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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

Commission File Number: 0-18832


FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
OF KENTUCKY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Kentucky

 

61-1168311
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

2323 Ring Road, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

 

42701
(Address of principal executive offices)   Zip Code

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (270) 765-2131

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

Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(Title of Class)

        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 ninety days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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. o

        The aggregate market value of the outstanding voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on a June 30, 2003 closing price of $32.47 as quoted on the NASDAQ National Market was $95,967,877. Solely for purposes of this calculation, the shares held by directors and executive officers of the registrant and by any stockholder beneficially owning more than 5% of the registrant's outstanding common stock are deemed to be shares held by affiliates.

        As of February 27, 2004 there were issued and outstanding 3,705,438 shares of the registrant's common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.
Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 12, 2004 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K




FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY
2003 ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page
    Part I.    

Item 1.

 

Business

 

3

Item 2.

 

Properties

 

15

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

15

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

15

 

 

Part II.

 

 

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters

 

16

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 

17

Item 7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

18

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

39

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

40

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

 

74

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

74

 

 

Part III.

 

 

Item 10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

74

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 

74

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

74

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

75

 

 

Part IV.

 

 

Item 14.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

75

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

 

76

Signatures

 

77

2



PART I

Preliminary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

        Statements by First Federal Financial Corporation of Kentucky (the "Corporation") contained in "Item 1—Business," "Item 7—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and other sections of this report that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). In addition, the Corporation may make forward-looking statements in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by or with the approval of the Corporation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (1) projections of revenues, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, capital and other financial items; (2) statements of plans and objectives of the Corporation or its management or Board of Directors; (3) statements regarding future events, actions or economic performance; and (4) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "targeted," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

        Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the events or circumstances that could cause such difference include the following: changes in general economic conditions and economic conditions in Kentucky and the markets served by the Corporation any of which may affect, among other things, the level of non-performing assets, charge-offs, and provision expense; changes in the interest rate environment which may reduce interest margins and impact funding sources; changes in market rates and prices which may adversely impact the value of financial products including securities, loans and deposit; changes in tax laws, rules and regulations; various monetary and fiscal policies and regulations, including those established by the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions; competition with other local and regional commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions and other non-bank financial institutions; ability to grow core businesses; ability to develop and introduce new banking-related products, services and enhancements and gain market acceptance of such products; and management's ability to manage these and other risks.


Item 1.    Business

General Description

The Corporation

        First Federal Financial Corporation of Kentucky was incorporated in August 1989 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and became the holding company for First Federal Savings Bank of Elizabethtown ("First Federal" or the "Bank"), effective on June 1, 1990. Since that date, the Corporation has engaged in no significant activity other than holding the stock of First Federal and directing, planning and coordinating the business of the Bank. Accordingly, the information set forth in this report, including financial statements and related data, relates primarily to First Federal and its subsidiaries.

        On January 8, 2003, First Federal converted to a Kentucky chartered commercial bank from a federally chartered savings bank. In connection with the conversion, both the Corporation and First Federal changed to a fiscal year ending on December 31. This report covers the year ended December 31, 2003.

3



The Bank

        First Federal is headquartered in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. First Federal was originally founded in 1923 as a state-chartered institution and became federally chartered in 1940. In 1987, the Bank converted to a federally chartered savings bank and converted from mutual to stock form. The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Cincinnati and, since converting to a state charter, is subject to regulation, examination and supervision by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions ("KDFI"). The Bank's deposits are insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") and administered by the FDIC.

        The Bank serves the needs and caters to the economic strengths of the local communities in which it operates and strives to provide a high level of personal and professional customer service. The Bank offers a variety of financial services to its retail and commercial banking customers. These services include personal and corporate banking services, trust and estate planning, and personal investment financial counseling services.

        Our full complement of lending services includes:

        The Bank also provides a broad selection of deposit instruments. These include:

        The Bank also supports its customers by providing services such as:

        Through the Bank's trust and estate planning and our personal investment financial counseling services, it offers a wide variety of mutual funds, equity investments, and fixed and variable annuities.

4



        The Bank participates in the wholesale capital markets through the management of its security portfolio and its use of various forms of wholesale funding. The security portfolio contains a variety of instruments, including callable debentures, taxable and non-taxable debentures, fixed and adjustable rate mortgage backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations.

        The Bank's results of operations depend primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. The Bank's operations are also affected by non-interest income, such as service charges, insurance agency revenue, loan fees, gains and losses from the sale of mortgage loans and gains from the sale of real estate held for development. Its principal operating expenses, aside from interest expense, consist of compensation and employee benefits, occupancy costs, data processing expense and provisions for loan losses.

        On July 1, 2003, the Corporation joined the Russell 3000 Index and will remain in place for one year in the small-cap Russell 2000 Index. Annual reconstitution of the Russell indexes identifies the 3,000 largest U.S. stocks as of the end of May, ranking them by total market capitalization to create the Russell 3000. The largest 1,000 companies in the ranking comprise the Russell 1000 Index, while the remaining 2,000 companies become the widely used Russell 2000 Index. Membership in Russell's 21 U.S. equity indexes is determined primarily by market capitalization rankings and style attributes. Russell indexes are widely used by managers for index funds and as benchmarks for both passive and active investment strategies. Management anticipates that the Corporation will remain in the Russell 2000 Index until the next annual reconstitution in May 2004.

Market Area Served

        The Bank's primary market area consists of six counties in Central Kentucky: Hardin; Hart; Nelson; Bullitt; Meade; and Jefferson. The following table provides demographic and economic information by county as of December 31, 2003.

County
  Population
  Trend(1)
  % Below
Poverty

  Number
Employed

  Unemployment
Rate%

  Trend(1)
  Average
Weekly
Wage

  Median
Family
Income

  Median
Home
Price

Hardin   95,724   2.0 % 8.2   38,545   6.90   0.4 % 537   50,200   86,000
Hart   17,445   1.0 % 18.6   4,201   4.80   (0.8 )% 406   35,200   45,000
Nelson   38,823   4.0 % 10.0   12,859   6.70   (0.3 )% 514   49,400   71,375
Bullitt   63,800   3.0 % 6.2   11,680   5.20   1.1 % 478   56,200   93,250
Meade   27,439   4.0 % 9.3   3,717   6.60   0.5 % 479   44,000   70,100
Jefferson   698,080   1.0 % 9.5   431,473   5.60   1.0 % 667   56,200   102,650

(1)
Percent change as compared to data as of 12/31/2002.

General and Operating Strategies

        The Bank's operating strategy is to serve the needs and cater to the economic strengths of the local communities in which it operates and strives to provide a high level of personal and professional customer service. The Bank offers a variety of financial services to our retail and commercial banking customers.

        Our growth strategy is focused on a combination of acquisitions and expansion in our existing markets through internal growth as well as establishing new branches.

        Acquisitions.    Management believes that the consolidation in the banking industries, along with the easing of branch banking, as well as increased regulatory burdens, concerns about technology and marketing, are likely to lead owners of community banks and agencies within the Bank's market areas

5



to explore the possibility of sale or combination with a broader-based financial service companies such as ourselves.

        In addition, branching opportunities have arisen from time to time as a result of divestiture of branches by large national and regional bank holding companies of certain overlapping branches resulting from consolidations. As a result, branch locations have become available for purchase.

        Management's strategy in assimilating acquisitions is to emphasize revenue growth as well as to continuously review the operations of the acquired entities and streamline operations where feasible. Management does not believe that implementing wholesale administrative cost reductions in acquired institutions are beneficial to our long-term growth, because significant administrative changes in community banks can have an adverse impact on customer satisfaction in the acquired institution's community. However, management has determined that certain human resource, processing, and accounting functions can be consolidated immediately upon acquisition to achieve higher productivity levels without compromising customer service. Increases in revenue growth are emphasized by offering customers a broader product line consistent with full service banking.

        Branch Expansion.    Management continues to consider markets for branch expansion. Because of the economic growth in the Bank's markets over the past several years, management may consider further branch expansion in its current or surrounding market areas. However, the Bank does not rule out branch expansion in other areas experiencing economic growth. As discussed above, we anticipate opening two new branches in Jefferson County in early 2004.

        The Bank considers a variety of criteria when evaluating potential acquisition candidates or branching opportunities. These include:

        Internal Growth.    Management believes that its largest source of internal growth is through our ongoing solicitation program conducted by branch managers and lending officers, followed by referrals from customers. The primary reason for referrals is positive customer feedback regarding our customer service and response time.

        The Bank's goal in continuing its expansion is to maintain a profitable, customer-focused financial institution. The Bank believes that its existing structure, management, data and operational systems are sufficient to achieve further internal growth in asset size, revenues and capital without proportionate increases in operating costs. This growth should also allow us to increase the lending limits, thereby enabling the Bank to increase our ability to serve the needs of existing and new customers. The Bank's operating strategy has always been to provide high quality community banking services to our customers and increase market share through active solicitation of new business, repeat business and referrals from customers, and continuation of selected promotional strategies.

        For the most part, the Bank's customers seek a banking relationship with a service-oriented community banking organization. Our operational systems have been designed to facilitate personalized

6



service. Management believes its banking locations have an atmosphere which facilitates personalized services and decision-making, yet are of sufficient financial size with broad product lines to meet customers' needs. Management also believes that economic expansion in the Bank's market areas will continue to contribute to internal growth. Through our primary emphasis on customer service and our management's banking experience, the Bank intends to continue internal growth by attracting customers and primarily focusing on the following:

Lending Activities

        Residential Real Estate & Construction Lending.    Residential mortgage loans made by First Federal are secured primarily by single-family homes and include construction loans. The majority of First Federal's mortgage loan portfolio is secured by real estate in Hardin, Nelson, Hart, Meade, and Bullitt counties. Fixed rate residential real estate loans originated by the Bank have terms ranging from ten to thirty years. Interest rates are competitively priced within the primary geographic lending market, and vary according to the term for which they are fixed.

        The Bank generally emphasizes the origination of adjustable-rate mortgage loans ("ARMs") when possible. The Bank offers six ARM products with an annual adjustment, which is tied to a national index with a maximum adjustment of 2% annually, and a lifetime maximum adjustment cap of 6%. As of December 31, 2003, approximately 38.4% of the Bank's residential real estate loans were adjustable rate loans with adjustment periods ranging from one to five years and balloon loans of seven years or less. The origination of these ARMs can be more difficult in a low interest rate environment where there is a significant demand for fixed rate mortgages. The Bank limits the maximum loan-to-value ratio on one-to-four-family residential first mortgages to 90% of the appraised value and generally limits the loan-to-value ratio on second mortgages on one-to-four-family dwellings to 90%.

        Construction loans involve additional risks because loan funds are advanced upon the security of the project under construction, which is of uncertain value before the completion of construction. The uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, delays arising from labor problems, material shortages, and other unpredictable contingencies, make it relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total loan funds required to complete a project, and related loan-to-value ratios. The analysis of

7



prospective construction loan projects requires significantly different expertise from that required for permanent residential mortgage lending.

        The Bank's underwriting criteria are designed to evaluate and minimize the risks of each construction loan. Among other things, the Bank considers evidence of the availability of permanent financing or a takeout commitment to the borrower; the reputation of the borrower and his or her financial condition; the amount of the borrower's equity in the project; independent appraisals and cost estimates; pre-construction sale and leasing information; and cash flow projections of the borrower.

        Commercial Real Estate Lending.    The largest portion of the Bank's lending activity is the origination of commercial loans that are primarily secured by real estate and are generated at banking centers primarily in the Bank's market area. In recent years, First Federal has put greater emphasis on small business lending, originating loans for small and medium-sized businesses from its various locations.    The Bank makes commercial loans to a variety of industries. Substantially all of the commercial real estate loans originated by First Federal have adjustable interest rates with maturities of 25 years or less or are loans with fixed interest rates and maturities of five years or less. At December 31, 2003, the Bank had $239.4 million outstanding in commercial real estate loans. The security for commercial real estate loans includes retail businesses, warehouses, churches, apartment buildings and motels. In addition, the payment experience of loans secured by income producing properties typically depends on the success of the related real estate project and thus may be more vulnerable to adverse conditions in the real estate market or in the economy generally.

        Loans secured by multi-family residential property, consisting of properties with more than four separate dwelling units amounted to $18.6 million of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2003. First Federal generally does not lend above 75% of the appraised values of multi-family residences on first mortgage loans. The mortgage loans First Federal currently offers on multi-family dwellings are generally one or five year ARMs with maturities of 25 years or less.

        Consumer Lending.    The Bank's consumer loans include loans on automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles and other consumer goods, as well as loans secured by savings accounts, home improvement loans, and unsecured lines of credit. As of December 31, 2003, consumer loans outstanding were $81.8 million or approximately 14.8% of the Bank's total gross loan portfolio. These loans involve a higher risk of default than loans secured by one-to-four-family residential loans. The Bank believes, however, that the shorter term and the normally higher interest rates available on various types of consumer loans helps maintain a profitable spread between the Bank's average loan yield and its cost of funds. Home equity lines of credit as of December 31, 2003, totaled $38.4 million.

        The Bank's underwriting standards reflect the greater risk in consumer lending than in residential real estate lending. Among other things, the capacity of individual borrowers to repay can change rapidly, particularly during an economic downturn, collection costs can be relatively higher for smaller loans, and the value of collateral may be more likely to depreciate. The Consumer Lending Policy establishes the appropriate consumer lending authority for all loan officers based on experience, training, and past performance for approving high quality loans. Loans beyond individual authorities must be approved by additional officers, the Executive Loan Committee or the Board of Directors, based on the size of the loan. The Bank requires detailed financial information and credit bureau reports for each consumer loan applicant to establish the applicant's credit history, the adequacy of income for debt retirement, and job stability based on the applicant's employment records. Co-signers are required for applicants who are determined marginal or who fail to qualify individually under these standards. Adequate collateral is required on the majority of consumer loans. The Executive Loan Committee monitors and evaluates unsecured lending activity by each loan officer.

        In 1999, the Bank developed an indirect consumer loan program. The indirect consumer loan portfolio is comprised of new and used automobile, motorcycle and all terrain vehicle loans originated on the behalf of the Bank by a select group of auto dealers within the service area. Indirect consumer

8



loans are considered to have greater risk of loan losses than direct consumer loans due to, among other things: borrowers may have no existing relationship with the Bank; borrowers may not be residents of the lending area; less detailed financial statement information may be collected at application; collateral values can be more difficult to determine; and the condition of vehicles securing the loan can deteriorate rapidly. To address the additional risks associated with indirect consumer lending, the Executive Loan Committee continually evaluates data regarding the dealers enrolled in the program, including monitoring turn down and delinquency rates. All applications are approved by specific lending officers, selected based on experience in this field, who obtain credit bureau reports on each application to assist in the decision. Aggressive collection procedures encourage more timely recovery of late payments. At December 31, 2003, total loans under the indirect consumer loan program totaled $28.3 million.

        Commercial Business Lending.    The commercial business loan portfolio has grown in recent years as a result of the Bank's focus on small business lending. The Bank makes secured and unsecured loans for commercial, corporate, business, and agricultural purposes, including issuing letters of credit and engaging in inventory financing and commercial leasing activities. Commercial loans generally are made to small-to-medium size businesses located within the Bank's defined market area. Commercial loans generally carry a higher yield and are made for a shorter term than real estate loans. Commercial loans, however, involve a higher degree of risk than residential real estate loans due to potentially greater volatility in the value of the assigned collateral, the need for more technical analysis of the borrower's financial position, the potentially greater impact that changing economic conditions may have on the borrower's ability to retire debt, and the additional expertise required for commercial lending personnel.    Commercial business loans outstanding at December 31, 2003 totaled $30.3 million.

Subsidiary Activities

        In 1978, the Bank formed First Service Corporation of Elizabethtown ("First Service"). First Service acts as a broker for the purpose of selling mortgage life, credit life and accident and disability insurance to the Bank's customers. As well as investment services to the Bank's customers in the area of tax-deferred annuities, government securities and stocks and bonds. First Service employs four full-time employees to perform these services. This investment function operates under licenses held by First Service. The net income of First Service was $47,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        In July 1999, the Bank formed First Heartland Mortgage Company of Elizabethtown ("First Heartland") through which the secondary market lending department originates qualified VA, KHC, RHC and conventional secondary market loans on the behalf of the investors, thereby providing necessary liquidity to the Bank and needed loan products to the Bank's customers. The loans are sold with servicing released. The Bank has continued to experience good growth in the level of mortgages being processed by First Heartland. During 2003, First Heartland originated $87.5 million in loans on the behalf of investors. The net income of First Heartland Mortgage was $516,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        In March 2003, the Bank formed First Federal Office Park, LLC, a direct result of the charter conversion. The subsidiary holds commercial lots adjacent to the Bank's home office on Ring Road in Elizabethtown, which are available for sale. During the year ended December 31, 2003 the Bank sold two lots resulting in a $452,000 gain.

        In March 2003, the Bank also formed First Heartland Title, LLC, through which the Bank provides title insurance coverage for mortgage borrowers. The subsidiary is a joint venture with a local title insurance company in which the Bank holds a 48% interest. The new LLC generated $250,000 in net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 of which the Bank's portion was $120,000.

9



Competition

        First Federal faces substantial competition both in attracting and retaining deposits and in lending. Direct competition for deposits comes from commercial banks, savings institutions, and credit unions located in north-central Kentucky, and less directly from money market mutual funds and from sellers of corporate and government debt securities.

        The primary competitive factors in lending are interest rates and loan origination fees and the range of services offered by the various financial institutions. Competition for origination of real estate loans normally comes from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, and insurance companies. Retail establishments effectively compete for loans by offering credit cards and retail installment contracts for the purchase of goods and merchandise. Management believes that First Federal has been able to compete effectively in its primary market area.

        First Federal has offices in nine cities in six contiguous counties. In addition to the financial institutions, with offices in these counties, First Federal competes with several commercial banks and savings institutions in surrounding counties, many of which have assets substantially greater than First Federal. These competitors attempt to gain market share through their financial product mix, pricing strategies, internet banking and banking center locations. In addition, Kentucky's interstate banking statute, which permits banks in all states to enter the Kentucky market if they have reciprocal interstate banking statutes, has further increased competition for the Bank. We believe that competition from both bank and non-bank entities will continue to remain strong in the near future.

        The following table sets forth the Bank's market share and rank in terms of deposits in each Kentucky county where it has offices. The Bank has one office in Jefferson County, which is Metro Louisville, Kentucky, with a population of more than 650,000.

County
  Number of Offices
  FFKY Market Share %
  FFKY Rank
Hardin   4   21.74   2
Nelson   2   9.61   3
Hart   1   18.01   3
Bullitt   2   21.07   3
Meade   3   57.12   1
Jefferson   1   <1.00   N/M

Employees

        As of December 31, 2003, the Bank had 247 employees of which 227 were full-time and 20 part-time. None of the Bank's employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and the Bank believes that it enjoys good relations with its personnel.

