Exhibit 13 1997 Annual Report to Security Holders SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Selected Consolidated Financial Condition Data: Total assets $289,619 $283,759 $230,102 $230,518 $226,610 Cash and cash equivalents 2,274 39,712 38,064 29,580 35,457 Loans receivable, net 124,337 122,533 118,364 119,233 119,585 Mortgage backed securities 84,794 34,902 13,647 13,922 12,973 Other securities 73,137 82,375 53,443 64,151 55,094 Deposits 200,912 196,753 197,230 200,825 199,812 Short-term borrowings 11,385 -- -- -- -- Total equity 71,777 82,381 28,667 26,943 24,852 Year Ended September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Selected Consolidated Operations Data: Total interest income $20,217 $17,932 $15,592 $15,022 $15,419 Total interest expense 8,801 9,022 8,009 7,529 8,051 Net interest income 11,416 8,910 7,583 7,493 7,368 Provision for loan losses 300 195 255 465 470 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 11,116 8,715 7,328 7,028 6,898 Total non-interest income 512 996 262 339 367 Total non-interest expense 5,187 4,258 4,665 3,814 3,489 Income before taxes 6,441 5,453 2,925 3,553 3,776 Income tax expense 2,534 2,136 1,201 1,463 1,678 Net income $ 3,907 $ 3,317 $ 1,724 $ 2,090 $ 2,098 Earnings per common share<F1> $ .84 $ .38 N/A N/A N/A <FN> <F1> The company completed its initial public offering on April 18, 1996, so net income per common share is not applicable to all periods prior to that date. Net income per share is based on weighted average common shares outstanding excluding unallocated ESOP shares. In calculating 1996 fiscal year's earnings per share, post conversion net income and weighted average shares outstanding were used. See Note 1 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' amounts to conform with current year's presentation. Year Ended September 30, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data: Performance Ratios: Return on average assets 1.40% 1.25% .76% .90% .97% Return on average equity 5.22 6.33 6.15 8.06 8.79 Average net interest rate spread 2.93 2.54 2.99 3.03 3.16 Net interest margin<F1> 4.17 3.44 3.47 3.36 3.56 Ratio of operating expense to average total assets 1.86 1.60 1.77<F2> 1.65 1.62 Efficiency ratio<F3> 43.43 45.56 51.05 48.47 45.11 Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest- bearing liabilities 138.60 125.79 112.97 109.92 110.34 Quality Ratios: Non-performing loans to total loans at end of period .73 1.10 .86 .54 1.53 Non-performing assets to total assets at end of period .40 .61 .66 .45 .84 Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans 206.00 133.89 188.41 268.62 69.91 Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable 1.50 1.47 1.61 1.43 1.06 Capital Ratios: Equity to total assets at end of period 24.78 29.03 12.46 11.69 10.97 Average equity to average assets 26.86 19.73 12.44 11.23 11.09 Other Data: Number of full-service offices 4 3 3 3 3 <FN> <F1> Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. <F2> Excludes $660,000 provision for Nationar loss contingency. See Note 14 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. <F3> Efficiency ratio is non-interest expense/(non-interest income + net interest income on a tax equivalent basis). For 1996, excludes $560,000 Nationar recovery included in non-interest income and for 1995 excludes $660,000 provision for Nationar loss contingency included in non-interest expense. SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION Year Ended September 30, 1997 (in thousands, except per share amounts) First Second Third Fourth Fiscal Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year Total interest income $4,977 $4,963 $5,090 $5,187 $20,217 Total interest expense 2,136 2,102 2,244 2,319 8,801 Net interest income 2,841 2,861 2,846 2,868 11,416 Provision for loan losses 75 75 75 75 300 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 2,766 2,786 2,771 2,793 11,116 Total non-interest income 177 121 108 106 512 Total non-interest expense 1,171 1,341 1,324 1,351 5,187 Income before taxes $1,772 $1,566 $1,555 $1,548 $ 6,441 Income tax expense 706 623 606 599 2,534 Net income $1,066 $ 943 $ 949 $ 949 $ 3,907 Net income per common share $ .21 $ .20 $ .21 $ .22 $ .84 Year Ended September 30, 1996 (in thousands, except per share amounts) First Second Third Fourth Fiscal Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year Total interest income $4,009 $4,006 $4,985 $4,932 $17,932 Total interest expense 2,217 2,187 2,461 2,157 9,022 Net interest income 1,792 1,819 2,524 2,775 8,910 Provision for loan losses 45 30 45 75 195 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 1,747 1,789 2,479 2,700 8,715 Total non-interest income 111 127 660 98 996 Total non-interest expense 1,022 937 1,205 1,094 4,258 Income before taxes $ 836 $ 979 $1,934 $1,704 $ 5,453 Income tax expense 299 402 795 640 2,136 Net income $ 537 $ 577 $1,139 $1,064 $ 3,317 Net income per common share<F1> $ .18 $ .20 $ .38 <FN> <F1> The company completed its initial public offering on April 18, 1996, so net income per common share is not applicable to all periods prior to that date. Net income per share is based on weighted average common shares outstanding excluding unallocated ESOP shares. In calculating 1996 fiscal year's earnings per share, post conversion net income and weighted average shares outstanding were used. See Note 1 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior quarters' amounts to conform with current quarter's presentation. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS General Catskill Financial Corporation (the "Company" or "Catskill Financial") was formed in December 1995 to acquire all of the common stock of Catskill Savings Bank (the "Bank") upon its conversion from a mutual savings bank to a stock savings bank. On April 18, 1996, the Company completed its initial public stock offering, issuing 5,686,750 shares of $.01 par value common stock at $10.00 per share. Net proceeds to the Company were $54.9 million after conversion costs, and $50.4 million excluding the shares acquired by the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP"), which were purchased with the proceeds of a loan from the Company. The consolidated financial condition and operating results of the Company are primarily dependent upon its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, and all references to the Company prior to April 18, 1996, except where otherwise indicated, are to the Bank. The Bank has been and continues to be a community oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services. The Bank attracts deposits from the general public and uses such deposits, together with other funds, to originate one to four family residential mortgages, and, to a lesser extent, consumer (including home equity lines of credit), commercial, and multi-family real estate and other loans in its primary market area. The Bank's primary market is comprised of Greene County and southern Albany County in New York, which are serviced through four banking offices, the most recent having opened in December 1996. The Bank's deposit accounts are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), and, as a federal savings bank, the Bank is subject to regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"). The Company's profitability, like many financial institutions and their holding companies, is dependent to a large extent upon its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest it receives on interest earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest it pays on interest bearing liabilities, principally deposits. Results of operations are also affected by the Company's provision for loan losses, non-interest expenses such as salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and other operating expenses and to a lesser extent, non-interest income such as service charges on deposit accounts. Financial institutions in general, including the Company, are significantly affected by economic conditions, competition and the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government. Lending activities are influenced by the demand for and supply of housing, competition among lenders, the interest rate conditions and funds availability. Deposit balances and cost of funds are influenced by prevailing market rates on competing investments, customer preference and the levels of personal income and savings in the Bank's primary market area. For comparative purposes, net income for the year ended September 30, 1996, was favorably impacted by the Company's recovery of $560,000 of the reserve for probable losses in connection with the takeover of Nationar. On February 6, 1995, the New York Superintendent of Banks took possession of Nationar, a New York chartered bank that provided correspondent banking and related services for various banking institutions, including the Bank. At the time Nationar was seized, the Bank had $3.3 million on deposit with Nationar. As a result of uncertainty related to collectibility, as of September 30, 1995, the Bank established a reserve of $660,000, or 20% of the deposit. In June 1996, the Bank received payment of approximately $3.1 million of its claim and estimated that only $100,000 of the reserve was still necessary. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997, the Bank received payment of the remainder of the claim for which the reserve had been established, and the $100,000 remaining in the reserve was recovered. For the year ended September 30, 1997, the Company recorded net income of $3,907,000, an increase of $590,000, or 17.8% over the comparable period of 1996. Earnings per common share for the year ended September 30, 1997, were $.84, based on weighted average common shares outstanding of 4,629,697. The Company completed its initial public offering on April 18, 1996, so shares were only outstanding for part of fiscal 1996 and, therefore, are not comparable to fiscal 1997. Return on average assets for the year ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 was 1.40% and 1.25%, respectively, and return on average equity was 5.22% and 6.33%, respectively. Forward Looking-Statements When used in Form 10-K or future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Company's press releases or other public or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases "will likely result", "are expected to", "will continue", "is anticipated", "estimate", "project", "believe", or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigations Reform Act of 1995. In addition, certain disclosures and information customarily provided by financial institutions, such as analysis of the adequacy of the loan loss allowance or an analysis of the interest rate sensitivity of the Company's assets and liabilities, are inherently based upon predictions of future events and circumstances. Furthermore, from time to time, the Company may publish other forward-looking statements relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements. Some of the risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business, the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities, and the adequacy of its loan loss allowance, include but are not limited to the following: a. Deterioration in local, regional, national or global economic conditions which could result, among other things, in an increase in loan delinquencies, a decrease in property values, or a change in the housing turnover rate; b. changes in market interest rates or changes in the speed at which market interest rates change; c. changes in laws and regulations affecting the financial service industry; d. changes in competition; and e. changes in consumer preferences. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and to advise readers that various factors, including those described above, could affect the Company's financial performance and could cause the Company's actual results or circumstances for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Financial Condition Total assets were $289.6 million at September 30, 1997, an increase of $5.8 million, or 2.0% from the $283.8 million at September 30, 1996. Cash and cash equivalents were $2.3 million, a decrease of $37.4 million, or 94.2% from the $39.7 million at September 30, 1996. The decrease was principally a reduction in federal funds as the Company used available cash to purchase 1,029,476 shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $15.3 million, and continued to invest the net proceeds of its initial public offering in securities available for sale and, to a lesser extent, loans. Total securities, which include securities held to maturity ("HTM") and securities available for sale ("AFS"), excluding Federal Home Loan Bank stock, were $156.2 million, an increase of $40.1 million, or 34.5% over the $116.1 million as of September 30, 1996. The change in securities consisted of a $51.1 million increase in AFS securities, primarily due to the Company's purchase of mortgage backed securities, and a $11.0 million decrease in HTM securities from scheduled maturities. Consequently as of September 30, 1997, 94.8% of the Company's investment portfolio excluding the Federal Home Loan Bank stock was classified as AFS, compared to 83.6% as of September 30, 1996. Loans receivable were $126.2 million as of September 30, 1997, an increase of $1.8 million or 1.4% over the $124.4 million as of September 30, 1996. The following table shows the loan portfolio composition as of the respective balance sheet dates: At September 30 1997 1996 (In thousands) Real Estate Loans One-to-four family $102,232 $100,383 Multi-family and commercial 4,691 5,115 Construction 1,306 423 Total real estate loans 108,229 105,921 Consumer Loans 18,473 19,024 Gross Loans 126,702 124,945 Less: Net deferred loan fees (476) (579) Total loans receivable $126,226 $124,366 The decrease in consumer loans was principally a decrease in home equity loans, as lower mortgage rates have encouraged customers to refinance their underlying first mortgages and repay their home equity loans. During fiscal 1997, the Company originated $21.3 million in loans, a decrease of $5.5 million from the $26.8 million originated in 1996. The decrease was principally rate related as 1996 was a favorable financing market after Federal Reserve lowered the discount rate in January 1996. Conversely, 1997 was somewhat impacted by the increase in the federal funds rate in March 1997. The Bank's primary market has not fully participated in the national economic recovery, so the real estate market has remained soft. Total deposits were $200.9 million, at September 30, 1997, an increase of $4.1 million, or 2.1% from the $196.8 million at September 30, 1996. The following table shows the deposit composition as of the respective balance sheet dates: At September 30 1997 1996 (In thousands) % of Deposits (In thousands) % of Deposits Savings $ 79,448 39.6% $ 83,358 42.4% Money market 7,115 3.5 7,752 3.9 NOW 10,438 5.2 9,070 4.6 Non-interest demand 4,370 2.2 3,714 1.9 Certificates of deposits 99,541 49.5 92,859 47.2 $200,912 100.0% $196,753 100.0% The growth in deposits was principally related to the opening of our fourth full service branch in late December 1996, and had the Company not opened the branch, deposits would have decreased $1.1 million, or .6%. Although the Company experienced deposit growth, savings deposits decreased $3.9 million or 4.7%, and now represent 39.6% of deposits compared to 42.4% as of September 30, 1996. The composition of deposits continues to shift to higher costing certificates of deposits as the decrease in savings deposits was more than offset by a $6.7 million increase in certificates of deposits which now represent 49.5% of deposits compared to 47.2% as of September 30, 1996. During fiscal 1997, the Company ran two promotional campaigns to increase the balance of certificates of deposit ("CDs"), the first in early February was to attract six-month money in anticipation of lower rates as well as mitigate run-off in its longer term CDs. In addition, the Company also promoted a 15-month CD to meet a demand in our market for a longer term product, and so far the program has generated approximately $2.6 million in new money. Management believes that this change in mix, which is consistent with what other financial institutions are experiencing, will continue to occur as customers seek to maximize their returns and the Company has to compete with other investment vehicles such as mutual funds. The Company anticipates opening at least one branch in fiscal 1998, which should generate additional deposit growth. In addition, the Company will continue to promote lower costing transactional accounts (NOW and non-interest bearing demand), which have grown 15.1% and 17.7%, respectively, over the balance at September 30, 1996. In March 1997, the Company activated its line of credit program with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLB"). Under the program, the Company has access to overnight funds of approximately $13.1 million, along with a companion line for the same amount available for one month advances. The Company has only used its overnight line and had borrowings outstanding of $11.4 million as of September 30, 1997. Borrowings for the year ended September 30, 1997, averaged $2.6 million, and management expects to use its borrowing lines to leverage the Company's capital by increasing earning assets. Shareholders' equity at September 30, 1997 was $71.8 