UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [ X ] Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 [ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Transition Period from _______________ to _______________ Commission File Number: 0-22445 FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 56-2015272 -------- ---------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 380 East Main Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302 ------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive office) (864) 582-2391 -------------- (Registrant's telephone number) Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common Stock Issued and Outstanding: 4,430,375 as of October 27, 1997. FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. Table of Contents PAGE ---- PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION - ------- --------------------- Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1997 and June 30, 1997 1 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 2 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 3-4 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 6-9 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 10 - -------- ----------------- SIGNATURES 11 ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - ----------------------------- FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands, Except Share Data) (Unaudited) September 30, June 30, ASSETS 1997 1997 ------ ------ Cash $ 5,979 $ 6,688 Federal funds sold and overnight interest-bearing deposits 65,526 270,384 ------ ------ Total cash and cash equivalents 71,505 277,072 Investment securities available-for-sale - at fair value (amortized cost: $16,242 and $10,172 at September 30, 1997 and June 30, 1997, respectively) 16,302 10,201 Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity - at amortized cost (fair value: $117 and $125 at September 30, 1997 and June 30, 1997, respectively) 116 121 Loans receivable, net 379,096 362,728 Loans held-for-sale - at lower of cost or market (market value: $1,880 and $1,617 at September 30, 1997 and June 30, 1997, respectively) 1,880 1,617 Office properties and equipment, net 6,871 6,594 Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Stock - at cost 3,011 3,011 Accrued interest receivable 2,751 2,590 Real estate acquired in settlement of loans 36 36 Other assets 746 1,476 ------ ------ TOTAL ASSETS $ 482,314 $665,446 ======= ======= LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES: Deposit accounts $ 345,444 $353,193 Stock subscription escrow accounts 259,329 Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance 1,324 1,001 Other liabilities 6,312 4,945 ------ ------ Total liabilities 353,080 618,468 ------ ------ EQUITY: Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized 12,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding September 30, 1997 - 4,430,375 shares 44 Additional paid in capital 87,099 Unallocated ESOP shares (6,941) Retained earnings 48,995 46,960 Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, net 37 18 ------ ------ Total equity 129,234 46,978 ------ ------ TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 482,314 $ 665,446 ======= ======= See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 1 FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, 1997 1996 ------ ------ INVESTMENT INCOME: Interest on loans $ 7,626 $ 6,582 Interest and dividends on investment securities, mortgage-backed securities and other 1,785 415 ------ ------ Total investment income 9,411 6,997 INTEREST EXPENSE: Deposit accounts 4,299 3,740 ------ ------ NET INTEREST INCOME 5,112 3,257 PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 90 29 ------ ------ NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 5,022 3,228 ------ ------ NONINTEREST INCOME (LOSS): Service charges and fees 329 269 Loss on sale of investments (16) Other, net 120 55 ------ ------ Total noninterest income, net 449 308 ------ ------ NONINTEREST EXPENSE: Employee compensation and benefits 1,207 843 Federal deposit insurance premium 77 1,994 Occupancy and equipment expense 248 202 Computer services 153 125 Advertising and promotions 133 85 Office supplies, postage, printing, etc. 146 132 Other 247 213 ------ ------ Total noninterest expense 2,211 3,594 ------ ------ INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 3,260 (58) PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES 1,225 (22) ------ ------ NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 2,035 $ (36) ====== ====== Earnings per share $ 0.50 $ N/A ====== ====== Weighted average shares outstanding (1) 4,078 N/A ====== ====== (1) FirstSpartan's initial public offering closed on July 8, 1997. For purposes of earnings per share calculations, shares issued on July 8, 1997 have been assumed to be outstanding as of July 1, 1997. See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 2 FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, 1997 1996 ------ ------ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 2,035 $ (36) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses 90 29 Deferred income tax benefit (44) (109) Amortization of deferred income (32) (30) Accretion of discounts on investment and mortgage-backed securities (6) Depreciation 138 112 Allocation of ESOP shares at fair value 266 Decrease (increase) in other assets 569 (432) Additions to loans held-for-sale (2,258) (4,558) Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale 1,995 2,490 Gain on sale of real estate acquired in settlement of loans (16) Loss on sale of investments available-for-sale 16 Increase in other liabilities 1,722 850 ------ ------ Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 4,481 (1,690) ------ ------ CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net loan originations and principal collections (11,325) (10,062) Purchase of loans (5,101) (217) Purchase of investment securities (8,070) (1,142) Proceeds from sale of investment securities available-for-sale 5,000 Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale 2,000 1,000 Principal repayments and proceeds from maturities of mortgage-backed securities 5 43 Proceeds from sale of real estate acquired in settlement of loans 57 Purchase of property and equipment (415) (265) ------ ------ Net cash used in investing activities (22,906) (5,586) ------ ------ CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net increase in deposits 12,293 6,132 Stock subscription refunds (197,851) Stock issuance costs (1,584) ------ ------ Net cash (used in)provided by financing activities (187,142) 6,132 ======= ====== 3 FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, 1997 1996 ------ ------ NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ (205,567) $ (1,144) ------ ------ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 277,072 10,784 ------ ------ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 71,505 $ 9,640 ======= ======= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 4,444 $ 3,697 ======= ======= Income taxes $ 75 $ 75 ======= ======= Transfers from loans to real estate acquired in settlement of loans $ $ 106 ======= ======= Increase in unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments and marketable equity securities $ 31 $ 52 ======= ======= Decrease in deferred tax asset related to unrealized gain on investments $ (12) $ (20) ======= ======= Sale of common stock funded by subscription escrow accounts $ 61,478 $ ======= ======= Sale of common stock funded by deposit accounts $ 20,042 $ ======= ======= See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 4 FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION FirstSpartan Financial Corp. ("FirstSpartan" or the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, was incorporated on February 4, 1997 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Spartanburg ("First Federal" or the "Association") upon the Association's conversion from a federally chartered mutual savings and loan association to a federally chartered stock savings and loan association ("Conversion"). The Conversion was completed on July 8, 1997 through the sale and issuance of 4,430,375 shares of common stock by the Company. Information set forth in this report relating to periods prior to the Conversion, including consolidated financial statements and related data, relates to the Association and its subsidiary. