Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2010

Registration No. 333-163790

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. AND

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

RESTATED PROFIT SHARING PLAN

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   6035   27-1449820

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

(406) 442-3080

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of

Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Peter J. Johnson

President and Chief Executive Officer

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

(406) 442-3080

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of

Agent for Service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Raymond J. Gustini, Esq.

Lloyd H. Spencer, Esq.

Nixon Peabody LLP

401 9 th Street, N.W., Suite 900

Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 585-8000

 

John J. Gorman, Esq.

Edward A. Quint, Esq.

Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.

5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 780

Washington, D.C. 20015

(202) 274-2000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box:   x

If this Form is filed to register additional shares for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:   ¨

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

 

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

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 
Title of each class of securities to be registered  

Amount to be

registered

 

Proposed maximum

offering price

per share

 

Proposed maximum

aggregate

offering price

 

Amount of

registration fee

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  5,259,093 shares     $10.00   $52,590,930(1)   $2,935(2)

Participation Interests

  596,700 interests             (3)
 
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2) Previously paid.
(3) The securities of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. to be purchased by the American Federal Savings Bank Restated Profit Sharing Plan are included in the amount shown for common stock. However, pursuant to Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no separate fee is required for the participation interests. Pursuant to such rule, the amount being registered has been calculated on the basis of the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased with the current assets of such plan.

 

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Registration File No. 333-163790

Prospectus Supplement

Interests in

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK RESTATED PROFIT SHARING PLAN

and

Offering of Up to 596,700 Shares of

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

Common Stock

In connection with the conversion of Eagle Financial MHC from the mutual to stock form of organization, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (“Eagle Montana”) is allowing participants in the American Federal Savings Bank Restated Profit Sharing Plan, or 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”), to invest all or a portion of their accounts in the common stock of Eagle Montana (other than amounts the participants presently have invested in the common stock of Eagle Bancorp). Based upon the value of the Plan assets at September 30, 2009, Eagle Montana has registered a number of participation interests through the Plan in order to enable the trustees to purchase or acquire up to 596,700 shares of Eagle Montana common stock, at $10.00 per share. This prospectus supplement relates to the election of Plan participants to direct the trustees of the Plan to invest all or a portion of their Plan account in the Eagle Montana Common Stock Fund (the “New Employer Stock Fund”) at the time of the stock offering.

The prospectus of Eagle Montana dated              , 2010, accompanies this prospectus supplement. It contains detailed information regarding the conversion and stock offering of Eagle Montana and the financial condition, results of operations and business of Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank. You should read this prospectus supplement, which provides information with respect to the Plan, together with the prospectus.

For a discussion of risks that you should consider before making an investment decision, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 14 of the prospectus.

The interests in the Plan and the common stock being offered have not been approved or disapproved by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state agency. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The securities offered in this prospectus supplement are not deposits or accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other government agency.

This prospectus supplement may be used only in connection with offers and sales by Eagle Montana of participation interests in the Plan consisting of shares of common stock of Eagle Montana. No one may use this prospectus supplement to reoffer or resell interests or shares of common stock acquired through the Plan.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Eagle Montana, American Federal Savings Bank and the Plan have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different.

This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this prospectus supplement and the prospectus nor any sale of common stock shall under any circumstances imply that there has been no change in the affairs of Eagle Montana, American Federal Savings Bank or the Plan since the date of this prospectus supplement, or that the information contained in this prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference is correct as of any time after the date of this prospectus supplement.

The date of this prospectus supplement is              , 2010.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

THE OFFERING

   1

Securities Offered and Purchase Price

   1

Election to Purchase Common Stock in the Offering: Priorities

   1

Shares Currently Held in the Plan

   3

Value of the Plan Assets

   3

Transferring Funds to Purchase Stock

   3

How to Order

   3

Order Deadline

   4

Irrevocability of Transfer Direction

   4

Other Purchases in Your Account During the Offering Period

   4

Direction to Purchase Common Stock after the Offering

   4

Purchase Price of Common Stock

   5

Nature of a Participant’s Interest in the Common Stock

   5

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

   6

Introduction

   6

Eligibility and Participation

   6

Contributions under the Plan

   6

Limitations on Contributions

   6

Benefits Under the Plan

   7

Withdrawals and Distributions from the Plan

   7

Investment of Contributions and Account Balances

   7

Performance History and Description of Funds

   8

Administration of the Plan

   10

Amendment and Termination

   11

Merger, Consolidation or Transfer

   11

Federal Income Tax Consequences

   11

Notice of Your Rights Concerning Employer Securities

   11

Additional ERISA Considerations

   12

Securities and Exchange Commission Reporting and Short-Swing Profit Liability

   12

Financial Information Regarding Plan Assets

   13

LEGAL OPINION

   14


Table of Contents

THE OFFERING

 

Securities Offered and Purchase Price

  

Eagle Montana is offering participants in the Plan the opportunity to elect to purchase participation interests in the Plan consisting of shares of Eagle Montana common stock through the New Employer Stock Fund being established under the Plan in connection with the stock offering. At September 30, 2009, there were sufficient funds in the Plan to purchase or acquire up to 596,700 shares of Eagle Montana common stock at $10.00 per share. The shares of common stock currently held in the Plan will automatically be exchanged for shares of Eagle Montana pursuant to an exchange ratio, as is more fully discussed in the prospectus. Only employees of American Federal Savings Bank may become participants in the Plan. Your investment in the shares of common stock of Eagle Montana through the Plan in the offering is subject to the priorities listed below.

 

Information with regard to the Plan is contained in this prospectus supplement and information with regard to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank and information about the common stock offering are contained in the accompanying prospectus. The address of the principal executive office of Eagle Montana and American Federal Savings Bank is 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601.

 

All questions about completing the Special Investment Election Form should be addressed to                      ,                      ; telephone number: (      )      -      ; email:                      .

 

Questions about the common stock being offered or about the prospectus may be directed to the Stock Information Center at 1-877-      -      .

Election to Purchase Common Stock in the

Offering: Priorities

  

In connection with the conversion and stock offering, you may elect to transfer (in increments of $10.00) all or part of your account balances in the Plan (other than the amounts you currently have invested in the Eagle Bancorp Common Stock Fund (“Old Employer Stock Fund”)) to the New Employer Stock Fund, to be used to purchase common stock issued in the offering. The trustees of the Plan will purchase common stock in accordance with your directions and such stock will be held in the New Employer Stock Fund. However, such directions are subject to purchase priorities set forth in the plan of conversion and reorganization of Eagle Financial MHC.

 

The shares of common stock are being offered at $10.00 per share in a Subscription Offering and Community Offering. In the offering, the purchase priorities are as follows and apply in case more shares are ordered than are available for sale.

 

Subscription Offering:

 

(1)     Depositors of American Federal Savings Bank with $50 or more as of close of business on November 30, 2008, get first priority.

 

(2)     Tax-qualified employee benefit plans of American Federal Savings Bank and its affiliates, including the Plan, get second priority.

 

  

(3)     Depositors of American Federal Savings Bank with $50 or more as of close of business on [Supplemental date], get third priority.

 

(4)     Depositors of American Federal Savings Bank as of the close of business on [voting record date] and to borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of [voting record date], get fourth priority.

 

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Community Offering:

 

If all shares are not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering, Eagle Montana expects to offer shares of common stock for sale in a Community Offering, to members of the general public, with a preference given in the following order:

 

(1)    Residents of Montana; and

 

(2)    Public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp as of              , 2010.

 

If you are an eligible customer in the Subscription Offering, as listed above, you have received, or soon will separately receive, offering materials in the mail, including a Stock Order Form. If you wish to purchase stock outside the Plan, you must complete and submit the Stock Order Form and payment at $10.00 per share, using the reply envelope provided. Questions about completing Stock Order Forms may be directed to our Stock Information Center at 1-877-      -      .

 

Additionally, or instead of placing an order outside of the Plan through a Stock Order Form, you may place an order for the purchase of Eagle Montana common stock through the Plan, using the enclosed Special Investment Election Form, to be completed and submitted in the manner described on the next page.

 

After              , 2010, the closing of the election period, the portion of each investment fund you designated will be sold and the proceeds will be removed from your existing account(s) and transferred to an interest-bearing account pending the consummation of the offering.

 

Several weeks later, upon consummation of the conversion and stock offering, and subject to a determination of whether all or any portion of your order may be filled (based on your purchase priority in the event that the offering is oversubscribed), all or a portion of the amount that you have transferred will be used to purchase common stock in the stock offering. The stock will be placed in the New Employer Stock Fund within the Plan. Interest earned on your funds will be deposited into the Invesco Stable Value Fund, which you may reinvest at your discretion.

 

In the event the offering is cancelled or oversubscribed, i.e., there are more orders for common stock than shares available for sale in the offering, and the trustees are unable to use the full amount allocated by you to purchase common stock in the offering, the amount that cannot be invested in common stock, and any interest earned, will be reinvested in the other investment funds in accordance with your then existing investment election (in proportion to your investment direction for future contributions).

 

If you choose not to direct the investment of your account balance towards the purchase of any shares in the offering, your account balance will remain in the investment funds of the Plan as previously directed by you.

 

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Shares Currently Held in the Plan

   All shares of Eagle Bancorp held in the Plan upon consummation of the conversion and offering (i.e., several weeks after the deadline for submitting your Special Investment Election Form), will automatically be converted into shares of Eagle Montana using the exchange ratio described in the Prospectus. No fractional shares of Eagle Montana will be issued. Rather, cash equal to the value of the fractional share interest, using the $10.00 per share offering purchase price per share, will be paid to the holder. All shares of Eagle Bancorp that are converted to shares of Eagle Montana will be held in the Old Employer Stock Fund and shares of Eagle Montana that are acquired during the stock offering will be held in the New Employer Stock Fund. Cash for any fractional shares will be credited to the Invesco Stable Value Fund, to be reinvested by you in your discretion. As soon as practicable after the closing of the stock offering, the Old Employer Stock Fund will be merged into the New Employer Stock Fund.

Value of the Plan Assets

   As of September 30, 2009, the market value of the assets of the Plan was approximately $5.967 million. The Plan administrator informed each participant of the value of his or her account balance under the Plan as of September 30, 2009, by mailing the normally scheduled quarterly Plan statement.

Transferring Funds to Purchase Stock

  

Enclosed is a Special Investment Election Form on which you can elect to transfer all or a portion of your account balance in the Plan to the New Employer Stock Fund for the purchase of Eagle Montana common stock in the offering (other than amounts you currently have invested in the Old Employer Stock Fund). If you do not wish to purchase Eagle Montana common stock in the offering through the Plan, you must still fill out the Special Investment Election Form and check the box for “No Election” in Section D of the form.

 

The form is to be returned to                      as indicated on the Special Investment Election Form.

How to Order

  

You can elect to transfer funds in increments of $10.00 to the New Employer Stock Fund for the purchase of stock in the offering. This is done by following the procedures described below. Please note the following stipulations concerning this election:

 

•     Your election, is subject to a minimum purchase of 25 shares which equates to $250.00.

 

•     Your election, plus any stock order you placed outside the Plan, are together subject to a maximum purchase of 25,000 shares, which equates to $250,000.

 

•      The election period closes at      pm Mountain time, on              ,                      .

 

•     During the stock offering period, you will continue to have the ability to transfer amounts that are not designated to be transferred to the New Employer Stock Fund, per your Special Election Form.

 

•     After the election period ends, the dollar amounts you designated will be transferred to the Invesco Stable Value Fund.

 

  

•     The amount transferred to the Invesco Stable Value Fund will be held separately until the completion of the conversion. Therefore, this money is not available for distributions or withdrawals.

 

You are allowed only one election to transfer funds to the New Employer Stock Fund. Follow these steps to make your election to use all or part of your account balance in the Plan to purchase shares in the stock offering:

 

•     You can only purchase in the offering through the Plan by returning your Special Investment Election Form to

 

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             by the due date. You cannot purchase in the offering by means of telephone transfers or the Internet. That portion of your Plan account balance that you elect to apply towards the purchase of stock in the offering will be irrevocably committed to such purchases.

 

•     Use the enclosed Special Investment Election Form to transfer all or a portion of your account balance to the New Employer Stock Fund to purchase stock in the offering. Indicate next to each fund in which you have invested, the dollar amount (in $10.00 increments) from that fund you wish to transfer to the New Employer Stock Fund.

 

•     Please print your name and social security number on the Special Investment Election Form.

 

•     Please complete Section D of the Special Investment Election Form — Purchaser Information — indicating your individual purchase priority and provide the information requested on your accounts in American Federal Savings Bank.

 

•     Sign and date the Special Investment Election Form and return it to                       by hand delivery, regular mail, overnight delivery, interoffice mail or fax (to      -              ), by the order date stated below. Overnight delivery should be addressed to:_               , American Federal Savings Bank, 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601.

Order Deadline

   If you wish to purchase Eagle Montana common stock with all or part of your Plan account balance, your Special Investment Election Form must be received by                       , 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601, telephone number (      )      -      ; fax number (      )      -          ; no later than      p.m. Mountain time on                     ,                     , 2010 . You may send your Special Investment Election Form by hand delivery, regular mail, overnight delivery, interoffice mail or fax. If you have any questions with respect to the Special Investment Election Form, please contact                      .

Irrevocability of Transfer Direction

   You may not revoke your Special Investment Election Form once it has been delivered to                     . You will, however, continue to have the ability to transfer amounts not directed towards the purchase of stock in the offering among all of the other investment funds, including the Old Employer Stock Fund, on a daily basis.

Other Purchases in Your Account During the Offering Period

   Whether or not you choose to purchase Eagle Montana common stock in the offering through the Plan, you will at all times have complete access to those amounts in your account that you do not apply towards purchases in the offering. For example, you will be able to invest in funds within the Plan with that portion of your account balance that you do not apply towards purchases in the offering during the offering period. Such purchases will be made at the prevailing market price in the same manner as you make such purchases now, i.e., through telephone transfers and Internet access to your account.

Direction to Purchase Common Stock after the Offering

  

After the offering, you will again have complete access to any amounts that you directed towards the investment in Eagle Montana common stock. The stock purchased by Plan participants will be held in the Employer Stock Fund within the Plan. You may direct that your future contributions or your account balance in the Plan be transferred to the New Employer Stock Fund, and you will also have the ability to sell all or a portion of your interest in the New Employer Stock Fund.

 

Special restrictions may apply to transfers directed to and from the New Employer Stock Fund by the participants who are subject to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to the purchase and sale of securities by officers, directors and principal shareholders of Eagle Montana.

 

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Purchase Price of Common Stock

 

During the stock offering, the trustees will pay $10.00 per share, which will be the same price paid by all other persons for a share of Eagle Montana common stock in the stock offering.

 

After the stock offering, the trustees of the Plan will acquire common stock in open market transactions at the prevailing price, which may be less than or more than $10.00 per share.

Nature of a Participant’s Interest in the Common Stock

  The trustees will hold the common stock, in trust, for the participants of the Plan. Shares of common stock acquired by the trustees at your direction will be allocated to your account. Therefore, investment decisions of other participants should not affect the earnings allocated to your account.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

Introduction

The American Federal Savings Bank Restated Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) was initially adopted effective January 1, 1976, and subsequently amended and restated effective January 1, 2010. The Plan is a tax-qualified plan with a cash or deferred compensation feature established in accordance with the requirements under Section 401(a) and Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

American Federal Savings Bank intends that the Plan, in operation, will comply with the requirements under Section 401(a) and Section 401(k) of the Code, and any other applicable section of the Code. The Employer will adopt any amendments to the Plan that may be necessary to ensure the continuing qualified status of the Plan under the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). The Plan is an “individual account plan” other than a “money purchase pension plan” within the meaning of ERISA. As such, the Plan is subject to all of the provisions of Title I (Protection of Employee Benefit Rights) and Title II (Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code Relating to Retirement Plans) of ERISA, except the funding requirements contained in Part 3 of Title I of ERISA which by their terms do not apply to an individual account plan (other than a money purchase plan). The Plan is not subject to Title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of ERISA. The funding requirements contained in Title IV of ERISA are not applicable to participants or beneficiaries under the Plan.

Reference to Full Text of Plan. The following portions of this prospectus supplement summarize certain provisions of the Plan. They are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the Plan. Copies of the Plan are available to all employees by filing a request with the Plan administrator c/o American Federal Savings Bank, Attn: Alana Binde, Human Resources Officer; telephone number: (406) 457-4015; email: abinde@amfedsb.com; address: 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601. You are urged to read carefully the full text of the Plan.

Eligibility and Participation

As an employee of American Federal Savings Bank, you are eligible to participate in the Plan. Non-resident aliens, leased employees and union employees are not eligible to participate in the Plan. The Plan year is January 1 to December 31 (the “Plan Year”).

As of September 30, 2009, there were approximately              employees, former employees, and beneficiaries eligible to participate in the Plan.

Contributions under the Plan

Elective Deferrals. You are permitted to elect to reduce your compensation on a pre-tax basis by an amount up to the applicable dollar limit under the Code and to have that amount contributed to the Plan on your behalf. Amounts of compensation that may be deferred as “Elective Deferrals” include your base wages. In 2010, the annual compensation of each participant taken into account under the Plan is limited to $245,000. (Limits established by the Internal Revenue Service are subject to increase pursuant to an annual cost-of-living adjustment, as permitted by the Code.) You may elect to modify the amount contributed to the Plan by filing a new elective deferral agreement with the Plan administrator at the beginning of each pay period.

Employer Matching Contributions. The Employer may make discretionary matching contributions (“Matching Contributions”) to the Plan.

Employer Profit Sharing Contributions. The Employer may make discretionary profit sharing contributions (“Discretionary Contributions”) to the Plan.

Rollover and Plan to Plan Transfer Contributions. You may make rollovers contributions and transfer contributions to the Plan.

Roth Deferrals. If you elect to make Roth 401(k) deferrals, the deferrals are subject to federal income taxes in the year of deferral. However, the deferrals and, in most cases, the earnings on the deferrals are not subject to federal income taxes when distributed to you. In order for the earnings to be tax-free, you must meet certain conditions described in the Plan.

Limitations on Contributions

Limitations on Elective Deferrals. For the Plan Year beginning January 1, 2010, the amount of your Elective Deferrals may not exceed $16,500 per calendar year. Contributions in excess of this limit are known as excess deferrals. If you defer amounts in excess of this limitation, your gross income for federal income tax purposes will include the excess in the year of the deferral. In addition, unless the excess deferral is distributed before April 15 of the following year, it will be taxed again in the year distributed. Income on the excess deferral distributed by April 15 of the immediately succeeding year will be treated, for federal income tax purposes, as earned and received by you in the tax year in which the contribution is made.

Catch-Up Contributions. If you have made the maximum amount of regular before-tax contributions allowed by the Plan or other legal limits and you have attained at least age 50 (or will reach 50 prior to the end of the Plan Year), you are also eligible to make an additional catch-up contribution. You may authorize American Federal Savings Bank to withhold a specified dollar amount of your compensation for this purpose. For 2010, the maximum catch-up contribution is $5,500.

 

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Contribution Limit. Generally, the law imposes a maximum limit on the amount of contributions you may receive under the Plan. This limit applies to all contributions to the Plan, including your Elective Deferrals and all other employer contributions made on your behalf during the Plan Year, excluding earnings and any transfers/rollovers. For the Plan Year beginning January 1, 2010, this total cannot exceed the lesser of $49,000 or 100% of your annual base compensation.

Benefits Under the Plan

Vesting. At all times, you have a fully vested, nonforfeitable interest in your Elective Deferrals and Matching Contributions and the earnings thereon under the Plan. Your Discretionary Contributions are subject to a five-year graded vesting schedule pursuant to which such amounts vest in 20% increments after each completed year of service, beginning upon the completion of the second year of service, until a participant becomes 100% vested upon completion of six years of service.

You will also become 100% vested in your Discretionary Contributions, regardless of your years of service, immediately upon your total and permanent disability or death.

Withdrawals and Distributions from the Plan

Applicable federal law requires the plan to impose substantial restrictions on the right of a plan participant to withdraw amounts held for his or her benefit under the plan prior to the participant’s termination of employment with the employer.

Time of Distribution. You will be entitled to all of your accounts under the Plan if you retire on or after your normal retirement age (age 62). If you remain employed past your normal retirement date, you may generally defer the receipt of benefits until the date you choose to retire. However, you may request a distribution from the Plan if your employment terminates before your normal retirement date.

Hardship. In the event you incur a financial hardship, you may request an in-service withdrawal from your Elective Deferrals Account (not including earnings) and your Matching Contributions Account.

Form of Distribution. Distribution of your benefit under the Plan will be made in the form of a joint and survivor annuity for married employees or a single life annuity for single employees, unless you elect an alternate form of payment such as a single lump sum payment.

Investment of Contributions and Account Balances

All amounts credited to your account under the Plan are held in the Plan trust which is administered by the trustees appointed by American Federal Savings Bank’s Board of Directors.

Prior to the effective date of the offering, you are provided the opportunity to direct the investment of your account into any of the following funds:

Eaton Vance WW Health Sciences

Franklin Flex Cap Growth

Hartford MidCap

Invesco Stable Value Fund

Lord Abbett Mid-Cap Value

Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income

Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap

Pimco Low Duration Bond Fund

Pimco Stocks Plus

Seligman Communications and Information

VanKampen Utility Fund

Allianz NFJ Dividend Value A

Allianz NFJ Small Cap Value A

American Funds Target Date Ret 2010 A

American Funds Target Date Ret 2020 A

American Funds Target Date Ret 2030 A

American Funds Target Date Ret 2040 A

American Funds Capital Income Builder

American Funds Investment Co of America

American Funds American Balanced

American Funds Growth Fund of America

American Funds Intermediate Bond Fund of America

 

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Performance History and Description of Funds

The following provides performance data with respect to the investment funds available under the Plan:

 

     Performance*  

Fund

   YTD     1 Yr     3 Yrs     5 Yrs     10 Yrs     Expense
Ratio
 

Eaton Vance WorldWide Health (ETHSX)

   9.90   9.90   2.77   3.12   7.42   1.79

Allianz NFJ Dividend Value (PNEAX)

   12.92   12.92   -9.12   0.76   N/A      1.06

Franklin Flex Cap Growth (FKCGX)

   34.20   34.20   -0.26   2.19   -0.54   1.02

Hartford MidCap Fund (HFMCX)

   29.80   29.80   -1.49   4.29   6.99   1.23

Lord Abbett MidCap Value (LAVLX)

   26.70   26.70   -8.30   -1.29   8.06   1.12

Oppenheimer Main St. Small Cap (OPMSX)

   37.00   37.00   -5.94   0.97   6.71   1.38

Allianz NFJ Small Cap Value (PCVAX)

   23.90   23.90   -1.10   4.82   11.57   1.24

Pimco StocksPlus (PSPAX)

   41.40   41.40   -6.56   -0.87   -1.37   1.52

Seligman Communications and Information (SLMCX)

   59.90   59.90   5.27   8.81   -0.18   1.50

Growth Fund of America (RGABX)

   33.50   33.50   -3.85   2.09   1.62   1.48

Van Kampen Utility (VKUAX)

   10.10   10.10   -4.11   3.94   2.86   1.32

Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income (OPGIX)

   75.80   75.80   1.88   6.63   5.12   1.18

Investment Company of America (RICBX)

   26.10   26.10   -5.03   0.85   1.72   1.48

Capital Income Builder (RIRBX)

   19.60   19.60   -3.11   2.75   6.47   1.56

American Balanced Fund (RLBBX)

   20.10   20.10   -2.19   1.20   4.91   1.42

Intermediate Bond Fund of America (RBOBX)

   5.90   5.90   2.57   2.37   3.70   1.53

Allianz Low Duration Fund (PTLAX)

   12.90   12.90   6.06   4.50   4.86   0.88

Investco Stable Value Fund

   2.81   2.81   3.51   3.79   4.44   0.35

American Funds Target Date -2040 (RBKTX)

   30.50   30.50   N/A      N/A      N/A      0.81

American Funds Target Date -2030 (RBETX)

   30.00   30.00   N/A      N/A      N/A      0.81

American Funds Target Date -2020 (RBCTX)

   25.80   25.80   N/A      N/A      N/A      0.78

American Funds Target Date -2010 (RBATX)

   22.50   22.50   N/A      N/A      N/A      0.76

Eagle Bancorp Stock

   46.7   46.7   3.7   1.4   N/A      N/A   

 

* as of December 31, 2009

The following is a description of each of the Plan’s investment funds:

Eaton Vance WW Health Sciences. The investment seeks long-term capital growth. The fund invests at least 80% of net assets in securities (primarily common stocks) of companies principally engaged in the discovery, development, production or distribution of products (or services) related to scientific advances in health care, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, managed health care, and medical equipment and supplies. It may invest in fixed-income securities of health sciences companies. The fund invests in foreign securities and normally invests in issuers located in at least three different countries.

Franklin Flex Cap Growth. The investment seeks capital appreciation. The fund normally invests predominantly in equity securities of companies that the manager believes have the potential for capital appreciation. It has the flexibility to invest in companies located, headquartered, or operating inside and outside the United States, across the entire market capitalization spectrum from small, emerging growth companies to well-established, large-cap companies. The fund may invest a substantial portion of assets in smaller and mid-size companies.

Hartford MidCap. The investment seeks long-term growth of capital. The fund normally invests at least 80% of assets in equity securities of mid capitalization companies within the market capitalization range of the companies in the Russell Midcap and S&P Midcap 400 indices. It may invest up to 20% of assets in securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities.

 

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Invesco Stable Value Fund. The investment seeks capital preservation. The fund normally invests predominantly in short-term liquid securities and guaranteed insurance contracts.

Lord Abbett Mid-Cap Value. The investment seeks capital appreciation. The fund normally invests at least 80% of assets in equity securities of mid-sized companies within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell Midcap index. It may invest in common stocks, convertible bonds, convertible preferred stocks and warrants.

Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income. The investment seeks capital appreciation. The Fund mainly invests in common stocks of small-capitalization U.S. companies based on fundamental analysis and quantitative models. The fund normally invests at least 80% of net assets in securities of companies having a small market capitalization. Small-cap issuers are defined as those companies whose capitalizations are less than or equal to the largest company in the Russell 2000 and S&P Small-Cap 600 indices.

Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap. The investment seeks capital appreciation. The Fund mainly invests in common stocks of small-capitalization U.S. companies based on fundamental analysis and quantitative models. The fund normally invests at least 80% of net assets in securities of companies having a small market capitalization. Small-cap issuers are defined as those companies whose capitalizations are less than or equal to the largest company in the Russell 2000 and S&P Small-Cap 600 indices.

Pimco Low Duration Bond Fund. The investment seeks maximum total return. The fund invests at least 65% of total assets in a diversified portfolio of Fixed-Income Instruments of varying maturities. It invests primarily in investment-grade debt securities, but may invest up to 10% of total assets in high-yield securities rated B or higher by Moody’s or S&P, or, if unrated, determined by PIMCO to be of comparable quality. The fund may invest up to 30% of total assets in securities denominated in foreign currencies, and may invest beyond this limit in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers.

Pimco Stocks Plus. The investment seeks total return which exceeds that of the S&P 500. The fund seeks to exceed the total return of the S&P 500 index by investing under normal circumstances in S&P 500 derivatives, backed by a portfolio of Fixed-Income Instruments. It may invest all of assets in a basket of S&P 500 index stocks. The fund may invest up to 10% of total assets in high-yield securities (junk bonds). It also may invest in exchange traded funds based on the S&P 500 index, such as Standard & Poors Depositary Receipts.

Seligman Communications and Information. The investment seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests at least 80% of assets in common stocks issued by companies that operate in the communications, information, and related industries. It may invest up to 10% of assets in exchange-traded funds. The fund may also invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold) and may invest up to 25% of net assets in foreign investments.

VanKampen Utility Fund. The investment seeks to provide its shareholders with capital appreciation and current income. The fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks and income securities issued by companies engaged in the utilities industry. It may focus on securities that it believes offer capital appreciation and current income at a reasonable risk. The fund may invest in income securities which include preferred stock and debt securities, including convertible securities, of various maturities which are considered “investment-grade” quality at the time of investment.

Allianz NFJ Dividend Value A. The fund seeks long-term growth of capital and income. The fund invests at least 80% of assets in common stocks and other equity securities of companies that pay or are expected to pay dividends. It invests primarily in common stocks of companies with market capitalizations greater than $3.5 billion. In addition to common stocks and other equity securities, the fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and in non-U.S. securities, including emerging market securities.