million, a decrease of $10.6 million, or 12.9% from the $82.4 million at September 30, 1996. The decrease was principally caused by the Company's repurchase of 1,029,476 common shares at a cost of $15.3 million, somewhat offset by the $2.9 million of net income retained after payment of cash dividends for the year ended September 30, 1997, and a $1.0 million change in the Company's net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of taxes. The Company also recorded a $.7 million increase in shareholder's equity as a result of amortization and/or release of shares under its stock based compensation plans. Shareholders' equity as a percent of total assets was 24.8% at September 30, 1997 compared to 29.0% at September 30, 1996. Book value per common share was $15.41 excluding unvested shares of the Company's MRP, and was $16.94 excluding unallocated ESOP shares and unvested MRP shares. Asset/Liability Management The Company, like other financial institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the extent that its interest-bearing liabilities reprice on a different basis or at different time periods from its interest-earning assets. Interest rate risk may be assessed by analyzing the extent to which assets and liabilities are "interest rate sensitive" and the resultant interest rate sensitivity "gap". An asset or liability is said to be interest rate sensitive within a defined time period if it matures or reprices within that period. The difference between the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within a given period is defined as the interest rate sensitivity gap. Gap is negative if more interest-bearing liabilities than interest earning assets mature or reprice within a specified time period. If the reverse is true, then the institution is considered to have a positive gap. Accordingly, during a period of rising interest rates, an institution with a negative gap position would not be in as favorable a position, as compared with an institution with a positive gap, to invest in higher yielding assets. This may result in the yield on the institution's assets increasing at a slower rate than the increase in its cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Conversely, during a period of falling interest rates, an institution with a negative gap would experience a repricing of its assets at a slower rate than its interest-bearing liabilities, which, consequently, may result in its net interest income growing at a faster rate than an institution with a positive gap position. The principal objective of the Company's interest rate risk management function is to evaluate the interest rate risk included in certain balance sheet accounts, determine the level of risk appropriate given the Company's business strategy, operating environment, capital and liquidity requirements, and manage the risk consistent with Board of Directors' approved guidelines. Through such management, the Company seeks to reduce the vulnerability of its operations to changes in interest rates, however, the Company has not entered into any derivatives such as futures, forwards, interest rate swaps or other financial instruments with similar characteristics. The extent of the movement of interest rates is an uncertainty that could have a negative impact on the earnings of the Company. The Company monitors its interest rate risk as such risk relates to its operating strategies. The Company's Board of Directors has established a management Asset Liability Committee which is responsible for reviewing the Company's asset/liability policies and interest rate risk position. The Committee meets at least monthly and reports trends and interest rate risk position to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The following table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at September 30, 1997, which are anticipated by the Company, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each future time period shown. Except as stated, the amount of assets and liabilities shown which reprice or mature during a particular period were determined in accordance with the earlier of the term to repricing or the contractual maturity. The table is intended to provide an approximation of the repricing as of September 30, 1997, within a six-month period and subsequent selected time intervals. Annual prepayments for one to four family mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities were assumed to be 9%. Callable securities, principally U.S. Government agencies, are shown by their respective contractual maturities. Savings deposit accounts are shown with a decay rate of 9% annually. Money market deposits are assumed to be immediately rate sensitive, and NOW accounts assume that 20% are immediately repricable with the balance, repricing in the over five year period. Prepayment and decay rates can have a significant impact on the Company's sensitivity gap, and there are no assurances that the Company's prepayment and decay rate assumptions will be realized. At September 30, 1997 Maturing or Repricing Over 6 6 Months Months to Over 1-3 Over 3-5 Over or Less One Year Years Years 5 Years Total (dollars in thousands) Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Fixed rate one- to four-family, multi-family and commercial real estate and construction loans $ 5,972 $ 4,218 $14,777 $13,116 $ 32,855 $ 70,938 Adjustable rate one- to four-family, multi-family and commercial real estate and construction loans 14,566 13,700 8,906 133 49 37,354 Consumer loans 8,543 1,893 5,029 1,464 1,481 18,410 Mortgage-backed securities 12,760 4,936 14,767 9,390 42,030 83,883 Other securities<F1> 5,999 8,992 5,989 10,982 40,550 72,512 Federal funds and other 88 --- --- --- 30 118 Total interest-earning assets 47,928 33,739 49,468 35,085 116,995 283,215 Savings deposits 4,016 3,347 11,915 9,946 50,224 79,448 Money market 7,115 --- --- --- --- 7,115 Certificate accounts 42,178 21,030 33,101 2,896 336 99,541 NOW deposits 2,088 --- --- --- 8,350 10,438 Other deposits --- --- --- --- 766 766 Short-term borrowings 11,385 --- --- --- --- 11,385 Total interest-bearing liabilities 66,782 24,377 45,016 12,842 59,676 208,693 Interest-earning assets less interest-bearing liabilities ($18,854) $ 9,362 $ 4,452 $22,243 $ 57,319 $ 74,522 Cumulative interest-rate sensitivity gap ($ 18,854) ($ 9,492) ($ 5,040) $17,203 $ 74,522 Cumulative interest-rate gap as a percentage of total assets at September 30, 1997 (6.51%) (3.28%) (1.74%) 5.94% 26.28% Cumulative interest-rate gap as a percentage of interest-earning assets at September 30, 1997 (6.66%) (3.35%) (1.78%) 6.07% 26.31% <FN> <F1> Includes all securities available for sale and investment securities held to maturity except mortgage backed securities. Also includes Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, which is included in the over five years category since the stock has no contractual maturity. Based on these assumptions, the Company, as of September 30, 1997, had a cumulative one year negative gap of $9.5 million, or 3.3% of total assets. However, Management has estimated based on the current level of interest rates as of September 30, 1997, that $15.0 million of the Company's securities could be called in the next fiscal year, which would reduce the Company's cumulative one-year sensitivity gap from a negative $9.5 million to an estimated positive gap of $5.5 million or 1.9% of total assets. Consequently, if interest rates were to increase or decrease, the Company's net interest income could be adversely impacted. Management expects to maintain a relatively balanced gap position in order to limit the Company's exposure to interest rate risk, including reducing the amount of securities with call risk. In evaluating the Company's exposure to interest rate risk, certain shortcomings inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table must be considered. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable rate mortgages, have features which restrict changes in interest rates in the short term and over the life of the asset. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayments and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table. Any change in projected repayments could materially affect the rate at which assets reprice. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. As a result, the actual effect of changing interest rates may differ from that presented in the foregoing table. The Bank's interest rate sensitivity is also monitored quarterly through use of an OTS model which generates estimates of the change in net portfolio value ("NPV") over a range of interest rate change scenarios. NPV represents the estimated market value of portfolio equity, and is equal to the market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities, with adjustments made for off-balance sheet items. The NPV ratio is defined as NPV, in that interest rate scenario, divided by the market value of assets in the same scenario. The following are the estimated impacts of immediate changes "rate shocks" in interest rates at September 30, 1997, as calculated by the OTS model for the Bank: Rates In Basis Net Portfolio Value NPV as a % Assets Points Dollars in Thousands % NPV % (Rate Shock) Amount Change Change Ratio Change 400 $45,894 $(24,286) (34.6)% 17.16% (27.6)% 300 52,021 (18,159) (25.9) 18.94 (20.0) 200 58,335 (11,844) (16.9) 20.68 (12.7) 100 64,564 (5,616) (8.0) 22.31 (5.8) static 70,180<F1> --- --- 23.69 --- (100) 74,112 3,932 5.6 24.58 3.8 (200) 77,371 7,192 9.3 25.27 6.7 (300) 80,874 10,649 13.2 25.98 9.7 (400) 85,335 15,155 21.6 26.88 13.5 <FN> <F1> Represents Bank only, Holding Company has additional portfolio equity of $7.6 million not shown in analysis, which if included, would reduce % changes. As is the case with the gap table, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in NPV measurements. Modeling changes in NPV require the making of assumptions which may tend to oversimplify the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the NPV model assumes that the composition of the interest sensitive assets and liabilities repricing at the beginning of the period remain constant, in addition, it assumes hanges in interest rates change uniformly across the yield curve regardless of duration. Accordingly, although the NPV model provides an indication of market value risk at a particular point in time, actual results may differ from those projected. As is the case with the gap table, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in NPV measurements. Modeling changes in NPV require the making of assumptions which may tend to oversimplify the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the NPV model assumes that the composition of the interest sensitive assets and liabilities repricing at the beginning of the period remain constant, in addition, it assumes changes in interest rates change uniformly across the yield curve regardless of duration. Accordingly, although the NPV model provides an indication of market value risk at a particular point in time, actual results may differ from those projected. The following table shows the Company's financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, categorized by expected maturity along with the weighted average yield, and estimated fair market values as of September 30, 1997. The Company's assets and liabilities that do not have a stated maturity date, such as savings, NOW and money market deposits are considered long-term in nature, and are reported in the thereafter column. The Company does not consider these financial instruments materially sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, and historically, they have remained fairly constant. The weighted average interest rates for the various assets and liabilities presented are actual as of September 30, 1997. Expected Maturity Dates as of September 30, Estimated (dollars in thousands) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Thereafter Total Fair Value Interest-Sensitive Assets: Loans $12,919 $11,855 $ 9,204 $ 8,426 $ 8,560 $75,738 $126,702 $128,623 8.29% 8.03% 7.64% 6.94% 10.11% 7.82% 7.97% Securities, at amortized cost 18,023 8,132 6,013 11,973 3,104 109,151 156,396 157,988 6.11% 6.39% 6.65% 6.78% 7.04% 7.24% 7.00% Interest-Sensitive Liabilities: Certificates of Deposit 63,209 24,619 8,482 1,944 951 336 99,541 99,701 5.58% 5.70% 5.76% 5.84% 5.94% 5.93% 5.64% Savings --- --- --- --- --- 79,448 79,448 79,448 3.50% 3.50% NOW Deposits --- --- --- --- --- 10,438 10,438 10,438 2.46% 2.46% Money Market --- --- --- --- --- 7,115 7,115 7,115 3.19% 3.19% Other Deposits --- --- --- --- --- 766 766 766 2.92% 2.92% FHLB Borrowing 11,385 --- --- --- --- --- 11,385 11,385 6.25% 6.25% Asset Quality Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings, loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest and other real estate properties. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when the loan is more than 90 days delinquent (except for student, FHA insured and VA guaranteed loans) or when the collection of principal and/or interest in full becomes doubtful. When loans are designated as non-accrual, all accrued but unpaid interest is reversed against current period income and subsequent cash receipts generally are applied to reduce the unpaid principal balance. Foreclosed assets include assets acquired in settlement of loans. Non-performing assets at September 30, 1997 were $1.2 million, or .40% of total assets, compared to the $1.7 million or .61% of total assets at September 30, 1996. The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of the Company's non-performing assets. Year Ended September 30, (dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Non-performing loans: One- to four-family real estate $ 780 $1,008 $ 784 $ 650 $ 409 Multi-family and commercial real estate --- 78 --- --- --- Consumer<F1> 137 283 251 --- 15 Total 917 1,369 1,035 650 424 Troubled debt restructured loans: Multi-family and commercial real estate --- --- --- --- 1,427 Foreclosed assets, net: One- to four-family real estate 225 334 326 220 56 Multi-family and commercial real estate 23 23 158 158 --- Total 248 357 484 378 56 Total non-performing assets $1,165 $1,726 $1,519 $1,028 $1,907 Total non-performing loans as a % of total loans .73% 1.10% .86% .54% 1.53% Total as a percentage of total assets .40% .61% .66% .45% .84% <FN> <F1> Loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing, principally student loans. Principally all of the decrease in non-performing loans at September 30, 1997 as compared to September 30, 1996 was attributed to the Company foreclosing on nine properties. The net realizable value of the properties totalling $538,000, was transferred to other real estate, and $160,000 representing the excess of the carrying value of the related loans over the net realizable value of the properties, was charged against the allowance for loan losses. These reductions were partially offset by an increase of $246,000 in non-performing loans. In addition, during the year ended September 30, 1997, the Company sold eleven parcels of other real estate realizing gains of $140,000. The following table summarizes the activity in other real estate: Years Ended September 30, 1997 1996 (In thousands) Other real estate beginning of period $ 357 $ 484 Transfer of loans to other real estate owned 538 206 Sales of other real estate (647) (199) Write-downs --- (134) Other real estate end of period $ 248 $ 357 Additionally, at September 30, 1997, the Company has identified approximately $2.0 million in loans having more than normal credit risk. The Company believes that if economic and/or business conditions change in its lending area, some of these loans could become non-performing in the future. The allowance for loan losses was $1.9 million, or 1.50% of period end loans at September 30, 1997, and provided coverage of non-performing loans of 206.0% compared to coverage of 133.9% as of September 30, 1996. For more detail on the allowance, see "Provision for Loan Losses." Results of Operations Comparision of Operating Results for the Years Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 Net Interest Income The Company's net income is primarily dependent upon net interest income. Net interest income is a function of the relative amounts of the Company's interest earning assets versus interest bearing liabilities, as well as the difference ("spread") between the average yield earned on loans, securities, interest-earning deposits, and federal funds sold and the average rate paid on deposits and borrowings. The interest rate spread is affected by economic and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows. The Company, like other financial institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different times, or on a different basis, than its interest-earning assets. Net interest income for the year ended September 30, 1997 was $11.4 million, an increase of $2.5 million, or 28.1% over the comparable period of 1996. The improvement was principally an increase in average earning assets, a shift in asset mix and the funding benefit from the full year impact of the Company's public offering. Interest income for the year ended September 30, 1997 was $20.2 million, an increase of $2.3 million, or 12.8%, over the comparable period in fiscal 1996. Average earning assets were $273.9 million, an increase of $14.9 million or 5.7% over fiscal 1996, although the primary cause of the improvement