1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996 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 0-6198 FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) TENNESSEE 62-0799975 (State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or organization) Identification No.) FIRST AMERICAN CENTER, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37237 (address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 615/748-2000 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 shares outstanding: 29,604,942 as of October 31, 1996. 2 FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX Part I. Financial Information Page ---- Item 1 Financial Statements (unaudited) Consolidated Income Statements for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 3 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 and 1995 and December 31, 1995 4 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 5 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7 Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition 11 Part II. Other Information Item 1 Legal Proceedings 21 Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 21 2 3 FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS QUARTER ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30 ------------------- -------------------- 1996 1995 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- -------- (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) INTEREST INCOME Interest and fees on loans $138,286 $119,355 $406,537 $344,120 Interest and dividends on securities 39,384 36,607 111,203 107,186 Interest on federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell 845 859 5,564 2,633 Interest on time deposits with other banks and other interest 1,487 884 2,651 1,728 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest income 180,002 157,705 525,955 455,667 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEREST EXPENSE Interest on deposits: NOW accounts 3,962 3,960 11,798 12,258 Money market accounts 26,970 21,444 79,616 59,796 Regular savings 1,878 2,322 6,077 7,425 Certificates of deposit under $100,000 21,976 19,039 65,569 53,028 Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over 9,736 10,340 27,779 24,803 Other time and foreign 6,518 5,669 19,775 15,722 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest on deposits 71,040 62,774 210,614 173,032 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest on short-term borrowings 13,510 12,831 37,829 36,103 Interest on long-term debt 6,161 4,690 19,176 14,034 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest expense 90,711 80,295 267,619 223,169 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INTEREST INCOME 89,291 77,410 258,336 232,498 PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES - 24 - 83 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 89,291 77,386 258,336 232,415 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NON-INTEREST INCOME Service charges on deposit accounts 14,436 11,760 42,665 34,883 Commissions and fees on fiduciary activities 4,644 4,256 13,400 12,404 Investment services income 26,685 2,755 33,552 7,487 Trading account revenue 686 31 970 449 Merchant discount fees 1,021 911 2,646 2,346 Net realized gain on sales and write-downs of securities 15 214 1,522 568 Other income 10,232 6,679 26,429 18,431 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total non-interest income 57,719 26,606 121,184 76,568 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NON-INTEREST EXPENSE Salaries and employee benefits 44,022 35,362 121,946 106,936 Net occupancy expense 7,008 5,400 18,698 16,140 Equipment expense 4,322 3,784 12,557 11,359 Systems and processing expense 3,885 2,591 10,518 8,450 FDIC insurance expense 8,910 27 10,286 6,913 Marketing expense 3,805 2,167 10,785 6,792 Communication expense 3,155 2,401 8,916 7,316 Supplies expense 1,370 1,253 3,745 3,317 Foreclosed properties expense (income), net (1,098) (17) (3,750) (3,293) Subscribers' commissions 17,449 - 17,449 - Other expenses 10,349 7,206 26,136 20,328 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total non-interest expense 103,177 60,174 237,286 184,258 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income tax expense 43,833 43,818 142,234 124,725 Income tax expense 16,414 16,105 54,126 45,981 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME $ 27,419 $ 27,713 $ 88,108 $ 78,744 ===================================================================================================================== PER COMMON SHARE: Net income $ .93 $ .99 $ 2.98 $ 2.78 Cash dividends .31 .28 .90 .78 ===================================================================================================================== Weighted average common shares outstanding 29,551 27,854 29,589 28,278 ===================================================================================================================== See notes to consolidated financial statements. 3 4 FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31 --------------------------- ----------- 1996 1995 1995 ----------- ---------- ----------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) ASSETS Cash and due from banks $ 521,296 $ 440,058 $ 494,496 Time deposits with other banks 8,592 10,718 26,733 Securities: Held to maturity (market value $887,798, $1,642,218 and $933,911, respectively) 888,462 1,626,604 931,084 Available for sale (amortized cost $1,513,172, $670,638 and $1,196,414, respectively) 1,495,760 670,075 1,202,493 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total securities 2,384,222 2,296,679 2,133,577 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell 110,781 103,321 291,042 Trading account securities 95,647 33,628 22,419 Loans: Commercial 2,952,130 2,712,487 2,823,827 Consumer--amortizing mortgages 1,771,531 1,522,488 1,784,836 Consumer--other 1,325,130 1,157,493 1,281,921 Real estate--construction 182,993 179,643 186,655 Real estate--commercial mortgages and other 354,490 307,299 354,918 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total loans 6,586,274 5,879,410 6,432,157 Unearned discount and net deferred loan fees 5,505 5,935 6,181 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loans, net of unearned discount and net deferred loan fees 6,580,769 5,873,475 6,425,976 Allowance for possible loan losses 128,225 128,835 132,415 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total net loans 6,452,544 5,744,640 6,293,561 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Premises and equipment, net 149,833 120,047 129,419 Foreclosed properties 7,944 8,897 10,683 Other assets 297,506 212,400 279,699 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $10,028,365 $8,970,388 $9,681,629 ==================================================================================================================== LIABILITIES Deposits: Demand (non-interest-bearing) $ 1,319,074 $1,169,806 $1,266,285 NOW accounts 786,077 765,542 811,862 Money market accounts 2,242,885 1,933,052 2,031,796 Regular savings 318,248 373,913 376,725 Certificates of deposit under $100,000 1,673,629 1,396,420 1,679,792 Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over 714,741 691,801 750,491 Other time 396,299 295,627 320,382 Foreign 100,712 102,495 144,961 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deposits 7,551,665 6,728,656 7,382,294 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Short-term borrowings 1,153,294 1,073,082 938,287 Long-term debt 340,497 278,190 421,791 Other liabilities 144,918 196,332 143,725 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities 9,190,374 8,276,260 8,886,097 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, $5 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued: 29,556,609 shares at September 30, 1996; 27,630,197 shares at September 30, 1995; and 29,539,819 shares at December 31, 1995 147,783 138,151 147,699 Capital surplus 158,229 91,394 162,254 Retained earnings 545,564 467,451 483,973 Deferred compensation on restricted stock (2,333) (1,599) (1,263) Employee stock ownership plan obligation (567) (691) (661) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Realized shareholders' equity 848,676 694,706 792,002 Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of tax (10,685) (578) 3,530 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total shareholders' equity 837,991 694,128 795,532 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $10,028,365 $8,970,388 $9,681,629 ==================================================================================================================== See notes to consolidated financial statements. 