 2002 AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2002 AND 2001 ARE UNAUDITED)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- -- ------------------------------------------
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. was organized in March 2001 for the purpose of
becoming the stock holding company for Synergy Federal Savings Bank and Synergy
Financial Services, Inc. All of the outstanding stock of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. is owned by Synergy MHC, a mutual holding company formed in March
2001 for that purpose.
Synergy Federal Savings Bank was formerly Synergy Federal Credit Union, and
converted from a credit union in May 1998.
Principles of Consolidation
- ---------------------------
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Synergy Federal Savings Bank and
Synergy Financial Services, Inc. (collectively the "Company"). All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Business
- --------
The Company's primary business is the operation of the Bank. The Bank provides
the usual products and services of banking such as deposits and mortgage,
consumer and commercial loans.
Basis of Presentation
- ---------------------
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. In preparing the consolidated
financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the
consolidated statements of financial condition and revenues and expenses for the
period. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in
the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses. In
connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management
generally obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
- -------------------------
The Company considers all cash on hand and in banks and highly liquid debt
instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.
Securities
- ----------
The Company classifies investment securities into the following categories: (a)
held to maturity, (b) available for sale, or (c) trading securities. Securities
for which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are
classified as held to maturity. The securities are stated at cost, adjusted for
amortization of premium and accretion of discount, using a method that
approximates the level yield method over the term of the investments.
Securities that may be held for an indefinite period of time are classified as
available for sale and reported at market value. Unrealized holding gains and
losses (net of related tax effects) on such securities are excluded from
earnings, but are included in equity. Upon realization, such gains or losses are
included in earnings using the specific identification method.
Trading account securities are carried at market value. Gains and losses
resulting from adjusting trading account securities to market value are included
in earnings. As of March 31, 2002, December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had
no trading securities.
F-8
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
- -- ------------------------------------------
Loans
- -----
The net amount of all loan origination and commitment fees, and certain loan
origination costs, are deferred and recognized over the life of the related
loans as an adjustment of yield.
The Company defines the population of impaired loans to include nonaccrual loans
in excess of $300,000. Smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively
evaluated for impairment, such as residential mortgage loans, are specifically
excluded from the impaired loan portfolio.
Interest income on loans is accrued and credited to interest income as earned.
The accrual of income on loans is discontinued when certain factors indicate
reasonable doubt as to the collectibility of such income. Income on such loans,
including impaired loans, is recognized only when subsequently collected. After
principal and interest payment are brought current, and future collectibility is
reasonably assured, loans are returned to accrual status.
Allowance for Loan Losses
- -------------------------
The provision for loan losses represents the amount which, in management's
judgment, is necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an
appropriate level. This judgment is based on past charge-off experience, current
delinquencies, the nature and characteristics of the loan portfolio, and general
economic conditions and trends.
Losses are provided for as soon as probability of loss is established, taking
into consideration such factors as the customer's financial condition,
underlying collateral, and guarantees.
Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. While
management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future
additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic
conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of
their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan
losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the
allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time
of their examination.
Concentration of Risk
- ---------------------
The lending activities are concentrated in loans secured by real estate located
in the State of New Jersey. In addition, a significant concentration of loans
and deposits continue to be associated with employees of the Bank's former
credit union sponsor organization, a pharmaceutical research and manufacturing
company. At March 31, 2002, approximately 30% of the loan portfolio and 40% of
total deposits were associated with individuals employed by this company.
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock
- ----------------------------------------
The Company, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLB"), is
required to hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB in an amount equal to the
greater of 1% of the outstanding balance of residential mortgage loans and
similar obligations or 5% of FHLB borrowings and advances.
Real Estate Acquired in Settlement of Loans
- -------------------------------------------
When properties are acquired through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of
foreclosure, they are transferred at estimated fair value, and any required
write-downs are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequently, such
properties are carried at the lower of the adjusted cost or fair value less
estimated selling costs. Estimated fair value of the property is generally based
on an appraisal. The Company maintains an allowance for real estate acquired in
settlement of loans for subsequent declines in estimated fair value. Certain
costs incurred in preparing properties for sale are capitalized. Expenses of
holding foreclosed properties, net of other income, are charged to operations as
incurred. Gains and losses from sales of such properties are recognized as
incurred.
Office properties and equipment
- -------------------------------
Depreciation on office properties and equipment, exclusive of land, is computed
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, improvements are capitalized,
and gains or losses on disposal are credited or charged to operations.
F-9
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
- -- ------------------------------------------
Income Taxes
- ------------
The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases. The tax ramifications are determined based upon the
enacted tax laws that will be in effect when the applicable liabilities are
anticipated to be satisfied. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax
rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Interest Rate Risk
- ------------------
The Company is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from
the general public and using these deposits, together with borrowings, and other
funds, to purchase securities and to make loans secured by real estate and, to a
lesser extent, consumer loans. The potential for interest-rate risk exists as a
result of the generally shorter duration of interest-sensitive liabilities
compared to the generally longer duration of interest-sensitive assets. In a
rising rate environment, liabilities will reprice faster that assets, thereby
reducing net interest income. For this reason, management regularly monitors the
maturity structure of the Company's interest sensitive assets and liabilities in
order to measure its level of interest-rate risk and to plan for future
volatility.
Financial Statement Presentation
- --------------------------------
Certain amounts in the 2000 consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the 2001 presentation.
2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
- -- ---------------------
HELD TO MATURITY:
- ----------------
December 31, 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Unrealized
Carrying --------------------------------- Fair
Value Gains Losses Value
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
U.S. Government obligations
Due after five through ten years $ 2,491,382 $ - $ 28,882 $ 2,462,500
=============== ================ ================ ===============
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
- ------------------
December 31, 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Unrealized
Amortized --------------------------------- Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
U.S. Government obligations
Due within one year $ 1,002,503 $ - $ 1,877 $ 1,000,626
Due after one through five years 2,996,870 - 19,630 2,977,240
Due after five through ten years 2,000,000 - 26,240 1,973,760
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 5,999,373 $ - $ 47,747 $ 5,951,626
=============== ================ ================ ===============
During the periods ended March 31, 2002, December 31, 2001 and 2000, there were
no sales of investment securities.
See Note 8 regarding investment securities pledged as collateral.
F-10
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
3. MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
HELD TO MATURITY:
- ----------------
March 31, 2002 (unaudited)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Unrealized
Carrying --------------------------------- Fair
Value Gains Losses Value
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
FNMA $ 4,171,709 $ 42,902 $ - $ 4,214,611
GNMA 3,185,482 30,355 - 3,215,837
FHLMC 1,016,817 58 - 1,016,875
CMO/REMIC 3,724,053 - 122,391 3,601,662
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 12,098,061 $ 73,315 $ 122,391 $ 12,048,985
=============== ================ ================ ===============
December 31, 2001
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Unrealized
Carrying --------------------------------- Fair
Value Gains Losses Value
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
FNMA $ 2,458,294 $ 37,104 $ - $ 2,495,398
GNMA 4,694,559 40,381 - 4,734,940
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 7,152,853 $ 77,485 $ - $ 7,230,338
=============== ================ ================ ===============
December 31, 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Unrealized
Gross Unrealized
Carrying --------------------------------- Fair
Value Gains Losses Value
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
FNMA $ 2,374,172 $ - $ 30,368 $ 2,343,804
FHLMC 820,934 - 12,082 808,852
GNMA 6,563,902 - 92,696 6,471,206
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 9,759,008 $ - $ 135,146 $ 9,623,862
=============== ================ ================ ===============
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
- ------------------
March 31, 2002 (unaudited)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Unrealized
Amortized --------------------------------- Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
FNMA $ 22,451,110 $ 88,931 $ 251,422 $ 22,288,619
FHLMC 12,440,122 26,872 92,986 12,374,008
CMO/REMIC 15,091,353 54,194 270,627 14,874,920
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 49,982,585 $ 169,997 $ 615,035 $ 49,537,547
=============== ================ ================ ===============
December 31, 2001
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Unrealized
Amortized --------------------------------- Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
FNMA $ 17,872,477 $ 103,130 $ 158,936 $ 17,816,671
FHLMC 10,636,551 25,892 165,344 10,497,099
CMO/REMIC 15,423,947 183,937 27,486 15,580,398
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 43,932,975 $ 312,959 $ 351,766 $ 43,894,168
=============== ================ ================ ===============
F-11
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
3. MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Cont'd)
- ------------------------------
AVAILABLE FOR SALE (Cont'd):
- ------------------
December 31, 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Unrealized
Amortized --------------------------------- Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
FNMA $ 6,617,015 $ 6,182 $ 58,806 $ 6,564,391
GNMA 2,841,894 - 35,754 2,806,140
CMO/REMIC 10,909,324 2,091 258,615 10,652,800
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 20,368,233 $ 8,273 $ 353,175 $ 20,023,331
=============== ================ ================ ===============
During the periods ended March 31, 2002 and 2001, and December 31, 2001 and
2000, proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities amounted to $2,006,250,
$-0-, $1,010,000 and $-0-, respectively. Gross realized gains amounted to
approximately $6,250, $-0-, $5,000 and $-0-, respectively.
See Note 8 regarding mortgage-backed securities pledged as collateral.
4. LOANS RECEIVABLE
- -- ----------------
March 31, December 31,
2002 --------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Mortgages
1-4 Family $ 177,509,320 $ 148,825,720 $ 127,003,753
5+ Family 9,682,581 5,281,089 1,841,437
Non-residential 17,108,173 13,762,776 230,441
Automobile 53,236,896 52,206,307 45,812,135
Credit card 20,791 30,075 6,968,708
Other loans 5,525,855 6,032,858 8,594,539
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
263,083,616 226,138,825 190,451,013
Deferred loan fees and costs (31,878) (78,353) (176,829)
Allowance for loan losses (1,618,266) (1,371,821) (1,176,248)
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 261,433,472 $ 224,688,651 $ 189,097,936
================ ================ ===============
A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses is as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31, Year Ended
--------------------------------- December 31,
2002 2001 --------------------------------
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2001 2000
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Balance - beginning of period $ 1,371,821 $ 1,176,248 $ 1,176,248 $ 994,941
Provision for loan losses 269,952 45,000 362,692 480,000
Recoveries 53,821 72,922 250,256 196,341
Loans charged off (77,328) (101,042) (417,375) (495,034)
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Balance - end of period $ 1,618,266 $ 1,193,128 $ 1,371,821 $ 1,176,248
=============== ================ ================ ===============
Loans serviced for the benefit of others amounted to $17,404,000, $17,677,000
and $1,858,000 at March 31, 2002, December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
F-12
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
4. LOANS RECEIVABLE (Cont'd)
- -- ----------------
See Note 8 regarding mortgage loans pledged as collateral to secure Federal Home
Loan Bank of New York advances.
5. ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE
- -- ---------------------------
March 31, December 31,
2002 --------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Loans $ 1,049,479 $ 872,060 $ 780,115
Mortgage-backed securities 304,787 259,529 164,389
Investment securities - - 163,511
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 19,836 19,380 34,158
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 1,374,102 $ 1,150,969 $ 1,142,173
================ ================ ===============
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
- -- ----------------------
March 31, December 31,
2002 --------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Land $ 782,370 $ 782,370 $ 782,370
Building and improvements 2,238,582 2,230,102 2,185,188
Furniture, equipment, and automobiles 4,534,125 4,284,051 3,933,814
Leasehold improvements 1,886,910 1,886,910 1,616,090
Property held for future office sites 6,980,509 6,553,894 -
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
16,422,496 15,737,327 8,517,462
Less accumulated depreciation
and amortization (4,276,164) (4,097,903) (3,362,376)
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 12,146,332 $ 11,639,424 $ 5,155,086
================ ================ ===============
7. DEPOSITS
- -----------
December 31,
March 31, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
--------------------------------- --------------------------------- --------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Amount Average Yield Amount Average Yield Amount Average Yield
---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Demand accounts:
Non-interest bearing $ 34,963,385 - $ 31,147,966 - $ 30,301,145 -
Interest-bearing 43,822,867 1.79% 40,810,786 2.00% 33,595,923 3.35%
---------------- --------------- ----------------
78,786,252 1.00% 71,958,752 1.13% 63,897,068 1.76%
Savings and club accounts 62,273,899 1.24% 56,816,270 1.24% 52,257,313 1.98%
Certificates of deposit 135,701,972 3.73% 121,038,319 4.41% 74,989,124 5.79%
---------------- --------------- ----------------
$ 276,762,123 2.39% $ 249,813,341 2.74% $ 191,143,505 3.40%
================ =============== ================
F-13
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
7. DEPOSITS (Cont'd)
- -----------
The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:
March 31, December 31,
2002 --------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
(In thousands)
Within one year $ 80,085 $ 78,845 $ 61,494
After one year to two years 46,226 34,082 8,643
After two years to three years 7,258 6,316 3,024
After three years to four years 620 522 941
After four years to five years 1,298 995 495
After five years 215 278 392
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 135,702 $ 121,038 $ 74,989
================ ================ ===============
Interest expense on deposits is as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31, Year Ended
--------------------------------- December 31,
2002 2001 --------------------------------
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2001 2000
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Savings $ 174,819 $ 246,041 $ 2,010,625 $ 2,225,794
Certificates of deposit 1,390,391 1,378,332 5,452,817 3,601,338
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 1,565,210 $ 1,624,373 $ 7,463,442 $ 5,827,132
=============== ================ ================ ===============
The aggregate amount of deposits with a balance of $100,000 and more was
approximately $46,994,000, $32,320,000 and $21,336,000 at March 31, 2002,
December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
8. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF NEW YORK ADVANCES
- -- -------------------------------------------
December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, 2002 (unaudited) 2001 2000
-------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Balance Average Rate Balance Average Rate Balance Average Rate
---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------
Term advances maturing during the following years:
2001 $ - - $ - - $ 10,500,000 6.53%
2002 6,000,000 4.05% 7,500,000 6.54% 6,000,000 6.93%
2003 6,500,000 5.74% 5,000,000 6.74% 5,000,000 6.74%
2004 2,000,000 3.37% - - - -
2005 1,000,000 5.92% 1,000,000 5.92% 1,000,000 5.92%
2007 4,000,000 3.06% - - - -
2008 9,000,000 5.20% 9,000,000 5.20% 9,000,000 5.20%
Overnight line of credit 4,850,000 1.91% - - - -
One-month lines of credit 8,150,000 1.71% - - - -
---------------- --------------- ----------------
$ 41,500,000 $ 22,500,000 $ 31,500,000
================ =============== ================
The advances that mature during 2008 include provisions that allow the interest
rate to adjust.
F-14
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
8. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF NEW YORK ADVANCES (Cont'd)
- -- -------------------------------------------
The advances are secured by the assignment of mortgage loans, investment
securities, and mortgage-backed securities.
9. PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN
- -- ------------------------------
The Company has in effect a trusteed profit sharing retirement plan which covers
all eligible employees and includes an employees' thrift savings plan
established under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k).
Contributions to the profit sharing retirement plan are at the discretion of the
Board of Directors. The Company's profit sharing retirement plan expense
amounted to $72,000, $61,000, $214,000 and $196,000, for the periods ended March
31, 2002 and 2001, and December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
10. INCOME TAXES
- --- ------------
The components of income taxes are summarized as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31, Year Ended
--------------------------------- December 31,
2002 2001 --------------------------------
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2001 2000
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Current tax expense:
Federal income $ 329,807 $ 104,409 $ 964,912 $ 667,545
State income 21,395 10,488 93,213 77,649
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
351,202 114,897 1,058,125 745,194
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
Federal income (82,796) 5,570 (27,132) (30,455)
State income (2,935) 323 (7,031) (3,111)
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
(85,731) 5,893 (34,163) (33,566)
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Total income tax expense $ 265,471 $ 120,790 $ 1,023,962 $ 711,628
=============== ================ ================ ===============
A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the statutory federal income tax
rate (34%) to the reported income tax expense is as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31, Year Ended
--------------------------------- December 31,
2002 2001 ---------------------------------
(unaudited) (unaudited) 2001 2000
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Expected federal income tax expense $ 263,317 $ 121,991 $ 994,729 $ 762,232
Increase (decrease) in federal income tax
expense resulting from:
State income tax, net of federal income tax effect 12,184 7,135 56,880 49,195
Other, net (10,030) (8,336) (27,647) (99,799)
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total income tax expense $ 265,471 $ 120,790 $ 1,023,962 $ $ 711,628
=============== ================ ================ ================
Effective rate 34% 34% 35% 32%
=============== ================ ================ ================
F-15
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
10. INCOME TAXES (Cont'd)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
March 31, December 31,
2002 -------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- --------------- -------------
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred loan fees, net of costs $ (43,281) $ (26,560) $ 19,596
Allowance for loan losses 285,064 196,392 134,588
Depreciation 101,782 101,782 89,870
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities 160,125 13,963 141,275
Other 19,265 5,485 (1,118)
---------------- ---------------- --------------
Net deferred tax asset $ 522,955 $ 291,062 $ 384,211
================ ================ ==============
11. REGULATORY MATTERS
- --- ------------------
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by
its primary federal regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "OTS").
Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory -
and possible additional discretionary - actions by regulators that, if
undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank and the consolidated
financial statements. Under the regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific
capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank's assets,
liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory
accounting practices. The Bank's capital amounts and classifications under the
prompt corrective action guidelines are also subject to the qualitative
judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other
factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total risk-based
capital and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (as defined in the
regulations), Tier 1 capital (as defined) to adjusted total assets (as defined),
and tangible capital to adjusted total assets (as defined). Management believes
that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
As of March 31, 2002, December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Bank is considered well
capitalized under regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be
categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total
risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios, as set forth in the
table below. There are no conditions or events that management believes have
changed the institution's prompt corrective action category.
The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are as follows:
OTS Requirements
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimal Capital For Classification
Bank Actual Adequacy As Well Capitalized
--------------------------------- --------------------------------- --------------------------------
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
March 31, 2002 (unaudited):
Total risk-based capital 24,387,000 10.76% 18,135,000 8.00% 22,669,000 10.00%
(to Risk Weighted Assets)
Tier 1 Capital 22,769,000 10.04% N/A N/A 13,602,000 6.00%
(to Risk Weighted Assets)
Tier 1 Capital 22,769,000 6.59% 13,810,000 4.00% 17,263,000 5.00%
(to Adjusted Total Assets)
Tangible Capital 22,769,000 6.59% 5,179,000 1.50% N/A N/A
(to Adjusted Total Assets)
F-16
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
11. REGULATORY MATTERS (Cont'd)
- --- ------------------
December 31, 2001:
Total risk-based capital $ 23,592,000 12.00% $ 15,731,000 8.00% $ 19,663,000 10.00%
(to Risk Weighted Assets)
Tier 1 Capital 22,220,000 11.30% N/A N/A 11,798,000 6.00%
(to Risk Weighted Assets)
Tier 1 Capital 22,220,000 7.48% 11,883,000 4.00% 14,853,000 5.00%
(to Adjusted Total Assets)
Tangible Capital 22,220,000 7.48% 4,456,000 1.50% N/A N/A
(to Adjusted Total Assets)
December 31, 2000:
Total risk-based capital 21,789,000 13.63% 12,793,000 8.00% 15,991,000 10.00%
(to Risk Weighted Assets)
Tier 1 Capital 20,613,000 12.89% N/A N/A 9,595,000 6.00%
(to Risk Weighted Assets)
Tier 1 Capital 20,613,000 8.40% 9,821,000 4.00% 12,276,000 5.00%
(to Adjusted Total Assets)
Tangible Capital 20,613,000 8.40% 3,683,000 1.50% N/A N/A
(to Adjusted Total Assets)
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
- --- -----------------------------
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in
the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers.
These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and unused
lines of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit
and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the financial
statements.
The Company uses the same credit policies and collateral requirements in making
commitments and conditional obligations as it does for recorded loans.
March 31, December 31,
2002 --------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Commitments to grant loans $ 28,123,000 $ 38,948,000 $ 3,321,000
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit 9,704,000 8,767,000 20,841,000
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
$ 37,827,000 $ 47,715,000 $ 24,162,000
================ ================ ===============
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers as long as
there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments
generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may
require payment of a fee. Since the commitments may expire without being drawn
upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash
requirements. The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a
case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by
the Company, upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit
evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies but primarily includes
residential properties located in New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area.
Lines of Credit
- ---------------
The Company has available an overnight line of credit in the amount of
$13,054,250 and a one-month overnight repricing line of credit in the amount of
$13,054,250 available from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Advances
under these lines of credit are subject to the terms and conditions of the
FHLB's overnight repricing advance program. The lines expire July 11, 2002, and
the Company had no outstanding borrowings, under these lines of credit, as of
December 31, 2001. At March 31, 2002, the Company had outstanding borrowings
against the overnight line of credit and the one-month overnight repricing line
of credit in the amount of $4,850,000 and $8,150,000, respectively.
F-17
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Cont'd)
- ----------------------------------
Lease Commitments
- -----------------
Rental expense under long-term operating leases for the Company's offices
amounted to $98,000, $92,000, $376,000 and $332,000 for the periods ended March
31, 2002 and 2001, and December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under the lease obligations were as follows:
March 31, December 31,
2002 ---------------------------------
(unaudited) 2001 2000
--------------- ---------------- ----------------
2001 $ - $ - $ 368,406
2002 277,519 369,938 369,938
2003 378,745 378,745 378,745
2004 406,529 406,529 406,529
2005 401,957 401,957 401,957
Thereafter 2,332,724 2,332,724 2,332,724
--------------- ---------------- ----------------
$ 3,797,474 $ 3,889,893 $ 4,258,299
=============== ================ ================
The Company also has, in the normal course of business, commitments for services
and supplies. Management does not anticipate any losses on any of these
commitments.
13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
- --- -----------------------------------
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" (SFAS 107), requires that the Company disclose
estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates,
methods and assumptions are set forth below for the Company's financial
instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
- -------------------------
For cash and due from banks, the carrying amount approximates fair value.
Investment Securities and Mortgage-backed Securities
- ----------------------------------------------------
The fair value of investment securities and mortgage-backed securities is
estimated based on bid quotations received from securities dealers, if
available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated
using quoted market prices of similar instruments, adjusted for differences
between the quoted instruments and the instruments being valued.
FHLB Stock
- ----------
The fair value for FHLB stock is its carrying value, since this is the amount
for which it could be redeemed. There is no active market for this stock, and
the Company is required to maintain a minimum balance based upon the greater of
the unpaid principal of home mortgage loans or its Federal Home Loan Bank
borrowings.
Loans Receivable
- ----------------
The fair value of loans receivable is estimated by discounting future cash
flows, using the current rates at which similar loans with similar remaining
maturities would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings.
Deposits
- --------
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing
demand deposits, savings, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount
payable on demand. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the
discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using
the rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities.
F-18
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont'd)
- ----------------------------------------
FHLB Borrowings
- ---------------
The fair value of FHLB borrowings is estimated by discounting future cash flows
using the current rates available for borrowings with similar maturities.
