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 September 30, 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 Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 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 October 31, 2000: 1,562,143 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. Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2000 (unaudited) and December 31, 1999....................... 1 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 (unaudited).... 2 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 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..................... 9 PART II OTHER INFORMATION ----------------- Item 1. Legal Proceedings......................................... 15 Item 2. Changes in Securities..................................... 15 Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities........................... 15 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders....... 15 Item 5. Other Information......................................... 15 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.......................... 15 SIGNATURES.......................................................... 16 Part I, Item 1 - Financial Statements - ------------------------------------- EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999 (unaudited) September 30, December 31, Assets 2000 1999 ------ --------------- -------------- Cash and due from banks $ 1,996,565 $ 1,688,206 Interest-bearing deposits 450,301 683,913 ------------- ------------- Cash and cash equivalents 2,446,866 2,372,119 Investment and mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale 30,758,241 41,090,151 Investment and mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity (estimated market value of $5,310,433 at September 30, 2000 and $6,367,598 at December 31, 1999) 5,336,201 6,406,467 Loans receivable, net 75,460,056 59,569,783 Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, at cost 1,535,700 1,463,500 Accrued interest receivable 488,627 451,386 Premises and equipment, net 3,874,900 2,860,330 Prepaid expenses and other assets 431,954 313,032 ------------- ------------- Total assets $ 120,332,545 $ 114,526,768 ============= ============= Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity ------------------------------------ Liabilities: Demand deposits $ 1,537,003 $ 864,132 NOW accounts 9,838,821 10,512,251 Money market 10,143,902 6,825,711 Regular savings 12,103,962 13,915,404 Certificates of deposit 41,918,502 39,235,600 ------------- ------------- Total Deposits 75,542,190 71,353,098 Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank and other Borrowed funds 14,813,016 8,800,000 Note payable 546,619 591,847 Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance 407,123 229,437 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 995,294 797,169 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities 92,304,242 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 25,272,409 25,260,408 Unearned ESOP and MRDP compensation (2,012,224) (2,264,623) MRDP shares acquired (302,011) (302,011) Retained earnings, substantially restricted 18,231,218 17,842,091 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net 885,373 632,893 Treasury shares acquired, at cost, 1,029,957 and 590,830 shares at September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999 respectively (14,072,383) (8,439,462) ------------- ------------- Total stockholders' equity 28,028,303 32,755,217 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 120,332,545 $ 114,526,768 ============= ============= See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. 1 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 (unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 ---------------------- ---------------------- 2000 1999 2000 1999 Interest income: ---- ---- ---- ---- Loans receivable $1,546,763 $1,065,305 $4,248,753 $3,158,232 Mortgage-backed securities 575,498 692,329 1,879,342 2,105,280 Investment securities 26,053 54,867 109,623 132,026 Other 28,074 46,022 99,179 169,097 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total interest income 2,176,388 1,858,523 6,336,897 5,564,635 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Interest expense: Deposits 858,734 728,321 2,436,900 2,117,152 FHLB advances and other borrowings 193,479 72,657 506,165 202,552 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total interest expense 1,052,213 800,978 2,943,065 2,319,704 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net interest income 1,124,175 1,057,545 3,393,832 3,244,931 Provision for loan losses 15,000 - 45,000 - ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 1,109,175 1,057,545 3,348,832 3,244,931 Non-interest income: Insurance commission income 146,687 145,732 399,134 435,371 Customer service charges 86,825 84,051 225,324 226,874 Gain on sale of investments, net 34,441 - 184,613 - Other 1,629 3,793 19,483 20,380 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total non-interest income 269,582 233,576 828,554 682,625 Non-interest expense: Compensation and benefits 529,067 475,131 1,526,472 1,370,931 Occupancy and equipment 127,056 95,360 354,252 300,920 Deposit insurance premiums 13,350 25,883 36,450 60,763 Other 211,723 165,053 716,369 597,038 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total non-interest expense 881,196 761,427 2,633,543 2,329,652 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes 497,561 529,694 1,543,843 1,597,904 Income taxes 194,750 206,605 600,355 624,404 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income $ 302,811 $ 323,089 $ 943,488 $ 973,500 ========== ========== ========== ========== Basic earnings per share $ 0.21 $ 0.19 $ 0.59 $ 0.54 ========== ========== ========== ========== Diluted earnings per share $ 0.21 $ 0.19 $ 0.59 $ 0.54 ========== ========== ========== ========== Dividends declared per share $ 0.11 $ 0.10 $ 0.33 $ 0.30 ========== ========== ========== ========== See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. 