Regulation

        General Regulatory Matters.    On January 8, 2003, First Federal converted from a federally chartered savings bank to a Kentucky chartered commercial bank. Before the conversion, First Federal was subject to the regulation of the Office of Thrift Supervision. As a Kentucky chartered commercial bank, First Federal is now subject to supervision and regulation, which involves regular bank examinations, by both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions ("KDFI"). The deposits of First Federal are insured by the FDIC. Kentucky's banking statutes contain a "super-parity" provision that permits a well-rated Kentucky banking corporation to engage in any banking activity in which a national bank operating in any state; a state bank, thrift or savings bank operating in any other state; or a federal chartered thrift or federal savings association meeting the qualified thrift lender test and operating in any state could engage,

10


provided it first obtains a legal opinion specifying the statutory or regulatory provisions that permit the activity.

        In connection with the conversion, the Corporation registered to become a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, and is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"). As a bank holding company, the Corporation is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board annual and quarterly reports and other information regarding its business operations and the business operations of its subsidiaries. The Corporation is also subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board and to operational guidelines established by the Federal Reserve Board. The Corporation is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act and other federal laws on the types of activities in which it may engage, and to other supervisory requirements, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations.

        Acquisitions and Change in Control.    As a bank holding company, the Corporation must obtain Federal Reserve Board approval before acquiring, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting stock of a bank, and before engaging, or acquiring a company that is not a bank but is engaged in certain non-banking activities. In approving these acquisitions, the Federal Reserve Board considers a number of factors, and weighs the expected benefits to the public such as greater convenience, increased competition and gains in efficiency, against the risks of possible adverse effects such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest or unsound banking practices. The Federal Reserve Board also considers the financial and managerial resources of the bank holding company, its subsidiaries and any company to be acquired, and the effect of the proposed transaction on these resources. It also evaluates compliance by the holding company's financial institution subsidiaries and the target institution with the Community Reinvestment Act. The Community Reinvestment Act generally requires each financial institution to take affirmative action to ascertain and meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods.

        Federal law also prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring "control" of a bank holding company without notifying the Federal Reserve Board in advance, and then only if the Federal Reserve Board does not object to the proposed transaction. The Federal Reserve Board has established a rebuttable presumptive standard that the acquisition of 10% or more of the voting stock of a bank holding company with a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 would constitute an acquisition of control of the bank holding company. In addition, any company is required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring 25% (5% in the case of an acquiror that is a bank holding company) or more of any class of a bank holding company's voting securities, or otherwise obtaining control or a "controlling influence" over a bank holding company.

        The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.    The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the "GLB Act"), signed into law on November 12, 1999, amended a number of Federal banking laws that affect the Corporation and First Federal. The provisions of the GLB Act believed to be of most significance to the Corporation and First Federal are discussed below. In particular, the GLB Act permits a bank holding company to elect to become a financial holding company, which permits the holding company to conduct activities that are "financial in nature." To become and maintain its status as a financial holding company, the bank holding company and all of its affiliated depository institutions must be well-capitalized, well managed, and have at least a satisfactory Community Reinvestment Act rating. The Corporation has not filed an election to became a financial holding company.

        The GLB Act also repeals most of the restrictions on affiliations among depository institutions, securities firms and insurance companies. In particular, the GLB Act repeals sections 20 and 32 of the Glass-Steagall Act, thus permitting unrestricted affiliations between banks and securities firms. The GLB Act also provides that, while the states continue to have the authority to regulate insurance

11



activities, in most instances they are prohibited from preventing or significantly interfering with the ability of a bank, directly or through an affiliate, to engage in insurance sales, solicitations or cross-marketing activities. Although the states generally must regulate bank insurance activities in a nondiscriminatory manner, the states may continue to adopt and enforce rules that specifically regulate bank insurance activities in areas identified in the GLB Act. Federal bank regulatory agencies adopted insurance consumer protection regulations that apply to sales practices, solicitations, advertising and disclosures that became effective April 1, 2001.

        The GLB Act contains extensive customer privacy protection provisions. Under these provisions, a financial institution must provide to its customers, at the inception of the customer relationship and annually thereafter, the institution's policies and procedures regarding the handling of customers' nonpublic personal financial information. The GLB Act provides that, except for certain limited exceptions, an institution may not provide such personal information to unaffiliated third parties unless the institution discloses to the customer that such information may be so provided and the customer is given the opportunity to opt out of such disclosure. An institution may not disclose to a non-affiliated third party, other than to a consumer reporting agency, customer account numbers or other similar account identifiers for marketing purposes. The GLB Act allows the states to adopt stricter customer privacy protections. The Act also makes it a criminal offense, except in limited circumstances, to obtain or attempt to obtain customer information of a financial nature by fraudulent or deceptive means. The GLB Act also contains requirements for the posting of notices by operators of automated teller machines regarding fees charged for the use of such machines.

        Other Holding Company Regulations.    Federal law substantially restricts transactions between financial institutions and their affiliates. As a result, a bank is limited in extending credit to its holding company (or any non-bank subsidiary), in investing in the stock or other securities of the bank holding company or its non-bank subsidiaries, and/or in taking such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. Moreover, transactions between a bank and a bank holding company (or any non-bank subsidiary) must generally be on terms and under circumstances at least as favorable to the bank as those prevailing in comparable transactions with independent third parties or, in the absence of comparable transactions, on terms and under circumstances that in good faith would be available to nonaffiliated companies.

        Under Federal Reserve policy, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to, and to commit resources to support, its bank subsidiaries. This support may be required at times when, absent such a policy, the bank holding company may not be inclined to provide it. In addition, any capital loans by the bank holding company to its bank subsidiaries are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of the bank subsidiary. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary banks will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

        Capital Requirements.    The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have issued substantially similar risk-based and leverage capital guidelines applicable to the banking organizations they supervise. Under the risk-based capital requirements, the Corporation and First Federal are each generally required to maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of credit) of 8%. At least half of the total capital must be composed of common equity, retained earnings and qualifying perpetual preferred stock and certain hybrid capital instruments, less certain intangibles ("Tier 1 capital"). The remainder may consist of certain subordinated debt, certain hybrid capital instruments, qualifying preferred stock and a limited amount of the loan loss allowance ("Tier 2 capital" which, together with Tier 1 capital, composes "total capital"). To be considered well-capitalized under the risk-based capital guidelines, an institution must maintain a total risk-weighted capital ratio of at least 10% and a Tier 1 risk-weighted ratio of 6% or greater.

12



        In addition, each of the federal bank regulatory agencies has established minimum leverage capital requirements for banking organizations. Banking organizations must maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average quarterly assets equal to 3% to 5% subject to federal bank regulatory evaluation of an organization's overall safety and soundness. The following table shows the ratios of Tier 1 capital and total capital to risk-adjusted assets and the leverage ratios for the Corporation and First Federal as of December 31, 2003.

Capital Adequacy Ratios as of
December 31, 2003

Risk-Based Capital Ratios
  Regulatory
Minimums

  Well-Capitalized
Minimums

  The Corporation
  First Federal
 
Tier 1 capital(1)   4.0 % 6.0 % 10.9 % 10.5 %
Total risk-based capital(2)   8.0 % 10.0 % 12.0 % 11.6 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio(3)   4.0 % 5.0 % 8.6 % 8.2 %

(1)
Shareholders' equity plus corporation-obligated mandatory redeemable capital securities, less unrealized gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale, net of deferred income taxes, less nonqualifying intangible assets; computed as a ratio of risk-weighted assets, as defined in the risk-based capital guidelines.

(2)
Tier 1 capital plus qualifying loan loss allowance and subordinated debt; computed as a ratio of risk-weighted assets, as defined in the risk-based capital guidelines.

(3)
Tier 1 capital computed as a percentage of fourth quarter average assets less nonqualifying intangibles.

        The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"), among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions: well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. The Corporation and First Federal are classified as "well-capitalized." FDICIA also requires the bank regulatory agencies to implement systems for "prompt corrective action" for institutions that fail to meet minimum capital requirements within these five categories, with progressively more severe restrictions on operations, management and capital distributions according to the category in which an institution is placed. Failure to meet capital requirements can also cause an institution to be directed to raise additional capital. FDICIA also mandates that the agencies adopt safety and soundness standards relating generally to operations and management, asset quality and executive compensation, and authorizes administrative action against an institution that fails to meet such standards.

        In addition, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have each adopted risk-based capital standards that explicitly identify concentrations of credit risk and the risk arising from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution's ability to manage these risks, as important factors to be taken into account by each agency in assessing an institution's overall capital adequacy. The capital guidelines also provide that an institution's exposure to a decline in the economic value of its capital due to changes in interest rates be considered by the agency as a factor in evaluating a banking organization's capital adequacy. The agencies also jointly adopted a regulation, effective January 1, 2002, amending their regulatory capital standards to change the treatment of certain recourse obligations, direct credit subsidies, residual interest and other positions in securitized transactions that expose banking organizations to credit risk. The regulation amends the agencies' regulatory capital standards to align more closely the risk-based capital treatment of recourse obligations and direct credit subsidies, to vary the capital requirements for positions in securitized transactions (and certain other credit exposures) according to their relative risk, and to require capital commensurate with the risks associated with residual interests.

13



        In addition to the "prompt corrective action" directives, failure to meet capital guidelines can subject a banking organization to a variety of other enforcement remedies, including additional substantial restrictions on its operations and activities, termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, and under some conditions the appointment of a conservator or receiver.

        Deposit Insurance.    First Federal's deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the statutory maximum limit of $100,000 per depositor through the Savings Association Insurance Fund. For this protection, First Federal must pay semiannual assessments to the FDIC. The assessment rate for an insured depository institution depends on the assessment risk classification assigned to the institution by the FDIC, which will be determined by the institution's capital level and supervisory evaluations.

        Dividends.    The Corporation is a legal entity separate and distinct from First Federal. The majority of the Corporation's revenue is from dividends paid to it by First Federal. First Federal is subject to laws and regulations that limit the amount of dividends they can pay. If, in the opinion of a federal regulatory agency, an institution under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice, the agency may require, after notice and hearing, that the institution cease and desist from such practice. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete an institution's capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. Under FDICIA, an insured institution may not pay any dividend if payment would cause it to become undercapitalized or if it already is undercapitalized. Moreover, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements providing that bank holding companies and banks should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

        Under Kentucky law, dividends by Kentucky banks may be paid only from current or retained net profits. Before any dividend may be declared for any period (other than with respect to preferred stock), a bank must increase its capital surplus by at least 10% of the net profits of the bank for the period until the bank's capital surplus equals the amount of its stated capital attributable to its common stock. Moreover, the KDFI Commissioner must approve the declaration of dividends if the total dividends to be declared by a bank for any calendar year would exceed the bank's total net profits for such year combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus or a fund for the retirement of preferred stock or debt. First Federal is also subject to the Kentucky Business Corporation Act, which generally prohibits dividends to the extent they result in the insolvency of the corporation from a balance sheet perspective or its becoming unable to pay debts as they come due.

Available Information

        The Corporation files annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are available at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Corporation's reports are available on its website at http://www.ffsbky.com. You may obtain electronic or paper copies of the Corporation's reports free of charge by contacting Rebecca Bowling, Corporate Secretary-Treasurer, First Federal Savings Bank, 2323 Ring Road, Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701 (telephone) 270-765-2131.

14




Item 2.    Properties

        The Corporation's executive offices, principal support and operational functions are located at 2323 Ring Road in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. All of First Federal's banking centers are located in Kentucky. The location of the 13 banking centers, whether owned or leased, and their respective approximate square footage is set forth in the following table.

Banking Centers

  Owned or
Leased

  Approximate
Square
Footage

ELIZABETHTOWN        
2323 Ring Road   Owned   55,000
325 West Dixie Avenue   Owned   1,764
101 Wal-Mart Drive   Leased   984

RADCLIFF

 

 

 

 
475 West Lincoln Trail   Owned   2,728

BARDSTOWN

 

 

 

 
401 East John Rowan Blvd.   Leased   4,500
315 North Third Street   Owned   1,271

MUNFORDVILLE

 

 

 

 
925 Main Street   Owned   2,928

SHEPHERDSVILLE

 

 

 

 
395 N. Buckman Street   Owned   7,600

MT. WASHINGTON

 

 

 

 
279 Bardstown Road   Owned   2,500

BRANDENBURG

 

 

 

 
416 East Broadway   Leased   4,395
50 Old Mill Road   Leased   575

FLAHERTY

 

 

 

 
4055 Flaherty Road   Leased   1,216

LOUISVILLE

 

 

 

 
11901 Standiford Plaza Drive   Leased   650


Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

        Although the Bank is, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the normal course of business, there are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Corporation, the Bank, or its subsidiaries is a party, or to which any of their property is subject.


Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        No matters were submitted for shareholder approval during the fourth quarter of 2003.

15




PART II

Item 5.    Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

(a)
Market Information

        The Common Stock of the Corporation is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System (NASDAQ) under the symbol "FFKY". The following table shows the high and low closing prices of the Corporation's Common Stock and the dividends paid.

 
  Quarter Ended
   
  Two
Months Ended

 
  3/31
  6/30
  9/30
  12/31
  2/27/2004
December 31, 2003:                              

High

 

$

28.91

 

$

35.95

 

$

32.97

 

$

31.74

 

$

27.25
Low     22.25     27.37     29.60     24.62     24.85
Cash dividends(1)     0.16     0.18     0.18     0.18      

 

 

3/31

 

6/30

 

9/30

 

12/31

 

 

 
December 31, 2002:                              

High

 

$

20.50

 

$

23.85

 

$

23.50

 

$

24.48

 

 

 
Low     17.25     20.25     21.80     22.50      
Cash dividends(1)     0.16     0.16     0.16     0.16      
(1)
Adjusted to reflect a 10% stock dividend declared April 16, 2003.

(b)
Holders

        At February 27, 2004 the number of registered shareholders was approximately 716. Because shares are often registered in the broker's name rather than the owner, the exact number of shareholders is not readily available. Management estimates that the number of beneficial owners is significantly greater.

(c)
Dividends

        It is currently the policy of the Corporation's Board of Directors to continue to pay quarterly dividends, but any future dividends are subject to the Board's discretion based on its consideration of the Corporation's operating results, financial condition, capital, income tax considerations, regulatory restrictions and other factors.

(d)
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

Plan category

  Number of securities
to be issued
upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

  Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

  Number of securities
Remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (1))

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   68,970   $ 19.36   77,580
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders        
   
 
 
Total   68,970   $ 19.36   77,580
   
 
 

16


        Of the options outstanding at December 31, 2003, 1,100 were granted under a previous plan. See Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information required by this item.

Item 6.

        Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data

 
  At December 31,
  At June 30,
 
  2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
Financial Condition Data:                                    

Total assets

 

$

676,335

 

$

670,728

 

$

679,395

 

$

606,726

 

$

560,785

 

$

488,304
Net loans outstanding(1)     550,153     528,535     520,261     517,145     471,231     400,360
Interest bearing deposits             64,000            
Investments     34,938     18,575     23,693     22,934     45,182     47,340
Deposits     529,162     521,121     529,882     468,825     423,759     399,443
Borrowings     88,283     87,683     87,778     77,298     80,339     25,894
Stockholders' equity     56,321     59,647     58,615     54,592     51,681     57,862

Number of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Real estate loans outstanding     7,660     7,156     7,577     7,618     7,154     6,968
Deposit accounts     48,443     49,210     49,726     49,615     47,238     45,425
Offices     13     13     13     13     13     12
Full time equivalent employees     257     241     227     203     170     155
 
   
   
  Year Ended June 30,
 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2003

  Six Months Ended
December 31,
2002

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
Operations Data:                                    

Interest income

 

$

39,339

 

$

21,556

 

$

44,100

 

$

45,392

 

$

38,542

 

$

35,496
Interest expense     16,365     9,394     21,426     27,429     20,873     18,481
Net interest income     22,974     12,162     22,674     17,963     17,669     17,015
Provision for loan losses     1,656     1,161     1,604     1,086     400     314
Non-interest income     7,981     3,177     5,398     5,145     3,877     3,954
Non-interest expense(2)     17,292     7,597     15,281     13,570     12,691     11,706
Income tax expense     4,004     2,199     3,729     2,803     2,792     2,970
Net income     8,003     4,382     7,458     5,649     5,663     5,979

Earnings per share:(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic   $ 2.12   $ 1.09   $ 1.81   $ 1.37   $ 1.32   $ 1.32
  Diluted     2.10     1.08     1.80     1.36     1.31     1.31
Book value per share(3)     15.20     14.88     14.29     13.21     12.51     12.76
Dividends paid per
share(3)
    0.70     0.33     0.65     0.65     0.65     0.57

Dividend payout ratio

 

 

33%

 

 

30%

 

 

36%

 

 

48%

 

 

49%

 

 

43%
Return on average assets     1.18%     1.31%     1.19%     0.95%     1.08%     1.25%
Average equity to average assets     8.26%     8.77%     9.10%     8.97%     10.28%     11.85%
Return on average equity     14.32%     14.89%     13.08%     10.62%     10.52%     10.53%

(1)
Includes loans held for sale.

(2)
Non-interest expense in 1999 includes acquisition and conversion costs in the amount of $789,000, pretax.

(3)
Amounts adjusted to reflect a 10% stock dividend declared April 16, 2003.

17



Item 7.    Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

        The Corporation, through its subsidiary, First Federal Savings Bank conducts operations in 13 full-service banking centers in six contiguous counties in Kentucky along the Interstate 65 corridor. The Corporation's market presence ranges from the major metropolitan market of Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky approximately 40 miles North of its headquarters in Elizabethtown, Kentucky to approximately 30 miles South to Hart County, Kentucky. The Corporation's core markets have experienced a solid compound annual growth rate of 7% in deposits for the past four years. Management anticipates a similar growth rate of its markets for the next few years and believes it is well positioned to benefit from this continued growth.

        The Corporation has positioned itself as a leader in the markets it operates in holding a 21% market share in the five counties south of Jefferson County, significantly above the next competitor holding just 8% of the market. The Corporation's presence in Jefferson County currently remains under 1%. However, management believes it can increase its presence in the county, as the primarily market share is held by 6 large out of state holding companies. We believe that many customers will prefer a banking relationship with an institution headquartered in its region even though many of our competitors in the Jefferson County market area have greater resources than we do. The Corporations current branch in Jefferson County has achieved a compound annual growth of approximately 140% over the past four years. In addition, approximately $90 million in commercial loans, primarily commercial real estate, were closed in 2002 and 2003, as a result of the customer contacts made within Jefferson County. The Corporation's flexibility in loan products, rapid credit approval, and efficient loan closing process has been received with great success. Building upon the success of the commercial lending operations will be the development of a retail presence. Accordingly, the Corporation anticipates opening two additional branches in Jefferson County by April of 2004. Although preliminary results have been positive, we are still early in the process. As is the case in any branch expansion, start-up costs will impact the financial performance of the Bank for a period of time but we are optimistic that our expansion strategy for Jefferson County will minimize this period of time and the long-term benefits will outweigh the initial investment.

