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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)    

ý

 

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

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015

o

 

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

For the transition period from                                to                               

Commission File No. 001-37489

EQUITABLE FINANCIAL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  32-0467709
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

113 North Locust Street

 

 
Grand Island, NE
(Address of principal executive offices)
  68801
(Zip Code)

(308) 382-3136
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company ý

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

         As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant's predecessor was $5,455,930

         As of September 18, 2015, there were issued and outstanding 3,477,227 shares of the registrant's common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Materials from the registrant's proxy statement for the registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 17, 2015 have been incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

   


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EQUITABLE FINANCIAL CORP.
FORM 10-K

INDEX

 
   
  Page

 

PART I

 

Item 1.

 

Business

 
1

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 
36

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 
36

Item 2.

 

Properties

 
37

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 
37

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 
37

 

PART II

   

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 
37

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 
39

Item 7.

 

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

 
40

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 
52

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 
52

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 
96

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 
96

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

 
96

 

PART III

   

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 
96

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 
96

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 
96

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 
97

Item 14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 
97

 

PART IV

   

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 
97


Signatures


 

99

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PART I

Item 1.    Business.

Forward-Looking Statements

        This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "plan," "seek," "expect" and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

    Statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;

    Statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;

    Statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and

    Estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

        These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change.

        The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

    General economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;

    Competition among depository and other financial institutions;

    Inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;

    Our success in continuing to emphasize agricultural and commercial loans;

    Changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;

    Our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;

    Our ability to successfully integrate acquired branches or entities;

    Adverse changes in the securities markets;

    Changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements;

    Changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;

    Changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans;

    Our ability to retain key employees;

    Changes in the level of government support for housing finance;

    Significant increases in our loan losses; and

    Changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

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        Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.

Equitable Financial Corp.

        Equitable Financial Corp., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), was organized in February 2015. Upon completion of the mutual-to-stock conversion of Equitable Financial MHC in July 2015, the Company became the holding company of Equitable Bank and succeeded to all of the business and operations of Equitable Financial Corp., a federal corporation ("Old Equitable"), and each of Old Equitable and Equitable Financial MHC ceased to exist. Since the completion of the mutual-to-stock conversion, the Company has not engaged in any significant business activity other than owning the common stock of, and having deposits in, Equitable Bank. Our executive office is located at 113 North Locust Street, Grand Island, Nebraska, and our telephone number at that address is (308) 382-3136.

Equitable Bank

        Equitable Bank is a Nebraska-based community bank that traces its roots to 1882, when Grand Island Building and Loan Association was chartered by the State of Nebraska as a mutual building and loan association. This building and loan association was converted to a federally chartered savings association in 1992. At that time, it adopted the name of "The Equitable Building and Loan Association of Grand Island, Nebraska, A Federal Savings Bank." Our present name was adopted in 2005. We operate our business through our main office in Grand Island, Nebraska, three full-service branches in Grand Island, North Platte and Omaha, Nebraska and one additional limited service branch in Grand Island. We believe our locations are strategically positioned within the State of Nebraska along the Interstate 80 corridor, from the eastern-most point of that corridor in Omaha, through Nebraska's fourth largest city in Grand Island, and to the largest city in the western part of that corridor in North Platte.

        We are engaged primarily in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using those funds to originate commercial loans, agricultural loans and one- to four-family residential real estate loans. To a lesser extent, we also originate home equity loans, construction and land loans and consumer loans. We invest a portion of our assets in securities issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies, U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and state and municipal governments. We also invest in mortgage-backed securities primarily issued or guaranteed by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. Our principal sources of funds are deposits and principal and interest payments on loans and investments, as well as borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. Our principal source of income is from interest income received on loans and investment securities. Our principal expenses are interest paid on deposits and borrowings, employee compensation and benefits, data processing and facilities.

        We also provide retail brokerage services in Grand Island and North Platte, under the name "Equitable Wealth Management." In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, we had brokerage fee income of $579,000. At June 30, 2015, our brokerage business had approximately $143.7 million in assets under management.

        Equitable Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

        Equitable Bank's main office is located at 113 North Locust Street, Grand Island, Nebraska and the telephone number at that address is (308) 382-3136.

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Available Information

        Our website is located at www.equitableonline.com, and our investor relations website is located at http://investors.equitableonline.com. The following filings are available through our investor relations website after we file them with the SEC: Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and our Proxy Statements for our annual meetings of stockholders. In addition, our call reports and other regulatory filings are available through our investor relations website after we file them with the applicable regulators.

        We provide notifications of news, financial highlights and announcements regarding our financial performance, including SEC filings, regulatory filings and press releases, as part of our investor relations website. Investors and others can receive notifications of new information posted on our investor relations website in real time by signing up for email alerts. Additional corporate governance information, including our board committee charters and code of conduct, also is available on our investor relations website under the heading "Governance Documents." Information on our websites is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the SEC.

Market Area

        We are headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska in Hall County. In addition to our main office, we also operate an additional full service facility and a limited service facility in Grand Island, Nebraska. We also provide retail brokerage services in Grand Island and North Platte, Nebraska under the company name of Equitable Wealth Management. In the beginning of 2005, our Board of Directors made the strategic decision to expand into other select markets in Nebraska. As a result, we now operate one full service location, which includes Equitable Wealth Management, in North Platte, and one full service location in Omaha. All of these cities are connected by Interstate 80, which runs across central Nebraska. The region in which our current offices are located was once dominated by agriculture, but now consists of a diverse blend of industries, urban centers and significant corporate investment.

        Historically, we have considered Grand Island and the surrounding communities in Hall County as our primary market area. With the fourth largest population in Nebraska, Grand Island is a regional population and employment center for central Nebraska. Grand Island has a diverse employment base and serves as a center for agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, retail and other related industries. The surrounding communities in Hall County are primarily rural and have an agriculture-based economy.

        Omaha is the leading urban market in Nebraska, located in eastern Nebraska. Omaha, which is Nebraska's largest city, is a leader in the central United States in the insurance, telecommunications and transportation industries. North Platte, located in central-western Nebraska, has an economy primarily based on agriculture and the transportation industry.

Competition

        We face significant competition for the attraction of deposits and origination of loans. Our most direct competition for deposits has historically come from the several financial institutions operating in our market areas and, to a lesser extent, from other financial service companies such as brokerage firms, credit unions and insurance companies. We also face competition for investors' funds from money market funds, mutual funds and other corporate and government securities. At June 30, 2014, which is the most recent date for which data is available from the FDIC, we held approximately 5.2% of the deposits in Hall County, which was the fifth largest market share out of the fourteen financial institutions with offices in Hall County. In addition, banks owned by large bank holding companies also

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operate in our market areas. These institutions are significantly larger than us and, therefore, have significantly greater resources.

        Our competition for loans comes primarily from financial institutions in our market areas, and, to a lesser extent, from other financial service providers such as mortgage companies and mortgage brokers. Competition for loans also comes from non-depository financial service companies in the mortgage market, such as insurance companies, securities companies and specialty finance companies.

        We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Technological advances, for example, have lowered the barriers to market entry, allowed banks and other lenders to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the Internet and made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks. Changes in federal law permit affiliation among banks, securities firms and insurance companies, which promotes a competitive environment in the financial services industry. Competition for deposits and the origination of loans could limit our future growth.

Lending Activities

        General.     Our principal lending activity is to originate commercial operating loans, commercial real estate loans, agricultural operating loans, agricultural real estate loans and one- to four-family residential real estate loans. To a lesser extent, we also originate home equity loans, construction and land loans and consumer loans. As a long-standing community lender, we believe that our knowledge of our communities allows us to compete effectively in commercial, agricultural and residential lending by emphasizing superior customer service and local underwriting, which we believe differentiates us from larger commercial banks in our market areas.

        Loan Portfolio Composition.     The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated:

 
  At June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  
 
  Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Commercial:

                                                             

Operating

  $ 14,967     8.3 % $ 18,138     11.4 % $ 16,968     13.1 % $ 12,576     10.2 % $ 14,716     10.7 %

Real estate

    56,609     31.3 %   45,289     28.4 %   32,482     25.2 %   35,889     29.0 %   50,939     37.0 %

Agricultural:

                                                             

Operating

    27,230     15.1 %   24,884     15.6 %   18,420     14.3 %   15,822     12.8 %   18,258     13.3 %

Real estate

    21,049     11.7 %   19,677     12.3 %   15,418     12.0 %   11,940     9.6 %   9,747     7.1 %

Residential real estate:

                                                             

One- to four-family(1)

    40,892     22.7 %   34,021     21.3 %   33,514     26.0 %   35,910     29.0 %   28,524     20.7 %

Home equity

    10,761     6.0 %   9,669     6.1 %   6,667     5.2 %   7,376     6.0 %   8,182     6.0 %

Other loans:

                                                             

Construction and land

    5,844     3.2 %   5,044     3.2 %   2,437     1.9 %   1,390     1.1 %   3,823     2.8 %

Consumer

    3,093     1.7 %   2,796     1.7 %   2,944     2.3 %   2,839     2.3 %   3,305     2.4 %

Total loans(2)

    180,445     100.0 %   159,518     100.0 %   128,850     100.0 %   123,742     100.0 %   137,494     100.0 %

Other items:

                                                             

Deferred loan origination costs, net

    561           565           492           447           476        

Allowance for loan losses

    (2,583 )         (2,574 )         (2,293 )         (2,286 )         (6,476 )      

Loans, net

  $ 178,423         $ 157,509         $ 127,049         $ 121,903         $ 131,494        

(1)
At June 30, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, this category of loans included $18.6 million, $13.0 million, $12.1 million, $11.7 million, and $11.6 million respectively, of loans collateralized by non-owner occupied properties.

(2)
There were no foreign loans for the periods presented.

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        Loan Portfolio Maturities and Yields.     The following tables set forth certain information regarding the dollar amounts maturing and the interest rate sensitivity of our loan portfolio at June 30, 2015. Mortgages which have adjustable or renegotiable interest rates are shown as maturing in the period during which the contract is due. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less. The schedule does not reflect the effects of possible prepayments or enforcement of due on sale clauses.

 
  At June 30, 2015  
 
  Commercial—
Operating
  Commercial—
Real Estate
  Agricultural—
Operating
 
 
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

1 year or less

  $ 4,404     4.76 % $ 2,553     4.54 % $ 24,443     4.34 %

Greater than 1 to 3 years

    2,699     4.79 %   10,962     4.84 %   986     4.99 %

Greater than 3 to 5 years

    5,464     4.70 %   20,805     4.35 %   1,532     4.78 %

Greater than 5 to 10 years

    1,535     5.02 %   13,270     4.60 %   269     4.38 %

Greater than 10 to 20 years

    865     4.00 %   8,981     3.98 %       0.00 %

More than 20 years

        0.00 %   38     5.50 %       0.00 %

Total

  $ 14,967     4.73 % $ 56,609     4.45 % $ 27,230     4.39 %

 

 
  At June 30, 2015  
 
  Agricultural—
Real Estate
  Residential
Real Estate—
One- to Four-Family
  Residential
Real Estate—
Home Equiity
 
 
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

1 year or less

  $ 2,977     4.28 % $ 4,864     4.94 % $ 3,241     4.74 %

Greater than 1 to 3 years

    4,931     4.44 %   3,981     4.91 %   2,727     4.69 %

Greater than 3 to 5 years

    1,670     4.69 %   9,267     4.54 %   2,915     4.38 %

Greater than 5 to 10 years

    10,519     4.59 %   7,733     4.71 %   588     4.82 %

Greater than 10 to 20 years

    952     4.26 %   6,651     4.37 %   767     4.98 %

More than 20 years

        0.00 %   8,396     4.59 %   523     4.57 %

Total

  $ 21,049     4.50 % $ 40,892     4.64 % $ 10,761     4.64 %

 

 
  At June 30, 2015  
 
  Other—Construction
and Land
  Other—Consumer   Total  
 
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
  Amount   Weighted
Average
Rate
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

1 year or less

  $ 5,691     4.50 % $ 312     5.50 % $ 48,485     4.50 %

Greater than 1 to 3 years

    127     4.63 %   1,106     5.75 %   27,519     4.80 %

Greater than 3 to 5 years

    26     6.50 %   1,451     5.52 %   43,130     4.51 %

Greater than 5 to 10 years

        0.00 %   224     5.22 %   34,138     4.65 %

Greater than 10 to 20 years

        0.00 %       0.00 %   18,216     4.18 %

More than 20 years

        0.00 %       0.00 %   8,957     4.59 %

Total

  $ 5,844     4.51 % $ 3,093     5.60 % $ 180,445     4.55 %

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        Fixed and Adjustable Rate Loan Schedule.     The following table sets forth at June 30, 2015, the dollar amount of all fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans with a maturity date after June 30, 2016:

 
  At June 30, 2015 and
Due after June 30, 2016
 
 
  Fixed   Adjustable   Total  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Commercial:

                   

Operating

  $ 8,525   $ 2,038   $ 10,563  

Real estate

    39,754     14,302     54,056  

Agricultural:

                   

Operating

    2,474     314     2,788  

Real estate

    9,763     8,309     18,072  

Residential real estate:

                   

One- to four-family

    19,847     16,188     36,035  

Home equity

    2,600     4,920     7,520  

Other loans:

                   

Construction and land

    146     12     158  

Consumer

    2,667     80     2,747  

Total loans

  $ 85,776   $ 46,163   $ 131,939  

        Commercial—Operating Loans.     At June 30, 2015, approximately $15.0 million, or 8.3% of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial operating loans, including commercial lines of credit and term loans. Our commercial lines of credit are generally used by our customers to finance short-term working capital needs, like accounts receivable and inventory. Our commercial lines of credit generally are priced on an adjustable-rate basis and may be secured or unsecured. We generally obtain personal guarantees with all commercial lines of credit. Business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, furniture and fixtures may be used to secure lines of credit. Our lines of credit typically have a maximum term of 12 months. Our commercial term loans are generally used by our customers to fund longer-term borrowing needs, such as purchasing equipment, property improvements or other fixed assets. We typically fix the maturity of a term loan to correspond to 80% of the useful life of any equipment purchased or 7 years, whichever is less. Term loans can be secured with a variety of collateral, including business assets such as equipment, furniture, fixtures or real estate.

        At June 30, 2015, our largest lending relationship for commercial operating loans involved total loan balances of $1.1 million and was secured by commercial vehicles, equipment and other business assets. At June 30, 2015, the borrower in this relationship was performing in accordance with the required repayment terms.

        Borrowers of commercial operating loans are required to supply current financial statements and tax returns. Additionally, some borrowers are required to produce cash flow projections which are updated on an annual basis. In addition, on larger loans, the loan officer responsible for the loan and/or our in-house evaluator will perform an annual site visit, obtain financial statements and perform a financial review of the loan.

        Unlike one- to four-family residential real estate loans, which we generally originate on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, we typically originate commercial operating loans on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower's business or rental income produced by the property. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial operating loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business or rental property itself and the general economic environment. Therefore,

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commercial operating loans that we originate generally have greater credit risk than the one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate or, generally, consumer loans. In addition, commercial loans often result in larger outstanding balances to single borrowers, or related groups of borrowers, and also generally require substantially greater evaluation and oversight efforts.

        Commercial—Real Estate Loans.     At June 30, 2015, approximately $56.6 million, or 31.3% of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial real estate loans. Our commercial real estate loans are secured primarily by office buildings, retail buildings, owner-occupied offices, apartment buildings and developed lots. At June 30, 2015, our commercial real estate loans had an average loan balance of approximately $316,000. At June 30, 2015, our largest lending relationship for commercial real estate loans involved total loan balances of $3.1 million and was secured by buildings. At June 30, 2015, the borrower in this relationship was performing in accordance with the required repayment terms.

        We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans to our customers. At the present time, a large number of our customers are selecting a five-year fixed-rate loan product with a balloon payment due after five years. As a result, at June 30, 2015, 73.6% of our commercial real estate loans had fixed interest rates. The rates on our adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans are generally tied to a variety of indices including the prime interest rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal. A portion of our commercial real estate represent permanent financing for borrowers who have completed real estate construction for which we previously provided construction financing.

        In underwriting commercial real estate loans, we generally lend up to 70% of the property's appraised value. We base our decisions to lend on the economic viability of the property and the creditworthiness of the borrower. In evaluating a proposed commercial real estate loan, we emphasize the ratio of the property's projected net cash flow to the loan's debt service requirement (generally requiring a minimum ratio of 1.25 times), computed after deduction for a vacancy factor and property expenses we deem appropriate. Personal guarantees are obtained from commercial real estate borrowers. We require title insurance insuring the priority of our lien, fire and extended coverage casualty insurance, and, if appropriate, flood insurance, in order to protect our security interest in the underlying property.

        Commercial real estate loans generally carry higher interest rates and have shorter terms than one- to four-family residential real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans, however, entail additional credit risks compared to one- to four-family residential real estate loans, as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, the payment of loans secured by income-producing properties typically depends on the successful operation of the related real estate project, and thus may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the real estate market and in the general economy.

        We consider a number of factors in originating commercial real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower, including credit history, profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower's experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower's payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors we consider include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property and the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service). All commercial real estate loans are appraised by outside independent appraisers approved by the Board of Directors or by internal evaluations, where permitted by regulation. Personal guarantees generally are obtained from the principals of commercial real estate loans.

        Agricultural—Operating Loans.     At June 30, 2015, approximately $27.2 million, or 15.1% of our loan portfolio, consisted of agricultural operating loans. These loans include seasonal crop operating

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loans that are used to fund the borrower's crop production operating expenses; livestock operating and revolving loans used to purchase livestock for resale and related livestock production expense; and loans used to finance the purchase of machinery, equipment and breeding stock. Agricultural operating loans are originated at an adjustable- or fixed-rate of interest and generally for a term of up to 12 months. In the case of agricultural operating loans secured by breeding livestock and/or farm equipment, such loans are originated at fixed rates of interest for a term of up to five years. At June 30, 2015, the average outstanding principal balance of our agricultural operating loans was approximately $143,000, excluding lines of credit with zero balances at this date.

        At June 30, 2015, our largest lending relationship for agricultural operating loans involved total loan balances of $4.2 million and was secured by cattle. At June 30, 2015, the borrower in this relationship was performing in accordance with the required repayment terms.

        Borrowers of agricultural operating loans are required to supply current financial statements and tax returns. Additionally, some borrowers are required to produce cash flow projections which are updated on an annual basis. In addition, on larger loans, the loan officer responsible for the loan and/or our in-house evaluator will perform an annual site visit, obtain financial statements and perform a financial review of the loan.

        Unlike one- to four-family residential real estate loans, which we generally originate on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, we typically originate agricultural operating loans on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower's agricultural business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of agricultural operating loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and the general economic environment. Therefore, agricultural operating loans that we originate generally have greater credit risk than the one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate or, generally, consumer loans. In addition, agricultural operating loans often result in larger outstanding balances to single borrowers, or related groups of borrowers, and also generally require substantially greater evaluation and oversight efforts.

        Our agricultural operating loans present an additional risk, as a significant number of our borrowers with these types of loans may qualify for relief under 11 U.S.C. Section 1201 et seq. of the United States Bankruptcy Code (generally known as Chapter 12-Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer or Fisherman with Regular Annual Income) ("Chapter 12"). Chapter 12, which was enacted by the United States Congress in response to the recession in agriculture in 1986, is designed specifically for the reorganization of financial obligations of family farmers.

        Pursuant to Chapter 12, a family farmer may be permitted through an order of the Bankruptcy Court to modify a loan with Equitable Bank without the consent of Equitable Bank, including the following types of modifications: (1) the sale of a portion of the property that serves as collateral for a loan (typically grain or livestock) and the use of the cash proceeds for the borrower's operating expenses (which reduces the overall value of the Bank's collateral securing the loan); (2) non-payment by the borrower of unsecured indebtedness; (3) a reduction in the amount of the loan to the current fair market value of secured property; (4) establishing a repayment schedule which extends the original repayment schedule for the loan; and (5) establishing a lower interest rate on the unpaid balance of the loan. Although we have had exposure to Chapter 12 since its enactment, we never have had a loan that we were required to modify involuntarily under Chapter 12.

        Agricultural—Real Estate Loans.     At June 30, 2015, approximately $21.0 million, or 11.7% of our loan portfolio consisted of agricultural real estate loans, which are loans to finance the acquisition, development or refinancing of agricultural real estate. We consider a number of factors in originating agricultural real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower, including credit history, profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the agricultural

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property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower's experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower's payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors we consider include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property and the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service).

        We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate agricultural real estate loans to our customers. At the present time, a large number of our customers are selecting a five-year fixed-rate loan product with a balloon payment due after five years. As a result, at June 30, 2015, 52.1% of our agricultural real estate loans had fixed rates of interest. Generally, our agricultural real estate loans amortize over periods not in excess of 20 years and have a loan-to-value ratio of 50%, although we will originate such loans with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 65%. In recent years, with the substantial increases in the price of the agricultural real estate in our market area, consistent with our conservative underwriting practices, the loan-to-value ratio on the majority of our agricultural real estate loans has not exceeded 50%.

        We also originate agricultural real estate loans directly and through programs sponsored by the Farmers Home Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture ("FmHA"), which provides a partial guarantee on loans underwritten to FmHA standards.

        Agricultural real estate loans generally carry higher interest rates and have shorter terms than one-to-four-family residential real estate loans. Agricultural real estate loans, however, entail additional credit risks compared to one- to four-family residential real estate loans, as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, payments on agricultural real estate loans are dependent on the successful operation or management of the farm property securing the loan. The success of the loan may also be affected by many factors outside the control of the borrower.

        Weather presents one of the greatest risks to agricultural real estate lending as hail, drought, floods, or other conditions, can severely limit crop yields and thus impair loan repayments and the value of the underlying collateral. This risk can be reduced by the farmer with a variety of insurance coverages which can help to ensure loan repayment. For instance, we generally require farmers to obtain multi-peril crop insurance coverage through a program partially subsidized by the Federal government. Grain and livestock prices also present a risk as prices may decline prior to sale resulting in a failure to cover production costs. These risks may be reduced by the farmer with the use of futures contracts or options to mitigate price risk. Another risk is the uncertainty of government programs and other regulations. During periods of low commodity prices, the income from government programs can be a significant source of cash to make loan payments and if these programs are discontinued or significantly changed, cash flow problems or defaults could result. Finally, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals upon whose injury or death may result in an inability to successfully operate the farm.

        At June 30, 2015, our largest lending relationship for agricultural real estate loans involved total loan balances of $2.2 million. At June 30, 2015, the borrower in this relationship was performing in accordance with the required repayment terms.

        Like our agricultural operating loans, our agricultural real estate loans present the additional risks associated with Chapter 12 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. See "Agricultural—Operating Loans" above for additional information regarding Chapter 12.

        Residential Real Estate—One- to Four-Family Loans.     Historically, our primary lending consisted of originating one- to four-family, owner-occupied residential real estate loans, substantially all of which were secured by properties located in our market areas. Over the past several years, we have begun to

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shift our lending focus towards originating commercial and agricultural operating and real estate loans. Nevertheless, at June 30, 2015, approximately $40.9 million, or 22.7% of our loan portfolio, consisted of one- to four-family residential real estate loans.

        A portion of the housing stock in our market areas is comprised of two-, three- and four-unit properties, all of which are classified as one- to four-family residential real estate loans. At June 30, 2015, of the $40.9 million of one- to four-family residential real estate loans in our portfolio, $18.6 million, or 45.4% of this amount, were comprised of non-owner occupied properties.

        The average loan balance of one- to four-family residential real estate loans held in our portfolio at June 30, 2015 was $70,000 and our largest outstanding balance at that date was $669,000, which was secured by residential property located in Grand Island, Nebraska. At June 30, 2015, this loan was performing in accordance with it repayment terms.

        We currently offer one- to four-family residential real estate loans with terms up to 30 years that are generally underwritten according to Federal National Mortgage Corporation ("Fannie Mae") guidelines, and we refer to loans that conform to such guidelines as "conforming loans." We generally originate both fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans in amounts up to the maximum conforming loan limits as established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which as of June 30, 2015 was generally $417,000 for single-family homes in our market area. We generally sell our one- to four-family residential fixed-rate real estate loans in the secondary market.

        Our fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans include loans that generally amortize on a monthly basis over periods between 10 to 30 years. Fixed rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans often remain outstanding for significantly shorter periods than their contractual terms because borrowers have the right to refinance or prepay their loans. At June 30, 2015, 58.3% of the one- to four-family residential real estate loans held in our portfolio (and not sold in the secondary market) were fixed-rate loans.

        Our adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans generally consist of loans with initial interest rates fixed for one, three, or five years, and annual adjustments thereafter are indexed based on changes in the one-year United States Treasury bill constant maturity rate. Our adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally have an interest rate adjustment limit of 200 basis points per adjustment, with a maximum lifetime interest rate adjustment limit of 500 basis points. In the current low interest rate environment, we have not originated a significant dollar amount of adjustable-rate mortgage loans.

        Although adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans may reduce, to an extent, our vulnerability to changes in market interest rates because they periodically re-price, as interest rates increase, the required payments due from the borrower also increase (subject to rate caps), increasing the potential for default by the borrower. At the same time, the ability of the borrower to repay the loan and the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. Upward adjustments of the contractual interest rate are also limited by our maximum periodic and lifetime rate adjustments.

        Regulations limit the amount we may lend relative to the appraised value of the real estate securing the loan, as determined by an appraisal of the property at the time the loan is originated. For borrowers who do not obtain private mortgage insurance ("PMI"), our lending policies limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans to 80% of the appraised value of the collateralized property, with the exception for a limited use product which allows for loans up to 90% with no PMI. For most one- to four-family residential real estate loans with loan-to-value ratios of between 80% and 95%, we require the borrower to obtain PMI. For first mortgage loan products, we require the borrower to obtain title insurance. We also require homeowners' insurance, fire and casualty, and, if necessary, flood insurance on properties securing real

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estate loans. We do not, and have never offered or invested in, one- to four-family residential real estate loans specifically designed for borrowers with sub-prime credit scores, including interest-only, negative amortization or payment option adjustable-rate mortgage loans.

        Residential Real Estate—Home Equity Loans.     At June 30, 2015, home equity loans totaled approximately $10.8 million, or 6.0% of our loan portfolio, and are made up of lines of credit secured by owner-occupied and non-owner occupied one- to four-family residences and second and third real estate mortgage loans. At June 30, 2015, the total unused commitments with respect to our home equity loans were $4.0 million. The average outstanding home equity loan balance at June 30, 2015 was $32,000 and our largest outstanding home equity loan balance at that date was $400,000, which was secured by residential property located in Grand Island, Nebraska. At June 30, 2015, this loan was performing in accordance with it repayment terms.

        Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit are generally underwritten using the same criteria that we use to underwrite one- to four-family residential real estate loans. We typically originate home equity loans and home equity lines of credit on the basis of the applicant's credit history, an assessment of the applicant's ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan and the value of the collateral securing the loan. Home equity loans are offered with fixed and adjustable interest rates. Lines of credit also are offered with fixed and adjustable rates, which generally are indexed to the prime rate, and with a draw period up to five years. The loan-to-value ratio for our home equity loans is generally limited to 85% when combined with the first security lien, if applicable. The loan to value of our home equity lines of credit are generally limited to 85%, unless we hold the first mortgage. If we hold the first mortgage, we will permit a loan to value of up to 90% and adjust the interest rate and underwriting standards to compensate for the additional risk.

        For all first lien position mortgage loans, we utilize outside independent appraisers. For second position mortgage loans where we also hold the existing first mortgage, we will use the lesser of the existing appraisal used in underwriting the first mortgage or assessed value. For all other second mortgage loans, we will use a third-party service which gathers all data from real property tax offices and gives the property a low, middle and high value, together with similar properties for comparison. The middle value from the third-party service will be the value used in underwriting. If the valuation method for the loan amount requested does not provide a value, or the value is not sufficient to support the loan request and it is determined that the borrower(s) is(are) credit worthy, a full appraisal will be ordered.

        Home equity loans have greater risk than one- to four-family residential real estate loans secured by first-position mortgages or deeds of trust. We face the risk that the collateral will be insufficient to compensate us for loan losses and costs of foreclosure, after repayment of the senior mortgages, if applicable. When customers default on their loans, we attempt to work out the relationship in order to avoid foreclosure because the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to compensate us for the amount of the unpaid loan and we may be unsuccessful in recovering the remaining balance from those customers. Moreover, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect our ability to fully recover the loan balance in the event of a default.

        Other—Construction and Land Loans.     At June 30, 2015, construction and land loans totaled approximately $5.8 million, or 3.2% of our loan portfolio. We originate loans to individuals and, to a lesser extent, builders to finance the construction of residential dwellings. We also make construction loans for commercial development projects, including apartment buildings, restaurants, motels, shopping centers and owner-occupied properties used for businesses. The average outstanding construction loan balance at June 30, 2015 was $172,000. Our largest lending relationship for construction loans at that date involved a $3.0 million commitment with nothing outstanding, which was secured by a hotel property. At June 30, 2015, the borrower in this relationship was performing in accordance with the required repayment terms.

