UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1997 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission file number 0-25286 CASCADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION ----------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 91-1661954 -------- ---------- (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer ID No.) incorporation or organization) 2828 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington 98201 -------------------------------------- ----- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (425) 339-5500 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Indicate by check mark 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 twelve 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 [ ] Indicate by check mark no disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ] As of September 19, 1997, there were issued and outstanding 3,386,039 shares of the registrant's Common Stock. The registrant's voting stock is traded over-the-counter and is listed on the Nasdaq Smallcap Market under the symbol "CASB." Based on the average of the bid and asked prices for the Common Stock on September 19, 1997, the aggregate value of the Common Stock outstanding held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was $48.3 million (3,386,039 shares at $14.25 per share). For purposes of this calculation, officers and directors of the registrant are not considered nonaffiliates of the registrant. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 1. Portions of Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1997 (the "Annual Report") (Parts I and II). 2. Portions of registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Part III). PART I Item 1. Description of Business General Cascade Bank ("Cascade" or the "Bank") has been serving the people of Snohomish and King Counties since 1916 when it was organized as a mutual savings and loan association. On September 15, 1992, the Bank completed its conversion from a federal mutual to a federal stock savings bank. Cascade Financial Corporation ("Corporation"), a Delaware corporation, was organized on August 18, 1994 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for Cascade. On October 23, 1994, the stockholders of the Bank approved a plan to reorganize the Bank into the holding company form of ownership. The reorganization was completed on November 30, 1994, on which date the Bank became the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, and the stockholders of the Bank became stockholders of the Corporation. Prior to completion of the reorganization, the Corporation had no material assets or liabilities and engaged in no business activities. Subsequent to the acquisition of Cascade, the Corporation has engaged in no significant activity other than holding the stock of the Bank. Accordingly, the information set forth in this report, including financial statements and related data, relates primarily to the Bank. The executive offices of the Corporation are located at 2828 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington, and the telephone number is (425) 339-5500. As of June 30, 1997, the Corporation conducted its business from its main office in Everett, Washington with seven other full service offices and one loan origination office in the greater Puget Sound region. At June 30, 1997, the Corporation had total assets of $368.1 million, total deposits of $244.8 million and stockholders' equity of $22.6 million. The savings deposits of the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") under the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"). Recent Developments On August 1, 1997 Cascade completed a merger with Amfirst Bancorporation, the holding company for American First National Bank. The merger adds three new full service offices to Cascade's branch network. The move immediately establishes Cascade's commercial banking presence in Snohomish County. Acquired assets were $66.7 million at July 31, 1997 including $36.0 million in loans, primarily commerical loans. Deposits of $60.7 million were also acquired in the merger. The merger adds approximately 803,300 shares of common stock to the Corporation's already issued and outstanding stock at August 1, 1997. Regulatory Issues Prior to March 1990, the Bank was for many years managed by a chief executive officer who was subsequently charged by the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") with illegal actions. The OTS issued an order which required the former chief executive to pay restitution to the Bank of $1.0 million. See "Item 3 -- Legal Proceedings -- Former Management." There has been, and is likely to continue to be intense scrutiny of the Bank, its affairs and past transactions by regulators, and possibly by others, with a view toward asserting claims of some type against the Bank. Exposure of the Corporation to claims and possible litigation may continue until the completion of the restructuring of the balance sheet, the improvement of the Corporation's capital position and its core earnings. Current Business Strategy Historically the Corporation's principal business activity has been the acquisition of deposits which are used to originate and service one-to-four family residential, construction, multi-family, and commercial real estate loans. The Corporation seeks to control its interest rate risk by generally retaining in its portfolio adjustable rate and balloon loans that are funded with a combination of Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle ("FHLB-Seattle") advances and deposits from the local market area. Total assets at June 30, 1997 increased by $33.7 million or 10.1% from June 30, 1996. The increase was fueled by a 28.2% increase in the Bank's loan portfolios. The Corporation also sells a portion of the long-term fixed rate residential loans it originates. The Corporation's strategy for the coming years is to maintain the Bank's current real estate portfolio while providing growth through the Bank's recently introduced lines of business and consumer products. Market Area Headquartered in Everett, Washington, the Corporation serves its customers from eight full service offices, five in Snohomish County, two in King County, and one in Skagit County. The Corporation has a mortgage origination office in Whatcom County. The Corporation serves the savings and borrowing needs of the diverse geographic communities in which it operates. Cascade plans to add three new full service offices to it's branch network in the near future. Located in the center of the western Washington region, Snohomish and King counties have experienced significant growth in recent years. Much of this growth can be attributed to the computer software and import/export businesses in the region. Snohomish County is a fast growing county and the significant migration of people to the area has supported growth in all types of businesses. The Boeing Corporation employs approximately 80,000 people in the Puget Sound region. Everett is a "home port" for a United States Navy Nuclear Carrier battle group which has brought a significant number of new residents to the surrounding market areas during the past year since its completed construction. Federal Legislation RECAPITALIZATION OF SAIF AND ITS IMPACT ON SAIF PREMIUMS. Effective January 1, 1996, the FDIC substantially reduced deposit insurance premiums for well-capitalized, well-managed financial institutions that are members of the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF"). Under the new assessment schedule, approximately 92% of BIF members pay the statutory minimum annual assessment of $2,000. Cascade is a member of the SAIF rather than the BIF. On September 30, 1996, Congress enacted legislation which resulted in comparable FDIC insurance premiums for the entire banking industry. The legislation provided for a special one-time assessment on SAIF-insured deposits that were held as of March 31, 1995. This assessment brought the SAIF's reserve ratio to the legally required $1.25 per $100 of insured deposits level. Cascade's special assessment resulted in a pretax charge of $1.2 million in 1997. As a result of the legislation, the Bank's SAIF insurance premiums have been reduced to 6.30 cents per $100 as compared to the 23.0 cents per $100 paid prior to the legislation. POTENTIAL OPERATIONAL RESTRICTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH REGULATORY OVERSIGHT. Cascade is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the OTS, as its chartering authority and primary federal regulator, and by the FDIC, which insures its deposits up to applicable limits. Cascade is a member of the FHLB System and is subject to certain limited regulations promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve"). As the holding company of Cascade, the Corporation also is subject to regulation and oversight by the OTS. Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. Regulatory authorities have been granted extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities which are intended to strengthen the financial condition of the banking industry, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of an institution, the classification of assets by the institution and the adequacy of an institution's allowance for loan losses. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether by the OTS, the FDIC or Congress, could have a material impact on the Corporation, Cascade and their respective operations. See "Regulation." Lending Activities GENERAL. The Corporation originates business, consumer and real estate loans primarily through its full service office staff and commissioned business bankers and loan officers. Business bankers and loan officers direct their efforts towards establishing and maintaining ongoing relationships with local businesses and consumers. These customers are a valuable source for new loan origination referrals. During the year just completed most loans have been for the purchase or refinance of one-to-four family, multi-family, and commercial properties, for construction of one-to-four family homes and home equity lending. As of June 30, 1997, $230.7 million or 71% of the Corporation's total loans consisted of loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties (permanent and construction), $25.9 million or 8% of total loans consisted of commercial real estate and land loans, $57.7 million or 18% consisted of multi-family loans and $9.7 million or 3% of installment loans. To ensure that the yields on its loan portfolio and investments are interest rate sensitive, the Corporation has implemented several measures, including (i) adoption of a practice under which the Corporation generally originates long-term, fixed-rate mortgage loans only when such loans are written to specifications promulgated by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), or the Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Administration (collectively "FHA/VA"), and qualify for sale in the secondary market; (ii) when market conditions permit, increased emphasis on the retention of adjustable rate or balloon mortgages on residential properties; and (iii) origination of business and consumer products with adjustable rates. These lending strategies were adopted to shorten the term of the Corporation's assets and make the loan portfolio less sensitive to interest rate volatility. QUALITY CONTROL. The Corporation has implemented a quality control process designed to ensure sound lending practices and compliance with the guidelines established by FHLMC, FNMA, FHA and VA. An outside consultant conducts reviews of completed transactions to ensure the Corporation's credit personnel adhere to investors' underwriting criteria, regulatory conformance and internal policy compliance. In addition, each operating department performs certain quality control procedures. ONE-TO-FOUR FAMILY RESIDENTIAL LOANS. The Corporation presently originates both fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage ("ARMs") loans secured by one-to-four family properties with loan terms of up to 30 years. Newly originated ARMs have interest rates that adjust based on the One Year United States Treasury Constant Maturity Index or the Twelfth District Cost of Funds Index, a lagging index. Borrower demand for ARMs versus fixed-rate mortgage loans is a function of the level of interest rates, the expectations of changes in the level of interest rates and the differences between the interest rates and loan fees offered for fixed-rate mortgage loans and the rates and loan fees for ARMs. The Corporation's lending policies generally limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential one-to-four family owner occupied loans to 80% or less of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price of the underlying residential property. Non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans are limited to 70% or less, of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price of the underlying residential property. The loan-to-value ratio, maturity and other provisions of the loans made by the Corporation are generally reflected in the policy of making less than the maximum loan permissible under federal regulations, according to established lending practices, market conditions and underwriting standards maintained by the Corporation. Loans originated with a loan-to-value ratio above 80% have typically required private mortgage insurance. The following table shows total loans originated, purchased, sold and repaid during the periods indicated. For the Year Ended June 30, 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ (Dollars in thousands) Total gross loans at beginning of period $129,403 165,916 194,989 227,920 247,798 Loans originated: Single-family residential 255,300 277,949 84,425 78,452 94,360 Multi-family residential and commercial real estate 1,815 2,118 3,928 13,040 37,427 Single-family construction 11,315 22,601 22,708 31,599 28,592 Consumer 0 0 0 8,483 21,829 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total