Gold Banc Corporation 10-Q 09-30-2003

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-Q

 
(Mark One)
 
 
 
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003
 
 
or
 
 
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
 
 
 
 
For the transition period from _____ to _____
 
 
Commission file number 0-28936


 
GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Kansas
48-1008593
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
11301 Nall Avenue, Leawood, Kansas
66211
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
 
(913) 451-8050
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



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 past 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 past 90 days. Yes x   No o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date.
 
 
Class
 

Outstanding at November 3, 2003

 


 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock, $1.00 par value
 
39,445,547
 
 
 
 
 

 
     

 
 
GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC.
INDEX TO 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY
PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

 
 
Page
PART I
1
 
 
 
ITEM 1:
1
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
2 
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 
5 
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
ITEM 2:
13 
 
 
 
ITEM 3:
26
 
 
 
ITEM 4:
27 
 
 
 
PART II
29 
 
 
 
ITEM 1:
29 
 
 
 
ITEM 2:
29 
 
 
 
ITEM 3:
29 
 
 
 
ITEM 4:
29 
 
 
 
ITEM 5:
29 
 
 
 
ITEM 6:
29 
 
 
 
 
32 
 
 
   i  

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1:  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

 
   
September 30, 2003
   
December 31, 2002
 
   
 
 
Assets
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
79,946
 
$
96,215
 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits
   
8,945
   
193
 
   
 
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
   
88,891
   
96,408
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Investment securities:
   
 
   
 
 
Held-to-maturity
   
146,647
   
201,563
 
Available-for-sale
   
819,300
   
531,037
 
Trading
   
4,199
   
3,485
 
   
 
 
Total investment securities
   
970,146
   
736,085
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Mortgage loans held for sale, net
   
13,552
   
25,134
 
Loans, net
   
2,887,498
   
2,705,217
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(34,438
)
 
(33,439
)
Premises and equipment, net
   
65,025
   
69,587
 
Goodwill, net
   
34,798
   
35,643
 
Intangible assets, net
   
6,274
   
6,835
 
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
   
79,466
   
56,501
 
Accrued interest and other assets
   
47,570
   
113,752
 
   
 
 
Total assets
 
$
4,158,782
 
$
3,811,723
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Liabilities:
   
 
   
 
 
Deposits
 
$
2,908,451
 
$
2,716,569
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
150,483
   
153,595
 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings
   
30,680
   
25,658
 
Subordinated debt and guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in Company’s debentures
   
112,606
   
113,137
 
Long-term borrowings
   
691,965
   
548,848
 
Accrued interest and other liabilities
   
23,280
   
26,142
 
   
 
 
Total liabilities
   
3,917,465
   
3,583,949
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
   
 
   
 
 
Preferred stock, no par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized 44,270,122 issued at September 30, 2003 and 44,188,384 issued at December 31, 2002
   
44,270
   
44,188
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
118,681
   
118,257
 
Retained earnings
   
126,065
   
107,392
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
   
(1,267
)
 
3,489
 
Unearned compensation
   
(12,143
)
 
(12,432
)
   
 
 
 
   
275,606
   
260,894
 
Less treasury stock - 4,824,575 shares at September 30, 2003
   
 
   
 
 
and 4,721,510 shares at December 31, 2002
   
(34,289
)
 
(33,120
)
   
 
 
Total stockholders' equity
   
241,317
   
227,774
 
   
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
4,158,782
 
$
3,811,723
 
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 
  1  

 
 
GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands, except per share data)

 
 

September 30, 2003

 

September 30 2002

 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   

(Restated) 

 
Interest Income:
   
 
   
 
 
Loans, including fees
 
$
44,841
 
$
41,947
 
Investment securities
   
8,287
   
8,319
 
Other
   
451
   
688
 
   
 
 
 
   
53,579
   
50,954
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Interest Expense:
   
 
   
 
 
Deposits
   
14,466
   
16,603
 
Borrowings and other
   
8,161
   
8,172
 
   
 
 
 
   
22,627
   
24,775
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net interest income
   
30,952
   
26,179
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Provision for loan losses
   
3,034
   
3,165
 
   
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
27,918
   
23,014
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Other income:
   
 
   
 
 
Service fees
   
4,571
   
4,334
 
Investment trading fees and commissions
   
1,102
   
1,397
 
Net gains on sale of mortgage loans
   
761
   
716
 
Net securities gains
   
199
   
1,479
 
Gain on sale of branch facilities
   
1,828
   
-
 
Information technology services
   
1,087
   
5,085
 
Bank-owned life insurance
   
1,024
   
785
 
Other
   
1,343
   
2,044
 
   
 
 
 
   
11,915
   
15,840
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Other expense:
   
 
   
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
   
14,857
   
13,419
 
Net occupancy expense
   
2,033
   
1,578
 
Depreciation expense
   
1,703
   
1,628
 
Core deposit intangible amortization
   
188
   
125
 
Goodwill impairment
   
845
   
-
 
Losses and expenses (recoveries) resulting from misapplication of bank funds
   
(1,818
)
 
-
 
Information technology services
   
1,181
   
3,635
 
Other
   
9,186
   
8,378
 
   
 
 
 
   
28,175
   
28,763
 
   
 
 
Earnings before income tax
   
11,658
   
10,091
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Income tax expense
   
3,442
   
2,656
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
8,216
 
$
7,435
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings per share-basic and diluted
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.21
 
   
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
  2  

 
 
GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands, except per share data)

 
 

September 30, 2003 

 

September 30 2002

 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   

(Restated) 

 
Interest Income:
   
 
   
 
 
Loans, including fees
 
$
130,544
 
$
121,890
 
Investment securities
   
27,817
   
25,281
 
Other
   
1,451
   
1,715
 
   
 
 
 
   
159,812
   
148,886
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Interest Expense:
   
 
   
 
 
Deposits
   
45,224
   
48,069
 
Borrowings and other
   
24,703
   
25,244
 
   
 
 
 
   
69,927
   
73,313
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net interest income
   
89,885
   
75,573
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Provision for loan losses
   
9,609
   
13,120
 
   
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
80,276
   
62,453
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Other income:
   
 
   
 
 
Service fees
   
13,122
   
12,854
 
Investment trading fees and commissions
   
3,992
   
3,965
 
Net gains on sale of mortgage loans
   
2,278
   
1,554
 
Net securities gains
   
1,172
   
4,905
 
Gain on sale of branch facilities
   
3,007
   
2,381
 
Information technology services
   
6,720
   
14,680
 
Bank-owned life insurance
   
2,983
   
2,365
 
Other
   
3,469
   
3,834
 
   
 
 
 
   
36,743
   
46,538
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Other expense:
   
 
   
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
   
44,005
   
38,696
 
Net occupancy expense
   
5,832
   
4,594
 
Depreciation expense
   
5,166
   
4,674
 
Core deposit intangible amortization
   
563
   
375
 
Goodwill impairment
   
845
   
-
 
Losses and expenses (recoveries) resulting from misapplication of bank funds
   
(668
)
 
103
 
Information technology services
   
5,064
   
10,123
 
Other
   
25,404
   
22,471
 
   
 
 
 
   
86,211
   
81,036
 
   
 
 
Earnings before income tax
   
30,808
   
27,955
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Income tax expense
   
8,598
   
7,423
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
22,210
 
$
20,532
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings per share-basic
 
$
0.59
 
$
0.60
 
   
 
 
Net earnings per share-diluted
 
$
0.58
 
$
0.60
 
   
 
 
 
 
  3  

 
 
GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003, and September 30, 2002 (Restated)
(Dollars in thousands)

 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred 

 

 

Common

 

 

Paid-in

 

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

Unearned

 

 

Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Capital

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Income (loss)
 

Compensation

 

 

Stock

 

 

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2001
 
$
-
   
38,352
   
76,584
   
83,987
   
(8
)
 
(3,440
)
 
(30,935
)
$
164,540
 
Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2002
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
20,532
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
20,532
 
Change in unrealized gain on available for-sale securities
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
6,456
   
-
   
-
   
6,456
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2002
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
20,532
   
6,456
   
-
   
-
   
27,080
 
Exercise of 83,445 stock options
   
-
   
84
   
172
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
256
 
Purchase of 304,500 shares of treasury stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(2,185
)
 
(2,185
)
Increase in unearned compensation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(6,243
)
 
-
   
(6,243
)
Dividends paid ($0.06 per common share)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(2,023
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(2,023
)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2002
 
$
-
   
38,436
   
76,756
   
102,496
   
6,448
   
(9,683
)
 
(33,120
)
$
181,333
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002
 
$
-
   
44,188
   
118,257
   
107,392
   
3,489
   
(12,432
)
 
(33,120
)
$
227,774
 
Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2003
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
22,210
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
22,210
 
Change in unrealized gain on available for-sale securities
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(4,756
)
 
-
   
-
   
(4,756
)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
22,210
   
(4,756
)
 
-
   
-
   
17,454
 
Exercise of 81,738 stock options
   
-
   
82
   
424
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
506
 
Decrease in unearned compensation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
289
   
-
   
289
 
Acquisition of 583,065 shares of treasury stock through restitution agreement
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(6,300
)
 
(6,300
)
Purchase of 50,000 shares of treasury stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(596
)
 
(596
)
Sale of 530,000 shares of treasury stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
5,727
   
5,727
 
Dividends paid ($0.09 per common share)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(3,537
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(3,537
)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2003
 
$
-
   
44,270
   
118,681
   
126,065
   
(1,267
)
 
(12,143
)
 
(34,289
)
$
241,317
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
  4  

 
 
GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002
(In thousands)
(unaudited)


 
 

September 30, 2003 

 

September 30, 2002

 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 

(Restated)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
22,210
 
$
20,532
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
   
 
   
 
 
Provision for loan losses
   
9,609
   
13,120 
 
Allocation of ESOP Shares
   
289
   
-
 
Recovery from restitution agreement
   
(2,300
)
 
-
 
Gains on sales of securities
   
(1,172
)
 
(4,905
)
Gain on sale of branches.
   