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending June 30, 1998. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended June 30, 1997. 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share has been computed for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 based upon weighted average common shares outstanding of 4,078,380. For the purposes of computing weighted average shares outstanding, shares issued in the Conversion on July 8, 1997 were assumed to have been outstanding since July 1, 1997. Earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 1996 is not presented as there was no common stock issued or outstanding. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share, establishes new standards for computing and presenting earnings per share. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 31, 1997. Management of the Company has determined that this standard will have no impact on the computation of the Company's earnings per share upon adoption. 5 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1997 Total assets were $482.3 million at September 30, 1997 and $665.4 million at June 30, 1997, a decrease of $183.1 million or 27.5%. This decrease resulted primarily from a $204.9 million decrease in federal funds sold and overnight interest-bearing deposits offset by an increase of $16.4 million, or 4.5%, in loans receivable, net and an increase of $6.1 million, or 59.8%, in investment securities available-for-sale. The primary reason for the decrease in interest-bearing deposits was the refund of subscription escrow accounts of $197.9 million related to the Conversion. Loans receivable, net, increased primarily as a result of an increase of $11.8 million in mortgage loans. Included in the $11.8 million increase was the purchase of $5.1 million of one- to- four family mortgage loans from the mortgage banking company in which the Association's service corporation has an equity investment, a $3.2 million increase in construction loans (excluding any undisbursed portion of loans in process), a $2.1 million increase in nonresidential property mortgage loans, a $1.0 million increase in land mortgage loans and a $1.0 million increase in multifamily mortgage loans. Loans receivable, net, also increased due to a $3.2 million increase in non-mortgage commercial loans. The increases in mortgage loans were attributable to market demand unaffected by any promotional interest rate pricing or other promotions. The increase in loans receivable, net, was funded primarily through an increase in deposits before withdrawals to purchase common stock issued in the Conversion. Deposit accounts decreased $7.8 million as a result of $20.0 million of withdrawals used to purchase stock issued in the Conversion. This decrease was offset by an increase in deposit accounts of $12.2 million. The increase in deposits was the result of interest credited to deposit accounts during the period, a special checking account promotion and deposits of funds by account holders who had been issued stock in the Conversion but sold their stock after issuance. Stock subscription escrow accounts decreased by $259.3 million as a result of $61.4 million of stock issued in the Conversion funded by the escrow accounts and refunds to subscribers of $197.9 million. Stockholders' equity increased by $82.2 million as a result of net proceeds received in the Conversion of $79.9 million, net income of $2.0 million and allocation of ESOP shares of $266,000. Nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings increased by $382,000, or 13.8%, to $3.3 million at September 30, 1997 from $2.9 million at June 30, 1997. The increase was due primarily to a $359,000 increase in construction loans contractually past due more than 90 days and still accruing. 6 COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 NET INCOME. Net income increased to $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from a $36,000 net loss for the three months ended September 30, 1996 primarily as a result of increased investment income, increased noninterest income and decreased noninterest expense offset partially by an increased provision for income taxes due to increased income before income taxes. The increase in investment income is principally the result of additional investable funds as the result of the Conversion in the three months ended September 30, 1997. The decrease in noninterest expense is principally the result of decreased federal deposit insurance premiums which were impacted in the quarter ended September 30, 1996 by the legislatively-mandated, one-time assessment levied by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") on all institutions insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") to recapitalize the SAIF. NET INTEREST INCOME. Net interest income increased 54.5% to $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1996. Investment income increased 34.3% to $9.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from $7.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 1996 as a result of an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets to $478.9 million from $347.9 million more than offsetting a decrease in average yield on interest-earning assets to 7.86% from 8.02%. The decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets was due primarily to the subscription funds held prior to the consummation of the Conversion and proceeds of the Conversion being invested primarily in overnight interest-bearing deposits during the quarter ended September 30, 1997. The average balance of interest-earning assets increased as a result of the holding of subscription escrow accounts prior to the consummation of the Conversion which were invested in overnight interest-bearing deposits, the net proceeds retained from the Conversion and an increase in the average balance of loans receivable. Interest expense increased 16.2% to $4.