UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q [xx] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1997 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO Commission File Number 0-14853 EASTERN BANCORP, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 03-0304472) (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation organization) Identification No.) 537 Central Avenue Dover, New Hampshire 03820 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip) Code Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (603) 749-2150. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No / / APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date is: Class: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share Outstanding at May 7, 1997: 3,709,876 shares INDEX PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE - ------ --------------------- ------ Item 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 1997 and September 30, 1996 3 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 5-6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 8-17 Part II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings 18 Item 2. Changes in Securities 18 Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 18 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 18 Item 5. Other Information 18 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 18 2 Eastern Bancorp, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) MARCH 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ASSETS 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------- Cash and due from banks............................................ $ 32,567 $ 27,766 Short-term investments............................................. 12,687 12,043 Investment and mortgage backed securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $10,000 at March 31, 1997 and $1 at September 30, 1996)........................................................ 9,901 9 Investment securities held-to-maturity (market value of $36,152 at March 31, 1997 and $47,946 at September 30, 1996)................ 37,395 48,793 Mortgage backed securities held-to-maturity (market value of $224,665 at March 31, 1997 and $236,869 at September 30, 1996)... 232,019 244,856 FHLB stock......................................................... 9,283 9,283 Loans (net of allowance for loan losses of $2,828 at March 31, 1997 and $2,858 at September 30, 1996)................................ 484,104 478,306 Loans held for sale................................................ 5,831 10,480 Accrued interest receivable: Investment and mortgage backed securities.......................... 2,322 2,230 Loans.............................................................. 2,793 2,843 Other real estate owned, net....................................... 5,180 3,611 Investment in real estate.......................................... 336 437 Premises and equipment, net........................................ 18,397 16,693 Excess of cost over net assets acquired............................ 3,338 3,528 Deferred income tax asset, net..................................... 1,383 1,346 Mortgage servicing rights.......................................... 3,025 3,061 Prepaid expenses and other assets.................................. 5,257 3,393 ---------- ------------- Total assets....................................................... $ 865,818 $ 868,678 ---------- ------------- ---------- ------------- LIABILITIES Deposit accounts (including non-interest bearing deposits of $58,819 at March 31, 1997 and $55,986 at September 30, 1996)..... $ 639,642 $ 641,286 Advances from FHLB................................................. 153,263 153,636 Capital lease obligation........................................... 209 273 Accrued expenses and other liabilities............................. 6,976 9,903 ---------- ------------- Total liabilities.................................................. 800,090 805,098 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding.................................... -- -- Common stock, $0.01 par value: 5,000,000 shares authorized; 4,095,549 shares issued at March 31, 1997 and 4,095,549 at September 30, 1996............................................... 41 41 Additional paid-in capital......................................... 36,610 36,384 Retained income (substantially restricted)......................... 31,934 30,138 Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale, net....... (66) 6 Treasury stock (at cost) 414,715 shares at March 31, 1997 and 444,015 shares at September 30, 1996............................. (2,791) (2,989) ---------- ------------- Total stockholders' equity......................................... 65,728 63,580 ---------- ------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......................... $ 865,818 $ 868,678 ---------- ------------- ---------- ------------- See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 3 Eastern Bancorp, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, MARCH 31, ---------------------- ---------------------- INTEREST INCOME: 1997 1996 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Residential mortgage loans.................................... $ 5,457 $ 4,527 $ 10,795 $ 8,959 Other loans................................................... 5,543 5,695 11,058 11,504 Investment and mortgage backed securities available- for-sale.................................................... 176 191 293 563 Investment securities held-to-maturity........................ 899 1,120 1,888 1,953 Mortgage backed securities held-to-maturity................... 3,834 3,644 7,756 7,674 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total interest income........................................ 15,909 15,177 31,790 30,653 INTEREST EXPENSE: Deposit accounts.............................................. 5,744 5,985 11,604 12,227 Borrowings.................................................... 2,281 2,017 4,574 4,349 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total interest expense....................................... 8,025 8,002 16,178 16,576 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net interest income........................................... 7,884 7,175 15,612 14,077 Provision for loan losses..................................... 