(3,007
)
 
(2,381
)
Amortization of investment securities premiums, net of accretion
   
4,963
   
590
 
Depreciation
   
5,166
   
4,674 
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
561
   
375 
 
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale
   
(2,278
)
 
(1,554
)
Goodwill impairment
   
845
   
-
 
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
   
(2,965
)
 
(2,365
)
Net (increase) decrease in trading securities
   
(714
)
 
4,035 
 
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
   
175,346
   
51,297 
 
Origination of loans held for sale, net of repayments
   
(161,486
)
 
(61,760
)
Other changes:
   
 
   
 
 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
65,688
   
14,997 
 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
(897
)
 
5,735 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
109,858
 
$
42,853
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
   
 
   
 
 
Net increase in loans
 
$
(211,404
)
$
(351,706
)
Purchase of note receivable
   
(4,000
)
 
-
 
Principal collections and proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities
   
393,092
   
597,285 
 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
   
(689,811
)
 
(774,655
)
Principal collections and proceeds from sales and maturities of held- to-maturity securities
   
55,905
   
-
 
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities
   
(3,062
)
 
(59,183
)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance policy
   
(20,000
)
 
-
 
Net additions to premises and equipment
   
(2,980
)
 
(24,967
)
Cash received in purchase acquisitions, net of cash paid
   
(65,785
)
 
149,014
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
$
(548,045
)
$
(464,212
)
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
   
 
   
 
 
Increase in deposits
 
$
283,543
 
$
409,705
 
Net increase in short-term borrowings
   
1,910
   
38,100
 
Proceeds from FHLB & long-term borrowings
   
143,117
   
3,206 
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
506
   
256 
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(596
)
 
(2,185
)
Proceeds from sale of treasury shares
   
5,727
   
-
 
Dividends paid
   
(3,537
)
 
(2,023
)
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
430,670
   
447,113 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(7,517
)
 
25,754 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
96,408
   
73,773 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
88,891
 
$
99,527
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
   
 
   
 
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
72,562
 
$
71,975
 
Cash paid for income taxes
   
9,255
   
3,359
 
 
   
 
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
  5  

 
 
GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.             Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in Amendment No. 1 to our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2003 (the "2002 Annual Report").

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gold Banc Corporation, Inc. and its subsidiary banks and companies. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2003 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 are unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of our operations and cash flows for those periods. The consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

2.             Restatement and Impact on Earnings

As disclosed in our 2002 Annual Report, we have restated our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. The 2002 Annual Report included all of the adjustments relating to the restatement for such prior periods including those required by Staff Accounting Bulletin 99. We also filed amended Form 10-Qs with respect to the first three quarters of 2002 to reflect the restatement of the financial information presented therein. Based on discussions with the staff of the SEC, we do not plan to file amended Form 10-Ks or Form 10-Qs for 2001 or 2000. The accompanying consolidated financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 are also restated for the effect of the adjustments described above.

The restatement principally related to certain transactions totaling approximately $136,000, $1.1 million and $1.3 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, in which Michael W. Gullion, our former Chief Executive Officer, diverted funds of Gold Bank-Kansas for personal use, as well as the use of his company credit card for personal use and improper reimbursement of personal expenses charged to his personal credit card. The transactions were discovered by an internal investigation conducted by our Audit Committee, with assistance from its independent legal counsel and forensic accountants. For a detailed discussion of the internal investigation and the transactions discovered therefrom, see "Item 13 — Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the 2002 Annual Report.

The effect of the restatement is as follows:

 
 
Restatements to Net Earnings as Previously Reported
   
 
   
Pre-Tax 
   
Tax Effect
   
After Tax
 

% Change to Reported

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

(Dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
$
(254
)
$
184
 
$
(70
)
 
(0.93
%)
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
$
(642
)
$
550
 
$
(92
)
 
(0.45
%)

 
  6  

 
The impact of these amounts is as follows:

   

Basic Earnings Per Share

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   
 
 
   

As reported 

   
As restated
   
As reported
   
As restated
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.21
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.21
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
$
0.61
 
$
0.60
 
$
0.61
 
$
0.60
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

3.             Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share includes the effects of all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during each period. Employee stock options are our only potential common share equivalent.

The shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 are shown below (in thousands):


 

For the three months
 ended September 30

 

For the nine months
 ended September 30

   
 
 
   
2003

 

 

2002

 

 

2003

 

 

2002
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   

(Restated)

   
 
   
(Restated)
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
39,136
   
33,713
   
39,369
   
35,837
 
Unallocated ESOP Shares
   
(1,534
)
 
(1,085
)
 
(1,499
)
 
(730
)
   
 
 
 
 
Total basic average common shares outstanding
   
37,602
   
32,628
   
37,870
   
35,151
 
Stock options
   
224
   
220
   
179
   
44
 
   
 
 
 
 
Total diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
   
37,826
   
32,848
   
38,049
   
35,107
 
   
 
 
 
 

We account for employee options under the intrinsic-value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" with pro forma disclosures of net earnings and earnings per share, as if the fair value method of accounting defined in SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" had been applied. SFAS No. 123 establishes a fair value based method of accounting for stock based employee compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. Under SFAS No. 123, our net income and net income per share would have decreased as reflected in the following pro forma amounts (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
 
For the three months ended
 
   

September 30, 2003

   
September 30, 2002
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
(Restated)
 
Net earnings as reported
 
$
8,216
 
$
7,435
 
Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair valued based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
   
107
   
75
 
 
 
 
Pro forma net earnings
 
$
8,109
 
$
7,360
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
   
 
   
 
 
Basic-as reported
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.21
 
Basic-pro forma
   
0.22
   
0.21
 
Diluted-as reported
   
0.22
   
0.21
 
Diluted-pro forma
   
0.21
   
0.21
 

 
  7  

 

 
 
For the nine months ended
 
   

September 30, 2003

   
September 30, 2002
 
   
 
 
Net earnings as reported
 
$
22,210
 
$
20,532
 
Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair valued based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
   
289
   
225
 
   
 
 
Pro forma net earnings
 
$
21,921
 
$
20,307
 
   
 
 
Earnings per share:
   
 
   
 
 
Basic-as reported
 
$
0.59
 
$
0.60
 
Basic-pro forma
   
0.58
   
0.60
 
Diluted-as reported
   
0.58
   
0.60
 
Diluted-pro forma
   
0.58
   
0.60
 

4.             Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The following table presents information about our intangible assets which are being amortized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142.

   

September 30, 2003

 

September 30, 2002

   
 
               

(Restated)

 
   

Gross Carrying Amount

   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

(In thousands)

 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Amortized intangible assets:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Core deposit premium
 
$
7,508
 
$
1,234
 
$
7,508
 
$
387
 
Aggregate amortization expense for the nine months ended
   
 
 
$
563
   
 
 
$
375
 

Estimated amortization expense (in thousands) for the years ending December 31:

2003
$751
2004
$751
2005
$751
2006
$751
2007
$751
 
 

Goodwill at September 30, 2003 was $34.8 million, which is $845,000 less than the amount at December 31, 2002. There was no impairment to goodwill recorded for the three or six months ended June 30, 2003. An impairment of $845,000 was recorded in the third quarter of 2003, which was directly related to the operations of CompuNet Engineering.

During 2002 and the first nine months of 2003, CompuNet Engineering did not comply with certain Federal Reserve regulations regarding the sources of its revenue. Management has determined that it is not possible to comply these regulations and maintain CompuNet Engineering as a viable entity. Management is currently seeking to sell our interest in CompuNet Engineering. In the event that CompuNet Engineering is sold for less than the carrying value of its associated assets and goodwill, we will be required to record a loss on the sale. The remaining goodwill associated with CompuNet Engineering was $3.7 million at September 30, 2003.

 
  8  

 
5.            Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income was $1.5 million and $8.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, respectively. Comprehensive income was $17.4 million and $27.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, respectively. The difference between comprehensive income and net earnings presented in the consolidated statements of earnings is attributed solely to unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. During the three months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, we recorded reclassification adjustments of $129,000 and $961,000, respectively, associated with gains and losses included in net earnings for such periods. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002, we recorded reclassification adjustments of $762,000 and $3.1 million, respectively, associated with gains included in net earnings for such periods.

6.            Mergers, Acquisitions, Dispositions and Consolidations

Sale of Guymon Branch. On December 24, 2002, Gold Bank-Oklahoma entered into an agreement for the sale of its Guymon, Oklahoma branch location to City National Bank and Trust Company of Guymon, Oklahoma. The deposits and loans of this branch were approximately $36 million and $5.5 million, respectively, at the closing date. The sale of this branch closed on April 11, 2003, following receipt of regulatory approvals. In connection with the sale of the Guymon branch location, we recorded a gain of approximately $839 thousand. We believe the sale of this branch will not have a significant impact on our capital and liquidity or operations.

Sale of Wakita & Helena Branches. On March 4, 2003, Gold Bank-Oklahoma entered into an agreement for the sale of its Helena and Wakita, Oklahoma branch locations to Farmers Exchange Bank of Cherokee, Oklahoma. The aggregate deposits and loans of these Gold Bank-Oklahoma branches were approximately $17 million and $3 million, respectively, at the closing date. The sale of these branches closed on May 30, 2003 upon receipt of regulatory approvals. In connection with the sale of these branches, we recorded a gain of approximately $334 thousand. We believe the sale of these branches will not have a significant impact on our capital and liquidity or operations.

