HOPFED BANCORP, INC

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

Commission file number 000-23667

HOPFED BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   61-1322555

(State of jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2700 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Hopkinsville, KY   42240
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (270) 885-1171.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  ¨    No   x.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  ¨    No  x.

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 by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (subsection 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Large accelerated filer   ¨                 Accelerated filer   ¨                 Non-accelerated filer   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  ¨    No  x

The registrant’s voting stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the price ($15.71 per share) at which the stock was sold on June 30, 2005, was approximately $53,801,770. For purposes of this calculation, the term “affiliate” refers to all executive officers and directors of the registrant and all stockholders beneficially owning more than 10% of the registrant’s Common Stock.

As of the close of business on March 15, 2006, 3,649,078 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

Part II: Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Part III: Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 



PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

In February 1998, HopFed Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) issued and sold 4,033,625 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), in connection with the conversion of Hopkinsville Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”) from a federal mutual savings bank to a federal stock savings bank and the issuance of the Bank’s capital stock to the Company. The conversion of the Bank, the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank by the Company and the issuance and sale of the Common Stock are collectively referred to herein as the “Conversion.” In February 2001, the Bank changed its name to Hopkinsville Federal Bank. On May 14, 2002, the Bank changed its name to Heritage Bank.

HopFed Bancorp, Inc.

HopFed Bancorp, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in May 1997 at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the purpose of serving as a savings and loan holding company of the Bank upon the acquisition of all of the capital stock issued by the Bank in the Conversion. The Company’s assets primarily consist of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank. The Company’s principal business is overseeing the business of the Bank. The Company has registered with the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) as a savings and loan holding company. See “Regulation – Regulation of the Company.”

As a holding company, the Company has greater flexibility than the Bank to diversify its business activities through existing or newly formed subsidiaries or through acquisition or merger with other financial institutions, although the Company currently does not have any plans, agreements, arrangements or understandings with respect to any such acquisitions or mergers. The Company is classified as a unitary savings and loan holding company and is subject to regulation by the OTS. The Company’s executive offices are located at 2700 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240, and its main telephone number is (270) 885-1171.

Heritage Bank

The Bank is a federally chartered stock savings bank headquartered in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, with branch offices in Hopkinsville, Murray, Cadiz, Elkton, Fulton, Calvert City and Benton, Kentucky. The Bank was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1879 under the name Hopkinsville Building and Loan Association. In 1940, the Bank converted to a federal mutual savings association and received federal insurance of its deposit accounts. In 1983, the Bank became a federal mutual savings bank. On May 14, 2002, the Bank changed its name from Hopkinsville Federal Bank to Heritage Bank. The primary market area of the Bank consists of the adjacent counties of Calloway, Christian, Todd, Trigg, Fulton, and Marshall located in southwestern Kentucky and Obion & Weakley counties located in northwestern Tennessee. The Bank has a loan production office in Clarksville, Tennessee.

The business of the Bank primarily consists of attracting deposits from the general public and investing such deposits in loans secured by single family residential real estate and investment securities, including U.S. Government and agency securities, municipal and corporate bonds, collateralized mortgages obligations (CMO’s), and mortgage-backed securities. The Bank also originates single-family residential/construction loans and multi-family and commercial real estate loans, as well as loans secured by deposits, other consumer loans and commercial loans. The Bank emphasizes the origination of residential real estate loans with adjustable interest rates and other assets which are responsive to changes in interest rates and allow the Bank to more closely match the interest rate maturation of its assets and liabilities.


Growth Opportunities

Christian County is the Company’s headquarters and its largest market. Christian County growth has been strong, both in commercial lending and demand deposit accounts. In 2004, Management announced plans to expand into the fast growing southern section of Hopkinsville, the county seat of Christian County. Construction on the new building commenced in the spring of 2005 with a projected completion date of June 2006. The facility will be a full service retail location as well as the future administrative home of the Company. The Company believes that long-term growth prospects in Christian County meet or exceed those of the Company’s other current markets due to the overall size of the market.

The following chart outlines the Bank’s market share in its four largest markets individually and its entire market overall at June 30, 2002, June 30, 2003, June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2005 according to information provided by the FDIC Market Share Report:

 

     At June 30  
     2002     2003     2004     2005  

Calloway

   8.4 %   11.8 %   11.8 %   12.1 %

Christian

   16.1 %   19.7 %   17.8 %   20.7 %

Fulton

   49.7 %(a)   51.9 %   55.0 %   53.4 %

Marshall

   3.8 %   7.5 %   8.9 %   9.4 %

Overall

   10.7 %(b)   18.5 %   18.9 %   19.8 %

 

(a) Represents the market share reported by Old National Bank in Fulton County, Kentucky. These deposits were purchased by Heritage Bank in September 2002.

 

(b) The combined market share of Heritage Bank and Old National Bank’s Fulton County Office at June 30, 2002 would have been 15.4%.

The majority of the Bank’s markets continue to provide growth opportunities for both loans and deposits, as customers are dissatisfied with national and regional banks that have entered the market via acquisitions as well as economic growth in the Bank’s higher growth markets. The Bank’s new internet banking web site with free bill pay, www.bankwithheritage.com, has been a huge success with approximately 2,400 customers participating.

While there is ample opportunities for the Company to grow in its current markets, the Company may have the opportunity to expand into new markets by either branch acquisitions, the purchase of community banks, or new branches. These opportunities may present themselves as larger banks may decide to exit markets in Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee and Western Tennessee. Management will continue to evaluate these opportunities when they become available and pursue those opportunities that fit into the business plan of the Company. Management anticipates that recent growth trends will continue as the Company seeks opportunities in new markets and improves its market share in existing markets.

On January 31, 2005, the Bank completed the purchase of a tract of land on the north side of Clarksville, Tennessee with plans to construct a retail banking facility on the site. Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, Tennessee. Montgomery County has a population of approximately 135,000 (Source: 2000 Census) and is approximately 20 minutes south of the Company’s headquarters. Hopkinsville and Clarksville are becoming more of a homogeneous community and both communities are included in the Clarksville Metropolitan Statistical Area (“MSA”) . In early 2006, the Bank established 11 ATM locations in Montgomery County to further enhance its visability in this important market.

The current growth prospects in Clarksville appear to exceed the prospects in any of the Company’s current markets due to several factors, including its proximity to the Fort Campbell Military Reservation, home of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and their approximate 30,000 active duty troops, a diverse retail and industrial base, and the absence of a state income tax. Demographics in Montgomery County appear more conducive to growth, with a younger population and a higher household income than any market currently served by the Company. Montgomery County is approximately 50 miles north of Nashville, the Tennessee state capital with a MSA population of approximately 1.2 million. A growing housing market in Montgomery County is fueled by both

 

2


an increase in troops stationed at Fort Campbell and by individuals working in Nashville seeking lower cost housing within a reasonable commute of Nashville.

Available Information

The Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments thereto, are available on the Company’s website as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Copies can be obtained free of charge in the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at www.bankwithheritage.com.

Stock Repurchases

On September 20, 2000, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of up to 200,000 shares of its common stock. The stock repurchase program was completed in February 2001. On March 26, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of an additional 300,000 shares. The purchases are being made from time to time on the NASDAQ Stock Market at prices prevailing on that market or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion, depending on market conditions, price of the Company’s common stock, corporate cash requirements and other factors. As of March 15, 2006, 208,909 shares of common stock had been repurchased. The Company did not repurchase any stock in 2005.

Lending Activities

General. The total gross loan portfolio totaled $401.3 million at December 31, 2005, representing 62.8% of total assets at that date. Substantially all loans are originated in the Bank’s market area. At December 31, 2005, $211.6 million, or 52.7% of the loan portfolio, consisted of one-to-four family, residential mortgage loans. Other loans secured by real estate include non-residential real estate loans, which amounted to $ 102.7 million, or 25.6% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2005, and multi-family residential loans, which were $ 6.6 million, or 1.7% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2005, construction loans were $ 16.6 million, or 4.1% of the loan portfolio, and total consumer and commercial loans totaled $ 63.9 million, or 15.9% of the loan portfolio.

Analysis of Loan Portfolio. Set forth below is selected data relating to the composition of the loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated. At December 31, 2005, there were no concentrations of loans exceeding 10% of total loans other than as disclosed below.

 

     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Type of Loan:

                         

Real estate loans:

                         

One-to-four family residential

   $ 211,564    52.7 %   $ 207,252    57.6 %   $ 191,015    56.6 %   $ 171,453    58.4 %   $ 111,768    65.0 %

Multi-family residential

     6,613    1.7 %     6,520    1.8 %     6,254    1.9 %     4,547    1.6 %     2,448    1.4 %

Construction

     16,592    4.1 %     2,698    0.7 %     3,544    1.1 %     1,757    0.6 %     5,617    3.3 %

Non-residential (1)

     102,676    25.6 %     40,231    11.2 %     39,615    11.7 %     32,368    11.0 %     18,445    10.7 %
                                                                 

Total real estate loans

     337,445    84.1 %     256,701    71.3 %     240,428    71.3 %     210,125    71.6 %     138,278    80.4 %
                                                                 

Other loans:

                         

Secured by deposits

     3,282    0.8 %     3,121    0.9 %     3,062    0.9 %     3,003    1.0 %     2,191    1.3 %

Other consumer loans

     23,642    5.9 %     33,287    9.2 %     43,147    12.8 %     44,238    15.1 %     16,455    9.6 %

Commercial loans

     36,945    9.2 %     66,989    18.6 %     50,679    15.0 %     36,184    12.3 %     14,943    8.7 %
                                                                 

Total other loans

     63,869    15.9 %     103,397    28.7 %     96,888    28.7 %     83,425    28.4 %     33,589    19.6 %
                                                                 
     401,314    100.0 %     360,098    100.0 %     337,316    100.0 %     293,550    100.0 %     171,867    100.0 %
                                             

Loans held for sale

     —          —          —          —          928   

Allowance for loan losses

     4,004        3,273        2,576        1,455        923   
                                             

Total

   $ 397,310      $ 356,825      $ 334,740      $ 292,095      $ 170,016   
                                             

(1) Consists of loans secured by first liens on residential lots and loans secured by first mortgages on commercial real property and land.

