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 March 31, 1998 { } 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: 4,340,875 as of April 27, 1998. --------- FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. Table of Contents Page Part I. Financial Information ---- - ------ --------------------- Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1997 1 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine-Month Periods Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 2 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three and Nine-Month Periods Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 3-4 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 6-12 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 13 Part II. Other Information 14-16 - ------- ----------------- Signatures 17 ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - ----------------------------- FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars In Thousands, Except Share Data) (Unaudited) March 31, June 30, ASSETS 1998 1997 --------- -------- Cash $ 9,683 $ 6,688 Federal funds sold and overnight interest-bearing deposits 47,465 270,384 ---------- ----------- Total cash and cash equivalents 57,148 277,072 Investment securities available-for- sale - at fair value (amortized cost: $18,972 and $10,172 at March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1997, respectively) 19,019 10,201 Mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity - at amortized cost (fair value: $98 and $125 at March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1997, respectively) 97 121 Loans receivable, net 409,053 362,728 Loans held-for-sale - at lower of cost or market (market value: $3,291 and $1,617 at March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1997, respectively) 3,269 1,617 Office properties and equipment, net 7,605 6,594 Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Stock - at cost 3,446 3,011 Accrued interest receivable 2,726 2,590 Real estate acquired in settlement of loans 36 36 Other assets 925 1,476 ---------- ----------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 503,324 $ 665,446 ========== =========== LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES: Deposit accounts $ 363,006 $ 353,193 Stock subscription escrow accounts 259,329 Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance 717 1,001 Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta 2,000 Other liabilities 5,267 4,945 ---------- ----------- Total liabilities 370,990 618,468 ---------- ----------- EQUITY: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized - 250,000 shares; none issued at March 31, 1998 Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized - 12,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding March 31, 1998 - 4,430,375 shares 44 Additional paid in capital 87,440 Unallocated ESOP shares (6,590) Retained earnings 51,411 46,960 Unrealized gain on securities available-for- sale, net of taxes 29 18 ----------- ----------- Total equity 132,334 46,978 ----------- ----------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 503,324 $ 665,446 =========== =========== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 1 FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended March 31, March 31, ------------------ ----------------- 1998 1997 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- INVESTMENT INCOME: Interest on loans $ 8,210 $ 6,899 $ 23,758 $ 20,204 Interest and dividends on investment securities, mortgage-backed securities and other 1,066 393 4,144 1,245 ------- ------- -------- -------- Total investment income 9,276 7,292 27,902 21,449 INTEREST EXPENSE: Deposit accounts 4,184 3,938 12,775 11,506 Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances 1 1 ------- ------- -------- -------- Total interest expense 4,185 3,938 12,776 11,506 ------- ------- -------- -------- NET INTEREST INCOME 5,091 3,354 15,126 9,943 PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 130 75 310 750 ------- ------- -------- -------- NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 4,961 3,279 14,816 9,193 ------- ------- -------- -------- NONINTEREST INCOME (LOSS): Service charges and fees 375 268 1,068 812 Gain on sale of mortgage loans 102 102 37 Loss on sale of investments (16) Other, net 174 80 417 165 ------- ------- -------- -------- Total noninterest income, net 651 348 1,587 998 ------- ------- -------- -------- NONINTEREST EXPENSE: Employee compensation and benefits 1,196 953 3,677 2,686 Federal deposit insurance premium 114 72 270 2,203 Occupancy and equipment expense 295 258 805 755 Computer services 165 130 486 380 Advertising and promotions 161 110 421 345 Office supplies, postage, printing, etc. 197 144 481 390 Other 402 289 1,012 789 ------- ------- -------- -------- Total noninterest expense 2,530 1,956 7,152 7,548 ------- ------- -------- -------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 3,082 1,671 9,251 2,643 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 1,205 625 3,580 990 ------- ------- -------- -------- NET INCOME $ 1,877 $ 1,046 $ 5,671 $ 1,653 ======= ======= ======== ======== Earnings per share $ 0.46 $ N/A $ 1.39 $ N/A ======= ======= ======== ======== Weighted average shares outstanding (1) 4,098 N/A 4,088 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 (Dollars In Thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended March 31, March 31, ------------------ ----------------- 1998 1997 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 1,877 $ 1,046 $ 5,671 $ 1,653 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses 130 75 310 750 Deferred income tax benefit (303) (5) (359) (330) Amortization of deferred income (114) (38) (147) (121) Accretion of discounts on investment and mortgage-backed securities (5) (16) Depreciation 156 111 435 411 Allocation of ESOP shares at fair value 307 958 (Increase) decrease in other assets (59) (194) 415 (500) Additions to loans held-for- sale (7,549) (1,318) (11,362) (7,349) Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale 5,674 1,885 9,812 8,420 Gain on sale of loans held- for-sale (102) (102) (37) Loss on disposal of property and equipment 16 Loss on sale of investments