UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ---------------------- FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER #0-25239 SUPERIOR FINANCIAL CORP. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 51-0379417 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------ (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 16101 LaGrande Drive, Suite 103, Little Rock Arkansas 72223 ----------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (501) 324-7282 ----------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [ ] Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date. Class Outstanding at October 31, 2001 - ------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value 8,863,452 SUPERIOR FINANCIAL CORP. INDEX Page Number ------ PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements Consolidated balance sheets, September 30, 2001 (unaudited) and December 31, 2000................. 3 Consolidated statements of income, September 30, 2001 Three months ended September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2000 (unaudited) and Nine months ended September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2000 (unaudited)................ 4 Consolidated statements of cash flows, Nine months ended September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2000 (unaudited)................................... 5 Notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)............... 6 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations........................ 8 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings.................................................... 17 Item 2. Changes in Securities................................................ 18 Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities...................................... 18 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................................................... 18 Item 5. Other Information.................................................... 18 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..................................... 18 SIGNATURES.................................................................... 18 CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS PURSUANT TO SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 This report contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following possibilities: (i) deposit attrition, customer loss, or revenue loss in the ordinary course of business; (ii) increases in competitive pressure in the banking industry; (iii) costs or difficulties related to the operation of the businesses of Superior Financial Corp. ("Superior") are greater than expected; (iv) changes in the interest rate environment which reduce margins; (v) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, that are less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality; (vi) changes which may occur in the regulatory environment; (vii) a significant rate of inflation (deflation); (viii) changes in securities markets, and (ix) adjustment to or changes in anticipated accounting of contracts and contingencies. When used in this Report, the words "believes", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "should", "may", "might", "outlook", and "anticipates", and similar expressions as they relate to Superior (including its subsidiaries), or its management are intended to identify forward-looking statements. 2 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements SUPERIOR FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) September 30, December 31, 2001 2000 ------------ ------------ (unaudited) ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 52,609 $ 55,321 Loans available for sale 22,314 27,226 Loans receivable 1,086,609 1,068,943 Less: allowance for loan losses 12,036 12,086 ----------- ----------- Loans receivable, net 1,074,573 1,056,857 Investments available for sale, net 359,341 363,008 Accrued interest receivable 16,823 17,515 Federal Home Loan Bank stock 17,065 23,713 Premises and equipment, net 45,990 35,407 Mortgage servicing rights, net 6,001 6,630 Prepaid expenses and other assets 12,598 13,392 Goodwill, net 57,129 59,653 Real estate acquired in settlement of loans, net 870 324 Deferred acquisition costs 2,271 2,419 ----------- ----------- Total assets $1,667,584 $1,661,465 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities: Deposits $1,155,267 $1,078,508 Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings 228,500 330,000 Other borrowed funds 65,105 53,628 Note payable 9,200 11,500 Senior notes 54,700 60,000 Custodial escrow balances 13,526 8,114 Other liabilities 15,362 8,398 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 1,541,660 1,550,148 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 101 101 Capital in excess of par value 94,764 94,764 Retained earnings 40,172 30,356 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 4,760 (2,777) ----------- ----------- 139,797 122,444 Treasury stock at cost, 1,218,469 shares (13,873) (11,127) ----------- ----------- Total stockholders' equity 125,924 111,317 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,667,584 $1,661,465 =========== =========== See accompanying notes. 