2 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 (unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, ------------------------- 2000 1999 Cash flows from operating activities: ---- ---- Net income $ 943,488 $ 973,500 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses 45,000 - Depreciation 186,120 177,409 ESOP shares committed to be released 121,489 123,230 MRDP shares vested 142,911 140,078 Gain on sale of investments and mortgage- backed securities (184,613) - Stock dividends reinvested in Federal Home Loan Bank (72,200) (76,700) Increase in accrued interest receivable (37,241) (68,563) Increase (decrease) in prepaid expenses and other assets (118,921) 73,079 Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities 36,702 63,122 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 1,062,735 1,405,155 ----------- ----------- Cash flows from investing activities: Net change in loans receivable (15,935,273) (6,735,763) Proceeds from sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale 4,407,853 - Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities held-to maturity 1,070,267 3,623,738 Proceeds from sale of securities available- for-sale 2,202,984 - Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale 4,319,589 8,453,051 Purchases of investment and mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale - (11,576,758) Purchases of premises and equipment (1,200,690) (845,835) ---------- ---------- Net cash used in investing activities (5,135,270) (7,081,567) ---------- ---------- Cash flows from financing activities: Net change in deposits 4,189,092 3,907,096 Repayment of note payable (45,228) (41,345) Net change in advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance 177,685 152,309 Dividends paid (554,361) (568,519) Proceeds from advances from FHLB 6,013,015 2,000,000 Purchase of treasury stock (5,632,921) (3,128,642) ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by financing activities 4,147,282 2,320,899 ---------- ---------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 74,747 (3,355,513) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2,372,119 5,153,797 ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $2,446,866 $1,798,284 ========== ========== Cash paid during the period for: Interest $2,919,000 $2,342,000 Income taxes 603,000 544,000 ========== ========== See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. 3 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 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) 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 and nine months ended September 30, 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 (loss) for the noted periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 September 30, 1999 September 30, 2000 September 30,1999 - ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ----------------- $ 847,075 $ 209,663 $1,195,969 $ 102,125 ========== ========== ========== ========== Note 3 Treasury Stock -------------- In January and March, 2000 the Board of Directors approved programs to repurchase a total of 20% of its outstanding common stock during the year. During the nine months ended September 30, 2000, the Company purchased 439,127 shares in the open market for $5,633,000 for an average price of $12.83 per share. At September 30, 2000 the Company had repurchased 1,029,957 shares for a total of $14,072,000 or an average price of $13.66. Book value per share at September 30, 2000 was $17.94. 4 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Note 4 Earnings Per Share ------------------ Basic earnings per share (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 September 30, 2000, there were 35,537 allocated shares and 10,368 committed to be released ESOP shares. There were 55,779 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 September 30, 1999, 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 nine months ended September 30 --------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Per-Share Per-Share Net Income Shares Amount Net Income Shares Amount ---------- ------ ------ ---------- ------ ------ Basic EPS Net income avail- able to common stockholders $943,488 1,593,899 $0.59 $ 973,500 1,803,619 $0.54 ======== ===== ========= ===== Effect of Dilutive Securities Stock Options - granted 786 - Unvested MRDP shares 149 - --------- --------- Diluted EPS Income available to common stock- holders plus assumed conver- sion $943,488 1,594,834 $0.59 $ 973,500 1,803,619 $0.54 ======== ========= ===== ========= ========= ===== For the three months ended September 30 --------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Per-Share Per-Share Net Income Shares Amount Net Income Shares Amount ---------- ------ ------ ---------- ------ ------ Basic EPS Net income avail- able to common stockholders $302,811 1,470,953 $0.21 $ 323,089 1,731,840 $0.19 ======== ===== ========= ===== Effect of Dilutive Securities Stock Options - granted 2,306 - Unvested MRDP shares 447 - --------- --------- Diluted EPS Income available to common stock- holders plus assumed conver- sion $302,811 1,473,706 $0.21 $ 323,089 1,731,840 $0.19 ======== ========= ===== ========= ========= ===== 5 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Note 5 Cash Dividend Declared ---------------------- On October 24, 2000, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.11 per common share to stockholders of record on November 9, 2000 payable on November 30, 2000. Note 6 Capital Compliance ------------------ The following table