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        Our construction loans generally provide for the payment of interest only during the construction phase, which is usually 12 months for residential properties and 12 to 18 months for commercial properties. At the end of the construction phase, the loan generally converts to a permanent mortgage loan. Loans generally can be made with a maximum loan to value ratio of 80% on residential construction and 70% on commercial construction at the time the loan is originated. Before making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require an appraisal of the property by an independent licensed appraiser. We also will require an inspection of the property before disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan.

        Other—Consumer Loans.     We are authorized to make loans for a variety of personal and consumer purposes. As of June 30, 2015, consumer loans totaled approximately $3.1 million, or 1.7% of our loan portfolio, and consisted primarily of automobile, recreational vehicles and unsecured personal loans, as well as unsecured lines of credit and loans secured by deposit accounts. As of June 30, 2015, approximately $236,000 of our consumer loans were unsecured. The average outstanding consumer loan balance at June 30, 2015 was $5,000 and our largest outstanding consumer loan balance at that date was $73,000, which is secured by an assignment of contract. At June 30, 2015, this loan was performing in accordance with it repayment terms.

        Our procedure for underwriting consumer loans includes an assessment of the applicant's credit history and ability to meet existing obligations and payments of the proposed loan, as well as an evaluation of the value of the collateral security, if any.

        Consumer loans generally entail greater risk than one- to four-family residential real estate loans, particularly in the case of loans that are unsecured or are secured by assets that tend to depreciate in value, such as automobiles. As a result, consumer loan collections are primarily dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. In these cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan, and the remaining value often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower.

        Loan Originations, Purchases, Sales and Servicing.     We benefit from a number of sources for our loan originations, including existing customers, borrowers, builders, real estate broker referrals, attorneys, and "walk-in" customers. We also advertise in newspapers that are widely circulated in our market areas of Grand Island, North Platte and Omaha. Our loan origination activity may be affected adversely by a rising interest rate environment which may result in decreased loan demand. Other factors, such as the overall health of the local economy and competition from other financial institutions, can also impact our loan originations. Although we originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, our ability to generate each type of loan depends upon borrower demand, market interest rates, borrower preference for fixed-versus adjustable-rate loans, and the interest rates offered on each type of loan by other lenders in our market area. These lenders include commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and mortgage banking companies that also actively compete for local real estate loans. Accordingly, the volume of loan originations may vary from period to period.

        The majority of the fixed rate residential loans that are originated each year meet the underwriting guidelines established by Fannie Mae. We sell the majority of originations of residential real estate loans into the secondary market. We continue to service them once they are sold. We sold 202 and 124 one- to four-family residential real estate loans during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        From time to time, we also purchase loan participations in which we are not the lead lender. In these circumstances, we follow our customary loan underwriting and approval policies. At June 30, 2015, we had 12 purchased loan participations for which we were not the lead lender, which totaled $5.3 million. All purchased loan participations were performing in accordance with their terms at

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June 30, 2015, although one participation in the amount of $834,000 was classified as "substandard" as of that date.

        From time to time, we also sell loan participations in which we remain the lead lender. Participations are sold primarily when the total loan amount exceeds our legal lending limit or concentration limit. At June 30, 2015, we had 9 sold loan participations for which we remained the lead lender. The participated loans totaled $12.7 million, of which $3.5 million was retained by us and $9.2 million was sold to other financial institutions.

        The following table shows our loan origination, purchase and repayment activities for the periods indicated.

 
  For the Year Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2015   2014  
 
  (in thousands)
 

Loans receivable at beginning of period

  $ 159,518   $ 128,850  

Originations by type:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    15,651     22,128  

Real estate

    29,867     26,302  

Agricultural:

             

Operating

    63,297     54,526  

Real estate

    9,630     14,683  

Residential real estate:

             

One- to four-family

    42,704     29,555  

Home equity

    9,649     8,706  

Other loans:

             

Construction and land

    9,548     6,938  

Consumer

    3,312     2,485  

Total loans originated

    183,658     165,323  

Loans purchased

    1,626     947  

Transfer to foreclosed assets

        (277 )

Loans sold

    (28,400 )   (19,301 )

Charge-offs

    (416 )   (90 )

Principal repayments

    (135,541 )   (115,934 )

Loans receivable at end of period

  $ 180,445   $ 159,518  

        Loan Approval Procedures and Authority.     Equitable Bank's lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and loan origination policies established by management and the Board of Directors. Our policies are designed to provide loan officers with guidelines on acceptable levels of risk, given a broad range of factors. The loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower's ability to repay the loan, the viability of the loan and the adequacy of the value of the property that will secure the loan, if applicable.

        The Board of Directors grants loan officers individual lending authority to approve extensions of credit. The level of authority for loan officers varies based upon the loan type, total relationship, form of collateral and risk rating of the borrower. Each loan officer is charged with the responsibility of achieving high credit standards. Individual lending authority can be increased, suspended or removed by the Board of Directors, as recommended by the President or Chief Lending Officer.

        If a loan relationship is in excess of any individual loan officer's lending authority, the extension of credit must be referred to the Branch Loan Committee for each market, which consists of all loan

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officers of that branch. Each Branch Loan Committee can approve loan relationships up to $500,000. Loan relationships over $500,000 are referred to our Senior Loan Committee, which consists of all Market Presidents and our Chief Executive Officer. The Senior Loan Committee has the authority to approve loan relationships up to $750,000. Loan relationships above $750,000 are referred to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors or the entire Board of Directors. The Executive Committee or the entire Board of Directors must approve all loans over the limits described above. In addition, the Executive Committee ratifies all consumer loan relationships over $100,000 and all commercial loan relationships over $500,000.

        In some instances for all loan types, it may be appropriate to originate or purchase loans that are exceptions to the guidelines and limits established within the lending policy described above and below. In general, exceptions to the lending policy do not significantly deviate from the guidelines and limits established within the lending policy and, if there are exceptions, they are clearly noted as such and specifically identified in loan approval documents.

        Loans to One Borrower.     Federal savings banks are subject to the same loans-to-one-borrower limits as those applicable to national banks, which restrict loans to one borrower to an amount equal to 15% of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus on an unsecured basis, and an additional amount equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral (generally, financial instruments and bullion, but not real estate). At June 30, 2015, our lending limit was $3.1 million and $5.2 million for loans secured by readily marketable collateral. At June 30, 2015, our largest lending relationship to one borrower totaled $4.3 million, which was secured by cattle and complied with our legal lending limit at the time of origination. This lending relationship was performing in accordance with its terms at June 30, 2015. Our second largest lending relationship at June 30, 2015 was $3.2 million and is secured by cattle. This lending relationship also was performing in accordance with its terms at June 30, 2015.

Asset Quality

        Loan Delinquencies and Collection Procedures.     When a loan becomes delinquent, we make attempts to contact the borrower to determine the cause of the delayed payments and seek a reasonable solution to permit the loan to be brought current within a reasonable period of time. The outcome can vary with each individual borrower. In the case of mortgage loans and consumer loans, a late notice is sent 15 days after an account becomes delinquent. If delinquency persists, notices are sent at the 30 day delinquency mark, the 45 day delinquency mark and the 60 day delinquency mark. After 15 days, we attempt to establish telephone contact with the borrower. In the case of mortgage loans, included in every late notice is a letter that includes information regarding home-ownership counseling. As part of a workout agreement, we will accept partial payments during the month in order to bring the account current. If attempts to reach an agreement are unsuccessful and the customer is unable to comply with the terms of the workout agreement, we will review the account to determine if foreclosure is warranted, in which case, consistent with Nebraska law, we send a 90 day notice of foreclosure and then a 30 day notice before legal proceedings are commenced. A consumer final demand letter is sent in the case of a consumer loan. In the case of commercial loans and commercial mortgage loans, we follow a similar notification practice with the exception of the previously mentioned information on home-ownership counseling. In addition, commercial loans do not require 90 day notices of foreclosure. Generally, commercial borrowers only receive 10 day notices before legal proceedings can be commenced. Commercial loans may experience longer workout times which may trigger a need for a loan modification that could meet the requirements of a troubled debt restructured loan.

        Impaired and Non-Performing Loans.     A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A loan is non-performing when it is greater than 90 days past due. Some loans may be included in both categories, whereas other loans may only be included in one category.

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Specific allocations are made for loans that are determined to be impaired. Our policy requires that all non-homogeneous loans past due greater than 90 days be classified as impaired and non-performing. However, loans past due less than 90 days may also be classified as impaired when management does not expect to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses as compared to the loan carrying value.

        As of June 30, 2015, our total non-accrual loans were $1.5 million, or 0.81% of total loans, compared to $1.3 million, or 0.79% of total loans, at June 30, 2014. At June 30, 2015, our largest non-accrual loan was a one- to four-family residential real estate loan with an outstanding balance of $339,000.

        Troubled Debt Restructurings.     Troubled debt restructurings are loan restructurings in which we, for economic or legal reasons related to an existing borrower's financial difficulties, grant a concession to the debtor that we would not otherwise consider. Typically, a troubled debt restructuring involves a modification of terms of a debt, such as reduction of the stated interest rate for the remaining original life of the debt or extension of the maturity date. We consider modifications only after analyzing the borrower's current repayment capacity, evaluating the strength of any guarantors based on documented current financial information, and assessing the current value of any collateral pledged. These modifications are made only when there is a reasonable and attainable workout plan that has been agreed to by the borrower and that is in our best interests. No additional loan commitments were outstanding to our troubled debt restructured borrowers at June 30, 2015.

        The following table sets forth our troubled debt restructurings by concession type and amount at the dates indicated:

 
  At June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  
 
  (in thousands)
 

Extension of maturity

  $ 2,619 (1) $ 2,243 (3) $ 5,263 (5) $ 5,209 (7) $ 6,590 (9)

Reduced rate below market

    1,890 (2)   2,740 (4)   2,991 (6)   2,719 (8)   2,749 (10)

Total troubled debt restructurings

  $ 4,509   $ 4,983   $ 8,254   $ 7,928   $ 9,339  

(1)
$1.0 million of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(2)
$76,000 of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(3)
$326,000 of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(4)
$726,000 of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(5)
$3.9 million of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(6)
$509,000 of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(7)
$1.6 million of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(8)
$401,000 of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(9)
$3.3 million of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

(10)
$418,000 of the troubled debt restructurings of this concession type were non-accruing.

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        Loans on non-accrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as non-accrual troubled debt restructurings. At June 30, 2015, we had $1.1 million in non-accruing troubled debt restructurings. Our policy provides that troubled debt restructured loans are returned to accrual status after a period of satisfactory and reasonable future payment performance under the terms of the restructuring. Satisfactory payment performance is generally no less than six consecutive months of timely payments and demonstrated ability to continue to repay. At June 30, 2015 and 2014, we had $3.4 million and $3.9 million in accruing troubled debt restructurings, respectively. As of June 30, 2015, no loans that were modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months defaulted after their restructure.

        Non-Performing Assets.     The following table sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-performing assets in our loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

 
  At June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  
 
  (in thousands)
 

Non-accrual loans:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

  $ 20   $ 110   $ 163   $   $ 455  

Real estate

    38     39              

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

    11                  

Real estate

    242         27     30      

Residential real estate:

                               

One- to four-family

    40     50     232     659     133  

Home equity

        22             89  

Other loans:

                               

Construction and land

                    2,259  

Consumer

                    2  

Total non-accrual loans

    351     221     422     689     2,938  

Non-accruing troubled debt restructured loans:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

    279     441     172     401     452  

Real estate

    183     200         477     3,176  

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

                    125  

Real estate

    230                  

Residential real estate:

                               

One- to four-family

    402     402     1,787     1,126      

Home equity

    20         23          

Other loans:

                               

Construction and land

            2,440          

Consumer

    6     9     13         14  

Total non-accruing troubled debt restructured loans

    1,120     1,052     4,435     2,004     3,767  

Total non-performing loans

    1,471     1,273     4,857     2,693     6,705  

Foreclosed assets:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Foreclosed commercial real estate loans

    336     336     1,557     1,557     491  

Foreclosed agricultural real estate loans

                     

Foreclosed residential real estate loans

                     

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Table of Contents

 
  At June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  
 
  (in thousands)
 

Foreclosed other assets

    14     77              

Total foreclosed assets

    350     413     1,557     1,557     491  

Total non-performing assets

  $ 1,821   $ 1,686   $ 6,414   $ 4,250   $ 7,196  

Accruing troubled debt restructured loans:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

  $ 30   $ 44   $ 434   $   $ 583  

Real estate

        2,168     2,103     2,485     2,488  

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

                     

Real estate

                     

Residential real estate:

                               

One- to four-family

    3,294     1,716     1,206     3,129     2,389  

Home equity

    63         71     82     84  

Other loans:

                               

Construction and land

                     

Consumer

    2     3     5     17     27  

Total accruing troubled debt restructured loans

  $ 3,389   $ 3,931   $ 3,819   $ 5,713   $ 5,571  

Ratios:

                               

Non-performing loans to total loans

    0.82 %   0.80 %   3.77 %   2.18 %   4.88 %

Non-performing assets to total assets

    0.85 %   0.93 %   3.85 %   2.57 %   4.21 %

        For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, gross interest income which would have been recorded had the non-performing loans been current in accordance with their original terms amounted to $21,000. We recognized $73,000 of interest income on such loans during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.

        Foreclosed assets.     Foreclosed assets consist of property acquired through formal foreclosure, in-substance foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, and are recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis. Write-downs to fair value, which are required at the time of foreclosure, are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After transfer, adjustments to the carrying value of the properties that result from subsequent declines in value are charged to operations in the period in which the declines occur. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically and assets are marked to current fair value, not to exceed the initial cost basis. In the determination of fair value subsequent to foreclosure, management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as, changes in absorption rates and market conditions from the time of valuation and anticipated sales values considering management's plans for disposition. Either change could result in adjustment to lower the property value estimates indicated in the appraisals.

        For the year ended June 30, 2015, no loans were transferred to foreclosed assets. For the year ended June 30, 2014, $198,000 of loans were transferred into foreclosed assets. We had $350,000 and $413,000 in foreclosed assets at June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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        Delinquent Loans.     At June 30, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 we had no loans 61 days or more past due and still accruing. The following table sets forth our accruing loan delinquencies by type, amount and percentage at June 30, 2011.

 
  Loans Delinquent For:  
 
  61 - 90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total Delinquent Loans  
 
  Number   Amount   Percent
of Loan
Category
  Number   Amount   Percent
of Loan
Category
  Number   Amount   Percent
of Loan
Category
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

At June 30, 2011

                                                       

Commercial:

                                                       

Operating

    3   $ 241     1.64 %     $     0.00 %   3   $ 241     1.64 %

Real estate

            0.00 %           0.00 %           0.00 %

Agricultural:

                                                       

Operating

            0.00 %           0.00 %           0.00 %

Real estate

            0.00 %           0.00 %           0.00 %

Residential real estate:

                                                       

One- to four-family

    1     38     0.13 %           0.00 %   1     38     0.13 %

Home equity

    1     70     0.86 %           0.00 %   1     70     0.86 %

Other loans:

                                                       

Construction and land

            0.00 %           0.00 %           0.00 %

Consumer

    2     12     0.36 %           0.00 %   2     12     0.36 %

Total loans

    7   $ 361     0.26 %     $     0.00 %   7   $ 361     0.26 %

        Classified Assets.     Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by the OCC to be of lesser quality, as "substandard," "doubtful" or "loss." An asset is considered "substandard" if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. "Substandard" assets include those characterized by the "distinct possibility" that the insured institution will sustain "some loss" if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as "doubtful" have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified "substandard," with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make "collection or liquidation in full," on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, "highly questionable and improbable." Assets classified as "loss" are those considered "uncollectible" and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific allowance for loan losses is not warranted. Assets that do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are designated as "special mention" by our management.

        When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it may establish general allowances in an amount deemed prudent by management to cover losses that were both probable and reasonable to estimate. General allowances represent allowances which have been established to cover accrued losses associated with lending activities that were both probable and reasonable to estimate, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as "loss," it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. An institution's determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the regulatory authorities, which may require the establishment of additional general or specific allowances.

        In connection with the filing of our periodic regulatory reports and in accordance with our classification of assets policy, we continuously assess the quality of our loan portfolio and we regularly

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review the problem loans in our loan portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. Loans are listed on the "watch list" initially because of emerging financial weaknesses even though the loan is currently performing as agreed, or delinquency status, or if the loan possesses weaknesses although currently performing. Management reviews the status of our loan portfolio delinquencies, by product types, with the full Board of Directors on a monthly basis. Individual classified loan relationships are discussed as warranted. If a loan deteriorates in asset quality, the classification is changed to "special mention," "substandard," "doubtful" or "loss" depending on the circumstances and the evaluation. Generally, loans 90 days or more past due are placed on nonaccrual status and classified "substandard."

        We also employ a risk grading system for our loans to help assure that we are not taking unnecessary and/or unmanageable risk. The primary objective of the loan risk grading system is to establish a method of assessing credit risk to further enable management to measure loan portfolio quality and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

        The following table sets forth our amounts of classified loans and loans designated as special mention as of June 30, 2015 and 2014. The classified loans totaled $2.8 million at June 30, 2015 and included $1.0 million of nonperforming loans.

 
  At June 30,  
 
  2015   2014  
 
  (in thousands)
 

Classification of loans:

             

Substandard

  $ 2,842   $ 2,657  

Doubtful

         

Loss

         

Total classified loans

  $ 2,842   $ 2,657  

Special Mention

  $   $ 52  

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        Allowance for Loan Losses.     The following table sets forth information regarding our allowance for loan losses and other ratios at or for the dates indicated.

 
  For the Year Ended June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 2,574   $ 2,293   $ 2,286   $ 6,476   $ 3,885  

Charge-offs:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Commercial:

                               

Operating

    (406 )   (65 )   (9 )   (913 )    

Real estate

                (384 )    

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

                     

Real estate

                     

Residential real estate:

                               

One- to four-family

        (11 )   (53 )   (13 )   (101 )

Home equity

                     

Other loans:

                               

Construction and land

            (33 )   (3,045 )   (295 )

Consumer

    (10 )   (14 )   (2 )   (6 )   (24 )

Total charge-offs

    (416 )   (90 )   (97 )   (4,361 )   (420 )

Recoveries:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Commercial:

                               

Operating

    36     367     74     15      

Real estate

                     

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

                     

Real estate

                     

Residential real estate:

                               

One- to four-family

    14     2     18         6  

Home equity

                     

Other loans:

                               

Construction and land

    931     678     104         36  

Consumer

    2     5     5     8     6  

Total recoveries

    983     1,052     201     23     48  

Net recoveries (charge-offs)

    567     962     104     (4,338 )   (372 )

Provision for loan losses

    (558 )   (681 )   (97 )   148     2,963  

Balance at end of period

  $ 2,583   $ 2,574   $ 2,293   $ 2,286   $ 6,476  

Ratios:

                               

Net recoveries (charge-offs) during the period to average loans outstanding during the period

    0.3 %   0.7 %   0.1 %   –3.3 %   –0.3 %

Net recoveries (charge-offs) during the period to non-performing loans at end of period          

    38.5 %   75.6 %   2.1 %   –161.1 %   –5.5 %

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans at end of period

    175.6 %   202.2 %   47.2 %   84.9 %   96.6 %

Allowance for loan losses to total loans at end of period

    1.4 %   1.6 %   1.8 %   1.8 %   4.7 %

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        The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Non-residential consumer loans are generally charged off no later than 120 days past due on a contractual basis, unless productive collection efforts are providing results. Consumer loans may be charged off earlier in the event of bankruptcy, or if there is an amount that is deemed uncollectible. No portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan product and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.

        The allowance is based on two components, which are: (i) specific reserves for impaired loans; and (ii) a general valuation allowance for the remainder of the loan portfolio.

        The first component is the specific reserves that relate to loans that are classified as impaired. For these loans, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows or collateral value of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is measured by either the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The majority of our loans utilize the fair value of the underlying collateral. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length and reason for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record and the amount of shortfall in relation to what is owed. One- to four-family residential real estate loans and consumer installment loans are considered to be homogeneous and, therefore, are not separately evaluated for impairment unless they are considered troubled debt restructurings. A loan is considered to be a troubled debt restructuring when, to maximize the recovery of the loan we modify the borrower's existing loan terms and conditions in response to financial difficulties experienced by the borrower.

        The second component of the allowance for loan losses is the general valuation allowance. The general valuation allowance is determined by historical loss experience and consideration of a variety of current factors including, but not limited to; levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision based on new information as it becomes known. Actual loan losses may be significantly more than the allowance for loan losses we have established which could have a material negative effect on our financial results.

        In addition, the OCC, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews our allowance for loan losses and may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available at the time of the examination, which may not be currently available to management. Based on management's comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, we believe the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

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        Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses.     The following table presents our allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans at the periods indicated. Management believes that the allowance can be allocated by category only on an approximate basis. The allocation of the allowance by category is not necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category.

 
  At June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  
 
  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
  Loan
Amounts
by
Category
  Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Loans
  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
  Loan
Amounts
by
Category
  Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Loans
  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
  Loan
Amounts
by
Category
  Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Loans
  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
  Loan
Amounts
by
Category
  Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Loans
  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
  Loan
Amounts
by
Category
  Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Loans
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Commercial:

                                                                                           

Operating

  $ 272   $ 14,967     8.3 % $ 489   $ 18,138     11.4 % $ 375   $ 16,968     13.1 % $ 351   $ 12,576     10.2 % $ 1,313   $ 14,716     10.7 %

Real estate

    852     56,609     31.3 %   748     45,289     28.4 %   635     32,482     25.2 %   695     35,889     29.0 %   2,093     50,939     37.0 %

Agricultural:

                                                                                           

Operating

    403     27,230     15.1 %   359     24,884     15.6 %   251     18,420     14.3 %   193     15,822     12.8 %   323     18,258     13.3 %

Real estate

    294     21,049     11.7 %   287     19,677     12.3 %   200     15,418     12.0 %   137     11,940     9.6 %   138     9,747     7.1 %

Residential real estate:

                                                                                           

One- to four-family

    480     40,892     22.7 %   432     34,021     21.3 %   606     33,514     26.0 %   681     35,910     29.0 %   153     28,524     20.7 %

Home equity

    164     10,761     6.0 %   154     9,669     6.1 %   112     6,667     5.2 %   85     7,376     6.0 %   57     8,182     6.0 %

Other loans:

                                                                                           

Construction and land

    73     5,844     3.2 %   68     5,044     3.2 %   80     2,437     1.9 %   106     1,390     1.1 %   2,371     3,823     2.8 %

Consumer

    45     3,093     1.7 %   37     2,796     1.7 %   34     2,944     2.3 %   38     2,839     2.3 %   28     3,305     2.4 %

Total loans

  $ 2,583   $ 180,445     100.0 % $ 2,574   $ 159,518     100.0 % $ 2,293   $ 128,850     100.0 % $ 2,286   $ 123,742     100.0 % $ 6,476   $ 137,494     100.0 %

Investment Activities

        General.     We are permitted under federal law to invest in various types of liquid assets, including U.S. Government obligations, securities of various federal agencies and of state and municipal governments, deposits at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, certificates of deposit at federally insured institutions, certain bankers' acceptances and federal funds. Within certain regulatory limits, we also may invest a portion of our assets in commercial paper and corporate debt securities. We are also required to maintain an investment in stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka.

        Securities are categorized as "held to maturity," "trading" or "available for sale," based on management's intent as to the ultimate disposition of each security. Debt securities are classified as "held to maturity" and reported in financial statements at amortized cost only if we have the positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Securities that might be sold in response to changes in market interest rates, changes in the security's prepayment risk, increases in loan demand, or other similar factors cannot be classified as "held to maturity."

        Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded through earnings. We typically do not use a trading account with the intent to purchase and sell securities. Debt and equity securities not classified as "held to maturity" or "trading" are classified as "available for sale." These securities are reported at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses on the securities are excluded from earnings and reported, net of deferred taxes, as a separate component of equity. None of our securities are classified as trading securities.

        All of our securities carry market risk insofar as increases in market rates of interest may cause a decrease in their fair value. Investments in securities are made based on certain considerations, which include the interest rate, tax considerations, yield, settlement date and maturity of the security, our liquidity position, and anticipated cash needs and sources. The effect that the proposed security would have on our credit and interest rate risk and risk-based capital is also considered. We purchase securities to provide necessary liquidity for day-to-day operations, and when investable funds exceed loan demand.

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Table of Contents

        Generally, our investment policy is to invest funds in various categories of securities and maturities based upon our liquidity needs, asset/liability management policies, investment quality, marketability and performance objectives. The Board of Directors reviews our securities portfolio on a monthly basis.

        Securities classified as held to maturity totaled $3.3 million at June 30, 2015; $259,000 of this amount was mortgage-backed securities. We had no securities classified as available for sale, other than mortgage-backed securities, at June 30, 2015. Mortgage-backed securities are discussed below.

        We also have a $227,000 investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock at June 30, 2015, which is classified separately from securities due to the restrictions on sale or transfer. For further information regarding our securities portfolio, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

        Municipal Obligations.     At June 30, 2015, our municipal securities portfolio totaled $3.0 million and was comprised of taxable bonds issued by cities and other political subdivisions in Nebraska. At June 30, 2015, all of our municipal securities were classified as held to maturity. At this date, none of these securities had maturities of more than 10 years.

        Mortgage-Backed Securities.     Mortgage-backed securities represent a participation interest in a pool of one- to four-family or multi-family mortgages. The mortgage originators use intermediaries (generally U.S. government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises) to pool and repackage the participation interests in the form of securities, with investors such as Equitable Bank receiving the principal and interest payments on the mortgages. Such U.S. government agencies and government sponsored enterprises guarantee the payment of principal and interest to investors.

        Mortgage-backed securities are typically issued with stated principal amounts, and the securities are backed by pools of mortgages that have loans with interest rates that are within a specific range and have varying maturities. The characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages, i.e., fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, as well as prepayment risk, are passed on to the certificate holder. The life of a mortgage-backed pass-through security thus approximates the life of the underlying mortgages. Our mortgage-backed securities consist of Ginnie Mae securities.

        At June 30, 2015, mortgage-backed securities represented 0.3% of our total assets, of which $420,000 were available for sale and $259,000 were held to maturity. At June 30, 2015, $679,000, or 100% of our mortgage-backed securities had fixed rates of interest. No purchases of mortgage-backed securities occurred during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

        Mortgage-backed securities generally yield less than the mortgage loans underlying such securities because of their payment guarantees or credit enhancements, which offer nominal credit risk to the security holder. In addition, mortgage-backed securities are more liquid than individual mortgage loans and we may use them to collateralize borrowings or other obligations of Equitable Bank.

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        Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Securities.     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost and estimated fair values of our securities as of the dates indicated.

 
  At June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013  
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Amortized
Cost
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Investment securities held to maturity:

                                     

Municipal obligations

  $ 3,017   $ 3,021   $ 3,141   $ 3,142   $   $  

Ginnie Mae

    260     278     501     526     842     877  

Total investment securities held to maturity

    3,277     3,299     3,642     3,668     842     877  

Investment securities available for sale:

                                     

Ginnie Mae

    426     420     887     882     1,371     1,342  

Total investment securities available for sale

    426     420     887     882     1,371     1,342  

Total investment securities

  $ 3,703   $ 3,719   $ 4,529   $ 4,550   $ 2,213   $ 2,219  

        Carrying Values, Yields and Maturities.     The following tables set forth certain information regarding the carrying value, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of our securities portfolio as of June 30, 2015. Adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities are included in the period in which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust.

 
  At June 30, 2015  
 
  One Year or Less   More than One Year
Through Five Years
 
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Weighted
Average
Yield
  Amortized
Cost
  Weighted
Average
Yield
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Investment securities held to maturity:

                         

Municipal obligations(1)(2)

  $     0.00 % $ 3,017     4.64 %

Ginnie Mae

        0.00 %       0.00 %

Total investment securities held to maturity

        0.00 %   3,017     4.64 %

Investment securities available for sale:

                         

Ginnie Mae

        0.00 %       0.00 %

Total investment securities available for sale

        0.00 %       0.00 %

Total investment securities

  $         $ 3,017     4.64 %

(1)
Yield is stated on a pre-tax basis.

(2)
Included is a security with the Nebraska Cooperative Republican Enhancement Project with an amortized cost of $2,413,477 at June 30, 2015.