3 SUPERIOR FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2001 Sept. 30, 2000 Sept. 30, 2001 Sept. 30, 2000 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Interest income: Loans $22,239 $21,380 $67,141 $62,768 Investments 5,511 6,189 16,880 18,576 Interest-bearing deposits 211 37 485 152 Other 130 647 620 1,423 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total interest income 28,091 28,253 85,126 82,919 Interest expense: Deposits 10,117 10,903 31,594 30,097 FHLB borrowings 3,572 5,571 11,501 16,314 Other borrowings 2,125 1,757 6,668 5,148 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total interest expense 15,814 18,231 49,763 51,559 Net interest income 12,277 10,022 35,363 31,360 Provision for loan losses 1,200 500 2,950 1,800 ------- ------- ------- ------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 11,077 9,522 32,413 29,560 Noninterest income: Service charges on deposit accounts 6,834 6,637 20,724 18,923 Mortgage operations, net 874 603 2,453 2,083 Income from real estate operations, net 102 126 328 372 Other 913 595 2,336 1,400 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total noninterest income 8,723 7,961 25,841 22,778 Noninterest expense: Salaries and employee benefits 7,013 6,090 21,050 18,143 Occupancy expense 1,183 926 3,297 2,702 Data and item processing 1,654 1,306 4,752 3,746 Advertising and promotion 281 433 1,107 1,320 Amortization of goodwill 869 861 2,606 2,583 Postage and supplies 826 714 2,497 2,278 Equipment expense 705 628 2,018 1,729 Other 2,240 2,004 6,441 6,015 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total noninterest expense 14,771 12,962 43,768 38,516 Income before income taxes 5,029 4,521 14,486 13,822 Income taxes 1,610 1,465 4,670 4,582 ------- ------- ------- ------- Net income $ 3,419 $ 3,056 $ 9,816 $ 9,240 ------- ------- ------- ------- Basic earnings per common share $ 0.38 $ 0.33 $ 1.08 $ 0.96 ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 1.07 $ 0.96 ======= ======= ======= ======= See accompanying notes. 4 SUPERIOR FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands, unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------- 2001 2000 ----------- ----------- Operating activities Net income $ 9,816 $ 9,240 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses 2,950 1,800 Depreciation 2,083 1,737 Additions to mortgage servicing rights (230) (2,928) Amortization of mortgage servicing rights 860 533 Amortization of premiums on investments, net 262 503 Amortization of goodwill 2,606 2,583 Amortization of other intangibles 508 524 (Gain) loss on sale of real estate (14) 20 Gain on sale of loans (515) (440) Gain on sale of investments (579) 3 Loss on retired notes 216 - Mortgage loans originated for sale (65,300) (81,410) Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale 81,660 72,944 Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable 692 (1,810) Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets 273 (2,742) Net increase in custodial escrow balances 5,412 3,835 Increase in other liabilities 3,443 3,893 --------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 44,143 8,285 Investing activities Increase in loans, net (32,475) (23,603) Purchase of investments (84,102) (45,374) Proceeds from sale of investments 61,282 760 Purchase FHLB stock (3,225) (1,423) Proceeds from sale of FHLB stock 9,872 - Proceeds from sale of real estate 364 142 Principal payments on investments 37,843 29,708 Purchases of premises and equipment (12,666) (3,840) --------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (23,107) (43,630) Financing activities Net increase in deposits 76,759 80,646 Net decrease in FHLB borrowings (101,500) (33,500) Net increase in other borrowings 11,477 - Principal payment on note payable (2,300) - Retirement of senior notes (5,439) - Proceeds from common stock issued, net - 8 Purchases of treasury stock (2,745) (9,346) --------- -------- Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (23,748) 37,808 --------- -------- Net (decrease) increase in cash (2,712) 2,463 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 55,321 48,241 --------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 52,609 $ 50,704 ========= ======== See accompanying notes. 5 SUPERIOR FINANCIAL CORP. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) September 30, 2001 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations Superior Financial Corp. ("Company") is a unitary thrift holding company organized under the laws of Delaware and headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Company was organized on November 12, 1997 as SFC Acquisition Corp. for the purpose of acquiring Superior Federal Bank, F.S.B. (the "Bank"), a federally chartered savings institution. The Bank provides a broad line of financial products to small and medium-sized businesses and to consumers, primarily in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year or for any other period. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000. 2. Per Share Data The Company computes earnings per share ("EPS") in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128. Basic EPS is computed by dividing reported earnings available to common stockholders by weighted average shares outstanding. No dilution for any potentially dilutive securities is included. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of stock options. In computing dilution for stock options, the average share price is used for the period presented. For the third quarter of 2001 and 2000, all outstanding options to purchase shares were included in the dilutive EPS calculation. 6 Basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2001 2000 2001 2000 ---------- --------- --------- --------- (In thousands, except per share amounts) Common shares-weighted averages (basic) $9,036 9,297 9,046 9,606 Common share equivalents-weighted averages 231 38 187 21 ------ ------ ------ ------ Common share weighted average (diluted) 9,267 9,335 9,233 9,627 ====== ====== ====== ====== Net Income $3,419 $3,056 $9,816 $9,240 ====== ====== ====== ====== Basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 0.38 $ 0.33 $ 1.08 $ 0.96 ====== ====== ====== ====== Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 1.07 $ 0.96 ====== ====== ====== ====== 3. Recently Issued Accounting Guidance In September 1998, The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 133"), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS 133, which requires the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value, is effective for years beginning after September 15, 2000. SFAS 133 permits early adoption as of the beginning of any fiscal quarter that begins after September 1998. The Company adopted SFAS 133 effective January 1, 2001. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of the assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through operating results or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in operating results. The ineffective portions of a derivative's change in fair value will be immediately recognized in operating results. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on its operations or financial position. In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS 141"), "Business Combinations", and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS 142"), "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Under the new rules, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives will no longer be amortized but will be subject to annual impairment tests in accordance with the statements. Other intangible assets will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. The company is currently reviewing the impact of SFAS 141 and 142 and will be performing a fair-value analysis at a later date in connection with the adoption of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002. On July 2, 2001, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB 102"), "Selected Loan Loss Allowance Methodology and Documentation Issues". SAB 102 expresses the SEC's views on the development, documentation and application of a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan and lease losses in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Company is analyzing the impact of this statement. 4. Commitments In April, 2001 the Bank entered into a five-year agreement with FiServ Solutions Inc. ("FiServ") to provide the majority of the Bank's core application system processing. Additionally, the agreement calls for FiServ to furnish project management and implementation services to the Bank as the information systems are deconverted from the current processor and converted to the new operating system in mid fourth quarter, 2001. Upon completion of the project, all project costs will be reviewed and allocated according to SOP 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." Management does not anticipate that its routine and ongoing data and item processing expenses will change materially as a result of the agreement. 5. Subsequent Event The Company has been notified that Teresa Bauman, a former, previously terminated employee has filed a lawsuit against the Company, two of its senior executive officers and its independent auditor. Ms. Bauman's complaint purports to be on behalf of herself and other shareholders allegedly similarly situated. The lawsuit alleges that the Company's stock has been overvalued because the Company misstated its financial condition in quarterly and annual reports. In the opinion of Management, the claims asserted are without merit. The Company has referred the matter to legal counsel and expects to defend the action vigorously. Management believes that the action will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operation. 7 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF SUPERIOR FINANCIAL CORP. The Company is a unitary thrift holding company. The Company was organized in November 1997 as SFC Acquisition Corp. for the purpose of acquiring the Bank. On April 1, 1998 the Company financed the acquisition of 100% of the common stock of the Bank, in a purchase transaction, through a private placement of the Company's common stock and debt. Prior to the acquisition of the Bank on April 1, 1998, the Company did not have any operations, other than the costs associated with the private placement offering of common stock and debt. The Bank is a federally chartered savings bank. The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations analyzes the major elements of the Company's consolidated balance sheets and statements of income. Readers of this report should refer to the unaudited consolidated financial statements and other financial data presented throughout this report to fully understand the following discussion and analysis. The Bank is a federally chartered and insured savings bank subject to extensive regulation and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"), as its chartering agency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), as the insurer of its deposits. In addition, the Company is a registered savings and loan holding company subject to OTS regulation, examination, supervision and reporting. The Company provides a wide range of retail and small business services including noninterest bearing and interest bearing checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts. In addition, the Company offers an extensive array of real estate, consumer, small business, and commercial real estate loan products. Other financial services include automated teller machines, debit card, internet banking, bill payment, credit-related life and disability insurance, safe deposit boxes, telephone banking, discount investment brokerage, and full-service investment advisory services. The Company has been effective in establishing primary banking relationships with lower to middle income market segments through the successful execution of its "totally