presents Empire's compliance with its regulatory capital requirements of September 30, 2000 (dollars in thousands): Percentage Amount of Assets ------ --------- GAAP capital(1) $ 27,359 22.74% ======= ====== Tangible capital $ 26,041 22.00% Tangible capital requirement 1,775 1.50% ------- ------ Excess $ 24,266 20.50% ======= ====== Core capital $ 26,041 22.00% Core capital requirement 3,551 3.00% ------- ------ Excess $ 22,490 19.00% ======= ====== Total risk-based capital(2) $ 27,246 42.22% Total risk-based capital requirement(2) 5,163 8.00% ------- ------ Excess $ 22,083 34.22% ======= ====== (1) Empire's GAAP capital includes unrealized gains on certain available-for-sale securities of $885,000 and $433,000 of investments in Dime, which are excluded for purposes of calculating both tangible and core capital. (2) Based on risk-weighted assets of $64,534,000. Note 7 Operating Segment Information ----------------------------- 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 operations. 6 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES The following is a summary of selected operating segment information as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999. 2000: Empire Dime Other Consolidated ------ ---- ----- ------------ Net interest income $ 3,291,356 10,880 91,596 3,393,832 Non-interest income 412,478 411,501 4,575 828,554 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Total income 3,703,834 422,381 96,171 4,222,386 Provision for loan losses 45,000 - - 45,000 Other non-interest expense 1,913,946 426,956 292,641 2,633,543 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Income before income taxes 1,744,888 (4,575) (196,470) 1,543,843 Income taxes 670,825 - (70,470) 600,355 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Net income $ 1,074,063 (4,575) (126,000) 943,488 ============ ======== ========== =========== Assets $120,412,727 518,578 (598,760) 120,332,545 Net loans 75,460,056 - - 75,460,056 Deposits 75,881,834 - (339,644) 75,542,190 Stockholders' equity 27,359,655 433,285 235,363 28,028,303 ============ ======== ========== =========== 1999: Net interest income $ 3,096,809 6,972 141,150 3,244,931 Non-interest income 262,701 440,361 (20,437) 682,625 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Total income 3,359,510 447,333 120,713 3,927,556 Provision for loan losses - - - - Other non-interest expense 1,649,847 422,925 256,880 2,329,652 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Income before income taxes 1,709,663 24,408 (136,167) 1,597,904 Income taxes 656,100 3,904 (35,600) 624,404 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Net income $ 1,053,563 20,504 (100,567) 973,500 ============ ======== ========== =========== Assets $111,368,780 518,593 (493,857) 111,393,516 Net loans 56,234,919 - - 56,234,919 Deposits 70,641,599 - (321,906) 70,391,693 Stockholders' equity 30,132,237 437,352 2,399,807 32,969,396 ============ ======== ========== =========== 7 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES The following is a summary of selected operating segment information for the three months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999. 2000: Empire Dime Other Consolidated ------ ---- ----- ------------ Net interest income $ 1,097,493 3,642 23,040 1,124,175 Non-interest income 127,438 146,687 (4,533) 269,582 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Total income 1,224,921 150,329 18,507 1,393,757 Provision for loan losses 15,000 - - 15,000 Other non-interest expense 661,550 145,346 74,300 881,196 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Income before income taxes 548,371 4,983 (55,793) 497,561 Income taxes 210,700 - (15,950) 194,750 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Net income $ 337,671 4,983 (39,843) 302,811 ============ ======== ========== =========== 1999: Net interest income $ 1,017,643 2,548 37,354 1,057,545 Non-interest income 95,682 145,742 (7,848) 233,576 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Total income 1,113,325 148,290 29,506 1,291,121 Provision for loan losses - - - - Other non-interest expense 557,538 139,437 64,452 761,427 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Income before income taxes 555,787 8,853 (34,946) 529,694 Income taxes 214,100 1,005 (8,500) 206,605 ------------ -------- ---------- ----------- Net income $ 341,687 7,848 (26,446) 323,089 ============ ======== ========== =========== 8 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. In addition, the Bank opened a loan production office in Missoula, Montana during the third quarter of 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 are used as a supplemental source of funds. The Bank relies to a significant extent on borrowings from the FHLB of Seattle to finance its short-term and, to a certain extent, its longer term financing needs. The FHLB of Seattle functions as the central reserve bank providing credit for savings institutions and certain other member financial institutions. In recent periods, borrowings from the FHLB of Seattle have been available at rates that are more favorable than the rates that the Bank would be required to pay on deposits. Further, borrowings from the FHLB are available at various maturities, facilitating the accurate matching of asset and liability maturity dates. The Bank has used these available borrowings during the past nine months in part to fund expansion of its lending activities and treasury stock repurchases. 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. 