Sale of LaCgyne and Pleasanton Branches. On June 10, 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas entered into an agreement for the sale of its LaCgyne and Pleasanton, Kansas branch locations to Labette Bank. The aggregate deposits and loans of these Gold Bank-Kansas branches were approximately $38 million and $15 million, respectively, at the closing date. The sale of these branches closed on August 15, 2003 upon receipt of regulatory approvals. In connection with the sale of these branches, we recorded a gain of approximately $1.8 million. We believe the sale of these branches will not have a significant impact on our capital and liquidity or operations.

Consolidation of Gold Bank-Kansas and Gold Bank-Oklahoma. On August 11, 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas filed an application with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (the "FRB-KC") and the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner (the "OSBC") to merge Gold Bank-Oklahoma and Gold Bank-Kansas with Gold Bank-Kansas being the surviving entity. In October 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas received approval of its application and expects the merger to be consummated on or before January 6, 2004. Gold Bank-Kansas expects to realize approximately $1.3 million in annual cost savings as a result of the merger due to a more efficient workforce and standardization of products and operating procedures. In addition, the merger will allow Gold Bank-Kansas to consolidate its efforts for future growth of its Midwestern franchises under one unified banking organization.

Sale of Gold Bank-Kansas and Gold Bank-Oklahoma branches.  On September 16, 2003, we announced that we had entered into agreements for the sale of seven Gold Bank-Kansas branches and two Gold Bank-Oklahoma branches. The sale of these branches is part of an effort by us to focus on higher-growth metropolitan areas. An employee-investor group led by Leonard Wolfe, the regional Gold Bank-Kansas president in Marysville, Kansas, will be the purchaser of the Gold Bank-Kansas branches. BancFirst of Oklahoma City will be the purchaser of the two Gold Bank-Oklahoma branches. As of September 30, 2003, the deposits and loans of the seven Gold Bank-Kansas branches were approximately $330 million and $200 million, respectively. The deposits and loans of the two Gold Bank-Oklahoma branches were approximately $45 million and $20 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2003. We expect these transactions to close sometime during the fourth quarter of 2003. We believe the sale of these branches will not have a significant impact on our capital and liquidity or operations.
 
  9  

 
 
7.            Derivative Instruments

In August 2002, we entered into three interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $82.5 million. Each swap has a notional amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of the related trust preferred securities, together with the same payment dates, maturity date and call provisions as the related trust preferred securities. Under each of the swaps, we pay interest at a variable rate equal to a spread over 90-day LIBOR, adjusted quarterly, and we receive a fixed rate equal to the interest that we are obligated to pay on the related trust preferred securities. The interest rate swaps are derivative financial instruments and have been designated as fair value hedges of the trust preferred securities.

The $28.7 million notional amount swap agreement was called by the counter-party and terminated on April 7, 2003. The $16.3 million notional amount swap agreement was called by the counter-party and terminated on June 30, 2003. Under these swap agreements, no payments were due between the parties and no gain or loss was recognized by us when they were called. There are no current plans to replace these terminated swap agreements. The remaining swap agreement is also callable by the counter-party prior to its respective maturity date.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, we received net cash flows of $479 thousand under the one remaining agreement, which was recorded as a reduction of interest expense on the trust preferred securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we received net cash flows of $2.2 million under the three agreements, which was also recorded as a reduction of interest expense on the trust preferred securities.

In August 2003, we entered into seven interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $190 million for the purpose of effectively converting $190 million of fixed rate FHLB borrowings into floating rate obligations. Each swap has a notional amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of the related FHLB borrowings, together with the same payment dates, maturity date and call provisions as the related FHLB borrowings. Under each of the swaps, we pay interest at a variable rate equal to a spread over 30-day LIBOR, adjusted monthly, and we receive a fixed rate equal to the interest that we are obligated to pay on the related FHLB borrowings. The interest rate swaps are derivative financial instruments and have been designated as fair value hedges of the FHLB borrowings.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, we received net cash flows of $576 thousand under these agreements, which was recorded as a reduction of interest expense on the related FHLB borrowings.

8.            Legal Proceedings

Regulatory Examinations and Supervisory Actions

During the first quarter of 2003, the OSBC and the FRB-KC conducted a joint safety and soundness examination of Gold Bank-Kansas. The FRB-KC also began a financial holding company examination of the Company. Concurrently with these examinations, we conducted an internal investigation that uncovered misappropriations and other improper conduct by our former CEO, Michael W. Gullion. For additional information relating to Mr. Gullion's misconduct, see our 2002 Annual Report.

We have received the joint report of examination for Gold Bank-Kansas and the financial holding company examination report. The "management" and "composite" CAMELS ratings for Gold Bank-Kansas in the joint report of examination were less than "satisfactory." Because of these CAMELS ratings, Gold Bank-Kansas is no longer a "well-managed" financial institution. In addition to the Gullion misconduct, the report of examination identified noncompliance or deficiencies by Gold Bank-Kansas in regard to:

l
Regulation H (information technology, bank secrecy act, currency transaction reports, and suspicious activity reporting);
 
 
l
Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act (transactions with affiliates);
 
 
l
Regulation O (loans to officers and directors); and
 
 
l
Regulation Y and K.S.A. § 17-11-21 (appraisals).

 
  10  

 
 
The financial holding company examination report identified noncompliance or deficiencies by us in regard to:

l
Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act (transactions with affiliates);
 
 
l
Regulation Y (information security);
 
 
l
CompuNet's revenues from non-financial data processing activities; and
 
 
l
Late filing of a regulatory report.

The joint examination report was based upon the condition and management of Gold Bank-Kansas as of December 31, 2002. The holding company examination report was based upon the condition and management of the Company as of March 31, 2003.

As a result of the examinations, we are subject to the following restrictions:

l
We must provide 30 days prior written notice to the FRB-KC before adding or replacing any member of our board of directors, employing any person as a senior executive officer or changing the responsibilities of any senior executive officer so that the person would assume a different senior executive officer position.
 
 
l
We are prohibited from making or contracting to make severance payments to any director, officer or employee in excess of the severance benefits we provided to all eligible employees without the prior written approval of the FRB-KC and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
 
l
We are prohibited from making indemnification payments to any institution-affiliated party to pay or reimburse such person for any civil money penalty, judgement or legal expenses resulting from any administrative or civil action instituted by any federal banking agency.

On August 26, 2003, we and Gold Bank-Kansas entered into a written agreement (a "Written Agreement") with the OSBC and the FRB-KC. The Written Agreement is intended to address and remediate the deficiencies identified in the joint report of examination. The Written Agreement does not prohibit or limit the payment of dividends by Gold Bank-Kansas or us. We and Gold Bank-Kansas have already begun or completed nearly all the corrective actions set forth in the Written Agreement. As required by the Written Agreement, we and Gold Bank-Kansas have prepared and submitted a plan covering the review and development of:

l
written procedures to strengthen Gold Bank-Kansas' internal controls;
 
 
l
our internal audit program, including an assessment of the composition, independence and effectiveness of the audit committee of our Board of Directors;
 
 
l
a written plan to improve the information technology function of us and all of our subsidiaries; and
 
 
l
steps to comply with all appropriate laws and regulations.

In connection with the Written Agreement and the development and implementation of the plans required therein, we recently created and filled the positions of Director of Internal Audit, Director of Compliance, and a Director of Technology Security. In addition, the Boards of Directors of both us and Gold Bank-Kansas have established a Compliance Committee to monitor and coordinate compliance with the Written Agreement. The Compliance Committee is composed entirely of independent directors who provide monthly progress reports to the Boards of Directors of both us and Gold Bank-Kansas.

 
  11  

 
 
As a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act (the "BHC Act"), each of our depository institution subsidiaries must remain both "well-capitalized" and "well-managed" for us to retain our status as a financial holding company with authority to engage in expanded financial activities. Because Gold Bank-Kansas has lost its "well-managed" rating, we are not in compliance with the requirements for financial holding companies under the BHC Act. We will not be in compliance with the requirements for financial holding companies until the "management" and "composite" ratings of Gold Bank-Kansas have been upgraded to "satisfactory" by the FRB and the OSCB.  Our non-compliance with the requirements for financial holding companies does not prohibit or limit the payment of dividends by Gold Bank-Kansas and us. 

On August 26, 2003, we entered into a written agreement with the FRB-KC (a "BHC Agreement") under the BHC Act intended to address and remediate the deficiencies identified in the financial holding company examination report. It also sets forth corrective steps we must take to restore the well managed rating of Gold Bank-Kansas and bring us into compliance with the requirements for a financial holding company on or before January 15, 2004. The BHC Agreement also requires that we take all the actions required by the Written Agreement to correct the deficiencies at Gold Bank-Kansas. It further requries that until the FRB-KC determines that we meet the requirements for a financial holding company, we may not, directly or indirectly, engage in an additional activity, or acquire any company under Section 4(k) of the BHC Act, without prior written approval of the Federal Reserve.

The banking regulators recently began an examination of Gold Bank-Kansas on November 3, 2003. We expect the results of this examination to enable Gold Bank-Kansas to regain its "well-managed" rating and permit us to retain our status as a financial holding company. For a discussion of the implications and alternatives if Gold Bank-Kansas does not regain its "well-managed" rating, see our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003.

9.            Gullion Restitution

On May 20, 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas entered into a restitution agreement with our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael W. Gullion. On July 23, 2003, we purchased from an unaffiliated bank a $4 million loan to Mr. Gullion evidenced by a promissory note collateralized by substantially all of the shares of common stock of the Company owned by Mr. Gullion. On the same day, we exercised our option under the restitution agreement to purchase 583,065 shares of our common stock from Mr. Gullion for approximately $6.3 million. The purchase price of $10.805 per share was calculated in accordance with the restitution agreement and was equal to the 10-day average closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ preceding the date on which the shares were purchased. We retained the sales proceeds to satisfy Mr. Gullion's obligation under the note payable that we purchased (aggregating approximately $4.0 million) and to satisfy Mr. Gullion's obligation under the restitution agreement (aggregating approximately $2.3 million).