 

3


Loan Maturity Schedule. The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2005 regarding the dollar amount of loans maturing in the portfolio based on their contractual maturity dates. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less.

 

    

Due during the year ending

December 31,

  

Due after

3 through 5
years after

December 31,

2006

  

Due after 5
through 10
years after
December 31,

2006

  

Due after 10
through 15
years after
December 31,

2006

  

Due after 15
years after
December 31,

2006

  

Total

     2006    2007    2008               
     (In thousands)

One-to-four family residential

   $ 6,050    $ 2,178    $ 1,865    $ 4,916    $ 41,317    $ 39,703    $ 115,535    $ 211,564

Multi-family residential

     15      2      72      958      558      2,936      2,072      6,613

Construction

     2,335      266      —        216      913      2,598      10,264      16,592

Non-residential

     13,340      6,904      10,862      4,131      28,331      18,656      20,452      102,676

Other

     18,217      11,913      10,485      12,316      7,385      2,581      972      63,869
                                                       

Total

   $ 39,957    $ 21,263    $ 23,284    $ 22,537    $ 78,504    $ 66,474    $ 149,295    $ 401,314
                                                       

The following table sets forth at December 31, 2005, the dollar amount of all loans due after December 31, 2006 which had predetermined interest rates and have floating or adjustable interest rates.

 

     Predetermined
Rate
   Floating or
Adjustable Rate
     (In thousands)

One-to-four family residential

   $ 35,179    $ 170,335

Multi-family residential

     1,450      5,148

Construction

     1,415      12,842

Non-residential

     19,431      69,905

Other

     30,735      14,917
             

Total

   $ 88,210    $ 273,147
             

Scheduled contractual principal repayments of loans do not reflect the actual life of such assets. The average life of loans is substantially less than their contractual terms because of prepayments. In addition, due-on-sale clauses on loans generally give the lender the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event, among other things, that the borrower sells the real property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid. The average life of mortgage loans tends to increase when current mortgage loan market rates are substantially higher than rates on existing mortgage loans and, conversely, decrease when current mortgage loan market rates are substantially lower than rates on existing mortgage loans.

Originations, Purchases and Sales of Loans. The Bank generally has authority to originate and purchase loans secured by real estate located throughout the United States. Consistent with its emphasis on being a community-oriented financial institution, the Bank conducts substantially all of its lending activities in its market area.

 

4


The following table sets forth certain information with respect to loan origination activity for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2005    2004    2003
     (In thousands)

Loan originations:

        

One-to-four family residential

   $ 54,923    $ 58,223    $ 105,892

Multi-family residential

     1,270      1,107      2,452

Construction

     15,485      2,490      4,120

Non-residential

     48,822      16,484      13,446

Other

     49,827      69,168      77,805
                    

Total loans originated

     170,327      147,472      203,715
                    

Loans obtained through acquisition:

        

One-to-four family residential

     —        —        —  

Multi-family residential

     —        —        —  

Construction

     —        —        —  

Non-residential

     —        —        —  

Other

     —        —        —  
                    

Total loans purchased

     —        —        —  
                    

Loan reductions:

        

Change in allowance for loan losses

     731      697      1,121

Loans sold

     11,869      10,106      26,774

Loan principal payments

     117,242      114,584      133,175
                    

Net increase in loan portfolio

   $ 40,485    $ 22,085    $ 42,645
                    

Loan originations are derived from a number of sources, including existing customers, referrals by real estate agents, depositors and borrowers and advertising, as well as walk-in customers. Solicitation programs consist of advertisements in local media, in addition to occasional participation in various community organizations and events. Real estate loans are originated by the Bank’s loan personnel. All of the loan personnel are salaried, and are not compensated on a commission basis for loans originated. Loan applications are accepted at any of the Bank’s branches.

Loan Underwriting Policies. Lending activities are subject to written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and to loan origination procedures prescribed by the Board of Directors and its management. Detailed loan applications are obtained to determine the ability of borrowers to repay, and the more significant items on these applications are verified through the use of credit reports, financial statements and confirmations. Loan requests exceeding loan officer limits must be approved by the loan committee or Board of Directors. In addition, the full Board of Directors reviews all loans on a monthly basis.

Generally, upon receipt of a loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report and verifications are ordered to confirm specific information relating to the loan applicant’s employment, income and credit standing. If a proposed loan is to be secured by a mortgage on real estate, an appraisal of the real estate is undertaken by an appraiser approved by the Board of Directors and licensed or certified (as necessary) by the Commonwealth of Kentucky or the State of Tennessee.

In the case of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, except when the Bank becomes aware of a particular risk of environmental contamination, the Bank generally does not obtain a formal environmental report on the real estate at the time a loan is made. A formal environmental report may be required in connection with nonresidential real estate loans.

It is the Bank’s policy to record a lien on the real estate securing a loan and to obtain a title opinion from Kentucky counsel who provides that the property is free of prior encumbrances and other possible title defects. Borrowers must also obtain hazard insurance policies prior to closing and, when the property is in a flood hazard area, pay flood insurance policy premiums.

 

5


The majority of real estate loan applications are underwritten and closed in accordance with the Bank’s own lending guidelines, which generally do not conform to secondary market guidelines. Although such loans may not be readily saleable in the secondary market, management believes that, if necessary, such loans may be sold to private investors.

The Bank offers a fixed rate loan program with maturities of 15, 20, and 30 years. These loans are underwritten and closed in accordance with secondary market standards. These loans are originated with the intent to sell on the secondary market. The Bank offers both servicing retained and servicing released products in an attempt to meet the needs of our customers. At December 31, 2005, the Bank’s 1-4 family loan servicing portfolio was approximately $42.5 million dollars.

The Bank is permitted to lend up to 100% of the appraised value of the real property securing a mortgage loan. The Bank is required by federal regulations to obtain private mortgage insurance on that portion of the principal amount of any loan that is greater than 90% of the appraised value of the property. Under its lending policies, the Bank will originate a one-to-four family residential mortgage loan for owner-occupied property with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 95%. For residential properties that are not owner-occupied, the Bank generally does not lend more than 80% of the appraised value. For all residential mortgage loans, the Bank may increase its lending level on a case-by-case basis, provided that the excess amount is insured with private mortgage insurance. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the loan committee or the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2005, the Bank held approximately $4.8 million of 1-4 family residential mortgages with a loan to value ratio exceeding 90% without private mortgage insurance. At December 31, 2005, none of these loans were past due more than 30 days.

Under applicable law, with certain limited exceptions, loans and extensions of credit outstanding by a savings institution to a person at one time shall not exceed 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Loans and extensions of credit fully secured by readily marketable collateral may comprise an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus. Applicable law additionally authorizes savings institutions to make loans to one borrower, for any purpose, in an amount not to exceed the lesser of $30.0 million or 30% of unimpaired capital and surplus to develop residential housing, provided certain requirements are satisfied. Under these limits, the Bank’s loans to one borrower were limited to $8.5 million at December 31, 2005. At that date, the Bank had no lending relationships in excess of the loans-to-one-borrower limit. At December 31, 2005, the Bank’s largest lending relationship was approximately $5.9 million. The loans are to a local grain elevator. The loan proceeds are used in the normal course of business for a grain elevator and are secured by nonresidential real estate, inventory and accounts receivable. At December 31, 2005, the Bank has two additional loan relationships that exceed $5 million dollars. The first loan relationship is with a national real estate development firm that specializes in retail shopping malls. The second loan relationship is a construction loan with a national manufacturer of transportation equipment to build a new manufacturing facility within an established market of the Company. Upon completion in 2006, this loan relationship is expected to be approximately $7 million. All loans within these relationships were current and performing in accordance with their terms at December 31, 2005.

Interest rates charged by the Bank on loans are affected principally by competitive factors, the demand for such loans and the supply of funds available for lending purposes. These factors are, in turn, affected by general economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, legislative tax policies and government budgetary matters.

One-to-four Family Residential Lending. The Bank historically has been and continues to be an originator of one-to-four family residential real estate loans in its market area. At December 31, 2005, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans totaled approximately $ 211.6 million, or 52.7% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. The Bank originated approximately $ 5.7 million in loans that were sold or may be sold in the secondary market with servicing retained and $6.2 million in loans were sold in the secondary market with servicing released. At December 31, 2005, the Bank had $614,000 in one-to-four family residential real estate loans past due more than ninety days.

 

6


The Bank primarily originates residential mortgage loans with adjustable rates. As of December 31, 2005, 83.4% of one-to-four family mortgage loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio carried adjustable rates or mature within one year. Such loans are primarily for terms of 25 years, although the Bank does occasionally originate adjustable rate mortgages for 15, 20 and 30 year terms, in each case amortized on a monthly basis with principal and interest due each month. The interest rates on these mortgages are adjusted once per year, with a maximum adjustment of 1% per adjustment period and a maximum aggregate adjustment of 5% over the life of the loan. Prior to August 1, 1997, rate adjustments on the Bank’s adjustable rate loans were indexed to a rate which adjusted annually based upon changes in an index based on the National Monthly Median Cost of Funds, plus a margin of 2.75%. Because the National Monthly Median Cost of Funds is a lagging index, which results in rates changing at a slower pace than rates generally in the marketplace, the Bank changed to a one-year Treasury bill constant maturity (“One Year CMT”), which the Bank believes reflects more current market information and thus allows the Bank to react more quickly to changes in the interest rate environment. In mid 2004, the Bank increased its margin on its adjustable rate loans to 3.00%. However, the vast majority of the current adjustable rate portfolio maintains a margin of 2.75% over the One Year CMT.