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  At June 30, 2015  
 
  More than Five Years
Through Ten Years
  More than Ten Years  
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Weighted
Average
Yield
  Amortized
Cost
  Weighted
Average
Yield
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Investment securities held to maturity:

                         

Municipal obligations

  $     0.00 % $     0.00 %

Ginnie Mae

        0.00 %   260     4.35 %

Total investment securities held to maturity

        0.00 %   260     4.35 %

Investment securities available for sale:

                         

Ginnie Mae

        0.00 %   426     3.50 %

Total investment securities available for sale

        0.00 %   426     3.50 %

Total investment securities

  $     0.00 % $ 686     3.82 %

 

 
  At June 30, 2015  
 
  Total Securities  
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Weighted
Average
Yield
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Investment securities held to maturity:

                   

Municipal obligations

  $ 3,017   $ 3,021     4.64 %

Ginnie Mae

    260     278     4.35 %

Total investment securities held to maturity

    3,277     3,299     4.62 %

Investment securities available for sale:

                   

Ginnie Mae

    426     420     3.50 %

Total investment securities available for sale

    426     420     3.50 %

Total investment securities

  $ 3,703   $ 3,719     4.49 %

Sources of Funds

        General.     Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We also rely on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka and Promontory Products as a form of brokered deposits. In addition to deposits and borrowings, we derive funds from scheduled loan payments, investment maturities, loan prepayments, retained earnings and income on interest earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on interest earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing market interest rates, economic conditions and competition from other financial institutions.

        Deposits.     A majority of our depositors are persons or businesses who work or reside or operate in Hall, Lincoln and Douglas Counties in Nebraska. We offer a selection of deposit products, including checking, savings, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit. Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. We establish interest rates, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties on a periodic basis. Management determines the rates and terms based on rates paid by competitors, our need for funds or liquidity, overall growth goals and federal and state regulations. The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in

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interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts that we offer allows us to be competitive in generating deposits and to respond with flexibility to changes in our customers' demands. We believe that deposits are a stable source of funds, but our ability to attract and maintain deposits at favorable rates will be affected by market conditions, including competition and prevailing interest rates.

        The Promontory network is a form of brokered deposit program. In addition to offering depositors enhanced FDIC insurance coverage, being a participant in the Promontory network allows us to fund our balance sheet through CDARS' One-Way Buy program. This program uses a competitive bid process for available deposits at specified terms. These deposits work well for us because of their weekly availability, coupled with their short term, which allows us to more closely mirror our funding needs. We believe this arrangement is a viable source of funding provided that we maintain our "well-capitalized" status. Brokered deposit holdings are limited to 10% of reported total assets or $21.4 million as of June 30, 2015. At June 30, 2015, brokered deposits totaled $4.2 million (all of which are in products with the Promontory network). At June 30, 2015, we had $47.4 million in total time deposits.

        Deposit Accounts.     The following tables set forth the dollar amount of savings deposits in the various types of deposit programs we offered as of and for the dates indicated:

 
  At or for the Year Ended June 30,  
 
  2015   2014  
 
  Average
Balance
  Amount   Percent   Weighted
Average Rate
  Average
Balance
  Amount   Percent   Weighted
Average Rate
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Deposit type:

                                                 

Interest-bearing NOW

  $ 39,699   $ 41,227     23.5 %   0.39 % $ 32,219   $ 34,500     23.0 %   0.35 %

Money market

    44,206     51,319     29.4 %   0.66 %   36,621     39,970     26.7 %   0.56 %

Savings

    12,826     13,076     7.5 %   0.24 %   10,866     11,559     7.7 %   0.26 %

Certificates of deposit

    47,538     47,368     27.1 %   0.95 %   42,427     43,151     28.8 %   1.02 %

Noninterest-bearing demand

    22,426     21,779     12.5 %   0.00 %   18,350     20,583     13.7 %   0.00 %

Total deposits

  $ 166,695   $ 174,769     100.0 %   0.56 % $ 140,483   $ 149,763     100.0 %   0.54 %

 

 
  At or for the Year Ended June 30, 2013  
 
  Average
Balance
  Amount   Percent   Weighted
Average Rate
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Deposit type:

                         

Interest-bearing NOW

  $ 26,091   $ 28,531     21.2 %   0.33 %

Money market

    34,015     34,265     25.4 %   0.53 %

Savings

    9,449     9,235     6.9 %   0.24 %

Certificates of deposit

    46,319     44,172     32.8 %   1.10 %

Noninterest-bearing demand

    15,812     18,555     13.7 %   0.00 %

Total deposits

  $ 131,686   $ 134,758     100.0 %   0.58 %

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        Maturities of Certificates of Deposit Accounts.     The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of certificates of deposit accounts at the dates indicated:

 
  At June 30, 2015  
 
  Less than
Six Months
  Six Months
to One Year
  Over One
Year to
Three Years
  Over
Three Years
  Total   Percent of
Total
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Interest Rate:

                                     

0.50% and below

  $ 5,335   $ 4,267   $ 4,553   $ 1,437   $ 15,592     32.9 %

0.51% to 1.00%

    1,812     834     3,958     2,697     9,301     19.6 %

1.01% to 2.00%

    6,617     6,588     6,411     1,416     21,032     44.5 %

2.01% to 3.00%

    1,278         65         1,343     2.8 %

3.01% to 4.00%

    100                 100     0.2 %

Total

  $ 15,142   $ 11,689   $ 14,987   $ 5,550   $ 47,368     100.0 %

        Large Certificates.     As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate amount of outstanding certificates of deposit at Equitable Bank in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was approximately $18.8 million. The following table presents the maturity of these certificates of deposit at such date.

Maturity Period
  At June 30,
2015
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Less than three months

  $ 1,173  

Three to six months

    4,270  

Six months to one year

    3,878  

Over one year to three years

    6,694  

Over three years

    2,740  

Total

  $ 18,755  

        The following table sets forth certificates of deposit classified by interest rate as of the dates indicated.

 
  At June 30,  
 
  2015   2014  
 
  (in thousands)
 

Interest Rate:

             

0.50% and below

  $ 15,592   $ 19,039  

0.51% to 1.00%

    9,301     8,094  

1.01% to 2.00%

    21,032     10,437  

2.01% to 3.00%

    1,343     5,461  

3.01% to 4.00%

    100     120  

Total

  $ 47,368   $ 43,151  

        Borrowings.     We may obtain advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka upon the security of the common stock we own in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka and our qualifying residential real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities, provided certain standards related to creditworthiness are met. These advances are made pursuant to several credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. Federal Home Loan Bank advances are generally available to meet seasonal and other withdrawals of deposit accounts and to permit increased lending.

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The following table sets forth information with respect to our Federal Home Loan Bank advances, which were our only outstanding borrowings for the periods indicated.

 
  At or for the Year Ended June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013  
 
  (in thousands)
 

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances:

                   

Maximum outstanding at any month end

  $ 12,229   $ 10,768   $ 19,542  

Balance at the end of period

        10,768     10,563  

Average balance during period

    6,556     10,674     14,969  

Weighted average interest rate at the end of period

    0.00 %   2.22 %   2.28 %

Weighted average interest rate during period

    3.67 %   2.26 %   2.58 %

Personnel

        As of June 30, 2015, we had 62 full-time employees and 9 part-time employees, none of whom is represented by a collective bargaining unit. We believe our relationship with our employees is good.

Subsidiaries

        The Company's only direct subsidiary is Equitable Bank. Equitable Bank has no subsidiaries.

Supervision and Regulation

General

        Equitable Bank, as a federal savings association, is currently subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the OCC, as its primary federal regulator, and by the FDIC as the insurer of its deposits. Equitable Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. Equitable Bank must file reports with the OCC concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals before entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions. There are periodic examinations by the OCC to evaluate Equitable Bank's safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. This regulatory structure is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of an adequate allowance for loan losses for regulatory purposes. Any change in such policies, whether by the OCC, the FDIC or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and Equitable Bank and their operations.

        The Dodd-Frank Act made extensive changes to the regulation of Equitable Bank. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Office of Thrift Supervision was eliminated and responsibility for the supervision and regulation of federal savings associations such as Equitable Bank was transferred to the OCC on July 21, 2011. The OCC is the agency that is primarily responsible for the regulation and supervision of national banks. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve Board. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau assumed responsibility for the implementation of the federal financial consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations and has authority to impose new requirements. However, institutions of less than $10 billion in assets, such as Equitable Bank, will continue to be examined for compliance with consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations by, and be subject to the enforcement authority of, their prudential regulators.

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        Certain of the regulatory requirements that are applicable to Equitable Bank and the Company are described below. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete explanation of such statutes and regulations and their effects on Equitable Bank and the Company.

Federal Banking Regulation

        Business Activities.     The activities of federal savings banks, such as Equitable Bank, are governed by federal laws and regulations. Those laws and regulations delineate the nature and extent of the business activities in which federal savings banks may engage. In particular, certain lending authority for federal savings banks, e.g. , commercial, non-residential real property loans and consumer loans, is limited to a specified percentage of the institution's capital or assets.

        Capital Requirements.     During 2014, OCC regulations required Equitable Bank to meet three minimum capital standards: a 1.5% tangible capital ratio, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS rating system) and an 8% risk-based capital ratio. In addition, the prompt corrective action standards discussed below also establish, in effect, a minimum 2% tangible capital standard, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS financial institution rating system) and, together with the risk-based capital standard itself, a 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital standard. Federal regulations also require that in meeting the tangible, leverage and risk-based capital standards, institutions must generally deduct investments in and loans to subsidiaries engaged in activities that are not permissible for a national bank.

        The risk-based capital standard applicable for 2014 required the maintenance of Tier 1 (core) and total capital (which is defined as core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and 8%, respectively. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 200%, assigned by capital regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Core capital is defined as common stockholders' equity (including retained earnings), certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles other than certain mortgage servicing rights and credit card relationships. The components of supplementary capital include cumulative preferred stock, long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock, the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, and up to 45% of unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Overall, the amount of supplementary capital included as part of total capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital. Additionally, a savings institution that retains credit risk in connection with an asset sale may be required to maintain additional regulatory capital because of the potential recourse against the savings bank. In assessing an institution's capital adequacy, the OCC takes into consideration not only these numeric factors but also qualitative factors, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual associations where necessary.

        In July, 2013, the OCC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule revising the risk-based and leverage capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with the agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule applies to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more, and top-tier savings and loan holding companies ("banking organizations"). Among other things, the rule establishes a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), adopts a uniform minimum 4% leverage capital ratio for all institutions, increases the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4% to 6% of risk-weighted assets) and assigns a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The final rule also limits a banking organization's capital distributions and certain

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discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a "capital conservation buffer" consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The final rule became effective for us on January 1, 2015. The capital conservation buffer requirement are being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 and ending January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer requirement will be effective.

        Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.     Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. The OCC is required to take certain supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions, the severity of which depends upon the institution's degree of undercapitalization. In addition, numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to an undercapitalized institution, including, but not limited to, increased monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth, capital distributions and expansion. The OCC could also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors. Significantly and critically undercapitalized institutions are subject to additional mandatory and discretionary measures.

        Insurance of Deposit Accounts.     Equitable Bank's deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. Deposit insurance per account owner is currently $250,000. Under the FDIC's risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned a risk category based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. An institution's assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned, and certain adjustments specified by FDIC regulations. Institutions deemed less risky pay lower assessments. The FDIC may adjust the scale uniformly, except that no adjustment can deviate more than two basis points from the base scale without notice and comment. No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the federal deposit insurance assessment.

        The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to revise its procedures to base its assessments upon each insured institution's total assets less tangible equity instead of deposits. The FDIC finalized a rule, effective April 1, 2011, that set the assessment range at 2.5 to 45 basis points of total assets less tangible equity.

        The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums would likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of Equitable Bank. Management cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future.

        Loans to One Borrower.     Federal law provides that savings associations are generally subject to the limits on loans to one borrower applicable to national banks. Generally, subject to certain exceptions, a savings association may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be lent, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if secured by specified readily-marketable collateral.

        Qualified Thrift Lender Test.     Federal law requires savings associations to meet a qualified thrift lender test. Under the test, a savings association is required to either qualify as a "domestic building and loan association" under the Internal Revenue Code or maintain at least 65% of its "portfolio assets" (total assets less: (i) specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets; (ii) intangibles, including goodwill; and (iii) the value of property used to conduct business) in certain "qualified thrift investments" (primarily residential real estate loans and related investments, including certain mortgage-backed securities but also including education, credit card and small business loans) in at least nine months out of each twelve-month period.

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        A savings association that fails the qualified thrift lender test is subject to certain operating restrictions and the Dodd-Frank Act also specifies that failing the qualified thrift lender test is a violation of law that could result in an enforcement action and dividend limitations. As of June 30, 2015, Equitable Bank maintained 84.4% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments and, therefore, met the qualified thrift lender test.

        In the future, if our business strategy leads to continued growth in our commercial loan portfolio, we may consider converting Equitable Bank's charter from that of a savings association to that of a commercial bank. Doing so could allow us to avoid operating restrictions and penalties that can be applied to savings associations which fail to satisfy the qualified thrift lender test.

        Limitation on Capital Distributions.     Federal regulations impose limitations upon all capital distributions by a savings association, including cash dividends, payments to repurchase its shares and payments to stockholders of another institution in a cash-out merger. Under the regulations, an application to and the prior approval of the OCC is required before any capital distribution if the institution does not meet the criteria for "expedited treatment" of applications under OCC regulations ( i.e. , generally, examination and Community Reinvestment Act ratings in the two top categories), the total capital distributions for the calendar year exceed net income for that year plus the amount of retained net income for the preceding two years, the institution would be undercapitalized following the distribution or the distribution would otherwise be contrary to a statute, regulation or agreement with the OCC. If an application is not required, the institution must still provide 30 days prior written notice to, and receive the nonobjection of, the Federal Reserve Board of the capital distribution if, like Equitable Bank, it is a subsidiary of a holding company, as well as an informational notice filing to the OCC. If Equitable Bank's capital ever fell below its regulatory requirements or the OCC notified it that it was in need of increased supervision, its ability to make capital distributions could be restricted. In addition, the OCC could prohibit a proposed capital distribution by any institution, which would otherwise be permitted by the regulation, if the OCC determines that such distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

        Community Reinvestment Act.     All federal savings associations have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. An institution's failure to satisfactorily comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could result in denials of regulatory applications. Responsibility for administering the Community Reinvestment Act, unlike other fair lending laws, is not being transferred to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Equitable Bank received a "satisfactory" Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recently completed examination.

        Transactions with Related Parties.     Federal law limits Equitable Bank's authority to engage in transactions with "affiliates" ( e.g ., any entity that controls or is under common control with Equitable Bank, including the Company and any of its other subsidiaries). The aggregate amount of covered transactions with any individual affiliate is limited to 10% of the capital and surplus of the savings association. The aggregate amount of covered transactions with all affiliates is limited to 20% of the savings association's capital and surplus. Certain transactions with affiliates are required to be secured by collateral in an amount and of a type specified by federal law. The purchase of low quality assets from affiliates is generally prohibited. Transactions with affiliates must generally be on terms and under circumstances that are at least as favorable to the institution as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated companies. In addition, savings associations are prohibited from lending to any affiliate that is engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and no savings association may purchase the securities of any affiliate other than a subsidiary.

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        The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits loans by the Company to its executive officers and directors. However, the law contains a specific exception for loans by a depository institution to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking laws. Under such laws, Equitable Bank's authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders ("insiders"), as well as entities such persons control, is limited. The laws limit both the individual and aggregate amount of loans that Equitable Bank may make to insiders based, in part, on Equitable Bank's capital level and requires that certain board approval procedures be followed. Such loans are required to be made on terms substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. There is an exception for loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to all employees of the institution and does not give preference to insiders over other employees. Loans to executive officers are subject to additional limitations based on the type of loan involved.

        Enforcement.     The OCC currently has primary enforcement responsibility over savings associations and has authority to bring actions against the institution and all institution-affiliated parties, including stockholders, and any attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful actions likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution. Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors to institution of receivership, conservatorship or termination of deposit insurance. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and can amount to $25,000 per day, or even $1.0 million per day in especially egregious cases. The FDIC has the authority to recommend to the OCC that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular savings association. If action is not taken by the OCC, the FDIC has authority to take such action under certain circumstances. Federal law also establishes criminal penalties for certain violations.

        Federal Home Loan Bank System.     Equitable Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of twelve regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Equitable Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in that Federal Home Loan Bank. Equitable Bank was in compliance with this requirement with an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock at June 30, 2015 of $227,000.

        Federal Reserve Board System.     The Federal Reserve Board regulations require savings associations to maintain non-interest earning reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) and regular checking accounts). For 2014, the regulations provided that reserves be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts as follows: a 3% reserve ratio is assessed on net transaction accounts up to and including $71.0 million; a 10% reserve ratio is applied above $71.0 million. The first $11.5 million of otherwise reservable balances (subject to adjustments by the Federal Reserve Board) are exempted from the reserve requirements. The amounts are adjusted annually and, for 2014, require a 3% ratio for up to $79.5 million and an exemption of $12.4 million. Equitable Bank complies with the foregoing requirements. In October 2008, the Federal Reserve Board began paying interest on certain reserve balances.

Other Regulations

        Equitable Bank's operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, including the:

    Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;

    Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;

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    Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;

    Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;

    Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and

    Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.

        The operations of Equitable Bank also are subject to laws such as the:

    Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;

    Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers' rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services; and

    Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as "Check 21"), which gives "substitute checks," such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check.

Holding Company Regulation

        General.     As a savings and loan holding company, the Company is subject to Federal Reserve Board regulations, examinations, supervision, reporting requirements and regulations regarding its activities. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to Equitable Bank.

        Pursuant to federal law and regulations and policy, a savings and loan holding company such as the Company may generally engage in the activities permitted for financial holding companies under Section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act and certain other activities that have been authorized for savings and loan holding companies by regulation.

        Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company from, directly or indirectly or through one or more subsidiaries, acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of another savings association, or savings and loan holding company thereof, without prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board or from acquiring or retaining, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-subsidiary holding company or savings association. A savings and loan holding company is also prohibited from acquiring more than 5% of a company engaged in activities other than those authorized by federal law or acquiring or retaining control of a depository institution that is not insured by the FDIC. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings associations, the Federal Reserve Board must consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.

        The Federal Reserve Board is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings associations in more than one state, except: (i) the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies; and (ii) the acquisition of a savings association in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings association specifically permit such acquisitions. The states vary in the extent to which they permit interstate savings and loan holding company acquisitions.

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        Capital Requirements.     Savings and loan holding companies historically have not been subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements. However, in July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board approved a new rule that implements the "Basel III" regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule established consolidated capital requirements for many savings and loan holding companies, including the Company.

        Source of Strength.     The Dodd-Frank Act also extends the "source of strength" doctrine to savings and loan holding companies. The regulatory agencies must promulgate regulations implementing the "source of strength" policy that holding companies act as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.

        Dividends and Stock Repurchases.     The Federal Reserve Board has the power to prohibit dividends by savings and loan holding companies if their actions constitute unsafe or unsound practices. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies, which also applies to savings and loan holding companies and which expresses the Federal Reserve Board's view that a holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the company's net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the company's capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board also indicated that it would be inappropriate for a holding company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the Federal Reserve Board may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company's bank subsidiary is classified as "undercapitalized."

        Federal Reserve Board policy also provides that a holding company should inform the Federal Reserve Board supervisory staff prior to redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock if the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or if the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction, as of the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred.

        Acquisition of the Company.     Under the federal Change in Bank Control Act, a notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Board if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire direct or indirect "control" of a savings and loan holding company or savings association. Under certain circumstances, a change of control may occur, and prior notice is required, upon the acquisition of 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the company or institution, unless the Federal Reserve Board has found that the acquisition will not result in a change of control. Under the Change in Control Act, the Federal Reserve Board generally has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the anti-trust effects of the acquisition. Any company that acquires control would then be subject to regulation as a savings and loan holding company.

        Emerging Growth Company Status.     The JOBS Act, which was enacted in April 2012, has made numerous changes to the federal securities laws to facilitate access to capital markets. Under the JOBS Act, a company with total annual gross revenues of less than $1.0 billion during its most recently completed fiscal year qualifies as an "emerging growth company." The Company qualifies as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act.

        An "emerging growth company" may choose not to hold stockholder votes to approve annual executive compensation (more frequently referred to as "say-on-pay" votes) or executive compensation payable in connection with a merger (more frequently referred to as "say-on-golden parachute" votes). An emerging growth company also is not subject to the requirement that its auditors attest to the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting, and can provide scaled disclosure regarding executive compensation; however, the Company will also not be subject to the

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auditor attestation requirement or additional executive compensation disclosure so long as it remains a "smaller reporting company" under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations (generally less than $75 million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates). Finally, an emerging growth company may elect to comply with new or amended accounting pronouncements in the same manner as a private company, but must make such election when the company is first required to file a registration statement. Such an election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company. The Company has elected to comply with new or amended accounting pronouncements in the same manner as a private company.

        A company loses emerging growth company status on the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year of the company during which it had total annual gross revenues of $1.0 billion or more; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year of the issuer following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities of the company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; (iii) the date on which such company has, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which such company is deemed to be a "large accelerated filer" under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations (generally, at least $700 million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates).

Federal Taxation

        General.     The Company and Equitable Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company or Equitable Bank.

        Method of Accounting.     For federal income tax purposes, the Company reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending June 30 for filing its federal and state income tax returns.

        Bad Debt Reserves.     Prior to 1996, Equitable Bank was permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make annual additions to the reserve. These additions could, within specified formula limits, be deducted in arriving at our taxable income. As a result of tax law changes in 1996, Equitable Bank was required to use the specific charge-off method in computing its bad debt deduction beginning with its 1996 federal tax return. Savings institutions were required to recapture any excess reserves over those established as of December 31, 1987 (base year reserve). At June 30, 2015, Equitable Bank had approximately $1.6 million in reserves subject to recapture in excess of its base year reserves.

        The Company is required to use the specific charge-off method to account for bad debt tax deductions.

        Taxable Distributions and Recapture.     Prior to 1996, bad debt reserves created prior to 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income if Equitable Bank failed to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests or made certain distributions. Tax law changes in 1996 eliminated thrift-related recapture rules. However, under current law, pre-1988 tax bad debt reserves remain subject to recapture if Equitable Bank makes certain non-dividend distributions, repurchases any of its common stock, pays dividends in excess of earnings and profits, or fails to qualify as a "bank" for tax purposes. At June 30, 2015, our total federal pre-base year bad debt reserve was approximately $2.1 million.

        Alternative Minimum Tax.     The Internal Revenue Code imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, less any available exemption. The alternative minimum tax is imposed to the extent it exceeds the regular income tax. Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of alternative taxable income. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years. At June 30, 2015, the Company had approximately $97,000 in available credits for carryover.

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        Net Operating Loss Carryovers.     A financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. A 2009 federal tax law change allows for a one-time carry back of either 2008 or 2009 taxable losses for up to five years. At June 30, 2015, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $3.4 million.

        Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction.     The Company may exclude from its federal taxable income 100% of dividends received from Equitable Bank as a wholly-owned subsidiary by filing consolidated tax returns. The corporate dividends-received deduction is 80% when the corporation receiving the dividend owns at least 20% of the stock of the distributing corporation. The dividends-received deduction is 70% when the corporation receiving the dividend owns less than 20% of the distributing corporation.

State Taxation

        Nebraska Taxation.     Under Nebraska law, Equitable Bank pays a franchise tax in lieu of a corporate income tax. The franchise tax is the lesser of two amounts computed based on our average deposits and net financial income, respectively. Presently, the tax is $0.47 per $1,000 of average deposits but not to exceed an amount determined by applying 3.81% to our net financial income. Net financial income is our income as reported to the OCC after ordinary and necessary expenses but before income taxes. In addition, the Company is required to file a Nebraska income tax return because we do business in Nebraska. For Nebraska tax purposes, corporations are presently taxed at a rate equal to 5.58% of the first $50,000 of taxable income and 7.81% of taxable income in excess of $50,000. For this purpose, "taxable income" generally means federal taxable income, subject to certain adjustments (including addition of interest income on non-Nebraska municipal obligations and excluding interest income from qualified U.S. governmental obligations).

Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

        This item is not applicable because we are a smaller reporting company.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

        Not applicable.

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Item 2.    Properties.

        The following table sets forth certain information relating to our properties as of June 30, 2015.

Location
  Year
Opened
  Owned/
Leased
  Date of Lease
Expiration
  Net Book
Value as of
June 30, 2015
 
 
   
   
   
  (in thousands)
 

Main Office:

                     

113 North Locust Street

   
1959
 

Owned

 

Not applicable

 
$

1,610
 

Grand Island, Nebraska

                     

Full Service Branches:

   
 
 

 

 

 

   
 
 

619 North Diers Avenue

   
2000
 

Owned

 

Not applicable

 
$

1,237
 

Grand Island, Nebraska

                     

920 South Jeffers Street

   
2005
 

Owned

 

Not applicable

 
$

1,644
 

North Platte, Nebraska

                     

10855 West Dodge Road, Suite

   
2006
 

Leased

 

2017

   
Not applicable
 

110 Omaha, Nebraska

                     

Limited Service Branch:

   
 
 

 

 

 

   
 
 

3012 South Locust Street

   
2005
 

Owned

 

Not applicable

 
$

545
 

Grand Island, Nebraska

                     

        We believe that our facilities are adequate for the business conducted.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

        At June 30, 2015, there were no material legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which any of its property is subject. From time to time, the Company is a party to various legal proceedings incident to its business.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.

        Not applicable.


PART II

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

Market for Common Stock

        On March 2, 2015, the Boards of Directors of Equitable Financial MHC and Equitable Financial Corp., a federal corporation ("Old Equitable") adopted a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the "Plan"). Pursuant to the Plan, Equitable Financial Corp., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), was organized and Equitable Financial MHC converted from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully public form on July 8, 2015. As part of the conversion, Equitable Financial MHC's ownership interest of the Company was offered for sale in a public offering. The existing publicly held shares of Old Equitable were exchanged for 1.0911 new shares of common stock of the Company. The exchange ratio ensured that immediately after the conversion and public offering, the public stockholders of Old Equitable owned the same aggregate percentage of the Company's common stock that they owned immediately prior to that time (excluding shares purchased in the stock offering and cash received in lieu of fractional shares). When the conversion and public offering was completed,

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the Company became the holding company of Equitable Bank and succeeded to all of the business and operations of Old Equitable and each of Old Equitable and Equitable Financial MHC ceased to exist.

        Shares of the Company's common stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on July 9, 2015 under the symbol "EQFN" following the completion of the conversion and offering. Prior to that date, trades in the common stock of Old Equitable had been quoted on the OTC Pink Marketplace operated by the OTC Markets Group Inc. under the symbol "EQFC."

        The following table sets forth the high and low trading prices for Old Equitable's common stock for each quarter during the last two fiscal years, as obtained from the OTC Bulletin Board and the OTC Pink Marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group Inc., and the dividends paid during those periods. We have adjusted the share prices to reflect the 1.0911 exchange ratio in the conversion.

 
  Price Per Share    
 
 
  Dividends
Paid
 
 
  High   Low  

Year Ending June 30, 2015

                   

Fourth quarter

  $ 8.29   $ 6.47   $ 0.00  

Third quarter

  $ 6.87   $ 5.13   $ 0.00  

Second quarter

  $ 5.36   $ 4.99   $ 0.00  

First quarter

  $ 5.41   $ 4.75   $ 0.00  

Year Ending June 30, 2014

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Fourth quarter

  $ 6.42   $ 3.90   $ 0.00  

Third quarter

  $ 3.90   $ 3.76   $ 0.00  

Second quarter

  $ 4.31   $ 3.67   $ 0.00  

First quarter

  $ 4.03   $ 3.62   $ 0.00  

        On September 18, 2015, the Company had 263 stockholders of record, not including those who hold shares in "street name."

Dividends

        Our Board of Directors has the authority to declare dividends on shares of its common stock, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements. However, no decision has been made with respect to the payment of dividends in the future. Any determination to pay dividends on our common stock will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions, and other factors that our Board of Directors considers relevant.

        The Company is subject to the Federal Reserve Board's policy that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the company appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Company is subject to Maryland law, which generally permits a corporation to pay dividends on its common stock unless, after giving effect to the dividend, the corporation would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of its business or the total assets of the corporation would be less than its total liabilities. Further, the Company is not permitted to pay dividends on its common stock if its stockholders' equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account established by the Company in connection with the conversion.

        The Company's ability to pay dividends may depend, in part, on its receipt of dividends from Equitable Bank. The OCC and Federal Reserve Board regulations limit dividends and other distributions from Equitable Bank to us. No insured depository institution may make a capital distribution if, after making the distribution, the institution would be undercapitalized or if the proposed distribution raises safety and soundness concerns. Further, Equitable Bank is not permitted to pay dividends on its common stock to the Company, its sole stockholder, if its stockholders' equity

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would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account established in connection with the conversion. In addition, any payment of dividends by Equitable Bank to the Company that would be deemed to be drawn out of Equitable Bank's bad debt reserves would require the payment of federal income taxes by Equitable Bank at the then current income tax rate on the amount deemed distributed.

