UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998 or [ ] 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 0-25172 FIRST BELL BANCORP, INC. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 251752651 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 300 DELAWARE AVENUE, SUITE 1704, WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19801 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (302) 427-7883 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Not Applicable - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) 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. [X] Yes [ ] No APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 6,524,557 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding as of May 14, 1998. FIRST BELL BANCORP, INC. FORM 10-Q INDEX PAGE ---- PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1 Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, (unaudited)..................... 2 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, (unaudited).................................. 3 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, (unaudited)................... 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, (unaudited)............................................ 5 Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements... 6 Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......... 7 Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk............................................ 12 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1 Legal Proceedings...................................... 12 Item 2 Changes in Securities.................................. 12 Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities........................ 12 Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.... 12 Item 5 Other Information...................................... 12 Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K....................... 13 SIGNATURES PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements 1 FIRST BELL BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31 ASSETS: 1998 1997 -------- ------- Cash: Cash on-hand......................................................... $ 819 $ 872 Non-interest-bearing deposits........................................ 1,164 1,708 Interest-bearing deposits............................................ 16,344 21,943 -------- ------- Total cash........................................................ 18,327 24,523 Mortgage-backed securities-available for sale, at fair value (cost of $31,654 at December 31, 1997............................................ - 31,885 Federal funds sold...................................................... 24,725 1,550 Investment securities - at cost (fair value of $10,551 and $10,553 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively)....... 9,975 9,973 Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (cost of $22,564 and $15,928 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively)... 22,648 15,902 Conventional mortgage loans - net of allowance for loan losses of $735 and $715 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively...................................... 575,115 578,487 Other loans, net........................................................ 862 907 Real estate owned....................................................... 85 -- Properties and equipment, net........................................... 3,440 3,492 Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost................................... 5,148 5,148 Accrued interest receivable............................................. 3,386 3,202 Other assets............................................................ 921 615 -------- ------- Total assets......................................................... $664,632 $675,684 ======== ======= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - ------------------------------------ Deposits: Passbook, club and other accounts.................................... $ 69,292 $ 67,587 Money market and NOW accounts........................................ 48,329 47,264 Certificate accounts................................................. 356,431 380,204 -------- ------- Total deposits................................................... 474,052 495,055 Borrowings.............................................................. 95,000 90,000 Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance........................... 12,524 12,226 Accrued interest on deposits............................................ 2,409 535 Accrued interest on borrowings.......................................... 566 332 Accrued income taxes.................................................... 1,273 229 Deferred income tax liability........................................... 1,702 1,725 Dividend payable on common stock........................................ 575 575 Other liabilities....................................................... 1,968 2,024 -------- ------- Total liabilities.................................................... 590,069 602,701 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, ($0.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding).................................. -- -- Common stock ($0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 8,596,250 issued; 6,523,920 outstanding at March 31, 1998 6,510,625 outstanding at December 31, 1997........................ 86 86 Paid-in capital...................................................... 61,391 61,371 Unearned ESOP shares (588,033 and 596,088 shares at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively)................................ (4,160) (4,217) Unearned MRP shares (307,798 shares at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively).................................. (4,290) (4,290) Treasury stock at cost (2,072,330 shares and 2,085,625 shares at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively) .............. (31,860) (32,077) 52 117 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes................. 53,344 51,993 Retained earnings.................................................... -------- ------- Total Stockholders' Equity.............................................. 74,563 72,983 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity.............................. $664,632 $675,684 ======== ======= 2 FIRST BELL BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997 (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) THREE MONTHS THREE MONTHS ENDED ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 MARCH 31, 1997 --------------- --------------- Interest income: Conventional mortgage loans $10,694 $ 9,966 Interest-bearing deposits 344 268 Mortgage-backed securities 283 772 Federal funds sold 167 339 Investment securities 387 635 Other loans 15 17 Federal Home Loan Bank stock 83 76 ------- ------- Total interest and dividend income 11,973 12,073 Interest expense on deposits 6,271 6,422 Interest expense on borrowings 1,265 1,217 ------- ------- Total interest expense 7,536 7,639 Net interest income 4,437 4,434 Provision for loan losses 20 20 ------- ------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 4,417 4,414 Other income: Loan fees and service charges 101 127 Gains on sales of investment 97 -- Other income 8 3 ------- ------- Total other income 206 130 Other general and administrative expense: Compensation, payroll taxes and fringe benefits 815 685 Federal insurance premiums 81 18 Office occupancy expense, excluding depreciation 124 130 Depreciation 71 73 Computer services 56 55 Other expenses 253 211 ------- ------- Total general and administrative expenses 1,400 1,172 Net income before taxes 3,223 3,372 Provision for income taxes: Current: Federal 1,028 1,008 State 248 258 Deferred expense (credit) 21 110 ------- ------- Total provision for income taxes 1,297 1,376 Net income $ 1,926 $ 1,996 ======= ======= Other comprehensive income, net of taxes Unrealized loss on investments (65) (100) ------- ------- Comprehensive income $ 1,861 $ 1,896 ======= ======= Primary earnings per share $0.34 $0.30 ------- ------- Fully diluted earnings per share $0.33 $0.29 ------- ------- Weighted average shares outstanding 6,516 7,612 ======= ======= 3 FIRST BELL BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997 (In thousands) (unaudited) Number Accumulated Common Additional Unearned Unearned Comprehensive Stock Common Paid-in ESOP Treasury MRP Income Retained Shares Stock Capital Shares Stock Shares Net of Taxes Earnings Total -------- -------- --------- ------- -------- -------- ------------ -------- ----- Balance at December 31, 1996 7,758 $ 86 $61,063 $(4,454) ($11,684) ($4,792) -- $46,214 $ 86,433 Purchase of treasury stock (956) (15,537) (15,537) Allocation of ESOP shares 61 60 121 Dividend payable ($0.10) (618) (618) Change in unrealized gain or loss, net of taxes (100) (100) Net income 1,996 1,996 -------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------------ -------- -------- Balance at March 31, 1997 6,802 $ 86 $61,124 $(4,394) ($27,221) ($4,792) $(100) $47,592 $ 72,295 ======== ======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ============ ======== ======== Balance at December 31, 1997 6,511 $ 86 $61,371 $(4,217) $(32,077) $(4,290) $117 $51,993 $ 72,983 Exercise of Options 13 (76) 217 141 Allocation of ESOP shares 96 57 153 Dividend payable ($0.10) (575) (575) Change in accumulated comprehensive income, net of taxes (65) (65) Net income 1,926 1,926 -------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------------ -------- -------- Balance at March 31, 1998 6,524 $ 86 $61,391 $(4,160) $(31,860) $(4,290) $52 $53,344 $ 74,563 ======== ======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ============ ======== ======== 4 FIRST BELL BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 March 31, 1997 ------------------ ------------------ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 1,926 $ 1,996 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 71 73 Deferred income taxes 21 109 Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts 8 66 Provision for loan losses 20 20 Compensation expense-allocation of ESOP and MRP shares 313 121 Gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities (97) -- Loss on sale of real estate owned -- 5 Increase or decrease in assets and liabilities Accrued interest receivable (183) (779) Accrued interest on deposits 1,875 1,763 Accrued interest on borrowings 234 (32) Accrued income taxes 1,044 1,039 Other assets (305) 4 Other liabilities (219) 211 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 4,708 4,596 -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of investment securities, available for sale (16,636) (25,947) Purchase of mortgage-backed securities, available for sale -- (61,926) (Purchase)/maturity of Federal Funds (23,175) 45,175 Maturity of investment securities, available for sale 10,000 -- Principal paydowns on mortgage-backed securities, available for sale 1,402 2,095 Net proceeds from sale of mortgage-backed securities, available for sale 30,352 -- Net (increase)/decrease in conventional mortgage loans 3,266 (20,828) Net increase