-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Upm4obeyv4pzOe+Nk7jzua4oX47Pm2WTBDRhgCYF/pK21Y6HZ/BlxugeANf0VY4u RIzwIJIEOrEbLpVLM/WYDQ== 0000939057-09-000267.txt : 20090928 0000939057-09-000267.hdr.sgml : 20090928 20090928155920 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000939057-09-000267 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 8 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090630 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090928 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090928 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MO/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000912967 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS, NOT FEDERALLY CHARTERED [6036] IRS NUMBER: 431654695 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MO FISCAL YEAR END: 0630 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-22842 FILM NUMBER: 091090293 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: PO BOX 777 CITY: MOUNTAIN GROVE STATE: MO ZIP: 65711 BUSINESS PHONE: 4179265151 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 142 E FIRST ST CITY: MOUNTAIN GROVE STATE: MO ZIP: 65711 10-K 1 k10063009.htm FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. FORM 10-K k10063009.htm

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 OR

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

Commission File Number: 0-22842

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
   Missouri    43-1654695  
   (State or other jurisdiction of     (I.R.S. Employer  
   incorporation or organization)     Identification No.)  
         
  142 E. First Street       
  Mountain Grove, Missouri    65711   
  (Address of principal executive offices)       (Zip Code)   

Issuer's telephone number:  (417) 926-5151

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share  The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC 
(Title of class) 
(Name of each exchange on which    registered) 
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x     No ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes __   No  __

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [x]
 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  [ ]  Accelerated filer  [ ] 
Non-accelerated filer  [ ]  Smaller reporting company  [x] 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes    No x

As of September 28, 2009, the registrant had outstanding 1,550,815 shares of common stock.  The registrant's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol "FBSI."  The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing sales price of the registrant's common stock as quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC on December 31, 2008, was $22.8 million.  For purposes of this calculation, officers and directors of the registrant and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan are considered affiliates of the registrant.  The exclusion of the value of the shares owned by these individuals shall not be deemed an admission by the issuer that such person is an affiliates of the issuer.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.
Portions of the Annual Report to Stockholders for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009. (Parts I and II)

2.
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. (Part III)


 
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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS



 This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain "forward-looking statements" that relate to First Bancshares, Inc. (“Company” or “First Bancshares”) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "project," "estimate," "potential," "seek," "strive," or "try" or other conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate and about the Company and First Home Savings Bank (“Savings Bank” or “First Home”), projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our strategies. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations, as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved or realized. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets and may lead to increased losses and non-performing assets in our loan portfolio, result in our allowance for loan losses not being adequate to cover actual losses, and require us to materially increase our reserves; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long term interest rates, deposit interest rates, our net interest margin and funding sources; deposit flows; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in our market areas; adverse changes in the securities markets; results of examinations of us by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Missouri Division of Finance (“Division”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position or affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; the possibility that we will be unable to comply with the conditions imposed upon us by the Order to Cease and Desist issued by the OTS, including but not limited to our ability to reduce our non-performing assets, which could result in the imposition of additional restrictions on our operations; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risk associated with the loans on our balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect our work force and potential associated charges; computer systems on which we depend could fail or experience a security breach, or the implementation of new technologies may not be successful; our ability to manage loan delinquency rates; our ability to retain key members of our senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business including changes in regulatory policies and principles, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the availability of resources to address changes in
 
 
iii

 
 
laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse changes in the securities markets; the inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies, principles and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; the economic impact of war or any terrorist activities; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations; pricing, products and services; our ability to lease excess space in Company-owned buildings; and other risks detailed in this Annual Report. Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-K and in the other public statements we make may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Additionally, the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond our control. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for the remainder of fiscal 2010 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us, and could negatively affect the Company's operating and stock performance.


 
iv 

 

PART I

Item 1.  Description of Business

General

First Bancshares, a Missouri corporation, was incorporated on September 30, 1993 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for First Home upon its conversion from a state-chartered mutual to a state-chartered stock savings and loan association ("Conversion").  The Conversion was completed on December 22, 1993.  At June 30, 2009, the Company had consolidated total assets of $229.9 million, total deposits of $189.2 million and stockholders' equity of $23.8 million.  The Company is not engaged in any significant activity other than holding the stock of First Home. Accordingly, the information set forth in this report, including consolidated financial statements and related data, relates primarily to operations of the Savings Bank. The Company's common shares trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol "FBSI."

The Savings Bank is a Missouri-chartered, federally insured stock savings and loan association organized in 1911.  The Savings Bank conducts its business from its home office in Mountain Grove and ten full service branch facilities in Marshfield, Ava, Gainesville, Sparta, Theodosia, Crane, Galena, Kissee Mills, Rockaway Beach and Springfield, Missouri.  The full service branch in Springfield, Missouri opened in July 2006.  In June  2009, the Savings Bank ceased the operations of a loan origination office in Springfield, Missouri. It was determined that the office, which opened in March 2007 for the purpose of originating loans on single-family residences for sale into the secondary market, would not produce the desired return on investment. The deposits of the Savings Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").  As a Missouri-chartered savings and loan association, First Home derives its authority from, and is governed by, the provisions of the Missouri Savings and Loan Law ("Missouri Law") and regulations of the Missouri Division of Finance ("Division") and the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS").  See " – Regulation of First Home" below.

The Savings Bank provides its customers with a full array of community banking services.  The Savings Bank is primarily engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using such deposits, together with other funding sources, to invest in residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, land loans, second mortgage loans, consumer loans and commercial business loans, for its loan portfolio.  Excess funds are typically invested in securities and other assets.  At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank's net loans were $133.2 million, or 57.9% of consolidated total assets. Gross loans of $137.1 million consisted of $71.1 million, or 51.9% of total loans, in residential mortgages, $39.8 million, or 29.0% of total loans, in commercial real estate loans, $7.4 million, or 5.4% of total loans, in land loans, $4.9 million, or 3.6% of total loans, in second mortgage loans, $4.0 million, or 2.9% of total loans, in consumer loans, and $9.8 million, or 7.2% of total loans, in commercial business loans.  Of loans maturing after June 30, 2010, at June 30, 2009, adjustable rate mortgage ("ARM") loans account for approximately 61.2% of loans secured by real estate and ­­­58% of the gross loan portfolio.  See "-- Lending Activities" below.

Recent Developments and Corporate Overview

On August 17, 2009, the Company and the Bank each entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist with the OTS.
 
 

 
Under the terms of the OTS orders, the Savings Bank and the Company, without the prior written approval of the OTS, may not:

·  
Increase assets during any quarter;
·  
Pay dividends;
·  
Increase brokered deposits;
·  
Repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock; and
·  
Issue any debt securities or incur any debt (other than that incurred in the normal course of business).

Other material provisions of the order require the Bank and the Company to:

·  
develop a business plan for enhancing, measuring and maintaining profitability, increasing earnings, improving liquidity and maintaining capital levels, acceptable to the OTS;
·  
ensure the Savings Bank’s compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and agency guidelines, including the terms of the order;
·  
not appoint any new director or senior executive officer or change the responsibilities of any current senior executive officers without notifying the OTS;
·  
not enter into, renew, extend or revise any compensation or benefit agreements for directors or senior executive officers;
·  
not make any indemnification, severance or golden parachute payments;
·  
enhance its asset classification policy;
·  
provide progress reports to the OTS regarding certain classified assets;
·  
submit a comprehensive plan for reducing classified assets;
·  
develop a plan to reduce its concentration in certain loans contained in the loan portfolio and that addresses the assessment, monitoring and control of the risks association with the commercial real estate portfolio;
·  
not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the overall operation or financial position of the Bank, or that is outside the normal course of business; and
·  
prepare and submit progress reports to the OTS. The OTS orders will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the OTS.

All customer deposits remain insured to the fullest extent permitted by the FDIC. The Savings Bank expects to continue to serve its customers in all areas including making loans, establishing lines of credit, accepting deposits and processing banking transactions. Neither the Company nor the Savings Bank admitted any wrongdoing in entering into the respective Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Cease and Desist Order. The OTS did not impose or recommend any monetary penalties.

For additional information regarding the terms of the orders, please see our Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on August 18, 2009. Further, we may be subject to more severe future regulatory enforcement actions, including but not limited to civil money penalties, if we do not comply with the terms of the order.

Market Area

Similar to national trends, the Bank’s market area unemployment rate was higher as of June 2009 versus one year ago.  While the Bank’s market area
 
 
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unemployment rate has increased over the past year, it is somewhat lower than the national average.  Economic conditions in the Bank’s market areas, with the exception of a recent slight downturn in the housing market, have been relatively stable.  The overall condition of the primary market area can be characterized as stable, with modest growth potential, based on regional population and economic projections.

The Savings Bank is headquartered in the town of Mountain Grove, in Wright County, Missouri.  Wright County has a population of approximately 17,000 and its economy is highly diversified, with an emphasis on the beef and dairy industries.  Except for the branch office that opened in July 2006 in Springfield, Missouri, the Savings Bank's market area is predominantly rural in nature.  Its deposit taking and lending activities primarily encompass Wright, Webster, Douglas, Christian, Ozark, Stone, Taney and, since July 2006, Greene counties in Missouri.  Significant companies in the rural areas include Hutchens Steel, Bore Flex, Inc., Copeland Corporation, Dairy Farmers of America and WoodPro Cabinetry.  The Springfield, Missouri market has a number of  significant companies, including Kraft Foods, Willow Brook Foods, Bass Pro Shops, O'Reilly Automotive, Positronic Industries, Lauren Cook Company and Paul Mueller Company.  In addition, Missouri State University, St. John's Hospital and Cox Health Systems are major employers and contributors to the economic well-being of the Springfield, Missouri area.  The Savings Bank also transacts a significant amount of business in Texas County, Missouri.  The Savings Bank's market area, especially Ozark County because of its proximity to Norfolk and Bull Shoals lakes, has experienced a rather slow but steady growth from retirees. The Springfield market had shown robust growth and development for several years, and while that growth and development slowed substantially over the last 12 to 18 months, the market remains relatively strong.  Economic conditions in the Savings Bank's market areas have been relatively stable, in spite of the recent downturn in the housing market and the economy in general.

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

This information is incorporated by reference to pages 4 and 5 of the 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders ("Annual Report") attached hereto as Exhibit 13.

Average Balances, Yields Earned and Rates Paid

This information is incorporated by reference to page 24 of the Annual Report attached hereto as Exhibit 13.

Yields Earned and Rates Paid

This information is incorporated by reference to page 22 of the Annual Report attached hereto as Exhibit 13.

Rate/Volume Analysis

This information is incorporated by reference to page 25 of the Annual Report attached hereto as Exhibit 13.

Lending Activities

General.  Historically, the principal lending activity of the Savings Bank has been the origination of conventional mortgage loans for the purpose of purchasing, constructing or refinancing one-to-four family owner occupied homes within its primary market area.  While the Savings Bank continues to actively seek originations of such loans, most of the fixed-rate loans of this type are currently originated for sale in the secondary market.  In an attempt to diversify its lending portfolio, the Savings Bank also originates commercial
 
 
3

real estate loans, land loans, consumer loans, such as mobile home loans, automobile loans and loans secured by savings accounts, and commercial business loans.  The ratios of residential and commercial real estate loans to total loans has shifted gradually in recent years as a result of both this diversification and the minimal number of fixed-rate, one-to-four family loans originated for the portfolio.  Additionally, the Savings Bank both originated and purchased loans pursuant to the Small Business Administration's ("SBA") guaranteed programs between September 2000 and December 2005.  As of June 30, 2009, 16 commercial business and commercial real estate loans with an aggregate balance of $2.8 million had SBA guarantees.  The Savings Bank has not been active in SBA lending since December 2005.
 
In addition to loans within the Savings Bank's primary market area, the Savings Bank also has originated nine one-to-four family loans, nine commercial real estate loans, three land loans, one commercial business loan and seven consumer loans in Arkansas, Oregon, Kansas and eight other states.  The 29 loans had an aggregate balance of $5.0 million at June 30, 2009.  As of June 30, 2009 there was one loan of $247,000 collateralized by commercial real estate in excess of 90 days past due and one loan of $313,000 on commercial real estate more than 60 days, but less than 90 days, past due. Additionally, there was one out-of-state loan of less than $1,000 that was past due 25 days. The remaining 26 loans were performing according to their scheduled repayment terms.

At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank's net loans receivable totaled $133.2 million, which represented 57.9% of consolidated total assets.  Historically, the Savings Bank has primarily originated adjustable rate loan products.  At June 30, 2009, adjustable rate loans with a maturity date after June 30, 2010 accounted for $82.1 million or 59.9% of the total loan portfolio and $79.1 million or 64.2% of loans secured by real estate. The Savings Bank focuses on serving the needs of its local community and strongly believes in a lending philosophy that emphasizes individual customer service and flexibility in meeting the needs of its customers.  During the four years ended June 30, 2006, the Savings Bank experienced a significant decline in the amount of its one-to-four family loan portfolio. While this trend was moderately reversed during the year ended June 30, 2007, during the years ended June 30, 2008 and 2009, the Savings Bank experienced decreases in its one-to-four family loan portfolio. During the year ended June 30, 2009, originations of one-to-four family loans, including those originated for sale in the secondary market, decreased by $6.0 million to $31.3 million from $37.3 million in the year ended June 30, 2008.   The decrease in one-to-four family originations for the portfolio during fiscal 2009 was the result of the decline in economic conditions during the period and the resulting negative impact on property values. In addition, the Savings Bank retained primarily adjustable rate in its portfolio and almost all one-to-four family loans with fixed interest rates were sold to other investors. While the origination of loans for others does not increase the Savings Bank's loan portfolio, it does provide the Savings Bank with the opportunity to generate fee income, and the ability to service its customer’s loans. In addition, the Savings Bank historically has retained some fixed-rate mortgage loans in its portfolio.  The retained loans generally have a higher interest rate than those loans originated for other investors.  Generally, fixed rate loans that are retained in the Savings Bank's portfolio are loans with smaller principal balances ($50,000 or less) where the value of the acreage is too great for the residence to qualify under the secondary market standard.

Loan Portfolio Analysis.  The following table sets forth the composition of the Savings Bank's loan portfolio by type of loan as of the dates indicated. Construction loans are included in residential and commercial real estate loans depending on the type of security.  At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had $4.2 million, or 3.1% of total loans, in interim construction loans in its portfolio of which $1.4 million were for residential construction and $2.8 million were for commercial construction, as described below.  At June 30, 2008, the Savings Bank had $13.9 million, or 8.34% of total loans, in interim construction loans in its portfolio of which $4.4 million were for residential construction, $574,000 were for multi-family construction and $9.0 million were


 
4

 
for commercial construction, as described below. Because of the amount of its construction loans, and the fact that most of these loans are made with the intent for them to convert to permanent financing, the Savings Bank does not separately disclose these types of loans.  The decrease in construction loans was the result of several factors, including significantly reduced demand for such loans, both by borrowers and by the Savings Bank, due to the economic climate,  and write downs, based on FASB 114 analyses, of certain existing loans.
 

 
5

 
 
At June 30,
 
 
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
 
 
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
 
 
{Dollars in thousands}
 
Type of Loan:
                     
 Real Estate Loans
                     
  Residential Mortgage
$ 71,141
51.89%
$ 75,992
44.83%
$ 86,530
53.57%
$ 82,519
55.59%
$ 89,220
54.36%
 
  Commercial real estate (1)
39,816
29.04
53,730
  31.69
40,331
24.97
37,097
 24.99
41,492
 25.28
 
  Land
7,395
5.39
10,756
   6.34
9,095
 5.63
7,949
  5.36
9,450
  5.76
 
  Second mortgage loans
4,900
3.57
7,103
   4.19
4,828
 2.99
3,659
  2.47
4,161
  2.54
 
     Total mortgage loans
123,252
89.89
147,581
  87.05
140,784
 87.16
131,224
 88.41
144,323
 87.94
 
                       
Consumer Loans:
                     
  Automobile loans
2,052
1.50
4,726
   2.79
4,078
 2.53
3,467
  2.34
4,910
  2.99
 
  Savings account loans
1,165
0.85
1,468
   0.87
1,504
 0.93
1,709
  1.15
1,709
  1.04
 
  Mobile home loans
267
0.19
2,977
   1.76
3,589
 2.22
2,438
  1.64
2,139
  1.30
 
  Other consumer
561
0.41
1,007
   0.59
2,860
 1.77
1,060
  0.71
979
  0.60
 
     Total consumer loans
4,045
2.95
10,178
   6.01
12,031
 7.45
8,674
  5.84
9,737
  5.93
 
                       
Commercial business
9,817
7.16
11,769
   6.94
8,700
 5.39
8,532
  5.75
10,057
  6.13
 
                       
     Total loans
137,114
100.00%
169,528
100.00%
161,515
100.00%
148,430
100.00%
164,117
100.00%
 
Add:
                     
  Unamortized deferred loan
   costs, net of origination
   fees
 
 
235
 
 
 
304
 
 
 
171
 
 
 
184
 
 
 
201
   
Less:
                     
  Undisbursed loans in process
1
 
-
 
1
 
4,153
 
3,324
   
  Allowance for possible loan
                     
    Losses
4,186
 
2,797
 
2,692
 
2,474
 
2,851
   
Total loans receivable, net
$133,162
 
$167,035
 
$158,993
 
$141,987
 
$158,143
   
                       
____________
                     
(1) Includes multi-family residential loans
                   
 

 
6

 

One-to-Four Family Residential Loans.  The Savings Bank originates residential mortgage loans to enable borrowers to purchase existing homes, to construct new one-to-four family homes or refinance existing debt on their homes. At June 30, 2009, $71.1 million, or 51.9% of the Savings Bank's gross loan portfolio, consisted of residential mortgage loans (almost all of which are ARMs, with the principal amortizing over loan terms ranging from 10 to 30 years).  Since 1973 until fiscal 2006, the Savings Bank had originated almost exclusively ARM loan products. The Savings Bank originates ARMs, which generally allows, but does not require, the Savings Bank to adjust the interest rate once a year, up or down, not to exceed 2% per year.  Loans of this nature originated after 1988 generally were limited to a 6% maximum increase over the life of the loan. During the  year ended June 30, 2007, the Savings Bank began offering fixed rate one-to-four family residential mortgage lending in an effort to compete with products offered by other lenders.  Most of these loans were originated for sale in the secondary market.

The Savings Bank's lending policies generally limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on one-to-four family residential mortgage loans originated for portfolio to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price of the underlying residential property. A maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% limits the Savings Bank's exposure and allows these loans to qualify for sale in the secondary market.  The Savings Bank requires title insurance, fire and casualty coverage and a flood zone determination on all residential mortgage loans originated or purchased.  All of the Savings Bank's real estate loans contain "due on sale" clauses.  In prior years, the Savings Bank's personnel prepared all property evaluations at no expense to the borrower unless the property was outside its normal lending territory or the loan exceeded $250,000, in which event, independent appraisers were utilized.  During fiscal 2006, the Savings Bank changed this practice and now obtains independent appraisals on all residential mortgage loans, as well as, all non-residential mortgage loans.

At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had $1.4 million in residential construction loans in its residential portfolio with maximum loan-to-value ratios of 80% based upon the estimated value upon completion.  Typically, the Savings Bank limits its construction lending to individuals who are building their primary residences.  Generally, loan proceeds are disbursed as construction progresses, based on invoices presented and inspections made.  Construction financing generally is considered to involve a higher degree of risk, and possibly loss, than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate.  Risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the estimated cost of construction and the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property's value at completion of construction or development. During the construction phase, a number of factors could result in delays and cost overruns.  The Savings Bank has sought to minimize this risk by primarily limiting construction lending to qualified borrowers in the Savings Bank's market area. At June 30, 2009, all $1.4 million in residential construction loans were custom construction loans which represented 1.0% of the total loan portfolio.  The majority of these loans are converted into permanent residential real estate loans.  During construction, these loans typically require monthly interest-only payments.  Once construction is completed, these loans convert to monthly principal and interest based on amortization schedules for conventional residential mortgages.

While construction loans inherently carry a higher level of risk than residential mortgage loans, at June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank’s construction loan portfolio had only one single family construction loan of $176,000 classified as substandard. There were  no construction loans classified as doubtful or loss at that date. In addition, at June 30, 2009, there was  one one-to-four family construction loan of  $241,000 on the Savings Bank’s watch list.
 
 
7


Second Mortgage Loans.  The Savings Bank originates  fixed and adjustable rate second mortgage loans that are generally  made on the security of the borrower's residence.  Loans typically  do not exceed 80% of the appraised value of the residence, less the outstanding principal of the first mortgage, and have terms of up to 10 years requiring monthly payments of principal and interest.  At June 30, 2009, second mortgage loans amounted to $4.9 million, or 3.6% of total loans of the Savings Bank.

During the year ended June 30, 2007, the Savings Bank began offering home equity lines of credit.  Home equity lines of credit have terms of up to ten years and carry an interest rate of prime with a monthly adjustment for those loans that, combined with the first mortgage, result in a loan-to-value ratio of no more than 80%. The Savings Bank no longer originates loans that, combined with the first mortgage, result in a loan-to-value ratio of greater than 80%.  These loans are included with either residential loans, if they have a first lien position, or second mortgages in the various schedules that are part of this report.  As of June 30, 2009, home equity lines of credit totaled $2.9 million, of which $1.1 million was included in the residential loan totals and $1.8 million was included with the second mortgage total.

Land and Commercial Real Estate Loans.  The Savings Bank had loans outstanding secured by land and commercial real estate of $47.2 million, or 34.4% of the Savings Bank's gross loan portfolio, at June 30, 2009.

The Savings Bank’s portfolio of commercial real estate loans, which includes loans primarily on farm land used in beef or dairy operations, was $39.8 million, or 29.0% of the total loan portfolio, and are primarily located in the Savings Bank's market area.  The average size of these loans is $316,000.  These loans typically are made with a fixed rate for one to five years and then adjust at least annually, thereafter, based on prime rate or the Constant Maturity Treasury Index ("CMT"). The Savings Bank's commercial real estate portfolio consists of loans on a variety of types of property  with no significant  concentrations by property type.  The Savings Bank's largest commercial real estate loan at June 30, 2009 was a $2.3 million loan.  The loan is for a term of three years and is collateralized by office buildings, a parking garage and parking lots located in Springfield, Missouri. At June 30, 2009, the loan was performing according to its repayment terms.

Of primary concern in commercial real estate lending is the feasibility and cash flow potential of the property along with the borrower's creditworthiness and the value of the underlying collateral.  Loans secured by income properties are generally larger and involve greater risks than residential mortgage loans because payments on loans secured by income properties are often dependent on successful operation or management of the properties.  As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject, to a greater extent than residential real estate loans, to supply and demand in the market in the type of property securing the loan and, therefore, may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.  If the cash flow from the project is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired.  Commercial real estate loans also tend to have shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans and may not be fully amortizing, meaning that they may have a significant principal balance or "balloon" payment due on maturity. Commercial real estate loans with principal balances totaling approximately $8.2 million have balance payments at maturity. In addition, commercial real estate properties, particularly industrial properties, are generally subject to relatively greater environmental risks than non-commercial properties and to the corresponding burdens and costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.  Also, there may be costs and delays involved in enforcing rights of a property owner against tenants in default under the terms of leases with respect to commercial properties.  For example, tenants may seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws, which could result in termination of lease contracts, reducing cash flow. Loans secured by
 
8

farm properties are of particular concern since repayment is dependent upon the successful operation of the farming operations, which is greatly contingent on various factors outside the control of either the borrower or the Savings Bank.  These factors include adverse weather conditions, fluctuating market prices of both final product and production costs, factors affecting the physical condition of livestock and government regulations. While weather has been favorable for dairy and cattle operations over the past two years, price decreases for both milk and beef products in recent months have begun to squeeze these operations.

At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had eight loans secured by multi-family residential real estate, totaling approximately $2.9 million, or 2.1% of the Savings Bank's gross loan portfolio.  At June 30, 2009, all of these loans were performing in accordance with their repayment terms.  Multi-family real estate loans are generally originated at 80% of the appraised value of the property or selling price, whichever is less, and carry interest rates that are fixed for one to five years and then adjust annually based on the CMT with the principal amortized over 15 to 30 years.  Loans secured by multi-family real estate are generally larger and involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential loans.  In addition, multi-family real estate loans carry risks similar to those associated with commercial real estate lending.

Land loans amounted to $7.4 million, or 5.4% of the gross loan portfolio at June 30, 2009 and are secured primarily by property located in the Savings Bank's primary market area. The Saving Bank’s land loans generally are of three types: loans on undeveloped land; loans on residential developments, and; loans on commercial development. At June 30, 2009, there were two land loans totaling $1.5 million, or 19.8%, of land loans on non-accrual status, one loan of $122,000, or 1.6%, of land loans at least 90 days delinquent and two loans totaling $406,000, or 5.5%, of land loans at least 60 days, but less than 90 days, delinquent.

Consumer Loans.  The Savings Bank's consumer loans consist of automobile loans, recreational vehicles, mobile home loans, savings account loans, and various other consumer loans.  At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank's consumer loans totaled $4.0 million, or 3.0% of the Savings Bank's total loan portfolio. Subject to market conditions, management expects to continue to market and originate consumer loans as part of its strategy to provide a wide range of personal financial services to its depository customer base and as a means to enhance the interest rate sensitivity of the Savings Bank's interest-earning assets and its interest rate spread.

At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank's loan portfolio secured by automobiles amounted to $2.1 million, or 1.5% of total loans.  These loans are originated directly with the borrower with a maximum term of 60 months.  The Savings Bank may lend up to 75% of the purchase price of a new automobile or up to 75% of the purchase price, not to exceed the National Automobile Dealers Association published loan value for a used vehicle.  The Savings Bank requires all borrowers to maintain automobile insurance, including collision, fire and theft insurance, with the Savings Bank listed as loss payee.

The Savings Bank's procedures for underwriting consumer loans include an assessment of the applicant's payment history on other debts and ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.  Although the borrower's creditworthiness is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the security, if any, to the proposed loan amount.  

Consumer loans are considered more risky than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles, mobile homes, boats and recreational vehicles. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may
 
9

not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance.  The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower.  In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.  Consumer loans may also give rise to claims and defenses by a borrower against an assignee of such loans such as the Savings Bank, and a borrower may be able to assert against the assignee claims and defenses that it has against the seller of the underlying collateral.  The largest balance of consumer loans are loans for automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, mobile homes and small unsecured loans.  At June 30, 2009, none of loans in the Savings Bank's consumer loan portfolio was 90 days or more past due.
 
Commercial Business Loans.  Commercial business loans consist of loans to businesses with no real estate as security, such as business equipment loans, farm equipment loans and cattle loans.  As of June 30, 2009, these loans totaled $9.8 million, or 7.2% of the Savings Bank's total loan portfolio.  The Savings Bank has, during the past several years, had a number of commercial business loans that have become problem loans. See "-- Non-Performing Assets and Delinquencies" and "-- Allowance for Loan Losses" for data on loans originated by the Savings Bank.

At June 30, 2009, the average size of commercial business loans was $46,000.  These loans  typically have  maturities of five years or less and have variable interest rates based on the prime rate.  The largest commercial business loan at June 30, 2009 was an amortizing term loan to a Branson, Missouri restaurant collateralized by restaurant equipment and guaranteed by a related entity. At June 30, 2009, the balance of this loan was $555,000 and all payments had been made according to terms.

Commercial business loans may involve greater risk than real estate lending.  Because payments on commercial business  loans are often dependent on successful operation of the business involved, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the economy and other negative circumstances affecting the business.  In recognition of this risk, the Savings Bank attempts to make loans secured by adequate collateral to provide the majority of repayment of the principal balance in the event that business operations are not successful.  However, collateral for these types of loans may quickly decline in market value through normal usage and changes in technology, and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.  In addition, the Savings Bank limits this type of lending to its market area and to borrowers with which it has prior experience or who are otherwise well known to the Savings Bank.  The Savings Bank generally requires personal guarantees for commercial business loans.

Non-performing commercial business loans increased by $567,000 from $316,000 at June 30, 2008 to $883,000 at June 30, 2009.  This is a result of the economic environment, which has resulted in adverse market conditions  for most businesses.  As a result, no assurance can be given, however, that non-performing business loans will not increase in future periods.

Loan Maturity and Re-pricing

 The following table sets forth certain information at June 30, 2009 regarding the dollar amount of loans maturing or re-pricing in the Savings Bank’s portfolio based on their contractual terms to maturity or next re-pricing date, but does not include scheduled payments or potential prepayments.
 
 
10


         
After
       
     
After
 
Three
       
     
One Year
 
Years
       
     
Through
 
Through
 
After
   
 
Within
 
Three
 
Five
 
Five
   
 
One Year
 
Years
 
Years
 
Years
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage Loans
                 
  Residential Mortgage
$    5,141
 
$    3,661
 
$     1,881
 
$60,458
 
$    71,141
  Commercial Real Estate
9,076
 
8,763
 
5,392
 
16,585
 
39,816
  Land
4,048
 
1,008
 
317
 
2,022
 
7,395
  Second Mortgage
224
 
553
 
298
 
3,825
 
4,900
  Total Mortgage Loans
18,489
 
13,985
 
7,888
 
82,890
 
123,252
                   
Consumer Loans
                 
  Automobile
166
 
1,305
 
581
 
-
 
2,052
  Savings Account
1,065
 
63
 
37
 
-
 
1,165
  Mobile Home
10
 
36
 
47
 
174
 
267
  Other
147
 
141
 
224
 
49
 
561
  Total Consumer Loans
1,388
 
1,545
 
889
 
223
 
4,045
                   
Commercial Business Loans
4,170
 
2,042
 
2,141
 
1,464
 
9,817
                   
Total Loans
$24,047
 
$17,572
 
$10,918
 
$84,577
 
$137,114


The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans due more than one year after June 30, 2009, which have fixed interest rates and have floating or adjustable interest rates.

 
At June 30, 2009
 
Non-
 
Commercial
         
 
  Commercial
Real Estate
 
Commercial
 
 
Mortgage
And Land
Consumer
 
Business
 
Total
 
Loans
 
Loans
 
Loans
 
Loans
 
Loans
 
(In thousands)
Interest rate terms
                 
  on amounts due after
                 
  one year:
                 
    Fixed
$14,876
 
$10,740
 
$2,524
 
$2,847
 
$30,987
    Adjustable
51,124
 
28,023
 
133
 
2,800
 
82,080
      Total
$66,000
 
$38,763
 
$2,657
 
$5,647
 
$113,067


Loan Solicitation and Processing.  The Savings Bank's main source of loans is from contacts and relationships with real estate agents,  referrals from customers, and to a lesser extent walk-in applicants.  Once a loan application is received, a credit report, along with verification of income, is obtained.  An appraisal of the proposed collateral is then ordered. Real estate appraisals are completed by independent appraisers on all one-to-four family loans originated after March 2006 and on all other real estate secured loans.  The application is then reviewed by the loan officer and action is taken or loan write-up is presented to the Savings Bank's Directors’ Loan Committee if the amount is greater than the loan officer's lending authority.

Commercial business and commercial real estate loans are primarily obtained through referrals or loan officer contacts.  While loan officers are delegated reasonable commitment authority based on their experience and qualification, credit decisions on significant commercial business loans and commercial real estate loans are made by the Directors’ Loan Committee, which is made up of senior loan officers and members of the Board of Directors.
 
 
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Consumer loans are originated through referrals and existing deposit and loan customers of the Savings Bank.  Consumer loan applications below set limits may be processed at branch locations or by loan documentation personnel at the main office.

Loan Originations, Purchases and Sales.  During the year ended June 30, 2007, the Savings Bank opened a loan origination office in Springfield, Missouri.  This office primarily originated fixed-rate, single-family loans for sale in the secondary market, as well as, to a lesser extent, fixed and adjustable rate single family loans for the Savings Bank's portfolio. The loan origination office was closed in June 2009, having operated at only break even during both fiscal 2008 and 2009.

The following table shows total mortgage loans originated, sold and repaid during the periods indicated.  No loans were purchased during the periods indicated. The significant decrease in loan originations was the result of several factors, including reduced loan demand resulting from the weak economic climate, and the Savings Bank concentrating its efforts on issues with the existing portfolio rather than on origination of new loans.

   
Year Ended June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Total gross loans at beginning of year
  $ 169,528     $ 161,515  
Loans originated:
               
  Secondary market loans
    23,036       21,445  
  One-to-four family loans
    8,246       15,794  
  Multi-family residential and commercial
               
    real estate
    6,990       17,862  
  Land
    593       4,013  
        Total mortgage loans originated
    38,865       59,114  
                 
Consumer loans:
               
  Automobile loans
    713       2,856  
  Deposit account loans
    702       655  
  Mobile home loans
    18       57  
  Other consumer loans
    122       132  
        Total consumer loans originated
    1,555       3,700  
                 
Commercial business loans originated
    2,309       6,312  
                 
Loans sold:
               
  Secondary market loans
    23,352       22,343  
                 
Loans principal repayments
    45,294       36,392  
                 
Other decreases:
               
  Loans charged-off
    4,171       1,222  
  Loans transferred to real estate owned
    1,876       1,156  
  Loans transferred to repossessed assets
    450       -  
      6,497       2,378  
Total gross loans at end of year
  $ 137,114     $ 169,528  

Loan Commitments.  The Savings Bank issues commitments for one-to-four family residential loans that are honored for up to 60 days from approval.  If the commitment expires, it is generally renewed upon request without penalty or expense to the borrower at the current market rate.  The Savings Bank had outstanding net loan commitments of $121,000 at June 30, 2009 compared to $793,000 at June 30, 2008. The decrease in outstanding loan commitments is primarily the result of the generally poor economic environment, generally more restrictive underwriting standards and the Savings Bank’s emphasis on issues relating to the existing loan portfolio. See Note 13 of the Notes to the
 
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Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report to Shareholders filed as Exhibit 13 to this report.