        Under OCC regulations, an application to and the prior approval of the OCC is required prior to any capital distribution if the institution does not meet the criteria for "expedited treatment" of applications under applicable regulations (i.e., generally examination ratings in the top two categories), the total capital distributions for the calendar year exceed net income for that year plus the amount of retained net income for the preceding two years, the institution would be undercapitalized following the distribution or the distribution would otherwise be contrary to a statute, regulation or agreement with the OCC. If an application is not required, an institution must still provide prior notice to the Federal Reserve Board of the distribution if it is a subsidiary of a holding company. In such circumstances, notice must also be provided to the OCC.

Stock Repurchases

        The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2015.

Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

        On March 12, 2015, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the mutual to stock conversion of Equitable Financial MHC and the related offering of common stock. The Registration Statement (File No. 333-202707) was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2015. The Company registered 3,477,329 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, pursuant to the Registration Statement. The stock offering commenced on May 22, 2015 and ended on June 17, 2015.

        Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company ("KBW") was engaged to assist in the marketing of the common stock and records management services. For its services, KBW received a fee of $215,000. KBW also was reimbursed $100,000 for its out-of-pocket expenses, including its legal fees and expenses.

        The stock offering resulted in gross proceeds of $15.9 million, through the sale of 1,983,160 shares of common stock at a price of $8.00 per share. Expenses related to the offering were approximately $1.1 million. Net proceeds of the offering were approximately $14.8 million.

        The Company contributed $6.9 million of the net proceeds of the offering to Equitable Bank. In addition, $952,000 of the net proceeds were used to fund a loan to Equitable Bank's employee stock ownership plan and approximately $6.9 million were retained by the Company. The net proceeds contributed to Equitable Bank have been invested in interest-earning deposits and investment securities and will be used for funding future loan growth. The net proceeds retained by the Company were initially deposited with Equitable Bank.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

        This item is not applicable because we are a smaller reporting company.

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

        Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations at June 30, 2015 and 2014 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, appearing in Part II, Item 8 of this report. All references herein to the "Company", "we", "us", or similar terms refer to Equitable Financial Corp. and its subsidiary.

Overview

        We are a Nebraska-based community bank headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska, with full-service branch offices in Grand Island, Omaha and North Platte, Nebraska. For most of our history as a community bank, which dates back to 1882, we have operated as a traditional thrift institution, focusing on the origination of one- to four-family residential real estate loans. In the past 10 years, however, we have expanded our lending focus and now offer a wide range of loans to commercial businesses, agricultural borrowers and consumers—in addition to our traditional residential loan products. We also invest in securities, primarily U.S. government agency securities, municipal bonds and mortgage-backed securities. In addition, we offer insurance and investment products and services from locations in Grand Island, Omaha and North Platte.

        Our results of operations depend primarily on our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. Our results of operations also are affected by our provisions for loan losses, non-interest income and non-interest expense. Non-interest income currently consists primarily of service fees, rental income, gain on sales of loans and other income. Non-interest expense currently consists primarily of expenses related to compensation and employee benefits, occupancy, data processing, advertising and promotion, professional and regulatory, federal deposit insurance premiums, net loss on other real estate owned, write-downs, sales and other operating expenses. Our results of operations also may be affected significantly by general and local economic and competitive conditions, changes in market interest rates, governmental policies and actions of regulatory authorities.

Business Strategy

        Our business strategy is to operate and grow a well-capitalized, profitable, community-oriented financial institution dedicated to providing quality customer service. Highlights of our business strategy are as follows:

    Continuing to grow and diversify our loan portfolio in our existing market areas.   We have been successful in growing and diversifying our loan portfolio over the past 10 years. At June 30, 2015, we had total loans of $180.4 million. Of this amount, $40.9 million, or 22.7%, consisted of one- to four-family residential real estate loans, $71.6 million, or 39.7%, consisted of commercial operating or real estate loans, and $48.3 million, or 26.8%, consisted of agricultural operating or real estate loans. Our strategy is to continue to focus on maintaining this type of diversified loan mix, which we believe will provide us with expanded lending opportunities in our existing market areas.

    Applying disciplined underwriting practices to maintain the quality of our loan portfolio.   We believe that strong asset quality is a key to long-term financial success. We have sought to grow and diversify our loan portfolio, while maintaining a high level of asset quality with moderate credit risk. We seek to accomplish this by applying underwriting standards that we believe are conservative and by pursuing diligent monitoring and collection efforts. As we have increased the amount of commercial and agricultural loans in our portfolio in recent years, we have sought to manage the larger loan exposures though our conservative approach to lending. At June 30,

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      2015, our nonperforming loans (loans which are 90 or more days delinquent and loans which are less than 90 days delinquent but classified as nonaccrual) were less than 1.0% of our total loan portfolio.

    Continuing to grow our core deposits.   Over the past five years, we have been successful in growing our deposit base overall and in increasing the share of our deposit base that consists of core deposits. At June 30, 2015, our total deposits were $174.8 million, and core deposits were approximately 99.4% of total deposits. We believe core deposits have favorable cost and interest rate change resistance. In addition, we believe core deposits allow us greater opportunity to connect with our customers and offer them other financial services and products. Our strategy is to continue to focus on growing our deposit base as a source of funding for our loans and to continue our efforts to maintain core deposits as a high percentage of total deposits.

    Growing our business by expanding our branch network.   As opportunities arise and conditions permit, we will consider opportunities to expand our branch network through whole-bank or branch acquisitions, de novo branching or both. Although we do not currently have any agreements or understandings regarding specific acquisitions or de novo branching opportunities, our strategy is to grow our business within our consolidating market environment.

    Remaining a community-oriented institution.   We were established in 1882 and have been operating continuously since that time. We have been, and we continue to be, committed to understanding and meeting the financial needs of the communities in which we operate. Further, we strive to be a good corporate citizen within those communities. In 2005, we established and funded the Equitable Bank Charitable Foundation as a private charitable foundation based in Grand Island. Each year since 2005, our foundation has made grants and donations to non-profit organizations, community groups and community projects located within our market areas. We believe that our community orientation is attractive to customers and distinguishes us from some of our larger competitors.

    Providing quality customer service.   We emphasize quality customer service. We strive to meet the financial needs of our customer base by offering a full complement of loan and deposit products and by providing individualized customer service. As part of this strategy, we seek to offer our customers a competitive package of on-line and mobile banking services. We believe we have a competitive advantage over some of our larger competitors based on our familiarity with our customers' needs and our ability to make decisions, such as approving loans, more quickly through local decision-makers. Our customers enjoy, and will continue to enjoy, access to senior officers at Equitable Bank and the flexibility it brings to their businesses.

        In the future, if our business strategy leads to continued growth in our commercial loan portfolio, we may consider converting Equitable Bank's charter from that of a savings association to that of a commercial bank. Doing so could allow us to avoid operating restrictions and penalties that can be applied to savings associations which fail to satisfy the "qualified thrift lender" test.

Anticipated Increase in Noninterest Expense

        Although the capital raised in our mutual-to-stock conversion will support our efforts to grow Equitable Bank, the conversion is expected to have a short-term adverse impact on our operating results due to increased expenses. These additional expenses include the costs of operating as a public company, increased compensation expenses associated with the purchase of shares of common stock by our employee stock ownership plan in the conversion and the possible implementation of one or more stock-based benefit plans after the conversion. In addition, we may be required to hire additional accounting staff, which would increase our compensation costs.

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Critical Accounting Policies

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, changes in these assumptions and estimates could significantly affect our financial position or results of operations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        On April 5, 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act") was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. As an "emerging growth company" we may delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

        Discussed below are selected critical accounting policies that are of particular significance to us:

        Allowance for Loan Losses.     The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. We evaluate the need to establish allowances against losses on loans on a quarterly basis. When additional allowances are necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings. An allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered necessary to provide for loan losses based upon an evaluation of known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we consider the losses inherent in the loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of the loan activities, along with the local economic and real estate market conditions. We utilize a two-tier approach: (1) establishment of specific reserves for impaired loans, and (2) establishment of a general valuation allowance for the remainder of the loan portfolio. We maintain a loan review system which allows for a periodic review of the loan portfolio and the early identification of impaired loans. One- to four-family residential real estate loans and consumer installment loans are considered to be homogeneous and, therefore, are not separately evaluated for impairment unless they are considered troubled debt restructurings. A loan is considered to be a troubled debt restructuring when, to maximize the recovery of the loan we modify the borrower's existing loan terms and conditions in response to financial difficulties experienced by the borrower.

        In establishing specific reserves for impaired loans, we take into consideration, among other things, payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length and reason for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record and the amount of shortfall in relation to what is owed. A loan is deemed to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All loans identified as impaired are evaluated individually. We do not aggregate such loans for evaluation purposes. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Payments received on impaired loans are generally applied first to principal and then to interest.

        The general valuation allowance is based upon a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loan loss rates, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and management's judgment. Regardless of the extent of the analysis of customer performance, portfolio evaluations, trends or risk management processes established, certain inherent, but undetected losses

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are probable within the loan portfolio. This is due to several factors including inherent delays in obtaining information regarding a customer's financial condition or changes in their financial condition, the judgmental nature of individual loan evaluations, collateral assessments and the interpretation of economic trends, and the sensitivity of assumptions utilized to establish allocated allowances for homogeneous groups of loans among other factors. These other risk factors are continually reviewed and revised by management using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation.

        Although we believe that we use the best information available to recognize losses on loans and establish the allowance for loan losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on estimates that are susceptible to change as a result of changes in economic conditions and other factors. In addition, the OCC, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. That agency may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on its judgments about information available to it at the time of its examination.

        Foreclosed Assets.     Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Holding costs after acquisition are expensed.

        Deferred Income Taxes.     We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If currently available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets are inherently subjective and are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance that results in additional income tax expense in the period in which it is recognized would negatively affect earnings. Management believes, based upon current facts, that it is more likely than not that there will be sufficient taxable income in future years to realize the deferred tax assets.

        Fair Value Measurements.     We use our best judgment in estimating fair value measurements of the Bank's financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique. We utilize various assumptions and valuation techniques to determine fair value, including, but not limited to cash flows, discount rates, rate of return, adjustments for nonperformance and liquidity, quoted market prices, and appraisals. The fair value estimates are not necessarily indicative of the actual amounts that could have been realized in a sale transaction on the dates indicated. The estimated fair value amounts have not been re-evaluated or updated subsequent to the respective reporting dates. As such, the estimated fair values subsequent to the respective dates may be different than the amounts reported.

Restatement to Previously-Issued Consolidated Financial Statements

        Our consolidated financial statements and related notes therein for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, which were previously-issued, have been restated to correctly reflect the deferred tax liability that arises from amounts in excess of the base-year loan reserves on a tax-basis pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification 942-740-25-2. As a result of the restatement, our previously-reported net deferred tax assets and retained earnings at June 30, 2014 were reduced by $362,000. Our previously-reported deferred income tax expense for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 was increased

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by $327,000. Our cash flows were not impacted by the previously described restatement. The discussion below of our financial condition and results of operations in these periods reflects the effects of the restatement.

Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014

        Assets.     Total assets as of June 30, 2015 were $215.0 million, an increase of $33.1 million, or 18.2%, from $181.9 million at June 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to increases in interest earning deposits and net loans, partially offset by decreases in Federal Home Loan Bank stock and foreclosed assets. Interest earning deposits increased $16.1 million, or 86.9%, to $18.5 million at June 30, 2015, from $2.4 million at June 30, 2014. The increase was due to fluctuation in deposit balances at month end, core deposit growth, and funds received in the second step offering. Net loans increased $20.9 million, or 132.8%, to $178.4 million at June 30, 2015, from $157.5 million at June 30, 2014. The increase was due to increased loan origination during the fiscal year, primarily attributable to improved economic conditions in our market areas and growth in commercial loans originated by our Omaha branch. Time deposits at other financial institutions decreased $750,000, or 60.0%, to $500,000 at June 30, 2015, from $1.3 million at June 30, 2014. The decrease in time deposits was due to maturities. Securities decreased $828,000, or 18.3%, to $3.7 million at June 30, 2015, from $4.5 million at June 30, 2014. The decrease was attributable primarily to pay downs on MBS and a municipal bond. Federal Home Loan Bank stock decreased $323,000, or 58.7%, to $227,000 at June 30, 2015, from $550,000 at June 30, 2014. The decrease was due to lower Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings and a required stock buyback. Foreclosed assets, net, decreased $63,000, or 15.3%, to $350,000 at June 30, 2015, from $413,000 at June 30, 2014.

        Non-performing Assets and Allowance for Loan Losses.     We had non-performing assets of $1.8 million, or 0.8% of total assets as of June 30, 2015, and $1.7 million, or 0.9% of total assets as of June 30, 2014. The increase in non-performing assets resulted in a few relationships deteriorating. The allowance for loan losses totaled $2.6 million at June 30, 2015. This represents a ratio of the allowance for loan losses to gross loans receivable of 1.4% at June 30, 2015 and 1.6% at June 30, 2014. The allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 175.6% at June 30, 2015 and 202.2% at June 30, 2014. The decrease in the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to gross loans receivable was primarily due to overall improvement in the portfolio, and the decrease in the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was primarily due to the increase in volume of gross loans.

        Deposits.     Total deposits increased $25.0 million, or 16.7%, to $174.8 million at June 30, 2015, from $149.8 million at June 30, 2014. The increase in deposits occurred as a result of increases in all types of deposits. Demand accounts increased $1.2 million to $21.8 million at June 30, 2015, from $20.6 million at June 30, 2014. NOW accounts increased $6.7 million to $41.2 million at June 30, 2015, from $34.5 million at June 30, 2014. Money market accounts increased $11.3 million to $51.3 million at June 30, 2015, from $40.0 million at June 30, 2014. Savings accounts increased $1.5 million to $13.1 million at June 30, 2015, from $11.6 million at June 30, 2014. Certificates of deposit increased $4.1 million to $47.3 million at June 30, 2015, from $43.2 million at June 30, 2014. We attribute these changes in deposits to more aggressive marketing and continued development of commercial accounts related to our effort to provide full-service banking to our commercial loan customers. Commercial deposit accounts carry larger average balances than retail deposit accounts.

        Borrowings.     Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings decreased $10.8 million, or 100.0%, to zero at June 30, 2015, from $10.8 million at June 30, 2014. This decrease was a result of paying off all Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

        Stockholders' Equity.     Total stockholders' equity increased $1.3 million to $20.9 million at June 30, 2015, from $19.6 million at June 30, 2014. The increase in stockholders' equity resulted primarily from our $1.3 million in net income during fiscal 2015.

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Years ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014

        General.     We achieved net income of $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. This represented an increase of $309,000, or 31.8%, from the $973,000 in net income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.

        Interest Income.     Total interest income increased to $7.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, up $524,000, or 7.6%, from $6.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The increase in our interest income was primarily due to increased loan volume.

        Interest income from loans increased by $505,000, or 7.5%, to $7.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $6.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The increase in interest income from loans was due to $20.9 million in loan growth. Average loan balances were $164.9 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, compared to average loan balances of $143.2 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The increase in our average loan balance was primarily due to increased loan demand, primarily attributable to improved economic conditions in our market areas and growth in commercial loans originated by our Omaha branch. The average yield on loans decreased to 4.38% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from 4.69% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 due to a continued low interest rate environment.

        Interest income from securities increased $14,000, or 8.0%, to $189,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, compared to $175,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The increase was due to increases in the average balances of securities and the average yield of securities, both of which resulted from the purchase of a single local taxable municipal bond. Average securities balances were $4.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, compared to average securities balances of $3.7 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The average yield on securities increased to 4.01% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from 3.45% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.

        Other interest income increased by $4,000, or 22.2%, to $22,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 from $18,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Average balances of interest-earning deposits increased to $11.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $9.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, while the average yield decreased to 0.27% from 0.45%. The increase in the average balance of interest-earning deposits was caused primarily by increases in our core deposits resulting from deposit growth and monies received in the second step offering. The average balance of FHLB Stock decreased to $415,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $1.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.

        Interest Expense.     Interest expense increased by $162,000, or 16.0%, to $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $1.0 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, due to increased deposit balances and marginally higher interest rates. Interest expense on deposits increased by $168,000, or 21.9%, to $934,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $766,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Average interest-bearing deposits increased to $144.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $122.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Our average cost of deposits increased to 0.65% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from 0.63% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings decreased to $6.6 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $10.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Other interest expense decreased $5,000, or 83.2%, to $1,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $6,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.

        Net Interest Income.     Net interest income increased by $362,000, or 6.1%, to $6.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $5.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Average interest-earning assets were $181.0 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 and $158.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, while the average yield was 4.11% and 4.36% for the respective periods. Our net interest rate spread decreased 28 basis points to 3.33% in the fiscal year ended

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June 30, 2015, from 3.61% in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, while our net interest margin decreased 26 basis points to 3.46% in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from 3.72% in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities increased to 119.9% in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from 118.8% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in our net interest rate spread and net interest margin reflected the decrease in loan rates along with increases in deposit rates.

        Provision for Loan Losses.     We establish provisions for loan losses, which are charged to operations, at a level management believes is appropriate to absorb probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events change. Based on our evaluation of these factors, we recorded negative provisions of $558,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 and $681,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The negative provision for loan losses for the year ended June 30, 2015 decreased as compared to the prior year as a result of decreased recoveries received on loans previously charged off. The allowance for loan losses was $2.6 million, or 1.4% of loans outstanding at June 30, 2015, compared to $2.6 million, or 1.6% of loans outstanding at June 30, 2014. The non-performing assets to total assets ratio at June 30, 2015 was 0.8% compared to 0.9% at June 30, 2014. The level of the allowance is based on estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from the estimates.

        Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses as necessary in order to maintain the adequacy of the allowance. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future loan loss provisions may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require us to recognize additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination. The allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2015 was maintained at a level that represents management's best estimate of inherent losses in the loan portfolio, and such losses were both probable and reasonably estimable.

        Non-Interest Income.     Non-interest income increased by $317,000, or 16.5%, to $2.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $1.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The increase was attributable to an $186,000 increase in gain on sale of loans, $73,000 on other loan fees, $41,000 in brokerage fee income and $25,000 in other income. These increases were offset by a decrease in service charges on deposit accounts of $8,000. Gain on sale of loans increased to $722,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 from $537,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014. Other loan fees increased to $256,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 from $183,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014. Brokerage fee income increased to $579,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 from $538,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014. Other income increased to $99,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 from $75,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014. Service charges decreased to $577,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 from $585,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014.

        Non-Interest Expense.     Non-interest expense increased by $132,000, or 1.9%, to $7.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, from $6.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in salaries and employee benefits, regulatory fees and deposit insurance premiums, professional fees and other expenses. Salaries and employee benefits increased $423,000 to $4.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, compared to $3.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. This increase was primarily due to the hiring of additional staff in Omaha and Grand Island, as well as customary raises and increased benefits costs for existing personnel and

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bonuses tied to bank performance. Regulatory fees and deposit insurance premiums increased $17,000 to $196,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, compared to $179,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Data processing decreased $197,000 to $328,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, compared to $525,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Professional fees decreased $81,000 to $150,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, compared to $231,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Other expenses decreased $36,000 to $550,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 from $586,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014.

        Income Tax Expense.     For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, we reported income tax expense of $710,000 compared to $596,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. The increase in income tax expense was due to the increase in income before tax between the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Our effective tax rate was 35.6% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 and 38.0% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for the reconciliation of the statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate.

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Average Balances and Yields

        The following table sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax equivalent adjustments were made. All average balances are monthly average balances. Non-accruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

 
  For the Year Ended June 30,  
 
  2015   2014   2013  
 
  Average
Outstanding
Balance
  Interest
Earned/
Paid
  Yield/Cost   Average
Outstanding
Balance
  Interest
Earned/
Paid
  Yield/Cost   Average
Outstanding
Balance
  Interest
Earned/
Paid
  Yield/Cost  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Interest-earning assets:

                                                       

Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions              

  $ 11,539   $ 31     0.27 % $ 9,484   $ 43     0.45 % $ 17,228   $ 62     0.36 %

Federal funds sold

            0.00 %   533     1     0.19 %   6,142     7     0.12 %

Securities(1)

    4,086     164     4.01 %   3,711     128     3.45 %   2,888     70     2.43 %

Loans receivable

    164,937     7,222     4.38 %   143,157     6,717     4.69 %   122,197     5,881     4.81 %

FHLB common stock

    415     17     4.10 %   1,543     21     1.36 %   3,075     45     1.48 %

Total interest-earning assets

    180,977     7,434     4.11 %   158,428     6,910     4.36 %   151,530     6,065     4.00 %

Total noninterest-earning assets

    13,968                 14,950                 17,503              

Total assets

  $ 194,945               $ 173,378               $ 169,033              

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                       

Savings accounts

  $ 12,826   $ 32     0.25 % $ 10,866   $ 27     0.25 % $ 9,449   $ 25     0.26 %

NOW accounts

    39,699     155     0.39 %   32,219     114     0.35 %   26,091     89     0.34 %

Money market accounts

    44,206     266     0.60 %   36,621     190     0.52 %   34,015     222     0.65 %

Certificates of deposit

    47,538     481     1.01 %   42,427     435     1.03 %   46,319     595     1.28 %

Total deposits

    144,269     934     0.65 %   122,133     766     0.63 %   115,874     931     0.80 %

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements

    173     1     0.58 %   597     6     1.01 %   705     8     1.07 %

FHLB advances

    6,556     240     3.66 %   10,674     241     2.26 %   14,969     386     2.58 %

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    150,998     1,175     0.78 %   133,404     1,013     0.75 %   131,548     1,325     1.00 %

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits—checking accounts

    20,980                 18,350                 15,812              

Other liabilities

    2,705                 2,259                 3,038              

Total liabilities

    174,683                 154,013                 150,398              

Stockholders' equity

   
20,262
               
19,365
               
18,635
             

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 194,945               $ 173,378               $ 169,033              

Net interest income

        $ 6,259               $ 5,897               $ 4,740        

Net interest rate spread(2)

                3.33 %               3.61 %               3.00 %

Net interest-earning assets(3)

  $ 29,979               $ 25,024               $ 19,982              

Net interest margin(4)

                3.46 %               3.72 %               3.13 %

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

                119.85 %               118.76 %               115.19 %

(1)
Yield is stated on a pre-tax basis.

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

(3)
Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

(4)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

Rate/Volume Analysis

        The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. It distinguishes between

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the changes related to outstanding balances and those due to the changes in interest rates. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in volume (i.e., changes in volume multiplied by old rate) and (ii) changes in rate (i.e., changes in rate multiplied by old volume). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

 
  Year Ended
June 30, 2015 vs. 2014
  Year Ended
June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
 
  Increase
(Decrease)
Due to
   
  Increase
(Decrease)
Due to
   
 
 
  Total
Increase
(Decrease)
  Total
Increase
(Decrease)
 
 
  Volume   Rate   Volume   Rate  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Interest-earning assets:

                                     

Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions

  $ 8   $ (20 ) $ (12 ) $ (32 ) $ 13   $ (19 )

Securities

    14     21     35     23     35     58  

Federal funds sold

    (1 )       (1 )   (6 )       (6 )

Loans receivable

    975     (469 )   506     987     (150 )   837  

FHLB Stock

    (24 )   20     (4 )   (21 )   (3 )   (24 )

Total interest-earning assets

    972     (448 )   524     951     (105 )   846  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                     

Savings accounts

    5         5     3     (1 )   2  

NOW accounts

    28     13     41     22     3     25  

Money market accounts

    44     32     76     16     (48 )   (32 )

Certificates of deposit

    52     (6 )   46     (48 )   (111 )   (159 )

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements          

    (3 )   (2 )   (5 )   (2 )       (2 )

FHLB advances

    (115 )   114     (1 )   (101 )   (44 )   (145 )

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    11     151     162     (110 )   (201 )   (311 )

Change in net interest income

  $ 961   $ (599 ) $ 362   $ 1,061   $ 96   $ 1,157  

Management of Interest Rate Risk

        General.     Our earnings and the market value of our assets and liabilities are subject to fluctuations caused by changes in the level of interest rates. We manage the interest rate sensitivity of our interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets in an effort to minimize the adverse effects of changes in the interest rate environment. Deposit accounts typically react more quickly to changes in market interest rates than mortgage loans because of the shorter maturities of deposits. As a result, sharp increases in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings while decreases in interest rates may beneficially affect our earnings. To reduce the potential volatility of our earnings, we have sought to improve the match between asset and liability maturities and rates, while maintaining an acceptable interest rate spread. Our strategy for managing interest rate risk emphasizes originating balloon loans or loans with adjustable interest rates and core deposit products.

        We have an Asset/Liability Management Committee to coordinate all aspects involving asset/liability management. The committee establishes and monitors the volume, maturities, pricing and mix of assets and funding sources with the objective of managing assets and funding sources to provide results that are consistent with liquidity, growth, risk limits and profitability goals.

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        Economic Value of Equity Analysis.     We analyze the sensitivity of our financial condition to changes in interest rates through an economic value of equity model provided by an outside consulting firm. This analysis measures the difference between predicted changes in the present value of our assets and predicted changes in the present value of our liabilities assuming various changes in current interest rates. The following table presents the changes in the economic value of equity of Equitable Bank at June 30, 2015 that would occur in the event of the scenarios referenced in the table, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counteract that change.

 
  June 30, 2015  
 
  Economic Value of Equity ("EVE")
(Dollars in thousands)
  EVE as % of
Economic Value of
Assets
 
Basis Point ("bp")
Change in Interest Rates(1)
  Estimated
EVE
  $ Change   % Change   EVE Ratio   Change
(bp)
 

400 bp

  $ 26,679   $ 6,510     32.3 %   13.41 %   391  

300

    24,861     4,691     23.3 %   12.27 %   277  

200

    22,874     2,705     13.4 %   11.11 %   161  

100

    21,599     1,429     7.1 %   10.32 %   81  

0

    20,170             9.50 %    

–100

    18,913     (1,256 )   –6.2 %   8.79 %   (71 )

–200

    15,634     (4,535 )   –22.5 %   7.19 %   (232 )

–300

    9,989     (10,181 )   –50.5 %   4.55 %   (495 )

(1)
Assumes instantaneous parallel changes in interest rates.

        As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurement. Modeling changes in the economic value of equity requires making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in interest rates, and certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, expected rates of prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from certificates could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table. Furthermore, although the table above provides an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income. Finally, the above table does not take into account the changes in the credit risk of our assets which can occur in connection with changes in interest rates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        We maintain liquid assets at levels we consider adequate to meet our liquidity needs. Liquid assets, which include cash and cash equivalents, interest-earning time deposits with other financial institutions and securities available for sale, totaled $22.4 million, or 10.2% of total assets at June 30, 2015, as compared to $9.9 million, or 5.4% of total assets, at June 30, 2014. We adjust our liquidity levels to fund deposit outflows, pay real estate taxes on mortgage loans, repay our borrowings and to fund loan commitments. We also adjust liquidity as appropriate to meet asset and liability management objectives.

        Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments, and earnings and funds provided from operations. While scheduled principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are

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greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. We set the interest rates on our deposits to maintain a desired level of total deposits. In addition, we invest excess funds in short-term interest-earning investments and other assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements. Short-term interest-earning deposits with the Midwest Independent Bank amounted to $18.5 million and $2.4 million at June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        A significant portion of our liquidity consists of securities classified as available-for-sale and cash and cash equivalents, which are a product of our operating, investing and financing activities. Our primary sources of cash are net income, principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, and increases in deposit accounts, along with advances from the FHLB of Topeka.

        Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka which provides an additional source of funds. At June 30, 2015, we had no advances outstanding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka.

        Our cash flows are comprised of three classifications: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.9 million and $1.8 million for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities, which consists primarily of disbursements for loan originations and the purchase of securities, offset by principal collections on loans, proceeds from the sales, calls, and maturities of securities and proceeds from the pay downs on mortgage-backed securities, was $19.6 million and $27.6 million for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the year ended June 30, 2015, no securities were purchase or sold. During the year ended June 30, 2014, we purchased $3.2 million in securities held-to-maturity. Net cash provided by financing activities, consisting primarily of deposit account activity, was $31.4 million and $14.0 million for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        At June 30, 2015, we had outstanding commitments of $4.3 million to originate loans. This amount does not include the unfunded portion of loans in process. At June 30, 2015, certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in less than one year totaled $26.8 million. Based on prior experience, management believes that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with us, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case. In addition, the cost of such deposits may be significantly higher upon renewal in a rising interest rate environment.

        At June 30, 2015, we exceeded all our regulatory capital requirements with a Tier 1 leverage capital level of $18.4 million, or 9.1% of adjusted total assets, which is above our individual minimum capital required level of $10.1 million, or 5.0%; a common equity Tier 1 capital level of $18.4 million, or 10.3% of risk-weighted assets, which is above our individual minimum capital required level of $11.6 million, or 6.5%; a Tier 1 risk-based capital level of $18.4 million, or 10.3% of risk-weighted assets, which is above our individual minimum capital required level of $14.3 million, or 8.0%; and a total risk-based capital level of $20.6 million, or 11.5% of risk-weighted assets, which is above our individual minimum capital required level of $17.9 million, or 10.0%. Accordingly, Equitable Bank was classified as well-capitalized at June 30, 2015.

        Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements.     In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are not recorded in our financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers' requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments, unused lines of credit and standby letters of credit. For information about our loan commitments, letters of credit and unused lines of credit, see Note 13 of the notes to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements.

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        For the year ended June 30, 2015, we did not engage in any off-balance-sheet transactions other than loan origination commitments, unused lines of credit and standby letters of credit in the normal course of our lending activities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        For information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements that are applicable to the Company, please see Note 1 of the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements, beginning on page 59.

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

        The audited consolidated financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which generally require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in relative purchasing power over time due to inflation. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the Company's assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on the Company's performance than does the effect of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services, because such prices are affected by inflation to a larger extent than interest rates.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

        This item is not applicable because we are a smaller reporting company.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

GRAPHIC

Omaha, Nebraska
September 23, 2015

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Balance Sheets

June 30, 2015 and 2014

 
  2015   (Restated)
2014
 

Assets

             

Cash and due from financial institutions

  $ 3,037,653   $ 5,364,305  

Interest-earning deposits

    18,475,000     2,412,000  

    21,512,653     7,776,305  

Time deposits with financial institutions

    500,000     1,250,000  

Securities available-for-sale

    420,248     882,308  

Securities held-to-maturity

    3,276,752     3,642,304  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

    226,800     549,600  

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $2,583,000 and $2,574,000, respectively

    178,423,486     157,509,440  

Premises and equipment, net

    5,551,790     5,463,598  

Foreclosed assets, net

    349,708     413,200  

Accrued interest receivable

    1,044,271     983,958  

Deferred taxes, net

    1,765,189     2,331,287  

Other assets

    1,958,816     1,070,350  

Total assets

  $ 215,029,713   $ 181,872,350  

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

             

Liabilities:

             

Noninterest-bearing deposits

  $ 21,779,092   $ 20,582,628  

Interest-bearing deposits

    152,989,829     129,180,665  

    174,768,921     149,763,293  

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings

        10,767,815  

Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance

    404,467     357,091  

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

    18,408,315     991,894  

Total liabilities

    193,581,703     161,880,093  

Common stock in ESOP subject to contingent repurchase obligation

    516,800     388,585  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

   
 
   
 
 

Stockholders' equity:

   
 
   
 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 14,000,000 shares authorized; 3,297,509 shares issued

    32,975     32,975  

Additional paid-in capital

    13,086,447     13,236,086  

Retained earnings

    10,185,155     8,902,839  

Unearned ESOP shares

    (408,750 )   (499,590 )

Shares reserved for stock compensation

    (465,080 )   (698,015 )

Treasury stock at cost; 114,505 shares

    (978,682 )   (978,682 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

    (4,055 )   (3,356 )

Reclassification of ESOP shares

    (516,800 )   (388,585 )

Total stockholders' equity

    20,931,210     19,603,672  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 215,029,713   $ 181,872,350  

   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Income

Years Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

 
  2015   (Restated)
2014
 

Interest income:

             

Loans

  $ 7,222,478   $ 6,717,201  

Securities

    189,111     175,294  

Other

    22,495     17,713  

Total interest income

    7,434,084     6,910,208  

Interest expense:

             

Deposits

    933,729     765,793  

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings

    240,669     241,118  

Other

    537     6,130  

Total interest expense

    1,174,935     1,013,041  

Net interest income

    6,259,149     5,897,167  

Provision for loan losses

   
(557,533

)
 
(681,169

)

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    6,816,682     6,578,336  

Noninterest income:

             

Service charges on deposit accounts

    577,067     585,075  

Brokerage fee income

    578,714     537,852  

Gain on sale of loans

    722,486     536,829  

Other loan fees

    255,850     182,590  

Other income

    99,460     74,524  

Total noninterest income

    2,233,577     1,916,870  

Noninterest expense:

             

Salaries and employee benefits

    4,255,652     3,832,810  

Director and committee fees

    131,650     124,550  

Data processing fees

    328,447     524,548  

Occupancy and equipment

    891,891     897,625  

Regulatory fees and deposit insurance premium

    196,439     179,156  

Advertising and public relations

    206,065     202,430  

Insurance and surety bond premiums

    87,119     87,111  

Professional fees

    150,253     231,071  

Supplies, telephone and postage

    260,439     260,743  

Other expenses

    549,764     585,645  

Total noninterest expense

    7,057,719     6,925,689  

Income before income taxes

    1,992,540     1,569,517  

Income tax expense

   
(710,224

)
 
(596,055

)

Net income

  $ 1,282,316   $ 973,462  

Basic earnings per share

  $ 0.42   $ 0.32  

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.41   $ 0.31  

   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the Years Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

 
  2015   (Restated)
2014
 

Net income

  $ 1,282,316   $ 973,462  

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

   
 
   
 
 

Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available-for-sale, net of tax

    (699 )   15,643  

Comprehensive income

  $ 1,281,617   $ 989,105  

   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

Years Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

 
  Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Unearned
ESOP
Shares
  Shares
Reserved for
Stock
Compensation
  Treasury
Stock
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Amount
Reclassified
on ESOP
Shares
  Total  

Balance, June 30, 2013

  $ 32,975   $ 13,287,155   $ 7,929,377   $ (590,420 ) $ (698,015 ) $ (978,682 ) $ (18,999 ) $ (280,880 ) $ 18,682,511  

Net income

   
   
   
973,462
   
   
   
   
   
   
973,462
 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                            15,643         15,643  

Release of 9,083 unearned ESOP shares

        (51,069 )       90,830                     39,761  

Reclassification due to release and changes in fair value of common stock in ESOP subject to contingent repurchase obligation of ESOP shares

                                (107,705 )   (107,705 )

Balance, June 30, 2014

    32,975     13,236,086     8,902,839     (499,590 )   (698,015 )   (978,682 )   (3,356 )   (388,585 )   19,603,672  

Net income

   
   
   
1,282,316
   
   
   
   
   
   
1,282,316
 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                            (699 )       (699 )

Release of 9,084 unearned ESOP shares

        (33,324 )       90,840                     57,516  

Stock compensation expense

        (116,315 )           232,935                 116,620  

Reclassification due to release and changes in fair value of common stock in ESOP subject to contingent repurchase obligation of ESOP shares

                                (128,215 )   (128,215 )

Balance, June 30, 2015

  $ 32,975   $ 13,086,447   $ 10,185,155   $ (408,750 ) $ (465,080 ) $ (978,682 ) $ (4,055 ) $ (516,800 ) $ 20,931,210  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

 
  2015   (Restated)
2014
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

             

Net income

  $ 1,282,316   $ 973,462  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

             

Depreciation

    319,843     271,632  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends

    (16,700 )   (20,400 )

ESOP expense

    57,516     39,761  

Stock compensation expense

    116,620      

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs, net

    460,474     448,186  

Amortization of premiums and discounts

    17,596     19,223  

Amortization of prepayment penalty fee

    216,208     204,612  

Gain on sale of loans

    (722,486 )   (536,829 )

Loss on sale of foreclosed assets

    3,782     3,007  

Loss on disposal of premises and equipment

    799     2,301  

Provision for loan losses

    (557,533 )   (681,169 )

Provision for repurchase reserve

    18,102      

Provision for foreclosed assets

        133,570  

Deferred taxes

    566,457     443,844  

Loans originated for sale

    (28,072,495 )   (18,925,314 )

Proceeds from sale of loans

    28,943,974     19,250,990  

Loss on investment from low income housing

    48,008     28,792  

Changes in:

             

Accrued interest receivable

    (60,313 )   (198,498 )

Other assets

    (729,998 )   432,701  

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

    37,870     (49,057 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    1,930,040     1,840,814  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

             

Net change in loans

    (21,166,456 )   (30,419,841 )

Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets, net

    59,710     1,205,053  

Proceeds from maturity of time deposits with financial institutions

    750,000     2,037,000  

Securities available-for-sale:

             

Proceeds from calls and principal repayments

    446,346     468,343  

Securities held-to-maturity:

             

Proceeds from calls and principal repayments

    362,612     403,226  

Purchases

        (3,207,404 )

Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    (13,500 )    

Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    353,000     2,057,900  

Purchase of premises and equipment

    (408,834 )   (159,363 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (19,617,122 )   (27,615,086 )

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

             

Net change in deposits

    25,005,628     15,005,702  

Proceeds in advance of offering

    17,354,449      

Net change in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

        (1,015,192 )

Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings

    1,410,000      

Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings

    (12,394,023 )    

Net change in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance

    47,376     3,670  

Net cash provided by financing activities

    31,423,430     13,994,180  

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    13,736,348     (11,780,092 )

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

   
 
   
 
 

Beginning

    7,776,305     19,556,397  

Ending

  $ 21,512,653   $ 7,776,305  

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

             

Interest paid on deposits and borrowings

  $ 1,177,551   $ 1,023,573  

Income taxes paid

  $ 122,242   $ 57,557  

Supplemental Noncash Disclosure:

   
 
   
 
 

Transfer of loans to foreclosed assets

  $   $ 198,180  

   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

         Principles of consolidation :    The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Equitable Financial Corp. (the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiary, Equitable Bank (the "Bank"). All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

         Plan of Conversion and stock issuance :    The Company was organized on November 8, 2005 and is a majority-owned subsidiary of Equitable Financial MHC (the "MHC"). On March 2, 2015, the Boards of Directors of the MHC, the Company and the Bank adopted a Plan of Conversion. Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, Equitable Financial Corp., a Maryland corporation ("New Equitable"), was organized and the MHC converted from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully public form on July 8, 2015. As part of the conversion, the MHC's ownership interest in the Company was offered for sale in a public offering. The existing publicly held shares of the Company were exchanged for 1.0911 new shares of common stock of New Equitable. The exchange ratio ensured that immediately after the conversion and public offering, the public stockholders of the Company owned the same aggregate percentage of New Equitable common stock that they owned immediately prior to that time (excluding shares purchased in the stock offering and cash received in lieu of fractional shares). When the conversion and public offering was completed, New Equitable became the holding company of the Bank and succeeded to all of the business and operations of the Company and each of the Company and the MHC ceased to exist. The consolidated financial statements do not include the transactions and balances of the MHC.

         Nature of business :    The primary business of the Company is the ownership of the Bank. Through the Bank, the Company is engaged in the business of retail banking, with operations conducted through its main office and branches, which are located in Grand Island, North Platte and Omaha, Nebraska. The Bank's primary services include accepting deposits, making loans and investing in securities.

         Use of estimates :    In preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the reporting period. Estimates significant to the consolidated financial statement include the allowance for loan losses, the fair value of investments and the related determination of other-than-temporary impairment, deferred tax valuation allowances, fair values of financial instruments and foreclosed assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that are susceptible to significant change. The fair value disclosure of investments and other financial instruments is an estimate that can be computed within a range.

         Risks and uncertainties :    Changes in economic conditions in the United States, and more specifically Nebraska, could impact the credit worthiness of the Company's borrowers and the borrowers' ability to service their outstanding loans with the Company. Additionally, the Company is subject to interest rate risk in which changes in the interest rate environment could negatively impact the Company's net interest margin.

         Cash flows :    Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions with maturities under 90 days when purchased, and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, and advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

         Time deposits with financial institutions :    Time deposits with financial institutions are carried at cost. At June 30, 2015, time deposits of $500,000 have maturities of 12 months or less.

         Securities :    Securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax.

        Interest income is recognized under the interest method and includes amortization of purchase premium and discount. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date based on the amortized cost of the security sold and determined using the specific identification method.

        Declines in the fair value of securities available-for-sale below their amortized cost are evaluated to determine whether the loss is temporary or other-than-temporary. If the Company (a) has the intent to sell a debt security or (b) more-likely-than-not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, then the Company recognizes the entire unrealized loss in earnings as an other-than-temporary loss. If neither of these conditions are met, the Company evaluates whether a credit loss exists. The impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss and (b) the amount of total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings and the amount related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

         Collateralized financing transactions :    Securities sold under repurchase agreements are generally accounted for as collateralized financing transactions. They are recorded at the amount at which the securities were acquired or sold plus accrued interest. The Company monitors its exposure with respect to securities sold under repurchase agreements, and a request for the return of excess securities held by the counterparty is made when deemed appropriate.

        The Company pledges assets to collateralize repurchase agreements and other secured financings such as public and trust deposits and other short-term borrowings. Pledged securities that can be sold or repledged by the secured party are classified as securities pledged as collateral on the consolidated balance sheet. The carrying value and classification of securities owned by the Company that have been loaned or pledged to counterparties where those counterparties do not have the right to sell or repledge are as follows:

 
  June 30, 2015   June 30, 2014  

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value

  $ 243,653   $ 369,105  

Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

    603,793     615,054  

         Federal Home Loan Bank stock :    The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors and may invest in additional amounts. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and as such is classified as restricted stock, carried at cost and evaluated for impairment. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the stock's value is determined by the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines. The determination of whether the par value will ultimately be recovered is influenced by criteria such as the

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

following: (a) the significance of the decline in net assets of the Federal Home Loan Bank as compared to the capital stock amount and the length of time this situation has persisted (b) commitments by the Federal Home Loan Bank to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance (c) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the customer base of the Federal Home Loan Bank and (d) the liquidity position of the Federal Home Loan Bank. With consideration given to the previous criteria, management concluded that the stock was not impaired at June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014.

         Loans, net :    Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, less an allowance for loan losses, premiums and discounts on loans purchased, and net deferred loan fees/costs. Interest income on loans is recognized over the term of the loan and is calculated using the simple interest method on principal amounts outstanding. Direct loan origination fees and costs are generally being deferred and the net amounts amortized as an adjustment of the related loan's yield. The Company generally amortizes these amounts over the contractual life. Direct loan origination fees and costs related to loans sold to unrelated third parties are recognized as income or expense in the current consolidated statement of income.

        The Company's portfolio segments are as follows:

    Commercial

    Agricultural

    Residential real estate

    Other

        The Company's classes of loans are as follows:

    Commercial—operating

    Commercial—real estate

    Agricultural—operating

    Agricultural—real estate

    Residential real estate—1-4 family

    Residential real estate—home equity

    Other—construction and land

    Other—consumer

        Generally, for all classes of loans, loans are considered past due when contractual payments are delinquent for 31 days or greater.

        For all classes of loans, loans will generally be placed on nonaccrual status when the loan has become greater than 90 days past due; or when management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, that the borrower's financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, payments received will be applied to the principal balance. However, interest may be taken on a cash basis in the event the loan is fully secured and the risk of loss is minimal. Previously recorded but uncollected interest on a loan placed in nonaccrual status is accounted for as follows: if the previously accrued but uncollected interest and the principal amount of the loan is protected by sound collateral value based upon a current, independent qualified appraisal, such interest may remain on the Company's books. If such interest is not so protected, it is considered a loss with the amount thereof recorded in the current year being reversed against current interest income, and the amount recorded in the prior year being charged against the allowance for possible loan losses.

        For all classes of loans, nonaccrual loans may be restored to accrual status provided the following criteria are met:

    The loan is current, and all principal and interest amounts contractually due have been made,

    The loan is well secured and in the process of collection, and

    Future principal and interest payments are not in doubt.

         Troubled debt restructures :    Troubled debt restructuring exists when the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, grants a concession (either imposed by court order, law, or agreement between the borrower and the Company) to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. These concessions could include forgiveness of principal, extension of maturity dates, and reduction of stated interest rates or accrued interest. The Company is attempting to maximize its recovery of the balances of the loans through these various concessionary restructurings. See Note 3 for disclosure of the Company's troubled debt restructurings.

         Allowance for loan losses :    For all portfolio segments, the allowance for loan losses is maintained at the level considered adequate by management of the Company to provide for losses that are probable. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. In determining the adequacy of the allowance balance, the Company makes continuous evaluations of the loan portfolio and related off-balance sheet commitments, considers current economic conditions, historical loan loss experience, review of specific problem loans and other factors.

        A discussion of the risk characteristics and the allowance for loan losses by each portfolio segment follows:

        For commercial loans, the Company focuses on small and mid-sized businesses in their geographical footprint. The Company provides a wide range of commercial loans, including lines of credit for working capital and operational purposes, and term loans for the acquisition of real estate, facilities, equipment and other purposes. Approval is generally based on the following factors:

    Sufficient cash flow to support debt repayment;

    Ability and stability of current management of the borrower;

    Positive earnings and financial trends;

    Earnings projections based on reasonable assumptions;

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

    Financial strength of the industry and business;

    Value and marketability of collateral.

        Collateral for commercial loans generally includes accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate. The lending policy specifies approved collateral types and corresponding maximum advance percentages. The value of collateral pledged on loans typically exceeds the loan amount by a margin sufficient to absorb potential erosion of its value in the event of foreclosure and cover the loan amount plus costs incurred to convert it to cash.

        The lending policy specifies maximum term limits for commercial loans. For term loans, the typical maximum term is 10 years. The lending policy includes guidelines for real estate appraisals, including minimum appraisal standards based on certain transactions. Where the purpose of the loan is to finance depreciable equipment, the term loan generally does not exceed the estimated useful life of the asset. For lines of credit, the typical maximum term is 1 year. However, longer maturities may be approved if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral.

        In addition, the Company often takes personal guarantees to help assure repayment. Loans may be made on an unsecured basis if warranted by the overall financial condition of the borrower.

        Agricultural loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial loans. The Company provides a wide range of agriculture loans, including lines of credit for working capital and operational purposes, and term loans for the acquisition of real estate, facilities, equipment and other purposes. Approval is generally based on the following factors:

    Sufficient cash flow to support debt repayment;

    Ability and stability of current management of the borrower;

    Positive earnings and financial trends;

    Earnings projections based on reasonable assumptions;

    Financial strength of the industry and business; and

    Value and marketability of collateral.

        Collateral for agricultural loans generally includes accounts receivable, inventory (typically grain or livestock), equipment and real estate. The lending policy specifies approved collateral types and corresponding maximum advance percentages. The value of collateral pledged on loans typically exceeds the loan amount by a margin sufficient to absorb potential erosion of its value in the event of foreclosure and cover the loan amount plus costs incurred to convert it to cash.

        The lending policy specifies maximum term limits for agricultural loans. For term loans, the typical maximum term is 10 years. The lending policy includes guidelines for real estate appraisals, including minimum appraisal standards based on certain transactions. Where the purpose of the loan is to finance depreciable equipment, the term loan generally does not exceed the estimated useful life of the asset. For lines of credit, the typical maximum term is 1 year. However, longer maturities may be approved if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral.

        In addition, the Company often takes personal guarantees to help assure repayment. Loans may be made on an unsecured basis if warranted by the overall financial condition of the borrower.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        In some instances for all loans, it may be appropriate to originate or purchase loans that are exceptions to the guidelines and limits established within the lending policy described above and below. In general, exceptions to the lending policy do not significantly deviate from the guidelines and limits established within the lending policy and, if there are exceptions, they are clearly noted as such and specifically identified in loan approval documents.

        For commercial loans and agricultural loans, the allowance for estimated losses on loans consists of specific and general components.

        The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired, as defined below. For those loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

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

        The general component consists of quantitative and qualitative factors and covers non-impaired loans. The quantitative factors are based on historical charge-off experience. The qualitative factors are determined based on an assessment of internal and/or external influences on credit quality that are not fully reflected in the historical loss data. The Company's credit quality indicator for all loans excluding commercial loans is past due or performance status. The Company's credit quality indicator for commercial loans is internal risk ratings.

        For commercial and agriculture loans, the Company utilizes the following internal risk rating scale:

    1.
    Highest Quality —Loans represent a credit extension of the highest quality. Excellent liquidity, management and character in an industry with favorable conditions. High quality financial information, history of strong cash flows and superior collateral including readily marketable assets, prime real estate, U.S. government securities, U.S. government agencies, highly rated municipal bonds, insured savings accounts, and insured certificates of deposit drawn on high-quality financial institutions.

    2.
    Good Quality —Loans which have a sound primary and secondary source of repayment. Strong to good liquidity, management and character in an industry with favorable conditions. Good quality financial information and margins of cash flow coverage is consistently good. Loans may be unsecured, secured by quality (but less readily marketable) assets, high quality real estate or traded stocks, lower grade municipal bonds (which must still be investment grade),

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Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

      and uninsured certificates of deposit on other financial institutions may also be included in this grade.

    3.
    Acceptable Quality —Loans where the borrower is a reasonable credit risk and demonstrates the ability to repay the debt from normal business operations. Good liquidity, management and character in an industry that is more sensitive to external factors. Alternative sources of refinancing may be less available in periods of uncertain economic conditions. Term debt is moderate but cash flow margins fall within bank policy guidelines. Quality of financial information is adequate but is not as detailed and sophisticated as information found on higher-grade loans. Secured by business assets that conform to usual lending parameters for margin and eligibility or real estate that is deemed to be of satisfactory quality in an area that may not be prime but still within viable economic centers.

    4.
    Fair Quality —Loans where the borrower is a reasonable credit risk but shows a more erratic earnings history (a loss may have been realized in the past four years). Liquidity is limited and primary repayment is susceptible to unfavorable external factors. Industry characteristics are generally stable. Borrower is more highly leveraged with increased levels of term debt. Cash flow margins remain adequate but may not fall within the policy guidelines. Quality of financial information is adequate and interim reporting may be required. Secured by business assets with an adequate collateral margin or real estate that is of fair quality and location. Property may have limited alternative uses and may be considered a "special use" facility.

    5.
    Special Mention —Loans in this category have the potential for developing weaknesses that deserve extra attention from the account manager and other management personnel. If the developing weakness is not corrected or mitigated, the ability of the borrower to repay the Company's debt in the future may deteriorate. This grade should not be assigned to loans that bear certain peculiar risks normally associated with the type of financing involved, unless circumstances have caused the risk to increase to a level higher than would have been acceptable when the credit was originally approved. If a loan's actual, not potential, weakness or problems are clearly evident and significant it should generally be graded in one of the following grade categories.

    6.
    Substandard —Loans and other credit extensions are considered to be inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. These loans, even if apparently protected by collateral value, have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard loans, does not have to exist in individual loans classified substandard.

    7.
    Doubtful —Loans and other credit extensions have all the weaknesses inherent in those graded "6" with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors, which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the loan, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. Pending factors include: proposed merger, acquisition, or liquidation actions;

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Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

      capital injection; perfecting liens on collateral and refinancing plans. Loans in this classification should be placed in non-accrual status, with collections applied to principal.

    8.
    Loss —Loans are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset of the Bank. This classification does not mean the loan has absolutely no recovery value. However, it is not prudent to delay writing off this loan even though partial recovery may be obtained in the future.

        For commercial and agricultural loans or credit relationships with aggregate exposure greater than $250,000, a loan review is required within 12 months of the most recent credit review. The reviews are completed in enough detail to, at a minimum, validate the risk rating. Additionally, the reviews shall determine whether any documentation exceptions exist, appropriate written analysis is included in the loan file, and whether credit policies have been properly adhered to.

        Many of the residential real estate loans underwritten by the Company conform to the underwriting requirements of Freddie Mac or other secondary market aggregators to allow the Company to resell loans in the secondary market. Servicing rights are retained on many, but not all, of the residential real estate loans sold in the secondary market. The lending policy establishes minimum appraisal and other credit guidelines.

        Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. As of June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, loans held for sale were immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

        Periodically, the Company originates first mortgage loans for other investors. Generally, the Company receives fees equivalent to a stated percentage of the loan amount. This fee is recognized as income at the time of closing. From time to time, the Company also originates loans for sale in the secondary market. Gain on sale of loans in the secondary market is included in noninterest income.

        The Company provides many types of consumer and other loans, including motor vehicle, home improvement, home equity, signature loans and small personal credit lines. The lending policy addresses specific credit guidelines by consumer loan type.

        For residential real estate loans and consumer and other loans, these large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. In estimating the allowance for loan losses for these loans, the Company applies quantitative and qualitative factors on a portfolio segment basis. Quantitative factors are based on historical charge-off experience and qualitative factors are based on an assessment of internal and/or external influences on credit quality that are not fully reflected in the historical loss data. Accordingly, the Company generally does not separately identify individual residential real estate loans and/or consumer and other loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement due to financial difficulties of the borrower.

        Troubled debt restructures are considered impaired loans and are subject to the same allowance methodology as described above for impaired loans by portfolio segment.

         Transfers of financial assets :    Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when: (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company; (2) the transferee has the right to pledge or

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Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

exchange the assets it received, and no condition both constrains the transferee from taking advantage of its right to pledge or exchange and provides more than a trivial benefit to the transferor; and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

         Premises and equipment :    Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is included in noninterest expense and is computed on 25 to 40 years for buildings and improvements that extend the life of the original building, 10 to 20 years for routine building improvements, 5 to 15 years for furniture and equipment, 5 years for vehicles, and 2 to 5 years for computer equipment. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred.

         Long-term assets :    Premises and equipment and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value. No impairment has been recognized by the Company for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

         Foreclosed assets :    Assets acquired through foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis. If the fair value less costs to sell is less than the respective loan balance, a charge against the allowance for loan losses is recorded upon property acquisition. Declines in property value subsequent to acquisition are charged to operations. Holding costs are expensed as incurred.

         Brokerage fee income :    Acting as an agent, the Company earns brokerage income by buying and selling securities on behalf of its customers through independent third parties and earning fees on the transactions. These fees are recorded on the settlement date, which is not materially different than the trade date.

         Income taxes :    Income tax expense or benefit is the sum of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax consequence of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

        The Company follows the guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes which allows the Company to recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes also addresses de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, and accounting in interim periods. When applicable, the Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax (benefit) expense.

         Employee Stock Ownership Plan :    The cost of shares issued to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") but not yet allocated to participants is presented in the consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of stockholders' equity. Compensation expense is recorded based on the market price of the

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Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

shares as the shares are committed to be released for allocation to participant accounts. Because participants may require the Company to purchase their ESOP shares upon termination of their employment, the appraised fair value of all earned and allocated ESOP shares is reclassified from stockholders' equity.

         Loan commitments and related financial instruments :    Financial instruments include off-balance-sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit, issued to meet customer-financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

         Fair value of financial instruments :    Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market value information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 14. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

         Earnings per share :    Basic earnings per share is based on net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, including allocated and committed to be released ESOP shares. Diluted earnings per share shows the dilutive effect, if any, of additional common shares issuable under stock options or awards.

         Loss contingencies :    Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe that there are such matters that will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

         Comprehensive income (loss) :    Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax.

         Recent accounting pronouncements :    In January 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-04, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40)—Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. ASU 2014-04 is intended to reduce diversity in practice by clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. ASU 2014-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2015-14 is intended to provide a robust framework for addressing revenue recognition guidance related to contractual rights and obligations. ASU 2015-14 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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Note 2. Securities

        The fair value of securities available-for-sale and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

June 30, 2015
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

  $ 426,392   $   $ (6,144 ) $ 420,248  

 

June 30, 2014
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

  $ 887,394   $   $ (5,086 ) $ 882,308  

        The carrying amount, unrecognized gross gains and losses, and fair value of securities held-to-maturity are as follows:

June 30, 2015
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

  $ 259,481   $ 18,101   $   $ 277,582  

Municipal securities

    3,017,271     3,239         3,020,510  

  $ 3,276,752   $ 21,340   $   $ 3,298,092  

 

June 30, 2014
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Fair Value  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

  $ 500,811   $ 25,265   $   $ 526,076  

Municipal securities

    3,141,493     1,007     (797 )   3,141,703  

  $ 3,642,304   $ 26,272   $ (797 ) $ 3,667,779  

        Securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity consist of investments in bonds securitized by the Government National Mortgage Association and local municipal securities. Interest income from municipal securities approximated $141,000 and $80,000 for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        The contractual maturities of the residential mortgage-backed securities at June 30, 2015 are not disclosed because the securities are not due at a single maturity date. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Approximately $2.9 million in municipal securities will mature in the year ending June 30, 2019 with the remaining balance maturing in the year ending June 30, 2020.

