SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. FORM 10-QSB [X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT For the transition period from to --------- --------- Commission File No. 0-28934 Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. ----------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 81-0512374 - --------------------------------- ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 123 South Main Street, Livingston, Montana 59047 ------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (406) 222-1981 ---------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO --- --- State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common equity as of the latest practicable date. Class: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share Outstanding at April 30, 2000: 1,805,170 Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): YES NO X --- --- EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. INDEX TO FORM 10-QSB Page PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION ---- --------------------- Item 1. Condensed Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2000 (unaudited) and December 31, 1999 (unaudited).......... 1 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 (unaudited).............. 2 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 (unaudited)....... 3 Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements............................................. 4 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations................................. 8 PART II OTHER INFORMATION ----------------- Item 1. Legal Proceedings......................................... 12 Item 2. Changes in Securities..................................... 12 Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities........................... 12 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders....... 12 tem 5. Other Information......................................... 12 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.......................... 12 SIGNATURES.......................................................... 13 Part I, Item 1 - Financial Statements - ------------------------------------- EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999 (unaudited) March 31, December 31, Assets 2000 1999 ------ ------------- ------------- Cash and due from banks $ 1,606,346 $ 1,688,206 Interest-bearing deposits 659,165 683,913 ------------- ------------- Cash and cash equivalents 2,265,511 2,372,119 Investment and mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale 35,885,058 41,090,151 Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity (estimated market value of $5,468,604 at March 31, 2000 and $6,367,598 at December 31, 1999) 6,105,373 6,406,467 Loans receivable, net 64,996,419 59,569,783 Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, at cost 1,487,100 1,463,500 Accrued interest receivable 427,187 451,386 Premises and equipment, net 3,418,536 2,860,330 Prepaid expenses and other assets 243,216 313,032 ------------- ------------- Total assets $ 114,828,400 $ 114,526,768 ============= ============= Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity ------------------------------------ Liabilities: Demand deposits $ 791,382 $ 864,132 NOW accounts 9,873,776 10,512,251 Money market 7,629,219 6,825,711 Regular savings 12,269,296 13,915,404 Certificate of deposit 41,074,590 39,235,600 ------------- ------------- Total Deposits $ 71,638,263 $ 71,353,098 Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowed funds 11,000,000 8,800,000 Note payable 577,127 591,847 Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance 388,033 229,437 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 829,716 797,169 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities 84,433,139 81,771,551 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 250,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 4,000,000 shares authorized, 2,592,100 issued 25,921 25,921 Additional paid-in capital 25,263,725 25,260,408 Unearned ESOP and MRDP compensation (2,180,490) (2,264,623) MRDP shares acquired (302,011) (302,011) Retained earnings, substantially restricted 17,976,485 17,842,091 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net 381,299 632,893 Treasury shares acquired, at cost, 786,930 and 590,830 shares at March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999 (10,769,668) (8,439,462) ------------- ------------- Total stockholders' equity 30,395,261 32,755,217 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 114,828,400 $ 114,526,768 ============= ============= See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. 1 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, -------------------------- 2000 1999 ---- ---- Interest income: Loans receivable $ 1,288,559 $ 994,301 Mortgage-backed securities 699,739 721,943 Investment securities 46,849 37,583 Other 35,979 66,270 ----------- ----------- Total interest income 2,071,126 1,820,097 ----------- ----------- Interest expense: Deposits 778,011 682,955 Note payable and other 152,933 65,192 ----------- ----------- Total interest expense 930,944 748,147 ----------- ----------- Net interest income 1,140,182 1,071,950 Provision for loan losses 15,000 -- ----------- ----------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 1,125,182 1,071,950 Non-interest income: Insurance commission income 122,727 160,140 Customer service charges 90,058 73,491 Gain on sale of investments, net 49,314 -- Other 8,858 9,059 ----------- ----------- Total non-interest income 270,957 242,690 Non-interest expense: Compensation and benefits 530,709 439,745 Occupancy and equipment 112,030 88,459 Deposit insurance premiums 11,550 25,256 Other 195,085 220,572 ----------- ----------- Total non-interest expense 849,374 774,032 ----------- ----------- Income before income taxes 546,765 540,608 Income taxes 212,000 213,265 ----------- ----------- Net income $ 334,765 $ 327,343 =========== =========== Basic earnings per share $ 0.19 $ 0.17 =========== =========== Diluted earnings per share $ 0.19 $ 0.17 =========== =========== See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. 