was a deliberate shift in the mix of the Company's investments away from lower yielding federal funds sold and towards higher yielding mortgage-backed securities in order to improve average yields and increase interest income. The average balance of federal funds sold decreased $57.0 million from $67.2 million for the year ended September 30, 1996 to $10.2 million for the year ended September 30, 1997. In contrast, the average balance of mortgage-backed securities increased by $55.5 million from $19.5 million to $75.0 million between the periods. Although the average yield on mortgage-backed securities declined from 7.48% for the year ended September 30, 1996 to 7.09% for the year ended September 30, 1997, the yield still far exceeded the average yield on federal funds sold, which was 5.39% for the 1996 period and 5.35% for the 1997 period. In addition to increasing yields, the shift in the asset mix also had the effect of decreasing the sensitivity of the Company's assets to interest rate changes. Interest expense for the year ended September 30, 1997 was $8.8 million, a decrease of $221,000, or 2.4%. Approximately 77% was attributed to a decrease in volume with the remainder attributable to a decline in rates paid on certain types of deposits. Average interest bearing liabilitieswere $197.7 million, a decrease of $8.3 million or 4.0% from the comparable period of 1996. The decrease in volume was principally in common stock subscriptions as the Company in the year ended September 30, 1996, held stock subscription deposits averaging approximately $9.1 million for its initial public offering. There were no such subscriptions in 1997. The decline in certain rates paid was principally caused by a reduction in the cost of certificates of deposits which decreased from 5.63% to 5.58%, or 5 basis points, primarily from the decrease in market rates since the Federal Reserve lowered the discount rate in January 1996. The Company's net yield on average earning assets was 4.17%, compared to 3.44% for the comparable period of 1996. The improvement was primarily the result of the investment of the Company's net offering proceeds which caused an increase in average earning assets with no corresponding funding costs, although the Company also improved its net interest spread to 2.93%, a 39 basis point improvement over the comparable period of 1996, due to the change in asset mix discussed previously. As necessary, management of the Company will continue to increase or decrease the Company's deposit rates and terms in order to manage interest rate risk and liquidity, and to maintain market share. For more information on average balances, interest rates and yields, please refer to the "Analysis of Net Interest Income" and "Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income" tables. Analysis of Net Interest Income The following table presents for the periods indicated the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resultant yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates. Tax equivalent adjustments totaled $14 thousand in 1997; there were no tax equivalent adjustments in the other periods. Non-accruing loans have been included in the table as loans receivable with interest earned recognized on a cash basis only. Securities include both the securities available for sale portfolio and the held to maturity portfolio excluding mortgage backed securities. Mortgage backed securities are primarily classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are included at amortized cost. Year Ended September 30, 1997 1996 Average Interest Average Interest Outstanding Earned/ Yield/ Outstanding Earned/ Yield/ Balance Paid Rate Balance Paid Rate (dollars in thousands) Interest-Earning Assets: Loans receivable $125,146 $10,083 8.06% $121,105 $ 9,783 8.08% Mortgage backed securities 75,069 5,319 7.09 19,541 1,462 7.48 Securities 63,521 4,283 6.74 51,182 3,062 5.98 Federal funds sold and other 10,214 546 5.35 67,245 3,625 5.39 Total interest-earning assets $273,950 20,231 7.38 $259,073 17,932 6.92 Non-interest-bearing assets 4,982 6,440 Total Assets $278,932 $265,513 Interest-Bearing Liabilities: Savings deposits $ 80,697 $ 2,821 3.50% $ 84,607 $ 2,962 3.50% Certificate accounts 95,215 5,309 5.58 92,699 5,218 5.63 Money market 7,418 242 3.26 8,431 289 3.43 NOW deposits 9,667 237 2.45 8,764 216 2.46 Other<F1> 2,065 43 2.08 11,451 337 2.94 Short-term borrowings 2,590 149 5.75 -- -- Total interest-bearing liabilities $197,652 8,801 4.45 $205,952 9,022 4.38 Non-interest bearing liabilities 6,372 7,186 Shareholders' equity 74,908 52,375 Total liabilities and equity $278,932 $265,513 Net interest income $11,430 $ 8,910 Net interest rate spread 2.93% 2.54% Net earning assets $ 76,298 $ 53,121 Net yield on average interest- earning assets 4.17% 3.44% Average interest-earning assets to average interest- bearing liabilities 138.60x 125.79x <FN> <F1> Other includes principally escrow balances on mortgages for taxes and insurance, except for 1996 which also includes approximately $9.1 million, representing the average of common stock subscriptions held until the Company's public offering was consummated. The Bank paid its savings deposit rate of 3.5% on those subscriptions Year Ended September 30, 1995 Average Interest Outstanding Earned/ Yield/ Balance Paid Rate (dollars in thousands) Interest-Earning Assets: Loans receivable $121,389 $ 9,733 8.02% Mortgage backed securities 14,331 1,065 7.43 Securities 62,326 3,598 5.77 Federal funds sold and other 20,740 1,196 5.77 Total interest-earning assets $218,786 15,592 7.13 Non-interest-bearing assets 7,678 Total Assets $226,464 Interest-Bearing Liabilities: Savings deposits $ 98,064 3,434 3.50% Certificate accounts 76,457 4,026 5.27 Money market 9,004 310 3.44 NOW deposits 7,790 195 2.50 Other<F1> 2,346 44 1.88 Short-term borrowings -- -- Total interest-bearing liabilities $193,661 8,009 4.14 Non-interest bearing liabilities 4,785 Shareholders' equity 28,018 Total liabilities and equity $226,464 Net interest income $ 7,583 Net interest rate spread 2.99% Net earning assets $ 25,125 Net yield on average interest- earning assets 3.47% Average interest-earning assets to average interest- bearing liabilities 112.97x <FN> <F1> Other includes principally escrow balances on mortgages for taxes and insurance, except for 1996 which also includes approximately $9.1 million, representing the average of common stock subscriptions held until the Company's public offering was consummated. The Bank paid its savings deposit rate of 3.5% on those subscriptions Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. It distinguishes between the changes related to outstanding balances and that due to the changes in interest rates. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in volume (i.e., changes in volume multiplied by old rate) and (ii) changes in rate (i.e., changes in rate multiplied by old volume).For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate. Year Ended September 30, 1997 vs. 1996 1996 vs. 1995 Increase Increase (Decrease) Total (Decrease) Total Due to Increase Due to Increase Volume Rate (Decrease) Volume Rate (Decrease) (in thousands) Interest-earning assets: Loans receivable $ 315 $ (15) $ 300 $ (23) $ 73 $ 50 Mortgage-backed securities 3,929 (72) 3,857 404 (7) 397 Securities 800 421 1,221 (673) 137 (536) Federal funds (3,052) (27) (3,079) 2,508 (79) 2,429 Total interest-earning assets $1,992 $307 $2,299 $2,216 $124 $2,340 Interest-bearing liabilities: Savings deposits $ (141) $ -- $ (141) $ (472) $ -- $ (472) Certificate accounts 135 (44) 91 856 336 1,192 Money market (33) (14) (47) (20) (1) (21) NOW deposits 22 (1) 21 24 (3) 21 Other<F1> (301) 7 (294) 171 122 293 Short-term borrowings 149 -- 149 -- -- -- Total interest-bearing liabilities $ (169) $(52) $(221) $ 559 $454 $1,013 Net change in net interest income $2,520 $1,327 <FN> <F1> Other includes principally escrow balances on mortgages for taxes and insurance, except for 1996 which also includes interest expense on approximately $9.1 million, representing the average of common stock subscriptions held in escrow until the Company's public offering was consummated. The Bank paid its savings deposit rate, of 3.5% on those subscriptions Provision For Loan Losses The Company establishes an allowance for loan losses based on an analysis of risk factors in the loan portfolio. This analysis includes concentrations of credit, past loan loss experience, current economic conditions, amount and composition of loan portfolio, estimated fair market value of underlying collateral, delinquencies and other factors. Accordingly, the calculation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is not based solely on the level of non-performing loans. The provision for loan losses was $300,000 for the year ended September 30, 1997, an increase of $105,000 from the comparable period of 1996. The increase in the provision over 1996 was principally to cover net charge-offs in 1997, as well as to provide for loan growth so that the allowance as a percentage of loans remained relatively stable. The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 1997 was $1.9 million, or 1.50% of total loans and provided coverage of non-performing loans of 206.0%. The following table sets forth an analysis of the Company's allowance for loan losses. Year Ended September 30, (dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Balance at beginning of period $1,833 $1,950 $1,746 $1,294 $ 857 Charge-offs: One- to four-family real estate (162) (237) (12) (3) --- Multi-family and commercial real estate (30) --- --- --- (20) Consumer (90) (86) (50) (29) (45) Total charge-offs (282) (323) (62) (32) (65) Recoveries: One- to four-family real estate 4 --- 1 14 10 Consumer 34 11 10 5 22 Total recoveries 38 11 11 19 32 Net charge-offs (244) (312) (51) (13) (33) Provision charged to operations 300 195 255 465 470 Balance at end of period $1,889 $1,833 $1,950 $1,746 $1,294 Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding during the period .19% .26% .04% .02% .03% Allowance for loan losses as a % of period-end loans 1.50% 1.47% 1.61% 1.43% 1.06% The Company will continue to monitor its allowance for loan losses and make future additions to the allowance through the provision for loan losses as conditions dictate. Although the Company maintains its allowance for loan losses at a level which it considers to be adequate to provide for the inherent risk of loss in its loan portfolio, there can be no assurance that future losses will not exceed estimated amounts or that additional provisions for loan losses will not be required in future periods. In addition, the Company's determination as to the amount of its allowance for loan losses is subject to review by the OTS, as part of their examination process, which may result in the establishment of an additional allowance based upon their judgment of the information available to them at the time of their examination. Non-Interest Income Non-interest income was $512,000 for the year ended September 30, 1997, a decrease of $484,000 or 48.6% over the comparable period of 1996. The decrease was principally due to the $460,000 net change in the Company's recovery of its Nationar loss reserve. In the year ended September 30, 1996, the Company recovered $560,000 of its original loss reserve of $660,000, and recovered the remaining $100,000 in fiscal 1997. Non-Interest Expense Non-interest expense for the year ended September 30, 1997 was $5,187,000 an increase of $929,000, or 21.8% over 1996. Increases in personnel costs, net occupancy, supplies, professional fees and other expenses, were offset somewhat by reductions in other real estate expenses. Salaries and employee benefits increased $823,000, or 37.9% over 1996, principally from ESOP and MRP compensation expenses, both new plans since the Company went public. ESOP and MRP expenses for the year ended September 30, 1997, were $342,000 and $419,000, respectively, compared to ESOP expense of only $119,000 and no MRP expense during the comparable period in 1996. In addition, the Company experienced increased personnel costs of approximately $135,000 due to opening its fourth full service branch in late December 1996. Net occupancy costs were $329,000, an increase of $78,000, or 31.1% over 1996, as the Company experienced increased costs relating to its new branch, as well as depreciation of renovations at another branch office. Postage and supplies increased $68,000, or 39.8% over 1996, principally from the new branch and shareholder related costs such as annual reports as well as special and annual meeting proxy costs. Professional fees were $262,000, an increase of $52,000, or 24.8%, as the Company experienced increased legal and accounting costs of operating a public company. Other expenses increased $67,000, or 11.3% over the comparable period of 1996. The increases included higher OTS assessments because 1996 included only assessments for the two quarters after the January conversion of the Bank from a state mutual to a federal stock savings bank. In addition, the Company incurred higher director and officer insurance costs, transfer agent, franchise tax and other costs relating to operating a public company. Other real estate expenses decreased $265,000, as the Company realized $140,000 in gains on the sale of other real estate during the year ended September 30, 1997; there were no gains during fiscal 1996. In addition, in the year ended September 30, 1996, the Company, as part of its periodic valuations of real estate owned, recorded write-downs on certain properties and increased its estimated cost of the future disposition of property owned by approximately $134,000. There were no write-downs in the comparable period of 1997. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense for the year ended September 30, 1997 was $2,534,000 an increase of $398,000, or 18.6% over the comparable period of 1996. The change was principally the 18.1% improvement in income before income taxes. The Company's effective tax rates for the year ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, were 39.34% and 39.17%, respectively. Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 General Net income for the year ended September 30, 1996 was $3.3 million, an increase of $1.6 million or 92.4% over the $1.7 million for the year ended September 30, 1995. The Company showed improvement throughout its consolidated statement of operations as net interest income increased $1.3 million, non-interest income increased $.7 million, non-interest expenses decreased $.4 million and the provision for loan losses decreased $.1 million. The Company experienced an increase in income taxes of $.9 million, primarily due to higher pre-tax income of $2.5 million. On a comparative basis, net income for fiscal years 1996 and 1995, were impacted by the closure liquidation of Nationar, the Bank's principal correspondent bank. During fiscal 1995, the Company established a reserve of $660,000 for possible Nationar losses, resulting in a $396,000 after tax reduction in net income for the year. In June 1996, the Company was paid more than 90% of its claim and since $100,000 of the reserve is estimated to be necessary to cover the remaining claim, the Company included $560,000 in non-interest income as a recovery in the year ended September 30, 1996, increasing net income by approximately $336,000 after tax. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Net-interest Income Net interest income was $8.9 million for the year ended September 30, 1996, an increase of $1.3 million or 17.5% over fiscal 1995. The increase was principally caused by the higher level of average earning assets, related to the Company's initial public offering which provided net investable proceeds of $50.4 million, somewhat offset by a lower net yield on average earning assets as those proceeds could not immediately be invested prudently in loans, the Company's highest yielding asset category. Average earning assets were $259.1 million, an increase of $40.3 million, or 18.4% over fiscal 1995. In addition, net interest income and average earning assets were favorably impacted by the approximately $128.0 million of common stock subscriptions held by the Bank pending consummation of the Company's stock offering. For fiscal 1996, common stock subscriptions were included in "other" interest bearing liabilities and averaged approximately $9.1 million. The Bank paid interest on those subscriptions at its savings deposit rate of 3.5%. The net yield on average earning assets was 3.44% for the year ended September 30, 1996, down slightly from the 3.47% in 1995. The decrease was principally due to the high percentage of assets invested in federal funds sold and the change in the composition of interest bearing liabilities. Federal funds sold represented approximately 25.4% of average earning assets in 1996, as compared to only 9.5% in 1995. In addition, the Company had experienced in fiscal 1995 and early 1996, similar to many financial institutions, a customer preference in a then rising rate environment, for higher costing certificates of deposits, rather than savings accounts. Average savings account balances represented 41.1% of average interest bearing liabilities in 1996, compared to 50.6% in 1995. Average certificates of deposits were 45.0% of average interest bearing liabilities in fiscal 1996, as compared to 39.5% in 1995. Provision for loan losses The provision for loan losses is based upon management's periodic analysis of the allowance for loan losses. For the year ended September 30, 1996, the provision for loan losses was $195,000, a decrease of $60,000 from the $255,000 in 1995. The decrease is based on management's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance, which is based on a number of factors including review of non- performing and other classified loans, the value of collateral for such loans, historical net charge-offs, and current and prospective economic conditions. During fiscal 1996, the Company experienced an increase in non-performing loans, which were $1,369,000 as of September 30, 1996, an increase of $334,000 or 32.3% over the $1,035,000 as of September 30, 1995. The increase was principally due to a higher number of residential borrowers filing for bankruptcy protection. Management believes that since most of loans with bankruptcy filings are secured by real estate, losses will be limited and that the $1.8 million allowance for loan losses at September 30, 1996, which provided 133.9% coverage of non-performing loans, was adequate. Non-interest income Non-interest income was $996,000 for the year ended September 30, 1996, an increase of $734,000 over 1995. The increase principally represented the recovery of $560,000 from the Nationar loss contingency reserve established in 1995. In addition, service fees on deposit accounts increased $90,000 or 70.3% due to the implementation of new fees on existing products. Lastly, the Company realized net security gains of $33,000 in 1996, an improvement of $78,000 over the $45,000 of net security losses in the year ended September 30, 1995. The gains realized in 1996 related to securities acquired at a discount that were called by the issuer prior to contractual maturity, and the loss in 1995 related to the Bank's write-off of both its stock and debenture investments in Nationar. See Note 14 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Non-interest expense Non-interest expense for the year ended September 30, 1996 was $4,258,000, a decrease of $407,000 from fiscal 1995 when the Company recorded the $660,000 provision for losses on Nationar. Excluding the Nationar provision, non-interest expense in 1996 was up $253,000 or 6.3%. Increases in personnel costs, outside data processing, other professional fees, costs related to real estate acquired in foreclosure, and all other expenses were partially offset by reductions in FDIC insurance premiums and advertising expenses. Salaries and employee benefits were $2,173,000, an increase of $232,000, or 11.9% over 1995, principally due to ESOP and postretirement benefit costs other than pensions. In fiscal 1996, the Company recognized ESOP expense of $119,000, representing the expense since April 18, 1996, a period of less than six months. In addition, on October 1, 1995, the Company implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 106 (SFAS #106), which increased the expense of postretirement benefits other than pensions by approximately $150,000. Partially offsetting the increases were lower medical benefit costs as the Company changed insurance carriers and received premium reductions due to its favorable claims experience. Outside data processing costs were $337,000 in 1996, an increase of $102,000 or 43.4% over 1996. The increase is principally due to a change from paying for services by maintaining compensating balances for which no interest was received, to instead paying direct service fees, only with no required compensating balances. Management believes that the increase in servicing fees is offset by an increase in interest earned on the amounts no longer required to be held as compensating balances. Professional fees increased $88,000, principally from higher legal and accounting costs relating to operating a public company. Other real estate costs were higher as the Company, as part of its regular valuations of real estate owned, recorded write-downs on certain properties acquired in foreclosure and increased its estimated cost of disposition. All other expenses were $594,000, an increase of $143,000 or 31.7%. The increases were principally $55,000 in OTS assessments due to the Bank's change to a federal thrift charter, higher directors' fees of $46,000 and increased insurance costs of operating a "public" company. Advertising and business promotion expense was $137,000 in 1996, a decrease of $187,000. The decrease was principally because 1995 included more special promotional campaigns. FDIC insurance premiums were lower in 1996, since the Bank is BIF insured and paid only the regulatory minimum of $500 in each of the last three quarters of fiscal 1996, and $.04 for the first fiscal quarter of 1996, compared to last year's $.23 per $100 of assessed deposits for the first fiscal quarter, and $.04 for the remaining three quarters. Income taxes Income tax expense for the year ended September 30, 1996 was $2,136,000, an increase of $935,000, or 77.9% higher than the same period of 1995. The increase was principally the 86.4% improvement in income before income taxes. The Company's effective tax rate for the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, were 39.17% and 41.06%, respectively. The decrease in the Company's effective rate in 1996 was principally the $131,000 reduction in the Company's deferred tax valuation reserve as certain deferred tax uncertainties were resolved. Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity is the ability to generate cash flows to meet present, and expected future funding needs. Management monitors the Company's liquidity position, principally its federal funds and short-term borrowings, on a daily basis and evaluates its ability to meet expected and unexpected depositor withdrawals and to make new loans and or investments. The Company has historically maintained high levels of liquidity, and manages its balance sheet so there has been no need for unanticipated sales of assets. The primary sources of funds for operations are deposits, short-term borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans, mortgage backed securities, and other securities available for sale. Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.7 million for the year ended September 30, 1997, a decrease of $.2 million over the comparable period of 1996. The decrease from 1996, was principally the collection of the Company's claim against Nationar, partially offset by an increase in net income, an increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and non cash compensation accruals such as MRP and ESOP compensation expense. In June 1996, the Company received approximately $3.1 million of its claim against Nationar with the remaining balance of $183,000 collected in the year ended September 30, 1997, or a net change of $2.9 million. The increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities was principally caused by an increase in outstanding official bank checks, resulting from a change in school tax due dates. Investing activities used $41.3 million in 1997, as the Company invested more of its initial net offering proceeds in securities available for sale, principally mortgage backed securities and, to a lesser extent, loans and capital expenditures related to its new branch office. Financing activities used $1.8 million, as the Company repurchased 1,029,476 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $15.3 million, and paid cash dividends of approximately $1.0 million, offset somewhat by an $11.4 million increase in the Company's short-term borrowings and a $4.2 million increase in deposits. For more details concerning the Company's cash flows, see "Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows." An important source of the Company's funds is the Bank's core deposits. Management believes that a substantial portion of the Bank's $200.9 million of deposits are a dependable source of funds due to long term customer relationships. The Company does not currently use brokered deposits as a source of funds, and deposit accounts having balances in excess of $100,000 total only $20.0 million or less than 10.0% of total deposits. The Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of liquid assets as defined by the OTS regulations. The requirement, which may be varied by the OTS depending upon economic conditions and deposit flows, is based upon a percentage of deposits and short-term borrowings. The OTS required minimum liquidity ratio is currently 5% and for the month of September 1997, the Bank exceeded that, maintaining an average liquidity ratio of 20.1%. On November 24, 1997, the OTS issued an updated rule, which simplifies and streamlines its liquidity regulation. Under the new rule, the minimum liquidity ratio has been reduced to 4%, and the definition of liquid assets, as well as net withdrawable accounts were revised. Since the Bank was in substantial compliance before the regulation, the new rule should not have a material effect on its operations. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds to meet its current commitments. At September 30, 1997, the Company had commitments to originate loans of $1.3 million. In addition, the Company had undrawn commitments of $2.5 million on home equity and other lines of credit. Certificates of deposits which are scheduled to mature in one year or less at September 30, 1997, totaled $63.2 million, and management believes that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with the Company. Catskill Financial is regulated by the OTS and although there are no minimum capital requirements for the holding company itself, the Bank is required to maintain minimum regulatory capital ratios. The following is a summary of the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios as of September 30, 1997, compared to the OTS minimum capital requirements: Actual Minimum (dollars in thousands) Amount % Amount % Tangible Capital $59,031 20.7% $4,278 1.5% Core Capital 59,031 20.7 8,556 3.0 Risk Based Capital 60,159 61.3 7,854 8.0 Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued) In October 1996, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase 4% of its issued and outstanding shares to fund its Management Recognition Plan which was approved at a special meeting of shareholders on October 24, 1996. By December 4, 1996, the Company had completed the repurchase of 227,470 shares of its common stock to fund the MRP at a cost of $3.1 million, or an average of $13.59 per share. In addition, after Board approval, the Company received OTS approval on November 26, 1996, to repurchase up to 10% of its shares over the period ending April 18, 1997. Such shares are available for general corporate purposes including funding the Company's stock option plan which was also approved at the special meeting of shareholders. By April 17, 1997, the Company had completed the repurchase of 564,506 shares under the 10% repurchase program at a cost of $8.5 million or $15.06 per share. On May 15, 1997, the Company filed notice with the OTS of its intention to repurchase up to 5% of its outstanding stock, or 253,675 shares. The OTS had no objection to the proposal, provided the purchases are completed by April 18, 1998, and by September 30, 1997, the Company had already repurchased 237,500 shares at a cost of $3.7 million or $15.73 per share. The Holding Company itself has adequate resources to repurchase the remaining 16,175 shares without dividends from the Bank. In addition, at September 30, 1997, the Bank could, after notifying the OTS in writing, pay to the holding company dividends of approximately $26.5 million. Impact of Year 2000 The Company has conducted a comprehensive review of its computer systems to identify applications that could be affected by the "Year 2000" issue, and has developed an implementation plan to resolve the issue. The Company's data processing is performed exclusively by third party vendors, consequently, the Company is primarily dependent on those vendors to conduct its business. The Company has already contacted each vendor to request time tables for year 2000 compliance and expected costs, if any, to be passed along to the Company. The Company's primary service provider anticipates that all reprogramming efforts will be completed by December 31, 1998, allowing the Company adequate time for testing. Certain other vendors have not yet responded, however, the Company will pursue other options if it appears that these vendors will be unable to comply. Management does not expect these costs to have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations, however, there can be no assurance that the vendors systems will be 2000 compliant, consequently the Company could incur incremental costs to convert to another vendor. Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increasing cost of the Company's operations. Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all assets and liabilities of the Company are monetary. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on the Company's performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. In addition, interest rates do not necessarily move in the direction, or to the same extent as the price of goods and services. Impact of New Accounting Standards In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, "Earnings per Share" (SFAS No. 128). SFAS No. 128 establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share (EPS). This Statement simplifies the standards for computing EPS making them comparable to international EPS standards and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15, "Earnings per Share" and related interpretations. SFAS No. 128 replaces the presentation of primary EPS with the presentation of basic EPS. It also requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement for all entities with complex capital structures and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the diluted EPS computation. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity (such as the Company's stock options). This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997, including interim periods. Earlier adoption is not permitted. This Statement requires restatement of all prior-period EPS data presented. Management does not anticipate the effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 128 to be material. In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 129, "Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure" (SFAS No. 129), which establishes standards for disclosure about a company's capital structure. In accordance with SFAS No. 129, companies will be required to provide in the financial statements a complete description of all aspects of their capital structure, including call and put features, redemption requirements and conversion options. The disclosures required by SFAS No. 129 are for financial statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997. Management anticipates providing the required information in the 1998 annual consolidated financial statements. In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" (SFAS No. 130). SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income. SFAS No. 130 states that comprehensive income includes the reported net income of a company adjusted for items that are currently accounted for as direct entries to equity, such as the mark to market adjustment on securities available for sale, foreign currency items and minimum pension liability adjustments. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Management anticipates developing the required information for inclusion in the 1998 annual consolidated financial statements. In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS No. 131). SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for reporting by public companies about operating segments of their business. SFAS No. 131 also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. This statement is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. Management anticipates developing the required information for inclusion in the 1998 annual consolidated financial statements of Catskill Financial Corporation. INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT The Board of Directors Catskill Financial Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Catskill Financial Corporation and subsidiary (the Company) as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Catskill Financial Corporation and subsidiary at September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP October 24, 1997 Albany, New York Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition September 30, (in thousands, except for share amounts) 1997 1996 Assets Cash and due from banks $ 2,274 $ 4,112 Federal funds sold -- 35,600 Cash and cash equivalents 2,274 39,712 Securities available for sale, at fair value (note 4) 148,114 97,041 Investment securities (estimated fair value of $8,112 in 1997 and $19,090 in 1996) (note 5) 8,055 19,077 Investment required by law, stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of NY,at cost 1,762 1,159 Loans receivable, net (note 6) 124,337 122,533 Accrued interest receivable (note 7) 2,303 1,736 Premises and equipment, net (note 8) 2,367 1,886 Real estate owned, net 248 357 Deposits held at Nationar, net (note 14) -- 83 Other assets 159 175 Total assets $289,619 $283,759 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities: Due to depositors (note 9): Non-interest bearing $ 4,370 $ 3,714 Interest bearing 196,542 193,039 Total deposits 200,912 196,753 Short-term borrowings (note 15) 11,385 -- Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance 533 1,632 Accrued interest payable 59 58 Official bank checks 3,861 2,557 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,092 378 Total liabilities 217,842 201,378 Commitments and contingent liabilities (notes 10, 11, 12 and 13) Shareholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares -- -- Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 15,000,000 shares; 5,686,750 shares issued at September 30, 1997 and 1996 57 57 Additional paid-in capital 54,811 54,864 Retained earnings, substantially restricted (note 2) 34,915 31,984 Common stock acquired by ESOP (note 12) (4,209) (4,436) Unearned management recognition plan (MRP) (note 12) (1,856) -- Treasury stock, at cost (848,244 shares at September 30, 1997) (12,862) -- Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of taxes 921 (88) Total shareholders' equity 71,777 82,381 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $289,619 $283,759 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Consolidated Statements of operations Years ended September 30, (in thousands, except for share amounts) 1997 1996 1995 Interest and dividend income: Loans $ 10,083 $ 9,783 $ 9,733 Securities available for sale 8,805 2,201 -- Investment securities 688 2,282 4,663 Federal funds sold and other 546 3,625 1,196 Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of NY 95 41 -- Total interest and dividend income 20,217 17,932 15,592 Interest expense: Deposits (note 9) 8,652 9,022 8,009 Short-term borrowings (note 15) 149 -- -- Total interest expense 8,801 9,022 8,009 Net interest income 11,416 8,910 7,583 Provision for loan losses (note 6) 300 195 255 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 11,116 8,715 7,328 Noninterest income: Recovery of Nationar loss contingency (note 14) 100 560 -- Service fees on deposit accounts 243 218 128 Net securities gains (losses) 19 33 (45) Other income 150 185 179 Total noninterest income 512 996 262 Noninterest expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 2,996 2,173 1,941 Advertising and business promotion 200 137 324 Net occupancy on premises 329 251 241 Federal deposit insurance premium 20 21 332 Postage and supplies 239 171 185 Provision for Nationar loss contingency (note 14) -- -- 660 Outside data processing fees 357 337 235 Equipment 177 153 155 Professional fees 262 210 122 Other real estate expenses, net (54) 211 19 Other 661 594 451 Total noninterest expense 5,187 4,258 4,665 Income before taxes 6,441 5,453 2,925 Income tax expense (note 10) 2,534 2,136 1,201 Net income $ 3,907 $ 3,317 $1,724 Earnings per share (for 1996, calculated using post conversion net income)(see note 1) $ .84 $ .38 N/A Weighted average common shares 4,629,697 5,231,810 N/A See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity Years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 Net unrealized gain (loss) Retained Common Unearned on securities Additional earnings, stock management Treasury available (dollars in thousands, Shares Common paid-in substantially acquired recognition stock, for sale except for share amounts) issued stock capital restricted by ESOP plan at cost net of taxes Total Balance at September 30, 1994 -- $ -- $ -- $ 26,943 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $26,943 Net income -- -- -- 1,724 -- -- -- -- 1,724 Balance at September 30, 1995 -- -- -- 28,667 -- -- -- -- 28,667 Net income -- -- -- 3,317 -- -- -- -- 3,317 Common stock issued 5,686,750 57 54,858 -- -- -- -- -- 54,915 Acquisition of common stock by ESOP (454,940 shares) -- -- -- -- (4,549) -- (4,549) Allocation of ESOP stock (11,374 shares) -- -- 6 -- 113 -- 119 Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of taxes -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (88) (88) Balance at September 30, 1996 5,686,750 57 54,864 31,984 (4,436) -- -- (88) 82,381 Net income -- -- -- 3,907 -- -- -- -- 3,907 Dividends paid on common stock -- -- -- (976) -- -- -- -- (976) Purchases of common stock (1,029,476 shares) -- -- -- -- -- -- (15,305) -- (15,305) Allocation of ESOP stock (22,722 shares) -- -- 115 -- 227 -- -- -- 342 Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of taxes -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,009 1,009 Grant of restricted stock under MRP (181,232 shares) -- -- (168) -- -- (2,275) 2,443 -- -- Amortization of unearned MRP compensation -- -- -- -- -- 419 -- -- 419 Balance at September 30, 1997 5,686,750 $ 57 $ 54,811 $ 34,915 $ (4,209) $ (1,856) $(12,862) $ 921 $71,777 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years ended September 30, (in thousands, except for share amounts) 1997 1996 1995 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents: Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 3,907 $ 3,317 $ 1,724 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 183 136 139 Provision for loan losses 300 195 255 Provision for (recovery of) Nationar loss contingency (100) (560) 660 MRP compensation expense 419 -- -- ESOP compensation expense 342 119 -- Writedown on real estate owned -- 134 -- Writedown of Nationar debenture and capital stock -- -- 47 Loss (gain) on sale of other real estate owned (140) 85 (17) Gain on sales and calls of securities (19) (33) (2) Net accretion on securities (157) (308) (337) Deferred tax benefit (156) (151) (321) (Transfer to other assets) collection of deposits held at Nationar 183 3,083 (3,266) (Increase) decrease in other assets (551) (149) (11) Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,502 25 3,010 Net cash provided by operating activities 5,713 5,893 1,881 Cash flows from investing activities: Proceeds from maturity, paydowns, and calls of investment securities 11,023 28,884 24,203 Proceeds from maturity, paydowns, and calls of securities available for sale 64,415 126,656 -- Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 5,959 -- -- Purchases of investment securities -- (6,015) (12,930) Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock (603) (1,159) -- Purchases of securities available for sale (119,590) (198,359) -- Net (increase) decrease in loans (2,642) (4,570) 340 Capital expenditures, net (664) (290) (365) Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned 787 114 185 Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (41,315) (54,739) 11,433 Cash flows from financing activities: Net increase (decrease) in demand, statement, passbook, money market and NOW deposit accounts (2,523) (1,814) (33,407) Net increase in certificates of deposit 6,682 1,337 29,812 Increase (decrease) in advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance (1,099) 605 (1,235) Net proceeds from sale of common stock -- 54,915 -- Common stock acquired by ESOP -- (4,549) -- Cash dividends on common stock (976) -- -- Purchase of common stock for treasury (15,305) -- -- Increase in short-term borrowings 11,385 -- -- Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (1,836) 50,494 (4,830) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (37,438) 1,648 8,484 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 39,712 38,064 29,580 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 2,274 $ 39,712 $ 38,064 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information -- cash paid during the year for: Interest $ 8,800 $ 9,018 $ 8,014 Income taxes $ 2,770 $ 2,274 $ 1,416 Noncash investing activities: Reduction in loans receivable resulting from the transfer to real estate owned $ 538 $ 206 $ 273 Investments securities transferred to securities available for sale in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's "Special Reports," fair value of securities transferred was $25.3 million (note 4) -- $ 24,800 -- Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of deferred tax liability (benefit) of $673 and ($59) respectively $ 1,009 $ 88 -- Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Catskill Financial Corporation (the Holding Company) was incorporated under Delaware law in December 1995 as a holding company to purchase 100% of the common stock of Catskill Savings Bank (the Bank). The Bank converted from a mutual form to a stock institution in January 1996, and the Holding Company completed its initial public offering on April 18, 1996, at which time the Holding Company purchased all of the outstanding stock of the Bank. To date, the principal operations of Catskill Financial Corporation and subsidiary (the Company) have been those of the Bank. The following is a description of the more significant policies which the Company follows in preparing and presenting its consolidated financial statements: (a) Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Holding Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform in all material respects to generally accepted accounting principles and to general practice within the thrift industry. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of real estate owned, management obtained appraisals for significant properties. (b) Business A significant portion of the Company's loans are secured by real estate in Greene County and southern Albany County in New York. In addition, a substantial portion of the real estate owned is located in those same markets. Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the Company's loan portfolio and the recovery of a substantial portion of the carrying amount of real estate owned are dependent upon market conditions in the upstate New York region. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate and that real estate owned is properly valued. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and real estate owned, future additions to the allowance or writedowns on real estate owned 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 Bank's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance or writedowns on real estate owned based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination which may not be currently available to management. (c) Securities Available for Sale, Investment Securities and Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. If management has the positive intent and ability to hold debt securities to maturity, they are classified as investment securities and are stated at amortized cost. All other debt and marketable equity securities are classified as securities available for sale and are reported at fair value, with net unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity, net of estimated income taxes. The Company does not maintain a trading portfolio. Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are based on the net proceeds and the amortized cost of the securities sold, using the specific identification method. The cost of securities is adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, which is calculated on an effective interest method. Mortgage backed securities, which are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), or the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), represent participating interests in direct pass-through pools of long-term first mortgage loans originated and serviced by the issuers of the securities. Unrealized losses on securities are charged to earnings when the decline in fair value of a security is judged to be other than temporary. Non-marketable equity securities, such as Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, is stated at cost. The investment in Federal Home Bank of New York stock is required for membership. (d) Loans Receivable Loans receivable are stated at unpaid principal amount, net of deferred loan fees and allowance for loan losses. Loan origination fees net of certain related costs are amortized into income over the estimated term of the loan using the interest method of amortization. Interest income on loans is not recognized when considered doubtful of collection by management. Loans considered doubtful of collection by management are placed on a nonaccrual status for the recording of interest. Generally loans past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest are placed on nonaccrual status except for certain loans which, in management's judgment, are adequately secured and for which collection is probable. Previously accrued income that has not been collected is reversed from current income. Thereafter, the application of payments received (principal or interest) is dependent on the expectation of ultimate repayment of the loan. If ultimate repayment of the loan is expected, any payments received are applied in accordance with contractual terms. If ultimate repayment of principal is not expected or management judges it to be prudent, any payment received on a non-accrual loan is applied to principal until ultimate repayment becomes expected. Loans are removed from non-accrual status when they are estimated to be fully collectible as to principal and interest. Amortization of related deferred fees or costs is suspended when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management based on an evaluation of the known and inherent risks in the present portfolio, the level of non-performing loans, past loan loss experience, estimated value of underlying collateral, and current and prospective economic conditions. The allowance is increased by provisions for loan losses charged to operations. Impaired loans are identified and measured in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," and SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures." These Statements were adopted by the Company on October 1, 1995. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the borrower will be unable to repay the loan according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, or the loan is restructured in a troubled debt restructuring subsequent to October 1, 1995. These standards are applicable principally to commercial and commercial real estate loans, however, certain provisions related to restructured loans are applicable to all loan types. The adoption of these Statements did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under these Statements the allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans is based on discounted cash flows using the loan's initial effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for certain loans where repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral (collateral dependent loans). The Company's impaired loans are generally collateral dependent. The Company considers estimated costs to sell on a discounted basis, when determining the fair value of collateral in the measurement of impairment if these costs are expected to reduce the cash flows available to repay or otherwise satisfy the loans. (e) Real Estate Owned Real estate owned includes assets received from foreclosure and in-substance foreclosures. In accordance with SFAS No. 114, a loan is classified as an insubstance foreclosure when the Company has taken possession of the collateral regardless of whether formal foreclosure proceedings have taken place. Foreclosed assets, including in-substance foreclosures, are recorded on an individual asset basis at net realizable value which is the lower of fair value minus estimated costs to sell or "cost" (defined as the fair value at initial foreclosure). When a property is acquired or identified as in-substance foreclosure, the excess of the loan balance over fair value is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent write-downs to carry the property at fair value less costs to sell are included in noninterest expense. Costs incurred to develop or improve properties are capitalized, while holding costs are charged to expense. At September 30, 1997 and 1996, real estate owned consisted primarily of residential one to four family properties. The Company had no in-substance foreclosures at September 30, 1997 and 1996. (f) Premises and Equipment, Net Premises and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation applied on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives are 10 to 40 years for banking house and 5 to 7 years for furniture, fixtures and office equipment. (g) Income Taxes Income taxes are provided on income reported in the consolidated statements of income regardless of when such taxes are payable. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS No. 109 requires the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method of SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company's policy is that deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation reserve if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. (h) Pension Plan The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering all full time employees meeting age and service requirements. This plan is accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions." (i) Off-Balance-Sheet Risk The Company is a party to certain financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk such as commitments to extend credit. The Company's policy is to record such instruments when funded. (j) Cash Equivalents For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all cash and due from banks and federal funds sold to be cash equivalents. (k) Official Bank Checks The Company's official checks (including teller's checks, loan disbursement checks, interest checks, expense checks and money orders) are drawn upon deposit accounts at the Bank and are ultimately paid through the Bank's Federal Reserve correspondent account. (l) Stock Based Compensation Plans Compensation expense in connection with the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") is recorded in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position No. 93-6, "Employers' Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans." The Company accounts for its stock option plans in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Accordingly, compensation expense is recognized only if the exercise price of the option is less than the fair value of the underlying stock at the grant date. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," encourages entities to recognize the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant as compensation expense over the vesting period. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company has elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123. The Company's Management Recognition Plan ("MRP") is also accounted for in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. The fair value of the shares awarded, measured as of the grant date, is recognized as unearned compensation (a deduction from shareholders' equity) and amortized to compensation expense as the shares become vested. Any excess of the cost to fund purchases of MRP shares over the grant-date fair value is charged to shareholders' equity. (m) Earnings per Share For the year ending September 30, 1997, earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding, which excludes the unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares during the period. The effect of the outstanding stock option awards and unvested management recognition plan shares is not material to the calculation of net income per share. For 1996, earnings per share are compiled on estimated post conversion earnings of approximately $2.0 million, and are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during this period, less unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares, during the period. Earnings per share are not presented for periods prior to the initial stock offering as the Bank was a mutual savings bank at the time and no stock was outstanding. (n) Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities In June 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities," which provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities based on consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. The Company adopted SFAS No. 125 as of January 1, 1997. The adoption of SFAS No. 125 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. (o) Reclassifications Amounts in the prior years' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current year's presentations. (2) Conversion to Stock Ownership On April 18, 1996, the Holding Company sold 5,686,750 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share to depositors and employees of the Bank. Net proceeds from the sale of stock of the Holding Company, after deducting conversion expenses of approximately $1.9 million, were $54.9 million and are reflected as common stock and additional paid-in capital in the accompanying September 30, 1997 and 1996 consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company utilized $27.5 million of the net proceeds to acquire all of the capital stock of the Bank. As part of the conversion, the Bank established a liquidation account for the benefit of eligible depositors who continue to maintain their deposit accounts in the Bank after conversion. In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of the Bank, each eligible depositor will be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution from the liquidation account, in the proportionate amount of the then current adjusted balance for deposit accounts held, before distribution may be made with respect to the Bank's capital stock. The Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend to the Holding Company on, or repurchase any of, its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause the retained earnings of the Bank to be reduced below the amount required for the liquidation account. Except for such restrictions, the existence of the liquidation account does not restrict the use or application of retained earnings. The Bank's capital exceeds all of the fully phased-in capital regulatory requirements. The Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") regulations provide that an institution that exceeds all fully phased-in capital requirements before and after a proposed capital distribution could, after prior notice but without the approval by the OTS, make capital distributions during the calendar year of up to 100% of its net income to date during the calendar year plus the amount that would reduce by one-half its "surplus capital ratio" (the excess capital over its fully phased-in capital requirements) at the beginning of the calendar year. Any additional capital distributions would require prior regulatory approval. At September 30, 1997, the maximum amount that could have been paid by the Bank to the Holding Company was approximately $26.5 million. Unlike the Bank, the Holding Company is not subject to these regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to its stockholders. (3) Reserve Requirements The Bank is required to maintain certain reserves of cash and/or deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank. The amount of this reserve requirement, which was covered by the Bank's vault cash included in cash and due from banks, was approximately $386,000 and $335,000 at September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Bank as a member of the FHLB of New York, is required to maintain a minimum investment in the capital stock of the FHLB, at cost, in an amount not less than 1% of its outstanding home loans or 1/20 of its outstanding borrowings with the FHLB, whichever is greater, as determined at December 31 of each year. Any excess may be redeemed by the Bank or called by the FHLB at par. (4) Securities Available for Sale In November 1995, the staff of the Financial Accounting Standards Board released its Special Report, "A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." The Special Report contained, among other things, a unique provision that allowed entities to, as of one date either concurrent with the initial adoption of the Special Report (November 15, 1995), but no later than December 31, 1995, reassess the appropriateness of the classifications of all securities held at that time. On December 29, 1995, the Company transferred certain securities with amortized costs totaling $24.8 million and fair value totaling $25.3 million from the "held to maturity" classification to the "available for sale" classification. The amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities available for sale at September 30, 1997 and 1996 are as follows: 1997 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated (in thousands) Cost Gains Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government agencies $ 54,875 $ 417 $ (59) $ 55,233 Mortgage backed securities 83,786 1,069 (61) 84,794 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 194 9 -- 203 Corporate bonds 5,042 40 (12) 5,070 Other 2,682 132 -- 2,814 Total securities available for sale $ 146,579 $ 1,667 $ (132) $ 148,114 1996 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated (in thousands) Cost Gains Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government agencies $ 56,842 $ 157 $ (78) $ 56,921 Mortgage backed securities 35,151 580 (829) 34,902 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 191 2 -- 193 Corporate bonds 5,000 28 (36) 4,992 Other 3 30 -- 33 Total securities available for sale $ 97,187 $ 797 $ (943) $ 97,041 During the year ended September 30, 1997, proceeds from sales of securities available for sale were $6.0 million. Gross gains realized on these transactions were approximately $19 thousand. There were no gross realized losses. There were no sales of securities available for sale during the year ended September 30, 1996. Prior to December 31, 1995, the Company did not maintain a securities available for sale portfolio. The amortized cost and approximate fair value of securities available for sale at September 30, 1997, by contractual maturity, are shown below (mortgage backed securities are included by final contractual maturity). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. September 30, 1997 Amortized Estimated (in thousands) Cost Fair Value 		 	 Due within one year $ 12,991 $ 13,012 Due one year to five years 10,963 11,050 Due five years to ten years 43,888 44,207 Due after ten years 78,737 79,845 Total securities available for sale $ 146,579 $ 148,114 (5) Investment Securities The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at September 30, 1997 and 1996 are as follows: 1997 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated (in thousands) Cost Gains Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government agencies $ 6,958 58 (2) 7,014 Corporate bonds 1,000 1 -- 1,001 Mortgage backed securities 97 -- -- 97 Total investment securities $ 8,055 $ 59 $ (2) $ 8,112 1996 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated (in thousands) Cost Gains Losses Fair Value 		 	 	 		 U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government agencies $ 13,965 66 (58) 13,973 Corporate bonds 4,999 7 (2) 5,004 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 15 -- -- 15 Mortgage backed securities 98 -- -- 98 Total investment securities $ 19,077 $ 73 $ (60) $ 19,090 The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at September 30, 1997, by contractual maturity, are shown below (mortgage backed securities are included by final contractual maturity). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Amortized Estimated (in thousands) Cost Fair Value Due within one year $ 1,999 $ 2,001 Due one year to five years 6,009 6,014 Due after five years to ten years -- -- Due after ten years 47 97 Totals $ 8,055 $ 8,112 There were no sales of investment securities during the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 or 1995. (6) Loans Receivable, Net Loans receivable consist of the following at September 30, 1997 and 1996: September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 Loans secured by real estate: Conventional one-to four-family $102,145 $100,254 Commercial and multi-family 4,691 5,115 FHA and VA insured loans 87 129 Construction 1,306 423 Total loans secured by real estate 108,229 105,921 Other loans: Student loans 2,658 2,450 Automobile loans 6,655 7,029 Consumer 2,698 2,516 Mobile home 687 782 Passbook loans 952 856 Home improvement 935 923 Home equity 3,709 4,368 Other 179 100 Total other loans 18,473 19,024 Less: Net deferred loan fees 476 579 Allowance for loan losses 1,889 1,833 2,365 2,412 $124,337 $122,533 Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows for the years ended: September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Balance at beginning of period $1,833 $1,950 $1,746 Provision charged to operations 300 195 255 Charge offs (282) (323) (62) Recoveries 38 11 11 Balance at end of period $1,889 $1,833 $1,950 (6) Loans Receivable, Net (continued) The following table sets forth the information with regard to non-performing loans: September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Loans in a non-accrual status $780 $1,086 $ 784 Loans past due 90 days and still accruing 137 283 251 Restructured loans -- -- -- Total non-performing loans $917 $1,369 $1,035 For the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, interest income that would have been recorded on non-performing loans had they remained performing amounted to approximately $50 thousand and $77 thousand, respectively. Certain executive officers of the Company were customers of and had other transactions with the Company in the ordinary course of business. Loans to these parties were made in the ordinary course of business at the Bank's normal credit terms, including interest rate and collateralization. The aggregate of such loans totaled less than 5% of total equity at September 30, 1997 and 1996. As of September 30, 1997, there was no recorded investment in loans that are considered to be impaired under SFAS No. 114. As of September 30, 1996, the recorded investment in loans that are considered to be impaired under SFAS No. 114 totalled approximately $78,000, for which the related allowance for loan loss was approximately $16,000. As of September 30, 1997 and 1996, there were no impaired loans which did not have an allowance for loan losses determined in accordance with SFAS No. 114. During 1997 and 1996, the average balance of impaired loans was approximately $3,000 and $78,000, respectively. Interest income collected on impaired loans during fiscal 1997 and 1996 was approximately $0 and $2,000, respectively. (7) Accrued Interest Receivable Accrued interest receivable consists of the following: September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 Investment securities $ 111 $ 323 Securities available for sale 1,374 657 Loans 818 756 $2,303 $1,736 (8) Premises and Equipment, Net A summary of premises and equipment is as follows: September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 Banking house and land $2,357 $2,051 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 785 646 3,142 2,697 Less accumulated depreciation 775 811 Premises and equipment, net $2,367 $1,886 Amounts charged to depreciation expense were approximately $183 thousand, $136 thousand and $139 thousand for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. (9) Due to Depositors Due to depositors are summarized as follows as of September 30, 1997 and 1996: Approximate September 30, (in thousands) Stated Rates 1997 1996 Passbook savings accounts 1997 -- 3.50% $ 71,060 $ 75,477 1996 -- 3.50% Statement savings accounts 1997 -- 3.50% 8,388 7,881 1996 -- 3.50% Certificates of deposit: 3.00 -- 3.99% 20 30 4.00 -- 4.99% -- 10,503 5.00 -- 5.99% 88,416 64,790 6.00 -- 6.99% 8,737 15,264 7.00 -- 7.99% 2,368 2,272 99,541 92,859 Money market accounts 1997 -- 2.50-3.20% 7,115 7,752 1996 -- 2.50-3.45% NOW accounts 1997 -- 2.50% 10,438 9,070 1996 -- 2.50% Demand accounts -- 4,370 3,714 Total deposits $200,912 $196,753 (9) Due to Depositors (continued) The approximate amount of contractual maturities of certificates of deposit for the years subsequent to September 30, 1997 are as follows: (in thousands) Years ended September 30, 1998 $63,208 1999 24,619 2000 8,482 2001 1,944 2002 952 Thereafter 336 $99,541 The aggregate amount of time deposit accounts with a balance of $100,000 or more (not federally-insured beyond $100,000) were approximately $8.2 million and $7.3 million at September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Interest expense on deposits and advances from borrowers for property taxes and insurance (escrow balances) for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, is summarized as follows: September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Passbook savings accounts $2,544 $2,702 $3,149 Statement savings accounts 277 260 285 Certificates of deposit 5,309 5,218 4,026 Money market accounts 242 289 310 NOW accounts 237 216 195 Escrow balances (including common stock subscriptions) 43 337 44 Total interest expense $8,652 $9,022 $8,009 Escrow balances expense for the year ended September 30, 1996 includes interest expense on common stock subscriptions held in connection with the Company's initial public offering. (10) Income Taxes The components of income tax expense are as follows for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995: September 30, (in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Current tax expense: Federal $2,111 $1,605 $1,197 State 579 682 325 2,690 2,287 1,522 Deferred tax expense (benefit) (156) (151) (321) Total income tax expense $2,534 $2,136 $1,201 (10) Income Taxes (continued) Actual tax expense for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 differs from expected tax expense, computed by applying the Federal corporate tax rate of 34% to income before taxes as follows: September 30, 1997 1996 1995 % Pretax % Pretax % Pretax (in thousands) Amount Income Amount Income 	 Amount Income Expected tax expense $2,190 34.0% $1,854 34.0% $ 995 34.0% State taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit 380 5.9 333 6.1 174 6.0 Reduction in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets -- -- (131) (2.4) -- Other items (36) (.6) 80 1.5 32 1.0 $2,534 39.3% $2,136 39.2% $1,201 41.0% The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 1997 are presented below: Temporary Temporary Deductible Taxable (in thousands) Differences Differences Postretirement benefits $ 175 -- Allowance for loan losses 329 -- Nonqualified deferred compensation 100 -- Loan accounting differences 103 -- MRP compensation expense 180 -- Bond accretion -- 86 Other items 48 120 935 $ 206 Valuation reserve (150) Deferred tax asset net of valuation reserve 785 Deferred tax liability (206) Net deferred tax asset at September 30, 1997 579 Net deferred tax asset at October 1, 1996 423 Deferred tax benefit for the year ended September 30, 1997 $ 156 (10) Income Taxes (continued) The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 1996 are presented below: Temporary Temporary Deductible Taxable (in thousands) Differences Differences Postretirement benefits $ 99 -- Reserve for Nationar