in other loans 45 (15) Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock -- (2,001) Net proceeds from sale of real estate owned -- 35 Purchase of premises and equipment (19) (23) -------- -------- Net cash provided/(used) in investing activities 5,235 (63,435) -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net increase in demand deposits, NOW accounts and savings accounts 2,770 4,743 Net increase/(decrease) in certificate accounts (23,773) 8,515 Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance 297 777 Net increase in borrowings 5,000 50,000 Dividend paid (575) (713) Options exercised 142 -- Purchase of treasury stock -- (15,537) -------- -------- Net cash (used)/provided by financing activities (16,139) 47,785 -------- -------- NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (6,196) (11,054) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 24,523 26,406 -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 18,327 $ 15,352 ======== ======== SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: Cash paid for: Interest on deposits and advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance $ 4,396 $ 4,659 Interest on borrowings 1,032 1,249 Income taxes 233 266 Noncash Transactions: Transfer from conventional loans to real estate acquired through foreclosure 85 29 Increase in additional paid-in capital-ESOP allocation and options exercised 20 61 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on securities available for sale 84 (163) Transfers from conventional mortgage loans to conventional mortgage loans, available for sale -- 10,065 5 FIRST BELL BANCORP, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997 1. Principles of Consolidation --------------------------- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Bell Bancorp, Inc. ("First Bell" or the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiary Bell Federal Savings and Loan Association of Bellevue (the "Association"). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The investment in Bell Federal on First Bell's financial statements is carried at the parent company's equity in the underlying net assets. The consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1998 and related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consisted of normal recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q. The interim statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in First Bell's annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Safe Harbor Statement -------------------------------------------------------------- In addition to historical information, this 10-Q includes certain forward looking statements based on current management expectations. Examples of this forward looking information can be found in, but are not limited to, the allowance for losses discussion and the quantitative and qualitative disclosure about market risk. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those management expectations. Factors that could cause future results to vary from current management expectations include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities, changes in interest rates, deposit flows, the cost of funds, demand for loan products, demand for financial services, competition, changes in the quality or composition of the Company's loan and investment portfolios, changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines, and other economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products, services and prices. 6 Item 2. Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets. Total assets decreased by $11.1 million, or 1.6% to $664.6 million at March 31, 1998, from $675.7 million at December 31, 1997. The decrease was the result of a decrease in mortgage-backed securities of $31.9 million, cash of $6.2 million and conventional mortgage loans of $3.4 million. Offsetting these decreases were increases of $23.2 in federal funds sold and $6.7 million in investment securities. Mortgage-backed securities at March 31, 1998 were zero compared to $31.9 million at December 31, 1997. All of the mortgage-backed securities were sold during the first quarter of 1998 which resulted in a gain of $97,000. Total cash declined $6.2 million or 25.3% to $18.3 million at March 31, 1998 from $24.5 million at December 31, 1997. The decrease was the result of net cash of $16.1 million being used for financing activities offset by net cash provided by operating activities of $4.7 million and by investing activities of $5.2 million. Conventional mortgage loans decreased by $3.4 million or 1.0% to $575.1 million at March 31, 1998 from $578.5 million at December 31, 1997. The decrease was primarily the result of principle payments and prepayments of $21.0 million offset by conventional mortgage loan originations of $16.2 million. Reducing the impact of the above decreases was an increase in federal funds sold of $23.2 million to $24.7 million at March 31, 1998 from $1.5 at December 31, 1997. The increase was the result of the proceeds from the sale of the mortgage-backed securities being temporarily invested in federal funds sold. Investment securities have increased to $32.6 million at March 31, 1998 from $25.9 million at December 31, 1997. The $6.7 million or 26.1% increase was the result of the purchase of $16.6 million of investment securities offset by the maturity of $10.0 million. As of March 31, 1998, the Company had committed to purchase $14.3 million in investment securities in the second quarter of 1998. Liabilities. Total liabilities declined by $12.6 million or 2.1% to $590.1 million