Allianz NFJ Small Cap Value A. The investment seeks long-term growth of capital and income. The fund invests at least 80% of net assets (plus borrowings made for investment purposes) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations. It currently considers smaller market capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations of between $100 million and $3.5 billion. The fund invests significantly in securities of companies that the portfolio managers expect will generate income (for example, by paying dividends).

American Funds Target Date Ret 2010 A. The investment seeks growth, income and conservation of capital. The fund normally invests greater portion of assets in bond, equity-income and balanced funds as it approaches and passes its target date. It attempts to achieve its objectives by investing in a mix of American funds.

American Funds Target Date Ret 2020 A. The investment seeks growth, income and conservation of capital. The fund normally invests greater portion of assets in bond, equity-income and balanced funds as it approaches and passes its target date. It attempts to achieve its objectives by investing in a mix of American funds.

American Funds Target Date Ret 2030 A. The investment seeks growth, income and conservation of capital. The fund normally invests greater portion of assets in bond, equity-income and balanced funds as it approaches and passes its target date. It attempts to achieve its objectives by investing in a mix of American funds.

American Funds Target Date Ret 2040 A. The investment seeks growth, income and conservation of capital. The fund normally invests greater portion of assets in bond, equity-income and balanced funds as it approaches and passes its target date. It attempts to achieve its objectives by investing in a mix of American funds.

 

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American Funds Capital Income Builder. The investment seeks a level of current income and a growing stream of income over years. The fund normally invests at least 90% of assets in income-producing securities (with at least 50% of assets in equity securities). It invests primarily in a broad range of income-producing securities, including stocks and bonds. The fund may also invest significantly in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States.

American Funds Investment Co of America. The investment seeks long-term growth of capital and income. The fund invests primarily in common stocks. It may invest up to 15% of assets, at the time of purchase, in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States and not included in Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index. The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. There is no guarantee that the fund’s investment objective will be met.

American Funds American Balanced. The investment seeks conservation of capital, current income and long-term growth of capital and income. The fund invests in a broad range of securities, including stocks, bonds and securities issued and guaranteed by the U.S. government. It normally maintains at least 50% of assets in common stocks and at least 25% of assets in debt securities, including money market securities. The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments.

American Funds Growth Fund of America. The investment seeks capital growth by investing in common stocks. The fund invests primarily in common stocks and seeks to invest in companies that appear to offer superior opportunities for growth of capital. It may also hold cash or money market instruments. The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States and Canada and not included in Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index.

American Funds Intermediate Bond Fund of America. The investment seeks to current income. The fund normally invests at least 80% of assets in bonds (bonds include any debt instrument and cash equivalents).It invests primarily in debt securities with quality ratings of A- or better (by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization) or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality by the fund’s investment adviser. The fund maintains a portfolio having a dollar-weighted average maturity of no less than three years and no greater than five years under normal market conditions.

Eagle Bancorp Common Stock Fund (Old Employer Stock Fund). The Eagle Bancorp Common Stock Fund (i.e., the Old Employer Stock Fund) consists primarily of investments in common stock of Eagle Bancorp Eagle Bancorp is a federally chartered majority-owned subsidiary of Eagle Financial MHC, a mutual holding company. Investments in the Old Employer Stock Fund involves special risks common to investments in the shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp

Following the offering, Eagle Bancorp, a federal corporation, will cease to exist, but will be succeeded by a new Delaware corporation with the name Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., which will be 100% owned by its public shareholders. Shares of Eagle Bancorp which were held in the Old Employer Stock Fund prior to the conversion and offering will be converted into new shares of common stock of Eagle Montana, in accordance with the exchange ratio. As soon as practicable after the closing of the stock offering, the Old Employer Stock Fund will be merged into the New Employer Stock Fund.

Eagle Montana Common Stock Fund (New Employer Stock Fund). In connection with the stock offering, you may, in the manner described earlier, direct the trustees to invest all or a portion of your Plan account in the Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. Common Stock Fund (i.e., the New Employer Stock Fund).

Subsequent to the stock offering, you may elect to invest all or a portion of your contributions in the New Employer Stock Fund; you may also elect to transfer into the New Employer Stock Fund all or a portion of your accounts currently invested in other funds under the Plan. After the offering, the trustees will, to the extent practicable, use all amounts held by it in the New Employer Stock Fund to purchase shares of common stock of Eagle Montana. It is expected that all purchases will be made at prevailing market prices. Performance of the New Employer Stock Fund depends on a number of factors, including the financial condition and profitability of Eagle Montana and American Federal Savings Bank and market conditions for shares of Eagle Montana common stock generally. Investments in the New Employer Stock Fund involves special risks common to investments in the shares of common stock of Eagle Montana.

For a discussion of material risks you should consider, see “Risk Factors” section of the attached prospectus and the Section of the Prospectus Supplement called “Notice of Your Rights Concerning Employer Securities” (see below).

Administration of the Plan

The Trustees. Larry A. Dreyer, Peter J. Johnson, Michael C. Mundt, Clinton J. Morrison and Rachel R. Amdahl are the trustees of the Plan.

Plan Administrator. American Federal Savings Bank is the Plan administrator. The address of the Plan administrator is American Federal Savings Bank, Attention: Alana Binde, Human Resources Officer, 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601, telephone number (406) 457-4015. The Plan administrator is responsible for the administration of the Plan, including interpretation of the provisions of the Plan, prescribing procedures for filing applications for benefits, preparation and distribution of information explaining the Plan, maintenance of Plan records, books of account and all other data necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, preparation and filing of all returns and reports relating to the Plan which are required to be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor and the IRS, and for all disclosures required to be made to participants, beneficiaries, and others under Sections 104 and 105 of ERISA.

 

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Reports to Plan Participants. The Plan administrator will furnish you a statement not less frequently than annually showing the balance in your account as of the end of that period, the amount of contributions allocated to your account for that period, and adjustments to your account to reflect earnings or losses (if any).

Amendment and Termination

It is the intention of American Federal Savings Bank to continue the Plan indefinitely. Nevertheless, American Federal Savings Bank may terminate the Plan at any time. If the Plan is terminated in whole or in part, then regardless of other provisions in the Plan, you will have a fully vested interest in your Plan accounts. The Employer reserves the right to make any amendment or amendments to the Plan which do not cause any part of the trust to be used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than the exclusive benefit of participants or their beneficiaries; provided, however, that American Federal Savings Bank may make any amendment it determines necessary or desirable, with or without retroactive effect, to comply with ERISA.

Merger, Consolidation or Transfer

In the event of the merger or consolidation of the Plan with another plan, or the transfer of the trust assets to another plan, the Plan requires that each participant would, if either the Plan or the other plan terminates, receive a benefit immediately after the merger, consolidation or transfer which is equal to or greater than the benefit he or she would have been entitled to receive immediately before the merger, consolidation or transfer, if the Plan had then terminated.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a brief summary of the material federal income tax aspects of the Plan. You should not rely on this summary as a complete or definitive description of the material federal income tax consequences relating to the Plan. Statutory provisions change, as do their interpretations, and their application may vary in individual circumstances. Finally, the consequences under applicable state and local income tax laws may not be the same as under the federal income tax laws. You are advised to consult your tax advisor with respect to any distribution from the Plan and transactions involving the Plan.

As a “tax-qualified retirement plan,” the Code affords the Plan special tax treatment, including:

 

  (1) the sponsoring employer is allowed an immediate tax deduction for the amount contributed to the Plan each year;

 

  (2) participants pay no current federal income tax on amounts contributed by the employer on their behalf; and

 

  (3) earnings of the Plan are tax-deferred, thereby permitting the tax-free accumulation of income and gains on investments.

A distribution from the Plan to a participant or the beneficiary of a participant that is not rolled over (as described below) will be included in the participant’s income for federal income tax purposes. Distributions before age 59-1/2 (or age 55 for terminated participants) are generally subject to a 10% early distribution penalty tax unless rolled over. Qualifying distributions of Roth deferrals are not subject to tax.

Eagle Montana Common Stock Included in Lump-Sum Distribution. If a lump-sum distribution includes Eagle Montana common stock, the distribution generally will be taxed in the manner described above, except that the total taxable amount may be reduced by the amount of any net unrealized appreciation with respect to Eagle Montana common stock; that is, the excess of the value of Eagle Montana common stock at the time of the distribution over its cost or other basis to the trust. The tax basis of Eagle Montana common stock to the participant or beneficiary, for purposes of computing gain or loss on its subsequent sale, equals the value of Eagle Montana common stock at the time of distribution, less the amount of net unrealized appreciation. Any gain on a subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of Eagle Montana common stock, to the extent of the amount of net unrealized appreciation at the time of distribution, will constitute long-term capital gain, regardless of the holding period of Eagle Montana common stock. Any gain in excess of the amount of net unrealized appreciation at the time of distribution will be considered long-term capital gain, provided the sale or taxable disposition occurs more than one year after the distribution. The recipient of a lump-sum distribution may elect to include the amount of any net unrealized appreciation in taxable gross income on the date of the distribution.

Distributions: Rollovers and Direct Transfers to Another Qualified Plan or to an IRA. You may roll over virtually all distributions from the Plan (other than annuity distributions) to another qualified plan or to an individual retirement account that accepts rollovers in accordance with the terms of the other plan or account, provided, however, that if your distribution includes common stock of Eagle Montana, another qualified plan or individual retirement account may or may not accept an in-kind rollover or direct transfer of common stock.

Notice of Your Rights Concerning Employer Securities

Federal law provides specific rights concerning investments in employer securities, such as Eagle Montana common stock. Because you may in the future have investments in the Eagle Montana Common Stock Fund under the Plan, you should take the time to read the following information carefully.

 

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Your Rights Concerning Employer Securities. The Plan must allow you to elect to move any portion of your account that is invested in the Old Employer Stock Fund and New Employer Stock Fund from that investment into other investment alternatives under the Plan. You may contact the Plan administrator shown above for specific information regarding this right, including how to make this election. In deciding whether to exercise this right, you will want to give careful consideration to the information below that describes the importance of diversification. All of the investment options under the Plan are available to you if you decide to diversify out of either the Old Employer Stock Fund or the New Employer Stock Fund.

The Importance of Diversifying Your Retirement Savings. To help achieve long-term retirement security, you should give careful consideration to the benefits of a well-balanced and diversified investment portfolio. Spreading your assets among different types of investments can help you achieve a favorable rate of return, while minimizing your overall risk of losing money. This is because market or other economic conditions that cause one category of assets, or one particular security, to perform very well often cause another asset category, or another particular security, to perform poorly. If you invest more than 20% of your retirement savings in any one company or industry, your savings may not be properly diversified. Although diversification is not a guarantee against loss, it is an effective strategy to help you manage investment risk.

In deciding how to invest your retirement savings, you should take into account all of your assets, including any retirement savings outside of the Plan. No single approach is right for everyone because, among other factors, individuals have different financial goals, different time horizons for meeting their goals, and different tolerance for risk. Therefore, you should carefully consider the rights described here and how these rights affect the amount of money that you invest in Eagle Montana common stock through the Plan.

It is also important to periodically review your investment portfolio, your investment objectives, and the investment options under the Plan to help ensure that your retirement savings will meet your retirement goals.

Additional ERISA Considerations

As noted above, the Plan is subject to certain provisions of ERISA, including special provisions relating to control over the Plan’s assets by participants and beneficiaries. The Plan’s feature that allows participants to direct the investments of their account balances is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 404(c) of ERISA relating to control over plan assets by a participant or beneficiary. The effect of this is two-fold. First, a participant will not be deemed a “fiduciary” because of his or her exercise of investment discretion. Second, no person who otherwise is a fiduciary, such as the Plan administrator or the Plan’s trustees, is liable under the fiduciary responsibility provisions of ERISA for any loss which results from a participant’s exercise of control over the assets in the participant’s Plan account.

Because a participant will be entitled to invest all or a portion of his or her account balance in the Plan in Eagle Montana common stock, the regulations under Section 404(c) of ERISA require that the Plan establish procedures that ensure the confidentiality of your decision to purchase, hold, or sell employer securities, except to the extent that disclosure of such information is necessary to comply with federal or state laws not preempted by ERISA. These regulations also require that your exercise of voting and similar rights with respect to the common stock be conducted in a way that ensures the confidentiality of your exercise of these rights.

Securities and Exchange Commission Reporting and Short-Swing Profit Liability

Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 imposes reporting and liability requirements on officers, directors, and persons beneficially owning more than 10% of public companies such as Eagle Montana. Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the filing of reports of beneficial ownership. Within 10 days of becoming an officer, director or person beneficially owning more than 10% of the shares of Eagle Montana, a Form 3 reporting initial beneficial ownership must be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Changes in beneficial ownership, such as purchases, sales and gifts generally must be reported periodically, either on a Form 4 within two business days after the date on which a change occurs, or annually on a Form 5 within 45 days after the close of Eagle Montana’s fiscal year. Discretionary transactions in and beneficial ownership of the common stock through the New Employer Stock Fund by officers, directors and persons beneficially owning more than 10% of the common stock of Eagle Montana generally must be reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission by such individuals within two business days after the date on which the discretionary transactions occur.

In addition to the reporting requirements described above, Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provides for the recovery by Eagle Montana of profits realized by an officer, director or any person beneficially owning more than 10% of Eagle Montana’s common stock resulting from non-exempt purchases and sales of Eagle Montana common stock within any six-month period.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules that provide exemptions from the profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) for all transactions in employer securities within an employee benefit plan, provided certain requirements are met. These requirements generally involve restrictions upon the timing of elections to acquire or dispose of employer securities for the accounts of Section 16(b) persons.

Except for distributions of common stock due to death, disability, retirement, termination of employment or under a qualified domestic relations order, persons affected by Section 16(b) are required to hold shares of common stock distributed from the Plan for six months following such distribution and are prohibited from directing additional purchases of units within the New Employer Stock Fund for six months after receiving such a distribution.

 

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Financial Information Regarding Plan Assets

Financial information representing the assets available for plan benefits at September 30, 2009 are available upon written request to the Plan Administrator at the address shown above.

 

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LEGAL OPINION

The validity of the issuance of the common stock will be passed upon by Nixon Peabody LLP, Washington, D.C., which firm acted as special counsel to Eagle Montana in connection with Eagle Montana’s stock offering.

 

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PROSPECTUS

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

(Proposed Holding Company for American Federal Savings Bank)

Up to 2,760,000 Shares of Common Stock

(Subject to Increase to up to 3,174,000 Shares)

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is offering shares of common stock for sale at $10.00 per share in connection with the conversion of Eagle Financial MHC from the mutual to the stock form of organization. Eagle Financial MHC currently owns 60.4% of the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp. We have applied to list Eagle Montana’s shares of common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “EBMT.”

We are offering the shares of common stock in a “subscription offering.” Depositors of American Federal Savings Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp, with aggregate account balances of at least $50 as of the close of business on November 30, 2008 will have first priority rights to buy our shares of common stock. Shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering may be offered for sale to the general public in a “community offering,” with a preference given to Montana residents and the stockholders of Eagle Bancorp. We also may offer for sale shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or community offering through a “syndicated community offering” managed by Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated.

We are offering up to 2,760,000 shares of common stock and may sell up to 3,174,000 shares of common stock because of demand for the shares of common stock or changes in the market for financial institutions stock, without resoliciting purchasers. In addition to the shares we are selling in the offering, we also will simultaneously issue up to 1,813,125 shares of common stock to existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp in exchange for their existing shares. The number of shares to be issued in the exchange may be increased to up to 2,085,093 shares of common stock, if we sell 3,174,000 shares of common stock in the offering. We must sell a minimum of 2,040,000 shares in the offering and issue 1,340,136 shares in the exchange in order to complete the offering and the exchange of existing shares of common stock.

The minimum order is 25 shares. The offering is expected to expire at 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date]. We may extend this expiration date without notice to you until [extension date]. If the Office of Thrift Supervision approves an offering extension beyond [extension date] or there is a change in the offering range, we will resolicit purchasers, who will have the opportunity to maintain, change or cancel their orders for a specified period of time. Funds received prior to the completion of the offering will be held in a segregated account at American Federal Savings Bank or, at our discretion, at another federally insured depository institution, and will earn interest at 0.30%. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will assist us in selling our shares of common stock on a best efforts basis in the stock offering. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is not required to purchase any shares of common stock that are being offered for sale.

OFFERING SUMMARY

Price: $10.00 per share

 

     Minimum    Midpoint    Maximum    Adjusted
Maximum

Number of shares

     2,040,000      2,400,000      2,760,000      3,174,000

Gross offering proceeds

   $ 20,400,000    $ 24,000,000    $ 27,600,000    $ 31,740,000

Estimated offering expenses excluding selling agent commissions and expenses

   $ 590,000    $ 590,000    $ 590,000    $ 590,000

Estimated selling agent commissions and expenses (1)

   $ 1,056,225    $ 1,211,625    $ 1,367,025    $ 1,545,735

Net proceeds

   $ 18,753,775    $ 22,198,375    $ 25,642,975    $ 29,604,263

Net proceeds per share

   $ 9.19    $ 9.25    $ 9.29    $ 9.33

 

(1) For information regarding compensation to be received by Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and the other syndicate members that may participate in the syndicated community offering, see “Pro Forma Data” on page  35 and “The Conversion and Offering—Marketing Arrangements” on page  101.

This investment involves a degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal. Please read “ Risk Factors ,” beginning on page 14.

These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Stifel Nicolaus

For assistance, please contact the Stock Information Center at 1-(877)                    .

The date of this prospectus is                     .


Table of Contents

LOGO


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Summary

   1

Risk Factors

   14

Forward-Looking Statements

   20

Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries

   21

Recent Developments of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries

   23

How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering

   28

Our Policy Regarding Dividends

   30

Market for the Common Stock

   31

Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance

   32

Capitalization

   33

Pro Forma Data

   35

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

   42

Business of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

   54

Business of Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank

   55

Supervision and Regulation

   73

Federal and State Taxation

   79

Management

   80

Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock

   89

Subscriptions by Directors and Executive Officers

   91

The Conversion and Offering

   92

Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights for Existing Stockholders of Eagle Bancorp

   108

Restrictions on Acquisition of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. Following the Conversion

   112

Description of Capital Stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. Following the Conversion

   116

Transfer Agent

   117

Experts

   117

Legal Matters

   117

Where You Can Find Additional Information

   118

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements of Eagle Bancorp and its Subsidiaries

   F-1


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SUMMARY

The following summary explains the material aspects of the conversion, the offering and the exchange of existing shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock for new shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. For additional information before making an investment decision, you should read this prospectus carefully, including the consolidated financial statements, the notes to the consolidated financial statements, and the section entitled “Risk Factors.”

The Companies

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., or Eagle Montana, is a newly-formed Delaware corporation that was incorporated in December 2009 to be the successor corporation to Eagle Bancorp upon completion of the conversion. Eagle Montana will own all of the outstanding shares of common stock of American Federal Savings Bank upon completion of the conversion.

Eagle Montana’s executive offices are located at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601. Our telephone number at this address is (406) 442-3080.

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Financial MHC is the federally-chartered mutual holding company that was created on April 4, 2000 upon the conversion of American Federal Savings Bank to a federal stock savings bank. Eagle Financial MHC’s principal business activity is the ownership of 648,493 shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp, or 60.4% of the outstanding shares as of September 30, 2009. After the completion of the conversion, Eagle Financial MHC will cease to exist.

Eagle Bancorp

Eagle Bancorp is a federally-chartered stock holding company that owns all of the outstanding common stock of American Federal Savings Bank. Eagle Bancorp’s charter was approved on April 4, 2000, when it became the mid-tier stock holding company of American Federal Savings Bank. At September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp had consolidated assets of $300.7 million, deposits of $195.1 million and shareholders’ equity of $30.4 million. As of September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp had 1,074,507 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 648,493 shares were owned by Eagle Financial MHC and the remaining 426,014 shares were held by the public.

American Federal Savings Bank

American Federal Savings Bank is a federally-chartered savings bank headquartered in Helena, Montana. It was originally founded in 1922 as a Montana-chartered building and loan association. In 1975, it adopted a federal thrift charter and, in 2000, converted from the mutual (meaning no stockholders) structure into the mutual holding company structure.

Our Business

We are a full service retail banking institution and our operations have been profitable in each of the past five fiscal years. Our primary business lines involve gathering funds from deposits and borrowings, and investing these funds in loans and investment securities. Our principal focus is residential mortgage related lending but we have successfully diversified into commercial lending in recent years. We currently operate seven retail banking locations and seven automated teller machines in south central Montana.

Our primary lines of business are:

 

   

Retail Lending. We originate residential mortgage loans, home equity loans, and consumer loans primarily through our community banking office network. We also offer our customers the choice of submitting online mortgage loan applications and receiving pre-approvals through our website. Retail lending constituted 69.1% of our total loan portfolio as of September 30, 2009.

 

   

Commercial Lending. We continue to place an emphasis on growing our commercial business and commercial real estate loan portfolios. In addition to commercial real estate loans, we offer traditional business loans structured as unsecured lines of credit or loans secured by inventory, accounts receivable or other business assets. We seek to provide exceptional service with local decision-making and personal attention. Commercial lending constituted 27.3% of our total loan portfolio as of September 30, 2009.

 

   

Deposit Products and Services. We offer a full range of traditional deposit products such as checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, retirement accounts, and certificates of deposit. These products can have additional features such as direct deposit, ATM and check card services, overdraft protection, telephone banking and Internet banking, thereby providing our customers multiple channels to access their accounts.

 

   

Mortgage Servicing. We provide loan servicing for other institutions. These services generally consist of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts, disbursing payments to investors and foreclosure processing.

 

 

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Market Area and Our Customer Base

We are headquartered in Helena, Montana, which is located in south central Montana. We have retail banking offices in Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Townsend, Montana. Montana has a total population of approximately 967,440 and total households of approximately 359,000. The median household income in Montana was $40,864 as of September 30, 2009, compared to the nationwide median income level of $54,719 according to estimates from SNL Securities. Helena is Montana’s state capital and its economy has shown moderate growth, in terms of both employment and income. State government and the numerous offices of the federal government comprise the largest employment sector. Helena also has significant employment in the service industries. Specifically, it has evolved into a central health care center with employment in the medical and the supporting professions as well as the medical insurance industry. The local economy is also dependent to a lesser extent upon ranching and agriculture.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that our growth and success have largely been due to the following strengths that have given us a competitive advantage in our markets:

 

   

Maintaining a strong and experienced management team, and attracting and retaining dedicated and qualified personnel to support the growth of our franchise. Achieving our strategic objectives requires an experienced and dedicated management team, which we have developed and maintained over the years. Our management team has been an integral part of the continued growth and success of American Federal Savings Bank, including its transition to being a fully public company.

 

   

Creating value for our stockholders. As a publicly traded mutual holding company, we have strived to create value for our stockholders while meeting the needs of our banking customers. During each of the last five fiscal years since 2005, we have been profitable. Common stock purchased in our initial offering in 2000 has appreciated 264% in value as of November 30, 2009. We will continue to focus on enhancing shareholder value as we transition to a fully converted stock holding company.

 

   

Attracting and retaining core deposits. Our core deposits to total deposits ratio enables us to maintain a relatively low cost and stable funding source for our loans and other assets. Our core deposits include checking, NOW accounts, statement savings accounts, money market accounts, IRA accounts and business checking. Based on our historical experience, core deposits are longer term funding sources and unlikely to decline significantly as interest rates change. At September 30, 2009, core deposits represented 67.07% of total deposits. Excluding IRA funds, core deposits were 55.05%. We had no brokered funds as of September 30, 2009.

 

   

Maintaining strong asset quality. We have maintained superior asset quality by focusing on lower risk loan products, operating in economically diverse and growing markets, and applying conservative underwriting standards. As of September 30, 2009, our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.52%, as compared to average ratios of 2.72% for all Montana banks and 8.33% for all Nasdaq-listed banks and thrifts based in the region (including Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado) based on information from SNL Securities. By maintaining strong asset quality, we are able to minimize the reversal or non-accrual of interest on our loans, reduce our exposure to loan charge-offs or material additions to our allowance for loan losses, manage costs related to asset recovery and keep our management team focused on serving our customers and growing our business.

 

   

Operating in a relatively healthy economic climate. The Montana market in which we operate has not experienced significant increases in unemployment rates or loan foreclosures similar to those that have adversely impacted banks in many regions of the country. In Montana, unemployment as of October 31, 2009, based on information released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 6.4% versus 10.1% for the nation. Furthermore, the primary markets we serve in south central Montana (consisting of Lewis and Clark, Silver Bow and Gallatin counties) have also experienced favorable growth in population and average household incomes. According to estimates from SNL Securities, from 2000 to 2009 the total population in our primary markets increased 16.7% from approximately 158,000 to 185,000, and the average household income increased 25.0% from $35,292 to $44,095. The relatively low rate of unemployment and solid growth rates are important indicators of the economic health of our market and have enabled us to dedicate capital resources to growth and revenue enhancement as opposed to resolution of troubled assets.

Our Business Strategy

Our strategy is to continue our profitability through building a diversified loan portfolio and positioning American Federal Savings Bank as a full-service community bank that offers both retail and commercial loan and deposit products in all of its markets. We believe that this focus will enable us to continue to grow our franchise, while maintaining our commitment to customer service, high asset quality, and sustained net earnings. The following are the key elements of our business strategy:

 

   

Continue to diversify our portfolio by emphasizing our recent growth in commercial real estate and commercial business loans as a complement to our traditional single family residential real estate lending;

 

   

Continue to emphasize the attraction and retention of lower cost long-term core deposits;

 

 

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Seek opportunities where presented to acquire other institutions or expand our branch structure, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

Maintain our high asset quality levels; and

 

   

Operate as a community-oriented independent financial institution that offers a broad array of financial services with high levels of customer service.

A full description of our products and services begins on page 55 under the heading “Business of Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank.”

These strategies are intended to guide our investment of the net proceeds of the offering. We intend to continue to pursue our business strategy after the offering, subject to changes necessitated by future market conditions and other factors. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Our Business Strategy,” for a further discussion of our business strategy.

Our Current Organizational Structure

In 2000, Eagle Bancorp became the mid-tier stock holding company of American Federal Savings Bank, owning 100% of its stock, and conducted an initial public offering by selling a minority of its common stock to the public. The majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp are owned by Eagle Financial MHC, which is a federally-chartered mutual (meaning no stockholders) holding company.

Pursuant to the terms of Eagle Financial MHC’s plan of conversion and reorganization, Eagle Financial MHC will convert from the mutual holding company to the stock holding company corporate structure. As part of the conversion, we are offering for sale in a subscription offering, and possibly in a community and/or a syndicated community offering, shares of common stock that represent the majority ownership interest in Eagle Bancorp that is currently held by Eagle Financial MHC. Upon the completion of the offering, Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC will cease to exist, and we will complete the transition from partial to full public stock ownership. Upon completion of the conversion, existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will receive shares of common stock of Eagle Montana in exchange for their shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock in order to maintain the public stockholders’ existing percentage ownership in our organization (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares).

The following diagram shows our current organizational structure:

LOGO

 

 

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Our Organizational Structure Following the Conversion

After the conversion and offering are completed, we will be organized as a fully public stock holding company, as follows:

LOGO

Reasons for the Conversion and the Offering

Our primary reasons for converting to the stock holding company structure and raising additional capital through the offering are:

 

   

to support internal growth through lending in the communities we serve;

 

   

to improve our capital position during a period of significant economic uncertainty, especially for the financial services industry (as of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank was considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes and is not subject to any directive or recommendation from the Office of Thrift Supervision or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to raise capital);

 

   

to finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions, branches of financial institutions or other financial service companies primarily in, or adjacent to, south central Montana, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

to enhance existing products and services, and support the development of new products and services by investing, for example, in technology to support growth and enhanced customer service;

 

   

to improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock and stockholder returns through higher earnings and more flexible capital management strategies; and

 

   

to use the additional capital for other general corporate purposes.