        The Corporation is focused on expanding its leadership role in its markets emphasizing both the retail and commercial lines of business. In addition to expanding its leadership position, the Corporation is also focused on maintaining a high level of profitability. This focus led to the adoption of a strategic initiative to improve return on equity in 1999. The Corporation identified several key factors to support the initiative including:

        Since 1999, the Corporation has increased its return on equity from 10.8% in 1999, to 14.4% in 2003. The increase in return on equity was accompanied by a compound annual growth rate of 20% in diluted earning per share over the same period of time. While management believes opportunities for improvement exist, it attributes much of the improvement in return on equity to various components of the factors of its initiative.

18



Emphasize commercial lending:

        The Corporation's emphasis on commercial lending continued to produce positive results generating a $91 million, or 50% increase in commercial loans to $273 million at December 31, 2003, compared to $182 million at December 31, 2002. This favorable trend has resulted in a $144 million, or 112% increase in commercial loans from December 31, 2001, and a $172 million, or 170% increase in commercial loans from December 31, 2000. The percentage of commercial loans in the Bank's portfolio has increased from 35% at December 31, 2002, to 49% at December 31, 2003 while residential loans declined from 49% at December 31, 2002, to 35% at December 31, 2003. The portfolio mix also changed significantly during 2003 as commercial loans grew to 49% of the total loan portfolio. Management intends to continue this commercial lending emphasis and anticipates continued increases in the commercial and commercial real estate portfolios.

Expand our retail base in our current branches as well as in growing markets within our region:

        In January 2003, the Corporation implemented an effort to develop a bank-wide service and sales culture emphasizing expanded account relationships. To achieve this goal, the corporation increased the number of associates in banking centers, relationship bankers, business development officers, stockbrokers, and loan officers with experience in commercial lending. The results of this effort have contributed to the growth on the Corporation as well as aided it in the transition from a Federally chartered thrift to a State-Chartered commercial bank in January of 2003. The increase in staff also contributed to a $1.6 million, or 21% increase in employee compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to the year ended December 31, 2002. Management expects a continued increase in employee compensation expense in the 2004 calendar year as it continues its expansion into Jefferson County.

Maintain an operationally efficient organization:

        Despite the increase in employee compensation expense for 2003, the Corporation still maintained an efficiency ratio of 56% for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase from 54% in 2002, but comparable to 56% in 1999.

        The following discussion and analysis covers the primary factors affecting the Corporation's performance and financial condition. It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements included in this report.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The Corporation's accounting and reporting policies comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The accounting policy relating to the allowance for loan losses is critical to the understanding of the Corporation's results of operations since the application of this policy requires significant management assumptions and estimates that could result in materially different amounts to be reported if conditions or underlying circumstances were to change. See "Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses" herein for a complete discussion of the First Federal Financial Corporation's accounting methodologies related to the allowance. Also refer to Note 1 in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for details regarding all of the Corporation's critical and significant accounting policies.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The Corporation reported net income of $8.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2003 compared with $8.1 million for the 2002 period. Diluted earnings per share increased 6% from $1.98 during 2002 to $2.10 for 2003. Earnings remained relatively constant for the comparative periods. Favorable increases in non-interest income generated from the gain on sale of mortgage loans, service

19



charges on deposit accounts, and two lots held for sale were offset with a decline in net interest income as well as an increase in non-interest expense. The Bank's book value per common share increased from $14.88 at December 31, 2002 to $15.20 at December 31, 2003. Net income for 2003 generated return on average assets of 1.18% and return on average equity of 14.32%. These compare with return on average assets of 1.24% and return on average equity of 13.87% for the 2002 period.

        The Corporation reported net income of $4.4 million during the six months ended December 31, 2002 compared with $3.7 million for the same period ended 2001, an increase of 17%. Diluted earnings per share increased 20% from $.90 during 2001 to $1.08 for 2002. The increase in earnings for 2002 was primarily attributable to increased net interest income, and an absence of goodwill amortization, service charges on deposit accounts and gain on sale of mortgage loans. The Bank's book value per common share increased from $13.77 at December 31, 2001 to $14.88 at December 31, 2002. Net income for 2002 generated a return on average assets of 1.31% and a return on average equity of 14.89%. These compare with a return on average assets of 1.23% and a return on average equity of 13.35% for the 2001 period.

        The Corporation reported net income of $7.5 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 compared with $5.6 million for the 2001 period, an increase of 32%. Diluted earnings per share also increased 32% from $1.36 during 2001 to $1.80 for 2002. The increase in earnings for 2002 was primarily attributable to increased net interest income, service charges on deposit accounts and gain on sale of mortgage loans.    The Bank's book value per common share increased from $14.53 at June 30, 2001 to $15.72 at June 30, 2002. Net income for the six months ended December 31, 2002 generated return on average assets of 1.19% and return on average equity of 13.08%. These compare with return on average assets of .95% and return on average equity of 10.62% for the same period in 2001.

        Net Interest Income—The principal source of the Bank's revenue is net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities and the interest expense on liabilities used to fund those assets, such as interest-bearing deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is impacted by both changes in the amount and composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as well as market interest rates.

        Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2003 declined to $23.0 million compared to $23.8 million for the 2002 period due to a narrowing net interest margin. The Bank's net interest margin declined from 3.84% for 2002 to 3.61% for 2003. The net interest rate spread decreased from 3.53% during 2002 to 3.37% in 2003. The net interest margin declined due to a reduction in short-term market interest rates by the Federal Reserve, which occurred in January 2003. Customer deposit interest rates did not adjust downward as quickly to offset declining interest yields on loans and investments. Additionally, lower interest rates encouraged a large volume of residential refinancing in favor of the secondary market loans, reducing the Bank's residential mortgage loan portfolio. During the 2003 period, residential mortgage loans held in the Bank's portfolio decreased by $75.7 million as a majority of the new and refinanced residential mortgage loan originations were sold during 2003. The substitution of commercial and commercial real estate loans for residential mortgage loans has resulted in a declining yield on the Bank's loan portfolio. However, the underlying benefits of this strategy have been to substantially reduce interest rate risk and position the Bank to improve its net interest margin should interest rates begin to rise. (For additional analysis on the effect of increasing and decreasing interest rates on the Corporation's net interest margin, see the interest rate sensitivity model under "Asset/Liability Management and Market Risk.")

        For the six months ended December 31, 2002, net interest income was $12.2 million, up $1.2 million from the $11.0 million attained during the comparable period of 2001. The Bank was able to increase its net interest income through growth in its interest-earning assets and declines in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Bank's net interest margin remained steady at 3.82% for the six months ended December 31, 2002 as compared to 3.83% for the 2001 six month period. The net

20



interest rate spread increased from 3.45% during 2001 or 3.52% in 2002. The net interest spread and margin benefited from a significant decline in the Bank's cost of funds due to a reduction on short-term market interest rates by the Federal Reserve which occurred principally during calendar 2001. The Bank's cost of funds averaged 3.25% during 2002, a decrease of 115 basis points from the 2001 average cost of funds of 4.40% compared to a decrease of 108 basis points on interest earning assets from 7.85% to 6.77%. The 2002 period includes Trust Preferred Securities which were issued in March 2002. Although substantially all categories of interest income and interest expense declined during 2002, interest rates payable on deposit products generally declined more than rates on interest-bearing assets. During the 2002 period, average interest-earning assets were $637.3 million, an increase of $62.8 million over the same period in 2001. Total average interest bearing liabilities increased from $523.8 million during 2001 or $578.7 million for the same period in 2002.

        For fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, net interest income was $22.7 million, up $4.7 million from the $18.0 million attained during 2001. This was principally due to an improved interest rate margin compared to 2001. The Bank's net interest margin increased from 3.22% during 2001 to 3.83% for the 2002 period. The net interest rate spread increased from 2.81% during 2001 to 3.48% in 2002. The net interest spread and margin benefited from a significant decline in the Bank's cost of funds due to a reduction in short-term market interest rates by the Federal Reserve which occurred principally during calendar 2001. Although substantially all categories of interest income and interest expense declined during 2002, interest rates payable on deposit products generally declined more than rates on interest-bearing assets.    During the 2002 period, average interest-earning assets were $593.4 million, an increase of $35.7 million over the same period in 2003. Total average interest bearing liabilities increased from $514.8 million during 2001 to $540.9 million for the same period in 2002. The 2002 period includes Trust Preferred Securities which were issued in March 2002.

21


AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET

        The following table sets forth information relating to the Bank's average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Dividing income or expense by the average monthly balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, derives such yields and costs for the periods presented.

 
  Year Ended
December 31, 2003

  Six Months Ended
December 31, 2002

 
 
  Average
Balance

  Interest
  Average
Yield/Cost

  Average
Balance

  Interest
  Average
Yield/Cost

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
ASSETS                                  
Interest earning assets:                                  
  Equity securities   $ 2,073   $ 79   3.81 % $ 908   $ 16   3.52 %
  State and political subdivision securities (1)     1,083     67   6.19     1,071     33   6.16  
  U.S. Treasury and agencies     12,766     368   2.88     16,266     293   3.60  
  Corporate bond     2,000     64   3.20     2,000     39   3.90  
  Mortgage-backed securities     6,976     269   3.86     649     16   4.93  
  Loans receivable(2)(3)(4)     531,750     37,412   7.03     525,574     20,346   7.74  
  FHLB stock     6,421     257   4.00     6,222     145   4.66  
  Interest bearing deposits     73,555     845   1.15     84,568     679   1.61  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total interest earning assets     636,624     39,361   6.18     637,258     21,567   6.77  
         
 
       
 
 
Less: Allowance for loan losses     (5,006 )             (4,192 )          
Non-interest earning assets     45,075               38,370            
   
           
           
  Total assets   $ 676,693             $ 671,436            
   
           
           

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
  Savings accounts   $ 77,905   $ 799   1.03 % $ 76,026   $ 551   1.45 %
  NOW and money market Accounts     115,785     959   0.83     111,789     815   1.46  
  Certificates of deposit and other time deposits     301,730     10,366   3.44     303,412     5,878   3.87  
  FHLB Advances     77,726     3,738   4.84     77,736     1,888   4.81  
  Trust Preferred Securities     10,000     503   5.03     10,000     262   5.24  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total interest bearing liabilities     583,146     16,365   2.81     578,963     9,394   3.25  
         
 
       
 
 
Non-interest bearing liabilities:                                  
  Non-interest bearing deposits     34,075               29,669            
  Other liabilities     3,594               3,962            
   
           
           
    Total liabilities     620,815               612,594            

Stockholders' equity

 

 

55,878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

58,842

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
           
           
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 676,693             $ 671,436            
   
           
           
Net interest income         $ 22,996             $ 12,173      
         
           
     
Net interest spread               3.37 %             3.52 %
               
             
 
Net interest margin               3.61 %             3.82 %
               
             
 
Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities               109.21 %             110.12 %
               
             
 

(1)
Taxable equivalent yields are calculated assuming a 34% federal income tax rate.'

(2)
Includes loan fees, immaterial in amount, in both interest income and the calculation of yield on loans.

(3)
Calculations include non-accruing loans in the average loan amounts outstanding.

(4)
Includes loans held for sale.

22


AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET

        The following table sets forth information relating to the Bank's average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Dividing income or expense by the average monthly balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, derives such yields and costs for the periods presented.

 
  Year Ended June 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  Average
Balance

  Interest
  Average
Yield/Cost

  Average
Balance

  Interest
  Average
Yield/Cost

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
ASSETS                                  
Interest earning assets:                                  
  Equity securities   $ 952   $ 34   3.57 % $ 1,005   $ 34   3.38 %
  State and political subdivision securities(1)     1,022     71   6.95     980     67   6.84  
  U.S. Treasury and agencies     10,741     589   5.48     37,207     2,552   6.86  
  Corporate bond Mortgage-backed securities     854     54   6.32     1,115     83   7.44  
  Loans receivable(2)(3)(4)     523,559     42,045   8.03     504,404     41,996   8.33  
  FHLB stock     5,995     325   5.42     5,257     385   7.32  
  Interest bearing deposits     50,260     1,006   2.00     7,736     297   3.84  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total interest earning assets     593,383     44,124   7.44     557,704     45,414   8.14  
         
 
       
 
 
Less: Allowance for loan losses     (3,273 )             (2,537 )          
Non-interest earning assets     36,371               37,457            
   
           
           
    Total assets   $ 626,481             $ 592,624            
   
           
           

LIABILITIES AND ST0CKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
  Savings accounts   $ 54,165   $ 1,190   2.20 % $ 33,964   $ 925   2.72 %
  NOW and money market Accounts     97,339     1,764   1.81     79,792     2,161   2.71  
  Certificates of deposit and other time deposits     308,747     14,559   4.72     309,651     19,039   6.15  
  FHLB Advances     77,709     3,741   4.81     91,418     5,304   5.80  
  Trust Preferred Securities     2,987     172   5.76            
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total interest bearing liabilities     540,947     21,426   3.96     514,825     27,429   5.33  
         
 
       
 
 
Non-interest bearing liabilities:                                  
  Non-interest bearing deposits     22,996               18,427            
  Other liabilities     5,531               6,195            
   
           
           
    Total liabilities     569,474               539,447            

Stockholders' equity

 

 

57,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53,177

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
           
           
    Total liabilities stockholders' equity   $ 626,481             $ 592,624            
   
           
           
Net interest income         $ 22,698             $ 17,985      
         
           
     
Net interest spread               3.48 %             2.81 %
               
             
 
Net interest margin               3.83 %             3.22 %
               
             
 
Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities               109.69 %             108.33 %
               
             
 

(1)
Taxable equivalent yields are calculated assuming a 34% federal income tax rate.

(2)
Includes loan fees, immaterial in amount, in both interest income and the calculation of yield on loans.

(3)
Calculations include non-accruing loans in the average loan amounts outstanding.

(4)
Includes loans held for sale.

23


RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

        The table below sets forth certain information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense of the Bank for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by old volume); (2) changes in volume (change in vilume multiplied by old rate); and (3) changes in rate-volume (change in rate multiplied by change in volume). Changes in rate-volume are proportionately allocated between rate and volume variance.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2003 vs. 2002
Increase (decrease)
Due to change in

  Six Months Ended
December 31,
2002 vs. 2001
Increase (decrease)
Due to change in

 
 
  Rate
  Volume
  Net
Change

  Rate
  Volume
  Net
Change

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Interest income:                                      
  Equity securities   $ 2   $ 44   $ 46   $   $ (1 ) $ (1 )
  State and political subdivision securities     (4 )   2     (2 )   (4 )   2     (2 )
  U.S. Treasury and agencies     (175 )   (21 )   (196 )   (186 )   156     (30 )
  Corporate bond     30         30           39     39  
  Mortgage-backed securities     (13 )   244     231     (8 )   (8 )   (16 )
  Loans     (4,065 )   642     (3,423 )   (1,188 )   (22 )   (1,210 )
  FHLB stock     (39 )   12     (27 )   (50 )   9     (41 )
  Interest bearing deposits     (412 )   (32 )   (444 )   (207 )   490     283  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total interest earning assets

 

 

(4,676

)

 

891

 

 

(3,785

)

 

(1,643

)

 

665

 

 

(978

)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Savings accounts     (609 )   108     (501 )   (182 )   292     110  
  NOW and money market accounts     (732 )   110     (622 )   (386 )   203     (183 )
  Certificates of deposit and other time deposits     (1,870 )   10     (1,860 )   (2,040 )   (293 )   (2,333 )
  FHLB advances     (10 )   2     (8 )   4     1     6  
  Trust Preferred Securities     (51 )   120     69         262     262  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total interest bearing liabilities

 

 

(3,272

)

 

350

 

 

(2,922

)

 

(2,604

)

 

465

 

 

(2,139

)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net change in net interest income

 

$

(1,404

)

$

541

 

$

(863

)

$

961

 

$

200

 

$

1,161

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

24


RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

        The table below sets forth certain information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense of the Bank for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by old volume); (2) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by old rate); and (3) changes in rate-volume (change in rate multiplied by change in volume). Changes in rate-volume are proportionately allocated between rate and volume variance.

 
  Year Ended June 30,
2002 vs. 2001
Increase (decrease)
Due to change in

 
 
  Rate
  Volume
  Net
Change

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Interest income:                    
  Equity securities   $ 2   $ (2 ) $  
  State and political subdivision securities     1     3     4  
  U.S. Treasury and agencies     (432 )   (1,531 )   (1,963 )
  Corporate bond              
  Mortgage-backed securities     (11 )   (18 )   (29 )
  Loans     (1,517 )   1,566     49  
  FHLB stock     (109 )   49     (60 )
  Interest bearing deposits     (205 )   914     709  
   
 
 
 

Total interest earning assets

 

 

(2,271

)

 

981

 

 

(1,290

)
   
 
 
 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Savings accounts     (205 )   470     265  
  NOW and money market accounts     (809 )   412     (397 )
  Certificates of deposit and other time deposits     (4,399 )   (81 )   (4,480 )
  FHLB advances     (831 )   (732 )   (1,563 )
  Trust Preferred Securities         172     172  
   
 
 
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities

 

 

(6,244

)

 

241

 

 

(6,003

)
   
 
 
 
 
Net change in net interest income

 

$

3,973

 

$

740

 

$

4,713

 
   
 
 
 

        Non-Interest Income—Non-interest income was $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $5.9 million for the 2002 period, an increase of $2.1 million or 35%. The increased level of non-interest income during 2003 was primarily due to increased gains on sale of mortgage loans, growth in fees and services charges resulting from a higher volume of retail and commercial transactions and the sale of two lots held for investment during the December 31, 2003 quarter. Offsetting these increases were decreases in brokerage and insurance commissions.

        Customer service fees on deposit accounts increased by $562,000 or 14% during 2003 due to growth in customer deposits, overdraft fee income on retail checking accounts and the sale of fee based products. The Bank continues to increase its customer base through cross-selling opportunities and marketing initiatives and promotions. Gain on sale of mortgage loans increased by $749,000 to $1.6 million for 2003 compared to 2002. The increase in gain on sale of mortgage loans was the result of an increase in consumer refinance activity of 1-4 family fixed-rate residential loans, which the Bank sells into the secondary market through its subsidiary, First Heartland Mortgage Company.