Non-Performing Assets and Delinquencies. The Savings Bank generally institutes collection procedures when a monthly payment is two to four weeks delinquent.  A first notice is generally mailed to the borrower, or a phone call is made.  If necessary, a second notice follows at the end of the next two week period.  In most cases, delinquencies are cured promptly. However, if the Savings Bank is unable to make contact with the borrower to obtain full payment, or, full payment is not possible and the Savings Bank cannot work out a repayment schedule, a notice to commence foreclosure may be mailed to the borrower.  The Savings Bank makes every reasonable effort, however, to work with delinquent borrowers.  Understanding that borrowers sometimes cannot make payments because of illness, loss of employment, or similar reasons, the Savings Bank will attempt to work with delinquent borrowers who are communicating and cooperating with the Savings Bank.

The Savings Bank generally follows the same collection procedures for non-mortgage loans.

The Savings Bank’s senior management team has implemented several new procedures and policies to reduce the risk of delinquent loans.  The following are some of the key elements  of the new policies and procedures:  all commercial credits with an aggregate loan balance of $100,000 or greater must be approved by the Director’s Loan Committee; individual loan officer commercial lending limits have been lowered; a Credit Administrator position was created to coordinate the loan review process, and; extensive loan officer training has established improved consistency throughout the organization.  Also, once a loan is 45 days past due, the loan is subject to a full evaluation by the individual loan officer to be presented to the Director’s Loan Committee to review and establish the proper loan grade.  Any loan graded a “watch” or worse is subject to a quarterly review by the loan officer.

These changes were established as a direct result of an extensive internal review of loans that was initiated in November 2008 following the changes in senior management. Classified assets increased by $5.0 million to $12.0 million at June 30, 2009, compared to $7.0 million of classified assets at June 30, 2008. The increase in classified assets is the result of the impact of current economic conditions on borrowers, both individuals and businesses, and the increased level of monitoring.

The Board of Directors is informed on a monthly basis as to the status of all mortgage and non-mortgage loans that are delinquent, as well as the status on all loans currently in foreclosure or real estate and repossessed assets owned by the Savings Bank through foreclosure or repossession.

The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of non-performing assets in the Savings Bank's loan portfolio at the dates indicated.  Loans are placed on non-accrual status when it is determined that the payment of interest or principal is doubtful of collection, or when interest or principal is past-due 90 days or more.  Any accrued but uncollected interest previously recorded on such loans is reversed in the current period and interest income is subsequently recognized upon collection.  The Savings Bank would have recorded interest income on non-accrual loans of $250,000 and $219,000 during the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, if such loans had been performing according to their terms during such periods.

Non-accrual loans increased from $2.3 million at June 30, 2008 to $3.0 million at June 30, 2009.  The increase in non-accrual loans was the result of increases of $499,000 in non-accrual residential mortgages and $401,000 in non-accrual commercial business loans, which were partially offset by decreases of $168,000 in non-accrual commercial real estate and land loans and $21,000 in non-accrual consumer loans.
 
 
13


The Savings Bank considers all non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more to be impaired. These loans are closely monitored and any necessary additional action will be taken as warranted.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Savings Bank's non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
 
   
At June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loans accounted for on a non-accrual
                             
  Basis:
                             
    Real estate:
                             
      Residential
  $ 593     $ 94     $ 245     $ 322     $ 221  
      Commercial and land
    1,714       1,882       2,171       306       1,112  
    Commercial business
    717       316       467       65       1,502  
    Consumer
    -       21       6       148       19  
        Total
  $ 3,024     $ 2,313     $ 2,889     $ 841     $ 2,854  
                                         
Accruing loans which are contractually
                                       
  past due 90 days or more:
                                       
    Real estate:
                                       
      Residential
  $ -     $ 296     $ 278     $ -     $ 63  
      Commercial and land
    122       64       81       -       30  
    Commercial business
    166       -       -       -       -  
    Consumer
    -       -       -       3       55  
        Total
  $ 288     $ 360     $ 359     $ 3     $ 148  
                                         
    Total of non-accrual and
                                       
      90 days past due loans
  $ 3,312     $ 2,673     $ 3,248     $ 844     $ 3,002  
                                         
Real estate owned
    1,549       1,206       291       497       340  
Repossessed assets
    158       -       2       -       -  
Other non-performing assets:
                                       
  Impaired loans not past due
    -       -       -       -       2,004  
  Slow home loans (60 to 90 days
                                       
    past due)
    -       -       -       -       450  
      Total non-performing assets
  $ 5,019     $ 3,879     $ 3,541     $ 1,341     $ 5,796  
                                         
Total loans delinquent 90 days
                                       
  or more to net loans
    0.22 %     0.22 %     0.23 %     0.59 %     1.90 %
                                         
Total loans delinquent 90 days
                                       
  or more to total consolidated assets
    0.13 %     0.14 %     0.15 %     0.37 %     1.23 %
                                         
Total non-performing assets
                                       
  to total consolidated assets
    2.18 %     1.56 %     1.47 %     0.59 %     2.39 %

Asset Classification.  OTS regulations require that each insured savings institution review and classify its assets on a regular basis.  In addition, in connection with examinations of insured institutions, OTS examiners have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, require them to be classified.  There are three classifications for problem assets: substandard, doubtful and loss.  An asset is classified substandard when it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or by the collateral pledged, if any.  Assets so classified must have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. The Savings Bank's policy is to classify as substandard, for example, any loan, irrespective of payment record or collateral value, when a bankruptcy filing occurs, the pay record becomes erratic (e.g., the borrower misses several monthly payments, but makes double payments in the future), or a loan becomes contractually delinquent by three monthly payments. Doubtful
 
14

assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss.  An asset classified loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset of the institution is not warranted.  If an asset or portion thereof is classified loss, the insured institution must either establish specific allowances for loan losses for the full amount of the portion of the asset classified as loss or charge-off such amount.  All or a portion of general loan loss allowances established to cover possible losses related to assets classified substandard or doubtful may be included in determining an institution's regulatory capital, while specific valuation allowances for loan losses generally do not qualify as regulatory capital.
 
As of June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $10.3 million with respect to which known information concerning possible credit problems with the borrowers or the cash flows of the properties securing the respective loans has caused management to be concerned about the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms, which may result in the future inclusion of such loans in the non-accrual loan category.  These loans are reflected in the Savings Bank's classified assets, discussed below. In addition, the Savings Bank has identified an additional $13.4 million of loans on its internal watch list (discussed below) to review quarterly for any deterioration in their capacity to perform as agreed. The $13.4 million of watch list credits at June 30, 2009 included $7.8 million, $1.6 million, $1.5 million, $2.5 million and $47,000 of commercial real estate, land, commercial business, one-to-four family and consumer loans, respectively. The $4.7 million of watch list credits at June 30, 2008 included $2.1 million, $2.0 million, $480,000 and $119,000 of commercial real estate, commercial business, one-to-four family and consumer loans, respectively.

At June 30, 2009 and 2008 the aggregate amounts of the Savings Bank's classified assets as determined by the Savings Bank, and of the Savings Bank's general and specific loss allowances and charge-offs, were as follows:

   
At June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loss
  $ -     $ -  
Doubtful
    4,188       718  
Substandard assets
    7,843       6,268  
   Sub total
    12,031       6,986  
Special mention
    -       -  
   Total classified assets
    12,032       6,986  
   Total watch list credits
    13,415       4,671  
   Total assets of concern
  $ 25,447     $ 11,657  
                 
General loss allowances
  $ 4,186     $ 2,436  
Specific loss allowances
    -       361  
   Total loss allowances
  $ 4,186     $ 2,797  
                 
                 
Net charge-offs
  $ 3,925     $ 1,186  
                 

The large increase in net charge-offs in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was the result of completing the foreclosure process on a number of loans during 2009, including several that were non-performing at the end of fiscal 2008.

15

The $1.5 million increase in substandard assets to $7.8 million at June 30, 2009 from $6.3 million at June 30, 2008, was primarily the result of the housing crisis that has evolved over the last 12 to 15 months and the related general downturn in the national and local economic conditions. These recent economic issues have prompted the Savings Bank to apply more stringent standards in its loan review process.

At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank's largest substandard loan to one borrower consisted of one loan to an individual with an outstanding balance of $1.5 million.  At June 30, 2009, this loans was  almost nine months delinquent. The loan is collateralized by a subdivision development in Springfield, Missouri. This loan was written down by $1.4 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. While management believes the current balance reflects the net value of the property, the final financial impact resulting from disposal of the property will not be known until that time.

The Savings Bank rarely uses a "special mention" category in its internal loan classification process.  Instead, a category titled 'watch' is used by the Savings Bank to monitor loans which are not typical in their repayment terms, collateral, or a situation with the borrower that may create repayment difficulties in the future.  Loans are designated as watch when the ability to meet current payment schedules is questionable, even though interest and principle are still being paid as agreed.

Real Estate Owned and Other Repossessed Assets

Real estate owned and other repossessed assets includes real estate and other assets acquired in the settlement of loans, which is recorded at the  estimated fair value less the estimated costs to sell the asset.  Any write down at the time of foreclosure is charged against the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequently, net expenses related to holding the property and declines in the market value are charged against income. At June 30, 2009, real estate owned consisted of twenty-one properties (thirteen single family residences, six commercial properties and two parcels  of vacant land) with a net book value of $1.5 million. At June 30, 2009, repossessed collateral consisted of boats, motors, boat trailers and related equipment with a book value of $112,000 and vehicles with a book value of $45,000. At June 30, 2008, real estate owned consisted of twelve properties (six single family residences, five commercial properties and one piece of vacant land) with a net book value of $1.2 million. There was no repossessed collateral at June 30, 2008.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Management recognizes that loan losses may occur over the life of a loan and that the allowance for loan losses must be maintained at a level necessary to absorb specific losses on impaired loans and probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

Management believes that the accounting estimate related to the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period to period.  This may require management to make assumptions about losses on loans; and the impact of a sudden large loss could deplete the allowance and potentially require increased provisions to replenish the allowance, which would negatively affect earnings.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a monthly basis by management and is based on management's periodic review of the collectibility of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions, such as unemployment rates, bankruptcies and vacancy rates of business and residential properties. This evaluation is inherently subjective
 
 
16

as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance for loan losses includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, Accounting for Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended by SFAS 118, and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies.  The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluations of delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries, loan volumes and terms, changes in underwriting procedures, depth of the Company’s lending management, national and local economy, industry conditions, credit concentrations, and other external factors, including competition and legal and regulatory requirements, as well as trends in the foregoing.

The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, which is charged against current period operating results and decreased by the amount of actual loan charge-offs, net of recoveries.

The Savings Bank had an allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2009 and 2008 of $4.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively.  The Savings Bank began experiencing an increase in problem loans during fiscal year 2005.  This increase required a significant increase in the allowance for loan losses.  At June 30, 2007 the allowance for loan losses was $2.7 million, or 1.7%, of gross loans compared to $2.8 million, or 1.6%, of gross loans at June 30, 2008, and $4.2 million, or 3.1%, of gross loans at June 30, 2009.

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses was adequate at June 30, 2009 to absorb the known and inherent risks of loss in the loan portfolio at that date. While management believes the estimates and assumptions used in its determination of the adequacy of the allowance are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will not be proven incorrect in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.  In addition, the determination of the amount of the Savings Bank's allowance for loan losses is subject to review by bank regulators, as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the establishment of additional provision based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.  Any material increase in the allowance may adversely affect the Savings Bank's financial condition and earnings.

 
 
 
17

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

 
At or For The Year Ended June 30,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance at beginning of period
$2,797
 
$2,692
 
$2,474
 
$2,851
 
$1,240
Provision for loan losses
5,314
 
1,291
 
426
 
1,520
 
2,333
Recoveries:
                 
  Residential real estate
7
 
3
 
24
 
5
 
1
  Commercial real estate
91
 
1
 
8
 
-
 
9
  Consumer
77
 
27
 
37
 
48
 
62
  Commercial business
71
 
5
 
96
 
50
 
15
    Total recoveries
246
 
36
 
165
 
103
 
87
                   
Charge-offs:
                 
  Residential real estate
678
 
393
 
169
 
26
 
110
  Commercial real estate
2,065
 
325
 
94
 
88
 
77
  Consumer
175
 
62
 
32
 
223
 
415
  Commercial business
1,253
 
442
 
78
 
1,663
 
207
    Total charge-offs
4,171
 
1,222
 
373
 
2,000
 
809
    Net charge-offs
3,925
 
1,186
 
208
 
1,897
 
722
       Allowance at end of period
$4,186
 
$2,797
 
$2,692
 
$2,474
 
$2,851
                   
Ratio of allowance to total loans
                 
  outstanding at the end of the
                 
  Period
3.05%
 
1.65%
 
1.59%
 
1.67%
 
0.46%
Ratio of net charge offs to average
                 
  Loans outstanding during the
                 
  Period
2.93%
 
0.74%
 
0.14%
 
1.29%
 
0.10%

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

 
18

 

Allowance for Loan Losses by Category


 
At June 30,
     
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
     
Percent
         
Percent
 
Percent
     
Percent
 
Percent
 
     
Of
 
Percent
     
Of
         
Of
     
     
Allowance
 
Of Gross
     
Allowance
 
Of Gross
     
Allowance
 
Of Gross
 
     
to Out-
 
Loans in
     
to Out-
 
Loans in
     
to Out-
 
Loans in
 
     
Standing
 
Category
     
Standing
 
Category
     
Standing
 
Category
 
     
Loans in
 
To Gross
     
Loans in
 
To Gross
     
Loans in
 
To Gross
 
 
Amount
 
Category
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Category
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Category
 
Loans
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Real estate -- mortgage:
                                     
  Residential
$  749
 
1.06
%
51.89
%
$  411
 
0.54
%
44.83
%
$  164
 
0.19
%
53.58
%
  Commercial
991
 
2.89
 
29.04
 
991
 
1.84
 
31.69
 
1,567
 
3.89
 
24.97
 
  Land
176
 
2.38
 
5.39
 
196
 
1.82
 
6.34
 
119
 
1.31
 
5.63
 
  Second mortgage loans
157
 
3.20
 
3.57
 
23
 
0.32
 
4.19
 
60
 
1.24
 
2.99
 
Consumer
86
 
2.13
 
2.95
 
228
 
2.24
 
6.01
 
239
 
1.99
 
7.44
 
Commercial business
2,027
 
20.66
 
7.16
 
948
 
8.06
 
6.94
 
543
 
6.24
 
5.39
 
    Total allowance for
                                   
      loan losses
$4,186
 
3.05
%
100.00
%
$2,797
 
1.65
%
100.00
%
$2,692
 
1.59
%
100.00
%


 
At June 30,
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
     
Percent
 
Percent
     
Percent
 
Percent
 
     
Of
 
Of Gross
     
Of
 
Of Gross
 
     
Allowance
 
Loans in
     
Allowance
 
Loans in
 
     
to Out-
 
Category
     
to Out-
 
Category
 
     
Loans in
 
To Gross
     
Loans in
 
To Gross
 
 
Amount
 
Category
 
Loans
 
Amount
 
Category
 
Loans
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate -- mortgage:
                       
  Residential
$  222
 
0.27
%
55.59
%
$  217
 
0.24
%
54.36
%
  Commercial
726
 
1.96
 
24.99
 
759
 
1.83
 
25.28
 
  Land
25
 
0.31
 
5.36
 
26
 
0.28
 
5.76
 
  Second mortgage loans
31
 
0.86
 
2.47
 
32
 
0.76
 
2.54
 
Consumer
82
 
0.95
 
5.84
 
177
 
1.82
 
5.93
 
Commercial business
1,388
 
16.27
 
5.75
 
1,640
 
16.30
 
6.13
 
    Total allowance for
                       
      loan losses
$2,474
 
1.67
%
100.00
%
$2,851
 
1.74
%
100.00
%


19

Securities Activity

Savings and loan associations have authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including United States Treasury obligations, securities of various Federal agencies and of state and municipal governments, deposits at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Des Moines, certificates of deposit of federally insured institutions, certain bankers' acceptances and federal funds. Subject to various restrictions, savings institutions may also invest a portion of their assets in commercial paper, corporate debt securities and mutual funds, the assets of which conform to the investments that federally chartered savings institutions are otherwise authorized to make directly.  Savings institutions are also required to maintain minimum levels of liquid assets which vary from time to time.  See "Regulation of First Home -- Federal Home Loan Bank System."  The Savings Bank may decide to increase its liquidity depending upon the availability of funds and comparative yields on securities in relation to return on loans.

Routine short-term investment decisions, which are reported monthly to the Board of Directors, are made by the Savings Bank’s President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller, who act within policies established by the Board. Those securities include federally insured certificates of deposit, FHLB time obligations, bankers acceptances, treasury obligations, U.S. Government agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities, bank qualifying municipal tax exempt bonds, and corporate bonds.  Securities not within the parameters of the policies require prior Board approval.  Securities are purchased for investment purposes.  The goals of the Savings Bank's investment policy are to select securities based on safety first, flexibility second and diversification third. In addition, as a result of the concern with interest rate risk exposure, there has been a focus on short-term investments.  At June 30, 2009, the Company's and the Savings Bank's securities portfolio totaled $49.5 million (of which $45.3 million were available for sale) and consisted primarily of federal agency obligations securities, federal agency mortgage-backed securities, common stocks, FHLB stock and municipal bonds.  For further information concerning the Savings Bank's securities portfolio, see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report.

Securities Analysis

The following table sets forth the Company's and the Savings Bank's securities portfolio at carrying value at the dates indicated. Securities that are held-to-maturity are shown at amortized cost, and securities that are available-for-sale are shown at the current market value.

 
At June 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
Book
 
Percent
 
Book
 
Percent
 
Book
 
Percent
 
 
Value
 
Of
 
Value
 
Of
 
Value
 
Of
 
 
(1)
 
Portfolio
 
(1)
 
Portfolio
 
(1)
 
Portfolio
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                       
United States Government
                       
   and Federal agencies
                       
   obligations
$ 8,609
 
17.40
%
$ 6,157
 
13.21
%
$13,460
 
30.79
%
Obligations of state and
                       
   political subdivisions
1,854
 
3.75
 
3,109
 
6.67
 
3,510
 
8.03
 
Federal agency mortgage-
                       
   backed securities
37,167
 
75.10
 
35,460
 
76.06
 
24,856
 
56.85
 
   Total debt securities
47,630
 
96.25
 
44,726
 
95.94
 
41,826
 
95.67
 
                         
Equity securities:
                       
FHLB stock
1,581
 
3.19
 
1,613
 
3.46
 
1,614
 
3.69
 
Other
278
 
0.56
 
279
 
0.60
 
281
 
0.64
 
   Total equity
     securities
1,859
 
3.75
 
1,892
 
4.06
 
1,895
 
4.33
 
Total securities
$49,489
 
100.00
%
$46,618
 
100.00
%
$43,721
 
100.00
%
 
 
  
 

 
20

 
 
_____________ 
 (1)
The market value of the Company's and the Savings Bank's securities portfolio amounted to $49.5 million, $46.7 million and $43.5 million at June 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  At June 30, 2009, the market value of the principal component of the Company's and the Savings Bank’s securities portfolio which were federal agencies mortgage-backed securities was $37.2 million. 
 
       The following table sets forth the maturities and weighted average yields of the debt securities in the Company's and the Savings Bank's investment securities portfolio at June 30, 2009.

     
After One Year
 
After Five Years
     
 
One Year or Less
 
Through Five Years
 
Through Ten Years
 
After Ten Years
 
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
United States
                               
   Government
                               
   and Federal
                               
   agencies
                               
   obligations
$   -
 
-
%
$ 6,605
 
3.53
%
$2,004
 
3.23
%
$     -
 
-
%
                                 
Obligations of
                               
   state and
                               
   political
                               
   subdivisions
220
 
3.83
 
1,170
 
4.17
 
464
 
4.81
 
-
 
-
 
                                 
Mortgage-backed
                               
   securities
621
 
4.01
 
2,796
 
4.64
 
6,630
 
4.76
 
27,390
 
5.13
 
Total debt
    securities
$ 841
     
$10,571
     
$8,828
     
$27,390
     


At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank held no security which had an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of the Company's stockholders' equity.

To supplement lending activities in periods of deposit growth and/or declining loan demand, the Savings Bank has invested in residential mortgage-backed securities.  Although such securities are held for investment, they can serve as collateral for borrowings and, through repayments, as a source of liquidity.  For information regarding the carrying and market values of the Savings Bank's mortgage-backed securities portfolio, see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report.  The Savings Bank has invested in federal agency securities issued by FHLMC, FNMA and Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA").  As of June 30, 2009, 21.9% of the outstanding balance of the mortgage-backed securities had adjustable rates of interest that adjust within the next two years.  As of June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank's portfolio included $37.4 million of mortgage-backed securities purchased as investments to supplement the Savings Bank's mortgage lending activities.

The FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA certificates are modified pass-through mortgage-backed securities that represent undivided interests in underlying pools of fixed-rate, or certain types of adjustable-rate, one-to-four family residential mortgages issued by these government-sponsored entities.  As a result, the interest rate risk characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages, such as fixed- or adjustable-rate, as well as prepayment risk, are passed on to the certificate holder.  FHLMC and FNMA provide the certificate holder a guarantee of timely payments of interest and ultimate collection of principal, whether or not they have been collected.  GNMA's guarantee to the holder of timely payments of principal and interest is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.  Mortgage-backed securities generally yield less than the loans that underlie such securities, because of the cost of payment guarantees or credit enhancements that reduce credit risk.  In addition, mortgage-backed
 
 
21

 
securities are more liquid than individual mortgage loans and may be used to collateralize obligations of the Savings Bank. At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank owned no mortgage derivative products.

As of June 30, 2009, neither the Company nor the Savings Bank had investments in preferred or common stock of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds

General.  Deposits and loan repayments are the major source of the Savings Bank's funds for lending and other investment purposes.  Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions.  Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in the availability of funds from other sources.  They may also be used on a longer term basis for general business purposes.

Deposit Accounts.  Deposits are attracted from within the Savings Bank's primary market area through the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments, including negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW") accounts, money market accounts, regular savings accounts, certificates of deposit and retirement savings plans.  Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time periods the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate, among other factors.  In determining the terms of its deposit accounts, the Savings Bank considers the rates offered by its competition, profitability to the Savings Bank, matching deposit and loan products and its customer preferences and concerns.  The Savings Bank does not have brokered deposits on its books. The Savings Bank generally reviews its deposit mix and pricing at least weekly, and adjusts it as necessitated by liquidity needs, the interest rate sensitivity gap position (which is the extent to which interest earning assets re-pricing during a specified time period exceed interest bearing liabilities re-pricing during the same time period, or vice versa) and competition.

The Savings Bank experienced a modest deposit decrease of $5.4 million during the year ended June 30, 2009. The money market savings account, first introduced late in calendar 2006, decreased by $5.2 million in fiscal 2009 from $39.9 million at June 30, 2008 to $34.7 million at June 30, 2009. Additionally, certificates of deposit decreased by $927,000 from $87.1 million at June 30, 2008 to $86.2 million at June 30, 2009. The decreases in money market savings and certificates of deposit were partially offset by increases in both non-interest-bearing checking accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts during the year. During most of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, with the exception our e-checking product, the rates paid by the Savings Bank were below the mid-point of the range of rates offered by competitors in each type and maturity of account. There were, however, two or three short periods of time during fiscal 2009, when the Savings Bank increased rates in selected maturities to improve cash flows. During those times the offering rates were near the top of those among our competitors.

The following table sets forth information concerning the Savings Bank's time deposits and other interest-bearing deposits at June 30, 2009.
 
 
22


Weighted
                     
Average
               
Percentage
Interest
         
Minimum
     
of Total
 
Rate
 
Term
 
Category
 
Amount
 
Balance
 
Deposits
 
             
(Dollars in thousands)
   
0.00%
 
None
 
Non-interest bearing
 
$ 100
 
$ 14,740
 
7.79
%
0.84
 
None
 
NOW accounts
 
100
 
32,485
 
17.17
 
1.08
 
None
 
Super Saver accounts
 
1,000
 
9,316
 
4.92
 
0.75
 
None
 
Savings accounts
 
   25
 
11,778
 
6.22
 
1.96
 
None
 
Money Market Savings
 
10,000
 
34,711
 
18.34
 
                       
       
Certificates of deposit
             
1.30
 
3 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
841
 
0.44
 
2.06
 
6 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
9,070
 
4.79
 
2.38
 
9 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
1,847
 
0.98
 
3.12
 
11 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
5,005
 
2.65
 
2.40
 
12 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
12,501
 
6.61
 
2.98
 
15 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
1,794
 
0.95
 
2.72
 
18 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
1,284
 
0.68
 
3.49
 
21 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
26
 
0.01
 
3.24
 
24 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
6,687
 
3.53
 
3.49
 
27 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
26
 
0.01
 
3.54
 
30 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
507
 
0.27
 
3.49
 
33 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
26
 
0.01
 
3.58
 
36 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
1,217
 
0.64
 
4.05
 
48 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
572
 
0.30
 
4.08
 
60 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
2,323
 
1.23
 
3.65
 
72 months
Fixed term, fixed rate
 
500
 
22
 
0.01
 
Various
 
Various
 
Fixed term, adjustable rate
500
 
13,709
 
7.25
 
Various
 
Various
 
        Jumbo certificates
 
 100,000
 
28,731
 
15.20
 
               
$189,218
 
100.00
%

           The following table indicates the amount of the Savings Bank's jumbo certificates of deposit by time remaining until maturity as of June 30, 2009.  Jumbo certificates of deposit require minimum deposits of $100,000 and rates paid on such accounts are negotiable.

   
Jumbo
   
Certificates
Maturity Period
 
Of Deposit
   
(In thousands)
Three months or less
 
$ 6,566
After three through six months
6,171
After six through twelve months
7,040
After twelve months
 
8,954
     Total
 
$28,731

    Time Deposits by Rates. The following table sets forth the time deposits in the Savings Bank classified by rates as of the dates indicated.

23


 
     
 
   
At June 30,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
0.00 - 1.49%
 
$ 4,060
 
                          $          -
 
1.50 - 2.49%
 
26,881
 
11,561
 
2.50 - 3.49%
 
35,297
 
23,575
 
3.50 - 4.49%
 
6,384
 
22,754
 
4.50 - 5.00%
 
11,879
 
22,710
 
5.01 – 5.49%
 
1,566
 
6,290
 
Over 5.49%
 
121
 
225
 
Total
 
$86,188
 
$87,115
 

The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of time deposits at June 30, 2009.

   
Amount Due
         
       
More
 
More
More
           
       
than
 
Than
 
than
         
Percent
 
       
One Year
 
2 Years
 
3 Years
         
of Total
 
   
One Year
 
thru
 
Thru
 
thru
After 4
 
Certificate
   
Or less
 
2 Years
 
3 Years
 
4 Years
 
 Years
 
Total
 
Accounts
 
   
(In thousands)
     
0.00 - 1.49%
$   831
 
$ 1,035
 
$    -
 
$2,194
 
$  -
 
$ 4,060
 
4.71
%
1.50 - 2.49%
24,721
 
1,046
 
797
 
317
 
-
 
26,881
 
31.19
 
2.50 - 3.49%
23,236
 
9,577
 
1,553
 
399
 
532
 
35,297
 
40.95
 
3.50 - 4.49%
5,092
 
200
 
925
 
165
 
2
 
6,384
 
7.41
 
4.50 - 5.00%
5,633
 
4,184
 
1,160
 
902
 
-
 
11,879
 
13.78
 
5.01 – 5.49%
810
 
249
 
242
 
265
 
-
 
1,566
 
1.82
 
Over 5.49%
 
121
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
121
 
0.14
 
Total
 
$60,444
 
$16,291
 
$4,677
 
$4,242
 
$534
 
$86,188
 
100.00
%


Deposit Flow. The following table sets forth the balances of savings deposits in the various types of savings accounts offered by the Savings Bank at the dates indicated.

   
At June 30,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
       
Percent
         
Percent
     
       
Of
 
         Increase
     
Of
 
Increase
 
   
Amount
 
Total
 
(Decrease)
Amount
 
Total
 
(Decrease)
 
         
(Dollars in thousands)
       
                           
Non-interest bearing
$ 14,740
 
7.79
%
$2,402
 
$ 12,338
 
6.34
%
$  (378)
 
NOW checking
 
32,485
 
17.17
 
373
 
32,112
 
16.50
 
     304
 
Regular savings
                         
  accounts
 
9,316
 
4.92
 
(1,422)
 
12,386
 
6.37
 
(223)
 
Super Saver accounts
11,778
 
6.22
 
(608)
 
10,738
 
5.52
 
(2,637)
 
Money Market
                         
  savings accounts
34,711
 
18.33
 
(5,193)
 
39,904
 
20.50
 
    3,618
 
Fixed-rate
                         
 certificates
                         
 Which mature (1):
                       
   Within 1 year
 
52,859
 
27.95
 
(1,062)
 
53,921
 
27.72
 
    3,651
 
   After 1 year, but
                       
    Within 2 years
11,202
 
5.92
 
5,729
 
5,473
 
2.81
 
    1,710
 
   After 2 years, but
                     
    Within 5 years
3,923
 
2.07
 
315
 
3,608
 
1.85
 
    1,298
 
   
15
 
0.01
 
15
             
Adjustable-rate
                         
  certificates
 
18,189
 
9.61
 
(5,924)
 
24,113
 
12.39
 
(2,840)
 
Total
                         
  certificates
 
86,188
 
45.56
 
(927)
 
87,115
 
44.77
 
    3,819
 
        Total
 
$189,218
 
100.00
%
$(5,375)
 
$194,593
 
100.00
%
   $ 4,503
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

24

 
 
______________ 
 (1) 
At June 30, 2009 and 2008, jumbo certificates of deposit amounted to $28.7 million and $27.0 million, respectively, and Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) amounted to $25.1 million and $23.0 million at those dates, respectively. 
 
The following table sets forth the savings activities of the Savings Bank for the periods indicated.

   
Years Ended June 30,
   
2009
 
2008
   
(In thousands)
Beginning balance
 
$194,593
 
$190,090
Net increase (decrease)
       
  before interest credited
 
(9,596)
 
(1,692)
Interest credited
 
4,221
 
 6,195
Net increase/(decrease) in
       
  savings deposits
 
(5,375)
 
 4,503
Ending balance
 
$189,218
 
$194,593

In the unlikely event the Savings Bank is liquidated, depositors will be entitled to full payment of their deposit accounts prior to any payment being made to the Company, as sole stockholder of the Savings Bank.  Substantially all of the Savings Bank's depositors are residents of the State of Missouri.

Retail Repurchase Agreements.  In December 2006, the Savings Bank began to offer retail repurchase agreements.  This was done to provide an additional product for its existing customer base and to attract new customers who would find the product beneficial.  Customers with large balances in checking accounts benefit by having those balances which exceed a predetermined level "swept" out of the checking account and into a retail repurchase account.  The repurchase account earns interest at a floating market rate and is uninsured. However, the balance is collateralized by designated investment securities of the Savings Bank.  At June 30, 2009, the balances of retail repurchase agreements totaled $5.7 million.

Borrowings.  Savings deposits are the primary source of funds for the Savings Bank's lending and investment activities and for its general business purposes.  The Savings Bank also relies on advances from the FHLB-Des Moines to supply funds and to act as a source of liquidity, if needed.  The FHLB-Des Moines has served as the Savings Bank's primary borrowing source.  Advances from the FHLB-Des Moines are typically secured by the Savings Bank's first mortgage loans.  These advances require monthly payments of interest only with principal due at maturity and have fixed rates. At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had $10.0 million in advances from the FHLB-Des Moines.

The following tables set forth certain information concerning the Savings Bank's borrowings at the dates and for the periods indicated.

 
At June 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Weighted average rate paid on 
           
   FHLB advances
3.05
%
5.75
%
5.75
%
             
 
Years Ended June 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maximum amounts of FHLB advances
           
   outstanding at any month end
$29,000
 
$22,000
 
$25,000
 
Approximate average FHLB advances
           
   Outstanding
$22,846
 
$22,000
 
24,077
 
Approximate average effective rate
           
   paid on FHLB advances
5.14
%
5.85
%
5.76
%
 
 

 
25

The FHLB-Des Moines functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for savings and loan associations and other member financial institutions.  As a member, the Savings Bank is required to own capital stock in the FHLB-Des Moines and is authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of its mortgage loans and other assets (principally securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States) provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have been met.  Advances are made pursuant to several different programs.  Each credit program has its own interest rate and range of maturities.  Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based either on a fixed percentage of an institution's retained earnings or on the FHLB's assessment of the institution's creditworthiness. The FHLB-Des Moines determines specific lines of credit for each member institution. As of June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank, based on the available collateral could have borrowed an additional $25.0 million in advances from the FHLB. During fiscal 2009, the Savings Bank determined to prepay $19.0 million in fixed-rate convertible advances with a weighted average interest cost of 5.88%. A penalty for the prepayment totaled just over $1.2 million, which amount is included in other operating expense.