50 300 195 735 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses.......... 7,834 6,875 15,417 13,342 NON-INTEREST INCOME: Gain on sale of investment and mortgage backed securities, net......................................................... -- 229 14 750 Gain on sale of loans and mortgage servicing rights, net...... 394 512 822 1,059 Service fees on loans sold.................................... 232 224 487 519 Customer service fees......................................... 1,418 1,313 3,013 2,693 Miscellaneous................................................. 409 256 723 582 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total non-interest income.................................... 2,453 2,534 5,059 5,603 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before non-interest expense and federal and state taxes..................................................... 10,287 9,409 20,476 18,945 NON-INTEREST EXPENSE: Compensation and benefits..................................... 3,376 2,890 6,598 6,047 Office occupancy, net......................................... 1,706 1,550 3,277 2,848 Marketing..................................................... 354 309 711 829 Federal deposit insurance premium............................. 103 349 389 722 Other real estate owned operations............................ 553 168 1,200 216 Amortization of intangibles................................... 95 95 190 190 Professional fees............................................. 107 267 177 381 Merger related................................................ 138 -- 529 401 Supplies...................................................... 227 335 445 559 Telephone..................................................... 278 203 527 407 Postage....................................................... 281 259 498 445 Other......................................................... 676 607 1,309 1,180 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total non-interest expense................................... 7,894 7,032 15,850 14,225 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before federal and state taxes........................ 2,393 2,377 4,626 4,720 Federal and state tax expense................................ 910 871 1,722 1,727 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income.................................................. $ 1,483 $ 1,506 $ 2,904 $ 2,993 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings per common and common equivalent share outstanding................................................. $ 0.38 $ 0.40 $ 0.74 $ 0.79 Cash dividends paid per common share.......................... 0.16 0.12 0.30 0.23 Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding................................................. 3,918,840 3,785,896 3,904,791 3,785,289 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 4 Eastern Bancorp, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, -------------------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income.............................................................. $ 2,904 $ 2,993 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Depreciation, amortization and accretion............................... 2,136 1,975 Provision for loan losses.............................................. 195 735 (Gain) on sale of securities........................................... (14) (750) (Gain) on sale of loans and mortgage servicing rights.................. (822) (1,059) Loss (gain) on sale of real estate owned............................... 8 (626) Provision for loss on other real estate owned.......................... 327 ---- Loans originated for sale.............................................. (43,924) (68,723) Proceeds from sales of loans originated for sale....................... 49,395 50,085 (Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable..................... (42) 445 (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets............... (1,660) 127 Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities.......... (4,169) (1,690) Increase (decrease) in accrued federal taxes........................... 1,242 ---- --------- --------- Total adjustments...................................................... 2,672 (19,481) --------- --------- Net cash provided (used) by operating activities....................... 5,576 (16,488) --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities: Net decrease in short-term investments.................................. (644) (5,117) Portfolio loans: Purchases.............................................................. (5,556) (31,458) Originations net of repayments......................................... (3,530) 10,398 Proceeds from sales.................................................... ---- 6,277 Recoveries on loans previously charged off............................. 82 133 Investment and mortgage backed securities available-for-sale: Purchases.............................................................. (10,000) (50) Proceeds from sales.................................................... ---- 58,382 Proceeds from maturities and returns of principal...................... ---- 1,980 Investments held-to-maturity: Purchases.............................................................. (3,249) (57,023) Proceeds from sales.................................................... 7,014 ---- Proceeds from maturities and returns of principal...................... 7,699 38,351 Mortgage backed securities held-to-maturity: Purchases.............................................................. ---- ---- Proceeds from sales.................................................... ---- ---- Proceeds from maturities and returns of principal...................... 12,772 16,321 Purchases of premises and equipment, net of sales proceeds.............. (3,085) (2,281) Proceeds from sales of real estate, net................................. 440 2,696 Purchase of mortgage servicing rights................................... (54) (63) (Increase) decrease in investments in real estate....................... 