free checking" programs. This has resulted in the Company serving over 194,000 households with average noninterest revenue of approximately $160 per account annually. The Bank attracts primary banking relationships in part through the customer-oriented service environment created by the Bank's personnel. Results of Operations The Company's primary asset is its investment in 100% of the common stock of the Bank and Company's operations are funded primarily from the operations of the Bank. 8 For the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 For the three months ended September 30, 2001 the Company had net income of $3.4 million, an increase of $0.3 million from the comparable period in 2000. The primary reason for this increase was an increase in net interest income and noninterest income as discussed under the headings Net Interest Income and Noninterest Income below. For the Company, this resulted in a return on average assets of .82% and a return on average common equity of 11.18% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 compared to .75% and 10.9%, respectively, for the same time period in 2000. The Bank had a return on average assets of 1.07% and 9.90% and return on average common equity for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 compared to 1.04% and 10.25%, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2000. Total assets increased to $1.668 billion at September 30, 2001 from $1.661 billion at December 31, 2000, an increase of $7 million, or 0.4%. Loans increased from $1.069 billion at December 31, 2000 to $1.087 billion at September 30, 2001, an increase of $18 million, or 1.7%. Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $55.3 million at December 31, 2000 to $52.6 million at September 30, 2001, a decrease of $2.7 million, or 4.9%. Deposits increased $76.8 million, or 7.1%, to $1.155 billion at September 30, 2001. The increase in deposits was used to reduce FHLB borrowings in addition to funding loan growth. FHLB borrowings declined $101.5 million from $330 million to $228.5 million at September 30, 2001. Net Interest Income Net interest income represents the amount by which interest income on interest-bearing assets, including investments and loans, exceeds interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, including deposits and other borrowed funds. Net interest income is the principal source of earnings. Interest rate fluctuations, as well as changes in the amount and type of earning assets and liabilities, combine to affect net interest income. Factors that determine the level of net interest income include the volume of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, yields and rates paid, fee income from portfolio loans, the level of nonperforming loans and other non-earning assets, and the amount of noninterest-bearing liabilities supporting earning assets. Net interest income for the three months ending September 30, 2001 was $12.3 million, an increase of $2.3 million, or 23.0% from $10 million for the same period in 2000. 9 In the table below, the components of net interest income are detailed. September 30, September 30, 2001 2000 ------------- ------------- (Amounts in thousands) Average interest-earning assets $1,488,006 $1,474,604 Yield on earning assets (tax-equivalent) 7.60% 7.70% Average interest-bearing liabilities 1,417,879 1,419,306 Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities 4.41% 5.06% Net interest spread 3.19% 2.64% Net interest margin 3.40% 2.83% Average interest-earning assets increased $13 million from $1.475 billion in the third quarter of 2000 to $1.488 billion in the third quarter of 2001. Loans were the principal contributor to the increase in interest-earning assets as average loans were $1.031 billion in the third quarter of 2000 and increased to $1.075 billion in the third quarter of 2001, an increase of $44 million. The increase in loans offset decreases in investments and loans available for sale. Net interest spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, increased from 2.64% in the third quarter of 2000 to 3.19% in the third quarter of 2001, an increase of 0.55%, due primarily to lower rates on interest-bearing liabilities. Provision for Loan Losses The provision for loan losses increased $700,000, or 140.0%, from $500,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000 to $1,200,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001. Loan loss reserves were 1.11% and 1.13% of loans at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. Nonperforming loans, real estate owned and foreclosed property were $8.6 million and $5.3 million at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. The allowance for loan losses totaled $12.04 million at September 30, 2001, a decrease of $50,000, or 0.4% from December 31, 2000. The allowance for loan losses represented 174% and 269% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. Noninterest Income Noninterest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 was $8.7 million, an increase of $762,000, or 9.6%, over the same period in 2000. Service charges are the principal component of noninterest income. Service charges were $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001, compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 2000, an increase of $0.2 million or 3.0%. Service charges on deposit accounts consist primarily of insufficient funds fees charged to customers. Growth in the number of 10 transaction accounts and higher item charges are the primary reasons for growth in service charges. The growth in transaction accounts is largely due to the Company's successful execution of its "Totally Free Checking" program to the lower to middle income customers in