at March 31, 1998 from $602.7 million at December 31, 1997. The decrease was the result of deposits declining by $21.0 million offset by an increase in borrowings of $5.0 million, accrued interest on borrowings of $1.9 million and accrued income taxes of $1.0 million. Total deposits at March 31, 1998 were $474.1 million compared to $495.1 million at December 31, 1997. The decrease of $21.0 million or 4.2% was the result of certificate accounts decreasing by $23.8 million or 6.3% to $356.4 million at March 31, 1998 from $380.2 million at December 31, 1997. The decrease in certificate accounts was the result of the withdrawal of high cost institutional retail accounts. Borrowings increased to $95.0 at March 31, 1998 from $90.0 million at December 31, 1997. The $5.0 million or 5.6% increase was used to assist in the funding of the operation of the Association. Accrued interest on deposits increased by $1.9 million or 350.3%, to $2.4 million at March 31, 1998 from $535,000 at December 31, 1997. The increase is attributable to the timing of interest payments on certificate accounts. Accrued income taxes at March 31, 1998 were $1.3 million compared to $229,000 at December 31, 1997. The $1.0 million or $455.9% increase can also be attributable to the timing of the federal estimated income tax deposit for the first quarter. 7 Capital. Total stockholders' equity increased by $1.6 million or 2.2% to $74.6 million at March 31, 1998 from $73.0 million at December 31, 1997. The increase was the result of net income of $1.9 million and the exercise of stock options of $217,000. Offsetting these increases were dividends of $575,000. Liquidity and Capital Resources. The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, and principle and interest payments on loans, mortgage- backed securities and investments. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are strongly influenced by changes in general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. The primary investing activities of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 1998 was the purchase of $23.2 million in federal funds, the purchase of $16.6 million in investment securities and the origination of $16.2 million of conventional mortgage loans. Sources of funds for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 were net proceeds of $30.4 million from the sale of the mortgage-backed securities, $21.0 million in principle payment and prepayments, $10.0 from the maturity of investment securities, and the $5.0 million increase in borrowings. In addition, $23.8 million in high cost certificate accounts were withdrawn during the three months ended March 31, 1998. The Association is required to maintain an average daily balance of liquid assets as a percentage of net withdrawable deposit accounts plus short-term borrowings as defined by Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") regulations. The minimum required liquidity is currently 4.0%. The Association's average liquidity ratio was 12.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 1998. The Association's most liquid assets are cash and short-term investments. The levels of the Association's liquid assets are dependent on the Association's operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At March 31, 1998, assets qualifying for liquidity, including cash and investments, totalled $45.9 million. At March 31, 1998, the Association's capital exceeded all of the capital requirements of the OTS. The Association's tangible, Tier I (core) capital (to total assets), Tier 1 capital (to risk-based assets) and risk-based capital (to risk-based assets) ratios were 10.9%, 10.9%, 23.3% and 23.5%, respectively. The Association is considered a "well capitalized" institution under the prompt corrective regulations of the OTS. Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 1998 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- and 1997. - -------- General. Net income decreased by $70,000 or 3.5% for the three months ended March 31, 1998 to $1.9 million from $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The decrease was the result of general and administrative expenses increasing by $228,000 or 19.5% to $1.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $1.2 million for the comparable 1997 period. Offsetting the increase in general and administrative expenses was a decrease in income taxes of $79,000 and an increase in other income of $76,000. 8 Interest Income. Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 1998 decreased by $100,000 or 1.0% to $12.0 million from $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The decrease was the result of interest earned on mortgage-backed securities, investment securities, and federal funds sold declining by a total of $909,000. Offsetting these decreases was an increase in interest earned on conventional mortgage loans and interest-bearing deposits that totalled $804,000. Interest earned on mortgage-backed securities decreased by $489,000 or 63.3% to $283,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $772,000 for the comparable 1997 period. The decrease was the result of the sale of mortgage-backed securities during the first quarter of 1998. Interest earned on investment securities decreased by $248,000 or 39.1% to $387,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $635,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The decrease was the result of the average balance in investment securities decreasing by $9.0 million or 27.4% to $23.