101 (10) --------- --------- Net cash provided (used) by investing activities...................... $ 1,990 $ 38,536 --------- --------- (continued on next page) 5 Eastern Bancorp, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued) SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities: Net increase (decrease) in deposits..................................... $ (1,644) $ 10,524 Advances from FHLB: Proceeds............................................................... 74,209 40,523 Repayments............................................................. (74,582) (53,005) Securities sold under agreement to repurchase: Proceeds............................................................... ---- 11,855 Repayments............................................................. ---- (31,855) Reduction in capital lease obligation................................... (64) (60) Net proceeds from exercise of stock options and/or sale of treasury stock.................................................................. 423 166 Dividends paid.......................................................... (1,107) (840) --------- --------- Net cash provided (used) by financing activities...................... (2,765) (22,692) --------- --------- Net increase (decrease) in cash....................................... 4,801 (644) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period...................... 27,766 19,862 --------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period............................ $ 32,567 $ 19,218 --------- --------- --------- --------- Cash paid for: Interest................................................................ $ 16,300 $ 16,880 Federal and state taxes................................................. 1,398 1,895 Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities: Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment and mortgage backed securities available-for-sale, net..................................... (72) 203 Loans charged off........................................................ 306 971 Loans securitized and sold............................................... 572 11,479 Loans foreclosed......................................................... 2,344 619 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 6 EASTERN BANCORP, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES The unaudited consolidated interim financial statements for Eastern Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries presented herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Eastern Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, included in its annual report on Form 10-K. Consolidated financial information as of March 31, 1997, and for the three months and six months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 is unaudited, but in the opinion of management reflects all adjustments (none of which are other than normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of such information. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. Certain information for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 1996 and for September 30, 1996, has been reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation. 7 EASTERN BANCORP, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION and Results of Operations This discussion and analysis includes material changes affecting the Company's liquidity, capital resources and results of operations for the period included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES: General: Eastern Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") is the nondiversified unitary savings and loan holding company of Vermont Federal Bank, FSB ("VFB" or the "Bank"). The Bank's principal business is retail banking, which includes attracting deposits and making loans. Additionally, the Bank makes investments and borrows funds. The Company also owns Vermont Service Corporation ("VSC"), a real estate development company it purchased from VFB in January 1992. All per share information contained herein has been adjusted to reflect the Company's June 19, 1996 three-for-two stock split paid to stockholders of record on June 5, 1996. On November 13, 1996, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, the Bank and Vermont Financial Services Corporation ("VFSC") pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into VFSC, and the Bank will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of VFSC (the "Merger"). Consummation of the Merger is conditioned, among other things, upon stockholder approval and regulatory approval. Preliminary Note In Regard To Forward-Looking Statements: This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, those set forth below under the caption "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results." Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results: The following important factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements made in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q or presented elsewhere by management from time to time. A number of uncertainties exist that could affect the Company's future operating results, including without limitation, the Bank's continued ability to originate quality loans, fluctuation of interest rates, real estate market conditions in the Bank's lending areas, general and local economic conditions, the Bank's continued ability to attract and retain deposits, the Company's ability to control costs, new accounting pronouncements, and changing regulatory requirements. Another uncertainty involves regulatory and stockholder approval of the Merger Agreement. While management does not anticipate a negative response from the regulatory bodies or the stockholders of the Company or VFSC, failure to approve the agreement could materially impact the future performance of the Company because of distraction of management, fees, and restrictions on interim operations. The Merger Agreement sets forth certain restrictions on activities of the Company and its subsidiaries which are not in the ordinary and usual course of business consistent with past practices and must be adhered to until the effective date of the Merger. These restrictions include, but are not limited to, (i) the execution of any material contract or incurrence of any material obligation outside the ordinary course of business, (ii) the declaration or payment of any dividends or other distributions to stockholders that are in any way inconsistent with prior