9 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. Financial Condition Consolidated assets increased by approximately $5.8 million, or 5.1%, from $114.5 million at December 31, 1999 to $120.3 million at September 30, 2000. Investments and mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale decreased $10.3 million, or 25.1% from $41.1 million at December 31, 1999 to $30.8 million at September 30, 2000 as the result of sales amounting to $6.6 million and maturities and payments of $4.3 million and an increase in market value of $414,000. Net loans increased $15.9 million, or 26.7%, from $59.6 million at December 31, 1999 to $75.5 million at September 30, 2000. Deposits increased from $71.4 million at December 31, 1999 to $75.5 million at September 30, 2000. Premises and equipment increased by $1.0 million, or 35.5% from $2.9 million at December 31, 1999 to $3.9 million at September 30, 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 $28.0 million at September 30, 2000. The change is the result of net income of $943,000, the release of ESOP shares in the amount of $121,000 and an increase of $252,000 related to the market value of securities available-for- sale. In addition, 8,942 shares of MRDP vested and unearned MRDP compensation was reduced by $143,000. Stockholders' equity was also decreased by the payments of $554,000 in dividends. During the nine months ended September 30, 2000, the Company repurchased 439,127 shares of its common stock in the open market for an average price of $12.83 per share for a total of $5.6 million. There were 1,029,957 shares held in treasury at September 30, 2000, and 590,830 shares at December 31, 1999. Asset Quality At September 30, 2000, the Bank had no nonaccrual loans. At September 30, 2000, the Bank had sixteen loans delinquent over 30 days amounting to $1,039,000 of which one loan amounting to $8,000 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. 10 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Comparison of Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 Net Income. Net income decreased by $30,000 to $944,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 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 $149,000, or 4.6%, from $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to $3.4 million for the same period in 2000. The interest rate spread increased from 2.89% for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to 2.92% for the comparable period in 2000. Interest Income. Total interest income increased by $772,000, or 13.9% from $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to $6.3 million for the same period in 2000. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in average interest earning assets of $5.7 million, or 5.4% from $104.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 as compared to the comparable period in 2000. Average outstanding loans increased $15.6 million offset by decreases in the average outstanding balances of investments and mortgage-backed securities of $7.6 million. The yield on interest earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2000, was 7.7% as compared to 7.1% for the comparable period in 1999. Interest Expense. Total interest expense was $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000, as compared to $2.3 million for the same period in 1999. Interest on deposits increased by $320,000, or 15.1%, and interest on notes payable and other debt increased by $304,000, or 149.9%. Average deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 amounted to $72.3 million as compared to $68.3 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 nine months ended September 30, 1999 to 4.5% for the same period in 2000 reflecting a general increase in interest rates in the Bank's markets. Other interest expense of $506,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 includes $467,000 related to borrowings from the FHLB and $39,000 associated with the purchase of the main office building. Other interest expense for the comparable period in 1999 included $160,000 related to FHLB borrowings and $43,000 associated with the purchase of the main office building. Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses was $45,000 for nine months ended September 30, 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 were .36% at September 30, 2000, and .39% at September 30, 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 $145,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2000, as compared to the same period in 1999 primarily as the result of the net gain on the sale of investments of $185,000, offset by a decrease in commissions from insurance companies of $36,000. 11 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES The net gain on sale of investments was the result of the sale of $6.4 million of mortgage-backed securities and bonds for a loss of $160,000 offset by the sale of 7,500 shares of FHLMC stock for a gain of $344,000. Most of the proceeds of these sales were used to fund the repurchase of treasury shares and to fund loan originations during the nine months ended September 30, 2000. Insurance commissions received from Dime are the largest component of non-interest income. Insurance commissions of $399,000 and $435,000 were received for the nine months ended September 30, 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 $304,000 or 13.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2000, compared to the same period in 1999. Included in this increase is a $155,000 increase in compensation expense which is primarily related to the additional salaries and benefits for the employees at the new branch in Billings and the Missoula loan production office. Occupancy expense also increased from $301,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to $354,000 primarily as the result of additional cost associated with the new branch facility. Additional net increases in other non-interest expense amounting to $95,000 were primarily the result of increased legal, consulting and auditing costs as well as additional costs associated with the opening of the branch office in Billings and the loan production office in Missoula. Income Taxes. Income taxes were approximately the same for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999. The effective combined federal and state tax rate was 38.9% and 39.