2 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, -------------------------- 2000 1999 ---- ---- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 334,765 $ 327,343 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses 15,000 -- Depreciation 57,573 51,541 ESOP shares committed to be released 39,813 47,005 MRDP shares vested 47,637 43,092 Gain on sale of investments and mortgage-backed securities (49,315) -- Stock Dividends reinvested in Federal Home Loan Bank (23,600) (26,000) Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable 24,199 (22,112) Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets 69,816 87,833 Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities 193,402 107,286 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 709,290 615,988 ----------- ----------- Cash flows from investing activities: Net change in loans receivable (5,441,636) (1,193,854) Proceeds from sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale 1,737,870 -- Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities held-to maturity 301,094 1,251,550 Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale 1,593,817 -- Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale 1,510,272 3,351,899 Purchases of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale -- (3,484,686) Purchases of premises and equipment (615,779) (42,649) ----------- ----------- Net cash used in investing activities (914,362) (117,740) Cash flows from financing activities: Net change in deposits 285,165 (5,018) Repayment of note payable (14,720) (13,632) Net change in advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance 158,596 147,428 Dividends paid (200,371) (202,885) Proceeds from advances from FHLB 2,200,000 -- Purchase of treasury stock (2,330,206) (3,128,643) Net cash provided by (used in) ----------- ----------- financing activities 98,464 (3,202,750) ----------- ----------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (106,608) (2,704,502) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2,372,119 5,153,797 ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 2,265,511 $ 2,449,295 =========== =========== Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 1,107,589 $ 730,853 Income taxes 15,000 10,000 =========== =========== See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. 3 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements March 31, 2000 Note 1 Basis of Presentation --------------------- The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for audited financial statements. They should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements filed as part of the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1999. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. (the Holding Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Empire Bank (Empire or the Bank) (formerly Empire Federal Savings Bank) and Dime Service Corporation (Dime), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire. The Holding Company, Empire and Dime are herein referred to collectively as "the Company." All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentations have been included. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2000, and 1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for an entire year or any other period. Note 2 Comprehensive Income -------------------- The Company's only component of comprehensive income is the net unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale. The following summarizes total comprehensive income for the noted periods: Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2000 Mar. 31, 1999 ------------- ------------- $83,171 $50,167 ======= ======= 4 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Note 3 Treasury Stock -------------- On January 25, 2000 the Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding common stock during the year. During the three months ended March 31, 2000, the Company purchased 196,100 shares in the open market for $2,330,000 for an average price of $11.88 per share. At March 31, 2000 the Company had repurchased 786,930 shares for a total of $10,770,000 or an average price of $13.69. Book value per share at March 31, 2000 was $16.84. Note 4 Earnings Per Share ------------------ Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Additionally, ESOP shares which are unallocated and not yet committed to be released (unallocated) and unvested MRDP shares issued are excluded from the weighted-average common shares outstanding calculation. At March 31, 2000, there were 35,537 allocated shares and 3,456 committed to be released ESOP shares. There were 49,815 vested MRDP shares. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would share in the earnings of the entity. At March 31, 2000, except for a nominal number of shares, outstanding stock options and unvested MRDP shares were anti-dilutive to EPS. Dilutive potential common shares are added to the weighted-average shares used to compute basic EPS. The following information provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and fully diluted EPS computation: For the three months ended March 31 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Net Income Shares Per-Share Net Income Shares Per-Share (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount ----------- ------------- ------ ----------- ------------- ------ Basic EPS Net income available to common stockholders $334,765 1,720,640 $0.19 $327,343 1,878,637 $0.17 ======== ===== ======== ===== Effect of Dilutive Securities Stock Options - granted 16 -- Unvested MRDP shares -- -- --------- --------- Diluted EPS Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversion $334,765 1,720,656 $0.19 $327,343 1,878,637 $0.17 ======== ========= ===== ======== ========= ===== 5 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Note 5 Cash Dividend Declared ---------------------- On April 27, 2000, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.11 per common share to stockholders of record on May 12, 2000, payable on May 26, 2000. Note 6 Capital Compliance ------------------ The following table presents Empire's compliance with its regulatory capital requirements of March 31, 2000 (dollars in thousands): Percentage Amount of Assets ------ --------- GAAP capital(1) $ 27,801 24.21% ======== ===== Tangible capital $ 26,990 23.74% Tangible capital requirement 1,706 1.50% -------- ----- Excess $ 25,284 22.24% ======== ===== Core capital $ 26,990 23.74% Core capital requirement 3,411 3.00% -------- ----- Excess $ 23,579 20.74% ======== ===== Total risk-based capital(2) $ 28,080 50.11% Total risk-based capital requirement(2) 4,483 8.00% -------- ----- Excess $ 23,597 42.11% ======== ===== (1) Empire's GAAP capital includes unrealized gains on certain available-for-sale securities of $381,000 and $430,000 of investments in Dime, which