practices, (iii) the amendment, in any material respect of the Company's employee benefit plans or employment contracts, (iv) the issuance of any shares of its capital stock or grant of any options except in fulfillment of pre-existing option plans, 8 (v) the incurrence of any additional debt obligation except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or to any capital expenditures above certain monetary limits, (vi) and the making of any loans or extensions of credit other than those which are on customary terms, conditions and standards. As a result of the Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996, the Secretary of the Treasury is to review recommendations in 1997 for the establishment of a common charter for banks and savings associations. Accordingly, the Bank may be required to convert its federal savings bank charter to either a national bank charter, a state depository institution charter, or a newly designed charter. The Company may also become regulated at the holding company level by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") rather than by the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"). Regulation by the Federal Reserve could subject Eastern to capital requirements that are not currently applicable to the Company as a holding company under OTS regulation and may result in statutory limitations on the type of business activities in which the Company may engage at the holding company level, which business activities currently are not restricted. The Company is unable to predict whether such initiatives will result in enacted legislation requiring a charter change and if so whether the charter change would significantly impact the Company's operations. Revenue generated by the Company is highly dependent on its asset/liability management policies, future changes in the general direction of interest rates and the overall economy could negatively impact net interest margin. The Company's operating results are negatively affected by its nonperforming assets. Future changes in the national or local economy, fluctuations in interest rates, and changes in the real estate market could limit or prevent future nonperforming asset reduction and negatively impact results. Operating results are affected by the adequacy of the Company's loan loss reserve to cover loan losses. Management has considerable experience in evaluating the loan portfolio; however, changes in the national or local economy or fluctuations in interest rates could create the need for additional provisions, thereby adversely affecting operating results. There can be no assurance that the Company's provision for loan loss reserves will prove adequate. Other significant recurrent sources of income for the Company include gain on sale of loans, service fees on loans sold, and customer service fees. Gain on sale of loans and service fees on loans sold are affected by market conditions. Customer service fees are a function of customer banking activity. If the Company were to fail to maintain or grow these sources of income, the Company's operating results would be adversely affected. Because of these and other factors, past financial performance should not be considered an indicator of future performance. Investors should not solely use historical trends to anticipate future results and should be aware that the trading price of the Company's common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to quarter to quarter variations in operating results, general conditions in the thrift industry, changes in earnings estimates and recommendations by analysts or other events. Liquidity: The Bank's primary sources of liquidity consist of borrowed funds, deposit inflows, loan repayments, sales of loans originated for sale, sales of investments and mortgage backed securities available-for-sale, and maturities of investment and mortgage backed securities. These sources of liquidity fund investments in a variety of mortgage, commercial and consumer loans and investment and mortgage backed securities. The Bank believes it has adequate sources of liquidity to fund its current activities. OTS regulations require the Bank to maintain liquid assets at 5% or more of its net withdrawable deposits plus short term borrowings. The Bank's liquidity ratios are in compliance with those regulations for the periods reported. The Company's primary sources of liquidity consist of dividends received from its subsidiaries, sales of investment securities available-for-sale, maturities of investment securities, and borrowed funds. The Company uses its liquidity to pay cash dividends to shareholders, for general and administrative expenses and to pay federal and state taxes. The Company also uses its liquidity to fund cash needs of VSC. At March 31, 1997, the holding company had $2.8 million in cash and investment securities. The Company did not have any debt outstanding at March 31, 1997, nor does it anticipate the need to borrow any funds during fiscal 1997. 9 Investment and Mortgage Backed Securities: Investment and mortgage backed securities held-to-maturity at March 31, 1997 totaled $269.4 million with a market value of $260.8 million compared to $293.6 million with a market value of $284.8 million at September 30, 1996. This decrease was due to maturities and returns of principle. Investment and mortgage backed securities available-for-sale as of March 31, 1997 totaled $9.9 million with an amortized cost of $10.0 million compared to $9,000 with an amortized cost of $1,000 at September 30, 1996. The Bank purchased one security during the first six months of fiscal 1997 and classified it as available-for-sale to gain liquidity flexibility. The Company believes cash flow from mortgage backed and investment securities is adequate to meet liquidity requirements. The Bank uses mortgage backed securities to supplement loan demand and as an alternative use of excess liquid funds. They are also used for the purpose of meeting the Bank's "Qualified Thrift Lender" requirements. Loans: The Company's net loans increased $1.1 million from $488.8 million at September 30, 1996, to $489.9 million at March 31, 1997. The following table compares significant loan activity for the periods indicated. SELECTED LOAN ACTIVITY SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- Originations: Residential Mortgage.................................................. $ 59,945 $ 75,400 Consumer.............................................................. 