Terms of the Offering

In connection with Eagle Financial MHC’s plan of conversion and reorganization, we are offering between 2,040,000 and 2,760,000 shares of common stock to eligible depositors and certain borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank, to our tax-qualified employee benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan and, to the extent shares remain available, to natural persons residing in the State of Montana, to our existing public stockholders and to the general public. The number of shares of common stock to be sold may be increased to up to 3,174,000 as a result of demand for our shares, or changes in the market for financial institution stocks. Unless the number of shares of common stock to be offered is increased to more than 3,174,000 shares or decreased to fewer than 2,040,000 shares, or the offering is extended beyond [extension date], purchasers will not have the opportunity to modify or cancel their stock orders once submitted. If the number of shares of common stock to be sold is increased to more than 3,174,000 shares or decreased to fewer than 2,040,000 shares, or if the offering is extended beyond [extension date], purchasers will have the opportunity to maintain, cancel or change their orders for shares of common stock during a designated resolicitation period. If you do not provide us with written indication of your intent, your stock order will be canceled, your funds will be returned to you with interest calculated at 0.30% and any deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled.

The purchase price of each share of common stock to be offered for sale in the offering is $10.00. All investors will pay the same purchase price per share. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, our conversion advisor and marketing agent in the offering, will use its best efforts to assist us in selling shares of our common stock. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is not obligated to purchase any shares of common stock in the offering.

 

 

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We are also offering for sale to the general public in a syndicated offering through a syndicate of selected dealers shares of our common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or the community offering. We may begin the syndicated community offering at any time following the commencement of the subscription offering. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is acting as sole book-running manager and D.A. Davidson & Co. is acting as co-manager for the syndicated community offering, which is also being conducted on a best efforts basis. Neither Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, D.A. Davidson & Co. nor any other member of the syndicate is required to purchase any shares in the syndicated community offering. Alternatively, we may sell remaining shares in an underwritten public offering, which would be conducted on a firm commitment basis.

How We Determined the Offering Range, the Exchange Ratio and the $10.00 Per Share Stock Price

The offering range and exchange ratio are based on an independent appraisal of the estimated market value of Eagle Montana, assuming the conversion, the exchange and the offering are completed. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., an appraisal firm experienced in appraisals of financial institutions, has estimated that, as of December 3, 2009, this estimated pro forma market value ranged from $33.8 million to $45.7 million, with a midpoint of $39.8 million. Based on this valuation, the 60.4% ownership interest of Eagle Financial MHC being sold in the offering and the $10.00 per share price, the number of shares of common stock being offered for sale by Eagle Montana will range from 2,040,000 shares to 2,760,000 shares. The $10.00 per share price was selected primarily because it is the price most commonly used in mutual-to-stock conversions of financial institutions. The exchange ratio will range from 3.1458 shares at the minimum of the offering range to 4.2560 shares at the maximum of the offering range in order to preserve the existing percentage ownership of public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares). If market conditions warrant or there is excess demand for the shares, the appraisal can be increased by 15%. At this adjusted maximum of the offering range, the pro forma market value is $52.6 million, the number of shares of common stock offered for sale will be 3,174,000 and the exchange ratio will be 4.8944 shares.

The independent appraisal is based in part on Eagle Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations, the pro forma impact of the additional capital raised by the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, and an analysis of a peer group of 10 publicly traded savings bank and thrift holding companies that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered comparable to Eagle Bancorp.

The appraisal peer group consists of the following companies. Total assets are as of September 30, 2009.

 

Company Name and Ticker Symbol

  

Exchange

  

Headquarters

   Total Assets
                    (in thousands)

Elmira Savings Bank, FSB

   ESBK    NASDAQ    Elmira, NY    $ 505,896

Home Bancorp, Inc.

   HBCP    NASDAQ    Lafayette, LA    $ 533,410

Home Federal Bancorp, Inc.

   HOME    NASDAQ    Nampa, ID    $ 827,899

Liberty Bancorp, Inc.

   LBCP    NASDAQ    Liberty, MO    $ 384,243

Louisiana Bancorp, Inc.

   LABC    NASDAQ    Metairie, LA    $ 332,237

LSB Corporation

   LSBX    NASDAQ    North Andover, MA    $ 806,953

Rome Bancorp, Inc.

   ROME    NASDAQ    Rome, NY    $ 338,035

Teche Holding Company

   TSH    NYSE Amex    New Iberia, LA    $ 765,071

TF Financial Corporation

   THRD    NASDAQ    Newtown, PA    $ 711,849

WVS Financial Corp.

   WVFC    NASDAQ    Pittsburgh, PA    $ 369,989

The independent appraisal does not indicate actual market value. Do not assume or expect that the estimated valuation as indicated above means that, after the offering, the shares of our common stock will trade at or above the $10.00 purchase price.

The following table presents a summary of selected pricing ratios for the peer group companies, Eagle Montana (on a pro forma basis) and Eagle Bancorp (on a historical basis). The pricing ratios are based on earnings and other information as of and for the twelve months ended September 30, 2009 and stock price information as of December 3, 2009, as reflected in Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.’s appraisal report, dated December 3, 2009. Compared to the average pricing of the peer group, our pro forma pricing ratios at the maximum of the offering range indicated a premium of 1.4% on a price-to-book value basis, a discount of 5.2% on a price-to-tangible book value basis, and a discount of 6.4% on a price-to-core earnings basis.

 

 

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Eagle Montana (on a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the conversion)

   Price-to-core
earnings
multiple (1)
    Price-to-book
value ratio
    Price-to-tangible
book value ratio
 

Minimum

   9.8   72.31   72.31

Midpoint

   11.6   79.94   79.94

Maximum

   13.5   86.66   86.66

Maximum, as adjusted

   15.6   93.55   93.55

Valuation of peer group companies, as of

      

December 3, 2009

      

Averages

   14.4   85.48   91.38

Medians

   13.3   88.71   94.00

 

(1) Information derived from the Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. appraisal report and are based upon estimated core earnings for the twelve months ended September 30, 2009. These ratios are different than the “Pro Forma Data.”

Our board of directors, in reviewing and approving the independent appraisal, considered the range of price-to-core earnings multiples, the range of price-to-book value and price-to-tangible book value ratios at the different ranges of shares of common stock to be sold in the offering, and did not consider one valuation approach to be more important than the other. Instead, in approving the independent appraisal, the board of directors concluded that these ranges represented the appropriate balance of the three approaches to establishing our estimated valuation range, and the number of shares of common stock to be sold, in comparison to the peer group institutions. The estimated appraised value and the resulting discounts took into consideration the potential financial impact of the offering as well as the trading price of Eagle Bancorp common stock, which increased from $29.15 per share on December 1, 2009, the closing price on the last trading day immediately preceding the announcement of the conversion, to $30.75 per share, the closing price on December 3, 2009, the effective date of the independent appraisal.

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will update the independent appraisal prior to the completion of the conversion. If the estimated appraised value, including offering shares and exchange shares, changes to either below $33.8 million or above $52.6 million, we will resolicit persons who submitted stock orders. See “The Conversion and Offering—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued.”

The Exchange of Existing Shares of Eagle Bancorp Common Stock

At the conclusion of the conversion, shares held by existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will be canceled and exchanged for shares of common stock of Eagle Montana. The number of shares of common stock received will be based on an exchange ratio determined as of the conclusion of the conversion and offering, which will depend upon our final appraised value. The number of shares received will not be based on the market price of Eagle Bancorp outstanding shares at that time. Instead, the exchange ratio will ensure that existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will retain the same approximate percentage ownership of our organization after the offering, exclusive of their purchase of any additional shares of common stock in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares.

The following table shows how the exchange ratio will adjust, based on the valuation of Eagle Montana and the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering. The table also shows the number of whole shares of Eagle Montana common stock a hypothetical owner of Eagle Bancorp common stock would receive in exchange for 100 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned at the completion of the conversion, depending on the number of shares of common stock sold in the offering.

 

     New Shares to be Sold
in This Offering
    New Shares to be
Exchanged for Existing
Shares
of Eagle Bancorp
    Total Shares
of Common
Stock to be
Outstanding
After the
Offering
   Exchange
Ratio
   Equivalent
Per Share
Current
Market
Price (1)
   New
Shares
That
Would be
Received
for
Existing
100 Shares
     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent                     

Minimum

   2,040,000    60.4   1,340,136    39.6   3,380,136    3.1458    $ 31.45    314

Midpoint

   2,400,000    60.4   1,576,630    39.6   3,976,630    3.7009      37.00    370

Maximum

   2,760,000    60.4   1,813,125    39.6   4,573,125    4.2560      42.56    425

Adjusted Maximum

   3,174,000    60.4   2,085,093    39.6   5,259,093    4.8944      48.94    489

 

(1) Represents the value of shares of Eagle Montana common stock received in the conversion by a holder of one share of Eagle Bancorp at the exchange ratio, assuming the market price of $10.00 per share.

 

 

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No fractional shares of Eagle Montana common stock will be issued to any public stockholder of Eagle Bancorp. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued, Eagle Montana will pay in cash an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the $10.00 per share purchase price of the common stock in the offering.

How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering

Assuming we sell 2,400,000 shares of common stock in the stock offering, and we have net proceeds of $22.2 million, we intend to distribute the net proceeds as follows:

 

   

$11.1 million (50.0% of the net proceeds) will be invested in American Federal Savings Bank;

 

   

$1.9 million (8.7% of the net proceeds) will be loaned to our employee stock ownership plan to fund its purchase of our shares of common stock; and

 

   

$9.2 million (41.3% of the net proceeds) will be retained by us.

We may use the funds that we retain for investments, to pay cash dividends, to repurchase shares of common stock and for other general corporate purposes. American Federal Savings Bank, whose capital will be increased by $11.1 million, may use the proceeds it receives to support increased lending and other products and services. The net proceeds retained also may be used for future business expansion through acquisitions of banks, thrifts and other financial services companies, and acquiring branch offices. We have no current arrangements or agreements with respect to any such acquisitions. Initially, a substantial portion of the net proceeds will be invested in short-term investments and mortgage-backed securities consistent with our investment policy.

Please see “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering” for more information on the proposed use of the proceeds from the offering.

Our Dividend Policy

It is our current intention to maintain dividends after the conversion at current equivalent levels. As of September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share, which equals $1.04 per share on an annualized basis. After the conversion and subject to the authority of the board of directors to do so, we intend to continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis. Eagle Montana expects the annual dividends following our conversion to equal $0.33, $0.28, $0.24 and $0.21 per share at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, which represents an annual dividend yield of 3.3%, 2.8%, 2.4% and 2.1%, at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, based upon a price of $10.00 per share. The amount of dividends that we intend to pay after the conversion will preserve the dividend amount that Eagle Bancorp stockholders currently receive, as adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio. However, the dividend rate and the continued payment of dividends following our conversion and the completion of this offering will depend on a number of factors, including our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions. No assurance can be given that we will continue to pay dividends or that they will not be reduced or eliminated in the future.

See “Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries” and “Market for the Common Stock” for information regarding our historical dividend payments.

Purchases and Ownership by our Officers and Directors

We expect our directors, executive officers and their associates, to purchase approximately 71,800 shares of common stock in the offering. The purchase price paid by them will be the same $10.00 per share price paid by all other persons who purchase shares of common stock in the offering. After the conversion, as a result of purchases in the offering and the shares they will receive in exchange for shares of Eagle Bancorp that they currently own, our directors and executive officers, together with their associates, are expected to own approximately 303,807 shares and 385,688 shares of common stock, or 8.99% and 8.43% of our total outstanding shares of common stock at the minimum and the maximum of the offering range, respectively. See “Subscriptions by Directors and Executive Officers.”

Benefits to Management and Potential Dilution to Stockholders Resulting from the Conversion

Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Our tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan expects to purchase up to 8% of the shares of common stock we sell in the offering, or 253,920 shares of common stock, assuming we sell the maximum as adjusted number of the shares proposed to be sold. If we receive orders for more shares of common stock than the maximum of the offering range, the employee stock ownership plan will have first priority to purchase shares over this maximum, up to a total of 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering. This would reduce the number of shares available for allocation to eligible account holders. We reserve the right to purchase shares of common stock in the open market following the offering in order to fund all or a portion of the employee stock ownership plan’s expected purchase. Assuming the employee stock ownership plan purchases 192,000 shares in the offering, the midpoint of the offering range, we will recognize additional compensation expense of approximately $184,000 annually (or approximately $112,240 after tax) over a 12-year period, assuming the loan to the employee stock ownership plan has a 12-year term and the shares of common stock have a fair market value of $10.00 per share for the full 12-year period. If, in the future, the shares of common stock have a fair market value greater or less than $10.00, the compensation expense will increase or decrease accordingly.

 

 

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Stock-Based Incentive Plan. While a final determination has not been made, we currently intend to implement a new stock-based incentive plan no earlier than six months and within 12 months after completion of the conversion. Stockholder approval of this plan will be required. If adopted within 12 months following the completion of the conversion, the stock-based incentive plan will reserve a number of shares up to 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, or up to 126,960 shares of common stock at the maximum as adjusted of the offering range (reduced by amounts purchased in the stock offering by our 401(k) plan using its purchase priority in the stock offering), for awards of restricted stock to key employees and directors, at no cost to the recipients, subject to adjustment as may be required by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations or policy to reflect restricted stock awards previously made by Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank. If the shares of common stock awarded under the stock-based incentive plan come from authorized but unissued shares of common stock, stockholders would experience dilution of up to approximately 2.4% in their ownership interest in Eagle Montana. If adopted within 12 months following the completion of the conversion, the stock-based incentive plan will also reserve a number of shares up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, or up to 317,400 shares of common stock at the maximum as adjusted of the offering range, for issuance pursuant to grants of stock options to key employees and directors. If the shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of options come from authorized but unissued shares of common stock, stockholders would experience dilution of up to 5.7% in their ownership interest in Eagle Montana. Restricted stock awards and stock option grants made under this plan would be subject to vesting over a period of not less than five years. If the stock-based incentive plan is adopted more than one year after the completion of the conversion, awards of restricted stock or grants of stock options under the plan may exceed the percentages set forth above of the shares sold in the offering and have a shorter vesting period. For a description of our current stock benefit plans, see “Management—Executive Compensation—Long-Term Stock-Based Compensation.”

The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock and the aggregate dollar value of grants that are expected under the new stock-based incentive plan as a result of the conversion. The table also shows the dilution to stockholders if all such shares are issued from authorized but unissued shares, instead of shares purchased in the open market. A portion of the stock grants shown in the table below may be made to non-management employees.

 

    Number of Shares to be Granted or Purchased (1)     Dilution Resulting
From Issuance of
Shares for Stock
Benefit Plans (3)
    Value of Grants (2)
    At Minimum of
Offering Range
  At Maximum as
adjusted of
Offering Range
  As a Percentage of
Common Stock to
be Sold in the
Offering
      At Minimum of
Offering Range
  At Maximum as
adjusted of
Offering Range
    (Dollars in thousands)

Employee stock ownership plan

  163,200   253,920   8.00   —     $ 1,632   $ 2,539

Restricted stock awards

  81,600   126,960   4.00   2.36     816     1,270

Stock options

  204,000   317,400   10.00   5.69     406     632
                           

Total

  448,800   698,280   22.00   7.79   $ 2,854   $ 4,441
                           

 

(1) The table assumes that the stock-based incentive plan awards a number of options and restricted stock equal to 10% and 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, respectively, as if the plan is implemented within one year after the completion of the conversion and offering. If the stock-based incentive plan is implemented more than one year following the completion of the conversion and offering, grants of options and restricted stock may exceed these percentage limitations.
(2) The actual value of restricted stock awards will be determined based on their fair value as of the date grants are made. For purposes of this table, fair value for stock awards is assumed to be the same as the offering price of $10.00 per share. The fair value of stock options has been estimated at $1.99 per option using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: a grant-date share price and option exercise price of $10.00; an expected option life of 10 years; a dividend yield of 3.3%; an interest rate of 3.31%; and a volatility rate of 22.35% based on an index of publicly traded thrift institutions. The actual value of option grants will be determined by the grant-date fair value of the options, which will depend on a number of factors, including the valuation assumptions used in the option pricing model ultimately adopted.
(3) Represents the dilution of stock ownership interest. No dilution is reflected for the employee stock ownership plan because such shares are assumed to be purchased in the offering.

We may fund our plans through open market purchases, as opposed to new issuances of common stock. Office of Thrift Supervision regulations do not permit us to repurchase our shares during the first year following the completion of this offering except to fund the grants of restricted stock under the stock-based incentive plan or under extraordinary circumstances. The Office of Thrift Supervision has previously advised that the exercise of outstanding options and cancellation of treasury shares in the conversion will not constitute an extraordinary circumstance or a compelling business purpose for satisfying this test.

The following table presents the total value of all shares that would be available for award and issuance under the new stock-based incentive plan, assuming the shares are awarded when the market price of our common stock ranges from $8.00 per share to $14.00 per share.

 

 

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Share Price

  81,600 Shares Awarded at
Minimum of Range
  96,000 Shares Awarded at
Midpoint of Range
  110,400 Shares Awarded at
Maximum of Range
  126,960 Shares Awarded at
Maximum, As Adjusted,
of Range
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
$ 8.00   $ 653   $ 768   $ 883   $ 1,016
  10.00     816     960     1,104     1,270
  12.00     979     1,152     1,325     1,524
  14.00     1,142     1,344     1,546     1,777

The grant-date fair value of the options granted under the new stock-based incentive plan will be based in part on the price of shares of common stock of Eagle Montana at the time the options are granted. The value will also depend on the various assumptions used in the option pricing model ultimately adopted. The following table presents the total estimated value of the options to be available for grant under the stock-based incentive plan, assuming the market price and exercise price for the stock options are equal and the range of market prices for the shares is $8.00 per share to $14.00 per share.

 

Exercise Price

  Grant-Date Fair
Value Per Option
  204,000 Options at
Minimum of Range
  240,000 Options at
Midpoint of Range
  276,000 Options at
Maximum of Range
  317,400 Options at
Maximum, As Adjusted,
of Range
(Dollars in thousands, except per share and per option amounts)
$ 8.00   $ 1.59   $ 324   $ 382   $ 439   $ 505
  10.00     1.99     406     478     549     632
  12.00     2.39     488     574     660     759
  14.00     2.78     567     667     767     882

The tables presented above are provided for informational purposes only. Our shares of common stock may trade below $10.00 per share. Before you make an investment decision, we urge you to read this entire prospectus carefully, including, but not limited to, the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 14 .

Limits on How Much Common Stock You May Purchase

The minimum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in the offering is 25.

The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased by a person is $250,000 (25,000 shares). If any of the following persons purchase shares of common stock, their purchases, in all categories of the offering combined, when aggregated with your purchases, cannot exceed $500,000 (50,000 shares) of common stock:

 

   

your spouse or relatives of you or your spouse living in your house;

 

   

companies, trusts or other entities in which you are a trustee, have a controlling beneficial interest or hold a senior position; or

 

   

other persons who may be your associates or persons acting in concert with you.

Unless we determine otherwise, persons and persons exercising subscription rights through a single qualifying deposit account held jointly will be subject to the overall purchase limitation of $500,000 (50,000 shares) in all categories of the offering combined.

Subject to Office of Thrift Supervision approval, we may increase or decrease the purchase limitations at any time. In the event the maximum purchase limitation is increased to 5% of the shares sold in the offering, such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, provided that orders for Eagle Montana common stock exceeding 5% of the shares sold in the offering shall not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total shares sold in the offering.

See the detailed description of purchase limitations and definitions of “acting in concert” and “associate” in “The Conversion and Offering—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”

Steps We May Take if We Do Not Receive Orders for the Minimum Number of Shares

If we do not receive orders for at least 2,040,000 shares of common stock in the subscription, community and/or syndicated community offering, we may take several steps in order to issue the minimum number of shares of common stock in the offering range. Specifically, we may:

 

   

increase the purchase limitations; and/or

 

   

seek regulatory approval to extend the offering beyond [extension date], provided that any such extension will require us to resolicit subscriptions received in the offering.

Alternatively, we may terminate the offering, return funds with interest and cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations.

 

 

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Conditions to Completion of the Conversion

The Office of Thrift Supervision has conditionally approved the plan of conversion and reorganization; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion and reorganization by that agency.

We cannot complete the conversion unless:

 

   

The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by at least a majority of votes eligible to be cast by members of Eagle Financial MHC as of [voting record date] (comprised of American Federal Savings Bank depositors as of [voting record date] and borrowers as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of [voting record date]);

 

   

The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of [voting record date], including shares held by Eagle Financial MHC (because Eagle Financial MHC owns 60.4% of the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock, we expect that Eagle Financial MHC and our directors and executive officers will control the outcome of this vote.);

 

   

The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of [voting record date], excluding those shares held by Eagle Financial MHC;

 

   

We sell at least the minimum number of shares of common stock offered; and

 

   

We receive the final approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision to complete the conversion; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion and reorganization by that agency.

Eagle Financial MHC intends to vote its ownership interest in favor of the plan of conversion and reorganization. At [stockholder record date], Eagle Financial MHC owned 60.4% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp. The directors and executive officers of Eagle Bancorp and their affiliates owned      shares of Eagle Bancorp, or     % of the outstanding shares of common stock as of [stockholder record date]. They have indicated their intention to vote those shares in favor of the plan of conversion and reorganization.

Market for Common Stock

Publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp’s common stock currently trade on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, or OTCBB, under the symbol “EBMT.” Upon completion of the conversion and offering, the shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp will be cancelled and will cease trading. It is currently expected that Eagle Montana common stock will then commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. We have applied to list Eagle Montana’s shares of common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “EBMT.” However, for the first 20 trading days, shares of Eagle Montana common stock will trade under the symbol “EBMTD” and thereafter, our trading symbol will be “EBMT.” In order to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, we are required to have at least three broker-dealers who will make a market in our common stock. Eagle Bancorp currently has nine registered market makers. Persons purchasing shares of common stock in the offering may not be able to sell their shares at or above the $10.00 price per share.

Tax Consequences

As a general matter, implementing the plan of conversion and reorganization will not result in a taxable transaction for federal or state income tax purposes to Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana, persons eligible to subscribe in the subscription offering, or existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp. Existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp who receive cash in lieu of fractional exchange share interests in shares of Eagle Montana common stock will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and the tax basis of the fractional share.

Persons Who May Order Shares of Common Stock in the Offering

Subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock in a “subscription offering” have been granted in the following descending order of priority:

 

  (i) First, to depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50.00 at the close of business on November 30, 2008.

 

  (ii) Second, to our tax-qualified employee benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, which will receive nontransferable subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.

 

  (iii) Third, to depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50.00 at the close of business on [supplemental date].

 

  (iv) Fourth, to depositors of American Federal Savings Bank at the close of business on [voting record date] and to borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of [voting record date].

 

 

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Shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering may be offered for sale to the general public in a “community offering,” with a preference given first to natural persons residing in the State of Montana, and then to Eagle Bancorp public stockholders as of [stockholder record date]. The community offering, if held, may begin concurrently with, during or promptly after the subscription offering, as we may determine at any time. We have the right to accept or reject, in our sole discretion, orders received in the community offering or syndicated community offering. Any determination to accept or reject purchase orders in the community offering and the syndicated community offering will be based on the facts and circumstances available to management at the time of the determination.

We may also offer any shares of our common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or community offering for sale to the general public in a syndicated community offering through a syndicate of selected dealers. We may begin the syndicated community offering at any time following the commencement of the subscription offering. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will act as sole book-running manager and D.A. Davidson & Co. will act as co-manager for the syndicated community offering, which will be conducted on a best efforts basis. The syndicated community offering will terminate no later than 45 days after the expiration of the subscription offering, unless extended by us with approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Neither Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, D.A. Davidson & Co. nor any other member of the syndicate is required to purchase any shares in the syndicated community offering. Alternatively, we may sell any remaining shares in an underwritten public offering, which would be conducted on a firm commitment basis. See “The Conversion and Offering—Syndicated Community Offering.”

If we receive orders for more shares than we are offering, we may not be able to fully or partially fill your order. Shares will be allocated first to categories in the subscription offering in accordance with Eagle Financial MHC’s plan of conversion and reorganization. A detailed description of share allocation procedures can be found in the section of this prospectus entitled “The Conversion and Offering.”

How You May Purchase Shares of Common Stock

In the subscription offering and community offerings, you may pay for your shares only by:

 

  (i) personal check, bank check or money order made payable directly to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.; or

 

  (ii) authorizing us to withdraw funds from the types of American Federal Savings Bank deposit accounts designated on the stock order form.

American Federal Savings Bank is not permitted to lend funds to anyone for the purpose of purchasing shares of common stock in the offering. Additionally, you may not use an American Federal Savings Bank line of credit check or any type of third party check or wire transfer to pay for shares of common stock. Please do not submit cash.

You may purchase shares of common stock in the offering by delivering a signed and completed original stock order form, together with full payment payable to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. or authorization to withdraw funds from one or more of your American Federal Savings Bank deposit accounts, provided that we receive the stock order form before 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date], which is the end of the offering period. Checks and money orders will be immediately deposited in a segregated account with American Federal Savings Bank or another insured depository institution upon receipt. We will pay interest calculated at 0.30% from the date funds are processed until completion or termination of the conversion at which time interest checks will be mailed to subscribers. On your stock order form, you may not authorize direct withdrawal from an American Federal Savings Bank individual retirement account. If you wish to use funds in an individual retirement account to purchase shares of our common stock, please see “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares” below. You may not designate a withdrawal from American Federal Savings Bank accounts with check-writing privileges. Please provide a check instead. If you request direct withdrawal, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account(s).

Withdrawals from certificates of deposit to purchase shares of common stock in the offering may be made without incurring an early withdrawal penalty. If a withdrawal results in a certificate of deposit account with a balance less than the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate of deposit will be canceled at the time of withdrawal without penalty and the remaining balance will earn interest at the current statement savings rate subsequent to the withdrawal. All funds authorized for withdrawal from deposit accounts at American Federal Savings Bank must be available in the accounts at the time the stock order is received. A hold will be placed on those funds when your stock order is received, making the designated funds unavailable to you during the offering period. Funds will not be withdrawn from an account until the completion of the offering and will earn interest within the account at the applicable deposit account rate until that time.

We are not required to accept copies or facsimiles of stock order forms. By signing the stock order form, you are acknowledging both receipt of this prospectus and that the shares of common stock are not deposits or savings accounts that are federally insured or otherwise guaranteed by American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana or the federal or state governments.

Submitting Your Order in the Subscription and Community Offerings

You may submit your stock order form and payment by mail using the stock order reply envelope provided, by overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address on the stock order form, or by hand-delivery to American Federal Savings Bank’s main office located at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana. Hand-delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location. Stock order forms may not be delivered to other American Federal Savings Bank offices. Please do not mail stock order forms to American Federal Savings Bank.

 

 

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Deadline for Orders of Common Stock in the Subscription or Community Offerings

If you wish to purchase shares of common stock, a properly completed and signed original stock order form, together with full payment for the shares of common stock, must be received (not postmarked) no later than 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date].

Once submitted, your order is irrevocable unless the offering is terminated or extended beyond [extension date] or the number of shares to be issued increases to more than 3,174,000 shares or decreases to less than 2,040,000 shares. We may extend the [expiration date] expiration date, without notice to you, until [extension date]. If the offering is extended beyond [extension date] or if the offering range is increased or decreased, we will be required to resolicit purchasers before proceeding with the offering. In either of these cases, purchasers will have the right to maintain, change or cancel their orders. If we do not receive a written response from a purchaser regarding any resolicitation, the purchaser’s order will be canceled and all funds received will be returned promptly with interest, and deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. No extension may last longer than 90 days. All extensions, in the aggregate, may not last beyond [final expiration date].

Although we will make reasonable attempts to provide this prospectus and offering materials to holders of subscription rights, the subscription offering and all subscription rights will expire at 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date], whether or not we have been able to locate each person entitled to subscription rights.

TO ENSURE THAT EACH PERSON RECEIVES A PROSPECTUS AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE OFFERING IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW, NO PROSPECTUS WILL BE MAILED ANY LATER THAN FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO THE OFFERING EXPIRATION DATE OR HAND-DELIVERED ANY LATER THAN TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE OFFERING EXPIRATION DATE.

Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares

You may be able to subscribe for shares of common stock using funds in your individual retirement account. However, shares of common stock must be held in a self-directed retirement account, such as those offered by a brokerage firm. By regulation, American Federal Savings Bank’s individual retirement accounts are not self-directed, so they cannot be invested in our common stock. If you wish to use some or all of the funds in your American Federal Savings Bank individual retirement account, the applicable funds must be transferred to a self-directed account maintained by an independent trustee or custodian, such as another bank or a brokerage firm. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing your stock order. An annual administrative fee may be payable to the independent trustee or custodian. Because individual circumstances differ and processing of retirement fund orders takes additional time, we recommend that you contact our Stock Information Center promptly, preferably at least two weeks before the [expiration date] offering deadline, for assistance with purchases using funds in your individual retirement account or other retirement account held at American Federal Savings Bank or elsewhere. Whether you may use such funds for the purchase of shares in the offering may depend on timing constraints and, possibly, limitations imposed by the institution where the funds are held.

Delivery of Stock Certificates

Certificates representing shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings are expected to be mailed by regular mail to the persons entitled thereto at the certificate registration address noted by them on the stock order form on the day following the completion of the conversion, and we expect trading in the stock to begin the business day following the completion of the conversion. The conversion is expected to be completed as soon as practicable following satisfaction of the conditions described above in “—Conditions to Completion of the Conversion.” It is possible that, until certificates for the common stock are delivered, purchasers may not be able to sell the shares of common stock that they ordered, even though the common stock will have begun trading. Your ability to sell the shares of common stock prior to your receipt of the stock certificate will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.

If you are currently a stockholder of Eagle Bancorp, see “The Conversion and Offering—Exchange of Existing Stockholders’ Stock Certificates.”

You May Not Sell or Transfer Your Subscription Rights

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit you from transferring your subscription rights. If you order shares of common stock in the subscription offering, you will be required to state that you are purchasing the common stock for yourself and that you have no agreement or understanding to sell or transfer your subscription rights. We intend to take legal action, including reporting persons to federal agencies, against anyone who we believe has sold or transferred his or her subscription rights. We will not accept your order if we have reason to believe that you have sold or transferred your subscription rights. On the stock order form, you may not add the names of others for joint stock registration who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower subscription offering priority than you do. You may add only those who were eligible to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription offering at your date of eligibility. In addition, the stock order form requires that you list all deposit accounts, giving all names on each account and the account number at the applicable eligibility date. Failure to provide this information, or providing incomplete or incorrect information, may result in a loss of part or all of your share allocation, in the event of an oversubscription.

 

 

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How You Can Obtain Additional Information — Stock Information Center

Our banking office personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the offering. If you have any questions regarding the conversion or offering, please call our Stock Information Center. The toll-free telephone number is 1-(877)             . The Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time. The Stock Information Center will be closed weekends and bank holidays. American Federal Savings Bank will only accept hand-delivered stock order forms and proxy cards at its main office located at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana.

 

 

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RISK FAC TORS

You should consider carefully the following risk factors in evaluating an investment in the shares of common stock.

Risks Related to Our Business

While Montana has not to date experienced the significant economic and real estate related decline of many other parts of the Western United States, a change in Montana’s economy could adversely affect earnings.

American Federal Savings Bank operates from seven offices located in the State of Montana, and confines its lending to Montana borrowers. Montana, unlike many parts of the Western United States, has not to date experienced recession-driven economic problems such as large increases in unemployment rates, decline in real estate values and high foreclosures. We are unable to determine whether this trend suggests fundamental strength in Montana’s economy or whether recession-driven effects will simply occur later.

Montana had 5.4% unemployment in January of 2009, and this rate has gradually increased during 2009. At present, however, Montana’s current unemployment rate is significantly less than that of the United States as a whole. Specifically, according to data published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana’s unemployment rate at October 31, 2009 was 6.4%, while that of the United States was 10.1% as of the same date. Montana’s comparatively low unemployment rate could suggest that unemployment levels for Montana may become more severe in the future as the effects of the recession are felt in Montana. If this occurs, American Federal Savings Bank may be required to devote resources to resolving recession-driven asset quality problems at a time when banks in other parts of the country may be experiencing a recovery. Should unemployment continue to increase in Montana as it has during most of 2009, the ability of consumers to pay debts, including home mortgage and home equity loans and other consumer debt such as credit cards can adversely affect lending institutions like American Federal Savings Bank. At minimum, American Federal Savings Bank would be required to increase its loan loss provisions and dedicate more resources to workout activities during a period when banks in other geographic regions may be recovering.

If the allowance for credit losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.

Our customers may not repay their loans according to the original terms, and the collateral, if any, securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance. We may experience significant loan losses, which may have a material adverse effect on operating results. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. If the assumptions prove to be incorrect, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease net income. As of September 30, 2009, our allowance for loan losses to net loans receivable was 0.37%.

Our emphasis on the origination of consumer, commercial real estate and commercial business loans is one of the more significant factors in evaluating the allowance for loan losses. As we continue to increase the amount of such loans, additional or increased provisions for loan losses may be necessary and would decrease earnings.

Bank regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase to the provision for loan losses or further loan charge-offs. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

We could record future losses on our securities portfolio.

A number of factors or combinations of factors could require us to conclude in one or more future reporting periods that an unrealized loss exists with respect to our investment securities portfolio that constitutes an impairment that is other than temporary, which could result in material losses to us. These factors include, but are not limited to, continued failure by the issuer to make scheduled interest payments, an increase in the severity of the unrealized loss on a particular security, an increase in the continuous duration of the unrealized loss without an improvement in value or changes in market conditions and/or industry or issuer specific factors that would render us unable to forecast a full recovery in value. In addition, the fair values of securities could decline if the overall economy and the financial condition of some of the issuers continues to deteriorate and there remains limited liquidity for these securities.

The United States economy is in a deep recession. A prolonged economic downturn, especially one affecting our geographic market area, will adversely affect our business and financial results.

The United States and many industrial nations are experiencing a severe economic recession which is expected to continue in 2010. Loan portfolio quality has deteriorated at many institutions, reflecting in part, the deteriorating U.S. economy and rising unemployment. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages have declined and may continue to decline. The continuing real estate downturn also has resulted in reduced demand for the construction of new housing and increased delinquencies in construction, residential and commercial mortgage loans. Financial institution stock prices have declined substantially, and it is significantly more difficult for financial institutions to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Quarterly Banking Profile has reported that noncurrent assets plus other real estate owned as a percentage of assets for FDIC insured financial institutions rose to 3.07% as of September 30, 2009, compared to

 

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0.95% as of December 31, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Quarterly Banking Profile has reported that annualized return on average assets was 0.10% for FDIC insured financial institutions compared to 0.81% for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Nasdaq Bank Index declined 36.5% between December 31, 2007 and September 30, 2009. At September 30, 2009, our noncurrent assets plus other real estate owned as a percentage of assets was 0.52%, and our annualized return on average assets was 1.14% for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Continued negative developments in the financial services industry and the domestic and international credit markets may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the market for and value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Moreover, continued declines in the stock market in general, or stock values of financial institutions and their holding companies, could adversely affect our stock performance.

Any future Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance premiums or special assessments will adversely impact our earnings.

On May 22, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule levying a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. The special assessment was payable on September 30, 2009. We recorded an expense of $128,295 during the year ended June 30, 2009, to reflect the special assessment. The final rule permits the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to levy up to two additional special assessments of up to five basis points each during 2009 if the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation estimates that the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio will fall to a level that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation believes would adversely affect public confidence or to a level that will be close to or below zero. Any further special assessments that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation levies will be recorded as an expense during the appropriate period. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation increased the general assessment rate and, therefore, our Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation general insurance premium expense will increase compared to prior periods.

On November 12, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule pursuant to which all insured depository institutions will be required to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. This pre-payment was due on December 30, 2009. The assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 will be based on each institution’s total base assessment rate for the third quarter of 2009, modified to assume that the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 had been in effect for the entire third quarter, and the assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 will be equal to the modified third quarter assessment rate plus an additional three basis points. In addition, each institution’s base assessment rate for each period will be calculated using its third quarter assessment base, adjusted quarterly for an estimated 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base through the end of 2012. We made a payment of approximately $1.0 million to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on December 30, 2009, and recorded the payment as a prepaid expense, which will be amortized over three years.

As a savings bank, pursuant to the Home Owners’ Loan Act, or HOLA, American Federal Savings Bank is required to maintain a certain percentage of its total assets in HOLA-qualifying loans and investments, which limits our asset mix and could significantly restrict our ability to diversify our loan portfolio.

A savings bank or thrift differs from a commercial bank in that it is required to maintain at least 65% of its total assets in HOLA-qualifying loans and investments, such as loans for the purchase, refinance, construction, improvement, or repair of residential real estate, home equity loans, educational loans and small business loans. To maintain our thrift charter we have to pass the Qualified Thrift Lender test, or QTL test, in nine out of 12 of the immediately preceding months. The QTL test limits the extent to which we can grow our commercial loan portfolio. However, a loan that does not exceed $2 million (including a group of loans to one borrower) and is for commercial, corporate, business, or agricultural purposes is not so limited. We may be limited in our ability to change our asset mix and increase the yield on our earning assets by growing our commercial loan portfolio.

In addition, if we continue to grow our commercial loan portfolio and our single-family loan portfolio declines, it is possible that in order to maintain our QTL status, we could be forced to buy mortgage-backed securities or other HOLA-qualifying assets at times when the terms might not be attractive. Alternatively, we could find it necessary to pursue different structures, including converting American Federal Savings Bank’s thrift charter to a commercial bank charter.

Because we intend to increase our commercial real estate and commercial business loan originations, our credit risk will increase and continued downturns in the local real estate market or economy could adversely affect our earnings.

We intend to continue our recent emphasis on originating commercial real estate and commercial business loans. Commercial real estate and commercial business loans generally have more risk than the one- to four-family residential real estate loans we originate. Because the repayment of commercial real estate and commercial business loans depends on the successful management and operation of the borrower’s properties or related businesses, repayment of such loans can be affected by adverse conditions in the local real estate market or economy. Commercial real estate and commercial business loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to individual borrowers or groups of related borrowers. A downturn in the real estate market or the local economy could adversely affect the value of properties securing the loan or the revenues from the borrower’s business, thereby increasing the risk of nonperforming loans. As our commercial real estate and commercial business loan portfolios increase, the corresponding risks and potential for losses from these loans may also increase.

 

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Declines in home values could decrease our loan originations and increase delinquencies and defaults.

Declines in home values in our markets could adversely impact results from operations. Like all financial institutions, we are subject to the effects of any economic downturn, and in particular, a significant decline in home values would likely lead to a decrease in new home equity loan originations and increased delinquencies and defaults in both the consumer home equity loan and residential real estate loan portfolios and result in increased losses in these portfolios. Declines in the average sale prices of homes in our primary markets could lead to higher loan losses.

We depend on the services of our executive officers and other key employees.

Our success depends upon the continued employment of certain members of our senior management team. We also depend upon the continued employment of the individuals that manage several of our key functional areas. The departure of any member of our senior management team may adversely affect our operations.

Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our results of operations and financial condition are significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Our results of operations depend substantially on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits, borrowings and trust preferred securities. Because our interest-bearing liabilities generally reprice or mature more quickly than our interest-earning assets, an increase in interest rates generally would tend to result in a decrease in net interest income.

Changes in interest rates may also affect the average life of loans and mortgage-related securities. Decreases in interest rates can result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities, as borrowers refinance to reduce their borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent that we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates on existing loans and securities. Additionally, increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans. Also, increases in interest rates may extend the life of fixed rate assets, which would restrict our ability to reinvest in higher yielding alternatives, and may result in customers withdrawing certificates of deposit early so long as the early withdrawal penalty is less than the interest they could receive as a result of the higher interest rates.

Changes in interest rates also affect the current fair value of our interest-earning securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities moves inversely with changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2009, the fair value of our investment securities portfolio totaled $92.4 million.

At September 30, 2009, our interest rate risk analysis indicated that the market value of our equity would decrease by 10.74% if there was an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in market interest rates.

Strong competition may limit growth and profitability.

Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. We compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. Many of these competitors (whether regional or national institutions) have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have and may offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. Our profitability depends upon our ability to successfully compete in our market areas.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The federal banking laws and regulations govern the activities in which we may engage, and are primarily for the protection of depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the ability to impose restrictions on a bank’s operations, reclassify assets, determine the adequacy of a bank’s allowance for loan losses and determine the level of deposit insurance premiums assessed. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, new regulations or legislation or additional deposit insurance premiums could have a material impact on our operations. Because our business is highly regulated, the laws and applicable regulations are subject to frequent change. Any new laws, rules and regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or prospects.

A federal legislative proposal has been introduced that would eliminate the Office of Thrift Supervision, our primary federal regulator, which may require Eagle Montana to become a bank holding company.

Legislation in the United States Congress has been proposed that would implement sweeping changes to the current bank regulatory structure. The proposal would, among other things, merge the Office of Thrift Supervision into the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC are currently regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision, and Eagle Montana will be regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision following the conversion. If the Office of Thrift Supervision is eliminated, American Federal Savings Bank may be required to convert to a national bank or state bank and Eagle Montana may be required to become a bank holding company subject to regulation and supervision under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, and the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, including holding company regulatory capital requirements to which Eagle Montana is not currently subject. In addition, compliance with new regulations and being supervised by one or more new regulatory agencies could increase our expenses.

 

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If our investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle becomes impaired, our earnings and stockholders’ equity could decrease.

We are required to own common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle to qualify for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and to be eligible to borrow funds under the Federal Home Loan Bank’s advance program. The aggregate cost of our Federal Home Loan Bank common stock as of September 30, 2009 was $2.0 million. Federal Home Loan Bank common stock is not a marketable security and can only be redeemed by the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Federal Home Loan Banks may be subject to accounting rules and asset quality risks that could materially lower their regulatory capital. In an extreme situation, it is possible that the capitalization of a Federal Home Loan Bank, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, could be substantially diminished or reduced to zero. Consequently, we believe that there is a risk that our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle common stock could be deemed impaired at some time in the future, and if this occurs, it would cause our earnings and stockholders’ equity to decrease by the amount of the impairment charge.

Future legislative or regulatory actions responding to perceived financial and market problems could impair our ability to foreclose on collateral.

There have been proposals made by members of Congress and others that would reduce the amount distressed borrowers are otherwise contractually obligated to pay under their mortgage loans and limit an institution’s ability to foreclose on mortgage collateral. Were proposals such as these, or other proposals limiting our rights as a creditor, to be implemented, we could experience increased credit losses or increased expense in pursuing our remedies as a creditor. In addition, there have been legislative proposals to create a federal consumer protection agency that may, among other powers, have the ability to limit our rights as a creditor.

Risks Related to the Offering

The future price of the shares of common stock may be less than the $10.00 purchase price per share in the offering.

If you purchase shares of common stock in the offering, you may not be able to sell them later at or above the $10.00 purchase price in the offering. In several cases, shares of common stock issued by newly converted savings institutions or mutual holding companies have traded below the initial offering price. The aggregate purchase price of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be based on an independent appraisal. The independent appraisal is not intended, and should not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock. The independent appraisal is based on certain estimates, assumptions and projections, all of which are subject to change from time to time. After our shares begin trading, the trading price of our common stock will be determined by the marketplace, and may be influenced by many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the overall performance of the economy, investor perceptions of Eagle Montana and the outlook for the financial services industry in general. Price fluctuations may be unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies.

We have broad discretion to deploy our net proceeds and our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds may have an adverse impact on our financial performance and the value of our common stock.

Eagle Montana intends to contribute between $9.4 million and $12.8 million of the net proceeds of the offering (or $14.8 million at the adjusted maximum of the offering range) to American Federal Savings Bank. Eagle Montana may use the remaining net proceeds to invest in short-term investments, repurchase shares of common stock, pay dividends or for other general corporate purposes. Eagle Montana also expects to use a portion of the net proceeds it retains to fund a loan for the purchase of shares of common stock in the offering by the employee stock ownership plan. American Federal Savings Bank may use the net proceeds it receives to fund new loans, purchase investment securities, acquire financial institutions or financial services companies, acquire branches, or for other general corporate purposes. With the exception of the loan to the employee stock ownership plan, we have not allocated specific amounts of the net proceeds for any of these purposes, and we will have significant flexibility in determining the amount of the net proceeds we apply to different uses and the timing of such applications. We have not established a timetable for reinvesting of the net proceeds, and we cannot predict how long we will require to reinvest the net proceeds.

Our return on equity initially will be low compared to our historical performance. A lower return on equity may negatively impact the trading price of our common stock.

Net income divided by average stockholders’ equity, known as “return on average equity” is a ratio many investors use to compare the performance of a financial institution to its peers. Our return on average equity ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended June 30, 2009 were 11.60% and 8.94%, respectively, compared to an average negative return on equity of 7.36% based on trailing twelve-month earnings for all publicly traded fully converted savings institutions as of September 30, 2009. We expect that our return on average equity will decrease as a result of the additional capital that we will raise in the offering. For example, our pro forma return on equity for the three months ended September 30, 2009 is 6.06%, assuming the sale of shares at the maximum of the offering range. Over time, we intend to use the net proceeds from the offering to increase earnings per share and book value per share, without assuming undue risk, with the goal of achieving a return on equity that is comparable to our historical performance. This goal may take a number of years to achieve, and we may not be able to achieve it. Consequently, you should not expect a return on equity similar to our current return on equity in the near future. Failure to achieve a competitive return on equity may make an investment in our common stock unattractive to some investors and may cause our common stock to trade at lower prices than comparable companies with higher returns on equity.

 

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Trading in our common stock is limited, and a liquid market for our common stock may not develop.

The common stock of Eagle Bancorp has been listed on the OTCBB. The OTCBB is a significantly more limited market than the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq Stock Market. We have applied to list Eagle Montana common stock for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “EBMT,” subject to completion of the offering and compliance with certain conditions. You may have difficulty selling the shares that you buy if no active trading market develops.

The ownership interest of management and employees could enable insiders to prevent a merger that may provide stockholders a premium for their shares.

The shares of common stock that our directors and officers intend to purchase in the offering, when combined with the shares that they will receive in the exchange for their existing shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock may result in management and the board controlling as much as approximately 8.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock at the minimum of the offering range. In addition, our employee stock ownership plan is expected to purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering, and additional stock options and shares of common stock would be granted to our directors and employees if a stock-based incentive plan is adopted in the future. This would result in management and employees controlling a significant percentage of our shares of common stock. If these individuals were to act together, they could have significant influence over the outcome of any stockholder vote. This voting power may discourage a potential sale of Eagle Montana that our stockholders may desire.

The implementation of the stock-based incentive plan may dilute your ownership interest.

We intend to adopt a new stock-based incentive plan following the offering, subject to receipt of stockholder approval. This stock-based incentive plan may be funded either through open market purchases or from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock of Eagle Montana. While our intention is to fund this plan through open market purchases, stockholders would experience a 7.8% reduction in ownership interest at the adjusted maximum of the offering range in the event newly issued shares of our common stock are used to fund stock options or shares of restricted common stock under the plan in an amount equal to up to 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares sold in the offering. In the event we adopt the plan within one year following the conversion, shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards of restricted stock and grants of options under the stock-based incentive plan would be limited to 4% and 10%, respectively, of the total shares sold in the offering, subject to adjustment as may be required by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations or policy to reflect restricted stock previously granted by Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank. In the event we adopt the plan more than one year following the conversion, the plan will not be subject to these limitations.

Although the implementation of the stock-based benefit plan will be subject to stockholder approval, historically, the overwhelming majority of stock-based benefit plans adopted by savings institutions and their holding companies following mutual-to-stock conversions have been approved by stockholders.

Additional expenses following the conversion from the compensation and benefit expenses associated with the implementation of the new stock-based incentive benefit plan will adversely affect our profitability.

We intend to adopt a new stock-based incentive plan after the offering, subject to stockholder approval, pursuant to which plan participants would be awarded restricted shares of our common stock (at no cost to them) and options to purchase shares of our common stock. If the stock-based incentive plan is implemented within one year of the completion of the offering, the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance for awards of restricted stock or grants of options under such stock-based incentive plan may not exceed 4% and 10%, respectively, of the shares sold in the offering subject to adjustment as may be required by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations or policy to reflect restricted stock previously granted by Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank. If we award restricted shares of common stock or grant options in excess of these amounts under a stock-based incentive plan adopted more than one year after the completion of the offering, our costs would increase further.

Following the offering, our non-interest expenses are likely to increase as we will recognize additional annual employee compensation and benefit expenses related to the shares granted to employees and executives under our stock-based incentive plan. We cannot predict the actual amount of these new stock-related compensation and benefit expenses because applicable accounting practices require that expenses be based on the fair market value of the shares of common stock at specific points in the future; however, we expect them to be material. In addition, we would recognize expense for our employee stock ownership plan when shares are committed to be released to participants’ accounts (i.e., as the loan used to acquire these shares is repaid), and we would recognize expense for restricted stock awards and stock options over the vesting period of awards made to recipients. The expense in the first year following the offering has been estimated to be approximately $184,000 ($112,240 after tax) at the adjusted maximum of the offering range as set forth in the pro forma financial information under “Pro Forma Data,” assuming the $10.00 per share purchase price as fair market value. Actual expenses, however, may be higher or lower, depending on the price of our common stock.

Various factors may make takeover attempts more difficult to achieve.

Our board of directors has no current intention to sell control of Eagle Montana. Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, federal regulations, Delaware law and various other factors may make it more difficult for companies or persons to

 

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acquire control of Eagle Montana without the consent of our board of directors. You may want a takeover attempt to succeed because, for example, a potential acquiror could offer a premium over the then prevailing price of our common stock. The factors that may discourage takeover attempts or make them more difficult include:

 

   

Office of Thrift Supervision Regulations. Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit, for three years following the completion of a conversion, the direct or indirect acquisition of more than 10% of any class of equity security of a savings institution or holding company regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervisor regulated holding company of a converted institution without the prior approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision.

 

   

Certificate of Incorporation and statutory provisions. Provisions of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana and Delaware law may make it more difficult and expensive to pursue a takeover attempt that management opposes, even if the takeover is favored by a majority of our stockholders. These provisions also would make it more difficult to remove our current board of directors or management, or to elect new directors. Specifically, under Delaware law, any person who acquires more than 15% of the common stock of Eagle Montana without the prior approval of its board of directors would be prohibited from engaging in any type of business combination with Eagle Montana for a three-year period unless such transaction is subsequently approved by the board of directors and by stockholders at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66  2 / 3 % of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by such person. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana contains a provision requiring that specified transactions with an “interested stockholder” be approved by 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares unless it is either approved by a majority of Eagle Montana’s disinterested directors or certain price and procedural requirements are satisfied. Additional provisions include limitations on voting rights of beneficial owners of more than 10% of our common stock, the election of directors to staggered terms of three years, not permitting cumulative voting in the election of directors, not permitting stockholders to call a special meeting, and a requirement that holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of common stock must vote to remove directors and can only remove directors for cause. Our bylaws also contain provisions regarding the timing and content of stockholder proposals and nominations.

 

   

Federal Stock Charter of American Federal Savings Bank. The federal stock charter of American Federal Savings Bank will provide that for a period of five years from the closing of the conversion and offering, no person other than Eagle Montana may offer directly or indirectly to acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of American Federal Savings Bank. This provision does not apply to any tax-qualified employee benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana or to an underwriter or member of an underwriting or selling group involving the public sale or resale of securities of Eagle Montana or any of its subsidiaries, so long as after the sale or resale, no underwriter or member of the selling group is a beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of any class of equity securities of American Federal Savings Bank. In addition, during this five-year period, all shares owned over the 10% limit may not be voted on any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote.

 

   

Issuance of stock options and restricted stock. We also intend to issue stock options and shares of restricted stock to key employees and directors that will require payments to these persons in the event of a change in control of Eagle Montana. These payments may have the effect of increasing the costs of acquiring Eagle Montana, thereby discouraging future takeover attempts.

 

   

Employment and Change in Control Agreements. We have an employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Peter J. Johnson, that provides, among other things, for a payment of between one and two times his base salary in the event of Mr. Johnson’s involuntary termination occurring after a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank. We intend to also enter into change in control agreements with four senior officers, Clinton Morrison, Michael Mundt, Rachel Amdahl and Robert Evans, that provide for payment of base salary for one year in the event of a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank. These payments may have the effect of increasing costs of acquiring Eagle Montana, thereby discouraging future takeovers.

You may not revoke your decision to purchase Eagle Montana common stock in the subscription and community offerings after you send us your subscription.

Funds submitted or automatic withdrawals from American Federal Savings Bank deposit accounts authorized in the connection with a purchase of shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be held by us until the completion or termination of the conversion and offering, including any extension of the expiration date. Because completion of the conversion and offering will be subject to regulatory approvals and an update of the independent appraisal prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., among other factors, there may be one or more delays in the completion of the conversion and offering. Orders submitted in the subscription and community offerings are irrevocable, and subscribers will have no access to subscription funds unless the offering is terminated, or extended beyond     , or the number of shares to be sold in the offering is increased to more than 3,174,000 shares or decreased to less than 2,040,000 shares.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “project,” “could,” “intend,” “target” and other similar words and expressions of the future. 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 asset 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 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:

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

competition among depository and other financial institutions;

 

   

changes in the prices, values and sales volume of residential and commercial real estate in Montana;

 

   

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

 

   

adverse changes in the securities markets;

 

   

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

 

   

our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities, if any;

 

   

changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;

 

   

changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans;

 

   

our ability to continue to increase and manage our commercial and residential real estate, multi-family, and commercial business loans;

 

   

possible impairments of securities held by us, including those issued by government entities and government sponsored enterprises;

 

   

the level of future deposit premium assessments;

 

   

the impact of the current recession on our loan portfolio (including cash flow and collateral values), investment portfolio, customers and capital market activities;

 

   

the impact of the current governmental effort to restructure the U.S. financial and regulatory system;

 

   

the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for possible loan losses and other estimates;

 

   

changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers and their ability to repay their loans when due; and

 

   

the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters.

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Please see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 14 .

 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

OF

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

The summary financial information presented below is derived in part from the consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries. The following is only a summary and you should read it in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes beginning on page F-1. The information at June 30, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is derived in part from the audited consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp that appear in this prospectus. The information at June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and for the years then ended is derived in part from audited consolidated financial statements that do not appear in this prospectus. The operating data for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and the financial condition data at September 30, 2009 were not audited. However, in the opinion of management of Eagle Bancorp, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the unaudited periods have been made. No adjustments were made other than normal recurring entries. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire year.

 

     At September 30,    At June 30,
     2009    2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Balance Sheet Data:

                 

Total assets

   $ 300,680    $ 289,709    $ 279,907    $ 244,686    $ 226,178    $ 206,414

Investment securities, available-for-sale

     92,100      82,263      78,417      64,774      64,198      75,227

Investment securities, held-to-maturity

     265      375      697      921      1,018      1,201

Loans receivable, net:

                 

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

     76,711      79,216      86,751      81,958      75,913      56,533

Real estate construction

     6,119      4,642      7,317      8,253      6,901      2,723

Home Equity

     28,836      28,676      28,034      24,956      20,191      16,801

Consumer

     11,074      10,835      11,558      11,438      11,820      10,909

Commercial (1)

     46,005      44,254      34,699      31,987      26,509      20,347

Total loans receivable, net

     168,185      167,197      168,149      158,140      140,858      106,839

Mortgage loans held for sale

     3,494      5,349      7,370      1,175      918      2,148

Mortgage servicing rights, net

     2,315      2,208      1,652      1,628      1,722      1,857

Deposits

     195,080      187,199      178,851      179,647      174,342      172,497

FHLB advances and other borrowings

     66,639      67,056      65,222      30,000      22,371      9,885

Subordinated debentures

     5,155      5,155      5,155      5,155      5,155      —  

Shareholders’ equity

     30,427      27,792      25,634      24,088      22,545      22,265

 

(1) Includes commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans.