are excluded for purposes of calculating both tangible and core capital. (2) Based on risk-weighted assets of $56,040,000. Note 7 Operating Segment Information ----------------------------- As of December 31, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Financial Reporting or Segments of a Business Enterprise." This statement requires that a public business enterprise report financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. According to the statement, operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company evaluates segment performance internally based on its two primary lines of business, commercial banking and insurance, and thus the operating segments are so defined. The operating segment defined as "other" includes the Holding Company and eliminations of transactions between segments. The accounting policies of the individual operating segments are the same as those of the Company. Transactions between operating segments are primarily conducted at fair value, resulting in profits that are eliminated for reporting consolidated results of operating. 6 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES The following is a summary of selected operating segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999. 2000: Empire Dime Other Consolidated ------ ---- ----- ------------ Net interest income $ 1,077,305 3,530 59,347 1,140,182 Non-interest income 157,702 128,873 (15,618) 270,957 ------------ --------- --------- ----------- Total income 1,235,007 132,403 43,729 1,411,139 Provision for loan losses 15,000 -- -- 15,000 Other non-interest expense 619,675 140,437 89,262 849,374 ------------ --------- --------- ----------- Income before income taxes 600,332 (8,034) (45,533) 546,765 Income Taxes 230,800 -- (18,800) 212,000 ------------ --------- --------- ----------- Net Income $ 369,532 (8,034) (26,733) 334,765 ============ ========= ========= =========== Assets $114,926,588 493,092 (591,280) 114,828,400 Net loans 64,996,419 -- -- 64,996,419 Deposits 71,960,121 -- (321,858) 71,638,263 Stockholders' equity 27,801,049 429,826 2,164,386 30,395,261 ============ ========= ========= =========== 1999: Net interest income $ 977,353 2,188 92,409 1,071,950 Non-interest income 135,483 164,378 (57,171) 242,690 ------------ --------- --------- ----------- Total income 1,112,836 166,566 35,238 1,314,640 Provision for loan losses -- -- -- -- Other non-interest expense 541,234 135,730 97,068 774,032 ------------ --------- --------- ----------- Income before income taxes 571,602 30,836 (61,830) 540,608 Income taxes 220,500 (335) (6,900) 213,265 ------------ --------- --------- ----------- Net income $ 351,102 31,171 (54,930) 327,343 ============ ========= ========= =========== Assets $106,044,530 527,940 (503,608) 106,068,862 Net loans 50,693,010 -- -- 50,693,010 Deposits 66,671,688 -- (264,109) 66,407,579 Stockholders' equity 30,023,975 448,019 2,637,866 33,109,860 ============ ========= ========= =========== 7 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Part I, Item 2. - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial - --------------------------------------------------------------------- Condition and Results of Operations ----------------------------------- General Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Operating Strategy The Bank is a community oriented financial institution which has traditionally offered a variety of savings products to its retail customers while concentrating its lending activities on the origination of loans secured by one-to-four family residential dwellings. The Bank considers Gallatin, Park and Sweet Grass counties in south-central Montana as its primary market area. During 1999, the Bank received regulatory approval to open a de novo branch in Billings, Montana, and management opened the new branch in April 2000. Lending activities also have included the origination of multi-family, commercial, business, commercial real estate and home equity loans. The Bank's primary business has been that of a traditional financial institution, originating loans in its primary market area for its portfolio. In addition, the Bank has maintained a significant portion of its assets in investment and mortgage-backed securities. Similar to its lending activities, the Bank's investment portfolio has been weighted toward U.S. Government agency mortgage- backed securities secured by one-to-four family residential properties. The portfolio also includes U. S. Government agency securities. The Bank plans to continue to fund its assets primarily with deposits, although FHLB advances will be used as a supplemental source of funds. The Bank's profitability depends primarily on its net interest income, which is the difference between the income it receives on its loan and investment portfolio and its cost of funds, which consists of interest paid on deposits and FHLB advances. Net interest income is also affected by the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. When interest-earning assets equal or exceed interest-bearing liabilities, any positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income. The Bank's profitability is also affected by the level of other income and expenses. Other income consists of service charges on checking and NOW accounts and other fees, insurance commissions and net gains or losses on the sale of investments. Other expenses include compensation and employee benefits, occupancy expenses, deposit insurance premiums, equipment and data servicing expenses, professional fees and other operating costs. The Bank's results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, government legislation and policies concerning monetary and fiscal affairs, housing and financial institutions and the attendant actions of the regulatory authorities. The Bank's strategy is to operate as a conservative, well-capitalized, profitable institution dedicated to offering a full line of community banking services and to providing quality service to all customers. The Bank believes that it has successfully implemented its strategy by (i) maintaining strong capital levels, (ii) maintaining effective control over operating expenses to attempt to achieve profitability under differing interest rate scenarios, (iii) emphasizing local loan originations, and (iv) emphasizing high-quality customer service with a competitive fee structure. 