Commitments to Extend Credit and to Purchase or Sell Securities
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated using the fees
currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account, the
remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the
counterparties. For fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the
difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The
fair value of commitments to purchase or sell securities is estimated based on
bid quotations received from securities dealers.
The estimated carrying and fair values of the Company's financial instruments
are presented in the following table:
March 31, 2002 (unaudited) December 31, 2001 December 31, 2000
------------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Value Value Value Value Value Value
-------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
(in thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,942 $ 1,942 $ 3,708 $ 3,708 $ 6,139 $ 6,139
Investment securities - - - - 8,443 8,414
Mortgage-backed securities 61,636 61,587 51,047 51,125 29,782 29,647
Loans receivable 261,433 261,914 224,689 226,290 189,098 189,290
Accrued interest receivable 1,374 1,374 1,151 1,151 1,142 1,142
FHLB stock 2,605 2,605 1,550 1,550 1,985 1,985
Cash surrender value of
officer life insurance 2,082 2,082 2,051 2,051 1,942 1,942
-------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------
$ 331,072 $ 331,504 $ 284,196 $ 285,875 $ 238,531 $ 238,559
============== =============== =============== ================ ================ ============
Financial liabilities:
Deposits 276,762 277,405 249,813 251,306 191,144 191,232
FHLB advances 41,500 40,780 22,500 23,498 31,500 31,573
Advance payments by
borrowers for taxes and
insurance 1,388 1,388 1,046 1,046 731 731
Accrued interest payable 178 178 174 174 250 250
-------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------
$ 319,828 $ 319,751 $ 273,533 $ 276,024 $ 223,625 $ 223,786
============== =============== =============== ================ ================ ============
Off-Balance-Sheet financial
instruments:
Commitments to extend
credit $ 37,827 $ 37,827 $ 47,715 $ 47,715 $ 24,162 $ 24,162
============== =============== =============== ================ ================ ============
Limitations
- -----------
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant
market information and information about the financial instrument. These
estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering
for sale, at one time, the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial
instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's
financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding
future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk
characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These
estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of
significant judgment, and therefore, cannot be determined with precision.
Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
F-19
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont'd)
- ----------------------------------------
Fair value estimates are based in existing on- and off-balance-sheet financial
instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future
business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered
financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not
considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred tax assets and
premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the
realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on
fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
- --- -----------------
On April 12, 2002, Synergy Federal Savings Bank changed its name to Synergy
Bank.
On May 1, 2002, the Board of Directors adopted a plan of stock issuance pursuant
to which Synergy Financial Group, Inc. will sell a minority interest of its
common stock to eligible depositors of the Bank in a subscription offering and,
if necessary, to the general public if a community or a syndicated community
offering is held. The majority of the common stock will be owned by Synergy MHC.
The plan is subject to approval by the Office of Thrift Supervision.
F-20
================================================================================ ============================================
You should rely only on the information contained in this document. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This
document does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer
to buy, any of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction Up to 1,150,000 Shares
in which the offer or solicitation would be unlawful. The affairs of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries may change after the date of this
prospectus. Delivery of this document and the sales of shares made hereunder
does not mean otherwise. Synergy Financial Group,
Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Holding Company for Synergy Bank)
Page
Summary.........................................................................
Risk Factors.................................................................... [logo]
Use of Proceeds.................................................................
Dividend Policy.................................................................
Market for the Stock............................................................
Capitalization..................................................................
Pro Forma Data.................................................................. PROSPECTUS
Historical and Pro Forma Capital Compliance.....................................
Recent Developments.............................................................
Selected Financial and Other Data...............................................
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations................................
Business of Synergy Financial Group, Inc........................................ TRIDENT SECURITIES A Division
Business of Synergy, MHC........................................................ of McDonald Investments, Inc.
Business of Synergy Bank .......................................................
Regulation......................................................................
Taxation........................................................................
Management...................................................................... __________ __, 2002
The Stock Offering..............................................................
Restrictions on Acquisition of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.....................
Description of Capital Stock....................................................
Legal and Tax Opinions..........................................................
Experts.........................................................................
Registration Requirements.......................................................
Where You Can Find Additional Information.......................................
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements......................................
Until the later of ________ __, 2002, or 90 days after commencement of the THESE SECURITIES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR
offering, all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY
participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is INSURED OR GUARANTEED.
in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as
underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
================================================================================ ============================================
Interests in
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
401(K) Savings Plan and Trust
and
Offering of 269,653 Shares of
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share,
of
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
This prospectus supplement relates to the offer and sale to
participants in the Synergy Financial Group, Inc. 401(K) Savings Plan and Trust
of participation interests and shares of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
In connection with the initial public offering of common stock of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc., the plan has been amended to permit the
investment of plan assets in various participant directed investment
alternatives, including investment in the stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
You may direct the trustee of the plan to purchase the stock with plan assets
which are attributable to you as a participant. This prospectus supplement
relates to your decision whether or not to invest all or a portion of your plan
funds in Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock.
If you direct the trustee to invest all or a portion of your plan funds
in Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock in the initial public offering,
the price paid for such shares will be $10.00 per share. This price is the price
that will be paid by all other persons who purchase shares of Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. stock in the initial public offering.
If you direct the trustee to invest all or a portion of your plan funds
in Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock after the initial public offering,
shares purchased for your account in open market transactions, and the price
paid for such shares will be the market price at the time of the purchase, which
may be more or less than the initial public offering price of $10.00 per share.
The prospectus of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. dated ___________, 2002
which is attached to this prospectus supplement, includes detailed information
regarding Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock, and the financial
condition, results of operation, and business of Synergy. This prospectus
supplement provides information regarding the plan. You should read this
prospectus supplement together with the prospectus and keep both for future
reference.
Please refer to Risk Factors beginning on page __ of the prospectus.
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, the Office of Thrift Supervision, or any
other federal agency or any state securities commission, nor has such
commission, office, or other agency or any state securities commission passed
upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency.
The date of this prospectus supplement is , 2002.
-----------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Offering ................................................................... 1
Securities Offered .................................................... 1
Election to Purchase Stock in the Initial Offering ............. 1
Value of Participation Interests...................................... 1
Purchase Price of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Common Stock......... 1
Method of Directing Investments........................................ 1
Time for Directing Investment.......................................... 2
Irrevocability of Investment Direction................................. 2
Direction to Purchase the Stock After the Initial Offering............ 2
Nature of Each Participant's Interest in
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Common Stock ................... 2
Voting and Tender Rights of the Stock ................................. 3
Minimum Investment .................................................... 3
Description of the Plan ........................................................ 3
General ............................................................... 3
Eligibility and Participation ......................................... 4
Contributions and Benefits Under the Plan ............................. 4
Limitations on Contributions .......................................... 4
Investment of Plan Assets.............................................. 5
Performance of Previous Funds.......................................... 6
Performance of Employer Stock Fund................................... 6
Benefits Under the Plan............................................... 7
Withdrawals and Distributions From the Plan........................... 7
Administration of the Plan............................................ 8
Reports to Plan Participants........................................... 8
Amendment and Termination.............................................. 9
Merger, Consolidation, or Transfer.................................... 9
Federal Income Tax Consequences....................................... 10
Restrictions on Resale................................................. 10
SEC Reporting and Short-Swing Profit Liability ........................ 11
Additional Information ................................................ 11
Legal Opinions ................................................................. 11
Investment Election Form ..................................................Appendix A
Change of Investment Allocation Form ......................................Appendix B
Special Tax Notice Regarding Plan Payments.................................Appendix C
THE OFFERING
Securities Offered
The securities offered in connection with this prospectus supplement
are participation interests in the plan and shares of Synergy Financial Group,
Inc. common stock. Only employees of Synergy who meet the eligibility
requirements under the plan may participate. Information with regard to the plan
is contained in this prospectus supplement and information with regard to the
stock offering and the financial condition, results of operation, and business
of Synergy is contained in the attached prospectus.
Election to Purchase Stock in the Initial Offering
You may direct the trustee of the plan to invest all or part of the
funds in your account in the Employer Stock Fund. Based upon your election, the
trustees of the plan will subscribe for Synergy Financial Group, Inc. shares in
the initial offering. You also will be permitted to direct ongoing purchases of
the stock under the plan after the initial offering. See "Direction to Purchase
Stock After the Initial Offering." The plan's trustee will follow your
investment directions. Amounts not transferred to the Employer Stock Fund will
remain invested in the other investment funds of the plan as directed by you.
See "Investment of Plan Assets."
Value of Participation Interests
As of March 31, 2002, the total market value of the assets of the plan
equaled $2,696,527. The plan administrator has informed each participant of the
value of his or her account in the plan as of __________, 2002. The value of the
plan assets represents your past contributions to the plan, employer matching
contributions, profit-sharing contributions, plus or minus earnings or losses on
contributions, less withdrawals and loans. You may direct up to 100% of the
value of your account assets to invest in the Employer Stock Fund. However, in
connection with the initial offering of the stock, if you elect to purchase the
stock, you will be required to invest a minimum amount of your account assets in
the Employer Stock Fund.
Purchase Price of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Common Stock
The funds transferred to the Employer Stock Fund for the purchase of
the stock issued in the initial offering will be used by the trustee to purchase
shares of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock. The price paid for such
shares of the stock will be $10.00. This price is the price that will be paid by
all other persons who purchase shares of the stock in the initial offering.
Your account assets directed for investment in the Employer Stock Fund
after the initial offering shall be invested by the trustee to purchase shares
of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock in open market transactions. The
price paid by the trustee for shares of the Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common
stock in the initial offering, or otherwise, will not exceed "adequate
consideration" as defined in Section 3(18) of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act.
Method of Directing Investments
Appendix A of this prospectus supplement includes an investment
election form for you to direct a transfer to the Employer Stock Fund in the
initial offering of all or a portion of your account under the
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plan. Appendix B of this prospectus supplement includes Pentegra's change of
investment allocation form which is to be used to direct future contributions to
the Employer Stock Fund after the initial offering.
If you wish to invest all or part of your account in the Employer Stock
Fund in the initial offering, you need to complete Appendix A. Additionally, you
may indicate the directed investment of future contributions under the plan for
investment in the Employer Stock Fund. If you wish to direct investment of
future contributions in the Employer Stock Fund, you need to complete
Appendices A and B. If you do not wish to make an investment election, you do
not need to take any action.
Time for Directing Investment
The deadline for submitting your direction to invest funds in the
Employer Stock Fund in order to purchase the stock issued in the initial
offering is noon on _____________, 2002. If you want to invest in the Employer
Stock Fund, you must return the attached form to Ms. Janice L. Ritz of Synergy
by noon on _________, 2002.
After the initial offering, you will still be able to direct the
investment of your account under the plan in the Employer Stock Fund and in
other investment alternatives.
Irrevocability of Investment Direction
The direction to invest your plan funds in the Employer Stock Fund in
the initial offering cannot be changed after you have turned in your forms.
However, you will be able to direct your account to purchase the stock after the
initial offering by directing amounts in your account into the Employer Stock
Fund.
Direction to Purchase the Stock After the Stock Offering
Following completion of the stock offering, you will be permitted to
direct that a certain percentage of your interest in the Trust Fund (up to 100%)
be transferred to the Employer Stock Fund and invested in Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. common stock, or to the other investment funds available under the
plan. Alternatively, you may direct that a certain percentage of your interest
in the Employer Stock Fund be transferred to the Trust Fund to be invested in
the other investment funds available in accordance with the terms of the plan.
