Table of Contents

2004 Annual Report

 

Table of Contents

 

Selected Financial Data

   2

Letter to Shareholders

   4

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

   7

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

   19

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

   20

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

   21

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   22

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   24

Independent Auditor’s Report

   50

Corporate Information

   51

 


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Selected Financial Data and Other Data of the Company

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the consolidated financial position and results of operation of the Company at the dates and for the year end as indicated. The selected consolidated financial condition and operating data were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto presented elsewhere herein.

 

     June 30,

     2004

    2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

     (In thousands, except per share data)

Selected Financial Condition Data:

                                   

Total assets

   $ 211,619     $ 191,973    $ 176,684    $ 153,448    $ 133,370

Loans receivable, net1

     181,489       156,258      143,553      124,675      108,778

Investment securities2

     6,501       8,754      11,422      7,844      9,835

Cash and cash equivalents3

     7,674       14,072      11,220      12,568      7,423

Savings deposits

     157,434       149,571      136,769      120,074      102,680

FHLB advances

     33,144       21,146      18,910      16,962      15,513

Equity

     12,474       12,960      12,777      13,027      12,540

Book value per share

     11.88       12.35      12.17      12.41      11.95

Selected Operating Data:

                                   

Interest income and dividends

   $ 10,684     $ 11,011    $ 11,191    $ 11,648    $ 9,393

Interest expense

     4,405       5,085      5,801      6,355      4,685
    


 

  

  

  

Net interest income

     6,279       5,926      5,390      5,293      4,708

Provision for loan losses

     668       243      420      225      88
    


 

  

  

  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     5,611       5,683      4,970      5,068      4,620

Non-interest income

     3,891       3,604      3,120      2,493      1,821

Non-interest expense

     9,933       8,656      7,998      6,757      5,660
    


 

  

  

  

Income (loss) before income tax expense

     (431 )     631      92      804      781

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (123 )     256      56      315      328
    


 

  

  

  

Net income (loss)

   $ (308 )   $ 375    $ 36    $ 489    $ 453
    


 

  

  

  

Selected Ratios

                                   

Basic earnings per share4

   $ (0.30 )   $ 0.36    $ 0.03    $ 0.48    $ 0.45

Diluted earnings per share4

     (0.30 )     0.36      0.03      0.48      0.45

Dividends per share

     0.20       0.20      0.20      0.20      0.20

 

1. Loans receivable, net is comprised of total loans less allowance for loan losses, loans sold, undisbursed loan funds, and deferred loan fees.

 

2. Includes FHLB stock, certificates of deposit and investment securities.

 

3. Includes interest-earning deposit balances of $2.5 million, $6.2 million, $4.2 million, $7.8 million, and $2.6 million at June 30, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

 

4. Earnings per share has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share, and is based on net income for the year, divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the year. In accordance with the AICPA’s SOP 93-6, unallocated ESOP shares were deducted from outstanding shares used in the computation of earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of dilutive common stock equivalents in the weighted average number of shares outstanding.

 

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Selected Financial Data and Other Data of the Company

 

     At June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:

                              

Performance Ratios: 1

                              

Return on average assets

   (0.15 )%   0.20 %   0.02 %   0.34 %   0.37 %

Return on average equity

   (2.46 )%   2.90 %   0.28 %   3.80 %   3.99 %

Average equity to average assets

   6.25 %   6.90 %   7.51 %   8.83 %   9.21 %

Equity to total assets at end of period

   5.89 %   6.75 %   7.23 %   8.49 %   9.40 %

Interest rate spread2

   3.38 %   3.41 %   3.36 %   3.56 %   3.84 %

Average interest-earnings assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

   105.12 %   104.35 %   106.35 %   108.48 %   108.18 %

Net interest margin3

   3.51 %   3.54 %   3.52 %   3.97 %   4.18 %

Non-interest expense to average assets

   4.96 %   4.62 %   4.70 %   4.64 %   4.59 %

Efficiency ratio4

   97.67 %   90.83 %   93.98 %   86.78 %   86.69 %

Dividend payout ratio5

   (66.67 )%   55.56 %   666.67 %   41.67 %   44.44 %

Regulatory Capital Ratios: 6

                              

Tangible capital

   8.11 %   8.92 %   9.51 %   8.37 %   8.89 %

Core capital

   8.11 %   8.92 %   9.51 %   8.37 %   8.89 %

Total risk based capital

   10.89 %   12.89 %   13.00 %   12.28 %   11.94 %

Asset Quality Ratios and Other Data:

                              

Ratios:

                              

Nonperforming loans to total loans

   0.28 %   0.28 %   0.32 %   0.36 %   0.36 %

Nonperforming loans and real estate owned to total assets

   0.25 %   0.25 %   0.41 %   0.47 %   0.53 %

Allowance for loan losses to:

                              

Nonperforming loans

   239.98 %   250.79 %   245.92 %   213.36 %   238.20 %

Total loans

   0.68 %   0.71 %   0.78 %   0.78 %   0.86 %

Number of full service Bank branches

   7     7     7     5     5  

 

1. With the exception of end of period ratios, all ratios are based on average monthly or quarterly balances during the indicated periods, and are annualized where appropriate. Asset Quality and Regulatory Capital Ratios are end of period ratios.

 

2. The interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest-bearing assets and the weighted-average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

 

3. The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.

 

4. The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense as a percentage of the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.

 

5. The dividend payout ratio represents dividends per share as a percentage of basic earnings per share. Earnings per share has been calculated in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share, and is based on net income for the year, divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the year. In accordance with the AICPA’s SOP 93-6, unallocated ESOP shares were deducted from outstanding shares used in the computation of earnings per share.

 

6. For definitions and further information relating to the Bank’s regulatory capital requirements, see Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Dear Shareholder,

 

Fiscal Year 2004 ended a year of historically low interest rates and sluggish economic growth, both of which depressed your Company’s operating results. However, we believe that our long term financial strategy over the last several years should produce increased earnings and stronger growth in the coming year.

 

Total assets on June 30, 2004 were $211,619,177 an 10.2% increase over the June 30, 2003 total of $191,972,779. For the same period, net loans receivable stood at $181,489,159, representing a 16.2% rise from $156,257,890 at June 30, 2003.

 

The net loss was $308,254 in FY 2004, and interest income for the period was $10,683,592; while non-interest income totaled $3,891,574 for the year ended June 30, 2004. As mentioned in Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the net loss for the year includes a charge-off of $350,000 related to a single commercial loan which negatively impacted earning for the year.

 

At June 30, 2004, retained earnings were $12,473,996, and the Bank’s regulatory capital was in excess of regulatory capital requirements. For detailed financial results and comparisons, please see Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.

 

Our strategy during FY 2004 (and for the last several years) has been to avoid booking fixed-rate loans in the Company’s loan portfolio; instead carrying mostly variable rate, adjustable loans in portfolio. With interest rates at fifty-year lows, this strategy seemed prudent in the long run. Now, with interest rates poised to rise, that strategy should produce a significant increase in earnings as new loan production better reflects market interest rates and the Company’s interest rate spread improves.

 

Your Company made significant progress in a number of areas in the year just ended:

 

  Check imaging was introduced to all our transaction account customers, giving them increased security, convenience, and ease of use.

 

  Online bill payment has been added to the list of services now available to save customers’ time, and allow them to pay bills online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

  Continued enactment of our regulatory compliance plan, although expensive, has allowed us to be in good position for full compliance with the requirements of the Sarbannes-Oxley Act enacted by Congress last year.

 

Of course, by far the largest project underway during the year has been the construction of our new Boone Financial Center in Boone, North Carolina. This four-story building, with two floors of leased offices, is already being called the premier business location in Boone. More importantly, it will bring together the services of AF Bank, AF Brokerage, and AF Insurance

 

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Services under one roof in Boone. The new Boone Financial Center will serve as a prototype for future AF Financial Group centers throughout our market areas. Look for the grand opening of the Center in the fall of 2004.

 

Even though earnings for FY 2004 were not as robust as we would have preferred, the prospects for increased profitability and growth in FY 2005 are excellent. Our expanded commitment in Boone, our continuing product development in response to customer demands, and the heritage of service established by your Company all point to a successful Fiscal 2005.

 

Thank you for your continued support. If you have questions about the Company or we may better serve you, your family, or your business, please let us know.

 

For AF Financial Group,
/s/ Melanie P. Miller
Melanie P. Miller
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer

 

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“The corporate mission of AF Financial Group is to provide a return to its shareholders, customers, communities and employees through its ability and commitment to deliver a full array of financial services and products on an individualized basis to people and companies in the northwestern corner of North Carolina, and the areas contiguous thereto.”

 

[PHOTOS]

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 

This discussion contains certain forward-looking statements consisting of estimates with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and other business of the Company, that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the estimates. These factors include: Changes in general, economic and market conditions; the development of an interest rate environment that adversely affects the interest rate spread or other income anticipated from the Company’s operations and investments; our ability to offer new products and increase lower cost core deposits; and depositor and borrower preferences. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly announce future events or developments that may affect the forward-looking statements contained herein. The information in this section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the other sections contained in this document.

 

General

 

AF Financial Group (the “Company”) is a federally chartered stock holding company for AF Bank (the “Bank”), AF Insurance Services, Inc. (an independent insurance agency) and AF Brokerage, Inc. (a registered broker/dealer, member NASD and SIPC). AF Bank conducts business from its main office located in West Jefferson, North Carolina, with branches in Boone, Jefferson, Sparta, Warrensville, and West Jefferson, North Carolina. Headquartered in West Jefferson, North Carolina, AF Insurance Services, Inc., has branches in Boone, Elkin, Jefferson, Lenoir, Sparta, West Jefferson, and North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. AF Brokerage, Inc. serves Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes and Watauga counties in North Carolina.

 

Overview

 

The Company realized a net loss of $308,254 for the year ended June 30, 2004 and net income of $375,464 for the year ended June 30, 2003. The Company’s operating results are primarily dependent upon net interest income, fees and charges and insurance commissions. Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on loans, investments and interest-earning deposits at other financial institutions, and the cost of interest-bearing savings deposits and other borrowings. The primary interest-earning asset of the Company is its mortgage loan portfolio, representing 86.8% of total loans with approximately 58.3% of portfolio mortgage loans at fixed rates as of June 30, 2004. The net interest income of the Company is affected by changes in economic conditions that influence market interest rates and to a large extent by the monetary actions by the Federal Reserve. This exposure to changes in interest rates contributes to a moderate degree of interest rate risk because of the negative impact of changing rates to the Bank’s earnings and to the new market value of its assets and liabilities. Historically, mortgage lenders have made loans and funded those loans with core and short-term deposits, exposing the lender to a higher level of interest rate risk in a rising rate scenario. We have reduced our exposure to rising rates by limiting the term or the time to reprice of loans that we retain in our portfolio. During the rate environment of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, declining rates were less favorable to the Bank than rising rates would have been from an interest rate risk perspective.

 

The Bank sells mortgage loans with terms exceeding 15 years unless the loan documents permit us to re-price the loan at an interval of ten years or less. Non-mortgage loans have rates that allow for adjustment as the prime rate changes, where possible, and where non-mortgage loans are made with fixed terms, the terms typically do not exceed five years. We make fixed rate mortgage loans with provisions allowing the Bank to “call the loan due” after three or five year periods, which reduces the period of time we are exposed to a fixed rate of interest in order to reduce interest rate risk. During the 2004 fiscal year, borrowers have been reluctant to accept a loan with a call provision and have chosen longer-term mortgages that we sell in the secondary market. The call provision is now used primarily where the fixed rate mortgage does not qualify for sale in the secondary market, and where the borrower has no desire for an adjustable rate mortgage. We also offer consumer loans, including automobile and home improvement loans. At June 30, 2004, consumer loans constituted approximately 6.3% of portfolio loans.

 

In addition, we offer commercial loans to small businesses in Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga Counties and to areas contiguous to those counties. Commercial loans generally have rates based on the prime rate of interest that more closely reflects prevailing market interest rates than do fixed rate products or other rate indices. Consumer and

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

commercial loans also generally have shorter terms and greater interest rate sensitivity than mortgage loans. We have pursued the preceding mortgage and non-mortgage loan strategies in order to reduce the level of interest rate risk in the Bank’s loan portfolio, while maintaining acceptable levels of credit risk. Funding for loan originations has been provided by aggressively marketing savings and checking accounts, competitively pricing certificates of deposits, and borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). Deposits increased $7.9 million as the result of normal business activities and FHLB advances increased $12.0 million during the year ended June 30, 2004.

 

In addition to loans, the Bank invests in federal agency securities, overnight deposits with the FHLB, equity securities in the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), municipal bonds, and mortgage-backed securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) and Fannie Mae. We do not engage in the practice of trading securities; rather, the Bank’s investment portfolio consists primarily of securities designated as available for sale. We intend to maintain investment securities to meet liquidity needs, as a supplement to our lending activities, and as a means to reduce the interest rate risk and credit risk of our asset base in exchange for lower rates of return than would typically be available with other lending activities.