loans originated 268,430 302,668 111,061 131,574 182,208 Loans purchased 515 552 369 821 110 Whole loans sold 202,419 236,703 43,969 57,286 50,825 Loan principal repayments 33,304 37,840 32,834 54,502 54,979 Other (3,291) (396) 1,696 729 321 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Loan activity, net 36,513 29,073 32,931 19,878 76,193 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total gross loans at end of period 165,916 194,989 227,920 247,798 323,991 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Loans converted to mortgage- backed securities: Loans securitized 108,835 61,148 15,393 32,330 17,419 Mortgage-backed securities sold 110,377 45,049 10,623 32,330 17,419 LOAN PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS. The following table sets forth the Corporation's loan portfolio by type of loan and by type of security as of the dates indicated. At June 30, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- (Dollars in Thousands) Type of Loan: Residential(1)(2) $125,508 79.96 150,086 81.64 184,800 85.31 201,003 86.04 253,121 82.77 FHA and VA 7,099 4.52 2,762 1.50 3,458 1.60 3,085 1.32 3,955 1.29 Commercial 17,721 11.29 18,850 10.25 16,770 7.74 14,739 6.31 25,250 8.26 Construction 10,337 6.59 17,677 9.62 22,708 10.48 28,277 12.10 31,314 10.24 Land 5,251 3.35 5,614 3.05 202 .09 194 .08 606 .20 Installment 0 0 0 0 0 0 507 .22 9,745 3.19 ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ Total loans 165,916 105.71 194,989 106.07 227,938 105.22 247,805 106.07 323,991 105.94 Less: Due to borrowers on construction loans 4,412 2.81 5,980 3.25 6,215 2.87 9,082 3.89 12,865 4.21 Unearned discounts 1,454 .93 1,685 .92 2,146 1.00 2,158 .92 2,416 .79 Allowance for possible loan losses 3,090 1.97 3,485 1.90 2,950 1.35 2,946 1.26 2,890 .95 Valuation allowance on loans held for sale 0 0 0 0 18 0 7 0 0 0 ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ Total loans, net 156,960 100.00 183,839 100.00 216,609 100.00 233,612 100.00 305,820 100.00 ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== Type of Security: Residential real estate Single family(2) $113,439 72.27 146,217 79.54 183,797 84.85 194,825 83.39 230,735 75.45 Multi-family 29,505 18.80 24,308 13.22 27,169 12.54 37,540 16.07 57,655 18.85 Commercial or indus- trial real estate 17,721 11.29 18,850 10.25 16,770 7.74 14,739 6.31 25,250 8.26 Land 5,251 3.35 5,614 3.05 202 .09 194 .08 606 .20 Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 507 .22 9,745 3.19 Less: Due to borrowers on construction loans 4,412 2.81 5,980 3.25 6,215 2.87 9,082 3.89 12,865 4.21 Unearned discounts 1,454 .93 1,685 .92 2,146 1.00 2,158 .92 2,416 .79 Allowance for possible loan losses 3,090 1.97 3,485 1.90 2,950 1.35 2,946 1.26 2,890 .95 Valuation allowance on loans held for sale 0 0 0 0 18 0 7 0 0 0 ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ Total loans, net 156,960 100.00 183,839 100.00 216,609 100.00 233,612 100.00 305,820 100.00 ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== <FN> (1) Includes construction loans converted to permanent loans. (2) Includes home equity loans for June 30, 1994 to 1997. </FN> The following table sets forth the estimated repricing or maturity of the Corporation's loans and mortgage-backed securities for years ended June 30, 1995, 1996, and 1997 and the dollar amount of such securities and loans at the date which are scheduled to mature after one year which have fixed or adjustable interest rates. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity and overdraft loans are reported as due in one year or less. Mortgage-backed securities are reported without premiums or discounts. June 30, 1995 June 30, 1996 June 30, 1997 ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Mortgage- Mortgage- Mortgage- Mortgage Install. Total Backed Mortgage Install. Total Backed Mortgage Install. Total Backed Loans Loans Loans Securities Loans Loans Loans Securities Loans Loans Loans Securities -------- -------- ----- ---------- -------- -------- ----- ---------- -------- -------- ----- --------- (In thousands) Amount repricing or maturing: Within one year $78,894 0 78,894 34,721 101,759 10 101,769 15,269 127,077 466 127,543 6,100 After one year through three years 39,261 0 39,261 6,502 42,399 144 42,543 4,854 61,875 113 61,988 5,014 After three years through five years 46,501 0 46,501 13,193 69,867 99 69,966 4,956 92,582 8,069 100,651 4,743 After five years 63,264 0 63,264 14,723 33,273 254 33,527 18,609 32,712 1,097 33,809 14,091 ------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ----- ------- ------ Total 227,920 0 227,920 69,139 247,298 507 247,805 43,688 314,246 9,745 323,991 29,948 ======= ===== ======= ====== ======= ===== ======= ====== ======= ===== ======= ====== Interest rate terms on amounts due after one year: Fixed 101,281 0 101,281 34,418 87,975 32 88,007 28,419 79,429 1,172 80,601 23,848 Adjustable 103,833 0 103,833 34,721 115,525 475 116,000 13,085 187,591 8,443 196,034 6,100 Loan Maturity and Repricing The following table sets forth information at June 30, 1997 regarding the dollar amount of loans maturing in the Corporation's portfolio based on their contractual terms to maturity, but does not include scheduled payments or potential prepayments. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less. Mortgage loans that have adjustable rates and balloon repayment dates are shown as maturing at their next repricing date. Loan balances do not include unearned discounts, unearned income and allowance for loan losses. Due After Due After Due After Due During 3 Through 5 Through 10 Through Due After the Year Ending 5 Yrs After 10 Yrs After 15 Yrs After 15 Yrs After June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, ------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ 1998 1999 2000 1997 1997 1997 1997 Total ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- (Dollars in thousands) Real estate mortgage $92,896 23,065 35,227 74,998 3,521 7,412 20,288 257,407 Commercial real estate 6,568 1,394 908 15,973 407 0 0 25,250 Land 236 295 0 0 75 0 0 606 Installment 466 0 75 7,278 1,110 589 227 9,745 Construction--Single-family 27,853 716 475 1,634 305 0 0 30,983 ------- ------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------- Total loans 128,019 25,470 36,685 99,883 5,418 8,001 20,515 323,991 ======= ====== ====== ====== ===== ===== ====== ======= The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans as of June 30, 1997 due after one year which have fixed interest rates and have floating or adjustable interest rates. Fixed Floating or Rates Adjustable Rates ----------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) Real estate mortgage $76,193 166,060 Commercial real estate 2,519 20,976 Land 370 127 Installment 1,172 8,443 Construction 347 428 ------ ------- Total 80,601 196,034 ====== ======= RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION LOANS. The Corporation originates construction loans on one-to-four family homes either to individual borrowers as custom construction loans or to builders as speculative construction loans. Construction loans generally have terms of twelve months. The interest rates charged by the Corporation on construction loans are indexed to the prime rate and vary depending on the loan. The Corporation requires personal guaranties of payment from the principals of the borrowing entities. All construction loans require approval by various levels of corporate personnel, depending on the size of the loan. At June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997, the percent of the Corporation's gross loan portfolio that consisted of one-to-four family construction loans was 12% and 10%, respectively. Management has sought to increase the residential construction loan portfolio because of its relatively high margins, beneficial asset/liability characteristics, and the favorable housing market in the Corporation's market area. The residential construction portfolio is limited by Board of Director policy to 15% of assets. Construction loans involve further credit risks because loan funds are advanced upon the security of the project under construction which is of uncertain value before completion. The Corporation's risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property's value at completion of construction or development and the estimated cost (including interest) of the construction. If the estimate of construction costs proves to be inaccurate, the Corporation may be required to advance additional funds to complete the development. If, upon completion of the project the marketability of the property proves to be inaccurate, the borrower may be unable to sell the completed project in a timely manner or obtain adequate proceeds to repay the loan, and the loan may become nonperforming. Delays may arise from labor problems, material shortages may be experienced and other unpredictable contingencies may occur. Furthermore, if the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, the Corporation may be confronted with, at, or prior to the maturity of the loan, a project with a value that is insufficient to assure full repayment. HOME EQUITY/LINE OF CREDIT LENDING. Loans are made either independently through the Corporation's retail offices or in connection with the closing of a residential mortgage loan. Management views these loans as important in building the Corporation's orientation toward a full service community bank. The balance outstanding in this portfolio has increased $10.8 million during the past year to $17.6 million as compared to $6.8 million in 1996. At June 30, 1996 and 1997, the total amount of outstanding unused lines was $5.9 million and $11.8 million, respectively. MULTI-FAMILY LOANS. Multi-family loans totaled $57.7 million or 18% of total loans at June 30, 1997. Management has reentered the multi-family market since the general credit quality of the multi-family portfolio has been outstanding. This portfolio has increased $20.1 million during the year from it's total of $37.5 million in 1996. The multi-family portfolio is limited, by policy, to 20% of assets. New loan originations are all in the Puget Sound region with adjustable rates. The multi-family portfolio is principally comprised of small to medium-size apartment projects ($2.5 million in loan amount or less) with loan-to-value ratios in the 70% to 80% range. Total multi-family originations for the years ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 totaled $11.5 million and $21.1 million, respectively. COMMERICAL REAL ESTATE AND LAND LOANS. Commercial real estate and land loans totaled 8% of the Corporation's total loans at June 30, 1997. All commercial real estate and land loans are secured by properties in the western Washington area, mainly in the Puget Sound region. The Corporation's commercial real estate loans are secured by improved property such as office buildings and small commercial business properties such as strip shopping centers. At June 30, 1997, the largest commercial real estate and land loan in the Corporation's portfolio was $3.5 million, which was performing according its to terms at that date. Multi-family residential and commerical real estate lending affords the Bank an opportunity to receive interest at rates higher than those generally available from one-to-four family mortgage loans. However, loans secured by such properties usually are greater in amount, more difficult to evaluate and monitor and, therefore, involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. Because payments on loans secured by mutli-family residential and commerical properties are often dependent on the successful operation and management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. INSTALLMENT LOANS/CONSUMER LOANS. During 1996, an installment loan program was initiated and Management anticipated, subject to market conditions, an increase in installment lending on collateral such as boats, automobiles, and recreational vehicles, as well as a limited amount of unsecured personal loans. This portfolio increased $9.2 million to $9.7 million at June 30, 1997 as compared to the $507,000 outstanding at June 30, 1996. Most of this increase relates to loans on boats. Management expects that this portfolio will continue to increase and diversify in future years as new consumer products are introduced. BUSINESS LOANS. During 1997, a line of business banking products was developed and is currently being marketed by the Bank. Included in these products are secured and unsecured loans and lines. Management has focused its current year strategies and goals on this new market. Some of the area's top business bankers have been and are being recruited for this product development. Management expects that most of the Bank's loan portfolio growth in the coming year will occur in business and consumer products. Asset Quality GENERAL. OTS regulations require that each insured institution review and classify its assets regularly. In addition, in connection with examinations of insured institutions, OTS examiners have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, require them to be classified. There are three classifications for problem assets: substandard, doubtful and loss. Substandard assets must have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full based on currently existing facts, conditions and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss. An asset classified loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that its continuance as an asset of the institution is not warranted. Assets classified as substandard or doubtful require the institution to establish general allowances for loan losses. If an asset or portion thereof is classified loss, the insured institution must either establish specific allowances for loan losses in the amount of 100% of the portion of the asset classified loss or charge off such amounts. Cascade has comprehensive monthly and quarterly review procedures for reviewing, identifying and classifying assets for weaknesses. Reserves are maintained for