Subsidiary Activities

Fybar Service Corporation ("Fybar") is a Missouri corporation wholly-owned by the Savings Bank.  Until May 2007, Fybar owned five rental properties, which were transferred to the Company.  The transfer of the real estate was done to comply with one of the requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding with the OTS, specifically that Fybar either divest itself of its real estate holdings or apply for an exception from the FDIC. Management believes that the transfer to the Company was the best and most expeditious way to meet the MOU requirement.  The transfer was done at the net book value on Fybar's books.  The Company took title to the properties, assumed the mortgage obligation to the Savings Bank, paid a portion of the difference between the net book value of the real estate and the balance of the mortgage in cash and executed a note payable to Fybar for the remainder of the difference. During the year ended June 30, 2008, the Company paid off its note to Fybar.

Fybar serves as Trustee on all the Savings Bank's deeds of trust, is a registered agent and receives limited income from credit life and accident and health policies written in conjunction with the Savings Bank's loans.

At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had an investment in Fybar of $612,000.

Regulation of First Home

As a Missouri-chartered and federally insured savings and loan association, First Home is subject to extensive regulation.  Lending activities and other investments must comply with various statutory and regulatory capital requirements.  The Savings Bank is regularly examined by its state and federal regulators and files periodic reports concerning the Savings Bank's activities and financial condition.  The Savings Bank's relationship with its depositors and borrowers is also regulated to a great extent by federal and state laws, especially in such matters as the ownership of savings accounts and the form and content of the Savings Bank's mortgage documents.

Missouri Savings and Loan Law

General.  As a Missouri-chartered savings and loan association, First Home derives its authority from, and is governed by, the provisions of the Missouri Savings and Loan Law ("Missouri Law") and regulations of the Missouri Division of Finance ("Division").  The Director of the Missouri Division of Finance ("Director") proposes regulations which must then be approved, amended, modified or disapproved by the State Savings and Loan Commission ("Commission").  Missouri Law and the resulting regulations are administered by the Director.
 
 
26


Investments and Accounts. Missouri Law and regulations impose restrictions on the types of investments and loans that may be made by a Missouri-chartered institution, generally bringing these restrictions into parity with the regulation of federally chartered institutions.  The manner of establishing accounts and evidencing the same is prescribed, as are the obligations of the institution with respect to withdrawals from accounts and redemption of accounts.  The Director may also impose or grant the same restrictions, duties and powers concerning deposits as are applicable to federal institutions under federal rules and regulations.

Branch Offices.  Under Missouri Law, no institution may establish a branch office or agency without the prior written approval of the Director.  The Director reviews the proposed location, the functions to be performed at the office, the estimated volume of business, the estimated annual expense of the office and the mode of payments.  Decisions of the Director may be appealed to the Commission.  The relocation or closing of any office is subject to additional regulation and in certain circumstances may require prior approval.

Merger or Consolidation.  Missouri Law permits the merger or consolidation of savings institutions, subject to the approval by the Director, when the Director finds that such merger or consolidation is equitable to the members or account holders of the institutions and will not impair the usefulness and success of other properly conducted institutions in the community.  Mergers or consolidations of mutual institutions must also be approved by a majority of the members of each institution.  Stock institutions must obtain shareholder approval pursuant to the Missouri statutes relating to general and business corporations.

Holding Companies.  Missouri Law requires a savings and loan holding company and its subsidiaries to register with the Director within 60 days of becoming a savings and loan holding company.  Following registration it is subject to examination by the Division and thereafter must file periodic reports with the Director.  A savings and loan holding company may acquire control of an institution, which is the subsidiary of another savings and loan holding company upon application and prior written approval of the Director.  The Director, in reviewing the application, must determine if such acquisition is consistent with the interests of maintaining a sound financial system and that the acquisition does not afford a basis for supervisory objection.

Examination.  Periodic reports to the Division must be made by each Missouri-chartered institution.  The Division conducts and supervises the examination of state-chartered institutions.

Supervision.  The Director has general supervisory authority over Missouri-chartered institutions and upon the Director's finding that an institution is violating the provisions of its articles of incorporation, its bylaws or any law of the state, or is conducting business in an unsafe or injurious manner, the Director may order the institution to discontinue such violation or practice, and to conform with all the requirements of law.  The Director may demand and take possession of the institution, if the institution fails to comply with the Director's order, if the Director determines that the institution is insolvent, in an unsafe condition or conducting business in an unsafe manner, or if the institution refuses to submit to examination or inspection by the Division.
 
Federal Regulation of Savings Banks

Office of Thrift Supervision.  The OTS is an office in the Department of the Treasury subject to the general oversight of the Secretary of the Treasury. Among other functions, the OTS issues and enforces regulations affecting federally-insured savings associations and regularly examines these institutions.
 
 
27


The OTS has extensive authority over the operations of all insured savings associations.  As part of this authority, First Home is required to file periodic reports with the OTS District Director and is subject to periodic examinations by the OTS and the FDIC.  The OTS and FDIC have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.  Any change in these policies, whether by the OTS, the FDIC or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and the Savings Bank.

The OTS has established a schedule for the assessment of fees upon all savings associations to fund the operations of the OTS.  A schedule of fees has also been established for the various types of applications and filings made by savings associations with the OTS.  The general assessment, paid on a semi-annual basis, is determined based upon the savings association's total assets, including consolidated subsidiaries, as reported in the savings association's latest quarterly thrift financial report.  For the first half of calendar 2009, the Savings Bank's assessment under the semi-annual assessment procedure was $51,000.  Based on the current assessment rates published by the OTS and First Home's total assets of approximately $241.7 million at March 31, 2009, First Home will be required to pay a semi-annual assessment of $55,000 for the second half of calendar year 2009.

If the OTS deems an institution to be in “troubled condition” (because it receives a composite CAMELS rating of 4 or 5, is subject to a cease and desist or consent order, a capital or prompt corrective action directive, or a formal written agreement, or because of other reasons), the institution will become subject to various restrictions, such as growth limits, requirement for prior application of any new director or senior executive officer, restrictions on dividends, compensation and golden parachute and indemnification payments, and restrictions on transactions with affiliates and third parties.  Higher assessment and application fees will also apply.

In addition, the OTS, as well as the other federal banking agencies, has adopted guidelines establishing safety and soundness standards on such matters as loan underwriting and documentation, asset quality, earnings, internal controls and audit systems, interest rate risk exposure and compensation and other employee benefits.  Any institution that fails to comply with these standards must submit a compliance plan.  In this regard, both the Company and the Savings Bank stipulated to Cease and Desist Orders from OTS in August 2009. For additional information regarding the Cease and Desist Orders, see "-Corporate Developments and Overview."

Insurance of Accounts and Regulation by the FDIC. The Savings Bank's deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the FDIC.  The DIF is the successor to the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund, which were merged effective March 31, 2006.  Pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which was enacted into law on October 3, 2008, FDIC insurance coverage was temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000 until December 31, 2013. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of, and to require reporting by, FDIC-insured institutions.  It also may prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the insurance fund. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions against savings institutions, after giving the OTS an opportunity to take such action, and may terminate the deposit insurance if it determines that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.
 
The FDIC applies risk-based assessment system under authority granted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, which was enacted in 2006
 
 
28

(“Reform Act”). The FDIC assesses deposit insurance premiums on each FDIC-insured institution quarterly based on annualized rates for four risk categories applied to its deposits, subject to certain adjustments. Each institution is assigned to one of four risk categories based on its capital, supervisory ratings and other factors. Well capitalized institutions that are financially sound with only a few minor weaknesses are assigned to Risk Category I. Risk Categories II, III and IV present progressively greater risks to the DIF. Under FDIC’s risk-based assessment rules, effective April 1, 2009, the initial base assessment rates prior to adjustments range from 12 to 16 basis points for Risk Category I, and  are 22 basis points for Risk Category II, 32 basis points for Risk Category III, and 45 basis points for Risk Category IV.  Initial base assessment rates are subject to adjustments based on an institution’s unsecured debt, secured liabilities and brokered deposits, such that the total base assessment rates after adjustments range from 7 to 24 basis points for Risk Category I, 17 to 43 basis points for Risk Category II, 27 to 58 basis points for Risk Category III, and 40 to 77.5 basis points for Risk Category IV.  The FDIC’s regulations include authority for the FDIC to increase or decrease total base assessment rates in the future by as much as three basis points without a formal rulemaking proceeding.  No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the FDIC assessment.
The Reform Act provided the FDIC with authority to adjust the DIF ratio to insured deposits within a range of 1.15% and 1.50%, in contrast to the prior statutorily fixed ratio of 1.25%.  The ratio, which is viewed by the FDIC as the level that the fund should achieve, was established by the agency at 1.25%.
 
A significant increase in insurance premiums would likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Savings Bank.  There can be no prediction as to what insurance assessment rates will be in the future.  Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or the OTS.  Management of the Savings Bank is not aware of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of the Savings Bank’s deposit insurance.

On May 22, 2009, the Board of Directors of the FDIC voted to levy a special assessment on insured institutions as part of the agency’s efforts to rebuild the DIF and help maintain public confidence in the banking system.  The final rule establishes a special assessment of five basis points on each FDIC-insured depository institution’s assets, minus its Tier 1 capital, as of June 30, 2009. The special assessment will be collected September 30, 2009.  Accordingly, the Savings Bank accrued $99,400 for this special assessment in June 2009.

The special assessment is assessed against assets minus Tier 1 capital rather than domestic deposits, but the assessment will be capped at 10 basis points of an institution’s domestic deposits so that no institution would pay an amount higher than they would have paid under the interim rule. The special assessment rule also permits the FDIC to impose two additional special assessments, each of the same amount or less, based on assets, capital and deposits as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009, to be collected, respectively, on December 31, 2009 and March 30, 2010.  The FDIC has announced that the first of the additional special assessments is probable and the second is less certain.

Federal Home Loan Bank System.  The Savings Bank is a member of the FHLB-Des Moines, which is one of 12 regional FHLBs that administer the home financing credit function of member financial institutions.  Each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region.  It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System.  It makes loans or advances to members in
 
 
 
29

accordance with policies and procedures, established by the Board of Directors of the FHLB, which are subject to the oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Board.  All advances from the FHLB are required to be fully secured by sufficient collateral as determined by the FHLB.  In addition, all long-term advances are required to provide funds for residential home financing.  At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had $10.0 million of outstanding advances from the FHLB-Des Moines.  See “Business -- Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds -- Borrowings” herein.

As a member, the Savings Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the FHLB-Des Moines.  At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had $1.5 million in FHLB-Des Moines stock, which was in compliance with this requirement.  In past years, the Savings Bank has received substantial dividends on its FHLB-Des Moines stock.  The average dividend yield for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 was 0.94%, 4.46% and 4.97%, respectively.  There can be no assurance  that the FHLB-Des Moines will maintain its dividend at these levels.

The FHLBs continue to contribute to low- and moderately-priced housing programs through direct loans or interest subsidies on advances targeted for community investment and low- and moderate-income housing projects.  These contributions have affected adversely the level of FHLB dividends paid and could continue to do so in the future.  These contributions could also have an adverse effect on the value of FHLB stock in the future.  A reduction in value of the Savings Bank's FHLB stock may result in a corresponding reduction in the Savings Bank's capital.

Prompt Corrective Action.  The OTS is required to take certain supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings associations, the severity of which depends upon the institution's degree of under-capitalization. Generally, an institution is considered to be “undercapitalized” if it has a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 4% (3% or less for institutions with the highest examination rating), a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 8.0%, or a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 4.0%.  An institution that has a core capital ratio that is less than 3%, a capital ratio less than 6%, and a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of less than 3% is considered to be "significantly undercapitalized" and an institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be "critically undercapitalized."

Subject to a narrow exception, the OTS is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a savings institution that is "critically under-capitalized."  OTS regulations also require that a capital restoration plan be filed with the OTS within 45 days of the date a savings institution receives notice that it is "undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized" or "critically undercapitalized." The capital plan must include a guarantee by the institution’s holding company, capped at the lesser of 5.0% of the institution’s assets when it was on notice that it was undercapitalized, or the amount necessary to restore it to adequately capitalized status when it initially fails to comply with its capital restoration plan. In addition, numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to an undercapitalized institution, including, but not limited to, increased monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth, capital distributions and expansion.  “Significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to more extensive mandatory regulatory actions.  Under various circumstances, the OTS also can take one or more of a number of further supervisory actions against an institution that is not at least adequately capitalized,, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

At June 30, 2009, First Home was a "well capitalized" institution under the prompt corrective action regulations of the OTS.  The OTS defines “well capitalized” to mean that an institution has a core capital ratio of at least 5.0%, a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.0% and a
 
 
30

 
ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, and is not subject to a written agreement, order or directive requiring it to maintain any specific capital measure.  An “adequately capitalized” institution is one that does not meet the definition of “well capitalized” and has a core capital ratio of at least 4.0%, a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0% and a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.0%.  The OTS may reclassify an institution to a lower capital category based on various supervisory criteria.  An “adequately capitalized” institution is subject to restrictions on deposit rates under the FDIC’s brokered deposit rule which covers, in some circumstances, deposits solicited directly by the institution.

Standards for Safety and Soundness. As required by statute, the federal banking agencies have adopted Interagency Guidelines prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness.  The Guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the OTS determines that a savings institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the Guidelines, the OTS may require the institution to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard.  Management is aware of no conditions relating to these safety and soundness standards which would require submission of a plan of compliance.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test.  All savings associations, including First Home, are required to meet a qualified thrift lender test to avoid certain restrictions on their operations.  This test requires a savings association to have at least 65% of its total assets, as defined by regulation, in qualified thrift investments on a monthly average for nine out of every 12 months on a rolling basis.  As an alternative, the savings association may maintain 60% of its assets in those assets specified in Section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”).  Under either test, such assets primarily consist of residential housing related loans and investments.  A savings association that fails to meet the qualified thrift lender test is subject to certain operating restrictions and may be required to convert to a national bank charter.  At June 30, 2009, First Home maintained 76.9% of it portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments and, therefore, met the qualified thrift lender test.

Capital Requirements.  The OTS's capital regulations require federal savings institutions to meet three minimum capital standards: a 1.5% tangible capital ratio, a 4% core capital ratio  and an 8% risk-based capital ratio. In addition, the prompt corrective action standards discussed above also establish, in effect, minimum ratios of 2% tangible capital, 4% core capital (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS system), 8% risk-based capital and,  4% Tier I risk-based capital. The OTS regulations also require that, in meeting the tangible, core and risk-based capital ratios, institutions must generally deduct investments in and loans to subsidiaries engaged in activities as principal that are not permissible for a national bank.

The risk-based capital standard requires federal savings institutions to maintain Tier I and total capital (which is defined as core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and 8%, respectively. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, recourse obligations, residual interests and direct credit substitutes, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100%, assigned by the OTS capital regulation based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset.  Core capital is defined as common stockholders' equity (including retained earnings), certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles other than certain mortgage servicing rights and credit card relationships. The components of supplementary capital currently include cumulative preferred stock, long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities,
 
 
31

subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock, the allowance for loan losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and up to 45% of unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values.  Overall, the amount of supplementary capital included as part of total capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital.

The OTS also has authority to establish individual minimum capital requirements in appropriate cases upon a determination that an institution's capital level is or may become inadequate in light of the particular circumstances. At June 30, 2009, the Bank met each of these capital requirements, which is reflected in the  following table.

   
At June 30, 2009
 
       
Percent of              
   
Amount
 
Assets
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Tangible capital
 
$21,140
 
9.32
%
Minimum required tangible capital
3,402
 
1.50
 
Excess
 
$17,738
 
7.82
%
           
Core capital
 
$21,140
 
9.32
%
Minimum required core capital
 
9,071
 
4.00
 
Excess
 
$12,069
 
5.32
%
           
Risk-based capital
 
$22,737
 
17.57
%
Minimum risk-based capital requirement
10,351
 
8.00
 
Excess
 
$12,386
 
9.57
%

Limitations on Capital Distributions.  OTS regulations impose various restrictions on savings institutions with respect to their ability to make distributions of capital, which include dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, cash-out mergers and other transactions charged to the capital account.  Generally, savings institutions, such as the Savings Bank, that before and after the proposed distribution are well-capitalized, may make capital distributions during any calendar year up to 100% of net income for the year-to-date plus retained net income for the two preceding years. However, an institution deemed to be in need of more than normal supervision or in troubled condition by the OTS may have its dividend authority restricted by the OTS.  The Savings Bank currently is required to file an application and receive approval of the OTS prior to paying any dividends or making any capital distributions.  For additional information, see “Item 1A -- Risk Factors--Risks Related to Our Market and Business--We are subject to the restrictions and conditions of Cease and Desist Orders from, and other commitments we have made to, the Office of Thrift Supervision. Failure to comply with the Cease and Desist Orders could result in additional enforcement action against us, including the imposition of monetary penalties.”

 
Savings institutions proposing to make any capital distribution need not submit written notice to the OTS prior to such distribution unless they are a subsidiary of a holding company or would not remain well-capitalized following the distribution.  Savings institutions that do not, or would not meet their current minimum capital requirements following a proposed capital distribution or propose to exceed these net income limitations, must obtain OTS approval prior to making such distribution.  The OTS may object to the distribution during that 30-day period based on safety and soundness concerns.

Loans to One Borrower.  Federal law provides that savings institutions are generally subject to the national bank limit on loans to one borrower.  A savings institution may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus.  An additional amount may be lent, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if such loan is secured by specified readily-marketable collateral.  At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank's largest extension of credit
 
32

outstanding to any one borrower, including related entities, was $3.9 million, of which $1.1 million was unfunded.  This amount represents two participation loans secured by  a shopping center development in St. Joseph, Missouri. These loans were performing in accordance with their terms at that date.
 
The OTS, as well as the other federal banking agencies, has adopted guidelines establishing safety and soundness standards on such matters as loan underwriting and documentation, asset quality, earnings, internal controls and audit systems, interest rate risk exposure and compensation and other employee benefits.  Any institution that fails to comply with these standards must submit a compliance plan.

Activities of Savings Associations and Their Subsidiaries.  When a savings association establishes or acquires a subsidiary or elects to conduct any new activity through a subsidiary that the association controls, the savings association must notify the FDIC and the OTS 30 days in advance and provide the information each agency may require.  Savings associations also must conduct the activities of subsidiaries in accordance with existing regulations and orders.

The OTS may determine that the continuation by a savings association of its ownership control of, or its relationship to, the subsidiary constitutes a serious risk to the safety, soundness or stability of the savings association or is inconsistent with sound banking practices or with the purposes of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.  Based upon that determination, the FDIC or the OTS has the authority to order the savings association to divest itself of control of the subsidiary.  The FDIC also may determine by regulation or order that any specific activity poses a serious threat to the DIF.  If so, it may require that no DIF member engage in that activity directly.

Activities of Associations and Their Subsidiaries.  When a savings institution establishes or acquires a subsidiary or elects to conduct any new activity through a subsidiary that the association controls, the savings institution must notify the FDIC and the OTS 30 days in advance and provide the information each agency may require.  Savings institutions also must conduct the activities of subsidiaries in accordance with existing regulations and orders.

The OTS may determine that the continuation by a savings institution of its ownership, control of, or its relationship to, the subsidiary constitutes a serious risk to the safety, soundness or stability of the savings institution or is inconsistent with sound banking practices or with the purposes of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.  Based upon that determination, the FDIC or the OTS has the authority to order the savings institution to divest itself of control of the subsidiary.  The FDIC also may determine by regulation or order that any specific activity poses a serious threat to the DIF.  If so, it may require that no DIF member engage in that activity directly.

Transactions with Affiliates. The Savings Bank's authority to engage in transactions with "affiliates" is limited by OTS regulations and by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act as implemented by the Federal Reserve Board's Regulation W.  The term "affiliates" for these purposes generally means any company that controls or is under common control with an institution.  The Company and its non-savings institution subsidiaries would be affiliates of the Savings Bank.  In general, transactions with affiliates must be on terms that are as favorable to the institution as comparable transactions with non-affiliates.  In addition, certain types of transactions are restricted to an aggregate percentage of the institution's capital. Collateral in specified amounts must be provided by affiliates in order to receive loans from an institution.  In addition, savings institutions are prohibited from lending to any affiliate that is engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and no savings institution may purchase the securities of any affiliate other than a subsidiary. Federally
 
33

insured savings institutions are subject, with certain exceptions, to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to their parent holding companies or other affiliates, on investments in the stock or other securities of affiliates and on the taking of such stock or securities as collateral from any borrower.  In addition, these institutions are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit or the providing of any property or service.  An institution deemed to be in “troubled condition” must file a notice with the OTS and obtain its non-objection to any transaction with an affiliate (subject to certain exemptions).
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("Sarbanes-Oxley Act") generally prohibits a company from making loans to its executive officers and directors. However, that act contains a specific exception for loans by a depository institution to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking laws.  Under such laws, the Savings Bank's authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders ("insiders"), as well as entities which such person's control, is limited.  The law restricts both the individual and aggregate amount of loans the Savings Bank may make to insiders based, in part, on the Savings Bank's capital position and requires certain Board approval procedures to be followed.  Such loans must be made on terms substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment.  There is an exception for loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to all employees of the institution and does not give preference to insiders over other employees.  There are additional restrictions applicable to loans to executive officers.

Community Reinvestment Act.  Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), every FDIC-insured institution has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with safe and sound banking practices to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods.  The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution's discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA.  The CRA requires the OTS, in connection with the examination of the Savings Bank, to assess the institution's record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications, such as a merger or the establishment of a branch, by the Savings Bank.  The OTS may use an unsatisfactory rating as the basis for the denial of an application.  Due to the heightened attention being given to the CRA in the past few years, the Savings Bank may be required to devote additional funds for investment and lending in its local community.  The Savings Bank was examined for CRA compliance and received a rating of outstanding in its latest examination.
 
Regulatory and Criminal Enforcement Provisions.  The OTS has primary enforcement responsibility over savings institutions and has the authority to bring action against all "institution-affiliated parties," including stockholders, attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution.  Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to the removal of officers or directors, receivership, conservatorship or termination of deposit insurance.  Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and can amount to $25,000 per day, or $1.1 million per day in especially egregious cases.  The FDIC has the authority to recommend to the Director of the OTS that an enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular savings institution. If the Director does not take action, the FDIC has authority to take such action under certain circumstances.  Federal law also establishes criminal penalties for certain violations.
 

 
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Environmental Issues Associated with Real Estate Lending.  The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), a federal statute, generally imposes strict liability on all prior and present "owners and operators" of sites containing hazardous waste.  However, Congress asked to protect secured creditors by providing that the term "owner and operator" excludes a person whose ownership is limited to protecting its security interest in the site.  Since the enactment of the CERCLA, this "secured creditor exemption" has been the subject of judicial interpretations which have left open the possibility that lenders could be liable for cleanup costs on contaminated property that they hold as collateral for a loan.  In addition, lenders, such as the Savings Bank, may be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to real estate properties that are placed in foreclosure that they subsequently take title to.  For additional information, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Market and Business -- Our real estate lending also exposes us to the risk of environmental liabilities.”
 
To the extent that legal uncertainty exists in this area, all creditors, including the Savings Bank, that have made loans secured by properties with potential hazardous waste contamination (such as petroleum contamination) could be subject to liability for cleanup costs, which costs often substantially exceed the value of the collateral property.

Privacy Standards.  The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 ("GLBA") modernized the financial services industry by establishing a comprehensive framework to permit affiliations among commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms and other financial service providers.  The Savings Bank is subject to OTS regulations implementing the privacy protection provisions of the GLBA. These regulations require the Savings Bank to disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares "non-public personal information," to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter.

Anti-Money Laundering and Customer Identification.  Congress enacted the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the "USA Patriot Act") on October 26, 2001 in response to the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. The USA Patriot Act gives the federal government new powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing, and broadened anti-money laundering requirements.  In March 2006, Congress re-enacted certain expiring provisions of the USA Patriot Act.

Regulation of First Bancshares

General.  First Bancshares is a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to the regulatory oversight of the OTS.  Accordingly, the Company is required to register and file reports with the OTS and is subject to  regulation and examination by the OTS.  In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over the Corporation and its non-savings institution subsidiaries, which also permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to present a serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution.

Mergers and Acquisitions. The Company must obtain approval from the OTS before acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of another savings institution or savings and loan holding company or acquiring such an institution or holding company by merger, consolidation or purchase of its assets.  In evaluating an application for the Company to acquire control of a savings institution, the OTS would consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the Company and the target institution, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the DIF, the convenience and the needs of the community and competitive factors.
 

 
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The OTS may not approve any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings institutions in more than one state, subject to two exceptions; (i) the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies and (ii) the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the states of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisitions.  The states vary in the extent to which they permit interstate savings and loan holding company acquisitions.

Activities Restrictions.  The GLBA provides that no company may acquire control of a savings association after May 4, 1999 unless it engages only in the financial activities permitted for financial holding companies under the law or for multiple savings and loan holding companies as described below.  The GLBA also specifies, subject to a grandfather provision, that existing savings and loan holding companies may only engage in such activities.  The Company qualifies for the grandfathering and is therefore not restricted in terms of its activities.  Upon any non-supervisory acquisition by the company of another savings association as a separate subsidiary, the Company would become a multiple savings and loan holding company and would be limited to those activities permitted multiple savings and loan holding companies by OTS regulation.  Multiple savings and loan holding companies may engage in activities permitted for financial holding companies, and certain other activities including acting as a trustee under deed of trust and real estate investments.

If the Savings Bank fails the qualified thrift lender test, the Company must, within one year of that failure, register as, and will become subject to, the restrictions applicable to bank holding companies.  See "Regulation of First Home -- Qualified Thrift Lender Test" for information regarding the Savings Bank's qualified thrift lender test.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was signed into law on July 30, 2002 in response to public concerns regarding corporate accountability in connection with recent accounting scandals.  The stated goals of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act generally applies to all companies that file or are required to file periodic reports with the SEC, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including the Company.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act includes very specific additional disclosure requirements and corporate governance rules, requires the SEC and securities exchanges to adopt extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules and mandates further studies of certain issues by the SEC and the Comptroller General. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act represents significant federal involvement in matters traditionally left to state regulatory systems, such as the regulation of the accounting profession, and to state corporate law, such as the relationship between a board of directors and management and between a board of directors and its committees.

Taxation

Federal Taxation

General.  The Company and the Savings Bank report their income on a fiscal year basis using the accrual method of accounting and are subject to federal income taxation in the same manner as other corporations with some exceptions, including particularly the Savings Bank's reserve for bad debts discussed below.  The following discussion of tax matters is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Savings Bank or the Company.
 

 
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Bad Debt Reserve.  Historically, savings institutions such as the Savings Bank which met certain definitional tests primarily related to their assets and the nature of their business ("qualifying thrift") were permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make annual additions thereto, which may have been deducted in arriving at their taxable income.  The Savings Bank's deductions with respect to "qualifying real property loans," which are generally loans secured by certain interest in real property, were computed using an amount based on the Savings Bank's actual loss experience, or a percentage equal to 8% of the Savings Bank's taxable income, computed with certain modifications and reduced by the amount of any permitted additions to the non-qualifying reserve.  Due to the Savings Bank's loss experience, the Savings Bank generally recognized a bad debt deduction equal to 8% of taxable income.

In August 1996, the provisions repealing the current thrift bad debt rules were passed by Congress as part of "The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996."  The rules eliminate the 8% of taxable income method for deducting additions to the tax bad debt reserves for all thrifts for tax years beginning after December 31, 1995.  These rules also require that all institutions recapture all or a portion of their bad debt reserves added since the base year (last taxable year beginning before January 1, 1988).   For taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995, the Savings Bank's bad debt deduction will be determined under the experience method using a formula based on actual bad debt experience over a period of years or, if the Savings Bank is a "large" association (assets in excess of $500 million) on the basis of net charge-offs during the taxable year.  The un-recaptured base year reserves will not be subject to recapture as long as the institution continues to carry on the business of banking.  In addition, the balance of the pre-1988 bad debt reserves continue to be subject to provisions of present law referred to below that require recapture in the case of certain excess distributions to shareholders.

Distributions.  To the extent that the Savings Bank makes "non-dividend distributions" to the Company that are considered as made:  (i) from the reserve for losses on qualifying real property loans, to the extent the reserve for such losses exceeds the amount that would have been allowed under the experience method; or (ii)  from the supplemental reserve for losses on loans ("Excess Distributions"), then an amount based on the amount distributed will be included in the Savings Bank's taxable income.  Non-dividend distributions include distributions in excess of the Savings Bank's current and accumulated earnings and profits, distributions in redemption of stock, and distributions in partial or complete liquidation.  However, dividends paid out of the Savings Bank's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, will not be considered to result in a distribution from the Savings Bank's bad debt reserve.  Thus, any dividends to the Company that would reduce amounts appropriated to the Savings Bank's bad debt reserve and deducted for federal income tax purposes would create a tax liability for the Savings Bank. The amount of additional taxable income attributable to an Excess Distribution is an amount that, when reduced by the tax attributable to the income, is equal to the amount of the distribution.  Thus, if, the Savings Bank makes a "non-dividend distribution," then approximately one and one-half times the amount so used would be includable in gross income for federal income tax purposes, assuming a 35% corporate income tax rate (exclusive of state and local taxes).  See "Regulation of First Home – Limitations on Capital Distributions" for limits on the payment of dividends by the Savings Bank.  The Savings Bank does not intend to pay dividends that would result in a recapture of any portion of its tax bad debt reserve.

Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax.  The Code imposes a tax on alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI") at a rate of 20%.  The excess of the tax bad debt reserve deduction using the percentage of taxable income method over the deduction that would have been allowable under the experience method is treated as a preference item for purposes of computing the AMTI.  AMTI is increased by an amount equal to 75% of the amount by which the Savings Bank's adjusted
 
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current earnings exceed its AMTI (determined without regard to this preference and prior to reduction for net operating losses).

Dividends-Received Deduction and Other Matters.  The Company may exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from the Savings Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.  The corporate dividends-received deduction is generally 70% in the case of dividends received from unaffiliated corporations with which the Company and the Savings Bank will not file a consolidated tax return, except that if the Company or the Savings Bank owns more than 20% of the stock of a corporation distributing a dividend, then 80% of any dividends received may be deducted.

Other Federal Tax Matters.  Other changes in the federal tax system could also affect the business of the Savings Bank.  These changes include limitations on the deduction for personal interest paid or accrued by individual taxpayers, limitations on the deductibility of losses attributable to investment in certain passive activities and limitations on the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement accounts.  The Savings Bank does not believe these changes will have a material effect on its operations.

There have not been any IRS audits of the Company's and Savings Bank's consolidated Federal income tax returns during the past five years.

Missouri Taxation

Missouri-based thrift institutions, such as the Savings Bank, are subject to a special financial institutions tax, based on net income without regard to net operating loss carry-forwards, at the rate of 7% of net income.  This tax is in lieu of certain other state taxes on thrift institutions, on their property, capital or income, except taxes on tangible personal property owned by the Savings Bank and held for lease or rental to others and on real estate, contributions paid pursuant to the Unemployment Compensation Law of Missouri, social security taxes, sales taxes and use taxes.  In addition, First Home is entitled to credit against this tax all taxes paid to the State of Missouri or any political subdivision except taxes on tangible personal property owned by the Savings Bank and held for lease or rental to others and on real estate, contributions paid pursuant to the Unemployment Compensation Law of Missouri, social security taxes, sales and use taxes, and taxes imposed by the Missouri Financial Institutions Tax Law.  Missouri thrift institutions are not subject to the regular state corporate income tax.

There have not been any audits of the Savings Bank's state income tax returns during the past five years.

For additional information regarding taxation, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report.

Competition

The Savings Bank has been, and continues to be, a community-oriented savings institution offering a variety of financial resources to meet the needs of Wright, Webster, Douglas, Ozark, Christian, Stone, Taney and Green counties, Missouri.  The Savings Bank also transacts a significant amount of business in Texas county, Missouri.  The Savings Bank's deposit gathering and lending activities are concentrated in these market areas.  At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank's offices were located in Mountain Grove, Marshfield, Ava, Gainesville, Sparta, Theodosia, Crane, Galena, Kissee Mills, Rockaway Beach, and Springfield, Missouri.

The Savings Bank is the only thrift institution based in Wright County, Missouri.  The Savings Bank faces strong competition in the attraction of savings deposits and in the origination of loans.  Its most direct competition for savings deposits and loans has historically come from other thrift
 
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institutions and from commercial banks, small loan companies and credit unions located in its primary market area, some with a state-wide or regional presence.  The Savings Bank also competes with securities firms, money market funds and mutual funds in raising deposits.  Many of these institutions are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than the Savings Bank.
 
The competitive factors among financial institutions can be classified into two categories; competitive rates and competitive services.  Interest rates are widely advertised and thus competitive, especially in the area of time deposits.  From a service standpoint, financial institutions compete against each other in types and quality of services.  The Savings Bank is generally competitive with other financial institutions in its area with respect to interest rates paid on time and savings deposits, fees charged on deposit accounts, and interest rates charged on loans.  With respect to services, the Savings Bank offers a customer service-oriented atmosphere which management believes is tailored to its customers' needs.