available-for-sale 16 (Decrease) increase in other liabilities (216) (2,426) 390 (2,385) Net cash (used in) provided ------- -------- ------- -------- by operating activities (199) (869) 6,021 528 ------- -------- ------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net loan originations and principal collections (6,703) (11,595) (30,381) (25,803) Purchase of loans (5,999) (2,811) (16,107) (6,015) Purchase of investment securities (7,628) (77) (17,802) (1,303) Proceeds from sale of investment securities available-for-sale 5,000 Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale 6,002 9,002 1,000 Principal repayments and proceeds from maturities of mortgage- backed securities 8 24 68 Proceeds from sale of real estate acquired in settlement of loans 58 Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock (435) (205) (435) (205) Purchase of property and equipment (363) (697) (1,446) (1,382) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 190 190 Net cash used in investing -------- ------- -------- -------- activities (15,118) (15,195) (57,145) (28,392) -------- ------- -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net increase in deposits 4,949 14,223 29,855 32,343 Stock subscription refunds (197,851) Stock issuance costs (1,584) Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta 2,000 2,000 Dividends paid (608) (1,220) Net cash provided by (used in) -------- ------- --------- -------- financing activities $ 6,341 $14,223 $(168,800) $ 32,343 -------- ------- --------- -------- 3 FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars In Thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended March 31, March 31, ------------------ ----------------- 1998 1997 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ (8,976) $ (1,841) (219,924) 4,479 -------- -------- -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 66,124 17,104 277,072 10,784 -------- -------- -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 57,148 $ 15,263 $ 57,148 $ 15,263 ======== ======== ======== ======== SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 4,417 $ 4,320 $ 13,021 $ 11,599 ======== ======== ======== ======== Income taxes $ 1,516 $ 651 $ 3,876 $ 1,120 ======== ======== ======== ======== Transfers from loans to real estate acquired in settlement of loans $ $ 4 $ $ 106 ======== ======== ======== ======== Increase in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments and marketable equity securities $ (1) $ 54 $ 18 $ (64) ======== ======== ======== ======== Increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset related to unrealized gain on investments $ 1 $ 21 $ (7) $ (25) ======== ======== ======== ======== 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 Bank ("First Federal" or the "Bank") upon the Bank'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 First Federal and its subsidiary. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company 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 and/or nine months ended March 31, 1998 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 three and nine months ended March 31, 1998 based upon weighted average common shares outstanding of 4,098,436 and 4,088,141, respectively. For the purposes of computing weighted average shares outstanding for the nine months ended March 31, 1998, shares issued in the Conversion on July 8, 1997 were assumed to have been outstanding since July 1, 1997. Earnings per share for the three and nine months ended March 31, 1997 is not presented as there was no common stock issued or outstanding. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share, established new standards for computing and presenting earnings per share. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 1997. This standard had no impact on the computation of the Company's earnings per share upon adoption. 5 3. Share Repurchases On March 30, 1998, the Company announced its intention to repurchase up to 4%, or 177,215 shares, of its common stock. No shares had been purchased as of March 31, 1998. As of April 27, 1998, 89,500 shares had been purchased at an average price of $45.94 per share. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1997 Total assets were $503.3 million at March 31, 1998 and $665.4 million at June 30, 1997, a decrease of $162.1 million or 24%. This decrease resulted primarily from a $222.9 million decrease in federal funds sold and overnight interest-bearing deposits offset by an increase of $46.3 million, or 13%, in loans receivable, net, and an increase of $8.8 million, or 86%, 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 $34.0 million in mortgage loans since June 30, 1997. Included in the $34.0 million increase was a $26.2 million increase in one- to- four family mortgage loans (including the purchase of $16.1 million of one- to- four family mortgage loans from the mortgage banking company in which the Bank's service corporation has an equity investment), a $7.3 million increase in multifamily and commercial and other mortgage loans and a $0.5 million increase in land mortgage loans. Loans receivable, net, also increased due to a $6.9 million increase in non-mortgage commercial business loans and a $4.8 million increase in home equity loans. The increase in loans was attributable to market demand, emphasis on loan production in the branch network and having the commercial loan department become fully operational during the nine months ended March 31, 1998. The increase in loans receivable, net, was funded primarily through an increase in deposits before withdrawals to purchase common stock issued in the Conversion and the use of cash equivalents. Deposit accounts increased $9.8 million to $363.0 million at March 31, 1998 from $353.2 million at June 30, 1997. This increase is after approximately $20.0 million of withdrawals by depositors subsequent to June 30, 1997 to purchase stock issued in the Conversion. Excluding the effect of stock purchase withdrawals, there was an increase in deposit accounts of $29.8 million. The increase in deposits was the result of interest credited to deposit accounts during the period, the effect of three recently opened branch offices, a special checking account promotion, and the deposit of funds by account holders who purchased stock in the Conversion but sold their stock after issuance. Stock subscription escrow accounts decreased by $259.3 million from June 30, 1997 to March 31, 1998 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. Advances from the FHLB of Atlanta increased to $2.0 million at March 31, 1998. There were no outstanding advances at June 30, 1997. 