 

The Company receives fee income primarily from loan origination fees; late loan payments fees; commissions from the sale of credit life; accident and health insurance; deposit transaction fees; insurance commissions generated from AF Insurance Services, Inc.; commission income generated from AF Brokerage, Inc.; and from payment for other services provided to customers by the Company.

 

Major non-interest costs to the Company include compensation and benefits; occupancy and equipment; information technology costs; and provision for loan losses. Other external factors that affect the operating results of the Company include changes in government and accounting regulations; costs of implementing information technology; and changes in the competitive dynamics within the Company’s market area.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The notes to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2004 contain a summary of our significant accounting policies. We believe that our policies with respect to the methodology for our determination of the allowance for loan losses, the fair value of mortgage servicing assets and asset impairment judgments, including the recoverability of goodwill, involve a higher degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. Changes in these judgments, assumptions or estimates could cause reported results to differ materially. These critical policies and their application are periodically reviewed with the Audit Committee and our Board of Directors. We consider the following accounting policies to be most critical in their potential effect on our financial position or results of operations:

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Allowance for Loan Losses (“ALL”) is established through a provision for loan losses based on our evaluation of the risks inherent in the Bank’s loan portfolio, prior loss history and the general economy. The ALL is maintained at an amount we consider adequate to cover loan losses which are deemed probable and estimable. The allowance is based upon a number of factors, including asset classifications, economic trends, industry experience and trends, industry and geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, our assessment of the credit risk inherent in the portfolio, historical loan loss experience, and the Bank’s underwriting policies. Our methodology for assessing the appropriations of the ALL consists of two components: Allowance for identified problem or impaired loans and a formula allowance for the remainder of the portfolio. Although we believe we have established and maintained the ALL at appropriate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment. We will continue to monitor and modify our ALL as conditions dictate.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Goodwill

 

On July 1, 2002, we adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under the provisions of the Statement, on July 1, 2002, we ceased to amortize goodwill. We will reevaluate the carrying value of goodwill annually by comparing the market value of the Company to the book value of the Company. Impairment would then be determined if the book value of the Company exceeds the market value of the Company. This evaluation is subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.

 

Management Strategy

 

AF Financial Group is a financial services company that provides banking, insurance and investment services to residents in the northwest corner of North Carolina. The Company was chartered in 1939 and the original lending objective of the Company was to provide fixed rate loans for the residents of Ashe County, North Carolina. Since that time, we have expanded the market area of the Company to include Alleghany, Caldwell, Surry, Watauga and Wilkes counties and have diversified our product lines by engaging in non-residential mortgage and non-mortgage lending, as well as offering insurance and brokerage products. We now offer traditional property and casualty, life and health insurance products through AF Insurance Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, headquartered in West Jefferson, North Carolina and operating in Boone, Elkin, Jefferson, Lenoir, Sparta, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro, North Carolina. We also operate a broker/dealer subsidiary, AF Brokerage, Inc., which serves Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes and Watauga counties. AF Brokerage offers a full array of non-FDIC insured investment products, including fixed-rate and variable annuities and mutual funds. We believe our strategy of expanding our market area and diversifying our product lines will strengthen earnings in the future.

 

We believe the foundation is in place to successfully compete in our established markets. In all AF Bank markets, we have the capability to deliver comprehensive insurance services through our insurance subsidiary and the potential to deliver securities services through AF Brokerage, Inc. Our new Financial Center in Boone, North Carolina is scheduled to open during the second quarter of the 2005 fiscal year. The Financial Center will combine banking, insurance and investments into one convenient location serving the Watauga County market. The challenge facing us is to provide the most economical, efficient – and most importantly – desirable platform to offer AF customers, clients and prospects these services. It is a challenge we are working hard to meet.

 

We believe it is important to view the financial results for the year ended June 30, 2004 within the larger context of the Company’s long-term strategic business plan. The cost of the infrastructure that we now have in place allowing us to successfully compete in our established markets, has had a negative impact on short term earnings. However, we believe our established foundation and platform will drive our long-term viability as a competitively superior financial services provider in all markets. We are committed to the long-term profitability and success of the Company. Given the foregoing foundation and platform, management and the board of directors are placing major emphasis upon improving the Company’s net earnings and return on equity in 2005 and beyond. This will be accomplished by increasing the overall productivity of the Company and its operating subsidiaries, controlling costs, and reducing or eliminating unprofitable activities whenever and wherever possible.

 

There are a number of positive factors and recent events which reflect our progress toward our long-term goals during the year ended June 30, 2004:

 

  An increase in net loans of $25.2 million or 16.2%;

 

  Asset growth of $19.6 million or 10.2%;

 

  Deposit growth of $7.9 million or 5.3%;

 

  Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets equaled only .25%;

 

  Loans to deposit ratio increased to 115.3%;

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

  The acquisition of another insurance agency in Sparta, North Carolina which expanded our market share in an existing market and increased the revenue stream for the Sparta insurance operation while expanding our customer base in Alleghany County; and

 

  The October 2005 scheduled opening of the new Boone AF Financial Center.

 

Net income decreased $683,718, or 182.1%, to a net loss of $308,254 for the year ended June 30, 2004, compared to net income of $375,464 for the year ended June 30, 2003. This change is primarily due to a $349,580 charge-off of one commercial line of credit and an increase in noninterest expense. While future charge-offs are uncertain, we believe that this charge-off was an isolated event and not an indication of the overall quality of our loan portfolio. Noninterest expense increased primarily due to the increase in compensation expense due to staffing for the Financial Service Center in Boone, North Carolina.

 

We believe a positive upturn in economic indicators will have a positive impact on our net income. Many economic advisors are predicting an overall 100 basis point rate hike by February 2005. At June 30, 2004 we had approximately $61.0 million in loans priced at prime or a margin thereto which provides for adjusting rates immediately should market rates change. In a rising rate environment, our ability to make immediate rate adjustments serves to protect the interest margin against increases in rates at a more rapid speed than the increase in funding costs.

 

Our commitment to the long-term profitability and success of the Company prompted our decision not to place long-term fixed rate mortgages in our portfolio, particularly in a low interest rate environment, due to the interest rate risk associated with an eventual rise in market rates. We have continued to minimize our exposure to rising interest rates by selling long-term fixed rate mortgages and retaining the servicing. This strategy reduces short-term earnings but will provide protection when rates begin to rise.

 

Another challenge we face are the requirements under The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”). The Act is a change that has significantly impacted us and our competitors. The Act, and its subsequent regulations, makes changes to the way we select and manage our outside auditors, establishes new independence requirements for the board and its committees and includes provisions that increase our accountability regarding the presentation of the Company’s financial condition. We made substantial changes to our governance procedures, code of ethics and internal policies that we believe have allowed us to prudently comply with the rules and regulations created by the Act. We expect to spend a significant amount of time and assets during the 2005 fiscal year to comply with additional regulations from the Act, including Section 404 which requires documentation and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Total assets increased by $19.6 million to $211.6 million at June 30, 2004 from $192.0 million at June 30, 2003. The increase in assets was primarily the result of an increase of $25.2 million, or 16.2%, in net loans receivable and an increase of $2.8 million, or 32.5%, in net office properties and equipment from June 30, 2003 to June 30, 2004. The increase in net loans receivable and net office properties and equipment was partially offset by a decrease of $6.4 million, or 45.5%, in cash and cash equivalents and a decrease of $3.3 million, or 43.2%, in securities available for sale from June 30, 2003 to June 30, 2004. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents and securities available for sale was used to fund the $25.2 million increase in net loans receivable. The increase in net loans receivable is typical for the Bank, which operates in lending markets that have had sustained loan demand over the last several years. The increase in office properties and equipment, net was primarily due to the costs to construct the new Financial Services Center in Boone, North Carolina and the addition of new equipment to assure our delivery capabilities in the event of a disaster affecting our computer systems. These back-up facilities will be re-located to the Boone Financial Center that is currently under construction. Prior to completion, backup equipment has been positioned in various branch locations sufficiently removed from the primary IT location. These investments in backup capacity allow us to assure our customers of stability in the event of a disastrous occurrence as well as to comply with regulatory requirements for business continuity.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Securities available for sale decreased $3.3 million, or 43.2%, to $4.3 million at June 30, 2004 from $7.6 million at June 30, 2003. This decrease was due to maturing investments. At June 30, 2004, the Company’s investment portfolio had $17,064 in net unrealized gains as compared to net unrealized gains of $96,473 at June 30, 2003.

 

The Bank’s savings deposits increased by $7.9 million, or 5.3%, from $149.6 million at June 30, 2003 to $157.4 million at June 30, 2004. We believe the increase in deposits is attributable to our continuing marketing efforts directed towards increasing balances in savings and transaction accounts and in smaller, stable certificates of deposit. We intend to further focus our marketing efforts and to offer new products to increase lower cost core deposits. During the year ended June 30, 2004, the Bank entered an agreement with Promontory Interfinancial Network which allows us to provide FDIC insurance coverage beyond the normal limits by using its network. The agreement allows us to maintain large deposit relationships when the customer desires FDIC coverage on all certificate of deposit balances. As of June 30, 2004, we had $1.4 million placed in the Promontory Interfinancial Network.

 

Advances from the FHLB increased $12.0 million, or 56.7%, to $33.1 million at June 30, 2004 from $21.1 million at June 30, 2003. The increase in advances from the FHLB was used to provide a portion of the funding for the $25.2 million increase in net loans receivable.

 

Total stockholders’ equity decreased $486,288, or 3.7%, to $12.5 million at June 30, 2004 from $13.0 million at June 30, 2003. The decrease in stockholders’ equity was primarily the result of the net loss of $308,254, the increase in the value of redeemable common stock held by the ESOP of $55,338, or 11.5%, dividends of $145,748 and a decrease in other comprehensive income of $48,348. These decreases were partially offset by ESOP expenses of $71,400. At June 30, 2004, the Bank’s regulatory capital amounted to $17.0 million compared to $16.9 million at June 30, 2003, which was in excess of regulatory capital requirements at both such dates.

 

The Bank’s level of non-performing loans, defined as loans past due 90 days or more, increased to $518,801, or 0.25% of total assets, at June 30, 2004 compared to $442,696, or 0.23% of total assets, at June 30, 2003. The Bank recognized net charge-offs of approximately $533,666 during the year ended June 30, 2004 compared to net charge-offs of $263,248 for the year ended June 30, 2003. The increase in net charge-offs was primarily attributable to a $349,580 charge-off related to one commercial line of credit in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. While future loan loss provision requirements are uncertain, management believes that the loan loss provision for the year ending June 30, 2005 will be less than the provision for 2004.

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

The Company had a net loss for the year ended June 30, 2004 of $308,254 compared to net income of $375,464 for the year ended June 30, 2003. Changes in net income during the comparable twelve-month period were attributable to: an increase in the provision for loan losses; an increase in net interest income; an increase in non-interest income and an increase in non-interest expense, which is explained below. In our opinion, there has not been a material change in interest rate risk from the end of the Company’s most recent fiscal year.

 

Interest Income. Interest income decreased by $327,816 or 3.0% from $11,011,408 for the year ended June 30, 2003 to $10,683,592 for the year ended June 30, 2004. Interest income from loans decreased $181,704 or 1.7% from $10,580,406 for the year ended June 30, 2003 to $10,398,702 for the year ended June 30, 2004. The decrease in interest income from loans for the year ended June 30, 2004 was attributable to a decrease in the weighted average rate of net loans receivable due to the low interest rate environment during the period. The weighted average rate on portfolio loans declined .51% from 6.31% at June 30, 2003 to 5.80% at June 30, 2004.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Table 1.

 

The following table analyzes the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The table distinguishes between (i) changes attributable to volume (changes in volume multiplied by the prior period’s rate) (ii) changes attributable to rate (changes in rate multiplied by the prior period’s volume) and (iii) mixed changes (changes in volume multiplied by changes in rate). Rate/volume variances are allocated to the rate/volume column.

 

     Year ended June 30, 2004
compared to
June 30, 2003


    Year ended June 30, 2003
compared to
June 30, 2002


 
     Increase/(Decrease)
Due to


    Increase/(Decrease)
Due to


 
     Volume

    Rate

   

Rate/

Volume


    Net

    Volume

    Rate

   

Rate/

Volume


    Net

 
     (In thousands)  

Assets:

                                                                

Interest-earning assets:

                                                                

Interest-bearing deposits

   $ (20 )   $ (14 )   $ 4     $ (30 )   $ (69 )   $ (75 )   $ 27     $ (117 )

Investment securities

     (67 )     (61 )     11       (117 )     (113 )     (130 )     25       (218 )

Loans receivable

     967       (1,051 )     (96 )     (180 )     1,465       (1,058 )     (149 )     258  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total

     880       (1,126 )     (81 )     (327 )     1,283       (1,263 )     (97 )     (77 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Liabilities:

                                                                

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                                

Interest-bearing checking accounts

     15       (86 )     (7 )     (78 )     (16 )     (104 )     5       (115 )

Savings

     73       (284 )     (26 )     (237 )     259       (205 )     (67 )     (13 )

Certificates of deposit

     42       (467 )     (8 )     (433 )     179       (835 )     (47 )     (703 )

Borrowed funds

     184       (104 )     (12 )     68       283       (142 )     (26 )     115  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total

     314       (941 )     (53 )     (680 )     705       (1,286 )     (135 )     (716 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Net interest income

   $ 566     $ (185 )   $ (28 )   $ 353     $ 578     $ 23     $ 38     $ 639  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

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Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Table 2.