assets classified as substandard or doubtful. Any portion of an asset classified as loss is immediately written off. The objective of these review procedures is to identify any trends and determine the levels of loss exposure to evaluate the need for an adjustment to the reserve accounts. DELINQUENCIES. A report containing delinquencies of all loans is reviewed monthly by the Management Committee and periodically by the Board of Directors. Procedures taken with respect to delinquent loans differ depending on the particular circumstances of the loan. The Corporation's general procedures provide that when a loan becomes delinquent, the borrower is contacted, usually by phone, within 15 to 30 days. When the loan is over 30 days delinquent, the borrower is contacted in writing. Typically, the Corporation will initiate foreclosure action against the borrower when principal and interest become 90 days or more delinquent. In any event, interest income is reduced by the full amount of accrued and uncollected interest on loans once they become 90 days delinquent, go into foreclosure or are otherwise determined to be uncollectible. Once interest has been paid to date or management considers the loan fully collectable, it is returned to accrual status. An allowance for loss is established when, in the opinion of management, the fair value less sales costs of the property collateralizing the loan is less than the outstanding principal and the collectability of the loan's principal becomes uncertain. It is intended that the Corporation's allowance for loan losses be adequate to cover known potential and reasonablely estimated unknown losses. As of June 30, 1996 and 1997, the Corporation had $373,000 and $759,000, respectively, of loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis (i.e., loans upon which management believes the future collectability of interest is uncertain). The aggregate amounts of the Corporation's classified assets, and of the Corporation's general and specific loss allowances and charge-offs for the period then ended, were as follows: At June 30, --------------------------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- (Dollars in thousands) Substandard $14,930 12,693 8,165 2,527 2,273 General loss allowances 2,890 3,185 2,650 2,646 2,590 Specific loss allowances 200 300 300 300 300 Charge-offs 434 100 200 4 59 Allowances for Loan Losses It is management's policy to maintain adequate allowances for estimated losses on known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. Generally, the allowances are based on, among other things, the size and composition of the loan portfolio, historical loan loss experience, evaluation of economic conditions, and in various sectors of the Corporation's customer base, detailed analysis of individual loans for which collectibility may not be assured and determination of the existence and realizable value of the collateral and guarantees securing the loan. Management has allocated the allowance to various portfolio segments; however, the allowance is applicable to the loan portfolio in its entirety. While the Corporation believes that the established allowance for loan losses is adequate at June 30, 1997, there can be no assurance that regulators, when reviewing the Corporation's loan portfolio in the future, will not require the Corporation to increase its allowance for loan losses, thereby adversely affecting the Corporation's financial condition and net income. The Corporation did not record any provisions for losses on loans for the years ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 and recorded a reversal of loan loss provisions for the year ended June 30, 1995 of $335,000. The principal reason for the recovery in fiscal 1995 was the payoff of a $5.1 million land loan, and continued improvements in the Corporation's asset quality. The Corporation had an allowance for loan losses of $2.9 million at June 30 1996 and 1997. The merger with Amfirst Bancorporation adds a portfolio of approx- imately $25 million in commercial business loans. While adequately reserved at the time of merger, this portfolio coupled with the Bank's intent to originate additional commercial loans and other higher risk loan products will necessitate increasing the Bank's allowance for loan losses in future years. Management expects to record additional provisions for losses on loans in future years as portfolios increase and diversify. The following table sets forth information with respect to the Corporation's nonperforming assets at the dates indicated. At June 30, --------------------------------------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Loans accounted for on nonaccural basis: Real estate-- Residential $ 214 357 597 373 759 Commercial real estate 1,251 1,272 0 0 0 Land 4,608 5,082 0 0 0 ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- Total 6,073 6,711 597 373 759 Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more: Commercial real estate 0 0 1,219 0 0 Total of nonaccrual and 90 days past due loans 6,073 6,711 1,816 373 759 Real estate owned 2,381 150 1,643 747 750 Other nonperforming assets 0 0 0 0 0 ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- Total nonperforming assets 8,454 6,861 3,459 1,120 1,509 ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== Total loans delinquent 90 days or more to net loans 3.87% 3.65 0.84 0.16 0.25 Total loans delinquent 90 days or more to total assets 2.73 2.60 0.58 0.11 0.21 Total nonperforming assets to total assets 3.80 2.66 1.11 0.36 0.41 Certain loans meet the criteria of troubled debt restructurings as defined in SFAS 114 and 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan", and "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosures", respectively. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report for information concerning troubled debt restructurings. <CAPTION At June 30, ----------------------------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Restructured loans $6,287 4,186 4,168 4,150 0 Interest foregone on restructured loans 198 192 148 97 6 The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the percentage by category as of the dates indicated. At June 30, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % ------- ---- ------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ---- (Dollars in thousands) Real estate -- mortgage: Residential $ 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 Commercial real estate 200 1.13 300 1.59 300 1.79 300 2.04 300 1.19 Real estate -- construction 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 Consumer 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 Land acquisition & development 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 Unallocated 2,890 n/a 3,185 n/a 2,650 n/a 2,646 n/a 2,590 n/a Total allowance for loan losses to net loans 3,090 1.93 3,485 1.86 2,950 1.36 2,946 1.26 2,890 0.96 The following table sets forth an allocation of the unallocated allowance by loan category as of the dates indicated. The unallocated allowance is however applicable to the loan portfolio in its entirety. At June 30, ------------------------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Real estate -- mortgage: Single-family residential $ 210 320 390 290 514 Multi-family 520 330 270 380 577 Commercial real estate 1,090 1,120 910 410 607 Real estate -- construction 160 150 220 260 512 Land acquisition and development 20 900 0 0 6 Home equity and installment 0 0 0 0 299 Unallocated 890 365 860 1,306 15 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Unallocated allowance for loan losses to net loans 2,890 3,185 2,650 2,646 2,590 ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== The following table sets forth an analysis of the Corporation's allowance for possible loan losses for the periods indicated. For the Year Ended June 30, ---------------------------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Allowance at beginning of period $3,424 3,090 3,485 2,950 2,946 Provision for (recovery of) loan losses 100 495 (335) 0 0 Charge offs: Residential real estate 400 0 0 0 59 Commercial real estate 0 100 200 0 0 Real estate construction 9 0 0 0 0 Consumer 0 0 0 4 0 Land 25 0 0 0 0 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total charge offs 434 100 200 4 59 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Recoveries 0 0 0 0 3 Net charge offs and allowance recovered 434 100 535 4 56 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Balance at end of period 3,090 3,485 2,950 2,946 2,890 ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== Ratio of allowance to net loans outstanding at the end of the period 1.93 1.86 1.36 1.26 0.96 Ratio of net charge offs to average loans outstanding during the period 0.35 0.06 0.27 0 0.02 Ratio of loan loss allowance to nonperforming assets 36.55 50.79 83.52 263.04 191.52 Ratio of loan and real estate owned allowance to non- performing assets 41.18 50.79 83.52 263.04 191.52 Asset and Liability Management Activities The Corporation may use interest rate exchange agreements ("swaps") and interest rate caps to control the amount of its interest rate risk by more closely matching the repricing characteristics of its earning assets and costing liabilities or to reduce the cost of longer liabilities. Swaps are agreements in which the Corporation and another party, generally the FHLB-Seattle, and primary dealers of United States government securities, agree to exchange interest payments on a notional principal amount. Caps are agreements whereby for a fixed fee, the Corporation will receive cash payments if a particular interest rate exceeds the predetermined level. Caps and swaps are one component of the Corporation's asset/liability management program. Depending on customer preferences for loan and deposit products, the Corporation may increase its use of interest rate swaps and caps. The Board of Directors reviews the outstanding hedging transactions of the Corporation periodically. At June 30, 1997 and 1996, the Corporation had $10.0 million and $5.0 million notional amount of caps outstanding. These agreements were designated against certain loans. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report for additional information. The following table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at June 30, 1997, which are anticipated by the Bank, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown (the "GAP Table"). The table sets forth an approximation of the projected repricing of assets and liabilities at June 30, 1997, on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated prepayments, and scheduled rate adjustments within selected time intervals. An asset or liability is said to be interest rate sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period. The interest rate sensitivy gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest- earning assets maturing or repricing within a specific time period and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within that same time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive assets. Accordingly, during a period of rising interest rates, an institution with a negative gap position would be in a worse position to invest in higher yielding assets as compared to an institution with a positive gap position which consequently, may result in the cost of its interest-bearing liabilities at a rate faster than its yield on interest-earning assets than if it has a positive gap. During a period of falling interest rates, an institution with a negative gap would tend to have its interest-bearing liabilities repricing downward at a faster rate than its interest-earning assets as compared to an institution with a positive gap which, consequently, may tend to positively affect the growth of its net interest income. Maturity or Repricing Period ---------------------------------------------------------- Over Within 1-3 3-5 5-10 10 One Year Years Years Years Years Total -------- ----- ------- ------ ------ ------ (Dollars in thousands) INTEREST-SENSITIVE ASSETS: Fixed-rate mortgage loans $ 35,261 $ 37,375 $3,956 $ 5,763 $ 5,925 $ 88,280 Adjustable rate mortgage loans 135,664 87,182 0 0 0 222,846 Interest bearing deposits 4,109 0 0 0 0 4,109 Securities available-for-sale 23,866 3,033 2,575 4,912 0 34,386 Securities held-to-maturity 1,147 5,630 0 0 0 6,777 ------- ------- ----- ------ ------ ------- Interest-earning assets 200,047 133,220 6,531 10,675 5,925 356,398 Interest rate caps and swaps on loans 8,500 (8,500) 0 0 0 0 ------- ------- ----- ------ ------ ------- Total interest-sensitive assets 208,547 124,720 6,531 10,675 5,925 356,398 ======= ======= ===== ====== ===== ======= Cash on hand and in banks 4,369 Other assets (non interest sensitive) 7,359 ------- Total assets 368,126 ======= INTEREST-SENSITIVE LIABILITIES: Deposits: Regular savings and checking accounts 16,379 0 0 0 0 16,379 Money market deposit accounts 48,139 0 0 0 0 48,139 Certificates of deposit 143,313 27,762 6,440 147 0 177,662 Other borrowings 93,308 0 0 159 0 93,467 ------- ------ ----- ------ ------ ------- Interest-sensitive liabilities 301,139 27,762 6,440 306 0 335,647 Interest rate swaps on deposits (5,000) 5,000 0 0 0 0 ------- ------ ----- ------ ------ ------- Total interest-sensitive liabilities 296,139 32,762 6,440 306 0 335,647 ======= ====== ===== ====== ====== ======= Other liabilities (non- interest-sensitive) 9,921 Retained earnings 22,558 ------- Total liabilities and retained earnings 368,126 ======= Excess (deficiency) of interest- sensitive assets over interest- sensitive liabilities (82,592) 91,958 91 10,369 5,925 25,751 Cumulative excess (deficiency) of interest-sensitive assets (82,592) 9,366 9,457 19,826 25,751 25,751 Ratio of cumulative gap to total assets (22.74)% 2.58 2.60 5.46 7.09 7.09 Average Balance Sheets In addition to mortgage banking income, the Bank depends on the spread between the yield on interest-earning assets (primarily loans and investments) and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities (primarily deposit accounts and borrowings), as well as the relative size of the Bank's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liability portfolios. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, resultant yields, interest rate spread, ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities and net interest margin. Average balances for a period have been calculated using the average of month-end balances during such period. Such average balances are considered to be representative of the average daily balance for each period presented. For the Year Ended June 30, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 1996 1997 ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- Interest Interest Interest Average and Yield/ Average and Yield/ Average and Yield/ ASSETS Balance Dividend Cost Balance Dividend Cost Balance Dividend Cost ------- -------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- -------- ------ (Dollars in thousands) Interest-earning assets(1): Mortgage loans 198,568 18,384 9.26 221,827 19,170 8.64 252,121 20,867 8.28 Consumer loans 0 0 0.00 5,438 480 8.83 15,669 1,345 8.58 ------- ------ ---- ------- ------ ---- ------- ------ ---- Total loans 198,568 18,384 9.26 227,265 19,650 8.65 267,790 22,212 8.29 Mortgage-backed securities 78,238 4,477 5.72 56,670 3,616 6.38 39,435 2,240 5.68 Investment and trading securities 3,135 213 6.79 17,542 1,098 6.26 23,838 1,403 5.89 Daily interest-earning deposits and FHLB Stock 4,207 304 7.23 5,286 412 7.79 7,091 460 6.49 ------- ------ ---- ------- ------ ---- ------- ------ ---- Total interest-earning assets 284,148 23,378 8.23 306,763 24,776 8.08 338,154 26,315 7.78 Non interest-earning assets: Office properties and equipment, net 6,471 6,206 6,132 Real estate, net 589 1,807 770 Other non-interest-earning assets 2,789 4,334 2,650 ------- ------- ------- Total assets 293,997 319,110 347,706 ======= ======= ======= LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Interest-bearing liabilities: Passbook accounts 8,788 271 3.09 7,844 253 3.23 8,002 246 3.07 Checking accounts 8,205 182 2.22 9,711 165 1.70 9,982 180 1.80 Money market accounts 22,542 894 3.97 20,853 896 4.30 37,561 1,815 4.83 Certificates of deposit 145,061 7,786 5.37 167,150 10,077 6.03 170,904 9,849 5.76 ------- ----- ---- ------- ------ ---- ------- ------ ---- Total deposits 184,596 9,133 4.95 205,558 11,391 5.54 226,449 12,090 5.34 Other interest-bearing liabilities: FHLB advances 55,309 3,196 5.78 64,380 3,937 6.12 72,071 4,183 5.80 Other interest-bearing liabilities 28,229 1,604 5.68 21,697 1,235 5.69 19,954 1,115 5.59 Total interest-bearing liabilities 268,134 13,933 5.20 291,635 16,563 5.68 318,474 17,388 5.46 Other liabilities 7,518 7,429 7,897 ------- ------- ------- Total liabilities 275,652 299,064 326,371 Retained earnings 18,345 20,046 21,335 ------- ------- ------- Total liabilities and retained earnings 293,997 319,110 347,706 ======= ======= ======= Net interest income(2) 9,445 8,213 8,927 Interest rate spread(3) 3.03 2.40 2.32 Net interest margin(4) 3.32 2.68 2.63 Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 105.97 105.19 106.17 <FN> (1) Does not include interest on loans 90 days or more past due. (2) Interest and dividends on total interest-earning assets less interest on total interest-bearing liabilities. (3) Total interest-earning assets yield less total interest-bearing liabilities cost. (4) Net interest income as an annualized percentage of total interest-earning assets. </FN> Investment Activities Federally chartered savings institutions have authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including United States Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies and of state and municipal governments, deposits at the FHLB-Seattle, certificates of deposit of federally insured institutions, certain bankers' acceptances and federal funds. Subject to various restrictions, such savings institutions may also invest part of their assets in commercial paper, corporate debt securities and mutual funds, the assets of which conform to the investments that federally chartered savings institutions are otherwise authorized to make directly. Savings institutions are also required to maintain liquid assets at minimum levels that are set by the OTS. See "REGULATION -- Federal Home Loan Bank System." The Corporation may decide to increase its liquidity above the required levels depending upon the availability of funds and comparative yields on investments in relation to return on loans. For the month ended June 30, 1997, Cascade's regulatory liquidity was 5.01%. The Board of Directors sets the investment policy of the Corporation. This policy dictates that investments will generally be made with the intent of holding them available-for-sale and will be made based on the safety of the principal amount, interest rate risk, liquidity requirements of the Corporation and the return on the investments. The Corporation's policy does not permit investment in noninvestment grade bonds and permits investment in various types of liquid assets permissible under OTS regulation, which include United States Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies, mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), Small Business Administration securities ("SBA"), collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), certain certificates of deposits of insured banks, repurchase agreements and federal funds. Investment decisions are made by the Management Committee, which meets at least weekly and consists of three members of the Board of Directors, the Chief Financial Officer and other members of senior management. The Management Committee acts within policies established by the Board of Directors. At June 30, 1996 and 1997, the Corporation's securities portfolio totaled approximately $82.0 million and $42.8 million, respectively. For further information concerning the Corporation's securities portfolio, see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report. Subsidiary Activity Federal savings associations generally may invest up to 3% of their assets in service corporations, provided that at least one-half of any amount in excess of 1% is used primarily for community, inner-city and community development projects. Cascade's investment in its service corporations did not exceed these limits at June 30, 1997. At June 30, 1997, Cascade's investment in its subsidiaries was $210,000. On October 1, 1992, the Corporation began marketing annuity products, mutual funds and property and casualty insurance to customers and noncustomers in its market areas through a subsidiary, Cascade Investment Services, Inc. During the past year a reverse mortgage product was added to Cascade Investment Services product lines and the subsidiary has been quite successful in marketing this new product. Management believes offering these product lines increases customer awareness, expands product lines and provides a valuable alternative to the deposit products offered by the Bank. Revenues from the subsidiary increase the Corporation's noninterest income. The following table summarizes the carrying value and estimated market value of the Corporation's portfolio of investment securities at the dates indicated. At June 30, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Carrying Market Carrying Market Carrying Market Carrying Market Carrying Market Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value Value -------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------ (Dollars in thousands) Investment securities: United States government agency securities and obligations SBA 0 0 0 0 0 0 13,721 13,721 5,916 5,871 MBS 28,736 29,380 48,946 46,929 69,896 69,360 43,213 42,709 29,657 29,517 CMO 7,983 8,085 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Corporate securities and mutual funds 7,134 7,176 11,315 11,315 4,507 4,507 21,069 21,069 2,971 2,971 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Total investment securities 43,853 44,641 60,261 58,244 74,403 73,867 78,003 77,499 38,544 38,359 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== FHLB-Seattle stock 2,102 2,102 2,333 2,333 3,319 3,319 4,014 4,014 4,332 4,332 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== The following table sets forth the Corporation's securities portfolio at carrying value at the dates indicated. At June 30, 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Carrying Percent Carrying Percent Carrying Percent Carrying Percent Carrying Percent Value of Value of Value of Value of Value of Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio ------ --------- ------- --------- ------- --------- ------- --------- ------- --------- (Dollars in thousands) United States government securities SBA 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 13,721 17.59 5,916 15.35 MBS 28,736 65.53 48,946 81.22 69,896 93.94 43,213 55.40 29,657 76.94 CMO 7,983 18.20 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 Corporate securities and mutual funds 7,134 16.27 11,315 18.78 4,507 6.06 21,069 27.01 2,971 7.71 Total 43,853 100.00 60,261 100.00 74,403 100.00 78,003 100.00 38,544 100.00 Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds GENERAL. The Corporation's primary sources of funds are deposits, proceeds from principal and interest payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, proceeds from loan sales, FHLB-Seattle advances and reverse repurchase agreements. Deposits and loan repayments are the major source of Cascade's funds for lending and other investment purposes. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in the availability of funds from other sources, or on a longer term basis for general business purposes. DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS. The Corporation offers a variety of deposit accounts having a range of interest rates and terms. The Corporation's deposits consist of passbook, negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW"), money market, and certificate accounts. The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in the money market and prevailing interest rates. In addition, there is strong competition for customer dollars from credit unions, mutual funds and nonbank corporations such as securities brokerage companies and other diversified companies. The Corporation's deposits are obtained primarily from the areas in which its branches are located. The Corporation relies primarily on customer service and longstanding relationships with customers to attract and retain these deposits. Individual certificate accounts in excess of $100,000 are not actively solicited by the Corporation but are accepted at rates at or below other funding sources. The Corporation does not accept accounts by any agent or broker acting on behalf of the Corporation. In the coming year the Bank will focus deposit gathering activities on its new line of business deposit products and management expects a large portion of the year's deposit growth will occur in these products. In the unlikely event Cascade is liquidated, certain depositors will be entitled to full payment of their deposit accounts prior to any payment being made to the shareholders. Substantially all of Cascade's depositors are residents of the State of Washington. The following table sets forth information concerning the Corporation's deposits at June 30, 1997. The indicated interest rates were those being offered at September 24, 1997. Percentage Interest Minimum of Total Rate Term Category Amount Balance Deposits - ------- ----------- --------------------- ------- ------- --------- (In thousands) 1.90% None NOW accounts 100 8,246 3.37% 3.00 None Regular savings 100 8,133 3.32 3.70 None Money market accounts 2,500 48,139 19.67 0.00 None Non-interest checking 100 2,615 1.07 Certificates of Deposit ----------------------- 4.40 0 - 3 mos. Fixed term, fixed rate 1,000 431 .18 5.05 4 - 6 mos. Fixed term, fixed rate 1,000 8,963 3.66 5.45 7 - 12 mos. Fixed term, fixed rate 1,000 79,160 32.33 5.30 13 - 24 mos. Fixed term, fixed rate 1,000 10,355 4.23 5.15 25 - 48 mos. Fixed term, fixed rate 1,000 7,129 2.91 5.25 49 - 120 mos. Fixed term, fixed rate 1,000 25,587 10.45 4.76 Various Variable rate 1,000 52 .02 5.30 Various Jumbo certificates 100,000 45,985 18.79 ------- ------ 244,795 100.00 ======= ====== The following table indicates the amount of the Corporation's jumbo certificates of deposit by time remaining until maturity as of June 30, 1997. Jumbo certificates of deposit require minimum deposits of $100,000 and rates paid on such accounts are negotiable. Jumbo Certificates Maturity Period of Deposits - --------------- ------------ (In thousands) Three months or less 11,794 Three through six months 13,798 Six through twelve months 14,536 Over twelve months 5,857 ------ Total 45,985 ====== BORROWINGS. Savings deposits are the primary source of funds for Cascade's lending and investment activities and for its general business purposes. The Corporation has in the past, however, relied upon advances from the FHLB-Seattle to supplement its supply of lendable funds and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements. Advances from the FHLB-Seattle are typically secured by the Corporation's first mortgage loans, and stock issued by the FHLB-Seattle. At June 30, 1996 and 1997, the Corporation had $68.5 million and $74.7 million, respectively, in advances from the FHLB-Seattle. The Corporation's current credit limit with the FHLB-Seattle is 30% of total assets. The Corporation enters into reverse repurchase agreements with nationally recognized primary securities dealers. Reverse repurchase agreements are accounted for as borrowings by the Corporation and are secured by designated investments, and mortgage-backed securities. The proceeds of these transactions are used to meet the cash flow needs of the Corporation. At June 30, 1996 and 1997, the Corporation had $20.5 million and $18.8 million, respectively, in outstanding reverse repurchase agreements. The Corporation has an unused commitment of $2.0 million from a regional commercial bank to purchase Fed funds on an unsecured basis. The following table sets forth certain information regarding borrowings by the Corporation at the end of and during the periods indicated: At June 30, --------------------- 1995 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- Weighted average rate paid on: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 6.12% 5.44 5.63 FHLB advances 6.44 5.86 5.88 For the Year Ended June 30, ------------------------ 1995 1996 1997 ------ ------ ------ (Dollars in thousands) Maximum amount of borrowings outstanding at any month end: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 36,313 24,261 22,006 FHLB advances 62,459 78,792 76,464 Approximate average short-term borrowings outstanding with respect to: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 26,418 21,432 19,948 FHLB advances 53,281 64,104 72,071 Approximate weighted average rate paid on: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 5.72% 5.76 5.59 FHLB advances 5.99 6.14 5.80 Competition The Corporation competes for both loans and deposits. The Puget Sound metropolitan area has a high density of financial institutions, some of which are larger and have greater financial resources than the Corporation, and all of which are competitors of the Corporation to varying degrees. The Corporation's competition for loans comes principally from savings and loan associations, corporations, mortgage banking companies, insurance companies, and commercial banks. Its most direct competition for deposits has historically come from savings and loan associations, corporations, commercial banks, and credit unions. The Corporation faces additional competition for deposits from short-term money market funds and other corporate and government securities. Personnel As of June 30, 1997, the Corporation had 103 full-time equivalent employees. The Corporation believes that employees play a vital role in the success of a service company and that the Corporation's relationship with its employees is good. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. REGULATION General The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the OTS as its chartering agency, and the FDIC, as the insurer of its deposits. The activities of federal savings institutions are governed by the Home Owners' Loan Act, as amended (the "HOLA") and, in certain respects, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA") and the regulations issued by the OTS and the FDIC to implement these statutes. These laws and regulation delineate the nature and extent of the activities in which federal savings associations may engage. Lending activities and other investments must comply with various statutory and regulatory capital requirements. In addition, the Bank's relationship with its depositors and borrowers is also regulated to a great extent, especially in such matters as the ownership of deposit accounts and the form and content of the Bank's mortgage documents. The Bank must file reports with the OTS and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions. There are periodic examinations by the OTS and the FDIC to review the Bank's compliance with various regulatory requirements. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such policies, whether by the OTS, the FDIC or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation, the Bank and their operations. The Corporation, as a savings and loan holding company, is also required to file certain reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of, the OTS. FEDERAL REGULATION OF SAVINGS BANKS Office of Thrift Supervision The OTS is an office in the Department of the Treasury subject to the general oversight of the Secretary of the Treasury. The OTS possesses the supervisory and regulatory duties and responsibilities formerly vested in the FHLBB. Among other functions, the OTS issues and enforces regulations affecting federally-insured savings associations and regularly examines these institutions. OTS regulations require Cascade Financial Corporation, as a savings and loan holding company, to file periodic reports with the OTS. In addition, it must observe such record keeping requirements as the OTS may prescribe and is subject to holding company examination by the OTS. The OTS may take enforcement action if the activities of a savings and loan holding company constitute a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of a subsidiary savings association. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures the deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of depository institutions. The FDIC currently maintains two separate insurance funds: the BIF and the SAIF. As insurer of the Bank's deposits, the FDIC has examination, supervisory and enforcement authority over the Bank. Cascade's accounts are insured by the SAIF. The FDIC insures deposits at Cascade to the maximum extent permitted by law. Cascade currently pays deposit insurance premiums to the FDIC based on a risk-based assessment system established by the FDIC for all SAIF-member institutions. Under applicable regulations, institutions are assigned to one of three capital groups which are based solely on the level of an institution's capital -- "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," and "undercapitalized" -- which are defined in the same manner as the regulations establishing the prompt corrective action system, as discussed below. These three groups are then divided into three subgroups based on reviews by the institution's primary federal or state regulator, statistical analyses of financial statements, and other information relevant to gauging the risk posed by the institution. Based on its capital and supervisory subgroups, each institution is assigned an annual FDIC assessment rate. Cascade's assessments expensed for the year ended June 30, 1997, totaled $289,000. Effective January 1, 1996, the FDIC substantially reduced deposit insurance premiums for well capitalized, well-managed financial institutions that are members of the BIF. Under the new assessment schedule, approximately 92% of BIF members pay the statutory minimum annual assessment of $2,000. During the year, Congress enacted legislation which resulted in comparable FDIC insurance premiums for the entire banking industry. The legislation provided for a special one-time assessment on SAIF-insured deposits that were held as of March 31, 1995. This assessment brought the SAIF's reserve ratio to the legally required $1.25 per $100 of insured deposits level. Cascade's special assessment resulted in a pretax charge of $1.2 million. Management believes the legislation is in the best interests of the Bank because SAIF insurance premiums have been reduced to 6.48 cents per $100 as compared to the 23.0 cents per $100 paid prior to the legislation. Cascade is a member of the SAIF rather than the BIF. The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution if it determines after a hearing that the institution has engaged or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, order or any condition imposed by an agreement with the FDIC. It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance, if the institution has no tangible capital. If insurance of accounts is terminated, the accounts at the institution at the time of termination, less subsequent withdrawals, shall continue to be insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC. Management is aware of no existing circumstances which could result in termination of the deposit insurance of Cascade. Federal Home Loan Bank System The FHLB System, consisting of 12 FHLBs, now is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Finance Board ("FHFB"). The designated duties of the FHFB are to: supervise the FHLBs; ensure that the FHLBs carry out their housing finance mission; ensure that the FHLBs remain adequately capitalized and able to raise funds in the capital market; and ensure that the FHLBs operate in a safe and sound manner. Cascade, as a member of the FHLB-Seattle, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB-Seattle equal to the greater of (i) 1.0% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of residential mortgage loans, home purchase contracts and similar obligations at the beginning of each year, or (ii) 1/20 of its advances (borrowings) from the FHLB-Seattle. Cascade complied with this requirement with an investment in FHLB-Seattle stock of $4.3 million at June 30, 1997. Among other benefits, the FHLB provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes advances to members in accordance with policies and procedures established by the FHFB and the Board of Directors of the FHLB-Seattle. At June 30, 1997, Cascade had $74.7 million in advances from the FHLB-Seattle. Community Reinvestment Act The Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") requires financial institutions regulated by the federal financial supervisory agencies to ascertain and help meet the credit needs of their delineated communities, including low-income and moderate-income neighborhoods within those communities, while maintaining safe and sound banking practices. The regulatory agency assigns one of four possible ratings to an institution's CRA performance and is required to make public an institution's rating and written evaluation. The four possible ratings of meeting community credit needs are outstanding, satisfactory, needs to improve and substantial noncompliance. Cascade has received an "outstanding" CRA rating from the OTS reflecting the Bank's commitment to meeting the credit needs of the communities it serves. Liquidity Under OTS regulations, each savings institution is required to maintain an average daily balance of liquid assets (cash, certain time deposits and savings accounts, bankers' acceptances, and specified U.S. government, state or federal agency obligations and certain other investments) equal to a monthly average of not less than a specified percentage (currently 5%) of its net withdrawable accounts plus short-term borrowings. OTS regulations also require each savings institution to maintain an average daily balance of short-term liquid assets at a specified percentage (currently 1.0%) of the total of its net withdrawable savings accounts and borrowings payable in one year or less. Monetary penalties may be imposed for failure to meet liquidity requirements. The liquidity ratio of Cascade for the month ended June 30, 1997 was 5.01%. Prompt Corrective Action Under the FDIA, each federal banking agency is required to implement a system of prompt corrective action for institutions that it regulates. The federal banking agencies have promulgated substantially similar regulations intended to implement this system of prompt corrective action. Under the regulations, an institution shall be deemed to be (i) "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or more, has a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or more, has a leverage ratio of 5.0% or more and is not subject to specified requirements to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure, (ii) "adequately capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or more and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or more (3.0% under certain circumstances) and does not meet the definition of "well capitalized;" (iii) "undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4.0% or a leverage ratio that is less than 4.0% (3.0% under certain circumstances); (iv) "significantly undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3.0% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3.0%; and (v) "critically undercapitalized" if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%. A federal banking agency may, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, reclassify a well capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized institution or an undercapitalized institution to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category if the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or has received in its most recent examination, and has not corrected, a less than satisfactory rating for asset quality, management, earnings or liquidity. (The OTS may not, however, reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized.) An institution generally must file a written capital restoration plan which meets specified requirements, as well as a performance guaranty by each company that controls the institution, with the appropriate federal banking agency within 45 days of the date that the institution receives notice or is deemed to have notice that it is undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized. Immediately upon becoming undercapitalized, an institution shall become subject to various mandatory and discretionary restrictions on its operations. At June 30, 1997, Cascade was a "well capitalized" institution under the prompt corrective action regulations of the OTS. STANDARDS FOR SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS. The federal banking regulatory agencies have prescribed, by regulation, standards for all insured depository institutions and depository institution holding companies relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate risk exposure; (v) asset growth; (vi) asset quality; (vii) earnings; and (viii) compensation, fees and benefits ("Guidelines"). The Guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the OTS determines that Cascade fails to meet any standard prescribed by the Guidelines, the agency may require Cascade to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. The final regulations establish deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans. Qualified Thrift Lender Test All savings associations are required to meet a QTL test set forth in the HOLA and regulations of the OTS thereunder to avoid certain restrictions on their operations. A savings institution that fails to become or remain a QTL shall either become a national bank or be subject to the following restrictions on its operations: (1) the association may not make any new investment or engaging