6 Stockholders' equity increased by $85.3 million from June 30, 1997 to March 31, 1998 as a result of net proceeds received in the Conversion of $79.9 million, net income of $5.7 million and allocation of shares under the Bank's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") with a market value of $0.9 million, offset by payment of dividends of $1.2 million. Nonperforming assets decreased by $1.0 million, or 48%, to $1.1 million at March 31, 1998 from $2.1 million at June 30, 1997. The decrease was due primarily to a $1.3 million decrease in construction loans contractually past due more than 90 days and still accruing more than offsetting a $0.5 million increase in construction loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis. Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1997 Net Income. Net income increased to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $1.0 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 primarily as a result of increased investment income 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 funds from the Conversion available for investment and an increase in average loans outstanding during the three-month period ended March 31, 1998. Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased 50% to $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997. Investment income increased 27% to $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997 as a result of an increase in the average balance of interest- earning assets to $479.0 million from $364.9 million more than offsetting a decrease in average yield on interest-earning assets to 7.85% from 8.11% for the respective three-month periods. The decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets was due principally to proceeds of the Conversion being invested primarily in lower yielding overnight interest-bearing deposits during the quarter ended March 31, 1998. The average balance of interest- earning assets increased as a result of the net proceeds retained from the Conversion and an increase in the average balance of loans receivable. Interest expense increased 8% to $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997 principally as a result of an increase in the average balance of deposits to $359.1 million from $328.4 million more than offsetting a decrease in the cost of deposits to 4.73% from 4.86% for the respective three-month periods. The average balance increased as the result of the opening of three new branch offices and various deposit promotions that have increased deposit balances since the prior year's comparable quarter. Interest rate spread decreased to 3.12% for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from 3.25% for the three months ended March 31, 1997. 7 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 $130,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to $75,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997. Classified assets were $4.1 million at March 31, 1998 compared to $3.3 million at December 31, 1997 and management expects classified assets to continue to increase moderately, although no assurances can be given that this will in fact occur. Management's expectation is based upon its anticipation of continued loan growth, particularly in the areas of construction, commercial real estate and consumer lending. Management deemed the allowance for loan losses adequate at March 31, 1998. Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased to $651,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $348,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997, primarily as a result of the gain on sale of mortgage loans of $102,000 in the three months ended March 31, 1998. There was no gain on sale of mortgage loans during the three months ended March 31, 1997. The Bank periodically sells loans in response to interest rate changes, liquidity needs and other factors. Management cannot predict whether there will be any such gains in the future. Service charges and fees increased to $375,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $268,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 primarily as a result of loan origination fee income recognized on loans sold of $36,000 and increased deposit account fees, particularly on the increased number of NOW accounts. Other income, net increased to $174,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $80,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The increase was partially attributable to income of $46,000 in the current three-month period versus a $15,000 loss for the same period for the previous year, representing the Company's share of net income of the mortgage banking company in which the Bank's service corporation subsidiary has an equity investment. 8 Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense was $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 1997. Employee compensation and benefits, increased to $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $953,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 primarily as a result of the hiring of additional personnel for two new branch offices which became fully operational during the quarter ended September 30, 1997 and an additional branch which became fully operational during the quarter ended March 31, 1998, the establishment of a commercial lending department, normal annual salary increases and implementation of the Bank's ESOP. 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 will continue to increase in subsequent periods as a result of increased costs associated with operating as a public company. The three recently opened branch offices referred to above also will continue to contribute to increased operating expenses in future periods as will three recently announced branch offices that are expected to open in calendar year 1998. Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to $625,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 as a result of higher income before income taxes. Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1997 Net Income. Net income increased to $5.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $1.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1997 primarily as a result of increased investment income, increased noninterest income and decreased noninterest expense partially offset 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 funds available for investment from the Conversion and an increase in average loans outstanding during the nine months ended March 31, 1998. The decrease in noninterest expense is principally the result of decreased federal deposit insurance premiums which were impacted in the nine months ended March 31, 1997 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 53% to $15.1 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $9.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1997. Investment income increased 30% to $27.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $21.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1997 as a result of an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets to $477.5 million from $356.5 million more than offsetting a decrease in average yield on interest-earning assets to 7.78% from 8.01% for the respective nine-month periods. The decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets was due principally to stock subscription escrow funds held prior to the consummation of the Conversion and proceeds of the Conversion being invested principally in lower yielding overnight interest-bearing deposits during the nine months ended March 31, 1998. The average balance of interest-earning assets increased as a result of the holding of stock subscription escrow funds 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. 9 Interest expense increased 11% to $12.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $11.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1997 as a result of an increase in the average balance of deposits to $360.7 million from $318.5 million in the comparable nine-month period. The increase in the average balance of deposits more than offset a decrease in the average cost of deposits to 4.72% for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from 4.81% for the nine months ended March 31, 1997. The average balance of deposits during the nine months ended March 31, 1998 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 nine-month period ended March 31, 1998. The average balance also increased as the result of the opening of three new branch offices and various deposit promotions that have increased deposit balances since the prior year's comparable 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 March 31, 1998 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 negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW") and passbook accounts as a result of promotions of NOW and passbook accounts. Interest rate spread decreased to 3.06% for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from 3.20% for the nine months ended March 31, 1997. Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses was $310,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 compared to $750,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 1997. See "Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1997 - Provision for Loan Losses" for a discussion of management's process for determining the provision for loan losses. Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased to $1.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $1.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1997, primarily as a result of an increase in service charges and fees. Service charges and fees increased to $1.1 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $812,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 1997 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 $417,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $165,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 1997, partially attributable to income of $67,000 in the current nine-month period versus a $113,000 loss for the same period in the previous year, representing the Company's share of net income of the mortgage banking company in which the Bank's service corporation subsidiary has an equity investment. Gain on sale of mortgage loans increased to $102,000 during the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $37,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 1997. 10 Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense was $7.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 compared to $7.5 million for the same period in 1997. This decrease resulted primarily from the FDIC special assessment in the nine months ended March 31, 1997 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, 1997. Prior to the SAIF recapitalization, the Bank'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 $3.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 from $2.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1997 primarily as a result of the hiring of additional personnel for three new branch offices that became fully operational during the nine months ended March 31, 1998, the establishment of a commercial lending department, normal annual salary increases and implementation of the Bank's ESOP. 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 will continue to increase in subsequent periods as a result of increased costs associated with operating as a public company. The three new branch offices also will continue to contribute to increased operating expenses in future periods as will the three recently announced branch offices that are expected to open during calendar year 1998. Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $3.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 compared to $1.