You can direct future contributions made to the plan by you or on your behalf to
be invested in the Employer Stock Fund. Following your initial election, the
allocation of your interest in the Employer Stock Fund may be changed daily by
filing a change of investment allocation form with the plan administrator or by
calling Pentegra's voice response unit at (800) 433-4422 and changing your
investment allocation by phone.
Nature of Each Participant's Interest in Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
Common Stock
The trustee will hold Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock in the
name of the plan. Each participant has an allocable interest in the investment
funds of the plan but not in any particular assets of the plan. Accordingly, a
specific number of shares of the stock will not be directly attributable to the
account of any individual participant. Dividend rights associated with the stock
held by the Employer Stock Fund will be allocated to the Employer Stock Fund.
Any increase (or decrease) in the value of the fund as a result of dividend
rights will be reflected in each participant's allocable interest in the
Employer Stock Fund.
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Voting and Tender Rights of the Stock
You will direct the trustee of the plan about how to vote your Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. shares. If you do not give voting instruction or tender
instruction to the trustee, the trustee will vote or tender those shares within
its discretion as a fiduciary under the plan or as directed by the plan
administrator.
Minimum Investment
The minimum investment of assets directed by a participant for the
purchase of the stock in the initial offering is $250.00, and investments must
be in increments of $10.00. Funds may be directed for the purchase of the stock
attributable to your account regardless of whether your account assets are 100%
vested at the time of your investment election. There is no minimum level of
investment after the initial offering for investment in the Employer Stock Fund.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
General
Synergy adopted a 401(k) plan effective July 1, 1991. Effective July 1,
2002, Synergy amended and restated its old plan into the new plan in order to
permit the investment of plan assets in Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common
stock. The new plan is a deferred compensation arrangement established in
accordance with the requirements under Section 401(a) and Section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code. The plan will be submitted to the IRS for a determination
by the IRS that the plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code and that its trust is qualified under Section 501(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Synergy intends for the plan, in operation, to comply
with the requirements under Section 401(a) and Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code. Synergy will adopt any amendments to the plan that may be
necessary to ensure the continued qualified status of the plan under the
Internal Revenue Code and other federal regulations.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The plan is an "individual
account plan" other than a "money purchase pension plan" within the meaning of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. As such, the plan is subject to all
of the provisions of Title I (Protection of Employee Benefit Rights) and Title
II (Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code Relating to Retirement Plans) of the
act, except the funding requirements contained in Part 3 of Title I of the act,
which do not apply to an individual account plan (other than a money purchase
plan). The plan is not subject to Title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of the
act. Neither the funding requirements contained in Part 3 of Title I of the act
nor the plan termination insurance provisions contained in Title IV of the act
will be extended to participants or beneficiaries under the plan.
Federal tax law imposes substantial restrictions on your right to
withdraw amounts held under the plan before your termination of employment with
Synergy. Federal law may also impose a 10% excise tax on withdrawals you make
from the plan before you reach the age of 59 1/2, regardless of whether the
withdrawal occurs during or after your employment with Synergy.
Full Text of Plan. The following portions of this prospectus supplement
are summaries of provisions in the plan. They are not complete and are qualified
in their entirety by the full text of the plan. You may obtain copies of the
full plan by sending a request to Ms. Janice L. Ritz at Synergy. You should
3
carefully read the full text of the plan document to understand your rights and
obligations under the plan.
Eligibility and Participation
You may participate in the plan on the first day of January, April,
July, or October after completing 1,000 hours of service during a 12-month
period with Synergy. As of __________, 2002, there were __ employees eligible to
participate in the plan and __ employees had elected to participate. The plan
year is January 1 to December 31.
Contributions and Benefits Under the Plan
Plan Participant Contributions. You are permitted amounts of not less
than 1% and not more than 50% of your annual base salary to the plan excluding
bonuses, commissions and overtime. You may change the amount of your
contributions at any time and your changes will be effective on the first day of
the following calendar quarter.
Synergy Contributions. Synergy may match your contribution to the plan,
but we are not obligated to match your contributions. Synergy currently matches
100% of your contributions up to 5% of your salary. Synergy contributions are
subject to revision by us.
Limitation on Contributions
Limitation on Employee Salary Deferral. Although you may contribute up
to 50% of your pay to the plan, federal tax law limits the dollar amount of your
annual contribution to $11,000 in 2002. The Internal Revenue Service
periodically adjusts this limit for inflation. Contributions in excess of this
limit and earnings on those contributions generally will be returned to you by
April 15 of the year following your contribution, and they will be subject to
regular federal income taxes.
Limitation on Annual Additions and Benefits. Under federal tax law,
your contributions and our contributions to the plan may not exceed the lesser
of 100% of your annual pay, or $40,000. Contributions that we make to any other
retirement program that we sponsor may also count against these limits.
Special Rules About Highly-Paid Employees. Special provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code limit contributions by employees who receive annual pay
greater than $90,000. If you are in this category, some of your contribution may
be returned if your contribution, when measured as a percentage of your pay, is
substantially higher than the contributions made by other employees.
If your annual pay is less than $130,000, we may be required to make a
minimum contribution to the plan of 3% of your annual pay if the plan is
considered to be a "top heavy" plan under federal tax law. The plan is
considered "top heavy" if, in any year, the value of the plan accounts of
employees making more than $130,000 represent more than 60 percent of the value
of all accounts.
4
Investment of Plan Assets
All amounts credited to your plan account are held in trust. A trustee
appointed by Synergy's Board of Directors administers the trust and invests the
plan assets. The plan offers the following investment choices:
S&P 500 Stock Fund: Invests in the stocks of a broad array of
established U.S. companies. Its objective is long-term: to earn higher returns
by investing in the largest companies in the U.S. economy.
Stable Value Fund: Invests primarily in Guaranteed Investment Contracts
and Synthetic Guaranteed Investment Contracts. Its objective is
short-to-intermediate term: to achieve a stable return over short to
intermediate periods of time while preserving the value of a participant's
investment.
S&P MidCap Stock Fund: Invests in the stocks of mid-sized U.S.
companies. Its objective is long-term: to earn higher returns which reflect the
growth potential of such companies.
Money Market Fund: Invests in a broad range of high-quality short-term:
instruments. Its objective is short-term: to achieve competitive short-term
rates of return while preserving the value of the participant's principal.
Government Bond Fund: Invests in U.S. Treasury bonds with maturities of
20 years or more. Its objective is long-term: to earn a higher level of income
along with the potential for capital appreciation.
Income Plus Asset Allocation Fund: Invests approximately 80% of its
portfolio in a combination of stable value investments and U.S. bonds. The
balance is invested in U.S. and international stocks. Its objective is
intermediate-term: to preserve the value of a participant's investment over
short periods of time and to offer some potential for growth.
Growth and Income Asset Allocation Fund: Invests in U.S. domestic and
international stocks, U.S. domestic bonds, and stable value investments. Its
objective is intermediate-term: to provide a balance between the pursuit of
growth and protection from risk.
Growth Asset Allocation Fund: Invests the majority of its assets in
stocks -- domestic as well as international. Its objective is long-term: to
pursue high growth of a participant's investment over time.
International Stock Fund: Invests in over 1,000 foreign stocks in 20
countries. Its objective is long-term: to offer the potential return of
investing in the stocks of established non-U.S. companies, as well as the
potential risk-reduction of broad diversification.
Russell 2000 Stock Fund: Invests in most, or all, of the same stocks
held in the Russell 2000 Index. Its objective is long-term: to earn high returns
in smaller U.S. companies by matching its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index.
S&P 500/Growth Stock Fund: Invests in most, or all, of the stocks held
in the S&P/BARRA Growth Index which are large-capitalization growth stocks. Its
objective is long-term: to match its benchmark, the S&P/BARRA Growth Index.
5
S&P 500/Value Stock Fund: Invests in most, or all, of the stocks held
in the S&P/BARRA Value Index which are large-capitalization value stocks. Its
objective is long-term: to match its benchmark, the S&P/BARRA Value Index.
Nasdaq 100 Stock Fund: The fund is intended for long-term investors
seeking to capture the growth potential of the 100 largest and most actively
traded non-financial companies on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Fund's benchmark
is the Nasdaq 100 Index.
Employer Stock Fund. The Employer Stock Fund invests primarily in the
common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
Performance of Previous Funds
The annual percentage return on these funds for calendar years 2001,
2000 and 1999 was approximately:
Fund 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
Money Market Fund 4.0% 6.2% 4.9%
Stable Value Fund 5.7% 5.8% 5.7%
Government Bond Fund 3.2% 21.0% (10.6%)
S&P 500 Stock Fund (12.3%) (9.6%) 20.4%
S&P MidCap Stock Fund ( 0.9%) 16.8% 14.3%
International Stock Fund (22.0%) (14.7%) 26.0%
Income Plus Asset Allocation Fund 1.7% 2.2% 7.4%
Growth Asset Allocation Fund (14.0%) (11.3%) 22.7%
Growth & Income Asset Allocation Fund (5.2%) (3.9%) 14.8%
Russell 2000 Stock Fund 2.0% 1.9% N/A
S&P 500/Growth Stock Fund (13.3%) (19.0%) N/A
S&P 500/Value Stock Fund (12.2%) 11.2% N/A
Nasdaq 100 Stock Fund (32.7%) (35.0%) N/A
Employer Stock Fund N/A N/A N/A
Performance of the Employer Stock Fund
The Employer Stock Fund is invested in the common stock of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, none of the
shares of common stock have been issued or are outstanding and there is no
established market for the Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock.
Accordingly, there is no record of the investment performance of the Employer
Stock Fund. Performance of the Employer Stock Fund depends on a number of
factors, including the financial condition and
6
profitability of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. and market conditions for Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. common stock generally.
Please note that investment in the Employer Stock Fund is not an
investment in a savings account or certificate of deposit, and such investment
in Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock through the Employer Stock Fund is
not insured by the FDIC or any other regulatory agency. Further, no assurances
can be given with respect to the price at which the stock may be sold in the
future.
Investments in the Employer Stock Fund may involve certain special
risks relating to investments in the common stock of Synergy Financial Group,
Inc. For a discussion of these risk factors, see "Risk Factors" beginning on
page __ of the prospectus.
Benefits Under the Plan
Vesting. The contributions that you make in the plan are fully vested
and cannot be forfeited. You vest in our matching contributions according to the
following schedule:
Number of Full Years of Service Vested Percentage
------------------------------- -----------------
1 20%
2 40%
3 60%
4 80%
5 or more 100%
Withdrawals and Distributions From the Plan
Withdrawals Before Termination of Employment. Your plan account
provides you with a source of retirement income. But, while you are employed by
Synergy, if you need funds from your account before retirement, you may be
eligible to receive either an in-service withdrawal, or (from your pre-tax
contributions) a hardship distribution or a loan. You can apply for a hardship
distribution or a loan from the plan by contacting Ms. Janice L. Ritz at
Synergy. In order to qualify for a hardship withdrawal, you must have an
immediate and substantial need to meet certain expenses, like a mortgage payment
or medical bill, and have no other reasonably available resources to meet your
financial need. If you qualify for a hardship distribution, the trustee will
make the distribution proportionately from the investment funds in which you
have invested your account balance. Hardship withdrawals (except for medical
expenses exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income) and in-service
withdrawals are subject to the 10% early distribution penalty. Loans are not
subject to the 10% early distribution penalty.
Distributions Upon Termination for Any Other Reason. If you terminate
employment with Synergy for any reason other than retirement, disability or
death and your account balance exceeds $500, the trustee will distribute your
benefits to you the later of the April 1 of the calendar year after you turn age
70 1/2 or when you retire, unless you request otherwise. You may elect to
maintain your account balance in the plan for as long as Synergy maintains the
plan or you may elect one or more of the forms of distribution available under
the plan. If your account balance does not exceed $500, the trustee will
generally distribute your benefits to you as soon as administratively
practicable following termination of employment.