As a result of the transaction, we acquired 583,065 shares of treasury stock and recorded income of approximately $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2003. That amount has been recorded as a recovery of the previously recorded losses and expenses resulting from Mr. Gullion's misappropriation of bank funds. We reissued some of these treasury shares in private sales. Five members of our Board of Directors purchased directly, or through an affiliate, an aggregate of 530,000 of these shares from us at a purchase price of $10.805 per share. On August 1, 2003, Daniel P. Connealy purchased 10,000 of these shares. On August 5, 2003, William Randon purchased 70,000 of these shares. On August 28, 2003, an affiliate of Patrick Curran purchased 100,000 of these shares. On September 3, 2003, an affiliate of Allen D. Peterson purchased 300,000 of these shares. On September 8, 2003, Robert B. Gourley purchased 50,000 of these shares. Resale of these shares will be restricted for two years in accordance with SEC regulations.

We have been actively negotiating a settlement with Mr. Gullion that would include payment by Mr. Gullion of additional restitution. We have made additional claims against Mr. Gullion for the following:

 
  12  

 

l
$1.1 million for additional amounts that we believe Mr. Gullion either misappropriated from us or for which he failed to reimburse us;
 
 
l
$1.5 million for the costs of investigation into Mr. Gullion's misconduct;
 
 
l
$0.5 million of interest on the above items;
 
 
l
$0.2 million of outstanding loans;
 
 
l
$3.0 million representing the forfeiture of all cash compensation paid to Mr. Gullion since January 1, 1998; and
 
 
l
the forfeiture of all stock options granted to Mr. Gullion since January 1, 1998.

While Mr. Gullion has disputed most of these claims, he has repaid with interest the $0.2 million of outstanding loans owed to us. Through his attorney, he has negotiated with us for the settlement of the other claims without litigation. Although no definitive settlement agreement has been reached, based upon the progress of the negotiations, we now expect that a satisfactory settlement agreement will be signed and additional restitution will be paid during the fourth quarter of 2003.

As part of the negotiations, Mr. Gullion has provided us with his personal financial statement showing a net worth substantially below the amount of the claims we have asserted. It is clear that we cannot recover the full amount of our claims from Mr. Gullion either through a settlement or litigation.

If we reach a written settlement agreement with Mr. Gullion and receive additional restitution, we plan to make this information publicly available through a press release and the filing of a current report on Form 8-K, which will include the settlement agreement as an exhibit.

ITEM 2:  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following financial review presents management's discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. This review highlights the major factors affecting results of operations and any significant changes in financial condition for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003. This review should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report as well as Amendment No. 1 to our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (the "2002 Annual Report"). Results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained for any other period.

Strategic Direction and Goals

We continue to believe in the underlying soundness of our community banking model, which has been strengthened by the recent improvements in process and controls, while retaining a substantial amount of decision-making at the local level. We are also committed to a renewed focus on our core businesses of commercial banking and wealth management. As a result, we may seek to sell some of our non-core businesses.

We intend to focus our efforts in our existing faster growing, metropolitan markets: Kansas City (particularly Johnson County, Kansas) and four counties in Florida (Manatee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Hillsborough). Our branches in slower growth markets such as out-state Kansas (i.e., outside of metropolitan Kansas City) and out-state Oklahoma (i.e., outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa) have lower growth opportunities, reduced margin opportunities, and higher cost of funds. As a result, these branches do not fit as well with our current growth and other strategic goals. On September 16, 2003, we announced that we had entered into agreements for the sale of seven out-state Kansas branches and two out-state Oklahoma branches. We are currently evaluating the possible sale of some or all of our remaining out-state branches in order to refine our strategic focus. We intend to use the proceeds from the sales of our out-state branches to fund loans in our higher growth markets, call and redeem some of our trust preferred securities or repurchase shares of our common stock. Also, the resulting reduction in our assets and liabilities from the sales of our out-state branches will increase our regulatory capital ratios.

 
  13  

 
 
At this time, Gold Bank-Florida benefits from being in a rapidly growing market and a sale of the bank would result in a high tax burden. Therefore, a sale of Gold Bank-Florida is unlikely in the foreseeable future.

During the third quarter of 2003, we decreased the asset sensitivity of our balance sheet by entering into interest rate swap agreements for a portion of our long-term fixed rate borrowings. By agreeing to pay a variable rate of interest that is currently lower than the fixed rates we are paying on our borrowings, we expect to increase our net interest margin and more closely match our variable rate assets with variable rate liabilities. We entered into seven interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional principal amount of $190 million for the purpose of effectively converting $190 million our fixed rate borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank System into floating rate obligations. In addition, we currently have in place an interest rate swap any additional agreement with respect to $37.6 million of our trust preferred securities. We have no current plans to enter into any additional interest rate swap agreements.

Our strategic objectives of this more refined focus are to improve profitability and the strength and flexibility of our balance sheet as well as to reduce asset sensitivity. In order to achieve these objectives, we have established the following strategic goals:

l
 
equity capital ratio in the range of 8%,
 
 
 
l
 
liquidity ratio of approximately 20%,
 
 
 
l
 
loan to deposit ratio in the range of 90%,
 
 
 
l
 
earnings per share growth in excess of 10%,
 
 
 
l
 
return on equity in excess of 15%, and
 
 
 
l
 
efficiency ratio of 60%. 1  
 
We are also targeting total annual expense reductions of $2.5 million. Management has identified and intends to eliminate approximately $1.7 million of annual expenses by the end of the first quarter of 2004.

On August 11, 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas filed and application with the FRB-KC and OSBC to merge Gold Bank-Oklahoma into Gold Bank-Kansas with Gold Bank-Kansas being the surviving entity. In October 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas received approval of its application and expects the merger to be consummated on or before January 6, 2004. We expect to realize approximately $1.3 million in annual cost savings as a result of the merger due to a more efficient workforce and standardization of products and operating procedures. In addition, the merger will allow Gold Bank-Kansas to consolidate its efforts for future growth of its Midwestern franchises under one unified banking organization.

Our focus on achieving the above goals makes it unlikely that we will pursue any acquisitions in the next 9 to 15 months.

Certain Financial Data

The following table sets forth certain financial data for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
 
 
   
2003

 

 

2002

 

 

2003

 

 

2002
 
   
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings
 
$
8,216
 
$
7,435
 
$
22,210
 
$
20,532
 
Earnings Per Share (basic)
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.21
 
$
0.59
 
$
0.60
 
Return on Average Assets
   
0.79
%
 
0.87
%
 
0.74
%
 
0.84
%
Return on Equity
   
13.83
%
 
16.74
%
 
12.64
%
 
16.09
%
Dividend to Net Earnings
   
14.22
%
 
9.08
%
 
15.93
%
 
9.85
%


1 We calculate the efficiency ratio as a ratio, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is non-interest expense (excluding any non-recurring expenses), and the denominator of which is the sum of net interest income before provision for loan losses, plus non-interest income (excluding any non-recurring income).
     
14   

 

 
At September 30, 2003
At September 30, 2002


Stockholders' equity to total assets
5.80%
4.97%

Recent Events and Restatement

As disclosed in our 2002 Annual Report, we have restated our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. The 2002 Annual Report included all of the adjustments relating to the restatement for such prior periods including those required by Staff Accounting Bulletin 99. We also filed amended Form 10-Qs with respect to the first three quarters of 2002 to reflect the restatement of the financial information for such periods. Based on discussions with the staff of the SEC, we do not plan to file amended Form 10-Ks or Form 10-Qs for 2001 or 2000. The consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report restate our financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002.

The restatement principally related to certain transactions totaling approximately $136,000, $1.1 million and $1.3 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, in which Michael W. Gullion, our former Chief Executive Officer, diverted funds of Gold Bank-Kansas for personal use, as well as the use of his company credit card for personal use and improper reimbursement of personal expenses charged to his personal credit card. The transactions were discovered by an internal investigation conducted by our Audit Committee, with assistance from its independent legal counsel and forensic accountants. For a detailed discussion of the internal investigation and the transactions discovered therefrom, see "Item 13 — Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the 2002 Annual Report. For a discussion of the amounts we have received and the additional amounts that we seek to recover from Mr. Gullion, see "—Financial Condition—Recovery of Restitution Amounts from Gullion" below.

The effect of the restatement (as described in Note 2 "Restatement and Impact on Earnings" of the consolidated financial statements) is as follows:



 
Restatements to Net Earnings as Previously Reported
   
 
 
 
   

Pre-Tax 

 

 

Tax Effect

 

 

After Tax

 

 

% Change to Reported
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
$
(254
)
$
184
 
$
(70
)
 
(0.93
%)
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
$
(642
)
$
550
 
$
(92
)
 
(0.45
%)

The impact of these amounts is as follows:


   

Basic Earnings Per Share

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   
 
 
   

As reported 

 

 

As restated

 

 

As reported

 

 

As restated
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.21
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.21
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
$
0.61
 
$
0.60
 
$
0.61
 
$
0.60
 
 
 
  15  

 
 
Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

Total interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $53.6 million compared to $51.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 or an increase of $2.6 million. This increase resulted from a $2.9 million increase in loan interest and a $269,000 decrease in investment security interest. Total interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $159.8 million compared to $148.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 or an increase of $10.9 million. This increase resulted from a $8.7 million increase in loan interest and a $2.3 million increase in investment security interest. Average loans increased to $2.9 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to $2.5 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2002, or a 16.8% increase. Average loans increased to $2.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to $2.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, or a 19.8% increase. This increase in loans resulted from the opening of our Briarcliff, Eastland and Olathe branches in our Kansas City market, our Tampa and Sarasota branches in our Florida market and our new Hefflin branch in our Oklahoma City market. For the three months ended September 30, 2003, our average rate on a tax equivalent basis for earning assets was 5.51%, a decrease from 6.42% for the three months ended September 30, 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, our average rate on a tax equivalent basis for earning assets was 5.72%, a decrease from 6.67% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease in the average rate on earning assets primarily relates to the decrease in the prime rate that we charge to borrowers, as well as a decrease in the average yield on our investment securities portfolio.