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 1996 as a result of an increase in the average balance of deposits to $369.9 million from $310.0 million in the comparable three month period. The increase in the average balance of deposits more than offset a decrease in the average cost of deposits to 4.65% for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from 4.83% for the three months ended September 30, 1996. The average balance of deposits during the quarter ended September 30, 1997 includes the average balance of the special escrow accounts established to hold subscription funds received in connection with the Conversion. These accounts amounted to $259.3 million and were outstanding for approximately two weeks during the quarter. The average balance also increased as a result of increases in average deposit balances as the result of various deposit promotions that have increased deposit balances since the prior year's quarter and was offset by the withdrawal of approximately $20.0 million of deposits to fund stock purchases in the Conversion as discussed under "Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 1997 and June 30, 1997." The decrease in the average cost of deposits resulted from the passbook rate of interest (2.5%) being paid on the subscription escrow accounts and an increase in the amount of deposits in lower cost 7 negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW") and passbook accounts as a result of promotions of NOW and passbook accounts. Interest rate spread increased to 3.21% for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from 3.19% for the three months ended September 30, 1996. PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES. Provisions for loan losses are charges to earnings to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level considered by management as adequate to provide for estimated loan losses based on management's evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans and economic conditions. Management also considers the level of problem assets that the Company classifies according to OTS regulations. The Company gives greater weight to the level of classified assets than to the level of nonperforming assets (nonaccrual loans, accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more, and real estate acquired in settlement of loans) because classified assets include not only nonperforming assets but also performing assets that otherwise exhibit, in management's judgment, potential credit weaknesses. The provision for loan losses was $90,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1997 compared to $29,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1996. Although classified assets decreased slightly during the three months ended September 30, 1997, management deemed the increase in the provision for loan losses necessary in light of the increase in the relative level of estimated losses caused by the growth and composition of the loan portfolio. Although no assurances can be given, management expects classified assets to increase moderately based upon its expectation for continued loan growth, particularly in the areas of construction, commercial real estate and consumer lending. Management deemed the allowance for loan losses adequate at September 30, 1997. NONINTEREST INCOME. Noninterest income increased to $449,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from $308,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1996, primarily as a result of an increase in service charges and fees. Service charges and fees increased to $329,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from $269,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1996 primarily as a result of increased income associated with the origination and sale of FHA and VA mortgage loans and increased deposit account fees, particularly on the increased number of NOW accounts. Other income, net increased to $120,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from $55,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1996, which was attributable partially to income of $9,000 in the current period (versus a $29,000 loss in the same period for the previous year) representing the Company's share of net income of the mortgage banking company in which the Association's service corporation subsidiary has an equity investment. 8 NONINTEREST EXPENSE. Noninterest expense was $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 1996. This decrease resulted primarily from the FDIC special assessment on all SAIF-insured institutions to recapitalize the SAIF. The Association's assessment amounted to $1.8 million and was accrued during the quarter ended September 30, 1996. Prior to the SAIF recapitalization, the Association's total annual deposit insurance premiums amounted to 0.23% of assessable deposits. Effective January 1, 1997, the rate decreased to 0.065% of assessable deposits. Employee compensation and benefits, increased to $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from $843,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1996 primarily as a result of the hiring of additional personnel to staff two new branch offices, the establishment of a commercial lending department, normal annual salary increases and implementation of the Association's Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The increases in other categories of other operating expenses generally are attributable to the growth of the Company, additional costs associated with operating as a public company and to inflation. The Company anticipates that other operating expenses continue to increase in subsequent periods as a result of increased costs associated with operating as a public company. The two new branch offices also will contribute to increased operating expenses in future periods. INCOME TAXES. The provision for income taxes was $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 compared to a benefit of $22,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1996 as a result of higher income before taxes. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company's primary sources of funds are customer deposits, proceeds from principal and interest payments from and the sale of loans, maturing securities and FHLB of Atlanta advances. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are influenced greatly by general interest rates, other economic conditions and competition. The Company must maintain an adequate level of liquidity to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to fund loan originations and deposit withdrawals, to satisfy other financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities. The Company generally maintains sufficient cash and short-term investments to meet short-term liquidity needs. At September 30, 1997, cash and cash equivalents totaled $71.5 million, or 14.8% of total assets, and investment securities classified as available-for-sale with maturities of one year or less totaled $12.2 million. At September 30, 1997, the Association also maintained, but did not draw upon, an uncommitted credit facility with the FHLB of Atlanta, which provides for immediately available advances up to an aggregate amount of $40.0 million. As of September 30, 1997, the Association's regulatory capital was in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements. At September 30, 1997, under regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Association's actual tangible, core and risk-based capital ratios were 17.7%, 17.7% and 31.5%, respectively, compared to requirements of 1.5%, 3.0% and 8.0%, respectively. At September 30, 1997, the Company had loan commitments (excluding undisbursed portions of interim construction loans) of approximately $5.8 million ($4.9 million at fixed rates ranging from 6.75% to 9.00%). In addition, at September 30, 1997, the unused portion of lines of credit (principally variable rate home equity lines of credit) extended by the Company was approximately $32.3 million. 