the markets in which the Company operates. Noninterest Expense For the three months ended September 30, 2001, noninterest expense totaled $14.8 million, an increase of $1.8 million, or 13.8%, from $13 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The Company's efficiency ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 was 65.71% compared to 66.28% for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total noninterest expense, excluding goodwill amortization, by net tax equivalent interest income, plus noninterest income, excluding securities transactions. The Bank's efficiency ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 was 60.58% compared to 60.72% for the three months ended September 30, 2000. Salaries and employee benefits expense for the three months ended September 30, 2001 was $7.0 million compared to $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000, an increase of $0.9 million, or 14.8%. This increase was due primarily to incentive and commission payments due to the Bank's loan, deposit and noninterest income growth and additional personnel in the Bank's subsidiary, Superior Finance Company ("Superior Finance"), which initiated operations in the second quarter of 2000. Occupancy expense increased $257,000, or 27.8%, from $926,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000 to $1,183,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001, primarily due to the opening of one retail banking branch, and the addition of eight Superior Finance offices and the opening of an operations center in Fort Smith. Major categories included in occupancy expense are building lease expense, depreciation expense, and utilities expense. Data and item processing increased $0.4 million, or 26.7%, from $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000, to $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001, primarily due to loan and deposit growth, increased number of transactions, and costs of new systems. Income Taxes For the three months ended September 30, 2001, income tax expense was $1.6 million, an increase of $145,000 from $1.465 million at September 30, 2000. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2001 was 32.0% compared to 32.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due to an increase in tax exempt interest income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, net income was $9.8 million, an increase of $0.6 million from the nine month period ended September 30, 2000. Increases in net interest income and noninterest income offsetting increased noninterest expense were the 11 primary reasons for the increase in net income. For the Company, this resulted in a return on average assets of 0.79% and a return on average equity of 11.08% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared to 0.78% and 11.04%, respectively, for the same time period in 2000. The Bank had a return on average assets of 1.07% and 10.02% return on average common equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared to 1.06% and 10.41%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. Net Interest Income Net interest income for the nine months ending September 30, 2001 was $35.4 million, an increase of $4.0 million or 12.7% from $31.4 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2000. The table below summarizes the components of net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000. Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2001 2000 ------------- ------------- (Amounts in thousands) Average interest-earning assets $1,485,262 $1,465,306 Yield on earning assets (tax-equivalent) 7.73% 7.60% Average interest-bearing liabilities 1,417,630 1,404,084 Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities 4.68% 4.86% Net interest spread 3.05% 2.74% Net interest margin 3.27% 2.94% Provision for Loan Losses The provision for loan losses increased $1.15 million, or 63.9%, from $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 to $2.95 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2001. Noninterest Income Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 was $25.8 million, an increase of $3.0 million, or 13.2%, from $22.8 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2000. Service charges increased from $18.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 to $20.7 million for the same period in 2001, an increase of $1.8 million or 9.5%. This increase is attributed to growth in the number of accounts and higher transaction fees during 2001 compared to the same period in 2000. 12 Noninterest Expense For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, noninterest expense totaled $43.8 million, an increase of $5.3 million, or 13.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. The Company's efficiency ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 was 66.79% compared to 65.52% for the same period in 2000. The Bank's efficiency ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 was 61.23% compared to 59.93% for the same period in 2000. Salary and benefit expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 was $21.1 million compared to $18.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000, an increase of $3.0 million, or 16.6%. Incentive and commission payments attributable to growth of deposits, loans, and noninterest income and additional staff in Superior Finance are the primary reasons for this increase. Occupancy expense increased from $2.7 million during 2000 to $3.3 million for the same nine month period ending September 30, 2001, an increase of $0.6 million or 22.2% due to the opening of new offices in 2000 and 2001. Data and item processing increased $1.1 million from $3.7 million for the nine months ended 2000 compared to $4.