The Savings Bank also believes it benefits from its focus on meeting the needs of it community  as well as its relatively high core deposit base.

Executive Officers

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company and the Savings Bank.
 
 Name Age (1) Position 
     
Thomas M. Sutherland 
57 
Chairman of the Board and Chief 
       Executive Officer of the Company and
       the Savings Bank
     
Lannie E. Crawford  58 
President of the Company and the Savings
      Bank 
     
Ronald J. Walters 
59 
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and 
     Chief Financial Officer of the
     Company and the Savings Bank
     
Dale W. Keenan 46 
Executive Vice President and Senior 
     Lender of the Savings Bank
_________________
(1)  
As of June 30, 2009.

The principal occupation of each executive officer of the Company is set forth below.  All executive officers reside in the Savings Bank's primary trade area in Missouri, unless otherwise stated. There are no family relationships among or between the executive officers, unless otherwise stated.

Thomas M. Sutherland was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Savings Bank effective November 6, 2008.  Mr. Sutherland, a resident of Springfield, Missouri, has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company’s and Savings Bank’s Boards of Directors since 2005. Previously, Mr. Sutherland was one of the owners and operators of the Sutherlands Home Improvement Centers group of stores.

Lannie E. Crawford was appointed as President of the Company and the Savings Bank effective November 6, 2008.  Mr. Crawford joined the Savings Bank in November 2007 and has more than 30 years of experience with financial institutions. Prior to joining the Company and the Savings Bank, Mr. Crawford served as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Sun Security Bank, Mountain Grove, Missouri from 2003 until November 2007.
 
 
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Ronald J. Walters joined the Company and the Savings Bank on November 20, 2006 as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Walters, a CPA, was previously Senior Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Meta Financial Group and MetaBank in Storm Lake, Iowa from 2003 to 2006.  He has over 31 years experience in financial services.

Dale W. Keenan joined the Savings Bank on March 11, 2007 as Executive Vice President and Senior Lender.  Mr. Keenan was previously a Senior Vice President and Senior Lender for Heritage Bank of the Ozarks in Lebanon, Missouri from 2003 to 2007.  Mr. Keenan has over 25 years of experience in financial services.

Personnel

As of June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had 93 full-time employees and 21 part-time employees.  The Savings Bank believes that employees play a vital role in the success of a service company and that the Savings Bank's relationship with its employees is good.  The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent in our business. Before you invest in our common stock, you should be aware that there are various risks, including those described below, which could affect the value of your investment in the future. The trading price of our common stock could decline as a result of any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described in this section, as well as any cautionary language in this Form 10-K, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our operating results and financial condition. This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations that we describe in our forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, before making an investment decision.
 
We are subject to the restrictions and conditions of Cease and Desist Orders from, and other commitments we have made to, the Office of Thrift Supervision. Failure to comply with the Cease and Desist Orders could result in additional enforcement action against us, including the imposition of monetary penalties.

As discussed above under "Corporate Developments and Overview," we have entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the issuance of Order to Cease and Desist with the OTS.

Under the terms of the OTS orders, the Savings Bank and the Company, without the prior written approval of the OTS, may not:

·  
Increase assets during any quarter;
 
·  
Pay dividends;
 
·  
Increase brokered deposits;
 
·  
Repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock; and
 
·  
Issue any debt securities or incur any debt (other than that incurred in the normal course of business).
 

Other material provisions of the order require the Savings Bank and the Company to:
 
 
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·  
develop a business plan for enhancing, measuring and maintaining profitability, increasing earnings, improving liquidity and maintaining capital levels, acceptable to the OTS;
 
·  
ensure the Savings Bank’s compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and agency guidelines, including the terms of the order;
 
·  
not appoint any new director or senior executive officer or change the responsibilities of any current senior executive officers without notifying the OTS;
 
·  
not enter into, renew, extend or revise any compensation or benefit agreements for directors or senior executive officers;
 
·  
not make any indemnification, severance or golden parachute payments;
 
·  
enhance its asset classification policy;
 
·  
provide progress reports to the OTS regarding certain classified assets;
 
·  
submit a comprehensive plan for reducing classified assets;
 
·  
develop a plan to reduce its concentration in certain loans contained in the loan portfolio and that addresses the assessment, monitoring and control of the risks association with the commercial real estate portfolio;
 
·  
not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the overall operation or financial of the Savings Bank, or that is outside the normal course of business; and
 
·  
prepare and submit progress reports to the OTS. The OTS orders will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the OTS.

Our business may be adversely affected by credit risk associated with residential property.
 
At June 30, 2009, $71.1 million, or 51.9% of our total loan portfolio, was secured by one-to four-family residential real property. This type of lending is generally sensitive to regional and local economic conditions that significantly impact the ability of borrowers to meet their loan payment obligations. The decline in residential real estate values due to the downturn in the housing market has reduced the value of the real estate collateral securing the majority of our loans held for investment and has increased the risk that we will incur losses if borrowers default on their loans.  Continued declines in both the volume of real estate sales and the sales prices coupled with the current recession and the associated increases in unemployment may result in higher than expected loan delinquencies or problem assets, a decline in demand for our products and services, or lack of growth or a decrease in deposits.  These potential negative events may cause us to incur losses, adversely affect our capital, and damage our financial condition and business operations. These declines may have a greater effect on our earnings and capital than on the earnings and capital of financial institutions whose loan portfolios are more diversified.
 
Our loan portfolio includes loans with a higher risk of loss.

We originate residential mortgage loans (including second mortgage loans), construction loans, commercial mortgage and land loans, commercial business loans and consumer loans primarily within our market area. Generally, the types of loans other than residential mortgage loans have a higher risk of loss than residential mortgage loans.  We had $62.2 million or 45.36% of our
 
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total loan portfolio outstanding in these higher risk loans at June 30, 2009. We have had a significant increase in these types of loans since 1999, when we began to diversify the loan portfolio in order to mitigate other types of risk, such as interest-rate risk.  While diversification into construction, commercial real estate  and land, commercial business, and consumer loans may have reduced interest-rate risk as a result of their typically shorter terms and, in most cases, adjustable nature of their interest rates, they do expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate. The collateral securing these loans may not be sold as easily as residential real estate. These loans also have greater credit risk than residential real estate for the following reasons and as discussed in detail under A-- Lending Activities”:
   
·  
Commercial Real Estate and Land Loans.  Commercial real estate and land loans typically involve higher principal amounts than other types of loans.  Repayment is dependent upon income being generated in amounts sufficient to cover borrowers' operating expenses, as well as, debt service.  Loans on land under development or held for future use also pose additional risk because of a lack of income produced by the property and the potential illiquid nature of the security.  The repayment of loans secured by farm properties is dependent upon the success of farming operations, which is contingent on many factors outside the control of either the borrowers or us.  These factors include adverse weather conditions, fluctuating market prices of both final product and production costs, factors affecting the physical condition of livestock and government regulations.

·  
Commercial Business Loans.  Repayment of these loans is dependent upon the successful operation of the borrower's businesses.

·  
Consumer Loans.  Consumer loans (such as vehicle loans, mobile home loans and personal lines of credit) are collateralized, if at all, with assets that may not provide an adequate source of payment of the loan due to depreciation, damage, or loss.

·  
Construction Loans.  Construction lending in lending involves the inherent difficulties of estimating the cost of the project and estimating a property's value at completion of the project.  If the estimate of construction cost proves to be inaccurate, we may need to advance funds beyond the original loan amount in order to complete the project.  If the estimate of value upon completion proves to be inaccurate, we may be confronted at, or prior to, the maturity of the loan with a project the value of which is insufficient to assure full repayment.


Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses in our loan portfolio.
 
Lending money is a substantial part of our business and each loan carries a certain risk that it will not be repaid in accordance with its terms or that any underlying collateral will not be sufficient to assure repayment. This risk is affected by, among other things:
 
·  
cash flow of the borrower and/or the project being financed;
 
·  
the changes and uncertainties as to the future value of the collateral, in the case of a collateralized loan;
 
·  
the duration of the loan;
 
 
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·  
the credit history of a particular borrower; and
 
·  
changes in economic and industry conditions.
 
We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which we believe is appropriate to provide for probable losses in our loan portfolio. The amount of this allowance is determined by our management through periodic reviews and consideration of several factors, including, but not limited to:
 
·  
our general reserve, based on our historical default and loss experience and certain macroeconomic factors based on management’s expectations of future events; and
 
·  
our specific reserve, based on our evaluation of non-performing loans and their underlying collateral.
 
The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Continuing deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for possible loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses, we will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses. Any increases in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
If our allowance for loan losses is not adequate, we may be required to make further increases in our provisions for loan losses and to charge-off additional loans, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 we recorded a provision for loan losses of $5.3 million compared to $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, which severely impacted our results of operations for fiscal 2009.  We also recorded net loan charge-offs of $3.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 compared to $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  We are experiencing increasing loan delinquencies and credit losses. Generally, our non-performing loans and assets reflect operating difficulties of individual borrowers resulting from weakness in the local economy; however, more recently the deterioration in the general economy has become a significant contributing factor to the increased levels of delinquencies and non-performing loans. Slower sales and excess inventory in the housing market has been the primary cause of the increase in delinquencies and foreclosures for residential construction loans, which represented 4.5% of our non-performing assets at June 30, 2009. In addition, slowing housing sales have been a contributing factor to the increase in non-performing loans as well as the increase in delinquencies. At June 30, 2009, our total non-performing loans increased to $3.3 million, or 2.4% of total loans, compared to $2.7 million, or 1.6% of total loans, at June 30, 2008. If current trends in the housing and real estate markets continue, we expect that we will continue to experience higher than normal delinquencies and credit losses. Moreover, until general economic conditions improve, we will continue to experience significant delinquencies and credit losses. As a result, we will continue to make provision for loan losses and to charge off additional loans in the future, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
 
43

 
The current economic recession in the market areas we serve may continue to adversely impact our earnings and could increase our credit risk associated with our loan portfolio.

Our success depends primarily on the general economic conditions of the State of Missouri and the specific local markets in which we operate.  Unlike larger national or other regional banks that are more geographically diversified, we provide banking and financial services to customers located primarily in the eight counties of Wright, Webster, Douglas, Christian, Ozark, Stone, Taney and, since July 2006, Greene counties   in Missouri. As of June 30, 2009, substantially our entire real estate portfolio consisted of loans secured by properties located in Missouri, with only 21 real estate loans totaling $4.9 million secured by properties outside of Missouri. The local economic conditions in our market areas have a significant impact on the demand for our products and services as well as the ability of our customers to repay loans, the value of the collateral securing loans and the stability of our deposit funding sources.
 
A further deterioration in economic conditions in the market areas we serve could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations:
 
·  
loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
 
·  
demand for our products and services may decline;
 
·  
collateral for loans made may decline further in value, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with existing loans; and
 
·  
the amount of our low-cost or non-interest bearing deposits may decrease.
 
Beginning in 2007 and continuing into 2009, the U.S. housing market has experienced significant adverse trends, including accelerated price depreciation in some markets and rising delinquency and default rates. Our construction and land loan portfolios, commercial and multifamily loan portfolios and certain of our other loans have been affected by the downturn in the residential real estate market. During the past year, evidence of this downturn became more apparent in the markets we serve, and contributed substantially to the increase in the provision for loan losses, the increases in delinquencies, foreclosures and repossessions. While we are inclined to think “the worst is over”, we realize that further declines in the markets will hurt our business. If real estate values continue to decline, the collateral for our loans will provide less security, and our ability to recover on defaulted loans by selling the underlying real estate will be diminished, making it more likely that we will suffer losses on defaulted loans. As a result of these trends, we have recently experienced an increase in delinquency and default rates, particularly in construction and land loans in our primary market areas. These trends if they continue or worsen could cause further credit losses and loan loss provisioning and could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

We have had losses and low earnings in recent years.

Our net income has decreased in recent years.  Net income was $363,000, $272,000, $1.3 million, and $2.3 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  We had net losses of $4.0 million and $173,000 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2009 and 2006, respectively. Our return on average assets was 0.15%, 0.09%, 0.51%, and 0.87% for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, 2005, and 2004 and our return on average
 
44

equity was 1.34%, 0.77%, 4.60%, and 8.49% for the same years.  Our returns on average assets and average equity were negative for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2009 and 2006, as we incurred net losses for those years. We face considerable challenges that will hinder our ability to improve our earnings significantly. These challenges include the restriction on our operations under the Cease and Desist Orders with the Office of Thrift Supervision, as discussed above, the increase in our problem loans, as discussed below, and our low interest rate spread. Our interest rate spread, which is the difference between the average yield earned on our interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, declined from 2.96% for the year ended June 30, 2006 to 2.71% for the year June 30, 2007.  For the year ended June 30, 2008, our interest rate spread improved to 3.01%, but declined again during the year ended June 30, 2009 to 2.94%. While we have identified various strategic initiatives we are pursuing in our efforts to overcome these challenges and improve earnings, our strategic initiatives might not succeed in increasing our net income.

We have had a significant amount of problem loans and related losses.

Since 1999, we have focused our efforts on increasing our commercial business loan and commercial real estate loan portfolios.  However, as a result, we recognized substantial write-offs in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2009, 2008, 2006 and 2005.  Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets  increased from 0.59% at June 30, 2006 to 1.47% at June 30, 2007, to 1.56% at June 30, 2008 and to 2.18% at June 30, 2009. Our total non-accruing loans increased from $841,000 at June 30, 2006 to $2.9 million at June 30, 2007,  decreased to $2.3 million at June 30, 2008 and increased to $3.0 million at June 30, 2009. The increase in non-performing loans between June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2009 was primarily attributable to the impact of current economic conditions on borrowers, both commercial and consumer.

At June 30, 2009, classified assets were $12.0 million, an increase from $7.0 million at June 30, 2008.  We also indentified an additional $13.4 million of loans at June 30, 2009 on our internal watch list that could increase our classified assets if there was further deterioration in their financial condition.  These loans include $2.4 million, $7.8 million, $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $47,000 of 1-4 family residential real estate, commercial real estate, land, commercial non-real estate and consumer loans, respectively.    Our internal watch list of $13.4 million as of June 30, 2009 reflects an increase of $8.7 million from $4.7 million at June 30, 2008.

Changes in interest rates may reduce our net interest income.
 
Like other financial institutions, we are subject to interest rate risk. Our primary source of income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investment securities and the interest paid on interest-bearing deposits and borrowings.  We expect that we will periodically experience imbalances in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities and the relationships of various interest rates to each other.  Over any period of time, our interest-earning assets may be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-bearing liabilities, or vice versa.  In addition, the individual market interest rates underlying our loan and deposit products may not change to the same degree over a given time period.  In any event, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, our earnings may be negatively affected.  In addition, loan volume and quality and deposit volume and mix can be affected by market interest rates.  Changes in levels of market interest rates could materially adversely affect our net interest margin, asset quality, origination volume and overall profitability.

We manage our assets and liabilities in order to achieve long-term profitability while limiting our exposure to the fluctuation of interest rates.  We anticipate periodic imbalances in the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities and the relationship of various interest rates to
 
45

each other.  At any reporting period, we may have earning assets which are more sensitive to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing liabilities, or vice versa.  The fluctuation of market interest rates can materially affect our net interest spread, interest margin, loan originations, deposit volumes and overall profitability.  Additionally, there is a risk attributable to calculation methods (modeling risks) and assumptions used in the model to calculate our interest rate risk exposure, including loan prepayment and forward interest rate assumptions.
 
Continued or worsening credit availability could limit our ability to replace deposits and fund loan demand, which could adversely affect our earnings and capital levels.
 
Continued or worsening credit availability and the inability to obtain adequate funding to replace deposits and fund continued loan growth may negatively affect asset growth and, consequently, our earnings capability and capital levels. In addition to any deposit growth, maturity of investment securities and loan payments, we rely from time to time on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and certain other wholesale funding sources to fund loans and replace deposits. In the event the economy does not improve or continues to deteriorate, these additional funding sources could be negatively affected which could limit the funds available to us. Our liquidity position could be significantly constrained if we were unable to access funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines or other wholesale funding sources.
 
We are highly dependent on key members of our senior management team, which has changed significantly in the past five years, and we currently are being led by new senior management.

We are highly dependent on the continued efforts and abilities of our executive officers and key management personnel.  Their experience and industry contacts significantly benefit us. The loss of any of these individuals could have a material adverse impact on our operations because other officers may not have the experience and expertise to readily replace these individuals.
 
During the past six years we have had four different Presidents and Chief Executive Officers.  Our current President was appointed to that position in November 2008 and has only been employed by the Company and the Savings Bank since November 2007.  In addition, our current Chief Executive Officer has only served in that position since November 2008; however, he has served as our Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2005.  Finally, our Chief Financial Officer has only been with the Company and the Savings Bank since November 2006, and many of our other key members of senior management have been with the Savings Bank for just over a year.
 
While we believe we have qualified individuals in place to succeed the individuals who have left the Savings Bank, these individuals will need to develop a cohesive and unified senior management team.  Any additional changes in key personnel and their responsibilities may be disruptive to our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and profitability.

The FDIC has increased deposit insurance premiums to restore and maintain the federal deposit insurance fund, which has increased our costs.

During the second quarter of 2009, the FDIC increased deposit insurance assessment rates generally and imposed a special assessment of five basis points on each insured institution’s total assets less Tier 1 capital. This special assessment was calculated based on the insured institution’s assets at June 30, 2009, and will be collected on September 30, 2009. Based on the assets of First Home as of June 30, 2009 subject to the FDIC assessment, the
 
 
46

special assessment totaled $99,000. This special assessment is in addition to the regular quarterly risk-based assessment. The FDIC has announced that an additional special assessment in 2009 of up to five basis points is probable.
 
The FDIC deposit insurance fund may suffer additional losses in the future due to bank failures. There can be no assurance that there will not be additional significant deposit insurance premium increases in order to restore the insurance fund’s reserve ratio.
 
Our growth or future losses may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or the cost of that capital may be very high.
 
We are required by federal regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations.   In addition, we may elect to raise additional capital to support our business or to finance acquisitions, if any.  In that regard, a number of financial institutions have recently raised considerable amounts of capital as a result of a deterioration in their results of operations and financial condition arising from the turmoil in the mortgage loan market, deteriorating economic conditions, declines in real estate values and other factors.  Should we be required by regulatory authorities to raise additional capital, we may seek to do so through the issuance of, among other things, our common stock or preferred stock.

Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial condition and performance.  Accordingly, we cannot make assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.  If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired and our financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
 
There is strong competition in financial services including the market areas we serve.

We compete in our market areas with numerous commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and throughout the county.  Some of these competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have, have greater name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business, and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide profitably.  In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we do.  Our profitability depends upon the Company's continued ability to successfully compete in its market areas.  The greater resources and deposit and loan products offered by some of our competitors may limit the Company's ability to attract funds or increase its interest-earning assets.  For additional information see Item I, ABusiness -- Competition.

We are subject to extensive government regulation and supervision.

We are subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision, and, as discussed above, we currently operate under Cease and Desist Orders with the Office of Thrift Supervision which places restrictions on our business activities. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors' funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things.  Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes.  Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or
 
 
47

policies, could affect the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways.  Such changes could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things.  Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Changes in accounting standards may affect our performance.
 
Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. From time to time there are changes in the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes can be difficult to predict and can materially impact how we report and record our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in a retrospective adjustment to prior financial statements.
 
Legislation and other measures undertaken by the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and other governmental agencies may not be successful in stabilizing the U.S. financial system or improving the housing market.
 
On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) which, among other measures, authorized the Treasury Secretary to establish the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”). The EESA gives broad authority to Treasury to purchase, manage, modify, sell and insure the troubled mortgage related assets that triggered the current economic crisis as well as other “troubled assets.” EESA includes additional provisions directed at bolstering the economy, including:
 
·  
authority for the Federal Reserve to pay interest on depository institution balances;
·  
mortgage loss mitigation and homeowner protection;
·  
temporary increase in FDIC insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 through to December 31, 2013; and
·  
authority for the Securities and Exchange Commission to suspend mark-to-market accounting requirements for any issuer or class of category of transactions.
 
Under the TARP, the Treasury has created a capital purchase program (“CPP”), pursuant to which it is providing access to capital to financial institutions through a standardized program to acquire preferred stock (accompanied by warrants) from eligible financial institutions that will serve as Tier 1 capital.

EESA also contains a number of significant employee benefit and executive compensation provisions, some of which apply to employee benefit plans generally, and others which impose on financial institutions that participate in the CPP restrictions on executive compensation.
 
EESA followed, and has been followed by, numerous actions by the Federal Reserve, Congress, Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and others to address the liquidity and credit crisis that has followed the sub-prime meltdown that commenced in 2007. These measures include homeowner relief that encourages loan restructuring and modification; the establishment of significant liquidity and credit facilities for financial institutions and investment banks; the lowering of the federal funds rate; action against short selling practices; a temporary guaranty program for money market funds; the establishment of a commercial paper funding facility to provide back-stop
 
48

liquidity to commercial paper issuers; and coordinated international efforts to address illiquidity and other weaknesses in the banking sector.
 
In addition, the Internal Revenue Service has issued an unprecedented wave of guidance in response to the credit crisis, including a relaxation of limits on the ability of financial institutions that undergo an “ownership change” to utilize their pre-change net operating losses and net unrealized built-in losses. The relaxation of these limits may make significantly more attractive to acquire financial institutions whose tax basis in their loan portfolios significantly exceeds the fair market value of those portfolios.
 
The FDIC established its Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”) in October, 2008.  Under the interim rule for the TLGP, there are two parts to the program: the Debt Guarantee Program (“DGP”) and the Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”).   Eligible entities are participants unless they opted out on or before December 5, 2008 and pay various fees.

Under the DGP, the FDIC guarantees new senior unsecured debt certain convertible debt of an eligible holding companies and insured institutions issued no later than October 31, 2009.  The guarantee is effective through the earlier of the maturity date or June 30, 2012 (for debt issued before April 1, 2009) or December 31, 2012 (for debt issued on or after April 1, 2009) .  The DGP coverage limit is generally 125% of the eligible entity’s eligible debt outstanding on September 30, 2008 and scheduled to mature on or before June 30, 2009, or for certain institutions, 2% of liabilities as of September 30, 2008.

Under the TAGP, the FDIC provides unlimited deposit insurance coverage for non interest-bearing transaction accounts (typically business checking accounts), NOW accounts bearing interest at 0.5% or less, and certain funds swept into non interest-bearing savings accounts.  NOW accounts and money market deposit accounts are not covered.  The TAGP remains in effect for participants until December 31, 2009, and unless they opt out of the extension, through the extension period from January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010.
 
The actual impact that EESA, ARRA and such related measures undertaken to alleviate the credit crisis, including the extreme levels of volatility and limited credit availability currently being experienced, is unknown. The failure of such measures to help stabilize the financial markets and a continuation or worsening of current financial market conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to credit or the trading price of our common stock.
 
We suspended our regular cash dividend.

On March 1, 2007, in response to our recent operating performance, our board of directors decided to suspend our regular cash.  The Company did not pay a dividend for six consecutive quarters. A special dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock was declared by the board of directors at its regular meeting in July 2008.  Whether we pay dividends in the future will depend on a number of factors, including capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, our ability to generate sufficient earnings to warrant the payment of dividends, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations and general economic conditions.  In addition, our ability to pay dividends may depend, in part, on our receipt of dividends from the Savings Bank because the Company has minimal income sources beyond the earnings from the Savings Bank. Under the Cease and Desist Orders currently in place, both the Company and the Savings Bank must request permission from the OTS at least 30 days in advance of the proposed dividend payment and obtain a non-objection letter from the OTS.
 
 
49


Our real estate lending also exposes us to the risk of environmental liabilities.
 
In the course of our business, we may foreclose and take title to real estate, and we could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third persons for property damage, personal injury, investigation, and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we ever become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
We rely on effective internal controls.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and, as a result, investors and depositors could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could adversely affect our business, the trading price of our stock and our ability to attract additional deposits.

In connection with the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the implementation of the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Company must maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.  If the Company fails to identify and correct any significant deficiencies in the design or operating effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting or fails to prevent fraud, current and potential shareholders, and depositors could lose confidence in our internal controls and financial reporting, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, the trading price of our stock and our ability to attract additional deposits.


Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

The Company has not received any written comments from the staff of the SEC regarding its periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that remain unresolved.

Item 2.  Properties

The following table sets forth information regarding the Savings Bank's offices as of June 30, 2009.
 
 
50


           
Net Book
           
           
Value
           
           
as of
 
Land
 
Building
   
       
Year
 
June 30, 2009
 
Owned/
 
Owned/
 
Square
Location
 
County
 
Opened
 
(In thousands)
 
Leased
 
Leased
 
Footage
Main Office
               
142 East First Street
 
Wright
 
1911
 
$  987
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
 15,476
Mountain Grove, MO 65711
                 
 
                         
Branch Offices
                       
1208 N. Jefferson Street
 
Douglas
 
1978
 
237
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  3,867
Ava, MO 65608
                       
                         
103 South Clay Street
 
Webster
 
1974
 
237
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  3,792
Marshfield, MO 65706
                       
                         
203 Elm Street
 
Ozark
 
1992
 
454
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  3,321
Gainesville, MO 65655
                     
                         
7164 Highway 14 East
 
Christian
1995
 
193
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  3,000
Sparta, MO 65753
                       
                         
Business Highway 160 (2)
 
Ozark
 
1997
 
164
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  1,824
Theodosia, MO 65761
                       
                         
123 Main Street
 
Stone
 
1998
 
289
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  5,000
Crane, MO 65633
                       
                         
South Side of Square
 
Stone
 
1998
 
49
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  1,100
Galena, MO 65656
                       
                         
20377 US Highway 160
 
Taney
 
2000
 
738
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  3,386
Forsyth, MO 65653 (1)
                       
                         
2536 State Highway 176
 
Taney
 
2000
 
389
 
Owned
 
Owned
 
  2,500
Rockaway Beach, MO 65740
                       
                         
(table continued on the following page)



51





           
Net Book
           
           
Value
           
           
as of
 
Land
 
Building
   
       
Year
 
6/30/09
 
Owned/
 
Owned/
 
Square
Location
 
County
 
Opened
 
(In thousands)
 
Leased
 
Leased
 
Footage
Drive-in Facilities
                       
Route 60 and Oakland
 
Wright
 
1986
 
123
 
Owned            
 
Owned
 
  2,268
Mountain Grove, MO 65711
                       
                         
Drive-in Facilities
                       
223 West Washington
 
Webster
 
1993
 
191
 
Owned             
 
Owned
 
  1,000
Marshfield, MO 65706
                       
                         
Loan Production Office
                       
1411 East Primrose, Suite A
 
Greene
 
2007
 
1
 
Leased            
 
Leased
 
5,100
Springfield, MO 65804 (3)
                       
                         
_____________
(1)  
 This office is located in Kissee Mills, Missouri, but has a mailing address in Forsyth, Missouri.
(2)  
 The Theodosia office was leased until the Savings Bank acquired the property at a sheriff’s sale on June 29, 2009.
(3)  
 The loan production office ceased operations on June 12, 2009 and the facility was leased by  a new tenant on August 17, 2009.


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company and the Savings Bank may be involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to their business.  In the opinion of management, neither the Company nor the Savings Bank is a party to any current legal proceedings that are expected to be material to the financial condition or results of operations of the Company or the Savings Bank, either individually or in the aggregate.

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

None.


PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The information contained in the section captioned "Common Stock Information" in the Annual Report to Stockholders attached to this Form 10-K as Exhibit 13 is incorporated herein by reference.  In addition, the "Equity Compensation Plan Information" contained in Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
52


Share Repurchase Activity

The Company completed 11 separate stock repurchase programs between March 9, 1994 and April 27, 2007.  On June 24, 2008, a repurchase program of 50,000 shares was initiated. This repurchase program terminated at the end of calendar 2008, without any shares having been purchased. As of June 30, 2009, 1,344,221 shares had been repurchased under repurchase programs at a cost of $19.1 million or an average cost per share of $14.22.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

This information is incorporated by reference to pages 5 and 6 of the 2009 Annual Report attached hereto as Exhibit 13.

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

The information contained in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information contained in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Independent Auditors Reports *
 
(a)   Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2009 and 2008*
 
(b)   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008*
 
(c)   Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008*
 
(d)   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008*
 
(e)   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements*

 
* Contained in the Annual Report to Stockholders attached to this Form 10-K as Exhibit 13, which is incorporated herein by reference.  All schedules have been omitted as the required information is either inapplicable or contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements or related Notes contained in the Annual Report to Stockholders.

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

 
There have been no changes in and no disagreements with the Company's independent accountants on accounting and financial disclosures during the two most recent fiscal years.
 

Item 9A(T).  Controls and Procedures

(a)             Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:  An evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Section 13(a)-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act")) was carried out as of June 30, 2009 under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive  Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of the Company's senior management.  The Company's Chief
 
53

Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of June 30, 2009 the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to the Company's management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow  timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.

(b)           Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company's financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
 
The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: pertain to the maintenance of records which, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
 
 
Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control and, accordingly, even effective internal control can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and fair presentation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.
 
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2009 is effective.
 
 
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management's report in this annual report.
 
 

 
 
/s/ Thomas M. Sutherland                                                                                     /s/ Ronald J. Walters                                                                           
Thomas M. Sutherland                                                                                           Ronald J. Walters
President and Chief Executive Officer                                                                                  Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
(Principal Executive Officer)                                                                                                     Chief Financial Officer
                                                   (Principal Financial Officer)
 
54


(c)            Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:  During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, no change occurred in the Company's  internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's  internal control over financial reporting.

The Company does not expect that its internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud.  A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.  Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.  The design of any control procedure also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Item 9B.  Other Information

     There was no information to be disclosed by the Company in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of the year ended June 30, 2009 that was not so disclosed.

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Directors and Executive Officers

For information required by this item concerning Directors of the Company, see the section captioned "Proposal I -- Election of Directors" included in the Company's Proxy Statement, a copy of which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the Company's fiscal year end and is incorporated herein by reference.

For information concerning Executive Officers of the Company, see the section captioned "-- Executive Officers" in Part I of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by this reference.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

The information required by this item will be contained in the section captioned "Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act" in the Company's Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Audit Committee consists of Directors Sutherland, Moody and Hixon.  The Board of Directors has determined Director Hixon qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert," as defined by the SEC.  Mr. Hixon is independent, as independence for audit committee members as defined under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market.   
 
 
55


Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its directors, executive officers and all other employees.  A copy of the Code of Ethics was included as Exhibit 14 to the Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended June 30, 2006.  A copy of the Company's Code of Ethics is available to any person without charge, upon written request made to the Corporate Secretary at P.O. Box 777, Mountain Grove, Missouri 65711.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information contained under the section captioned "Directors' Compensation" and "Executive Compensation" is included in the Proxy Statement, a copy of which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the Company's fiscal year end, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes share and exercise price information about the Company's equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2009.

           
(c)
           
Number of
           
Securities
   
(a)
 
(b)
 
Remaining
           
Available for
   
Number of
     
Future Issuance
   
Securities to
 
Weighted-
 
Under Equity
   
Be Issued Upon
 
Average
 
Plans
   
Exercise of
 
Exercise Price
 
Compensation
   
Outstanding
 
of Outstanding
 
(Excluding
   
Options,
 
Options,
 
Securities
   
Warrants and
 
Warrants and
 
Reflected in
Plan Category
 
Rights
 
Rights
 
Column (a))
             
Equity Compensation Plans approved by security holders:
                 
 
Option Plan
 
22,000
   
16.85
   
88,000
 
 
Restricted stock plan
 
-
   
-
   
50,000
 
                     
Equity Compensation Plans not
                 
approved by security holders:
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
                     
           Total
 
22,000
   
16.85
   
138,000
 


Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information contained in the section captioned "Voting Securities and Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" is included in the Proxy Statement, a copy of which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the Company's fiscal year end, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
56

Changes in Control

The Company is not aware of any arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information contained in the section captioned "Transactions with  Management" and "Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance Matters – Corporate Governance – Director  Independence" is included in the Company's Proxy Statement, a copy of which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the Company's fiscal year end, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

     The information required by this item is included in the Company's Proxy Statement, a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the Company's fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)           Exhibits

 
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of First Bancshares, Inc.(1)
                                3.2  
Bylaws of First Bancshares, Inc.(1)
 
4.1
Specimen stock certificate of First Bancshares (1)
 
10.1
First Home Savings Bank 1994 Employee Stock Ownership Plan(1)
 
10.2
First Bancshares, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan (2)
 
10.3
First Home Savings Bank Management Recognition and Development Plan (2)
 
10.4
First Bancshares, Inc. 2004 Management Recognition Plan (4)
                                10.5  
First Bancshares, Inc. 2004 Stock Option Plan (4)
                                10.6  
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (5)
                                10.7  
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (5)
                                10.8  
First Bancshares, Inc. 2004 Management Recognition Plan (4)
 
10.9
Severance Agreement between First Bancshares, Inc. and First Home Savings Bank and Charles W. Schumacher (6)
 
                            10.10
Employment Agreement with James W. Duncan (7)
 
                            10.11
Employment Agreement with Daniel P. Katzfey (8)
 
13.
2008 Annual Report to Stockholders (Except for the portions of the 2008 Stockholder Report that are expressly incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the 2008 Stockholder Report of the Company shall not be deemed filed as a part hereof.)
 