9 FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings ----------------- Not applicable ITEM 2. Changes in Securities --------------------- Not applicable ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities ------------------------------- Not applicable ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders --------------------------------------------------- Not applicable ITEM 5. Other Information ----------------- None ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K -------------------------------- (a) Exhibits (3) (a) Certificate of incorporation of the Registrant* (3) (b) Bylaws of the Registrant* (10) (a) Employment Agreement with Billy L. Painter** (10) (b) Employment Agreement with Hugh H. Brantley** (10) (c) Employment Agreement with J. Stephen Sinclair** (10) (d) Employment Agreement with R. Lamar Simpson (10) (e) Severance Agreement with Rand Peterson** (10) (f) Severance Agreement with Thomas Bridgeman** (10) (g) Severance Agreement with Katherine A. Dunleavy (10) (h) Employee Severance Compensation Plan** (10) (i) Employee Stock Ownership Plan** (21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant** (27) Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K: No Forms 8-K were filed during the quarter ended September 30, 1997. * Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-23015). ** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997. 10 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. FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. Date: October 28, 1997 By:/s/BILLY L. PAINTER -------------------- Billy L. Painter President and Chief Executive Officer Date: October 28, 1997 By:/s/R. LAMAR SIMPSON -------------------- R. Lamar Simpson Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 10 (d) Employment Agreement with R. Lamar Simpson EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is made effective as of October 1, 1997, by and between FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF SPARTANBURG (the "ASSOCIATION"), FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. (the "COMPANY"), a Delaware corporation; and R. LAMAR SIMPSON ("EXECUTIVE"). WHEREAS, EXECUTIVE serves in a position of substantial responsibility; WHEREAS, the ASSOCIATION 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 ASSOCIATION 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. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES. During the period of his employment hereunder, EXECUTIVE agrees to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the ASSOCIATION. During said period, EXECUTIVE also agrees to serve, if elected, as an officer of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION. Executive shall render administrative and management duties to the ASSOCIATION such as are customarily performed by persons situated in a similar executive capacity. 2. TERMS AND DUTIES. (a) The term of this Agreement shall be deemed to have commenced as of the date first above written and shall continue for a period of thirty-six (36) full calendar months thereafter. Commencing on the first anniversary date, and continuing at each anniversary date thereafter, the Board of Directors of the ASSOCIATION (the "Board") may extend the Agreement for an additional year. Prior to the extension of the Agreement as provided herein, the Board of Directors of the ASSOCIATION will conduct a formal performance evaluation of EXECUTIVE for purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement, and the results thereof shall be included in the minutes of the Board's meeting. (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 of the ASSOCIATION; 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 boards 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 ASSOCIATION, or materially affect the performance of EXECUTIVE's duties pursuant to this Agreement. 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. The ASSOCIATION shall pay EXECUTIVE as compensation a salary of $86,100.00 per year ("Base Salary"). Such Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the ASSOCIATION. During the period of this Agreement, EXECUTIVE's Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually; the first such review will be made no later than one year from the date of this Agreement. Such review shall be conducted by a Committee designated by the Board, and the Board may increase EXECUTIVE's Base Salary. In addition to the Base Salary provided in this Section 3(a), the ASSOCIATION shall provide EXECUTIVE at no cost to EXECUTIVE with all such other benefits as are provided uniformly to permanent full-time employees of the ASSOCIATION. (b) The ASSOCIATION will provide EXECUTIVE with employee benefit plans, arrangements and perquisites substantially equivalent to those in which EXECUTIVE was participating or otherwise deriving benefit from immediately prior to the beginning of the term of this Agreement, and the ASSOCIATION will not, without EXECUTIVE's prior written consent, make any changes in such plans, arrangements or perquisites which would adversely affect EXECUTIVE's rights or benefits thereunder. 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 benefit plans including, but not limited to, retirement plans, supplemental retirement plans, pension plans, profit-sharing plans, health-and-accident plan, medical coverage or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the ASSOCIATION 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. EXECUTIVE will be entitled to incentive compensation and bonuses as provided in any plan, or pursuant to any arrangement of the ASSOCIATION, in which EXECUTIVE is eligible to participate. 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 ASSOCIATION shall pay or reimburse EXECUTIVE for all reasonable travel and other obligations under this Agreement and may provide such additional compensation in such form and such amounts as the Board may from time to time determine. 2 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 ASSOCIATION 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 ASSOCIATION'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 (any such material change shall be deemed a continuing breach of this Agreement), (B) a relocation of EXECUTIVE's principal place of employment by 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, (C) the liquidation or dissolution of the ASSOCIATION, or (D) any breach of this Agreement by the ASSOCIATION. Upon the occurrence of any event described in clauses (A), (B), (C) or (D), 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, except in case of a continuing breach, four (4) calendar months after the event giving rise to said right to elect. (b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the ASSOCIATION 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, including Base Salary, bonuses, and any other cash or deferred compensation paid or to be paid (including the value of employer contributions that would have been made on EXECUTIVE's behalf over the remaining term of the agreement to any tax-qualified retirement plan sponsored by the ASSOCIATION as of the Date of Termination), to EXECUTIVE for the term of the Agreement provided, however, that if the ASSOCIATION is not in compliance with its minimum capital requirements or if such payments would cause the ASSOCIATION's capital to be reduced below its minimum capital requirements, such payments shall be deferred until such time as the ASSOCIATION 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 ASSOCIATION will cause to be continued life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the ASSOCIATION for EXECUTIVE prior to his termination. Such coverage 