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1997 as a result of higher income before income 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. Regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"), the Bank's primary regulator, require the Bank to maintain an adequate level of liquidity to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to fund loan originations, deposit withdrawals and to satisfy other financial commitments. Currently, the OTS regulatory liquidity requirement for the Bank is the maintenance of an average daily balance of liquid assets (cash and eligible investments) equal to at least 4% of the average daily balance of net withdrawable deposits and short-term borrowings. This liquidity requirement is subject to periodic change. The Company and the Bank generally maintain sufficient cash and short-term investments to meet short-term liquidity needs. At March 31, 1998, cash and cash equivalents totaled $57.1 million, or 11% of total assets, and investment securities classified as available-for-sale with maturities of one year or less totaled $13.9 million. At March 31, 1998, the Bank also maintained, an uncommitted credit facility with the FHLB of Atlanta, which provides for immediately available advances up to an aggregate amount of $40.0 million of which $2.0 million had been advanced. At April 24, 1998, $12.0 million had been advanced under the credit facility. 11 As of March 31, 1998, the Bank's regulatory capital was in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements. At March 31, 1998, under regulations of the OTS, the Bank's actual tangible, core and risk-based capital ratios were 19.1%, 19.1% and 30.9%, respectively, compared to requirements of 1.5%, 4.0% and 8.0%, respectively. At March 31, 1998, the Company had loan commitments (excluding undisbursed portions of interim construction loans) of approximately $10.5 million ($7.7 million at fixed rates ranging from 6.5% to 10%). In addition, at March 31, 1998, the unsed portion of lines of credit (principally variable rate home equity lines of credit) extended by the Company was approximately $44.7 million. Furthermore, at March 31, 1998, the Company had certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less of $192.2 million. Based on historical experience, the Company anticipates that a majority of such certificates of deposit will be renewed at maturity. 12 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk There have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks as of March 31, 1998 than presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997. 13 FirstSpartan Financial Corp. Part II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings ----------------- Not applicable Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds ----------------------------------------- Not applicable Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities ------------------------------- Not applicable Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders --------------------------------------------------- On January 21, 1998, the Company held an annual meeting of shareholders for the following purposes: 1. To elect two directors to serve for a term of three years; 2. To vote upon a proposal to adopt the FirstSpartan Financial Corp. 1997 Stock Option Plan; 3. To vote upon a proposal to adopt the FirstSpartan Financial Corp. Management Recognition and Development Plan; 4. To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998; 5. To act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment's thereof. The results of the voting are set forth below: 1. Election of Directors: Name For Withheld ---- --- -------- E. Lea Salter 3,848,263 25,073 R. Wesley Hammond 3,848,328 25,008 Directors continuing in office (and date of expiration of term) are: E.L. Sanders (1998), David E. Tate (1998), Billy L. Painter (1999), Robert L. Handell (1999) and Robert R. Odom (1999). 14 2. Adoption of the FirstSpartan Financial Corp. Stock Option Plan: For Against Abstain Non-Vote --- ------- ------- -------- 2,912,998 98,926 10,704 850,708 3. Adoption of the FirstSpartan Financial Corp. Management Recognition and Development Plan: For Against Abstain Non-Vote --- ------- ------- -------- 2,890,285 125,898 12,495 844,658 4. Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998: For Against Abstain --- ------- ------- 3,864,854 3,985 4,497 5. Other Matters: No other matters came before the meeting. Item 5. Other Information On April 15, 1998, the Company announced that First Federal plans to establish two new branch offices in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. First Federal intends to open a branch office in the Wal-Mart Supercenter under construction on Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greer. This will be First Federal's second Wal-Mart Supercenter branch, the first being opened in Greenville, South Carolina in February 1998. This branch will be in addition to the previously announced branch currently under construction in Greer. Operations at the branch are expected to begin in October 1998, subject to regulatory approval. First Federal also intends to open a branch office on Highway 221 in Chesnee in late 1998 on property currently owned by First Federal, subject to receipt of regulatory approval. 15 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** (10) (j) Registrant's 1997 Stock Option Plan**** (10) (k) Registrant's Management Recognition and Development Plan**** (21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant** (27) Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K: None. - ---------------------- * Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-23015) and incorporated herein by reference. ** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference. *** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference. **** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Meeting Definitive Proxy Statement dated December 12, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference. 16 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: April 30, 1998 By: /s/ Billy L. Painter ------------------------------------------ Billy L. Painter President and Chief Executive Officer Date: April 30, 1998 By: /s/ R. Lamar Simpson ------------------------------------------ R. Lamar Simpson Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer 17