 

The following table provides information concerning the Bank’s yields on interest-earning assets and cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities over the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

                For the year ended June 30,

 
     At June 30, 2004

    2004

    2003

 
    

Actual

Balance


  

Average
Yield/

Rate


   

Average

Balance


  

Interest


  

Average
Yield/

Rate


   

Average

Balance


  

Interest


  

Average

Yield/

Rate


 
                       
                     (Dollars in thousands)                  

Assets:

                                                     

Interest-earnings assets:

                                                     

Interest-bearing deposits

   $ 2,499    1.36 %   $ 3,010    $ 43    1.43 %   $ 4,145    $ 73    1.76 %

Investment securities

     6,501    3.95 %     7,162      242    3.38 %     8,804      358    4.07 %

Loans receivable, net (1)

     181,489    5.80 %     168,738      10,399    6.16 %     154,582      10,580    6.84 %
    

        

  

        

  

      

Total interest-earning assets

     190,489    5.68 %     178,910      10,684    5.97 %     167,531      11,011    6.57 %

Non-interest-earning assets

     21,130            21,276                   19,645              
    

        

               

             

Total assets

   $ 211,619          $ 200,186                 $ 187,176              
    

        

               

             

Liabilities and equity:

                                                     

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                     

Interest-bearing checking accounts

   $ 24,370    0.49 %   $ 23,085      122    0.53 %   $ 21,434      200    0.93 %

Savings

     42,495    1.12 %     42,497      543    1.28 %     38,889      782    2.01 %

Certificates of deposit

     76,436    2.55 %     72,878      2,037    2.80 %     71,679      2,468    3.44 %

Borrowed funds

     39,412    4.61 %     31,738      1,703    5.37 %     28,541      1,635    5.73 %
    

        

  

        

  

      

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     182,713    2.39 %     170,198      4,405    2.59 %     160,543      5,085    3.17 %
                                            

      

Other non-interest-bearing liabilities

     16,432            17,471                   13,721              

Equity

     12,474            12,517                   12,912              
    

        

               

             

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 211,619          $ 200,186                 $ 187,176              
    

        

               

             

Net interest income and interest rate spread (2)

          3.29 %          $ 6,279    3.38 %          $ 5,926    3.41 %
                        

               

      

Net interest-earning assets and net interest margin (3)

   $ 7,776          $ 8,712           3.51 %   $ 6,988           3.54 %
    

        

               

             

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

          104.26 %                 105.12 %                 104.35 %

 

(1) Balance is net of deferred loan fees and loans in process. Non-accrual loans are included in the balances.

 

(2) Average interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.

 

(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets. With the exception of end of period ratios, all ratios are based on monthly or quarterly balances during the indicated years. Management does not believe that the use of month and quarter end balances instead of daily balances has caused a material difference in the information presented.

 

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Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $680,608 or 13.4% to $4,404,811 for the year ended June 30, 2004 from $5,085,419 for the year ended June 30, 2003. Interest expense on savings deposits decreased by $748,096 or 21.7% to $2,702,583 for the year ended June 30, 2004 from $3,450,679 for the year ended June 30, 2003. These decreases are the result of the 0.47% decrease in the institution’s weighted average rate of deposits during the year ended June 30, 2004 partially offset by the $7.9 million increase in savings deposits. Interest expense on FHLB advances increased $76,463 to $1,129,778 for the year ended June 30, 2004 from $1,053,315 for the year ended June 30, 2003. This increase is the result of the $12.0 million increase in FHLB advances, partially offset by the 0.37% decrease in the weighted average interest rate on the FHLB advances during the year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased by $352,792 or 6.0% from $5,925,989 for the year ended June 30, 2003 to $6,278,781 for the year ended June 30, 2004. The changes in net interest income are a result of a drop in the institution’s weighted average rate paid for deposits and the reduction of the weighted average loan rates, partially offset by the increase in savings deposits and FHLB borrowings. We do not believe that there has been a material change in interest rate risk from the end of the Company’s most recent fiscal year.

 

Provision for Loan Losses. We made additional provision in the amount of $668,000 to the allowance for loan losses during the year ended June 30, 2004, compared to a $242,700 provision for loan losses made during the year ended June 30, 2003. As previously noted, provisions to the allowance for loan losses in the year ended June 30, 2004 include a charge-off of $349,580 related to one commercial loan. Provisions for loan losses, which are charged to operations and resulting loan loss allowances, are amounts that the we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Loans are charged off against the allowance when we believe collection is unlikely. The evaluation to increase or decrease the provisions for loan losses and resulting allowances is based both on prior loan loss experience and other factors, such as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality and current economic conditions.

 

The Bank made provisions for loan loss allowances during the year ended June 30, 2004 based upon an analysis of the quality of its loan portfolio. At June 30, 2004, our level of allowance for loan losses amounted to $1,245,018, or 0.68% of total loans, as compared to $1,110,684 of allowance for loan losses, or 0.71% of total loans at June 30, 2003, which we believe is adequate to absorb any probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio

 

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income increased by $287,522 or 8.0% from $3,604,052 for the year ended June 30, 2003 to $3,891,574 for the year ended June 30, 2004. The increase in non-interest income during the year ended June 30, 2004 was primarily attributable to increases in transaction fees on deposit accounts partially offset by a decrease in revenue generated from insurance commissions. The increase in transaction fees on deposit accounts is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of transaction accounts. These trends are expected to continue to produce growth in non-interest income. Insurance commissions decreased by $42,777, or 1.8%, from $2,418,375 for the year ended June 30, 2003 to $2,375,598 for the year ended June 30, 2004. The decrease in insurance commissions is primarily due to a decrease in contingency income received from the insurance companies we represent as compared to the same time period in 2003. The decrease in contingency income is due to the insurance companies we represent paying higher claims to our clients in calendar year 2004 as compared to calendar year 2003, resulting in lower profit sharing payments.

 

Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased by $1,277,569 or 14.8% from $8,655,755 for the year ended June 30, 2003 to $9,933,324 for the year ended June 30, 2004. The increase in non-interest expense for the year ended June 30, 2004 is primarily attributable to an increase in compensation costs and occupancy expenses associated with adding computer equipment to provide backup facilities in case of a disaster and increased staffing for the Financial Service Center in Boone, North Carolina. Compensation costs increased by $632,385, or 13.0%, for the year ended June 30, 2004. Occupancy and equipment costs increased by $131,802 or 11.6% for the year ended June 30, 2004. Other noninterest expense increased $423,251, or 20.1%, primarily due to an increase in attorney fees, an increase in professional fees for guidance in complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the establishment of an allowance for uncollectible trade accounts receivable. This reserve is established for amounts that we believe we will be unable to collect.

 

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Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Income Taxes. Income taxes resulted from applying normal, expected tax rates on income earned during the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. The income tax credit was $122,715 for the year ended June 30, 2004 and the income tax expense was $256,122 for the year ended June 30, 2003. The effective tax rate was higher than expected tax rates for 2004, resulting primarily from the fact that North Carolina corporations may not file consolidated income tax returns. This had the effect of taxing all income in a particular member of a consolidated group without permitting an offsetting benefit for losses incurred in another member of the same group, creating a higher than expected “overall” state income tax expense.

 

Capital Resources and Liquidity

 

The term “liquidity” generally refers to an organization’s ability to generate adequate amounts of funds to meet its needs for cash. More specifically, for financial institutions, liquidity ensures that adequate funds are available to meet deposit withdrawals, fund loan demand and capital expenditure commitments, maintain reserve requirements, pay operating expenses, and provide funds for debt service, dividends to stockholders, and other institutional commitments. The Company’s primary sources of funds consist of deposits, borrowings, repayment and prepayment of loans, sales and participations of loans, maturities of securities and interest-bearing deposits, and funds provided from operations. While scheduled repayments of loans and maturities of securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by the general level of interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. The Company uses its liquid resources primarily to fund existing and future loan commitments, to fund net deposit outflows, to invest in other interest-earning assets, to maintain liquidity, and to meet operating expenses. For additional information about cash flows from the Company’s operating, financing and investing activities, see “Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow.”

 

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of management. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, we believe we could borrow additional funds from the FHLB and use the wholesale deposit markets. At June 30, 2004, we had borrowings of $33,143,754 from the FHLB. The Bank also maintains borrowing agreements with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, VA.

 

The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current loan origination commitments. Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $63.9 million at June 30, 2004. Based upon historical experience, we believe that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with the Bank. The Company anticipates an additional capital expenditure for the Boone Financial Center during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005 of approximately $1.6 million. The total capital expenditure for this project is expected to be $5.4 million and $3.8 million was disbursed at June 30, 2004.

 

As of June 30, 2004, cash and cash equivalents, a significant source of liquidity, totaled $7,674,052. The Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) regulations require the Company to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure its safe and sound operation. Given our level of liquidity and our ability to borrow from the FHLB, we believe we will have sufficient funds available to meet anticipated future loan commitments, unexpected deposit withdrawals, and other cash requirements.

 

Capital management is another important daily and long-term function of management. While we currently meet all regulatory capital levels, we monitor this level on an ongoing basis. Our principal goals related to capital management are to provide an adequate return to shareholders while retaining a sufficient foundation from which to support future growth and to comply with all regulatory guidelines.

 

Asset/Liability Management

 

The Company’s asset/liability management is focused primarily on evaluating and managing the Company’s net interest income in relation to various risk criteria. Factors beyond the Company’s control, such as the effects of changes in market interest rates and competition, may also have an impact on the management of interest rate risk.

 

In the absence of other factors, the Company’s overall yield on interest-earning assets will increase, as will its cost of funds on its interest-bearing liabilities, when market rates increase over an extended period of time. Inversely, the

 

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Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Company’s yields and cost of funds will decrease when market rates decline. We are able to manage these fluctuations to some extent by attempting to control the maturity or rate adjustments of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities over given periods of time. One of our tools for monitoring interest rate risk is the measurement of the sensitivity of the net portfolio value to changes in interest rates.

 

In order to minimize the potential effects of adverse material and prolonged increases in market interest rates on the Company’s operations, we have implemented an asset/liability program designed to improve the Company’s interest rate risk exposure. The program emphasizes the originations of three-and five-year fixed-rate balloon mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, selling long term fixed-rate loans to the secondary market, shorter term consumer and commercial loans, the investment of excess cash in short or intermediate term interest-earning assets and the solicitation of deposit accounts that can be repriced rapidly in high rate scenarios and longer repricing terms in low rate environments. Competitive pressures and the propensity of customers to assume the opposite position from the Bank make implementation of the strategy difficult. Our success in increasing our mortgage portfolio of callable and adjustable-rate loans was substantially curtailed during the 2004 and 2003 year end due to the availability of longer term fixed-rate loans. We sold loans with low fixed rates in order to avoid increasing our exposure to rising rates.

 

Although the Company’s asset/liability management program has generally helped to decrease the exposure of our earnings to interest rate increases, the residual effect of reducing the Company’s historical exposure to interest rate increases is a heightened exposure to interest rate decreases. Additionally, a decline in rates for earning assets may occur more rapidly than a decline in funding costs. Certificates of deposit typically have terms ranging from three to thirty six months. Consequently, the rates paid for these deposits cannot be adjusted until the maturity date. Loans priced at prime or a margin thereto provide for adjusting rates immediately when market rates change. The number of borrowers refinancing at lower rates accelerates the decline in loan rates during a declining rate environment as was experienced during the 2004 fiscal year. In a rising rate environment, the ability to make immediate upward rate adjustments with adjustable-rate loans serves to protect the net interest margin against increases in rates at a more rapid speed than the increase in funding. In a declining rate environment, the rates on prime rate based loans decrease immediately while certificate rates lag causing the interest margin to decline until the certificates mature offering an opportunity for repricing.

 

We believe the Company’s asset/liability management program continues to function as a useful financial management tool, adequately providing for the safe, sound and prudent management of the Company’s exposure to changes in interest rates.

 

Net Portfolio Value

 

All federally regulated financial institutions are required to measure the exposure to changes in interest rates. Institutions with assets of less than $500 million may rely on outside sources of measurement such as those provided by the OTS. The purpose is to determine how changes in interest rates affect the estimated value or Net Portfolio Value (“NPV”) of the insured institution’s statement of financial condition under several immediate or “shock” changes in market rates.

 

Since the timing of repricing opportunities for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are different, the impact of shock changes will have a negative, neutral or positive impact on the NPV of the bank based upon the structure of the bank’s assets and liabilities. Thus, NPV is the difference between incoming and outgoing discounted cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.