4 5 FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY NET UNREALIZED DEFERRED EMPLOYEE GAINS COMPENSATION STOCK (LOSSES) ON OWNERSHIP ON SECURITIES NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995, AND COMMON CAPITAL RETAINED RESTRICTED PLAN AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 STOCK SURPLUS EARNINGS STOCK OBLIGATION FOR SALE TOTAL ------ ------- -------- ------------ ---------- ------------- ----- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) Balance, January 1, 1995 $143,625 $130,933 $409,638 $ (2,161) $ (781) $(13,581) $ 667,673 Issuance of 341,185 common shares in connection with Employee Benefit Plan, net of discount on Dividend Reinvestment Plan 1,705 5,231 - - - - 6,936 Issuance of 12,095 shares of restricted common stock 61 347 - (321) - - 87 Repurchase of 1,448,152 shares of common stock (7,240) (45,748) - - - - (52,988) Amortization of deferred compensation on restricted stock - - - 883 - - 883 Reduction in employee stock ownership plan obligation - - - - 90 - 90 Net income - - 78,744 - - - 78,744 Cash dividends declared ($.78 per common share) - - (20,067) - - - (20,067) Cash dividends declared by pooled company - - (908) - - - (908) Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of tax - - - - - 13,003 13,003 Tax benefit from stock option and award plans - 631 - - - - 631 Other - - 44 - - - 44 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, September 30, 1995 $138,151 $ 91,394 $467,451 $ (1,599) $ (691) $ (578) $694,128 =================================================================================================================================== Balance, January 1, 1996 $147,699 $162,254 $483,973 $ (1,263) $ (661) $ 3,530 $795,532 Issuance of 289,471 common shares in connection with Employee Benefit Plan, net of discount on Dividend Reinvestment Plan 1,447 8,966 - - - - 10,413 Issuance of 44,488 shares of restricted common stock 223 1,868 - (2,091) - - - Repurchase of 1,390,331 shares of common stock (6,952) (55,780) - - - - (62,732) Issuance of 1,073,759 common shares for purchase of First City Bancorp, Inc. 5,369 40,937 - - - - 46,306 Amortization of deferred compensation on restricted stock - - - 1,021 - - 1,021 Reduction in employee stock ownership plan obligation - - - - 94 - 94 Net income - - 88,108 - - - 88,108 Cash dividends declared ($.90 per common share) - - (26,517) - - - (26,517) Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of tax - - - - - (14,215) (14,215) Other (3) (16) - - - - (19) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, September 30, 1996 $147,783 $158,229 $545,564 $ (2,333) $ (567) $ (10,685) $837,991 =================================================================================================================================== See notes to consolidated financial statements. 5 6 FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 ------------------------- 1996 1995 --------- -------- (IN THOUSANDS) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 88,108 $ 78,744 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses - 83 Depreciation of premises and equipment 11,432 10,378 Amortization of intangible assets 6,952 2,918 Other amortization (accretion), net 103 (5,263) Deferred income tax expense 11,149 8,903 Net realized gain on sales of securities (1,522) (568) Net gain on sales of premises and equipment (57) (31) Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition: (Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable 8,476 (4,254) Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable (10,730) 18,109 Increase in trading account securities (65,238) (25,011) Decrease in other assets 42,311 649 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities (5,551) 75,791 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 85,433 160,448 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net (increase) decrease in time deposits with other banks 19,905 (6,863) Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 437,770 651,280 Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale 287,925 118,088 Purchases of securities available for sale (909,413) (723,898) Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity 161,271 214,632 Purchases of securities held to maturity (115,961) (196,323) Net (increase) decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell 215,450 (75,187) Increase in loans, net of repayments and sales (85,630) (702,193) Sales of loans 92,394 - Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (19,216) - Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment 5,737 201 Purchases of premises and equipment (29,746) (19,520) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 60,486 (739,783) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net increase (decrease) in deposits (157,877) 420,877 Net increase in short-term borrowings 200,564 143,242 Net increase (decrease) in Federal Home Loan Bank advances (82,106) 7,922 Net repayment of other long-term debt (939) (1,205) Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 10,413 7,023 Cash dividends paid (26,517) (20,975) Repurchase of common stock (62,732) (52,988) Other 75 1,581 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (119,119) 505,477 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks 26,800 (73,858) Cash and due from banks, January 1 494,496 513,916 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and due from banks, September 30 $ 521,296 $ 440,058 ===================================================================================================================== Cash paid during the period for: Interest expense $ 276,910 $ 205,067 Income taxes 43,964 28,711 Noncash investing activities: Foreclosures 1,051 1,012 Stock issued for acquisitions 46,306 - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See notes to consolidated financial statements. 6 7 FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and general practices within the banking industry. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented in the Corporation's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders. The quarterly consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for interim periods. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the complete fiscal year. (2) NONPERFORMING ASSETS Nonperforming assets were as follows: SEPTEMBER 30 December 31 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands) 1996 1995 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-accrual loans $ 14,064 $ 16,472 $ 18,670 Foreclosed properties 7,944 8,897 10,683 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total nonperforming assets $ 22,008 $ 25,369 $ 29,353 =============================================================================================================== 90 days or more past due on accrual $ 8,335 $ 4,245 $ 6,123 =============================================================================================================== Nonperforming assets as a percent of loans and foreclosed properties (excluding 90 days or more past due on accrual) .33% .43% .46% =============================================================================================================== (3) ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES Transactions in the allowance for possible loan losses were as follows: NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands) 1996 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, January 1 $132,415 $129,436 Provision charged to operating expenses - 83 Allowance of subsidiary purchased 2,126 - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 134,541 129,519 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loans charged off 21,784 12,054 Recoveries of loans previously charged off 15,468 11,370 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net charge-offs 6,316 684 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, September 30 $128,225 $128,835 =============================================================================================================== Allowance ratios were as follows: NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allowance end of period to net loans outstanding 1.95% 2.19% Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized) .13 .02 =============================================================================================================== 7 8 (4) ACQUISITIONS Effective July 1, 1996, First American National Bank ("FANB"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, purchased 96.2% of the stock of INVEST Financial Corporation ("INVEST") for $26.0 million in cash. Simultaneously, INVEST completed its acquisition of Investment Center Group, Inc., the parent of Investment Centers of America, in a transaction valued at approximately $5 million. Both transactions were accounted for as purchases. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of net assets (goodwill) acquired was $16.4 million. Preacquisition results of INVEST was immaterial. During the third quarter of 1996, FANB purchased an additional 2.1% of the stock of INVEST. Effective April 1, 1996, FANB purchased 49% of the stock of The SSI Group, Inc., a healthcare payments processing company, for $8.6 million. The transaction is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Effective March 11, 1996, the Corporation acquired First City Bancorp, Inc. ("First City") by exchanging approximately 1.1 million shares of First American Corporation common stock for all of the outstanding shares of First City. First City was a bank holding company headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and operated two Tennessee state chartered banks and a consumer finance company. First City had $366 million in assets, 11 banking offices, and nine consumer finance locations in the middle Tennessee area. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of net assets (goodwill) acquired was $32.2 million. Preacquisition results of First City was immaterial. Effective December 1, 1995, First American Corporation acquired Charter Federal Savings Bank ("Charter") by exchanging approximately 1.8 million shares of First American Corporation common stock for all of the outstanding shares of Charter, a federal savings bank headquartered in Bristol, Virginia, with $725 million of assets and 27 branches (eight in Knoxville, Tennessee, five in Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia; and 14 in other locations in southwestern Virginia). The transaction was accounted for as a purchase. Simultaneously with the acquisition, the name of Charter was changed to First American Federal Savings Bank ("FAFSB"). The Virginia branches of the Corporation are operated under this legal entity. Effective November 1, 1995, First American Corporation acquired Heritage Federal Bancshares, Inc. ("Heritage") by exchanging approximately 2.9 million shares of First American Corporation common stock for all of the outstanding shares of Heritage. Heritage was merged with and into the Corporation. Heritage was the holding company for Heritage Federal Bank for Savings, a federal savings bank which was merged into FANB and which had $526 million of assets and 13 offices primarily in the east Tennessee areas of Tri-Cities, Anderson County, and Roane County. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests, and accordingly, prior period information has been restated reflecting the combination. (5) ACCOUNTING MATTERS During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights--An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 65." SFAS No. 122 amends SFAS 65, "Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities," to require that rights to service mortgage loans for others be recognized as separate assets, however those servicing rights are acquired. An enterprise that acquires mortgage servicing rights through either the purchase or origination of mortgage loans and sells or securitizes those loans with servicing rights retained should allocate the total cost of the mortgage loans to the mortgage servicing rights and the loans (without the mortgage servicing rights) based on their relative fair value. SFAS No. 122 also requires that capitalized mortgage servicing rights be assessed for impairment based on the fair value of those rights. SFAS No. 122 was adopted by the Corporation on January 1, 1996, and applied prospectively to any transactions in which the Corporation sells or securitizes mortgage loans with servicing rights retained and to impairment evaluations of all amounts capitalized as mortgage servicing rights, including those purchased before the adoption of SFAS No. 122. During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, $752 thousand of mortgage servicing rights were capitalized and $33 thousand of amortization of mortgage servicing rights was recorded. As of September 30, 1996, the estimated fair value of capitalized mortgage servicing rights was $1 million. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 122, all transactions involving transfers of mortgage loans in which servicing rights have been retained have had cost allocated to mortgage servicing rights based on the requirements of SFAS No. 122. 8 9 The Corporation utilizes the positive cash flow method to estimate fair value of mortgage servicing rights, which is a method consistent with those of models used to calculate market quotes. Industry consensus prepayment, default, discount, and market delivery rates are utilized in the Corporation's fair value calculations. The Corporation amortizes the cost allocated to mortgage servicing rights in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. The risk characteristics of the underlying loans used to stratify capitalized mortgage servicing rights for purposes of measuring impairment are: type of loan (i.e., fixed rate, adjustable rate, loan guarantee, if any, etc.), loan-to-value ratio, and interest rate. During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, approximately $1 thousand was initially recorded as a valuation allowance for capitalized mortgage servicing rights. During 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." SFAS No. 123 establishes a new optional method of accounting for stock-based compensation based on calculations of fair value at grant date. Under this method, the fair value of a stock option is recognized as compensation expense over the service period (generally the vesting period). SFAS No. 123 requires that if a company continues to account for stock options under APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("Opinion 25"), it must provide proforma net income and earnings per share information "as if" the new fair value approach had been adopted. The recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 may be adopted upon issuance. The disclosure provisions are effective for years beginning after December 15, 1995; however, the proforma disclosures shall include the effects of all awards granted in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1994. The SFAS No. 123 disclosure provisions need not be applied to an interim report unless a complete set of financial statements is presented for that period. The Corporation will continue to account for stock- based compensation under Opinion 25. During 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities." SFAS No. 125 provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities based on consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. It distinguishes transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings. SFAS No. 125 is effective for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities occurring after December 31, 1996, and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS No. 125 is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. (6) EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Earnings per common share amounts are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each respective period. (7) COMMON STOCK The Corporation purchased 1.4 million shares of First American Corporation common stock in the open market during the first nine months of 1996 at a total cost of $62.7 million. Under Tennessee law, such shares are considered authorized but unissued. Accordingly, the Corporation reduced common stock and reflected the excess of the purchase price over par of such repurchased shares as a reduction from capital surplus. As of September 30, 1996, substantially all repurchased shares had been used to fund the acquisitions of Charter and First City and to fund employee benefit and dividend reinvestment plans. (8) LEGAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS The Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"), which insures deposits of thrift institutions, has been undercapitalized as a result of losses sustained by the S&L industry during the late 1980's and early 1990's. On September 30, 1996, legislation was enacted into law which requires a special one-time assessment at the rate of approximately 66 basis points per $100 of deposits on SAIF deposits held as of March 31, 1995, to capitalize the thrift fund up to the statutorily prescribed 1.25%. Consequently, effective January 1, 1997, the SAIF deposit insurance rate for well-capitalized institutions will drop to 0 basis points per $100 of deposits. The Corporation accrued a one-time charge of approximately $8.1 million ($5.0 million, net of tax) in the third quarter of 1996 for this special assessment. In addition, beginning January 1, 1997, the new law imposes a 1.3 basis point annual charge through 1999 on Bank Insurance Fund 9 10 ("BIF") deposits and a 6.4 basis point annual charge on SAIF deposits in order to pay interest on the debt incurred by the Financing Corporation, a corporation established by the Federal Housing Finance Board to issue stock and debt principally to assist in funding the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation ("FSLIC") Resolution Fund. For 1997, this annual charge is expected to be approximately $1.0 million, net of tax, based on deposits at September 30, 1996. Starting in the year 2000, until FSLIC Resolution funding is retired, banks and thrifts will pay such assessment on a pro rata basis (estimated to run approximately 2.5 basis points for BIF deposits and slightly higher for SAIF deposits). The Corporation and seven other financial institutions have been defendants in a class action lawsuit brought in the Circuit Court of Shelby County, Tennessee. The lawsuit alleges antitrust, unconscionability, usury, and contract claims arising out of the defendant's returned check charges. The asserted plaintiff class consists of depositors who have been charged returned check or overdraft fees. The plaintiffs are requesting compensatory and punitive damages of $25.0 million against each defendant. The antitrust, unconscionability, and usury claims were previously dismissed, and in December 1993, the Circuit Court granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment, dismissing the remaining claims. The plaintiffs appealed to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, which affirmed the Circuit Court's dismissal of the action. The plaintiffs then appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court. On November 4, 1996, the Tennessee Supreme Court affirmed the lower courts dismissal of the action. The plaintiffs have through November 14, 1996 to file a petition to rehear. Management believes the above suit is without merit and, based upon information currently known and on advice of counsel, that it will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. Following the adoption of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 ("FIRREA"), Charter (now FAFSB), brought an action against the OTS and FDIC seeking injunctive and other relief, contending that Congress' elimination of supervisory goodwill required rescission of certain supervisory transactions. The Federal District Court found in Charter's favor, but in 1992 the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed, and the U.S. Supreme Court denied Charter's petition for certiorari. In 1995, the Federal Circuit Court found in favor of another thrift institution in a similar case (Winstar Corp. v. United States) in which the association sought damages for breach of contract. Charter also filed suit against the United States Government ("Government") in the Court of Federal Claims based on breach of contract. The Government sought Supreme