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
    For the Year Ended June 30,
     2009    2008     2009    2008     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating Data:

                  

Total interest income

   $ 3,724    $ 3,816      $ 15,348    $ 14,098      $ 12,651    $ 10,506    $ 9,043

Total interest expense

     1,341      1,580        6,115      6,662        5,966      3,792      2,563

Net interest income

     2,383      2,236        9,233      7,436        6,685      6,714      6,480
                                                  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     135      —          257      (175     —        —        —  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     2,248      2,236        8,976      7,611        6,685      6,714      6,480

Noninterest income (1)

     1,061      (504     2,999      2,224        2,261      2,165      2,059

Noninterest expense

     2,103      1,849        8,563      7,063        6,614      6,465      6,181
                                                  

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,206      (117     3,412      2,772        2,332      2,414      2,358

Income tax expense (benefit)

     362      (17     1,024      662        554      629      615
                                                  

Net income (loss)

   $ 844    $ (100   $ 2,388    $ 2,110      $ 1,778    $ 1,785    $ 1,743
                                                  

Earnings (loss) per share:

                  

Basic

   $ 0.79    $ (0.09   $ 2.23    $ 1.97      $ 1.66    $ 1.66    $ 1.55
                                                  

Diluted

   $ 0.69    $ (0.08   $ 1.96    $ 1.74      $ 1.47    $ 1.48    $ 1.45
                                                  

 

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     At or For the Three
Months Ended
September 30, (2)
    At or For the Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  

Financial Ratios and Other Data:

              

Return on average assets (3)

   1.14   (0.14 )%    0.84   0.83   0.75   0.83   0.86

Return on average equity (4)

   11.60   (1.59 )%    8.94   8.25   7.41   7.88   7.48

Net interest rate spread (5)

   3.40   3.26   3.34   2.84   2.76   3.21   3.36

Net interest margin (6)

   3.58   3.50   3.52   3.15   3.06   3.41   3.51

Noninterest expense to average assets

   2.86   2.67   3.00   2.77   2.79   3.01   3.06

Efficiency ratio

   63.55   106.76   71.51   71.81   73.93   72.81   72.39

Noninterest income to average assets

   1.44   (0.73 )%    1.05   0.87   0.95   1.01   1.02

Dividend payout ratio (7)

   13.15   NM      18.21   19.67   21.71   20.11   20.83

Net interest income to noninterest expense

   1.13   1.21   1.08   1.05   1.01   1.04   1.05

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

   1.085   1.096   1.078   1.108   1.107   1.107   1.112

Nonperforming loans to net loans receivable

   0.93   0.04   0.75   0.02   0.13   0.33   0.47

Nonperforming assets to total assets

   0.52   0.03   0.43   0.01   0.09   0.20   0.24

Allowance for loan losses to net loans receivable

   0.37   0.17   0.31   0.18   0.33   0.38   0.54

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans

   39.56   400.00   41.90   937.50   244.34   141.91   132.03

Average equity to average assets

   9.78   9.06   9.09   10.02   10.12   10.54   11.55

Equity to total assets

   10.12   8.51   9.59   9.16   9.84   9.97   10.79

Tangible equity to tangible assets

   10.12   8.51   9.59   9.16   9.84   9.97   10.49

Number of branch offices

   7      5      6      5      5      5      5   

 

(1) Because of our election to apply FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments , we had a negative $504,000 in noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The loss stemmed primarily from a loss in value of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock investments for which the FASB ASC 825 election was applied.
(2) Ratios are annualized where appropriate.
(3) Represents net income divided by average total assets.
(4) Represents net income divided by average equity.
(5) Represents average yield on interest-earning assets less average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(6) Represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(7) The dividend payout ratio represents dividends declared per share divided by net income per share.

 

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS OF EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following tables set forth selected consolidated historical financial and other data of Eagle Bancorp and its subsidiaries for the periods and at the dates indicated. The information at June 30, 2009 is derived in part from, and should be read together with, the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Eagle Bancorp beginning at page F-1 of this prospectus. The information at December 31, 2009 and for the six months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 is unaudited, but reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the six months ended December 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for the remainder of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.

 

     At December 31,    At June 30,
     2009    2009
     (In thousands)

Selected Financial Condition Data:

     

Total assets

   $ 306,108    $ 289,709

Investment securities, available-for-sale

     94,948      82,263

Investment securities, held-to-maturity

     265      375

Loans receivable, net

     171,250      167,197

Mortgage loans held for sale

     2,236      5,349

Mortgage servicing rights, net

     2,350      2,208

Deposits

     202,223      187,199

FHLB advances and other borrowings

     66,222      67,056

Subordinated debentures

     5,155      5,155

Shareholders’ equity

     30,280      27,792

 

     For the Three Months
Ended December 31,
   For the Six Months
Ended December 31,
 
     2009    2008    2009    2008  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Selected Operating Data:

           

Total interest income

   $ 3,798    $ 3,943    $ 7,522    $ 7,759   

Total interest expense

     1,353      1,575      2,694      3,155   

Net interest income

     2,445      2,368      4,828      4,604   
                             

Provision for loan losses

     107      34      242      34   

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     2,338      2,334      4,586      4,570   

Noninterest income

     937      444      1,998      (60

Noninterest expense

     2,485      2,056      4,588      3,905   
                             

Income before income taxes

     790      722      1,996      605   

Income tax expense

     237      198      599      181   
                             

Net income

   $ 553    $ 524    $ 1,397    $ 424   
                             

Earnings per share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.52    $ 0.49    $ 1.30    $ 0.40   
                             

Diluted

   $ 0.45    $ 0.43    $ 1.14    $ 0.35   
                             

 

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     At or For the Three Months
Ended December 31, (1)
    At or For the Six Months
Ended December 31, (1)
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:

        

Return on average assets (2)

   0.73   0.73   0.94   0.30

Return on average equity (3)

   7.29   8.54   9.62   3.46

Net interest rate spread (4)

   3.39   3.49   3.37   3.36

Net interest margin (5)

   3.55   3.67   3.55   3.56

Noninterest expense to average assets

   3.28   2.88   3.08   2.75

Efficiency ratio

   73.48   73.12   57.21   85.94

Noninterest income to average assets

   1.24   0.62   1.34   (0.04 )% 

Dividend payout ratio (6)

   50.00   52.04   40.00   127.50

Net interest income to noninterest expense

   0.98   1.15   1.05   1.18

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

   1.085   1.073   1.085   1.084

Nonperforming loans to net loans receivable

   1.25   0.15   1.25   0.15

Nonperforming assets to total assets

   0.75   0.09   0.75   0.09

Allowance for loan losses to net loans receivable

   0.41   0.19   0.41   0.19

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans

   32.68   131.27   32.68   131.27

Average equity to average assets

   10.00   8.59   9.75   8.64

Equity to total assets

   9.89   8.67   9.89   8.67

Tangible equity to tangible assets

   9.89   8.67   9.89   8.67

Number of branch offices

   7      5      7      5   

 

 

(1) Ratios are annualized where appropriate.
(2) Represents net income divided by average total assets.
(3) Represents net income divided by average equity.
(4) Represents average yield on interest-earning assets less average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(5) Represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(6) The dividend payout ratio represents dividends declared per share divided by net income per share.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009

Total assets at December 31, 2009 were $306.11 million, an increase of $16.40 million, or 5.66%, from $289.71 million at June 30, 2009. This increase in assets was primarily attributed to an increase in securities available-for-sale of $12.69 million. Total liabilities increased by $13.91 million to $275.83 million at December 31, 2009, from $261.92 million at June 30, 2009. Total equity increased $2.49 million to $30.28 million at December 31, 2009 from $27.79 million at June 30, 2009.

Loans receivable increased $4.05 million, or 2.42%, to $171.25 million at December 31, 2009, from $167.20 million at June 30, 2009. Real estate construction loans was the loan category with the largest increase, $3.37 million, while residential mortgage loans decreased $2.58 million as we continued to diversify lending activity away from residential real estate lending. Commercial real estate loans also increased $2.69 million. Most other loan categories showed modest changes. Total loan originations were $74.92 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009, with single family mortgages accounting for $52.22 million of the total. Home equity and construction loan originations totaled $6.83 million and $3.84 million, respectively, for the same period. Commercial real estate and land loan originations totaled $6.57 million. Loans held-for-sale decreased to $2.24 million at December 31, 2009 from $5.35 million at June 30, 2009.

Deposits increased $15.02 million, or 8.03%, to $202.22 million at December 31, 2009 from $187.20 million at June 30, 2009. Growth occurred in all deposit categories.

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings decreased $834,000, or 1.24%, to $66.22 million from $67.06 million as a result of continued growth in deposits. Federal fund purchases remained at $0.

Total shareholders’ equity increased $2.49 million or 8.95%, to $30.28 million at December 31, 2009 from $27.79 million at June 30, 2009. This was a result of net income for the period of $1.40 million and by an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $1.27 million (mainly due to an increase in net unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale). This was partially offset by dividends paid and repurchases of common stock.

 

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

Net income increased $29,000, or 5.53%, to $553,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $524,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in noninterest income and partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $77,000, or 3.25%, to $2.45 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $2.37 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The increase was mainly the result of lower funding costs produced by lower short term rates and growth in levels of deposits.

Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income decreased $145,000 to $3.80 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $3.94 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. Interest and fees on loans decreased to $2.78 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $2.96 million for the same period ended December 31, 2008. This decrease of $175,000, or 5.92%, was due primarily to the decrease in the average balances on loans for the three months ended December 31, 2009. Average balances for loans receivable, net, for the three months ended December 31, 2009 were $172.05 million, compared to $180.34 million for the previous year. This represents a decrease of $8.29 million, or 4.60%. The average interest rate earned on loans receivable decreased by 9 basis points, from 6.55% to 6.46%. Interest and dividends on investment securities available-for-sale (AFS) increased to $1.01 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $977,000 for the same period last year. Average balances on investments increased to $92.64 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $75.57 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The average interest rate earned on investments decreased to 4.37% from 5.20%. Interest on deposits with banks increased to $7,000 from $1,000, due to an increase in average balances. Average balances on deposits with banks increased to $8.44 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $286,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The average rates on deposit with banks decreased from 1.40% at December 31, 2008 to 0.33% at December 31, 2009.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $222,000, or 14.1%, to $1.35 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $1.58 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, due to lower funding costs. Our deposit expense decreased $241,000, or 29.0% to $589,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $830,000 for three months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease was the result of a decrease in average rates paid on deposit accounts. Interest bearing checking accounts decreased in average rates paid from 0.36% to 0.22%. Money market accounts had decreased from 1.48% to 0.52%. Average balances in interest-bearing deposit accounts increased to $181.54 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $167.76 million for the same period in the previous year. A small decrease in the average balance of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in the average rate paid, resulted in an increase in interest paid on borrowings to $689,000 versus $670,000 paid in the same period in the previous year. The average rate paid on borrowings increased from 4.10% last year to 4.24% this year. The average rate paid on liabilities decreased 49 basis points from the three months ended December 31, 2008 to the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to earnings to maintain the total allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate by American Federal Savings Bank, to provide for probable loan losses based on prior loss experience, volume and type of lending conducted by American Federal Savings Bank, national and local economic conditions, and past due loans in portfolio. Our policies require the review of assets on a quarterly basis. We classify loans as well as other assets if warranted. While American Federal Savings Bank believes it uses the best information available to make a determination with respect to the allowance for loan losses, it recognizes that future adjustments may be necessary. A provision of $107,000 was made for loan losses for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, and $34,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 to reflect levels that were considered adequate. Increases in delinquent loans and classified assets were contributing factors to increasing the provision. Total classified assets increased from $1.25 million at June 30, 2009 to $3.87 million at December 31, 2009. At quarter end, American Federal Savings Bank had $142,000 in other real estate owned and $10,000 in repossessed property.

Non-performing assets increased from $1.57 million at September 30, 2009 to $2.30 million at December 31, 2009. This increase was due primarily to an increase in 90 day delinquent and still accruing loans of $708,000. The increase in the 90 day delinquent and still accruing category related to two loans, a residential mortgage loan ($400,000) and a commercial real estate loan ($313,000). Both mortgages are adequately collateralized and management does not expect to incur any losses. Non-accrual loans increased $104,000, primarily due to one residential mortgage loan ($80,000) and two home equity loans totaling $161,000, partially offset by decreases in other non-accrual loans. Management feels the three additional loans are adequately collateralized and does not expect to incur any losses. Repossessed assets declined slightly, from $163,000 to $157,000. One parcel of land was sold while a repossessed vehicle was added.

Based on our review of classified assets at December 31, 2009, total classified assets consisted of substandard assets of $3.70 million and reserved losses of $9,000, compared to substandard assets of $3.68 million and doubtful assets of $7,000 at September 30, 2009. Although the total classifications did not change materially, the composition did change. Classified investment securities declined from $1.77 million at September 30, 2009 to 944,000 at December 31, 2009. Classified loans increased from $1.95 million at September 30, 2009 to $2.77 million at December 31, 2009, primarily due to the two loans mentioned above that are included in the 90 day delinquent and still accruing category.

 

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Charge-offs for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 were $32,000 compared to $6,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2008. Charge-offs for the 12 months ended December 31, 2009 were $107,000 compared to $33,000 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2008. The charge-offs during the 12 months ended December 31 were primarily due to charge-offs in consumer loans of $31,000 and residential mortgages secured by properties located in our market area of $28,000.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $493,000, or 111%, to $937,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $444,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. This increase was due to a higher gain on sale of loans compared to the prior year’s period. Net gain on sale of loans increased $111,000, to $349,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $238,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. Likewise mortgage loan servicing fees increased $281,000 to $198,000 for three months ended December 31, 2009 from an expense of $83,000. This increase is primarily due to a provision against the valuation of mortgage servicing rights of $239,000 for the prior year’s period.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $429,000, or 20.9%, to $2.49 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $2.06 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $105,000 and occupancy costs of $95,000 attributable to the opening of a new branch facility.

Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of $237,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to an income tax expense of $198,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2009 was 30.00%, and was 27.42% for the three months ended December 31, 2008.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

Net income was $1.40 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $973,000 from $424,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in noninterest income of $2.06 million, and an increase in net interest income of $224,000.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $224,000, or 4.87%, to $4.83 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $4.60 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The increase was mainly the result of lower funding costs from a decline in short term rates and the growth of deposits during the period. These increases were partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense of $683,000.

Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income decreased $237,000, or 3.05%, to $7.52 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $7.76 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008. Interest and fees on loans decreased to $5.49 million for 2009 from $5.79 million for 2008. This decrease of $304,000, or 5.25%, was due to a decrease in the average balances of loans receivable for the six months ended December 31, 2009 and by a decrease in the average interest rate on such loans. Average balances for loans receivable, net, for this period were $171.66 million, compared to $177.35 million for the previous year. This is a decrease of $5.69 million, or 3.21%. The average interest rate earned on loans receivable decreased by 14 basis points, to 6.39% from 6.53%. Interest and dividends on investment securities available-for-sale (AFS) increased to $2.01 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $1.94 million for the same period ended December 31, 2008. Interest on deposits with banks increased to $15,000 from $5,000.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $461,000, or 14.6%, to $2.69 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $3.16 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008, due to lower funding costs. Interest on deposits decreased to $1.20 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $1.69 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease of $492,000, or 29.08%, was the result of a decrease in average rates paid on deposit accounts offset by an increase in average balances in deposit accounts. Average rates paid on certificates of deposit decreased from 2008 to 2009, and the average rate paid on all liabilities decreased by 50 basis points from the six month period ended December 31, 2008 to the six month period ended December 31, 2009. Average balances in interest-bearing deposits increased to $178.27 million for the six month period ended December 31, 2009 compared to $166.47 million for the same period in the previous year. Interest paid on borrowings increased to $1.34 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $1.31 million for the same period ended December 31, 2008. The increase in borrowing costs was due to increases in the average balances. Average balances of borrowings increased to $72.67 million in 2009 compared to $71.79 million in 2008. The average rate paid on borrowings increased 3 basis points from 2008 to 2009.

Provision for Loan Losses. A provision of $242,000 was made for loan losses for the six months ended December 31, 2009, and $34,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. Increases in delinquent loans and classified assets were contributing factors to increasing the provision. Total classified assets increased from $1.25 million at June 30, 2009 to $3.87 million at December 31, 2009. At quarter end, American Federal Savings Bank had $142,000 in other real estate owned and $10,000 in repossessed property.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $2.06 million to $2.00 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from a negative $60,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to last period’s recognition of a decline in value of $1.29 million on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock investments for which the FASB ASC 825 election was applied during the six months ended December 31, 2008. The FASB ASC election allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. Subsequent changes in fair value of these assets are recognized in earnings when incurred. The market value of preferred stock was $82,000 and $1.321 million at September 30, 2008, and June 30, 2008, respectively, resulting in a loss in value of $1.239 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2008.

 

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Net gain on sale of loans increased $368,000, to $789,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $421,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. Likewise mortgage loan servicing fees increased $326,000 to $383,000 for six months ended December 31, 2009. As noted above, this increase is primarily due to a provision against the valuation of mortgage servicing rights of $239,000 for the prior year’s period.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $683,000, or 17.5%, to $4.59 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $3.91 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy costs and federal deposit insurance premiums. Salaries and employee benefits increased $158,000 resulting from merit raises, inflationary costs and a slightly larger staff. Occupancy costs increased $102,000 due to the opening of the Skyway branch in Helena, Montana in January 2009 and the Oak Street branch in Bozeman, Montana in October 2009. The federal deposit insurance premiums increased $115,000 due to the expiration of credits and the FDIC increasing assessment rates.

Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of $599,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2009, compared to an income tax expense of $181,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2009 was 30.00%, and was 29.92% for the six months ended December 31, 2008.

 

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HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE OFFERING

Although we cannot determine what the actual net proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock in the offering will be until the offering is completed, we anticipate that the aggregate net proceeds will be between $18.8 million and $25.6 million, or $29.6 million if the offering range is increased by 15%.

We intend to distribute the net proceeds from the stock offering as follows:

 

     Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of  
     2,040,000 Shares     2,400,000 Shares     2,760,000 Shares     3,174,000 Shares (1)  
     Amount     Percent of Net
Proceeds
    Amount     Percent of
Net Proceeds
    Amount     Percent of
Net Proceeds
    Amount     Percent of
Net Proceeds
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Offering proceeds

   $ 20,400      100.00   $ 24,000      100.00   $ 27,600      100.00   $ 31,740      100.00

Less offering expenses

     (1,646   (8.07 )     (1,802   (7.51 )     (1,957   (7.09 )     (2,136   (6.73 )
                                                        

Net offering proceeds

   $ 18,754      91.93   $ 22,198      92.49   $ 25,643      92.91   $ 29,604      93.27
                                        

Distribution of net proceeds:

                

To American Federal Savings Bank

   $ (9,377   (45.97 )%    $ (11,099   (46.25 )%    $ (12,822   (46.45 )%    $ (14,802   (46.64 )% 

To fund the loan to employee stock ownership plan

     (1,632   (8.00 )     (1,920   (8.00 )     (2,208   (8.00 )     (2,539   (8.00 )
                                                        

Retained by Eagle Montana

   $ 7,745      37.97   $ 9,179      38.25   $ 10,614      38.45   $ 12,263      38.64
                                        

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares which could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market or general financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.

Payments for shares of common stock made through withdrawals from existing deposit accounts will not result in the receipt of new funds for investment but will result in a reduction of American Federal Savings Bank’s deposits. The net proceeds may vary because total expenses relating to the offering may be more or less than our estimates. For example, our expenses would increase if a syndicated community offering were used to sell shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings.

Eagle Montana May Use the Proceeds it Retains From the Offering:

 

   

to fund a loan to the employee stock ownership plan to purchase shares of common stock in the offering;

 

   

to finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions or other financial service companies as opportunities arise, particularly in, or adjacent to, south central Montana, although we do not currently have any agreements or understandings regarding any specific acquisition transaction and it is impossible to determine when, if ever, such opportunities may arise;

 

   

to pay cash dividends to stockholders;

 

   

to repurchase shares of our common stock for, among other things, the funding of our stock-based incentive plan;

 

   

to invest in securities; and

 

   

for other general corporate purposes.

Initially, a substantial portion of the net proceeds will be invested in short-term investments, investment-grade debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities.

Under current Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, we may not repurchase shares of our common stock during the first year following the completion of the conversion, except when extraordinary circumstances exist and with prior regulatory approval and for the funding of certain stock-based plans.

American Federal Savings Bank May Use the Net Proceeds it Receives From the Offering:

 

   

to fund new loans, including commercial real estate, commercial and residential construction loans, commercial business loans, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and consumer loans;

 

   

to finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions or other financial service companies primarily in, or adjacent to, south central Montana, we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

to acquire branches from other financial institutions primarily in, or adjacent to, south central Montana although we do not currently have any agreements or understandings regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

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to enhance existing products and services; and

 

   

for other general corporate purposes.

Initially, a substantial portion of the net proceeds will be invested in short-term investments, investment-grade debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities. The use of proceeds may change based on changes in interest rates, equity markets, laws and regulations affecting the financial services industry, our relative position in the financial services industry, the attractiveness of potential acquisitions, and overall market conditions. Our business strategy for the deployment of the net proceeds raised in the offering is discussed in more detail in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Business Strategy.”

 

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OUR POLICY REGARDING DIVIDENDS

As of September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share, which equals $1.04 per share on an annualized basis. It is our current intention to maintain dividends after the conversion at current equivalent levels. After the conversion, we intend to continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis. After adjustment for the exchange ratio, we expect the annual dividends to equal $0.33, $0.28, $0.24 and $0.21 per share at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, which represents an annual dividend yield of 3.3%, 2.8%, 2.4% and 2.1% at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, based upon a stock price of $10.00 per share. The amount of dividends that we intend to pay to our stockholders following the conversion is intended to preserve the per share dividend amount, adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio, that our stockholders currently receive on their shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock. However, the dividend rate and the continued payment of dividends will depend on a number of factors including our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that we will not reduce or eliminate dividends in the future.

Under the rules of the Office of Thrift Supervision, American Federal Savings Bank will not be permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock to Eagle Montana, its sole stockholder, if American Federal Savings Bank’s stockholder’s equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account established in connection with the conversion. In addition, American Federal Savings Bank will not be permitted to make a capital distribution if, after making such distribution, it would be undercapitalized. See “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights.”

Unlike American Federal Savings Bank, we are not restricted by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations on the payment of dividends to our stockholders, although the source of dividends will depend on the net proceeds retained by us and earnings and dividends from American Federal Savings Bank. However, we will be subject to state law limitations on the payment of dividends. Delaware law generally limits dividends to our capital surplus or, if there is no capital surplus, our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

Finally, pursuant to Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, during the three-year period following the conversion, we will not take any action to declare an extraordinary dividend to stockholders that would be treated by recipients as a tax-free return of capital for federal income tax purposes.

See “Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries” and “Market for the Common Stock” for information regarding our historical dividend payments.

 

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MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK

Eagle Bancorp’s common stock is currently traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, or OTCBB, under the symbol “EBMT.” Upon completion of the offering, Eagle Bancorp’s shares of common stock will be cancelled and will cease trading. We have applied to list Eagle Montana’s shares of common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, and it is currently expected that Eagle Montana common stock will commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Market upon completion of the offering. However, for the first 20 trading days, shares of Eagle Montana common stock will trade under the symbol “EBMTD” and thereafter, our trading symbol will be “EBMT.” In order to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, we are required to have at least three broker-dealers who will make a market in our common stock. Eagle Bancorp currently has nine registered market makers.

The development of a public market having the desirable characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control or that of any market maker. The number of active buyers and sellers of our common stock at any particular time may be limited, which may have an adverse effect on the price at which our common stock can be sold. You may not be able to sell your shares at or above the $10.00 price per share in the offering. Purchasers of our common stock should have a long-term investment intent and should recognize that there may be a limited trading market in our common stock.

The following table sets forth the high and low trading prices for shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock and cash dividends paid per share for the periods indicated. As of September 30, 2009, there were 426,014 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock outstanding (excluding shares held by Eagle Financial MHC). In connection with the conversion and offering, each existing publicly held share of common stock of Eagle Bancorp will be converted into a right to receive a number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock, based upon the exchange ratio that is described in other sections of this prospectus. See “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”

 

Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010

   High    Low    Dividend Paid
Per Share

Third quarter through January 22, 2010

   $ 34.25    $ 32.65    $  

Second quarter

     35.00      28.50      0.260

First quarter

     30.00      27.50      0.260

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009

Fourth quarter

   $ 28.00    $ 23.00    $ 0.255

Third quarter

     23.00      21.00      0.255

Second quarter

     26.00      23.00      0.255

First quarter

     28.00      25.55      0.255

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008

Fourth quarter

   $ 29.50    $ 25.75    $ 0.240

Third quarter

     30.80      26.00      0.240

Second quarter

     32.75      30.30      0.240

First quarter

     33.00      30.45      0.240

On December 1, 2009, the business day immediately preceding the public announcement of the conversion, and on             , 2010, the closing prices of Eagle Bancorp common stock as reported on the OTCBB were $29.15 per share and $             per share, respectively. At September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp had approximately 500 stockholders of record. On the effective date of the conversion, all publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock, including shares of common stock held by our officers and directors, will be converted automatically into and become the right to receive a number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock determined pursuant to the exchange ratio. See “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”

 

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HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE

At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank exceeded all of the applicable regulatory capital requirements. The table below sets forth the historical equity capital and regulatory capital of American Federal Savings Bank at September 30, 2009, and the pro forma regulatory capital of American Federal Savings Bank, after giving effect to the sale of Eagle Montana’s shares of common stock at a $10.00 per share purchase price. Accordingly, the table assumes the receipt by American Federal Savings Bank of at least 50% of the net proceeds. See “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”

 

     American Federal
Savings Bank Historical
at September 30, 2009
    Pro Forma at September 30, 2009 Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share  
       2,040,000 Shares     2,400,000 Shares     2,760,000 Shares     3,174,000 Shares (1)  
     Amount    Percent of
Assets (2)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (2)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (2)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (2)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (2)
 

Equity capital

   $ 28,976    9.84   $ 35,915      11.91   $ 37,205      12.28   $ 38,496      12.66   $ 39,979      13.08

Tangible capital (3)

   $ 27,677    9.45   $ 34,616      11.55   $ 35,906      11.93   $ 37,197      12.31   $ 38,680      12.73

Tangible capital requirement

     4,391    1.50       4,495      1.50       4,515      1.50       4,534      1.50       4,556      1.50  
                                                                     

Excess

   $ 23,286    7.95   $ 30,121      10.05   $ 31,391      10.43   $ 32,663      10.80   $ 34,124      11.23
                                                                     

Core capital (3)(4)

   $ 27,677    9.45   $ 34,616      11.55   $ 35,906      11.93   $ 37,197      12.31   $ 38,680      12.73

Core capital requirement

     8,782    3.00       8,991      3.00       9,029      3.00       9,068      3.00       9,112      3.00  
                                                                     

Excess

   $ 18,895    6.45   $ 25,625      8.55   $ 26,877      8.93   $ 28,129      9.30   $ 29,568      9.73
                                                                     

Total risk-based capital (4)

   $ 28,272    13.72   $ 35,211      16.97   $ 36,501      17.57   $ 37,792      18.17   $ 39,275      18.86

Risk-based requirement

     16,487    8.00       16,598      8.00       16,619      8.00       16,639      8.00       16,663      8.00  
                                                                     

Excess

   $ 11,785    5.72   $ 18,613      8.97   $ 19,882      9.57   $ 21,153      10.17   $ 22,612      10.85
                                                                     

Reconciliation of capital infused into American Federal Savings Bank:

                     

Net proceeds

        $ 9,377        $ 11,099        $ 12,822        $ 14,802     

Add:

                     

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

          10          10          10          10     

Less:

                     

Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan

          (1,632       (1,920       (2,208       (2,539  

Common stock acquired by stock-based incentive plan

          (816       (960       (1,104       (1,270  
                                             

Pro forma increase in GAAP and regulatory capital (5)

        $ 6,939        $ 8,229        $ 9,520        $ 10,003     
                                             

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares of common stock that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares, or changes in market or general financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Tangible and core capital levels are shown as a percentage of adjusted total assets. Risk-based capital levels are shown as a percentage of risk-weighted assets.
(3) Tangible and core capital are determined by subtracting unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale and unrealized gain on forward delivery commitments of $1.255 million and $44,000, respectively, at September 30, 2009, from equity capital as determined by generally accepted accounting principles.
(4) Pro forma capital levels assume that we fund the stock-based incentive plans with purchases in the open market equal to 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering at a price equal to the price for which the shares of common stock are sold in the stock offering, and that the employee stock ownership plan purchases 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering with funds we lend. Pro forma GAAP and regulatory capital have been reduced by the amount required to fund both of these plans. See “Management” for a discussion of the stock-based incentive plan and employee stock ownership plan. We may award shares of common stock under one or more stock-based incentive plans in excess of this amount if the stock-based benefit plans are adopted more than one year following the stock offering. Accordingly, we may increase the awards beyond current regulatory restrictions and beyond the amounts reflected in this table.
(5) Pro forma amounts and percentages assume net proceeds are invested in assets that carry a 20% risk weighting.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table presents the historical consolidated capitalization of Eagle Bancorp at September 30, 2009 and the pro forma consolidated capitalization of Eagle Montana after giving effect to the offering, based upon the assumptions set forth in the “Pro Forma Data” section.