The retention of adjustable rate loans in the Bank’s portfolio helps reduce, but does not eliminate, the Bank’s exposure to increases in prevailing market interest rates. However, there are unquantifiable credit risks resulting from potential increases in costs to borrowers in the event of upward repricing of adjustable-rate loans. It is possible that during periods of rising interest rates, the risk of default on adjustable rate loans may increase due to increases in interest costs to borrowers. Further, although adjustable rate loans allow the Bank to increase the sensitivity of its interest-earning assets to changes in interest rates, the extent of this interest sensitivity is limited by the initial fixed-rate period before the first adjustment and the lifetime interest rate adjustment limitations. This risk is heightened by the Bank’s practice of offering its adjustable rate mortgages with a 1% limitation on annual interest rate adjustments. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that yields on the Bank’s adjustable rate loans will fully adjust to compensate for increases in the Bank’s cost of funds. Finally, adjustable rate loans increase the Bank’s exposure to decreases in prevailing market interest rates, although the 1% limitation on annual decreases in the loans’ interest rate tends to offset this effect. In times of declining interest rates, borrowers often refinance into fixed rate loan products, limiting the Bank’s ability to significantly increase its interest rate margin on adjustable rate loans in a declining interest rate market.

The Bank also originates, to a limited extent, fixed-rate loans for terms of 10 and 15 years. Such loans are secured by first mortgages on one-to-four family, owner-occupied residential real property located in the Bank’s market area. Because of the Bank’s policy to mitigate its exposure to interest rate risk through the use of adjustable rate rather than fixed rate products, the Bank does not emphasize fixed-rate mortgage loans. Fixed rate mortgage loans originated by the Bank are loans that often do not qualify for the secondary market due to numerous factors not related to credit quality. Typically, these products are not priced to be competitive with secondary market loans but to offer as an alternative if that option is not available. At December 31, 2005, 8.8% of the Bank’s loan portfolio consisted of fixed-rate mortgage loans. To further reduce its interest rate risk associated with such loans, the Bank may rely upon FHLB advances with similar maturities to fund such loans. See “— Deposit Activity and Other Sources of Funds — Borrowing.”

Neither the fixed rate nor the adjustable rate residential mortgage loans held in the Bank’s portfolio are originated in conformity with secondary market guidelines issued by FHLMC or FNMA. As a result, such loans may not be readily saleable in the secondary market to institutional purchasers. However, such loans may still be sold to private investors whose investment strategies do not depend upon loans that satisfy FHLMC or FNMA criteria. Further, given its high liquidity, the Bank does not currently view loan sales as a necessary funding source.

Construction Lending. The Bank engages in construction lending involving loans to individuals for construction of one-to-four family residential housing located within the Bank’s market area, with such loans converting to permanent financing upon completion of construction. Such loans are generally made to individuals for construction primarily in established subdivisions within the Bank’s market area. The Bank mitigates its risk with construction loans by imposing a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 95% for homes that will be owner-occupied and 80% for homes being built on a speculative basis. At December 31, 2005, the Bank’s loan portfolio included $16.6 million of loans secured by properties under construction, including construction/permanent loans structured to become permanent loans upon the completion of construction and interim construction loans structured to be repaid in full upon completion of construction and receipt of permanent financing.

 

7


The Bank also makes loans to qualified builders for the construction of one-to-four family residential housing located in established subdivisions in the Bank’s market area. Because such homes are intended for resale, such loans are generally not converted to permanent financing at the Bank. All construction loans are secured by a first lien on the property under construction.

Loan proceeds are disbursed in increments as construction progresses and as inspections warrant. Construction/permanent loans may have adjustable or fixed interest rates and are underwritten in accordance with the same terms and requirements as the Bank’s permanent mortgages. Such loans generally provide for disbursement in stages during a construction period of up to six months, during which period the borrower is required to make payments of interest only. The permanent loans are typically 30-year adjustable rate loans, with the same terms and conditions otherwise offered by the Bank. Monthly payments of principal and interest commence the month following the date the loan is converted to permanent financing. Borrowers must satisfy all credit requirements that would apply to the Bank’s permanent mortgage loan financing prior to receiving construction financing for the subject property.

Construction financing generally is considered to involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction or development and the estimated cost (including interest) of construction. During the construction phase, a number of factors could result in delays and cost overruns. If the estimate of construction costs proves to be inaccurate, the Bank may be confronted at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a project having a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment. The ability of a developer to sell developed lots or completed dwelling units will depend on, among other things, demand, pricing, availability of comparable properties and economic conditions. The Bank has sought to minimize this risk by limiting construction lending to qualified borrowers in the Bank’s market area, by requiring the involvement of qualified builders, and by limiting the aggregate amount of outstanding construction loans.

Multi-Family Residential and Non-Residential Real Estate Lending. The Bank’s multi-family residential loan portfolio consists of fixed and adjustable rate loans secured by real estate. At December 31, 2005, the Bank had $6.6 million of multi-family residential loans, which amounted to 1.7% of the Bank’s loan portfolio at such date. The Bank’s non-residential real estate portfolio generally consists of adjustable and fixed rate loans secured by first mortgages on commercial real estate, residential lots, and rental property. In each case, such property is located in the Bank’s market area. At December 31, 2005, the Bank had approximately $102.7 million of such loans, which comprised 25.6% of its loan portfolio. Multi-family residential real estate loans are underwritten with loan-to-value ratios up to 80% of the appraised value of the property. Non-residential real estate loans are underwritten with loan-to-value ratios up to 65% of the appraised value for raw land and 75% for land development loans.

Multi-family residential and non-residential real estate lending entails significant additional risks as compared with one-to-four family residential property lending. Multi-family residential and commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. The payment experience on such loans typically is dependent on the successful operation of the real estate project, retail establishment or business. These risks can be significantly impacted by supply and demand conditions in the market for the office, retail and residential space, and, as such, may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the economy generally. To minimize these risks, the Bank generally limits itself to its market area or to borrowers with which it has prior experience or who are otherwise known to the Bank. It has been the Bank’s policy to obtain annual financial statements of the business of the borrower or the project for which multi-family residential real estate or commercial real estate loans are made. At December 31, 2005, there was $244,000 in non-residential mortgage loans delinquent by 90 days or more.

Consumer Lending. The consumer loans currently in the Bank’s loan portfolio consist of loans secured by savings deposits and other consumer loans. Savings deposit loans are usually made for up to 90% of the depositor’s savings account balance. The interest rate is approximately 2.0% above the rate paid on such deposit account serving as collateral, and the account must be pledged as collateral to secure the loan. Interest generally is billed on a quarterly basis. At December 31, 2005, loans on deposit accounts totaled $ 3.3 million, or 0.8% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. Other consumer loans include automobile loans, the amount and terms of which are determined by the loan committee, and home equity and home improvement loans, which are made for up to 100% of the value of the property.

 

8


Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans. At December 31, 2005, there was $123,000 in consumer loans delinquent 90 days or more.

Commercial Lending. The Bank originates commercial loans on a secured and, to a lesser extent, unsecured basis. At December 31, 2005, the Bank’s commercial loans amounted to $ 36.9 million, or 9.2% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. The Bank’s commercial loans generally are secured by corporate assets. In addition, the Bank generally obtains guarantees from the principals of the borrower with respect to all commercial loans. At December 31, 2005, there was $15,000 in commercial loans delinquent 90 days or more.

Non-performing Loans and Other Problem Assets

The Bank’s non-performing loans totaled 0.25% of total loans at December 31, 2005. Loans are placed on a non-accrual status when the loan is past due in excess of 90 days or the collection of principal and interest is doubtful. The Bank places a high priority on contacting customers by telephone as a primary method of determining the status of delinquent loans and the action necessary to resolve any payment problem. The Bank’s management performs quality reviews of problem assets to determine the necessity of establishing additional loss reserves. The Bank’s total non-performing assets to total asset ratio was 0.19% at December 31, 2005.

Real estate acquired by the Bank as a result of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until such time as it is sold. The Bank generally tries to sell the property at a price no less than its net book value; however, it will consider slight discounts to the appraised value to expedite the return of the funds to an earning status. When such property is acquired, it is recorded at its fair value less estimated costs of sale. Any required write-down of the loan to its appraised fair market value upon foreclosure is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, a valuation allowance is established if the carrying value of the property exceeds its fair value net of related selling expenses. At December 31, 2005, the Bank’s other assets owned totaled $228,000. This amount represents management’s best estimate on the fair value of these assets.

 

9


The following table sets forth information with respect to the Bank’s non-performing loans at the dates indicated. No loans were recorded as restructured loans within the meaning of SFAS No. 15 at the dates indicated.

 

     At December 31,  
     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more:

          

Residential real estate

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 330  

Non-residential real estate

     —         —         —         —         60  

Consumer

     —         20       —         —         12  
                                        

Total

     —         20       —         —       $ 402  
                                        

Non-Accrual Loans:

          

Residential real estate

     614       272       836       497       —    

Non residential real estate

     244       131       —         90       —    

Consumer

     123       222       276       246       —    

Commercial

     15       8       32       —         149  
                                        

Total non-performing Loans

   $ 996     $ 653     $ 1,144     $ 833     $ 551  
                                        

Percentage of total loans

     0.25 %     0.18 %     0.34 %     0.29 %     0.32 %
                                        

At December 31, 2005, the Bank had $996,000 in loans outstanding which were classified as non-accrual, 90 days past due or restructured but where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers caused management to have serious concerns as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and may result in disclosure as non-accrual, 90 days past due or restructured. At December 31, 2005, the Bank had $228,000 in other assets owned. Also, the Bank had impaired loans, as defined by SFAS 114 and 118, totaling approximately $2.7 million at December 31, 2005.

Federal regulations require savings institutions to classify their assets on the basis of quality on a regular basis. An asset meeting one of the classification definitions set forth below may be classified and still be a performing loan. An asset is classified as substandard if it is determined to be inadequately protected by the current retained earnings and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. An asset is classified as doubtful if full collection is highly questionable or improbable. An asset is classified as loss if it is considered uncollectible, even if a partial recovery could be expected in the future. The regulations also provide for a special mention designation, described as assets which do not currently expose a savings institution to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification but do possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving management’s close attention. Such assets designated as special mention may include non-performing loans consistent with the above definition. Assets classified as substandard or doubtful require a savings institution to establish general allowances for loan losses. If an asset or portion thereof is classified loss, a savings institution must either establish a specific allowance for loss in the amount of the portion of the asset-classified loss, or charge off such amount. Federal examiners may disagree with a savings institution’s classifications. If a savings institution does not agree with an examiner’s classification of an asset, it may appeal this determination to the OTS Regional Director. The Bank regularly reviews its assets to determine whether any assets require classification or re-classification. At December 31, 2005, the Bank had $2,370,000 in assets classified as substandard and $336,000 in assets classified as doubtful.