7
Distributions Upon Disability. If you can no longer work because of a
disability, as defined in the plan, you may withdraw your total account balance
under the plan and have that amount paid to you in accordance with the terms of
the plan. If you later become reemployed after you have withdrawn some or all of
your account balance, you may not repay to the plan any withdrawn amounts.
Distributions Upon Death. If you die before your benefits are paid from
the plan, your benefits will be paid to your surviving spouse or designated
beneficiary.
Distributions of the Stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. If you
receive a distribution from the plan and assets under the plan have been
directed by you to be invested in the Employer Stock Fund, you may have those
assets distributed in kind in the form of stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
Form of Benefits. Payment of your benefits upon your retirement,
disability, or other termination of employment will be made in a lump sum
payment.
If you die before receiving benefits pursuant to your retirement,
disability, or termination of employment, your beneficiary will receive a lump
sum payment, unless the payment would exceed $500 and an election is made for
annual installments up to 5 years. Your spouse can receive payments for up to 10
years.
Nonalienation of Benefits. Except with respect to federal income tax
withholding and as provided with respect to a qualified domestic relations
order, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, benefits payable under the plan
shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer,
assignment, pledge, encumbrance, charge, garnishment, execution, or levy of any
kind, either voluntary or involuntary, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate,
sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, charge or otherwise dispose of any
rights to benefits payable under the plan shall be void.
Plan Loans. You may borrow money from the vested portion of your
account. The minimum amount you may borrow is $1,000. The maximum amount is 50%
of your vested account balance. You may never borrow more than $50,000 minus the
highest outstanding balance on any individual loan during the last 12 months.
You may take up to five years to repay a general purpose loan. If you
are using the loan to purchase your primary residence, a repayment period of 15
years is permissible. You must repay the loan through payroll deductions.
If you fail to make any loan repayment when due, your loan will be in
default. If such default occurs after the first 12 monthly payments of the loan
have been satisfied, the full amount of the loan will be due and payable within
60 days of the due date of the last monthly installment payment. If the
outstanding balance of the loan is in default and is not repaid in the
aforementioned time period, you will be considered to have received a
distribution of said amount.
Administration of the Plan
Effective July 1, 2002, Synergy will administer the plan. The Bank of
New York will serve as trustee and custodian for all investment funds under the
plan except the Employer Stock Fund. Janice L. Ritz, Kevin A. Wenthen and John
S. Fiore, will serve as trustees with respect to the Employer Stock Fund during
the initial public offering by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. After the stock of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. begins trading, the Bank of New York also will be
the trustee for the Employer Stock Fund.
8
The plan administrator is responsible for the administration of the plan,
interpretation of the provisions of the plan, prescribing procedures for filing
applications for benefits, preparation and distribution of information
explaining the plan, maintenance of plan records, books of account and all other
data necessary for the proper administration of the plan, and preparation and
filing of all returns and reports relating to the plan which are required to be
filed with the U.S. Department of Labor and the IRS, and for all disclosures
required to be made to participants, beneficiaries and others under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act.
The trustee receives and holds the contributions to the plan in trust
and distributes them to participants and beneficiaries in accordance with the
terms of the plan and the directions of the plan administrator. The trustee is
responsible for investment of the assets of the trust. The address of the plan
administrator and the trustee for the Employer Stock Fund is 310 North Avenue
East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016. The address of the Bank of New York is One
Wall Street, New York, New York, 10286.
Reports to Plan Participants
The plan administrator will furnish to each participant a statement at
least quarterly showing:
* the balance in your account as of the end of that period;
* the amount of contributions allocated to your account for that period; and
* the adjustments to your account to reflect earnings or losses (if any).
If you invest in the Employer Stock Fund, you will also receive a copy
of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s Annual Report to Stockholders and a proxy
statement related to stockholder meetings.
Amendment and Termination
It is the intention of Synergy to continue the plan indefinitely.
Nevertheless, Synergy, within its sole discretion may terminate the plan at any
time. If the plan is terminated in whole or in part, then regardless of other
provisions in the plan, you will have a fully vested interest in your accounts.
Synergy reserves the right to make, from time to time, any amendment or
amendments to the plan that do not cause any part of the trust to be used for,
or diverted to, any purpose other than the exclusive benefit of participants or
their beneficiaries; provided, however, that Synergy may make any amendment it
determines necessary or desirable, with or without retroactive effect, to comply
with Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
Merger, Consolidation, or Transfer
In the event of the merger or consolidation of the plan with another
plan, or the transfer of the trust assets to another plan, the plan requires
that each participant would (if either the plan or the other plan then
terminated) receive a benefit immediately after the merger, consolidation, or
transfer that is equal to or greater than the benefit he or she would have been
entitled to receive immediately before the merger, consolidation, or transfer
(if the plan had then terminated).
9
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion is only a brief summary of certain federal
income tax aspects of the plan. You should not rely on this summary as a
complete or definitive description of the material federal income tax
consequences relating to the plan. At the time you receive a distribution from
the plan, you will receive a tax notice which conforms to the IRS safe harbor
explanation of the distribution in accordance with IRS Notice 2002-3. The tax
rules that affect your benefits under the plan change frequently and may vary
based on your individual situation. This summary also does not discuss how state
or local tax laws affect your plan benefits. We urge you to consult your tax
advisor with respect to any distribution from the plan and transactions
involving the plan.
Federal tax law provides the participants under the plan with a number
of special benefits:
(1) you pay no current income tax on your contributions or Synergy
contributions; and
(2) the earnings on your plan accounts are not taxable until you receive a
distribution.
These benefits are conditioned on the plan's compliance with special
requirements of federal tax law. We intend to satisfy all of the rules that
apply to the plan. However, if the rules are not satisfied, the special tax
benefits available to the plan may be lost.
Special Distribution Rules. If you turned 50 before 1986, you may be
eligible to spread the taxes on the distribution over as much as 10 years. You
should consult with your tax advisor to determine if you are eligible for this
special tax benefit and whether it is appropriate to your financial needs.
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Common Stock Included in Lump Sum
Distribution. If a distribution of all of your benefits includes shares of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock, you will generally not be taxed on
the increase in the value of the stock since its purchase until you sell the
stock. You will be taxed on the amount of the distribution equal to your
original cost for the stock when you receive your distribution.
Distributions: Rollovers and Direct Transfers to Another Qualified Plan
or to an IRA. You may roll over virtually all distributions from the plan to
retirement programs sponsored by other employers or to an individual retirement
account. We will provide you with detailed information on how to roll over a
distribution when you are eligible to receive benefits under the plan.
Restrictions on Resale
If you are an "affiliate" of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. or Synergy
Bank, you may be subject to special rules under federal securities laws that
affect your ability to sell shares you hold in the Employer Stock Fund.
Directors, officers and substantial shareholders of Synergy Financial Group,
Inc. are generally considered "affiliates." Any person who may be an "affiliate"
of Synergy may wish to consult with counsel before transferring any common stock
they own. If you are not considered an "affiliate" of Synergy you may freely
sell any shares of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock distributed to you
under the plan, either publicly or privately.
10
SEC Reporting and Short-Swing Profit Liability
If you are an officer, director or more than 10% owner of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc., you may be required to report purchases and sales of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock through the plan to the Securities
and Exchange Commission. In addition, you may be subject to special rules that
provide for the recovery by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. of profits realized by
an officer, director or a more than 10% owner from the purchase and sale or sale
and purchase of the common stock within any six-month period. However, the rules
except many transactions involving the plan from the reporting and profit
recovery rules. You should consult with us regarding the impact of these rules
on your transactions involving Synergy Financial Group, Inc. common stock.
Additional Information
This prospectus supplement dated _____________, 2002, is part of the
prospectus of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. dated __________, 2002. This
prospectus supplement shall be delivered to plan participants together with the
prospectus and is not complete unless it is accompanied by the prospectus.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of the issuance of the common stock will be passed upon by
Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC, Washington, D.C., which acted as special counsel for
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. in connection with the initial public offering by
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
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Appendix-A: Investment Election Form
Appendix-A
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SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 401(K) SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
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Participant Voluntary Investment Election Form
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Name of Plan Participant:
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Social Security Number:
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1. Instructions.
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In connection with the initial public offering of Synergy Financial
Group Inc., Synergy has adopted the Synergy Financial Group, Inc. 401(K) Savings
Plan and Trust to permit plan participants to direct all, or a portion, of the
assets attributable to their participant accounts into a new fund: the Employer
Stock Fund. The assets attributable to a participant's account that are
transferred at the direction of the participant into the Employer Stock Fund
will be used to purchase shares of common stock of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
to be issued in the initial stock offering of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
To direct a transfer of all or a part of the funds credited to your
account to the Employer Stock Fund, you should complete this form and return it
to Janice L. Ritz, at 310 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016 who will
retain this form and return a copy to you. If you need any assistance in
completing this form, please contact Janice L. Ritz at (908) 272-3838. If you do
not complete and return this form by ___________, 2002, at noon, the funds
credited to your account under the plan will continue to be invested in
accordance with your prior investment direction, or in accordance with the terms
of the plan if no investment direction has been provided.
2. Investment Directions.
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As a participant in the plan, I hereby voluntarily elect to direct the
trustee of the plan to invest the below indicated dollar sum of my participant
account balance under the plan as indicated below.
I hereby voluntarily elect and request to direct investment of the
below indicated dollar amount of my participant account funds for the purchase
of the common stock to be issued in Synergy Financial Group, Inc.'s initial
offering (minimum investment of $250.00; rounded to the nearest $10.00
increment; maximum investment permissible is 25,000 shares of common stock being
offered or $250,000): $___________. Enter your $ level of requested purchase
through the plan. Such amount may not exceed the vested portion of assets held
under the plan for you. Please note that the actual number of shares of common
stock purchased on your behalf under the plan may be limited or reduced in
accordance with the plan of stock issuance of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
based upon the total number of shares of common stock subscribed for by other
parties.
All other funds in my participant account will remain invested as
previously requested. All future contributions under the plan will continue to
be invested as previously requested or as revised by me at a later date.
3. Acknowledgment.
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I fully understand that this self-directed portion of my participant
account does not share in the overall net earnings, gains, losses, and
appreciation or depreciation in the value of assets held by the plan's other
investment funds, but only in my account's allocable portion of such items from
the directed investment account invested in the common stock. I understand that
the plan's trustee, in complying with this election and in following my
directions for the investment of my account, is not responsible or liable in any
way for the expenses or losses that may be incurred by my account assets
invested in common stock under the Employer Stock Fund.
I further understand that this one time election shall become
irrevocable by me upon execution and submission of this Investment Form. Only
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properly signed forms delivered to the plan trustee on or before ,
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2002, at noon, will be honored.
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The undersigned participant acknowledges that he or she has received
the prospectus of the Synergy Financial Group, Inc., dated _________, 2002, the
prospectus supplement dated __________, 2002, regarding the Synergy Financial
Group, Inc. 401(K) Savings Plan and Trust as adopted by Synergy Financial Group,
Inc. and this Investment Form. The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the
shares of common stock to be purchased with the funds noted above are not
savings accounts or deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, Bank Insurance Fund, the Savings Association Insurance
Fund, or any other governmental agency. Investment in the common stock will
expose the undersigned to the investment risks and potential fluctuations in the
market price of the common stock. Investment in the common stock does not offer
any guarantees regarding maintenance of the principal value of such investment
or any projections or guarantees associated with future value or dividend
payments with respect to the common stock. The undersigned hereby voluntarily
makes and consents to this investment election and voluntarily signed his (her)
name as of the date listed below. If you so elect, you may choose not to make
any investment decision at this time.