Court review of the Winstar decision and the Supreme Court granted the Government's petition. The Government agreed to stay FAFSB's action pending the Supreme Court's decision in the Winstar case. On July 1, 1996, the Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's decision in Winstar. The stay was automatically lifted, and FAFSB's suit is now proceeding. The value of FAFSB's claims against the Government, as well as their ultimate outcome, are contingent upon a number of factors, some of which are outside of FAFSB's control, and are highly uncertain as to substance, timing and the dollar amount of any damages which might be awarded should FAFSB finally prevail. Under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization as amended by and between FAFSB and the Corporation, in the event that FAFSB is successful in this litigation, the FAFSB shareholders as of December 1, 1995 will be entitled to receive additional consideration equal in value to 50% of any recovery, net of all taxes and certain other expenses, including the costs and expenses of such litigation, received on or before December 1, 2000 subject to certain limitations in the case of certain business combinations. Such additional consideration, if any, is payable in the common stock of the Corporation, based on the average per share closing price on the date of receipt by FAFSB of the last payment constituting a recovery from the Government. Also, there are from time to time other legal proceedings pending against the Corporation and its subsidiaries. In the opinion of management and counsel, liabilities, if any, arising from such proceedings presently pending would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation. 10 11 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements appearing within this report. Reference should also be made to First American Corporation's 1995 Annual Report for a complete discussion of factors that impact results of operations, liquidity, and capital. OVERVIEW Net income for the third quarter of 1996 was $27.4 million, or $.93 per share. During the quarter, First American accrued a one-time charge of approximately $8.1 million in non-interest expense ($5.0 million, net of tax, or $.17 per share) for a special FDIC assessment enacted into law on September 30, 1996, which required a one-time assessment at the rate of approximately 66 basis points per $100 of deposits on Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") deposits held by financial institutions as of March 31, 1995, to capitalize the thrift fund up to the statutorily prescribed 1.25%. In the third quarter of 1996, excluding this assessment, net income per share was $1.10, up 11% from the previous year, and return on average assets ("ROA") was 1.31% versus 1.27% in the previous year's third quarter and return on average equity ("ROE") was 15.30% compared to 15.79% in third quarter 1995. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, was $88.1 million, or $2.98 per share. Excluding the special FDIC assessment, net income per share for the first nine months was $3.15, up 13% from the previous year. In the nine months ended September 30, 1996, excluding the special FDIC assessment, ROA was 1.28% versus 1.26% in the previous year's first nine months and ROE was 15.15% compared to 15.18% in the same period in 1995. In October 1996, First American signed a definitive merger agreement for Hartsville Bancshares, Inc. ("Hartsville") to merge with First American in a transaction valued at approximately $13 million. Of the total First American shares to be exchanged in the transaction, 100% are expected to be repurchased in the open market. Hartsville has $100 million in assets and five branches in the Nashville area operating under the name CommunityFirst. The merger is expected to be completed late in the fourth quarter of 1996 or early 1997, subject to regulatory approval and a vote by Hartsville shareholders. The transaction will be accounted for as a purchase. Effective July 1, 1996, First American National Bank ("FANB"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First American, purchased 96.2% of the stock of INVEST Financial Corporation ("INVEST") for $26.0 million in cash. Simultaneously, INVEST completed its acquisition of Investment Center Group, Inc., the parent of Investment Centers of America, in a transaction valued at $5.0 million, which makes INVEST the nation's largest marketer of mutual funds, annuities, and other investment products sold through financial institutions. Both transactions were accounted for as purchases. During the third quarter of 1996, FANB purchased an additional 2.1% of the stock of INVEST. The impact of the INVEST acquisition increased non-interest income and non-interest expense by approximately $24 million each in the 1996 third quarter. Effective April 1, 1996, FANB purchased 49% of the stock of The SSI Group, Inc., a health care payments processing company, for $8.6 million. The transaction is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Effective March 11, 1996, First American acquired First City Bancorp, Inc. ("First City") by exchanging approximately 1.1 million shares of First American Corporation common stock for all of the outstanding shares of First City. First City was a bank holding company headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and operated two Tennessee state chartered banks and a consumer finance company. First City had $366 million in assets, 11 banking offices, and nine consumer finance locations in the middle Tennessee area. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase. Effective December 1, 1995, First American acquired Charter Federal Savings Bank ("Charter") by exchanging approximately 1.8 million shares of First American Corporation common stock for all of the outstanding shares of Charter, a federal savings bank headquartered in Bristol, Virginia, with $725 million of assets and 27 branches (eight in Knoxville, Tennessee, five in Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia; and 14 in other locations in southwestern Virginia). The transaction was accounted for as a purchase. Simultaneously with the acquisition, the name of Charter was changed to First American Federal Savings Bank ("FAFSB"). The Virginia branches of First American are operated under this legal entity. 11 12 Effective November 1, 1995, First American acquired Heritage Federal Bancshares, Inc. ("Heritage") by exchanging approximately 2.9 million shares of First American Corporation common stock for all of the outstanding shares of Heritage. Heritage was merged with and into First American. Heritage was the holding company for Heritage Federal Bank for Savings, a federal savings bank which was merged into FANB and which had $526 million of assets and 13 offices primarily in the east Tennessee areas of Tri-Cities, Anderson County, and Roane County. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests, and accordingly, prior period information has been restated to reflect the combination. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS NET INTEREST INCOME Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis represented 61% of total revenues in the third quarter of 1996 and 75% in the third quarter of 1995. For purposes of this discussion, total revenues consist of the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis in the third quarter of 1996 was $90.2 million, up $11.9 million, or 15%, from $78.3 million in the third quarter of 1995. Net interest income is the difference between total interest income earned on earning assets such as loans and securities and total interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits. Net interest income is affected by the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the corresponding interest yields and costs. Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis represented 68% of total revenues in the first nine months of 1996 and 75% during the same period last year. Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis in the nine months ended September 30, 1996 was $261.0 million, up $26.0 million, or 11%, from $235.0 million during the same period last year. Total interest income on a taxable equivalent basis amounted to $180.9 million for the third quarter of 1996, compared to $158.6 million for the third quarter of 1995, an increase of $22.3 million, or 14%. Of the $22.3 million increase in total interest income, $20.8 million resulted from an increase in the volume of earning assets (primarily loans and securities) and $1.5 million resulted from an increase in average yields. Average earning assets rose $1.05 billion, or 13%, to $9.07 billion. Average loans increased $844.7 million, or 15%, to $6.51 billion, average securities increased $167.4 million, or 7%, to $2.40 billion, and average money market investments increased $39.6 million to $152.7 million. Excluding the Charter and First City acquisitions, average loans for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, increased 5% over the same period last year. The average yield on earning assets increased 9 basis points to 7.94% from 7.85%, reflecting a generally higher interest rate environment in the third quarter of 1996 compared to the third quarter of 1995 for financial instruments with maturities of one year or longer. For example, the 1-year and 5-year treasury security yields averaged 5.78% and 6.54%, respectively, in the third quarter of 1996 compared to 5.65% and 6.08%, respectively, in the third quarter of 1995. Shorter-term external interest rates were generally lower than the third quarter of 1995. Because some of First American's earning assets (and interest-bearing liabilities) do not reprice immediately upon a change in external rates and because of other factors, such as competitive pressures, a change in external rates will not result in a change in the Company's average yields on earning assets (and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities) of the same magnitude or timing as the change in external rates. Total interest income on a taxable equivalent basis amounted to $528.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, compared to $458.3 million for the same time last year, an increase of $70.4 million, or 15%. Of the $70.4 million increase in total interest income, $72.4 million resulted from an increase in the volume of earning assets (primarily loans) which was partially offset by a $2.0 million decrease which resulted from a decrease in average yields. Average earning assets rose $1.22 billion, or 16%, to $8.95 billion. Average loans increased $1.04 billion, or 19%, to $6.49 billion, average securities increased $82.7 million, or 4%, to $2.27 billion, and average money market investments increased $96.2 million to $195.9 million. Excluding the Charter and First City acquisitions, average loans for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, increased 9% over the same period last year. The average yield on earning assets decreased 3 basis points to 7.89% from 7.92%, reflecting a generally lower interest rate environment in the first nine months of 1996 compared to the same time last year. For example, the national prime lending rate and 5-year treasury security yields averaged 8.28% and 6.19%, respectively, in the first nine months of 1996 compared to 8.87% and 6.63%, respectively, in the first nine months of 1995. 12 13 Total interest expense in the third quarter of 1996 increased $10.4 million, or 13%, to $90.7 million from the third quarter of 1995. Of the increase, $11.1 million resulted from an increase in the volume of interest-bearing liabilities which was partially offset by a $.7 million decrease which was due to lower average interest rates paid on interest-bearing funds. In the third quarter of 1996, average interest-bearing liabilities grew $931.5 million, or 14%, to $7.65 billion from $6.72 billion in the third quarter of 1995. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $696.3 million, or 13%, to $6.22 billion, average short-term borrowings rose $158.7 million, or 17%, to $1.09 billion, and average long-term debt increased $76.5 million, or 28%, to $346.5 million. Excluding the Charter and First City acquisitions, total interest-bearing deposits decreased 2%. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased three basis points to 4.71% from 4.74%. The three-basis point decrease in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities during a period in which short-term external interest rates generally declined by larger amounts on average (e.g., the federal funds rate averaged 5.31% in the third quarter of 1996 compared to 5.80% in the third quarter of 1995) reflected the use of derivatives, the fact that First American's fixed rate liabilities do not reprice immediately due to varying maturities, and the change in the mix of deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities away from demand deposits, NOW accounts, and regular savings toward funding sources with higher interest rates. Excluding the impact of derivatives, the average rates on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 24 basis points to 4.52% from 4.76%. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits represented 13.1% of average earning assets during the third quarter of 1996 compared to 13.9% during the third quarter of 1995. NOW accounts averaged 8.9% of average earning assets during the three months ended September 30, 1996, versus 9.8% during the same time last year and had average interest rates of 1.96% and 2.00%, respectively, during the third quarters of 1996 and 1995. Regular savings averaged 3.6% of earning assets during the third quarter of 1996 down from 4.8% during the previous year's third quarter and had average interest rates of 2.28% and 2.38%, respectively during the third quarters of 1996 and 1995. All other interest-bearing liabilities averaged 71.9% of average earning assets during the third quarter of 1996 compared to 69.3% during the same time last year and had average interest rates of 5.18% during the three months ended September 30, 1996, and 5.29% during the same time in the previous year. Total interest expense in the nine months ended September 30, 1996, increased $44.4 million, or 20%, to $267.6 million from the same time last year. Of the increase, $37.4 million resulted from an increase in the volume of interest-bearing liabilities and $7.0 million was due to higher average interest rates paid on interest-bearing funds. In the first nine months of 1996, average interest-bearing liabilities grew $1.08 billion, or 17%, to $7.55 billion from $6.46 billion in the first half of 1995. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $838.0 million, or 16%, to $6.15 billion, average short-term borrowings rose $150.2 million, or 17%, to $1.03 billion, and average long-term debt increased $93.7 million, or 35%, to $363.9 million. Excluding the Charter and First City acquisitions, total interest-bearing deposits increased 2%. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 12 basis points to 4.74% from 4.62%. The increase in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities during a period in which external interest rates declined on average (e.g., the federal funds rate averaged 5.30% in the first nine months of 1996 compared to 5.88% in the first nine months of 1995) reflected the use of derivatives, the fact that First American's fixed rate liabilities do not reprice immediately due to varying maturities, and the change in the mix of deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities away from demand deposits, NOW accounts, and regular savings toward funding sources with higher interest rates. Excluding the impact of derivatives, the average rates on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 12 basis points to 4.53% from 4.65%. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits represented 13.2% of average earning assets during the first nine months of 1996 compared to 14.2% during the same period last year. NOW accounts averaged 9.0% of average earning assets during the nine months ended September 30, 1996, versus 10.5% during the same time last year and had average interest rates of 1.96% and 2.01%, respectively, during the first nine months of 1996 and 1995. Regular savings averaged 3.9% of earning assets during the first nine months of 1996 down from 5.4% during the previous year and had average interest rates of 2.33% and 2.38%, respectively, during the first nine months of 1996 and 1995. All other interest-bearing liabilities averaged 71.4% of average earning assets during the first nine months of 1996 compared to 67.6% during the same time last year and had average interest rates of 5.22% during the nine months ended September 30, 1996, and 5.20% during the same time in the previous year. 13 14 Net interest income in the third quarter of 1996 increased primarily as a result of the increase in the volume of earning assets and an improved net interest spread. Net interest spread is the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. First American's net interest spread improved 12 basis points to 3.23% during the third quarter of 1996 from 3.11% for the third quarter of 1995. This increase was due to a nine basis point increase in yields on earning assets and a three basis point decrease in the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. As the net interest spread improved, the net interest margin, which is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, increased to 3.96% for the third quarter of 1996 as compared with 3.87% for the same quarter a year earlier. The primary factors leading to the improvement in the net interest margin were the increase in the volume of earning assets and the improvement in net interest spread. Net interest income in the nine months ended September 30, 1996, increased primarily as a result of the increase in the volume of earning assets partially offset by a lower net interest spread. First American's net interest spread declined 16 basis points to 3.15% during the first nine months of 1996 from 3.31% for the same time last year. This decline was due to a 12 basis point increase in the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities and a three basis point decrease in yields on earning assets. As the net interest spread declined, the net interest margin decreased to 3.89% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, as compared with 4.06% for the same period a year earlier. The primary factor leading to the decline in net interest margin was the change in the mix of deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities away from demand deposits, NOW accounts, and regular savings toward funding sources with higher interest rates. In addition to the other factors previously discussed, the competitive environment also put downward pressure on the net interest margin. PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES This topic is addressed under the caption "Allowance and Provision for Possible Loan Losses." NON-INTEREST INCOME Total non-interest income was $57.7 million for the third quarter of 1996 compared with $26.6 million for the third quarter of 1995, an increase of $31.1 million, or 117%. Non-interest income represented 39% of total revenues in the third quarter of 1996 and 25% during the same time last year. The increase in non-interest income from the third quarter of 1995 included a $23.9 million increase in investment services income, a $2.7 million, or 23%, increase in service charges on deposit accounts, a $3.6 million, or 53%, increase in other income, and a $.7 million increase in trading account revenue. Of the total $23.9 million improvement in investment services income over the third quarter of 1995, $23.4 million resulted from the acquisition of INVEST and the remainder resulted principally from growth in retail brokerage commissions related to mutual funds and annuities sales and institutional brokerage commissions on various types of securities transactions. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts resulted primarily from a greater number of deposit accounts and related activities for commercial and retail deposits. The average number of retail deposit accounts increased 12% and the average number of commercial deposit accounts increased 10% from third quarter 1995 to the current quarter. Other income in the third quarter of 1996 included a $1.4 million increase in income and fees related to selling and servicing residential mortgage loans, a $.9 million increase in ATM surcharge and network transaction fees, a $.4 million increase in interchange fees from the Check Card, and a $.9 million net increase in the various other classifications within other income. Excluding INVEST, non-interest income increased $7.2 million, or 27%. Excluding INVEST and the Charter and First City acquisitions, non-interest income increased 22% from the third quarter of 1995 to the current quarter. Total non-interest income was $121.2 million for the first nine months of 1996 compared with $76.6 million for the same time last year, an increase of $44.6 million, or 58%. Non-interest income represented 32% of total revenues in the first nine months of 1996 and 25% during the same time last year. The increase from the first nine months of 1995 included a $26.1 million increase in investment services income, a $7.8 million, or 22%, increase in service charges on deposit accounts, and an $8.0 million, or 43%, increase in other income. Of the total $26.1 million improvement in investment services income over the first nine months of 1995, $23.4 million resulted from the acquisition of INVEST and the remainder resulted principally from growth in retail brokerage commissions related to mutual funds and annuities 14 15 sales and institutional brokerage commissions on various types of securities transactions. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts resulted primarily from a greater number of deposit accounts and related activities for commercial and retail deposits. The average number of retail deposit accounts increased 15% and the average number of commercial deposit accounts increased 10% from the nine months ended September 30, 1995 to the current period. Other income in the first nine months of 1996 included a $2.7 million increase in income and fees related to selling and servicing residential mortgage loans, a $1.2 million increase in interchange fees from the Check Card, a $1.2 million increase in ATM surcharge and network transaction fees, and a $2.9 million net increase in the various other classifications within other income. Excluding INVEST, non-interest income increased $20.7 million, or 27%. Excluding INVEST and the Charter and First City acquisitions, non-interest income increased 23% from the nine months ended September 30, 1995. NON-INTEREST EXPENSE Total non-interest expense increased $43.0 million, or 71%, to $103.2 million for the third quarter of 1996 compared with $60.2 million for the same period in 1995. The increase in non-interest expense included a $17.4 million increase in subscribers' commissions related to INVEST's brokerage activities, an $8.9 million increase in FDIC insurance, an $8.7 million, or 25% increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $3.1 million, or 44%, increase in other expenses, a $1.6 million, or 76%, increase in marketing expense, a $1.6 million, or 30%, increase in net occupancy expense, and a $1.3 million, or 50%, increase in systems and processing expense. Of the $8.9 million increase in FDIC insurance, $8.1 million related to legislation which was enacted into law on September 30, 1996, which requires a special one-time assessment at the rate of approximately 66 basis points per $100 of deposits on SAIF deposits held as of March 31, 1995, to capitalize the thrift fund up to the statutorily prescribed 1.25%. Consequently, effective January 1, 1997, the normal SAIF deposit insurance rate for well-capitalized institutions will drop to 0 basis points per $100 of deposits. The legislation also requires that beginning January 1, 1997, a separate 1.3 basis point annual charge will be assessed through 1999 on Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") deposits and a 6.4 basis point annual charge will be assessed on SAIF deposits in order to pay interest on the debt incurred by the Financing Corporation, a corporation established by the Federal Housing Finance Board to issue stock and debt principally to assist in funding the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation ("FSLIC") Resolution Fund. For 1997, this annual charge for First American is expected to be approximately $1.0 million, net of tax, based on deposits at September 30, 1996. Starting in the year 2000, until FSLIC Resolution funding is retired, banks and thrifts will pay such assessment on a pro rata basis (estimated to run approximately 2.5 basis points for BIF and slightly higher for SAIF deposits). Salaries and employee benefits increased $8.7 million, or 25%, from the same period in 1995 principally due to merit increases and additional employees resulting primarily from acquisitions. From September 30, 1995, to September 30, 1996, the number of full-time equivalent employees increased 18% related primarily to the Charter, First City, and INVEST acquisitions. Other expenses increased $3.1 million from the previous year's third quarter primarily due to a $1.6 million increase in amortization of intangibles related to the Charter, First City, and INVEST acquisitions. Marketing expenses increased $1.6 million from the third quarter of 1995 due primarily to media and direct mail advertising in new and existing markets related principally to consumer and small business deposit and loan products. Net occupancy expense grew $1.6 million primarily due to higher rent and other occupancy-related expenses due to the Charter, First City, and INVEST acquisitions. Systems and processing expense increased $1.3 million over last year's third quarter primarily due to higher processing volumes related to the recent acquisitions and various projects to enhance systems. Of the total $43.0 million increase in non-interest expense, $24.0 million was associated with INVEST. Excluding INVEST, non-interest expense increased $19.0 million, or 32%. First American's operating efficiency ratio (non-interest expense as a percentage of the sum of net interest income, on a fully taxable basis, and non-interest income) excluding INVEST and the special FDIC assessment, improved to 57.28% in the third quarter of 1996, compared to 57.48% the third quarter of 1995. Non-interest expense excluding INVEST, the special FDIC assessment, and the Charter and First City acquisitions increased 8%. 15 16 Total non-interest expense increased $53.0 million, or 29%, to $237.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, compared with $184.3 million for the same period in 1995. The increase in non-interest expense included a $17.4 million increase in subscribers' commissions, a $15.0 million, or 14%, increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $5.8 million, or 29%, increase in other expenses, a $4.0 million, or 59%, increase in marketing expense, a $3.4 million increase in FDIC insurance, $2.6 million, or 16% increase in net occupancy expense, and a $2.1 million, or 24%, increase in systems and processing expense. Salaries and employee benefits increased $15.0 million from the same period in 1995 principally due to additional employees resulting primarily from acquisitions and due to merit increases. Other expenses increased $5.8 million from the previous year's first nine months primarily due to a $4.0 million increase in amortization of intangibles related to the Charter, First City, and INVEST acquisitions. Marketing expenses increased $4.0 million from the first nine months of 1995 primarily due to media and direct mail advertising in new and existing markets related principally to consumer and small business deposit and loan products. FDIC insurance expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, was $3.4 million higher than the same time last year because year-to-date 1996 included an $8.1 million special assessment while the annual assessment rate on the majority of the Company's deposits during the first five months of 1995 was significantly higher than in 1996. Net occupancy expense grew $2.6 million primarily due to higher rent and other occupancy-related expenses due to the Charter, First City, and INVEST acquisitions. Systems and processing expense increased $2.1 million over last year's first nine months primarily due to higher processing volumes related to recent acquisitions and various projects to enhance systems. Of the total $53.0 million increase in non-interest expense, $24.0 million was associated with INVEST. Excluding INVEST, non-interest expense increased $29.1 million, or 16% First American's operating efficiency ratio, excluding INVEST and the special FDIC assessment, improved to 57.26% in the first nine months of 1996, compared to 59.13% in the first nine months of 1995. Non-interest expense, excluding INVEST, the special FDIC assessment, and the Charter and First City acquisitions, increased 2%. INCOME TAXES During the third quarters of 1996 and 1995, income tax expense was $16.4 million and $16.1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, income tax expense was $54.1 million and $46.0 million, respectively. The major factor for the increases in income tax expense was the higher income before income taxes. ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT First American has utilized off-balance-sheet derivative products for a number of years in managing its interest rate sensitivity. The use of non-complex, non-leveraged derivative products has reduced the Company's exposure to changes in the interest rate environment. By using derivative products such as interest rate swaps and futures contracts to alter the nature of (hedge) specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet (for example to change a variable to a fixed rate obligation), the derivative product offsets fluctuations in net interest income from the otherwise unhedged position. In other words, if net interest income from the otherwise unhedged position changes (increases or decreases) by a given amount, the derivative product should produce close to the opposite result, making the combined amount (otherwise unhedged position impact plus the derivative product position impact) essentially unchanged. Derivative products have enabled First American to improve its balance between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities by managing interest rate sensitivity, while continuing to meet the lending and deposit needs of its customers. In conjunction with managing interest rate sensitivity, at September 30, 1996, First American had derivatives with notional values totaling $1.3 billion. These derivatives had a net positive fair value (unrealized net pre-tax gain) of $5.6 million. Notional amounts are key elements of derivative financial instrument agreements. However, notional amounts do not represent the amounts exchanged by the parties to derivatives and do not measure First American's exposure to credit or market risks. The amounts exchanged are based on the notional amounts and the other terms of the underlying derivative agreements. At September 30, 1995, First American had derivatives with notional values totaling $1.49 billion. These derivatives had a net negative fair value (unrealized pre-tax loss) of $12.0 million at 16 17 September 30, 1995. The instruments utilized are noted in the following table along with their notional amounts and fair values at September 30, 1996 and 1995. Weighted Average Weighted Average Rate Maturity Related Variable Rate Notional --------------------- -------- Fair (in thousands) Asset/Liability Amount Paid Received Years Value - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 Interest rate swaps Money market deposits $ 600,000 5.77% (1) 5.58% (2) 1.5 $ 4,013 Interest rate swaps Loans 300,000 5.59 (3) 6.80 (1) 4.8 3,644 Forward interest rate Available for sale swaps securities 200,000 7.11 (4) N/A (4) 3.8 (2,025) Forward interest rate swaps Money market deposits 200,000 6.54 (5) N/A (5) 1.8 (63) ---------- -------- $1,300,000 $ 5,569 ========================================================================================================================= September 30, 1995 Interest rate swaps Money market deposits $ 500,000 5.99% (1) 5.92% (2) 1.7 $314 Interest rate swaps Long-term debt 200,000 7.11 (1) 5.86 (3) 1.0 (2,699) Forward interest rate swaps Money market deposits 650,000 7.81 (6) N/A (6) 1.1 (8,857) Futures contracts (7) Money market deposits 140,000 N/A N/A 1.1 (729) ---------- -------- $1,490,000 $(11,971) ========================================================================================================================= (1) Fixed rate. (2) Variable rate which reprices quarterly based on 3-month LIBOR except for $25 million which reprices every 6 months based on 6-month LIBOR. (3) Variable rate which reprices quarterly based on 3-month LIBOR. (4) Forward swap periods to begin in May 1997 for $50 million, June 1997 for $50 million and July 1997 for $100 million. The rates to be paid are fixed and were set at the inception of the contracts. Variable rates to be received are based on 3-month LIBOR but were unknown at September 30, 1996, since the forward swap periods had not yet begun. (5) Forward swap periods to begin in May 1997 for $100 million and September 1997 for $100 million. The rates to be paid are fixed and were set at the inception of the contracts. Variable rates to be received are based on 3-month LIBOR but were unknown at September 30, 1996, since the forward swap period had not yet begun. (6) Forward swap periods began in June 1995 for $200 million and December 1995 for $450 million. The rates to be paid were fixed and were set at the inception of the contracts. Variable rates received were based on 3-month LIBOR and were 5.87% for the contracts which began in June 1995 but were unknown at September 30, 1995 for the December 1995 contracts since the forward swap periods on those contracts had not yet begun. (7) Represents $140 million short position of Eurodollar futures contracts which in aggregate simulates a $35 million 2-year interest rate swap. As First American's individual derivative contracts approach maturity, they may be terminated and replaced with derivatives with longer maturities which offer more interest rate risk protection. At September 30, 1996, there were $1.4 million of deferred net gains related to terminated derivatives contracts, and there were $10.1 million of deferred net gains at September 30, 1995. Deferred gains and losses on off-balance-sheet derivative activities are recognized as interest income or interest expense over the original covered periods. Net interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, was decreased by derivative products expense of $2.5 million. Net interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 1995, was increased by $.8 million derivative products income. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, was decreased by derivative products expense of $9.3 million. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 1995, was increased by $3.3 million derivative products income. Credit risk exposure due to off-balance-sheet hedging is closely monitored, and counterparts to these contracts are selected on the basis of their credit worthiness, as well as their market-making ability. As of September 30, 1996, all outstanding derivative transactions were with counterparts with credit ratings of A-2 or better. Enforceable bilateral netting contracts between First American and its counterparts allow for the netting of gains and losses in determining net credit exposure. First American's net credit exposure on outstanding derivatives was $5.9 million on September 30, 1996. Given the credit standing of the counterparts to the derivative contracts, Management believes that this credit exposure is reasonable in light of its objectives. 17 18 FINANCIAL CONDITION ASSETS Total assets of First American rose $1.06 billion, or 12%, to $10.0 billion at September 30, 1996, compared to $8.97 billion one year earlier. The growth in total assets was primarily due to the $707.3 million, or 12%, increase in loans, net of unearned discount and net deferred loan fees, to $6.58 billion at September 30, 1996, from $5.87 billion at September 30, 1995. Leading the growth in loans were consumer amortizing mortgages, which increased $249.0 million, or 16%, commercial loans, which increased $239.6 million, or 9%, over a broad range of industry categories, and other consumer loans, which increased $167.6 million, or 14%. The increase in loans reflects the Charter and First City acquisitions, positive economic conditions in Tennessee and selected markets in adjacent states, and the success of First American's sales efforts and marketing programs. Excluding the Charter and First City acquisitions, loans grew $129.0 million, or 2%, from September 30, 1995, to September 30, 1996. Also contributing to total asset growth were increases in investment securities ($87.5 million), cash ($81.2 million), and trading securities ($62.0 million). Excluding the Charter and First City acquisitions, total assets decreased $116.1 million, or 1%, from September 30, 1995, to September 30, 1996. Total assets increased $346.7 million from $9.68 billion at December 31, 1995, to $10.0 billion at September 30, 1996. The growth in total assets from December 31, 1995, to September 30, 1996, was primarily due to the $154.8 million increase in loans, net of unearned discount and net deferred loan fees, and the $250.6 million increase in securities partially offset by the $180.3 million decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell. Leading the growth in loans were commercial loans, which increased $128.3 million and other consumer loans, which increased $43.2 million, while other categories of loans had modest decreases. Excluding the First City acquisition, total loans decreased $18.7 million and total assets decreased $51.3 million from December 31, 1995, to September 30, 1996. During July 1996, approximately $92 million of mortgage loans were securitized and sold with the mortgage servicing rights retained by First American. The transaction resulted in a gain in the amount of approximately $1.0 million. ALLOWANCE AND PROVISION FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES Management's policy is to maintain the allowance for possible loan losses at a level which is adequate to absorb estimated loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The provision for loan losses is a charge (credit) to earnings necessary, after loan charge-offs and recoveries, to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level. Determining the appropriate level of the allowance and the amount of the provision for loan losses involves uncertainties and matters of judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. In order to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level, First American's loan loss methodology produced no provision for loan losses during the third quarter of 1996 nor during the first nine months of 1996. The provisions for loan losses of $24 thousand in the third quarter of 1995 and $83 thousand in the first nine months of 1995 were recorded by Heritage prior to its merger with First American. The primary factors leading to no provision for loan losses in the nine months ended September 30, 1996, were the continued favorable levels of asset quality as discussed under the caption "Asset Quality" and relatively low net loan charge-off experience. In the third quarter of 1996 there were net charge-offs of $5.3 million which compared to net charge-offs of $.1 million in the third quarter of 1995. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans on an annualized basis amounted to .33% and .01%, respectively, in the third quarters of 1996 and 1995. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, net charge-offs were $6.3 million and $.7 million, respectively, and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans on an annualized basis amounted to .13% and .02%, respectively. The allowance for possible loan losses was $128.2 million at September 30, 1996, $128.8 million at September 30, 1995, and $132.4 million at December 31, 1995. The allowance for possible loan losses represented 1.95% and 2.19% of net loans at September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and 2.06% at December 31, 1995. 18 19 ASSET QUALITY First American's nonperforming assets (excluding loans 90 days past due on accrual status) were $22.0 million at September 30, 1996, $25.4 million at September 30, 1995, and $29.4 million at December 31, 1995. Nonperforming assets (excluding loans 90 days past due on accrual status) at September 30, 1996, represented .33% of total loans and foreclosed properties, compared to .43% at September 30, 1995, and .46% at December 31, 1995. At September 30, 1996, nonperforming assets were comprised of $14.1 million of non-accrual loans and $7.9 million of foreclosed properties. Other potential problem loans consist of loans that are currently not considered nonperforming but on which information about possible credit problems has caused Management to doubt the ability of the borrowers to comply fully with present repayment terms. At September 30, 1996, such loans totaled approximately $76 million compared with approximately $48 million of such loans at September 30, 1995, and $67 million at December 31, 1995. Depending on the economy and other factors, these loans and others, which may not be presently identified, could become nonperforming assets in the future. LIABILITIES Total deposits were $7.55 billion at September 30, 1996, an increase of $823.0 million, or 12%, from $6.73 billion a year earlier. Excluding the Charter and First City acquisitions, total deposits decreased $18.1 million, or .3%, from September 30, 1995, to September 30, 1996. Core deposits, which are defined as total deposits excluding certificates of deposit $100,000 and over and foreign deposits, totaled $6.74 billion at September 30, 1996, and $5.93 billion at September 30, 1995. Short-term borrowings increased $80.2 million, or 7%, to $1.15 billion at September 30, 1996, from $1.07 billion at September 30, 1995. Long-term debt increased $62.3 million from September 30, 1995, to $340.5 million at September 30, 1996, primarily due to the $144.2 million increase in long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 1995 partially offset by the repayment of $55.5 million of variable rate and $25.9 million of fixed rate borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") in the first nine months of 1996. Total deposits increased $169.4 million from December 31, 1995, to September 30, 1996. Excluding the First City acquisition, total deposits decreased $157.8 million during the same time frame. Core deposits increased $249.4 million, short-term borrowings increased $215.0 million, and long-term debt decreased $81.3 million from December 31, 1995, to September 30, 1996. The decrease in long-term debt resulted principally from the repayment of $55.5 million of variable rate and $25.9 million of fixed rate borrowings from the FHLB. CAPITAL POSITION Total shareholders' equity was $838.0 million, or 8.36% of total assets at September 30, 1996, $694.1 million, or 7.74% of total assets, at September 30, 1995, and $795.5 million, or 8.22% of total assets at December 31, 1995. Book value per share was $28.35 on September 30, 1996, $25.12 per share on September 30, 1995, and $26.93 per share on December 31, 1995. Total shareholders' equity increased $42.5 million from December 31, 1995, principally from $61.6 million of earnings retention ($88.1 million of net income less $26.5 million of dividends). Partially offsetting the above increase in shareholders' equity was the $14.2 million change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of tax, and the net repurchase of $6.0 million of common stock. In the third quarter of 1996, First American declared cash dividends on its common stock of $.31 per share compared to $.28 per share in the third quarter of 1995, an 11% increase. The dividend payout ratio was 33% in the third quarter of 1996 compared to 28% in the third quarter of 1995. Cash dividends for the first nine months of 1996 were $.90 versus $.78 in the first nine months of 1995, a 15% increase. The dividend payout ratios for the nine month ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, were 30% and 28%, respectively. The Federal Reserve Board and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regulations require that bank holding companies and national banks maintain minimum capital ratios. As of September 30, 1996, the Company and its principal bank subsidiary, First American National Bank (FANB), had ratios which exceeded the regulatory requirements to be classified as "well capitalized," the highest regulatory capital rating. At September 30, 1996, the Company and FANB, respectively, had total risk-based capital ratios of 12.21% and 11.54%, Tier I risk-based capital ratios of 9.66% and 10.29%, and Tier I leverage 19 20 capital ratios of 7.61% and 8.28%. In order to be considered well capitalized, the total risk-based capital ratio must be a minimum of 10%, the Tier I risk-based capital ratio must equal or exceed 6%, and the Tier I leverage capital ratio must be 5% or greater. FAFSB is subject to capital requirements adopted by the OTS, which are similar to those issued by the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC. As of September 30, 1996, FAFSB had ratios which exceeded the regulatory requirements to be classified as "well capitalized". LIQUIDITY Liquidity management consists of maintaining sufficient cash levels to fund operations and to meet the requirements of borrowers, depositors, and creditors. Liquid assets, which include cash and cash equivalents (less Federal Reserve Bank reserve requirements), money market instruments, and securities that will mature within one year, amounted to $943.0 million and $745.3 million at September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The estimated average maturity of securities was 5.3 years and 4.3 years at September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The average repricing life of the total securities portfolio was 2.2 years and 2.0 years at September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The overall liquidity position of First American is further enhanced by a high proportion of core deposits, which provide a stable funding base. Core deposits comprised 89% of total deposits at September 30, 1996, versus 88% at September 30, 1995. 20 21 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings The information called for by this item is incorporated by reference to Item 3 of the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and Note 8 to the Corporation's Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended September 30, 1996 included herein. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits Number Description 3.1 Restated Charter (previously filed as Exhibit 1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1991, and incorporated herein by reference). 3.2 By-Laws of the Registrant currently in effect as amended January 18, 1996, is incorporated by reference to Item 14 of the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. 11 Statement regarding computation of per share earnings is included in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended September 30, 1996. See Part 1, Item 1. 15 Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, dated October 17, 1996. 27 Financial Data Schedule for interim year-to-date period ended September 30, 1996. (For SEC use only) (b) Reports on Form 8-K No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended September 30, 1996. 21 22 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. FIRST AMERICAN CORPORATION --------------------------- (Registrant) /s/ Martin E. Simmons ------------------------------------------- Martin E. Simmons Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Principal Financial Officer Date: November 12, 1996 -------------------------------------- 22