21,360 12,408 Commercial............................................................ 33,894 5,822 ---------- --------- Total Originations................................................... $ 115,199 $ 93,630 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Purchases.............................................................. $ 5,556 $ 31,458 Proceeds from sales.................................................... 48,823 50,085 Loans securitized to mortgage backed securities........................ 572 11,479 The Bank originates fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans for sale. At March 31, 1997, the Bank had $5.8 million in mortgage loans held for sale which required no valuation reserve to adjust their carrying value to the lower of cost or market. At March 31, 1997, the Bank had $10.5 million in commitments to sell mortgage loans. During the six months ended March 31, 1997, the Bank received proceeds of $48.8 million from the sale of loans and $572,000 from loans securitized and sold, all of which had been originated for sale. The proceeds from these sales combined with other sources of funds were used to originate $115.2 million in loans, of which $59.9 million were residential mortgages. Early in fiscal 1996, management decided to increase efforts in commercial lending. The Company is now experiencing the full benefits of this decision resulting in increased commercial loan originations during fiscal 1997. On April 3, 1997, after the end of the period reported herein, the Bank sold substantially all of its mobile home portfolio, $35.4 million, for a net loss of approximately $141,600. At March 31, 1997, the Bank had commitments to originate loans of $91.0 million which included $15.4 million in residential mortgage loans, $14.3 million in commercial loans (primarily unadvanced funds on equity lines of credit) and $61.3 million in consumer loans (primarily unadvanced funds on equity lines of credit). The following table compares the balances of nonperforming assets at the dates indicated. There are no loans greater than ninety days past due that are still accruing. 10 NONPERFORMING ASSETS MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996 SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- % OF % OF % OF (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) AMOUNT ASSETS AMOUNT ASSETS AMOUNT ASSETS - ---------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Nonaccruing loans: Commercial..................................................... $ 857 0.10% $ 1,682 0.20% $ 3,693 0.43% Consumer....................................................... 2,316 0.27 2,703 0.31 2,473 0.28 Residential mortgage........................................... 2,019 0.23 2,192 0.25 1,779 0.20 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total nonperforming loans....................................... 5,192 0.60 6,577 0.76 7,945 0.91 Real estate owned, net.......................................... 5,180 0.60 4,951 0.57 3,611 0.42 Other repossessed assets........................................ 593 0.07 470 0.05 448 0.05 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total nonperforming assets...................................... $ 10,965 1.27% $ 11,998 1.38% $ 12,004 1.38% --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Restructured troubled debt: Performing..................................................... $ 5,484 0.63% $ 5,947 0.69% $ 4,154 0.48% Nonperforming (included above)................................. 919 0.11 938 0.11 952 0.11 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total.......................................................... $ 6,403 0.74% $ 6,885 0.80% $ 5,106 0.59% --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Allowance for possible loan losses.............................. $ 2,828 0.33% $ 2,906 0.34% $ 2,858 0.33% --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Allowance for possible loan losses to: Nonperforming loans............................................. 54.47% 44.18% 35.97% Total loans..................................................... 0.57 0.58 0.58 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company's total nonperforming assets decreased $1.0 million to $11.0 million at March 31, 1997 compared to $12.0 million at both December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1996 due to a decrease in all of the nonperforming loan categories, somewhat offset by an increase in OREO and ORA. Nonaccruing loans decreased approximately $1.4 million from December 31, 1996 and decreased $2.8 million from September 30, 1996. During the first quarter of fiscal 1997, the decrease in nonaccruing loans and the increase in OREO was due primarily to the reclassification of one commercial property from nonaccruing loans to OREO property. See "Results of Operations--Provision for Loan Losses" for information on the allowance for loan losses which totaled $2.8 million at March 31, 1997. Deposits: Total deposits decreased $1.6 million during the six months ended March 31, 1997. This decrease in deposits resulted from decreases in NOW accounts, passbook accounts and money market accounts slightly offset by increases in demand deposit accounts and time deposits . Borrowings: Total borrowed funds decreased $437,000 during the first six months of fiscal 1997. Stockholders' Equity: Stockholders' equity increased $2.1 million during the six month period ended March 31, 1997, to $65.7 million, or $17.86 per share. The Company recorded earnings of $2.9 million and paid cash dividends to shareholders of $1.1 million during the first six months of fiscal 1997. During the six months ended March 31, 1997, the Company received $423,000 for the use of Treasury shares to fund the exercise of employee and director stock options. The Company's after tax unrealized loss on investment and mortgage backed securities was $66,000 compared to a $6,000 unrealized gain at September 30, 1996 due to a decrease in the market value of those securities. 