I UNDERSTAND THAT BY EXECUTING THIS ORDER I DO NOT WAIVE ANY RIGHTS AFFORDED TO
ME BY THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
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Witness Date Participant Date
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Witness Date Participant's Spouse Date
For the Trustee For the Plan Administrator
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Date Date
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Appendix-B: Change of Investment Allocation Form
Appendix-B
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Change of Investment Allocation Form
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
CHANGE OF INVESTMENT ALLOCATION
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1. Member Data
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Print your full name above (Last, first, middle initial) Social Security Number
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Street Address City State Zip
2. Instructions
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. 401(K) Savings Plan and Trust is giving members a
special opportunity to invest their 401(k) account balances in a new investment
fund - the Employer Stock Fund - which is comprised primarily of common stock
issued by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. in connection with the initial stock
offering of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. The percentage of a member's account
transferred at the direction of the member into the Employer Stock Fund will be
used to purchase shares of the common stock during the initial offering of
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Please review the prospectus and the prospectus
supplement before making any decision.
In the event of an oversubscription in the offering so that the total amount you
allocate to the Employer Stock Fund can not be used by the trustee to purchase
the common stock, your account will be reinvested in the other funds of the plan
as previously directed in your last investment election.
Investing in the common stock entails some risks, and we encourage you to
discuss this investment decision with your spouse and investment advisor. The
plan trustee and the plan administrator are not authorized to make any
representations about this investment other than what appears in the prospectus
and prospectus supplement, and you should not rely on any information other than
what is contained in the prospectus and prospectus supplement. For a discussion
of certain factors that should be considered by each member in deciding whether
to invest in the common stock, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page __ of the
prospectus. Any shares purchased by the plan pursuant to your election will be
subject to the conditions or restrictions otherwise applicable to the common
stock, as discussed in the prospectus and prospectus supplement.
3. Investment Directions (Applicable to Accumulated Balances Only)
To direct a transfer of all or part of the funds credited to your
accounts to the Employer Stock Fund, you should complete and file this form with
Janice L. Ritz, Vice President of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. no later than
__________, 2002 at noon. If you need any assistance in completing this form,
please contact Ms. Ritz at (908) 272-3838. If you do not complete and return
this form to Ms. Ritz by _______, 2002 at noon, the funds credited to your
account under the plan will continue to be invested in accordance with your
prior investment direction, or in accordance with the terms of the plan if no
investment direction has been provided by you.
I hereby revoke any previous investment direction and now direct that the market
value of the units that I have invested in the following funds, to the extent
permissible, be transferred out of the specified fund and invested (in whole
percentages) in the Employer Stock Fund as follows:
Percentage
Fund to be transferred
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S&P 500 Stock Fund ____ %
Russell 2000 Stock Fund ____ %
S&P 500/Growth Stock Fund ____ %
S&P 500/Value Stock Fund ____ %
Stable Value Fund ____ %
S&P MidCap Stock Fund ____ %
Money Market Fund ____ %
Government Bond Fund ____ %
International Stock Fund ____ %
Income Plus Fund ____ %
Growth & Income Fund ____ %
Growth Fund ____ %
Employer Stock Fund ____ %
Nasdaq 100 Stock Fund ____ %
Total (Important!) ____ %
Note: The total amount transferred may not exceed the total value of
your accounts.
4. Investment Directions (Applicable to Future Contributions Only) I hereby
revoke any previous investment instructions and now direct that any future
contributions and/or loan repayments, if any, made by me or on my behalf by
Synergy Financial Group, Inc. including those contributions and/or repayments
received by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. 401(K) Savings Plan and Trust during
the same reporting period as this form, be invested in the following funds (in
whole percentages). If I elect to invest in the common stock of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc., such future contributions or loan repayments, if any,
will be invested in the Employer Stock Fund the month following the conclusion
of the stock offering. Please read "Notes" on the following page before
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completing.
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Fund Percentage
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S&P 500 Stock Fund ____ %
Russell 2000 Stock Fund ____ %
S&P 500/Growth Stock Fund ____ %
S&P 500/Value Stock Fund ____ %
Stable Value Fund ____ %
S&P MidCap Stock Fund ____ %
Money Market Fund ____ %
Government Bond Fund ____ %
International Stock Fund ____ %
Income Plus Fund ____ %
Growth & Income Fund ____ %
Growth Fund ____ %
Employer Stock Fund ____ %
Nasdaq 100 Stock Fund ____ %
Total (Important!) 100%
Notes: No amounts invested in the Stable Value Fund may be transferred
directly to the Money Market Fund. Stable Value Fund amounts invested
in the S&P 500 Stock Fund, Russell 2000 Stock Fund, S&P 500/Growth
Stock Fund, S&P 500/Value Stock Fund, S&P MidCap Stock Fund, Government
Bond Fund, International Stock Fund, Income Plus Fund, Growth & Income
Fund, Growth Fund, Nasdaq 100 Stock Fund and/or Employer Stock Fund,
for a period of three months may be transferred to the Money Market
Fund upon the submission of a separate Change of Investment Allocation
Form. The percentage that can be transferred to the Money Market Fund
may be limited by any amounts previously transferred from the Stable
Value Fund that have not satisfied the equity wash requirement. Such
amounts will remain in either the S&P 500 Stock Fund, Russell 2000
Stock Fund, S&P 500/Growth Stock Fund, S&P 500/Value Stock Fund, S&P
MidCap Stock Fund, Government Bond Fund, International Stock Fund,
Income Plus Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Growth Fund, Nasdaq 100 Stock
Fund and/or Employer Stock Fund and a separate direction to transfer
them to the Money Market Fund will be required when they become
available.
5. Participant Signature and Acknowledgment - Required By signing this Change of
Investment Allocation form, I authorize and direct the plan administrator and
trustee to carry out my instructions. If investing in the Employer Stock Fund, I
acknowledge that I have been provided with and read a copy of the prospectus and
prospectus supplement relating to the issuance of the common stock. I am aware
of the risks involved in the investment in the common stock, and understand that
the trustee and plan administrator are not responsible for my choice of
investment.
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MEMBER'S SIGNATURE
I understand that the above directed change(s) will be processed within one to
five days of the form being received by the Thrift Plan Office. I further
understand that if I do not complete either Section 3 or Section 4, no change
will be made to my current directions for future contributions or accumulated
balances, respectively.
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Signature of Member Date
Pentegra Services, Inc. is hereby authorized to make the above listed change(s)
to this member's record.
On behalf of the above named member, I certify that the signature above is that
of the participant making this request.
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Signature of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Date
Authorized Representative
Please complete and return by noon on ________, 2002.
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Appendix-C: Special Tax Notice Regarding Plan Payments
Appendix-C
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SPECIAL TAX NOTICE REGARDING PLAN PAYMENTS
This notice explains how you can continue to defer federal income tax
on your retirement savings in the Synergy Financial Group, Inc. Employees'
401(K) Savings Plan and Trust (the "Plan") and contains important information
you will need before you decide how to receive your Plan benefits.
This notice is provided to you by Synergy Financial Group, Inc. (your
"Plan Administrator") because all or part of the payment that you will soon
receive from the Plan may be eligible for rollover by you or your Plan
Administrator to a traditional IRA or an eligible employer plan. A rollover is a
payment by you or the Plan Administrator of all or part of your benefit to
another plan or IRA that allows you to continue to postpone taxation of that
benefit until it is paid to you. Your payment cannot be rolled over to a Roth
IRA, a SIMPLE IRA, or a Coverdell Education Savings Account (formerly known as
an education IRA). An "eligible employer plan" includes a plan qualified under
section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, including a 401(k) plan,
profit-sharing plan, defined benefit plan, stock bonus plan, and money purchase
plan; a section 403(a) annuity plan; a section 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity; and
an eligible section 457(b) plan maintained by a governmental employer
(governmental 457 plan).
An eligible employer plan is not legally required to accept a rollover.
Before you decide to roll over your payment to another employer plan, you should
find out whether the plan accepts rollovers and, if so, the types of
distributions it accepts as a rollover. You should also find out about any
documents that are required to be completed before the receiving plan will
accept a rollover. Even if a plan accepts rollovers, it might not accept
rollovers of certain types of distributions, such as after-tax amounts. If this
is the case, and your distribution includes after-tax amounts, you may wish
instead to roll your distribution over to a traditional IRA or split your
rollover amount between the employer plan in which you will participate and a
traditional IRA. If an employer plan accepts your rollover, the plan may
restrict subsequent distributions of the rollover amount or may require your
spouse's consent for any subsequent distribution. A subsequent distribution from
the plan that accepts your rollover may also be subject to different tax
treatment than distributions from this Plan. Check with the administrator of the
plan that is to receive your rollover prior to making the rollover.
If you have additional questions after reading this notice, you can
contact your plan administrator at (908) 272-3828.
SUMMARY
There are two ways you may be able to receive a Plan payment that is
eligible for rollover:
(1) Certain payments can be made directly to a traditional IRA that you
establish or to an eligible employer plan that will accept it and hold it for
your benefit ("DIRECT ROLLOVER"); or
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(2) The payment can be PAID TO YOU.
If you choose a DIRECT ROLLOVER:
* Your payment will not be taxed in the current year and no income tax
will be withheld.
* You choose whether your payment will be made directly to your
traditional IRA or to an eligible employer plan that accepts your rollover. Your
payment cannot be rolled over to a Roth IRA, a SIMPLE IRA, or a Coverdell
Education Savings Account because these are not traditional IRAs.
* The taxable portion of your payment will be taxed later when you take
it out of the traditional IRA or the eligible employer plan. Depending on the
type of plan, the later distribution may be subject to different tax treatment
than it would be if you received a taxable distribution from this Plan.
If you choose to have a Plan payment that is eligible for rollover PAID
TO YOU:
* You will receive only 80% of the taxable amount of the payment,
because the Plan Administrator is required to withhold 20% of that amount and
send it to the IRS as income tax withholding to be credited against your taxes.
* The taxable amount of your payment will be taxed in the current year
unless you roll it over. Under limited circumstances, you may be able to use
special tax rules that could reduce the tax you owe. However, if you receive the
payment before age 59 1/2, you may have to pay an additional 10% tax.
* You can roll over all or part of the payment by paying it to your
traditional IRA or to an eligible employer plan that accepts your rollover
within 60 days after you receive the payment. The amount rolled over will not be
taxed until you take it out of the traditional IRA or the eligible employer
plan.
* If you want to roll over 100% of the payment to a traditional IRA or
an eligible employer plan, you must find other money to replace the 20% of the
taxable portion that was withheld. If you roll over only the 80% that you
received, you will be taxed on the 20% that was withheld and that is not rolled
over.
YOUR RIGHT TO WAIVE THE 30-DAY NOTICE PERIOD. Generally, neither a
direct rollover nor a payment can be made from the Plan until at least 30 days
after your receipt of this notice. Thus, after receiving this notice, you have
at least 30 days to consider whether or not to have your withdrawal directly
rolled over. If you do not wish to wait until this 30-day notice period ends
before your election is processed, you may waive the notice period by making an
affirmative election indicating whether or not you wish to make a direct
rollover. Your withdrawal will then be processed in accordance with your
election as soon as practical after it is received by the Plan Administrator.