14.
Code of Ethics (9)
 
16.
Letter on change in certifying accountant (10)
 
21.
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
                                23.  
Auditors' Consent
 
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification (Chief Executive Officer)
 
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification (Chief Financial Officer)
 
32.1
Section 1350 Certification (Chief Executive Officer)
 
32.2
Section 1350 Certification (Chief Financial Officer)
 
 

 
57

-------------------
 
(1)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 File No. 33-69886.
 
(2)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's 1994 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement dated September 14, 1994.
 
(3)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.  An updated Employment Agreement with Mr. Schumacher was entered into in November 2004 and terminated in June 2005.
 (4)  
Incorporated by reference to the Company's 2004 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement dated September 15, 2004.
 (5)  
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 22, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
 (6)  
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 31, 2005.
 (7)  
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2005.
 (8)  
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 20, 2007.
 (9)  
Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
(10)  
Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.



 
58

 

SIGNATURES

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

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.


Date: September 28, 2009                                                                                By: /s/Thomas M. SutherlandThomas M. Sutherland
Chief Executive Officer

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


By: /s/Thomas M. Sutherland                                                                                          September 28, 2009
Thomas M. Sutherland
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)


By: /s/Lannie E. Crawford                                                                                                 September 28, 2009
Lannie E. Crawford
President


By: /s/Ronald J. Walters                                                                                                  September 28, 2009
Ronald J. Walters
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


By: /s/Thomas M. Sutherland____                                                                               September 28, 2009
Thomas M. Sutherland
Chairman of the Board

By: /s/Harold F. Glass                                                                                                      September 28, 2009
Harold F. Glass
       Director

By: /s/John G. Moody __                                                                                               September 28, 2009
John G. Moody
Director

By: /s/D. Mitch Ashlock                                                                                                September 28, 2009
D. Mitch Ashlock
Director

By: /s/Billy E. Hixon                                                                                                       September 28, 2009
Billy E. Hixon
Director

By: /s/Robert J. Breidenthal __                                                                                    September 28, 2009
Robert J. Breidenthal
Director

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT NUMBER                                                      EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION



 
13
2009 Stockholder Report.  Except for the portions of the 2008 Stockholder Report that are expressly incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the 2008 Stockholder Report of the Company shall not be deemed filed as a part hereof.

 
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 
23
Consent of Auditors

 
31.1
Rule 13a – 14(a) Certification (Chief Executive Officer)

 
31.2
Rule 13a – 14(a) Certification (Chief Financial Officer)

 
32.1
Rule 1350 Certification (Chief Executive Officer)

 
32.2     Rule 1350 Certification (Chief Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 


EX-13 2 ar063009.htm EXHIBIT 13 ar063009.htm
 
 
Exhibit 13 
 
 




First Bancshares, Inc.



2009 Annual Report








First Home Savings Bank

A wholly owned subsidiary of First Bancshares, Inc.

www.fhsb.com











 
 

 










TABLE OF CONTENTS



   
Page
 
       
Letter to Shareholders
   
 1
 
Business of the Company
   
 3
 
Selected Consolidated Financial Information
   
 4
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
       
   and Results of Operations
   
 6
 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s report
   
28
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
   
29
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
34
 
Common Stock Information
   
65
 
Directors and Executive Officers
   
66
 
Corporate Information
   
67
 

 
 

 

Letter To Shareholders
 
Dear Shareholders:
 
Our fiscal year ended on June 30, 2009 and it was an extraordinary year – one that saw dramatic changes in the financial industry landscape. Major institutions failed, others combined with stronger partners, and the federal government initiated multiple new programs in reaction to the unprecedented economic environment. It was a year in which the performance of all financial institutions suffered, including First Bancshares. Our results for fiscal 2009 were tremendously disappointing and culminated in our entering into a Cease and Desist Order with our primary federal regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision.  The terms of the Cease and Desist Order are more fully described in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of this Annual Report. We anticipate that fiscal 2010 will be another challenging year for the financial institutions industry, and for the nation overall, as we continue to work our way through these unprecedented economic conditions.

Recognizing the difficulties ahead, we are making every effort to be realistic and proactively confront this turbulent economic environment. Our first priority is to preserve capital and to take the appropriate actions to navigate the stressed operating environment. Our second priority is to position First Bancshares to emerge from this recession with improved viability and long-term performance. In this process, we will be defining who we are and how we will best compete, both now and when better times arrive.
 
Being Realistic and Navigating the Economic Environment
 
While our fiscal 2009 financial results were very disappointing, it was a year in which we took a proactive and realistic approach to the economic cycle. Early in the year – painful as it was – we continued to implement a policy of not paying regular cash dividends in order to preserve capital. We also continued to aggressively recognize and resolve problem loans. Additionally, we strengthened our overall liquidity position and ended fiscal 2009 with $25 million in unused secured borrowing capacity. At year-end 2009, we had $26.2 million in cash and cash equivalents.
 
Several changes were made in our existing risk management team, adding individuals with experience in turnaround situations. The efforts of this team resulted in early identification of commercial credit issues, primarily in commercial real estate loans. Furthermore, we increased our loan loss reserve levels throughout fiscal 2009, with an increase of $1.4 million during the year. On a comparative basis, our loan loss reserves increased from 1.65% of loans at year-end 2008 to 3.05% at year-end 2009.
 
There is no doubt the current recession represents continuing credit challenges for all financial institutions, but we are addressing these credit challenges through our risk management team and combined strong capital and reserves.
 
In recognition of the current operating environment and our obligations to shareholders, no bonuses for fiscal 2009 were paid to the Executive Management Team and no merit salary increases will be received by the Executive Management Team in fiscal 2010.
 
Going forward, we anticipate adopting other cost saving measures to streamline our cost structure given current revenue pressures and additional expenses in the form of higher FDIC insurance premiums and loan collection expenses. To that end, we are aggressively pursuing improvements in efficiency and
 
 
1

operating under the assumption that there is no such thing as “business as usual,” and nothing is above scrutiny.  Every option to eliminate unnecessary expenses will be considered as we explore our opportunities to streamline our cost structure.
 
Making Certain We Are Ready
 
Post-Recession Environment
The current environment is difficult for all financial institutions, including First Bancshares. The recession will, in all likelihood, get worse before it gets better.  Banks that emerge intact from the current environment will be those that understand their customers and provide value-added solutions along with a strong community image and distribution system that provide a deposit base to fund lending opportunities. We are improving our training and systems in an effort to capture this opportunity. In addition, as a result of the bank failures and mergers, pricing competition should decrease. These factors, among others, should result in a favorable environment in which a company that provides exceptional service to local businesses and consumers can succeed – and that is what we intend to do.
 
A Focused Plan
 
We must be ready for this opportunity – ready to compete and ready to perform. We will strive to build more personal banking relationship with our local businesses and customers; and we will strive to cooperate across lines of business to put the best solution in front of our customers.
 
Our history and the strength of our bank is clearly linked to our local customers from our various locations. As we strengthen our historical niche, we look forward to the opportunity to deepen and expand these core banking relationships as well as developing and expanding our commercial banking business. Our focus on community involvement will provide a strong niche for retail customers who value local pride and service over price. Strategically, our focus is on:
 
  · Improving credit quality; 
  · Managing capital and liquidity; 
  · Attracting and building core banking relationships; 
  · Deepening customer relationships; 
  · Establishing better loan and deposit pricing; and 
  · Improving efficiency and expense management. 

While we anticipate bringing many strengths and improvements to the post-recession world – an experienced management team, and a profitable institution with a solid capital base – we recognize that increasing our core long-term customer funding remains a strategic imperative. We believe that there will be deposits available and we are instituting a strategy to ensure that we are in a position to take advantage of this opportunity.
 
Recognizing the difficulties ahead, we believe we are focused on building credibility with our shareholders, customers, and regulators, which we believe, in turn, will increase our franchise value.
 
Thank you for your support and understand­ing during these trying times, and I look forward to building our future success together.

 
/s/Lannie E. Crawford
 
Lannie E. Crawford
President
 
 
2

Business of the Company

First Bancshares, Inc. (“Company”), a Missouri corporation, was incorporated on September 30, 1993 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for First Home Savings Bank (“First Home” or the “Savings Bank”) upon the conversion of First Home from a Missouri mutual to a Missouri stock savings and loan association.  That conversion was completed on December 22, 1993.  At June 30, 2009, the Company had total consolidated assets of $229.9 million and consolidated stockholders’ equity of $23.8 million.

The Company is not engaged in any significant business activity other than holding the stock of First Home.  Accordingly, the information set forth in this report, including the consolidated financial statements and related data, applies primarily to First Home.

First Home is a Missouri-chartered, federally-insured stock savings bank organized in 1911.  The Savings Bank is regulated by the Missouri Division of Finance and the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”).  Its deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  First Home also is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System.

First Home conducts its business from its home office in Mountain Grove and ten full service branch facilities in Marshfield, Ava, Gainesville, Sparta, Theodosia, Crane, Galena, Kissee Mills, Rockaway Beach, and Springfield, Missouri. First Home provides its customers with a full array of community banking services and is primarily engaged in the business of attracting deposits from, and making loans to, the general public, including individuals and small to medium size businesses.  First Home originates real estate loans, including one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, multi-family residential loans, commercial real estate loans and home equity loans, as well as, non-real estate loans, including commercial business loans and consumer loans.  First Home also invests in mortgage-backed, United States Government and agency securities and other assets.

At June 30, 2009, First Home’s total gross loans were $137.1 million, or 59.6% of total consolidated assets, including residential first mortgage loans of $71.1 million, or 51.9% of total gross loans and other mortgage loans of $52.1 million, or 38.0% of total gross loans.  Of the gross mortgage loans, over 61.2% are adjustable-rate loans.

 
3

 
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the consolidated financial position and operating results of the Company as of and for the dates indicated.  The Company is primarily in the business of directing, planning and coordinating the business activities of First Home.  The consolidated data is derived in part from, and should be read in conjunction with, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries presented herein.


     
At June 30,
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
     
(In thousands)
FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:
                   
Total assets
 
$
229,915
$
249,232
$
241,331
$
228,395
$
244,007
Loans receivable, net
   
133,162
 
167,035
 
158,993
 
141,987
 
158,143
Cash, interest-bearing deposits
                     
  and securities
   
81,335
 
64,195
 
65,498
 
69,007
 
68,600
Deposits
   
189,218
 
194,593
 
190,090
 
179,141
 
187,143
Retail repurchase agreements
   
5,713
 
4,648
 
2,103
 
-
 
-
Borrowed funds
   
10,000
 
22,000
 
22,000
 
22,000
 
28,394
Stockholders' equity
   
23,764
 
27,100
 
26,468
 
26,291
 
26,817
                       
     
 Years Ended June 30,
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
     
 (In thousands, except per share information)
OPERATING DATA:
                     
                       
Interest income
 
$
12,366
$
14,828
$
13,724
$
12,913
$
13,265
Interest expense
   
5,443
 
7,451
 
7,354
 
5,987
 
5,091
Net interest income
   
6,923
 
7,377
 
6,370
 
6,926
 
8,174
Provision for loan losses
   
5,314
 
1,291
 
426
 
1,520
 
2,333
Net interest income after provision
                     
  for loan losses
   
1,609
 
6,086
 
5,944
 
5,406
 
5,841
Impairment of and gains/(losses) on
  securities
   
   143
 
-
 
177
 
(421)
 
(4)
Non-interest income, excluding
                     
 gains (losses) on securities
   
2,514
 
2,903
 
2,127
 
1,902
 
2,911
Non-interest expense
   
9,834
 
8,557
 
8,094
 
7,151
 
7,415
Income (loss) before taxes
   
(5,568)
 
432
 
 154
 
(264)
 
1,333
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
(1,532)
 
  69
 
(118)
 
   (91)
 
16
Net income (loss)
 
$
(4,036)
$
363
$
 272
$
(173)
$
1,317
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(2.60)
$
0.23
$
 0.18
$
(0.11)
$
0.83
 
$
     (2.60)
$
0.23
$
 0.18
$
(0.11)
$
0.83
Dividends per share
 
$
0.10
$
0.00
$
0.08
$
0.16
$
0.16




4


 
     
At or For the Years Ended June 30,
 
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
KEY OPERATING RATIOS:
                       
                         
Return on average assets
   
N/A
%
0.15
%
  0.09
%
N/A
%
0.51
%
Return on average equity
   
N/A
 
1.34
 
  0.77
 
N/A
 
4.60
 
Average equity to average assets
   
10.70
 
11.05
 
11.32
 
11.52
 
11.10
 
Interest rate spread for period
   
2.94
 
3.01
 
2.71
 
2.96
 
3.31
 
Net interest margin for period
   
3.16
 
3.30
 
3.01
 
3.21
 
3.48
 
Non-interest expense to average
  assets
 
4.00
 
3.49
 
3.46
 
2.99
 
2.88
 
Average interest-earning assets to
                       
  interest-bearing liabilities
   
108.87
 
108.95
 
108.66
 
108.98
 
108.01
 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
                   
  at end of period
   
3.05
 
1.65
 
1.59
 
1.67
 
1.74
 
Net charge-offs to average loans
                 
  outstanding during the period
   
2.63
 
0.74
 
0.14
 
1.29
 
0.44
 
Ratio of non-performing assets to total
  assets
2.18
 
1.56
 
1.47
 
0.59
 
2.21
 
Ratio of loan loss allowance to
                 
  non-performing assets
   
83.40
 
 72.10
 
 79.08
 
184.52
 
52.93
 
Dividend payout ratio
   
 N/A
 
-
 
44.44
 
N/A
 
19.28
 
                         
                         
                         
     
June 30,
 
OTHER DATA:
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
                         
Number of:
                       
  Loans outstanding
   
2,802
 
  3,388
 
3,450
 
3,644
 
4,263
 
  Deposit accounts
   
21,965
 
23,221
 
23,983
 
24,724
 
25,021
 
  Full service offices
   
11
 
11
 
11
 
10
 
10
 
                         




5

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.  The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the other sections contained in this report.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "project," "estimate," "potential," "seek," "strive," or "try" or other conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our strategies. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations, as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved or realized. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets and may lead to increased losses and non-performing assets in our loan portfolio, resulting in our allowance for loan losses not being adequate to cover actual losses, and require us to materially increase our reserves; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long term interest rates, deposit interest rates, our net interest margin and funding sources; deposit flows; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in our market areas; adverse changes in the securities markets; results of examinations of us by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Missouri Division of Finance (“Division”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position or affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; the possibility that we will be unable to comply with the conditions imposed upon us by the Order to Cease and Desist issued by the OTS, including but not limited to our ability to reduce our non-performing assets, which could result in the imposition of additional restrictions on our operations; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risk associated with the loans on our balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect our work force and potential associated charges; computer systems on which we depend could fail or experience a security breach, or the implementation of new technologies may not be successful; our ability to manage loan delinquency rates; our ability to retain key members of our senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business including changes in regulatory polices and principles, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse
 
 
6

 
changes in the securities markets; the inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies, principles and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; the economic impact of war or any terrorist activities; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations; pricing, products and services; our ability to lease excess space in Company-owned buildings; and other risks detailed in this Annual Report. Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Annual Report and in the other public statements we make may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Additionally, the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond our control. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for the remainder of fiscal 2010 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us, and could negatively affect the Company's operating and stock performance.

As used throughout this report, the terms "we", "our", or "us" refer to First Bancshares, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiary, First Home Savings Bank.

Recent Developments and Corporate Overview

The economic decline that began in calendar 2008 and that has continued thus far into calendar 2009 has created significant challenges for financial institutions such as First Home Savings Bank.  Dramatic declines in the housing market, marked by falling home prices and increasing levels of mortgage foreclosures, have resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by many financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities and major commercial and investment banks.  In addition, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced, and in some cases ceased to provide, funding to borrowers, including other financial institutions, as a result of concern about the stability of the financial markets and the strength of counterparties.

In response to the crises affecting the U.S. banking system and financial markets and attempts to bolster the distressed economy and improve consumer confidence in the financial system, on October 3, 2008, the U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”).  The EESA authorizes the U.S. Treasury Department to purchase from financial institutions and their holding companies up to $700 billion in mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities and certain other financial instruments, including debt and equity securities issued by financial institutions and their holding companies in a troubled asset relief program (“TARP”).  The purpose of TARP is to restore confidence and stability to the U.S. banking system and to encourage financial institutions to increase their lending to customers and to each other.  Under the TARP Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”), the Treasury may purchase debt or equity securities from participating institutions.  The TARP also allows direct purchases or guarantees of troubled assets of financial institutions.  Participants in the CPP are subject to executive compensation limits and are encouraged to expand their lending and mortgage loan modifications.  First Bancshares elected not to participate in TARP.

EESA also increased FDIC deposit insurance on most accounts from $100,000 to $250,000. This increase was set to expire at the end of 2009, but has recently been extended to the end of 2013, and is not covered by deposit insurance premiums paid by the banking industry.

Following a systemic risk determination, the FDIC established a Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”) on October 14, 2008.  The TLGP includes the Transaction Account Guarantee Program, which
 
7

 
provides unlimited deposit insurance coverage through December 31, 2009 for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts (typically business checking accounts) and certain funds swept into noninterest-bearing savings accounts (“TAGP”).  Institutions participating in the TAGP pay a 10 basis points fee (annualized) on the balance of each covered account in excess of $250,000, while the extra deposit insurance is in place.  The TLGP also includes the Debt Guarantee Program (“DGP”), under which the FDIC guarantees certain senior unsecured debt of FDIC-insured institutions and their holding companies.  The unsecured debt must be issued on or after October 14, 2008 and not later than June 30, 2009, and the guarantee is effective through the earlier of the maturity date or June 30, 2012. The DGP coverage limit is generally 125% of the eligible entity’s eligible debt outstanding on September 30, 2008 and scheduled to mature on or before June 30, 2009 or, for certain insured institutions, 2% of their liabilities as of September 30, 2008.  Depending on the term of the debt maturity, the nonrefundable DGP fee ranges from 50 to 100 basis points (annualized) for covered debt outstanding until the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012.  The TAGP and DGP are in effect for all eligible entities, unless the entity opted out on or before December 5, 2008.  First Bancshares and First Home Savings Bank did not opt out of the TAGP; however, since neither the Company nor First Home Savings Bank has unsecured senior debt, we did elect to opt out of the DGP. The TLGP has been amended to allow participants to seek approval of applications to issue guaranteed convertible debt.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) into law.  The ARRA is intended to revive the US economy by creating millions of new jobs and stemming home foreclosures.  For financial institutions that have received or will receive financial assistance under TARP or related programs, the ARRA significantly rewrites the original executive compensation and corporate governance provisions of Section 111 of the EESA. Among the most important changes instituted by the ARRA are new limits on the ability of TARP recipients to pay incentive compensation to up to 20 of the next most highly-compensated employees in addition to the “senior executive officers,” a restriction on termination of employment payments to senior executive officers and the five next most highly-compensated employees and a requirement that TARP recipients implement “say on pay” shareholder votes.  Further legislation is anticipated to be passed with respect to the economic recovery.  However, the executive compensation limitations contained in the ARRA will not have an effect on First Bancshares, since it elected not to participate in TARP.

The Administration also announced in February 2009 its Financial Stability Plan (“FSP”) and Homeowners Affordability and Stability Plan (“HASP”). Many details of these plans have not been finalized.  The FSP is administrated by the U.S. Treasury and includes the following four key elements: (1) the development of a public/private investment fund essentially structured as a government sponsored enterprise with the mission to purchase troubled assets from banks with an initial capitalization from government funds; (2) the continuation of the Capital Assistance Program with the Treasury purchasing additional bank capital available only for banks that have undergone a new stress test given by their regulator; (3) an expansion of the Federal Reserve’s term asset-backed liquidity facility to support the purchase of up to $1 trillion in AAA–rated asset-backed securities backed by consumer, student and small business loans and possibly other types of loans; and (4) the establishment of a mortgage loan modification program with $5.0 billion in federal funds further detailed in the HASP.

The HASP is a voluntary program developed to help seven to nine million families restructure their mortgages to avoid foreclosure with $275 billion in government funding commitments.  The plan also develops guidance for loan modifications nationwide. However, it is mandatory for recipients of FSP financial assistance.  HASP provides programs and funding for eligible refinancing of loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, along with incentives to lenders, mortgage servicers, and borrowers to modify mortgages of “responsible” homeowners who are at risk of defaulting on their mortgage. The goals of HASP are to assist in the prevention of home foreclosures and to help stabilize falling home prices.
 
 
8


These programs are not expected to have any direct impact on First Bancshares since it has determined not to participate in TARP and these related programs.  First Bancshares will benefit from these programs if they help stabilize the national banking system and aid in the recovery in the housing market.

In February 2009, the FDIC issued new deposit premium regulations providing for increases of premiums, higher premiums for institutions with secured debt (including FHLB advances and brokered deposits) and a special assessment in the second quarter of 2009 to replenish the fund.  Under these new deposit insurance premium regulations, the FDIC assesses deposit insurance premiums on all FDIC-insured institutions quarterly based on annualized rates for four risk categories.  Each institution is assigned to one of four risk categories based on capital, supervisory ratings and other factors.  Well capitalized institutions that are financially sound with only a few minor weaknesses are assigned to Risk Category I.  Institutions assigned to Risk Categories II, III and IV present progressively greater risks to the DIF.  Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment rules, the initial base assessment rates prior to adjustments range from 12 to 16 basis points for Risk Category I, and are 22 basis points for Risk Category II, 32 basis points for Risk Category III, and 45 basis points for Risk Category IV. Initial base assessment rates are subject to adjustments based on an institution’s unsecured debt, secured liabilities and brokered deposits, such that the total base assessment rate after adjustments range from 7 to 24 basis points for Risk Category I, 17 to 43 basis points Risk Category II, 27 to 58 basis points for Risk Category III, and 40 to 77.5 basis points for Risk Category IV.  The rule also includes authority for the FDIC to increase or decrease total base assessment rates in the future by as much as three basis points without a formal rulemaking proceeding.

In addition to the regular quarterly assessments, as a result of the losses and projected losses attributed to failed institutions, the FDIC adopted a rule imposing on every insured institution a special assessment equal to 20 basis points of its assessment base as of June 30, 2009 to be collected on September 30, 2009. However, Congress increased the FDIC’s borrowing authority from $30 billion to $100 billion (and up to $500 billion under special circumstances). As the result of the increase in borrowing authority, the special assessment was reduced to five basis points which, in the case of the Savings Bank, amounted to approximately $99,000 in fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. There remains a distinct possibility that the FDIC could levy additional special assessments due to the magnitude of losses and projected losses to the fund.

The preceding is a summary of recently enacted laws and regulations that could materially impact our results of operations or financial condition.  This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to such laws and regulations and should be read in conjunction with “Regulation of First Home” discussion later in this 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On August 17, 2009, the Company and the Bank each entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist from the OTS.
 
Under the terms of the OTS orders, the Bank and the Company, without the prior written approval of the OTS, may not:

·  
   Increase assets during any quarter;
·  
   Pay dividends;
·  
   Increase brokered deposits;
·  
   Repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock; and
·  
   Issue any debt securities or incur any debt (other than that incurred in the normal course of business).

Other material provisions of the order require the Bank and the Company to:
 
 
9

 

 
·  
develop a business plan for enhancing, measuring and maintaining profitability, increasing earnings, improving liquidity, maintaining capital levels, acceptable to the OTS;
·  
ensure the Bank’s compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and agency guidelines, including the terms of the order;
·  
not appoint any new director or senior executive officer or change the responsibilities of any current senior executive officers without notifying the OTS;
·  
not enter into, renew, extend or revise any compensation or benefit agreements for directors or senior executive officers;
·  
not make any indemnification, severance or golden parachute payments;
·  
enhance its asset classification policy;
·  
provide progress reports to the OTS regarding certain classified assets;
·  
submit a comprehensive plan for reducing classified assets;
·  
develop a plan to reduce its concentration in certain loans contained in the loan portfolio and that addresses the assessment, monitoring and control of the risks associated with the commercial real estate portfolio;
·  
not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the overall operation or financial condition of the Bank, or that is outside the normal course of business; and
·  
prepare and submit progress reports to the OTS. The OTS orders will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the OTS.

All customer deposits remain insured to the fullest extent permitted by the FDIC. The Bank expects to continue to serve its customers in all areas including making loans, establishing lines of credit, accepting deposits and processing banking transactions. Neither the Company nor the Bank admitted any wrongdoing in entering into the respective Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Cease and Desist Order. The OTS did not impose or recommend any monetary penalties.

For additional information regarding the terms of the orders, please see our Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on August 18, 2009. Further, we may be subject to more severe future regulatory enforcement actions, including but not limited to civil money penalties, if we do not comply with the terms of the order.

Since the end of fiscal 2008, the Company and the Bank have had changes in senior management. On September 23, 2008, Adrian C. Rushing, the Savings Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, resigned his position to pursue another opportunity. The Savings Bank reviewed the position description for the Chief Operating Officer, and decided to reassign several functions and responsibilities to other officers. The position of Operations Manager was created to manage the remaining functions and responsibilities. The position was filled from within the Savings Bank in November 2008.

On October 28, 2008, Daniel P. Katzfey, President and Chief Executive Officer of both the Company and the Bank, and a director of both the Company and the Savings Bank, resigned his positions.

The Company appointed Thomas M. Sutherland, Chairman of the Company’s and Savings Bank’s Boards of Directors, to serve as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Savings Bank.  Mr. Sutherland has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company’s and Savings Bank’s Boards of Directors since 2005. In addition, the Company appointed Lannie E. Crawford, a Senior Vice President of the Bank, to serve as Interim President of the Company and the Savings Bank.  Mr. Crawford joined the Savings Bank in November 2007 and has more than 30 years of experience with financial institutions. The interim appointments of Mr. Sutherland as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Savings Bank, and of Mr. Crawford as President of the Company and the Savings Bank, were made permanent at the organizational meeting of the board of the Company and a special board meeting of the Savings Bank on November 6, 2008.
 
 
10


R.J. Breidenthal was selected to fill the vacancy created on the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Savings Bank by Mr. Katzfey’s resignation.  Mr. Breidenthal served as an advisory director of the Company and the Savings Bank from December 2006 to November 2008. Mr. Breidenthal serves on the Bank’s Loan Committee. Mr. Breidenthal is the first cousin of Thomas M. Sutherland, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Savings Bank.

During the months of November and December 2008, in light of a continually worsening economy and the departure of several loan officers, the Savings Bank conducted an in-depth review and analysis of its loan portfolio primarily focusing on its commercial real estate, multi-family, development and commercial business loans. As a result of this review, the Savings Bank added 65 loans with principal balances totaling $12.6 million to either the classified asset list or the internal watch list. Additionally, 33 loans which had appeared on either the classified asset list or the internal watch list at the end of November 2008 were downgraded. During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, based on this loan analysis and in light of the economic conditions, the Savings Bank recorded a provision for loan losses of $4.4 million.

During the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank continued its internal review and analysis of the loan portfolio, which contributed to additional provisions for loan losses of $643,000 and $454,000 for the March and June quarters, respectively.

At its December 19, 2008 meeting, the Board of Directors, following extensive discussions over several months, determined that it was in the best interest of both the Bank and the Company to cash out the bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) owned by the Savings Bank. This decision resulted in an additional tax provision of $562,000. However, the benefits from the transaction in the form of additional liquidity provided by the proceeds, the elimination of a non-cash flowing asset and a reduction in the Company’s exposure to the increased risk that has been a significant factor in the marketplace over the last several months, more than offset the cost. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had received the cash proceeds from two of the three insurance companies that had issued policies under the BOLI plan. The remaining BOLI funds are scheduled to be received no later than the end of September 2009.

Operating Strategy

The primary goals of management are to improve profitability, reduce and manage risk and take whatever steps necessary to satisfy the terms and conditions of the Cease and Desist orders under which both the Company and the Savings Bank are currently conducting business, with the stated purpose of having those orders lifted.  Operating results depend primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on interest-earning assets, consisting of loans and securities, and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, consisting of deposits and borrowings.  Net income is also affected by, among other things, provisions for loan losses and operating expenses.  Operating results are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, primarily changes in market interest rates, governmental legislation and policies concerning monetary and fiscal affairs and housing, as well as, by other financial institutions and the actions of the regulatory authorities.  Management’s strategy is to strengthen First Home’s presence in its primary market area.

Management has implemented various general strategies with the intent of improving profitability while maintaining, and as necessary, improving safety and soundness.  Primary among those strategies are, to the extent that market conditions allow, increasing the volume of originated one-to-four family loans, actively seeking high quality commercial real estate loans, continuing improvement in, and maintaining, asset quality, and managing interest-rate risk.  Following the opening of a loan origination office in Springfield, Missouri in March 2007, most of the fixed-rate, single-family mortgages originated by the Company have been sold to third parties, while adjustable rate loans are retained in the portfolio.  This is
 
 
11

consistent with First Home’s historical general practice of primarily being an adjustable rate lender. The loan origination office ceased operation in June 2009. The operating results for the loan origination office were about break-even without full consideration of related administrative costs. This fact, coupled with the costs of maintaining a facility which, subsequent to the November 2008 management changes, was only half occupied, led to the decision to cease operation of the loan production office.  However, the Savings Bank will continue to originate fixed-rate, single-family mortgages for sale into the secondary market.

Lending.  Historically, First Home predominantly originated one-to-four family residential loans.  One-to-four family residential loans were 80% of the mortgage loans originated, or 76% of total loan originations, during fiscal year 2009, compared with 63% of the mortgage loans originated, or 57% of total loan originations, during fiscal 2008.  At June 30, 2009, residential mortgage loans as a percent of the Savings Bank’s total gross loan portfolio were approximately 52% compared to approximately 45% at June 30, 2008.  First Home had gradually increased its commercial real estate loan originations within its traditional lending territory during the eight year period from fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2001, commercial real estate and land loan originations were approximately 20% of mortgage loan originations compared to approximately 37% of mortgage loan originations in fiscal 2008. Commercial real estate and land loan originations were approximately 20% of mortgage loan originations in fiscal 2009. A number of factors contributed to the decrease in commercial real estate and land loans, including a decrease in values for such real estate, declining business and development activity and tighter lending standards by the Savings Bank. While commercial real estate and land loans will continue to be a part of the real estate loans originated by the Savings Bank, they will likely, at least for the immediate future, remain less than 25% of the mix of originations.

Asset Quality. Asset quality remains a significant concern of management and the Company’s Board of Directors.  The Savings Bank’s asset quality is monitored and measured using various benchmarks.  The two key items are non-performing loans and classified loans.  Non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans, loans past due over 90 days and impaired loans not past due or past due less than 60 days.  Classified loans are loans internally identified as having greater credit risk and requiring additional monitoring. Past due and non-accrual loans, including loans 30-89 days delinquent, at June 30, 2009 were  $7.8 million, or 5.90% of the total loan portfolio, and included $1.2 million, or 1.65% of total residential loans, $117,000, or 2.39% of total second mortgage loans, $3.2 million, or 7.95% of total commercial real estate loans, $2.0 million, or 26.97%, of total land loans, $1,4 million, or 13.48%, of total commercial business loans, and $61,000; or 1.50% of total consumer loans.

The table below shows the risk classification of the Savings Bank’s loan portfolio at the dates indicated.  Non-performing loans increased by $639,000, or 23.9%, to $3.3 million at June 30, 2009 from $2.6 million at June 30, 2008.  During fiscal 2009, real estate owned and repossessed assets increased by $501,000 from $1.2 million to $1.7 million. In addition, net charge-offs for fiscal 2009 increased by $2.7 million over those for fiscal 2008, to $3.9 million from $1.2 million. Classified loans increased by $4.5 million, or 78.6%, to $10.3 million at June 30, 2009 compared to $5.8 million at June 30, 2008.  Stricter internal policies relating to the identification and monitoring of loans in the current economic climate have identified potential problems, and have also resulted in a significant increase in classified loans. In addition to the classified loans, the Savings Bank has identified an additional $13.4 million of credits at June 30, 2009 on its internal watch list including $7.8 million, $1.6 million, $1.5 million, $2.5 million and $47,000 of commercial real estate, land, commercial business, one-to-four family and consumer loans, respectively. Management has identified these loans as high risk credits and any deterioration in their financial condition could increase the classified loan totals.

Of the $10.3 million in classified loans as of June 30, 2009, seven loans with outstanding balances totaling $1.3 million were outside the Savings Bank’s market area. The allowance for loan losses related to these seven loans totaled $449,000 as of June 30, 2009. Four of these loans totaling $547,000, with
 
 
12

 
related allowances for loan losses of $140,000, were located in other areas of the state of Missouri. Of the remaining three loans, there was one each in Tennessee, Nebraska and Minnesota.