 

Our banking subsidiary, AF Bank, has historically been a mortgage lender, which means that it generally has longer terms before repricing its assets than it does repricing its interest bearing liabilities or deposit accounts. Therefore, a rising rate environment will have the most negative impact on the NPV of the typical mortgage lender. We have implemented a strategy of limiting the terms of mortgage loans that we cannot sell in the secondary market, increasing the level of loans tied more closely to market interest rates such as the prime rate, and generally reducing the terms of loans that the Company books for portfolio. This restructuring process and the changes in market rates

 

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Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

have resulted in changing our risk from rising rates to falling rates. The following table presents the Company’s NPV at June 30, 2004, as calculated by the OTS, based on information provided to the OTS by the Company.

 

Table 3. Interest Rate Sensitivity of Net Portfolio Value (NPV)

 

Net Portfolio Value


    NPV as % of PV (5) of Assets

Change in
Rates


   $ Amount in
Thousands


   $ Change (1)

    % Change (2)

    Ratio (3)

    Change (4)

+300 bp

   21,035    (1,833 )   (8 %)   9.94 %   -51 bp

+200 bp

   23,448    581     3 %   10.92 %   48 bp

+100 bp

   23,228    361     2 %   10.70 %   26 bp

      0 bp

   22,868    —           10.44 %   —  

-100 bp

   22,207    (661 )   (3 %)   10.10 %   -34 bp

 

(1) Represents the change in NPV from the base (zero change in rates) assuming the indicated change in interest rates.

 

(2) Calculated as the percentage of change in the estimated NPV compared to the base scenario.

 

(3) Calculated as the estimated NPV divided by average total assets.

 

(4) Represents the change, expressed in basis points (“bp”), in the ratio of NPV to Assets in each scenario compared to the base.

 

(5) PV means present value.

 

At June 30, 2004, the estimated NPV decreased by 8% in a 300 basis point rising interest rate shock scenario compared to a loss of 3% in a 100 basis point falling rate scenario. This compares to an increase of 14% under a similar rise and a decrease of 8% in a similar decline one year earlier. The interest rate risk is further measured by the basis point decline in the ratio of NPV to PV of assets, defined as the Sensitivity Measure by the OTS. At June 30, 2004, the decline of the Sensitivity Measure was 34 basis points with a 100 basis point shock decrease in rates compared to a decrease of 88 basis points under the same scenario at June 30, 2003. The OTS normally uses the 200 basis point shock scenario as the level for determining the Sensitivity Measure; however, with the current level of rates, the OTS no longer provides NPV estimates for downward changes exceeding 100 basis points.

 

The following table provided by the OTS reflects further measures of the Company’s interest rate risk.

 

Table 4. Risk Measures: 200 bp Rate Shock

 

          June 30,
2004


    June 30,
2003


 
Pre-shock NPV Ratio:    NPV as a % of PV of Assets    10.44 %   10.28 %
Exposure Measure:    Post Shock NPV Ratio    10.10 %   9.40 %
Sensitivity Measure:    Change in NPV    34 bp   88 bp

 

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above table. Modeling changes in NPV require making certain assumptions that may tend to oversimplify the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. First, the models assume that the composition of the Bank’s interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured. Second, the models assume that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration to maturity of the repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the NPV measurements do provide an indication of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on the Company’s net interest income. Furthermore, in times of decreasing interest rates, the value of fixed-rate assets could increase in value and the lag in repricing of interest rate sensitive assets could be expected to have a negative effect on the Company because of the timing differences in the repricing opportunities for its interest earning assets

 

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Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

and its interest bearing deposits. Interest sensitive assets could be expected to have a positive effect on the Company when interest rates are increasing.

 

We believe the NPV method of assessing the Company’s exposure to interest risk and potential reductions in net interest income is a useful tool for measuring risk. We also believe that the charts reflect the positive impact of strategies to reduce interest risk. The strategies that have reduced the level of interest rate risk under an increasing rate assumption will continue to reduce the impact of rising rates as long term mortgages are sold and replaced with shorter term mortgages and non-mortgage loans with rates that can be adjusted to more closely simulate market rates of interest.

 

Future Reporting Requirements

 

FIN 46

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. This interpretation addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities as defined in the interpretation. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN 46 (FIN 46R) to clarify some of the provisions of FIN 46 and to exempt certain entities from its requirements. FIN 46 is effective for public entities that have interests in structures that are commonly referred to as special-purpose entities for periods ending after December 15, 2003 or, for S-B filers like the Company, for periods ending after December 31, 2004.

 

Adoption of FIN 46R will result in deconsolidation of the Company’s trust preferred subsidiary, AF Capital Trust. Upon deconsolidation, the junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company to the Trust will be included in long-term debt (instead of the Capital securities) and the Company’s equity interest in the trust will be included in other assets. If this Trust was deconsolidated as of June 30, 2004, the effect on the Company’s statement of financial condition would be an increase in other assets of $155,000 with a corresponding increase in long-term debt. The deconsolidation of the trust will not materially impact net income.

 

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

The financial statements and accompanying footnotes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The assets and liabilities of the Company are primarily monetary in nature and changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on the Company’s performance than do the effects of inflation.

 

Subsequent Events

 

James A. Todd, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Companies, was terminated for cause pursuant to his employment agreements with the Companies, effective July 8, 2004. The termination followed and is based upon an investigation authorized by the Boards of Directors of the Companies. Mr. Todd has threatened litigation in this matter. However, the Companies believe that any such litigation will be without merit and the Companies plan to defend vigorously any such litigation.

 

Since Mr. Todd was suspended and placed on leave with pay effective June 2, 2004, operations of the Companies have continued in the ordinary course, with Chief Financial Officer Melanie Miller serving as Acting CEO. Ms. Miller will continue serving as Acting CEO of the Companies until further action by the Boards of Directors. Operations are expected to continue as normal.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

 

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents:

                

Interest-bearing deposits

   $ 2,498,878     $ 6,151,744  

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     5,175,174       7,920,274  

Securities held to maturity (fair value $529,000 in 2004 and $100,000 in 2003)

     529,000       100,000  

Securities available for sale

     4,315,066       7,596,814  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     1,657,200       1,057,300  

Loans

     182,734,177       157,368,574  

Less allowance for loan losses

     (1,245,018 )     (1,110,684 )
    


 


Loans receivable, net

     181,489,159       156,257,890  
    


 


Real estate owned

     —         43,000  

Office properties and equipment, net

     11,515,179       8,691,947  

Accrued interest receivable on loans

     855,408       787,675  

Accrued interest receivable on investment securities

     66,402       77,833  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     1,560,688       1,342,633  

Deferred income taxes, net

     280,577       349,223  

Goodwill

     1,676,446       1,596,446  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 211,619,177     $ 191,972,779  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                

Liabilities:

                

Savings deposits

   $ 157,433,544     $ 149,571,086  

Notes payable

     1,197,806       1,140,296  

Note payable – ESOP

     70,420       107,420  

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     33,143,754       21,145,669  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     1,764,907       1,568,612  

Redeemable common stock held by the ESOP, net of unearned ESOP shares

     534,750       479,412  

Capital securities

     5,000,000       5,000,000  
    


 


Total liabilities

     199,145,181       179,012,495  
    


 


Commitments and contingencies

                

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 5,000,000 shares; 1,053,678 shares issued and 1,049,838 shares outstanding at 2004 and 2003

     10,537       10,537  

Additional paid-in capital

     4,653,933       4,619,570  

Retained earnings, substantially restricted

     7,874,017       8,346,320  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     10,389       58,737  
    


 


       12,548,876       13,035,164  

Less cost of 3,840 shares of treasury stock

     (74,880 )     (74,880 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     12,473,996       12,960,284  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 211,619,177     $ 191,972,779  
    


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

- 19 -


Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

Years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

Interest and dividend income:

              

Loans

   $ 10,398,702     $ 10,580,406

Investment securities

     241,959       358,281

Interest-bearing deposits

     42,931       72,721
    


 

Total interest and dividend income

     10,683,592       11,011,408
    


 

Interest expense:

              

Savings deposits

     2,702,583       3,450,679

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     1,129,778       1,053,315

Notes payable

     58,546       68,639

Capital securities

     513,904       512,786
    


 

Total interest expense

     4,404,811       5,085,419
    


 

Net interest income

     6,278,781       5,925,989

Provision for loan losses:

     668,000       242,700
    


 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     5,610,781       5,683,289
    


 

Noninterest income:

              

Insurance commissions

     2,375,598       2,418,375

Gain on sale of investments available for sale

     —         6,998

Other

     1,515,976       1,178,679
    


 

Total noninterest income

     3,891,574       3,604,052
    


 

Noninterest expense:

              

Compensation and employee benefits

     5,508,835       4,876,450

Occupancy and equipment

     1,267,694       1,135,892

Computer processing charges

     627,253       537,122

Other

     2,529,542       2,106,291
    


 

Total noninterest expense

     9,933,324       8,655,755
    


 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (430,969 )     631,586

Income taxes (benefit):

     (122,715 )     256,122
    


 

Net income (loss)

   $ (308,254 )   $ 375,464
    


 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.30 )   $ 0.36
    


 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.30 )   $ 0.36
    


 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     1,041,091       1,041,239
    


 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     1,041,091       1,041,239
    


 

Cash dividends per share

   $ 0.20     $ 0.20
    


 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

- 20 -


Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-in
Capital


   Retained
Earnings


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)


    Treasury
Stock


    Total
Stockholders’
Equity


 

Balance, June 30, 2002

   $ 10,537    $ 4,602,930    $ 8,200,866     $ 37,350     $ (74,880 )   $ 12,776,803  

Transfer to redeemable common stock net of unearned ESOP shares

     —        —        (88,173 )     —         —         (88,173 )

ESOP contribution

     —        16,640      37,037       —         —         53,677  

Cash dividend, $.20 per share

     —        —        (178,874 )     —         —         (178,874 )

Net income

     —        —        375,464       —         —         375,464  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

                                              

Unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of taxes of $11,005

     —        —        —         25,647       —         —    

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of taxes of $2,738

     —        —        —         4,260       —         —    
                          


               

Other comprehensive income

     —        —        —         21,387       —         21,387  
                                          


Comprehensive income

                                           396,851  
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance, June 30, 2003

     10,537      4,619,570      8,346,320       58,737       (74,880 )     12,960,284  

Transfer to redeemable common stock net of unearned ESOP shares

     —        —        (55,338 )     —         —         (55,338 )

ESOP contribution

     —        34,363      37,037       —         —         71,400  

Cash dividend, $.20 per share

     —        —        (145,748 )     —         —         (145,748 )

Net loss

     —        —        (308,254 )     —         —         (308,254 )

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

                                              

Unrealized holding loss arising during period, net of tax benefit of $31,061

     —        —        —         (48,348 )     —         (48,348 )
                                          


Comprehensive loss

                                           (356,602 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance, June 30, 2004

   $ 10,537    $ 4,653,933    $ 7,874,017     $ 10,389     $ (74,880 )   $ 12,473,996  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

- 21 -


Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities

                

Net income (loss)

   $ (308,254 )   $ 375,464  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Provision for loan losses

     668,000       242,700  

Gain on sale of investments available for sale

     —         (6,998 )

Depreciation

     885,163       781,836  

Amortization of deferred loan fees

     (131,777 )     (233,993 )

ESOP expense

     71,400       53,676  

Deferred income taxes

     99,707       97,062  

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Accrued interest receivable

     (56,302 )     120,200  

Accrued interest payable

     36,710       154,870  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (133,835 )     248,125  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     154,760       (195,946 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,285,572       1,636,996  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities

                

Increase in Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     (599,900 )     (7,900 )

Purchases of investments held to maturity

     (1,099,000 )     —    

Proceeds from maturities of investments held to maturity

     670,000       —    

Purchases of securities available for sale

     (2,000,000 )     (3,730,118 )

Proceeds from principal repayment and maturities of securities available for sale

     5,156,158       5,677,667  

Process from sale of securities available for sale

     —         756,998  

Net originations of loans receivable

     (25,789,637 )     (12,766,646 )

Investment in insurance agency

     (80,000 )     19,000  

Purchases of office properties and equipment

     (3,728,434 )     (3,508,975 )

Proceeds from sale of real estate owned

     47,145       273,520  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (27,423,668 )     (13,286,454 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities

                

Net increase in savings deposits

     7,867,283       12,643,360  

FHLB advances, net

     11,998,085       2,235,745  

Notes payable (repayments), net

     20,510       (198,328 )

Dividends paid

     (145,748 )     (178,874 )
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     19,740,130       14,501,903  
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (6,397,966 )     2,852,445  

Cash and cash equivalents

                

Beginning

     14,072,018       11,219,573  
    


 


Ending

   $ 7,674,052     $ 14,072,018  
    


 


 

- 22 -


Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

                

Cash payments for:

                

Interest

   $ 4,368,101     $ 4,919,009  

Income taxes

     78,760       302,250  

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities

                

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax

   $ (48,348 )   $ 21,387  

Transfer from loans receivable to real estate owned

     22,145       237,948  

Fair value of ESOP shares in excess of unearned ESOP shares

     (18,302 )     (51,137 )

Transfer from retained earnings to ESOP redeemable common stock

     (55,338 )     (88,173 )

 

- 23 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of business

 

AF Financial Group (the “Company”) is a federally chartered thrift holding company which owns 100% of the common stock of AF Bank (the “Bank”), AF Insurance Services, Inc. and AF Brokerage, Inc. The Company also owns 100% of AF Capital Trust 1. The Company has no operations and conducts no business of its own other than ownership of its subsidiaries. The Bank is a federally chartered stock savings bank, which conducts business from its main office located in West Jefferson, North Carolina and seven branches in Sparta, Jefferson, Boone, Warrensville, and West Jefferson, North Carolina. The principal activities of the Bank consist of obtaining savings deposits and providing credit to customers in its primary market area, Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga Counties. On April 15, 1996, the Board of Directors of the Bank adopted a Plan of Reorganization and related Stock Issuance Plan pursuant to which the Bank exchanged its federal mutual savings bank charter for a federal stock savings bank charter, conducted a minority stock offering, and formed AsheCo, M.H.C., a mutual holding company which owned 53.8% of the common stock issued by the Bank. The Bank conducted its minority stock offering in July and August of 1996 and the closing occurred on October 4, 1996. The Bank sold 461,779 shares of common stock in the minority stock offering, including 36,942 shares sold to its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”), and issued 538,221 shares to the mutual holding company.