 

     Eagle Bancorp
Historical at
September 30,
2009
    Eagle Montana $10.00 Per Share Pro Forma  
       2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in Thousands, except share amounts)  

Deposits (2)

   $ 195,080      $ 195,070      $ 195,070      $ 195,070      $ 195,070   

Borrowed funds

     66,639        66,639        66,639        66,639        66,639   

Subordinated debentures

     5,155        5,155        5,155        5,155        5,155   
                                        

Total deposits and borrowed funds

   $ 266,874      $ 266,864      $ 266,864      $ 266,864      $ 266,864   
                                        

Shareholders’ equity:

          

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized (post-conversion) (3)

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Common stock $0.01 par value, 8,000,000 shares authorized (post-conversion); shares to be issued as reflected (3) (4)

     12        34        40        46        53   

Additional paid-in capital (3)

     4,589        23,321        26,759        30,198        34,152   

Retained earnings (5)

     29,583        29,583        29,583        29,583        29,583   

Accumulated other comprehensive gain

     1,308        1,308        1,308        1,308        1,308   

Plus:

          

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     —          10        10        10        10   

Less:

          

Treasury stock

     (5,056     (5,056     (5,056     (5,056     (5,056

Common stock already acquired by ESOP

     (9     (9     (9     (9     (9

Common stock to be acquired by the ESOP (6)

     —          (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Common stock to be acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (7)

     —          (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270
                                        

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 30,427      $ 46,743      $ 49,755      $ 52,768      $ 56,232   
                                        

Shares Outstanding

          

Total shares outstanding

     1,074,507        3,380,136        3,976,630        4,573,125        5,259,093   

Exchange shares issued

     —          1,340,136        1,576,630        1,813,125        2,085,093   

Shares offered for sale

     —          2,040,000        2,400,000        2,760,000        3,174,000   

Total shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets

     10.12     14.75     15.55     16.34     17.22

Tangible equity ratio

     9.45     14.75     15.55     16.34     17.22

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares of common stock that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares, or changes in market or general financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Does not reflect withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock in the offering other than a deposit of $10,000 of Eagle Financial MHC held at American Federal Savings Bank. These withdrawals would reduce pro forma deposits by the amount of the withdrawals. On a pro forma basis, it also reflects a transfer to equity of $10,000 in Eagle Financial MHC deposits held at American Federal Savings Bank.
(3) Eagle Bancorp currently has 1,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock, no par value, and 9,000,000 authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. On a pro forma basis, Eagle Montana common stock and additional paid-in capital have been revised to reflect the number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock to be outstanding, which is 3,380,136 shares, 3,976,630 shares, 4,573,125 shares and 5,259,093 shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively.

 

(Footnotes continued on next page)

 

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(continued from previous page)

 

(4) No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of Eagle Montana common stock pursuant to stock options to be granted under a stock-based incentive plan. If this plan is implemented within one year of the completion of the offering, an amount up to 10% of the shares of Eagle Montana common stock sold in the offering will be reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options. We may exceed this limit if the plan is implemented more than one year following the completion of the offering. See “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion.”
(5) The retained earnings of American Federal Savings Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation.”
(6) Assumes that 8% of the shares sold in the offering will be acquired by the employee stock ownership plan financed by a loan from Eagle Montana. The loan will be repaid principally from American Federal Savings Bank’s contributions to the employee stock ownership plan. Since Eagle Montana will finance the employee stock ownership plan debt, this debt will be eliminated through consolidation and no liability will be reflected on Eagle Montana’s consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the amount of shares of common stock acquired by the employee stock ownership plan is shown in this table as a reduction of total stockholders’ equity.
(7) Assumes at the minimum, midpoint, the maximum and the maximum as adjusted, of the offering range that a number of shares of common stock equal to 4% of the shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be purchased by the stock-based incentive plan in open market purchases. The stock-based incentive plan will be submitted to a vote of stockholders following the completion of the offering. The funds to be used by the stock-based incentive plan to purchase the shares will be provided by Eagle Montana. The dollar amount of common stock to be purchased is based on the $10.00 per share offering price and represents unearned compensation. This amount does not reflect possible increases or decreases in the value of common stock relative to the subscription price in the offering. As Eagle Montana accrues compensation expense to reflect the vesting of shares pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan, the credit to capital will be offset by a charge to operations. Implementation of the stock-based incentive plan will require stockholder approval. If the shares to fund the plan (restricted stock awards and stock options) are assumed to come from authorized but unissued shares of Eagle Montana, the number of outstanding shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and the maximum, as adjusted, of the offering range would be 3,665,736, 4,312,630, 4,959,525 and 5,703,453, respectively, total shareholders’ equity would be $47.6 million, $50.7 million, $53.9 million and $57.5 million, respectively, and total shareholders’ ownership in Eagle Montana would be diluted by approximately 8.4% at the maximum of the offering range.

 

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PRO FORMA DATA

The following tables summarize historical data of Eagle Bancorp and pro forma data at and for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and at and for the year ended June 30, 2009. This information is based on assumptions set forth below and in the tables, and should not be used as a basis for projections of market value of the shares of common stock following the offering. Moreover, pro forma stockholders’ equity per share does not give effect to the liquidation account to be established in the conversion or, in the unlikely event of a liquidation of American Federal Savings Bank, to the recoverability of intangible assets or the tax effect of the recapture of the bad debt reserve. See “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights.”

The net proceeds in the tables are based upon the following assumptions:

 

  (i) Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated estimates that approximately one-third of all shares of common stock will be sold in the subscription and community offerings, including shares purchased by insiders, with the remaining shares to be sold in the syndicated community offering;

 

  (ii) 71,800 shares of common stock will be purchased by our executive officers and directors, and their associates;

 

  (iii) our employee stock ownership plan will purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering with a loan from Eagle Montana. The loan will be repaid in substantially equal payments of principal and interest over a period of 12 years;

 

  (iv) Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will receive a fee equal to 1.25% of all shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings and a fee equal to 6% of all shares sold in the syndicated community offering. No fee will be paid with respect to shares of common stock purchased by our qualified and non-qualified employee stock benefit plans, or stock purchased by our officers, directors and employees, and their immediate families; and

 

  (v) total expenses of the offering, including the marketing fees to be paid to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, will be between $1.6 million at the minimum of the offering range and $2.1 million at the maximum of the offering range, as adjusted.

We calculated pro forma consolidated net income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and the year ended June 30, 2009 as if the estimated net proceeds we received had been invested at the beginning of each period at an assumed interest rate of 1.34% (0.82% on an after-tax basis). The interest rate was calculated assuming that 25% of the net proceeds are placed into residential mortgage loans (half in 30-year fixed rate loans and half in 15-year fixed rate loans) with the remaining 75% of the net proceeds invested in one-year U.S. Treasury securities, all based on market interest rates prevailing as of September 30, 2009. We consider the resulting rate to reflect more accurately the pro forma reinvestment rate than an arithmetic average method in light of current market interest rates. The effect of withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock has not been reflected. Historical and pro forma per share amounts have been calculated by dividing historical and pro forma amounts by the indicated number of shares of common stock. No effect has been given in the pro forma stockholders’ equity calculations for the assumed earnings on the net proceeds.

The pro forma tables give effect to the implementation of one or more stock-based incentive plans. Subject to the receipt of stockholder approval, we have assumed that the stock-based incentive plans will acquire for restricted stock awards a number of shares of common stock equal to 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering at the same price for which they were sold in the stock offering. We assume that shares of common stock are granted under the plans in awards that vest over a five-year period.

We have also assumed that the stock-based incentive plans will grant options to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering. In preparing the tables below, we assumed that stockholder approval was obtained, that the exercise price of the stock options and the market price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share and that the stock options had a term of 10 years and vested over five years. We applied the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate a grant-date fair value of $1.99 for each option. In addition to the terms of the options described above, the Black-Scholes option pricing model assumed an estimated volatility rate of 22.35% for the shares of common stock, a dividend yield of 3.3%, an expected option life of 10 years and a risk-free interest rate of 3.31%.

We may grant options and award shares of common stock under one or more stock-based incentive plans in excess of 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering if the stock-based incentive plans are adopted more than one year following the stock offering.

As discussed under “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering,” we intend to contribute at least 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering to American Federal Savings Bank, and we will retain the remainder of the net proceeds from the stock offering. We will use a portion of the proceeds we retain for the purpose of making a loan to the employee stock ownership plan and retain the rest of the proceeds for future use.

The pro forma table does not give effect to:

 

   

withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purpose of purchasing shares of common stock in the stock offering;

 

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our results of operations after the stock offering; or

 

   

changes in the market price of the shares of common stock after the stock offering.

The following pro forma information may not represent the financial effects of the stock offering at the date on which the stock offering actually occurs and you should not use the table to indicate future results of operations. Pro forma stockholders’ equity represents the difference between the stated amount of our assets and liabilities, computed in accordance with GAAP. We did not increase or decrease stockholders’ equity to reflect the difference between the carrying value of loans and other assets and their market value. Pro forma stockholders’ equity is not intended to represent the fair market value of the shares of common stock and may be different than the amounts that would be available for distribution to stockholders if we liquidated. Per share figures have been calculated based on shares of Eagle Bancorp outstanding as of the date of this prospectus.

 

     At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Based
Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of
 
     2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  

Gross proceeds of stock offering

   $ 20,400      $ 24,000      $ 27,600      $ 31,740   

Market value of shares issued in the exchange

     13,401        15,766        18,131        20,851   
                                

Pro forma market capitalization

   $ 33,801      $ 39,766      $ 45,731      $ 52,591   
                                

Gross proceeds of offering

   $ 20,400      $ 24,000      $ 27,600      $ 31,740   

Less: Expenses

     (1,646     (1,802     (1,957     (2,136
                                

Estimated net proceeds

     18,754        22,198        25,643        29,604   

Less: Common stock purchased by employee stock ownership plan

     (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Less: Common stock purchased by the stock-based incentive plan

     (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270

Plus: Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     10        10        10        10   
                                

Estimated net proceeds, as adjusted

   $ 16,316      $ 19,328      $ 22,341      $ 25,805   
                                

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

        

Consolidated net income:

        

Historical

   $ 844      $ 844      $ 844      $ 844   

Pro forma adjustments:

        

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     34        40        46        53   

Employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (21     (24     (28     (32

Shares granted under the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (25     (29     (34     (39

Options granted under the stock-based incentive plan (4)

     (20     (24     (28     (32
                                

Pro forma net income

   $ 812      $ 807      $ 800      $ 795   
                                

Net income per share (5):

        

Historical

   $ 0.26     $ 0.22     $ 0.19     $ 0.17  

Pro forma adjustments:

        

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     0.01       0.01       0.01       0.01  

Employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01

Shares granted under the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01

Options granted under the stock-based incentive plan (4)

     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01
                                

Pro forma net income per share (5) (6)

   $ 0.25     $ 0.21     $ 0.18     $ 0.16  
                                

Offering price to pro forma net income per share

     10.0     11.9     13.9     15.6

Number of shares used in net income per share calculations (5)

     3,230,536        3,800,630        4,370,725        5,026,333   

 

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     At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of
 
     2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  

At September 30, 2009

        

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Historical

   $ 30,427      $ 30,427      $ 30,427      $ 30,427   

Estimated net proceeds

     18,754        22,198        25,643        29,604   

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     10        10        10        10   

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Less: Common stock acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270
                                

Pro forma shareholders’ equity

   $ 46,743      $ 49,755      $ 52,768      $ 56,232   

Less: Intangible assets

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 46,743      $ 49,755      $ 52,768      $ 56,232   
                                

Shareholders’ equity per share (7):

        

Historical

   $ 9.00     $ 7.65     $ 6.65     $ 5.79  

Estimated net proceeds

     5.55       5.58       5.61       5.63  

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     —          —          —          —     

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (0.48     (0.48     (0.48     (0.48

Less: Common stock acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24
                                

Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share (7)

   $ 13.83     $ 12.51     $ 11.54     $ 10.69  

Less: Intangible assets

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 13.83     $ 12.51     $ 11.54     $ 10.69  
                                

Offering price as percentage of pro forma shareholders’ equity per share

     72.31     79.93     86.66     93.55
                                

Offering price as percentage of pro forma tangible shareholders’ equity per share

     72.31     79.93     86.66     93.55
                                

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma shareholders’ equity per share calculations (8)

     3,380,136        3,976,630        4,573,125        5,259,093   
                                

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares, or changes in market and financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Assumes that 8% of shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire these shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the employee stock ownership plan from Eagle Montana. American Federal Savings Bank intends to make annual contributions to the employee stock ownership plan in an amount at least equal to the required principal and interest payments on the debt. American Federal Savings Bank’s total annual payments on the employee stock ownership plan debt are based upon 12 equal annual installments of principal and interest. FASB ASC 718-40 “ Employee Stock Ownership Plans ” (“FASB ASC 718-40”), requires that an employer record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares committed to be released to employees. The pro forma adjustments assume that: (i) the employee stock ownership plan shares are allocated in equal annual installments based on the number of loan repayment installments assumed to be paid by American Federal Savings Bank, (ii) the fair value of the common stock remains equal to the $10.00 subscription price and (iii) the employee stock ownership plan expense reflects an effective combined federal and state tax rate of 39%. The unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed to fund the employee stock ownership plan. The pro forma net income further assumes that 13,600, 16,000, 18,400 and 21,160 shares were committed to be released during the period at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, and in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40, only the employee stock ownership plan shares committed to be released during the period were considered outstanding for purposes of net income per share calculations.
(3)

Gives effect to the grant of stock awards pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan expected to be adopted by Eagle Montana following the offering and presented to stockholders for approval not earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. We have assumed that at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum as adjusted, of the offering range this plan acquires a number of shares of restricted common stock equal to 4% of the shares sold in the offering, either through open market purchases, from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or treasury stock of Eagle Montana. Funds used by the stock-based incentive plan to purchase the shares of common stock will be contributed by Eagle Montana. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock-based incentive plan, it is assumed that the shares of common stock were acquired by the plan in

 

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open market purchases at the beginning of the period presented for a purchase price equal to the price for which the shares are sold in the offering, and that 100% of the amount contributed was an amortized expense (20% annually based upon a five-year vesting period) during the three months ended September 30, 2009. There can be no assurance that the actual purchase price of the shares of common stock granted under the stock-based incentive plan will be equal to the $10.00 subscription price. If shares are acquired from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or from treasury shares of Eagle Montana, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This will also have a dilutive effect of approximately 2.4% (at the maximum of the offering range) on the ownership interest of stockholders. The impact on pro forma net income per share and pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is not material. The following table shows pro forma net income per share and pro forma stockholders’ equity per share, assuming all the shares of common stock to fund the stock awards are obtained from authorized but unissued shares.

 

At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

   Minimum    Midpoint    Maximum    Maximum, as
Adjusted

Pro forma net income per share

   $ 0.24    $ 0.21    $ 0.18    $ 0.15

Pro forma shareholders’ equity per share

   $ 13.74    $ 12.45    $ 11.50    $ 10.68

 

(4) Gives effect to the granting of options pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan, which is expected to be adopted by Eagle Montana following the offering and presented to stockholders for approval not earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. We have assumed that options will be granted to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares sold in the offering. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock options, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and the trading price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, and the estimated grant-date fair value pursuant to the application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $1.99 for each option. The pro forma net income assumes that the options granted under the stock-based incentive plan have a value of $1.99 per option, which was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula using the following assumptions: (i) the trading price on date of grant was $10.00 per share; (ii) exercise price is equal to the trading price on the date of grant; (iii) dividend yield of 3.3%; (iv) expected life of 10 years; (v) expected volatility of 22.35%; and (vi) risk-free interest rate of 3.31%. If the fair market value per share on the date of grant is different than $10.00, or if the assumptions used in the option pricing formula are different from those used in preparing this pro forma data, the value of options and the related expense recognized will be different. The aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five-year vesting period of the options. There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $10.00 price per share. If a portion of the shares to satisfy the exercise of options under the stock-based incentive plan is obtained from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, our net income and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This also will have a dilutive effect of up to 5.7% on the ownership interest of persons who purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
(5) The number of shares used to calculate pro forma net income per share is equal to the estimated weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2009 multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, and subtracting the employee stock ownership plan shares which have not been committed for release during the respective periods in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40. The weighted shares outstanding used for this calculation is equal to the number of new shares to be issued in the offering at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, plus the existing Eagle Bancorp shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted. See footnote 2, above. See also “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”
(6) The retained earnings of American Federal Savings Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Our Policy Regarding Dividends,” “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation.”
(7) Per share figures include publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock that will be exchanged for shares of Eagle Montana common stock in the conversion. Stockholders’ equity per share calculations are based upon the sum of (i) the number of subscription shares assumed to be sold in the offering; and (ii) shares to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares.
(8) The number of shares used to calculate pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is equal to the total number of shares to be outstanding upon completion of the offering. The shares outstanding used for this calculation is equal to the number of new shares to be issued in the offering at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, plus the existing shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted. See also “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”

 

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     At or for the Year Ended June 30, 2009
Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of
 
     2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  

Gross proceeds of stock offering

   $ 20,400      $ 24,000      $ 27,600      $ 31,740   

Market value of shares issued in the exchange

     13,401        15,766        18,131        20,851   
                                

Pro forma market capitalization

   $ 33,801      $ 39,766      $ 45,731      $ 52,591   
                                

Gross proceeds of offering

   $ 20,400      $ 24,000      $ 27,600      $ 31,740   

Less: Expenses

     (1,646     (1,802     (1,957     (2,136
                                

Estimated net proceeds

     18,754        22,198        25,643        29,604   

Less: Common stock purchased by employee stock ownership plan

     (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Less: Common stock purchased by the stock-based incentive plan

     (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270

Plus: Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     10        10        10        10   
                                

Estimated net proceeds, as adjusted

   $ 16,316      $ 19,328      $ 22,341      $ 25,805   
                                

For the Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2009

        

Consolidated net income:

        

Historical

   $ 2,388      $ 2,388      $ 2,388      $ 2,388   

Pro forma adjustments:

        

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     133        158        183        211   

Employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (83     (98     (112     (129

Shares granted under the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (100     (117     (135     (155

Options granted under the stock-based incentive plan (4)

     (81     (96     (110     (126
                                

Pro forma net income

   $ 2,258      $ 2,235      $ 2,214      $ 2,189   
                                

Net income per share (5):

        

Historical

   $ 0.74     $ 0.63     $ 0.55     $ 0.48  

Pro forma adjustments:

        

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     0.04       0.04       0.04       0.04  

Employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03

Shares granted under the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03

Options granted under the stock-based incentive plan (4)

     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03
                                

Pro forma net income per share (5) (6)

   $ 0.69     $ 0.58     $ 0.50     $ 0.43  
                                

Offering price to pro forma net income per share

     14.3     16.9     19.6     22.7

Number of shares used in net income per share calculations (5)

     3,230,536        3,800,630        4,370,725        5,026,333   

At June 30, 2009

        

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Historical

   $ 27,792      $ 27,792      $ 27,792      $ 27,792   

Estimated net proceeds

     18,754        22,198        25,643        29,604   

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     10        10        10        10   
                                

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Less: Common stock acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270
                                

Pro forma shareholders’ equity

   $ 44,108      $ 47,120      $ 50,133      $ 53,597   

Less: Intangible assets

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 44,108      $ 47,120      $ 50,133      $ 53,597   
                                

 

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     At or for the Year Ended June 30, 2009
Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of
 
     2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  

Shareholders’ equity per share (7):

        

Historical

   $ 8.22     $ 6.99     $ 6.08     $ 5.28  

Estimated net proceeds

     5.55       5.58       5.61       5.63  

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     —          —          —          —     

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (0.48     (0.48     (0.48     (0.48

Less: Common stock acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24
                                

Pro forma shareholders’ equity per share (7)

   $ 13.05     $ 11.85     $ 10.97     $ 10.18  

Less: Intangible assets

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 13.05     $ 11.85     $ 10.97     $ 10.18  
                                

Offering price as percentage of pro forma shareholders’ equity per share

     76.63     84.46     91.32     98.23
                                

Offering price as percentage of pro forma tangible shareholders’ equity per share

     76.63     84.46     91.32     98.23
                                

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma shareholders’ equity per share calculations (8)

     3,380,136        3,976,630        4,573,125        5,259,093   
                                

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares, or changes in market and financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Assumes that 8% of shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire these shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the employee stock ownership plan from Eagle Montana. American Federal Savings Bank intends to make annual contributions to the employee stock ownership plan in an amount at least equal to the required principal and interest payments on the debt. American Federal Savings Bank’s total annual payments on the employee stock ownership plan debt are based upon 12 equal annual installments of principal and interest. FASB ASC 718-40 requires that an employer record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares committed to be released to employees. The pro forma adjustments assume that: (i) the employee stock ownership plan shares are allocated in equal annual installments based on the number of loan repayment installments assumed to be paid by American Federal Savings Bank, (ii) the fair value of the common stock remains equal to the $10.00 subscription price and (iii) the employee stock ownership plan expense reflects an effective combined federal and state tax rate of 39%. The unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed to fund the employee stock ownership plan. The pro forma net income further assumes that 13,600, 16,000, 18,400 and 21,160 shares were committed to be released during the year at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, and in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40, only the employee stock ownership plan shares committed to be released during the year were considered outstanding for purposes of net income per share calculations.
(3) Gives effect to the grant of stock awards pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan expected to be adopted by Eagle Montana following the offering and presented to stockholders for approval not earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. We have assumed that at the midpoint, maximum and maximum as adjusted, of the offering range this plan acquires a number of shares of restricted common stock equal to 4% of the shares sold in the stock offering, either through open market purchases, from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or treasury stock of Eagle Montana. Funds used by the stock-based incentive plan to purchase the shares of common stock will be contributed by Eagle Montana. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock-based incentive plan, it is assumed that the shares of common stock were acquired by the plan in open market purchases at the beginning of the period presented for a purchase price equal to the price for which the shares are sold in the offering, and that 100% of the amount contributed was an amortized expense (20% annually based upon a five-year vesting period) during the year ended June 30, 2009. There can be no assurance that the actual purchase price of the shares of common stock granted under the stock-based incentive plan will be equal to the $10.00 subscription price. If shares are acquired from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or from treasury shares of Eagle Montana, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This will also have a dilutive effect of approximately 2.4% (at the maximum of the offering range) on the ownership interest of stockholders. The impact on pro forma net income per share and pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is not material. The following table shows pro forma net income per share and pro forma stockholders’ equity per share, assuming all the shares of common stock to fund the stock awards are obtained from authorized but unissued shares.

 

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At or For the Year Ended June 30, 2009

   Minimum    Midpoint    Maximum    Maximum, as
Adjusted

Pro forma net income per share

   $ 0.68    $ 0.58    $ 0.50    $ 0.44

Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share

   $ 12.98    $ 11.80    $ 10.94    $ 10.19

 

(4) Gives effect to the granting of options pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan, which is expected to be adopted by Eagle Montana following the offering and presented to stockholders for approval not earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. We have assumed that options will be granted to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares sold in the offering. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock options, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and the trading price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, and the estimated grant-date fair value pursuant to the application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $1.99 for each option. The pro forma net income assumes that the options granted under the stock-based incentive plan have a value of $1.99 per option, which was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula using the following assumptions: (i) the trading price on date of grant was $10.00 per share; (ii) exercise price is equal to the trading price on the date of grant; (iii) dividend yield of 3.3%; (iv) expected life of 10 years; (v) expected volatility of 22.35%; and (vi) risk-free interest rate of 3.31%. If the fair market value per share on the date of grant is different than $10.00, or if the assumptions used in the option pricing formula are different from those used in preparing this pro forma data, the value of options and the related expense recognized will be different. The aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five-year vesting period of the options. There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $10.00 price per share. If a portion of the shares to satisfy the exercise of options under the stock-based incentive plan is obtained from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, our net income and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This also will have a dilutive effect of up to 5.7% on the ownership interest of persons who purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
(5) The number of shares used to calculate pro forma net income per share is equal to the estimated weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended June 30, 2009 multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, and subtracting the employee stock ownership plan shares which have not been committed for release during the respective periods in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40. The weighted shares outstanding used for this calculation is equal to the number of new shares to be issued in the offering at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, plus the existing Eagle Bancorp shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted. See footnote 2, above. See also “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”
(6) The retained earnings of American Federal Savings Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Our Policy Regarding Dividends,” “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation.”
(7) Per share figures include publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock that will be exchanged for shares of Eagle Montana common stock in the conversion. Stockholders’ equity per share calculations are based upon the sum of (i) the number of subscription shares assumed to be sold in the offering; and (ii) shares to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares. The number of subscription shares actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed amounts.
(8) The number of shares used to calculate pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is equal to the total number of shares to be outstanding upon completion of the offering. The shares outstanding used for this calculation is equal to the number of new shares to be issued in the offering at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, plus the existing shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted. See also “The Conversion and Offering—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This discussion and analysis reflects our consolidated financial statements and other relevant statistical data. The information in this section has been derived from the audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements, which appear beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus. You should read the information in this section in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding Eagle Bancorp provided in this prospectus.

Overview

Historically, our principal business has consisted of attracting deposits from the general public and the business community and making loans secured by various types of collateral, including real estate and other consumer assets. We are significantly affected by prevailing economic conditions, particularly interest rates, as well as government policies concerning, among other things, monetary and fiscal affairs, housing and financial institutions and regulations regarding lending and other operations, privacy and consumer disclosure. Attracting and maintaining deposits is influenced by a number of factors, including interest rates paid on competing investments offered by other financial and non-financial institutions, account maturities, fee structures, and levels of personal income and savings. Lending activities are affected by the demand for funds and thus are influenced by interest rates, the number and quality of lenders and regional economic conditions. Sources of funds for lending activities include deposits, borrowings, repayments on loans, cash flows from maturities of investment securities and income provided from operations.

Our earnings depend primarily on our level of net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on our interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of loans, mortgage-backed securities and other investment securities, and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits, borrowed funds, and trust-preferred securities. Net interest income is a function of our interest rate spread, which is the difference between the average yield earned on our interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on our interest-bearing liabilities, as well as a function of the average balance of interest-earning assets compared to interest-bearing liabilities. Also contributing to our earnings is noninterest income, which consists primarily of service charges and fees on loan and deposit products and services, net gains and losses on sale of assets, and mortgage loan service fees. Net interest income and noninterest income are offset by provisions for loan losses, general administrative and other expenses, including salaries and employee benefits and occupancy and equipment costs, as well as by state and federal income tax expense.

American Federal Savings Bank has a strong mortgage lending focus, with the majority of its loans in single-family residential mortgages, which has enabled it to successfully market home equity loans, as well as a wide range of shorter term consumer loans for various personal needs (automobiles, recreational vehicles, etc.). In recent years we have also focused on adding commercial loans to our portfolio, both real estate and non-real estate. We have made same progress in this initiative. As of September 30, 2009, commercial real estate and land loans and commercial business loans represented 22.97% and 4.29% of the total loan portfolio, respectively, which represented increases from the 21.90% and 16.75% amounts at June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 periods, respectively. The purpose of this diversification is to mitigate our dependence on the mortgage market, as well as to improve our ability to manage our interest rate spread. American Federal Savings Bank’s management recognizes that fee income will also enable it to be less dependent on specialized lending and it now maintains a significant loan serviced portfolio, which provides a steady source of fee income. As of September 30, 2009, we had mortgage servicing rights, net of $2.315 million compared to $2.208 million as of June 30, 2009. The gain on sale of loans also provides significant fee income in periods of high mortgage loan origination volumes. Fee income is also supplemented with fees generated from our deposit accounts. American Federal Savings Bank has a high percentage of non-maturity deposits, such as checking accounts and savings accounts, which allows management flexibility in managing its spread. Non-maturity deposits do not automatically reprice as interest rates rise, as do certificates of deposit.