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. 12 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 Net Income. Net income decreased by $20,000 to $303,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000 as compared to $323,000 for 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 $67,000, or 6.3%, from the three months ended September 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 2000. The interest rate spread increased from 2.73% for the three months ended September 30, 1999 to 2.93% for the comparable period in 2000. Interest Income. Total interest income increased by $318,000, or 17.1% from $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 to $2.2 million for the same period in 2000. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in average interest earning assets of $4.1 million, or 3.8% from $106.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 as compared to the comparable period in 2000. Average outstanding loans increased $18.0 million offset by decreases in the average outstanding balances of investments and mortgage-backed securities of $12.2 million. The yield on interest earning assets for the three months ended September 30, 2000, was 7.9% as compared to 7.0% for the comparable period in 1999. Interest Expense. Total interest expense was $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000, as compared to $801,000 for the same period in 1999. Interest on deposits increased by $130,000, or 17.9%, and interest on notes payable and other debt increased by $121,000, or 166.3%. Average deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2000 amounted to $73.9 million as compared to $70.1 million for the same period in 1999. In addition to the increase in average deposits, the cost of deposits increased from 4.2% for the three months ended September 30, 1999 to 4.7% for the same period in 2000 reflecting a general increase in interest rates in the Bank's markets. Other interest expense of $194,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000 includes $181,000 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 $59,000 related to FHLB borrowings and $14,000 associated with the purchase of the main office building. Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses was $15,000 for three months ended September 30, 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 .36% at September 30, 2000, and .39% at September 30, 1999. Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income increased $36,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000, as compared to the same period in 1999 primarily as the result of the net gain on the sale of investments of $34,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2000. Commissions from insurance companies was $146,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2000, an increase of $1,000 over the comparable period in 1999. Insurance commissions received from Dime are the largest component of non-interest income. Increased competition and possible future decreases in commissions will continue to impact Dime's financial results. Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense increased $120,000 or 15.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2000, compared to the same period in 1999. Included in this increase is a $54,000 increase in compensation expense which is primarily related to the additional salaries and benefits for the employees at the new branch in Billings and the Missoula loan production office. 13 EMPIRE FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Other non-interest expense increased 28.3% from $165,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 1999 to $212,000 for the comparable period in 2000. The increases are primarily related to costs associated with opening of the new branch in Billings and the loan production office in Missoula, and increases in consulting, legal and auditing costs. Income Taxes. Income taxes decreased $12,000 from the three-month period ended September 30, 1999 as compared to the same period in 2000 as the result of the decrease in income before income taxes. The effective combined federal and state tax rate was 39.1% and 39.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. 14 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 None. Item 3. Defaults on 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(4) 10.2 Employment Agreement with William H. Ruegamer (3) 10.3 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (1) 10.4 Management Recognition and Development Plan (2) 10.5 Stock Option Plan (2) 10.6 Financial Institution's Thrift Plan 401(k)(3) 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (3) 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 Meeting Proxy Statement dated March 16, 1998. (3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1999. (4) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10- QSB for the three months ended March 31, 2000. (b) Report on Form 8-K Three Form 8-K's were filed on April 11, 2000, September 18, 2000 and September 26, 2000. 15 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 Kenneth P. Cochran November 10, 2000 ------------------------------------ ---------------------- Kenneth P. Cochran Date President & Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) By s/s Linda M. Alkire November 10, 2000 ------------------------------------ ---------------------- Linda M. Alkire Date Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer 16