Allowance for Loan Losses. In originating loans, the Bank recognizes that credit losses will be experienced and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan, general economic conditions and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the security for the loan. It is management’s policy to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses based on, among other things, the Bank’s and the industry’s historical loan loss experience, evaluation of economic conditions, regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality and evolving standards imposed by federal bank examiners and other regulatory agencies. The Bank increases its allowance for loan losses by charging provisions for loan losses against the Bank’s income.

 

10


Management will continue to actively monitor the Bank’s asset quality and allowance for loan losses. Management will charge off loans and properties acquired in settlement of loans against the allowances for loan losses on such loans and such properties when appropriate and will provide specific loss allowances when necessary. Although management believes it uses the best information available to make determinations with respect to the allowances for loan losses and believes such allowances are adequate, future adjustments may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the economic conditions in the assumptions used in making the initial determinations.

The Bank’s methodology for establishing the allowance for loan losses takes into consideration probable losses that have been identified in connection with specific assets as well as losses that have not been identified but can be expected to occur. Management conducts regular reviews of the Bank’s assets and evaluates the need to establish allowances on the basis of this review. Allowances are established by the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis based on an assessment of risk in the Bank’s assets taking into consideration the composition and quality of the portfolio, delinquency trends, current charge-off and loss experience, loan concentrations, the state of the real estate market, regulatory reviews conducted in the regulatory examination process and economic conditions generally. Specific reserves will be provided for individual assets, or portions of assets, when ultimate collection is considered improbable by management based on the current payment status of the assets and the fair value of the security. At the date of foreclosure or other repossession, the Bank would transfer the property to real estate acquired in settlement of loans initially at the lower of cost or estimated fair value and subsequently at the lower of book value or fair value less estimated selling costs. Any portion of the outstanding loan balance in excess of fair value less estimated selling costs would be charged off against the allowance for loan losses. If, upon ultimate disposition of the property, net sales proceeds exceed the net carrying value of the property, a gain on sale of other real estate would be recorded.

Banking regulatory agencies, including the OTS, have adopted a policy statement regarding maintenance of an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses and an effective loan review system. This policy includes an arithmetic formula for determining the reasonableness of an institution’s allowance for loan loss estimate compared to the average loss experience of the industry as a whole. Examiners will review an institution’s allowance for loan losses and compare it against the sum of: (i) 50% of the portfolio that is classified doubtful; (ii) 25% of the portfolio that is classified as substandard; and (iii) for the portions of the portfolio that have not been classified (including those loans designated as special mention), estimated credit losses over the upcoming 12 months given the facts and circumstances as of the evaluation date. This amount is considered neither a “floor” nor a “safe harbor” of the level of allowance for loan losses an institution should maintain, but examiners will view a shortfall relative to the amount as an indication that they should review management’s policy on allocating these allowances to determine whether it is reasonable based on all relevant factors.

 

11


The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 3,273     $ 2,576     $ 1,455     $ 923     $ 708  

Loans charged off:

          

Commercial loans

     (20 )     (78 )     (178 )     (46 )     —    

Consumer loans and overdrafts

     (517 )     (505 )     (401 )     (174 )     —    

Residential real estate

     (112 )     (66 )     (77 )     (52 )     (7 )
                                        

Total charge-offs

     (649 )     (649 )     (656 )     (272 )     (7 )
                                        

Recoveries

     130       146       27       9       —    
                                        

Net loans charged off

     (519 )     (503 )     (629 )     (263 )     (7 )
                                        

Provision for loan losses

     1,250       1,200       1,750       795       222  
                                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 4,004     $ 3,273     $ 2,576     $ 1,455     $ 923  
                                        

Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period

     0.14 %     0.14 %     0.20 %     0.12 %     0.01 %
                                        

The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated. Management believes that the allowance can be allocated by category only on an approximate basis. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category.

 

     At December 31,  
     2005     2004     2003     2002  
     Amount   

Percent of

Loans in Each
Category to

Total Loans

    Amount    Percent of
Loans in Each
Category to
Total Loans
    Amount    Percent of
Loans in Each
Category to
Total Loans
    Amount    Percent of
Loans in Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

One-to-four family

     397    52.7 %   $ 525    57.6 %   $ 303    56.6 %   $ 249    58.4 %

Construction

     137    4.1 %     52    0.7 %     49    1.1 %     33    0.6 %

Multi-family residential

     133    1.7 %     160    1.8 %     127    1.9 %     51    1.6 %

Non-residential

     773    25.6 %     655    11.2 %     616    11.7 %     341    11.0 %

Secured by deposits

     —      0.8 %     —      0.9 %     —      0.9 %     —      1.0 %

Other loans

     2,564    15.1 %     1,881    27.8 %     1,481    27.8 %     781    27.4 %
                                                    

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ 4,004    100.0 %   $ 3,273    100.0 %   $ 2,576    100.0 %   $ 1,455    100.0 %
                                                    

 

     At December 31, 2001  
     Amount    Percent of
Loans in Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
     (In thousands)  

One-to-four family

   $ 138    65.0 %

Construction

     50    3.3 %

Multi-family residential

     60    1.4 %

Non-residential

     210    10.7 %

Secured by deposits

     —      1.3 %

Other consumer loans

     465    18.3 %
             

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ 923    100.0 %
             

 

12


Investment Activities

The Bank makes investments in order to maintain the levels of liquid assets required by regulatory authorities and manage cash flow, diversify its assets, obtain yield and to satisfy certain requirements for favorable tax treatment. The principal objective of the investment policy is to earn as high a rate of return as possible, but to consider also financial or credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk. The investment activities of the Company and the Bank consist primarily of investments in U.S. Government agency securities, municipal and corporate bonds, CMO’s, and mortgage-backed securities. Typical investments include federally sponsored agency mortgage pass-through and federally sponsored agency and mortgage-related securities. Investment and aggregate investment limitations and credit quality parameters of each class of investment are prescribed in the Bank’s investment policy. The Company and the Bank perform analyses on mortgage-related securities prior to purchase and on an ongoing basis to determine the impact on earnings and market value under various interest rate and prepayment conditions. Securities purchases must be approved by the Bank’s President. The Board of Directors reviews all securities transactions on a monthly basis.

At December 31, 2005, securities, including FHLB stock, with an amortized cost of $ 180.4 million and an approximate market value of $ 176.1 million were classified as available for sale. Management presently does not intend to sell such securities and, based on the current liquidity level and the access to borrowings through the FHLB of Cincinnati, management currently does not anticipate that the Company or the Bank will be placed in a position of having to sell securities with material unrealized losses.

At December 31, 2005, securities with an amortized cost of $18.2 million and an approximate market value of $17.8 million were classified as held to maturity. Securities designated as held to maturity are those assets which the Company or the Bank has both the ability and the intent to hold to maturity. Upon acquisition, securities are classified as to the Company’s or the Bank’s intent and a sale would only be affected due to deteriorating investment quality. The held to maturity investment portfolio is not used for speculative purposes and is carried at amortized cost. In the event securities are sold from this portfolio for other than credit quality reasons, all securities within the investment portfolio with matching characteristics may be reclassified as assets available for sale. Securities designated as “available for sale” are those assets which the Company or the Bank may not hold to maturity and thus are carried at market value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax effect, recognized in stockholders’ equity.

Mortgage-Backed and Related Securities. Mortgage-backed securities represent a participation interest in a pool of one-to-four family or multi-family mortgages, the principal and interest payments on which are passed from the mortgage originators through intermediaries that pool and repackage the participation interest in the form of securities to investors such as the Bank. CMO’s are a variation of mortgage-backed securities in which the mortgage pool is divided into specific classes, with different classes receiving different principal reduction streams based on numerous factors, including prepayments speeds. Such intermediaries may include quasi-governmental agencies such as FHLMC, FNMA and the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) which guarantees the payment of principal and interest to investors. Of the $ 39.9 million mortgage-backed security portfolio and $12.3 million CMO portfolio at December 31, 2005, approximately $ 2.7 million were originated through GNMA, approximately $ 30.4 million were originated through FNMA, approximately $ 17.3 million were originated through FHLMC, and approximately $1.8 million are Whole Loan CMO’s. Typically, the collateral in Whole Loan CMO’s include jumbo mortgages that exceeded the limits provided by federal agencies and do not have a federal government or agency guarantee. The issuers of Whole Loan CMO’s receive an AAA rating by credit rating agencies by providing an overabundance of collateral (125% to 150%) to secure these investments. In capital computations, Whole Loan CMO’s are risk rated 20%, the same of FNMA and FHLMC.

Mortgage-backed securities typically are issued with stated principal amounts and the securities are backed by pools of mortgages that have loans with interest rates that are within a range and have similar maturities. The underlying pool of mortgages can be composed of either fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities generally are referred to as mortgage participation certificates or pass-through certificates. As a result, the interest rate risk characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages, i.e., fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, as well as prepayment risk, are passed on to the certificate holder. The life of a mortgage-backed pass-through security is equal to the life of the underlying mortgages.

 

13


The actual maturity of a mortgage-backed security varies, depending on when the mortgagors prepay or repay the underlying mortgages. Prepayments of the underlying mortgages may shorten the life of the investment, thereby adversely affecting its yield to maturity and the related market value of the mortgage-backed security.

The yield is based upon the interest income and the amortization of the premium or accretion of the discount related to the mortgage-backed security. Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities are amortized or accreted over the estimated term of the securities using a level yield method. The prepayment assumptions used to determine the amortization period for premiums and discounts can significantly affect the yield of the mortgage-backed security, and these assumptions are reviewed periodically to reflect the actual prepayment.