 

On June 16, 1998, the Board of Directors approved the formation of a mid-tier federal thrift holding company, AF Bankshares, Inc., which became the 100% owner of the Bank in a stock swap with AsheCo, M.H.C., which was accounted for similar to a pooling of interests. At the Company’s annual meeting held on November 4, 2002, stockholders approved a resolution to change the Company’s name from AF Bankshares, Inc. to AF Financial Group. At June 30, 2004, AsheCo, M.H.C.’s ownership of AF Financial Group equaled 51.27%. No changes in AsheCo, M.H.C.’s ownership of AF Financial Group occurred during the year ended June 30, 2004.

 

On July 1, 1997, the Bank purchased two insurance agencies to form AF Insurance Services, Inc., which became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. A plan of reorganization was completed during the year ended June 30, 1999 and AF Insurance Services, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of AF Financial Group. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004, AF Insurance Services, Inc. purchased additional insurance agencies. AF Insurance Services, Inc. operates from its main office in West Jefferson, North Carolina and branch offices in Lenoir, North Wilkesboro, Jefferson, Elkin, Boone, Sparta and West Jefferson, North Carolina. The transactions were recorded under the purchase method of accounting.

 

On August 5, 1998, the Company formed AF Brokerage, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Prior to receiving its approval from the NASD to become a registered broker/dealer, AF Brokerage, Inc. operated through the use of a third party clearing broker. AF Brokerage, Inc. began operating as an independent broker/dealer in May 2000. Revenues are not material to the financial information. In addition, on July 16, 2001, the Company formed AF Capital Trust 1, a Delaware business trust, for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities in a pooled capital securities transaction. See Note 7 for additional information.

 

The following is a description of the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements.

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AF Financial Group and its wholly owned subsidiaries, AF Bank, AF Insurance Services, Inc., AF Brokerage, Inc, and AF Capital Trust 1. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Business segments

 

The Company reports its activities in various business segments. In determining appropriate segment definition, the Company considers the materiality of potential segments and components of the business about which financial information is available and regularly evaluated, relative to resource allocation and performance assessment.

 

- 24 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

Basis of financial statement presentation

 

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices within the financial services industry. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Certain amounts in the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2003 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2004. The reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

For purposes of reporting the statement of cash flows, the Company includes cash on hand and demand deposits at other financial institutions with terms less than 90 days as cash and cash equivalents. Cash flows from loans and deposits are reported net. The Company maintains amounts due from banks which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

 

Investment securities

 

The Bank has investments in debt and equity securities. Debt securities consist primarily of U.S. Government agency securities, Federal Home Loan Bank bonds, Fannie Mae and Government National Mortgage Association securities and certificates of deposit. Equity securities consist of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) stock and mutual funds.

 

Management classifies all debt securities and certain equity securities as trading, available for sale, or held to maturity as individual investment securities are acquired, and thereafter the appropriateness of such classification is reassessed at each statement of financial condition date. Because the Company does not buy investment securities in anticipation of short-term fluctuations in market prices, none of the investment securities are classified as trading in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115. All securities have been classified as either available for sale or held to maturity.

 

Securities available for sale

 

Securities classified as available for sale are those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time but, in the case of debt securities, not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would be based on various factors, including significant movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Company’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations, and other similar factors. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the interest method over the securities’ contractual lives. Unrealized gains or losses are reported as increases or decreases in equity, net of the related deferred tax effect. Realized gains or losses, determined on the basis of the cost of specific securities sold, are included in income.

 

Declines in the fair value of individual securities classified as either available for sale or held to maturity below their amortized cost, that are determined to be other than temporary, result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value with the resulting write-downs included in current earnings as realized losses.

 

- 25 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

Securities held to maturity

 

Securities classified as held to maturity are those securities for which the Company has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general economic conditions. These securities are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by the interest method over their contractual lives. Based on the Company’s financial position and liquidity, management believes the Company has the ability to hold these securities to maturity.

 

Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock

 

The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount equal to the greater of $500 or 1% of its outstanding home loans or 5% of advances from the FHLB. No ready market exists for the FHLB stock, it has no quoted market value and it is carried at cost. The FHLB stock also collateralizes the Company’s borrowings from the FHLB.

 

Loans receivable

 

Loans receivable are stated at unpaid principal balances, less the allowance for loan losses, the loans sold and net deferred loan-origination fees and costs. The Bank’s loan portfolio consists principally of mortgage loans collateralized by first trust deeds on single family residences, other residential property, commercial property and land.

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries) based on the Bank’s evaluation of the potential and inherent risk of losses in its loan portfolio. 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, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, and current economic conditions. While management uses the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ or change substantially from the assumptions used.

 

Impaired loans

 

SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, requires that the Bank establish a specific loan allowance on an impaired loan if the present value of the future cash flows discounted using the loan’s effective interest rate is less than the carrying value of the loan. An impaired loan can also be valued based upon its fair value or the market value of the underlying collateral if the loan is primarily collateral dependent. The Bank assesses all loans delinquent more than 90 days for impairment. See Note 3 for further information.

 

Interest income

 

SFAS No. 118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan – Income Recognition and Disclosures, which amended SFAS No. 114 requires disclosure of the Bank’s method of accounting for interest income on impaired loans. The Bank does not accrue interest on loans delinquent 90 days or more. In addition, interest accrued up to 90 days is reversed by the establishment of a reserve for uncollectible interest if in the opinion of management collectibility is uncertain. Such interest, if ultimately collected, is credited to income in the period received.

 

Loan origination fees and related costs

 

Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income using the interest method over the contractual life of the loans, adjusted for actual prepayments.

 

- 26 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

Presold mortgages in process of settlement

 

As a part of normal business operations, the Bank originates residential mortgage loans that have been pre-approved by secondary investors. The terms of the loans are set by the secondary investors and are transferred to them at par within several weeks of the Bank initially funding the loan. The Bank receives origination fees from borrowers. Between the initial funding of the loans by the Bank and the subsequent reimbursement by the investors, the Bank carries the loans on its statement of financial condition at cost. These loans amount to $1,333,600 and $1,189,096 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Real estate owned

 

Real estate owned is initially recorded at the estimated fair value at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations of the property are periodically performed by management and the real estate is carried at the lower of cost or fair value minus estimated costs to sell. Costs relating to improvement of the property are capitalized, while holding costs of the property are charged to expense in the period incurred.

 

Office properties and equipment

 

Office properties and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation computed principally by the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 15 years for land improvements, 30 years for buildings, 7 years for furniture, fixtures, equipment and automobiles, and 5 years for leasehold improvements. The Company has executed a contract with a general contractor to construct a Financial Center in Boone, North Carolina at a cost of approximately $5.4 million. The Company expects this facility to be completed in October 2004.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is the cost of the investment by AF Insurance Services, Inc. in excess of the fair value of net tangible assets acquired at the date of purchase. On July 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under the provisions of the Statement, on July 1, 2002, the Company eliminated the amortization of goodwill. On March 31, 2004, the Company had no impairment of goodwill, but will reevaluate the carrying value of goodwill annually. The Company expects to perform this reevaluation as of March 31 in each of its fiscal years.

 

Employee benefit plans

 

The Company has deferred compensation and retirement plan agreements for the benefit of the Board of Directors and certain key officers. These plans are unfunded and the liabilities are being accrued over the terms of active service. The Company also has an ESOP which covers substantially all of its employees. Contributions to the plan are based on amounts necessary to fund the amortization requirements of the ESOP’s debt to an unrelated third party financial institution, subject to compensation limitations, and are expensed based on the AICPA’s Statement of Position 93-6, Employers’ Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans.

 

Additionally, the Company has implemented a qualified stock option plan authorizing the grant of up to 21,707 stock options to certain officers and directors, either in the form of incentive stock options or non-incentive stock options. As permitted under the generally accepted accounting principles, grants under the plan are accounted for following the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25 and its related interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for grants made to date. All options were fully vested on December 8, 2001.

 

- 27 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance

 

Certain borrowers make monthly payments, in addition to principal and interest, in order to accumulate funds from which the Bank can pay the borrowers’ property taxes and insurance premiums.

 

Income taxes

 

Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

 

Off- statement of financial condition risk

 

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-statement of financial condition risk such as commitments to extend credit and home equity lines of credit. Management assesses the risk related to these instruments for potential losses on an ongoing basis. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

 

Earnings per share

 

SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share, requires the presentation of earnings per share by all entities that have common stock or potential common stock, such as options, warrants and convertible securities outstanding that trade in a public market. Basic per-share amounts are computed by dividing net income or loss (the numerator) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (the denominator). Diluted per-share amounts assume the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential common stock instruments unless the effect is to reduce the loss or increase the income per common share from continuing operations. For both computations, the number of shares of common stock purchased by the Company’s employee stock ownership plan which have not been allocated to participant accounts, are not assumed to be outstanding.

 

Comprehensive income

 

SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, established standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. This statement requires that all items that are recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

The estimated fair values required under SFAS No. 107, Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented for the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair market value amounts.

 

- 28 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

 

The fair value estimates presented are based on pertinent information available to management as of June 30, 2004 and 2003. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amount, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since those dates and therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

 

New accounting pronouncements

 

In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) released EITF Issue 03-01, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments. The Issue provides guidance for evaluating whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired and requires certain disclosures with respect to these investments. The disclosure guidance is effective for years ending after December 15, 2003. The recognition and measurement guidance for other-than-temporary impairment is applicable for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The adoption of Issue 03-1 did not result in any other-than-temporary impairment.

 

On March 9, 2004, the SEC Staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 105, Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments (“SAB 105”). SAB 105 clarifies existing accounting practices relating to the valuation of issued loan commitments, including interest rate lock commitments (“IRLC”), subject to SFAS No. 149 and Derivative Implementation Group Issue C13, Scope Exceptions: When a Loan Commitment is included in the Scope of Statement 133. Furthermore, SAB 105 disallows the inclusion of the values of a servicing component and other internally developed intangible assets in the initial and subsequent IRLC valuation. The provisions of SAB 105 were effective for loan commitments entered into after March 31, 2004. The adoption of SAB 105 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

- 29 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2. Debt and Equity Securities

 

Debt and equity securities have been classified in the statements of financial condition according to management’s intent. The carrying amount of securities and approximate fair values as of June 30 were as follows:

 

     2004

     Amortized
Cost


  

Gross

Unrealized
Gains


  

Gross

Unrealized
Losses


   

Fair

Value


Available for sale securities:

                            

Debt securities:

                            

U.S. Government agency securities

   $ 1,300,000    $ 1,248    $ (1,405 )   $ 1,299,843

Fannie Mae and Government National Mortgage Association

     1,710,449      10,515      (14,876 )     1,706,088

Municipals

     286,436      13,960      —         300,396

Equity securities:

                            

Mutual funds

     1,000,000      3,660      (79,743 )     923,917

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation common stock

     1,117      83,705      —         84,822
    

  

  


 

     $ 4,298,002    $ 113,088    $ (96,024 )   $ 4,315,066
    

  

  


 

Held to maturity securities:

                            

Debt securities:

                            

Federal Home Loan Bank

   $ 100,000    $ —      $ —       $ 100,000

Certificates of deposit

     429,000      —        —         429,000
    

  

  


 

     $ 529,000    $ —      $ —       $ 529,000
    

  

  


 

     2003

     Amortized
Cost


  

Gross

Unrealized
Gains


  

Gross

Unrealized
Losses


   

Fair

Value


Available for sale securities:

                            

Debt securities:

                            

U.S. Government agency securities

   $ 3,235,000    $ 35,399    $ —       $ 3,270,399

Fannie Mae and Government National Mortgage Association

     2,978,510      24,253      (1,064 )     3,001,699

Municipals

     285,714      21,732      —         307,446

Equity securities:

                            

Mutual funds

     1,000,000      15,477      (66,239 )     949,238

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation common stock

     1,117      66,915      —         68,032
    

  

  


 

     $ 7,500,341    $ 163,776    $ (67,303 )   $ 7,596,814
    

  

  


 

Held to maturity securities:

                            

Debt securities:

                            

Federal Home Loan Bank

   $ 100,000    $ —      $ —       $ 100,000
    

  

  


 

 

- 30 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2. Debt and Equity Securities, continued

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at June 30, 2004, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Fannie Mae and Government National Mortgage Association securities are not included in the maturity categories because they do not have a single maturity date. Additionally, equity securities and mutual funds are not included in the maturity categories because they do not have contractual maturities.