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 due to increased number of accounts serviced and costs of new systems and processes. Income Taxes For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, income tax expense was $4.7 million, an increase of $0.1 million from $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. The effective tax rate was 32.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared to 33.2% during the same period in 2000. Increased tax exempt income from investments is the primary contributor to the decrease in effective rates. Impact of Inflation The effects of inflation on the local economy and on the Company's operating results have been relatively modest for the past several years. Since substantially all of the Bank's assets and liabilities are monetary in nature, such as cash, investments, loans and deposits, their values are less sensitive to the effects of inflation than to changing interest rates, which do not necessarily change in accordance with inflation rates. The Company tries to control the impact of interest rate fluctuations by managing the relationship between its interest sensitive assets and liabilities. 13 Deposits Deposits consisted of the following at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000. September 30, December 31, 2001 2000 ------------- ------------ (Dollars in thousands) Demand and NOW accounts, including noninterest-bearing deposits of $94,555 and $92,879 at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively $ 412,361 $ 398,150 Money market 31,849 30,781 Statement and passbook savings 97,464 87,120 Certificates of deposit 613,593 562,457 ---------- ---------- Total deposits $1,155,267 $1,078,508 ========== ========== Capital Resources Stockholders' equity increased to $125.9 million at September 30, 2001 from $111.3 million at December 31, 2000, an increase of $14.6 million, or 13.1%. This increase was due to the net change in the unrealized gain/loss on investments available for sale of $7.5 million, net income of $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and $2.7 million in treasury stock acquired in the Company's stock repurchase program. Comprehensive income was $6.6 million and $5.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively and $17.3 million and $7.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Additionally, no dividends were paid on common stock during 2001. Capital The Company is a unitary thrift holding company and, as such, is subject to regulation, examination and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"). The Bank is also subject to various regulatory requirements administered by the OTS. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - - and possibly additional discretionary - actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a 14 direct material effect on the Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of tangible and core capital (as defined in the regulations) to adjusted total assets (as defined), and of total capital (as defined) and tier 1 to risk weighted assets (as defined). Management believes, as of September 30, 2001, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. The most recent notification from the OTS categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must maintain minimum total, tangible, and core capital ratios as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution's category. The Company's and the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios as of September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 are presented below (amounts in thousands): Required to be Categorized as Well Capitalized Required for Under Prompt Company Bank Capital Adequancy Corrective Action Actual Actual Purposes Provisions Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- As of December 31, 2000 Tangible capital to adjusted total assets $53,778 3.35% $115,924 7.25% $23,987 1.50% $ N/A N/A Core capital to adjusted total assets 53,778 3.35 115,924 7.25 63,967 4.00 79,958 5.00% Total capital to risk weighted assets 65,864 6.46 128,010 12.62 81,134 8.00 101,418 10.00 Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets 53,778 5.27 115,924 11.43 N/A N/A 60,581 6.00 As of September 30, 2001 Tangible capital to adjusted total assets $63,434 3.95% $121,151 7.58% $23,987 1.50% $ N/A N/A Core capital to adjusted total assets 63,434 3.95 121,151 7.58 63,964 4.00 79,955 5.00% Total capital to risk weighted assets 75,470 7.26 133,186 12.86 82,829 8.00 103,538 10.00 Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets 63,434 6.10 121,151 11.70 N/A N/A 62,123 6.00 Asset Quality Management is aware of the risks inherent in lending and continually monitors risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. The Company's policy is to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level believed adequate by management to absorb potential loan losses within the portfolio. Management's determination of the adequacy of the allowance is 15 performed by an internal loan review committee and is based on risk characteristics of the loans, including loans deemed impaired in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 114, past loss experience, economic conditions and such other factors that deserve recognition. Additions to the allowance are charged to operations. The following table presents, for the periods indicated, an analysis of the Company's allowance for loan losses and other related data. Twelve Months Nine Months ended ended 9/30/01 12/31/00 ------------- --------- (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period $12,086 $11,346 Provision for loan losses 2,950 2,300 Charge-offs (4,170) (3,095) Recoveries 1,170 1,535 ------- ------- Allowance for loan losses, end of period $12,036 $12,086 ======= ======= Allowance to period-end loans 1.11% 1.13% Net charge-offs to average loans .37% 0.15% Allowance to period-end nonperforming loans 174% 269% The Company's conservative lending approach has resulted in strong asset quality. Nonperforming assets at September 30, 2001 were $8.6 million, compared to $5.3 million at December 31, 2000. This resulted in a ratio of nonperforming assets to loans plus other real estate of 0.79% and 0.49% at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. Nonaccrual loans were $6.9 and $4.5 million, respectively, at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000. The $2.4 million increase in nonaccrual loans is primarily the result of the move of $.6 million in mortgage loans and two commercial loans totaling $1.5 million from accrual to nonaccrual. The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated: 2001 2000 ------ ------ (Dollars in thousands) Nonaccrual loans $6,925 $4,495 Other real estate and repossessed assets 1,655 779 ------ ------ Total nonperforming assets $8,580 $5,274 ====== ====== Nonperforming assets to total loans and other real estate owned 0.79% 0.49% The Company has developed procedures designed to maintain a high quality loan portfolio. These procedures begin with approval of lending policies and underwriting guidelines by the Board of Directors, low individual lending limits for officers, Senior Loan Committee approval for large credit relationships and effective loan documentation 16 procedures. The loan review department identifies and analyzes weaknesses in the portfolio and reports credit risk grade changes on a quarterly basis to Bank management and directors. The Bank also maintains a well-developed monitoring process for credit extensions in excess of $100,000. The Bank has established underwriting guidelines to be followed by its officers. The Company also monitors its delinquency levels for any negative or adverse trends, and collection efforts are centralized. The Company also has procedures to bring rapid resolution of nonperforming loans and prompt and orderly liquidation of real estate, automobiles and other forms of collateral. The Company generally places a loan on nonaccrual status and ceases accruing interest when loan payment performance is deemed unsatisfactory. All loans past due 90 days, however, are placed on nonaccrual status, unless the loan is both well collateralized and in the process of collection. Cash payments received while a loan is classified as nonaccrual are recorded as a reduction of principal as long as doubt exists as to collection. The Company is sometimes required to revise a loan's interest rate or repayment terms in a troubled debt restructuring. The Company regularly updates appraisals on loans collateralized by real estate; particularly those categorized as nonperforming loans and potential problem loans. In instances where updated appraisals reflect reduced collateral values, an evaluation of the borrower's overall financial condition is made to determine the need, if any, for possible writedowns or appropriate additions to the allowance for loan losses. The Company records real estate acquired by foreclosure at the lesser of the outstanding loan balance, net of any reduction in basis, or the fair value at the time of foreclosure, less estimated costs to sell. At September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively, the Company had $219,000 in non-government accruing loans that were contractually past due 90 days or more. The Company continues to accrue interest for government-sponsored loans such as FHA insured and VA guaranteed loans which are past due 90 or more days, as the interest on these is insured by the federal government. The aggregate unpaid balance of accruing loans which were past due 90 or more days was $12.9 million and $16.0 million as of September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. Of the loan balances that are 90 or more days past due and still accruing as of September 30, 2001, $8.7 million represent the remaining principal balance of $46 million of FHA insured and VA guaranteed mortgages purchased by the Bank in September, 1999. The contract called for the Bank to receive a pass through net yield of 7.13% and the loans would be paid off upon foreclosure and the servicer's receipt of the individual claims from either FHA or VA. The servicing of these loans has been terminated upon the default of the servicer, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy. Management believes that the remaining principal balance and interest on these loans will be collected with no material adverse impact to the Bank. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings The Company is involved in various lawsuits and litigation matters on an ongoing basis as a result of its day-to-day operations. However, the Company does not believe that any 17 of these or any threatened lawsuits and litigation matters will have a materially adverse effect on the Company or its business. Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds None Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities None Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders None Item 5. Other Information None Item 6. Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K None SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. Superior Financial Corp. /s/ C. Stanley Bailey November 14, 2001 - ------------------------------------------ ----------------- C. Stanley Bailey, Chief Executive Officer Date /s/ Rick D. Gardner November 14, 2001 - ------------------------------------------ ----------------- Rick D. Gardner, Chief Financial Officer Date 18