        There were no sales of securities for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

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Note 2. Securities (Continued)

        The duration of gross unrealized losses is not disclosed as such amounts are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements. The Company has not recognized other-than-temporary impairment on any securities for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

Note 3. Loans

        Loans at June 30 are as follows:

 
  2015   2014  

Commercial:

             

Operating

  $ 14,967,289   $ 18,138,426  

Real estate

    56,609,106     45,289,372  

Agricultural:

             

Operating

    27,229,622     24,883,737  

Real estate

    21,048,555     19,677,197  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    40,892,433     34,020,587  

Home equity

    10,760,935     9,669,142  

Other:

             

Construction and land

    5,844,461     5,043,990  

Consumer

    3,092,798     2,795,609  

Total loans

    180,445,199     159,518,060  

Deferred loan origination costs, net

    561,287     565,380  

Allowance for loan losses

    (2,583,000 )   (2,574,000 )

    (2,021,713 )   (2,008,620 )

Loans, net

  $ 178,423,486   $ 157,509,440  

        Changes in the allowance for loan losses, by portfolio segment, during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:

 
  2015  
 
  Commercial   Agricultural   Residential
Real Estate
  Other   Total  

Balance, beginning

  $ 1,237,000   $ 646,000   $ 586,000   $ 105,000   $ 2,574,000  

Provision charged to expense

    256,368     51,000     44,097     (908,998 )   (557,533 )

Recoveries

    36,212         13,903     932,549     982,664  

Loans charged off

    (405,580 )           (10,551 )   (416,131 )

Balance, ending

  $ 1,124,000   $ 697,000   $ 644,000   $ 118,000   $ 2,583,000  

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Note 3. Loans (Continued)


 
  2014  
 
  Commercial   Agricultural   Residential
Real Estate
  Other   Total  

Balance, beginning

  $ 1,010,000   $ 451,000   $ 718,000   $ 114,000   $ 2,293,000  

Provision charged to expense

    (541,858 )   195,000     (122,746 )   (211,565 )   (681,169 )

Recoveries

    834,235         1,600     216,555     1,052,390  

Loans charged off

    (65,377 )       (10,854 )   (13,990 )   (90,221 )

Balance, ending

  $ 1,237,000   $ 646,000   $ 586,000   $ 105,000   $ 2,574,000  

        The allowance for loan losses, by impairment evaluation and portfolio segment, as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, is summarized as follows:

 
  2015  
 
  Commercial   Agricultural   Residential
Real Estate
  Other   Total  

Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 5,617   $   $ 19,949   $   $ 25,566  

Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    1,118,383     697,000     624,051     118,000     2,557,434  

  $ 1,124,000   $ 697,000   $ 644,000   $ 118,000   $ 2,583,000  

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 549,983   $ 482,442   $ 3,802,074   $ 7,678   $ 4,842,177  

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    71,026,412     47,795,735     47,851,294     8,929,581     175,603,022  

  $ 71,576,395   $ 48,278,177   $ 51,653,368   $ 8,937,259   $ 180,445,199  

Allowance as a percentage of loans individually evaluated for impairment

    1.02 %   0.00 %   0.52 %   0.00 %   0.53 %

Allowance as a percentage of loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    1.57 %   1.46 %   1.30 %   1.32 %   1.46 %

Allowance as a percentage of total loans evaluated for impairment

    1.57 %   1.44 %   1.25 %   1.32 %   1.43 %

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Note 3. Loans (Continued)


 
  2014  
 
  Commercial   Agricultural   Residential
Real Estate
  Other   Total  

Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 270,272   $   $ 52,197   $   $ 322,469  

Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    966,728     646,000     533,803     105,000     2,251,531  

  $ 1,237,000   $ 646,000   $ 586,000   $ 105,000   $ 2,574,000  

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 792,682   $   $ 4,286,736   $ 12,500   $ 5,091,918  

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    62,635,116     44,560,934     39,402,993     7,827,099     154,426,142  

  $ 63,427,798   $ 44,560,934   $ 43,689,729   $ 7,839,599   $ 159,518,060  

Allowance as a percentage of loans individually evaluated for impairment

    34.10 %   0.00 %   1.22 %   0.00 %   6.33 %

Allowance as a percentage of loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    1.54 %   1.45 %   1.35 %   1.34 %   1.46 %

Allowance as a percentage of total loans evaluated for impairment

    1.95 %   1.45 %   1.34 %   1.34 %   1.61 %

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Note 3. Loans (Continued)

        The aging in terms of unpaid principal balance of the loan portfolio, by classes of loans, as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, is summarized as follows:

 
  2015  
 
  Current   31 - 60 days
Past Due
  61 - 90 days
Past Due
  > 90 days
Past Due
(Nonaccrual)
  Total  

Classes of loans:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

  $ 14,933,071   $ 34,218   $   $   $ 14,967,289  

Real estate

    56,415,655     193,451             56,609,106  

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

    27,229,622                 27,229,622  

Real estate

    21,033,555     15,000             21,048,555  

Residential real estate:

                               

1 - 4 family

    39,866,787     1,024,437     1,209         40,892,433  

Home equity

    10,726,023     19,949     14,963         10,760,935  

Other:

                               

Construction and land

    5,844,461                 5,844,461  

Consumer

    3,062,373     30,425             3,092,798  

  $ 179,111,547   $ 1,317,480   $ 16,172   $   $ 180,445,199  

As a percentage of total loan portfolio

    99.26 %   0.73 %   0.01 %   0.00 %   100.00 %

 

 
  2014  
 
  Current   31 - 60 days
Past Due
  61 - 90 days
Past Due
  > 90 days
Past Due
(Nonaccrual)
  Total  

Classes of loans:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

  $ 18,027,590   $ 4,298   $   $ 106,538   $ 18,138,426  

Real estate

    45,051,510         199,638     38,224     45,289,372  

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

    24,883,737                 24,883,737  

Real estate

    19,677,197                 19,677,197  

Residential real estate:

                               

1 - 4 family

    33,537,729     64,279     348,817     69,762     34,020,587  

Home equity

    9,652,522     16,620             9,669,142  

Other:

                               

Construction and land

    5,043,990                 5,043,990  

Consumer

    2,795,309     300             2,795,609  

  $ 158,669,584   $ 85,497   $ 548,455   $ 214,524   $ 159,518,060  

As a percentage of total loan portfolio

    99.48 %   0.05 %   0.34 %   0.13 %   100.00 %

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Note 3. Loans (Continued)

        For each class of loans, the following summarizes the unpaid principal balance by credit quality indicator as of June 30, 2015 and 2014:

 
  2015  
 
  Commercial—
Operating
  Commercial—
Real Estate
  Agricultural—
Operating
  Agricultural—
Real Estate
  Total  

Internally assigned risk rating:

                               

Highest Quality (rating 1)

  $   $   $ 257,515   $ 190,000   $ 447,515  

Good Quality (rating 2)

    333,434     4,913,937     10,029,448     5,089,523     20,366,342  

Acceptable Quality (rating 3)

    8,409,732     30,494,389     9,089,993     9,542,877     57,536,991  

Fair Quality (rating 4)

    5,880,641     19,404,832     7,622,340     5,754,038     38,661,851  

Special Mention (rating 5)

                     

Substandard (rating 6)

    343,482     1,795,948     230,326     472,117     2,841,873  

Doubtful (rating 7)

                     

Loss (rating 8)

                     

  $ 14,967,289   $ 56,609,106   $ 27,229,622   $ 21,048,555   $ 119,854,572  

 

 
  2014  
 
  Commercial—
Operating
  Commercial—
Real Estate
  Agricultural—
Operating
  Agricultural—
Real Estate
  Total  

Internally assigned risk rating:

                               

Highest Quality (rating 1)

  $ 27,495   $   $ 648,226   $ 199,200   $ 874,921  

Good Quality (rating 2)

    237,591     6,635,611     3,246,964     5,254,390     15,374,556  

Acceptable Quality (rating 3)

    9,012,508     22,943,545     6,998,671     8,915,336     47,870,060  

Fair Quality (rating 4)

    7,384,634     14,477,642     13,989,876     5,308,271     41,160,423  

Special Mention (rating 5)

        51,909             51,909  

Substandard (rating 6)

    1,476,198     1,180,665             2,656,863  

Doubtful (rating 7)

                     

Loss (rating 8)

                     

  $ 18,138,426   $ 45,289,372   $ 24,883,737   $ 19,677,197   $ 107,988,732  

 

 
  2015  
 
  Residential RE—
1 - 4 Family
  Residential RE—
Home Equity
  Other—Construction
and Land
  Other—
Consumer
  Total  

Delinquency status*:

                               

Performing

  $ 39,488,822   $ 10,726,024   $ 5,844,461   $ 3,056,267   $ 59,115,574  

Nonperforming

    1,403,611     34,911         36,531     1,475,053  

  $ 40,892,433   $ 10,760,935   $ 5,844,461   $ 3,092,798   $ 60,590,627  

74


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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Loans (Continued)


 
  2014  
 
  Residential RE—
1 - 4 Family
  Residential RE—
Home Equity
  Other—Construction
and Land
  Other—
Consumer
  Total  

Delinquency status*:

                               

Performing

  $ 33,537,729   $ 9,652,522   $ 5,043,990   $ 2,795,309   $ 51,029,550  

Nonperforming

    482,858     16,620         300     499,778  

  $ 34,020,587   $ 9,669,142   $ 5,043,990   $ 2,795,609   $ 51,529,328  

*
Performing loans are those which are accruing and less than 31 days past due. Nonperforming loans are those on nonaccrual and accruing loans that are greater than or equal to 31 days past due.

        At June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014 there were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing.

        For commercial loans and agricultural loans, the Company's credit quality indicator is internally assigned risk ratings. Each commercial loan is assigned a risk rating upon origination. The risk rating is reviewed every 12 months, at a minimum, and on as needed basis depending on the specific circumstances of the loan.

        For residential real estate and other loans, the Company's credit quality indicator is performance determined by delinquency status. Delinquency status is updated daily by the Company's loan system.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Loans (Continued)

        Loans, by classes of loans, considered to be impaired as of June 30, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:

 
  2015  
 
  Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Related
Allowance
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Income
Recognized
 

Classes of loans:

                               

Impaired loans with no specific allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

  $ 274,833   $ 273,212   $   $ 305,299   $ 17,874  

Real estate

    228,889     220,598         236,453     13,046  

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

    10,344     10,326         12,851     658  

Real estate

    480,879     472,116         412,937     16,848  

Residential real estate:

                               

1 - 4 family

    3,730,154     3,718,852         3,830,736     199,991  

Home equity

    63,575     63,273         65,504     3,989  

Other:

                               

Consumer

    8,138     7,678         10,017     576  

    4,796,812     4,766,055         4,873,797     252,982  

Impaired loans with specific allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

    56,246     56,173     5,617     59,770     2,287  

Residential real estate:

                               

Home equity

    20,060     19,949     19,949     20,828     979  

    76,306     76,122     25,566     80,598     3,266  

Total impaired loans:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

    331,079     329,385     5,617     365,069     20,161  

Real estate

    228,889     220,598         236,453     13,046  

Agricultural:

                               

Operating

    10,344     10,326         12,851     658  

Real estate

    480,879     472,116         412,937     16,848  

Residential real estate:

                               

1 - 4 family

    3,730,154     3,718,852         3,830,736     199,991  

Home equity

    83,635     83,222     19,949     86,332     4,968  

Other:

                               

Consumer

    8,138     7,678         10,017     576  

  $ 4,873,118   $ 4,842,177   $ 25,566   $ 4,954,395   $ 256,248  

76


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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Loans (Continued)


 
  2014  
 
  Recorded
Investment
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Related
Allowance
  Average
Recorded
Investment
  Interest
Income
Recognized
 

Classes of loans:

                               

Impaired loans with no specific allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

  $ 55,800   $ 54,649   $   $ 224,952   $ 5,062  

Real estate

    199,149     199,638         99,575     13,025  

Residential real estate:

                               

1 - 4 family

    3,196,754     3,189,520         3,676,200     164,138  

Home equity

    67,339     67,308         69,425     4,586  

Other:

                               

Consumer

    12,484     12,500         12,623     1,029  

    3,531,526     3,523,615         4,082,775     187,840  

Impaired loans with specific allowance recorded:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

    541,203     538,395     270,272     431,108     23,252  

Residential real estate:

                               

1 - 4 family

    1,011,629     1,008,328     30,617     1,062,152     59,431  

Home equity

    21,644     21,580     21,580     22,523     1,769  

    1,574,476     1,568,303     322,469     1,515,783     84,452  

Total impaired loans:

                               

Commercial:

                               

Operating

    597,003     593,044     270,272     656,060     28,314  

Real estate

    199,149     199,638         99,575     13,025  

Residential real estate:

                               

1 - 4 family

    4,208,383     4,197,848     30,617     4,738,352     223,569  

Home equity

    88,983     88,888     21,580     91,948     6,355  

Other:

                               

Consumer

    12,484     12,500         12,623     1,029  

  $ 5,106,002   $ 5,091,918   $ 322,469   $ 5,598,558   $ 272,292  

        Impaired loans, for which no allowance has been provided as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, have adequate collateral, based on management's current estimates.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Loans (Continued)

        The following summarizes the number and recorded investment of troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") as of June 30, 2015 and 2014:

 
  June 30, 2015  
 
  Number of
TDRs
  Recorded
Investment
 

Concession—Extension of maturity:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    4   $ 224,458  

Real estate

    7     760,837  

Agricultural:

             

Real estate

    1     234,485  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    32     1,344,606  

Home equity

    4     63,575  

Other:

             

Consumer

    2     8,138  

    50   $ 2,636,099  

Concession—Reduction of interest rate below market:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    1   $ 56,246  

Real estate

    38     1,427,904  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    11     408,306  

    50   $ 1,892,456  

Total:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    5   $ 280,704  

Real estate

    45     2,188,741  

Agricultural:

             

Real estate

    1     234,485  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    43     1,752,912  

Home equity

    4     63,575  

Other:

             

Consumer

    2     8,138  

    100   $ 4,528,555  

78


Table of Contents


Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Loans (Continued)


 
  June 30, 2014  
 
  Number of
TDRs
  Recorded
Investment
 

Concession—Extension of maturity:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    6   $ 163,537  

Real estate

    1     199,149  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    35     1,811,371  

Home equity

    4     67,339  

Other:

             

Consumer

    3     12,484  

    49   $ 2,253,880  

Concession—Reduction of interest rate below market:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    1   $ 356,142  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    52     2,365,351  

Home equity

    1     21,644  

    54   $ 2,743,137  

Total:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    7   $ 519,679  

Real estate

    1     199,149  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    87     4,176,722  

Home equity

    5     88,983  

Other:

             

Consumer

    3     12,484  

    103   $ 4,997,017  

79


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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Loans (Continued)

        The following summarizes the number and investment in TDRs, by type of concession, that were restructured during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:

For the year ended June 30, 2015
  Number
of TDRs
  Recorded
Investment
 

Concession—Extension of maturity:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    2   $ 216,662  

Agricultural:

             

Real estate

    1     234,485  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    1     53,412  

    4   $ 504,559  

Concession—Reduction of interest rate below market:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    1   $ 56,246  

    1   $ 56,246  

Total:

             

Commercial:

             

Operating

    3   $ 272,908  

Agricultural:

             

Real estate

    1     234,485  

Residential real estate:

             

1 - 4 family

    1     53,412  

    5   $ 560,805  

 

For the year ended June 30, 2014
  Number
of TDRs
  Recorded
Investment
 

Concession—Extension of maturity:

             

Commercial:

             

Real estate

    1   $ 199,149  

    1   $ 199,149  

Total:

             

Commercial:

             

Real estate

    1   $ 199,149  

    1   $ 199,149  

Note 4. Loan Servicing

        Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of these loans were approximately $91,015,000 and $83,808,000 at June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4. Loan Servicing (Continued)

        During the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company sold approximately $28,944,000 and $19,251,000, respectively, of fixed-rate loans secured by one-to-four family residential real estate, which resulted in a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $722,000 and $537,000 for years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        The Company entered into an agreement with the FHLB to originate mortgage loans on behalf of the FHLB and to sell closed loans to the FHLB under the FHLB Mortgage Partnership Finance ("MPF") program. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company retains a portion of the credit risk associated with each conventional loan pool under a risk-sharing agreement. The Company's credit losses are capped by the credit enhancement amount established for each pool of loans. Losses beyond that cap are absorbed by the FHLB. At June 30, 2015 and 2014, the amount of conventional loans outstanding that were originated and sold to the FHLB in the MPF was $18,953,634 and $19,652,262, respectively, with possible credit enhancement losses capped at $1,143,402 and $1,109,788 at June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company has no history of losses and no losses were accrued in the Company's consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2015 and 2014.

Note 5. Accrued Interest Receivable

        Accrued interest receivable at June 30 is summarized as follows:

 
  2015   2014  

Time deposits with other financial institutions

  $ 334   $ 950  

Securities

    13,046     15,846  

Loans

    1,030,891     967,162  

  $ 1,044,271   $ 983,958  

Note 6. Premises and Equipment, Net

        Premises and equipment, net at June 30 are as follows:

 
  2015   2014  

Land and land improvements

  $ 1,345,583   $ 1,345,583  

Buildings and improvements

    6,862,619     6,849,050  

Furniture and equipment

    1,275,292     1,231,338  

Computer equipment

    462,849     453,683  

Vehicles

    57,016      

    10,003,359     9,879,654  

Less accumulated depreciation

    (4,451,569 )   (4,416,056 )

  $ 5,551,790   $ 5,463,598  

        Depreciation expense was $319,843 and $271,632 for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7. Deposits

        Deposits as of June 30 are as follows:

 
  2015   2014  

Noninterest-bearing demand

  $ 21,779,092   $ 20,582,628  

Interest-bearing NOW

    41,226,800     34,500,090  

Money market

    51,319,426     39,970,420  

Savings

    13,075,703     11,558,964  

Certificates of deposit

    47,367,900     43,151,191  

  $ 174,768,921   $ 149,763,293  

        Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more were approximately $18,755,000 and $15,408,000 at June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        At June 30, 2015, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:

Year Ending June 30,
   
 

2016

  $ 26,831,155  

2017

    12,662,345  

2018

    2,325,445  

2019

    1,265,947  

2020 and beyond

    4,283,008  

  $ 47,367,900  

        Interest expense on deposit accounts is summarized as follows for the years ended June 30:

 
  2015   2014  

Interest-bearing NOW

  $ 154,899   $ 113,528  

Money market

    265,802     190,432  

Savings

    32,137     27,054  

Certificates of deposit

    480,891     434,779  

  $ 933,729   $ 765,793  

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8. Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings and Other Borrowings

        FHLB borrowings are summarized as follows:

At June 30, 2014
  Contractual Interest
Rate Range
  Weighted Ave.
Contractual Rate
  Amount  

Variable-rate FHLB advances due:

                 

Within 1 year

  0.300% - 0.300%     0.300 % $ 7,942,372  

1 to 2 years

  0.320% - 0.320%     0.320 %   3,041,651  

Total variable-rate FHLB advances

  0.300% - 0.320%     0.306 %   10,984,023  

Open line advances up to $10 million, due on demand

  0.240% - 0.240%     0.240 %    

Less prepayment penalty fee

              (216,208 )

Total FHLB borrowings

  0.240% - 0.320%     0.306 % $ 10,767,815  

        The Company maintains a collateral pledge agreement covering secured advances whereby the Company has agreed to pledge certain real estate loans to secure advances from the FHLB of Topeka. All stock in the FHLB of Topeka is pledged as additional collateral for these advances. At June 30, 2015 and 2014, approximately $41.0 million and $31.7 million, respectively, of real estate loans collateralized the advances. At June 30, 2015, the Company had the ability to borrow an additional $39.6 million in FHLB advances.

        The Company has an unsecured line of credit with Midwest Independent Bank and Pacific Cost Bankers Bank. At June 30, 2015 the Company had no outstanding balance on these lines of credit. At June 30, 2015, the Company had the ability to borrow $5.0 million from Midwest Independent Bank and $4.0 million from Pacific Coast Bankers Bank.

Note 9. Regulatory Matters

        The Bank is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory—and possibly additional discretionary—actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

        The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If only adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and plans for capital restoration are required. Management believes, as of June 30, 2015, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 9. Regulatory Matters (Continued)

        Actual capital levels and minimum required levels for the Bank were:

 
   
   
  Minimum
Required for
Capital Adequacy
Purposes
  Minimum
Required to Be
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions
 
(Dollars in thousands)
  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio  

June 30, 2015

                                     

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)

  $ 20,626     11.5 % $ 14,306     8.0 % $ 17,882     10.0 %

Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)

    18,379     10.3 %   8,047     4.5 %   11,624     6.5 %

Tier 1 (core) capital (to risk-weighted assets)

    18,379     10.3 %   10,729     6.0 %   14,306     8.0 %

Tier 1 (core) capital (to adjusted total assets)

    18,379     9.1 %   8,056     4.0 %   10,070     5.0 %

June 30, 2014

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)

  $ 18,729     11.7 % $ 12,852     8.0 % $ 16,065     10.0 %

Tier 1 (core) capital (to risk-weighted assets)

    16,736     10.4 %   6,426     4.0 %   9,639     6.0 %

Tier 1 (core) capital (to adjusted total assets)

    16,736     9.3 %   7,196     4.0 %   8,994     5.0 %

        Federal regulations require the Bank to comply with a Qualified Thrift Lender ("QTL") test, which requires that 65% of assets be maintained in housing-related finance and other specified assets. If the QTL test is not met, limits are placed on growth, branching, new investment, FHLB advances, and dividends or the institution must convert to a commercial bank charter. Management believes the QTL test has been met.

        In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued final rules implementing the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act changes. The rules revised minimum capital requirements and adjusted prompt corrective action thresholds. The final rules revised the regulatory capital elements, added a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, increased the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement, and implemented a new capital conservation buffer. The rules also permitted certain banking organizations to retain, through a one-time election, the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The final rules took effect for community banks on January 1, 2015, subject to a transition period for certain parts of the rules.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10. Income Taxes

        Income tax expense for the year ended June 30 is as follows:

 
  2015   (Restated)
2014
 

Current:

             

Federal

  $ (64,998 ) $ (88,720 )

State

    (78,768 )   (63,491 )

Deferred:

             

Federal

    (566,458 )   (443,844 )

  $ (710,224 ) $ (596,055 )

        A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the statutory federal corporate tax rate of 34% to the income tax expense in the statements of income for the year ended June 30 is as follows:

 
  2015   (Restated)
2014
 

Provision computed at the statutory federal tax rate

  $ (677,464 ) $ (533,636 )

State income taxes, net of federal tax

    (51,987 )   (41,904 )

Release of unearned ESOP shares and stock awards

    50,877     17,363  

Nondeductible expenses

    (6,313 )   (5,401 )

Return-to-provision, net

    (21,617 )   (32,614 )

Other

    (3,720 )   137  

Total income tax expense

  $ (710,224 ) $ (596,055 )

        Retained earnings at June 30, 2015 and 2014 include certain historical additions to bad debt reserves of approximately $2,132,000 for which no deferred federal income tax liability has been recorded. This amount represents an allocation of income to bad debt deductions for tax purposes alone. If, in the future, this portion of retained earnings is used for any purpose other than to absorb bad debt losses, federal taxes would be imposed at the then-applicable rates. The related amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability was approximately $725,000 at June 30, 2015 and 2014.

        At June 30, 2015, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $3.4 million which will expire in the fiscal years ending June 30, 2029 through 2032.

85


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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10. Income Taxes (Continued)

        The net deferred tax asset at June 30 is as follows:

 
  2015   (Restated)
2014
 

Gross deferred tax assets:

             

Allowance for loan losses

  $ 878,220   $ 875,160  

Net operating loss carryover

    1,170,892     1,697,062  

Charitable contributions carryover

        6,755  

General business credits

    324,364     324,364  

Foreclosed asset writedowns

    50,592     50,592  

Unrealized loss on securities

    2,089     1,729  

Other

    138,850     88,971  

    2,565,007     3,044,633  

Gross deferred tax liabilities:

             

Additions in excess of base year loan reserve

    (555,082 )   (362,000 )

Depreciation

    (86,668 )   (63,976 )

FHLB stock dividends

    (72,522 )   (186,864 )

Other

    (6,546 )   (21,506 )

    (720,818 )   (634,346 )

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

    (79,000 )   (79,000 )

Net deferred tax asset

  $ 1,765,189   $ 2,331,287  

        No significant income tax uncertainties were identified. Therefore, the Company recognized no adjustment for unrecognized income tax benefits during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Corporate tax returns for the 2012 through 2014 years remain open to examination by taxing authorities.

        The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in noninterest expenses. During the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, there were no interest and penalties recognized, nor were any balances for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at June 30, 2015 and 2014.

Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans

        The Company has a 401(k) and profit sharing plan (the "Plans") covering substantially all employees. Annual contributions to the Plans are made at the discretion of and determined by the Board of Directors. Participant interests are vested over a period from one to five years of service. Contributions were made of $81,000 and $75,000 for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        On November 8, 2005, the Company adopted an employee stock ownership plan (the "ESOP") for the benefit of substantially all employees. The ESOP borrowed $1,292,620 from the Company and used those funds to acquire 129,262 shares of the Company's stock in connection with the reorganization at a price of $10.00 per share.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

        Shares purchased by the ESOP with the loan proceeds are held in a suspense account and are allocated to ESOP participants on a pro rata basis as principal and interest payments are made by the ESOP to the Company. The loan is secured by shares purchased with the loan proceeds and will be repaid by the ESOP with funds from the Company's discretionary contributions to the ESOP and earnings on ESOP assets. Annual principal and interest payments of approximately $145,000 are to be made by the ESOP.

        As shares are released from collateral, the Company will report compensation expense equal to the current market price of the shares and the shares will become outstanding for earnings-per-share computations. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings; dividends on unearned ESOP shares reduce accrued interest. Because participants may require the Company to purchase their ESOP shares upon termination of their employment, the fair value of all earned and allocated ESOP shares may become a liability.

        The ESOP has a plan year-end of December 31. On December 31, 2014 and 2013, 9,084 and 9,083 shares, respectively, were allocated to the ESOP. The fair value of the shares allocated approximated $5.62 and $4.10 per share at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company has recorded compensation expense of $57,516 and $39,761 for shares that were released and committed to be released for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For presentation purposes, 83,845 released shares and 4,542 shares that have been committed to be released are disclosed as allocated shares as of June 30, 2015, and 74,761 released shares and 4,542 shares that have been committed to be released are disclosed as allocated shares as of June 30, 2014.

        Shares held by the ESOP at June 30 were as follows:

 
  2015   2014  

Allocated shares

    88,387     79,303  

Unearned ESOP shares

    40,875     49,959  

Total ESOP shares

    129,262     129,262  

Fair value of unearned ESOP shares

  $ 369,919   $ 244,799  

Fair value of allocated shares subject to repurchase obligation

  $ 516,800   $ 388,585  

        The Company approved the Equitable Financial Corp. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan in November 2006. Under this plan, the Company may award up to 161,577 stock options and 64,631 shares of restricted stock to employees and directors.

Note 12. Earnings per Share

        Amounts reported in earnings per share reflect earnings available to common stockholders for the period divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing earnings available to common stockholders for the period by the sum of the weighted average common shares outstanding and the weighted average dilutive shares.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 12. Earnings per Share (Continued)

        The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic earnings per share for the years ended June 30:

 
  2015   2014  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    3,075,606     3,065,598  

Net income available to common stockholders

  $ 1,282,316   $ 973,462  

Basic earnings per share

  $ 0.42   $ 0.32  

        The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute diluted earnings per share for the years ended June 30:

 
  2015   2014  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    3,075,606     3,065,598  

Weighted average of net additional shares from restricted stock awards

    24,010     41,486  

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

    3,099,616     3,107,084  

Net income available to common stockholders

  $ 1,282,316   $ 973,462  

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.41   $ 0.31  

Note 13. Loan Commitments and Other Related Activities

        The Company is party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk. The Company uses these financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of customers and to effectively manage exposure to interest rate risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and unused lines of credit. When viewed in terms of the maximum exposure, these instruments may involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Credit risk is the possibility that a counterparty to a financial instrument will be unable to perform its contractual obligations. Interest rate risk is the possibility that, due to changes in economic conditions, the Company's net interest income will be adversely affected.

        The following is a summary of the contractual or notional amount of each significant class of off-balance-sheet financial instruments outstanding. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and unused lines of credit is represented by the contractual or notional amount of these instruments.

        The contractual or notional amounts as of June 30 are as follows:

 
  2015   2014  

Financial instruments wherein contractual amounts represent credit risk:

             

Commitments to extend credit

  $ 18,204,000   $ 11,022,000  

Standby letters of credit

    310,000     310,000  

Unused lines of credit

    23,037,000     19,131,000  

        At June 30, 2015, fixed-rate commitments were approximately $16,316,000.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 13. Loan Commitments and Other Related Activities (Continued)

        Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if it is deemed necessary, by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. The collateral held varies but primarily consists of single-family residential real estate.

        The Company is party to an operating lease for a branch facility, with expiration in June 2017. Future commitments under the operating lease approximate the following:

Year Ending June 30,
   
 

2016

  $ 105,000  

2017

    105,000  

        Rental expense, included in occupancy and equipment expense in the consolidated statements of income, totaled approximately $125,000 and $159,000 for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 14. Fair Value Measurements

        The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosure of fair value measurements. The fair value hierarchy set forth in the Topic is as follows:

   
   
  Level 1:   Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

Level 2:

 

Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3:

 

Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

        There were no transfers between levels during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, nor were there any changes in valuation techniques used for assets or liabilities measured at fair value at June 30, 2015 and 2014.

         Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis :    A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below:

            Securities Available-for-Sale— Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities would include highly liquid government bonds and exchange traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flow. Level 2 securities would include U.S. agency securities, mortgage-backed agency securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions and certain corporate, asset backed and other securities. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

    transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

        The following tables summarize assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 
  Fair Value Measurement at June 30, 2015 Using  
 
  Total   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
Level 1
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
Level 2
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
 

Assets

                         

Securities available-for-sale

  $ 420,248   $   $ 420,248   $  

Total assets

  $ 420,248   $   $ 420,248   $  

 

 
  Fair Value Measurement at June 30, 2014 Using  
 
  Total   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
Level 1
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
Level 2
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
 

Assets

                         

Securities available-for-sale

  $ 882,308   $   $ 882,308   $  

Total assets

  $ 882,308   $   $ 882,308   $  

         Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis :    A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

            Impaired Loans— From time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for credit losses is established. The specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans are based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell. The fair value of collateral was determined based on appraisals. In some cases, adjustments were made to the appraised values due to various factors including age of the appraisal, age of comparables included in the appraisal, and known changes in the market and in the collateral. When significant adjustments were based on unobservable inputs, the resulting fair value measurement has been categorized as a Level 3 measurement.

            Foreclosed Assets— Foreclosed assets are carried at estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. The fair value of the property is determined based upon appraisals. As with impaired loans, if significant adjustments are made to the appraised value, based on unobservable inputs, the resulting fair value measurement has been categorized as a Level 3 measurement.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

        The following tables summarize assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 
  Fair Value Measurement at June 30, 2015 Using  
 
  Total   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
Level 1
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
Level 2
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
 

Assets

                         

Impaired loans

  $ 56,000   $   $   $ 56,000  

Total assets

  $ 56,000   $   $   $ 56,000  

 

 
  Fair Value Measurement at June 30, 2014 Using  
 
  Total   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
Level 1
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
Level 2
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
 

Assets

                         

Impaired loans

  $ 1,384,000   $   $   $ 1,384,000  

Foreclosed assets

    125,000             125,000  

Total assets

  $ 1,509,000   $   $   $ 1,509,000  

        The Financial Instruments Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Fair value is determined under the framework discussed above. The Topic excludes all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company. The following methods and assumptions used in estimating fair value disclosure for financial instruments are described below:

            Cash and due from financial institutions— For cash and due from financial institutions, the current carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

            Time deposits with financial institutions— The fair value of fixed rate time deposits is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates for the same remaining maturities. The fair value of variable rate time deposits approximates carrying value.

            Securities— The fair value of securities is determined using quoted prices, when available in an active market. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or a discounted cash flows model.

            Federal Home Loan Bank stock— For restricted equity securities, the carrying value approximates fair value.

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

            Loans, net— The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The fair value of variable rate loans approximates carrying value.

            Deposits— The carrying value of noninterest-bearing deposits approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed rate deposits is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates for the same remaining maturities.

            Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings— The estimated fair value of fixed rate advances from the FHLB is determined by discounting the future cash flows of existing advances using rates currently available on advances from the FHLB having similar characteristics. Adjustable rate advances' carrying value approximates fair value.

            Accrued interest— The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

            Off-balance sheet items— The fair value of off-balance-sheet items is based on current fees or cost that would be charged to enter into or terminate such arrangements. These were not considered material and are not presented in the below tables.

        The estimated fair value of financial instruments is as follows:

June 30, 2015
  Fair Value
Hierarchy Level
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
 

Financial assets:

                 

Cash and due from financial institutions

  Level 1   $ 21,512,653   $ 21,513,000  

Time deposits with financial institutions

  Level 2     500,000     500,000  

Securities available-for-sale

  See previous table     420,248     420,000  

Securities held-to-maturity

  Level 2     3,276,752     3,298,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

  Level 1     226,800     227,000  

Loans, net

  Level 2     178,423,486     178,458,000  

Accrued interest receivable

  Level 1     1,765,189     1,765,000  

Financial liabilities:

                 

Noninterest-bearing deposits

  Level 2     21,779,092     21,779,000  

Interest-bearing deposits

  Level 2     152,989,829     151,248,000  

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

  Level 1     18,408,315     18,408,000  

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)


June 30, 2014
  Fair Value
Hierarchy Level
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
 

Financial assets:

                 

Cash and due from financial institutions          

  Level 1   $ 7,776,305   $ 7,776,000  

Time deposits with financial institutions          

  Level 2     1,250,000     1,250,000  

Securities available-for-sale

  See previous table     882,308     882,000  

Securities held-to-maturity

  Level 2     3,642,304     3,668,000  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

  Level 1     549,600     550,000  

Loans, net

  Level 2     157,509,440     155,197,000  

Accrued interest receivable

  Level 1     983,958     984,000  

Financial liabilities:

                 

Noninterest-bearing deposits

  Level 2     (20,582,628 )   (20,583,000 )

Interest-bearing deposits

  Level 2     (129,180,665 )   (127,003,000 )

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings

  Level 2     (10,767,815 )   (10,745,000 )

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

  Level 1     (991,894 )   (992,000 )

Note 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components at June 30 were as follows:

 
  2015   2014  

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale

  $ (6,144 ) $ (5,086 )

Tax benefit

    2,089     1,730  

  $ (4,055 ) $ (3,356 )

Note 16. Transactions with Related Parties

        In the ordinary course of business, the Company granted loans to principal officers, directors, and their affiliates. Annual activity consisted of the following for the year ended June 30:

 
  2015   2014  

Beginning balance

  $ 1,603,501   $ 838,516  

New loans or transfers in

    5,672,566     5,250,146  

Repayments or transfers out

    (5,965,462 )   (4,485,161 )

Ending balance

  $ 1,310,605   $ 1,603,501  

        Deposits from principal officers, directors, and their affiliates at June 30, 2015 and 2014 approximated $328,000 and $314,000, respectively.

Note 17. Restatement to Previously-Issued Consolidated Financial Statements

        The Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended June 30, 2014, which have been previously-issued, have been restated to correctly reflect the deferred tax liability that arises from amounts in excess of the base-year loan reserves on a tax-basis pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification 942-740-25-2. As a result of the restatement, the Company's

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Restatement to Previously-Issued Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

previously-reported net deferred tax assets and retained earnings at June 30, 2014 were reduced by $362,000. The Company's previously-reported deferred income tax expense for the year ended June 30, 2014 was increased by $327,000. The Company's cash flows were not impacted by the previously described restatement.

Note 18. Condensed Financial Information (Holding Company Only)

Condensed Balance Sheets

 
  June 30  
 
  2015   2014  

Assets

             

Cash and due from financial institutions

  $ 17,367,243   $ 183,715  

Investment in Bank

    19,738,649     18,361,709  

Other assets

    1,179,767     1,073,248  

Total assets

  $ 38,285,659   $ 19,618,672  

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

             

Other liabilities

  $ 17,354,449   $ 15,000  

Stockholders' equity

    20,931,210     19,603,672  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 38,285,659   $ 19,618,672  

Condensed Statements of Income

 
  Years Ended June 30  
 
  2015   2014  

Interest income

  $ 45,379   $ 52,036  

Professional fees and other expenses

    120,233     148,960  

Loss before income tax and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary

    (74,854 )   (96,924 )

Income tax benefit

    25,450     32,954  

Loss before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary

    (49,404 )   (63,970 )

Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary

    1,331,720     1,037,432  

Net income

  $ 1,282,316   $ 973,462  

Comprehensive income

  $ 1,281,617   $ 989,105  

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Equitable Financial Corp. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 18. Condensed Financial Information (Holding Company Only) (Continued)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 
  Years Ended June 30  
 
  2015   2014  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

             

Net income

  $ 1,282,316   $ 973,462  

Items not providing cash

    (1,453,237 )   (971,619 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    (170,921 )   1,843  

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

             

Proceeds in advance of offering

    17,354,449      

Net cash provided by financing activities

    17,354,449      

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

    17,183,528     1,843  

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

             

Beginning

    183,715     181,872  

Ending

  $ 17,367,243   $ 183,715  

Note 19. Subsequent Event

        On July 8, 2015, the Company completed a public offering of 1,983,160 shares of common stock, at $8.00 per share, for total gross proceeds $15.9 million. Expenses related to the offering were approximately $1.1 million. Net proceeds of the offering were approximately $14.8 million. The Company contributed $6.9 million of the net proceeds of the offering to Equitable Bank. In addition, $952,000 of the net proceeds were used to fund a loan to Equitable Bank's employee stock ownership plan and approximately $6.9 million was retained by the Company.

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

        Not applicable.

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures.

    (a)
    Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures .

        An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of June 30, 2015. Based on that evaluation, the Company's management, including the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

    (b)
    Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting .

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include a report of management's assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting or an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for newly public companies.

    (c)
    Changes in internal controls .

        There were no significant changes made in our internal control over financial reporting during the Company's fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.    Other Information.

        Not applicable.


PART III

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

        We incorporate by reference the information contained under the heading "Proposal I—Election of Directors" from our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to our stockholders in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held November 17, 2015.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation.

        We incorporate by reference the information contained under the heading "Proposal I—Election of Directors" from our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to our stockholders in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held November 17, 2015.

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

        We incorporate by reference the information contained under the heading "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof" from our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to our stockholders in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held November 17, 2015.

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

        We incorporate by reference the information contained under the heading "Proposal I—Election of Directors—Transactions with Certain Related Persons" from our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to our stockholders in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held November 17, 2015.

Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

        We incorporate by reference the information contained under the heading "Proposal II—Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" from our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to our stockholders in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held November 17, 2015.


PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

    (a)
    (1)     Financial Statements .

        The following documents are filed as part of this report on Form 10-K at pages 53 through 93 above:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

       

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 and 2014

       

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

       

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

       

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

       

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

       

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

       

        All schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

        The following exhibits are filed with this Form 10-K or incorporated herein by reference to the document identified for such exhibit in the list below:

  2.1   Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-202707, originally filed on March 12, 2015, as amended)

 

3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation of Equitable Financial Corp.

 

3.2

 

Bylaws of Equitable Financial Corp.

 

4

 

Form of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-202707, originally filed on March 12, 2015, as amended)

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  10.1   Equitable Financial Corp. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix C to Equitable Financial Corp.'s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Equitable Financial Corp. Annual Meeting of Stockholders, file no. 000-51514, originally filed on October 2, 2006)

 

10.2

 

Equitable Financial Corp. Employment Agreement with Thomas E. Gdowski (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-202707, originally filed on March 12, 2015, as amended)

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-202707, originally filed on March 12, 2015, as amended)

 

23.1

 

Consent of McGladrey, LLP

 

31.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

101

 

The following materials from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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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.

    EQUITABLE FINANCIAL CORP.
Dated: September 23, 2015        

 

 

By:

 

/s/ THOMAS E. GDOWSKI

Thomas E. Gdowski
President and CEO

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

Signatures
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ THOMAS E. GDOWSKI

Thomas E. Gdowski
  President, CEO and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   September 23, 2015

/s/ DARCY M. RAY

Darcy M. Ray

 

Vice President of Finance and Controller (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 

September 23, 2015

/s/ VINCENT J. DUGAN

Vincent J. Dugan

 

Director

 

September 23, 2015

/s/ LEVI D. FISHER

Levi D. Fisher

 

Director

 

September 23, 2015

/s/ GARY L. HEDMAN

Gary L. Hedman

 

Director

 

September 23, 2015

/s/ PAMELA L. PRICE

Pamela L. Price

 

Director

 

September 23, 2015

/s/ JACK E. RASMUSSEN

Jack E. Rasmussen

 

Director

 

September 23, 2015

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Table of Contents

Signatures
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ DOUGLAS J. REDMAN

Douglas J. Redman
  Director   September 23, 2015

/s/ DAVID L. RICHARDSON

David L. Richardson

 

Director

 

September 23, 2015

/s/ BENEDICT P. WASSINGER, JR.

Benedict P. Wassinger, Jr.

 

Director

 

September 23, 2015

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Table of Contents


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number   Description
  2.1   Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-202707, originally filed on March 12, 2015, as amended)

 

3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation of Equitable Financial Corp.

 

3.2

 

Bylaws of Equitable Financial Corp.

 

4

 

Form of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-202707, originally filed on March 12, 2015, as amended)

 

10.1

 

Equitable Financial Corp. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix C to Equitable Financial Corp.'s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Equitable Financial Corp. Annual Meeting of Stockholders, file no. 000-51514, originally filed on October 2, 2006)

 

10.2

 

Equitable Financial Corp. Employment Agreement with Thomas E. Gdowski (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-202707, originally filed on March 12, 2015, as amended)

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-202707, originally filed on March 12, 2015, as amended)

 

23.1

 

Consent of McGladrey, LLP

 

31.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

101

 

The following materials from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



Exhibit 3.1

 

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

EQUITABLE FINANCIAL CORP.

 

The undersigned, Robert J. Routh, whose address is 233 South 13th Street, 1900 U.S. Bank Building Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508, being at least eighteen years of age, acting as incorporator, does hereby form a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland, having the following Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles”):

 

ARTICLE 1. Name. The name of the corporation is Equitable Financial Corp. (the “Corporation”).

 

ARTICLE 2. Principal Office. The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

 

ARTICLE 3. Purpose. The purpose for which the Corporation is formed is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.

 

ARTICLE 4. Resident Agent. The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Said resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

 

ARTICLE 5. Capital Stock.

 

A.                                     Authorized Stock. The total number of shares of capital stock of all classes that the Corporation has authority to issue is thirty-five million (35,000,000) shares, consisting of:

 

1.                                       Ten million (10,000,000) shares of preferred stock, par value one cent ($0.01) per share (the “Preferred Stock”); and

 

2.                                       Twenty five million (25,000,000) shares of common stock, par value one cent ($0.01) per share (the “Common Stock”).

 

The aggregate par value of all the authorized shares of capital stock is three hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($350,000). Except to the extent required by governing law, rule or regulation, the shares of capital stock may be issued from time to time by the Board of Directors without further approval of the stockholders of the Corporation. The Corporation shall have the authority to purchase its capital stock out of funds lawfully available therefor, which funds shall include, without limitation, the Corporation’s unreserved and unrestricted capital surplus. The Board of Directors, pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the

 



 

Whole Board (rounded up to the nearest whole number), and without action by the stockholders, may amend these Articles to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue. For the purposes of these Articles, the term “Whole Board” shall mean the total number of directors that the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies on the Board of Directors at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of Directors for adoption.

 

B.                                     Common Stock. Except as provided under the terms of any series of Preferred Stock and as limited by Section D of this Article 5, the exclusive voting power shall be vested in the Common Stock. Except as otherwise provided in these Articles, each holder of the Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock standing in the holder’s name on the books of the Corporation. Subject to any rights and preferences of any series of Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds lawfully available therefor. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them, respectively, after: (i) payment or provision for payment of the Corporation’s debts and liabilities; (ii) distributions or provision for distributions in settlement of the Liquidation Account established by the Corporation as described in Section G of this Article 5; and (iii) distributions or provisions for distributions to holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock in the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

C.                                     Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors is hereby expressly authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the shares of each such series. The number of authorized shares of the Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Common Stock, without a vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required by law or pursuant to the terms of such Preferred Stock. The power of the stockholders to increase or decrease the authorized shares of the Preferred Stock shall not limit any of the powers of the Board of Directors provided under these Articles.

 

D.                                     Restrictions on Voting Rights of the Corporation’s Equity Securities.

 

1.                                       Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, in no event shall the record owner (or if more than one record owner, all such record owners taken as a group) of any outstanding Common Stock that is beneficially owned,

 

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directly or indirectly, by a Person who, as of any record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote on any matter, beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock (the “Limit”), be entitled, or permitted to any vote in respect of the shares held in excess of the Limit.  The number of votes that may be cast by any particular record owner by virtue of the provisions hereof in respect of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Person owning shares in excess of the Limit (a “Holder in Excess”) shall be a number equal to the total number of votes that a single record owner of all Common Stock owned by such Holder in Excess would be entitled to cast after giving effect to the provisions hereof, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of such class or series that are both (i) beneficially owned by such Holder in Excess and (ii) owned of record by such particular record owner and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Holder in Excess. The provisions of this Section D of this Article 5 shall not be applicable if, before the Holder in Excess acquired beneficial ownership of such shares in excess of the Limit, such acquisition was approved by a majority of the “Unaffiliated Directors.” For this purpose, the term “Unaffiliated Director” means any member of the Board of Directors who is unaffiliated with the Holder in Excess and was a member of the Board of Directors prior to the time that the Holder in Excess became such, and any director who is thereafter chosen to fill any vacancy on the Board of Directors and who is elected and who, in either event, is unaffiliated with the Holder in Excess and in connection with his or her initial assumption of office is recommended for appointment or election by a majority of the Unaffiliated Directors then serving on the Board of Directors.

 

2.                     The following definitions shall apply to this Section D of this Article 5.

 

a.               An “affiliate” of a specified Person shall mean a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified.

 

b.               “Beneficial ownership” shall be determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or any successor rule or statutory provision), or, if said Rule 13d-3 shall be rescinded and there shall be no successor rule or statutory provision thereto, pursuant to said Rule 13d-3 in effect as of the date which these Articles are filed with the Secretary of State of Maryland; provided, however, that a Person shall, in any event, also be deemed the “beneficial owner” of any Common Stock:

 

i.                   That such Person or any of its affiliates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly; or

 

ii.                That such Person or any of its affiliates has (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement,

 

3



 

arrangement or understanding (but shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of an agreement, contract, or other arrangement with the Corporation to effect any transaction of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) of the first sentence of Article 9 hereof) or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants, or options or otherwise, or (ii) sole or shared voting or investment power with respect thereto pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise (but shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of a revocable proxy granted for a particular meeting of stockholders, pursuant to a public solicitation of proxies for such meeting, with respect to shares of which neither such Person nor any such affiliate is otherwise deemed the beneficial owner); or

 

iii.             That are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other Person with which such first mentioned Person or any of its affiliates acts as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other group pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation; and provided further, however, that (i) no director or officer of the Corporation (or any affiliate of any such director or officer) shall, solely by reason of any or all of such directors or officers acting in their capacities as such, be deemed, for any purposes hereof, to beneficially own any Common Stock beneficially owned by any other such director or officer (or any affiliate thereof), and (ii) neither any employee stock ownership or similar plan of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation nor any trustee with respect thereto (or any affiliate of such trustee) shall, solely by reason of such capacity of such trustee, be deemed, for any purposes hereof, to beneficially own any Common Stock held under any such plan. For purposes of computing the percentage of beneficial ownership of Common Stock of a Person, the outstanding Common Stock shall include shares deemed owned by such Person through application of this subsection but shall not include any other shares of Common Stock that may be issuable by the Corporation pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise. For all other purposes, the outstanding Common Stock shall include only Common Stock then outstanding and shall not include any Common Stock that may be issuable by the Corporation pursuant to any agreement, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.

 

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c.                A “Person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, or other entity.

 

d.               The Board of Directors shall have the power to construe and apply the provisions of this Section D and to make all determinations necessary or desirable to implement such provisions including, but not limited to, matters with respect to (i) the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by any Person, (ii) whether a Person is an affiliate of another, (iii) whether a Person has an agreement, arrangement, or understanding with another as to the matters referred to in the definition of beneficial ownership, (iv) the application of any other definition or operative provision of this Section D to the given facts, or (v) any other matter relating to the applicability or effect of this Section D.

 

3.                     The Board of Directors shall have the right to demand that any Person reasonably believed by the Board of Directors to be a Holder in Excess (or holder of record of Common Stock beneficially owned by any Holder in Excess) supply the Corporation with complete information as to (i) the record owner(s) of all shares beneficially owned by such Holder in Excess, and (ii) any other factual matter relating to the applicability or effect of this section as may reasonably be requested of such Holder in Excess. The Board of Directors shall further have the right to receive from any Holder in Excess reimbursement for all expenses incurred by the Board in connection with its investigation of any matters relating to the applicability or effect of this section on such Holder in Excess, to the extent such investigation is deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors as a result of the Holder in Excess refusing to supply the Corporation with the information described in the previous sentence.

 

4.                     Any constructions, applications, or determinations made by the Board of Directors pursuant to this Section D in good faith and on the basis of such information and assistance as was then reasonably available for such purpose, shall be conclusive and binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders.

 

5.                     In the event any provision (or portion thereof) of this Section D shall be found to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions (or portions thereof) of this Section D shall remain in full force and effect, and shall be construed as if such invalid, prohibited or unenforceable provision had been stricken herefrom or otherwise rendered inapplicable, it being the intent of the Corporation and its stockholders that each such remaining provision (or portion thereof) of this Section D remain, to the fullest extent permitted by law, applicable and enforceable as to all stockholders, including Holders in Excess, notwithstanding any such finding.

 

E.                                     Majority Vote. Pursuant to Section 2-104(b)(5) of the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”), notwithstanding any provision of the MGCL requiring stockholder authorization of an action by a greater proportion than a

 

5



 

majority of the total number of shares of all classes of capital stock or of the total number of shares of any class of capital stock, such action shall be valid and effective if authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of shares of all classes outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, except as otherwise specified in these Articles.

 

F.                                      Quorum . Except as otherwise provided by law or expressly provided in these Articles, the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of record of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitling the holders thereof to cast a majority of the votes (after giving effect, if required, to the provisions of Article 5, Section D) entitled to be cast by the holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders, and every reference in these Articles to a majority or other proportion of capital stock (or the holders thereof) for purposes of determining any quorum requirement or any requirement for stockholder consent or approval shall be deemed to refer to such majority or other proportion of the votes (or the holders thereof) then entitled to be cast in respect of such capital stock.

 

G.                                    Liquidation Account. Under regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Corporation must establish and maintain a liquidation account (the “Liquidation Account”) for the benefit of certain Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders as defined in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Equitable Financial Corp., as may be amended from time to time (the “Plan of Conversion”). In the event of a complete liquidation involving (i) the Corporation or (ii) Equitable Bank, a federally chartered savings association that will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, the Corporation must comply with the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the provisions of the Plan of Conversion with respect to the amount and priorities of each Eligible Account Holder’s and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder’s interests in the Liquidation Account. The interest of an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder in the Liquidation Account does not entitle such account holder to voting rights.

 

ARTICLE 6. Preemptive Rights and Appraisal Rights.

 

A.                                     Preemptive Rights. Except for preemptive rights approved by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the directors then in office, no holder of the capital stock of the Corporation or series of stock or of options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued capital stock of any class or series, or any unissued bonds, certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock of any class or series or carrying any right to purchase stock of any class or series.

 

B.                                     Appraisal Rights. Holders of shares of stock shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, pursuant to

 

6



 

a resolution approved by a majority of the directors then in office, shall determine that such rights apply with respect to all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.

 

ARTICLE 7. Directors. The following provisions are made a part of these Articles for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:

 

A.                                     Management of the Corporation. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. All powers of the Corporation may be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors, except as conferred on or as reserved to the stockholders by law or by these Articles or the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that any limitations on the Board of Director’s management or direction of the affairs of the Corporation shall reserve the directors’ full power to discharge their fiduciary duties.

 

B.                                     Number, Class and Terms of Directors; No Cumulative Voting. The number of directors constituting the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall initially be nine (9), which number may be increased or decreased in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that such number shall never be less than the minimum number of directors required by the MGCL now or hereafter in force. The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, shall be divided into three classes, with the term of office of the first class (“Class I”) to expire at the conclusion of the first annual meeting of stockholders, the term of office of the second class (“Class II”) to expire at the conclusion of the annual meeting of stockholders one year thereafter and the term of office of the third class (“Class III”) to expire at the conclusion of the annual meeting of stockholders two years thereafter, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election or for such shorter period of time as the Board of Directors may determine, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

 

The names of the individuals who will serve as directors of the Corporation until their successors are elected and qualify are as follows:

 

Class I Directors:

 

Term to Expire in

Benedict P. Wassinger, Jr.

 

2015

Pamela L. Price

 

2015

Levi D. Fisher

 

2015

 

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Class II Directors:

 

Term to Expire in

David L. Richardson

 

2016

Gary L. Hedman

 

2016

Douglas J. Redman

 

2016

 

Class III Directors:

 

Term to Expire in

Thomas E. Gdowski

 

2017

Vincent J. Dugan

 

2017

Jack E. Rasmussen

 

2017

 

Stockholders shall not be permitted to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.

 

C.                                     Vacancies. Any vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

 

D.                                     Removal. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the provisions of Article 5 hereof) voting together as a single class.

 

E.                                     Stockholder Proposals and Nominations of Directors. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation. Stockholder proposals to be presented in connection with a special meeting of stockholders shall be presented by the Corporation only to the extent required by Section 2-502 of the MGCL and the Bylaws of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE 8. Bylaws. The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the Whole Board. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. In addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by these Articles, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the provisions of Article 5 hereof), voting together as a single class, shall be required for the adoption, amendment or repeal of any provisions of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the stockholders.

 

ARTICLE 9. Evaluation of Certain Offers. The Board of Directors, when evaluating (i) any offer of another Person (as defined below) to (A) make a tender or exchange offer for any equity security of the Corporation, (B) merge or consolidate

 

8



 

the Corporation with another corporation or entity, or (C) purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Corporation or (ii) any other actual or proposed transaction that would or may involve a change in control of the Corporation (whether by purchases of shares of stock or any other securities of the Corporation in the open market or otherwise, tender offer, merger, consolidation, share exchange, dissolution, liquidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, proxy solicitation or otherwise), may, in connection with the exercise of its business judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders and in making any recommendation to the Corporation’s stockholders, give due consideration to all relevant factors, including, but not limited to: (A) the economic effect, both immediate and long-term, upon the Corporation’s stockholders, including stockholders, if any, who do not participate in the transaction; (B) the social and economic effect on the present and future employees, creditors and customers of, and others dealing with, the Corporation and its subsidiaries and on the communities in which the Corporation and its subsidiaries operate or are located; (C) whether the proposal is acceptable based on the historical, current or projected future operating results or financial condition of the Corporation; (D) whether a more favorable price could be obtained for the Corporation’s stock or other securities in the future; (E) the reputation and business practices of the other entity to be involved in the transaction and its management and affiliates as they would affect the employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries; (F) the future value of the stock or any other securities of the Corporation or the other entity to be involved in the proposed transaction; (G) any antitrust or other legal and regulatory issues that are raised by the proposal; (H) the business and historical, current or expected future financial condition or operating results of the other entity to be involved in the transaction, including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing financial obligations, financial obligations to be incurred in connection with the proposed transaction, and other likely financial obligations of the other entity to be involved in the proposed transaction; and (I) the ability of the Corporation to fulfill its objectives as a financial institution holding company and on the ability of its subsidiary financial institution(s) to fulfill the objectives of a federally insured financial institution under applicable statutes and regulations. If the Board of Directors determines that any proposed transaction of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence should be rejected, it may take any lawful action to defeat such transaction, including, but not limited to, any or all of the following: advising stockholders not to accept the proposal; instituting litigation against the party making the proposal; filing complaints with governmental and regulatory authorities; acquiring the stock or any of the securities of the Corporation; selling or otherwise issuing authorized but unissued stock or other securities or granting options or rights with respect thereto; and obtaining a more favorable offer from another individual or entity. This Article 9 sets forth certain factors that may be considered by the Board of Directors, but does not create any implication concerning the factors that must be considered, or any other factors that may or may not be considered, by the Board of Directors regarding any proposed transaction of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) of the first sentence of this Article 9.

 

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For purposes of this Article 9, a “Person” shall include an individual, a group acting in concert, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint venture, a pool, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group or entity formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities.

 

ARTICLE 10. Indemnification, etc. of Directors and Officers.

 

A.                                     Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify (1) its current and former directors and officers, whether serving the Corporation or at its request any other entity, to the fullest extent required or permitted by the MGCL now or hereafter in force, and (2) other employees and agents to such extent as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors and permitted by law; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section B of this Article 10 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The right to indemnification conferred herein shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

B.                                     Procedure. If a claim under Section A of this Article 10 is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall also be entitled to be reimbursed the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. It shall be a defense to any action for advancement of expenses that the Corporation has not received both (i) an undertaking as required by law to repay such advances in the event it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met and (ii) a written affirmation by the indemnitee of his good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Corporation has been met. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the MGCL.  Further, in any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the MGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of

 

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conduct set forth in the MGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article 10 or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

 

C.                                     Non-Exclusivity. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article 10 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, these Articles, the Corporation’s Bylaws, any agreement, any vote of stockholders or the Board of Directors, or otherwise.

 

D.                                     Insurance. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to insure itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such Person against such expense, liability or loss under the MGCL.

 

E.                                     Miscellaneous. The Corporation shall not be liable for any payment under this Article 10 in connection with a claim made by any indemnitee to the extent such indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment under any insurance policy, agreement, or otherwise, of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in Sections A and B of this Article 10 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.