 

     Held to maturity
securities:


   Available for sale securities:

     Amortized
Cost


   Fair Value

   Amortized
Cost


   Fair Value

Due within one year

   $ 429,000    $ 429,000    $ —      $ —  

Due from one year to five years

     100,000      100,000      —        —  

Due from five to ten years

     —        —        1,300,000      1,299,843

Due after ten years

     —        —        286,436      300,396

Fannie Mae and Government National Mortgage Association debt securities

     —        —        1,710,449      1,706,088

Mutual funds

     —        —        1,000,000      923,917

Equity securities

     —        —        1,117      84,822
    

  

  

  

     $ 529,000    $ 529,000    $ 4,298,002    $ 4,315,066
    

  

  

  

 

Sales of securities are summarized as follows for the years ended June 30:

 

     2004

   2003

 

Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale

   $ —      $ 756,998  

Gross realized gain on sale of securities available for sale

     —        (6,998 )
    

  


Cost of securities sold

   $ —      $ 750,000  
    

  


 

The Bank has pledged securities with a fair value of $100,000 at June 30, 2004 as collateral on the treasury tax and loan account.

 

- 31 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2. Debt and Equity Securities, continued

 

The following table shows investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at June 30, 2004. These unrealized losses on investment securities are a result of volatility in the market during 2004 and relate to one federal agency security, five mortgage-backed securities, and two mutual funds. All unrealized losses on investment securities are considered by management to be temporary given the credit ratings and/ or histories on these investment securities and the short duration of the unrealized loss.

 

     Less Than 12 Months

   12 Months or More

   Total

     Fair Value

   Unrealized
Losses


   Fair Value

   Unrealized
Losses


   Fair Value

   Unrealized
Losses


Securities available for sale:

                                         

U.S. government agencies

   $ 498,595    $ 1,405    $ —      $ —      $ 498,595    $ 1,405

Mortgage-back securities

     1,117,422      14,876      —        —        1,117,422      14,876

Mutual funds

     196,899      3,102      523,358      76,641      720,257      79,743
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 1,812,916    $ 19,383    $ 523,358    $ 76,641    $ 2,336,274    $ 96,024
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

Note 3. Loans Receivable

 

Loans receivable at June 30, 2004 and 2003 consist of the following: (Dollars in thousands)

 

     2004

   2003

One to four-family

   $ 96,024    $ 88,725

Multifamily

     5,728      6,226

Non-residential

     28,958      18,873

Land

     13,906      7,961

Construction loans

     14,203      9,383

Commercial loans

     12,626      15,186

Consumer loans

     11,512      11,227
    

  

       182,957      157,581

Less:

             

Deferred loan fees

     223      212

Allowance for loan losses

     1,245      1,111
    

  

     $ 181,489    $ 156,258
    

  

 

- 32 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 3. Loans Receivable, continued

 

The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the years ended June 30:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Balance, beginning

   $ 1,110,684     $ 1,131,232  

Provisions for loan losses

     668,000       242,700  

Charge-offs

     (603,342 )     (417,265 )

Recoveries

     69,676       154,017  
    


 


Balance, ending

   $ 1,245,018     $ 1,110,684  
    


 


 

SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended by SFAS No. 118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosure, requires that the Bank establish a specific allowance on impaired loans and disclosure of the Bank’s method of accounting for interest income on impaired loans. The Company considers all loans delinquent more than 90 days to be impaired and such loans amounted to approximately $518,801 and $442,696 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These loans are primarily collateral dependent and management has determined that the underlying collateral value is in excess of the carrying amounts. As a result, the Company has determined that specific allowances on these loans are not required. The Company established reserves for uncollectible interest totaling $3,538 and $8,615 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Loan activity to officers and directors of the Company during the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 is summarized as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Balance, beginning

   $ 3,215,408     $ 3,398,478  

Disbursements

     1,948,547       1,178,795  

Payments received

     (1,170,783 )     (1,361,865 )
    


 


Balance, ending

   $ 3,993,172     $ 3,215,408  
    


 


 

Mortgage loans serviced for others consist of loans sold to Fannie Mae and are not included in the accompanying statements of financial condition. Mortgage loan portfolios serviced for Fannie Mae were $57,642,348 and $47,543,300 at June 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

There were $1,333,600 outstanding commitments to sell loans as of June 30, 2004.

 

Note 4. Office Properties and Equipment

 

Office properties and equipment at June 30 consist of the following:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Land and land improvements

   $ 2,448,444     $ 2,410,797  

Buildings

     8,373,369       5,206,160  

Furniture, fixtures, equipment and automobiles

     3,838,575       3,485,905  

Leasehold improvements

     583,646       563,433  
    


 


       15,244,034       11,666,295  

Accumulated depreciation

     (3,728,855 )     (2,974,348 )
    


 


     $ 11,515,179     $ 8,691,947  
    


 


 

- 33 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 5. Savings Deposits

 

Savings deposits at June 30 consist of the following:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Interest bearing checking accounts at 0.49% (2004) and 0.59% (2003)

   $ 22,723,918     $ 18,893,034  

Commercial and free checking (noninterest bearing)

     13,792,425       12,771,743  

Savings accounts at 1.12% (2004) and 1.64% (2003)

     42,494,831       43,474,344  

Money market demand accounts at 0.48% (2004) and 0.82% (2003)

     1,646,249       1,304,606  
    


 


       80,657,423       76,443,727  
    


 


Certificates of deposit weighted average rate of 2.55% (2004) and 3.13% (2003)

                

Up to 6.00%

     74,727,044       70,591,772  

6.00% to 7.50%

     1,708,880       2,190,565  
    


 


       76,435,924       72,782,337  
    


 


Accrued interest payable

     340,197       345,022  
    


 


     $ 157,433,544     $ 149,571,086  
    


 


Weighted average cost of savings deposits

     1.62 %     2.09 %
    


 


 

At June 30, 2004, scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:

 

     2005

   2006

   2007

   2008

   After

   Total

0.40% to 5.99%

   $ 63,646,541    $ 8,153,564    $ 1,689,994    $ 615,855    $ 621,090    $ 74,727,044

6.00% to 7.50%

     204,936      1,503,944      —        —        —        1,708,880
    

  

  

  

  

  

     $ 63,851,477    $ 9,657,508    $ 1,689,994    $ 615,855    $ 621,090    $ 76,435,924
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

The aggregate amount of jumbo certificates of deposit with a denomination of greater than $100,000 was $21,368,195 and $20,266,914 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. At June 30, 2004, scheduled maturities of jumbo certificates of deposit are as follows:

 

     Amount

  

Weighted

Average Rate


 

Maturity period:

             

Within three months

   $ 6,315,239    2.49 %

Three through six months

     5,299,181    2.27  

Six through twelve months

     6,361,048    2.75  

Over twelve months

     3,392,727    4.85  
    

  

     $ 21,368,195    2.89 %
    

  

 

Eligible savings accounts are insured to $100,000 by the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) which is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

 

- 34 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 5. Savings Deposits, continued

 

Interest expense on savings deposits consists of the following for the years ended June 30:

 

     2004

   2003

Interest-bearing checking accounts

   $ 122,264    $ 200,690

Savings accounts

     543,004      781,767

Certificate accounts

     2,037,315      2,468,222
    

  

     $ 2,702,583    $ 3,450,679
    

  

 

Note 6. Notes Payable and Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

 

Notes payable consist of the following at June 30:

 

     2004

   2003

Note payable to AsheCo, M.H.C. at the FHLB overnight rate (1.70% at June 30, 2004).

   $ 150,000    $ —  

Note payable, due in monthly installments of $7,808 including interest at the bank’s prime rate of 4.00% (4.25% at June 30, 2003) with a balloon payment due November 6, 2005. Collateralized by insurance expirations and the right to renew them.

     347,806      440,296

Notes payable, unsecured, due in quarterly interest only installments at 5.50% through December 1, 2004, at which time repayments of principal and interest will commence over a period of 60 months with first payment due on January 1, 2005.

     700,000      700,000
    

  

     $ 1,197,806    $ 1,140,296
    

  

 

FHLB advances consist of the following:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Balance outstanding

   $ 33,143,754     $ 21,145,669  

Interest rate range

     1.03%-6.87 %     3.50%-6.87 %

Weighted average interest rate at June 30

     3.76 %     5.00 %

Maximum amount outstanding at any month end

     33,143,754       25,146,999  

Average amount outstanding

     23,345,330       21,440,089  

Interest expense

     1,129,778       1,053,315  

Weighted average interest rate during the year ended June 30

     4.53 %     4.90 %

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company had a $1,500,000 outstanding letter of credit from the FHLB used to collateralize public deposits.

 

- 35 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6. Notes Payable and Federal Home Loan Bank Advances, continued

 

Notes payable are due in future years as follows:

 

Year ending June 30,


   Amount

2005

   $ 567,806

2006

     140,000

2007

     140,000

2008

     140,000

2009

     140,000

Thereafter

     70,000
    

       $1,197,806
    

 

FHLB advances are due in future years as follows:

 

Year Ending June 30,


   Amount

2005

   $ 5,000,000

2006

     —  

2007

     5,143,754

2008

     —  

2009

     2,000,000

Thereafter

     21,000,000
    

       $33,143,754
    

 

Note 7. Capital Securities

 

On July 16, 2001, AF Capital Trust I (the “Trust”), a Delaware business trust formed by the Company, completed the sale of $5.0 million of 10.25% Capital Securities (liquidation amount of $1,000 per security) (the “Capital Securities”) in a private placement as part of a pooled capital securities transaction. The Trust also issued common securities to the Company and used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase a like amount of 10.25% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (the “Subordinated Debentures”) of the Company. The Subordinated Debentures are the sole assets of the Trust and are eliminated, along with the related income statement effects, in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company has contributed $3.0 million of the proceeds from the sale of the Subordinated Debentures to the Bank as Tier I Capital to support the Bank’s growth. Total expenses associated with the offering of $175,421 at June 30, 2004 were included in other assets and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the Subordinated Debentures.

 

The Capital Securities accrue and pay distributions semi-annually on January 25th and July 25th of each year, commencing on January 25, 2002 at a fixed annual rate of 10.25% of the stated liquidation amount of $1,000 per Capital Security. The Company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the obligations of the Trust, including the semi-annual distributions and payments on liquidation or redemption of the Capital Securities.

 

The Capital Securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturing of the Subordinated Debentures on July 25, 2031 or upon earlier redemption as provided in the Indenture. The Company has the right to redeem the Subordinated Debentures, in whole or in part, on any January 25th or July 25th on or after July 25, 2006 at the liquidation amount, plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date.

 

- 36 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 8. Stockholders’ Equity

 

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory – and possibly additional discretionary – actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company and the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative regulatory accounting practices. The Company and the Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

 

The Bank has established a liquidation account in an amount equal to its net worth as reflected in its latest statement of financial condition used in its final offering circular. The liquidation account will be maintained for the benefit of eligible deposit account holders and supplemental eligible deposit account holders who continue to maintain their deposit accounts in the Bank after the reorganization. Only in the event of a complete liquidation will eligible deposit account holders and supplemental eligible deposit account holders be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution from the liquidation account in the amount of the then current adjusted sub account balance for deposit accounts then held before any liquidation distribution may be made with respect to common stock. Dividends paid by the Bank subsequent to the reorganization cannot be paid from this liquidation account.

 

The Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on its common stock if its stockholders’ equity would thereby be reduced below either the aggregate amount required for the liquidation account or the minimum regulatory capital requirements imposed by federal regulations.

 

The Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) regulations require institutions to maintain amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 capital to average assets. At June 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company and the Bank exceeded all of the capital requirements.