11 The following table reflects regulatory capital for VFB as calculated at March 31, 1997. REGULATORY (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) CAPITAL ACTUAL - -------------- ---------------------- Core................................................... $ 59,941 6.97% Tangible............................................... 59,941 6.97 Risk-based............................................. 62,650 12.76 At March 31, 1997, VFB had risk-based capital of $62.7 million, or 12.8% of risk weighted assets on a fully phased-in basis. The Bank's capital ratios exceed current regulatory requirements. On April 22, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a $0.16 quarterly cash dividend per share, payable on May 21, 1997 to stockholders of record on May 7, 1997. Payment of future cash dividends is subject to, among other things, Company earnings and tax and regulatory considerations. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996 Net Income: Net income for the three months ended March 31, 1997 was $1.5 million or $0.38 per share, compared to earnings of $1.5 million, or $0.40 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 1996. Net interest income increased $709,000 from the same period last year due primarily to increased mortgage loan income. The provision for loan losses for the fiscal 1997 quarter was $50,000 compared to $300,000 for the same period last year. Both quarters provisions were calculated based upon the results of the Bank's loan loss analyses. Non-interest income decreased $81,000 from the prior year which included a $229,000 gain on sale of investment and mortgage backed securities. Non-interest expense increased $862,000 from the prior year due primarily to increased compensation and benefits, office occupancy, OREO expense and merger related expenses. Net Interest Income: Net interest income was $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997 compared to $7.2 million for the similar period ended March 31, 1996. Total interest income earned was $15.9 million during the fiscal 1997 quarter, an increase of $732,000 over the comparable fiscal 1996 quarter. This resulted from a $778,000 increase in interest income on loans due to higher average balances, accounting for approximately $970,000, offset by a $192,000 decrease due to lower yields. Offsetting this increase in loan income, interest income on investments and mortgage backed securities decreased approximately $46,000. Of this decrease, $150,000 was a result of decreased average balances offset by a $104,000 increase resulting from higher yields. 12 ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE RATES AND BALANCES QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 INTEREST RATE INTEREST RATE AVERAGE INCOME/ EARNED/ AVERAGE INCOME/ EARNED/ (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) BALANCE EXPENSE PAID BALANCE EXPENSE PAID - ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------- Assets Loans..................................................... $ 491,348 $ 11,000 8.95% $ 448,753 $ 10,222 9.11% Investment and mortgage backed securities................. 300,724 4,909 6.53 309,910 4,955 6.40 ---------- --------- --- ---------- --------- --- Total interest-earning assets............................ 792,072 15,909 8.03 758,663 15,177 8.00 Other real estate owned................................... 5,158 4,360 Non-interest-earning assets............................... 63,860 56,838 ---------- ---------- Total assets............................................. $ 861,090 $ 819,861 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Savings................................................... $ 107,498 690 2.57 $ 124,381 753 2.42 Interest-bearing checking................................. 139,270 794 2.28 131,640 861 2.62 Time deposits............................................. 326,988 4,260 5.21 314,142 4,371 5.57 Borrowings................................................ 162,674 2,281 5.61 132,868 2,017 6.07 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Total interest-bearing liabilities....................... 736,430 8,025 4.36 703,031 8,002 4.55 ---------- --------- --- ---------- Non-interest-bearing deposits............................. 53,646 48,502 Other non-interest-bearing liabilities.................... 5,508 5,332 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities........................................ 795,584 756,865 Stockholders' equity...................................... 65,506 62,996 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............... $ 861,090 $ 819,861 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net interest income....................................... $ 7,884 $ 7,175 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest spread....................................... 3.67 3.45 Net interest margin....................................... 3.98 3.78 Total interest expense incurred was $8.0 million for the fiscal 1997 quarter, a $23,000 increase from the fiscal 1996 quarter. This resulted from a $264,000 increase in borrowing expense due to higher average borrowings, accounting for an increase of approximately $452,000, offset by a $188,000 decrease due to lower average rates paid. Offsetting this increase, deposit expense decreased by $241,000 due primarily to a decrease in interest rates paid. Provision for Loan Losses: During fiscal 1997's second quarter, the Company provided $50,000 for loan loss reserves compared to $300,000 during the corresponding 1996 fiscal quarter. The Bank uses a systematic migration analysis in determining loan loss provision. The results of this analysis for fiscal 1997 did not require substantial additions to the reserve. The Company's net charge-offs were $128,000 during fiscal 1997's second quarter relating primarily to consumer loans. Nonperforming loans at March 31, 1997 totaled $5.2 million compared to $6.6 million at December 31, 1996 and $7.9 million at September 30, 1996. The Company's total nonperforming assets at March 31, 1997 were $11.0 million compared to $12.0 million at both December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1996. The $1.0 million decrease from December 31, 1996 was the result of a decrease in each of the nonperforming loan categories. Real estate owned increased approximately $229,000 during the fiscal 1997 second quarter. At March 31, 1997, the Company believes its allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover potential loan losses in its loan portfolio. 