Asset quality: (in thousands)
 
At or for the
Year Ended June 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
   
Non-performing assets:
         
 Past due over 90 days
 $      288
 
$       360
   
 Non-accrual loans
3,024
 
     2,313
   
 Other
-
 
-
   
Total non-performing loans
3,312
 
2,673
   
  Real estate owned
1,549
 
1,206
   
 Repossessed assets
158
 
-
   
Total non-performing assets
$   5,019
 
$     3,879
   
           
Classified loans:
         
 Loss
$           -
 
$            -
   
 Doubtful
4,188
 
718
   
 Substandard
6,137
 
5,062
   
     Total classified loans
10,325
 
5,780
   
     Total watch list credits
13,415
 
4,671
   
     Total loans of concern
$  23,740
 
$   10,451
   
           
           
Net charge-offs 
 $   3,925
 
$      1,187
   
Provision for loan losses 
 $   5,314
 
 $      1,291
   

The Savings Bank’s provision for loan losses for the year ended June 30, 2009 increased $4.0 million to $5.3 million from $1.3 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. This was primarily the result of management’s efforts to identify problem loans and the deteriorating economic environment during fiscal 2009. Most businesses and individuals have been negatively impacted. Customer cash flows are strained and loan evaluations reflect an increased awareness of the potential for problems in the loan portfolio. While the Savings Bank has addressed loan quality issues over the past couple of years, it became clear that the magnitude of problem loans, both in terms of their number and the total dollars, was significantly greater than initially realized when the in-depth loan review process began in November 2008. Steps were taken on each loan, as appropriate for the type of credit, to determine the current status, the magnitude of the problem, current net value, updated cash flows, proper classification, accrual status and necessary reserves. This process resulted in significant increases in classified assets, watch list credits, the provision for loan losses and net charge offs.

Managing Interest-Rate Risk.  First Home has relied primarily on adjustable interest rate loans and short-term fixed-rate loans to manage the inherent risks of interest rate changes.  During fiscal 2006, in order to compete in the current interest rate environment, First Home began offering long-term fixed rate mortgages to borrowers with good credit quality.  With the goal of mitigating risk on these long-term fixed rate products, management monitors the number, outstanding balance and other amounts related to these loans to determine when changes should be made to the terms of the loans offered.  While a small number of fixed-rate loans are retained in portfolio, most fixed rate loans originated during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 were originated for sale in the secondary market.  To some extent FHLB advances with terms that correspond with the terms of the loan products are utilized.

Critical Accounting Policies.  The Company uses estimates and assumptions in its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Material or critical estimates that are
 
13

 
susceptible to significant change include the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the associated provision for loan losses, as well as the estimation of fair value for a number of the Company’s assets.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  Management recognizes that loan losses may occur over the life of a loan and that the allowance for loan losses must be maintained at a level necessary to absorb specific losses on impaired loans and probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management of the Savings Bank assesses the allowance for loan losses on a monthly basis, through the analysis of several different factors including delinquency, charge-off rates and the changing risk profile of the Company’s loan portfolio, as well as local economic conditions such as unemployment rates, bankruptcies and vacancy rates of business and residential properties.

Management believes that the accounting estimate related to the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period to period.  This may require management to make assumptions about losses on loans; and the impact of a sudden large loss could require increased provisions, which would negatively affect earnings.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based on management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance for loan losses includes allowance allocations calculated with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, Accounting for Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended by SFAS 118, and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies.  The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluations of delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries, loan volumes and terms, changes in underwriting procedures, depth of the Company’s lending management, national and local economy, industry conditions, credit concentrations, and other external factors, including competition and legal and regulatory requirements, as well as trends in the foregoing.

The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, which is charged against current period operating results and decreased by the amount of actual loan charge-offs, net of recoveries.

Estimation of Fair Value.  The estimation of fair value is significant to a number of the Company’s assets, including securities and real estate owned.  These assets are all recorded at either fair value or at the lower of cost or fair value.

Declines in the fair value of equity securities below their amortized cost basis that are deemed to be other-than-temporary impairment losses are reflected as realized losses.  To determine if an other-than-temporary impairment exists on an equity security, the Company considers (a) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (b) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (c) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value.  To determine if a other-than-temporary-impairment exists on a debt security, the Company first determines if (a) it intends to sell the security or (b) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery.  If either of the conditions is met, the Company will recognize a other-than-temporary-impairment in earnings equal to the difference between the fair value of the security and its adjusted cost basis.  If neither of the conditions is met, the Company determines (a) the amount of the impairment related to credit loss and (b) the amount of the impairment due to all other factors.  The difference
 
 
14

between the present values of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis is the credit loss.  The amount of the credit loss is included in the consolidated statements of income as a other-than-temporary-impairment on securities and is an adjustment to the cost basis of the security.  The portion of the total impairment that is related to all other factors is included in other comprehensive income (loss).

Real estate owned is recorded at fair value less the estimated costs to sell the asset.  Any write down at the time of foreclosure is charged against the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequently, net expenses related to holding the property and declines in the market value are charged against income.

Deferred Tax Assets

The Company accounts for income taxes according to the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates applicable to taxable income for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more-likely-than-not. An estimate of probable income tax benefits that will not be realized in future years is required in determining the necessity for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008

General.  The most significant change in the Company’s financial condition during the year ended June 30, 2009 was a decrease in net loans receivable of $33.9 million or 20.3%.  This decrease in loans provided the funding to increase our investment in securities by $2.9 million, increase our investment in certificates of deposit by $5.1 million, reduce our borrowings from the FHLB of Des Moines by $12.0 million and fund a net deposit outflow of $5.4 million. Additional funding was provided by cashing in $4.0 million in BOLI and an increase of $1.1 million in funds received in retail repurchase agreements.

Total Assets. Total assets decreased $19.3 million, or 7.7%, to $229.9 million at June 30, 2009 from $249.2 million at June 30, 2008.  The decrease was primarily attributable to the $33.9 million decrease in loans receivable and a $4.0 million decrease in BOLI which were partially offset by increases of $9.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, $5.1 million in certificates of deposit and $2.9 million in securities. Additionally, deposits decreased by $5.4 million and borrowings from the FHLB of Des Moines decreased by $12.0 million.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents was $26.2 million at June 30, 2009 compared to $17.0 million at June 30, 2008, an increase of $9.2 million, or 54.1%.  The increase was the result of the decrease in loans receivable, which provided funds to increase investments in securities and certificates of deposit, manage net deposit outflows, repay borrowings and increase the liquidity of the Savings Bank during the current  economic downturn.

Certificates of Deposit Purchased.  Certificates of deposit purchased as investments increased $5.1 million to $5.6 million at June 30, 2009 from $567,000 at June 30, 2008.  The decision to invest in certificates of deposit was based on a comparison of market interest rates and attendant risk for various alternative short-term investments. All certificates of deposit are covered by deposit insurance and had terms of 12 months or less.

Securities. Securities increased $2.9 million to $47.9 million at June 30, 2009 from $45.0 million at June 30, 2008.  Proceeds from the sales, maturities, calls and prepayments on securities were reinvested, along with other excess funds, primarily in mortgage-backed securities issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
 
 
15

 
The available-for-sale portfolio increased by $4.5 million, or 11.0%, to $45.3 million at June 30, 2009 from $40.8 million at June 30, 2008. The held to maturity portfolio decreased by $1.6 million, or 37.9%, to $2.6 million at June 30, 2009 from $4.2 million at June 30, 2008. This change was the result of a decision, made in fiscal 2007, to allow the held to maturity portfolio to run off through maturities while new purchases were categorized as available-for-sale, providing the greatest level of flexibility in the investment portfolio. During fiscal 2009, the Savings Bank sold $6.1 million of fixed-rate, mortgage-backed securities for a profit of $143,000. Our analysis of the securities that were sold indicated a high probability of extension risk, meaning that it was likely that the securities would be repaid over a period of time significantly longer than the period of time anticipated when they were purchased. The proceeds were used to purchase adjustable-rates, mortgage-backed securities.

Loans Receivable.  Net loans receivable decreased from $167.0 million at June 30, 2008 to $133.2 million at June 30, 2009. The $33.9 million, or 20.3%, decrease was the result of several factors. Loan originations during fiscal 2009 were less than 2008 because of the economic downturn, which both decreased demand and resulted in  a tightening of the Savings Bank’s underwriting standards. The Savings Bank, subsequent to the November 2008 management changes, made a concerted effort to eliminate certain credits out from the Savings Bank’s loan portfolio. There was an increase in foreclosures and repossessions, and the provision for loan losses was four times what it was in fiscal 2008. All of these factors reduced net loans receivable.

Commercial real estate loans decreased by $13.9 million, or 25.9%, to $39.8 million at June 30, 2009 from $53.7 million at June 30, 2008. Land loans decreased by $3.4 million, or 31.2%, to $7.4 million at June 30, 2009 from $10.8 million at June 30, 2008. Commercial business loans decreased by $2.0 million, or 16.6%, to $9.8 million at June 30, 2009 from $11.8 million at June 30, 2008. Consumer loans, including personal and automobile loans, overdrafts, loans on deposit accounts and second mortgages, decreased by $8.3 million, or 48.2%, to $8.9 million at June 30, 2009 from $17.3 million at June 30, 2008. One-to-four family loans decreased by $4.9 million, or 6.4%, to $71.1 million at June 30, 2009 from $76.0 million at June 30, 2008.

The origination of loans for portfolio decreased by $28.0 million, or 58.7%, to $19.7 million in fiscal 2009 from $47.7 million in fiscal 2008. Real estate loan originations, including loans originated for sale, decreased by $20.2 million, or 34.3%, to $38.9 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 compared to $59.1 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. Commercial real estate, multi-family and land loan originations decreased by $14.3 million, while one-to-four family loan originations decreased by $6.0 million. Consumer loan originations decreased by $2.1 million to $1.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $3.7 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. Commercial business loan originations decreased by $4.0 million to $2.3 million in fiscal 2009, as compared to originations of $6.3 million in fiscal 2008. The primary reason for the reduction in loan volume was the nationwide deteriorating economic climate that prevailed during most of fiscal 2008 and all of fiscal 2009. In addition, the Savings Bank began to tighten its underwriting standards in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. This process continued throughout fiscal 2009. While the Savings Bank’s local market areas have not been impacted to the same degree as other areas of the country, the slowdown in business activity, the decline in real estate values and the increased level of unemployment have been readily apparent in the increase in delinquencies, non-performing assets, classified assets, foreclosures and repossessions.

Non-accrual Loans. Non-accrual loans increased from $2.3 million at June 30, 2008 to $3.0 million at June 30, 2009. The $711,000 increase in non-accrual loans was due to increases of $499,000 in non-accrual residential mortgages, $1.5 million in non-accrual land loans and $401,000 in commercial business loans. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $21,000 in non-accrual consumer loans and a decrease of $1.6 million in non-accrual commercial real estate loans.
 
 
16


Non-performing Assets.  Non-performing assets increased $1.1 million, from $3.9 million at June 30, 2008 to $5.0 million at June 30, 2009.  At June 30, 2009, the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 2.18% compared to 1.56% at June 30, 2008. The Savings Bank’s non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans and past due loans over 90 days. Non-performing assets also include real estate owned and other repossessed assets.

The Savings Bank has identified an additional $13.4 million of credits at June 30, 2009 on its internal watch list including $7.8 million, $1.6 million, $1.5 million, $2.5  million and $47,000 of commercial real estate, land, commercial business, one-to-four family and consumer loans, respectively.  Management has identified these loans as high risk credits and any deterioration in their financial condition could increase the classified loan totals.

Deposits. Deposits decreased $5.4 million, or 2.8%, to $189.2 million at June 30, 2009 from $194.6 million at June 30, 2008.  The decrease in deposit balances during fiscal 2009 included a decrease of $8.3 million in savings accounts, which included a $5.2 million decrease in money market savings accounts, first introduced in December 2006. The money market savings account had $34.7 million in balances at June 30, 2009. In addition, certificates of deposits decreased $927,000, from $87.1 at June 30, 2008 to $86.2 million at June 30, 2009. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $3.8 million in checking balances from $55.2 million at June 30, 2008 to $59.0 million at June 30, 2009.  The rates paid by the Savings Bank on deposits, with the exception of special offerings and specifically designed accounts, usually fall in the lower half of the range of rates offered by the Savings Bank’s competitors.

Retail Repurchase Agreements.  In December 2006, the Savings Bank began to offer retail repurchase agreements. This was done to provide an additional product for our existing customer base and to attract new customers who would find the product beneficial. Customers with large balances in checking accounts benefit by having those balances which exceed a predetermined level “swept” out of the checking account and into a retail repurchase account. The repurchase account earns interest at a floating market rate and is uninsured. However, the balance is collateralized by designated investment securities of the Savings Bank. At June 30, 2009, the balances of retail repurchase agreements totaled $5.7 million, representing an increase of $1.1 million, or 23.9%, over the $4.6 million balance at June 30, 2008.  During most of fiscal 2009, the balances of the retail repurchase agreements remained relatively unchanged because there was very little change in the balances maintained by the largest user of the program.

Borrowings.  Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines decreased by $12.0 million from $22.0 million at June 30, 2008 to $10.0 million at June 30, 2008. During the year ended June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank borrowed $7.0 million from the FHLB of Des Moines at an attractive rate during a period of net cash outflows. The advance will be repaid at maturity prior to December 31, 2009.  The Savings Bank opted to prepay $19.0 million in FHLB of Des Moines advances, incurring a prepayment penalty of just over $1.2 million. There was no other borrowed money during the year ended June 30, 2009.

Stockholders’ Equity.  Stockholders’ equity was $23.8 million at June 30, 2009 compared to $27.1 million at June 30, 2008.  The $3.3 million decrease was the result of a net loss of $4.0 million and the payment of a dividend which totaled $155,000. The decision to pay a special dividend was made by the Board in July 2008, the first month of fiscal 2009. The amount was based on the net income for fiscal 2008, and the decision was made prior to any indication of the loan problems which came to light in the second quarter of the fiscal year. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in paid-in-capital of $27,000, which resulted from the implementation of FASB 123R in regard to stock based compensation, and an improvement of $828,000 in other comprehensive income, related to net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities.  At June 30, 2009, there were 1,550,815 shares of stock
 
 
17

 
outstanding, or the same number of shares that were shares outstanding at June 30, 2008.  The book value per share decreased to $15.32 at June 30, 2009 from $17.47 at June 30, 2008.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008

Net Income.  The Company recorded a net loss of $4.0 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, as compared to net income of $363,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  The primary reason for the $4.4 million negative change in the results of operations was an increase of $4.0 million in provision for loan losses in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. In addition, net interest income decreased by $455,000 in fiscal 2009 to $6.9 million from $7.4 million in fiscal 2008, non-interest income decreased by $246,000 to $2.7 million from $2.9 million and non-interest expense increased by $1.2 million to $9.8 million from $8.6 million. These items were partially offset by a tax benefit of $1.5 million for fiscal 2009 compared to a tax provision of $69,000 for fiscal 2008.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income decreased $455,000, or 6.2%, to $6.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 from $7.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  Total interest income decreased $2.5 million, while total interest expense decreased by $2.0 million.

Interest Income.  Interest income decreased $2.5 million, or 16.6%, to $12.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, from $14.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  Interest income on loans receivable decreased by $2.1 million, or 18.0%, to $9.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 from $11.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  During the year ended June 30, 2009, the average balance of net loans outstanding decreased $11.5 million, or 7.4%, to $149.3 million from $161.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. In addition, the yield on net loans outstanding decreased to 6.54% in fiscal 2009 from 7.39% in fiscal 2008 due to a significant reduction in market interest rates between fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009, and to substantial decreases in the outstanding balances of consumer, commercial real estate and commercial business loans during 2009. These types of loans generally have higher rates. Total loan originations were $42.7 million during the year ended June 30, 2009, while sales of loans totaled $23.4 million and repayments on loans were $45.3 million.

Interest income from securities increased $83,000, or 3.5% to $2.5 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $2.4 million for the year ended June 30, 2008.  The increase was the result of an increase of $4.5 million, or 10.1%, in the average balance of securities to $49.3 million in fiscal 2009 from $44.8 million in fiscal 2008, which was partially offset by a decrease in the yield on securities to 4.97% for fiscal 2009 from 5.29% for fiscal 2008.

Interest income from other interest-earning assets (primarily overnight funds) decreased $395,000, or 73.4%, to $143,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 from $538,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  The decrease is attributable to a decrease in the yield on other interest-earning assets from 3.10% for the year ended June 30, 2008 to 0.69% for the year ended June 30, 2009, which was partially offset by an increase in the average balance of other interest-earning assets from $17.4 million in fiscal 2008 to $20.7 million during fiscal 2009.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 decreased $2.0 million, or 27.0%, to $5.5 million from $7.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  Expense on interest-bearing customer deposits decreased by $1.9 million, or 31.8%, to $4.2 million for fiscal 2009 from $6.1 million for fiscal 2008. This decrease was the result of a decrease of $8.0 million, or 4.4%, in the average balance of deposits to $173.6 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 from $181.6 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, and by a decrease in the average cost of deposits to 2.41% for fiscal 2009 from 3.37% for fiscal 2008.  The decrease in the average cost of deposits was the result of decreased short-term interest rates during fiscal 2009 and maturities of higher costing time deposits.
 
 
18


Interest expense on retail repurchase agreements increased by $49,000 to $86,000 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 from $37,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. The increase was the result of an increase in the average balance of retail repurchase agreements of $3.5 million to $5.0 million for fiscal 2009 from $1.5 million for fiscal 2008, which was partially offset by a decrease in the average cost on retail repurchase agreements to 1.71% for fiscal 2009 from 2.44% for fiscal 2008. Interest expense on other interest-bearing liabilities decreased $111,000, or 8.6%, to $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 from $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. The decrease was the result of a decrease in the average cost of these liabilities to 5.14% in fiscal 2009 from 5.85% in fiscal 2008, which was partially offset by an increase in the average balance of these liabilities of $846,000 to $22.8 million for fiscal 2009 from $22.0 million for fiscal 2008.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses increased $4.0 million, or 311.5%, to $5.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 from $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  The allowance for loan losses was $2.8 million, or 1.65%, of gross loans at June 30, 2008 compared to $4.2 million, or 3.05%, of gross loans at June 30, 2009.  Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries was $3.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 compared to $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  The increase in net loan charge-offs was the result of the extensive loan review which began in November 2008 that identified a significant number of problem loans, both in terms of numbers of loans and total dollars involved. Many of the loans identified as problems during the eight month period ended June 30, 2009 were or became delinquent, migrated to classified assets, became subject to FASB 114 analysis and were written down, or taken into real estate owned or repossessed collateral at some amount less than the loan balances.

Non-interest Income.  Non-interest income decreased $246,000, or 8.5%, to $2.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 compared to $2.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  During fiscal 2009, there were decreases of $143,000, or 7.0%, in service charges and other fee income and $51,000 in income from BOLI. Additionally, the Savings Bank recorded $266,000 in write-downs on real estate owned. These decreases in non-operating income were partially offset by increases of $24,000, or 4.8%, in gain on the sale of loans, $23,000, or 852.6%, in gain on the sale of property and equipment and $25,000, or 17.7% in other operating income. In addition, there was a profit on the sale of securities available-for-sale of $143,000. The decrease in service charges and other fee income seems to reflect a higher level of caution on the part of checking customers in a difficult economic period. The decrease in income on BOLI is the result of the liquidation of two thirds of the Savings Bank’s BOLI policies at mid fiscal year. The write downs on real estate owned are the result of a decrease in real estate values during the ongoing economic downturn, and to a decrease in the number of active buyers of these properties.

Non-interest Expense.  Non-interest expense increased $1.3 million, or 14.9%, to $9.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 from $8.6 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. There were increases of $147,000 and $1.3 million in deposit insurance premiums and other expenses, respectively. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $5,000, $20,000 and $148,000 in compensation and employee benefits, occupancy expenses and professional fees, respectively.

Compensation and employee benefits decreased $5,000, or 0.1%, remaining at $4.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. The decrease in compensation and benefits included a decrease of $148,000, or 3.7%, in compensation and related payroll taxes, a decrease of $56,000, or 67.2%, in stock option expense and a decrease of $34,000, or 61.8%, in directors’, officers’ and employees’ expenses. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $34,000, or 90.0%, in directors’ compensation, $53,000, or 11.8%, in group health insurance costs and, as the result of the reduced lending volume in fiscal 2009, a decrease of $149,000, or 55.3%, in the amount of compensation costs deferred on loan originations under FASB 91. At the annual organizational meeting of the Board of Directors of the Savings Bank, decided to restructure board and committee fees. Almost one-half of the increase in fees during fiscal 2009 is due to
 
 
19

 
a $2,000 monthly fee paid to the Chairman of the Board in recognition of the additional responsibilities of serving as Chief Executive Officer.

Occupancy and equipment expense for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 decreased $20,000, or 1.2%, remaining at $1.6 million. The decrease was partially attributable to the Savings Bank discontinuing its use of the original loan production facility the end of calendar 2008. In the fall of 2006, the Bank leased space in Springfield, Missouri which was to be used as a loan production office and provide offices for the Bank’s senior officers. Within the first year, it became apparent that the space was inadequate, and an additional, larger facility, also in Springfield, Missouri, was leased. The original facility was empty for several months, but operations management, loan processing and human resources were moved into the space early in 2008.  Subsequent to the management changes in November 2008, loan processing, human resources and operations management were relocated back to the Mountain Grove and Marshfield offices, from which they had been moved originally. There were no other significant changes in occupancy in fiscal 2009. Fiscal 2010 will reflect the closure of the second loan origination office which, as noted earlier, was also in Springfield, Missouri.

Professional fees decreased $148,000, or 24.9%, from $594,000 in fiscal 2008 to $446,000 in fiscal 2009.  Included in the professional fees for fiscal 2008 was approximately $225,000 in accounting, legal and consulting work related to the unsuccessful effort to take the Company private. Excluding these items, there would have been an increase in professional fees of approximately $77,000 during fiscal 2009. The increase in costs includes increases in external audit fees, internal audit fees and costs related to compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

Deposit insurance premiums increased $147,000, or 134.9%, from $109,000 in fiscal 2008 to $256,000 in fiscal 2009, primarily as the result of higher premium assessments from the FDIC and a special 5 basis point assessment levied by the FDIC on the June 30, 2009 calculation base. In light of the costs to the insurance fund of financial institution failures during calendar 2009, it is highly probable that additional special assessments will be levied.

Other non-interest expense increased by $1.3 million, or 73.4%, from $1.8 million for fiscal 2008 to $3.1 million for fiscal 2009. The increase in this category, which covers all other operating expense of the Company, was the result of a $1.2 million penalty on the prepayment of $19.0 million in borrowings from the FHLB of Des Moines.

Income Taxes.  Income tax benefit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 totaled $1.5 million compared to income tax expense of $69,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. This was primarily the result of a pre-tax loss of $5.6 million in fiscal 2009 compared to pre-tax income of $432,000 in fiscal 2008.

Net Interest Margin.  Net interest margin for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 was 3.16% compared to 3.30% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  The decrease in the net interest margin was the result of a decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets that was only partially offset by a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. While the ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities remained unchanged during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, the interest rate spread between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities decreased seven basis points from 3.01% to 2.94%.

Average Balances, Interest and Average Yields/Costs

The earnings of the Savings Bank depend largely on the spread between the yield on interest-earning assets (primarily loans and securities) and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities (primarily deposit accounts and FHLB advances), as well as the relative size of the Savings Bank's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liability portfolios.
 
 
20



Yields Earned and Rates Paid

The following table sets forth (on a consolidated basis) for the periods and at the date indicated, the weighted average yields earned on the Company’s and First Home's assets, the weighted average interest rates paid on First Home's liabilities, together with the net yield on interest-earning assets.

 
At June 30,
   
Years Ended June 30
 
2009
   
2009
   
2008
 
Weighted average yield
               
    on loan portfolio
6.52
%
 
6.54
%
 
7.39
%
Weighted average yield
               
    on securities
4.68
   
4.97
   
5.29
 
Weighted average yield on other
               
    interest-earning assets
0.78
   
0.69
   
3.10
 
Weighted average yield
               
    on all interest-earning assets
5.35
   
5.64
   
6.64
 
Weighted average rate
               
    paid on total deposits
2.11
   
2.41
   
3.37
 
Weighted average rate paid on retail
               
    repurchase agreements
1.46
   
1.71
   
2.44
 
Weighted average rate paid on other
               
    interest-bearing liabilities
2.27
   
5.14
   
5.85
 
Weighted average rate paid on
               
    All interest-bearing liabilities
2.10
   
2.70
   
3.63
 
Interest rate spread (spread
               
    between weighted average
               
    rate on all interest-earning assets
               
    and all interest-bearing liabilities)
3.25
   
2.94
   
3.01
 
Net interest margin (net interest
               
    income (expense) as a percentage
               
     of average interest-earning assets)
N/A
   
3.16
   
3.30
 











The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, resultant yields, interest rate spread, net interest margin, and ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities.
 
 

 
21

 

 
   
Years Ended June 30,
   
   
2009
   
2008
   
       
Interest
           
Interest
       
   
Average
 
and
 
Yield/
   
Average
 
and
 
Yield/
   
   
Balance(2)
 
Dividends
 
   Cost
   
Balance(2)
 
Dividends
 
   Cost
   
   
(Dollars in thousands)
                     
Interest-earning assets:
                           
  Loans(1)
 
 $  149,325
 
 $      9,770
 
6.54
%
 
 $  161,318
 
 $    11,920
 
7.39
%
 
  Securities
 
       49,320
 
         2,452
 
4.97
   
       44,780
 
         2,370
 
5.29
   
  Other
 
       20,747
 
            144
 
0.69
   
       17,357
 
            538
 
3.10
   
     Total interest-earning assets
     219,392
 
       12,366
 
5.64
   
     223,455
 
       14,828
 
6.64
   
Non-interest earning assets
                           
  Office properties and equipment, net
         6,793
           
         7,100
           
  Real estate, net
         1,651
           
            825
           
  Other non-interest earning assets
       13,757
           
       13,868
           
     Total assets
 $  241,593
           
 $  245,248
           
                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                           
  Savings and Money Market savings accounts
 $    46,210
 
            913
 
1.98
   
 $    52,556
 
         1,700
 
3.23
   
  Checking and Super Saver accounts
       41,835
 
            407
 
0.97
   
       43,126
 
            544
 
1.26
   
  Certificates of deposit
       85,598
 
         2,862
 
3.34
   
       85,949
 
         3,885
 
4.52
   
     Total deposits
     173,643
 
         4,182
 
2.41
   
     181,631
 
         6,129
 
3.37
   
  Retail repurchase agreements
         5,029
 
              86
 
1.71
   
         1,476
 
              36
 
2.44
   
  Advances  from Federal Home Loan Bank
       22,846
 
         1,175
 
5.14
   
       22,000
 
         1,286
 
5.85
   
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
     201,518
 
         5,443
 
2.70
   
     205,107
 
         7,451
 
3.63
   
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
                           
  Other liabilities
       14,217
           
       13,045
           
     Total liabilities
     215,735
           
     218,152
           
Stockholders' equity
       25,858
           
       27,096
           
     Total liabilities and
                           
       stockholders' equity
 $  241,593
           
 $  245,248
           
Net interest income
   
 $      6,923
           
 $      7,377
       
Interest rate spread
       
2.94
%
         
3.01
%
 
Net interest margin
       
3.16
%
         
3.30
%
 
Ratio of average interest-earning
                           
  assets to average interest-
                           
  bearing liabilities
108.9%
           
108.9%
           
                               
                               
 
(1)  
Average balances include non-accrual loans and loans 90 days or more past due. The corresponding interest up to the date of non-accrual status has been included in the "Interest and Dividends" column.
(2)  
Average balances for a period have been calculated using the average monthly balances for the   respective year.


22


Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents certain information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense of the Company and Savings Bank for the periods indicated.  For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to (i) effects on interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) effects on interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); (iii) the net changes (the sum of the previous columns).   The effects on interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in both rate and volume are allocated to the change in volume variance and the change in the rate variance on a pro rated basis.


   
Years Ended June 30,
   
Years Ended June 30,
 
   
2009 Compared to 2008
   
2008 Compared to 2007
 
   
Increase/(Decrease)
   
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
Due to
   
Due to
 
                                     
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
  Loans (1)
  $ (844 )   $ (1,306 )   $ (2,150 )   $ 671     $ 304     $ 975  
  Securities
    230       (148 )     82       70       373       443  
  Other
    95       (489 )     (394 )     62       (377 )     (315 )
Total net change in income on
                                               
  interest-earnings assets
    (519 )     (1,943 )     (2,462 )     803       300       1,103  
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
  Interest-bearing deposits
    (260 )     (1,687 )     (1,947 )     406       (223 )     183  
  Retail repurchase agreements
    77       (27 )     50       33       (18 )     15  
  Other interest-bearing liabilities
    49       (160 )     (111 )     (101 )     -       (101 )
Total net change in expense on
                                               
  interest-bearing liabilities
    (134 )     (1,874 )     (2,008 )     338       (241 )     97  
Net change in net interest income
  $ (385 )   $ (69 )   $ (454 )   $ 465     $ 541     $ 1,006  

(1)  Includes interest on loans 90 days or more past due not on non-accrual status.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

First Home’s primary sources of funds are proceeds from principal and interest payments on loans and securities, customer deposits, customer retail repurchase agreements and FHLB advances.  While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

The primary investing activity of First Home is the origination of mortgage loans. Mortgage loans originated by First Home decreased by $20.2 million to $38.9 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $59.1 million for the year ended June 30, 2008.  Other investing activities include the purchase of securities and certificates of deposit, which totaled $30.0 million and $21.2 million for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, the origination of non-mortgage loans, which totaled $2.3 million
 
 
 
23

 
 
and $6.3 million for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  These activities were funded primarily by principal repayments and prepayments on loans and sales, maturities and calls on securities.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, the Company’s cash and securities increased by $17.2 million to almost $79.8 million from $62.6 million at June 30, 2008. This resulted primarily from the decrease in the loan portfolio and a reasonably stable deposit base. Management believed that an increase in liquid assets would serve the Company well in the current economic climate.

OTS regulations require First Home to maintain an adequate level of liquidity to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to support loan growth and deposit withdrawals, to satisfy financial commitments and to take advantage of investment opportunities.  First Home’s sources of funds include customer deposits, retail repurchase agreements, principal and interest payments from loans and securities, FHLB advances and other credit lines. During fiscal 2009, First Home used its sources of funds primarily to purchase securities and domestic certificates of deposit, repay advances from the FHLB of Des Moines, fund loan commitments and to pay maturing savings certificates and deposit withdrawals. During fiscal year 2008, First Home used its sources of funds primarily to purchase securities, fund loan commitments and to pay maturing savings certificates and deposit withdrawals.  At June 30, 2009, First Home had approved customer loan commitments totaling $121,000 and unused lines of credit totaling $6.5 million.

Liquid funds necessary for the normal daily operations of First Home are maintained in checking accounts, a daily time account with the FHLB of Des Moines and a repurchase agreement account at a regional bank.  It is the Savings Bank’s current policy to maintain adequate collected balances in checking accounts to meet daily operating expenses, customer withdrawals, and fund loan demand.  Funds received from daily operating activities are deposited, on a daily basis, in one of the checking accounts and transferred, when appropriate, to the daily time account, used to purchase investments or reduce FHLB advances to enhance net interest income.

At June 30, 2009, certificates of deposit of customers amounted to $86.2 million, or 45.5%, of First Home’s total deposits, including $60.4 million which are scheduled to mature by June 30, 2010.  Historically, First Home has been able to retain a significant amount of its deposits as they mature.  Management of First Home believes it has adequate resources to fund all loan commitments with savings deposits and FHLB advances and that it can adjust the offering rates of savings certificates to retain deposits in changing interest rate environments.

Capital

OTS regulations require First Home to maintain specific amounts of capital.  As of June 30, 2009, First Home was in compliance with all current regulatory capital requirements with tangible, core and risk-based capital ratios of 9.3%, 9.3% and 17.6%, respectively.  These ratios exceed the 1.5%, 4.0% and 8.0% tangible, core and risk-based capital ratios required by OTS regulations.  In addition, the OTS amended its capital regulations that require savings institutions to maintain specified amounts of regulatory capital based on the estimated effects of changes in market rates and that could further increase the amount of regulatory capital required to be maintained by the Savings Bank.  

Consistent with our goal to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, we actively seek to maintain a "well capitalized" institution in accordance with regulatory standards.  Total equity capital was $23.8 million at June 30, 2009, or 10.31%, of total assets on that date. As of June 30, 2009, we exceeded all regulatory capital requirements.  Our regulatory capital ratios at June 30, 2009 were as follows: Tier 1 (core) capital 9.32%; Tier 1 risk-based capital 16.34%; and total risk-based capital 17.57%.  The regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized are 5%, 6% and 10%, respectively.


24


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of our customers.  These financial instruments generally include commitments to originate mortgage, commercial and consumer loans, and involve to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.  The Company’s maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.  Since some commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.  Collateral is not required to support commitments.

Undisbursed balances of loans closed include funds not disbursed but committed for construction projects.  Unused lines of credit include funds not disbursed but committed to, on home equity, commercial and consumer lines of credit.

Commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Those guarantees are primarily used to support public and private borrowing arrangements.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  Collateral held varies as specified above and is required in instances where we deem it necessary.

The following is a summary of commitments and contingent liabilities with off-balance sheet risks as of June 30, 2009:

 
Commitments:
   
 
 (In thousands)
 
Fixed rate loans
 $       34
 
Adjustable rate loans
          87
 
Undisbursed balance of loans closed
      1,726
 
Unused lines of credit
      6,501
 
Commercial standby letters of credit
        437
 
   Total
 $   8,785
 
     

Accounting Policies

Various elements of the Company’s accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments.  In particular, management has identified several accounting policies that, as a result of the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the financial statements of the Company.  These policies relate to the methodology for the determination of the provision and allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate held for sale and the allowance for deferred income taxes.  These policies and the judgments, estimates and assumptions are described in greater detail in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section and in the section entitled “New accounting standards” contained in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  Management believes that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements are appropriate based on the factual circumstances at the time.  However, because of the sensitivity of the financial statements to these critical accounting policies, the
 
 
25

 
use of other judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in material differences in the results of operations or financial condition.