in activities that would not be permissible for national banks; (2) the association may not establish any new branch office where a national bank located in the savings institution's home state would not be able to establish a branch office; (3) the association shall not be eligible to obtain new advances from any FHLB; and (4) the payment of dividends by the association shall be subject to the rules regarding the statutory and regulatory dividend restrictions applicable to national banks. Also, beginning three years after the date on which the savings institution ceases to be a qualified thrift lender, the savings institution would be prohibited from retaining any investment or engaging in any activity not permissible for a national bank and would be required to repay any outstanding advances to any FHLB. In addition, within one year of the date on which a savings association controlled by a company ceases to be a QTL, the company must register as a bank holding company and becomes subject to the rules applicable to such companies. A savings institution may requalify as a qualified thrift lender if it thereafter complies with the QTL test. Currently, the QTL test requires that either an institution qualify as a domestic building and loan association under the Internal Revenue Code or that 65% of an institution's "portfolio assets" (as defined) consist of certain housing and consumer-related assets on a monthly average basis in nine out of every 12 months. Assets that qualify without limit for inclusion as part of the 65% requirement are loans made to purchase, refinance, construct, improve or repair domestic residential housing and manufactured housing; home equity loans; mortgage-backed securities (where the mortgages are secured by domestic residential housing or manufactured housing); FHLB stock; and direct or indirect obligations of the FDIC; and loans for educational purposes, loans to small businesses and loans made through credit cards. In addition, the following assets, among others, may be included in meeting the test subject to an overall limit of 20% of the savings institution's portfolio assets: 50% of residential mortgage loans originated and sold within 90 days of origination; 100% of consumer; and stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or the Federal National Mortgage Association. Portfolio assets consist of total assets minus the sum of (i) goodwill and other intangible assets, (ii) property used by the savings institution to conduct its business, and (iii) liquid assets up to 20% of the institution's total assets. At June 30, 1997, the qualified thrift investments of Cascade were approximately 90% of the its portfolio assets. Capital Requirements Under OTS regulations a savings association must satisfy three minimum capital requirements: core capital, tangible capital and risk-based capital. Savings associations must meet all of the standards to comply with the capital requirements. The OTS requires savings associations, such as Cascade to meed each of three separate capital adequacy standards: a core capital leverage requirement, a tangible capital requirement and a risk-based capital requirement. OTS regulations require savings associations to maintain core capital of at least 3.0% of assets and tangible capital of at least 1.5% of Assets. At June 30, 1997, Cascade core capital and tangible capital rations were both 6.4%. Core capital is defined to include common stockholders' equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and any related surplus, and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less (i) any intangible assets, except for certain qualifying intangible assets; (ii) certain mortgage servicing rights; and (iii) equity and debt investments in subsidiaries that are not "includable subsidiaries," which is defined as subsidiaries engaged solely in activities not impermissible for a national bank, engaged in activities impermissible for a national bank but only as an agent for its customers, or engaged solely in mortgage-banking activities. In calculating adjusted total assets, adjustments are made to total assets to give effect to the exclusion of certain assets from capital and to appropriately account for the investments in and assets of both includable and nonincludable subsidiaries. "Tangible capital" is defined, generally, as core capital minus any "intangible assets," other than purchased mortgage servicing rights. Institutions that fail to meet the core capital requirement would be required to file with the OTS a capital plan that details the steps they will take to reach compliance. In addition, the OTS prompt corrective action regulation provides that a savings institution that has a core capital leverage ratio of less than 4% (3% for institutions receiving the highest CAMEL examination rating) will be deemed to be "undercapitalized" and may be subject to certain restrictions. See "- Prompt Corrective Action." OTS regulations incorporate a risk-based capital requirement that is designed to be no less stringent than the capital standard applicable to national banks. These regulations require a core risk-based capital ratio of at least 4.0% of total risk-weighted assets and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0% of total risk-weighted assets. At June 30, 1997, the bank has core risk-based and total risk-based capital ratios of 9.7% and 10.8% respectively. Total capital consists of the sum of core and supplementary capital, provided that supplementary capital cannot exceed core capital, as previously defined. Supplementary capital includes (i) permanent capital instruments such as cumulative perpetual preferred stock, perpetual subordinated debt, and mandatory convertible subordinated debt, (ii) maturing capital instruments such as subordinated debt, intermediate-term preferred stock and mandatory convertible subordinated debt, and (iii) general valuation loan and lease loss allowances up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. The risk-based capital regulation assigns each balance sheet asset held by a savings institution to one of four risk categories based on the amount of credit risk associated with that particular class of assets. Assets not included for purposes of calculating capital are not included in calculating risk-weighted assets. The categories range from 0% for cash and securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government to 100% for repossessed assets or assets more than 90 days past due. Qualifying residential mortgage loans (including multi-family mortgage loans) are assigned a 50% risk weight. Consumer, commercial, home equity and residential construction loans are assigned a 100% risk weight, as are nonqualifying residential mortgage loans and that portion of land loans and nonresidential construction loans which do not exceed an 80% loan-to-value ratio. The book value of assets in each category is multiplied by the weighing factor (from 0% to 100%) assigned of that category. These products are then totaled to arrive at total risk-weighted assets. Off-balance sheet items are included in risk-weighted assets by converting them to an approximate balance sheet "credit equivalent amount" based on a conversion schedule. These credit equivalent amounts are then assigned to risk categories in the same manner as balance sheet assets and included risk-weighted assets. The OTS has incorporated an interest rate risk component into its regulatory capital rule. Under the rule, savings associations with "above normal" interest rate risk exposure would be subject to a deduction from total capital for purposes of calculating their risk-based capital requirements. A savings association's interest rate risk is measured by the decline in the net portfolio value of its assets (i.e., the difference between incoming and outgoing discounted cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts) that would result from a hypothetical 200 basis point increase or decrease in market interest rates divided by the estimated economic value of the association's assets, as calculated in accordance with guidelines set forth by the OTS. A savings association whose measured interest rate risk exposure exceeds 2% must deduct an interest rate component in calculating its total capital under the risk-based capital rule. The interest rate risk component is an amount equal to one-half of the difference between the institution's measured interest rate risk and 2%, multiplied by the estimated economic value of the association's assets. That dollar amount is deducted from an association's total capital in calculating compliance with its risk-based capital requirement. Under the rule, there is a two quarter lag between the reporting date of an institution's financial data and the effective date for the new capital requirement based on that data. The rule also provides that the Director of the OTS may waive or defer an association's interest rate risk component on a case-by-case basis. Under certain circumstances, a savings association may request an adjustment to its interest rate risk component if it believes that the OTS-calculated interest rate risk component overstates its interest rate risk exposure. In addition, certain "well-capitalized" institutions may obtain authorization to use their own interest rate risk model to calculate their interest rate risk component in lieu of the OTS-calculated amount. The OTS has postponed the date that the component will first be deducted from an institution's total capital. The following table summarizes the capital requirements and the Corporation's capital position at June 30, 1997: At June 30, 1997 ---------------------- Percent of Amount Assets ------- --------- (Dollars in thousands) Tangible capital $22,821 6.19% Tangible capital requirement 5,526 1.50 ------ ----- Excess 17,295 4.69 ====== ===== Core capital 22,821 6.19 Core capital requirement 11,053 3.00 ------ ----- Excess 11,768 3.19 ====== ===== Risk-based capital(a) 25,411 10.79 Risk-based capital requirement(a) 18,844 8.00 ------ ----- Excess 6,657 2.79 ====== ===== <FN> (a) Based on total risk-weighted assets. </FN> Limitations on Capital Distributions OTS regulations impose uniform limitations on the ability of all savings associations to engage in various distributions of capital such as dividends, stock repurchases and cash-out mergers. In addition, OTS regulations require Cascade to give the OTS 30 days' advance notice of any proposed declaration of dividends, and the OTS has the authority under its supervisory powers to prohibit the payment of dividends. The regulation utilizes a three-tiered approach which permits various levels of distributions based primarily upon a savings association's capital level. A Tier 1 savings association has capital in excess of its fully phased-in capital requirement (both before and after the proposed capital distribution). A Tier 1 savings association may make (without application but upon prior notice to, and no objection made by, the OTS) capital distributions during a calendar year up to 100% of its net income to date during the calendar year plus one-half its surplus capital ratio (i.e., the amount of capital in excess of its fully phased-in requirement) at the beginning of the calendar year or the amount authorized for a Tier 2 association. Capital distributions in excess of such amount require advance notice to the OTS. A Tier 2 savings association has capital equal to or in excess of its minimum capital requirement but below its fully phased-in capital requirement (both before and after the proposed capital distribution). Such an association may make (without application) capital distributions up to an amount equal to 75% of its net income during the previous four quarters depending on how close the association is to meeting its fully phased-in capital requirement. Capital distributions exceeding this amount require prior OTS approval. Tier 3 associations are savings associations with capital below the minimum capital requirement (either before or after the proposed capital distribution). Tier 3 associations may not make any capital distributions without prior approval from the OTS. Cascade is currently meeting the criteria to be designated a Tier 1 association and, consequently, could at its option (after prior notice to, and no objection made by, the OTS) distribute up to 100% of its net income during the calendar year plus 50% of its surplus capital ratio at the beginning of the calendar year less any distributions previously paid during the year. Loans-to-One Borrower Under the HOLA, savings institutions are generally subject to the national bank limit on loans to one borrower. Generally, this limit is 15% of Cascade's unimpaired capital and surplus, plus an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if such loan is secured by readily-marketable collateral, which is defined to include certain financial instruments and bullion. The OTS by regulation has amended the loans-to-one-borrower rule to permit savings associations meeting certain requirements, including capital requirements, to extend loans to one borrower in additional amounts under circumstances limited essentially to loans to develop or complete residential housing units. At June 30, 1997, the Corporation had two borrowers with balances in excess of current loans-to-one borrower limits, which total $9.7 million and represent 6.0% of net loans receivable. These loan amounts are $5.2 million and $4.5 million. Not included in the above is one loan that the OTS has determined was originated violating the limits described above. The OTS has not required divestiture of this loan that now totals $2.0 million, and represents 0.9% of net loans receivable. Activities of Savings Associations and Their Subsidiaries When a savings association establishes or acquires a subsidiary or elects to conduct any new activity through a subsidiary that the association controls, the savings association shall notify the FDIC and the OTS 30 days in advance and provide the information each agency may, by regulation, require. Savings associations also must conduct the activities of subsidiaries in accordance with existing regulations and orders. The OTS may determine that the continuation by a savings association of its ownership control of, or its relationship to, the subsidiary constitutes a serious risk to the safety, soundness or stability of the association or is inconsistent with sound banking practices or with the purposes of the FDIA. Based upon that determination, the FDIC or the OTS has the authority to order the savings association to divest itself of control of the subsidiary. The FDIC also may determine by regulation or order that any specific activity poses a serious threat to the SAIF. If so, it may require that no SAIF member engage in that activity directly. Transactions with Affiliates Savings associations must comply with Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act ("Sections 23A and 23B") relative to transactions with affiliates in the same manner and to the same extent as if the savings association were a Federal Reserve member bank. A savings and loan holding company, its subsidiaries and any other company under common control are considered affiliates of the subsidiary savings association under the HOLA. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (i) limit the extent to which the insured association or its subsidiaries may engage in certain covered transactions with an affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such institution's capital and surplus and place an aggregate limit on all such transactions with affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and surplus, and (ii) require that all such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or subsidiary, as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term "covered transaction" includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guaranty and similar other types of transactions. Three additional rules apply to savings associations: (i) a savings association may not make any loan or other extension of credit to an affiliate unless that affiliate is engaged only in activities permissible for bank holding companies; (ii) a savings association may not purchase or invest in securities issued by an affiliate (other than securities of a subsidiary); and (iii) the OTS may, for reasons of safety and soundness, impose more stringent restrictions on savings associations but may not exempt transactions from or otherwise abridge Section 23A or 23B. Exemptions from Section 23A or 23B may be granted only by the Federal Reserve Board, as is currently the case with respect to all FDIC-insured banks. Cascade has not been significantly affected by the rules regarding transactions with affiliates and is in compliance with such requirements. Cascade's authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% shareholders, as well as entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act, and Regulation O thereunder. Among other things, these regulations require that such loans be made on terms and conditions substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. Regulation O also places individual and aggregate limits on the amount of loans Cascade may make to such persons based, in part, on Cascade's capital position, and requires certain board approval procedures to be followed. The OTS regulations, with certain minor variances, apply Regulation O to savings institutions. Regulation of the Corporation HOLDING COMPANY ACQUISITIONS. The HOLA and OTS regulations issued thereunder generally prohibit a savings and loan holding company, without prior OTS approval, from acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of any other savings association or savings and loan holding company or controlling the assets thereof. They also prohibit, among other things, any director or officer of a savings and loan holding company, or any individual who owns or controls more than 25% of the voting shares of such holding company, from acquiring control of any savings association not a subsidiary of such savings and loan holding company, unless the acquisition is approved by the OTS. HOLDING COMPANY ACTIVITIES. As a unitary savings and loan holding company, the Corporation generally is not subject to activity restrictions. If the Corporation acquires control of another savings association as a separate subsidiary other than in a supervisory acquisition, it would become a multiple savings and loan holding company. There generally are more restrictions on the activities of a multiple savings and loan holding company than on those of a unitary savings and loan holding company. The HOLA provides that, among other things, no multiple savings and loan holding company or subsidiary thereof which is not an insured association shall commence or continue for more than two years after becoming a multiple savings and loan association holding company or subsidiary thereof, any business activity other than: (i) furnishing or performing management services for a subsidiary insured institution, (ii) conducting an insurance agency or escrow business, (iii) holding, managing, or liquidating assets owned by or acquired from a subsidiary insured institution, (iv) holding or managing properties used or occupied by a subsidiary insured institution, (v) acting as trustee under deeds of trust, (vi) those activities previously directly authorized by regulation as of March 5, 1987 to be engaged in by multiple holding companies or (vii) those activities authorized by the Federal Reserve Board as permissible for bank holding companies, unless the OTS by regulation, prohibits or limits such activities for savings and loan holding companies. Those activities described in (vii) above also must be approved by the OTS prior to being engaged in by a multiple holding company. QUALIFIED THRIFT LENDER TEST. The HOLA requires any savings and loan holding company that controls a savings association that fails the QTL test, as explained under "-- Federal Regulation of Savings Associations -- Qualified Thrift Lender Test," must, within one year after the date on which the association ceases to be a QTL, register as and be deemed a bank holding company subject to all applicable laws and regulations. TAXATION Federal Taxation GENERAL. The Corporation and Cascade report their income on a fiscal year basis using the accrual method of accounting and will be subject to federal income taxation in the same manner as other corporations with some exceptions, including particularly Cascade's reserve for bad debts discussed below. The following discussion of tax matters is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to Cascade or the Corporation. TAX BAD DEBT RESERVES. For taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 1996, savings institutions such as Cascade which met certain definitional tests primarily relating to their assets and the nature of their business ("qualifying thrifts") were permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make annual additions thereto, which additions may, within specified formula limits, have been deducted in arriving at their taxable income. Cascade's deduction with respect to "qualifying loans," which are generally loans secured by certain interests in real property, may have been computed using an amount based on Cascade's actual loss experience, or a percentage equal to 8% of Cascade's taxable income, computed with certain modifications and reduced by the amount of any permitted additions to the nonqualifying reserve. Cascade's deduction with respect to nonqualifying loans was computed under the experience method, which essentially allows a deduction based on Cascade's actual loss experience over a period of several years. Each year Cascade selected the most favorable way to calculate the deduction attributable to an addition to the tax bad debt reserve. Cascade used the percentage method bad debt deduction for the taxable years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996. Recently enacted legislation repealed the reserve method of accounting for bad debt reserves for tax years beginning after December 31, 1995. As result, Cascade will no longer be able to calculate its deduction for bad debts using the percentage-of-taxable-income method. Instead, Cascade will be required to compute its deduction based on specific charge-offs during the taxable year (Cascade anticipates that this will result in a higher effective tax rate). This legislation also requires savings associations to recapture into income over a six-year period their post-1987 additions to their bad debt tax reserves, thereby generating additional tax liability. The Corporation has qualified, under the provisions of this tax legislation, for a two-year deferral of their bad debt recapture which amount is approximately $2.7 million. Under prior law, if Cascade failed to satisfy the qualifying thrift definitional tests in any taxable year, it would be unable to make additions to its bad debt reserve. Instead, Cascade would be required to deduct bad debts as they occur and would additionally be required to recapture its bad debt reserve deductions ratably over a multi-year period. SFAS 109 provides that savings banks are not required to provide a deferred tax liability for additions to the tax bad debt reserve accumulated as of December 31, 1987, which amount for the Corporation is $473. Among other things, the qualifying thrift definitional tests required Cascade to hold at least 60% of its assets as "qualifying assets." Qualifying assets generally include cash, obligations of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, certain obligations of a state or political subdivision thereof, loans secured by interests in improved residential real property or by savings accounts, student loans and property used by Cascade in the conduct of its banking business. Under current law, a savings association will not be required to recapture its pre-1988 bad debt reserves if it ceases to meet the qualifying thrift definitional tests. DISTRIBUTIONS. To the extent that Cascade makes "nondividend distributions" to the Corporation that are considered as made: (i) from the reserve for losses on qualifying real property loans, to the extent the reserve for such losses exceeds the amount that would have been allowed under the experience method; or (ii) from the supplemental reserve for losses on loans ("Excess Distributions"), then an amount based on the amount distributed will be included in Cascade's taxable income. Nondividend distributions include distributions in excess of Cascade's current and accumulated earnings and profits, distributions in redemption of stock, and distributions in partial or complete liquidation. However, dividends paid out of Cascade's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, will not be considered to result in a distribution from Cascade's bad debt reserve. Thus, any dividends to the Corporation that would reduce amounts appropriated to Cascade's bad debt reserve and deducted for federal income tax purposes would create a tax liability for Cascade. The amount of additional taxable income attributable to an Excess Distribution is an amount that, when reduced by the tax attributable to the income, is equal to the amount of the distribution. Thus, if, after the Conversion, Cascade makes a "nondividend distribution," then approximately one and one-half times the amount so used would be includable in gross income for federal income tax purposes. CORPORATE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX. The Code imposes a tax on alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI") at a rate of 20%. The excess of the tax bad debt reserve deduction using the percentage of taxable income method over the deduction that would have been allowable under the experience method is treated as a preference item for purposes of computing the AMTI. In addition, only 90% of AMTI can be offset by net operating loss carryovers. AMTI is increased by an amount equal to 75% of the amount by which Cascade's adjusted current earnings exceeds its AMTI (determined without regard to this preference and prior to reduction for net operating losses). For taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986, and before January 1, 1996, an environmental tax of .12% of the excess of AMTI (with certain modification) over $2.0 million is imposed on corporations, including Cascade, whether or not an Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") is paid. DIVIDENDS-RECEIVED DEDUCTION AND OTHER MATTERS. The Corporation may exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from Cascade as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations. The corporate dividends-received deduction is generally 70% in the case of dividends received from unaffiliated corporations with which the Corporation and Cascade will not file a consolidated tax return, except that if the Corporation or Cascade owns more than 20% of the stock of a corporation distributing a dividend, then 80% of any dividends received may be deducted. The Bank is subject to a business and occupation tax which is imposed under Washington law at the rate of 1.70% of gross receipts; however interest received on loans secured by mortgages or deeds of trust on residential properties and interest on obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States are not presently subject to the tax. On August 15, 1994, the Department of Revenue of the State of Washington began an audit of the Corporation records for compliance regarding the business and occupation tax. The Corporation had not been audited for seventeen years. The Department of Revenue has issued a tax billing for approximately $270,000 of which the Corporation has set aside reserves of $120,000. The Corporation has filed an appeal with the Department of Revenue. A determination has been issued reversing two of the three billing issues in the audit. The Corporation has filed another appeal regarding the final issue. Item 2. Description of Properties The Corporation owns four full service branch locations and leases four full service locations along with one loan origination office. Owned offices range in size from 3,500 to 52,000 square feet and have a total net book value at June 30, 1996, including leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, of $6.1 million. The Corporation leases approximately 20% of its main office and approximately 50% of its Marysville office to non-affiliated parties. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report. Item 3. Legal Proceedings Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving the Corporation as a defendant, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Corporation holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to the Corporation's business. In the opinion of management and the Corporation's legal counsel, no significant loss is expected from any of such pending claims or lawsuits. FORMER MANAGEMENT. On February 21, 1995, the United States Supreme Court refused to consider the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling upholding an OTS restitution order against the Corporation's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. As a result the Corporation recorded approximately $400,000 of after-tax income from the restitution order. The OTS has separately brought an enforcement action in relation to security provided by the former executive, and in March 1994, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington entered a judgement requiring payment of approximately $280,000 to the Corporation by the former executive. During 1996, $150,000 of this amount was collected. Ultimate collection of the remaining amount will be recorded as income when received. On March 30, 1995, the United States District Court granted the Corporation's motion for summary judgement in a suit brought by the former executive against the Corporation and several current executive officers. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders A Special Meeting of Shareholders of Cascade ("Meeting") was held on June 24, 1997. The results of the vote on the matters presented at the Meeting is as follows: 1. The merger of Cascade with AmFirst Bancorporation was approved by shareholders by the following vote: For 1,389,891; Against 4,449; Abstain 22,667 --------- ----- ------ Broker non-votes totaled 196,570. ------- 2. The amendment to Cascade's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares from 5,000,000 to 8,000,000 was approved by stockholders by the following vote: For 1,560,075; Against 24,072; Abstain 29,330 --------- ------ ------ Broker non-votes totaled 0 . --- 3. The Cascade Financial Corporation 1997 Stock Option Plan was approved by stockholders by the following vote: For 1,346,162; Against 52,865; Abstain 26,477 --------- ------ ------ Broker non-votes totaled 187,973. ------- PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters The information contained under the caption "Common Stock Information" in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. Item 6. Selected Financial Data Five Year Financials Highlights Data contained in the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference. Quarterly Results: Quarter Ended Quarter Ended -------------------------------- ------------------------ Sept 30, Dec 31, Mar 31, Jun 30, Sept 30, Dec 31, Mar 31, Jun 30, 1995 1995 1996 1996 1996 1996 1997 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (dollars in thousands, except per share data, unaudited) Results of Operations Interest income 5,809 5,922 6,189 6,854 6,274 6,543 6,629 6,868 Interest expense 4,150 4,108 4,190 4,113 4,236 4,356 4,319 4,476 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Net interest income 1,659 1,814 1,999 2,741 2,038 2,187 2,310 2,392 Provision for loan losses 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Other income 548 327 780 571 359 334 383 333 Other expense 1,716 1,611 1,788 1,888 2,946 1,830 1,887 1,848 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Income before income taxes 491 530 991 1,424 (549) 691 806 877 Provision for income taxes 167 180 337 484 (187) 235 274 298 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Net income 324 350 654 940 (362) 456 532 579 ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== Earnings per common and common equivalent share, primary 0.11 0.12 0.22 0.35 (0.13) 0.16 0.19 0.20 Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The information contained in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. For information regarding the market risk of the Corporation's investments, see "Asset and Liability Management Activities" and "Loan Maturity and Repricing" under Item 1 of this Report. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data The financial statements contained in the Annual Report which are listed under Item 14 herein are incorporated herein by reference. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Not applicable. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant The information contained under the section captioned "Proposal I -- Election of Directors" contained in the Corporation's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Corporation's 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement"), is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to the cover page of this report for information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. The following table sets forth information with respect to the executive officers of the Corporation and the Bank. Name Age(a) Position Frank M. McCord 67 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(b) C. Fredrick Safstrom 43 President, Chief Operating Officer and Director(b) Robert G. Disotell 43 Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Director(b) Russell E. Rosendal 38 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary/Treasurer(b) Steven R. Erickson 41 Executive Vice President, Credit Administration and Construction Lending J. Wesley Cochran 43 Senior Vice President Chief Savings Officer (a) As of June 30, 1997. (b) Officer of the Corporation and Bank The principal occupation of each executive officer of the Corporation and Bank is set forth below. All of the officers listed above have held positions with or been employed by the Corporation or Bank for five years unless otherwise stated. All executive officers reside in Everett, Washington, unless otherwise stated. There are no family relationships among or between the executive officers listed above. FRANK M. McCORD, C.P.A. became Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank in 1990 and subsequently the Corporation. Mr. McCord was the Managing Partner of KPMG Peat Marwick, Seattle, Washington office until his retirement in 1986. In addition to his responsibilities to the Corporation, Mr. McCord is a director of the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce and serves as it's Chairman, the Everett Performing Arts Association, and Housing Hope, a local housing agency. Mr. McCord also serves as a Director of Horizon/CMS Healthcare Corporation a publicly-held company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which is one of the largest diversified health care providers in the United States. Mr. McCord has previously served as President of the Evergreen Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, Treasurer of the United Way of King County, Trustee of Seattle University, a Fellow of Seattle Pacific University, Treasurer of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, and a Director of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. C. FREDRICK SAFSTROM joined Cascade in 1976 and has managed several areas including branch management, secondary marketing, loan underwriting and regulatory compliance. In June 1990 Mr. Safstrom was elected to the Board of Directors and in December 1991 was elected President. Mr. Safstrom is a trustee and the treasurer of the Snohomish County YMCA, a board member of the Snohomish County Investment Plan Corporation, a director of the Everett Public Schools Foundation, member of the Everett Rotary, and is active in various housing related boards and committees. ROBERT G. DISOTELL has been employed by Cascade for approximately nineteen years and has managed all areas of the Loan Division. He currently serves as a Director and an Executive Vice President. As Chief Lending Officer, he is responsible for mortgage loan production, consumer lending, and is the Bank's Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") officer. Mr. Disotell also serves on the Board of Directors for Catholic Community Services of Snohomish County. Mr. Disotell is a resident of Arlington, Washington. RUSSELL E. ROSENDAL is the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary/Treasurer of the Corporation. Mr. Rosendal joined Cascade in September 1983 and was elected Corporate Secretary/Treasurer in December 1991. He has served as President of the Puget Sound chapter of the Financial Managers Society and serves on their Asset/Liability Committee. Mr. Rosendal is a resident of Mukilteo, Washington. STEVEN R. ERICKSON is the Executive Vice President of the Bank responsible for managing business, residential construction, and income property lending and serves as the Assistant Secretary for the Corporation. Mr. Erickson joined Cascade in 1978. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish County. He is a resident of Marysville, Washington. J. WESLEY COCHRAN joined Cascade in 1992 as Chief Savings Officer and Manager of the Everett Main Office Branch. As Chief Savings Officer, he is responsible for management of the bank's full service offices and deposit production. In August 1996 he was elected as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Cochran has a 20 year background in mortgage banking and thrift institution branch management. Mr. Cochran serves on the boards of the Everett Salvation Army, American Heart Association, Everett Theater Society and is a member of the South Everett/Mukilteo Rotary Club. He is a resident of Redmond, Washington. Item 11. Executive Compensation The information contained under the section captioned "Executive Compensation" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management (a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof" of the Proxy Statement (b) Security Ownership of Management The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof" of the Proxy Statement. (c) Changes in Control The Corporation is not aware of any arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of the Corporation, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Corporation. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned "Proposal I -- Election of Directors -- Certain Transactions with the Corporation" of the Proxy Statement. PART IV Item 14. Exhibits Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K (a) (1)(2) Independent Auditors' Report Consolidated Financial Statements (a) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997. (b) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997. (c) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997. (d) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997. (e) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements All schedules have been omitted as the required information is either inapplicable or contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements or related Notes contained in the Annual Report to Stockholders. (3) Exhibits 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Cascade Financial Corporation* 3.2 Bylaws of Cascade Financial Corporation* 10.1 Cascade Financial Corporation 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan* 10.2 Cascade Financial Corporation 1992 Stock Option and Incentive Plan** 10.3 Cascade Financial Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan** 10.4 Cascade Financial Corporation 1997 Stock Option Plan*** 13 Cascade Financial Corporation 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders 21 Subsidiaries (b) Reports on Form 8-K No Forms 8-K were filed during the quarter ended June 30, 1997. * Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 File No. 33-83200. ** Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB For June 30, 1995. *** Incorporated by reference to Appendix E to the Prospectus included in the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-24203). SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. CASCADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION Date: September 30, 1997 By: /s/ Frank M. McCord Frank M. McCord Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: /s/ Russell E. Rosendal By: /s/ D. R. Murphy Russell E. Rosendal D. R. Murphy Executive Vice President Director (Chief Financial and Date: September 30, 1997 Accounting Officer) Date: September 30, 1997 By: /s/ C. F. Safstrom By: /s/ Ronald E Thompson C. F. Safstrom Ronald E. Thompson President and Director Director Date: September 30, 1997 Date: September 30, 1997 By: /s/ Robert Disotell By: /s/ G. Brandt Westover Robert Disotell G. Brandt Westover Executive Vice President/Director Director Date: September 30, 1997 Date: September 30, 1997 By: /s/ David W. Duce By: /s/ Paull Shin David W. Duce Paull Shin Director Director Date: September 30, 1997 Date: September 30, 1997 By: /s/ Gary Meisner By: /s/Joan M. Earl Gary Meisner Joan M. Earl Director Director Date: September 30, 1997 Date: September 30, 1997 By: /s/ Dwayne Lane Dwayne Lane Director Date: September 30, 1997 Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant Parent - ------ Cascade Financial Corporation Percentage Jurisdiction or Subsidiaries (a) of Ownership State of Incorporation - ---------------- ------------ ---------------------- Cascade Bank 100% United States Cascade Investment Services, Inc. (b) 100% Washington (a) The operation of the Corporation's wholly owned subsidiaries are included in the Corporation's Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report attached hereto as Exhibit 13. (b) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Cascade Bank.