For the past three years, management’s focus has been on improving our core earnings. Core earnings can be described as income before taxes, with the exclusion of gain on sale of loans and adjustments to the market value of our loans serviced portfolio. Management believes that we will need to continue to focus on increasing net interest margin, other areas of fee income, and control operating expenses to achieve earnings growth going forward. Management’s strategy of growing the loan portfolio and deposit base is expected to help achieve these goals: loans typically earn higher rates of return than investments; a larger deposit base will yield higher fee income; increasing the asset base will reduce the relative impact of fixed operating costs. The biggest challenge to management’s strategy is funding the growth of our balance sheet in an efficient manner. Deposit growth will be difficult to maintain due to significant competition and higher cost wholesale funding (which is usually more expensive than retail deposits) will likely be needed to supplement it. As did many financial institutions, we invested in certain securities that were impacted by the current financial crisis. As a result, some of those instruments were no longer performing, and in the first quarter of the 2008 fiscal year, we elected to apply Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 825 Financial Instruments to certain preferred stock issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. FASB ASC 825 election had a significant impact on earnings in the first quarter of the 2009 fiscal year, resulting in an earnings charge for that period of $1.24 million.

Other than in limited circumstances for certain high-credit-quality customers, we do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans on one- to four-family residential properties (where the borrower pays interest but no principal for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan). We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on their loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not offer “subprime loans” (loans that generally target borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios) or Alt-A loans (traditionally defined as loans having less than full documentation).

 

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Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that our growth and success have largely been due to the following strengths that have given us a competitive advantage in our markets:

 

   

Maintaining a strong and experienced management team, and attracting and retaining dedicated and qualified personnel to support the growth of our franchise. Achieving our strategic objectives requires an experienced and dedicated management team, which we have developed and maintained over the years. Our management team has been an integral part of the continued growth and success of American Federal Savings Bank, including its transition to being a fully public company.

 

   

Creating value for our stockholders. As a publicly traded mutual holding company, we have strived to create value for our stockholders while meeting the needs of our banking customers. During each of the last five fiscal years since 2005, we have been profitable. Common stock purchased in our initial offering in 2000 has appreciated 264% in value as of November 30, 2009. We will continue to focus on enhancing shareholder value as we transition to a fully converted stock holding company.

 

   

Attracting and retaining core deposits. Our core deposits to total deposits ratio enables us to maintain a relatively low cost and stable funding source for our loans and other assets. Our core deposits include checking, NOW accounts, statement savings accounts, money market accounts, IRA accounts and business checking. Based on our historical experience, core deposits are longer term funding sources and unlikely to decline significantly as interest rates change. At September 30, 2009, core deposits represented 67.07% of total deposits. Excluding IRA funds, core deposits were 55.05%. We had no brokered funds as of September 30, 2009.

 

   

Maintaining strong asset quality. We have maintained superior asset quality by focusing on lower risk loan products, operating in economically diverse and growing markets, and applying conservative underwriting standards. As of September 30, 2009, our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.52%, as compared to average ratios of 2.72% for all Montana banks and 8.33% for all Nasdaq-listed banks and thrifts based in the region (including Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado) based on information from SNL Securities. By maintaining strong asset quality, we are able to minimize the reversal or non-accrual of interest on our loans, reduce our exposure to loan charge-offs or material additions to our allowance for loan losses, manage costs related to asset recovery and keep our management team focused on serving our customers and growing our business.

 

   

Operating in a relatively healthy economic climate. The Montana market in which we operate has not experienced significant increases in unemployment rates or loan foreclosures similar to those that have adversely impacted banks in many regions of the country. In Montana, unemployment as of October 31, 2009, based on information released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 6.4% versus 10.1% for the nation. Furthermore, the primary markets we serve in south central Montana (consisting of Lewis and Clark, Silver Bow and Gallatin counties) have also experienced favorable growth in population and average household incomes. According to estimates from SNL Securities, from 2000 to 2009 the total population in our primary markets increased 16.7% from approximately 158,000 to 185,000, and the average household income increased 25.0% from $35,292 to $44,095. The relatively low rate of unemployment and solid growth rates are important indicators of the economic health of our market and have enabled us to dedicate capital resources to growth and revenue enhancement as opposed to resolution of troubled assets.

Our Business Strategy

Our strategy is to continue our profitability through building a diversified loan portfolio and positioning American Federal Savings Bank as a full-service community bank that offers both retail and commercial loan and deposit products in all of its markets. We believe that this focus will enable us to continue to grow our franchise, while maintaining our commitment to customer service, high asset quality, and sustained net earnings. The following are the key elements of our business strategy:

 

   

Continue to diversify our portfolio by emphasizing our recent growth in commercial real estate and commercial business loans as a complement to our traditional single family residential real estate lending;

 

   

Continue to emphasize the attraction and retention of lower cost long-term core deposits;

 

   

Seek opportunities where presented to acquire other institutions or expand our branch structure, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

Maintain our high asset quality levels; and

 

   

Operate as a community-oriented independent financial institution that offers a broad array of financial services with high levels of customer service.

 

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Our results of operations may be significantly affected by our ability to effectively implement our business strategy including our plans for expansion through strategic acquisitions, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction. If we are unable to effectively integrate and manage acquired or merged businesses or attract significant new business through our branching efforts, our financial performance may be negatively affected.

Expected Increase in Noninterest Expense Following the Offering

Following the completion of the conversion and offering, our noninterest expense can be expected to increase because of the increased compensation expenses associated with the purchase of shares of common stock by our employee stock ownership plan, the adoption of a new stock-based incentive plan, if approved by our stockholders, and implementation of our business plan. Assuming that 2,760,000 shares are sold in the offering (the maximum of the offering range):

 

  (i) the employee stock ownership plan will acquire 220,800 shares of common stock with a $2.2 million loan from Eagle Montana that is expected to be repaid over 12 years, resulting in an annual expense (pre-tax) of approximately $184,000 (assuming that the shares of common stock maintain a value of $10.00 per share);

 

  (ii) if adopted more than one year following the offering, the new stock-based incentive plan may award a number of shares of restricted stock equal to or in excess of 4% of the shares sold in the offering, or 110,400 shares, to eligible participants, and such awards will be expensed as the awards vest. Assuming all shares are awarded under the stock-based incentive plan at a price of $10.00 per share, and that the awards vest over a minimum of five years, the corresponding annual expense (pre-tax) associated with shares awarded under the stock-based incentive plan will be approximately $221,000; and

 

  (iii) if adopted more than one year following the offering, the new stock-based incentive plan may award options to purchase a number of shares equal to or in excess of 10% of the shares sold in the offering, or 276,000 shares, to eligible participants, and such options will be expensed as the options vest. Assuming all options are awarded under the stock-based incentive plan at a price of $10.00 per share, and that the options vest over a minimum of five years and using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: an exercise price and trading price on the date of grant of $10.00 and a fair value of $1.99 per option based upon a dividend yield of 3.3%, expected life of 10 years, expected volatility of 22.35% and risk-free interest rate of 3.31%. The corresponding annual expense (pre-tax) associated with options awarded under the stock-based incentive plan will be approximately $110,000.

The actual expense that will be recorded for the employee stock ownership plan will be determined by the market value of the shares of common stock as they are released to employees over the term of the loan, and whether the loan is repaid faster than its contractual term. Accordingly, increases in the stock price above $10.00 per share will increase the total employee stock ownership plan expense, and accelerated repayment of the loan will increase the employee stock ownership plan expense for those periods in which accelerated or larger loan repayments are made. Further, the actual expense of the stock-based incentive plan related to restricted stock will be determined by the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date, which may be less than or greater than $10.00 per share.

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain accounting policies are important to the understanding of our financial condition, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates associated with these policies are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances, including, but without limitation, changes in interest rates, performance of the economy, financial condition of borrowers and laws and regulations. The following are the accounting policies we believe are critical.

Allowance for Loan Losses. We recognize that losses will be experienced on loans and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan, the creditworthiness of the borrower, general economic conditions and the quality of the collateral for the loan. We maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses based on all available information. The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, including past loan loss experience, known and inherent losses, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, and current economic conditions. The loan portfolio and other credit exposures are regularly reviewed by management in its determination of the allowance for loan losses. The methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance includes a review of historical losses, peer group comparisons, industry data and economic conditions.

As an integral part of their examination process, the Office of Thrift Supervision periodically reviews our allowance for loan losses and may require us to make additional provisions for estimated losses based upon judgments different from those of management. In establishing the allowance for loan losses, loss factors are applied to various pools of outstanding loans. Loss factors are derived using our historical loss experience and may be adjusted for factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. Commercial loans that are criticized are evaluated individually to determine the required allowance for loan losses and to evaluate the potential impairment of such loans under FASB ASC 310 Receivables . Although management believes that it uses the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the

 

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determinations. Because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that increases will not be necessary should the quality of loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed previously. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. The allowance is based on information known at the time of the review. Changes in factors underlying the assessment could have a material impact on the amount of the allowance that is necessary and the amount of provision to be charged against earnings. Such changes could impact future results.

Valuation of Investment Securities. Substantially all of our investment securities are classified as available for sale and recorded at current fair value. Unrealized gains or losses, net of deferred taxes, are reported in other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices of identical assets, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon valuation models that use cash flow, security structure and other observable information. Where sufficient data is not available to produce a fair valuation, fair value is based on broker quotes for similar assets. Broker quotes may be adjusted to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Adjustments may include unobservable parameters, among other things. No adjustments were made to any broker quotes received by us.

We conduct a quarterly review and evaluation of our investment securities to determine if any declines in fair value are other than temporary. In making this determination, we consider the period of time the securities were in a loss position, the percentage decline in comparison to the securities’ amortized cost, the financial condition of the issuer, if applicable, and the delinquency or default rates of underlying collateral. We consider our intent to sell the investment securities and the likelihood that we will not have to sell the investment securities before recovery of their cost basis. If impairment exists, credit related impairment losses are recorded in earnings while noncredit related impairment losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Deferred Income Taxes. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes as prescribed in Statement of FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes . Using 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 current 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 be applied 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 liabilities and assets. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets, which are inherently subjective, are reviewed on an ongoing basis as regulatory and business factors change. A reduction in estimated future taxable income could require us to record a valuation allowance. Changes in levels of valuation allowances could result in increased income tax expense, and could negatively affect earnings.

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

Total assets increased by $10.97 million, or 3.79%, to $300.68 million at September 30, 2009, from $289.71 million at June 30, 2009. Total liabilities increased by $8.33 million to $270.25 million at September 30, 2009, from $261.92 million at June 30, 2009. Total equity increased $2.64 million to $30.43 million at September 30, 2009, from $27.79 million at June 30, 2009.

Loans receivable increased $988,000, or 0.59%, to $168.19 million at September 30, 2009 from $167.20 million at June 30, 2009. The largest category of increase in loans receivable was commercial real estate loans with a $2.05 million increase, while residential mortgage loans decreased $2.51 million. This also reflected our emphasis on non-residential lending growth. Real estate construction loans also increased $1.48 million attributable to a modest increase in construction activity. Most other loan categories showed modest changes. Total loan originations were $43.07 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, with single family mortgages accounting for $29.02 million of the total. Home equity and construction loan originations totaled $4.17 million and $2.5 million, respectively, for the same period. Commercial real estate and land loan originations totaled $3.47 million. Loans held-for-sale decreased to $3.49 million at September 30, 2009, from $5.35 million at June 30, 2009.

Deposits grew $7.88 million, or 4.21%, to $195.08 million at September 30, 2009 from $187.20 million at June 30, 2009. The growth was attributable to the general growth in deposits experienced by banks generally as consumers sought secure investments and protection of higher levels of federal deposit insurance. Growth in certificates of deposit and non-interest checking, interest-bearing checking accounts, and savings accounts contributed to the increase in deposits. Money market accounts declined slightly. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and other borrowings decreased $417,000, or 0.62%, to $66.64 million at September 30, 2009 from $67.06 million at June 30, 2009 and was attributable in part to the growth and liquidity from deposit growth during the period.

The increase in total equity was the result of net income of $844,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and an increase in other comprehensive income of $1.89 million (mainly due to an increase in net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale), offset by dividends paid, consisting of a $0.26 per share regular cash dividend, and treasury stock purchases.

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

Total assets increased $9.80 million, or 3.50%, to $289.71 million at June 30, 2009, compared to $279.91 million at June 30, 2008. Total liabilities increased by $7.65 million, or 3.01%, to $261.92 million at June 30, 2009, from $254.27 million at June 30, 2008. The loan portfolio decreased $952,000 during the year attributable to declines in residential real estate, real estate construction and consumer loans offset by gains in commercial real estate and land loans, commercial business loans, and home equity loans. The increases were attributable to increased demand and our emphasis on diversifying our lending mix. Total deposits increased $8.35 million as we experienced growth in consumer preference for secured, protected locations for funds, protected by higher levels of federal deposit insurance. Noninterest checking increased $385,000 or 2.63%, to $15.00 million at June 30, 2009, and money market accounts increased $1.61 million, or 6.37%. Interest bearing checking and certificates of deposits increased $1.94 million, or 6.33%, and $1.87 million, or 2.22%, respectively. Much of the asset growth was funded by these increased deposits.

 

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Loans receivable decreased $952,000, or 0.57% to $167.20 million from $168.15 million. Significant refinancing activity contributed to the lower loan balances. $131.23 million in loans were sold during fiscal year 2009, an increase of $79.16 million from fiscal year 2008’s amount of $52.07 million. Origination activity on all loan categories with the exception of real estate construction loans and home equity loans increased in the current fiscal year. Commercial real estate and land loans increased $8.51 million during the year, and residential mortgage loans decreased $7.54 million. The available-for-sale (AFS) investment portfolio increased $3.85 million, or 4.90%, to $82.26 million at June 30, 2009 from $78.42 million at June 30, 2008. The investment category with the largest increase was municipal obligations, which increased $6.70 million.

Total deposits increased $8.35 million as we experienced significant growth in deposits, notwithstanding generally lower rates on deposits. The growth was attributable to consumers seeking additional safety and the protection afforded by increased federal deposit insurance. Of that amount, certificates of deposit increased $1.87 million, to $86.20 million at June 30, 2009 from $84.33 million at June 30, 2008. The Bank had no brokered deposits as of June 30, 2009. Interest-earning checking accounts increased $1.94 million while noninterest checking increased $385,000. Money market accounts increased $1.61 million and savings accounts increased $2.54 million. Deposit growth may be difficult to achieve on a long-term basis due to fierce competition among financial institutions in our markets. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings decreased to $67.06 million at year-end 2009 from $68.22 million at year-end 2008, a decrease of $1.17 million and the result of our ability to generate liquidity through deposit growth.

Total shareholders’ equity was $27.79 million at June 30, 2009, an increase of $2.16 million. This increase was the result of net income for the year and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $240,000 (mainly due to a decrease in net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale), partially offset by the purchase of treasury stock and dividends paid during the year. The available-for-sale portfolio overall saw a decrease in its net unrealized loss over the period. Increases in fair market value for mortgage-backed securities and CMOs were greater than the decrease in fair market value of the other fixed income securities.

 

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Analysis of Net Interest Income

The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information at and for the periods indicated. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.

 

     For the Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2009     2008  
     Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
    Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets:

                

Interest-earning assets:

                

FHLB stock

   $ 2,000      —      —     $ 1,781    $ 7    1.57

Loans receivable, net

     171,262    $ 2,708    6.32     174,370      2,835    6.50

Investment securities

     84,983      1,008    4.74     79,004      970    4.91

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

     8,123      8    0.44     665      4    2.41
                                        

Total interest-earning assets

     266,368      3,724    5.59     255,820      3,816    5.97

Noninterest-earning assets

     28,072           21,191      
                        

Total assets

   $ 294,440         $ 277,011      
                        

Liabilities and Equity:

                

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                

Deposit accounts:

                

Money market

   $ 27,103    $ 41    0.61   $ 25,692    $ 111    1.73

Passbooks

     26,979      28    0.42     24,093      39    0.65

Checking

     34,948      22    0.25     30,958      30    0.39

Certificates of deposit

     85,772      521    2.43     84,415      682    3.23

Advances from FHLB and subordinated debt

     70,647      730    4.13     68,298      718    4.21
                                        

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     245,449      1,341    2.19     233,456      1,580    2.71

Non-interest checking

     17,291           15,160      

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     2,889           3,291      
                        

Total liabilities

     265,629           251,907      

Total equity

     28,811           25,104      
                        

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 294,440         $ 277,011      
                        

Net interest income/interest rate spread (1)

      $ 2,383    3.40      $ 2,236    3.26
                                

Net interest margin (2)

         3.58         3.50
                        

Total interest-earning assets to interest bearing liabilities

         108.52         109.58
                        

 

(1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
(2) Net interest margin represents income before the provision for loan losses divided by average interest-earning assets.
(3) Annualized. For purposes of this table, tax exempt income is not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.

 

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     For the Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2007  
     Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
    Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
    Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets:

                        

Interest-earning assets:

                        

FHLB stock

   $ 1,891    $ —      0.00   $ 1,336    $ 16    1.20   $ 1,315    $ 7    0.53

Loan receivable, net

     177,354      11,411    6.43     165,470      10,905    6.59     149,818      9,731    6.50

Investment securities

     79,432      3,922    4.94     67,837      3,105    4.58     66,723      2,863    4.28

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

     3,271      15    0.46     1,587      63    3.97     922      50    5.42
                                                            

Total interest-earning assets

     261,948      15,348    5.86     236,230      14,089    5.96     218,778      12,651    5.78

Noninterest-earning assets

     23,642           19,070           18,351      
                                    

Total assets

   $ 285,590         $ 255,300         $ 237,129      
                                    

Liabilities and Equity:

                        

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                        

Deposit accounts:

                        

Money market

   $ 26,344    $ 308    1.17   $ 21,981    $ 420    1.91   $ 25,648      525    2.05

Passbooks

     24,069      131    0.54     22,965      150    0.65     23,139      152    0.66

Checking

     32,994      114    0.35     30,550      71    0.23     30,789      63    0.20

Certificates of deposit

     86,666      2,608    3.01     88,888      3,746    4.21     83,753      3,451    4.12

Advances from FHLB and subordinated debt

     72,927      2,954    4.05     48,867      2,266    4.64     34,226      1,775    5.19
                                                            

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     243,000      6,115    2.52     213,251      6,653    3.12     197,555      5,966    3.02

Non-interest checking

     14,502           14,063           13,382      

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     2,117           2,403           2,189      
                                    

Total liabilities

     259,619           229,717           213,126      

Total equity

     25,971           25,583           24,003      
                                    

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 285,590         $ 255,300         $ 237,129      
                                    

Net interest income/interest rate spread (1)

      $ 9,233    3.34      $ 7,436    2.84      $ 6,685    2.76
                                                

Net interest margin (2)

         3.52         3.15         3.06
                                    

Total interest-earning assets to interest bearing liabilities

         107.80         110.78         110.74
                                    

 

(1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
(2) Net interest margin represents income before the provision for loan losses divided by average interest-earning assets.
(3) For purposes of this table, tax exempt income is not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.

 

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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 for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume multiplied by the old rate; (2) changes in rate, which are changes in rate multiplied by the old volume; and (3) changes not solely attributable to rate or volume, which have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,
Increase (Decrease)
    Year Ended June 30,
Increase (Decrease)
 
     2009 vs. 2008     2009 vs. 2008     2008 vs. 2007  
     Due to           Due to           Due to        
     Volume     Rate     Net     Volume     Rate     Net     Volume     Rate     Net  
     (In thousands)  

Interest earning assets:

                  

Loans receivable, net

   $ (50   $ (77   $ (127   $ 783      $ (277   $ 506      $ 1,017      $ 157      $ 1,174   

Investment securities

     68        (31     37        538        263        801        48        203        251   

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

     18        (13     5        67        (115     (48     36        (23     13   

Other earning assets

     —          (7     (7     —          —          —          —          9        9   
                                                                        

Total interest earning assets

     36        (128     (92     1,388        (129     1,259        1,101        346        1,447   

Interest bearing liabilities:

                  

Passbook, money market and checking accounts

     21        (110     (89     96        (184     (88     (76     (23     (99

Certificates of deposit

     11        (172     (161     (94     (1,044     (1,138     212        83        295   

Borrowings

     27        (15     12        1,116        (428     688        755        (255     500   
                                                                        

Total interest bearing liabilities

     59        (297     (238     1,118        (1,656     (538     891        (195     696   
                                                                        

Change in net interest income

   $ (23   $ 169      $ 146      $ 270      $ 1,527      $ 1,797      $ 210      $ 541      $ 751   
                                                                        

 

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

Net Income . Our net income was $844,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Because of our election to apply FASB ASC 825, we had a net loss of $100,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, stemming primarily from a loss in value of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock investments for which the FASB ASC 825 election was applied. The return to profitability in the first quarter of the 2010 fiscal year reflected our traditional core earnings and relatively small recovery in value in our holdings of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock of $84,000. While we continue to hold these securities, other value adjustments may occur in future periods under FASB ASC 825. Our tax provision was $379,000 higher in the current quarter. Basic earnings per share were $0.79 for the current period, compared to a loss per share of $0.09 for the previous year’s period.

Net Interest Income . Net interest income increased to $2.383 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $2.236 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. This increase of $147,000 was the result of a decrease in interest expense of $239,000 attributable to a decline in short-term rates during the period and our ability during the period to continue to attract low cost deposits from consumers who sought secure locations for their funds. This increase was partially offset by a modest decrease in interest and dividend income of $92,000 attributable to lower yields on securities and dividend rates.

Interest and Dividend Income . Total interest and dividend income was $3.724 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to $3.816 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, representing a decrease of $92,000, or 2.41%. Interest and fees on loans decreased to $2.708 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $2.837 million for the same period ended September 30, 2008. This decrease of $129,000, or 4.55%, was due to the decrease in the average balances of loans receivable for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Average balances for loans receivable, net, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $171.26 million, compared to $174.37 million for the previous year. This represents a decrease of $3.11 million, or 1.78%. The average interest rate earned on loans receivable decreased by 18 basis points, from 6.50% at September 30, 2008 to 6.32% at September 30, 2009. Interest and dividends on investment securities available-for-sale increased to $1.00 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 from $963,000 for the same quarter last year. Average balances on investments increased to $84.98 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to $79.00 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The average interest rate earned on investments decreased to 4.74% from 4.91%.

Interest Expense . Total interest expense decreased to $1.341 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $1.580 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of $239,000, or 15.13%. Interest on deposits decreased to $611,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $862,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The decrease of $251,000, or 29.12%, was the result of a decrease in average rates paid on deposits from 2.09% at September 30, 2008, to 1.40% at September 30, 2009. All categories of deposits showed decreases in average rates paid. Average balances in interest-bearing deposit accounts increased to $174.80 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to $165.16 million for the same quarter in the previous year. The increase in the average balance of FHLB and other borrowings resulted in an increase in interest paid on borrowings to $655,000 in the current quarter compared to $643,000 in the previous year’s quarter. The average rate paid on borrowings decreased from 4.21% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 to 4.13% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The average rate paid on all liabilities decreased 52 basis points from the quarter ended September 30, 2008 to the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Provision for Loan Losses . Provisions for loan losses are charged to earnings to maintain the total allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate by American Federal Savings Bank, to provide for probable loan losses based on prior loss experience, volume and type of lending conducted by American Federal Savings Bank, national and local economic conditions, and past due loans in portfolio. Our policies require the review of assets on a quarterly basis. We classify loans as well as other assets if warranted. While American Federal Savings Bank believes it uses the best information available to make a determination with respect to the allowance for loan losses, it recognizes that future adjustments may be necessary. A provision of $135,000 was made for loan losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, and none in the quarter ended September 30, 2008, resulting in allowances of $625,000 and $300,000 as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This is a reflection of the relative strength of the Montana market in which we operate and continued strong asset quality of American Federal Savings Bank’s loan portfolio, as non-performing loan ratios continue to be below peer averages. Total classified assets increased from $1.61 million at June 30, 2009 to $1.95 million at September 30, 2009. At quarter end, American Federal Savings Bank had $158,000 in other real estate owned and $5,000 in repossessed property.

Noninterest Income . Total noninterest income increased to $1.061 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from a negative $504,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. As noted above, the loss for the three months ended September 30, 2008 stemmed primarily from a loss in value of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock investments for which the FASB ASC 825 election was applied and the increase was attributable to a normal level of fee income for the period without offsetting extraordinary, one-time adjustments such as the application of the FASB ASC 825 election. Income from the sale of loans increased to $440,000 from $183,000 due to $17.62 million more in mortgage loan sales in the current period versus last year’s period and a relatively small recovery in value in our holdings of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock.

Noninterest Expense . Noninterest expense increased by $254,000 or 13.74% to $2.103 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $1.849 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. This increase was primarily due to an increase in FDIC insurance premiums of $58,000 and an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $53,000 attributable to anticipated growth. Other expense categories showed minor changes.

Income Tax Expense/Benefit . Our income tax expense was $362,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to a benefit of $17,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 was 30.02% and was 14.53% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

 

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

Net Income . Our net income was $2.388 million and $2.110 million for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This increase of $278,000, or 13.18%, was the result of an increase in net interest income of $1.797 million and an increase in net noninterest income of $775,000, offset by increases in noninterest expense of $1.50 million and the provision for loan losses of $257,000. Our tax provision was $362,000 higher in 2009. Basic earnings per share for the year ended June 30, 2009 were $2.23, compared to $1.97 for the year ended June 30, 2008. Diluted earnings per share were $1.96 and $1.74 for 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Net Interest Income . Net interest income increased to $9.233 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, from $7.436 million for the previous year. This increase of $1.797 million, or 24.17%, was the result of an increase in interest income of $1.250 million and a decrease in interest expense of $547,000. As shown in the “Rate/Volume Analysis” above, average loan balances and investments were larger and rates on deposits were lower as we continued to attract funds from consumers who sought security and the protection afforded by increases in the levels of federal deposit insurance of accounts protection.

Interest and Dividend Income . Total interest and dividend income was $15.348 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, compared to $14.098 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $1.250 million, or 8.87%. Interest and fees on loans increased to $11.411 million for 2009 from $10.905 million for 2008. This increase of $506,000, or 4.64%, was due primarily to the increase in the average balances on loans receivable for the year ended June 30, 2009. The average interest rate earned on loans receivable decreased by 16 basis points, to 6.43% from 6.59%. Average balances for loans receivable, net, for the year ended June 30, 2009 were $177.35 million, compared to $165.47 million for the previous year. This represents an increase of $11.88 million, or 7.18%. Interest and dividends on investment securities available-for-sale (AFS) increased to $3.893 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $3.071 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $822,000, or 26.77%. This increase was the result of higher average interest rates on the AFS portfolio during the year, along with a higher average balance. Interest earned from deposits at other banks decreased slightly for the year ended June 30, 2009 due to much lower rates. Interest and dividends on investments held-to-maturity (HTM) also experienced a slight decline.

Interest Expense . Total interest expense decreased to $6.115 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $6.662 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $547,000, or 8.2%. Interest on deposits decreased to $3.161 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $4.387 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. This decrease of $1.226 million, or 27.95%, was due primarily to a decrease on average rates paid. The average cost of deposits decreased 81 basis points, to 1.86% in 2009 from 2.67% in 2008. Certificates of deposit were the only category to show a decrease in average balances in 2009. An increase in the average balance of borrowings was partially offset by a decrease in the average rate paid and resulted in an increase in interest paid on borrowings to $2.954 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $2.266 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. The average balance of borrowings increased to $72.927 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, compared to $48.867 million for the year ended June 30, 2008 and resulted principally from an increase in FHLB borrowings. The average rate paid on borrowings decreased to 4.05% in 2009 from 4.64% in 2008.

Provision for Loan Losses . Provisions for loan losses are charged to earnings to maintain the total allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate by American Federal Savings Bank to provide for probable loan losses based on prior loss experience, volume and type of lending conducted by American Federal Savings Bank, and past due loans in portfolio. Our policies require the review of assets on a quarterly basis. We classify loans as well as other assets if warranted. While management believes it uses the best information available to make a determination with respect to the allowance for loan losses, it recognizes that future adjustments may be necessary. Using this methodology, a provision to increase the allowance for loan losses by $257,000 was made for the year ended June 30, 2009 while an adjustment of $175,000 was made to reduce the allowance for loan loss for the year ended June 30, 2008, resulting in allowances of $525,000 and $300,000 as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This, management determined, adequately reflected a level of total allowances considered adequate. Total classified assets increased to $1.614 million at June 30, 2009 from $106,000 at June 30, 2008. Total non-performing loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio is 0.75% at June 30, 2009, up from 0.02% at June 30, 2008. As of June 30, 2009, we had no real estate owned.