25



Management believes that the consumer refinancing activity in 2004 will not keep pace with that of 2003, but can not estimate the magnitude of the decreased gain. Income from brokerage commissions and insurance sales decreased $153,000 as a result of a decline in demand for these products. All other non-interest income increased by $891,000 during 2003 compared to 2002, attributable to a wide variety of customer service fees resulting from the growth in loans and deposits, the sale of two lots previously held for sale and the creation of First Heartland Title, LLC, a subsidiary of the Bank that provides title insurance coverage for mortgage borrowers. The subsidiary is a joint venture with a local title insurance company in which the Bank holds a 48% interest. The new LLC generated $120,000 in income for the Bank for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        Non-interest income was $3.2 million for the six months ended December 31, 2002, compared to $2.6 million for the 2001 period. The increased level of non-interest income during 2002 was primarily due to increased service fees on deposit accounts and to a lesser extent, gain on sale of mortgage loans. Offsetting these increases were slight decreases in brokerage and insurance commissions and other income.

        Customer service fees on deposit accounts increased by $711,000 or 50% during 2002 due to growth in overdraft fee income on retail checking accounts. Gain on sale of mortgage loans increased by $164,000 or 46% for 2002 compared to 2001 as declining market interest rates continued an increase in consumer refinance activity of 1-4 family fixed-rate residential loans, which the Bank sells into the secondary market through its subsidiary, First Heartland Mortgage Company. Mortgage banking income depends upon loan demand and refinance volume which management anticipates will continue at or near current levels for at least the next quarter, but less than pace of first half of 2003. Income from brokerage commissions and insurance sales decreased $46,000 as a result of a decline in demand for these products. Other income decreased during the 2002 period by $294,000 due to increases in customer fees waived and increased losses on repossessed assets attributed to the indirect dealer loan program.

        Non-interest income was $5.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, and $5.1 million during 2001. The increased level of non-interest income during 2002 was primarily due to increased service fees on deposit accounts and to a lesser extent, gains on the sale of mortgage loans. Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $715,000 or 28% during 2002 due to growth in fee-related customer transactions and growth in deposits, a result of the general shift in funds from the stock market to bank deposits. Service charges on deposit accounts were positively affected by the Bank's introduction of a new overdraft program.

        Gain on sale of mortgage loans increased by $125,000 or 24% for 2002 compared to 2001 as declining interest rates prompted an increase in consumer refinance activity of 1-4 family fixed-rate residential loans, which the Bank sells into the secondary market through its subsidiary, First Heartland Mortgage Company. During 2002 the Bank did not report any gains from investment sales compared to reported gains of $696,000 for 2001. Income from brokerage commissions and insurance sales decreased $96,000 as a result of a decline in demand for these products.

        Non-Interest Expense—Non-interest expense increased by $1.7 million or 11% to $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to 2002. The most significant factors impacting non-interest expense for the period include an increase in staffing levels and employee benefits expense, and a change in accounting rules that discontinued amortization of goodwill from acquisitions. Management anticipates moderate increases in non-interest expense are likely going forward as the Bank broke ground during May 2003 on two traditional banking centers in higher growth market areas in Louisville, Kentucky. These banking centers are expected to open during the March 2004 and June 2004 quarters. The Bank intends to close its existing supermarket banking center located within one-half mile of the southern Louisville banking center currently under construction. Non-interest expense levels are often measured using an efficiency ratio (non-interest expense divided by the sum of

26



net interest income and non-interest income). A lower efficiency ratio is indicative of higher bank performance. The Bank's efficiency ratios were 56% and 52% for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.

        Employee compensation and benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, increased $1.6 million or 21% for 2003. The increase in employee compensation reflects higher incentive bonuses due to certain corporate performance objectives being met, coupled with growth in the overall staffing level from 241 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2002 to 257 full-time equivalent employees at December 30, 2003. During the year, ten new retail positions have been filled in preparation of the upcoming expansions into Jefferson County, Kentucky, coupled with an expanded facility in Hardin County, Kentucky. Staff increased during 2003 as management continues to emphasize the Bank's retail sales culture and to expand the products and services we can offer to our retail and commercial customers.

        As a result of adopting new accounting standards on July 1, 2002, the Corporation ceased annual amortization of $832,000 on remaining goodwill assets of $8.4 million. Accordingly, no amortization expense was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2003 or the six months ended December 31, 2002. The new standards require annual impairment testing for goodwill with impairment being recorded if the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. These tests have not resulted in any impairments. All other non-interest expenses increased $468,000 to $7.8 million during the 2003 period compared to 2002.

        Non-interest expense increased by $316,000 or 4% during the six-month period ended December 31, 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. Factors impacting non-interest expense included an increase in staffing levels and a change in accounting rules in which goodwill amortization expense from acquisitions is no longer recorded. The Bank's efficiency ratio improved to 50% in 2002 compared to 53% in 2001. Employee compensation and benefits increased $542,000 or 16% for 2002. The increase reflects growth in the overall staffing level from 219 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2001 to 241 at December 31, 2002. The Bank's continued emphasis on building its commercial and retail staff to reflect its commercial philosophy was the largest contributing factor. Goodwill amortization expense reported for the six months ended December 21, 2001 was $416,000 compared to zero for the six months ended December 31, 2002.

        Non-interest expense increased by $1.7 million or 13% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 compared to 2001. The increase principally resulted from higher staffing levels, increased marketing efforts for the Bank's promotional products as well as increases in other expense. The Bank's efficiency ratio was 54% in 2002 compared to 59% in 2001. Employee compensation and benefits increased $845,000 or 13% for 2002. The increase reflects growth in the overall staffing level from 203 full-time equivalent employees at June 30, 2001 to 227 at June 30, 2002. Marketing and advertising costs increased during 2002 by $107,000 or 21%. The increase is attributable to the Bank's television marketing campaign for the "Simply Free Checking" product, enhanced marketing for the Bank's overdraft program and the Bank's commercial business. Data processing costs increased during 2002 by $125,000 or 9% due to the introduction efforts to promote more of the Bank's cash management product, Internet banking, the creation of the Bank's imaging department and processor charges relating to an increase in the number of users. The remainder of non-interest expense categories increased by a net of $556,000 or 23% during 2002. The increase is primarily attributable to increases in costs associated with the overdraft program, costs associated with postage, stationary and supplies and other customer account expenses.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

        The Corporation's total assets at December 31, 2003 increased to $676.3 million compared to $670.7 million at December 31, 2002. The available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment portfolios

27



increased during the 2003 period due to investments in equity securities and two mortgage-backed securities with fixed rate terms of five and seven years. Also, during the 2003 period, the Bank invested $7.0 million in bank owned life insurance. Net loans (including loans held for sale) increased $21.6 million from December 31, 2002 to $550.2 million at December 31, 2003. Residential mortgage loans decreased by $75.7 million during the 2003 period as declining market interest rates caused an increase in 1-4 family refinancing activity into fixed-rate, secondary market loan products. The Bank's emphasis on commercial lending continued to produce positive results generating a $91 million, or 50% increase in commercial loans to $273 million at December 31, 2003, compared to $182 million at December 31, 2002. In addition, the Bank hired an automotive dealer loan specialist to expand its dealer loan program, which increased $7.7 million to $28.3 million at December 31, 2003, and is expected to continue to increase.

        The Corporation's total assets at December 31, 2002 decreased slightly to $670.7 million compared to $679.4 million at June 30, 2002. The decrease in assets was primarily due to the decrease in the Bank's cash equivalents and interest bearing deposits, a direct result of the decrease in retail deposits. Further, the investment portfolio decreased as interest rates declined and securities were called for redemption in accordance with their terms. Offsetting the decline in securities, net loans (including loans held for sale) increased $8.3 million from June 30, 2002 to $528.5 million at December 31, 2002. Residential mortgage loans decreased by $32.1 million during the 2002 period as declining market interest rates encouraged homeowners to refinance residential loans in favor of fixed-rate, secondary market loan products. The growth in the commercial and commercial real estate portfolios remained strong increasing by $38.5 million to $181.9 million at December 31, 2002. This growth is a result of the Bank's continued emphasis on the active pursuit of lending opportunities that meet its lending criteria.

        Loan Portfolio Composition.    The following table presents a summary of the Bank's loan portfolio, net of deferred loan fees, by type. The Bank has no foreign loans in its portfolio and other than the categories noted, there is no concentration of loans in any industry exceeding 10% of total loans.

 
  December 31,
  June 30,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Type of Loan:                                                              
Real Estate:                                                              
  Residential   $ 193,177   34.82 % $ 263,265   49.73 % $ 297,090   56.86 % $ 327,664   63.09 % $ 308,507   65.16 % $ 297,574   73.94 %
  Construction     9,952   1.79     12,674   2.39     10,662   2.03     9,079   1.75     8,975   1.89     11,430   2.84  
  Commercial     239,406   43.16     152,882   28.88     122,311   23.41     88,938   17.12     64,828   13.69     32,729   8.13  
Consumer and home equity     53,566   9.66     51,213   9.67     51,797   9.92     54,189   10.43     59,692   12.61     48,281   12.00  
Indirect consumer     28,279   5.10     20,594   3.89     19,640   3.76     21,822   4.20     15,186   3.21     762   .19  
Commercial, other     30,320   5.47     28,807   5.44     20,985   4.02     17,727   3.41     16,295   3.44     11,692   2.90  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total loans   $ 554,700   100.00 % $ 529,435   100.00 % $ 522,485   100.00 % $ 519,419   100.00 % $ 473,483   100.00 % $ 402,468   100.00 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

28


        Loan Maturity Schedule.    The following table sets forth information at December 31, 2003, regarding the dollar amount of loans, net of deferred loan fees, maturing in the Bank's loan portfolio based on their contractual terms to maturity.

 
  Due during
the year ended
December 31,
2004

  Due after
1 through
5 years after
December 31,
2003

  Due after 5
years after
December 31,
2003

  Total
Loans

 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Residential mortgage   $ 4,302   $ 33,794   $ 155,081   $ 193,177
Real estate construction     8,197     1,755         9,952
Real estate commercial     42,444     157,907     39,055     239,406
Consumer, home equity and indirect consumer     6,514     61,589     13,742     81,845
Commercial, other     12,122     15,665     2,533     30,320
   
 
 
 
  Total   $ 73,579   $ 270,710   $ 210,411   $ 554,700
   
 
 
 

        The following table breaks down loans maturing after one year, by fixed and adjustable rates.

 
  Fixed Rates
  Floating or
Adjustable Rates

  Total
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Residential mortgage   $ 116,432   $ 72,443   $ 188,875
Real estate construction     1,291     464     1,755
Real estate commercial     91,238     105,724     196,962
Consumer, home equity and indirect consumer     40,405     34,926     75,331
Commercial, other     11,632     6,566     18,198
   
 
 
  Total   $ 260,998   $ 220,123   $ 481,121
   
 
 

Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses

        The Bank's Executive Loan Committee evaluates the allowance for loan losses quarterly to maintain a level sufficient to absorb probable incurred credit losses existing in the loan portfolio. Periodic provisions to the allowance are made as needed. The allowance is determined based on the application of loss estimates to graded loans by categories. The amount of the provision for loan losses necessary to maintain an adequate allowance is also based upon an analysis of such factors, as changes in lending policies and procedures; underwriting standards; collection; charge-off and recovery history; changes in national and local economic business conditions and developments; changes in the characteristics of the portfolio; ability and depth of lending management and staff; changes in the trend of the volume and severity of past due, non-accrual and classified loans; troubled debt restructuring and other loan modifications; and results of regulatory examinations.

        The methodology for allocating the allowance for loan and lease losses takes into account the Bank's strategic plan to increase its emphasis on commercial and consumer lending. The Bank increases the amount of the allowance allocated to commercial loans and consumer loans in response to the growth of the commercial and consumer loan portfolios and management's recognition of the higher risks and loan losses in these lending areas. The indirect consumer loan program begun in 1999 is comprised of new and used automobile, motorcycle and all terrain vehicle loans originated on behalf of the Bank by a select group of auto dealers within the Bank's service area. The indirect loan program involves a greater degree of risk and is evaluated quarterly and monitored by the Board of Directors. In light of the greater charge-offs from indirect consumer loans compared to direct consumer loans,

29



proportionally more of the allowance for consumer loans is allocated for indirect loans than direct loans. As the indirect loan program has evolved, dealer analysis and underwriting standards have been refined to improve the loan loss experience of the program. In addition, the Bank has hired a dealer loan specialist to expand its dealer loan program. Estimating the allowance is a continuous process. In this regard, the Executive Loan Committee continues to monitor the performance of indirect consumer loans as well as the Bank's other loan products and updates its estimates as the evidence warrants.

        The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank's loan loss experience for the periods indicated.

 
   
   
  Year Ended June 30,
 
 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2003

  Six Months Ended
December 31,
2002

 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Balance at beginning of period   $ 4,576   $ 3,735   $ 2,906   $ 2,252   $ 2,108   $ 1,853  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans charged-off:                                      
  Real estate mortgage     60     5     25     2     36     42  
  Consumer     721     419     635     482     147     248  
  Commercial     76         256     15     82      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total charge-offs     857     424     916     499     265     290  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recoveries:                                      
  Real estate mortgage             6     4     1     5  
  Consumer     190     74     97     63     8     21  
  Commercial     3     30     38              
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total recoveries     193     104     141     67     9     26  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net loans charged-off

 

 

664

 

 

320

 

 

775

 

 

432

 

 

256

 

 

264

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Acquired reserves

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

205

 
Provision for loan losses     1,656     1,161     1,604     1,086     400     314  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Balance at end of period

 

$

5,568

 

$

4,576

 

$

3,735

 

$

2,906

 

$

2,252

 

$

2,108

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Allowance for loan losses to net loans

 

 

1.01

%

 

87

%

 

0.72

%

 

0.56

%

 

0.48

%

 

0.52

%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding     0.12 %   0.12 %   0.15 %   0.09 %   0.06 %   0.07 %
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans     105 %   100 %   100 %   88 %   130 %   68 %

        The provision for loan losses decreased 17% to $1.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2003 compared to $2.0 million for the 2002 period. The higher provision expense for 2002 was due to a change in loan types. The total allowance for loan losses increased $992,000 to $5.6 million from December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2003. Management increased the allowance for loan losses due to the continued strong growth in commercial real estate lending and changes in the product mix within the loan portfolios. Net loan charge-offs decreased $49,000 to $664,000 during 2003 compared to $713,000 during 2002. The decrease in charge-offs is primarily related to a decrease in charge-offs of indirect consumer loans during the 2003 period.

        The provision for loan losses was $1.2 million for the six months ended December 31, 2002 compared to $760,000 for the 2001 six month period. The total allowance for loan losses increased $841,000 to $4.6 million from June 30, 2002 to December 31, 2002. Management increased the provision and allowance for loan losses due to a change in the loan classification and charge-off estimates, the increase in non-performing loans, which reflected the generally recognized slowing in the economy, and continued strong growth in commercial real estate lending. Net loan charge-offs decreased $62,000 to $320,000 during the 2002 six-month period compared to $382,000 during 2001.

30



The decrease in charge-offs is primarily related to an increase in recoveries of consumer and commercial loan charge-offs during the 2002 period.

        The provision for loan losses was $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 compared to $1.1 million for 2001. The total allowance for loan losses increased $829,000 to $3.7 million from June 30, 2001 to June 30, 2002. Management increased the provision and allowance for loan losses due to the increase in non-performing loans and charge-offs for the period, continued strong growth in commercial real estate lending and the increase in charge-offs and non-performing loans that reflected the generally recognized slowing in the economy. Net loan charge-offs increased $343,000 to $775,000 during 2002 compared to $432,000 during 2001. The increase in charge-offs is primarily related to charge-offs of indirect consumer loans and commercial real estate loans during the 2002 period.

        The following table depicts management's allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan type. Allowance funding and allocation is based on management's current evaluation of risk in each category, economic conditions, past loss experience, loan volume, past due history and other factors. Since these factors and management's assumptions are subject to change, the allocation is not necessarily predictive of future portfolio performance.

 
  December 31,
  June 30,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
 
 
  Amount of
Allowance

  Percent of
Total loans

  Amount of
Allowance

  Percent of
Total loans

  Amount of
Allowance

  Percent of
Total loans

  Amount of
Allowance

  Percent of
Total loans

 
Residential mortgage   $ 456   35 % $ 608   49 % $ 645   57 % $ 884   62 %
Consumer     1,235   16     1,096   16     1,023   16     953   18  
Commercial     3,877   49     2,872   35     2,067   27     1,069   20  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total   $ 5,568   100 % $ 4,576   100 % $ 3,735   100 % $ 2,906   100 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Federal regulations require insured institutions to classify their own assets on a regular basis. The regulations provide for three categories of classified loans—substandard, doubtful and loss. The regulations also contain a special mention and a specific allowance category. Special mention is defined as loans that do not currently expose an insured institution to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification but do possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving management's close attention. Assets classified as substandard or doubtful require the institution to establish general allowances for loan losses. If an asset or portion thereof is classified as loss, the insured institution must either establish specified allowances for loan losses in the amount of 100% of the portion of the asset classified loss, or charge off such amount. At December 31, 2003, on the basis of management's review of the Bank's loan portfolio, the Bank had $5.7 million of assets classified substandard, $1.2 million classified as doubtful, $6.3 million classified as special mention and $82,000 of assets classified as loss.

        Loans are classified according to estimated loss as follows: Substandard-2.5% to 35%; Doubtful-5% to 50%; Loss-100%; and Special Mention-2% to 10%. The Bank additionally provides a reserve estimate for probable incurred losses in non-classified loans ranging from .20% to 3.50%. Although the Bank may allocate a portion of the allowance to specific loans or loan categories, the entire allowance is available for active charge-offs. Allowance estimates are developed by the Bank in consultation with regulatory authorities, actual loss experience and are adjusted for current economic conditions. Allowance estimates are considered a prudent measurement of the risk of the Bank's loan portfolio and are applied to individual loans based on loan type.

31



Non-Performing Assets

        Non-performing assets consist of restructured loans for which interest rate or other terms have been renegotiated, loans on which interest is no longer accrued, real estate acquired through foreclosure and repossessed assets. The Bank does not have any loans greater than 90 days past due still on accrual. Loans, including impaired loans under SFAS 114, are placed on non-accrual status when they become past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest, unless they are adequately secured and in the process of collection. Loans are considered impaired if full principal or interest payments are not anticipated in accordance with the contractual loan terms. Impaired loans are carried at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

        Loans are reviewed on a regular basis and normal collection procedures are implemented when a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan. If the delinquency on a mortgage loan exceeds 90 days and is not cured through normal collection procedures or an acceptable arrangement is not worked out with the borrower, the Bank institutes measures to remedy the default, including commencing a foreclosure action. Consumer loans generally are charged off when a loan is deemed uncollectible by management and any available collateral has been disposed of. Commercial business and real estate loan delinquencies are handled on an individual basis by management with the advice of the Bank's legal counsel. The Bank anticipates that the volume of non-performing real estate loans will continue to increase, reflecting anticipated growth of the Bank's loan portfolio.