loss contingency 43 -- Allowance for loan losses 328 -- Nonqualified deferred compensation 70 -- Loan accounting differences 122 -- Bond accretion -- 110 Other items 97 76 759 $ 186 Valuation reserve (150) Deferred tax asset net of valuation reserve 609 Deferred tax liability (186) Net deferred tax asset at September 30, 1996 423 Net deferred tax liability at October 1, 1995 272 Deferred tax benefit for the year ended September 30, 1996 $ 151 In addition to the deferred tax amounts described above, the Company also had a deferred tax liability of approximately $614 thousand at September 30, 1997 and a deferred tax asset of $59 thousand at September 30, 1996 related to the net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 was $150 thousand. During the year ended September 30, 1996, the valuation allowance was reduced by $131 thousand. This reduction was primarily the result of the realization of certain deferred items which were previously considered to be uncertain. In evaluating the valuation allowance the Company takes into consideration the nature and timing of the deferred tax asset items as well as the amount of available open tax carrybacks. The Company has fully reserved its New York State deferred tax asset, which is a significant component of deferred tax assets, due to the lack of carryback and carryforward provisions available in New York State. Any changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is based upon the Company's continuing evaluation of the level of such allowance, the amount of New York State deferred tax assets, and the realizability of the temporary differences creating the deferred tax asset. Based on recent historical and anticipated future pre-tax earnings, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize its net deferred tax assets. As a thrift institution, the Bank is subject to special provisions in the Federal and New York State tax laws regarding its allowable tax bad debt deductions and related tax bad debt reserves. These deductions historically have been determined using methods based on loss experience or a percentage of taxable income. Tax bad debt reserves are maintained equal to the excess of allowable deductions over actual bad debt losses and other reserve reductions. These reserves consist of a defined base-year amount, plus additional amounts ("excess reserves") accumulated after the base year. SFAS No. 109 requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities with respect to such excess reserves, as well as any portion of the base-year amount which is expected to become taxable (or "recaptured") in the foreseeable future. Certain amendments to the Federal and New York State tax laws regarding bad debt deductions were enacted in July and August 1996. The Federal amendments include elimination of the percentage of taxable income method for tax years beginning after December 31, 1995, and imposition of a requirement to recapture into taxable income (over a period of approximately six years) the bad debt reserves in excess of the base-year amounts. The Bank previously established, and will continue to maintain, a deferred tax liability with respect to such excess Federal reserves. The New York State amendments redesignate the Bank's state bad debt reserves at December 31, 1995 as the base-year amount and also provide for future additions to the base-year reserve using the percentage of taxable income method. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized at September 30, 1997 with respect to the Federal and State base-year reserves of $3.6 million and $7.5 million, respectively, since the Bank does not expect that these amounts will become taxable in the foreseeable future. Under New York State tax law, as amended, events that would result in taxation of these reserves include the failure of the Bank to maintain a specified qualifying assets ratio or meet other thrift definition tests for tax purposes. The unrecognized deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 1997 with respect to the Federal and State base-year reserves were approximately $1.2 million and $446 thousand (net of Federal benefit), respectively. (11) Employee Benefit Plans (a) Pension Plan The Company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan with RSI Retirement Trust, covering substantially all employees aged 21 and over with one year of service with the exception employees who work less than 1,000 hours. Benefits are computed as two percent of the highest three year average annual earnings multiplied by credited service up to a maximum of 30 years and are paid as a life annuity or actuarially equivalent alternative form of payment. Full retirement benefits are available at age 65 with at least 5 years of participation or after age 60 with at least 30 years of service. Reduced retirement benefits are available prior to age 60. Employees are fully vested at five years of service. The Plan also provides death and disability benefits to eligible employees. The amounts contributed to the plan are determined annually on the basis of (a) the maximum amount that can be deducted for Federal income tax purposes or (b) the amount certified by a consulting actuary as necessary to avoid an accumulated funding deficiency as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future. Assets of the plan are primarily invested in common and preferred stock, investment grade corporate bonds, and U.S. government obligations. The following table sets forth the plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of financial condition at September 30, 1997 and 1996: (in thousands) 1997 1996 Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Accumulated benefit obligation, including vested benefits of $2,387 in 1997 and $2,094 in 1996 $(2,389) $(2,227) Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to date (3,041)	 (3,029) Plan assets at fair value 4,263 3,581 Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation 1,222 552 Unrecognized net gain from past experience different from that assumed and effects of changes in assumptions (1,056) (398) Unrecognized prior service cost 70 83 Unrecognized net asset being recognized over 12.5 years (61) (78) Prepaid pension cost $ 175 $ 159 Components of net periodic pension cost for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are as follows: (in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 83 $ 91 $ 81 Interest cost on estimated projected benefit obligation 214 215 199 Actual return on plan assets (783) (452) (452) Net amortization and deferral 471 198 244 Net periodic pension cost (credit) $ (15) $ 52 $ 72 Significant assumptions used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation at September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are as follows 1997 1996 1995 Weighted average discount rate 7.50% 7.75% 7.50% Increase in future compensation 5.00% 5.50% 5.50% Expected long-term rate of return 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% (b) 401(k) Savings Plan The Company also maintains a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan, covering all full time employees who have attained age 21 and have completed one year of service in which they work more than 1,000 hours. The Company matches 50% of employee contributions that are less than or equal to 6% of the employee's salary. Total expense recorded during 1997, 1996, 1995 was $37 thousand, $34 thousand, and $31 thousand, respectively. (c) Postretirement Benefits The Company accounts for postretirement benefits under SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." Under SFAS No. 106, the cost of postretirement benefits other than pensions must be recognized on an accrual basis as employees perform services to earn the benefits. Many of the provisions and concepts of SFAS No. 106 are similar to current standards on accounting for pensions. The Company adopted SFAS No. 106 as of October 1, 1995 and opted to amortize the transition obligation into expense over the allowed twenty year time period. The adoption of SFAS No. 106 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company provides postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees. The plans are noncontributory except that the retiree must pay the full cost of spouse medical coverage. Both of the plans are unfunded. Life insurance is provided in the amount of $5,000 (50% of final year compensation as an active employee if compensation is less than $10,000). The following table presents the plan's funded status reconciled with amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 1997 and 1996: (in thousands) 1997 1996 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO): Retirees $ (598) $ (642) Fully-eligible active plan participants (100) (59) Other active plan participants (481) (630) Total APBO (1,179) (1,331) Unrecognized transition obligation 957 1,011 Unrecognized (gain) loss (183) 90 Accrued postretirement benefit cost included in other liabilities $ (405) $ (230) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 include the following components: (in thousands) 1997 1996 Service cost $ 52 $ 42 Interest cost 103 90 Net amortization and deferral 54 54 Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $209 $186 The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 7.50% and 7.75% at September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. For measurement purposes at September 30, 1997, an 8.5% annual rate of increase in the per capital cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for medical coverage for fiscal 1998; the rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.5% by 2001 and to remain at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amounts reported. To illustrate, increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 1997 by approximately 16% and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of the net periodic postretirement benefit cost by approximately 21%. (12) Stock-Based Compensation Plans (a) Employee Stock Ownership Plan As part of the conversion discussed in note 2, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) was established to provide substantially all employees of the Company the opportunity to also become shareholders. The ESOP borrowed $4.5 million from the Company and used the funds to purchase 454,940 shares of the common stock of the Company issued in the conversion. The loan will be repaid principally from the Company's discretionary contributions to the ESOP over a period of twenty years. At September 30, 1997, the loan had an outstanding balance of $4.4 million and an interest rate of 6.41%. Shares purchased with the loan proceeds are held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loan is repaid. Contributions to the ESOP and shares released from the suspense account are allocated among participants on the basis of compensation in the year of allocation. The Company accounts for the ESOP in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position No. 93-6 "Employees' Accounting For Stock Ownership Plans" (SOP 93-6). Accordingly, the shares pledged as collateral are reported as unallocated ESOP shares in shareholders' equity. As shares are released from collateral, the Company reports compensation expense equal to the average market price of the shares (during the applicable service period), and the shares become outstanding for earnings per share computations. Unallocated ESOP shares are notincluded in the earnings per share computations. The Company recorded approximately $342 thousand and $119 thousand, respectively, of compensation expense under the ESOP during the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996. The ESOP shares as of September 30, 1997 were as follows: Allocated shares 11,374 Shares released for allocation 22,722 Unallocated shares 420,844 454,940 Market value of unallocated shares at September 30, 1997 $7,101,743 (b) Stock Option Plan On October 24, 1996, the Company's shareholders approved the Catskill Financial Corporation 1996 Stock Option and Incentive Plan ("Stock Option Plan"). The primary objective of the Stock Option Plan is to provide officers and directors with a proprietary interest in the Company and as an incentive to encourage such persons to remain with the Company. Under the Stock Option Plan, 568,675 shares of authorized but unissued stock are reserved for issuance upon option exercises. The Company also has the alternative to fund the Stock Option Plan with treasury stock. Options under the plan may be either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant. Options expire no later than ten years following the date of grant. On October 24, 1996, 416,333 shares were awarded at an exercise price of $12.50 per share, and on August 19, 1997, 10,000 shares were awarded at an exercise price of $16.38 per share. These shares have a ten-year term and vest at a rate of 20% per year from their respective grant dates. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for its stock option plan. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock option plans. SFAS No. 123 requires Companies not using a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock options or similar plans, to provide pro forma disclosure of net income and earnings per share as if that method of accounting had been applied. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in fiscal 1997: dividend yield of 1.8%; expected volatility of 25.0%; risk free interest rates of 6.50% for the October 24, 1996 grant and 6.25% for the August 19, 1997 grant; and expected lives of 7 years. Pro forma disclosures for the Company for the year ending September 30, 1997 is as follows: (in thousands, except per share data) Net income: As reported $ 3,907 Pro forma 3,614 Earning per share: As reported $ .84 Proforma .78 Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options for which the Black-Scholes model was developed, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models, in management's opinion, do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options. A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans as of September 30, 1997 and changes during the year on that date is presented below: Weighted Average Shares Exercise Price Options: Outstanding at October 1 -- Granted 426,333 $12.59 Exercised -- Cancelled -- Outstanding at year-end 426,333 Exercisable at year-end -- Estimated weighted-average fair value of options granted on October 24, 1996 $ 4.25 Estimated weighted-average fair value of options granted on August 19, 1997 $ 5.47 (c) Management Recognition Plan On October 24, 1996, the Company's shareholders approved the Catskill Financial Corporation Management Recognition Plan. The purpose of the plan is to promote the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing a stock based compensation program to attract and retain officers and directors. Under the MRP, 227,470 shares of authorized but unissued shares, are reserved for issuance under the plan. The Company also has the alternative to fund the MRP with treasury stock. On October 24, 1996 and August 19, 1997, 178,732 shares and 2,500 shares, respectively, were awarded under the MRP. The shares vest in five equal installments commencing one year from the date of grant. The fair market value of the shares awarded under the plan was $2.3 million at the grant dates, and is being amortized to compensation expense on a straight line basis over the five year vesting periods. Compensation expense of $419,000 was recorded in fiscal 1997, with the remaining unearned compensation cost of $1.9 million shown as a reduction of shareholders' equity at September 30, 1997. (13) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (a) Legal Proceedings The Company may, from time to time, be a defendant in legal proceedings relating to the conduct of its business. In the best judgment of management, the consolidated financial position of the Company will not be affected materially by the outcome of any pending legal proceedings. (b) Lease Commitments The Company leases equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Minimum rental commitments under these leases are not significant. In addition, the Company has a data processing agreement with minimum annual payments of approximately $100 thousand through June 30, 1999. (c) Off-Balance-Sheet Financing and Concentrations of Credit The Company is a party to certain financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized on the consolidated statement of financial condition. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of these instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. Unless otherwise noted, the Company does not require collateral or other security to support off-balance-sheet financial instruments with credit risk. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being fully 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, if any, required by the Company upon the extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Mortgage commitments are secured by a first lien on real estate. Collateral on extensions of credit for commercial loans varies but may include property, plant and equipment, and income producing commercial property. Contract amounts of financial instruments that represent the future extension of credit as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 at fixed and variable interest rates are as follows: Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent Credit risk: 1997 (in thousands) Fixed Variable Total Mortgages $1,308 $ -- $1,308 Consumer 18 -- 18 Lines of credit 535 385 920 Home Equity 30 1,553 1,583 $1,891 $1,938 $3,829 Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent Credit risk: 1996 (in thousands) Fixed Variable Total Mortgages $2,901 369 $3,270 Consumer 18 -- 18 Lines of credit 834 531 1,365 Home Equity 41 1,341 1,382 $3,794 $2,241 $6,035 The range of interest on fixed rate commitments was 7.125% to 18.00% at September 30, 1997 and 7.625% to 18.00% at September 30, 1996. The range of interest on adjustable rate commitments was 8.25% to 10.50% at September 30, 1997 and 6.75% to 10.25% at September 30, 1996, respectively. (14) Deposits Held at Nationar, Net On February 6, 1995, the New York Superintendent of Banks (the "Superintendent") took possession of Nationar, a New York chartered bank that provided correspondent banking and related services for various banking institutions, including the Bank. At the time that Nationar was seized by the Superintendent, the Bank had a total of approximately $3.3 million on deposit with Nationar in an account which was used primarily to fund checks written by the Bank's customers and drafts drawn by the Bank, as well as Nationar capital stock of approximately $7,200, and a Nationar debenture of approximately $40 thousand collateralized by a $100 thousand investment security. As of September 30, 1995, the Bank had charged off the $40 thousand Nationar debenture and the $7,200 Nationar capital stock. The Bank also reclassified the demand account balance to other assets and, based upon uncertainties of collecting the demand account balance, management, as advised by legal counsel, set up a reserve for probable losses as of September 30, 1995 of $660 thousand, representing approximately 20% of the Bank's deposit claim. In fiscal 1996, the Bank received a cash payment of $3.1 million from the Superintendent relating to its Nationar claim, and recorded a recovery of $560 thousand on the reserve for probable Nationar losses. During fiscal 1997, the Company received the remaining $200 thousand of its claim and recovered the remaining $100 thousand of the loss reserve. Both recoveries are shown in the consolidated statements of operations as other income. (15) Short-Term Borrowings In March 1997, the Bank activated its line of credit program with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLB"). Under the program, the Bank has access to overnight funds of approximately $13.1 million, along with an additional line of $13.1 million for one month advances. The Company has only used its overnight line. Borrowings outstanding under the overnight line were $11.4 million as of September 30, 1997, at a rate of 6.25%. Borrowings for the year ended September 30, 1997, averaged $2.6 million, at an average rate of 5.75%. The maximum month end balance for the year ended September 30, 1997 was $11.4 million. (16) Fair Values SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires that the Bank disclose estimated fair values for certain financial instruments. 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 net cash flows, 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. Fair value estimates are based on 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 the deferred tax asset and bank 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 of fair value under SFAS No. 107. In addition, there are significant intangible assets that SFAS No. 107 does not recognize, such as the value of "core deposits," the Bank's branch network and other items generally referred to as "goodwill." The specific estimation methods and assumptions used can have a substantial impact on the resulting fair values ascribed to financial instruments. Following is a brief summary of the significant methods and assumptions used: Securities The carrying amounts for short-term investments approximate fair value because they mature in 90 days or less and do not present unanticipated credit concerns. The fair value of longer-term investments and mortgage backed securities, except certain state and municipal securities, is estimated based on bid prices published in financial newspapers or bid quotations received from securities dealers. The fair value of certain state and municipal securities is not readily available through market sources other than dealer quotations, so fair value estimates are based on quoted market prices of similar instruments, adjusted for differences between the quoted instruments and the instruments being valued. See notes 4 and 5 for detail disclosure of securities available for sale and investment securities, respectively. The estimated fair value of stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is assumed to be its cost given the lack of a public market available for this investment. Loans Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as single family loans, consumer loans and commercial loans. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and nonperforming categories. The fair value of performing loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based on the contractual term of the loans to maturity taking into consideration certain prepayment assumptions. Fair value for significant non-performing loans is based on recent external appraisals and/or discounting of cash flows. Estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk associated with the estimated cash flows. Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows, and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market information and specific borrower information. Deposit Liabilities Under SFAS No. 107, the fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand deposit, passbook savings accounts, statement savings accounts, NOW accounts, and money market accounts, must be stated at the amount payable on demand as of September 30, 1997 and 1996. 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 of similar remaining maturities. These fair value estimates do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market. Other Items The following items are considered to have a fair value equal to carrying value due to the nature of the financial instrument and the period within which it will be settled: cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, accrued interest receivable, advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance, short term borrowings, and accrued interest payable. Table of Financial Instruments The carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments as of September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996 were as follows : September 30, 1997 September 30, 1996 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated (in thousands) Value Fair Value Value Fair Value Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,274 $ 2,274 $ 39,712 $ 39,712 Securities available for sale 148,114 148,114 97,041 97,041 Investment securities 8,055 8,112 19,077 19,090 Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 1,762 1,762 1,159 1,159 Loans 126,702 128,623 124,945 124,870 Less: Allowance for loan losses 1,889 -- 1,833 -- Net deferred loan fees 476 -- 579 -- Net loans 124,337 128,623 122,533 124,870 Accrued interest receivable 2,303 2,303 1,736 1,736 Financial liabilities: Deposits: Demand, statement, passbook, money market, and NOW accounts 101,371 101,371 103,894 103,894 Certificates of deposit 99,541 99,701 92,859 92,877 Short-Term Borrowings 11,385 11,385 -- -- Accrued interest on depositors accounts 59 59 58 58 Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance 533 533 1,632 1,632 Commitments to Extend Credit and Financial Guarantees Written 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 credit worthiness 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 financial guarantees written is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties. Fees, such as these are not a major part of the Bank's business and in the Bank's business territory are not a "normal business practice." Therefore, based upon the above facts the Company believes that book value equals fair value and the amounts are not significant. (17) Parent Company Financial Information The Holding Company began operations on April 18, 1996 in conjunction with the Bank's mutual-to-stock conversion and the Company's initial public offering of its common stock Statement of Financial Condition as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 (in thousands, except share data) 1997 1996 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,005 $ 1,138 Securities available for sale 4,030 22,002 ESOP loan receivable from subsidiary 4,359 4,479 Equity in net assets of subsidiary 59,933 54,791 Other assets 500 24 Total assets $ 71,827 $82,434 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities: Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 50 $ 53 Shareholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares -- -- Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 15,000,000 shares; 5,686,750 shares issued at September 30, 1997 and 1996 57 57 Additional paid-in capital 54,811 54,864 Retained earnings, substantially restricted 34,915 31,984 Common stock acquired by ESOP (4,209) (4,436) Unearned management recognition plan (1,856) -- Treasury stock, at cost (848, 244 shares at September 30, 1997) (12,862) -- Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of taxes 921 (88) Total shareholders' equity 71,777 82,381 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 71,827 $82,434 Statement of Operations For the Year Ended September 30, 1997 and for the Period From Inception (April 18, 1996) Through September 30,1996 (in thousands) 1997 1996 Interest income $ 475 $ 296 Non interest expense 223 70 Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary 252 226 Income tax expense 61 91 Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary 191 135 Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary 3,716 3,182 Net income $3,907 $3,317 Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended September 30,1997 and for the Period From Inception (April 18, 1996) Through September 30,1996 (in thousands) 1997 1996 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 3,907 $ 3,317 Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary (3,716) (3,182) Net accretion on securities (42) -- Increase in other assets (57) (24) Increase (decrease) in liabilities (16) 53 Net cash provided by operating activities 76 164 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of securities available for sale (25,000) (122,347) Proceeds from the maturity of securities available for sale 43,045 100,345 Investment in common stock of subsidiary (93) (27,460) Net decrease (increase) in ESOP loan receivable from subsidiary 120 (4,479) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 18,072 (53,941) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net -- 54,915 Purchase of common stock for treasury (15,305) -- Cash dividends on common stock (976) -- Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities (16,281) 54,915 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,867 1,138 Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 1,138 -- End of period $ 3,005 $ 1,138 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during year for income taxes $ 91 -- Noncash investing activities: Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of deferred tax liability of $13 $ 18 -- Recording of subsidiary's equity, including retained earnings, common stock acquired by ESOP, and net unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of taxes, on date of investment in common stock of subsidiary -- $ 24,149 These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. (18) Regulatory Capital Requirements OTS capital regulations require savings institutions to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. Under the regulations in effect at September 30, 1997 and 1996, the Bank was required to maintain a minimum ratio of tangible capital to total tangible assets of 1.5%; a minimum leverage ratio of core (Tier 1) capital to total adjusted tangible assets of 3.0%; and a minimum ratio of total capital (core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, of which 4.0% must be core (Tier 1) capital. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the OTS is required to take certain supervisory actions (and may take additional discretionary actions) with respect to an undercapitalized institution. Such actions could have a direct material effect on an institution's financial statements. The regulations establish a framework for the classification of savings institutions into five categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Generally, an institution is considered well capitalized if it has a core (Tier 1) capital ratio of at least 5.0% (based on average total assets); a core (Tier 1) risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.0%; and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0%. The foregoing capital ratios are based in part on specific quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the OTS about capital components, risk weightings and other factors. Management believes that, as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. Further, the most recent OTS notification categorized the Bank as a well-capitalized institution under the prompt corrective action regulations. There have been no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank's capital classification. The following is a summary of the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, compared to the OTS minimum capital adequacy requirements and the OTS requirements for classification as a well-capitalized institution. Although the OTS capital regulations apply at the Bank level only, the Company's consolidated capital amounts and ratios are also presented. The OTS does not have a holding company capital requirement. 1997 Minimum Capital For Classification Actual Adequacy as Well Capitalized Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Bank Tangible capital $59,031 20.70% $4,278 1.50% $ -- -- Tier 1 (core) capital 59,031 20.70 8,556 3.00 14,259 5.00% Risk-based capital: Tier 1 59,031 60.13 -- -- 5,890 6.00 Total 60,159 61.28 7,854 8.00 9,817 10.00 Actual Amount Ratio Consolidated Tangible capital $70,856 24.54% Tier 1 (core) capital 70,856 24.54 Risk-based capital: Tier 1 70,856 69.27 Total 71,984 70.38 1996 Minimum Capital For Classification Actual Adequacy as Well Capitalized Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Bank Tangible capital $54,879 20.93% $3,934 1.50% $ -- -- Tier 1 (core) capital 54,879 20.93 7,867 3.00 13,112 5.00% Risk-based capital: Tier 1 54,879 60.59 -- -- 5,435 6.00 Total 56,034 61.08 7,339 8.00 9,173 10.00 Actual Amount Ratio Consolidated Tangible capital $82,469 29.05% Tier 1 (core) capital 82,469 29.05 Risk-based capital: Tier 1 82,469 91.05 Total 83,624 91.16 Shareholder information Corporate Offices Catskill Financial Corporation 341 Main Street Catskill, New York 12414-1450 (518) 943-3600 Annual Meeting of Shareholders The annual meeting of Catskill Financial Corporation will be held 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at the Bank's office at 341 Main Street, Catskill, New York Annual Report on Form 10-K For the 1997 fiscal year, Catskill Financial Corporation will file an Annual Report on Form 10-K. Shareholders wishing a copy may obtain one free of charge by writing: David L. Guldenstern Corporate Secretary Catskill Financial Corporation 341 Main Street Catskill, New York 12414-1450 Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar Shareholders wishing to change name, address or ownership of stock, or to report lost certificates and or consolidate accounts are asked to contact the Company's stock registrar and transfer agent directly at: Registrar & Transfer Company 10 Commerce Drive Cranford, New Jersey 07016-3572 (800) 368-5948 Counsel Serchuk & Zelermyer, LLP 81 Main Street White Plains, New York 10601 Independent Auditors KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 74 North Pearl Street Albany, New York 12207 Market Information for Common Stock The common stock of Catskill Financial Corporation trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market under symbol CATB. At December 3, 1997, there were approximately 900 shareholders of record not including the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee or street names through various brokers and banks. Catskill Financial Corporation common stock was issued at $10.00 per share in connection with the Company's initial public offering completed on April 18, 1996. The following table shows the range of high and low sale prices for each quarterly period since the Company began trading in April. 1997 High Low Dividend First Quarter $14.50 $12.13 Second Quarter $16.50 $13.75 $.07 Third Quarter $16.50 $13.50 $.07 Fourth Quarter $17.25 $15.25 $.07 1996 High Low Third Quarter $11.00 $10.00 Fourth Quarter $12.38 $ 9.88 During the second quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company declared its first quarterly dividend. The Company expects to continue to pay dividends, however, dividend payment decisions are made with consideration of a variety of factors including earnings, financial condition, market considerations and regulatory restrictions. Restrictions on dividend payments are described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.