Average earning assets were $3.9 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared with $3.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2002. Average earning assets were $3.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared with $3.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase in average earning assets is attributable to our increase in loans and our increase in investments, which relates to our leverage strategy.

Total interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $22.6 million; a $2.1 million, or 7.2%, decrease over the three months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest on deposits. Total interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $69.9 million; a $3.4 million, or 4.6%, decrease over the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease was the result of a $2.8 million decrease in interest on deposits and a $541,000 decrease in interest expense on other borrowings. For the three months ended September 30, 2003, our average cost of funds was 2.51%, a decrease from 3.32% for the three months ended September 30, 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, our average cost of funds was 2.70%, a decrease from 3.47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease in the average cost of funds primarily relates to the reduced rates paid on deposits.

Net interest income was $31.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003, compared to $26.2 million for the same period in 2002; an increase of 22.9%. Net interest income was $89.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to $75.6 million for the same period in 2002; an increase of 18.9%. Our net interest margin decreased from 3.36% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 to 3.20% for the three months ended September 30, 2003 on a tax equivalent basis. Our net interest margin on interest earning assets decreased from 3.47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 to 3.24% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 on a tax equivalent basis. The increase in net interest income and the decrease in net interest margin was the result of the combination of a significant increase in loans during the periods and a decrease in the average rate on loans receivable. For the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2002, average interest bearing liabilities increased $611.7 million compared to an increase of $710.4 million in average interest earning assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002, average interest bearing liabilities increased $656.1 million compared to an increase of $740.7 million in average interest earning assets. The difference between the increase in average interest bearing liabilities and the increase in average interest earning assets is primarily due to an increase in non-interest bearing deposits during the relevant periods.

 
  16  

 
 
Provision/Allowance for Loan Losses

The success of a bank depends to a significant extent upon the quality of its assets, particularly loans. This is highlighted by the fact that net loans were 69% of our total assets as of September 30, 2003. Credit losses are inherent in the lending business. The risk of loss will vary with general economic conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and the value of the collateral in the case of a collateralized loan, among other things.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $34.4 million and $33.4 million at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively, and represented 1.19% and 1.22% of total loans at each date. The provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $3.0 million compared to $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease in the provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2002 was the result of a slower rate of increase in our loan portfolio during 2003 and an improvement in the credit quality of our loan portfolio. Net charge-offs for the three months ended September 30, 2003 were $2.0 million compared to $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $9.7 million compared to $13.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease in the provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002 was also the result of a slower rate of increase in our loan portfolio during 2003 and an improvement in the credit quality of our loan portfolio. Net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $8.6 million compared to $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Management has continued to review the loan portfolios of the banks, to increase the provision and to charge-off those credits when collection is considered to be doubtful.

The allowance for loan losses is comprised of specific allowances assigned to certain classified loans and a general allowance. We continuously evaluate our allowance for loan losses to maintain an adequate level to absorb loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Factors contributing to the determination of specific allowances include the credit worthiness of the borrower, changes in the expected future receipt of principal and interest payments and/or changes in the value of pledged collateral. An allowance is recorded when the carrying amount of the loan exceeds the discounted cash flows using the loan's initial effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for certain collateral dependent loans. For purposes of determining the general allowance, the portfolio is segregated by product types to recognize differing risk profiles among categories, and then further segregated by credit grades. Each credit grade is assigned a risk factor, or allowance allocation percentage. These risk factors are multiplied by the outstanding principal balance and risk-weighted by product type to calculate the required allowance.

The allowance allocation percentages assigned to each credit grade have been developed based on an analysis of historical loss rates at our individual banks, adjusted for certain qualitative factors and on our management's experience. Qualitative adjustments for such things as general economic conditions, changes in credit policies and lending standards, and changes in the trend and severity of problem loans, can cause the estimation of future losses to differ from past experience. The unallocated portion of the general allowance serves to compensate for additional areas of uncertainty and considers industry comparable reserve ratios.

The methodology used in the periodic review of allowance adequacy, which is performed at least quarterly, is designed to be responsive to changes in actual credit losses. The changes are reflected in the general allowance and in specific allowances as the collectability of larger classified loans is continuously recalculated with new information. As our portfolio matures, historical loss ratios are being closely monitored.

We actively manage our past due and non-performing loans in each bank subsidiary in an effort to minimize credit losses, and monitor asset quality to maintain an adequate loan loss allowance. Although management believes our allowance for loan losses is adequate for each bank and on an aggregate basis, the allowance may not prove sufficient to cover future loan losses. Further, although management uses the best information available to make determinations with respect to the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used, or adverse developments arise with respect to non-performing or performing loans. Accordingly, the allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover loan losses, and significant increases to the allowance may be required in the future if economic conditions should worsen. Material additions to the allowance for loan losses would result in a decrease of the our net earnings and capital.

 
  17  

 
 
We consider non-performing assets to include all non-accrual loans, other loans past due 90 days or more as to principal and interest and still accruing, other real estate owned and repossessed assets. Total non-performing loans were $19.7 million and $15.9 million at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. The $3.8 million increase in non-performing loans can generally be attributed to one Gold Bank-Kansas loan of $4.0 million that was placed in non-performing status in March 2003. Total non-performing loans were 0.68% and 0.58% of gross loans at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. Total non-performing assets were $26.6 million and $22.2 million at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. The increase in non-performing assets of $4.4 million can be generally attributed to the above mentioned non-performing loan. Total non-performing assets were 0.64% and 0.58% of total assets at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.

Other Income

For the three months ended September 30, 2003, other income was $11.9 million compared to $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 22.9%. The net decrease resulted from a decrease in information technology sales, which decreased from $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2002 to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2003. This decrease was the result of decreased sales revenue principally in the hardware sales area. In addition, the decrease in other income was also the result of a decline in net securities gains of $1.3 million and a $295,000 decrease in investment trading fees and commissions in comparing the third quarter of 2003 to 2002. The decline in net securities gains was primarily the result of income recorded from the sale of our investment in Blue Rhino stock. The decrease was offset by gain on sale of branch facilities increasing $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2003 compared to the same period in 2002 and an increase in service fees of $237,000. In comparing the same periods, Bank-owned life insurance income increased $239,000 and other income decreased $701,000.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, other income was $36.7 million compared to $46.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, a decrease of $9.8 million, or 21.0%. The net decrease resulted from a decrease in sales from information technology sales, which decreased from $14.7 million in the first nine months of 2002 to $6.7 million in the first nine months of 2003. This decrease was the result of decreased sales revenue principally in the hardware sales area. The decrease was also the result of a decline in net securities gains of $3.7 million in comparing the first nine months of 2003 to 2002. This decline was primarily the result of income recorded in the first nine months of 2002 from the sale of our investment in Blue Rhino stock. The decrease was offset by the result of a gain on sale of branch facilities increasing from $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2002 to $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2003. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in service fees of $268,000 compared with the first nine months of 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, net gains on sale of mortgage loans increased $724,000 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002. In comparing the same periods, Bank-owned life insurance income increased $618,000 and other income decreased $366,000.

Other Expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2003, other expense was $28.2 million compared to $28.0 million for the same period of 2002. Salaries and employee benefits increased from $13.4 million in the third quarter of 2002 to $14.9 million in the third quarter of 2003, or an increase of $1.4 million. Adding additional branch locations and expansion of our current operations caused this increase. Net occupancy expense increased from $1.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 to $2.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 as a result of opening new branch facilities in Florida and Kansas. Depreciation expense increased from $1.6 million to $1.7 million from the quarter period ended September 30, 2002 to September 30, 2003, respectively. Core deposit intangible amortization expense was $188,000 during the third quarter of 2003, compared to $125,000 for the same period of 2002. During the three months ended September 30, 2003, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $845 thousand related to the operations of CompuNet Engineering. This impairment charge was directly related to the decrease in sales revenue at CompuNet Engineering as we tried to comply with certain Federal Reserve regulations. A $1.8 million reduction of losses resulting from the misapplication of bank funds was recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2003 when we received payment pursuant to our restitution agreement with Michael Gullion, our former Chief Executive Officer. A $2.4 million decrease in information technology services expenses resulted from the decline in cost of sales component for hardware and software sold by CompuNet Engineering. This directly relates to the $4.0 million decrease in information technology sales described above in the Other Income section. The remaining expenses classified as other expense increased from $8.5 million to $9.2 million.

 
  18  

 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, other expense was $86.2 million compared to $81.0 million for the same period of 2002. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we recorded an $845 thousand impairment charge related to the operations of CompuNet Engineering. Losses resulting from misapplication of bank funds decreased $771 thousand for the nine month period ending September 30, 2003, due to our recording a $2.3 million recovery in the third quarter of 2003. Salaries and employee benefits increased from $38.7 million in the first nine months of 2002 to $44.0 million in the first nine months of 2003, or an increase of $5.3 million. Adding additional branch locations and expansion of our current operations caused this increase. Net occupancy expense increased from $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 to $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as a result of opening new offices. Depreciation expense increased from $4.7 million to $5.2 million from the nine month periods ended September 30, 2002 to September 30, 2003, respectively. Core deposit intangible amortization expense was $563,000 during the first nine months of 2003, compared to $375,000 for the same period of 2002. A $5.1 million decrease in information technology services expenses resulted from the decline in cost of sales component for hardware and software sold by CompuNet Engineering. This directly relates to the $8.0 million decrease in information technology sales described above in the Other Income section. The remaining expenses classified as other expense increased from $22.5 million to $25.4 million. The largest items accounting for this increase in Other Expense of $3.0 million were a $1.1 million increase in software and data processing expense and an increase of $333,000 in FDIC and state assessments.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $3.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for each time period was 29.5% and 26.3%, respectively. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $8.6 million and $7.4 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for each time period was 27.9% and 26.6%, respectively. Our effective tax rate is less than the statutory federal rate of 35% due primarily to tax-exempt interest on municipal bonds and tax deferred income generated from our investments in bank owned life insurance.