The actual prepayments of the underlying mortgages depend on many factors, including the type of mortgage, the coupon rate, the age of the mortgages, the geographical location of the underlying real estate collateralizing the mortgages and general levels of market interest rates. The difference between the interest rates on the underlying mortgages and the prevailing mortgage interest rates is an important determinant in the rate of prepayments. During periods of falling mortgage interest rates, prepayments generally increase, and, conversely, during periods of rising mortgage interest rates, prepayments generally decrease. If the coupon rate of the underlying mortgage significantly exceeds the prevailing market interest rates offered for mortgage loans, refinancing generally increases and accelerates the prepayment of the underlying mortgages. Prepayment experience is more difficult to estimate for adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities.

The following table sets forth the carrying value of the investment securities at the dates indicated.

 

     At December 31,
     2005    2004    2003
     (In thousands)

FHLB stock, restricted

   $ 3,211    $ 3,015    $ 2,488

U. S. government and agency Securities

     99,025      64,600      41,308

Mortgage-backed securities

     51,302      61,570      66,947

Municipal bonds

Corporate bonds

    
 
17,978
4,585
    
 
23,781
5,200
    
 
28,523
4,233

Other

     —        15      15

Securities held to maturity:

        

U.S. government and agency securities

     17,292      21,546      13,339

Mortgage-backed securities

     891      1,222      1,769
                    

Total investment securities

   $ 194,284    $ 180,949    $ 158,622
                    

The following table sets forth information on the scheduled maturities, amortized cost, market values and average yields for U.S. Government agency securities, corporate bonds and municipal securities in the investment portfolio at December 31, 2005. At such date, all of the agency securities were callable and/or due on or before December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2005, $ 25.2 of the callable agency securities are structure notes, where the interest rate paid on the bond increases significantly on a given date, making it more likely that the bond will be called at that date. At December 31, 2005, $ 9.6 million of municipal securities were callable and/or due between March 2005 and December 2014. The average yield for municipal securities are quoted as taxable equivalent. All corporate bonds were non callable.

 

     One Year or Less     One to Five Years     Five to Ten Years     After Ten Years     Total Investment Portfolio  
     Carrying
Value
   Average
Yield
   

Carrying

Value

   Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
   Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
   Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
   Market
Value
   Average
Yield
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

U.S. government and agency securities

   $ 9,905    3.76 %   $ 40,776    4.16 %   $ 53,541    4.33 %   $ 12,095    5.30 %   $ 116,317    $ 115,942    4.32 %
                                                                        

Corporate bonds

   $ —      —   %   $ 4,585    4.47 %     —      —         —      —       $ 4,585    $ 4,585    4.47 %
                                                                        

Municipal bonds

   $ 35    4.78 %   $ 2,981    4.41 %   $ 7,144    4.62 %   $ 7,818    5.11 %   $ 17,978    $ 17,978    4.80 %
                                                                        

 

14


Deposit Activity and Other Sources of Funds

General. Deposits are the primary source of the Bank’s funds for lending, investment activities and general operational purposes. In addition to deposits, the Bank derives funds from loan principal and interest repayments, maturities of investment securities and mortgage-backed securities and interest payments thereon. Although loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, deposit inflows and outflows are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in the availability of funds, or on a longer term basis for general corporate purposes. The Bank has access to borrow from the FHLB of Cincinnati, and the Bank will continue to have access to FHLB of Cincinnati advances. The Bank may rely upon retail deposits rather than borrowings as its primary source of funding for future asset growth.

Deposits. The Bank attracts deposits principally from within its market area by offering competitive rates on its deposit instruments, including money market accounts, passbook savings accounts, individual retirement accounts, and certificates of deposit which range in maturity from three months to five years. Deposit terms vary according to the minimum balance required and the length of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. Maturities, terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties for its deposit accounts are established by the Bank on a periodic basis. The Bank reviews its deposit mix and pricing on a weekly basis. In determining the characteristics of its deposit accounts, the Bank considers the rates offered by competing institutions, lending and liquidity requirements, growth goals and federal regulations. The Bank does not accept brokered deposits.

The Bank attempts to compete for deposits with other institutions in its market area by offering competitively priced deposit instruments that are tailored to the needs of its customers. Additionally, the Bank seeks to meet customers’ needs by providing convenient customer service to the community. Substantially all of the Bank’s depositors are Kentucky or Tennessee residents who reside in the Bank’s market area.

Savings deposits in the Bank at December 31, 2005 were represented by the various types of savings programs described below.

 

Interest
Rate*
   

Minimum

Term

  

Category

   Minimum
Amount
   Balance    Percentage
of Total
Deposits
 
                     (In thousands)       
—   %   None    Non-interest bearing    $ 100    $ 36,918    7.6 %
0.9 %*   None    NOW accounts      1,500      96,949    20.1 %
2.1 %   None    Savings & money market      10      97,477    20.2 %
                     
             231,344    47.9 %
                     
          

Certificates of Deposit

                
2.8 %   3 months or less    Fixed-term, fixed rate      1,000      36,832    7.6 %
4.0 %   3 to 12 months    Fixed-term, fixed-rate      1,000      100,425    20.8 %
3.8 %   12 to 24-months    Fixed-term, fixed-rate      1,000      65,649    13.5 %
3.7 %   24 to 36-months    Fixed-term, fixed-rate      1,000      26,237    5.5 %
4.3 %   36 to 48-months    Fixed-term, fixed-rate      1,000      17,668    3.7 %
4.2 %   48 to 60-months    Fixed-term, fixed rate      1,000      4,573    1.0 %
                     
             251,384    52.1 %
                     
           $ 482,728    100.0 %
                     

* Represents weighted average interest rate.

 

15


The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the average balances and interest rates based on month-end balances for interest-bearing demand deposits and time deposits.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2005     2004     2003  
     Interest-bearing
demand deposits
    Time
deposits
    Interest-bearing
demand deposits
    Time
deposits
    Interest-bearing
demand deposits
    Time
deposits
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Average Balance

   $ 174,919     $ 250,011     $ 143,643     $ 256,806     $ 117,029     $ 260,934  

Average Rate

     2.01 %     3.36 %     1.40 %     3.01 %     1.32 %     3.56 %

The following table sets forth the change in dollar amount of deposits in the various types of accounts offered by the Bank between the dates indicated.

 

    

Balance at
December 31,

2005

   % of
Deposits
   

Increase

(Decrease) from
December 31,
2004

    Balance at
December 31,
2004
   % of
Deposits
   

Increase

(Decrease) from
December 31,
2003

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Non-interest bearing

   $ 36,918    7.6 %   $ 4,704     $ 32,214    7.4 %   $ 4,866  

Demand and NOW Accounts

     96,949    20.1 %     9,874       87,075    20.0 %     25,829  

Savings & MMDA

     97,477    20.2 %     32,127       65,350    15.0 %     (3,060 )

Other time deposits

     251,384    52.1 %     (172 )     251,556    57.6 %     (8,928 )
                                          

Total

     482,728    100.00 %     46,533       436,195    100.00 %     18,707  
                                          

 

     Balance at
December 31,
2003
   % of
Deposits
   

Increase

(Decrease) from
December 31,
2002

   Balance at
December 31,
2002
  

% of

Deposits

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Non-interest bearing

   $ 27,348    6.6 %   $ 8,228    $ 19,120    5.4 %

Demand and NOW accounts

     61,246    14.7 %     28,031      33,215    9.4 %

Savings & MMDA

     68,410    16.3 %     11,943      56,467    16.0 %

Other time deposits

     260,484    62.4 %     15,631      244,853    69.2 %
                                 

Total

     417,488    100.0 %     63,833    $ 353,655    100.0 %
                                 

The following table sets forth the time deposits in the Bank classified by rates at the dates indicated.

 

     At December 31,
     2005    2004    2003
     (In thousands)

1.00 - 2.00%

     2,966      56,745      57,772

2.01 - 4.00%

     168,391      121,303      143,632

4.01 - 6.00%

     79,776      68,585      46,309

6.01 - 8.00%

     251      4,923      12,771
                    

Total

   $ 251,384    $ 251,556    $ 260,484
                    

 

16


The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2005.

 

     Amount Due
     Less Than
One Year
   1-2 Years    2-3 Years    After
3 Years
   Total
     (In thousands)

0.00 - 2.00%

   $ 2,918    $ 2    $ —      $ 46    $ 2,966

2.01 - 4.00%

     97,532      47,814      20,455      2,590      168,391

4.01 - 6.00%

     36,566      17,823      5,782      19,605      79,776

6.01 - 8.00%

     241      10      —        —        251
                                  

Total

   $ 137,257    $ 65,649    $ 26,237    $ 22,241    $ 251,384
                                  

The following table indicates the amount of the Bank’s certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 2005.

 

Maturity Period

   Certificates
of Deposit
     (In millions)

Three months or less

   $ 11.9

Over three through six months

     10.7

Over six through 12 months

     16.4

Over 12 months

     37.6
      

Total

   $ 76.6
      

Certificates of deposit at December 31, 2005 included approximately $76.6 million of deposits with balances of $100,000 or more, compared to $79.2 million and $82.1 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such time deposits may be risky because their continued presence in the Bank is dependent partially upon the rates paid by the Bank rather than any customer relationship and, therefore, may be withdrawn upon maturity if another institution offers higher interest rates. The Bank may be required to resort to other funding sources such as borrowings or sales of its securities available for sale if the Bank believes that increasing its rates to maintain such deposits would adversely affect its operating results. At this time, the Bank does not believe that it will need to significantly increase its deposit rates to maintain such certificates of deposit and, therefore, does not anticipate resorting to alternative funding sources. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table sets forth the deposit activities of the Bank for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2005    2004    2003
     (In thousands)

Deposits

   $ 434,321    $ 404,418    $ 415,711

Obtain through acquisition

     —        —        —  

Withdrawals

     396,780      392,588      359,372
                    

Net increase before interest credited

     37,541      11,830      56,339

Interest credited

     8,992      6,877      7,494
                    

Net increase in deposits

   $ 46,533    $ 18,707    $ 63,833
                    

Borrowings. Savings deposits historically have been the primary source of funds for the Bank’s lending, investments and general operating activities. The Bank is authorized, however, to use advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati to supplement its supply of lendable funds and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements. The FHLB of Cincinnati functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for savings institutions and certain other member financial institutions.