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 COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" of the COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION shall be deemed to occur if and when (a) there occurs a change in control of the ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY within the meaning of the Home Owners Loan Act of 1933 and 12 C.F.R. Part 574, (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 3 the COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of theCOMPANY's or the ASSOCIATION's then outstanding securities, (c) the membership of the board of directors of the COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION changes as the 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 Agreement) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period, or (d) shareholders of the COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION approve a merger, consolidation, sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the COMPANY's or the ASSOCIATION's assets, or a plan of partial or complete liquidation. (b) If any of the events described in Section 5(a) hereof constituting a Change in Control have occurred or the Board of the ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY 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 within twelve (12) months of 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 ASSOCIATION'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 ASSOCIATION 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 ss.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 ASSOCIATION will cause to be continued life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the ASSOCIATION for EXECUTIVE prior to his severance. In addition, EXECUTIVE shall be entitled to receive the value of employer contributions that would have been made on EXECUTIVE's behalf over the remaining term of the agreement to any tax-qualified retirement plan sponsored by the ASSOCIATION as of the Date of Termination. 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 COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION on his behalf, pursuant to any retirement, incentive, profit sharing, bonus, performance, disability or other employee benefit plan maintained by the ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY 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, together with any other payments or benefits received or to be received by EXECUTIVE in connection with a Change in Control, would be deemed to include an "excess parachute payment" under ss.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 ss.280G(b)(3) of the Code or (ii) the payments or benefits to be provided under this Section 5 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid treatment as an excess parachute payment with the allocation of the reduction among such payments and benefits to be determined by EXECUTIVE. 4 6. TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY. (a) If EXECUTIVE shall become disabled as defined in the ASSOCIATION's then current disability plan (or, if no such plan is then in effect, if EXECUTIVE is permanently and totally disabled within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code as determined by a physician designated by the Board), the ASSOCIATION may terminate EXECUTIVE's employment for "Disability." (b) Upon EXECUTIVE's termination of employment for Disability, the ASSOCIATION will pay EXECUTIVE, as disability pay, a bi-weekly payment equal to three-quarters (3/4) of EXECUTIVE's bi-weekly rate of Base Salary on the effective date of such termination. These disability payments shall commence on the effective date of EXECUTIVE's termination and will end on the earlier of (i) the date EXECUTIVE returns to the full-time employment of the ASSOCIATION in the same capacity as he was employed prior to his termination for Disability and pursuant to an employment agreement between EXECUTIVE and the ASSOCIATION; (ii) EXECUTIVE's full-time employment by another employer; (iii) EXECUTIVE attaining the age of sixty-five (65); or (iv) EXECUTIVE's death; or (v) the expiration of the term of this Agreement. The disability pay shall be reduced by the amount, if any, paid to EXECUTIVE under any plan of the ASSOCIATION providing disability benefits to EXECUTIVE. (c) The ASSOCIATION will cause to be continued life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the ASSOCIATION for EXECUTIVE prior to his termination for Disability. This coverage and payments shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the date EXECUTIVE returns to the full-time employment of the ASSOCIATION, in the same capacity as he was employed prior to his termination for Disability and pursuant to an employment agreement between EXECUTIVE and the ASSOCIATION; (ii) EXECUTIVE's full-time employment by another employer; (iii) EXECUTIVE's attaining the age of sixty-five (65); (iv) EXECUTIVE's death; or (v) the expiration of the term of this Agreement. (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, there will be no reduction in the compensation otherwise payable to EXECUTIVE during any period during which EXECUTIVE is incapable of performing his duties hereunder by reason of temporary disability. 7. TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT; DEATH OF EXECUTIVE; RESIGNATION Termination by the ASSOCIATION of EXECUTIVE based on "Retirement" shall mean retirement at or after attaining age sixty-five (65) or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established with 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 ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY and other plans to which EXECUTIVE is a party. Upon the death of EXECUTIVE during the term of this Agreement, the ASSOCIATION shall pay to EXECUTIVE's estate the compensation due to EXECUTIVE through the last day of the calendar month in which his death occurred. Upon the voluntary resignation of EXECUTIVE during the term of this Agreement, the ASSOCIATION shall pay to EXECUTIVE the compensation due to EXECUTIVE through his Date of Termination. 8. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. For purposes of this Agreement, "Termination for Cause" shall include termination because of EXECUTIVE's personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any provision of this Agreement. For purposes of this Section, no act, or the failure to act, on EXECUTIVE's part shall be "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, not in good faith and without reasonable belief 5 that the action or omission was in the best interest of the ASSOCIATION or its affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EXECUTIVE shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-fourths (3/4) of the members of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for that purpose (after reasonable notice to EXECUTIVE and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, EXECUTIVE was guilty of conduct justifying termination for Cause and specifying the reasons thereof. EXECUTIVE shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Cause. Any stock options granted to EXECUTIVE under any stock option plan or any unvested awards granted under any other stock benefit plan of the ASSOCIATION, the COMPANY, 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 10 hereof, and shall not be exercisable by EXECUTIVE at any time subsequent to such Termination for Cause. 