        Interest income on loans is recognized on the accrual basis except for those loans in a nonaccrual of income status. The accrual of interest on impaired loans is discontinued when management believes, after consideration of economic and business conditions and collection efforts that the borrowers' financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful, typically after the loan becomes 90 days delinquent. When interest accrual is discontinued, existing accrued interest is reversed and interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received.

        Real estate acquired by the Bank as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until such time as it is sold. New and used automobile, motorcycle and all terrain vehicles acquired by the Bank as a result of foreclosure are classified as repossessed assets until they are sold. When such property is acquired it is recorded at the lower of the unpaid principal balance of the related loan or its fair market value. Any write-down of the property at the time of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent gains and losses are included in non-interest income and non-interest expense.

32



        The following table sets forth information with respect to the Bank's non-performing assets for the periods indicated.

 
  December 31,
  June 30,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (Dollar in thousands)

 
Restructured   $ 3,037   $ 3,325   $ 3,350   $   $   $  
Past due 90 days still on accrual                          
Loans on non-accrual status     2,281     1,259     386     3,309     1,728     3,082  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total non-performing loans

 

 

5,318

 

 

4,584

 

 

3,736

 

 

3,309

 

 

1,728

 

 

3,082

 
Real estate acquired through foreclosure     387     510     660     296         109  
Other repossessed assets     62     119     119     70            
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total non-performing assets   $ 5,767   $ 5,213   $ 4,515   $ 3,675   $ 1,728   $ 3,191  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest income that would have been earned on non-performing loans

 

$

374

 

$

177

 

$

300

 

$

276

 

$

139

 

$

255

 
Interest income recognized on non-performing loans     227     126     201              
Ratios: Non-performing loans to net loans     0.97 %   0.87 %   0.72 %   0.64 %   0.37 %   0.77 %
Non-performing assets to net loans     1.05 %   0.99 %   0.86 %   0.71 %   0.37 %   0.80 %

        During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Bank restructured approximately $3.3 million in commercial and residential mortgage loans. The terms of these loans were renegotiated to reduce the rate of interest and extend the term thus reducing the amount of cash flow required from the borrower to service the loan. The new terms of the restructured loans are currently being met.

Investment Securities

        Interest on securities provides the largest source of interest income for First Federal after interest on loans, constituting 4.9% of the total interest income for the year ended December 31, 2003. First Federal has the authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including short-term United States Treasury obligations and securities of various federal agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, corporate bonds, certificates of deposit at insured savings and loans and banks, bankers' acceptances, and federal funds. The Bank may also invest a portion of its assets in certain commercial paper and corporate debt securities. First Federal is also authorized to invest in mutual funds and stocks whose assets conform to the investments that First Federal is authorized to make directly. The available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment portfolios increased during the 2003 period due to investments in U.S. Treasury and agencies, equity securities and two mortgage-backed securities with fixed rate terms of five and seven years. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information concerning the Bank's investment portfolio.

33



        The following table sets forth the carrying value of the Bank's securities portfolio at the dates indicated. At December 31, 2003, the market value of the Bank's securities portfolio was $34.9 million.

 
  December 31,
  June 30,
 
  2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Securities available-for-sale:                        
  Equity   $ 2,939   $ 914   $ 930   $ 996
  State and municipal     1,070     1,085     1,048     1,017
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 4,009   $ 1,999   $ 1,978   $ 2,013
   
 
 
 

Securities held-to-maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  U.S. Treasury and agencies   $ 19,999   $ 13,986   $ 20,964   $ 19,917
  Corporate     2,000     2,000        
  Mortgage-backed     8,930     590     751     1,004
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 30,929   $ 16,576   $ 21,715   $ 20,921
   
 
 
 

        The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities, amortized cost, fair value and weighted average yields for the Bank's securities at December 31, 2003.

 
  Amortized
Cost

  Fair
Value

  Weighted
Average
Yield*

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Securities available-for-sale:                  
  Due after one year through five years   $ 885   $ 957   4.38 %
  Due after five years through ten years     114     114   4.55  
  Equity     1,801     2,938   3.81  
   
 
     
    Total   $ 2,800   $ 4,009      
   
 
     
 
  Amortized
Cost

  Fair
Value

  Weighted
Average
Yield*

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Securities held-to-maturity:                  
  Due in one year or less   $ 2,000   $ 2,021   3.00 %
  Due after one year through five years     17,999     18,055   3.84  
  Due after ten years     2,000     2,000   3.66  
  Mortgage-backed     8,930     8,843   3.86  
   
 
     
    Total   $ 30,929   $ 30,919      
   
 
     

*
The weighted average yields are calculated on amortized cost on a non tax-equivalent basis.

Premises and Equipment

        Premises and equipment increased by $3.6 million due to the purchase of three lots and the reclassification of land previously classified as held for development. Two of the lots are located in high-growth market areas in Louisville, Kentucky. The Bank is currently constructing two traditional banking centers on these lots. The banking centers are anticipated to be operational during the March and June 2004 quarters. The Bank has developed a unique building design for all future banking centers to brand its image.

34



Deposits

        First Federal attracts both short-term and long-term deposits from the general public by offering a wide range of deposit accounts and interest rates. In recent years the Bank has been required by market conditions to rely increasingly on short-term certificate accounts and other deposit alternatives that are more responsive to market interest rates. The Bank uses forecasts based on interest rate risk simulations to assist management in monitoring the Bank's use of certificates of deposit and other deposit products as funding sources and the impact of their use on interest income and net interest margin in various rate environments.

        The Bank relies primarily on customer service and long-standing relationships with customers to attract and retain deposits. Market interest rates and rates on deposit products offered by competing financial institutions can significantly affect the Bank's ability to attract and retain deposits. During the year ended December 31, 2003, deposits increased by $8.1 million to $529.2 million at December 31, 2003 compared to $521.1 million at December 31, 2002. The increase in retail deposits was primarily in savings and money market accounts due to growth in public entity deposits for the period. During the six months ended December 31, 2002, retail deposits decreased by $8.8 million to $521.1 million at December 31, 2002 compared to $529.9 million at June 30, 2002, primarily in certificate of deposit accounts, caused in part by the Bank's deposit customers shifting funds to higher interest earning products at other financial institutions. The Bank's strategic plan includes a focus toward increasing non-interest bearing accounts and non-interest income, in addition to maintaining the current interest margin. Non-relationship certificate customers lack the fee income from other products and represent high-cost funding that can be replaced by current liquidity or FHLB advances as needed.

        To evaluate the funding needs of the Bank in light of deposit trends resulting from these changing conditions, management and Board committees evaluate simulated performance reports that forecast changes in margins. The Bank continues to offer attractive certificate rates for longer terms to allow the Bank to retain deposit customers and reduce interest rate risk during the current low-rate environment, while protecting the margin when interest rates increase as the economy recovers.

        First Federal offers statement and passbook savings accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts and fixed and variable rate certificates with varying maturities. First Federal also offers tax-deferred individual retirement accounts. The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in interest rates and competition. As of December 31, 2003, approximately 44.3% of the Bank's deposits consisted of various savings and demand deposit accounts from which customers can withdraw funds at any time without penalty. Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established by management on a periodic basis.

        First Federal also offers certificates of deposit with a variety of terms and interest rates. These certificates have minimum deposit requirements as well. The variety of deposit accounts allows First Federal to compete more effectively in obtaining funds and to respond with more flexibility to the flow of funds away from depository institutions into direct investment vehicles such as government and corporate securities. However, the ability of the Bank to attract and maintain deposits and its cost of funds have been, and will continue to be, significantly affected by market conditions.

        The holders of the Bank's certificates of deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more are all non-brokered depositors, most of whom reside within our service areas. The Bank does not accept brokered deposits, which are funds deposited by an investment dealer on behalf of a third-party investor. The Bank's policy is to maintain certificate of deposit accounts in amounts of $100,000 or more, to the extent practical, only when the depositor uses other bank products to increase the total customer relationship. The objective is to provide the Bank with a stable deposit base of large account balances while increasing the fee income and lower funding costs through other products and services.

35



        The following table breaks down the Bank's deposits as of December 31, 2003.

Category

  Balances
  Percent
of Deposits

 
Non-interest bearing demand accounts   $ 28,632   5.41 %
NOW demand accounts     67,504   12.76  
Savings accounts     86,419   16.33  
Money market deposit accounts     51,773   9.78  
Certificates of deposit     254,258   48.05  
Individual Retirement Accounts     40,576   7.67  
   
 
 
    $ 529,162   100.00 %
   
 
 

        The following table shows at December 31, 2003 the amount of the Bank's certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity.

Maturity Period

  Certificates
of Deposit

 
  (In Thousands)

Three months or less   $ 12,731
Three through six months     15,337
Six through twelve months     19,540
Over twelve months     41,325
Total   $ 88,933

Borrowings

        Deposits are the primary source of funds for First Federal's lending and investment activities and for its general business purposes. The Bank can also use advances (borrowings) from the FHLB of Cincinnati to supplement its supply of lendable funds, meet deposit withdrawal requirements and extend the term of its liabilities. Advances from the FHLB are secured by the Bank's stock in the FHLB and substantially all of the Bank's first mortgage loans. At December 31, 2003 First Federal had $78.3 million in advances outstanding from the FHLB and the capacity to increase its borrowings an additional $58.5 million.

        The FHLB of Cincinnati functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for savings banks and other member financial institutions. As a member, First Federal is required to own capital stock in the FHLB and is authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of its home mortgages and other assets (principally, securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States) provided that it meets certain standards related to creditworthiness. For further information, see Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

36



        The following table sets forth information about the Bank's FHLB advances during the periods indicated.

 
  December 31,
  June 30,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Average balance outstanding   $ 77,726   $ 77,736   $ 77,709   $ 91,418  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period     78,283     77,767     80,377     111,026  
Year end balance     78,283     77,683     77,778     77,298  
Weighted average interest rate:                          
  At end of year     4.88 %   4.93 %   4.94 %   4.97 %
  During the year     4.84 %   4.81 %   4.81 %   5.80 %

LIQUIDITY

        The Bank must maintain sufficient liquidity to fund loan demand and routine deposit withdrawal activity. Liquidity is managed by retaining sufficient liquid assets in the form of cash and cash equivalents. Additional sources of funding and cash flows include the sale of securities in the available-for-sale portion of the investment portfolio, principal paydowns on loans and mortgage-backed securities and proceeds realized from loans held for sale. The Corporation's banking centers also provide access to retail deposit markets. If large certificate depositors shift to the Bank's competitors or the stock market in response to interest rate changes, the Bank has the ability to replenish those deposits through alternative funding sources. Traditionally, the Bank has also utilized borrowings from the FHLB to supplement its funding requirements. At December 31, 2003, the Bank had an unused approved line of credit in the amount of $74.1 million and sufficient collateral available to borrow, approximately, an additional $58.5 million in advances from the FHLB.

CAPITAL

        During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Corporation purchased 309,991 shares of its own common stock. As a result, total capital decreased by $9.6 million, which in turn reduced consolidated regulatory capital. The Corporation and the Bank continued to qualify as well capitalized under regulatory guidelines after the transaction. The Corporation's stock repurchase programs have generally authorized the repurchase of up to 10% of the Corporation's outstanding stock from time to time in the open market or private transactions during an 18-month period. Management considers repurchasing shares when the financial and other terms of the purchase and its impact on earnings per share and other financial measures offer an attractive return to stockholders. The Corporation adopted its most recent plan on March 18, 2003.

        Regulatory agencies measure capital adequacy within a framework that makes capital requirements, in part, dependent on the individual risk profiles of financial institutions. The Corporation on a consolidated basis and the Bank continue to exceed the regulatory requirements for Tier I, Tier I leverage and total risk-based capital. Management intends to maintain a capital position that meets or exceeds the "well capitalized" requirements as defined by the FDIC. The Bank's average stockholders' equity to average assets ratio declined to 8.26% for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to 8.92% for 2002 period due principally to stock repurchases.

        On March 26, 2002, a trust formed by of the Corporation completed the private placement of 10,000 shares of cumulative trust preferred securities with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per security. The proceeds of the offering were loaned to the Corporation in exchange for floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. Distributions on the securities are payable quarterly at a rate per annum equal to the 3-month LIBOR plus 3.60%. The Corporation undertook the issuance

37



of these securities to enhance its regulatory capital position as they are considered as Tier I capital under current regulatory guidelines. The Corporation intends to utilize the proceeds for general business purposes and to support the Bank's future opportunities for growth.

        Kentucky banking laws limit the amount of dividends that may be paid to the Corporation by the Bank without prior approval of the KDFI. Under these laws, the amount of dividends that may be paid in any calendar year is limited to current year's net income, as defined in the laws, combined with the retained net income of the preceding two years, less any dividends declared during those periods. At December 31, 2003, the Bank had approximately $10.7 million of retained earnings that could be utilized for payment of dividends if authorized by its board of directors without prior regulatory approval.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS & AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

December 31, 2003

  Total
  Less than
one year

  Greater than
one year to
3 years

  Greater than
3 years to
5 years

  More than
5 years

 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Off Balance Sheet Items:                              
  Commitments to make loans   $   $   $   $   $
  Unused lines of credit     74,085     36,152     18,370     13,768     5,795
  Standby letters of credit     9,209     8,812     267     15     115
  FHLB letters of credit     53,550     53,550            

Aggregate Contractual Obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  FHLB borrowings     78,283     146     303     282     77,552
  Subordinated debentures     10,000                 10,000
  Lease commitments     1,841     253     456     353     779

        Commitments to make loans and unused lines of credit assure the borrower of financing for a specified period of time at a specified rate as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract such as deterioration of the borrower's financial condition. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

        Standby letters of credit represent conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing these letters of credit is essentially the same as the risk involved in issuing loan commitments and extending credit.

        The Bank obtained letters of credit from the FHLB to be used to collateralize public deposits. These letters of credit are secured by a blanket pledge of eligible one-to-four family residential mortgage loans.

        FHLB borrowings represent the amounts that are due to the FHLB of Cincinnati. These amounts have fixed maturity dates. Some of these borrowings, although fixed, are subject to conversion provisions at the option of the FHLB or the Company can prepay these advances without a penalty. Management does not believe these advances will be converted in the near term.

        The subordinated debentures, which mature March 26, 2032, are redeemable prior to the maturity date at the option of the Corporation on or after March 26, 2007 at their principal amount plus accrued interest. The subordinated debentures are also redeemable in whole or in part from time to time, upon the occurrence of specific events defined within the trust debenture. The Corporation has the option to defer distributions on the subordinated debentures from time to time for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters.

        Lease commitments represent the total future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases.

38


IMPACT OF INFLATION & CHANGING PRICES

        The financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

        The Bank has an asset and liability structure that is essentially monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on the Bank's performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Periods of high inflation are often accompanied by relatively higher interest rates, and periods of low inflation are accompanied by relatively lower interest rates. As market interest rates rise or fall in relation to the rates earned on the Bank's loans and investments, the value of these assets decreases or increases respectively.


Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT AND MARKET RISK

        To minimize the volatility of net interest income and exposure to economic loss that may result from fluctuating interest rates, the Bank manages its exposure to adverse changes in interest rates through asset and liability management activities within guidelines established by its Asset Liability Committee ("ALCO"). The ALCO, which includes senior management representatives, has the responsibility for approving and ensuring compliance with asset/liability management polices of the Corporation. Interest rate risk is the exposure to adverse changes in the net interest income as a result of market fluctuations in interest rates. The ALCO, on an ongoing basis, monitors interest rate and liquidity risk in order to implement appropriate funding and balance sheet strategies. Management considers interest rate risk to be the Bank's most significant market risk.

        The Bank utilizes an earnings simulation model to analyze net interest income sensitivity. Potential changes in market interest rates and their subsequent effects on net interest income are then evaluated. The model projects the effect of instantaneous movements in interest rates of both 100 and 200 basis points. Assumptions based on the historical behavior of the Bank's deposit rates and balances in relation to changes in interest rates are also incorporated into the model. These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely measure future net interest income or precisely predict the impact of fluctuations in market interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from the model's simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and the application and timing of various management strategies.

        The Bank's interest sensitivity profile was asset sensitive at both December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. Given a sustained 100 basis point decrease in rates, the Bank's base net interest income would decrease by an estimated 4.34% at December 31, 2003 compared to a decrease of 2.83% at December 31, 2002. Given a 100 basis point increase in interest rates the Bank's base net interest income would increase by an estimated 1.63% at December 31, 2003 compared to an increase of 1.70% at December 31, 2002.

        The interest sensitivity of the Corporation at any point in time will be affected by a number of factors. These factors include the mix of interest sensitive assets and liabilities as well as their relative pricing schedules. It is also influenced by market interest rates, decay rates and prepayment speed assumptions. Our previous disclosures of sensitivity included growth rates for loans and deposits. To provide improved period-to-period comparisons, the tables are now presented without these growth estimates.

        As demonstrated by the December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 sensitivity tables presented below, the Bank is transitioning from a liability sensitive to an asset sensitive position as compared to

39



prior periods. The change in the Bank's asset sensitivity is a result of changes in the loan portfolio to a greater extent than changes in the investment portfolio. While lending practices have shifted to shorter term, variable rate commercial and consumer loans, that impact will be evidenced in smaller degrees over time.

        The Corporation's sensitivity to interest rate changes is presented based on data as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002.