8 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES As evidenced by the new branch in Billings and an increase in commercial and business loans, the Bank's strategy is changing from its historical role as a mortgage lender to a growth-oriented expansion strategy by pursuing internal and external growth opportunities, when appropriate. This new strategy may subject the Company to a greater degree of risk. Risks associated with this new business strategy include increased risk of losses on loans, provision to loan losses which exceed historical levels, difficulties in integrating or managing new branches or acquired institutions and problems related to the management of growth. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in implementing this new business strategy or in managing growth. Year 2000 Issues The Bank places significant reliance on computers to process information necessary to conduct its business. During the past few years industry and regulatory agencies advised the business community that some computers may not be able to interpret certain information related to the year 2000. The Bank successfully completed the year-end closings and all computer systems were totally operable following January 1, 2000, and management did not identify any errors or experience any computer malfunctions. The major financial impact related to the Year 2000 issue was the replacement of teller hardware and software. The cost of conversion and retraining amounted to $225,000. The Bank has not been informed of any such problem experienced by its vendors or its customers. While there were no disruptions of any services provided to our customers, management will continue to monitor all data processing applications into the Year 2000. Management does not believe at this time that any potential problems will materially impact the ability of the Bank to continue its operation, however, no assurance can be given that this will be the case. Financial Condition Consolidated assets increased by approximately $300,000, or .26%, from $114.5 million at December 31, 1999 to $114.8 million at March 31, 2000. Investments and mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale decreased $5.2 million, or 12.7% from $41.1 million at December 31, 1999 to $35.9 million at March 31, 2000 as the result of sales amounting to $3,282,000 and maturities and payments of $1,510,000 and a decline in market value of $412,000. Net loans increased $5.4 million, or 9.1%, from $59.6 million at December 31, 1999 to $65.0 million at March 31, 2000. Deposits increased from $71.4 million at December 31, 1999 to $71.6 million at March 31, 2000. Premises and equipment increased by $558,000, or 19.5% from $2.9 million at December 31, 1999 to $3.4 million March 31, 2000 primarily as the result of the remodeling costs associated with the property in Billings, Montana for the new branch facility. Stockholders' equity decreased from $32.8 million at December 31, 1999, to $30.4 million at March 31, 2000. The change is the result of net income of $335,000, the release of ESOP shares in the amount of $40,000 and an decrease of $252,000 related to the market value of securities available-for-sale. In addition, 2,982 shares of MRDP vested and unearned MRDP compensation was reduced by $48,000. Stockholders' equity was also decreased by the payments of $200,000 in dividends. During the three months ended March 31, 2000, the Company repurchased 196,100 shares of its common stock in the open market for an average price of $11.88 per share for a total of $2.3 million. There were 786,930 shares held in treasury at March 31, 2000, and 590,830 shares at December 31, 1999. 9 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Asset Quality At March 31, 2000, the Bank had no nonaccrual loans. At March 31, 2000, the Bank had four loans delinquent over 30 days amounting to $35,000 of which one loan amounting to $9,000 was delinquent over 90 days. The Bank had no real estate acquired through foreclosure. Results of Operations The operating results of the Bank depend primarily on its net interest income. The Bank's net interest income is determined by its interest rate spread, which is the difference between the yields earned on its interest-earning assets and the rates paid on its interest-bearing liabilities and the degree of mismatch in the maturity and repricing characteristics of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Bank's net earnings are also affected by the establishment of provisions for loan losses and the level of its other non-interest income, including insurance commission income and deposit service charges, as well as its other expenses and income tax provisions. Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 Net Income. Net income increased by $7,000 to $335,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 as compared to the same period in 1999. While the net income is approximately the same for the two comparative periods, several components of net income changed and are discussed in the following narrative. Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $68,000, or 6.4%, from $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 to $1.2 million for the same period in 2000. The interest rate spread increased from 2.76% for the three months ended March 31, 1999 to 2.87% for the comparable period in 2000. Interest Income. Total interest income increased by $251,000, or 13.8% from $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 to $2.1 million for the same period in 2000. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in average interest earning assets of $7.1 million, or 6.8% from $104.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 as compared to the comparable period in 2000. Average outstanding loans increased $13.2 million offset by decreases in the average outstanding balances of investments and mortgage-backed securities of $6.1 million. The yield on interest earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2000, was 7.4% as compared to 6.9% for the comparable period in 1999. Interest Expense. Total interest expense was $931,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2000, as compared to $748,000 for the same period in 1999. Interest on deposits increased by $95,000, or 13.9%, and interest on notes payable and other debt increased by $88,000, or 134.6%. Average deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2000 amounted to $71.2 million as compared to $66.3 million for the same period in 1999. In addition to the increase in average deposits, the cost of deposits increased from 4.1% for the three months ended March 31, 1999 to 4.4% for the same period in 2000 reflecting a general increase in interest rates in the Bank's markets. Other interest expense of $153,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 includes $140,000 related to borrowings from the FHLB and $13,000 associated with the purchase of the main office building. Other interest expense for the comparable period in 1999 included $51,000 related to FHLB borrowing and $14,000 associated with the purchase of the main office building. 