 

- 37 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 8. Stockholders’ Equity, continued

 

As of June 30, 2004, the most recent notification from the OTS categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

 

     Actual

   

Minimum

Capital

Requirement


    Minimum
to be well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions


 
     Amount

   Ratio

    Amount

   Ratio

    Amount

   Ratio

 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

June 30, 2004:

                                       

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:

                                       

Consolidated

   $ 17,071    10.2 %   $ 13,626    8.0 %   $ —      —   %

Bank

   $ 18,257    10.9 %   $ 13,407    8.0 %   $ 16,759    10.0 %

Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:

                                       

Consolidated

   $ 13,485    8.0 %   $ 6,813    4.0 %   $ —      —   %

Bank

   $ 16,974    10.1 %   $ 6,703    4.0 %   $ 10,055    6.0 %

Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:

                                       

Consolidated

   $ 13,485    6.8 %   $ 7,977    4.0 %   $ —      —   %

Bank

   $ 16,974    8.6 %   $ 7,893    4.0 %   $ 9,866    5.0 %

June 30, 2003:

                                       

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:

                                       

Consolidated

   $ 17,445    12.4 %   $ 11,259    8.0 %   $ —      —   %

Bank

   $ 18,015    12.9 %   $ 11,177    8.0 %   $ 13,971    10.0 %

Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:

                                       

Consolidated

   $ 14,131    10.0 %   $ 5,630    4.0 %   $ —      —   %

Bank

   $ 16,875    12.1 %   $ 5,588    4.0 %   $ 8,382    6.0 %

Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:

                                       

Consolidated

   $ 14,131    7.6 %   $ 7,445    4.0 %   $ —      —   %

Bank

   $ 16,876    9.2 %   $ 7,340    4.0 %   $ 9,175    5.0 %

 

Under the conversion regulations the Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on any of its stock if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s equity to be reduced below (1) the amount required for the liquidation account; or (2) the net worth requirements imposed by the OTS.

 

- 38 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9. Employee Pension and Incentive Plans

 

The Company has profit-sharing plans for the benefit of substantially all employees. Contributions are discretionary and totaled $4,395 and $61,908 for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

In addition, the Company has 401(k) retirement plans which contain provisions for specified matching contributions by the Company. The Company funds contributions as they accrue and 401(k) plan expense amounted to $104,138 and $89,690 for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Note 10. Employee Stock Ownership Plan

 

As part of the reorganization, the Company established an ESOP to benefit substantially all employees. The ESOP purchased 36,942 shares of common stock with the proceeds from a loan from a third party financial institution. The note requires annual principal payments of $28,845 plus quarterly interest at the lending institution’s prime rate (4.25% at June 30, 2004). The Company is expected to make quarterly contributions to the ESOP in amounts sufficient to allow the ESOP to make its scheduled principal and interest payments on the note. The ESOP shares are pledged as collateral for the debt. As the debt is repaid, shares are released from collateral and allocated to active employees, based on proportion of debt service paid in the year. The debt of the ESOP is recorded as debt in the Company’s accompanying statement of financial condition.

 

At June 30, 2004, future principal payments are due as follows:

 

Year Ending June 30:


   Amount

2005

   $ 28,845

2006

     28,845

2007

     12,730

 

Excluding interest, expense of $71,400 and $53,676 during 2004 and 2003, respectively, has been incurred in connection with the ESOP. The expense includes, in addition to the cash contribution necessary to fund the ESOP, $34,363 in 2004 and $16,640 in 2003, which represents the difference between the fair value of the shares which have been released or committed to be released to participants, and the cost of these shares to the ESOP. The Company has charged this amount to paid-in capital in accordance with the provisions of AICPA Statement of Position 93-6.

 

At June 30, 2004 and 2003, 29,900 and 26,200 shares, respectively, held by the ESOP have been released or committed to be released to the plan’s participants for purposes of computing earnings per share. The fair value of the unallocated shares amounted to approximately $116,200 and $171,900 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The Bank has also recorded, through a reduction in retained earnings, a liability for a put back option, which represents the excess of the fair market value of the total number of ESOP shares over the original cost of the unallocated ESOP shares. The liability recorded under the put back option was $534,750 and $479,412 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

- 39 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 11. Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plan Agreements

 

The Bank has an unfunded deferred compensation agreement providing retirement, disability, and death benefits for directors. Vested benefits under the agreements are payable in monthly installments over a ten-year period upon the director’s death, disability or retirement. The Bank also has a retirement plan for members of the Board of Directors. The Plan states that outside directors with at least ten years of service will receive an amount equal to their annual retainer for ten years after their retirement from the Board. The liability for the benefits is being accrued over the terms of active service of the directors. The amount charged to expense under these plans amounted to $54,880 and $53,569 for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The Company has entered into a salary continuation agreement with its executive officer. Under this agreement, the executive will be paid monthly amounts of $5,532, after retirement for a period of forty-three years. This agreement also provides for benefits upon death, disability, a change of control and early retirement. AF Financial Group maintained a similar agreement for its former CEO, who was terminated for cause on July 8, 2004. Management does not believe there is any liability associated with this agreement.

 

Note 12. Stock Option Plan

 

The Company’s stockholders approved the Bank’s Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) on December 8, 1997. The stock option plan provides for the issuance of up to 21,707 stock options to certain officers and directors in the form of incentive stock options or non-incentive stock options. The exercise price of the stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant.

 

At June 30, 2004, 21,707 options have been granted at an exercise price of $18.50, of which 21,707 options are fully vested and therefore currently exercisable. No options have been exercised to date and all options granted are outstanding at June 30, 2004.

 

Note 13. Income Tax Matters

 

Under the Internal Revenue Code, the Bank is allowed a special bad debt deduction related to additions to tax bad debt reserves established for the purpose of absorbing losses. The Bank is required to compute such deductions using an experience method. The Bank’s tax bad debt deduction was $533,665 and $263,248 in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Deferred taxes have been provided for certain increases in the Bank’s tax bad debt reserves subsequent to 1987 which are in excess of additions to recorded loan loss allowances. At June 30, 2004, retained earnings contain certain historical additions to bad debt reserves for income tax purposes of approximately $870,000, the balance at June 30, 1987, for which no deferred taxes have been provided because the Bank does not intend to use these reserves for purposes other than to absorb losses. If amounts which qualified as bad debt deductions are used for purposes other than to absorb bad debt losses or adjustments arising from the carryback of net operating losses, income taxes may be imposed at the then existing rates. The approximate amount of unrecorded deferred tax liability associated with these historical additions is approximately $340,000. In the future, if the Bank does not meet the income tax requirements necessary to permit the deduction of an allowance for bad debts, the Bank’s effective tax rate would increase to the maximum percent under existing law.

 

- 40 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 13. Income Tax Matters, continued

 

The following provides the tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax asset as of June 30:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Deferred tax assets

                

Reserve for loan losses

   $ 479,955     $ 428,213  

Reserve for uncollected interest

     1,364       3,321  

Deferred compensation

     358,143       299,515  

Deferred loan fees

     85,872       81,789  

Other

     41,204       2,085  

State net economic loss carryforwards

     22,670       25,400  
    


 


       989,208       840,323  

Less valuation allowance

     (22,670 )     (16,236 )
    


 


       966,538       824,087  
    


 


Deferred tax liabilities

                

Unrealized gain on securities available for sale

     6,675       37,736  

Depreciation

     157,670       75,714  

FHLB stock dividends

     60,061       60,067  

Prepaid expenses

     86,172       —    

Deferred loan fees

     375,383       301,347  
    


 


       685,961       474,864  
    


 


Net deferred tax asset

   $ 280,577     $ 349,223  
    


 


 

During the year ended June 30, 2004, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $6,434 on the deferred tax assets to reduce the total to an amount that management believes will ultimately be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the period that deductible temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income. There was no other activity in the valuation allowance account during 2004 or 2003.

 

The provision for income taxes charged to operations for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 consists of the following:

 

     2004

    2003

Current

   $ (222,422 )   $ 145,326

Deferred

     99,707       110,796
    


 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (122,715 )   $ 256,122
    


 

 

- 41 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 13. Income Tax Matters, continued

 

A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the statutory federal income tax rate to the income tax provision follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 
     Amount

    Percent

    Amount

    Percent

 

Tax at statutory rate

   $ (146,530 )   (34.0 )%   $ 214,739     34.0 %

State tax, net of federal benefit

     25,332     5.9       50,326     8.0  

Municipal interest income

     (18,411 )   (4.4 )     (34,988 )   (5.5 )

Permanent differences

     12,715     3.0       27,373     4.2  

Other

     4,179     1.0       (1,328 )   (0.1 )
    


 

 


 

Total

   $ (122,715 )   (28.5 )%   $ 256,122     40.6 %
    


 

 


 

 

Note 14. Other Noninterest Income and Expense

 

The major components of other noninterest income for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

Service charges on deposit accounts

   $ 558,192    $ 475,783

Cardholder and merchant services income

     244,557      205,689

Brokerage fees and commissions

     177,173      223,373

Mortgage income

     175,477      136,408

Other

     360,577      137,426
    

  

Total

   $ 1,515,976    $ 1,178,679
    

  

 

The major components of other noninterest expense for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

Cleaning, postage and office supplies

   $ 340,151    $ 354,264

Advertising and promotion

     171,690      159,837

Travel, meals, dues and subscriptions

     244,348      215,584

Telephone and utilities

     247,579      233,645

Training

     116,132      171,247

Fees and charges

     216,045      177,305

Professional fees and contracted services

     561,298      308,380

Other

     632,299      486,029
    

  

Total

   $ 2,529,542    $ 2,106,291
    

  

 

- 42 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies

 

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

 

A summary of the contract amount of the Bank’s exposure to off-statement of financial condition risk, except for undisbursed construction loan funds, is as follows at June 30, 2004:

 

     Notional
Amount


Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:

      

Undisbursed home equity lines of credit

   $ 9,104,651

Undisbursed consumer lines of credit

     3,875,508

Undisbursed commercial lines of credit

     4,512,900

Letters of credit

     473,800

Commitments outstanding to originate loans

     1,031,045

 

The Bank evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. 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. Home equity lines of credit have variable rates based on the prime rate of interest. Home equity lines are reassessed every five years. Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The collateral obtained by the Bank upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. The collateral held is the underlying real estate. Commercial lines of credit have variable rates tied to prime and are reassessed on an annual basis. Prime at June 30, 2004 was 4.00%.

 

The Company has entered into operating leases for AF Bank branch locations in Warrensville, Sparta and Boone, North Carolina, and also a branch inside Wal-Mart in West Jefferson, North Carolina, and for AF Insurance branches located in Boone, Elkin and Wilkesboro, North Carolina. These leases generally contain renewal options for periods ranging from two to five years and require the Company to pay all executory costs such as maintenance and insurance. Rental expense for operating leases was $167,044 and $158,259 during 2004 and 2003.

 

Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases as of June 30, 2004 are:

 

Year Ending June 30:

      

2005

   $ 128,270

2006

     67,545

2007

     61,920

2008

     28,980

2009

     18,000

After 2009

     42,000
    

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 346,715
    

 

The Company has executed a contract with a general contractor to construct the Financial Center in Boone, North Carolina at a cost of approximately $5.4 million. The Company expects the construction project to be completed in October 2004.

 

- 43 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 16. Dividends Declared

 

On June 25, 2004, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend of $0.05 a share for stockholders of record as of July 2, 2004 and payable on July 16, 2004. The dividends declared were accrued and reported in accounts payable and other liabilities in the June 30, 2004 Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. AsheCo, MHC elected to waive the receipt of dividends declared during the quarters ended September 30, 2003, December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2004.

 

Note 17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following table reflects a comparison of carrying amounts and the fair values of the financial instruments as of June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

     2004

   2003

    

Carrying

Value


  

Fair

Value


  

Carrying

Value


  

Fair

Value


Financial assets:

                           

Cash

                           

Interest-bearing

   $ 2,498,878    $ 2,498,878    $ 6,151,744    $ 6,151,744

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     5,175,174      5,175,174      7,920,274      7,920,274

Investments

     4,844,066      4,844,066      7,696,814      7,696,814

Loans receivable, net

     181,489,159      178,972,982      156,257,890      159,837,247

Accrued interest receivable

     921,810      921,810      865,508      865,508

FHLB stock

     1,657,200      1,657,200      1,057,300      1,057,300

Financial liabilities:

                           

Deposits

     157,433,544      156,375,461      149,571,086      149,035,141

Advances from FHLB

     33,143,754      33,143,754      21,145,669      21,145,669

Notes payable

     6,197,806      6,197,806      6,140,296      6,140,296

Notes payable, ESOP

     70,420      70,420      107,420      107,420

 

The fair values utilized in the table were derived using the information described below for the group of instruments listed. It should be noted that the fair values disclosed in this table do not represent market values of all assets and liabilities of the Company and, thus, should not be interpreted to represent the market or liquidation value of the Company.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

 

Cash and certificates of deposits: The carrying amounts for cash and short-term instruments approximate their fair values.

 

Investment securities: Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of similar securities.

 

Loans receivable: The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. Certain prepayment assumptions have also been made depending upon the original contractual lives of the loans. The fair value of variable rate loans approximates their carrying value as these loans reprice frequently.

 

Accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable: The fair value of accrued interest receivable and payable is the amount receivable or payable on demand at the statement of financial condition date.

 

FHLB stock: The fair value of FHLB stock is the stated value by the FHLB.

 

- 44 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued

 

Deposits: The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the statement of financial condition date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit are estimated based upon the discounted value of contractual cash flows using rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities.

 

Advances from FHLB, Notes payable and Note payable, ESOP: The fair value of the advances from FHLB, notes payable and note payable, ESOP is approximately equal to the carrying value of the liability.

 

Off-statement of financial condition instruments: Fair values for the Company’s off-statement of financial condition instruments (loan commitments) are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standings. The fair value for such commitments is nominal.