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MORE INFORMATION
I. PAYMENTS THAT CAN AND CANNOT BE ROLLED OVER
II. DIRECT ROLLOVER
III. PAYMENT PAID TO YOU
IV. SURVIVING SPOUSES, ALTERNATE PAYEES, AND OTHER BENEFICIARIES
I. PAYMENTS THAT CAN AND CANNOT BE ROLLED OVER
Payments from the Plan may be "eligible rollover distributions." This
means that they can be rolled over to a traditional IRA or to an eligible
employer plan that accepts rollovers. Payments from a plan cannot be rolled over
to a Roth IRA, a SIMPLE IRA, or a Coverdell Education Savings Account. Your Plan
Administrator should be able to tell you what portion of your payment is an
eligible rollover distribution.
The following types of payments cannot be rolled over:
PAYMENTS SPREAD OVER LONG PERIODS. You cannot roll over a payment if it
is part of a series of equal (or almost equal) payments that are made at least
once a year and that will last for:
* your lifetime (or a period measured by your life expectancy), or
* your lifetime and your beneficiary's lifetime (or a period measured
by your joint life expectancies), or
* a period of 10 years or more.
REQUIRED MINIMUM PAYMENTS. Beginning when you reach age 70 1/2 or
retire, whichever is later, a certain portion of your payment cannot be rolled
over because it is a "required minimum payment" that must be paid to you.
Special rules apply if you own more than 5% of your employer.
HARDSHIP DISTRIBUTIONS. A hardship distribution cannot be rolled over.
ESOP DIVIDENDS. Cash dividends paid to you on employer stock held in an
employee stock ownership plan cannot be rolled over.
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CORRECTIVE DISTRIBUTIONS. A distribution that is made to correct a
failed nondiscrimination test or because legal limits on certain contributions
were exceeded cannot be rolled over.
LOANS TREATED AS DISTRIBUTIONS. The amount of a plan loan that becomes
a taxable deemed distribution because of a default cannot be rolled over.
However, a loan offset amount is eligible for rollover, as discussed in Part III
below. Ask the Plan Administrator of this Plan if distribution of your loan
qualifies for rollover treatment.
The Plan Administrator of this Plan should be able to tell you if your
payment includes amounts which cannot be rolled over.
II. DIRECT ROLLOVER
A DIRECT ROLLOVER is a direct payment of the amount of your Plan
benefits to a traditional IRA or an eligible employer plan that will accept it.
You can choose a DIRECT ROLLOVER of all or any portion of your payment that is
an eligible rollover distribution, as described in Part I above. You are not
taxed on any taxable portion of your payment for which you choose a DIRECT
ROLLOVER until you later take it out of the traditional IRA or eligible employer
plan. In addition, no income tax withholding is required for any taxable portion
of your Plan benefits for which you choose a DIRECT ROLLOVER. This Plan might
not let you choose a DIRECT ROLLOVER if your distributions for the year are less
than $200.
DIRECT ROLLOVER to a Traditional IRA. You can open a traditional IRA to
receive the direct rollover. If you choose to have your payment made directly to
a traditional IRA, contact an IRA sponsor (usually a financial institution) to
find out how to have your payment made in a direct rollover to a traditional IRA
at that institution. If you are unsure of how to invest your money, you can
temporarily establish a traditional IRA to receive the payment. However, in
choosing a traditional IRA, you may wish to make sure that the traditional IRA
you choose will allow you to move all or a part of your payment to another
traditional IRA at a later date, without penalties or other limitations. See IRS
Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements, for more information on
traditional IRAs (including limits on how often you can roll over between IRAs).
DIRECT ROLLOVER to a Plan. If you are employed by a new employer that
has an eligible employer plan, and you want a direct rollover to that plan, ask
the plan administrator of that plan whether it will accept your rollover. An
eligible employer plan is not legally required to accept a rollover. Even if
your new employer's plan does not accept a rollover, you can choose a DIRECT
ROLLOVER to a traditional IRA. If the employer plan accepts your rollover, the
plan may provide restrictions on the circumstances under which you may later
receive a distribution of the rollover amount or may require spousal consent to
any subsequent distribution. Check with the plan administrator of that plan
before making your decision.
DIRECT ROLLOVER of a Series of Payments. If you receive a payment that
can be rolled over to a traditional IRA or an eligible employer plan that will
accept it, and it is paid in a series
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of payments for less than 10 years, your choice to make or not make a DIRECT
ROLLOVER for a payment will apply to all later payments in the series until you
change your election. You are free to change your election for any later payment
in the series.
CHANGE IN TAX TREATMENT RESULTING FROM A DIRECT ROLLOVER. The tax
treatment of any payment from the eligible employer plan or traditional IRA
receiving your DIRECT ROLLOVER might be different than if you received your
benefit in a taxable distribution directly from the Plan. For example, if you
were born before January 1, 1936, you might be entitled to ten-year averaging or
capital gain treatment, as explained below. However, if you have your benefit
rolled over to a section 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity, a governmental 457 plan,
or a traditional IRA in a DIRECT ROLLOVER, your benefit will no longer be
eligible for that special treatment. See the sections below entitled "Additional
10% Tax if You Are under Age 59 1/2" and "Special Tax Treatment if You Were Born
before January 1, 1936."
III. PAYMENT PAID TO YOU
If your payment can be rolled over (see Part I above) and the payment
is made to you in cash, it is subject to 20% federal income tax withholding on
the taxable portion (state tax withholding may also apply). The payment is taxed
in the year you receive it unless, within 60 days, you roll it over to a
traditional IRA or an eligible employer plan that accepts rollovers. If you do
not roll it over, special tax rules may apply.
Income Tax Withholding:
MANDATORY WITHHOLDING. If any portion of your payment can be rolled
over under Part I above and you do not elect to make a DIRECT ROLLOVER, the Plan
is required by law to withhold 20% of the taxable amount. This amount is sent to
the IRS as federal income tax withholding. For example, if you can roll over a
taxable payment of $10,000, only $8,000 will be paid to you because the Plan
must withhold $2,000 as income tax. However, when you prepare your income tax
return for the year, unless you make a rollover within 60 days (see "Sixty-Day
Rollover Option" below), you must report the full $10,000 as a taxable payment
from the Plan. You must report the $2,000 as tax withheld, and it will be
credited against any income tax you owe for the year. There will be no income
tax withholding if your payments for the year are less than $200.
VOLUNTARY WITHHOLDING. If any portion of your payment is taxable but
cannot be rolled over under Part I above, the mandatory withholding rules
described above do not apply. In this case, you may elect not to have
withholding apply to that portion. If you do nothing, an amount will be taken
out of this portion of your payment for federal income tax withholding. To elect
out of withholding, ask the Plan Administrator for the election form and related
information.
SIXTY-DAY ROLLOVER OPTION. If you receive a payment that can be rolled
over under Part I above, you can still decide to roll over all or part of it to
a traditional IRA or to an eligible employer plan that accepts rollovers. If you
decide to roll over, you must contribute the amount of the payment you received
to a traditional IRA or eligible employer plan within 60 days
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after you receive the payment. The portion of your payment that is rolled over
will not be taxed until you take it out of the traditional IRA or the eligible
employer plan.
You can roll over up to 100% of your payment that can be rolled over
under Part I above, including an amount equal to the 20% of the taxable portion
that was withheld. If you choose to roll over 100%, you must find other money
within the 60-day period to contribute to the traditional IRA or the eligible
employer plan, to replace the 20% that was withheld. On the other hand, if you
roll over only the 80% of the taxable portion that you received, you will be
taxed on the 20% that was withheld.
EXAMPLE: The taxable portion of your payment that can be rolled over
under Part I above is $10,000, and you choose to have it paid to you. You will
receive $8,000, and $2,000 will be sent to the IRS as income tax withholding.
Within 60 days after receiving the $8,000, you may roll over the entire $10,000
to a traditional IRA or an eligible employer plan. To do this, you roll over the
$8,000 you received from the Plan, and you will have to find $2,000 from other
sources (your savings, a loan, etc.). In this case, the entire $10,000 is not
taxed until you take it out of the traditional IRA or an eligible employer plan.
If you roll over the entire $10,000, when you file your income tax return you
may get a refund of part or all of the $2,000 withheld.
If, on the other hand, you roll over only $8,000, the $2,000 you did
not roll over is taxed in the year it was withheld. When you file your income
tax return, you may get a refund of part of the $2,000 withheld. (However, any
refund is likely to be larger if you roll over the entire $10,000.)
ADDITIONAL 10% TAX IF YOU ARE UNDER AGE 59 1/2. If you receive a
payment before you reach age 59 1/2 and you do not roll it over, then, in
addition to the regular income tax, you may have to pay an extra tax equal to
10% of the taxable portion of the payment. The additional 10% tax generally does
not apply to (1) payments that are paid after you separate from service with
your employer during or after the year you reach age 55, (2) payments that are
paid because you retire due to disability, (3) payments that are paid as equal
(or almost equal) payments over your life or life expectancy (or your and your
beneficiary's lives or life expectancies), (4) dividends paid with respect to
stock by an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) as described in Code section
404(k), (5) payments that are paid directly to the government to satisfy a
federal tax levy, (6) payments that are paid to an alternate payee under a
qualified domestic relations order, or (7) payments that do not exceed the
amount of your deductible medical expenses. See IRS Form 5329 for more
information on the additional 10% tax.
SPECIAL TAX TREATMENT IF YOU WERE BORN BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1936. If you
receive a payment from a plan qualified under section 401(a) or a section 403(a)
annuity plan that can be rolled over under Part I and you do not roll it over to
a traditional IRA or an eligible employer plan, the payment will be taxed in the
year you receive it. However, if the payment qualifies as a "lump sum
distribution," it may be eligible for special tax treatment. (See also "Employer
Stock or Securities", below.) A lump sum distribution is a payment, within one
year, of your entire balance under the Plan (and certain other similar plans of
the employer) that is payable to you after you have reached age 59 1/2 or
because you have separated from service with
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your employer (or, in the case of a self-employed individual, after you have
reached age 59 1/2 or have become disabled). For a payment to be treated as a
lump sum distribution, you must have been a participant in the Plan for at least
five years before the year in which you received the distribution. The special
tax treatment for lump sum distributions that may be available to you is
described below.
TEN-YEAR AVERAGING. If you receive a lump sum distribution and you were
born before January 1, 1936, you can make a one-time election to figure the tax
on the payment by using "10-year averaging" (using 1986 tax rates). Ten-year
averaging often reduces the tax you owe.
There are other limits on the special tax treatment for lump sum
distributions. For example, you can generally elect this special tax treatment
only once in your lifetime, and the election applies to all lump sum
distributions that you receive in that same year. You may not elect this special
tax treatment if you rolled amounts into this Plan from a 403(b) tax-sheltered
annuity contract, a governmental 457 plan, or from an IRA not originally
attributable to a qualified employer plan. If you have previously rolled over a
distribution from this Plan (or certain other similar plans of the employer),
you cannot use this special averaging treatment for later payments from the
Plan. If you roll over your payment to a traditional IRA, governmental 457 plan,
or 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity, you will not be able to use special tax
treatment for later payments from that IRA, plan, or annuity. Also, if you roll
over only a portion of your payment to a traditional IRA, governmental 457 plan,
or 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity, this special tax treatment is not available for
the rest of the payment. See IRS Form 4972 for additional information on lump
sum distributions and how you elect the special tax treatment.
EMPLOYER STOCK OR SECURITIES. There is a special rule for a payment
from the Plan that includes employer stock (or other employer securities). To
use this special rule, 1) the payment must qualify as a lump sum distribution,
as described above, except that you do not need five years of plan
participation, or 2) the employer stock included in the payment must be
attributable to "after-tax" employee contributions, if any. Under this special
rule, you may have the option of not paying tax on the "net unrealized
appreciation" of the stock until you sell the stock. Net unrealized appreciation
generally is the increase in the value of the employer stock while it was held
by the Plan. For example, if employer stock was contributed to your Plan account
when the stock was worth $1,000 but the stock was worth $1,200 when you received
it, you would not have to pay tax on the $200 increase in value until you later
sold the stock.
You may instead elect not to have the special rule apply to the net
unrealized appreciation. In this case, your net unrealized appreciation will be
taxed in the year you receive the stock, unless you roll over the stock. The
stock can be rolled over to a traditional IRA or another eligible employer plan,
either in a direct rollover or a rollover that you make yourself. Generally, you
will no longer be able to use the special rule for net unrealized appreciation
if you roll the stock over to a traditional IRA or another eligible employer
plan.
If you receive only employer stock in a payment that can be rolled
over, no amount will be withheld from the payment. If you receive cash or
property other than employer stock, as well
7
as employer stock, in a payment that can be rolled over, the 20% withholding
amount will be based on the entire taxable amount paid to you (including the
value of the employer stock determined by excluding the net unrealized
appreciation). However, the amount withheld will be limited to the cash or
property (excluding employer stock) paid to you.
If you receive employer stock in a payment that qualifies as a lump sum
distribution, the special tax treatment for lump sum distributions described
above (such as 10-year averaging) also may apply. See IRS Form 4972 for
additional information on these rules.
REPAYMENT OF PLAN LOANS. If your employment ends and you have an
outstanding loan from your Plan, your employer may reduce (or "offset") your
balance in the Plan by the amount of the loan you have not repaid. The amount of
your loan offset is treated as a distribution to you at the time of the offset
and will be taxed unless you roll over an amount equal to the amount of your
loan offset to another qualified employer plan or a traditional IRA within 60
days of the date of the offset. If the amount of your loan offset is the only
amount you receive or are treated as having received, no amount will be withheld
from it. If you receive other payments of cash or property from the Plan, the
20% withholding amount will be based on the entire amount paid to you, including
the amount of the loan offset. The amount withheld will be limited to the amount
of other cash or property paid to you (other than any employer securities). The
amount of a defaulted plan loan that is a taxable deemed distribution cannot be
rolled over.
IV. SURVIVING SPOUSES, ALTERNATE PAYEES, AND OTHER BENEFICIARIES
In general, the rules summarized above that apply to payments to
employees also apply to payments to surviving spouses of employees and to
spouses or former spouses who are "alternate payees." You are an alternate payee
if your interest in the Plan results from a "qualified domestic relations
order," which is an order issued by a court, usually in connection with a
divorce or legal separation.
If you are a surviving spouse or an alternate payee, you may choose to
have a payment that can be rolled over, as described in Part I above, paid in a
DIRECT ROLLOVER to a traditional IRA or to an eligible employer plan or paid to
you. If you have the payment paid to you, you can keep it or roll it over
yourself to a traditional IRA or to an eligible employer plan. Thus, you have
the same choices as the employee.
If you are a beneficiary other than a surviving spouse or an alternate
payee, you cannot choose a direct rollover, and you cannot roll over the payment
yourself.
If you are a surviving spouse, an alternate payee, or another
beneficiary, your payment is generally not subject to the additional 10% tax
described in Part III above, even if you are younger than age 59 1/2.
8
If you are a surviving spouse, an alternate payee, or another
beneficiary, you may be able to use the special tax treatment for lump sum
distributions and the special rule for payments that include employer stock, as
described in Part III above. If you receive a payment because of the employee's
death, you may be able to treat the payment as a lump sum distribution if the
employee met the appropriate age requirements, whether or not the employee had 5
years of participation in the Plan.
HOW TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This notice summarizes only the federal (not state or local) tax rules
that might apply to your payment. The rules described above are complex and
contain many conditions and exceptions that are not included in this notice.
Therefore, you may want to consult with the Plan Administrator or a professional
tax advisor before you take a payment of your benefits from your Plan. Also, you
can find more specific information on the tax treatment of payments from
qualified employer plans in IRS Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income, and
IRS Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements. These publications are
available from your local IRS office, on the IRS's Internet Web Site at
www.irs.gov, or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORMS.
9
PART II: INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 24. Indemnification of Officers and Directors.
Article XI of the Bylaws of Synergy Financial Group, Inc. (the
"Subsidiary Holding Company") sets forth circumstances under which directors,
officers, employees and agents of the Subsidiary Holding Company may be insured
or indemnified against liability which they incur in their capacities as such.
Article XI:
- ----------
Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a
party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"),
by reason of the fact that he is or was a Director, officer or employee of the
Subsidiary Holding Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as
a Director, Officer or employee of another corporation or of a partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an
employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "indemnitee"), whether the basis of such
proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a Director, officer or
employee or in any other capacity while serving as a Director, officer or
employee, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Subsidiary Holding
Company to the fullest extent authorized by the Regulations of the Office, as
the same exists or may hereafter be amended against all expense, liability and
loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or
penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by
such indemnitee in connection therewith.
The right to indemnification conferred herein shall include the right
to be paid by the Subsidiary Holding Company the expenses incurred in defending
any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to the fullest extent
authorized by the Regulations of the Office. The rights to indemnification and
to the advancement of expenses conferred herein shall be contract rights and
such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a Director,
officer or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee's heirs,
executors and administrators.
Item 25. Other Expenses of Issuance and Conversion
* Legal Fees and Expenses.................................. $100,000
* Accounting Fees and Expenses............................. 50,000
* Appraisal/Business Plan Fees and Expenses................ 33,000
* Blue Sky Legal and Filing Fees........................... 35,000
* Conversion Agent......................................... 10,000
* Printing Fees and Expenses............................... 45,000
* Postage and Mailing Expenses............................. 35,000
* Stock Certificate Expenses............................... 5,000
* Transfer Agent Fees...................................... 25,000
* Underwriting Fees and Expenses........................... 195,000
* OTS Filing Fees.......................................... 6,400
* SEC Filing Fee........................................... 1,200
* EDGAR Expenses........................................... 20,000
* NASD Regulation, Inc. Filing Fee......................... 1,800
* Other ................................................ 37,600
--------
Total................................... $600,000
========
- -----------------
* Estimated, at supermax.
II-1
Item 26. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Not Applicable
Item 27. Exhibits:
The exhibits filed as part of this Registration Statement are
as follows:
1 Form of Sales Agency Agreement with Trident Securities, Inc.*
2 Plan of Stock Issuance of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
3(i) Charter of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
3(ii) Form of Bylaws of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
4 Specimen Stock Certificate of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
5.1 Opinion of Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC regarding legality of securities registered
5.2 Opinion of FinPro, Inc. as to the value of subscription rights
8.1 Federal Tax Opinion of Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC
8.2 State Tax Opinion of Fontanella and Babitts
10.1 Employment Agreement between Synergy Bank and John S. Fiore
10.2 Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Agreement for John S. Fiore
10.3 Synergy Federal Savings Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for the
Benefit of Senior Officers
23.1 Consent of Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC (contained in its opinions filed as Exhibits
5.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
23.2 Consent of Fontanella and Babitts
23.3 Consent of FinPro, Inc.
24 Power of Attorney (reference is made to the signature page)
99.1 Stock Order Form*
99.2 Marketing Materials*
99.3 Conversion Valuation Appraisal Report prepared by FinPro, Inc.**
- ---------------------------------------------
* To be filed by amendment
** The statistical information included therein to be filed supplementally in
accordance with Rule 202 of Regulation S-T
Item 28. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which it offers or sells securities,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to:
(i) Include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of
the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act");
(ii) Reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which
individually or together, represent a fundamental change in the information in
the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation
from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
II-2
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price
represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum offering price set
forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement.
(iii) Include any additional or changed material information
on the plan of distribution.
(2) For determining liability under the Securities Act, the undersigned
registrant shall treat each post-effective amendment as a new registration
statement of the securities offered, and the offering of the securities at that
time to be the initial bona fide offering.
(3) The undersigned registrant shall file a post-effective amendment to
remove from registration any of the securities that remain unsold at the end of
the offering.
(4) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the
underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates
in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the
underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
(5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the small business issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the small business issuer has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act, and is therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the small business issuer of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the small business issuer in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer
or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
small business issuer will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has
been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-3
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form SB-2 and authorized this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in Cranford, New Jersey
on May 30, 2002.
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ John S. Fiore
------------------------------------
John S. Fiore
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Representative)
We the undersigned directors and officers of Synergy Financial Group,
Inc. do hereby severally constitute and appoint John S. Fiore our true and
lawful attorney and agent, to do any and all things and acts in our names in the
capacities indicated below and to execute all instruments for us and in our
names in the capacities indicated below which said John S. Fiore may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Synergy Financial Group, Inc. to comply with
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with the
registration statement on Form SB-2 relating to the offering of Synergy
Financial Group, Inc. common stock, including specifically but not limited to,
power and authority to sign for us or any of us, in our names in the capacities
indicated below, the registration statement and any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) thereto; and we hereby ratify and confirm
all that John S. Fiore shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated as of May 30, 2002.
/s/ Kenneth S. Kasper /s/ John S. Fiore
- ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Kenneth S. Kasper John S. Fiore
Chairman and Director President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Ralph A. Fernandez /s/ Paul T. LaCorte
- ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Ralph A. Fernandez Paul T. LaCorte
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Director
/s/ Nancy A. Davis /s/ George Putvinski
- ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Nancy A. Davis George Putvinski
Director Director
/s/ W. Phillip Scott /s/ Albert N. Stender
- ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
W. Phillip Scott Albert N. Stender
Director Director
/s/ David H. Gibbons, Jr. /s/ Magdalena M. De Perez
- ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
David H. Gibbons, Jr. Magdelena M. De Perez
Director Director
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2002
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington, D.C. 20549
EXHIBITS TO
FORM SB-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of Small Business Issuer as specified in charter)
United States 6035 22-3798677
- --------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary SIC No.) (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
310 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016
(800) 693-3838
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices
and principal place of business)
Mr. John S. Fiore, President and Chief Executive Officer
310 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016
(800) 693-3838
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Please send copies of all communications to:
Samuel J. Malizia, Esq. Richard T. Hills, Esq.
Tiffany A. Hasselman, Esq. WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
MALIZIA SPIDI & FISCH, PC One Atlantic Center, Suite 3500
1100 New York Ave., N.W. 1201 West Peachtree Street, N.E.
Suite 340 West Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Washington, D.C. 20005 (404) 888-7475
(202) 434-4660
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS TO FORM SB-2
Exhibit
-------
1 Form of Sales Agency Agreement with Trident Securities, Inc.*
2 Plan of Stock Issuance of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
3(i) Charter of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
3(ii) Form of Bylaws of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
4 Specimen Stock Certificate of Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
5.1 Opinion of Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC regarding legality of securities registered
5.2 Opinion of FinPro, Inc. as to the value of subscription rights
8.1 Federal Tax Opinion of Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC
8.2 State Tax Opinion of Fontanella and Babitts
10.1 Employment Agreement between Synergy Bank and John S. Fiore
10.2 Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Agreement for John S. Fiore
10.3 Synergy Federal Savings Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for the
Benefit of Senior Officers
23.1 Consent of Malizia Spidi & Fisch, PC (contained in its opinions filed as Exhibits
5.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
23.2 Consent of Fontanella and Babitts
23.3 Consent of FinPro, Inc.
24 Power of Attorney (reference is made to the signature page)
99.1 Stock Order Form*
99.2 Marketing Materials*
99.3 Conversion Valuation Appraisal Report prepared by FinPro, Inc.**
----------------------------------
* To be filed by amendment
** The statistical information included therein to be filed supplementally in
accordance with Rule 202 of Regulation S-T