13 ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES ------------------------- THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ------------------------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- Beginning of Period................................ $ 2,906 $ 4,009 Provision.......................................... 50 300 Net Charge-offs.................................... (128) (790) --------- --------- End of Period...................................... $ 2,828 $ 3,519 --------- --------- --------- --------- Non-interest Income: Non-interest income decreased $81,000 during the fiscal 1997 quarter compared to the fiscal 1996 quarter which included a gain on sale of investments of approximately $229,000. The fiscal 1997 quarter included an increase of $105,000 in customer service fees due primarily to overdraft fees, a $153,000 increase in miscellaneous other income and a decrease of $118,000 in gain on sale of loans. Non-interest Expense: Total non-interest expense was $7.9 million for the fiscal 1997 quarter, an increase of $862,000 from the fiscal 1996 quarter. Compensation and benefits increased $486,000 during the fiscal 1997 March quarter when compared to the same quarter last year. Regular payroll expense increased approximately $361,000 from the prior year second quarter due to annual merit increases, additional staff to open seven non-traditional (supermarket) branches and bonuses. Employee medical insurance increased approximately $128,000 due to an increase in claims as the Company is self insured for medical coverage. Other real estate operations expense increased $385,000 from fiscal 1996's March quarter. Fiscal 1997's March quarter included, among other things, a decrease in gain on sale of REO property of $384,000 and an increase in provision for REO and ORA loss of $99,000 partially offset by a $25,000 increase in REO income. Office occupancy increased $156,000 from the March 1996 quarter due to increased depreciation expense on technology initiatives and rent expense due to opening seven non-traditional (supermarket) branches, somewhat offset by a decrease in office building expense. The Company incurred approximately $138,000 in expense during the fiscal 1997 second quarter relating to the Merger. These increases were somewhat offset by the decrease of $246,000 in FDIC insurance premiums due to lower assessment rates. Federal and State Taxes: Federal and state tax expense increased to $910,000 based on income before taxes of $2.4 million during the fiscal 1997 quarter. During the fiscal 1996 quarter, tax expense was $871,000 based on income before taxes of $2.4 million. At March 31, 1997, the Company had a net deferred income tax asset of approximately $1.4 million which is supported by recoverable taxes paid during the last three fiscal years. In addition, management believes the existing net deductible temporary differences which give rise to the net deferred income tax asset will reverse during periods in which the Company generates net taxable income and in which gross taxable temporary differences are expected to reverse. It should be noted, however, that factors beyond management's control, such as the general state of the economy and real estate values, can affect future levels of taxable income and that no assurance can be given that sufficient taxable income will be generated to fully absorb gross deductible temporary differences. COMPARISON OF THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996 Net Income: Net income for the six months ended March 31, 1997 was $2.9 million, or $0.74 per share, compared to net income of $3.0 million, or $0.79 per share, for the six months ended March 31, 1996. Fiscal 1997 six month results included, among other things, a $1.8 million increase in residential mortgage loan income, a $623,000 14 decrease in deposit account expense, a $540,000 decrease in loan loss provision, a $551,000 increase in compensation and benefits, a $984,000 increase in OREO expense and $529,000 in expenses related to the proposed merger with VFSC. Fiscal 1996 six month results included a $750,000 gain on sale of investments and a $401,000 charge due to additional expenses related to the merger of the Company's New Hampshire bank subsidiary into VFB. Net Interest Income: Net interest income for the six months ended March 31, 1997 was $15.6 million, an increase of $1.5 million from the six months ended March 31, 1996. Total interest income was $31.8 million for the fiscal 1997 period compared to $30.7 million for the fiscal 1996 period, an increase of $1.1 million. The change was due to a $1.4 million increase in interest on loans, consisting of a $1.8 million increase due to higher average balances somewhat offset by a $386,000 decrease due to lower average rates. Offsetting this increase in loan interest was a decrease in investment and mortgage backed securities interest income of approximately $253,000 due to lower average balances, accounting for a $408,000 decrease, somewhat offset by a $155,000 increase due to higher average rates. Total interest expense was $16.2 million for the fiscal 1997 period compared to $16.6 million for the fiscal 1996 period, a $398,000 decrease. This resulted from a $623,000 decrease in deposit expense due primarily to lower average rates somewhat offset by a $225,000 increase in borrowing expense due primarily to an increase average borrowings. ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE RATES AND BALANCES SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEREST RATE INTEREST RATE AVERAGE INCOME/ EARNED/ AVERAGE INCOME/ EARNED/ (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) BALANCE EXPENSE PAID BALANCE EXPENSE PAID - ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----------- Assets Loans..................................................... $ 490,153 $ 21,853 8.92% $ 450,806 $ 20,463 9.08% Investment and mortgage backed securities................. 305,241 9,937 6.51 317,799 10,190 6.41 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Total interest-earning assets............................ 795,394 31,790 7.99 768,605 30,653 7.98 Other real estate owned................................... 