Financial Condition

From December 31, 2002 to September 30, 2003, total assets grew from $3.8 billion to $4.2 billion. Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $96.4 million to $88.9 million. Net loans increased from $2.7 billion to $2.9 billion. Investment securities were $970.1 million at September 30, 2003, compared to $736.1 million at December 31, 2002; an increase of $234.0 million or 31.8%. Mortgage loans held for sale decreased from $25.1 million to $13.6 million. Net premises and equipment decreased from $69.6 million to $65.0 million. Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance increased from $56.5 million to $79.5 million. Total liabilities increased from $3.6 billion to $3.9 billion. Deposits increased from $2.7 billion to $2.9 billion, from December 31, 2002 to September 30, 2003. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased from $153.6 million to $150.5 million. Total long and short-term borrowings increased $147.6 million, or 21.5%, from December 31, 2002. Accrued interest and other liabilities decreased from $26.1 million to $23.3 million.

During the first nine months of 2003, cash and cash equivalents decreased $7.5 million or 7.8% over balances at December 31, 2002. This decrease was a result of a lower Federal Reserve account balance at September 30, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002 due to management's decision to invest in higher yielding assets.

During the first nine months of 2003, loans increased $182.3 million, or 6.7%, over balances at December 31, 2002. Mortgage loans held for sale decreased $11.6 million over the balance at December 31, 2002. The decrease was due to a decrease in fixed rate single-family mortgage loans originated during the nine month period ended September 30, 2003.

 
  19  

 
 
Investment securities at September 30, 2003, increased $234.1 million compared to the balance at December 31, 2002. This increase resulted from a decrease of $98.4 million in US agency mortgage-backed securities and an increase of $325.5 million in US agency securities. The total investment securities portfolio amounted to $970.1 million at September 30, 2003, and was comprised mainly of U.S. government and agencies (48.3%), mortgage-backed (33.7%), and other asset-backed (18.0%) investment securities.

Bank owned life insurance at September 30, 2003, increased $23.0 million compared to the balance sheet amount at December 31, 2002. The increase in the balance primarily resulted from the Company's additional investment of $20.0 million and earnings recorded on our investment in bank owned life insurance.

Total deposits increased $191.9 million at September 30, 2003, compared to December 31, 2002, mainly due to the effect of an increase of $179.3 million in time deposits, a $73.3 million increase in money market accounts and a $60.7 million decrease in other deposits.

Compared to 2002 year-end balances, borrowings at September 30, 2003, increased $144.5 million. Our short-term borrowings of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase vary depending on daily liquidity requirements. These borrowings increased $1.9 million during the first nine months of 2003 to a balance of $181.2 million at September 30, 2003. Long term borrowings, consisting mainly of FHLB advances, increased $143.1 million to $692.0 million outstanding at September 30, 2003. The increase in long-term borrowings is the direct result of loan growth in the current year, as well as our leverage strategy related to our investment portfolio.

During the first nine months of 2003, accrued interest and other liabilities decreased $2.9 million, or 11.0%, due to a $3.3 million decrease in federal taxes payable due to tax payments made during the first nine months of 2003 and some increase in the amount of accrued interest payable.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table presents our contractual cash obligations, defined as operating lease obligations, principal and interest payments due on non-deposit obligations and guarantees with maturities in excess of one year, as of September 30, 2003 for the periods indicated.

 
 
Payments Due by Period
Contractual Cash Obligations
   
Total interest and principal

 

 

One Year and Less

 

 

One to Three Years

 

 

Four to Five Years

 

 

More than Five Years
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Operating leases
 
$
36,952
 
$
3,689
 
$
7,127
 
$
4,762
 
$
21,374
 
FHLB advances (1)
   
684,879
   
101,166
   
94,311
   
129,785
   
359,617
 
Subordinated debt (1)
   
71,727
   
2,201
   
2,926
   
2,930
   
63,670
 
Trust preferred securities
   
265,971
   
7,321
   
14,642
   
14,642
   
229,366
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total contractual obligations
 
$
1,059,529
 
$
114,377
 
$
119,006
 
$
152,119
 
$
674,027
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)   For floating interest rate obligations, based upon interest rate in effect on September 30, 2003.  
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity defines the ability of us and the Banks to generate funds to support asset growth, satisfy other disbursement needs, meet deposit withdrawals and other fund reductions, maintain reserve requirements and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. The immediate liquidity needs of the Banks are met primarily by Federal Funds sold, short-term investments, deposits and the generally predictable cash flow (primarily repayments) from each Bank's assets. Intermediate term liquidity is provided by the Banks' investment portfolios. Each of the Banks has established a credit facility with the FHLB, under which it is eligible for short-term advances and long-term borrowings secured by real estate loans or mortgage-related investments. Our liquidity needs and funding are provided through non-affiliated bank borrowings, cash dividends and tax payments from our subsidiary Banks. Total loans increased $182.3 million compared to December 31, 2002, while total deposits increased $191.9 million compared to the same period. The majority of our deposits consist of time deposits which mature in less than one year. If we are unsuccessful in rolling over these deposits, then we will have to replace these funds with alternative sources of funding, mainly other short-term borrowings.

 
  20  

 
 
Cash and cash equivalents and investment securities totaled $1.1 billion, or 25.5%, of total assets at September 30, 2003 compared to $832.5 million, or 21.8%, at December 31, 2002. Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $109.9 million, consisting primarily of net earnings and proceeds from the sale of loans. Cash used by investing activities was $548.0 million, consisting of an increase in loans of $211.4 million, the reduction of held to maturity securities of $54.9 million, and the net increase in available for sale securities of $296.7 million. Cash provided by financing activities was $430.7 million, consisting primarily of an increase in deposits of $283.5 million and an increase in net borrowings of $145.0 million.

We and our subsidiaries actively monitor our compliance with regulatory capital requirements. The elements of capital adequacy standards include strict definitions of core capital and total assets, which include off-balance sheet items such as commitments to extend credit. Under the risk-based capital method of capital measurement, the ratio computed is dependent on the amount and composition of assets recorded on the balance sheet and the amount and composition of off-balance sheet items, in addition to the level of capital. Historically, the Banks have increased core capital through retention of earnings or capital infusions. To be "well capitalized" a company's total risk-based capital ratio, tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and tier 1 leverage ratio would be at least 10.0%, 6.0% and 5.0%, respectively. Our total risk-based capital ratio, tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and tier 1 leverage ratio at September 30, 2003 were 10.86%, 8.79% and 6.86%, respectively. These same ratios at December 31, 2002 were 11.02%, 8.61% and 6.96%, respectively. Total loans increased $182.3 million compared to December 31, 2002 while total deposits increased $191.9 million compared to the same period. Even with this increase in the balance sheet, our ratios exceed the necessary levels to be considered well capitalized.

The principal source of funds at the holding company level is dividends from the Banks. The payment of dividends is subject to restrictions imposed by federal and state banking laws and regulations. At September 30, 2003, our subsidiary banks could pay $66.0 million in dividends to us and still remain well capitalized. Management believes funds generated from the dividends from our subsidiaries and our existing lines of credit will be sufficient to meet our current cash requirements. However, if we continue at our current rate of internal growth, we will need to raise additional equity to remain "well capitalized".

Credit Facilities

Our subsidiary banks have agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank system to provide them with advances. As of September 30, 2003, our subsidiary banks had approximately $692.0 million of advances outstanding with the FHLB.

We have a revolving line of credit with LaSalle Bank National Association ("LaSalle Credit Line"). On July 1, 2003, we entered into an amendment with LaSalle Bank to reduce the maximum amount that we may borrow from $25 million to $10 million and extend the maturity date from July 1, 2003 to July 1, 2004. Interest accrues on advances under the LaSalle Credit Line at our option at a rate equal to either LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum or LaSalle Bank's prime rate (but in no event will the interest rate under the LaSalle Credit Line be less than 3.5% per annum). We draw on the LaSalle Credit Line from time to time to fund various corporate matters including making contributions to our bank subsidiaries to help them maintain their "well-capitalized" status. As of September 30, 2003, we had an outstanding balance of approximately $4.0 million on the LaSalle Credit Line.

Under the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of February 8, 2002 ("ESOP Loan Agreement") of our Employees' Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP") with LaSalle Bank, the ESOP may borrow up to $15 million. Loans under the ESOP Loan Agreement bear interest, at the ESOP's option, at either LaSalle Bank's Prime Base Rate or LIBOR plus 1.75%. As of September 30, 2003, the ESOP had approximately $12.1 million outstanding under the ESOP Loan Agreement, which it borrowed to purchase our common stock. We guarantee the ESOP's obligations under the ESOP Loan Agreement. We currently do not anticipate that the ESOP will need to borrow any further amounts under the ESOP Loan Agreement.

 
  21  

 
 
As a result of the misappropriation of funds by Mr. Gullion and the actions taken by the bank regulatory authorities in response thereto, we were in default under the LaSalle Credit Line and our ESOP was in default under the ESOP Loan Agreement. We have obtained waivers from LaSalle Bank with respect to these defaults.