 
  December 31, 2003
 
 
  Decrease in Rates
   
  Increase in Rates
 
 
  200
Basis Points

  100
Basis Points

  Base
  100
Basis Points

  200
Basis Points

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Projected interest income                                
  Loans   $ 32,629   $ 34,706   $ 36,625   $ 38,380   $ 40,033  
  Investments     1,179     1,286     2,250     2,764     3,283  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest income     33,808     35,992     38,875     41,144     43,316  

Projected interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deposits     6,925     8,283     10,018     11,806     13,594  
  Borrowed funds     4,051     4,130     4,208     4,287     4,366  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest expense     10,976     12,413     14,226     16,093     17,960  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Net interest income

 

$

22,832

 

$

23,579

 

$

24,649

 

$

25,051

 

$

25,356

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Change from base   $ (1,817 ) $ (1,070 )       $ 402   $ 707  
   
 
       
 
 
% Change from base     (7.37 )%   (4.34 )%         1.63 %   2.87 %
 
  December 31, 2002
 
 
  Decrease in Rates
   
  Increase in Rates
 
 
  200
Basis Points

  100
Basis Points

  Base
  100
Basis Points

  200
Basis Points

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Projected interest income                                
  Loans   $ 35,590   $ 37,261   $ 38,733   $ 39,982   $ 41,111  
  Investments     704     1,309     2,331     3,326     4,324  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest income     36,294     38,570     41,064     43,308     45,435  

Projected interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deposits     8,149     9,453     11,081     12,830     14,583  
  Borrowed funds     4,033     4,130     4,267     4,325     4,422  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest expense     12,182     13,583     15,348     17,155     19,005  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Net interest income

 

$

24,112

 

$

24,987

 

$

25,716

 

$

26,153

 

$

26,430

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Change from base   $ (1,604 ) $ (729 )       $ 437   $ 714  
   
 
       
 
 
% Change from base     (6.24 )%   (2.83 )%         1.70 %   2.78 %

40



Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY


Table of Contents

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements    
  •    Report of Independent Auditors   42
  •    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition   43
  •    Consolidated Statements of Income   44
  •    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income   45
  •    Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity   46
  •    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows   47
  •    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   48-73

41


[LOGO]


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Board of Directors and Stockholders
First Federal Financial Corporation of Kentucky
Elizabethtown, Kentucky

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of First Federal Financial Corporation of Kentucky as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and June 30, 2002 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2003, the six month period ended December 31, 2002 and each of the two years in the period ending June 30, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Federal Financial Corporation of Kentucky as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and June 30, 2002 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2003, the six month period ended December 31, 2002 and each of the two years in the period ending June 30, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Louisville, Kentucky
January 16, 2004

42



FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

 
  December 31,
   
 
  June 30,
2002

 
  2003
  2002
 
  (Dollars in thousands,
except share data)

ASSETS                  
Cash and due from banks   $ 28,030   $ 31,776   $ 40,016
Federal funds sold     20,000     60,000    
   
 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents     48,030     91,776     40,016
Interest bearing deposits             64,000
Securities available-for-sale     4,009     1,999     1,978
Securities held-to-maturity, fair value of $30,919 Dec (2003) $16,655 Dec (2002) and $21,750 Jun (2002)     30,929     16,576     21,715
Loans held for sale     1,021     3,676     1,511
Loans receivable, less allowance for loan losses of $5,568 Dec (2003), $4,576 Dec (2002) and $3,735 Jun (2002)     549,132     524,859     518,750
Federal Home Loan Bank stock     6,570     6,314     6,170
Cash surrender value of life insurance     7,067        
Premises and equipment, net     15,466     11,844     11,659
Real estate owned:                  
Acquired through foreclosure     387     510     660
Held for development     446     549     549
Other repossessed assets     62     119     119
Goodwill     8,384     8,384     8,384
Accrued interest receivable     1,931     1,742     1,925
Other assets     2,901     2,380     1,959
   
 
 
     
TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

676,335

 

$

670,728

 

$

679,395
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
LIABILITIES:                  
Deposits:                  
  Non-interest bearing   $ 28,632   $ 32,391   $ 28,341
  Interest bearing     500,530     488,730     501,541
   
 
 
      Total deposits     529,162     521,121     529,882
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank     78,283     77,683     77,778
Subordinated debentures     10,000     10,000     10,000
Accrued interest payable     416     504     516
Accounts payable and other liabilities     1,027     948     1,574
Deferred income taxes     1,126     825     1,030
   
 
 
     
TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

 

620,014

 

 

611,081

 

 

620,780
   
 
 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Serial preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized and unissued            
Common stock, $1 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 3,705,438 shares Dec (2003), 3,643,706 shares Dec (2002) and 3,729,400 shares Jun (2002)     3,705     3,644     3,729
Additional paid-in capital     9,726         18
Retained earnings     42,092     55,605     54,483
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax     798     398     385
   
 
 
     
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

56,321

 

 

59,647

 

 

58,615
   
 
 
      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 676,335   $ 670,728   $ 679,395
   
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

43



FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY

Consolidated Statements of Income

 
   
   
  Year Ended
 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2003

  Six Months Ended
December 31,
2002

  June 30,
2002

  June 30,
2001

 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Interest Income:                        
  Interest and fees on loans   $ 37,413   $ 20,346   $ 42,045   $ 41,996
  Interest and dividends on inverstments and deposits     1,926     1,210     2,055     3,396
   
 
 
 
     
Total interest income

 

 

39,339

 

 

21,556

 

 

44,100

 

 

45,392
   
 
 
 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deposits     12,124     7,244     17,513     22,125
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances     3,738     1,888     3,741     5,304
  Subordinated debentures     503     262     172    
   
 
 
 
     
Total interest expense

 

 

16,365

 

 

9,394

 

 

21,426

 

 

27,429
   
 
 
 

Net interest income

 

 

22,974

 

 

12,162

 

 

22,674

 

 

17,963
Provision for loan losses     1,656     1,161     1,604     1,086
   
 
 
 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

 

21,318

 

 

11,001

 

 

21,070

 

 

16,877
   
 
 
 

Non-interest Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Customer service fees on deposit accounts     4,556     2,139     3,283     2,568
  Gain on sale of mortgage loans     1,564     518     651     526
  Gain on sale of investments                 696
  Gain on sale of real estate held for development     437            
  Brokerage and insurance commissions     353     230     543     639
  Other income     1,071     290     921     719
   
 
 
 
     
Total non-interest income

 

 

7,981

 

 

3,177

 

 

5,398

 

 

5,145
   
 
 
 

Non-interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Employee compensation and benefits     9,446     4,005     7,262     6,417
  Office occupancy expense and equipment     1,534     786     1,488     1,457
  FDIC insurance premiums     83     43     85     85
  Marketing and advertising     568     287     612     505
  Outside services and data processing     1,826     855     1,545     1,420
  State franchise tax     623     268     472     425
  Goodwill amortization             832     832
  Other expense     3,212     1,353     2,985     2,429
   
 
 
 
     
Total non-interest expense

 

 

17,292

 

 

7,597

 

 

15,281

 

 

13,570
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes     12,007     6,581     11,187     8,452
Income taxes     4,004     2,199     3,729     2,803
   
 
 
 

Net Income

 

$

8,003

 

$

4,382

 

$

7,458

 

$

5,649
   
 
 
 
Earnings per share:                        
    Basic   $ 2.12   $ 1.09   $ 1.81   $ 1.37
    Diluted   $ 2.10   $ 1.08   $ 1.80   $ 1.36

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

44



FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 
   
   
  Year Ended
June 30,

 
 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2003

  Six Months Ended
December 31,
2002

 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Net Income   $ 8,003   $ 4,382   $ 7,458   $ 5,649  
Other comprehensive income (loss):                          
  Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities     606     21     (35 )   641  
  Reclassification of realized amount                 (696 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net unrealized gain (loss) recognized in comprehensive income     606     21     (35 )   (55 )
  Tax effect     (206 )   (7 )   12     19  
   
 
 
 
 
  Total other comphrehensive income (loss)     400     13     (23 )   (36 )
   
 
 
 
 

Comphrehensive Income

 

$

8,403

 

$

4,395

 

$

7,435

 

$

5,613

 
   
 
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

45



FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

Years Ending June 2002 and 2001

Six Months Ended December 31, 2002

Year Ended December 31, 2003

 
  Common Stock
   
   
   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

   
 
 
  Shares
  Amount
  Total
 
 
  (In thousands, except per share data)

 
Balance, June 30, 2000   3,756   $ 3,756   $   $ 47,481   $ 444   $ 51,681  
Net income                     5,649           5,649  
Exercise of stock options   4     4     28                 32  
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax                           (36 )   (36 )
Cash dividends declared ($.65 per share)                     (2,704 )         (2,704 )
Stock repurchased   (2 )   (2 )   (7 )   (21 )         (30 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, June 30, 2001   3,758     3,758     21     50,405     408     54,592  
Net income                     7,458           7,458  
Exercise of stock options, net of redemptions   3     3     (3 )                
Net change in unrealized gain (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax                           (23 )   (23 )
Cash dividends declared ($.65 per share)                     (2,700 )         (2,700 )
Stock repurchased   (32 )   (32 )         (680 )         (712 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, June 30, 2002   3,729     3,729     18     54,483     385     58,615  
Net income                     4,382           4,382  
Exercise of stock options, net of redemptions   2     2     (2 )                
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax                           13     13  
Cash dividends declared ($.33 per share)                     (1,316 )         (1,316 )
Stock repurchased   (87 )   (87 )   (16 )   (1,944 )         (2,047 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2002   3,644     3,644         55,605     398     59,647  
Net income                     8,003           8,003  
Stock dividend-10%   337     337     10,213     (10,550 )          
Exercise of stock options, net of redemptions   34     34     525                 559  
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax                           400     400  
Cash dividends declared ($.70 per share)                     (2,660 )         (2,660 )
Stock repurchased   (310 )   (310 )   (1,012 )   (8,306 )         (9,628 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Balance, December 31, 2003

 

3,705

 

$

3,705

 

$

9,726

 

$

42,092

 

$

798

 

$

56,321

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

46



FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
   
   
  Year Ended
 
 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2003

  Six Months Ended
December 31,
2002

  June 30,
2002

  June 30,
2001

 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Operating Activities:                          
Net income   $ 8,003   $ 4,382   $ 7,458   $ 5,649  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                          
  Provision for loan losses     1,656     1,161     1,604     1,086  
  Depreciation on premises and equipment     981     505     1,052     1,136  
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends     (256 )   (144 )   (325 )   (384 )
  Goodwill amortization             832     832  
  Net amortization (accretion)     (204 )   13     (58 )   (72 )
  Gain on sale of investments available-for-sale                 (696 )
  Gain on sale of real estate held for development     (437 )            
  Gain on sale of mortgage loans     (1,564 )   (518 )   (651 )   (526 )
  Origination of loans held for sale     (87,233 )   (33,536 )   (41,461 )   (29,516 )
  Proceeds on sale of loans held for sale     91,452     31,889     41,233     30,150  
  Deferred taxes     95     (212 )   (523 )   (330 )
  Changes in:                          
    Interest receivable     (189 )   183     99     7  
    Other assets     (587 )   (421 )   (101 )   (479 )
    Interest payable     (88 )   (12 )   (1,453 )   841  
    Accounts payable and other liabilities     79     (627 )   (901 )   513  
   
 
 
 
 
Net cash from operating activities     11,708     2,663     6,805     8,211  
   
 
 
 
 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Change in interest bearing deposits         64,000     (64,000 )    
  Sales of securities available-for-sale                 707  
  Purchases of securities available-for-sale     (1,415 )           (32 )
  Purchases of securities held-to-maturity     (46,078 )   (29,000 )   (24,000 )    
  Maturities of securities held-to-maturity     31,940     34,126     23,263     22,285  
  Investment in cash surrender value of life insurance     (7,000 )            
  Net increase in loans     (25,750 )   (7,120 )   (4,254 )   (47,474 )
  Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock                 (1,380 )
  Net purchases of premises and equipment     (4,603 )   (690 )   (1,085 )   (880 )
  Sales of real estate held for development     540              
  Purchase of real estate held for development                 (275 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net cash from investing activities     (52,366 )   61,316     (70,076 )   (27,049 )
   
 
 
 
 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Net change in deposits     8,041     (8,761 )   61,057     45,066  
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank     844         723     76,090  
  Repayments to Federal Home Loan Bank     (244 )   (95 )   (243 )   (79,131 )
  Proceeds from stock options exercised     559             32  
  Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures             9,698      
  Dividends paid     (2,660 )   (1,316 )   (2,700 )   (2,704 )
  Common stock repurchased     (9,628 )   (2,047 )   (712 )   (30 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net cash from financing activities     (3,088 )   (12,219 )   67,823     39,323  
   
 
 
 
 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(43,746

)

 

51,760

 

 

4,552

 

 

20,485

 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     91,776     40,016     35,464     14,979  
   
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   $ 48,030   $ 91,776   $ 40,016   $ 35,464  
   
 
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

47



FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The following is a description of the significant accounting policies which First Federal Financial Corporation of Kentucky follows in preparing and presenting its consolidated financial statements:

        Principles of Consolidation and Business—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Federal Financial Corporation of Kentucky (the Corporation) and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Federal Savings Bank of Elizabethtown (the Bank). As further discussed in Note 7, a trust that had previously been consolidated with the Bank is now reported separately. The Bank has three wholly owned subsidiaries, First Service Corporation of Elizabethtown, First Heartland Mortgage Company and First Federal Office Park, LLC. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

        On January 8, 2003, the Bank converted from a federal savings bank, regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), to a commercial bank chartered under Kentucky banking laws regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (KDFI). At the same time, the Corporation became a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve and changed its fiscal year from June 30 to December 31.

        The business of the Bank consists primarily of attracting deposits from the general public and origination of mortgage loans on single-family residences, multi-family housing and commercial property. The Bank also makes home improvement loans, consumer loans and commercial business loans. The Bank's primary lending area is a region within North Central Kentucky. The economy within this region is based in agriculture, a variety of manufacturing industries and Fort Knox, a military installation.

        The principal sources of funds for the Bank's lending and investment activities are deposits, repayment of loans and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. The Bank's principal source of income is interest on loans. In addition, other income is derived from loan origination fees, service charges, returns on investment securities, gain on sale of mortgage loans, and brokerage and insurance commissions.

        First Service Corporation acts as a broker for the purpose of selling mortgage life, credit life and accident and disability insurance to the Bank's customers as well as investment services to the Bank's customers in the area of tax-deferred annuities, government securities and stocks and bonds. First Heartland Mortgage Company, through the secondary market lending department, originates qualified VA, KHC, RHC and conventional secondary market loans on the behalf of the investors, thereby providing necessary liquidity to the Bank and needed loan products to the Bank's customers. First Federal Office Park, LLC holds commercial lots adjacent to the Bank's home office on Ring Road in Elizabethtown, which are available for sale.

        Estimates and Assumptions—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for loan losses and the fair value of financial instruments are particularly subject to change.

48



        Cash Flows—For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Corporation considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and certain interest bearing deposits. Net cash flows are reported for interest-bearing deposits, loans, premises and equipment and deposits.

        Interest Bearing Deposits—Deposits with original maturities of greater than 90 days are reported separately from cash and cash equivalents. At June 30, 2002, interest-bearing deposits included time deposits with the Federal Home Loan Bank with original maturities of 60 to 180 days at rates of 1.65% to 2.03%. At December 31, 2003 and 2002 there were no interest bearing deposits reported.

        Securities—The Corporation classifies its investments into held-to-maturity and available-for-sale. Debt securities in which the Corporation has a positive intent and ability to hold are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at cost adjusted for the amortization of premiums and discounts using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Debt and equity securities, which do not fall into this category, nor held for the purpose of selling in the near term, are classified as available-for-sale. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are reported as a net amount in a separate component of stockholders' equity until realized.

        Loans Receivable—Loans receivable are stated at unpaid principal balances, less undistributed construction loans, net deferred loan origination fees and the allowance for loan losses. The Bank defers loan origination fees and discounts net of certain direct origination costs. These net deferred fees are amortized using the level yield method on a loan-by-loan basis over the lives of the underlying loans.

        The allowance for loan losses is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the Bank's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and current economic conditions.

        The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful. The general component covers non-classified and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.

        Loans are considered impaired if full principal or interest payments are not anticipated in accordance with the contractual loan terms. Impaired loans are carried at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is less than the unpaid balance. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to require an increase, such increase is reported in the provision for loan losses.

        Interest income on loans is recognized on the accrual basis except for those loans in nonaccrual status. The accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 or more days delinquent. When interest accrual is discontinued, interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received.

49



        Mortgage Banking Activities—Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. To deliver closed loans to the secondary market and to control its interest rate risk prior to sale, the Corporation enters "best efforts" agreements to sell loans. The aggregate market value of mortgage loans held for sale considers the price of the sales contracts. The loans are sold with servicing released.

        On July 1, 2002, the Corporation became subject to new accounting guidance for certain commitments to originate loans. The new guidance requires loan commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans held for sale to be accounted for as derivative instruments. The Corporation's commitments are for fixed rate mortgage loans, generally lasting 60 to 90 days and are at market rates when initiated. Considered derivatives, the Corporation had commitments to originate $2.2 million and $7.5 million in loans at December 31, 2003 and 2002 which it intends to sell after the loans are closed.

        The impact of adopting this guidance was not material and substantially all of the gain on sale generated from mortgage banking activities continues to be recorded when closed loans are delivered into the sales contracts.

        Federal Home Loan Bank Stock—Investment in stock of Federal Home Loan Bank is carried at cost.

        Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance—The Bank has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. The life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized.

        Premises and Equipment—Land is carried cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 5 to 50 years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years.

        Real Estate Owned—Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure and in settlement of loans are stated at lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure. The excess of cost over fair value less the estimated costs to sell at the time of foreclosure is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Costs relating to development and improvement of property are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are not capitalized and are charged against operations in the current period.

        Real estate properties held for development and sale are carried at the lower of cost, including cost of development and improvement subsequent to acquisition, or fair value less estimated selling costs. The portion of interest costs relating to the development of real estate is capitalized.

        Other Repossessed Assets—Consumer assets acquired through repossession and in settlement of loans, typically automobiles, are carried at lower of cost or fair value at the date of repossession. The excess cost over fair value at time of repossession is charged to the allowance for loan losses.

        Stock Dividend—The Corporation declared a 10% stock dividend on April 16, 2003 to its shareholders of record as of April 28, 2003, payable on May 14, 2003. The payment of this dividend is in addition to the regular quarterly cash dividends. Per share amounts have been restated for the impact of the stock dividend.

50



        Brokerage and Insurance Commissions—Brokerage commissions are recognized as income on settlement date. Insurance commissions on loan products (credit life, mortgage life, accidental death, and guaranteed auto protection) are recognized as income over the life of the loan.

        Stock Option Plans—Employee compensation expense under stock option plans is reported using the intrinsic value method. No stock-based compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market price of the underlying common stock at date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if expense was measured using the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.

 
   
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
  Year Ended June 30,
 
   
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
   
  2002
  2001
 
   
  (Dollars in thousands except per share data)

Net income:                        
  As reported   $ 8,003   $ 4,382   $ 7,458   $ 5,649
  Pro-forma     7,895     4,328     7,340     5,545
Earnings per share:                        
  Basic   As Reported   $ 2.12   $ 1.09   $ 1.81   $ 1.37
    Pro-forma     2.09     1.07     1.78     1.35
  Diluted   As Reported   $ 2.10   $ 1.08   $ 1.80   $ 1.36
    Pro-forma     2.07     1.07     1.77     1.34

        The weighted-average assumptions for options granted during the year and the resulting estimated weighted average fair values per share used in computing pro forma disclosures is presented below. There were no options granted for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six-month period ended December 31, 2002.

 
  June 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
Assumptions:              
  Risk-free interest rate     4.94 %   5.88 %
  Expected dividend yield     4.44 %   4.20 %
  Expected life (years)     10     10  
  Expected common stock market price volatility     28 %   31 %
  Estimated fair value per share   $ 3.79   $ 4.71  

        Income Taxes—Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax basis of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities.