10 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses was $15,000 for three months ended March 31, 2000 as compared to no provision for the same period in 1999. At the end of both periods, the level of reserves was deemed to be adequate by management. Loan loss reserves as a percentage of loans was .37% at March 31, 2000, and .43% at March 31, 1999. Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on factors such as the Bank's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, current and prospective economic conditions, peer group comparisons, and independent appraisals. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to provide additions to the allowance based upon judgments different from management. Assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses involves subjective judgments regarding future events, and thus, there can be no assurance that additional provisions for credit losses will not be required in future periods. Although management uses the best information available, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions that may be beyond the Bank's control. Any increase or decrease in the provision for loan losses has a corresponding negative or positive effect on net income. Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income increased $28,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2000, as compared to the same period in 1999 primarily as the result of a $16,000 increase in customer service charges and other non-interest income, net gain on the sale of investments of $49,000, offset by a decrease in commissions from insurance companies of $37,000. The net gain on sale of investments was the result of the sale of $3.2 million of mortgage-backed securities and bonds for a loss of $83,000 offset by the sale of 2,800 shares of FHLMC stock for a gain of $132,000. Most of the proceeds of these sales were used to fund the repurchase of treasury shares during the three months ended March 31, 2000. Insurance commissions received from Dime are the largest component of non-interest income. Insurance commissions of $123,000 and $160,000 were received for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The decrease in commission income resulted primarily from decreases in premiums and commissions from key companies represented by Dime. Increased competition and possible future decreases in commissions will continue to impact Dime's financial results. Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense increased $75,000 or 9.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2000, compared to the same period in 1999. Included in this increase is a $91,000 increase in compensation expense which is primarily related to the additional salaries and benefits for the employees at the new branch in Billings. Occupancy expense also increased from $88,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1999 to $112,000 primarily as the result of additional cost associated with the new branch facility. Depreciation expense associated with the new branch will increase occupancy expense beginning in April 2000. Offsetting these increases are decreases in deposit insurance premiums and other non-interest expense amounting to $39,000. Income Taxes. Income taxes were approximately the same for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999. The effective combined federal and state tax rate was 38.78% and 39.40% for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. 11 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Part II - Other Information - --------------------------- Item 1. Legal Proceedings There are no pending material legal proceedings to which the registrant or its subsidiaries are a party. Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds None. Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities Not applicable. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders None. Item 5. Other Information None. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. (1) 3.2 Bylaws of Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. (1) 10.1 Employment Agreement with Kenneth P. Cochran 10.2 Employment Agreement with William H. Ruegamer (4) 10.3 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (1) 10.4 Management Recognition and Development Plan (3) 10.5 Stock Option Plan (3) 10.6 Financial Institution's Thrift Plan (401(k))(4) 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (5) 27 Financial Data Schedule - --------------- (1) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-1, as amended (File No. 333-12653). (2) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1997. (3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Meeting Proxy Statement dated March 16, 1998. (4) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1999. (b) Report on Form 8-K A Form 8-K was filed on April 11, 2000. 12 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 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. Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. By s/s William H. Ruegamer May 12, 2000 ------------------------------------ ------------ William H. Ruegamer Date President & Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) By s/s Linda M. Alkire May 12, 2000 ------------------------------------ ------------ Linda M. Alkire Date Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer 13 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Exhibit EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is dated the 29th day of October 1999, by and between EMPIRE FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, 123 South Main Street, P.O. Box 1099, Livingston, MT 59047 (the "Savings Bank"); and KENNETH P. COCHRAN, 1817 Forest Park Drive, Billings, MT 59102 (the "Executive"). WHEREAS, the Savings Bank wishes to assure itself of the services of Executive for the period provided in this Agreement; and WHEREAS, Executive is willing to serve in the employ of the Savings Bank on a full-time basis for said period; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows: 1. TERMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. During the period of his employment hereunder, Executive agrees to serve as Senior Vice President and Branch President of the Savings Bank. 2. TERMS AND DUTIES. (a) The term of this Agreement shall commence on January 1, 2000 (or such earlier or later date as may be decided by the parties) (the "effective date"), and shall continue for a period of thirty-six (36) full calendar months thereafter. The Board of Directors of the Savings Bank (the "Board") and the Executive may extend this agreement for an additional term, at their pleasure. (b) During the period of his employment hereunder, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of absence, Executive shall devote substantially all his business time, attention, skill, and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties hereunder, including activities and services related to the organization, operation and management the Savings Bank; provided, however, that, with the approval of the Board, as evidenced by a resolution of such Board, from time to time, Executive may serve or continue to serve, on the board of directors of, and hold any other offices or positions in, companies or organizations, which, in such Board's judgment, will not present any conflict of interest with the Savings Bank, or materially affect the performance of Executive's duties pursuant to this Agreement. 16 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 3. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT. (a) The compensation specified under this Agreement shall constitute the salary and benefits paid for the duties described in Sections 1 and 2 herein. The Savings Bank shall pay Executive as compensation a salary of $105,000.00 per year ("Base Salary"). Such Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Savings Bank. In addition to the Base Salary provided in Section 3(a), the Savings Bank shall provide Executive at no cost to Executive with all such other benefits as are provided uniformly to permanent full-time employees of the Savings Bank. (b) The Savings Bank will provide Executive with employee benefit plans, arrangements and perquisites substantially equivalent to those provided to other senior executives to the Savings Bank. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Subsection (b), Executive will be entitled to participate in or receive benefits under any employee benefits plans including, but not limited to, pension plans, medical coverage, or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Savings Bank in the future to its senior executives and key management employees, subject to, and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. Nothing paid to Executive under any such plan or arrangement will be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement, except as provided under Section 5(e). (c) In addition to the Base Salary provided for by paragraph (a) of this Section 3, the Savings Bank shall provide Executive with a Savings Bank owned late-model vehicle and shall pay or reimburse Executive for all insurance, taxes, fuel, maintenance, and any other related expenses of said vehicle and for all reasonable travel and other obligations under this Agreement and may provide such additional compensation in such form and in such amounts as the Board may from time to time determine. 4. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON AN EVENT OF TERMINATION. (a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during Executive's term of employment under this Agreement, the provisions of this Section shall apply. As used in this Agreement, an "Event of Termination" shall mean and include any one or more of the following: (i) the termination by the Savings Bank of Executive's full-time employment hereunder for any reason other than a Change in Control, as defined in Section 5(a) hereof; disability, as defined in Section 6(a) hereof; death; retirement, as defined in Section 7 hereof; or Termination for Cause, as defined in Section 8 hereof; (ii) Executive's resignation from the Savings Bank's employ, upon (A) unless consented to by Executive, a material change in Executive's function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive's position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope from the position and attributes thereof described in Sections 1 and 2, above, (B) a relocation of Executive's principal place of employment by 17 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES more than 35 miles from its location at the effective date of this Agreement, or a material reduction in the benefits and perquisites to Executive from those being provided as of the effective date of this Agreement, or (C) the liquidation or dissolution of the Savings Bank. Upon the occurrence of any event described in clauses (A), (B), or (C), above, Executive shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation upon not less than sixty (60) days prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time not to exceed four (4) calendar months after the event giving rise to said right to elect. (b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Savings Bank shall pay Executive, or, in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a sum equal to the payments due to Executive for the remaining term of the Agreement, provided, however, that if the Savings Bank is not in compliance with its minimum capital requirements or if such payments would cause the Savings Bank's capital to be reduced below its minimum capital requirements, such payments shall be deferred until such time as the Savings Bank is in capital compliance. All payments made pursuant to this Section 4(b) shall be paid in substantially equal monthly installments over the remaining term of this Agreement following Executive's termination; provided, however, that if the remaining term of the Agreement is less than one (1) year (determined as of Executive's Date of Termination), such payments and benefits shall be paid to executive in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination. (c) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Savings Bank will cause to be continued medical coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the Savings Bank for Executive prior to his termination. Such overage shall cease upon the expiration of the remaining term of this Agreement. 5. CHANGE IN CONTROL. (a) No benefit shall be paid under this Section 5 unless there shall have occurred a Change in Control of the Savings Bank. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" of the Savings Bank shall be deemed to occur if and when (a) an offer other than Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. purchases shares of the common stock of Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. or the Savings Bank pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for such shares, (b) any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Savings Bank representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc.'s then outstanding securities, (c) the membership of the board of directors of Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. or the Savings Bank changes as a result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four (24) month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this 18 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Agreement) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period, or (d) shareholders of Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc. or the Savings Bank approve a merger, consolidation, sale or disposition of all or substantially all of Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc.'s or the Savings Bank's assets, or a plan of partial or complete liquidation. (b) If any events described in Section 5(a) hereof constituting a Change in Control have occurred or the Board of the Savings Bank has reasonably determined that a Change in Control has occurred, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided in paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 5 upon his subsequent involuntary termination following the effective date of a Change in Control (or voluntary termination following the effective date of a Change in Control following any demotion, loss of title, office or significant authority, reduction in his annual compensation or benefits (other than a reduction affecting the Savings Bank's personnel generally), or relocation of his principal place of employment by more than thirty-five (35) miles from its location immediately prior to the Change in Control), unless such termination is because of his death, retirement as provided in Section 7, termination for Cause, or termination for Disability. (c) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed by Executive's termination of Employment, the Savings Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a sum equal to 2.99 times Executive's "base amount," within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("Code"), as amended. Such payment shall be made in a lump sum paid within ten (10) days of Executive's Date of Termination. (d) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed by Executive's termination of Employment, the Savings Bank will cause to be continued medical coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the Savings Bank for Executive prior to his severance. Such coverage and payments shall cease upon the expiration of thirty-six (36) months. (e) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, Executive shall be entitled to receive benefits due him under, or contributed by the Savings Bank on his behalf, or pursuant to any retirement, incentive, profit sharing, bonus, performance, disability or other employee benefit plan maintained by the Savings Bank on Executive's behalf to the extent that such benefits are not otherwise paid to Executive upon a Change in Control. (f) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this Section 5, in the event that the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive under this Section would be deemed to include an "excess parachute payment" under Section 280G of the Code, then, at the election of Executive, (i) such payments or benefits shall be payable or provided to Executive over the minimum period necessary to reduce the present value of such payments or benefits to an amount which is one dollar ($1.00) less than three (3) times Executive's "base amount" under Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code or (ii) Executive shall receive the amount payable under Section 5(c) as the sole benefit payable under this Section 5. 19 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 6. TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY. (a) If during the term of this Agreement, the Executive becomes so disabled or incapacitated that he is unable to perform the duties of Senior Vice President and Branch President, the Savings Bank shall pay to him Sixty-five percent (65%) of the fixed salary specified above herein during the term of such disability or incapacity, but not beyond the terms of this agreement. In addition, the Savings Bank will cause to be continued medical coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the Savings Bank prior to his disability, but not beyond the term of this Agreement. (b) The disability pay shall be reduced by the amount, if any, paid to Executive under any plan of the Savings Bank providing disability benefits to Executive. 7. TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT; DEATH OF EXECUTIVE. Termination by the Savings Bank of Executive based on "Retirement" shall mean retirement at or after attaining age sixty-five (65) or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established by Executive's consent with respect to him. Upon termination of Executive upon Retirement, Executive shall be entitled to all benefits under any retirement plan of the Savings Bank and other plans to which Executive is a party. Upon the death of Executive during the term of this Agreement, the Savings Bank shall pay to Executive's estate the compensation due to Executive through the last day of the calendar month in which his death occurred. 8. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. (a) Employer may terminate Executive's employment hereunder upon Ten (10) days prior written notice, if due to Executive's personal dishonesty, misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, material breach of any provision of this Agreement, or any other similar cause, including failure to perform duties in accordance with the instructions of the Savings Bank or its Board of Directors. (b) If Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to this paragraph, employer shall pay to Executive the compensation payable to Executive for the month in which such termination occurs, prorated to the day of termination, including accrued vacation, holiday, and other benefits described herein. After such payment is made, employer shall have no further financial obligation to Executive pursuant to this Agreement. Regardless of the effective date of termination of Executive's employment hereunder, employer may require Executive to quit employer's premises at any time following delivery of written notice of termination hereunder. 