The Federal Home Loan Banks of Topeka and Des Moines could assert that the events described above under "—Internal Investigation and Regulatory Examination" permit them to declare Gold Bank-Kansas in default if such events were to have a material adverse effect on Gold Bank-Kansas. We do not believe that such events have had a material adverse effect on Gold Bank-Kansas or that Gold Bank-Kansas is in default under these agreements. However, neither the FHLB of Des Moines nor the FHLB of Topeka is willing to waive any potential defaults that might rise under the agreements if such events were to ultimately have a material adverse effect on Gold Bank-Kansas. As of September 30, 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas had outstanding advances of approximately $16 million with the FHLB of Des Moines and approximately $348 million with the FHLB of Topeka.

Recovery of Restitution Amounts from Gullion.

On May 20, 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas entered into a restitution agreement with our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael W. Gullion. On July 23, 2003, we purchased from an unaffiliated bank a $4 million loan to Mr. Gullion evidenced by a promissory note collateralized by substantially all of the shares of common stock of the Company owned by Mr. Gullion. On the same day, we exercised our option under the restitution agreement to purchase 583,065 shares of our common stock from Mr. Gullion for approximately $6.3 million. The purchase price of $10.805 per share was calculated in accordance with the restitution agreement and was equal to the 10-day average closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ preceding the date on which the shares were purchased. We retained the sales proceeds to satisfy Mr. Gullion's obligation under the note payable that we purchased (aggregating approximately $4.0 million) and to satisfy Mr. Gullion's obligation under the restitution agreement (aggregating approximately $2.3 million).

As a result of the transaction, we acquired 583,065 shares of treasury stock and recorded income of approximately $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2003. We reissued some of these treasury shares in private sales. Five members of our Board of Directors have purchased an aggregate of 530,000 of these shares from us at a purchase price of $10.805 per share. On August 1, 2003, Daniel P. Connealy purchased 10,000 of these shares. On August 5, 2003, William Randon purchased 70,000 of these shares. On August 28, 2003, an affiliate of Patrick Curran purchased 100,000 of these shares. On September 3, 2003, an affiliate of Allen D. Peterson purchased 300,000 of these shares. On September 8, 2003, Robert B. Gourley purchased 50,000 of these shares.

We have been actively negotiating a settlement with Mr. Gullion that would include payment by Mr. Gullion of additional restitution. We have made additional claims against Mr. Gullion for the following:

l
 
$1.1 million for additional amounts that we believe Mr. Gullion either misappropriated from us or for which he failed to reimburse us;
 
 
 
l
 
$1.5 million for the costs of investigation into Mr. Gullion's misconduct;
 
 
 
l
 
$0.5 million of interest on the above items;
 
 
 
l
 
$0.2 million of outstanding loans;
 
 
 
l
 
$3.0 million representing the forfeiture of all cash compensation paid to Mr. Gullion since January 1, 1998; and
 
 
 
l
 
the forfeiture of all stock options granted to Mr. Gullion since January 1, 1998.

While Mr. Gullion has disputed most of these claims, he has repaid with interest the $0.2 million of outstanding loans owed to us. Through his attorney, he has negotiated with us for the settlement of the other claims without litigation. Although no definitive settlement agreement has been reached, based upon the progress of the negotiations, we now expect that a satisfactory settlement agreement will be signed and additional restitution will be paid during the fourth quarter of 2003.

 
  22  

 
 
As part of the negotiations, Mr. Gullion has provided us with his personal financial statement showing a net worth substantially below the amount of the claims we have asserted. It is clear that we cannot recover the full amount of our claims from Mr. Gullion either through a settlement or litigation.

If we reach a written settlement agreement with Mr. Gullion and receive additional restitution, we plan to make this information publicly available through a press release and the filing of a current report on Form 8-K, which will include the settlement agreement as an exhibit.

BOLI Policies

Our Bank subsidiaries have purchased bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI") policies with death benefits payable to the Banks on the lives of certain officers. These single premium, whole-life policies provide favorable tax benefits, but are illiquid investments. Federal guidelines limit a bank's aggregate investment in BOLI to 25% of the bank's capital and surplus, and its aggregate investment in BOLI policies from a single insurance company to 15% of the Bank's capital and surplus. All of the Banks' BOLI investments comply with federal guidelines. In January 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas, Gold Bank-Oklahoma and Gold Bank-Florida increased their BOLI investments by $14 million, $4 million and $2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2003, Gold Bank-Kansas had $44.4 million of BOLI (equal to 23.3% of its capital and surplus), Gold Bank-Oklahoma had $21.4 million of BOLI (equal to 24.3% of its capital and surplus) and Gold Bank-Florida had $13.6 million of BOLI (equal to 24.3% of its capital and surplus). The aggregate BOLI investment of each Bank is now just below the maximum regulatory limit. The Banks monitor the financial condition and credit rating of each of the three life insurance companies that issued the BOLI policies. We believe that these BOLI investments will not have any significant impact on the capital or liquidity of our Bank subsidiaries.

CompuNet Activities

CompuNet Engineering, Inc., which was acquired in March 1999, provides information technology, e-commerce services and networking solutions for banks and other businesses. Under current Federal Reserve regulations, a bank holding company and its subsidiaries may conduct data processing and transmission services to process or furnish financial, banking or economic data ("Financial Data Processing"). Data processing and transmission services that are not financial, banking or economic in nature may also be provided, so long as such services do not exceed 30% of the bank holding company's total consolidated annual revenues from data processing and transmission. Financial Data Processing services may include the furnishing of data processing and transmission facilities, hardware, software, documentation, operating personnel and support services. However, hardware may only be sold in connection with software designed for the processing of financial, banking or economic data, and general purpose hardware (such as a personal computer or a network router) may not exceed 30% of the cost of any packaged offering of hardware, software and services. When we acquired CompuNet, the aggregate data processing activities of us and CompuNet complied with these limitations.

On December 21, 2000, the Federal Reserve published a proposed regulation that would permit a financial holding company to generate up to 80% of its consolidated data processing revenue from non-Financial Data Processing activities. The proposed regulation limits the investment of a financial holding company in such data processing activities to 5% of the financial holding company's tier 1 capital. The comment period on the proposed regulation expired on February 16, 2001. To date this regulation has not been adopted.

In 2001, CompuNet acquired the assets of Information Products, Inc., which provides technology services, including LAN, WAN, product support, telecommunication line monitoring, hardware, maintenance and systems design and installation across all industry sectors. This acquisition significantly increased the amount of CompuNet's non-Financial Data Processing activities. During 2002 and the first nine months of 2003, CompuNet's revenues from non-Financial Data Processing activities have exceeded the Federal Reserve's current limitations. During 2002 and the first nine months of 2003, CompuNet Engineering did not comply with certain Federal Reserve regulations regarding the sources of its revenue. Management has determined that it is not possible to comply these regulations and maintain CompuNet as a viable entity. Management is currently seeking to sell our interest in CompuNet Engineering. In the event that CompuNet Engineering is sold for less than the carrying value of its associated assets and goodwill, we will record a loss on the sale. The remaining goodwill associated with CompuNet Engineering was $3.7 million at September 30, 2003.

 
  23  

 
 
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (FIN) No. 45, " Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of indebtedness of Others - an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34 ." FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Implementation of the remaining provisions of FIN 45 during the first half of 2003 did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

FIN No. 46 " Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulleting No. 51 ." FIN 46 established accounting guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities (VIE) that function to support the activities of the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE entity is the entity that absorbs a majority of the VIE's expected losses, receives a majority of the VIE's expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, controlling interest, contractual relationship or other business relationship with a VIE. Prior to the implementation of FIN 46, VIEs were generally consolidated by an enterprise when the enterprise had a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority of voting interest in the entity. The provisions of FIN 46 were effective immediately for all arrangements entered into after January 31, 2003, and are otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after December 15, 2003. The Company has several statutory trusts that were formed, prior to January 31, 2003, for the purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities (see note 11 to the annual consolidated financial statements). These statutory trusts will be subjected to FIN 46 in the first quarter of 2004. We currently believe the continued consolidation of these trusts is appropriate under FIN 46. However, the applications of FIN 46 to this type of trust is an emerging issue and a possible unintended consequence of FIN 46 is the deconsolidation of these trusts. The deconsolidation of these statutory trusts would not have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheet or our consolidated statement of operations. In July 2003, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued a supervisory letter instructing bank holding companies to continue to include the trust preferred securities in their Tier I capital for regulatory capital purposes until notice is given to the contrary. The Federal Reserve intends to review the regulatory implications of any accounting treatment changes and, if necessary or warranted, provide further appropriate guidance. There can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve will continue to allow institutions to include trust preferred securities in Tier I capital for regulatory capital purposes.

SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ." SFAS 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." The amendments (i) reflect decisions of the Derivatives Implementation Group; (ii) reflect decisions made by the Financial Accounting standards Board in conjunction with other projects dealing with financial instruments; and (iii) address implementation issues related to the application of the definition of a derivative. SFAS 149 also modifies various other existing pronouncements to conform with the changes to SFAS 133. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after September 30,2003, and for hedging relationships designated after September 30, 2003, with all provisions applied prospectively. Adoption of SFAS 149 on July 1, 2003 did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

SFAS No. 150, " Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity ." SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies, measures and discloses in its financial statements certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 requires that an issuer classify financial instruments that are within its scope as a liability, in most circumstances. Such financial instruments include (i) financial instruments that are issued in the form of shares that are mandatorily redeemable; (ii) financial instruments that embody an obligation to repurchase the issuer's equity shares, or are indexed to such an obligation and that require the issuer to settle the obligation by transferring assets; (iii) financial instruments that embody an obligation that the issuers settle by issuing a variable number of its equity shares if, at inception, the monetary value of the obligations is predominately based on a fixed amount, variations in something other than the fair value of the issuer's equity shares or variations inversely related to changes in the fair value of the issuer's equity shares; and (iv) certain freestanding financial instruments. SFAS 150 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and is otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Adoption of SFAS 150 on July 1, 2003 did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

 
  24  

 
 
Critical Accounting Policies

Our accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management's discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition. Many of our accounting policies require significant judgment regarding valuation of assets and liabilities. A summary of significant accounting policies is listed in the first note to the consolidated financial statements in the 2002 Annual Report. Critical accounting policies are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Our most critical accounting policy relates to the allowance for loan losses and involves significant management valuation judgments. We perform periodic and systematic detailed reviews of our lending portfolio to assess overall collectability. The level of the allowance for loan losses reflects our estimate of the collectability of the loan portfolio. Further discussion of the methodologies used in establishing this reserve is contained in the Provision/Allowance for Loan Losses section of this report.