4,842 4,694 Non-interest-earning assets............................... 62,401 55,025 ---------- ---------- Total assets............................................. $ 862,637 $ 828,324 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Savings................................................... $ 109,043 1,417 2.60 $ 124,178 1,544 2.49 Interest-bearing checking................................. 142,238 1,619 2.28 131,198 1,808 2.76 Time deposits............................................. 324,921 8,568 5.27 313,521 8,875 5.66 Borrowings................................................ 160,764 4,574 5.69 142,416 4,349 6.11 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Total interest-bearing liabilities....................... 736,966 16,178 4.39 711,313 16,576 4.66 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Non-interest-bearing deposits............................. 54,078 49,380 Other non-interest-bearing liabilities.................... 6,505 5,177 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities........................................ 797,549 765,870 Stockholders' equity...................................... 65,088 62,454 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............... $ 862,637 $ 828,324 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net interest income....................................... $ 15,612 $ 14,077 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest spread....................................... 3.60 3.32 Net interest margin....................................... 3.93 3.66 15 Provision for Loan Losses: The Company provided $195,000 in provisions for loan losses during the fiscal 1997 period compared to $735,000 during the fiscal 1996 period. During the fiscal 1997 period, the Company had net charge-offs of $225,000. The Bank analyzes classified loans (including nonperforming loans) on a periodic basis and provides loan loss reserves in accordance with the level, quality and collateral value of these loans. In addition, historical loan loss experience, adjusted for the expected impact of changing market values, is used to assist in determining total loss reserve requirements. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES ------------------------- SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ------------------------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- Beginning of Period.................................. $ 2,858 $ 3,622 Provision........................................... 195 735 Net Charge-offs..................................... (225) (838) --------- --------- End of Period........................................ $ 2,828 $ 3,519 --------- --------- --------- --------- Non-interest Income: Non-interest income was $5.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 1997 compared to $5.6 million for the same fiscal 1996 period, which included a gain on sale of investments of $750,000. Customer service fees increased $320,000 from the same period last year. Customer service fees are primarily generated from overdraft and service charges on demand deposit accounts and other customer transaction fees. Gain on sale of loans and mortgage servicing rights decreased $237,000 during the first six months of fiscal 1997 when compared to the same period last year due to a decrease in loan sales volume. Non-interest Expense: Total non-interest expense in the fiscal 1997 six month period increased $1.6 million to $15.8 million compared to the fiscal 1996 six month period. Other real estate operations expense increased $984,000 from the same six month period last year. Fiscal 1997 six month results, when compared to fiscal 1996, reflect a decrease of $634,000 in gain on sale of REO property, and a $408,000 increase in provisions for loss somewhat offset by a $47,000 increase in REO income. Compensation and benefits increased $551,000 during the fiscal 1997 six month period when compared to the same period last year. This increase was due primarily to an increase of $459,000 in regular payroll and an increase of $173,000 in medical insurance, somewhat offset by decreases in various other compensation and benefit accounts. Regular payroll increased due to annual merit increases, additional staff to open seven non-traditional (supermarket) branches, and bonuses. The Company is self-insured for medical expenses and has experienced an increase in claims during fiscal 1997. Office occupancy expense increased $429,000 during the six months ended March 31, 1997 when compared to the same period last year. This increase is due primarily to increased depreciation on technology initiatives and increased equipment maintenance contract fees and rent expense due to the opening of seven non-traditional (supermarket) branches. The Company recorded $529,000 in expenses related to the proposed merger with VFSC. This compares to $401,000 of expenses recorded during the same period last year relating to the consolidation of the Company's two subsidiary banks. FDIC insurance premiums decreased $333,000 during the six months ended March 31, 1997 when compared to the same period last year due to a reduction in assessment rates. 16 Professional fees decreased $204,000 during Fiscal 1997's six month period when compared to the same six month period last year. This decrease was due to a decrease in accounting and consulting fees. Federal and State Taxes: Federal and state taxes for the six months ended March 31, 1997 were $1.7 million based on net income before taxes of $4.6 million. This is compared to $1.7 million based on income before taxes of $4.7 million during the fiscal 1996 period. 17 Part II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings Not Applicable Item 2. Changes in Securities None Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities Not Applicable Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of the Security Holders None Item 5. Other Information None Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. (a.) Exhibit 27.1--Financial Data Schedule (b.) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended March 31, 1997. 18 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. EASTERN BANCORP, INC. DATE: MAY 14, 1997 /s/ JANINE K. PINEL ------------------------------------------ JANINE K. PINEL CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 19