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

The Consolidated Financial Statements and related financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering the changes in relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.  The primary impact of inflation on operations of First Home is reflected in increased operating costs.  Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature.  As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than do general levels of inflation.  Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.  During the current interest rate environment, management believes that the liquidity and the maturity structure of First Home’s assets and liabilities are critical to the maintenance of acceptable profitability.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 

Interest Rate Sensitivity of Net Portfolio Value.  The following table sets forth the change in the Savings Bank’s net portfolio value at June 30, 2009, based on (OTS) models. Net portfolio value is the present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts. The calculation is intended to illustrate the change in net portfolio value that will occur upon an immediate and permanent change in interest rates at the various levels of change indicated. There is no effect given to any steps that management might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.
 

 
               
Net Portfolio as % of
 
   
Net Portfolio Value
 
Portfolio Value of Assets
 
Basis Point ("bp")
 
Dollar
 
Dollar
 
Percent
 
Net Portfolio
     
Change in Rates
 
Amount
 
Change(1)
 
Change
 
Value Ratio(2)
 
Change(3)
 
   
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
300
bp
$ 38,087
 
$ 1,865
 
5
%
16.05
%
79
bp
200
 
   37,587
 
   1,365
 
4
 
15.83
 
57
 
100
 
37,016
 
          794
 
2
 
15.59
 
33
 
 50
 
36,583
 
        361
 
1
 
15.41
 
15
 
-
 
   36,222
 
           -
 
-
 
15.26
 
-
 
 (50)
 
   35,401
 
    (820)
 
(2)
 
14.95
 
(31)
 
(100)
 
34,496
 
(1,726)
 
(5)
 
14.61
 
(65)
 

(1)
Represents the increase (decrease) of the estimated net portfolio value at the indicated change in interest rates compared to the net portfolio value assuming no change in interest rates.
(2)
Calculated as the estimated net portfolio value divided by the portfolio value of total assets.
(3)
Calculated as the increase (decrease) of the net portfolio value ratio assuming the indicated change in interest rates over the estimated net portfolio value ratio assuming no change in interest rates.

The above table illustrates, for example, that at June 30, 2009 an instantaneous 200 basis point increase in market interest rates would increase the Savings Bank’s net portfolio value by approximately $1.4 million, or approximately 4%, and an instantaneous 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would decrease the Savings Bank’s net portfolio value by $1.7 million, or approximately 5%.


26


The following summarizes key exposure measures for the dates indicated.  They measure the change in net portfolio value ratio for a 200 basis point increase and for a 100 basis point decrease in interest rates.

   
June 30,
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2009
   
2008
 
 Pre-shock net portfolio
                 
    Value ratio
    15.26 %     13.91 %     15.89 %
 Post-shock net portfolio
                       
    Value ratio (Up 200 bp)
    15.83 %     14.82 %     15.98 %
 Increase (decrease) in portfolio
                       
    Value ratio (Up 200 bp)
    57   bp     91   bp     9   bp
 Post-shock net portfolio
                       
    Value ratio (Down 100 bp)
    14.61 %     13.30 %     15.66 %
 Increase (decrease) in portfolio
                       
    Value ratio (Down 100 bp)
    (65 ) bp     (61 ) bp     (23 ) bp

The calculated risk exposure measures of the Savings Bank’s interest rate risk at June 30, 2009 indicate that the “shock” increase in market rates would increase the net portfolio value while the “shock” decrease in market rates would decrease the net portfolio value. This is consistent with the exposure measures calculated at June 30, 2008. However, the magnitudes of the changes have increased in both scenarios. There was an improvement of 9 basis points for the up 200 basis point scenario at June 30, 2008 compared to an improvement of 57 basis points for the same scenario at June 30, 2009. There was a decline of 23 basis points in the down 100 basis point scenario at June 30, 2008 compared to a decline of 65 basis points for the same scenario at June 30, 2009.

The OTS uses certain assumptions in assessing the interest rate risk of thrift institutions.  These assumptions relate to interest rates, loan prepayment rates, deposit decay rates, and the market values of certain assets under differing interest rate scenarios, among others.  As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table.  For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or period to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates.  Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market interest rates.  Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable rate mortgage loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset.  Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, expected rates of prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from certificates of deposit could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table.
 

 
27

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
First Bancshares, Inc.


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of First Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits 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 statements presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2009 and 2008 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We were not engaged to examine managements’ assessment of the effectiveness of First Bancshares, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2009 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion thereon.



/s/McGladrey & Pullen, LLP


Kansas City, Missouri
September 24, 2009



28




FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
June 30, 2009 and 2008
 
       
2009
   
2008
 
             ASSETS
             
Cash and cash equivalents
    $ 26,217,607     $ 17,010,093  
Certificates of deposit purchased
      5,628,062       566,800  
Securities available-for-sale
      45,316,804       40,830,284  
Securities held to maturity
      2,591,510       4,174,886  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
      1,580,800       1,613,200  
Loans receivable, net
      133,162,106       167,034,726  
Loans held for sale
      820,270       755,357  
Accrued interest receivable
      955,037       1,135,894  
Prepaid expenses
      399,753       243,368  
Property and equipment, net
      6,669,373       6,913,125  
Real estate owned and other repossessed assets, net
      1,706,615       1,205,737  
Intangible assets, net
      185,355       235,470  
Deferred tax asset, net
      1,838,785       795,688  
Income taxes receivable
      274,583       57,653  
Bank-owned life insurance
      2,154,025       6,121,360  
Other assets
      414,608       538,121  
     Total assets
    $ 229,915,293     $ 249,231,762  
                     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                 
                     
Deposits
    $ 189,217,878     $ 194,593,283  
Retail repurchase agreements
      5,713,382       4,647,587  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
      10,000,000       22,000,000  
Accrued expenses
      1,220,142       891,320  
     Total liabilities
      206,151,402       222,132,190  
                     
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
                 
                     
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized,
                 
   none issued
      -       -  
Common stock, $.01 par value; 8,000,000 shares authorized,
                 
   issued 2,895,036 in 2009 and in 2008, outstanding
                 
   1,550,815 in 2009 and in 2008
      28,950       28,950  
Paid-in capital
      18,047,257       18,019,852  
Retained earnings – substantially restricted
      24,022,637       28,214,183  
Treasury stock, at cost - 1,344,221 shares in 2009 and in 2008
      (19,112,627 )     (19,112,627 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
      777,674       (50,786 )
    Total stockholders' equity
      23,763,891       27,099,572  
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
    $ 229,915,293     $ 249,231,762  
   
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
29

 
           
 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
           
 
2009
 
         2008
   
Interest Income:
         
  Loans receivable
 $     9,770,332
 
 $   11,920,427
   
  Securities
        2,452,442
 
        2,369,758
   
  Other interest-earning assets
           142,832
 
           537,997
   
      Total interest income
      12,365,606
 
      14,828,182
   
           
Interest Expense:
         
  Deposits
        4,181,951
 
        6,128,745
   
  Retail repurchase agreements
             85,577
 
             36,279
   
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
        1,175,562
 
        1,286,063
   
     Total interest expense
        5,443,090
 
        7,451,087
   
     Net interest income
        6,922,516
 
        7,377,095
   
           
Provision for loan losses
        5,313,801
 
        1,291,300
   
     Net interest income after
         
       provision for loan losses
        1,608,715
 
        6,085,795
   
           
Non-interest Income:
         
  Service charges and other fee income
        1,907,418
 
        2,050,561
   
  Gain on the sale of loans
          531,865
 
          507,702
   
  Gain on sale of securities
           142,783
 
                     -
   
  Gain on sale of property and equipment
         
     and real estate owned
             24,011
 
30,503
   
  Write-down on real estate owned
        (265,654)
 
         (27,850)
   
  Income from bank-owned life insurance
           150,616
 
           201,387
   
  Other
           165,476
 
           140,437
   
     Total non-interest income
        2,656,515
 
        2,902,740
   
           
Non-interest Expense:
         
  Compensation and employee benefits
        4,425,787
 
        4,430,314
   
  Occupancy and equipment
        1,626,520
 
        1,646,733
   
  Professional fees
           446,095
 
           594,311
   
  Deposit insurance premiums
           256,157
 
           109,042
   
  Other
        3,078,882
 
        1,776,067
   
     Total non-interest expense
        9,833,441
 
        8,556,467
   
           
     Income (loss) before income taxes
     (5,568,211)
 
           432,068
   
Income taxes (benefit)
  (1,531,751)
 
          68,847
   
           
     Net income (loss)
 $ (4,036,460)
 
 $      363,221
   
           
     Basic earnings (loss) per share
 $         (2.60)
 
 $            0.23
   
           
     Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$         (2.60)
 
 $           0.23
   
   
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
 

 
30

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 
Common
             
Accumulated Other
 
Total
 
Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Treasury
 
Comprehensive
 
Stockholders'
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Stock
 
Income (Loss)
 
Equity
Balances at June 30, 2007
1,550,815
$
   28,950
$
        17,936,224
$
             27,850,962
$
   (19,112,627)
$
     (235,416)
$
     26,468,093
Comprehensive income:
                         
  Net income
            -
 
              -
 
                         -
 
                 363,221
 
                       -
 
                   -
 
      363,221
  Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                         
    Change in unrealized gain(loss) on
                         
    securities available-for-sale, net of deferred
                         
    income taxes of $95,112
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
           184,630
 
            184,630
      Total Comprehensive Income
                       
        547,851
  Stock based compensation
              -
 
              -
 
            83,628
 
                            -
 
          -
 
                  -
 
          83,628
Balances at June 30, 2008
1,550,815
 
    28,950
 
        18,019,852
 
             28,214,183
 
   (19,112,627)
 
      (50,786)
 
     27,099,572
Comprehensive income:
                         
  Net loss
            -
 
              -
 
                         -
 
             (4,036,460)
 
                       -
 
                   -
 
   (4,036,460)
  Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                         
    Change in unrealized gain(loss) on
                         
    securities available-for-sale, net of deferred
                         
    income taxes of $426,782
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
           922,696
 
            922,696
 Reclassification adjustment net of deferred income
                         
    taxes of $48,547.
                   
(94,236)
 
(94,236)
      Total Comprehensive Income
                       
    (3,208,000)
  Dividends paid ($0.10 per share)
           
(155,086)
         
(155,086)
  Stock based compensation
              -
 
              -
 
            27,405
 
                            -
 
          -
 
                  -
 
          27,405
Balances at June 30, 2009
1,550,815
$
  28,950
$
     18,047,257
$
           24,022,637
$
   (19,112,627)
$
    777,674
$
  23,763,891
                           
See notes to the consolidated financial statements


 
31

 

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 
 
2009
 
2008
     
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
  Net income (loss)
 $         (4,036,460)
 
 $       363,221
     
  Adjustments to reconcile net income  to net
           
    cash provided by operating activities:
           
      Depreciation
               658,854
 
            812,798
     
      Amortization
                 50,115
 
              50,114
     
      Net premium amortization and (discount accretion) on securities
               (199,427)
 
            (151,357)
     
      Stock based compensation
27,405
 
               83,628
     
      Gain on sale of securities
(142,783)
 
                    -
     
      Provision for loan losses
          5,313,801
 
        1,291,300
     
      Write down on real estate owned
265,654
 
                27,850
     
      Gain on the sale of loans
(531,865)
 
(507,702)
     
      Proceeds from the sale of loans originated for sale
23,883,603
 
22,851,155
     
      Loans originated for sale
(23,036,252)
 
(21,444,857)
     
      Deferred income taxes
(1,469,879)
 
(64,869)
     
      Gain on sale of property and equipment
           
        and real estate owned
(9,993)
 
            (29,286)
     
      (Gain) loss on the sale of other repossessed assets
(14,018)
 
18,252
     
      Increase in cash surrender value on bank-owned
           
        life insurance
             (150,616)
 
         (201,387)
     
      Net change in operating accounts:
           
        Accrued interest receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets
                94,415
 
            445,691
     
        Deferred loan costs
                 69 441
 
     (133,844)
     
         Income taxes receivable
 (216,930)
 
20,169
     
        Accrued expenses
             328,822
 
             222,118
     
          Net cash provided by operating activities
            883,887
 
         3,652,994
     
             
Cash flows from investing activities:
           
  Purchase of certificates of deposit purchased
(5,256,669)
 
(21,168)
     
  Maturities of certificates of deposit purchased
              195,407
 
         200,000
     
  Purchase of securities available-for-sale
        (24,756,669)
 
    (21,172,637)
     
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale
               6,120,121
 
                 -
     
  Proceeds from maturities of securities
           
    available-for-sale
           15,749,618
 
        12,097,222
     
  Proceeds from maturities of securities
           
    held-to-maturity
            1,581,238
 
         6,608,751
     
  Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
       (261,500)
 
                          -
     
  Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
       293,900
 
              600
     
  Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable
         26,161,802
 
      (12,409,241)
     
  Proceeds from surrender of bank owned life insurance
4,117,951
 
-
     
  Purchases of property and equipment
          (502,403)
 
       (472,450)
     
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
             84,257
 
             287,112
     
  Proceeds from sale of real estate owned and other repossessed assets
             1,261,270
 
            161,183
     
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
          24,788,323
 
       (14,720,628)
     
Continued
 
 
 
32

 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
           
 
2009
 
2008
   
Cash flows from financing activities:
         
  Net change in deposits
 $         (5,375,405)
 
 $  4,502,924
   
  Net change in retail repurchase agreements
1,065,795
 
2,544,482
   
  Payments on borrowed funds
(19,000,000)
 
        -
   
  Proceeds from borrowed funds
7,000,000
 
-
   
  Cash dividends paid
        (155,086)
 
            -
   
       Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
          (16,464,696)
 
         7,047,406
   
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
            9,207,514
 
        (4,020,228)
   
           
Cash and cash equivalents -
         
  Beginning of period
             17,010,093
 
         21,030,321
   
Cash and cash equivalents -
         
  end of period
 $          26,217,607
 
 $      17,010,093
   
           
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
         
           
  Cash paid during the year for:
         
    Interest on deposits and
         
      other borrowings
 $            5,398,180
 
 $        7,480,518
   
    Income taxes
                   -
 
               17,300
   
           
           
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and
         
  financing activities:
         
           
  Loans transferred to real estate owned
$             2,325,576
 
$         1,155,722
   
           
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements



 

 
33

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008


 (1)        SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  Nature of
 business – First Bancshares, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“Company”),  was organized on September 30, 1993 for the purpose of becoming a unitary savings and loan holding company for First Home Savings Bank (”Savings Bank”).  The Savings Bank is primarily engaged in providing a full range of banking and mortgage services to individual and corporate customers in southern Missouri.  The Company and Savings Bank are also subject to the regulation of certain federal and state agencies and undergo periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

  Principles 
of consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Savings Bank and SCMG, Inc. (formerly South Central Missouri Title, Inc.) and the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Savings Bank, Fybar Service Corporation and First Home Investments.  In consolidation, all significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

  Estimates 
 – In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, 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 balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the fair value of financial instruments, the allowance for loan losses and the deferred tax valuation.

  Segment r
eporting - An operating segment is defined as a component of a business for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. The Company has one operating segment, community banking.

  Consolida
ted statements of cash flows – For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash consists of cash on hand and deposits with other financial institutions.  Cash equivalents include highly-liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less. Csh flows from loans and deposits are reported net.

  Certificate
s of deposit purchased – These are funds placed on deposit at other financial institutions which mature in one year or less and do not, at any one financial institution, aggregate to more than the insurance of accounts limitation.

  Securities
 – Securities which are designated as held-to-maturity are designated as such because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity.  Such securities are reported at amortized cost.
 
 
 
All other securities are designated as available-for-sale, a designation which provides the Company with certain flexibility in managing its investment portfolio.  Such securities are reported at fair value; net unrealized gains and losses are excluded from income and reported net of applicable income taxes as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.


34

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 

 
(1)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Interest income on securities is recognized on the interest method according to the terms of the security. Gains or losses on sales of securities are recognized in operations at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between the net sales proceeds and the cost of the securities using the specific identification method, adjusted for any unamortized premiums or discounts. Premiums or discounts are amortized or accreted to income using the interest method over the period to maturity.

Declines in the fair value of equity securities below their amortized cost basis that are deemed to be other-than-temporary impairment losses are reflected as realized losses.  To determine if an other-than-temporary impairment exists on an equity security, the Company considers (a) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (b) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (c) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value.  To determine if an other-than-temporary-impairment exists on a debt security, the Company first determines if (a) it intends to sell the security or (b) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery.  If either of the conditions is met, the Company will recognize an other-than-temporary-impairment in earnings equal to the difference between the fair value of the security and its adjusted cost basis.  If neither of the conditions is met, the Company determines (a) the amount of the impairment related to credit loss and (b) the amount of the impairment due to all other factors.  The difference between the present values of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized sot basis is the credit loss.  The amount of the credit loss is included in the consolidated statements of income as an other-than-temporary-impairment on securities and is an adjustment to the cost basis of the security.  The portion of the total impairment that is related to all other factors is included in other comprehensive income (loss).

  Federal  
Home Loan Bank stock - The Savings Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB of Des Moines.  No ready market exists for this stock and it has no quoted market value.  The stock is subject to repurchase by the FHLB at par and is reported at cost.

  Loans re
ceivable – Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable or until maturity or payoff are stated at their principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan origination fees and certain direct costs.  Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized in interest income over the contractual lives of the related loans using the interest method.  When a loan is paid-off, the unamortized balance of these deferred fees and costs is recognized in income.

Interest income on loans is recognized on an accrual basis.

The accrual of interest on impaired loans is discontinued when it is determined that the payment of interest or principal is doubtful of collection, or when interest or principal is past due 90 days or more.  The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis method, until qualifying for return to accrual.  Any accrued but uncollected interest previously recorded on such loans is generally reversed in the current period and interest income is subsequently recognized upon collection.

35

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
(1)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

  Allowan
ce for loan losses – The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of a loan balance is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
 
The allowance is an amount management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loss experience. The allowance for loan losses includes allowance allocations calculated with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, Accounting for Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended by SFAS 118, and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies.  The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluations of delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries, loan volumes and terms, changes in underwriting procedures, depth of the Company’s lending management, national and local economy, industry conditions, credit concentrations, and other external factors, including competition and legal and regulatory requirements, as well as trends in the foregoing.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Savings Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.  Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and real estate loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Savings Bank does not separately identify individual consumer loans for impairment disclosures.
 
 
  Loans he
ld for sale – Loans held for sale are originated and intended for sale on the secondary market on a loan by loan basis with terms established with both the borrower and the investor prior to commitment and closing. Funding by the investor, based on the established terms, generally takes place in three to four weeks. Loans held for sale are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, due to the short term nature of the loans. Gains on loans sold are recognized based on the net cash flow of each sale. Loans are generally sold with servicing rights released.


36

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
(1)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

  Property
and equipment and related depreciation – Land is stated at cost. Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.  Property and equipment depreciation is principally computed by applying the following methods and estimated lives:
 
 
Category
  Estimated Life   
  Method
 
  Automobiles   
5 Years
 
Straight-line 
 
 
Office furniture, fixtures
   and equipment
    3-10 Years  
Straight-line
 
  Buildings   
15-40 Years
 
Straight-line 
 
  Investment real estate   
15-40 Years
 
Straight-line 
 
 

  Intangibl
e assets – The intangible asset relates to customer relationships that were acquired in connection with the acquisition of two branches.  The premium paid by the Savings Bank for the branches is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years.

  Bank-ow
ned life insurance – Bank-owned life insurance is carried at its cash surrender value.  Changes in cash surrender value are recorded in non-interest income.

  Income t
axes – Deferred taxes are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards 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 bases.  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.

 
The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), as of July 1, 2007. The Interpretation provides clarification on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  The Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As a result of the Company’s evaluation of the implementation of FIN 48, no significant income tax uncertainties were identified. Therefore, the Company recognized no adjustment for unrecognized income tax benefits during the years ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008.

  Real est
ate owned and repossessed assets – Includes real estate and other assets acquired in the settlement of loans, which is recorded at the estimated fair value less the estimated costs to sell the asset.  Any write down at the time of foreclosure/repossession is charged against the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequently, net expenses related to holding the property and declines in the market value are charged against income.
 
 
  Earning
s per share – Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other
 
 
37

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

(1)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

contracts to issue common stock were exercised or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would share in the earnings of the Company.  Dilutive potential common shares are added to weighted average shares used to compute basic earnings per share.  The number of shares that would be issued from the exercise of stock options has been reduced by the number of shares that could have been purchased from the proceeds at the average market price of the Company’s stock.

  Compreh
ensive income – Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income.  Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

  Employe
e stock options – The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans which are described more fully in Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans.

Compensation costs for all stock-based awards are measured at fair value on the grant date and are recognized over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest.  Management makes an estimate of expected forfeitures and recognizes compensation costs only for those equity awards expected to vest.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option grants.  Cash flows resulting from the tax benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options are presented as financing cash flows.

  Revenue 
recognition – Deposit account transaction fees and other ancillary non-interest income related to the Savings Bank’s deposit and lending activities are recognized as services are performed.

  Transfers 
of financial assets – Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales only when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when: (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or exchange the assets it received, and no condition both constrains the transferee from taking advantage of its right to pledge or exchange and provides more than a modest benefit to the transferor, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

  Impairmen
t of long-lived assets – Long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

  New accou
nting standards – In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS” or “Statement”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.”  This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  It clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
 
 
38

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

(1)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 
orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts.  This Statement does not require any new fair value measurements, but rather, it provides enhanced guidance to other pronouncements that require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.  This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with earlier adoption permitted. However, in February 2008, FASB decided that an entity need not apply this standard to non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis until the subsequent year. The adoption of this standard on July 1, 2008 was limited to financial assets and liabilities, and any non-financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. Please refer to Note 17, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information.

In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” which provides all entities, including not-for-profit organizations, with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value.  The objective of the Statement is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply the complex provisions of hedge accounting.  Certain specified items are eligible for the irrevocable fair value measurement option as established by Statement No. 159.  Statement No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007.  The Company did not elect any fair value options as of July 1, 2008.

In April 2009, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 115−2 and FAS 124−2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP FAS 115−2/124−2”). FSP FAS 115−2/124−2  requires entities to separate an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security into two components when there are credit related losses associated with the impaired debt security for which management asserts that it does not have the intent to sell the security, and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recorded in other comprehensive loss. FSP FAS 115−2/124−2 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has adopted FSP FAS 115−2/124−2 effective for the year ended June 30, 2009. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157−4, “Determining Fair Value When Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions that are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157−4”). Under FSP FAS 157−4, if an entity determines that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or the liability in relation to the normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets or liabilities), then transactions or quoted prices may not accurately reflect fair value. In addition, if there is evidence that the transaction for the asset or liability is not orderly, the entity shall place little, if any weight on that transaction price as an indicator of fair value. FSP FAS 157−4 is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has adopted FSP FAS 115−4 effective for
 
 
39

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

(1)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

the year ended June 30, 2009. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS 165”). SFAS 165 establishes principles and requirements for subsequent events. In particular, this Statement sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity shall evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity shall recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity shall make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. SFAS 165 is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Events occurring subsequent to June 30, 2009, have been evaluated as to their potential impact to these financial statements through the date of issuance, September 28, 2009.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS No. 140 (“SFAS 166”). SFAS 166 amends SFAS No. 140 to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement in transferred financial assets. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The recognition and measurement provisions of this Statement shall be applied to transfers that occur on or after the effective date. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS 166 on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“SFAS 167”). SFAS 167 amends certain requirements of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS 167 on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.



40

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
 (2)           SECURITIES

A summary of the securities available-for-sale at June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
United States Government and
                       
   Federal agency obligations
  $ 8,506,234     $ 110,311     $ (7,480 )   $ 8,609,065  
Obligations of states and
                               
   political subdivisions
    150,000       975       --       150,975  
Mutual funds
    19,904       --       --       19,904  
Federal agency mortgage-
                               
   backed securities
    35,204,373       1,126,185       (51,698 )     36,278,860  
Common and preferred stocks
    258,000       --       --       258,000  
   Total
  $ 44,138,511     $ 1,237,471     $ (59,178 )   $ 45,316,804  

    A summary of securities held to maturity at June 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
United States Government and
                       
   Federal agency obligations
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Obligations of states and
                               
   political subdivisions
    1,703,035       29,062       (1,208 )     1,730,889  
Federal agency mortgage-
                               
   backed securities
    888,475       13,326       (6,584 )     895,217  
   Total
  $ 2,591,510     $ 42,388     $ (7,792 )   $ 2,626,106  

The amortized cost and estimated market value of securities at June 30, 2009, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 

   
Available for Sale
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ --     $ --  
Due after one year through five years
    6,540,681       6,645,500  
Due after five years through ten years
    2,115,553       2,114,540  
Subtotal
    8,656,234       8,760,040  
Mutual funds
    19,904       19,904  
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
    35,204,373       36,278,860  
Common and preferred stocks
    258,000       258,000  
   Total
  $ 44,138,511     $ 45,316,804  



41

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
(2)    SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
 
   
Held to Maturity
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 219,983     $ 221,257  
Due after one year through five years
    1,129,825       1,155,523  
Due after five years through ten years
    353,227       354,109  
Subtotal
    1,703,035       1,730,889  
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
    888,475       895,217  
   Total
  $ 2,591,510     $ 2,626,106  
 
A summary of the securities available-for-sale at June 30, 2008 is as follows:

 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
United States Government and
                       
   Federal agency obligations
  $ 5,439,272     $ 23,308     $ (55,930 )   $ 5,406,650  
Obligations of states and
                               
   political subdivisions
    1,165,000       705       --       1,165,705  
Mutual funds
    21,682       --       --       21,682  
Federal agency mortgage
                               
   backed securities
    34,023,279       220,594       (265,626 )     33,978,247  
Common and preferred stocks
    258,000       --       --       258,000  
   Total
  $ 40,907,233     $ 244,607     $ (321,556 )   $ 40,830,284  

A summary of securities held to maturity at June 30, 2008 is as follows:

 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
United States Government and
                       
   Federal agency obligations
  $ 750,000     $ 7,973     $ (56,247 )   $ 757,973  
Obligations of states and
                               
   political subdivisions
    1,943,330       16,016       (1,990 )     1,957,356  
Federal agency mortgage
                               
   backed securities
    1,481,556       1,069       (79,706 )     1,402,919  
   Total
  $ 4,174,886     $ 7,346     $ (81,696 )   $ 4,118,248  
 
The following tables present the fair value and gross unrealized losses of the Company’s securities with unrealized losses aggregated by category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at June 30, 2009 and 2008.






42

 
 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
(2)
SECURITIES (CONTINUED)


 
Available-for-sale as of June 30, 2009
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
United States
                                   
  Government and
                                   
  Federal agency
                                   
  obligations
  $ 3,002,500     $ (7,480 )   $ -     $ -     $ 3,002,500     $ (7,480 )
Obligations of states
                                               
  and political
                                               
  subdivisions
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Federal agency
                                               
  mortgage-backed
                                               
  securities
    1,580,242       (14,501 )     512,235       (37,197 )     2,092,477       (51,698 )
                                                 
Total temporarily
                                               
  impaired securities
  $ 4,582,742     $ (21,981 )   $ 512,235     $ (37,197 )   $ 5,094,977     $ (59,178 )
 
 

 
Held to Maturity as of June 30, 2009
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
United States
                                   
  Government and
                                   
  Federal agency
                                   
  obligations
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Obligations of states
                                               
  and political
                                               
  subdivisions
    -       -       202,019       (1,208 )     202,019       (1,208 )
Federal agency
                                               
  mortgage-backed
                                               
  securities
    173,519       (5,028 )     134,470       (1,556 )     307,989       (6,584 )
                                                 
Total temporarily
                                               
  impaired securities
  $ 173,519     $ (5,028 )   $ 336,489     $ (2,764 )   $ 510,008     $ (7,792 )
                                                 

 
43

 

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 
(2)
SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
 
Available-for-sale as of June 30, 2008
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
United States
                                   
  Government and
                                   
  Federal agency
                                   
  obligations
  $ 1,944,070     $ (55,930 )   $ -     $ -     $ 1,944,070     $ (55,930 )
Obligations of states
                                               
  and political
                                               
  subdivisions
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Federal agency
                                               
  mortgage-backed
                                               
  securities
    15,195,480       (265,626 )     -       -       15,195,480       (265,626 )
                                                 
Total temporarily
                                               
  impaired securities
  $ 17,139,550     $ (321,556 )   $ -     $ -     $ 17,139,550     $ (321,556 )
 


Held to Maturity as of June 30, 2008
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
         
Gross
         
Gross
         
Gross
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
(Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
United States
                                   
  Government and
                                   
  Federal agency
                                   
  obligations
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Obligations of states
                                               
  and political
                                               
  subdivisions
    -       -       201,592       (1,990 )     201,592       (1,990 )
Federal agency
                                               
  mortgage-backed
                                               
  securities
    -       -       1,108,411       (79,706 )     1,108,411       (79,706 )
                                                 
Total temporarily
                                               
  impaired securities
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,310,003     $ (81,696 )   $ 1,310,003     $ (81,696 )

The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a periodic basis. Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, the Company may consider whether the securities are issued by the Federal government or its agencies or sponsored entities, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of review of the issuer’s financial condition.

For all of the above investment securities, the unrealized losses are generally due to changes in interest rates and not from deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer and as such were considered temporary by the Company. In addition, the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is

44

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 
 
(2)           SECURITIES (CONTINUED)

not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before their anticipated recovery.

The following table presents proceeds from sales of securities and the gross realized securities gains and losses.
 
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Proceeds from sales      $ 6,120,121     $ -  
                 
Realized gains 
  $ 142,783     $ -  
Realized (losses) 
    -       -  
Net realized  
  $ 142,783     $ -  
                                                                                        
The carrying value of securities pledged on retail repurchase agreements at June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 was $7,006,000 and $5,407,000, respectively.


(3)           LOANS RECEIVABLE

Loans receivable at June 30 consisted of the following:
   
2009
   
2008
 
Residential real estate
  $ 71,140,655     $ 75,992,066  
Commercial real estate
    39,816,588       53,730,159  
Land
    7,395,477       10,755,522  
Loans to depositors, secured by savings accounts
    1,164,602       1,468,078  
Consumer and automobile loans
    2,800,247       8,575,973  
Second mortgage loans
    4,899,841       7,103,278  
Commercial business loans
    9,816,666       11,768,789  
Overdrafts
    79,078       133,978  
  Total gross loans
    137,113,154       169,527,843  
Allowance for loan losses
    (4,185,326 )     (2,796,836 )
Loans in process
    (1,195 )     -  
Unamortized deferred loan costs, net of
origination fees
    235,473       303,719  
  Net loans receivable
  $ 133,162,106     $ 167,034,726  
                 




45


FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
(3)           LOANS RECEIVABLE (CONTINUED)

Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows for the years ended
June 30:

 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 2,796,836     $ 2,692,594  
Provision charged to income
    5,313,801       1,291,300  
Charge-offs
    (4,171,171 )     (1,223,380 )
Recoveries
    245,860       36,322  
Balance at end of year
  $ 4,185,326     $ 2,796,836  

 
The Savings Bank primarily originates loans to customers throughout southern Missouri.  The loans are typically secured by real estate or personal property.

Loans receivable at June 30, 2009 and 2008 that are past 90 days due or non-accrual consist of the following:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest
  $ 288,255     $ 359,846  
Non-accrual
    3,023,647       2,312,977  
    $ 3,311,902     $ 2,672,823  

 
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans:

 
   
June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Total impaired loans
  $ 3,311,902     $ 2,672,823  
Total impaired loans without an allowance
  $ 1,633,278     $ --  
Total impaired loans with an allowance
  $ 1,678,624     $ 2,672,823  
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans
  $ 1,067,298     $ 361,267  

   
Years Ended June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Average investment in
           
   impaired loans
  $ 4,391,191     $ 2,895,808  
                 
Interest income recognized
               
   on impaired loans
  $ 96,402     $ 72,909  
                 
Interest income recognized on
               
   a cash basis on impaired loans
  $ 94,759     $ 72,909  



46


FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 (4)           PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment at June 30 consists of the following:



   
2009
 
Category
 
Cost
   
Accumulated
Depreciation
   
Net
 
Land
  $ 643,704     $ --     $ 643,704  
Buildings
    5,874,079       2,404,076       3,470,003  
Office furniture, fixtures
                       
   and equipment
    4,231,316       3,200,682       1,030,634  
Automobiles
    132,530       70,379       62,151  
Investment real estate
    2,141,181       678,300       1,462,881  
   Total
  $ 13,022,810     $ 6,353,437     $ 6,669,373  


   
2008
 
Category
 
Cost
   
Accumulated
Depreciation
   
Net
 
Land
  $ 635,204     $ --     $ 635,204  
Buildings
    5,620,504       2,230,141       3,390,363  
Office furniture, fixtures
                       
   and equipment
    4,290,287       3,039,240       1,251,047  
Automobiles
    132,530       43,873       88,657  
Investment real estate
    2,187,025       639,171       1,547,854  
   Total
  $ 12,865,550     $ 5,952,425     $ 6,913,125  
 
Depreciation charged to operations for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $658,854 and $812,798, respectively.