We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for losses based on a number of factors. If our assumptions are wrong, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover loan losses. We may have to increase the allowance in the future. Material additions to our allowance for loan losses would have a material adverse effect on our net earnings.

Impairment of Goodwill Analysis

As required by the provisions of SFAS 142, we completed our initial valuation analysis to determine whether the carrying amounts of our reporting units were impaired. Our initial impairment review indicated that there was no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2002. However, as required by SFAS 142, we will be required to review the goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently based upon facts and circumstances related to a particular reporting unit.

The fair value of our non-bank financial subsidiaries (Gold Capital Management and CompuNet Engineering) fluctuates significantly based upon, among other factors, the net operating income of these subsidiaries. If these subsidiaries experience a sustained deterioration in their cash flow from operations then we may have to record a goodwill impairment charge in the future.

During 2002 and the first nine months of 2003, CompuNet Engineering did not comply with certain Federal Reserve regulations regarding the sources of its revenue. Management has determined that it is not possible to comply with these regulations and is currently seeking to sell our interest in CompuNet Engineering. See "— Financial Condition—Liquidity and Capital Resources – CompuNet Activities" above. An impairment of goodwill of $845,000 was recorded in the third quarter of 2003 for CompuNet Engineering. In the event that CompuNet Engineering were sold for less than the carrying value of its associated assets and goodwill, we would be required to record a loss on the sale. The goodwill associated with CompuNet Engineering was $3.7 million at September 30, 2003.

Deferred Income Taxes

SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effect of income taxes. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity's financial statements or tax returns. Judgement is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Fluctuations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial position or our results of operations.

 
  25  

 
 
Forward Looking Information and Statements

The information included or incorporated by reference in this report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future financial performance and business of us and our subsidiaries, including, without limitation:

s
 
statements that are not historical in nature
 
 
 
s
 
statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends" or similar expressions
 
 
 
s
 
statements regarding the timing of the closing of the branch sales

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statement which speaks only as of the date it was made. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to, among others, the following factors:

s
 
our ability to satisfy the terms and conditions of the Written Agreement with the OSBC and FRB-KC and the BHC Agreement with the FRB-KC
 
 
 
s
 
transition and strategies of new management
 
 
 
s
 
changes in interest margins on loans
 
 
 
s
 
changes in allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
s
 
changes in the interest rate environment
 
 
 
s
 
the effect of a change in the management rating of Gold Bank-Kansas
 
 
 
s
 
our ability to enter into interest rate swap agreements with favorable rates and terms
 
 
 
s
 
our ability to sell out-state branches at favorable prices
 
 
 
s
 
competitive pressures among financial services companies may increase significantly
 
 
 
s
 
general economic conditions, either nationally or in our markets, may be less favorable than expected
 
 
 
s
 
legislative or regulatory changes may adversely affect the business in which we and our subsidiaries are engaged
 
 
 
s
 
technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than anticipated
 
 
 
s
 
changes may occur in the securities markets

These risks and other risks are described in Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 10-Q and are incorporate herein by reference.

ITEM 3:    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Asset/liability management refers to management's efforts to minimize fluctuations in net interest income caused by interest rate changes. This is accomplished by managing the repricing of interest rate sensitive interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. An interest rate sensitive balance sheet item is one that is able to reprice quickly, through maturity or otherwise. Controlling the maturity or repricing of an institution's liabilities and assets in order to minimize interest rate risk is commonly referred to as gap management. Close matching of the repricing of assets and liabilities will normally result in little change in net interest income when interest rates change. A mismatched gap position will normally result in changes in net interest income as interest rates change.

 
  26  

 
 
While we have not historically used interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments to manage interest rate exposure, in August 2002 we entered into three interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $82.5 million. The swaps effectively converted our fixed interest rate obligations under our three outstanding series of trust preferred securities to variable interest rate obligations, decreasing the asset sensitivity of our balance sheet by more closely matching our variable rate assets with variable rate liabilities. Each swap has a notional amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of the related trust preferred securities, together with the same payment dates, maturity date and call provisions as the related trust preferred securities. Under each of the swaps, we pay a variable rate equal to a spread over 90-day LIBOR, adjusted quarterly, and receive a fixed rate equal to the interest we are obligated to pay on the related trust preferred securities.

The $28.7 million notional amount swap agreement was called by the counter-party and terminated on April 7, 2003. The $16.3 million notional amount swap agreement was called by the counter-party and terminated on September 30, 2003. Under the swap agreements, no payments were due between the parties and no gain or loss was recognized by us. There are no current plans to replace the terminated swap agreements. The remaining swap agreement is also callable by the counterparty prior to its respective maturity date.

During the third quarter of 2003, we decreased the asset sensitivity of our balance sheet by entering into swap agreements for a portion of our long-term fixed rate borrowings. By agreeing to pay a variable rate of interest that is currently lower than the fixed rates we are paying on our borrowings, we expect to increase our net interest margin and more closely match our variable rate assets with variable rate liabilities. We entered into seven interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional principal amount of $190 million for the purpose of effectively converting $190 million of our fixed rate borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank System into floating rate obligations.  We have no current plans to enter into any additional interest rate swap agreements.

Along with internal gap management reports, we and our subsidiary banks use an asset/liability modeling service to analyze each bank's current gap position. The system simulates the banks' asset and liability base and projects future net interest income results under several interest rate assumptions. We strive to maintain an aggregate gap position such that each 100 basis point change in interest rates will not affect net interest income by more than 10%.

The following table indicates that, at September 30, 2003, in the event of a sudden and sustained increase in prevailing market rates, our net interest income would be expected to increase, while a decrease in rates would indicate a decrease in net interest income.

Changes in Interest Rates
   
Net Interest Income

 

 

Actual Change

 

Percent Change Actual

 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
200 basis point rise
 
$
126,062,000
 
$
1,240,000
   
0.99
%
100 basis point rise
 
$
127,611,000
 
$
2,789,000
   
2.23
%
Base Rate Scenario
 
$
124,822,000
   
   
 
50 basis point decline
 
$
120,697,000
 
$
(4,125,000
)
 
(3.30
%)
100 basis point decline
 
$
116,437,000
 
$
(8,385,000
)
 
(6.72
%)
 
ITEM 4:  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective in all material respects to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

 
  27  

 
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
  28  

 
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1:  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For a discussion of legal proceedings, including regulatory proceedings and formal actions taken by our banking regulators, see Note 8 "Legal Proceedings" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item I of this report.

For a discussion of legal proceedings and recent developments pertaining to restitution and future claims against Mike Gullion, our former CEO, see "Part I Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Recovery of Restitution Amounts from Gullion" above.

ITEM 2:  CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In August and September of 2003, we sold an aggregate of 530,000 shares of our common stock to five of our directors pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D. The following table sets forth the details of each sale.

Transaction Date

 

 

Purchaser

 

 

Shares of Common Stock

 

 

Purchase Price

 

 

Aggregate Purchase Price
 
8/1/03
   
Daniel P. Connealy
   
10,000
 
$
10.805
 
$
108,050.00
 
8/5/03
   
William Randon
   
70,000
 
$
10.805
 
$
756,350.00
 
8/28/03
   
Patrick Curran
   
100,000
 
$
10.805
 
$
1,080,500.00
 
9/3/03
   
Allen Petersen
   
300,000
 
$
10.805
 
$
3,241,500.00
 
9/8/03
   
Robert B. Gourley
   
50,000
 
$
10.805
 
$
504,250.00
 
         
       
 
Totals:
 
530,000
      $ 5,726,650.00  

ITEM 3:  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4:  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDER S

None.

ITEM 5:  OTHER INFORMATIO N

None

ITEM 6:  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)  Exhibits Required to be Filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
 
  29  

 

Exhibit Number
Description


 
 
2.1
 
 
10.2
 
     
10.17
 
 
10.18
 
 
10.19
 
 
10.20
 
 
10.21
 
 
10.22
 
 
10.23
 
 
31.1
 
 
31.2
 
 
32.1
 
 
32.2
 
 
99.1
 
*Management contracts or compensating plans or arrangements required to be filed by Item 6(a).
 
 
  30  

 

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K

We filed the following Current Reports on Form 8-K during the third quarter of 2003:

s
 
On July 30, 2003, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing that Gold Bank-Kansas received partial restitution from Michael W. Gullion.
 
 
 
s
 
On August 1, 2003, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K describing the presentation by our Chief Executive Officer at conference hosted by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods during which he provided our strategic goals.
 
 
 
s
 
On August 28, 2003, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing the execution of Written Agreement by and among us, Gold Bank-Kansas, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, a copy of which was attached thereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 
  31  

 

SIGNATURES
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ R ick J. T remblay

 
 
 
Rick J. Tremblay
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Authorized officer and principal financial officer of the registrant)



Date: November 14, 2003
 
 
  32