 

17


As a member of the FHLB System, the Bank is required to own stock in the FHLB of Cincinnati and is authorized to apply for advances. Advances are pursuant to several different programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. The Bank has entered into a Cash Management Advance program with FHLB. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati were $93.2 million at December 31, 2005 and are secured by a blanket security agreement in which the Bank has pledged its 1-4 family first mortgage loans held in the Bank’s loan portfolio.

On September 25, 2003, the Company issued $10,310,000 in floating rate junior subordinated debentures with a thirty year maturity and callable at the Company’s discretion quarterly after September 25, 2008. The subordinated debentures are priced at a variable rate equal to the three month libor (London Inter Bank Offering Rate) plus 3.10%. At December 31, 2005, the three-month libor rate was 4.52%. The securities are immediately callable in the event of a change in tax or accounting law that has a significant negative impact to issuing these securities.

For regulatory purposes, subordinated debentures may be treated as Tier I capital. Federal regulations limit the use of subordinated debentures to 25% of total Tier I capital. Discussions among regulatory agencies are underway that may limit the current and future use of subordinated debentures as Tier I capital. The Company’s decision to issue subordinated debentures was in part influenced by potential regulatory actions in the future. The Company anticipates above average growth to continue and anticipates a time in the future when capital ratios are lower and additional capital may be need.

In October of 2004, the Bank entered into a interest rate swap agreement with Compass Bank of Birmingham, Alabama. The agreement calls for the Bank to pay a fixed rate of 3.53% until September 25, 2008 on $10 million and receive payment equal to the three month libor. The Bank then completed an intercompany transaction that transferred the swap to the Company, providing an effective hedge for its variable rate subordinated debentures. In January 2006, the Bank settled the swap agreement and recorded a gain of approximately $272,000. This gain will be recognized on a straight line basis each quarter through the end of the original contract. As a result, the Company’s interest expense will be reduced by approximately $25,000 per quarter through the end of September 2008.

Subsidiary Activities

As a federally chartered savings bank, the Bank is permitted to invest an amount equal to 2% of its assets in subsidiaries, with an additional investment of 1% of assets where such investment serves primarily community, inner-city and community development purposes. The Bank’s lone subsidiary is Fall and Fall Insurance Agency (“Fall and Fall”) of Fulton, Kentucky. Fall and Fall was acquired in the Fulton acquisition on September 5, 2002. The Bank’s investment in the agency is approximately $380,000.

Competition

The Bank faces significant competition both in originating mortgage and other loans and in attracting deposits. The Bank competes for loans principally on the basis of interest rates, the types of loans it originates, the deposit products it offers and the quality of services it provides to borrowers. The Bank also competes by offering products which are tailored to the local community. Its competition in originating real estate loans comes primarily from other savings institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers making loans secured by real estate located in the Bank’s market area. Commercial banks, credit unions and finance companies provide vigorous competition in consumer lending. Competition may increase as a result of the continuing reduction of restrictions on the interstate operations of financial institutions.

At June 30, 2005, the Bank had a 19.75% share of the deposit market in its combined markets. The Bank’s most significant competition across its entire market area was Branch Bank & Trust of North Carolina with a 19.72% deposit market share, Bank of Benton of Kentucky with an 11.76% deposit market share and Regions Bank of Alabama with an 8.77% deposit market share. In addition, each market contains other community banks that provide competitive products and services within individual markets.

 

18


The Bank attracts its deposits through its nine offices primarily from the local community. Consequently, competition for deposits is principally from other savings institutions, commercial banks and brokers in the local community as well as from credit unions. The Bank competes for deposits and loans by offering what it believes to be a variety of deposit accounts at competitive rates, convenient business hours, a commitment to outstanding customer service and a well-trained staff. The Bank believes it has developed strong relationships with local realtors and the community in general.

The Bank is a community and retail-oriented financial institution. Management considers the Bank’s branch network and reputation for financial strength and quality customer service as its major competitive advantage in attracting and retaining customers in its market area. A number of the Bank’s competitors have been acquired by statewide/nationwide banking organizations. While the Bank is subject to competition from other financial institutions which may have greater financial and marketing resources, management believes the Bank benefits by its community orientation and its long-standing relationship with many of its customers.

Employees

As of December 31, 2005, the Company and the Bank had 126 full-time and 18 part-time employees, none of whom were represented by a collective bargaining agreement. Management considers the Bank’s relationships with its employees to be good.

Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002

In July 2002, the President of the United States signed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 into law. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act provided for sweeping changes with respect to corporate governance, accounting policies and disclosure requirements for public companies, and also for their directors and officers. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act required the SEC to adopt new rules to implement the Act’s requirements. These requirements include new financial reporting requirements and rules concerning the chief executive and chief financial officers to certify certain financial and other information included in the company’s quarterly and annual reports. The rules also require these officers to certify that they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures; and that they have included information in their quarterly and annual filings about their evaluation and whether there have been significant changes to the controls and procedures or other factors which would significantly impact these controls subsequent to their evaluation. The certifications by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the financial statements and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K. See Item 9A (“Controls and Procedures”) hereof for the Company’s evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Company will be required under rules adopted by the SEC to include in its annual reports a report by management on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an accompanying auditor’s report. In September 2005, the SEC extended the Section 404 compliance date for the Company and other non-accelerated filers. Under the extension, the Company must begin to comply with these requirements for its fiscal year ending after July 15, 2007.

USA Patriot Act

The USA Patriot Act authorizes new regulatory powers to combat international terrorism. The provisions that affect financial institutions most directly provide the federal government with enhanced authority to identify, deter, and punish international money laundering and other crimes. Among other things, the USA Patriot Act prohibits financial institutions from doing business with foreign “shell” banks and requires increased due diligence for private banking transactions and correspondent accounts for foreign banks. In addition, financial institutions have to follow minimum verification of identity standards for all new accounts and are permitted to share information with law enforcement authorities under circumstances that were not previously permitted.

 

19


Regulation

General. The Bank is chartered as a federal savings bank under the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended (the “HOLA”), which is implemented by regulations adopted and administered by the OTS. As a federal savings bank, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the OTS. The OTS also has extensive enforcement authority over all savings institutions and their holding companies, including the Bank and the Company. Federal banking laws and regulations control, among other things, the Bank’s required reserves, investments, loans, mergers and consolidations, payment of dividends and other aspects of the Bank’s operations. The deposits of the Bank are insured by the BIF administered by the FDIC to the maximum extent provided by law. In addition, the FDIC has certain regulatory and examination authority over OTS-regulated savings institutions and may recommend enforcement actions against savings institutions to the OTS. The supervision and regulation of the Bank is intended primarily for the protection of the deposit insurance fund and the Bank’s depositors rather than for holders of the Company’s stock or for the Company as the holder of the stock of the Bank.

As a savings and loan holding company, the Company is registered with the OTS and subject to OTS regulation and supervision under the HOLA. The Company also is required to file certain reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of, the Commission under the federal securities laws.

The following discussion is intended to be a summary of certain statutes, rules and regulations affecting the Bank and the Company. A number of other statutes and regulations have an impact on their operations. The following summary of applicable statutes and regulations does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such statutes and regulations.

Regulatory Capital. The OTS’ capital adequacy regulations require savings institutions such as the Bank to meet three minimum capital standards: a “core” capital requirement of 4% of adjusted total assets (or 3% if the institution is rated Composite 1 under the CAMELS examination rating system), a “tangible” capital requirement of 1.5% of adjusted total assets, and a “risk-based” capital requirement of 8% of total risk-based capital to total risk-weighted assets. In addition, the OTS has adopted regulations imposing certain restrictions on savings institutions that have a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 4% or a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of less than 4%. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Under the OTS prompt corrective action regulations, the federal banking regulators are required to take prompt corrective action in respect of depository institutions that do not meet certain minimum capital requirements, including a leverage limit and a risk-based capital requirement. All institutions, regardless of their capital levels, are restricted from making any capital distribution or paying any management fees that would cause the institution to become undercapitalized. The federal banking regulators, including the OTS, have issued regulations that classify insured depository institutions by capital levels and provide that the applicable agency will take various prompt corrective actions to resolve the problems of any institution that fails to satisfy the capital standards.

Under the joint prompt corrective action regulations, a “well-capitalized” institution is one that is not subject to any regulatory order or directive to meet any specific capital level and that has or exceeds the following capital levels: a total risk-based capital ratio of 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6%, and a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets (“leverage ratio”) of 5%. An “adequately capitalized” institution is one that does not qualify as “well capitalized” but meets or exceeds the following capital requirements: a total risk-based capital of 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4%, and a leverage ratio of either (i) 4% or (ii) 3% if the institution has the highest composite examination rating. An institution not meeting these criteria is treated as “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” or “critically undercapitalized” depending on the extent to which its capital levels are below these standards. An institution that fails within any of the three “undercapitalized” categories will be subject to certain severe regulatory sanctions required by OTS regulations. As of December 31, 2005, the Bank was “well-capitalized” as defined by the regulations.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test. The HOLA and OTS regulations require all savings institutions to satisfy one of two Qualified Thrift Lender (“QTL”) tests or to suffer a number of sanctions, including restrictions on activities. A savings institution must maintain its status as a QTL on a monthly basis in at least nine out of every 12 months. An initial failure to qualify as a QTL results in a number of sanctions, including the imposition of certain operating restrictions and a restriction on obtaining additional advances from its Federal Home Loan Bank.

 

20


If a savings institution does not re-qualify under the QTL test within the three-year period after it fails the QTL test, it would be required to terminate any activity not permissible for a national bank and repay as promptly as possible any outstanding advances from its Federal Home Loan Bank. In addition, the holding company of such an institution, such as the Company, would similarly be required to register as a bank holding company with the Federal Reserve Board. The Bank qualified as a QTL institution at December 31, 2005.