 

F.                                      Limitations Imposed by Federal Law . Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Article 10, in no event shall any payments made by the Corporation pursuant to this Article 10 exceed the amount permissible under applicable federal law, including, without limitation, Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Any repeal or modification of this Article 10 shall not in any way diminish any rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses of such director or officer or the obligations of the Corporation arising hereunder with respect to events occurring, or claims made, while this Article 10 is in force.

 

ARTICLE 11. Limitation of Liability. An officer or director of the Corporation, as such, shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages, except (A) to the extent that it is proved that the Person actually

 

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received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services, for the amount of the benefit or profit in money, property or services actually received; or (B) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the Person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the Person’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding; or (C) to the extent otherwise provided by the MGCL. If the MGCL is amended to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of officers and directors, then the liability of officers and directors of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL, as so amended.

 

Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

 

ARTICLE 12. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation. The Corporation reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision contained in these Articles in the manner prescribed by the MGCL, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in these Articles, of any of the Corporation’s outstanding stock by classification, reclassification or otherwise, and no stockholder approval shall be required if the approval of stockholders is not required for the proposed amendment or repeal by the MGCL, and all rights conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to this reservation.

 

The Board of Directors, pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the Whole Board (rounded up to the nearest whole number), and without action by the stockholders, may amend these Articles to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

 

No proposed amendment or repeal of any provision of these Articles shall be submitted to a stockholder vote unless the Board of Directors shall have (1) approved the proposed amendment or repeal, (2) determined that it is advisable, and (3) directed that it be submitted for consideration at either an annual or special meeting of the stockholders pursuant to a resolution approved by the Board of Directors. Any proposed amendment or repeal of any provision of these Articles may be abandoned by the Board of Directors at any time before its effective time upon the adoption of a resolution approved by a majority of the Whole Board (rounded up to the nearest whole number).

 

The amendment or repeal of any provision of these Articles shall be approved by at least two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast by the holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on the matter (after giving due effect to the provisions of Article 5 of these Articles), except that the proposed amendment or repeal of any provision of these Articles need only be approved by the vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on the matter (after giving due effect to the provisions of Article 5 of these Articles) if the amendment or

 

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repeal of such provision is approved by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by at least two-thirds of the Whole Board (rounded up to the nearest whole number).

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of the stock of the Corporation required by law or by these Articles, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the provisions of Article 5), voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend or repeal this Article 12, Section C, D, E or F of Article 5, Article 7 (other than the removal of the list of the original directors), Article 8, Article 9, Article 10 or Article 11.

 

ARTICLE 13. Name and Address of Incorporator. The name and mailing address of the sole incorporator are as follows:

 

Robert J. Routh

233 S. 13th Street

1900 U.S. Bank Bldg.

Lincoln, NE 68508

 

Dated this 24th day of February, 2015.  In witness whereof, I have signed these articles and acknowledge the same to be my act.

 

 

 

/s/ Robert J. Routh

 

Robert J. Routh, Incorporator

 

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Exhibit 3.2

 

BYLAWS

OF

EQUITABLE FINANCIAL CORP.

 

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1. Annual Meeting.  Equitable Financial Corp. (the “Corporation”) shall hold an annual meeting of its stockholders to elect directors and to transact any other business within its powers, at such place, on such date and at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix. Failure to hold an annual meeting does not invalidate the Corporation’s existence or affect any otherwise valid corporate act.

 

Section 2. Special Meetings.  Special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of directors that the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies on the Board of Directors (hereinafter the “Whole Board”). Special meetings of the stockholders shall be called by the Secretary at the request of stockholders only on the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting. Such written request shall state the purpose or purposes of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted upon at the meeting, and shall be delivered at the principal office of the Corporation addressed to the President or the Secretary. The Secretary shall inform the stockholders who make the request of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing a notice of the meeting and, upon payment of these costs to the Corporation, notify each stockholder entitled to notice of the meeting. The Board of Directors shall have the sole power to fix (i) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to request a special meeting of stockholders and the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and (ii) the date, time and place of the special meeting and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be considered present in person and may vote at the special meeting.

 

Section 3. Notice of Meetings; Adjournment or Postponement.  Not less than 10 nor more than 90 days before each stockholders’ meeting, the Secretary shall give notice of the meeting in writing or by electronic transmission to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting and to each other stockholder entitled to notice of the meeting. The notice shall state the time and place of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and may vote at the meeting, and, if the meeting is a special meeting, or notice of the purpose is required by statute, the purpose of the meeting. Notice is given to a stockholder when it is personally delivered to the stockholder, left at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of

 



 

business, mailed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, or transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. If the Corporation has received a request from a stockholder that notice not be sent by electronic transmission, the Corporation may not provide notice to the stockholder by electronic transmission. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, each person who is entitled to notice waives notice if such person, before or after the meeting, delivers a written waiver or waiver by electronic transmission which is filed with the records of the stockholders’ meetings, or if such person is present at the meeting in person or by proxy.

 

A meeting of stockholders convened on the date for which it was called may be adjourned from time to time without further notice to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date. A meeting may be adjourned by a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board or by the vote of a majority of the stockholders present at the meeting, whether or not a quorum is present at such meeting. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting.

 

A meeting of stockholders may be postponed to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date. A meeting may be postponed by a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this Section 3. At any postponed meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally scheduled.

 

If a meeting shall be adjourned or postponed to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date, a new record date need not be established, and the original record date may be used for the purpose of determining which stockholders are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the adjourned or postponed meeting. Any writing authorizing another person to act as proxy at a meeting of stockholders shall remain valid for use at any adjournment or postponement of such meeting unless such proxy is revoked or a later dated proxy is provided by such stockholder. If a meeting shall be adjourned or postponed to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date, a new record date need not be established, and the original record date may be used for the purpose of determining which stockholders are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the adjourned or postponed meeting.

 

As used in these Bylaws, the term “electronic transmission” shall have the meaning given to such term by Section 1-101 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) or any successor provision.

 

Section 4. Quorum.  Unless the Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles”) of the Corporation provide otherwise, where a separate vote by a class or classes is required, a majority of the shares of such class or classes, present in person or

 

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represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter.

 

If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the Chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock who are present at the meeting, in person or by proxy, may, in accordance with Section 3 of this Article I, adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time.

 

Section 5. Organization and Conduct of Business.  The Chairman of the Board of the Corporation, or in his or her absence, the Chief Executive Officer, or in his or her absence, such other person as may be designated by a majority of the Whole Board, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders and act as Chairman of the meeting. In the absence of the Secretary, the secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the Chairman appoints. The Chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seem to him or her to be in order.

 

Section 6. Advance Notice Provisions for Business to be Transacted at Annual Meetings and Elections of Directors.

 

(a)                                  At any annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting (i) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of the meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who: (1) is a stockholder of record on the date such stockholder gives the notice provided for in this Section 6(a) and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such annual meeting; and (2) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 6(a). For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation and such business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by stockholders. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not less than 80 days nor more than 90 days prior to any such meeting; provided, however, that if less than 90 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than the tenth day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders or such public disclosure was made. The advance notice periods provided in this paragraph, once established by the initial notice or public disclosure of a date for the annual meeting of stockholders, shall remain in effect regardless of whether a subsequent notice or public disclosure shall provide that the meeting shall have been adjourned or that the date of the meeting shall have been postponed or otherwise changed from the date provided in the initial notice or public disclosure.

 

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A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on the Corporation’s books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such business; and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting.

 

Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be brought before or conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(a). The officer of the Corporation or other person presiding over the annual meeting shall, if the facts so warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(a) and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business so determined to be not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

 

At any special meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of the meeting.

 

(b)                                  Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors of the Corporation. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (1) is a stockholder of record on the date such stockholder gives the notice provided for in this Section 6(b) and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, and (2) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 6(b). Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made by timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not less than 80 days nor more than 90 days prior to any such meeting; provided, however, that if less than 90 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the tenth day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders or such public disclosure was made. The advance notice periods provided in this paragraph, once established by the initial notice or public disclosure of a date for

 

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the annual meeting of stockholders, shall remain in effect regardless of whether a subsequent notice or public disclosure shall provide that the meeting shall have been adjourned or that the date of the meeting shall have been postponed or otherwise changed from the date provided in the initial notice or public disclosure.

 

A stockholder’s notice must be in writing and set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, (i) all information relating to such person that would indicate such person’s qualification to serve on the Board of Directors of the Corporation; (ii) an affidavit that such person would not be disqualified under the provisions of Article II, Section 12 of these Bylaws; (iii) such information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any successor rule or regulation and (iv) a written consent of each proposed nominee to be named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice: (i) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on the Corporation’s books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made; (ii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner; (iii) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder; (iv) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice; and (v) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act or any successor rule or regulation. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(b). The Chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts so warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in accordance with such provisions and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

 

(c)                                   For purposes of subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 6, the term “public disclosure” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release reported by a nationally recognized news service, (ii) in a document publicly filed or furnished by the Corporation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or (iii) on a website maintained by the Corporation. The timely notice requirements provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 6 shall apply to all stockholder nominations for election as a director and all stockholder proposals for business to be conducted at an annual meeting regardless of whether such proposal is submitted for inclusion in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.

 

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Section 7. Proxies and Voting. Unless the Articles of the Corporation provide for a greater or lesser number of votes per share, or limit or deny voting rights, each outstanding share of stock, regardless of class, is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders; however, a share is not entitled to be voted if any installment payable on it is overdue and unpaid. In all elections for directors, directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, and except as otherwise required by law or as provided in the Articles of the Corporation, all other matters voted on by stockholders shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast on the matter.

 

A stockholder may vote the stock the stockholder owns of record either in person or by proxy. A stockholder may sign a writing authorizing another person to act as proxy. Signing may be accomplished by the stockholder or the stockholder’s authorized agent signing the writing or causing the stockholder’s signature to be affixed to the writing by any reasonable means, including facsimile signature. A stockholder may authorize another person to act as proxy by transmitting, or authorizing the transmission of, an authorization for the person to act as the proxy to the person authorized to act as proxy or to any other person authorized to receive the proxy authorization on behalf of the person authorized to act as the proxy, including a proxy solicitation firm or proxy support service organization. The authorization may be transmitted by a telegram, cablegram, datagram, electronic mail or any other electronic or telephonic means. Unless a proxy provides otherwise, it is not valid more than 11 months after its date. A proxy is revocable by a stockholder at any time without condition or qualification unless the proxy states that it is irrevocable and the proxy is coupled with an interest. A proxy may be made irrevocable for as long as it is coupled with an interest. The interest with which a proxy may be coupled includes an interest in the stock to be voted under the proxy or another general interest in the Corporation or its assets or liabilities.

 

Section 8. Conduct of Voting.  The Board of Directors shall, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more persons as inspectors of election, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and make a written report thereof, in accordance with applicable law. If one or more inspectors are not so elected, the Chairman of the Board shall make such appointment at the meeting of stockholders. At all meetings of stockholders, the proxies and ballots shall be received, and all questions relating to the qualification of voters and the validity of proxies and the acceptance or rejection of votes shall be decided or determined by the inspector of election. All voting, including on the election of directors but excepting where otherwise required by law, may be by a voice vote; provided, however, that upon demand therefor by a stockholder entitled to vote or his or her proxy or the Chairman of the meeting, a written vote shall be taken. Every written vote shall be taken by ballot, each of which shall state the name of the stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. No candidate for election as a director at a meeting shall serve as an inspector at such meeting.

 

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Section 9. Control Share Acquisition Act. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Articles of the Corporation or these Bylaws, Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL (or any successor statute) shall not apply to any acquisition by any person of shares of stock of the Corporation. This Section 9 may be repealed by a majority of the Whole Board, in whole or in part, at any time, whether before or after an acquisition of Control Shares (as defined in Section 3-701(d) of the MGCL, or any successor provision) and, upon such repeal, may, to the extent provided by any successor bylaw, apply to any prior or subsequent Control Share Acquisition (as defined in Section 3-701(e) of the MGCL, or any successor provision).

 

ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 1. General Powers, Number and Term of Office.  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation shall, by virtue of the Corporation’s election made hereby to be governed by Section 3-804(b) of the MGCL, be fixed from time to time exclusively by vote of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that such number shall never be less than the minimum number of directors required by the MGCL now or hereafter in force. The Board of Directors shall annually elect a Chairman of the Board from among its members and shall designate the Chairman of the Board or his designee to preside at its meetings. The Board of Directors may also annually elect a Vice Chairman. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board shall preside at the meetings of the Board of Directors.

 

The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of preferred stock, shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as reasonably possible, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the first annual meeting of stockholders, the term of office of the second class to expire at the annual meeting of stockholders one year thereafter and the term of office of the third class to expire at the annual meeting of stockholders two years thereafter, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election or for such shorter period of time as the Board of Directors may determine, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

 

Section 2. Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships.  By virtue of the Corporation’s election made hereby to be subject to Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from an increase in the size of the Board of Directors or the death, resignation or removal of a director may be filled only by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected

 

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and qualifies. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

Section 3. Regular Meetings.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place or places or by means of remote communication, on such date or dates, and at such time or times as shall have been established by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required. Any regular meeting of the Board of Directors may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and no notice need be given of any such adjourned meeting other than by announcement.

 

Section 4. Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by one-third (1/3) of the directors then in office (rounded up to the nearest whole number), the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board or by the Chief Executive Officer, and shall be held at such place or by means of remote communication, on such date, and at such time as they or he or she shall fix. Notice of the place, date, and time of each such special meeting shall be given to each director who has not waived notice by mailing and post-marking written notice not less than five days before the meeting, or by facsimile or other electronic transmission of the same not less than 24 hours before the meeting. Any director may waive notice of any special meeting, either before or after such meeting, by delivering a written waiver or a waiver by electronic transmission that is filed with the records of the meeting. Attendance of a director at a special meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted nor the purpose of any special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice of such meeting. Any special meeting of the Board of Directors may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and no notice need be given of any such adjourned meeting other than by announcement.

 

Section 5. Quorum.  At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.

 

Section 6. Participation in Meetings By Conference Telephone.   Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

Section 7. Conduct of Business.  At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws or

 

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the Corporation’s Articles or required by law. Action may be taken by the Board of Directors without a meeting if a unanimous consent which sets forth the action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the Board of Directors and filed in paper or electronic form with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 8. Powers.  All powers of the Corporation may be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors except as provided by the Corporation’s Articles. Consistent with the foregoing, the Board of Directors shall have, among other powers, the unqualified power:

 

(i)                                      To declare dividends from time to time in accordance with law;

 

(ii)                                   To purchase or otherwise acquire any property, rights or privileges on such terms as it shall determine;

 

(iii)                                To authorize the creation, making and issuance, in such form as it may determine, of written obligations of every kind, negotiable or non-negotiable, secured or unsecured, and to do all things necessary in connection therewith;

 

(iv)                               To remove any officer of the Corporation with or without cause, and from time to time to devolve the powers and duties of any officer upon any other person for the time being;

 

(v)                                  To confer upon any officer of the Corporation the power to appoint, remove and suspend subordinate officers, employees and agents;

 

(vi)                               To adopt from time to time such stock, option, stock purchase, bonus or other compensation plans for directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine;

 

(vii)                            To adopt from time to time such insurance, retirement, and other benefit plans for directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine; and

 

(viii)                         To adopt from time to time regulations, not inconsistent with these Bylaws, for the management of the Corporation’s business and affairs.

 

Section 9. Compensation of Directors.  Directors, as such, may receive, pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors, fixed fees and other compensation for their services as directors, including, without limitation, their services as members of committees of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 10. Resignation.  Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice of such resignation to the President or the Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

 

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Section 11. Presumption of Assent.  A director of the Corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to such action unless such director announces his dissent at the meeting and (a) such director’s dissent is entered in the minutes of the meeting, (b) such director files his written dissent to such action with the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof, or (c) such director forwards his written dissent within 24 hours after the meeting is adjourned, by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to the secretary of the meeting or the Secretary of the Corporation. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action or failed to make his dissent known at the meeting.

 

Section 12. Director Qualifications.  A person is not qualified to serve as director if he or she: (1) is under indictment for, or has ever been convicted of, a criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust and the penalty for such offense could be imprisonment for more than one year, (2) is a person against whom a banking agency has, within the past ten years, issued a cease and desist order for conduct involving dishonesty or breach of trust and that order is final and not subject to appeal, or (3) has been found either by a regulatory agency whose decision is final and not subject to appeal or by a court to have (i) breached a fiduciary duty involving personal profit, or (ii) committed a willful violation of any law, rule or regulation governing banking, securities, commodities or insurance, or any final cease and desist order issued by a banking, securities, commodities or insurance regulatory agency. In addition, a person is not qualified to be elected as a director unless he or she is a bona fide resident of the State of Nebraska at the time of his or her nomination and at the time of his or her election; provided, that the Board of Directors may agree to waive this qualification in its sole discretion with respect to any nominee whose nomination complies with Article I, Section 6(b) of these Bylaws.  No person may serve on the Board of Directors and at the same time be a director or officer of another credit union, savings bank, savings and loan association, trust company, bank or holding company thereof (in each case whether chartered under state, federal or other law) that has an office in any county in which the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries has an office, or in any county contiguous to any county in which the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries has an office.

 

No person 75 years of age or older shall be eligible for election, reelection, appointment, or reappointment to the Board of Directors.  No director shall serve as such beyond the annual meeting of the Corporation following the director becoming 75.  This age limitation does not apply to any director in office prior to April 21, 2015 or to an advisory director.

 

The Board of Directors shall have the power to construe and apply the provisions of this Section 12 and to make all determinations necessary or desirable to implement such provisions.

 

Section 13. Attendance at Board Meetings. The Board of Directors shall have the right to remove any director from the Board upon a director’s unexcused

 

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absence from (i) three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors or (ii) five regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors in any fiscal year of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE III

COMMITTEES

 

Section 1. Committees of the Board of Directors.

 

(a)                                  General Provisions. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating/Governance Committee, and such other committees as the Board of Directors deems necessary or desirable. The Board of Directors may delegate to any committee so appointed any of the powers and authorities of the Board of Directors to the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL and any other applicable law.

 

(b)                                  Composition. Each committee shall be composed of one or more directors or any other number of members specified in these Bylaws or required by applicable regulations or stock exchange rules. The Chairman of the Board may recommend committees, committee memberships, and committee chairs to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to appoint the Chairman and the members of any committee, change the membership of any committee, to fill all vacancies on committees, to designate alternate members to replace or act in the place of any absent or disqualified member of a committee, or to dissolve any committee. A member of a committee may resign from that committee at any time by giving written notice of such resignation to the Chairman of the Board. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation from the committee shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

 

(c)                                   Issuance of Stock. If the Board of Directors has given general authorization for the issuance of stock providing for or establishing a method or procedure for determining the maximum number of shares to be issued, a committee of the Board of Directors, in accordance with that general authorization or any stock option or other plan or program adopted by the Board of Directors, may authorize or fix the terms of stock subject to classification or reclassification and the terms on which any stock may be issued, including all terms and conditions required or permitted to be established or authorized by the Board of Directors. Any committee so designated may exercise the power and authority of the Board of Directors if the resolution that designated the committee or a supplemental resolution of the Board of Directors shall so provide.

 

Section 2. Conduct of Business.  Each committee may determine the procedural rules for meeting and conducting its business and shall act in accordance therewith, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. Adequate provision shall be made for notice to members of all meetings; one-third of the members shall constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum; and

 

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all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present. Action may be taken by any committee without a meeting if a unanimous consent which sets forth the action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the committee and filed in paper or electronic form with the minutes of the proceedings of such committee. The members of any committee may conduct any meeting thereof by conference telephone or other communications equipment in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of Article II.

 

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

 

Section 1. Generally.

 

(a)                                  The Board of Directors as soon as may be practicable after the annual meeting of stockholders shall choose a Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer and from time to time may choose such other officers as it may deem proper. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, except that no person may concurrently serve as both President and Vice President of the Corporation.

 

(b)                                  The term of office of all officers shall be until the next annual election of officers and until their respective successors are chosen, but any officer may be removed from office at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Whole Board.

 

(c)                                   All officers chosen by the Board of Directors shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the specific provisions of this Article IV. Such officers shall also have such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by the Board of Directors or by any committee thereof.

 

Section 2. Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of Chairman of the Board or which are delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors. He or she shall have power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation that are authorized.

 

Section 3. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.  If appointed, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of Chairman of the Board, with such duties to be performed and powers to be held in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, or which are delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4. Chief Executive Officer.  The Chief Executive Officer, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall serve in general executive capacity and

 

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have general power over the management and oversight of the administration and operation of the Corporation’s business and general supervisory power and authority over its policies and affairs. The Chief Executive Officer shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors and of any committee thereof are carried into effect.

 

Section 5. President.  The President shall perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer in the Chief Executive Officer’s absence or during his or her disability to act. In addition, the President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers usually incident to their respective office and/or such other duties and powers as may be properly assigned to the President from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Section 6. Vice President.  The Vice President or Vice Presidents (including Executive Vice Presidents or other levels of Vice President designated by the Board of Directors), if any, shall perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer in the absence of both the Chief Executive Officer and the President, or during their disability to act. In addition, the Vice Presidents shall perform the duties and exercise the powers usually incident to their respective office and/or such other duties and powers as may be properly assigned to the Vice Presidents from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Section 7. Secretary.  The Secretary or an Assistant Secretary shall issue notices of meetings, shall keep the minutes of meetings, shall have charge of the seal and the corporate books, shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as are usually incident to such offices and/or such other duties and powers as are properly assigned thereto by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Section 8. Chief Financial Officer.   The Chief Financial Officer shall have charge of all monies and securities of the Corporation, other than monies and securities of any division of the Corporation that has a treasurer or financial officer appointed by the Board of Directors, and shall keep regular books of account. The funds of the Corporation shall be deposited in the name of the Corporation by the Chief Financial Officer with such banks or trust companies or other entities as the Board of Directors from time to time shall designate. The Chief Financial Officer shall sign or countersign such instruments as require his or her signature, shall perform all such duties and have all such powers as are usually incident to such office and/or such other duties and powers as are properly assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, and may be required to give bond for the faithful performance of his or her duties in such sum and with such surety as may be required by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 9. Other Officers.  The Board of Directors may designate and fill such other offices in its discretion and the persons holding such other offices shall

 

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have such powers and shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer may from time to time assign.

 

Section 10. Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations. Stock of other corporations or associations, registered in the name of the Corporation, may be voted by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, a Vice President, or a proxy appointed by either of them. The Board of Directors, however, may by resolution appoint some other person to vote such shares, in which case such person shall be entitled to vote such shares upon the production of a certified copy of such resolution.

 

ARTICLE V

STOCK

 

Section 1. Certificates of Stock.  The Board of Directors may determine to issue certificated or uncertificated shares of capital stock and other securities of the Corporation. For certificated stock, each stockholder is entitled to certificates which represent and certify the shares of stock he or she holds in the Corporation. Each stock certificate shall include on its face the name of the Corporation, the name of the stockholder or other person to whom it is issued, and the class of stock and number of shares it represents. It shall also include on its face or back (a) a statement of any restrictions on transferability and a statement of the designations and any preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption of the stock of each class which the Corporation is authorized to issue, of the differences in the relative rights and preferences between the shares of each series of preferred stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue, to the extent they have been set, and of the authority of the Board of Directors to set the relative rights and preferences of subsequent series of preferred stock or (b) a statement which provides in substance that the Corporation will furnish a full statement of such information to any stockholder on request and without charge. Such request may be made to the Secretary or to the Corporation’s transfer agent. Upon the issuance of uncertificated shares of capital stock, the Corporation shall send the stockholder a written statement of the same information required above with respect to stock certificates. Each stock certificate shall be in such form, not inconsistent with law or with the Corporation’s Articles, as shall be approved by the Board of Directors or any officer or officers designated for such purpose by resolution of the Board of Directors. Each stock certificate shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or a Vice President, and countersigned by the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or an Assistant Treasurer. Each certificate may be sealed with the actual corporate seal or a facsimile of it or in any other form and the signatures may be either manual or facsimile signatures. A certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it is still an officer when it is issued. A certificate may not be issued until the stock represented by it is fully paid.

 

Section 2. Transfers of Stock.  Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by

 

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transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation. Except where a certificate is issued in accordance with Section 4 of Article V of these Bylaws, an outstanding certificate for the number of shares involved shall be surrendered for cancellation before a new certificate is issued therefor.

 

Section 3. Record Dates or Closing of Transfer Books.  The Board of Directors may, and shall have the power to, set a record date or direct that the stock transfer books be closed for a stated period for the purpose of making any proper determination with respect to stockholders, including which stockholders are entitled to notice of a meeting, vote at a meeting, receive a dividend, or be allotted other rights. The record date may not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed nor, subject to Section 3 of Article I of these Bylaws, more than 90 days before the date on which the action requiring the determination will be taken; the transfer books may not be closed for a period longer than 20 days; and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, the record date or the closing of the transfer books shall be at least ten days before the date of the meeting. Any shares of the Corporation’s own stock acquired by the Corporation between the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders and the time of the meeting may be voted at the meeting by the holder of record as of the record date and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at the meeting.

 

Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation may determine the conditions for issuing a new stock certificate in place of one which is alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, or the Board of Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the Corporation. In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or officers may require the owner of the certificate to give a bond, with sufficient surety, to indemnify the Corporation against any loss or claim arising as a result of the issuance of a new certificate. In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or officers may refuse to issue such new certificate without the order of a court having jurisdiction over the matter.

 

Section 5. Stock Ledger.  The Corporation shall maintain a stock ledger which contains the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of stock of each class which the stockholder holds. The stock ledger may be in written form or in any other form which can be converted within a reasonable time into written form for visual inspection. The original or a duplicate of the stock ledger shall be kept at the offices of a transfer agent for the particular class of stock or, if none, at the principal executive office of the Corporation.

 

Section 6. Regulations.   The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.

 

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ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 1. Facsimile Signature.  In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.

 

Section 2. Corporate Seal.   The Board of Directors may provide a suitable seal, bearing the name of the Corporation, which shall be in the charge of the Secretary. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof. If the Corporation is required to place its corporate seal to a document, it is sufficient to meet the requirement of any law, rule, or regulation relating to a corporate seal to place the word “(seal)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to sign the document on behalf of the Corporation.

 

Section 3. Books and Records.  The Corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of its accounts and transactions and minutes of the proceedings of its stockholders and Board of Directors and of any committee when exercising any of the powers of the Board of Directors. The books and records of the Corporation may be in written form or in any other form which can be converted within a reasonable time into written form for visual inspection. Minutes shall be recorded in written form but may be maintained in the form of a reproduction. The original or a certified copy of these Bylaws shall be kept at the principal office of the Corporation.

 

Section 4. Reliance upon Books, Reports and Records.  Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer and agent of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, in addition to any protections conferred upon him or her by law, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors so designated, or by any other person as to matters which such director, committee member, officer or agent reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

 

Section 5. Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall commence on the first day of July and end on the last day of June in each year.

 

Section 6. Time Periods.  In applying any provision of these Bylaws that requires that an act be done or not be done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded and the day of the event shall be included.

 

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Section 7. Checks, Drafts, Etc. All checks, drafts and orders for the payment of money, notes and other evidences of indebtedness, issued in the name of the Corporation, shall be signed by any officer, employee or agent of the Corporation that is authorized by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 8. Mail.   Any notice or other document that is required by these Bylaws to be mailed shall be deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid.

 

Section 9. Contracts and Agreements. To the extent permitted by applicable law, and except as otherwise prescribed by the Articles or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may authorize any officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. A person who holds more than one office in the Corporation may not act in more than one capacity to execute, acknowledge, or verify an instrument required by law to be executed, acknowledged, or verified by more than one officer.

 

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS

 

These Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed as provided in the Articles of the Corporation.

 

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Exhibit 23.1

 

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement (No. 333-202707) on Form S-8 of Equitable Financial Corp. of our report dated September 23, 2015, relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Equitable Financial Corp. for the year ended June 30, 2015.

 

GRAPHIC

Omaha, Nebraska

September 23, 2015

 

 




Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Thomas E. Gdowski, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Equitable Financial Corp.;

 

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

 

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

 

4.               The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

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

 

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

 

c.                disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Dated: September 23, 2015

/s/ Thomas E. Gdowski

 

Thomas E. Gdowski

 

President and CEO

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 




Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Darcy M. Ray, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Equitable Financial Corp.;

 

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

 

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

 

4.               The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

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

 

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

 

c.                disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Dated: September 23, 2015

/s/ Darcy M. Ray

 

Darcy M. Ray

 

Vice President of Finance and Controller

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 




Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Equitable Financial Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Thomas E. Gdowski, President and CEO of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1)                                  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(2)                                  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Dated: September 23, 2015

/s/ Thomas E. Gdowski

 

Thomas E. Gdowski

 

President and CEO

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 




Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Equitable Financial Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Darcy M. Ray, Vice President of Finance and Controller of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1)                                  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(2)                                  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Dated: September 23, 2015

/s/ Darcy M. Ray

 

Darcy M. Ray

 

Vice President of Finance and Controller

 

(Principal Financial Officer)