9. REQUIRED PROVISIONS. (a) The ASSOCIATION may terminate EXECUTIVE's employment at any time, but any termination by the ASSOCIATION, 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 ASSOCIATION'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 ASSOCIATION'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 ASSOCIATION may, in its discretion, (i) pay EXECUTIVE all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations that were suspended. (c) If EXECUTIVE is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the ASSOCIATION'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 ASSOCIATION 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 ASSOCIATION 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 ASSOCIATION): (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 ASSOCIATION 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 ASSOCIATION or when the ASSOCIATION is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. 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. 6 10. NOTICE. (a) Any purported termination by the ASSOCIATION or by EXECUTIVE shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and 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. (b) "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if EXECUTIVE's employment is terminated for Disability, thirty (30) days after a Notice of Termination is given (provided that he shall not have returned to the performance of his duties on a full-time basis during such thirty (30) day period), and (B) if his employment is terminated for any other reason, other than Termination for Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination . In the event of EXECUTIVE's Termination for Cause, the Date of Termination shall be the same as the date of the Notice of Termination. (c) If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination is given, the party receiving such Notice of Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the termination, except upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and voluntary termination by EXECUTIVE in which case the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the dispute is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, by a binding arbitration award, or by a final judgment, order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction (the time for appeal there from having expired and no appeal having been perfected) and provided further that the Date of Termination shall be extended by a notice of dispute only if such notice is given in good faith and the party giving such notice pursues the resolution of such dispute with reasonable diligence. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the ASSOCIATION will continue to pay EXECUTIVE his full compensation in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but not limited to, Base Salary) and continue him as a participant in all compensation, benefit and insurance plans in which he was participating when the notice of dispute was given, until the dispute is finally resolved in accordance with this Agreement. Amounts paid under this Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement and shall not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this Agreement. 11. NON-COMPETITION. (a) Upon any termination of EXECUTIVE's employment hereunder pursuant to an Event of Termination as provided in Section 4 hereof, EXECUTIVE agrees not to compete with the ASSOCIATION and/or the COMPANY for a period of one (1) year following such termination in any city, town or county in which the ASSOCIATION and/or the COMPANY has an office or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an office, determined as of the effective date of such termination. EXECUTIVE agrees that during such period and within said cities, towns and counties, EXECUTIVE shall not work for or advise, consult or otherwise serve with, directly or indirectly, any entity whose business materially competes with the depository, lending or other business activities of the ASSOCIATION and/or the COMPANY. The parties hereto, recognizing that irreparable injury will result to the ASSOCIATION and/or the COMPANY, its business and property in the event of EXECUTIVE's breach of this Subsection 11(a) agree that in the event of any such breach by EXECUTIVE, the ASSOCIATION and/or the COMPANY will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the violation hereof by EXECUTIVE, EXECUTIVE's partners, agents, servants, employers, employees and all persons acting for or with EXECUTIVE. EXECUTIVE represents and admits that in the event of the termination of his employment pursuant to Section 8 hereof, EXECUTIVE's experience and capabilities are such that EXECUTIVE can obtain employment in a business engaged in other lines and/or of a different nature than the ASSOCIATION and/or the COMPANY, and that the enforcement 7 of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent EXECUTIVE from earning a livelihood. Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the ASSOCIATION and/or the COMPANY from pursuing any other remedies available to the ASSOCIATION and/or the COMPANY for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from EXECUTIVE. (b) EXECUTIVE recognizes and acknowledges that the knowledge of the business activities and plans for business activities of the ASSOCIATION and affiliates thereof, as it may exist from time to time, is a valuable, special and unique asset of the business of the ASSOCIATION. EXECUTIVE will not, during or after the term of his employment, disclose any knowledge of the past, present, planned or considered business activities of the ASSOCIATION or affiliates thereof to any person, firm, corporation, or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EXECUTIVE may disclose any knowledge of banking, financial and/or economic principles, concepts or ideas which are not solely and exclusively derived from the business plans and activities of the ASSOCIATION. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by EXECUTIVE of the provisions of this Section, the ASSOCIATION will be entitled to an injunction restraining EXECUTIVE from disclosing, in whole or in part, the knowledge of the past, present, planned or considered business activities of the ASSOCIATION or affiliates thereof, or from rendering any services to any person, firm, corporation, other entity to whom such knowledge, in whole or in part, has been disclosed or is threatened to be disclosed. Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the ASSOCIATION from pursuing any other remedies available to the ASSOCIATION for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from EXECUTIVE. 12. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS. All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general funds of the ASSOCIATION. The COMPANY, however, guarantees all payments and the provision of all amounts and benefits due hereunder to EXECUTIVE and, if such payments are not timely paid or provided by the ASSOCIATION, such amounts and benefits shall be paid or provided by the COMPANY. 13. EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND EXISTING BENEFITS PLANS. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment or severance agreement between the ASSOCIATION or any predecessor of the ASSOCIATION, the COMPANY and EXECUTIVE, except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to EXECUTIVE of a kind elsewhere provided. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that EXECUTIVE is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to him without reference to this Agreement. 14. 