 

Note 18. Mid-Tier Holding Company and Mutual Holding Company Data

 

The following are the condensed financial statements of AF Financial Group as of and for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

AF Financial Group

Condensed Balance Sheets

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Assets

                

Non interest-bearing deposits

   $ 8,241     $ 274,235  

Investment in AF Bank

     16,983,827       16,933,036  

Investment in AF Insurance Services, Inc.

     738,911       763,815  

Investment in AF Brokerage, Inc.

     227,894       273,793  

Investment in AF Capital Trust 1

     155,000       155,000  

Property and equipment, net

     14,688       27,009  

Prepaid financing costs, net

     175,421       181,898  

Other assets

     366,601       369,964  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 18,670,583     $ 18,978,750  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                

Liabilities

                

Accounts payable

   $ 280,476     $ 270,693  

Note payable

     150,000       —    

Note payable – ESOP

     70,420       107,420  

Deferred income taxes

     5,941       5,941  

Redeemable common stock held by the ESOP, net of unearned ESOP shares

     534,750       479,412  

Junior subordinated debentures

     5,155,000       5,155,000  
    


 


Total liabilities

     6,196,587       6,018,466  
    


 


Stockholders equity

                

Common stock

     10,537       10,537  

Additional paid-in capital

     11,933,628       11,899,264  

Retained earnings

     594,322       1,066,626  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     10,389       58,737  
    


 


       12,548,876       13,035,164  

Less cost of 3,840 shares of treasury stock

     (74,880 )     (74,880 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     12,473,996       12,960,284  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 18,670,583     $ 18,978,750  
    


 


 

- 45 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 18. Mid-Tier Holding Company and Mutual Holding Company Data, continued

 

AF Financial Group

Condensed Statements of Income (Loss)

Years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Interest and investment income

   $ —       $ 15,696  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     328,335       999,812  

Income tax credit

     329,091       321,474  

Professional fees

     (311,555 )     (234,327 )

Interest expense

     (514,596 )     (512,786 )

Other expense

     (139,529 )     (214,405 )
    


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (308,254 )   $ 375,464  
    


 


 

AF Financial Group

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

                

Net income (loss)

   $ (308,254 )   $ 375,464  

ESOP expense

     71,400       53,676  

Deferred income taxes

     —         896  

Amortization of premium on investments

     —         12,409  

Gain on sale on investments available for sale

     —         (4,487 )

Depreciation and amortization

     18,798       19,169  

Change in assets and liabilities:

                

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     (328,336 )     (999,812 )

Decrease in other assets

     3,363       72,759  

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities

     9,783       (273,035 )
    


 


Net cash used in operating activities

     (533,246 )     (742,961 )
    


 


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                

Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale

     —         504,487  

Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment

     —         1,784  

Capitalization of AF Brokerage, Inc.

     (50,000 )     —    

Capitalization of AF Insurance Services, Inc.

     —         225,000  

Capitalization of AF Bank

     350,000       600,000  
    


 


Net cash provided by investing activities

     300,000       1,331,271  
    


 


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                

Proceeds from note payable

     150,000       —    

Principal payments on notes payable

     (37,000 )     (126,823 )

Cash dividends paid

     (145,748 )     (178,874 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (32,748 )     (305,697 )
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash

     (265,994 )     282,613  

Cash, beginning

     274,235       (8,378 )
    


 


Cash, ending

   $ 8,241     $ 274,235  
    


 


 

- 46 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 18. Mid-Tier Holding Company and Mutual Holding Company Data, continued

 

The following are the condensed financial statements of the mutual holding company, AsheCo, M.H.C., as of and for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

AsheCo, M.H.C.

Condensed Balance Sheets

June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

   2003

Assets

             

Interest-bearing deposits

   $ 163,390    $ 307,356

Investment in AA&G, Inc.

     261,304      220,684

Investment in AF Financial Group

     6,395,418      6,644,736

Other assets

     233,242      146,916
    

  

     $ 7,053,354    $ 7,319,692
    

  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

             

Liabilities

             

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   $ 10,020    $ 3,000
    

  

Stockholders’ equity

             

Additional paid-in capital

     5,753,979      5,845,255

Retained earnings

     1,289,355      1,471,437
    

  

       7,043,334      7,316,692
    

  

     $ 7,053,354    $ 7,319,692
    

  

 

AsheCo, M.H.C.

Condensed Statements of Income (Loss)

Years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Interest income

   $ 2,424     $ 3,355  

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

     (117,422 )     242,853  

Other expense

     (67,083 )     (75,609 )
    


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (182,081 )   $ 170,599  
    


 


 

- 47 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 18. Mid-Tier Holding Company and Mutual Holding Company Data, continued

 

AsheCo, M.H.C.

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

                

Net income (loss)

   $ (182,081 )   $ 170,599  

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

     117,422       (242,853 )

Change in assets and liabilities:

                

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (86,327 )     104,418  

Increase in accounts payable

     7,020       2,000  
    


 


Net cash provided (used) in operating activities

     (143,966 )     34,164  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                

Dividends from AF Financial Group

     —         80,733  
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash

     (143,966 )     114,897  

Cash, beginning

     307,356       192,459  
    


 


Cash, ending

   $ 163,390     $ 307,356  
    


 


 

Note 19. Segment Reporting

 

The Company has additional reportable segments: AF Bank, AF Insurance Services, Inc. and AF Brokerage, Inc. AF Bank is a federally chartered stock savings bank. The principal activities of the Bank consist of obtaining savings deposits and providing credit to customers in its primary market area. AF Insurance Services, Inc. and AF Brokerage, Inc. provide insurance and non-FDIC insured investment services respectively. Information about reportable segments, and reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

June 30, 2004


   AF
Financial
Group


    AF Bank

   AF
Insurance
Services, Inc.


    AF
Brokerage
Inc.


    Inter-
segment
Elimination


    Consolidated
Totals


 

Interest income

   $ —       $ 10,691    $ —       $ —       $ (8 )   $ 10,683  

Interest expense

     514       3,835      63               (8 )     4,404  
    


 

  


 


 


 


Net interest income

     (514 )     6,856      (63 )     —         —         6,279  

Provision for loan losses

     —         668      —         —         —         668  
    


 

  


 


 


 


Net interest income after provision

     (514 )     6,188      (63 )     —         —         5,611  

Non-interest income

     —         1,590      2,433       177       (309 )     3,891  

Non-interest expense

     452       7,077      2,392       321       (309 )     9,933  
    


 

  


 


 


 


Income (loss) before income taxes

     (966 )     701      (22 )     (144 )     —         (431 )

Income taxes

     (329 )     251      3       (48 )     —         (123 )
    


 

  


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (637 )   $ 450    $ (25 )   $ (96 )   $ —       $ (308 )
    


 

  


 


 


 


Assets

   $ 230     $ 209,228    $ 2,302     $ 193     $ (334 )   $ 211,619  
    


 

  


 


 


 


 

- 48 -


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 19. Segment Reporting, continued

 

June 30, 2003


  

AF

Financial

Group


    AF Bank

   AF
Insurance
Services,
Inc.


    AF
Brokerage
Inc.


    Inter-
segment
Elimination


    Consolidated
Totals


Interest income

   $ 11     $ 11,006    $ —       $ 2     $ (8 )   $ 11,011

Interest expense

     512       4,513      68       —         (8 )     5,085
    


 

  


 


 


 

Net interest income

     (501 )     6,493      (68 )     2       —         5,926

Provision for loan losses

     —         243      —         —         —         243
    


 

  


 


 


 

Net interest income after provision

     (501 )     6,250      (68 )     2       —         5,683

Non-interest income

     4       1,130      2,471       224       (225 )     3,604

Non-interest expense

     449       5,974      2,180       278       (225 )     8,656
    


 

  


 


 


 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (946 )     1,406      223       (52 )     —         631

Income taxes

     (321 )     510      87       (20 )     —         256
    


 

  


 


 


 

Net income (loss)

   $ (625 )   $ 896    $ 136     $ (32 )   $ —       $ 375
    


 

  


 


 


 

Assets

   $ 525     $ 189,310    $ 2,446     $ 305     $ (613 )   $ 191,973
    


 

  


 


 


 

 

- 49 -


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Independent Auditor’s Report

 

To the Board of Directors

AF Financial Group and Subsidiaries

West Jefferson, North Carolina

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition of AF Financial Group and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. The consolidated financial statements of AF Financial Group and subsidiaries as of and for the year ended June 30, 2003 were audited by other auditors whose report dated July 25, 2003 expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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 audit provides 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 AF Financial Group and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

LOGO

Charlotte, North Carolina

August 10, 2004

 

- 50 -


Table of Contents

Corporate Information

 

Officers

 

Melanie Paisley Miller

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Secretary

 

Directors

 

Jimmy D. Reeves, Chairman    Jan R. Caddell, Vice Chairman, Lead Director

Partner in the law firm of Vannoy & Reeves PLLC

  

President and General Manager of Caddell Broadcasting, Inc.

Wayne R. Burgess    Kenneth R. Greene

Vice President and Manager of Burgess Furniture

  

Owner of Builders Mart of Ashe, Inc.

Claudia L. Kelley, Ph.D    Donald R. Moore

Associate Professor of Accounting at Appalachian State University

  

Restaurant Owner

Jerry L. Roten    Michael M. Sherman

Clerk of Superior Court of Ashe County

  

President and Chief Executive Officer of Zibra, LLC

James A. Todd    John D. Weaver

Former President and Chief Executive Officer of AF Financial Group and AF Bank

  

Vice President of Weaver Tree Farm, Inc.

 

Offices

 

Corporate Office

21 East Ashe Street

West Jefferson, NC 28694

 

AF Bank Offices


  

AF Brokerage Offices


  

AF Insurance Offices


205 S. Jefferson Avenue    206 S. Jefferson Avenue    206 S. Jefferson Avenue
West Jefferson, NC 28694    West Jefferson, NC 28694    West Jefferson, NC 28694
840 E. Main Street    1441 Mt. Jefferson Road    315 Main Street
Jefferson, NC 28640    West Jefferson, NC 28694    North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
4951 NC Hwy, 88 West    1675 Blowing Rock Road    324 Morganton Blvd, SW
Warrensville, NC 28693    Boone, NC 28607    Lenoir, NC 28645
381 South Main Street         381 South Main Street
Sparta, NC 28675         Sparta, NC 28675
1675 Blowing Rock Road         948 Johnson Ridge Road
Boone, NC 28607         Elkin, NC 28621
1489 Mt. Jefferson Road         1675 Blowing Rock Road
West Jefferson, NC 28694         Boone, NC 28607
1441 Mt. Jefferson Road         840 East Main Street
West Jefferson, NC 28694         Jefferson, NC 28607
          1441 Mt. Jefferson Road
          West Jefferson, NC 28694

 

- 51 -


Table of Contents

Corporate Information, continued

 

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT    LEGAL COUNSEL
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company    Vannoy & Reeves PLLC
59 Maiden Lane    202 East Main Street
New York, New York 10038    West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS    Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP
Dixon Hughes PLLC    1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 800
6525 Morrison Blvd, Suite 516    Washington, DC 20006
Charlotte NC 28211-3563     
     FORM 10-KSB
ANNUAL MEETING    A copy of Form 10-KSB as filed with the U.S.
The 2004 annual meeting of stockholders of AF Financial    Securities and Exchange Commission will be
Group will be held on November 1, 2004 at 6 P.M. at the    furnished without charge to shareholders upon
Corporate Office of the Company, 21 East Ashe Street,    written request to Melanie P. Miller, Executive
West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694.    Vice President, AF Financial Group, 21 East
     Ashe Street, Post Office Box 26, West
     Jefferson, North Carolina 28694-0026. If you
     prefer, you may obtain a copy without cost at
     the SEC website (www.sec.gov).

 

COMMON STOCK

 

The Company had 1,049,838 shares of common stock outstanding at September 17, 2004, which are held by approximately 400 shareholders of record. The majority of the outstanding shares are held by the mutual holding company AsheCo, M.H.C. The remaining 511,617 shares are owned by minority shareholders including the Company’s ESOP. Shares are quoted on the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board under the symbol “ASFE.”

 

MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK

 

There is no established market for the Company’s common stock, excluding occasional quotations, although the Company’s common stock is quoted on the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board. The table below reflects the stock trading and dividend payment frequency of the Company for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. For further information regarding the Company’s dividend policy and restrictions on dividends paid, please refer to Note 8 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Stock prices reflect bid prices between broker/dealer, prior to any markups, markdowns or commissions, is based upon information provided to management of the Company by certain securities firms effecting transactions in the Company’s stock on an ongoing basis, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

          Stock Price

2004


   Dividends

   High

   Low

First quarter

   $ 0.05    $ 20.30    $ 16.00

Second quarter

     0.05      20.30      18.75

Third quarter

     0.05      23.00      20.00

Fourth quarter

     0.05      21.00      16.50
          Stock Price

2003


   Dividends

   High

   Low

First quarter

   $ 0.05    $ 14.40    $ 13.59

Second quarter

     0.05      13.90      11.25

Third quarter

     0.05      15.00      14.15

Fourth quarter

     0.05      16.00      14.60

 

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