Limitations on Capital Distributions. OTS regulations impose limitations upon capital distributions by savings institutions, such as cash dividends, payments to repurchase or otherwise acquire its shares, payments to stockholders of another institution in a cash-out merger and other distributions charged against capital. Under the OTS capital distribution regulations, a savings institution that (i) qualifies for expedited treatment of applications by maintaining one of the two highest supervisory examination ratings, (ii) will be at least adequately capitalized after the proposed capital distribution and (iii) and is not otherwise restricted by applicable law in making capital distributions may, without prior approval by the OTS, make capital distributions during a calendar year equal to its net income for such year plus its retained net income for the preceding two years. Capital distributions in excess of such amount would require prior OTS approval.

Under OTS regulations, the Bank would not be permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock if its regulatory capital would thereby be reduced below the amount then required for the liquidation account established for the benefit of certain depositors of the Bank at the time of the Conversion. In addition, under the prompt corrective action regulations of the OTS, the Bank would be prohibited from paying dividends if the Bank were classified as “undercapitalized” under such rules. See “— Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.”

Future earnings of the Bank appropriated to bad debt reserves and deducted for federal income tax purposes are not available for payment of dividends or other distributions to the Company without payment of taxes at the then current tax rate by the Bank on the amount of earnings removed from the reserves for such distributions.

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders. Generally, transactions between a savings bank or its subsidiaries and its affiliates are required to be on terms as favorable to the savings bank as transactions with non-affiliates. In addition, certain of these transactions, such as loans to an affiliate, are restricted to a percentage of the savings bank’s capital. Affiliates of the Bank include the Company and any company that is under common control with the Bank. In addition, a savings bank may not lend to any affiliate engaged in activities not permissible for a bank holding company or acquire the securities of most affiliates. The OTS has the discretion to treat subsidiaries of savings banks as affiliates on a case-by-case basis.

Certain transactions with directors, officers or controlling persons are also subject to conflict of interest regulations enforced by the OTS. These conflict of interest regulations and other statutes also impose restrictions on loans to such persons and their related interests. Among other things, such loans must generally be made on terms that are substantially the same as for loans to unaffiliated individuals.

Reserve Requirements. Pursuant to regulations of the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”), all FDIC-insured depository institutions must maintain average daily reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts. The Bank met these reserve requirements at December 31, 2005.

Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Federal Home Loan Bank System consists of 12 district Federal Home Loan Banks subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Board (“FHFB”). The Federal Home Loan Banks provide a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. As a member of the FHLB, the Bank is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB in an amount at least equal to 1% of the aggregate unpaid principal of its home mortgage loans, home purchase contracts, and similar obligations at the beginning of each year, or 1/20 of its advances (borrowings) from the FHLB, whichever is greater. The Bank was in compliance with this requirement, with an $3.2 million investment in FHLB stock at December 31, 2005.

Regulation of the Company

The Company is a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to OTS regulation, supervision and examination. In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over the Company and its non-savings institution

 

21


subsidiaries and may restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to represent a serious risk to the safety, soundness or stability of the Bank or any other subsidiary savings institution.

Under the HOLA, a savings and loan holding company is required to obtain the prior approval of the OTS before acquiring another savings institution or savings and loan holding company. A savings and loan holding company may not (i) acquire, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-subsidiary savings institution or a non-subsidiary savings and loan holding company; or (ii) acquire or retain control of a depository institution that is not insured by the FDIC. In addition, while the Bank generally may acquire a savings institution by merger in any state without restriction by state law, the Company could acquire control of an additional savings institution in a state other than Kentucky only if such acquisition is permitted under the laws of the target institution’s home state or in a supervisory acquisition of a failing institution.

As a unitary savings and loan holding company, the Company generally is not subject to activity restrictions. If the Company were to acquire control of another savings institution as a separate subsidiary, it would become a multiple savings and loan holding company, and the activities of the Company and any of its subsidiaries (other than the Bank or any other SAIF-insured savings institution) would become subject to such restrictions unless such other institutions each qualify as a QTL and were acquired in a supervisory acquisition.

If the Bank fails the QTL test, the Company must obtain the approval of the OTS prior to continuing after such failure, directly or through its other subsidiaries, any business activity other than those approved for multiple savings and loan holding companies or their subsidiaries. In addition, within one year of such failure the Company would be required to register as, and would become subject to, the restrictions applicable to the bank holding companies. The activities authorized for a bank holding company are more limited than are the activities authorized for a unitary or multiple savings and loan holding company.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including all documents incorporated herein by reference, contains forward-looking statements. Additional written or oral forward-looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise. The words “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” and “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement is made. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, projections of income or loss, expenditures, acquisitions, plans for future operations, financing needs or plans relating to services of the Company, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements.

The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to publicly release the results of revisions which may be made to forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company could experience an increase in loan losses, which would reduce the Company’s earnings.

As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that our customers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans may not be sufficient to assure repayment. A downturn in the economy or the real estate market in our market areas or a rapid change in interest rates could have a negative effect on the collateral values and borrower’s ability to repay. Credit losses are inherent in the business of making loans and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. To the extent charge offs exceed our financial models, increased amounts charged to the provision for loan losses would reduce net income.

 

22


Rapidly changing interest rate environments could reduce our net interest margin, net interest income, fee income and net income.

Interest and fees on loans and securities, net of interest paid on deposits and borrowings, are a large part of our net income. Interest rates are the key drivers of the Company’s net interest margin and subject to many factors beyond the control of management. As interest rates change, net interest income is affected. Rapid increases in interest rates in the future could result in interest expense increasing faster than interest income because of mismatches in the maturities of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Furthermore, substantially higher rates generally reduce loan demand and may result in slower loan growth. Decreases or increases in interest rates could have a negative effect on the spreads between interest rates earned on assets and the rates of interest paid on liabilities, and therefore decrease net interest income. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”

Liquidity needs could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company relies on dividends from the Bank as a primary source of funds. The primary source of funds of the Bank are customer deposits and cash flows from investment instruments and loan repayments. While scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source, they are subject to the ability of the borrowers to repay their loans. The ability of the borrowers to repay their loans can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting the business environment, natural disasters and various other factors. Cash flows from the investment portfolio may be affected by changes in interest rates, resulting in excessive levels of cash flow during periods of declining interest rates and lower levels of cash flow during periods of rising interest rates. Deposit levels may be affected by a number of factors, including both the national market and local competitive interest rate environment, local and national economic conditions, natural disasters and other various events. Accordingly, the Company may be required from time to time to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet withdrawal demands or otherwise fund operations. Such sources include the FHLB advances and federal funds lines of credit from correspondent banks. The Company may also pledge investments as collateral to borrow money from third parties. In certain cases, the Company may sell investment instruments for sizable losses to meet liquidity needs, hurting net income. While the Company believes that these sources are currently adequate, there can be no assurance they will be sufficient to meet future liquidity needs.

The financial industry is very competitive.

We face competition in attracting and retaining deposits, making loans, and providing other financial services throughout our market area. Our competitors include other community banks, regional and super-regional banking institutions, national banking institutions, and a wide range of other financial institutions such as credit unions, government-sponsored enterprises, mutual fund companies, insurance companies, brokerage companies, and other non-bank businesses. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources than HopFed Bancorp, Inc.

Inability to hire or retain certain key professionals, management and staff could adversely affect our revenues and net income.

We rely on key personnel to manage and operate our business, including major revenue generating functions such as our loan and deposit portfolios. The loss of key staff may adversely affect our ability to maintain and manage these portfolios effectively, which could negatively affect our revenues. In addition, loss of key personnel could result in increased recruiting, hiring, and training expenses, resulting in lower net income.

The Company is subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict its activities.

The Company operates in a highly regulated industry and is subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various federal agencies, including the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company’s regulatory compliance is costly and certain types of activities, including the payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates charged and interest rates paid on deposits and locations of offices are subject to regulatory approval and may be limited by regulation. The Company is also subject to capitalization guidelines established by its regulators, which require it and the Bank to maintain adequate capital to support its and the Bank’s growth.

 

23


The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time, and the Company cannot predict the effects of these changes on its business and profitability. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ National Market that are now and will be applicable to the Company, have increased the scope, complexity, and cost of corporate governance, reporting and disclosure practices. As a result, the Company has experienced, and may continue to experience, greater compliance cost.

Even though the Company’s common stock is currently traded on The NASDAQ National Market, the trading volume in the Company’s common stock has been low and the sale of substantial amounts of its common stock in the public market could depress the price of the Company’s common stock.

The trading volume of the Company’s common stock on The NASDAQ National Market has been relatively low when compared with larger companies listed on The NASDAQ National Market or other stock exchanges. Thinly traded stocks, such as the Company’s, can be more volatile than stocks trading in an active public market. Because of this, the Company stockholders may not be able to sell their shares at the volumes, prices, or times that they desire.

The Company cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of its common stock in the market, or availability of shares of its common stock for sale in the market, will have on the market prices of the Company’s common stock. The Company, therefore, can give no assurance that sales of substantial amounts of its common stock in the market, or the potential for large amounts of sale in the market, would not cause the price of its common stock to decline or impair the Company’s ability to raise capital through sales of its common stock.

The market price of the Company’s common stock may fluctuate in the future, and these fluctuations may be unrelated to its performance. General market prices declines or overall market volatility in the future could adversely affect the price of the Company’s common stock, and the current market price may not be indicative of future market prices.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

There are no unresolved staff comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

24


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following table sets forth information regarding the Bank’s offices at December 31, 2005.