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, encumbrance, 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 affect 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 ASSOCIATION, the COMPANY and their respective successors and assigns. 8 15. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. (a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto. (b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there by any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived. 16. 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. 9 17. 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. 18. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, 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. 19. ARBITRATION. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a panel of three arbitrators sitting in a location selected by the employee within one hundred (100) miles from the location of the ASSOCIATION, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that EXECUTIVE shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement. 20. PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEES. All reasonable legal fees paid or incurred by EXECUTIVE pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the ASSOCIATION, if successful pursuant to a legal judgment, arbitration or settlement. 21. INDEMNIFICATION. The ASSOCIATION shall provide EXECUTIVE (including his heirs, executors and administrators) with coverage under a standard directors' and officers' liability insurance policy at its expense, or in lieu thereof, shall indemnify EXECUTIVE (and his heirs, executors and administrators) to the fullest extent permitted under law against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director or officer of the ASSOCIATION (whether or not he continues to be a directors or officer at the time of incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not be limited to, judgment, court costs and attorneys' fees and the cost of reasonable settlements. 10 22. SUCCESSOR TO THE ASSOCIATION OR THE COMPANY. The ASSOCIATION and the COMPANY shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or substantially all the business or assets of the ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY, expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the ASSOCIATION's or the COMPANY's obligations under this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the ASSOCIATION and the COMPANY have caused this Agreement to be executed and their seal to be affixed hereunto by a duly authorized officer, and EXECUTIVE has signed this Agreement, all on the 1st day of October, 1997. ATTEST: FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF SPARTANBURG /s/E.L. Sanders BY:/s/Billy L. Painter - ---------------- -------------------- [SEAL] ATTEST: FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. /s/E.L. Sanders BY:/s/Billy L. Painter - --------------- -------------------- [SEAL] WITNESS: /s/Kelley R. Theus /s/R. Lamar Simpson - ------------------- -------------------- R. LAMAR SIMPSON Exhibit 10 (g) Severance Agreement with Katherine A. Dunleavy AGREEMENT This AGREEMENT is made effective as of October 1, 1997 by and between FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF SPARTANBURG (the "ASSOCIATION"); FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. ("COMPANY"); and KATHERINE A. DUNLEAVY ("EXECUTIVE"). WHEREAS, the ASSOCIATION recognizes the substantial contribution EXECUTIVE has made to the ASSOCIATION and wishes to protect her position therewith for the period provided in this Agreement in the event of a Change in Control (as defined herein); and WHEREAS, EXECUTIVE serves in the position of Senior Vice President of the ASSOCIATION, a position of substantial responsibility; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. TERM OF AGREEMENT The term of this Agreement shall be deemed to have commenced as of the date first above written and shall continue for a period of twenty-four (24) full calendar months thereafter. Commencing on the first anniversary date of this Agreement and continuing at each anniversary date thereafter, the Board of Directors of the ASSOCIATION ("Board") may extend the Agreement for an additional year. The Board will conduct a performance evaluation of EXECUTIVE for purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement, and the results thereof shall be included in the minutes of the Board's meeting. 2. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL. (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as herein defined) followed within twelve (12) months of the effective date of the Change in Control by the voluntary or involuntary termination of EXECUTIVE's employment, other than for Cause, as defined in Section 2(c) hereof, the provisions of Section 3 shall apply. For purposes of this Agreement, "voluntary termination" shall be limited to the circumstances in which EXECUTIVE elects to voluntarily terminate her employment within twelve (12) months of the effective date of a Change in Control following any demotion, loss of title, office or significant authority, reduction in her annual compensation or benefits (other than a reduction affecting the Bank's personnel generally), or relocation of her principal place of employment by more than 35 miles from its location immediately prior to the Change in Control. (b) A "Change in Control" of the COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION shall be deemed to occur if and when (a) there occurs a change in control of the ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY within the meaning of the Home Owners Loan Act of 1933 and 12 C.F.R. Part 574, (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 COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the COMPANY's or the ASSOCIATION's then outstanding securities, (c) the membership of the board of directors of the COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION changes as the result of a contested election, such that individuals who were directors at the beginning of any twenty-four month period (whether commencing before or after the date of adoption of this Agreement) do not constitute a majority of the Board at the end of such period, or (d) shareholders of the COMPANY or the ASSOCIATION approve a merger, consolidation, sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the COMPANY's or the ASSOCIATION's assets, or a plan of partial or complete liquidation. (c) EXECUTIVE shall not have the right to receive termination benefits pursuant to Section 3 hereof upon Termination for Cause. The term "Termination for Cause" shall mean termination because of EXECUTIVE's intentional failure to perform stated duties, personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, any breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, willful violation of any law, rule, regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist order, or any material breach of any material provision of this Agreement. In determining incompetence, the acts or omissions shall be measured against standards generally prevailing in the savings institution industry. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EXECUTIVE shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to her a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-fourths of the members of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for that purpose (after reasonable notice to EXECUTIVE and an opportunity for her, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board, EXECUTIVE was guilty of conduct justifying Termination for Cause and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. EXECUTIVE shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause. 3. TERMINATION (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, followed within twelve (12) months of the effective date of a Change in Control by the voluntary or involuntary termination of EXECUTIVE's employment other than Termination for Cause, the ASSOCIATION shall be obligated to pay EXECUTIVE, or in the event of her subsequent death, her beneficiary or beneficiaries, or her estate, as the case may be, as severance pay, a sum equal to two (2) times EXECUTIVE's "annual compensation" as defined herein. For purposes of this Agreement, "annual compensation" shall mean and include all wages, salary, bonus, and other compensation, if any, paid (including accrued amounts) by the Company or the Bank as consideration for the Participant's service during the twelve (12) month period ending on the last day of the month preceding the effective date of a Change in Control, which is or would be includable in the gross income of the Participant receiving the same for federal income tax purposes. Such amount shall be paid to EXECUTIVE in a lump sum no later than thirty (30) days after the date of her termination. (b) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control of the ASSOCIATION followed within twelve (12) months of the effective date of a Change in Control by EXECUTIVE's voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, other than Termination for Cause, the ASSOCIATION shall cause to be continued life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the ASSOCIATION for EXECUTIVE prior to her severance. Such coverage and payments shall cease upon expiration of twenty-four (24) months from the date of EXECUTIVE's termination. (c) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this Section 3, in the event that the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to EXECUTIVE under this Section, together with any other payments or benefits received or to be received by EXECUTIVE in connection with a Change in Control, would be deemed to include an "excess parachute payment" under ss.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 ss.280G(b)(3) of the Code or (ii) the payments or benefits to be provided under this Section 3 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid treatment as an excess parachute payment with the allocation of the reduction among such payments and benefits to be determined by EXECUTIVE. (d) Any payments made to EXECUTIVE pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. ss.1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder. 4. EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND EXISTING BENEFIT PLANS This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement between the ASSOCIATION and EXECUTIVE, except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to EXECUTIVE of a kind elsewhere 2 provided. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that EXECUTIVE is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to her without reference to this Agreement. 5. 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, encumbrance, 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 affect 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 COMPANY, the ASSOCIATION and their respective successors and assigns. 3 6. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER (a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto. (b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there by an estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived. 7. REQUIRED PROVISIONS (a) The ASSOCIATION may terminate EXECUTIVE's employment at any time, but any termination by the ASSOCIATION, 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 2(c) herein. (b) If EXECUTIVE is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the ASSOCIATION'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 ASSOCIATION'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 ASSOCIATION may, in its discretion, (i) pay EXECUTIVE all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations that were suspended. (c) If EXECUTIVE is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the ASSOCIATION'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 ASSOCIATION 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 ASSOCIATION 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 may be terminated: (i) by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "Director") or his or her 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 ASSOCIATION under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA and (ii) by the Director, or his or her designee at the time the Director or such designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the ASSOCIATION or when the ASSOCIATION is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action. 8. 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 4 so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect. 9. 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. 10. GOVERNING LAW The validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, unless preempted by Federal law as now or hereafter in effect. In the event that any provision of this Agreement conflicts with 12 C.F.R. Section 563.39(b), the latter provision shall prevail. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a panel of three arbitrators sitting in a location selected by the employee within fifty (50) miles from the location of the ASSOCIATION, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. 11. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general funds of the ASSOCIATION. The COMPANY, however, guarantees all payments and the provision of all amounts and benefits due hereunder to EXECUTIVE and, if such payments are not timely paid or provided by the ASSOCIATION, such amounts and benefits shall be paid or provided by the COMPANY. 12. PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEES All reasonable legal fees paid or incurred by EXECUTIVE pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the ASSOCIATION if EXECUTIVE is successful on the merits pursuant to a legal judgment, arbitration or settlement. 13. SUCCESSOR TO THE ASSOCIATION OR THE COMPANY The ASSOCIATION and the COMPANY shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or substantially all the business or assets of the ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY, expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the ASSOCIATION's or the COMPANY's obligations under this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the ASSOCIATION or the COMPANY would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place. 5 14. SIGNATURES IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the ASSOCIATION and the COMPANY have caused this Agreement to be executed and their seal to be affixed hereunto by a duly authorized officer, and EXECUTIVE has signed this Agreement, all on the 1st day of October, 1997. ATTEST: FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF SPARTANBURG /s/E.L. Sanders BY:/s/Billy L. Painter - ---------------- -------------------- [SEAL] ATTEST: FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. /s/R. Lamar Simpson BY:/s/Billy L. Painter - -------------------- -------------------- [SEAL] WITNESS: /s/R. Lamar Simpson /s/Katherine A. Dunleavy - -------------------- ------------------------- KATHERINE A. DUNLEAVY