        Employee Stock Ownership Plan—Compensation expense is based on the market price of shares as they are committed to be released to participant accounts. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings. Since the ESOP has not acquired shares in advance of allocation to participant accounts, the plan has no unallocated shares.

51



        Earnings Per Common Share—Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options.

        Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, which are also recognized as a separate component of equity, net of tax.

        Derivatives—The Corporation only uses derivative instruments as described in "Mortgage Banking Activities."

        New Accounting Pronouncements—On October 1, 2002, new guidance was issued on the accounting for financial institution acquisitions. Under this new guidance, if certain criteria are met, the amount of the unidentifiable intangible asset resulting from prior financial institutions acquisitions is to be reclassified to goodwill commensurate with the previously adopted business combination standards. Accordingly, the Corporation reclassified $6.6 million of previously recognized unidentifiable intangible assets to goodwill effective July 1, 2002. Thus, the acquisition intangibles consist solely of goodwill, which is no longer amortized. Instead, goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. The effect on pre-tax income of ceasing goodwill amortization for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended December 31, 2002 was $832,000 and $416,000.

        The effect of not amortizing goodwill, net of tax effects, is summarized as follows:

 
   
   
  Year Ended June 30,
 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
  2002
  2001
Reported net income   $ 8,003   $ 4,382   $ 7,458   $ 5,649
Add back: goodwill amortization             631     631
   
 
 
 
Adjusted net income   $ 8,003   $ 4,382   $ 8,089   $ 6,280
   
 
 
 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Reported net income   $ 2.12   $ 1.09   $ 1.81   $ 1.37
  Goodwill amortization             0.15     0.15
   
 
 
 
  Adjusted net income   $ 2.12   $ 1.09   $ 1.96   $ 1.52
   
 
 
 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Reported net income   $ 2.10   $ 1.08   $ 1.80   $ 1.36
  Goodwill amortization             0.15     0.15
   
 
 
 
  Adjusted net income   $ 2.10   $ 1.08   $ 1.95   $ 1.51
   
 
 
 

        On January 1, 2003, the Corporation adopted Interpretation 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees. On July 1, 2003, the Corporation adopted Statement 149, amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and Statement 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equities. On

52



October 1, 2003, the Corporation adopted Interpretation 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. Adoption of the new standards did not materially affect the Corporation's operating results or financial condition.

        Industry Segments—Segments are parts of a company evaluated by management with separate financial information. The Corporation's internal information is reported and evaluated in three lines of business-banking, mortgage banking, and brokerage and insurance. These segments are dominated by banking at a magnitude for which separate individual segment disclosures are not required.

        Reclassifications—Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the December 31, 2003 presentation.

2.    SECURITIES

        The amortized cost basis and fair values of securities are as follows:

 
  Amortized Cost
  Gross Unrealized Gains
  Gross Unrealized Losses
  Fair Value
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Securities available-for-sale:                        
  December 31, 2003:                        
    Equity   $ 1,801   $ 1,138   $   $ 2,939
    State and municipal     999     71         1,070
   
 
 
 
      Total   $ 2,800   $ 1,209   $   $ 4,009
   
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Equity   $ 385   $ 532   $ (3 ) $ 914
    State and municipal     1,010     75         1,085
   
 
 
 
      Total   $ 1,395   $ 607   $ (3 ) $ 1,999
   
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Equity   $ 385   $ 545   $   $ 930
    State and municipal     1,010     38         1,048
   
 
 
 
      Total   $ 1,395   $ 583   $   $ 1,978
   
 
 
 

53



FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Amortized Cost
  Gross Unrealized Gains
  Gross Unrealized Losses
  Fair Value
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Securities held-to-maturity:                        
  December 31, 2003:                        
    U.S. Treasury and agencies   $ 19,999   $ 77   $   $ 20,076
    Corporate     2,000             2,000
    Mortgage-backed     8,930     9     (96 )   8,843
   
 
 
 
      Total   $ 30,929   $ 86   $ (96 ) $ 30,919
   
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    U.S. Treasury and agencies   $ 13,986   $ 65   $   $ 14,051
    Corporate     2,000             2,000
    Mortgage-backed     590     14         604
   
 
 
 
      Total   $ 16,576   $ 79   $   $ 16,655
   
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    U.S. Treasury and agencies   $ 20,964   $ 58   $   $ 21,022
    Mortgage-backed     751     7     (30 )   728
   
 
 
 
      Total   $ 21,715   $ 65   $ (30 ) $ 21,750
   
 
 
 

        The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity, are shown below.

 
  Available for Sale
  Held-to-Maturity
 
  Amortized Cost
  Fair Value
  Amortized Cost
  Fair Value
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Due in one year or less   $   $   $ 2,000   $ 2,021
Due after one year through five years     885     956     17,999     18,055
Due after five years through ten years     114     114        
Due after ten years             2,000     2,000
Mortgage-backed             8,930     8,843
Equity     1,801     2,939        
   
 
 
 
    $ 2,800   $ 4,009   $ 30,929   $ 30,919
   
 
 
 

        The following schedule sets forth the proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities and the gross realized gains on those sales:

 
   
   
  Year Ended June 30,
 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2002
 
  2002
  2001
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Proceeds from sales         $ 707
Gross realized gains           696

54


        Investment securities having an amortized cost of $18.8 million and fair value of $18.9 million at December 31, 2003 were pledged to secure public deposits.

        Securities with unrealized losses at year end 2003 not recognized in income are as follows:

 
  Less than 12 Months
  12 Months or More
  Total
Description of Securities

  Fair Value
  Unrealized Loss
  Fair Value
  Unrealized Loss
  Fair Value
  Unrealized Loss
Mortgage-backed   $ 8,843   $ 96   $   $   $ 8,843   $ 96
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total temporarily impaired   $ 8,843   $ 96   $   $   $ 8,843   $ 96
   
 
 
 
 
 

        All unrealized losses are reviewed to determine whether the losses are other than temporary. Factors considered include whether the securities are backed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and collectibility of principal. Management believes the unrealized losses are market driven and full principal will be recovered.

3.    LOANS RECEIVABLE

        Loans receivable are summarized as follows:

 
  December 31,
   
 
 
  June 30, 2002
 
 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Commercial   $ 30,943   $ 29,024   $ 21,130  
Real estate commercial     239,406     152,882     122,311  
Real estate construction     9,952     12,674     10,662  
Residential mortgage     194,000     264,746     298,907  
Consumer and home equity     53,566     51,215     51,796  
Indirect consumer     28,279     20,594     19,640  
   
 
 
 
      556,146     531,135     524,446  
   
 
 
 
Less:                    
  Net deferred loan origination fees     (1,446 )   (1,700 )   (1,961 )
  Allowance for loan losses     (5,568 )   (4,576 )   (3,735 )
   
 
 
 
      (7,014 )   (6,276 )   (5,696 )
   
 
 
 
Loans Receivable   $ 549,132   $ 524,859   $ 518,750  
   
 
 
 

        The Bank utilizes eligible real estate loans to collateralize advances and letters of credit from the Federal Home Loan Bank. For all periods presented the Bank had substantially all residential mortgage loans pledged under this arrangement.

55


        The allowance for loan loss is summarized as follows:

 
  As of and For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
   
  As of and For the Years Ended June 30,
 
 
  As of and For the Six Months Ended December 31,
2002

 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Balance, beginning of year   $ 4,576   $ 3,735   $ 2,906   $ 2,252  
Provision for loan losses     1,656     1,161     1,604     1,086  
Charge-offs     (857 )   (424 )   (916 )   (499 )
Recoveries     193     104     141     67  
   
 
 
 
 
Balance, end of year   $ 5,568   $ 4,576   $ 3,735   $ 2,906  
   
 
 
 
 

        Impaired loans are summarized below. There were no impaired loans for the periods presented without an allowance allocation.

 
  As of and For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
   
  As of and For the Years Ended June 30,
 
  As of and For the Six Months Ended December 31,
2002

 
  2002
  2001
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Year-end impaired loans   $ 5,318   $ 4,584   $ 3,736   $ 3,309
Amount of allowance for loan loss allocated     911     751     511     324
Average impaired loans outstanding     4,804     4,066     3,507     2,499
Interest income recognized     227     126     201     93
Interest income received     227     126     201     93

        Non-performing loans were as follows:

 
  December 31,
   
(Dollars in thousands)

  2003
  2002
  June 30, 2002
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Restructured   $ 3,037   $ 3,325   $ 3,350
Loans past due over 90 days still on accrual            
Non accrual loans     2,281     1,259     386

56


4.    PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

        Premises and equipment consist of the following:

 
  December 31,
   
 
 
  2003
  2002
  June 30, 2002
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Land   $ 3,067   $ 1,300   $ 1,126  
Buildings     12,491     10,374     10,206  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment     7,209     7,202     6,854  
   
 
 
 
      22,767     18,876     18,186  
Less accumulated depreciation     (7,301 )   (7,032 )   (6,527 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 15,466   $ 11,844   $ 11,659  
   
 
 
 

        Certain premises are leased under various operating leases. Rental expense was $278,000, $134,000, $263,000 and $256,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, six months ended December 31, 2002 and the years ended June 30, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Future minimum commitments under these leases are:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

2004   $ 253
2005     243
2006     213
2007     172
2008     181
Thereafter     779
   
    $ 1,841
   

5.    DEPOSITS

        Time Deposits of $100,000 or more were $88.9 million, $94.4 million and $100.1 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and June 30, 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2003, scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

 
  Amount
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

2004   $ 176,580
2005     88,233
2006     13,385
2007     10,720
Thereafter     5,916
   
    $ 294,834
   

57


6.    ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK

        Advances and letters of credit from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Cincinnati are collateralized by FHLB stock and a blanket pledge of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans equivalent to 135 percent of the outstanding advances and letters of credit. At December 31, 2003, the Bank has available collateral to borrow an additional $58.5 million from the FHLB. During January 2001, the Bank entered into $75 million in convertible fixed rate advances with a maturity of ten years. These advances are fixed for periods of two to three years. At the end of the fixed term and quarterly thereafter, the FHLB has the right to convert these advances to variable rate advances tied to the three-month LIBOR index or the Corporation can prepay the advance at no penalty. There is a substantial penalty if the Corporation prepays the advance before the FHLB exercises its right. Advances from the FHLB at year-end are as follows:

 
  December 31,
   
   
 
  2003
  2002
  June 30, 2002
 
  Weighted-Average Rate
  Amount
  Weighted-Average Rate
  Amount
  Weighted-Average Rate
  Amount
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Fixed rate advances:                              
  Mortgage matched advances with interest rates from 5.30% to 7.80%   6.48 % $ 170   6.40 % $ 327   6.36 % $ 385
  Convertible fixed rate advances   4.92 %   75,000   4.92 %   75,000   4.92 %   75,000
  Other fixed rate advances   5.04 %   3,113   5.04 %   2,356   5.45 %   2,393
       
     
     
  Total borrowings       $ 78,283       $ 77,683       $ 77,778
       
     
     

        The aggregate minimum annual repayments of borrowings as of December 31, 2003 is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

   
2004   $ 146
2005     150
2006     153
2007     144
2008     138
Thereafter     77,552
   
    $ 78,283
   

7.    SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES AND TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES

        On March 26, 2002, a trust formed by the Corporation, First Federal Statutory Trust I (Trust), issued $10.0 million of Floating Rate Capital Securities (Trust Preferred Securities). The proceeds of the offering were loaned by the Trust to the Corporation in exchange for subordinated debentures with terms that are identical to the Trust Preferred Securities. Issuance costs of $302,000 paid from the proceeds are being amortized to maturity. The subordinated debentures and deferred issue costs are the sole assets of the Trust. The Corporation has guaranteed that the Trust will make distributions to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities if the Trust has available funds to make such distribution. Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities are payable quarterly in arrears at the annual rate

58



(adjusted quarterly) of three-month LIBOR plus 3.60% (4.74% as of the last adjustment), and are included in interest expense. The annual rate cannot exceed 11% prior to March 26, 2007.

        The subordinated debentures, which mature March 26, 2032, are redeemable prior to the maturity date at the option of the Corporation on or after March 26, 2007 at their principal amount plus accrued interest. The subordinated debentures are also redeemable in whole or in part from time to time, upon the occurrence of specific events defined within the trust debenture. The Corporation has the option to defer distributions on the subordinated debentures from time to time for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters. The Trust Preferred Securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the subordinated debentures.

        Prior to 2003, the trust was consolidated in the Corporation's financial statements, with the trust preferred securities issued by the trust reported in liabilities as "trust preferred securities" and the subordinated debentures eliminated in consolidation. Under new accounting guidance, FASB Interpretation No. 46, as revised in December 2003, the trust is no longer consolidated with the Corporation. Accordingly, the Corporation does not report the securities issued by the trust as liabilities, and instead reports as liabilities the subordinated debentures issued by the Corporation and held by the trust, as these are no longer eliminated in consolidation. Accordingly, the amounts previously reported as "trust preferred securities" in liabilities have been recaptioned "subordinated debentures" and continue to be presented in liabilities on the balance sheet. Since the amount of the subordinated debentures and the trust preferred securities was the same, the effect of no longer consolidating the trust does not significantly change the amounts reported as the Corporation's assets, liabilities, equity, or interest expense.

        Trust Preferred Securities are considered as Tier I capital for the Corporation under current regulatory guidelines.

8.    INCOME TAXES

        The Corporation and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and income tax is apportioned among all companies based on their taxable income or loss. Provision for income taxes is as follows:

 
   
   
  Year Ended June 30,
 
 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Current   $ 3,909   $ 2,411   $ 4,252   $ 3,133  
Deferred     95     (212 )   (523 )   (330 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total income tax expense   $ 4,004   $ 2,199   $ 3,729   $ 2,803  
   
 
 
 
 

59


        The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed at the statutory rates as follows:

 
   
   
  Year Ended June 30,
 
 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Federal statutory rate   34.0 % 34.0 % 34.0 % 34.0 %
  Tax-exempt interest income   (0.2 ) (0.2 ) (0.2 ) (0.2 )
  Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   (0.2 )      
  Acquisition intangibles       0.7   1.0  
  Dividends to ESOP   (0.4 ) (0.3 ) (0.4 ) (0.6 )
  Other   0.1   (0.1 ) (0.8 ) (1.0 )
   
 
 
 
 
Effective rate   33.3 % 33.4 % 33.3 % 33.2 %
   
 
 
 
 

        Temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of deferred income taxes relate to the following:

 
  December 31,
   
 
  June 30, 2002
 
  2003
  2002
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Deferred tax assets:                  
  Allowance for loan losses   $ 1,893   $ 1,404   $ 966
  Investment securities         5     12
  Accrued liabilities and other     285     272     284
   
 
 
      2,178     1,681     1,263
   
 
 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Depreciation   $ 995   $ 851   $ 905
  Net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale     411     205     198
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock     1,091     1,004     955
  Intangibles     302     101    
  Deferred gain on like-kind exchange     196        
  Other     309     345     235
   
 
 
      3,304     2,506     2,293
   
 
 
Net deferred tax liability   $ 1,126   $ 825   $ 1,030
   
 
 

        Federal income tax laws provided savings banks with additional bad debt deductions through 1987, totaling $9.3 million for the Bank. Accounting standards do not require a deferred tax liability to be recorded on this amount, which would otherwise total $3.2 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and June 30, 2002. If the Bank was liquidated or otherwise ceased to be a bank or if tax laws were to change, the $3.2 million would be recorded as a liability with an offset to expense.

60



9.    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(a)
Charter Conversion—On October 22, 2002, the Board of Directors of the Corporation adopted a plan to convert the Bank from a federal savings bank to a commercial bank chartered under Kentucky banking laws. The plan also provided that the Corporation would become a bank holding company. Effective January 8, 2003, the Bank became a Kentucky State Chartered Commercial Bank and the Corporation became a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve Board. The Corporation recognized expenses of $16,300 and $20,000 during 2003 and 2002 associated with the conversion.

(b)
Regulatory Capital Requirements—The Corporation and the Bank must meet various regulatory capital requirements. If a requirement is not met, regulatory authorities may take legal or administrative actions, including restrictions on growth or operations or, in extreme cases, seizure. As of December 31, 2003, both the Corporation on a consolidated basis and Bank were categorized as well capitalized. The actual and required capital amounts and ratios are presented below.

 
  Actual
  For Capital Adequacy Purposes
  To Be Considered Well Capitalized Under Prompt Correction Action Provisions
 
 
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
As of December 31, 2003:                                
  Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                
    Consolidated   $ 63,094   12.0 % $ 42,073   8.0 % $ 52,591   10.0 %
    Bank     60,602   11.6     41,853   8.0     52,316   10.0  
  Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                
    Consolidated     57,305   10.9     21,037   4.0     31,555   6.0  
    Bank     54,813   10.5     20,926   4.0     31,389   6.0  
  Tier I capital (to average assets)                                
    Consolidated     57,305   8.6     26,718   4.0     33,398   5.0  
    Bank     54,813   8.2     26,718   4.0     33,398   5.0  
                                 

61



 


 

Actual


 

For Capital Adequacy Purposes


 

To Be Considered Well Capitalized Under Prompt Correction Action Provisions


 
 
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
As of December 31, 2002:                                
  Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                
    Consolidated   $ 64,566   13.1 % $ 39,314   8.0 % $ 49,142   10.0 %
    Bank     56,713   11.7     38,703   8.0     48,379   10.0  
  Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                
    Consolidated     59,752   12.2     19,657   4.0     29,485   6.0  
    Bank     51,913   10.7     19,352   4.0     29,027   6.0  
  Tier I capital (to average assets)                                
    Consolidated     59,752   8.9     26,735   4.0     33,419   5.0  
    Bank     51,913   7.9     26,419   4.0     33,024   5.0  

 


 

Actual


 

For Capital Adequacy Purposes


 

To Be Considered Well Capitalized Under Prompt Correction Action Provisions


 
 
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
As of June 30, 2002:                                
  Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                
    Consolidated   $ 62,770   13.5 % $ 37,216   8.0 % $ 46,520   10.0 %
    Bank     53,049   11.5     37,012   8.0     46,265   10.0  
  Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                
    Consolidated     58,773   12.6     18,608   4.0     27,912   6.0  
    Bank     49,082   10.6     18,506   4.0     27,759   6.0  
  Tier I capital (to average assets)                                
    Consolidated     58,773   8.9     26,485   4.0     33,106   5.0  
    Bank     49,082   7.4     26,191   4.0     32,739   5.0  
(c)
Dividend Restrictions—The Corporation's principal source of funds for dividend payments is dividends received from the Bank. Banking regulations limit the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior approval of regulatory agencies. Under these regulations, the amount of dividends that may be paid in any calendar year is limited to the current year's net profits, combined with the retained net profits of the preceding two years, subject to the capital requirements described above. During 2004, the Bank could, without prior approval, declare dividends of approximately $10.7 million plus any 2004 net profits retained to the date of the dividend declaration.