 

     Year Opened    Owned or Leased    Book Value (1)   

Approximate

Square Footage of
Office

     (In thousands)

Main Office:

  

2700 Fort Campbell Boulevard Hopkinsville, Kentucky

   1995    Owned    $ 1,916    17,625

Branch Offices:

           

Downtown Branch Office 605 South Virginia Street Hopkinsville, Kentucky

   1997    Owned    $ 155    756

Murray Branch Office 210 N. 12th Street Murray, Kentucky

   2003    Owned    $ 1,278    3,650

Cadiz Branch Office 352 Main Street Cadiz, Kentucky

   1998    Owned    $ 421    2,200

Elkton Branch Office 536 W. Main Street Elkton, Kentucky

   1976    Owned    $ 109    3,400

Benton Branch Office 105 W. 5th Street Benton, Kentucky

   2003    Owned    $ 746    4,800

Calvert City Office 35 Oak Plaza Drive Calvert City, Kentucky

   2003    Owned    $ 578    1,100

Carr Plaza Office 607 N. Highland Drive Fulton, Kentucky

   2002    Owned    $ 86    800

Lake Street Office 306 Lake Street Fulton, Kentucky

   2002    Owned    $ 1,043    15,000

Fall & Fall Insurance Office 101 Main Street Fulton, Kentucky

   2002    Owned    $ 12    3,200

Heritage Solutions Office 301 N. 12th St., Suite E Murray, Kentucky

   2004    Lease    $ 13    1,300

Bypass Branch Office Lafayette Road & 68-80 Bypass Hopkinsville, Kentucky

   n/a    Owned    $ 5,565    In Progress

Trenton Road Branch Trenton Road Clarksville, Tennessee

   n/a    Owned    $ 578    In Progress

 

(1) Represents the book value of land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment owned by the Bank.

 

25


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company or the Bank is a party to various legal proceedings incident to its business. At December 31, 2005 there were no legal proceedings to which the Company or the Bank was a party, or to which any of their property was subject, which were expected by management to result in a material loss to the Company or the Bank. There are no pending regulatory proceedings to which the Company or the Bank is a party or to which any of their properties is subject which are currently expected to result in a material loss.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

John E. Peck. Mr. Peck, 41, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank since July 2000. Prior to that, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of United Commonwealth Bank and President of Firstar Bank-Calloway County.

Boyd M. Clark. Mr. Clark, 60, has served as Senior Vice President — Loan Administration of the Bank since 1995. Prior to his current position, Mr. Clark served as First Vice President of the Bank. He has been an employee of the Bank since 1973. Mr. Clark also serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Company. From May to July 2000, Mr. Clark served as Acting President of both the Company and the Bank.

Michael L. Woolfolk. Mr. Woolfolk, 52, has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Bank since August 2000. Prior to that, he was President of Firststar Bank–Marshall County, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Marshall County and President of Mercantile Bank.

Billy C. Duvall. Mr. Duvall, 40, has served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company and the Bank since June 1, 2001. Prior to that, he was an Auditor with Rayburn, Betts & Bates, P.C., independent public accountants and a Principal Examiner with the National Credit Union Administration.

Michael F. Stalls. Mr. Stalls, 54, has served as Vice President, Chief Credit Officer of the Bank since May 28, 2004. Prior to that, he was a Senior Lender at Regions Bank in Winchester, Tennessee for 18 years and Vice President of First Tennessee Bank in Knoxville, Tennessee.

All officers serve at the discretion of the boards of directors of the Company or the Bank. There are no known arrangements or understandings between any officer and any other person pursuant to which he or she was or is to be selected as an officer.

 

26


PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUERS PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

A dividend of $0.12 per share was declared in each of the four quarters in 2005 and 2004. The high and low price range of the Company’s common stock for 2005 and 2004 is set forth below:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2004    Year Ended December 31, 2005
     High    Low    High    Low

First Quarter

   $ 18.50    $ 16.75    $ 17.49    $ 16.31

Second Quarter

   $ 17.95    $ 16.03    $ 17.00    $ 15.31

Third Quarter

   $ 17.34    $ 16.10    $ 16.19    $ 15.21

Fourth Quarter

   $ 17.81    $ 16.65    $ 16.37    $ 15.00

At December 31, 2005, the Company estimates that it had approximately 2,700 shareholders, with approximately 1,200 reported in the name of the shareholder and the remainder recorded in street name.

On March 26, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of an additional 300,000 shares. The purchases are being made from time to time on the Nasdaq Stock Market at prices prevailing on that market or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion, depending on market conditions, price of the Company’s common stock, corporate cash requirements and other factors. As of December 31, 2005, a total of 208,909 shares of common stock had been repurchased under the current program. No shares were repurchased during the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2005.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The information set forth under the caption “Selected Financial Information and Other Data” in the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2005 (Exhibit No. 13) is incorporated herein by reference.

 

27


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The information set forth under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2005 (Exhibit No. 13) is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information set forth under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis” in the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2005 (Exhibit No. 13) is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements together with the related notes and the report of Rayburn, Bates & Fitzgerald, P.C., independent registered public accounting firm, all as set forth in the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2005 (Exhibit No. 13) are incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) that are designed to insure that information required to be disclosed by it in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decision making regarding required disclosure. The Company, under the supervision and participation of its management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be disclosed is this annual report has been accumulated and communicated to them in a manner appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. During the quarter ended December 31, 2004, the Company has hired external parties to review, assess, and recommend changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As a result, the Company has made operational and procedural improvements to internal controls that have improved the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Company continues to use outside sources to assist in the review, analysis, and implementation of its internal control process.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable

 

28


PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information regarding directors of the Company is omitted from this Report as the Company will file a definitive proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) not later than 120 days after December 31, 2005, and the information included therein under “Proposal I — Election of Directors” is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding the executive officers of the Company is included under separate caption in Part I of this Form 10-K.

Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is omitted from this Report as the Company will the Proxy Statement not later than 120 days after December 31, 2005, and the information included therein under “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” is incorporated herein by reference.

Information regarding audit committee financial expert compliance is omitted from this Report as the Company will file the Proxy Statement not later than 120 days after December 31, 2005, and the information contained therein under “Committees of the Board of Directors” is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all directors and employees, including without exception, the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller, or persons performing similar functions.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information regarding executive compensation is omitted from this Report as the Company will file the Proxy Statement not later than 120 days after December 31, 2005, and the information included therein under “Proposal I — Election of Directors” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information required by this Item is omitted from this Report as the Company will file the Proxy Statement not later than 120 days after December 31, 2005, and the information included therein under “Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof” and “Proposal I – Election of Directors” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Information required by this Item is omitted from this Report as the Company will file the Proxy Statement, not later than 120 days after December 31, 2005, and the information included therein under “Proposal I — Election of Directors” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this item is omitted from this report as the Company will file the Proxy Statement not later than 120 days after December 31, 2005, and the information included therein under “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) The following consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2005, are incorporated herein by reference in Item 8 of this Report. The remaining information appearing in the Annual Report to Stockholders is not deemed to be filed as part of this Report, except as expressly provided herein.

 

  1. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

29


  2. Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2005 and 2004.

 

  3. Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

  4. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

  5. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

  6. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

  7. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(b) The following exhibits either are filed as part of this Report or are incorporated herein by reference:

Exhibit No. 2. Plan of Conversion of Hopkinsville Federal Savings Bank. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-30215).

Exhibit No. 3.1. Certificate of Incorporation. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-30215).

Exhibit No. 3.2. Bylaws. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.

Exhibit No. 10.1. HopFed Bancorp, Inc. Management Recognition Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-79391).

Exhibit No. 10.2. HopFed Bancorp, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-79391).

Exhibit No. 10.3. Employment Agreement by and between Hopkinsville Federal Savings Bank and John E. Peck. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2000.

Exhibit No. 10.4. Employment Agreement by and between HopFed Bancorp, Inc. and John E. Peck. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2000.

Exhibit 10.5. HopFed Bancorp, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.

Exhibit 10.6. Employment Agreement by and between HopFed Bancorp, Inc. and Billy C. Duvall. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2001.

 

30


Exhibit 10.7. Employment Agreement by and between Hopkinsville Federal Bank and Billy C. Duvall. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2001.

Exhibit 10.8. Employment Agreement by and between HopFed Bancorp, Inc. and Michael L. Woolfolk. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2002.

Exhibit 10.9. Employment Agreement by and between Heritage Bank and Michael L. Woolfolk. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2002.

Exhibit 10.10. Fulton Division Acquisition Agreement dated as of March 1, 2002, by and between Old National Bank and Hopkinsville Federal Bank. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2002.

Exhibit 10.11 HopFed Bancorp, Inc. 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-117956) dated August 5, 2004.

Exhibit No. 13. Annual Report to Stockholders Except for those portions of the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2005, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, such Annual Report is furnished for the information of the Commission and is not to be deemed “filed” as part of this Report.

Exhibit No. 14. Code of Ethics. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

Exhibit No. 21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

Exhibit No. 23.1. Consent of Rayburn, Bates & Fitzgerald, P.C.

Exhibit No. 31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a – 14(a) or 15d – 14(a).

Exhibit No. 31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a – 14(a) or 15d – 14(a).

Exhibit No 32.1. Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit No 32.2. Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

(c) All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

 

31


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

HOPFED BANCORP, INC.

             (Registrant)

Date: April 12, 2006     By:   /s/ John E. Peck
        John E. Peck
        President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.

DATE: SIGNATURE AND TITLE:

 

/s/ John E. Peck

John E. Peck

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

April 12, 2006

 

/s/ Billy C. Duvall

Billy C. Duvall

Vice President, Chief

Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  

April 12, 2006

 

/s/ WD Kelley

WD Kelley

Chairman of the Board

  

April 12, 2006

 

/s/ Boyd M. Clark

Boyd M. Clark

Director, Vice President and Secretary

  

April 12, 2006

 

/s/ Walton G. Ezell

Walton G. Ezell

Director

  

April 12, 2006

 

/s/ Gilbert E. Lee

Gilbert E. Lee

Vice Chairman

  

April 12, 2006

 

 

32


/s/ Harry J. Dempsey

Harry J. Dempsey

Director

  

April 12, 2006

 

/s/ Kerry Harvey

Kerry Harvey

Director

  

April 12, 2006

 

/s/ Thomas I. Miller

Thomas I. Miller

Director

  

April 12, 2006

 

 

33