20 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (c) Any stock options granted to Executive under any stock option plan or any unvested awards granted under any other stock benefit plan of the Savings Bank, Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc., or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, shall become null and void effective upon Executive's receipt of Notice of Termination for Cause, pursuant to Section 9 hereof, and shall not be exercisable by Executive at any time subsequent to such Termination for Cause. 9. REQUIRED PROVISIONS. (a) The Savings Bank may terminate Executive's employment at any time, but any termination by the Savings Bank, other than Termination for Cause, shall not prejudice Executive's right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause as defined in Section 8 herein. (b) If Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Savings Bank's affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA") (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1)), the Company's and the Savings Bank's obligations under the Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Savings Bank may, in its discretion, (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while their contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of their obligations that were suspended. (c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Savings Bank's affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or (g)(1)), all obligations of the Savings Bank under the Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected. (d) If the Savings Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the parties. (e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated (except to the extent determined that continuation of the Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Savings Bank); (i) by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "Director") or his designee at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Resolution Trust Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Savings Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA or (ii) by the Director, or his designee at the time the Director or such designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Savings Bank or when the Savings Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. 21 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action. (f) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder. 10. NOTICE. Any purported termination by the Savings Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other parties hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" shall mean a written notice which shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive's employment under the provision so indicated. 11. NO ATTACHMENT. (a) Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrances, charge, pledge, or hypothecation, or to execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void, and of no effect. (b) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Executive, the Savings Bank and its successors and assigns. 12. INSURANCE. Subject to the reasonable insurability of the Executive, the Savings Bank shall provide Executive $200,000 in term life insurance benefits with an insurance company satisfactory to the Savings Bank. The Savings Bank shall pay the annual premiums on such policy so long as the Executive is employed by the Savings Bank and such premium payment shall be deemed to be additional compensation to the Executive. The Executive shall have the right to designate the beneficiary on the insurance policy. 13. STOCK OPTIONS. Subject to the approval of its Board of Directors, the Savings Bank agrees to grant to the Executive stock options in the amount of 5000 shares in Empire Federal Bancorp, Inc., subject to the rules and regulations of the Savings Bank's Option Plan. 22 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 14. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto. 15. SEVERABILITY. If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect. 16. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY. The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement. 17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Montana, unless otherwise specified herein; provided, however, that in the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and any applicable federal or state law or regulation, the provisions of such law or regulation shall prevail. Venue for any dispute or controversy arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall be in Park County, Montana. 18. INDEMNIFICATION. The Savings Bank shall provide Executive (including his heirs, executors and administrators) with coverage under the Bank's directors' and officers' liability insurance policy. The Savings Bank shall indemnify Executive in accordance with the Savings Bank's indemnification policy and federal regulations presently in effect or as hereinafter may be amended. 19. SUCCESSOR TO THE SAVINGS BANK OR THE COMPANY. The Savings Bank shall require any successor assignee, whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or substantially all the business or assets of the Savings, expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Savings Bank's obligations under this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same 23 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES extent that the Savings Bank would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place. 20. DUPLICATE ORIGINALS. This Agreement shall be executed in duplicate, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Savings Bank hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed and its seal to be affixed hereunto by a duly authorized officer or director, and Executive has signed this Agreement, all on the day of . ----- - ---------------- "Savings Bank" EMPIRE FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK ATTEST: By s/s William H. Ruegamer --------------------------- s/s Ann Worthington Its President & CEO - --------------------------- (SEAL) "Executive" WITNESS: --------------------------- KENNETH P. COCHRAN - --------------------------- CATHY HANSER 24