(d)
Liquidation Account—In connection with the Bank's conversion from mutual to stock form of ownership during 1987, the Bank established a "liquidation account", currently in the amount of $747,000 for the purpose of granting to eligible deposit account holders a priority in the event of future liquidation. Only in such an event, an eligible account holder who continues to maintain a

62


10.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

        The reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS is as follows:

 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
  Year Ended June 30,
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
  2002
  2001
 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net income available to common shareholders   $ 8,003   $ 4,382   $ 7,458   $ 5,649
   
 
 
 
Basic EPS:                        
  Weighted average common shares     3,780     4,035     4,128     4,132
   
 
 
 
Diluted EPS:                        
  Weighted average common shares     3,780     4,035     4,128     4,132
  Dilutive effect of stock options     35     16     16     5
   
 
 
 
  Weighted average common and incremental shares     3,815     4,051     4,144     4,137
   
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share:                        
  Basic   $ 2.12   $ 1.09   $ 1.81   $ 1.37
   
 
 
 
  Diluted   $ 2.10   $ 1.08   $ 1.80   $ 1.36
   
 
 
 

        Stock options for 8,250, 66,000, and 87,450 shares of common stock were not included in the December 31, 2002, June 30, 2002, and 2001 computation of diluted earning per share because their impact was anti-dilutive. All of the outstanding stock options for the year ended December 31, 2003 were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.

63



11.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

(a)
Pension Plans—The Bank is a participant in the Financial Institutions Retirement Fund, a multiple-employer defined benefit pension plan, covering employees hired before June 1, 2002. Because the plan was curtailed, employees hired on or after that date are not eligible for membership in the fund. Eligible employees are 100% vested at the completion of five years of participation in the plan. The Bank's policy is to contribute annually the minimum funding amounts. Employer contributions and administrative expenses charged to operations for the year ended December 31, 2003, six months ended December 31, 2002, years ended June 30, 2002, and 2001 totaled $250,000, $60,000, $120,000, and $0, respectively. Accrued liabilities associated with the plan as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and June 30, 2002 were $147,000, 1,000, and $132,000.
(b)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan—The Corporation has a non-contributory employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) in which employees are eligible to participate upon completion of one year of service. Employees are vested in accordance with a schedule, which provides for 100% vesting upon completion of seven years of service.
 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
  Year Ended June 30,
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
  2002
  2001
ESOP shares (ending)     185,291     200,413     199,464     207,045
Shares released     2,048     1,014     2,513     3,378
Compensation expense   $ 54,000   $ 27,000   $ 54,000   $ 56,000
(c)
Stock Option Plan—Under the 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, the Corporation may grant either incentive or non-qualified stock options to key employees for an aggregate of 166,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock at not less than fair market value at the date such options are granted. The option to purchase shares vest over periods of one to five years and expire ten years after the date of grant. At December 31, 2003 options available for future grant under the 1998

64


 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
  Number of Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
  Number of Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period   108,900   $ 17.74   115,500   $ 17.58
Exercised during the period   (39,930 )   14.66   (6,600 )   15.15
   
       
     
Outstanding, end of period   68,970   $ 19.36   108,900   $ 17.74
   
       
     
Eligible for exercise at period end   49,390   $ 19.93   68,530   $ 17.25

 


 

Year Ended June 30,

 
  2002
  2001
 
  Number of Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
  Number of Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period   114,950   $ 17.44   112,453   $ 17.39
Granted during period   11,000     14.75   13,200     15.45
Forfeited during period         (550 )   22.27
Exercised during the period   (10,450 )   13.02   (5,203 )   6.25
   
       
     
Outstanding, end of period   115,500   $ 17.58   114,950   $ 17.44
   
       
     
Eligible for exercise at period end   63,030   $ 16.73   52,690   $ 14.99

        The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2003:

 
  Options Outstanding
  Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices

  Number Outstanding
  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
  Number Exercisable
  Weighted Average Exercise Price
$14.55 to $15.46   14,520   6.5 years   $ 14.99   4,840   $ 14.85
$20.34 to $20.57   52,800   5.6     20.47   44,550     20.48
$22.27   1,650   5.2     22.27      
   
           
     
    68,970   5.8   $ 19.36   49,390   $ 19.93
   
           
     

65


12.    CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES

        The following information is presented as supplemental disclosures to the statement of cash flows.

(a)   Cash Paid for:

 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
  Year Ended June 30,
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
  2002
  2001
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Interest expense   $ 16,453   $ 9,406   $ 22,879   $ 26,588
   
 
 
 
Income taxes   $ 4,203   $ 2,615   $ 4,257   $ 3,128
   
 
 
 

(b)   Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:

 
   
   
  Year Ended June 30,
 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
  2002
  2001
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Loans to facilitate sales of real estate owned and repossessed assets   $ 1,123   $ 1,025   $ 1,006   $ 477
   
 
 
 
Transfers from loans to real estate acquired through foreclosure and repossessed assets   $ 944   $ 875   $ 1,419   $ 843
   
 
 
 

13.    CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

        The following condensed statements summarize the financial position, operating results and cash flows of First Federal Financial Corporation of Kentucky (Parent Company only).

66



Condensed Statements of Financial Condition

 
  December 31,
   
 
  June 30, 2002
 
  2003
  2002
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Assets                  
  Cash and interest bearing deposits   $ 169   $ 7,191   $ 9,363
  Investment in Bank     63,568     61,516     58,620
  Securities available-for sale     2,438     408     405
  Receivable from Bank     165     598     266
  Other assets     280     298     323
   
 
 
    $ 66,620   $ 70,011   $ 68,977
   
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Subordinated debentures   $ 10,000   $ 10,000   $ 10,000
  Other liabilities     299     364     362
  Stockholders' equity     56,321     59,647     58,615
   
 
 
    $ 66,620   $ 70,011   $ 68,977
   
 
 

Condensed Statements of Income

 
   
   
  Year Ended June 30,
 
 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Dividend from Bank   $ 6,318   $ 1,680   $ 2,940   $ 4,900  
Interest income     88     70     69     21  
Interest expense     (487 )   (273 )   (146 )    
Other expenses     (269 )   (116 )   (197 )   (170 )
   
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax benefit     5,650     1,361     2,666     4,751  
Income tax benefit     286     136     147     105  
   
 
 
 
 
Income before equity in undistributed net income of Bank     5,936     1,497     2,813     4,856  
Equity in undistributed net income of Bank     2,067     2,885     4,645     793  
   
 
 
 
 
Net income   $ 8,003   $ 4,382   $ 7,458   $ 5,649  
   
 
 
 
 

67


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 
   
   
  Year Ended
 
 
   
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
  June 30, 2002
  June 30, 2001
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Operating Activities:                          
  Net income   $ 8,003   $ 4,382   $ 7,458   $ 5,649  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:                          
    Equity in undistributed net income of Bank     (2,067 )   (2,885 )   (4,645 )   (793 )
    Decrease (increase) in other assets     18     25     (317 )   (25 )
    (Decrease) increase in other liabilities     (265 )   1     (27 )   250  
   
 
 
 
 
Net cash from operating activities     5,689     1,523     2,469     5,081  
   
 
 
 
 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Purchases of securities available-for-sale     (1,415 )           (32 )
  Net change in receivable from Bank     433     (332 )   (6 )    
   
 
 
 
 
Net cash from investing activities     (982 )   (332 )   (6 )   (32 )
   
 
 
 
 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Proceeds from stock options exercised     559             32  
  Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures             10,000      
  Dividends paid     (2,660 )   (1,316 )   (2,700 )   (2,704 )
  Common stock repurchases     (9,628 )   (2,047 )   (712 )   (30 )
  Net change in payable to Bank                 (2,246 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net cash from financing activities     (11,729 )   (3,363 )   6,588     (4,948 )
   
 
 
 
 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

 

(7,022

)

 

(2,172

)

 

9,051

 

 

101

 

Cash and interest bearing deposits, beginning of year

 

 

7,191

 

 

9,363

 

 

312

 

 

211

 
   
 
 
 
 

Cash and interest bearing deposits, end of year

 

$

169

 

$

7,191

 

$

9,363

 

$

312

 
   
 
 
 
 

68


14.    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        The estimated fair value of the Corporation's financial instruments are as follows:

 
  December 31, 2003
  December 31, 2002
 
  Carrying Value
  Fair Value
  Carrying Value
  Fair Value
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Financial assets:                        
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 48,030   $ 48,030   $ 91,776   $ 91,776
  Securities available-for-sale     4,009     4,009     1,999     1,999
  Securities held-to-maturity     30,929     30,919     16,576     16,655
  Loans held for sale     1,021     1,039     3,676     3,731
  Loans, net     549,132     558,608     524,859     547,855
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock     6,570     6,570     6,314     6,314
  Accrued interest receivable     1,931     1,934     1,742     1,742

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deposits     529,162     529,822     521,121     523,760
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank     78,283     84,275     77,683     85,609
  Subordinated debentures     10,000     10,000     10,000     10,000
  Accrued interest payable     416     416     504     504

 


 

June 30, 2002


 

 


 

 

 
  Carrying Value
  Fair Value
   
   
Financial assets:                        
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 40,016   $ 40,016            
  Interest bearing deposits     64,000     64,000            
  Securities available-for-sale     1,978     1,978            
  Securities held-to-maturity     21,715     21,750            
  Loans held for sale     1,511     1,534            
  Loans, net     518,750     533,665            
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock     6,170     6,170            
  Accrued interest receivable     1,925     1,925            

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deposits     529,882     535,586            
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank     77,778     81,268            
  Subordinated debentures     10,000     10,000            
  Accrued interest payable     516     516            

        The methods and assumptions used by the Corporation in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments are presented below:

        Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, interest bearing deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank stock, accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits and variable rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully. Security fair values are based on market prices or dealer quotes and if no such information is available, on the rate and term of the security and information about the issuer. The value of loans held for sale is based on the underlying

69



sale commitments. For fixed rate loans or deposits and for variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent reprising or reprising limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis or underlying collateral values. Fair values of advances from Federal Home Loan Bank are based on current rates for similar financing. The principal amount of the subordinated debentures is the estimated fair value. The fair value of off-balance-sheet items is based on the current fees or cost that would be charged to enter into or terminate such arrangements and is not material.

15.    CONTINGENCIES

        In the normal course of business, there are various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the disposition of such legal proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Corporation's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

16.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK

        The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest-rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of the Bank's involvement in particular classes of financial instruments.

        The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Creditworthiness for all instruments is evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Bank's credit policies. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. Collateral from the customer may be required based on management's credit evaluation of the customer and may include business assets of commercial customers as well as personal property and real estate of individual customers or guarantors.

        Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

70



        Commitments to make loans for the Corporation's portfolio, excluding mortgage banking activities discussed in Note 1 and undisbursed portions of loans in process, were as follows:

 
  December 31, 2003
  December 31, 2002
 
  Fixed Rate
  Variable Rate
  Fixed Rate
  Variable Rate
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Commitments to make loans   $   $   $ 1,529   $ 1,611
Unused lines of credit         74,085         51,658
Standby lines of credit         9,209         7,825
   
 
 
 
    $   $ 83,294   $ 1,529   $ 61,094
   
 
 
 

 


 

June 30, 2003


 

 


 

 

 
  Fixed Rate
  Variable Rate
   
   
Commitments to make loans   $ 628   $            
Unused lines of credit         45,108            
Standby lines of credit         4,792            
   
 
           
    $ 628   $ 49,900            
   
 
           

        Unused lines of credit at December 31, 2003 were at current rates ranging from 4.00% to 18.00% and primarily at the national prime rate of interest plus .5 to 2% for standby letters of credit.

        At December 31, 2003, a reserve of $6.4 million was required as deposits with the Federal Reserve or as cash on hand. The reserve does not earn interest.

        At December 31, 2003 and 2002 and June 30, 2002, the Bank had $53.5 million, $52.3 million and $22.2 in letters of credit from the Federal Home Loan Bank issued to collateralize public deposits. These letters of credit are secured by a blanket pledge of eligible one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. (For additional information see Note 3 on Loans Receivable and Note 6 on Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank.)

17.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        Certain directors, executive officers and principal shareholders of the Corporation, including associates of such persons, are loan and deposit customers of the Bank. Related party deposits at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and June 30, 2002 were $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million. A

71



summary of the related party loan activity, for loans aggregating $60,000 or more to any one related party, is as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Beginning of year   $ 1,264   $ 1,191  
  New loans     148     381  
  Repayments     (77 )   (464 )
  Other changes     (1,030 )   156  
   
 
 
End of year   $ 305   $ 1,264  
   
 
 

        Other changes include adjustments for loans applicable to one reporting period that are excludable from the other reporting period.

72



18.    SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA—(Unaudited)

 
  March 31,
  June 30,
  September 30,
  December 31,
 
  (Dollars in thousands except per share data)

Year Ended December 31, 2003:                        
Total interest income   $ 10,124   $ 9,971   $ 9,745   $ 9,499
Total interest expense     4,296     4,174     3,988     3,907
Net interest income     5,828     5,797     5,757     5,592
Provision for loan losses     329     420     438     469
Non-interest income     1,718     1,882     1,974     2,407
Non-interest expense     4,044     4,333     4,405     4,510
Net income     2,122     1,950     1,921     2,010
Earnings per share:                        
  Basic     0.54     0.52     0.52     0.54
  Diluted     0.53     0.52     0.51     0.54

 


 

September 30,

 

December 31,


 

 


 

 

Six Months Year Ended December 31, 2002:                        
Total interest income   $ 10,865   $ 10,691            
Total interest expense     4,830     4,564            
Net interest income     6,035     6,127            
Provision for loan losses     726     435            
Non-interest income     1,532     1,645            
Non-interest expense     3,609     3,988            
Net income     2,154     2,228            
Earnings per share:                        
  Basic     0.54     0.55            
  Diluted     0.54     0.54            

 


 

September 30,

 

December 31,


 

March 31,


 

June 30,

Year Ended June 30, 2002:                        
Total interest income   $ 11,486   $ 11,046   $ 10,735   $ 10,833
Total interest expense     6,166     5,368     4,883     5,009
Net interest income     5,320     5,678     5,852     5,824
Provision for loan losses     300     460     415     429
Non-interest income     1,234     1,407     1,328     1,429
Non-interest expense     3,623     3,657     3,913     4,088
Net income     1,752     1,978     1,925     1,803
Earnings per share:                        
  Basic     0.43     0.48     0.46     0.44
  Diluted     0.43     0.48     0.46     0.43

73


Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None


Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures

        Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Exchange Act), as of the end of our 2003 fiscal year. Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Corporation's disclosure controls and procedures are, to the best of their knowledge, effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that there were no significant changes in the Corporation's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect its internal controls, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


PART III

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

        The information contained under the sections captioned "Proposal I—Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Corporation's definitive proxy statement for the Corporation's 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Proxy Statement") is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 11.    Executive Compensation

        The information contained under the sections captioned "Summary Compensation Table," "Option Exercises and Year-end Value Table," "Directors Compensation," and "Retirement Plan" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management


74



Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned "Transactions with the Corporation and the Bank" in the Proxy Statement.


Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section captioned "Independent Public Accountants" in the Proxy Statement.

75



PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K


 

 

(a)(1)

 

Report of Independent Auditors-Crowe Chizek and Company LLC
    (b)   Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and June 30, 2002.
    (c)   Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2003,the six-month period ended December 31, 2002 and the years ended June 30, 2002, and 2001.
    (d)   Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, the six-month period ended December 31, 2002 and the years ended June 30, 2002, and 2001.
    (e)   Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the year ended December 31, the six-month period ended December 31, 2002 and the years ended June 30, 2002, and 2001.
    (f)   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, the six-month period ended December 31, 2002 and the years ended June 30, 2002, and 2001.
    (g)   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

3(a)

 

Articles of Incorporation*
    3(b)   Bylaws*
    10(b)   First Federal Savings Bank of Elizabethtown Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended**
    10(c)   Rights Agreement between First Financial Corporation of Kentucky and Illinois Stock Transer Company dated April 15,2003***
    21   Subsidiaries of the Registrant
    23(a)   Consent of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC, Certified Public Accountants
    31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act
    31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act
    32   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

*
Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form S-4 Registration Statement (No. 33-30582).

**
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (b) of the Corporation's 1998 definitive proxy statement.

***
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K dated April 15, 2003.

76



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 its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY

Date: 3/12/04

By:

 

/s/  
B. KEITH JOHNSON      
B. Keith Johnson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Duly Authorized Representative

        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 and on the dates indicated.

By:   /s/  B. KEITH JOHNSON      
B. Keith Johnson
Principal Executive Officer & Director
  By:   /s/  BOB BROWN      
Bob Brown
Director

Date: 3/12/04

 

Date: 3/12/04

By:

 

/s/  
WRENO M. HALL      
Wreno M. Hall
Director

 

By:

 

/s/  
DIANE E. LOGSDON      
Diane E. Logsdon
Director


Date: 3/12/04


 


Date: 3/12/04

By:

 

/s/  
J. ALTON RIDER      
J. Alton Rider
Director

 

By:

 

/s/  
JOHN L. NEWCOMB, JR.      
John L. Newcomb, Jr.
Director


Date: 3/12/04


 


Date: 3/12/04

By:

 

/s/  
WALTER D. HUDDLESTON      
Walter D. Huddleston
Director

 

By:

 

/s/  
MICHAEL THOMAS, DVM      
Michael Thomas, DVM
Director


Date: 3/12/04


 


Date: 3/12/04

By:

 

/s/  
STEPHEN MOUSER      
Stephen Mouser
Director

 

By:

 

/s/  
DONALD SCHEER      
Donald Scheer
Director


Date: 3/12/04


 


Date: 3/12/04

By:

 

/s/  
GAIL SCHOMP      
Gail Schomp
Director

 

By:

 

/s/  
GREGORY SCHREACKE      
Gregory Schreacke
Chief Financial Officer


Date: 3/12/04


 


Date: 3/12/04

77



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 
Exhibit No.
  Description

  3(a)   Articles of Incorporation*

 

3(b)

 

Bylaws*

 

10(b)

 

First Federal Savings Bank of Elizabethtown Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended**

 

10(c)

 

Rights Agreement between First Financial Corporation of Kentucky and Illinois Stock Tranfser Company dated April 15, 2003***

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

23(a)

 

Consent of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC, Certified Public Accountants

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

*
Incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Form S-4 Registration Statement (No. 33-30582).

**
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) of the Corporation's 1998 definitive proxy statement.

***
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K dated April 15, 2003.

78




QuickLinks

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PART II
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY Consolidated Statements of Income
FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Years Ending June 2002 and 2001 Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 Year Ended December 31, 2003
FIRST FEDERAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
PART III
PART IV
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS