Fidelity Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End Earnings for Fiscal 2009

Fidelity Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End Earnings for
Fiscal 2009

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fidelity Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:
FSBI) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (the "Company"), the holding company for
Fidelity Bank reported a net loss for the year ended September 30, 2009 of
$1.7 million or $(.66) per diluted share, compared to net income of $841,000,
or $.28 per diluted share for the prior year. The $2.6 million decrease in
earnings for fiscal 2009 primarily reflects an increase in the provision for
loan losses of $4.6 million, an increase of $1.5 million in
other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges on certain investment
securities, as well as an increase in FDIC deposit insurance expense of $1.1
million.

A net loss of $3.5 million was recorded for the three-month period ending
September 30, 2009, or $(1.19) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of
$2.4 million, or $(.80) per diluted share for the same period in the prior
year. The $1.1 million increase in net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal
2009 primarily relates to an increase in the provision for loan losses of $4.2
million, partially offset by a decrease in OTTI charges. The increase in the
provision for loan losses for the fourth quarter reflects net write-offs of
$2.7 and an increase in specific reserves on impaired loans of $1.2 million as
compared to the prior period. Non performing loans increased to $14.9 million
at September 30, 2009 compared to $5.7 million at September 30, 2008. In
fiscal 2009, $2.0 million of impairment charges were recorded in the fourth
quarter compared to $3.3 million in the same period in fiscal 2008. Despite
the financial impact of the provision for credit losses, OTTI charges, and
FDIC expense, Fidelity Bancorp, Inc. and Fidelity Bank will remain
"well-capitalized" at September 30, 2009 under federal bank regulatory
requirements.

Richard G. Spencer, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the
fiscal year end results, "Fiscal 2009 results were clearly disappointing as
the recession negatively impacted the Company, as it has many other banks both
locally and nationally. Some deterioration was seen in the commercial real
estate market and Fidelity wrote-off approximately $2.7 million for two loans
associated with a land development project. We also aggressively booked
additional reserves against other loans in the portfolio that have shown signs
of deterioration. The second issue was Other Than Temporary Impairment of
investment securities, primarily pooled trust preferred securities. Because
these securities, which were all investment grade when purchased, are
comprised of securities issued by banks nationwide and then pooled, the
problems experienced by banks has negatively impacted the securities'
performance. It is important to note, however, that the Company and the Bank
remain well-capitalized by all regulatory standards and we are confident we
will remain so."

Net interest income before provision for loan losses increased $590,000 or
3.6% to $16.9 million for the year ending September 30, 2009, compared to
$16.3 million in the prior year. The increase in net interest income before
provision for loan losses for the fiscal year reflects higher net earning
assets during the period, coupled with an increase in the net interest spread
resulting from the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities
decreasing more than the average yield on interest-earning assets. The
Company's tax equivalent interest rate spread increased to 2.52% for the year
ending September 30, 2009 compared to 2.44% in the prior year.

Net interest income before provision for loan losses was $3.8 million for the
three-months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $4.2 million in the prior
year period. The decrease reflects a reduction in the net interest rate spread
resulting from the average yield on interest-earning assets decreasing more
than the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities; partially offset
by higher net earning assets during the period.

The Company appropriately strengthened its allowance for loan losses in the
fourth quarter and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 in response to
deterioration in asset quality. Specifically, non-performing loans increased
by $9.2 million from $5.7 million or 1.2% of total loans at September 30, 2008
to $14.9 million or 3.6% of total loans at September 30, 2009. Significant
additions to non-performing loans included:

-- A $3.5 million commercial participation loan to a borrower in the
restaurant industry. The Company restructured the loan at its
maturity
by entering into a forbearance agreement with the borrower to make
reduced payments over a six-month period. The Company has never had
any
payment delinquency with this borrower who is performing in accordance
with the terms of the forbearance agreement. In response to the
Shared
National Credit Examination, this loan was transferred to non-accrual
status as of September 30, 2009. Furthermore, updated appraisals were
completed in September 2009 indicating a collateral shortfall.
-- Two commercial real estate loans totaling $5.2 million to the same
borrower for the acquisition of land with two commercial-zoned
buildings. The borrower filed for bankruptcy in August 2009, however
the
Company is currently receiving monthly rental payments from the
corresponding tenants which exceed the current monthly debt
requirement.
The Company had the properties appraised in September 2009 and the
appraised value exceeds the principal balance owed.

-- A $2.3 million commercial loan to a borrower for the acquisition of a
commercial property which is partially vacant at this time. The
Company
is currently receiving monthly rental payments from the tenants,
however, there remains a cash flow shortage. Furthermore, an updated
appraisal was completed in September 2009 indicating a collateral
shortfall.

The increase in non-performing loans was partially offset by $3.6 million in
net charge offs taken on existing non-performing loans during the fiscal year.
Nearly $2.7 million in charge offs represented two loans to the same borrower
for a residential lot development. The land has been taken into real estate
owned in October 2009 as a result of foreclosure on the property.

Overall, the Company recorded a $5.9 million provision for loan losses for the
year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $1.3 million in the prior year
period, an increase of $4.6 million. For the three-months ended September 30,
2009, the Company recorded a $4.7 million provision for loan losses compared
to $520,000 in the prior year period, an increase of $4.2 million. The
provision for loan losses is charged to operations to bring the total
allowance for loan losses to a level that reflects management's best estimate
of the losses inherent in the portfolio. When determining the provision for
loan losses, the company considers a number of factors some of which include
specific credit reviews, non-performing, delinquency and charge-off trends,
concentrations of credit, loan volume trends and broader local and national
economic trends. Net charge-offs for fiscal 2009 were $3.6 million compared
to $863,000 for fiscal 2008. Non-performing assets and foreclosed real estate
were 2.05% of total assets at September 30, 2009 compared to .81% at September
30, 2008. The allowance for loan losses was 38.25% of non-performing loans
and 1.39% of net loans at September 30, 2009, compared to 59.79% and .74%,
respectively, at September 30, 2008.

Other income, excluding the OTTI charges, increased $758,000 or 20.8% to $4.4
million for the year ended September 30, 2009, compared to $3.7 million for
the same period last year. Other income, excluding the OTTI charges, was $1.0
million for the three-months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $899,000 in
the prior year period, an increase of $134,000, or 14.9%. The increase for the
current fiscal year primarily reflects an increase in loan service charges and
fees of $107,000, an increase in the gain on sales of loans of $382,000, and
an increase in other operating income of $299,000. The increase in other
income, excluding OTTI charges, for the three-months ended September 30, 2009
was primarily attributed to an increase in the gain on sales of loans of
$109,000 and an increase in other operating income of $25,000.

OTTI charges were $5.1 million during fiscal 2009, compared to $3.6 million
for fiscal 2008. The impairment charges for the current fiscal year relate to
the Company's holdings of Freddie Mac preferred stock, the AMF Ultra Short
Mortgage Fund, pooled trust preferred securities, and a corporate bond. The
impairment resulted from several factors, including downgrades in credit
ratings, failure to pass principal coverage tests, indications of a break in
yield, and the decline in the net present value of projected cash flows.
Management of the Company has deemed the impairment on these securities to be
other-than-temporary based upon these factors and the duration and extent to
which their market values have been less than cost, the inability to forecast
a recovery in their market values, and other factors concerning the issuers in
the pooled securities. At September 30, 2009, the Company had investments in
13 pooled trust preferred securities with a book value of $16.3 million and a
fair market value of $9.4 million. The Company also has investments in nine
single issuer trust preferred securities with a book value of $5.1 million and
a fair market value of $4.1 million. The unrealized loss position as of
September 30, 2009 generally reflects the lack of liquidity in the market for
these securities. The impairment charges in the prior year period related to
the Company's holding of the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund, Freddie Mac
preferred stock, and a single issue trust preferred security.

Operating expenses for the year ended September 30, 2009, increased $1.5
million or 12.0% to $14.4 million compared to $12.9 million for the prior
year. For the final three-month period in this fiscal year, operating
expenses increased $459,000 or 14.1% to $3.7 million, compared to $3.3 million
in the prior year period. Higher FDIC deposit insurance expense is a key
factor responsible for both the year-end and fourth quarter increase in
operating expenses. Specifically, the FDIC expense for the fiscal year
increased $1.1 million due to the higher basic assessment rate and the
industry mandated special assessment of five basis points, or $340,000,
realized in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. In addition to the FDIC
expense, the increase in operating expenses for the year ended September 30,
2009 is also attributed to an increase in compensation and benefits expense of
$133,000, an increase in the net loss on foreclosed real estate of $27,000, an
increase in service bureau expense of $114,000, and an increase in other
operating expenses of $239,000. Partially offsetting these increases were
decreases in office occupancy and equipment expense of $17,000, a decrease in
depreciation and amortization of $19,000, and a decrease in foreclosed real
estate expense of $31,000. Beyond the FDIC deposit insurance expense, the
increase in operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2009
was also attributed to an increase in service bureau expense of $32,000 and an
increase in other operating expenses of $97,000. These increases were
partially offset by a decrease in the net loss on foreclosed real estate of
$31,000.

The Company had an income tax benefit of $2.3 million for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2009, compared to income tax expense of $1.4 million prior
fiscal year. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company had
an income tax benefit of $2.0 million, compared to income tax expense of
$438,000 for the same period last year. The tax provision for the current
fiscal year and quarter primarily reflects the net loss recognized for those
periods. Fiscal 2008 results were significantly impacted by the impairment
charges recognized during the fiscal year. On October 3, 2008, the Emergency
Economic Stabilization Act was enacted which includes a provision permitting
banks to recognize losses relating to FNMA and FHLMC preferred stock as an
ordinary loss, thereby allowing the Company to recognize a tax benefit on the
losses. Consequently, the Company recognized this additional tax benefit in
the quarter ending December 31, 2008. Also, the Company has a tax benefit
recorded for the current fiscal year due to tax exempt income that is
currently higher than pre-tax income.

Total assets at September 30, 2009 were $730.0 million, a slight increase of
$2.8 million as compared to assets of $727.2 as of September 30, 2008. Net
loans outstanding decreased $51.0 million or 11.1% to $409.8 million at
September 30, 2009, compared to September 30, 2008. The decline in the loan
portfolio in fiscal 2009, resulted, to a large extent, from the decision to
sell residential mortgage loans originated that did not meet certain interest
rate levels, rather than retaining them in the portfolio. Savings and time
deposits increased $27.5 million or 6.6% to $443.9 million at September 30,
2009, as compared to September 30, 2008. Short-term borrowings decreased $32.2
million to $104,000 at September 30, 2009 as compared to September 30, 2008.
Long-term debt was $118.5 million at September 30, 2009, relatively flat as
compared to September 30, 2008. The increase in deposits, coupled with the
strategy to restrain overall growth, allowed the Bank to reduce its borrowing
position, primarily its overnight borrowings with the Federal Home Loan Bank
of Pittsburgh. Subordinated notes payable remained unchanged at $7.7 million
at September 30, 2009 as compared to September 30, 2008. Securities sold
under agreement to repurchase increased $2.2 million to $106.2 million at
September 30, 2009 as compared to September 30, 2008.

Stockholders' equity was $47.1 million at September 30, 2009 compared to $42.2
million at September 30, 2008 primarily due to the receipt of TARP proceeds,
partially offset by the net loss recognized during the period. On December 12,
2008, the Company sold $7 million in preferred stock to the U.S. Department of
Treasury as a participant in the federal government's TARP Capital Purchase
Program. In connection with the investment, the Company also issued a warrant
to the Treasury, which permits the Treasury to purchase up to 121,387 shares
of its common stock at an exercise price of $8.65 per share. The Treasury
Department's TARP Capital Purchase Program is a voluntary program for U.S.
financial institutions designed to encourage these institutions to build
capital to increase the flow of financing to U.S. businesses and consumers and
to support the U.S. economy.

The Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are
available on-line through the Company's Internet website at
www.fidelitybancorp-pa.com.

Fidelity Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Fidelity Bank, a
Pennsylvania-chartered, FDIC-insured savings bank conducting business through
fourteen offices in Allegheny and Butler counties.

Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially
from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include,
but are not limited to, factors discussed in documents filed by Fidelity
Bancorp, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

Fidelity Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Income Statement for the Three Months and Year Ended
September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended Year Ended
------------------ ----------
September 30, September 30,
------------- -------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
----- ----- ------ ------
Interest income:
Loans $6,075 $6,800 $26,259 $28,232
Mortgage-backed
securities 802 1,052 3,842 4,058
Investment securities 1,360 1,644 5,766 7,081
Deposits with other
institutions 16 9 28 29
----- ----- ------ ------
Total interest income 8,253 9,505 35,895 39,400
----- ----- ------ ------

Interest expense:
Deposits 1,805 2,581 8,419 11,750
Borrowed funds 2,508 2,669 10,142 10,866
Subordinated debt 103 105 411 451
----- ----- ------ ------
Total interest expense 4,416 5,355 18,972 23,067
----- ----- ------ ------

Net interest income before
provision for loan losses 3,837 4,150 16,923 16,333
Provision for loan losses 4,725 520 5,870 1,260
----- ----- ------ ------
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses (888) 3,630 11,053 15,073
----- ----- ------ ------
Other income:
Loan service charges and
fees 143 121 618 511
Gain on sale of investment
and mortgage-backed
securities - 18 - 26
Impairment charge on
securities (1,975) (3,250) (5,096) (3,572)
Gain on sale of loans 124 15 525 143
Deposit service charges and
fees 392 396 1,479 1,483
Other operating income 374 349 1,787 1,488
----- ----- ------ ------
Total other income (942) (2,351) (687) 79
----- ----- ------ ------

Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits 2,066 2,059 8,145 8,012
Office occupancy and
equipment 264 267 1,022 1,039
Depreciation and
amortization 128 123 488 507
Federal insurance premiums 317 19 1,157 56
(Gain) loss on foreclosed
real estate - (31) 17 (10)
Foreclosed real estate
expense - 6 3 34
Intangible amortization 5 7 22 28
Service bureau expense 133 101 450 336
Other operating expenses 802 705 3,110 2,871
----- ----- ------ ------
Total operating
expenses 3,715 3,256 14,414 12,873
----- ----- ------ ------

(Loss) income before income
tax (benefit) provision (5,545) (1,977) (4,048) 2,279
Income tax (benefit)
provision (2,025) 438 (2,323) 1,438
Net (loss) income $(3,520) $(2,415) $(1,725) $841
Preferred stock dividend (88) - (220) -
Amortization of preferred
stock discount (15) - (45) -
------- ------- ------- ------
Net (Loss) Income available
to common stockholders $(3,623) $(2,415) $(1,990) $841
======= ======= ======= ======

Basic earnings per common
share $(1.19) $(0.80) $(0.66) $0.28
====== ====== ====== ======
Diluted earnings per common
share $(1.19) $(0.80) $(0.66) $0.28
====== ====== ====== ======

Balance Sheet Data (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)

September 30, 2009 September 30, 2008
------------------ ------------------
Assets:
Cash and due from banks $20,601 $6,701
Interest-earning demand deposits 21,879 4,071
Securities available-for-sale 166,115 146,680
Securities held-to-maturity 72,448 75,404
Loans receivable, net 409,787 460,786
Loans held-for-sale 694 225
Foreclosed real estate, net 103 170
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at
cost 10,034 7,943
Accrued interest receivable 2,900 3,512
Office premises and equipment 8,470 6,949
Other assets 17,000 14,769
------ ------
Total assets $730,031 $727,210
======== ========

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Liabilities:
Deposits $443,880 $416,414
Short-term borrowings 104 32,258
Subordinated notes payable 7,732 7,732
Securities sold under agreement to
repurchase 106,244 104,003
Advance payments by borrowers for
taxes and insurance 1,274 1,483
Long-term debt 118,541 118,800
Other liabilities 5,144 4,365
----- -----
Total liabilities 682,919 685,055
------- -------

Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per
share, 5,000,000 shares authorized,
7,000 shares issued 6,686 -
Common stock, $.01 par value per
share, 10,000,000 shares authorized,
3,664,947 and 3,647,854 shares
issued 37 36
Treasury stock, 619,129 shares (10,382) (10,382)
Additional paid-in capital 46,390 45,931
Retained earnings 8,742 12,268
Accumulated other comprehensive loss,
net of tax (4,361) (5,698)
------ ------
Total stockholders' equity 47,112 42,155
------ ------

Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $730,031 $727,210
======== ========

Other Data: At or For the Year Ended
September 30,
---------
2009 2008
---- ----

Annualized return on assets -0.23% 0.12%
Annualized return on equity -3.65% 1.83%
Equity to assets 6.45% 5.80%
Interest rate spread (tax equivalent) 2.25% 2.14%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent) 2.52% 2.44%
Non-interest expense to average assets 1.96% 1.77%
Loan loss allowance to net loans 1.39% 0.74%
Non-performing loans and real estate
owned to total assets at end-of-period 2.05% 0.81%

Regulatory capital ratios (Fidelity Bank):
Tier 1 leverage ratio 6.90% 6.54%
Minimum capital requirement 4.00% 4.00%
Well capitalized requirement 5.00% 5.00%

Tier 1 risk-based capital 10.46% 9.71%
Minimum capital requirement 4.00% 4.00%
Well capitalized requirement 6.00% 6.00%

Total risk-based capital 11.67% 10.37%
Minimum capital requirement 8.00% 8.00%
Well capitalized requirement 10.00% 10.00%

Mr. Richard G. Spencer
President and Chief Executive Officer
(412) 367-3300
E-mail: rspencer@fidelitybank-pa.com

SOURCE Fidelity Bancorp, Inc.

Mr. Richard G. Spencer, President and Chief Executive Officer,
+1-412-367-3300, rspencer@fidelitybank-pa.com