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $32.9 million for the comparable 1997 period. Interest earned on federal funds sold for the three months ended March 31, 1998 was $167,000 compared to $339,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The $172,000 or 50.7% decrease, was the result of the average balance in federal funds sold decreasing by $22.7 million or 64.6% to $12.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $35.2 million for the comparable 1997 period. Reducing the impact of the decline in the average federal funds balance was a 12 basis points increase in the average rate earned. The rate increased 5.44% for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from 5.32% for the comparable 1997 period. Interest on conventional mortgages increased by $728,000 or 7.3% to $10.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The increase was the result of the average balance of conventional mortgage loans increasing by $37.9 million, or 7.0% to $576.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $538.9 million for the comparable 1997 period. Interest earned on interest-bearing deposits increased $76,000 or 28.4% to $344,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $268,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The increase was the result of the average balance in interest-bearing deposits increasing by $3.2 million or 15.5% to $24.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $21.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997. In addition, there was a 23 basis point increase on the average rate on interest-bearing deposits going to 5.44% for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from 5.21% for the comparable 1997 period. Interest Expense. Interest expense for the three-months ended March 31, 1998 decreased by a $103,000 or 1.3% to $7.5 million from $7.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The decrease was the result of interest expense on deposits declining by $151,000 or 2.4% to $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $6.4 million for the comparable 1997 period. Interest expense on deposits decreased as a result of the average balance on certificate accounts declining by $15.7 million or 4.1% to $365.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $381.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1997. Offsetting the decrease was an increase in interest expense on borrowings of $48,000 or 3.9%. This increase was the result of the average balance of borrowings rising to $93.3 million for the first quarter of 1998 from $91.6 million for the first quarter of 1997. Also contributing to the increase in interest expense on borrowings was a ten basis points increase on the average interest rate paid on borrowings. For the three months ended March 31, 1998, the average rate was 5.42% compared to 5.32% for the comparable 1997 period. 9 Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased by $3,000. The increase was the result of interest expense decreasing by $103,000 and interest income decreasing by $100,000. Provision for Loan Losses. A $20,000 provision for loan losses was recorded during quarters ended March 31, 1998 and 1997. At March 31, 1998, non- performing assets were $471,000 compared to $634,000 at December 31, 1997 and the allowance for loan losses equaled 156.1% of total non-performing assets, as compared to 112.8% at December 31, 1997. For the three-months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, no loans were charged off. Management believes that the current level of loan loss reserves is adequate to cover losses inherent in the portfolio as of such date. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will not sustain losses in future periods which could be substantial in relation to the size of the allowance at March 31, 1998. Other Income. Other income for the three months ended March 31, 1998 was $206,000 as compared to $130,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The $76,000, or 58.5% increase, was the result of the $97,000 gain on the sale of the mortgage-backed securities as previously discussed. Offsetting this gain was a $26,000 decline in loan fees and service charges. The decrease was the result of a decline in servicing income loans sold to the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"). The decrease in servicing income was the result of principle prepayments on the FNMA loans. General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $228,000 or 19.5% to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The increase was the result of increases in compensation, payroll taxes and fringe benefits, federal insurance premiums and other expenses. Compensation, payroll taxes and fringe benefits rose to $815,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $685,000 for the comparable 1997 period. The $130,000 or 19.0% increase was the result of the increased cost of the employee stock programs due to the rise in the average price of the Company's common stock. Federal insurance premiums increased by $63,000 or 3.5 times that of the 1997 expenses. The increase was the result of an increase in the base used to determine the premium from the first quarter of 1998 compared to the first quarter of 1997. In addition, a 1996 federal insurance refund was recorded in the first quarter of 1997. Other expenses increased by $42,000 or 19.9% to $253,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $211,000 for the comparable 1997 period. This increase was the result of additional expenses incurred in the operation of the Company. Income Taxes. Income taxes decreased by $79,000 or 5.7% to $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998 from $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 1997. The decrease was the result of net income before taxes declining to $3.2 million for the period from $3.4 million for the 1997 period. In addition, the deferred tax liability increased by $21,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 as compared to $109,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997. Preparation for the Year 2000. Many computer systems may not correctly process information with dates beyond December 31, 1999 due to programming assumptions that were made as computer applications were developed. The Company has assessed its primary business 10 information system with respect to the compatibility with the Year 2000. A plan has been approved by the Company's Board of Directors to ensure that the operation of the Company remains uninterrupted. It is not expected that the related costs will have a material effect on the Company's operating income, liquidity or capital resources. However, the Company is dependent on outside vendors, who may incur disruptions as a result of the Year 2000. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company's results of operations will not be adversely affected by this industry-wide issue. Recent Accounting Pronouncements. Reporting Comprehensive Income -- In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This statement establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains, and losses) in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. The provisions of this statement are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, with reclassification of comparative financial statements and as applicable to interim periods. The Company currently has one component of other comprehensive income which includes unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale which are detailed as follows: March 31, 1998 March 31, 1997 ------------------------------ ----------------------------- Before Tax Net-of-Tax Before Tax Net-of-tax Amount Tax Amount Amount Tax Amount ----------- ---- ----------- ----------- --- ----------- Unrealized gains or losses on securities: Unrealized holding losses arising during the period $ (11) $ 5 $( 6) $(163) $63 $(100) Less: reclassification adjust- ment for gains realized in net income (97) 38 (59) -- -- -- ----- --- ---- ---------- --- ---------- Net realized gains (108) 43 (65) (163) 63 (100) --- ---- ---------- --- ---------- Other comprehensive income $(108) $43 $(65) $(163) $63 $(100) ===== === ==== ========== === ========== In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." This Statement revises employers' disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans. This Statement standardizes the disclosure requirements for pensions and other postretirement benefits to the extent practicable, requires additional information on changes in the benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets that will facilitate financial analysis, and eliminates certain disclosures. Restatement of disclosures for earlier periods is required. This Statement is effective for financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998. 11 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk The Company's interest rate sensitivity is monitored by management through selected interest rate risk measures produced internally and by the OTS. Based on internal reviews, management does not believe that there has been a material change in the Company's interest rate sensitivity from December 31, 1997 to March 31, 1998. However, the OTS results are not yet available for the quarter ended March 31, 1998. All methods used to measure interest rate sensitivity involve the use of assumptions. Management cannot predict what assumptions are made by the OTS, which can vary from management's assumptions. Therefore, the results of the OTS calculations can differ from management's internal calculations. The Company's interest rate sensitivity should be reviewed in conjunction with the financial statement and notes thereto contained in First Bell's Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings. There are various claims and lawsuits in which the Company is periodically involved incidental to the Company's business, which in the aggregate involve amounts which are believed by management to be immaterial to the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 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. None Item 5. Other Information. None 12 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. (a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report. Exhibit 3.1 - Certificate of Incorporation of First Bell Bancorp, Inc.* Exhibit 3.2 - Bylaws of First Bell Bancorp, Inc.* Exhibit 4.0 - Stock Certificate of First Bell Bancorp, Inc.* Exhibit 11 - Computation of Earnings Per Share (filed herewith) Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule (filed herewith) (b) Reports on Form 8-K None _______________________ * Incorporated herein by reference into this document from the Exhibits to Form S-1, Registration Statement, filed on November 9, 1994, as amended, Registration No. 33-86160. 13 SIGNATURES ---------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. FIRST BELL BANCORP, INC. (Registrant) Date: May 14, 1998 /s/ Albert H. Eckert, II -------------------------------------- Albert H. Eckert, II President and Chief Executive Officer Date: May 14, 1998 /s/ Jeffrey M. Hinds -------------------------------------- Jeffrey M. Hinds Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)