The Savings Bank’s full-service branch office in Springfield is leased. The lease on the Springfield full-service branch office was assumed and it has six years remaining on the initial term. The Savings Bank also leases three ATM drive-up kiosks located in the parking lots of a major retailer in Mountain Grove, Marshfield and Ava, Missouri. These leases were entered into in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, and were for a four year term. During fiscal 2009, the Savings Bank acquired, at a sheriff’s sale, the small strip mall in which its Theodosia branch office is located. The operations of the Loan Origination Office, which was also located in Springfield, were discontinued in mid-June 2009. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2009, the Savings Bank, through a local realtor, found a new tenant, and negotiated a buy-out on the remaining term of the lease. The cost of the buyout totaled approximately $57,000.

Minimum future lease payments for the Springfield, Missouri branch office and the three leased ATMs for the years ending June 30 are as follows:



2010
  $ 154,932  
2011
    154,932  
2012
    133,392  
2013
    90,312  
2014
    90,312  
2013
    94,075  
    $ 717,955  


47

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008


(4)           PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

Rent expense for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $220,370 and $220,565, respectively.
 
(5)            INTANGIBLE ASSET
 
        A summary of the intangible asset at June 30 is as follows:
   
2009
   
2008
 
Premium on branch acquisition
  $ 1,020,216     $ 1,020,216  
Accumulated amortization
    (834,861 )     (784,746 )
Net premium on branch acquisition
  $ 185,355     $ 235,470  
 
 
Amortization expense relating to this premium was $50,115 for the year ended June 30, 2009 and $50,114 for the year ended June 30,  2008.

 
Estimated future amortization expense is as follows for the years ending June 30:
 
 
2010
  $ 50,115  
 
2011
    50,115  
 
2012
    50,115  
 
2013
    35,010  
      $ 185,355  

(6)
DEPOSITS

 
A summary of deposit accounts at June 30 is as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Non-interest-bearing checking
  $ 14,739,628     $ 12,338,284  
Interest-bearing checking
    32,484,889       2,112,206  
Super Saver money market
    11,778,495       10,737,807  
Savings
    9,315,558       12,386,264  
Money Market savings accounts
    34,711,303       39,904,058  
Certificates of Deposit
     86,188,005        87,114,664  
Total
  $ 189,217,878     $ 194,593,283  

The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit with a minimum denomination of $100,000 was $28,730,992 and $26,956,997 at June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

At June 30, 2009, scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:

 
Fiscal     
2010
  $ 60,443,325  
 
2011
    16,290,756  
 
2012
    4,677,520  
 
2013
    4,242,409  
 
2014
    533,995  
      $ 86,188,005  
 
 
48

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008


(7)
RETAIL REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

 
The Savings Bank offers retail repurchase agreements as an additional item in its product mix. Retail repurchase agreements allow customers to have excess checking account balances “swept” from the checking accounts into a non-insured interest bearing account. The customers’ investment in these non-insured accounts is collateralized by securities of the Savings Bank pledged at FHLB for that purpose.

(8)           ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK AND OTHER BRROWED MONEY

 
The advances listed below were obtained from the FHLB of Des Moines.  The advances are secured by FHLB stock and a blanket pledge of qualifying one-to-four family mortgage loans.  Advances from the FHLB at June 30 are summarized as follows:

 
   
2009
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
   
2008
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
Term Advances:
                       
Long-term; fixed-rate;
                       
    callable quarterly
  $ --       -- %   $ 19,000,000       5.88 %
    Short-term, fixed rate,
                               
    Non-callable
    7,000,000       1.12       --       --  
    Long-term; fixed-rate;
                               
    non-callable
    3,000,000       4.94       3,000,000       4.94  
                                 
    Total
  $ 10,000,000       3.05 %   $ 22,000,000       5.75 %

As of June 30, 2009 the fixed-rate term advances shown above were subject to a prepayment fee equal to 100 percent of the present value of the monthly lost cash flow to the FHLB based upon the difference between the contract rate on the advance and the rate on an alternative qualifying investment of the same remaining maturity.  Advances may be prepaid without a prepayment fee if the rate on an advance being prepaid is equal to or below the current rate for an alternative qualifying investment of the same remaining maturity.

Maturities of FHLB advances are as follows:                       
 
Year Ended June 30,
 
Aggregate
Annual
Maturities
 
2010
  $ 7,000,000  
2011
    --  
2012
    --  
2013
    3,000,000  
    $ 10,000,000  
 
 
At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had irrevocable letters of credit issued on its behalf from the FHLB totaling $3,385,000, as collateral for public entity deposits in excess of federal insurance limits.  The letters of credit expire through June 2010. At June 30, 2009, the Savings Bank had collateralized borrowing capacity with the FHLB of approximately $25.0 million.

While the Company had no outstanding borrowed money from other lenders as of June 30, 2009, the Company does have available a $5.0 line of credit from another financial institution.

49

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

(9)           INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes (benefit) for the years ended June 30 is as follows:



   
2009
   
2008
 
Current
  $ (61,872 )   $ 142,274  
Deferred
    (1,469,879 )     (73,427 )
  Total
  $ (1,531,751 )   $ 68,847  

The provision for income taxes (benefit) differs from that computed at the statutory corporate rate, 34%, for the years ended June 30 as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Tax at statutory rate
  $ (1,893,192 )   $ 146,903  
 Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
               
  State taxes, net of federal benefit
    (34,725 )     (13,127 )
  Tax-exempt income
    (32,873 )     (39,167 )
  Bank-owned life insurance
    355,451       (68,472 )
  Dividends received deduction
    (2,851 )     ( 2,423 )
  Change in valuation allowance
    15,722       472  
  Stock based compensation
    9,318       28,434  
  Net effect of other book/tax differences
    51,399       16,227  
   Provision for income taxes
  $ (1,531,751 )   $ 68,847  


The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2009 and 2008 consisted of:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
   Allowance for loan losses
  $ 1,603,916     $ 1,027,146  
   Book amortization in excess of tax amortization
    19,882       31,119  
   Compensated employee absences
    29,157       24,698  
   State net operating loss carry-forwards
    89,500       73,778  
   Federal net operating loss carry-forwards
    852,964       --  
   Capital loss carry-forwards
    1,080       1,080  
   Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities
    --       26,163  
   Charitable contributions
    14,937       --  
   Other
    99,649       46,444  
        Total gross deferred tax assets
    2,711,085       1,230,428  
   Valuation allowance
    (90,580 )     (74,858 )
    $ 2,620,505     $ 1,155,570  




50


FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008


(9)        INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:             
   Premises and equipment    $ (107,727 )      $ (127,998
   FHLB stock dividends        (60,936     (60,714 )
   Prepaid expenses      (125,313 )     (58,794 )
   Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities       (400,619 )       -  
   Unamortized deferred loan costs, net of fees          (87,125 )     (112,376 )
          Total gross deferred tax liabilities     $  (781,720 )   $ (359,882 )
          Total net deferred tax assets      $ 1,838,785     $ 795,688  
 
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 109, a deferred tax liability has not been recognized for tax basis bad debt reserves of $2,190,825 of the Savings Bank that arose in tax years that began prior to December 31, 1987.  At June 30, 2009, the amount of the deferred tax liability that had not been recognized was approximately $811,000.  This deferred tax liability could be recognized if, in the future, there is a change in federal tax law, the Savings Bank fails to meet the definition of a “qualified savings institution,” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, certain distributions are made with respect to the stock of the Savings Bank, or the bad debt reserves are used for any purpose other than absorbing bad debts.

During the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $90,580 and $74,858, respectively, 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 carry forwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income.

(10)           EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 
The Savings Bank had participated in a multiple-employer defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees.  In fiscal 2006, the Savings Bank opted to freeze the plan. Participants in the plan became entitled to their vested benefits at the date it was frozen. The Savings Bank limited its future obligations to the funding amount required by the annual actuarial evaluation of the plan and administrative costs. No participants will be added to the plan. Pension expense for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $47,000 and $38,000, respectively.  This plan is not subject to the requirements of FAS 158.

The First Home Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership and 401(k) Plan covers all employees that are age 21 and have completed six months of service.  The Company makes contributions on a matching basis of up to 3% on employee deferrals. Expense for the ESOP and 401(k) plan for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $51,136 and $58,039, respectively.

 
Effective July 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, Share-based Payments, using the modified prospective transition method. Prior to that date the Company accounted for stock option awards under APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. In accordance with SFAS No. 123R, compensation expense for stock-based awards is recorded over the vesting period at the fair values of the award at the time of the grant. The recording of such compensation began on July

 
 
51

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

(10)  
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

 
1, 2006 for shares not yet vested as of that date and for all new grants subsequent to that date. The exercise price of options granted under the Company’s incentive plans is equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the grant date. The Company assumes no projected forfeiture rates on its stock-based compensation.
 
 
The Company’s 2004 Stock Option and Incentive Plan has authorized the grant of options to certain officers, employees and directors for up to 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. All options granted have 10 year terms and vest and become exercisable ratably over five years following the date of grant.  The plan was approved by shareholders in October 2004. At June 30, 2009, there were 88,000 shares of stock available for grant under the plan

 
The Company’s 2004 Management Recognition Plan has authorized the award of shares to certain officers, employees and directors for up to 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  All shares awarded will have a restricted period to be determined by the Corporation’s Compensation Committee.  The restricted period shall not be less than three years if the award is time based, or not less than one year if performance based.  The plan was approved by shareholders in October 2004. No shares have been issued from this plan.

 
The Company uses historical data to estimate the expected term of the options granted, volatilities, and other factors.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over a period of time equal to the expected life of the option. The risk-free rate for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  The dividend rate is equal to the dividend rate in effect on the date of grant.  The Company used the following assumptions for the most recent grants made, which were in fiscal 2007, respectively:  dividend rates of .00% to .99%, price volatility of 18.36% to 20.29%, risk-free interest rates of 4.58% to 5.02%, and an expected life of 7.5 to 10 years. The weighted average grant date fair value for options granted in fiscal 2007 was $5.92 per share. No options were granted during either fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2008.
 
        A summary of the Company’s stock option activity, and related information for the years ended June 30 follows:
 
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
         
Exercise
         
Exercise
 
   
Options
   
Price
   
Options
   
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    60,500     $ 16.72       64,500     $ 16.72  
Granted
    -       -       -       -  
Exercised
    -       -       -       -  
Forfeited
    (38,500 )     16.64       (4,000 )     16.78  
Outstanding at end of year
    22,000       16.85       60,500       16.72  
Exercisable at end of year
    11,200     $ 16.83       15,425     $ 16.73  


52


FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 
(11)  
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
 
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at June 30, 2009:
 
 
         Number   Number    Remaining   
     Exercise   Outstanding at     Exercisable at   Contractual   
     Price    June 30    June 30   Life (Months)   
   $  17.00    10,000    4,000    93  
     16.78    10,000    6,000    84  
     16.50      2,000    1,200    80  
 
As of June 30, 2009, there was $18,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation agreements granted under the plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 10 months.

 
There is no intrinsic value of vested options on Company stock as of June 30, 2009.

(11)
EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following information shows the amounts used in computing earnings per share and the effect on income and the weighted average number of shares of dilutive potential common stock.  The amounts in the income columns represent the numerator and the amounts in the shares columns represent the denominator. There was no dilutive effect since the exercise price of all stock options at June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2009 exceeded the market price of the Company’s common shares on both of those dates.

   
Years Ended June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
               
Per
               
Per
 
               
Share
               
Share
 
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Basic EPS:
                                   
Income (loss) available
                               
  to common
                                   
  stockholders
  $ (4,036,463 )     1,550,815     $ (2.60 )   $ 363,221       1,550,815     $ 0.23  
Effect of dilutive
                                               
  securities:
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Diluted EPS:
                                               
Income (loss) available
                                         
  to stockholders
                                               
  plus stock options
  $ (4,036,463 )     1,550,815     $ (2.60 )   $ 363,221       1,550,815     $ 0.23  

(12)
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Certain employees, officers and directors are engaged in transactions with the Savings Bank in the ordinary course of business.  It is the Savings Bank’s policy that all related party transactions are conducted at “arm’s length” and all loans and commitments included in such transactions are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers.

53

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
(12)
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

A summary of the changes in outstanding loans to officers and directors for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Beginning balances  
  $ 222,608     $ 528,752  
Originations and advances      -       20,000  
Principal repayments         (117,816)        (326,144 )
Ending balances      $ 104,792     $ 222,608  
 
The Company had two directors that perform legal services, primarily on behalf of the Savings Bank.  One of these directors resigned from the Board prior to the end of calendar 2005, but received a monthly retainer through the first half of fiscal 2008. The services provided by the current director relate primarily to foreclosures and bankruptcies.  During the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Savings Bank paid $79,967 and $55,682, respectively, for legal services performed by these directors.

 (13)        COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 
In the ordinary course of business, the Savings Bank has various outstanding commitments that are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The principal commitments of the Savings Bank are as follows:

 
Letters of Credit – Outstanding standby letters of credit were approximately $437,000 and $488,000 at June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 
Loan Commitments – The Savings Bank had outstanding firm commitments to originate loans in the amount of $121,000 and $793,000 at June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 
Lines of Credit – The unused portion of lines of credit was approximately $6,501,000 and $1,120,000 at June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party.  Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, crops, livestock, inventory, property and equipment, residential and commercial real estate as well as income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions.  None of the guarantees extend longer than one year. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  Collateral held varies as specified above and is required in instances which the Company deems necessary.  All of the standby


54

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 
(13)         COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

letters of credit outstanding at June 30, 2009 were collateralized.  No amounts were recorded as liabilities at June 30, 2009 or 2008 for the Company’s potential obligations under these guarantees.

In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(14)         CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Savings Bank maintains its primary bank accounts with institutions in Missouri and Iowa.  On June 30, 2009, the individual balances of these accounts exceeded standard insurance limits established by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The Savings Bank has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

(15)         REGULATORY MATTERS

 
The Savings Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by its primary federal regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”).  Failure to meet the minimum regulatory capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary, actions by regulators that if undertaken, could have a direct material affect on the Savings Bank and the consolidated financial statements.  Under the regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Savings Bank must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of the Savings Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Savings Bank’s capital amounts and classification under the prompt corrective action guidelines are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Savings Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total risk-based capital and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (as defined in the regulations), Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets (as defined), and tangible capital to adjusted total assets (as defined).

Management believes, as of June 30, 2009, that the Savings Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

As of June 30, 2009, the most recent notification from the OTS, the Savings Bank was categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as well-capitalized, the Savings Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and core capital leverage ratios as set forth in the table.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.



55


FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
(15)  
REGULATORY MATTERS (CONTINUED)

The Savings Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table.
 
   
Actual
   
Minimum
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
   
Minimum
to Be Well-
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As of June 30, 2009:
                                   
Total Risk-Based Capital
                                   
  (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 22,737       17.57 %   $ 10,351       8.0 %   $ 12,939       10.0 %
Core Capital
                                               
  (to Adjusted Tangible Assets)
    21,140       9.32 %     9,071       4.0 %     11,339       5.0 %
Tangible Capital
                                               
  (to Adjusted Tangible Assets)
    21,140       9.32 %     3,402       1.5 %     N/A          
Tier 1 Capital
                                               
  (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    21,140       16.34 %     9,071       4.0 %     13,607       6.0 %
                                                 
As of June 30, 2008:
                                               
Total Risk-Based Capital
                                               
  (To Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 26,859       16.27 %   $ 13,206       8.0 %   $ 16,507       10.0 %
Core Capital
                                               
  (to Adjusted Tangible Assets)
    24,818       10.05 %     9,881       4.0 %     12,351       5.0 %
Tangible Capital
                                               
  (to Adjusted Tangible Assets)
    24,818       10.05 %     3,705       1.5 %     N/A          
Tier 1 Capital
                                               
  (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    24,818       15.03 %     9,881       4.0 %     14,822       6.0 %

On August 17, 2009, the Company and the Bank each entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist with the OTS.
 
Under the terms of the OTS orders, the Bank and the Company, without the prior written approval of the OTS, may not:
·  Increase assets during any quarter;
·  Pay dividends;
·  Increase brokered deposits;
·  Repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock; and
·  Issue any debt securities or incur any debt (other than that incurred in the normal course of business).

Other material provisions of the order require the Bank and the Company to:
·  develop a business plan for enhancing, measuring and maintaining profitability, increasing earnings, improving liquidity, maintaining capital levels, acceptable to the OTS;
·  ensure the Bank’s compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and agency guidelines, including the terms of the order;
 
 
56

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

 
(15)
REGULATORY MATTERS (CONTINUED)
     
  
·   not appoint any new director or senior executive officer or change the responsibilities of any current senior executive officers without notifying the OTS;
  ·  not enter into, renew, extend or revise any compensation or benefit agreements for directors or senior executive officers; 
  ·  not make any indemnification, severance or golden parachute payments; 
  ·  enhance its asset classification policy; 
  ·  provide progress reports to the OTS regarding certain classified assets; 
  ·  submit a comprehensive plan for reducing classified assets; 
  ·  develop a plan to reduce its concentration in certain loans contained in the loan portfolio and that addresses the assessment, monitoring and control of the risks association with the commercial real estate portfolio; 
  ·  not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the overall operation or financial of the Bank, or that is outside the normal course of business; and 
  ·  prepare and submit progress reports to the OTS. The OTS orders will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the OTS. 
 
All customer deposits remain insured to the fullest extent permitted by the FDIC. The Bank expects to continue to serve its customers in all areas including making loans, establishing lines of credit, accepting deposits and processing banking transactions. Neither the Company nor the Bank admitted any wrongdoing in entering into the respective Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Cease and Desist Order. The OTS did not impose or recommend any monetary penalties.

For additional information regarding the terms of the orders, please see our Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on August 18, 2009. Further, we may be subject to more severe future regulatory enforcement actions, including but not limited to civil money penalties, if we do not comply with the terms of the order.

(16)         COMMON STOCK

As provided in the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, record holders of Common Stock who beneficially own, either directly or indirectly, in excess of 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares are not entitled to any vote with respect to the shares they hold in excess of the 10% limit.

(17)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Effective July 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements," for financial assets and financial liabilities. In accordance with FSP No. 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157," the Company will delay application of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis, until July 1, 2009.  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

57

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

(17)         FAIR VALUE  MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

SFAS No. 157 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation
techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value effective July 1, 2008.

In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial


58

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

(17)         FAIR VALUE  MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality, the Company's creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Company's valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company's valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

Securities Available for Sale - Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. For equity securities, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are utilized to determine fair value at the measurement date.  For all other securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond's terms and conditions, among other things.

Impaired Loans - The Company does not record impaired loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, periodically, a loan is considered impaired and is reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Impaired loans measured at fair value typically consist of loans on non-accrual status and loans with a portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated specifically to the loan. Collateral values are estimated using Level 2 inputs, including recent appraisals and Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria.  Due to the significance of the Level 3 inputs, impaired loans fair values have been classified as Level 3.

The following table summarizes financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2009, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 
   
               Level 1
               Inputs
   
              Level 2
             Inputs
   
               Level 3
               Inputs
   
 
Total
Fair Value
 
 
(dollars in thousands)                                       
                   
Securities-available-for-sale
$ -   $ 45,317   $ -     $ 45,317  


Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets and financial liabilities, excluding impaired loans, measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were not significant at June 30, 2009.



59

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008



(17)           FAIR VALUE  MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of June 30, 2009, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 
          Level 1
   
      Level 2
 
      Level 3
     
   Total
 
 
          Inputs
   
       Inputs
 
      Inputs
     
      Fair Value
 
 
(dollars in thousands)        
 
                         
Impaired Loans
  $ -     $ -   $ 611       $ 611  

Non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test. Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, as well as intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment. As stated above, SFAS 157 will be applicable to these fair value measurements beginning July 1, 2009.

SFAS 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis.  The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis are discussed above.  The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.

   
June 30, 2009
 
   
Approximate
Carrying
   
Approximate
 
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Financial assets:
           
   Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 26,218,000     $ 26,218,000  
   Certificates of deposit purchased
    5,628,000       5,628,000  
   Available-for-sale securities
    45,317,000       45,317,000  
   Held-to-maturity securities
    2,592,000       2,626,000  
   Investment in FHLB stock
    1,581,000       1,581,000  
   Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    133,162,000       134,947,000  
   Loans held for sale
    820,000       820,000  
   Accrued interest receivable
    955,000       955,000  
                 
Financial liabilities:
               
   Deposits
    189,218,000       190,096,000  
   Retail repurchase agreements
    5,713,000       5,713,000  
   FHLB advances
    10,000,000       10,450,000  
   Accrued interest payable
    385,000       385,000  



60

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
(17)           FAIR VALUE  MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

   
June 30, 2008
 
   
Approximate
Carrying
   
Approximate
 
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Financial assets:
           
   Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 17,010,000     $ 17,010,000  
   Certificates of deposit purchased
    567,000       567,000  
   Available-for-sale securities
    40,830,000       40,830,000  
   Held-to-maturity securities
    4,175,000       4,118,000  
   Investment in FHLB stock
    1,613,000       1,613,000  
   Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    167,035,000       166,663,000  
   Loans held for sale
    755,000       755,000  
   Accrued interest receivable
    1,136,000       1,136,000  
                 
Financial liabilities:
               
   Deposits
    194,593,000       195,816,000  
   Retail repurchase agreements
    4,648,000       4,648,000  
   FHLB advances
    22,000,000       22,986,000  
   Accrued interest payable
    414,000       414,000  
                 
 
 
   Cash and
 cash equivalents and certificates of deposit purchased – For these short-term instruments, the carrying amount approximates fair value.

  Loans re
ceivable – The fair value of 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.  Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.

  Loans h
eld for sale – The carrying amounts of loans held for sale approximate the fair value due to the short term nature of these loans.

  Investm
ent in FHLB stock – Fair value of the Savings Bank’s investment in FHLB stock approximates the carrying value as no ready market exists for this investment and the stock could only be sold back to the FHLB at par.

Accrued interest – The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate their fair value.

  Deposits
 – The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and interest-bearing demand deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amount).  The fair value of fixed-maturity time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies the market rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

  Retail rep
urchase agreements – The fair value of retail repurchase agreements is the amount payable at the reporting date.

  FHLB ad
vances – Rates currently available to the Savings Bank for advances with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing advances by discounting the future cash flows.
 
 
 

 
61

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
 
(17)           FAIR VALUE  MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

  Commit
ments to extend credit, letters of credit and lines of credit – The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present credit worthiness of the counterparties.  For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.  The fair value of letters of credit and lines of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date and are insignificant.

(18)
PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
The following condensed statements of financial condition and condensed statements of operations and cash flows for First Bancshares, Inc. are as follows:

Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
 
   
June 30,
 
ASSETS
 
2009
   
2008
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 102,882     $ 86,524  
Certificates of deposit
    10,000       10,000  
Securities available-for-sale
    248,000       248,000  
Investment in subsidiaries
    22,224,633       25,921,123  
Property and equipment, net
    1,462,881       1,547,855  
Deferred tax asset, net
    183,163       90,138  
Other assets
    169,611       187,316  
  Total assets
  $ 24,401,170     $ 28,090,956  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
  623,717     636,481  
Notes payable, subsidiaries 
    13,562       354,903  
Accrued expenses 
    637,279       991,384  
Total Liabilities 
    23,763,891        27,099,572  
Stockholders' equity 
  24,401,170     $ 28,090,956  
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 
               
 



62


 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008


(18)
PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

Condensed Statements of Operations
 
   
Year ended June 30,
 
   
2009
       
2008
 
Income:
               
  Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries
  $ (3,852,354 )       $ 677,898  
  Interest and dividend income
    8,642           10,708  
  Gain/(loss) on sale or write-down
    of property and equipment
    (3,044 )         32,723  
  Other
    56,358           49,022  
    Total income (loss)
    (3,790,398 )         770,351  
                     
Expenses:
                   
  Professional fees
    193,474           360,454  
  Printing and office supplies
    15,429           17,319  
  Interest
    53,616           60,263  
  Other
    66,279           63,880  
  Income tax benefit
    (82,736 )         (94,786 )
    Total expenses
    246,062           407,130  
      Net income (loss)
  $ (4,036,460 )       $ 363,221  

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
   
Year ended June 30.
 
   
2009
       
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
  Net income (loss)
  $ (4,036,460 )       $ 363,221  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
                   
    net cash provided from operating activities:
                   
      Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    4,552,354           (677,898 )
      Depreciation expense
    60,676           61,797  
      (Gain)/loss on sale or write down of 
          property and equipment
    3,044           (32,723 )
   Net change in operating accounts:
                   
   Deferred tax asset, net
    (93,025 )         15,960  
   Other assets and liabilities
    (323,635 )         247,895  
          Net cash used in (provided by) operating activities
    162,954           (21,748 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
                   
  Purchase of property and equipment
    (63,003 )         (24,229 )
  Proceeds from sales of property and
                   
     Equipment
    84,257           287,112  
    Net cash provided by investing activities
    21,254           262,883  




63

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008




(18)
PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
       
   
Year ended June 30.
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
           
  Payments on notes payable
    (12,764 )     (311,284 )
  Cash dividends paid
    (155,086 )     -  
    Net cash (used in) financing activities
    (167,850 )     (311,284 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
       equivalents
    16,358       (70,149 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period
    86,524       156,673  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period
  $
102,882
 
  $
86,524
 







 
64

 

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


COMMON STOCK INFORMATION

The common stock of First Bancshares, Inc. is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol “FBSI”.  As of September 15, 2009, there were 430 registered stockholders and 1,550,815 shares of common stock outstanding.  This does not reflect the number of persons or entities who hold stock in nominee or “street name.”

At its February 2007 meeting, the Board of Directors decided to suspend dividend payments until the Company’s earnings improved. As a result, there were no dividend payments made during fiscal 2008. Primarily as a result of the operating results for fiscal 2008, on July 31, 2008, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $0.10 per share payable on August 29, 2008 to stockholders of record on August 15, 2008.

Dividend payments by the Company are dependent on its cash flows, which include reimbursement from its subsidiaries for the income tax savings created by its stand alone operating loss, the operation of real estate owned by the Company and dividends received by the Company from the Savings Bank.  Under Federal regulations, the dollar amount of dividends a savings and loan association may pay is dependent upon the association’s capital position and recent net income.  Generally, if an association satisfies its regulatory capital requirements, it may make dividend payments up to the limits prescribed in the OTS regulations.  However, institutions that have converted to stock form of ownership may not declare or pay a dividend on, or repurchase any of, its common stock if the effect thereof would cause the regulatory capital of the institution to be reduced below the amount required for the liquidation account which was established in accordance with the OTS regulations and the Savings Bank’s Plan of Conversion. The Cease and Desist orders to both the Company and the Savings Bank require a 30 day advance notification to the OTS of the proposed dividend and receipt of a non-objection letter from the OTS.  In addition, under Missouri law, the Company is generally prohibited from declaring and paying dividends at a time when the Company’s net assets are less than its stated capital or when the payment of dividends would reduce the Company’s net assets below its stated capital.

The following table sets forth market price and dividend information for the Company’s common stock.
 
 
Fiscal 2009 High  Low
Dividend
       
First Quarter  
$16.99    $11.33   $0.10
Second Quarter  
$15.95   $10.26   N/A
Third Quarter 
$15.64   $ 8.08  N/A
Fourth Quarter  
$14.90    $ 6.12   N/A
       
Fiscal 2008
High
Low
Dividend
       
First Quarter  
$17.51    $15.15   N/A 
Second Quarter   
  $17.50     $15.00   N/A  
Third Quarter  
$18.40    $13.01  N/A  
Fourth Quarter   
 $16.60     $11.57   N/A   
 
 

                                                                                               

                                                                                       
65

                                                                                                                               0;                                                                      
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   
   
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.   FIRST HOME SAVINGS BANK 
   
DIRECTORS:
DIRECTORS:
Thomas M. Sutherland, Chairman    Thomas M. Sutherland, Chairman 
One of the owners and operators of Sutherlands  One of the owners and operators of Sutherlands 
Home Improvement Centers group of stores  Home Improvement Centers group of stores 
   
D. Mitch Ashlock   D. Mitch Ashlock 
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer    Director, President and Chief Executive Officer 
First Federal Savings Bank of Olathe   First Federal Savings Bank of Olathe 
   
Harold F. Glass    Harold F. Glass 
Partner   Partner 
Millington, Glass & Love, Attorneys at Law    Millington, Glass & Love, Attorneys at Law 
   
Billy E. Hixon   Billy E. Hixon 
Retired partner from regional CPA firm   Retired partner from regional CPA firm 
of BKD, LLP  of BKD, LLP 
   
Robert J. Breidenthal    Robert J. Breidenthal 
Director    Director 
Security Bank of Kansas City   Security Bank of Kansas City 
   
John G. Moody    John G. Moody 
Elected Official    Elected Official 
   
OFFICERS:   OFFICERS:
Thomas M. Sutherland,   Thomas M. Sutherland 
Chief Executive Officer   Chief Executive Officer 
   
Lannie E. Crawford  Lannie E. Crawford 
President    President 
   
Ronald J. Walters, CPA   Ronald J. Walters, CPA 
Senior Vice President, Treasurer   Senior Vice President, Treasurer 
and Chief Financial Officer  and Chief Financial Officer 
   
Shannon Peterson  Dale W. Keenan 
Secretary  Executive Vice President and 
  Senior Lending Officer 
   
  Shannon Peterson  
  Secretary 
 
                                                                              
                                                                    

                                                      
 
66

 

                                                         
 
CORPORATE INFORMATION 
 
   
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS   TRANSFER AGENT 
   
142 East First Street  Registrar and Transfer Company 
P.O. Box 777  10 Commerce Drive 
Mountain Grove, Missouri 65711   Cranford, New Jersey 07016 
  (800) 866-1340 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS   
   
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP  COMMON STOCK 
Kansas City, Missouri  Traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC 
  Nasdaq Symbol: FBSI 
   
GENERAL COUNSEL    
   
Harold F. Glass   
Springfield, Missouri   
   
SPECIAL COUNSEL   
   
Breyer & Associates PC   
McLean, Virginia   

          

 
ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held Thursday, October 22, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., Central Time, at the Days Inn Conference Room, 300 East 19th Street, Mountain Grove, Missouri.
 




FORM 10-K

A COPY OF THE FORM 10-K AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AS OF THE RECORD DATE FOR VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY, FIRST BANCSHARES, INC., P.O. BOX 777, MOUNTAIN GROVE, MISSOURI   65711.

THE COMPANY’S FORMS 10-K, 10-Q AND OTHER DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SEC HOME PAGE ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB AT http://www.sec.gov.






 
 67
 
EX-21 3 ex21630.htm EXHIBIT 21 ex21630.htm
Exhibit 21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant



Parent

First Bancshares, Inc.
 
Subsidiaries (a)
Percentage
of Ownership
Jurisdiction or 
State of Incorporation
     
First Home Savings Bank 
100% 
Missouri 
     
SCMG, Inc. 
  (formerly South Central 
   Missouri Title, Inc.)
100%
Missouri
     
Fybar Service Corporation (b) 
100%
Missouri
     
First Home Investments, Inc.(b) 
100%
Missouri
 
______________
(a)     The operation of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries are included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report attached hereto as Exhibit 13.
(b)     Wholly owned subsidiary of First Home Savings Bank.



 

EX-23 4 ex23630.htm EXHIBIT 23 ex23630.htm
Exhibit 23

Consent of Auditors

 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement (No. 33-87234) on Form S-8 of First Bancshares, Inc. of our report dated September 24, 2009 relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements, which appear in the Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Bancshares, Inc. as of and for the year ended June 30, 2009.
 

 /s/McGladrey & Pullen, LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
September 28, 2009



EX-31.1 5 ex31163009.htm EXHIBIT 31.1 ex31163009.htm
Exhibit 31.1

Rule 13a – 14(a) Certification
(Chief Executive Officer)

 
 

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Thomas M. Sutherland, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Bancshares, Inc.;

2.           Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.           Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report.

4.           The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.           Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.           Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.           The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.           All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.           Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


Date: September 28, 2009
/s/ Thomas M. Sutherland
 
        Thomas M. Sutherland
 
        Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 

EX-31.2 6 ex3126309.htm EXHIBIT 31.2 ex3126309.htm
Exhibit 31.2

Rule 13a – 14(a) Certification
(Chief Financial Officer)

 
 

 


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Ronald J. Walters, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Bancshares, Inc.;

2.           Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.           Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report.

4.           The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.           Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.           Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.           The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.           All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.           Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 28, 2009
/s/Ronald J. Walters
  Ronald J. Walters 
  Senior Vice President, Treasurer 
 
 
 
 

EX-32.1 7 ex32163009.htm EXHIBIT 32.1 ex32163009.htm
Exhibit 32.1

Section 1350 Certifications





 
 

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OF FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, that:

1.  
the report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and

2.  
the information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the company's financial condition and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods presented in the financial statements included in the report.



Date: September 28, 2009
/s/Thomas M. Sutherland
 
      
        Thomas M. Sutherland
 
        President and Chief Executive Officer


 
 
 

EX-32.2 8 ex32263009.htm EXHIBIT 32.2 ex32263009.htm
Exhibit 32.2

Section 1350 Certifications




 
 

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
OF FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, that:

3.  
the report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and

4.  
the information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the company's financial condition and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods presented in the financial statements included in the report.



Date: September 28, 2009
/s/Ronald J. Walters
 
 
        Ronald J. Walters
 
        Senior Vice President, Treasurer
 
           and Chief Financial Officer



 

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