Noninterest Income . Total noninterest income increased to $2.999 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, from $2.224 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $775,000 or 34.85%. This increase was primarily due to an increase in gain on sale of loans of $1.415 million offset by recognized losses of $785,000 on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock that is accounted for under FASB ASC 825. The loss as a result of the application of FASB ASC 825 was taken following an analysis of the fair value of such securities. The preferred stock of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae currently held by us constitutes $25,000 or 0.009% of total assets as of June 30, 2009. Net gain on sale of loans increased due to significant refinance activity that occurred particularly in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $34,000 to $745,000 for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $711,000 for the year ended June 30, 2008. This was primarily due to an increase in overdraft protection fees. Other noninterest income increased $43,000 to $652,000, primarily due to increased fee income on electronic payments and higher fee income on loan products. The single largest item in other noninterest income is earnings from bank owned life insurance of $264,000.

Noninterest Expense . Noninterest expense increased by $1.50 million or 21.23% to $8.563 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $7.063 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. This increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits of $446,000, increased federal deposit insurance premiums of $287,000, amortization of mortgage servicing rights of $285,000, and advertising expense of $101,000. The increase in salaries and benefits was due to normal pay raises and incentive pay related to mortgage originations. Federal deposit insurance increased due to the special assessment applied to institutions in June 2009 and other premium increases assessed effective January 2009. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights increased due to the increase in loan prepayments that resulted from the significant increase in refinance activity, and advertising expenses were higher due to increased promotion of deposit products. Other categories of noninterest expense showed modest changes.

 

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Income Tax Expense . Eagle’s income tax expense was $1.024 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, compared to $662,000 for the year ended June 30, 2008. The effective tax rate for the year ended June 30, 2009 was 30.0% as opposed to 23.9% for the year ended June 30, 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

American Federal Savings Bank, is required to maintain minimum levels of liquid assets as defined by the Office of Thrift Supervision regulations. The Office of Thrift Supervision has eliminated the statutory requirement based upon a percentage of deposits and short-term borrowings. The Office of Thrift Supervision states that the liquidity requirement is retained for safety and soundness purposes, and that appropriate levels of liquidity will depend upon the types of activities in which the company engages. For internal reporting purposes, American Federal Savings Bank uses policy minimums of 1.0%, and 8.0% for “basic surplus” and “basic surplus with FHLB” as internally defined. In general, the “basic surplus” is a calculation of the ratio of unencumbered short-term assets reduced by estimated percentages of CD maturities and other deposits that may leave American Federal Savings Bank in the next 90 days divided by total assets. “Basic surplus with FHLB” adds to “basic surplus” the additional borrowing capacity we have with the FHLB. We exceeded those minimum ratios as of both September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009.

American Federal Savings Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits, repayment of loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investments, funds provided from operations, and advances from the FHLB. Scheduled repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities and maturities of investment securities are generally predictable. However, other sources of funds, such as deposit flows and loan prepayments, can be greatly influenced by the general level of interest rates, economic conditions and competition. American Federal Savings Bank uses liquidity resources principally to fund existing and future loan commitments. It also uses them to fund maturing certificates of deposit, demand deposit withdrawals and to invest in other loans and investments, maintain liquidity, and meet operating expenses.

Liquidity may be adversely affected by unexpected deposit outflows, higher interest rates paid by competitors, and similar matters. Management monitors projected liquidity needs and determines the level desirable, based in part on commitments to make loans and management’s assessment of American Federal Savings Bank’s ability to generate funds.

At September 30, 2009, our measure of sensitivity to interest rate movements, as measured by the Office of Thrift Supervision, slightly improved from the previous quarter. American Federal Savings Bank’s capital ratio as measured by the Office of Thrift Supervision slightly increased from the previous quarter. American Federal Savings Bank’s strong capital position mitigates its interest rate risk exposure. American Federal Savings Bank is well within the guidelines set forth by the Board of Directors for interest rate risk sensitivity.

As of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank’s regulatory capital was in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements. At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank’s tangible, core, and risk-based capital ratios amounted to 9.45%, 9.45%, and 13.72%, respectively, compared to regulatory requirements of 1.5%, 3.0%, and 8.0%, respectively. See “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance” for information with respect to our regulatory capital position as of September 30, 2009.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, presented elsewhere herein, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time and due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all of our assets and liabilities are monetary. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on our performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the price of goods and services.

Interest Rate Risk Analysis

In addition to the asset/liability committee, the board of directors reviews our asset and liability policies. The board of directors reviews interest rate risk and interest rate trends quarterly, as well as liquidity and capital ratio requirements. Management administers the policies and determinations of the board of directors with respect to our asset and liability goals and strategies. Our asset and liability policy and strategies are expected to continue as described so long as competitive and regulatory conditions in the financial institution industry and market interest rates continue as they have in recent years.

The following table discloses how our net portfolio value (“NPV”) would react to interest rate changes. Given the current relatively low level of market interest rates, an NPV calculation for an interest rate decrease of greater than 100 basis points has not been prepared.

 

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       Net Portfolio Value as % of PV of Assets  

Changes in Market
Interest Rates
(Basis Points)

   At September 30, 2009
Projected NPV
    Board Policy Limit
(if applicable)
 
           Must be at least:  
+400    N/A    
+300    8.93   7.00
+200    10.74   8.00
+100    12.18   9.00
0    —        —     
-100    13.63   10.00

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans we make. In addition, we use mandatory sell forward delivery commitments to sell whole loans to the secondary markets. These commitments are also used as a hedge against exposure to interest rate risks relating from rate locked loan origination commitments on certain mortgage loans held-for-sale.

 

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BUSINESS OF EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is a Delaware corporation, organized in December 2009. Upon completion of the conversion, Eagle Montana will become the holding company of American Federal Savings Bank and will succeed to all of the business and operations of Eagle Bancorp and each of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC will cease to exist.

Initially following the completion of the conversion, Eagle Montana will have no significant assets other than owning 100% of the outstanding common stock of American Federal Savings Bank, the net proceeds it retains from the offering, part of which will be used to make a loan to the American Federal Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and its ownership of a wholly owned statutory trust subsidiary through which Eagle Bancorp has issued trust preferred securities, and will have no significant liabilities. See “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering.” Eagle Montana intends to use the support staff and offices of American Federal Savings Bank and will pay American Federal Savings Bank for these services. If Eagle Montana expands or changes its business in the future, it may hire its own employees.

Eagle Montana intends to invest the net proceeds of the offering as discussed under “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering.” In the future, we may pursue other business activities, including mergers and acquisitions, investment alternatives and diversification of operations. There are, however, no current understandings or agreements for these activities.

 

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BUSINESS OF EAGLE BANCORP AND AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

Eagle Bancorp, a federally chartered stock holding company, holds 100% of the stock of American Federal Savings Bank. Its charter was approved on April 4, 2000, when it became the mid-tier stock holding company for American Federal Savings Bank, a federally chartered stock savings bank headquartered in Helena, Montana. Eagle Bancorp’s principal business is its ownership of 100% of the capital stock of American Federal Savings Bank.

American Federal Savings Bank was founded in 1922 as a Montana chartered building and loan association and has conducted operations in Helena since that time. In 1975, American Federal Savings Bank adopted a federal thrift charter. American Federal Savings Bank currently has seven retail banking offices. We also have seven automated teller machines located in our market area and we participate in the CashCard® and Money Pass® ATM networks.

Market Area

From our headquarters in Helena, Montana, we operate seven retail banking offices, including our main office. Our banking offices are located in Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Townsend, Montana.

Montana is one of the largest states in terms of land mass but ranks as one of the least populated states. According to U.S. Census Bureau data for 2008, it had a population of 967,440. Helena, where we are headquartered, is the county seat of Lewis and Clark County, which has a population of approximately 59,300 and is located within 120 miles of four of Montana’s other five largest cities: Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman and Butte. It is approximately midway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Helena is also Montana’s state capital. Its economy has shown moderate growth, in terms of both employment and income. State government and the numerous offices of the federal government comprise the largest employment sector. Helena also has significant employment in the service industries. Specifically, it has evolved into a central health care center with employment in the medical and the supporting professions as well as the medical insurance industry. The local economy is also dependent to a lesser extent upon ranching and agriculture. These have been more cyclical in nature and remain vulnerable to severe weather conditions, increased competition, both domestic and international, as well as commodity prices.

Bozeman is approximately 95 miles southeast of Helena. It is located in Gallatin County, which has a population of approximately 80,900. Bozeman is home to Montana State University and has achieved its growth in part due to the growth of the University as well as the increased tourism for resort areas in and near Bozeman. Agriculture, however, remains an important part of Bozeman’s economy. Bozeman has also become an attractive location for retirees, primarily from the West Coast, owing to its many winter and summer recreational opportunities and the presence of the University.

Butte, Montana is approximately 64 miles southwest of Helena. Butte and the surrounding Silver-Bow County have a population of approximately 32,800. Butte’s economy is somewhat reliant on the mining industry. Butte’s economy has been volatile from the fluctuations in metal and mineral commodity prices.

Townsend is the smallest community in which we operate. It has a population of about 2,000. Many of its residents commute to other Montana locations for work. Other employment in Townsend is primarily in agriculture and services. Townsend is approximately 32 miles southeast of Helena.

Competition

We face strong competition in our primary market area for the attraction of retail deposits and the origination of loans. Historically, Montana was a unit banking state. This means that the ability of Montana state banks to create branches was either prohibited or significantly restricted. As a result of unit banking, Montana has a significant number of independent financial institutions serving a single community in a single location. While the state’s population is approximately 967,440, there are 77 commercial banks, 59 credit unions and two federally chartered thrift institutions operating in Montana as of June 30, 2009. Our most direct competition for depositors has historically come from locally owned and out-of-state commercial banks, thrift institutions and credit unions operating in our primary market area. The number of such competitor locations has increased significantly in recent years. Our competition for loans also comes from banks, thrifts and credit unions in addition to mortgage bankers and brokers. Our principal market areas can be characterized as markets with moderately increasing incomes, relatively low unemployment, increasing wealth (particularly in the growing resort areas such as Bozeman), and moderate population growth. According to information reported by SNL Securities, as of June 30, 2009, we ranked 17 th in the state of Montana in total deposits. As of the same date, we ranked 5 th , 6 th , 13 th and 2 nd in Lewis and Clark, Silver Bow, Gallatin and Broadwater counties, respectively.

Lending Activities

General

American Federal Savings Bank primarily originates one- to four-family residential real estate loans and, to a lesser extent, commercial real estate loans, real estate construction loans, home equity loans, consumer loans and commercial loans. Commercial real estate loans include loans on multi-family dwellings, loans on nonresidential property and loans on developed and undeveloped land. Home equity loans include loans secured by the borrower’s primary residence. Typically, the property securing such loans is subject to a prior lien. Consumer loans consist of loans secured by collateral other than real estate, such as automobiles, recreational vehicles and boats. Personal loans and lines of credit are made on deposits held by American Federal Savings Bank and on an unsecured basis. Commercial loans consist of business loans and lines of credit on a secured and unsecured basis.

 

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Loan Portfolio Composition.

The following table analyzes the composition of American Federal Savings Bank’s loan portfolio by loan category at the dates indicated.

 

          At June 30,  
    At September 30, 2009     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                       

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

  $ 76,711      45.46   $ 79,216      47.26   $ 86,751      51.53   $ 81,958      51.68   $ 75,913      53.71   $ 56,533      52.68

Real estate construction

    6,119      3.63     4,642      2.77     7,317      4.35     8,253      5.20     6,901      4.88     2,723      2.54

Commercial real estate and land

    38,761      22.97     36,713      21.90     28,197      16.75     25,621      16.16     18,648      13.20     14,779      13.77
                                                                                   

Total real estate loans

    121,591      72.06     120,571      71.93     122,265      72.62     115,832      73.04     101,462      71.79     74,035      68.99

Other loans:

                       

Home equity

    28,836      17.09     28,676      17.11     28,034      16.65     24,956      15.74     20,191      14.29     16,801      15.66

Consumer

    11,074      6.56     10,835      6.46     11,558      6.87     11,438      7.21     11,820      8.36     10,909      10.16

Commercial business

    7,244      4.29     7,541      4.50     6,502      3.86     6,366      4.01     7,861      5.56     5,568      5.19
                                                                                   

Total other loans

    47,154      27.94     47,052      28.07     46,094      27.38     42,760      26.96     39,872      28.21     33,278      31.01
                                                                                   

Total gross loans

    168,745      100.00     167,623      100.00     168,359      100.00     158,592      100.00     141,334      100.00     107,313      100.00
                                               

Less:

                       

Deferred loan fees

    (65       (99       (90       (66       (59       (99  

Allowance for loan losses

    625          525          300          518          535          573     
                                                           

Total loans, net

  $ 168,185        $ 167,197        $ 168,149        $ 158,140        $ 140,858        $ 106,839     
                                                           

 

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Fee Income.

American Federal Savings Bank receives lending related fee income from a variety of sources. Its principal source of this income is from the origination and servicing of sold mortgage loans. Fees generated from mortgage loan servicing, which generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts, disbursing payments to investors and foreclosure processing for loans held by others, were $185,000 and $140,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $628,000 and $542,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Other loan related fee income for contract collections, late charges, credit life commissions and credit card fees were $17,000 and $16,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $78,000 and $66,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Loan Maturity Schedule.

The following table sets forth the estimated maturity of our loan portfolio at June 30, 2009. Scheduled principal repayments of loans do not necessarily reflect the actual life of such assets. The average life of a loan is typically substantially less than its contractual terms because of prepayments. In addition, due on sale clauses on loans generally give us the right to declare loans immediately due and payable in the event, among other things, that the borrower sells the real property, subject to the mortgage, and the loan is not paid off. All mortgage loans are shown to be maturing based on the date of the last payment required by the loan agreement, except as noted.

Loans having no stated maturity, those without a scheduled payment, demand loans and matured loans, are shown as due in one year or less.

 

     Due in one
year or less
   Due after
one year
through
two years
   Due after
two years
through
three years
   Due after
three years
through
five years
   Due after
five years
   Total
     (In thousands)

Real estate loans:

                 

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 228    $ 181    $ 1,261    $ 1,672    $ 81,406    $ 84,748

Real estate construction

     4,562      —        —        —        —        4,562

Commercial real estate and land

     3,098      5,206      2,553      3,829      22,397      37,083

Home equity

     3,087      4,278      5,313      4,049      11,896      28,623

Consumer

     1,699      824      2,830      3,323      2,210      10,886

Commercial business

     3,590      311      650      1,207      1,312      7,070
                                         

Total (1)

   $ 16,264    $ 10,800    $ 12,607    $ 14,080    $ 119,221    $ 172,972
                                         

 

(1)

Includes mortgage loans held for sale.

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans, at June 30, 2009, due after June 30, 2010, which have fixed interest rates and which have floating or adjustable interest rates:

 

     Fixed     Adjustable     Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

      

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 63,918      $ 20,602      $ 84,520   

Real estate construction

     —          —          —     

Commercial real estate and land

     31,096        2,889        33,985   

Home equity

     22,434        3,102        25,536   

Consumer

     8,640        547        9,187   

Commercial business

     3,030        450        3,480   
                        

Total (1)

   $ 129,118      $ 27,590      $ 156,708   
                        

Percent of total

     82.39     17.61     100.00
                        

 

(1)

Includes mortgage loans held for sale.

 

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The following table sets forth information with respect to our loan originations, purchases and sales activity for the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,    Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008    2009     2008  
     (In thousands)  

Loans originated

         

Real estate loans:

         

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 29,017      $ 17,981    $ 164,657      $ 72,385   

Real estate construction

     2,504        1,934      4,672        15,504   

Commercial real estate and land

     3,466        9,042      21,500        19,375   

Home equity

     4,167        4,860      20,043        20,461   

Consumer

     2,000        1,748      8,341        7,637   

Commercial business

     1,913        1,143      8,789        8,243   
                               

Total loans originated

     43,067        36,708      228,002        143,605   

Loans purchased

         

Whole loans

     —          —       

Participations

     —          —       
                               

Total loans purchased

     —          —       

Loans sold

         

Whole loans

     28,135        10,517      125,232        47,732   

Participations

     —          6,000      6,000        4,341   
                               

Total loans sold

     28,135        16,517      131,232        52,073   

Principal repayments and loan refinancings

     15,733        15,351      99,509        75,522   

Deferred loan fees decrease (increase)

     34        5      (9     (24

Allowance for losses decrease (increase)

     (100     —        (225     218   
                               

Net loan increase (decrease)

   $ (867   $ 4,845    $ (2,973   $ 16,204   
                               

Net loans receivable at end of period (includes loans held for sale)

   $ 171,679      $ 180,364    $ 172,546      $ 175,519   
                               

 

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Residential Lending.

American Federal Savings Bank’s primary lending activity consists of the origination of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans secured by property located in American Federal Savings Bank’s market area. Approximately 45.46% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio as of September 30, 2009 were comprised of such loans. American Federal Savings Bank generally originates one- to-four-family residential mortgage loans in amounts up to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or the selling price of the mortgaged property without requiring private mortgage insurance. A mortgage loan originated by American Federal Savings Bank, whether fixed rate or adjustable rate, can have a term of up to 30 years. American Federal Savings Bank holds substantially all of its adjustable rate and its 8, 10 and 12-year fixed rate loans in portfolio. Adjustable rate loans limit the periodic interest rate adjustment and the minimum and maximum rates that may be charged over the term of the loan. American Federal Savings Bank’s fixed rate 15-year and 20-year loans are held in portfolio or sold in the secondary market depending on market conditions. Generally, all 30-year fixed rate loans are sold in the secondary market. The volume of loan sales is dependent on the volume, type and term of loan originations.

American Federal Savings Bank obtains a significant portion of its noninterest income from servicing loans sold. American Federal Savings Bank offers many of the fixed rate loans it originates for sale in the secondary market on a servicing retained basis. This means that we process the borrower’s payments and send them to the purchaser of the loan. This retention of servicing enables American Federal Savings Bank to increase fee income and maintain a relationship with the borrower. At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had $272.30 million in residential mortgage loans and $12.33 million in commercial real estate loans sold with servicing retained. American Federal Savings Bank does not ordinarily purchase home mortgage loans from other financial institutions.

Property appraisals on real estate securing American Federal Savings Bank’s single-family residential loans are made by state certified and licensed independent appraisers who are approved annually by the board of directors. Appraisals are performed in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. American Federal Savings Bank generally obtains title insurance policies on all first mortgage real estate loans originated. On occasion, refinancings of mortgage loans are approved using title reports instead of title insurance. Title reports are also allowed on home equity loans. Borrowers generally remit funds with each monthly payment of principal and interest, to a loan escrow account from which American Federal Savings Bank makes disbursements for such items as real estate taxes and hazard and mortgage insurance premiums as they become due.

Home Equity Loans.

American Federal Savings Bank also originates home equity loans. These loans are secured by the borrowers’ primary residence, but are typically subject to a prior lien, which may or may not be held by American Federal Savings Bank. At September 30, 2009, $28.84 million or 17.1% of our total loans were home equity loans. Borrowers may use the proceeds from American Federal Savings Bank’s home equity loans for many purposes, including home improvement, debt consolidation, or other purchasing needs. American Federal Savings Bank offers fixed rate, fixed payment home equity loans as well as variable and fixed rate home equity lines of credit. Fixed rate home equity loans typically have terms of no longer than 15 years.

Although home equity loans are secured by real estate, they carry a greater risk than first lien residential mortgages because of the existence of a prior lien on the property securing the loan, as well as the flexibility the borrower has with respect to the loan proceeds. American Federal Savings Bank attempts to minimize this risk by maintaining conservative underwriting policies on such loans. We generally make home equity loans for up to only 85% of appraised value of the underlying real estate collateral, less the amount of any existing prior liens on the property securing the loan.

Commercial Real Estate and Land Loans.

American Federal Savings Bank originates commercial real estate mortgage and land loans, including both developed and undeveloped land loans, and loans on multi-family dwellings. Commercial real estate and land loans made up 22.97% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio, or $38.76 million at September 30, 2009. The majority of these loans are non-residential commercial real estate loans. American Federal Savings Bank’s commercial real estate mortgage loans are primarily permanent loans secured by improved property such as office buildings, retail stores, commercial warehouses and apartment buildings. The terms and conditions of each loan are tailored to the needs of the borrower and based on the financial strength of the project and any guarantors. Generally, commercial real estate loans originated by American Federal Savings Bank will not exceed 75% of the appraised value or the selling price of the property, whichever is less. The average loan size is approximately $169,000 and is typically made with fixed rates of interest and 5- to 15-year maturities. Upon maturity, the loan is repaid or the terms and conditions are renegotiated. Generally, all originated commercial real estate loans are within the market area of American Federal Savings Bank and all are within the state of Montana. American Federal Savings Bank’s largest single commercial real estate loan had a balance of approximately $1.65 million on September 30, 2009, and is secured by a residential lot subdivision.

Real Estate Construction Lending.

American Federal Savings Bank also lends funds for the construction of one- to four-family homes and commercial real estate. Real estate construction loans are made both to individual homeowners for the construction of their primary residence and, to a lesser extent, to local builders for the construction of pre-sold houses or houses that are being built for sale in the future. Real estate construction loans accounted for $6.12 million or 3.63% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio at September 30, 2009.

 

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Consumer Loans.

As part of its strategy to invest in higher yielding shorter term loans, American Federal Savings Bank emphasized growth of its consumer lending portfolio in recent years. This portfolio includes personal loans secured by collateral other than real estate, unsecured personal loans and lines of credit, and loans secured by deposits held by American Federal Savings Bank. As of September 30, 2009, consumer loans totaled $11.07 million or 6.56% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio. These loans consist primarily of auto loans, RV loans, boat loans, personal loans and credit lines and deposit account loans. Consumer loans are originated in American Federal Savings Bank’s market area and generally have maturities of up to seven years. For loans secured by savings accounts, American Federal Savings Bank will lend up to 90% of the account balance on single payment loans and up to 100% for monthly payment loans.

Consumer loans have a shorter term and generally provide higher interest rates than residential mortgage loans. Consumer loans can be helpful in improving the spread between average loan yield and cost of funds and at the same time improve the matching of the maturities of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. Increasing its consumer loans has been a major part of American Federal Savings Bank’s strategy of operating more like a commercial bank than a traditional savings bank.

The underwriting standards employed by American Federal Savings Bank for consumer loans include a determination of the applicant’s credit history and an assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. The stability of the applicant’s monthly income may be determined by verification of gross monthly income from primary employment, and additionally from any verifiable secondary income. Creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary consideration; however, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral in relation to the proposed loan amount.

Commercial Business Loans.

Commercial business loans amounted to $7.24 million, or 4.29% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio at September 30, 2009. American Federal Savings Bank’s commercial business loans are traditional business loans and are not secured by real estate. Such loans may be structured as unsecured lines of credit or may be secured by inventory, accounts receivable or other business assets. While the commercial business loan portfolio amounted to only 4.29% of the total portfolio at September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank intends to increase such lending by focusing on market segments which it has not previously emphasized, such as business loans to doctors, lawyers, architects and other professionals as well as to small businesses within its market area. Our management believes that this strategy provides opportunities for growth, without significant additional cost outlays for staff and infrastructure.

Commercial business loans of this nature usually involve greater credit risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans we originate. The collateral we receive is typically related directly to the performance of the borrower’s business which means that repayment of commercial business loans is dependent on the successful operations and income stream of the borrower’s business. Such risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. In addition, commercial lending generally requires substantially greater oversight efforts compared to residential real estate lending.

Loans to One Borrower.

Under federal law, savings institutions have, subject to certain exemptions, lending limits to one borrower in an amount equal to the greater of $500,000 or 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus. As of September 30, 2009, our largest aggregation of loans to one borrower was approximately $8.47 million, consisting of two commercial real estate loans secured by detention facilities. However, 90%, or $6.49 million, of one loan was sold without recourse to the Montana Board of Investments, leaving a net balance of $1.97 million for the two loans, which was below American Federal Savings Bank’s federal legal lending limit to one borrower of approximately $4.20 million. At September 30, 2009, these loans were performing in accordance with their terms. American Federal Savings Bank maintains the servicing for these loans.

Loan Solicitation and Processing.

Our customary sources of mortgage loan applications include repeat customers, walk-ins, and referrals from home builders and real estate brokers. We also advertise in local newspapers and on local radio and television. We currently have the ability to accept online mortgage loan applications and provide pre-approvals through our website. Our branch managers and loan officers located at our headquarters and in branches, have authority to approve certain types of loans when presented with a completed application. Other loans must be approved at our main offices as disclosed below. No loan consultants or loan brokers are currently used by us for either residential or commercial lending activities.

After receiving a loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report and verifications are obtained to confirm specific information relating to the loan applicant’s employment, income and credit standing. When required by our policies, an appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is undertaken by an independent fee appraiser. In connection with the loan approval process, our staff analyze the loan applications and the property involved. Officers and branch managers are granted lending authority based on the kind of loan types where they possess expertise and their level of experience. We have established a series of loan committees to approve any loans which may exceed the lending authority of particular officers or branch managers. Four members of the board of directors are required for approval of any loan, or aggregation of loans to a single borrower, that exceeds $1,250,000.

 

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Loan applicants are promptly notified of the decision by a letter setting forth the terms and conditions of the decision. If approved, these terms and conditions include the amount of the loan, interest rate basis, amortization term, a brief description of real estate to be mortgaged, tax escrow and the notice of requirement of insurance coverage to be maintained. We generally require title insurance on first mortgage loans and fire and casualty insurance on all properties securing loans, which insurance must be maintained during the entire term of the loan.

Loan Commitments.

We generally provide commitments to fund fixed and adjustable-rate single-family mortgage loans for periods up to 60 days at a specified term and interest rate, and other loan categories for shorter time periods. The total amount of our commitments to extend credit as of September 30, 2009, was approximately $8.79 million, $7.58 million of which was for residential mortgage loans.

Non-performing Loans and Problem Assets

Collection Procedures.

Generally, our collection procedures provide that when a loan is 15 or more days delinquent, the borrower is sent a past due notice. If the loan becomes 30 days delinquent, the borrower is sent a written delinquency notice requiring payment. If the delinquency continues, subsequent efforts are made to contact the delinquent borrower, including face to face meetings and counseling to resolve the delinquency. All collection actions are undertaken with the objective of compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Act.

For mortgage loans and home equity loans, if the borrower is unable to cure the delinquency or reach a payment agreement, we will institute foreclosure actions. If a foreclosure action is taken and the loan is not reinstated, paid in full or refinanced, the property is sold at judicial sale at which we may be the buyer if there are no adequate offers to satisfy the debt. Any property acquired as the result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until such time as it is sold or otherwise disposed of. When real estate owned is acquired, it is recorded at the lower of the unpaid principal balance of the related loan or its fair market value less estimated selling costs. The initial recording of any loss is charged to the allowance for loan losses. As of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had $158,000 of real estate owned.

Loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis and are placed on non-accrual status when they are more than 90 days delinquent. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status at any time if, in the opinion of management, the collection of additional interest is doubtful. Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status is charged against interest income. Subsequent payments are either applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on the assessment of the ultimate collectibility of the loan. At September 30, 2009, we had $1.25 million ($1.24 million net of specific reserves) of loans that were non-performing and held on non-accrual status.

Delinquent Loans.

The following table provides information regarding American Federal Savings Bank’s loans that are delinquent 30 to 89 days and accruing at the dates indicated:

 

    

At
September 30,

   At June 30,
     2009    2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Loans delinquent for 30 to 89 days and accruing:

                 

Real estate loans:

                 

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 940    $ 492    $ 285    $ 426    $ 342    $ 143

Real estate construction

     —        220      —        —        —        —  

Commercial real estate and land

     468      969      306      130      133      349

Home equity

     150      248      209      130      46      93

Consumer

     106      184      46      115      64      140

Commercial business

     131      19      52      188      138      6
                                         

Total delinquent loans

   $ 1,795    $ 2,132    $ 898    $ 989    $ 723    $ 731
                                         

 

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Non-Performing Assets.

The following table sets forth information regarding American Federal Savings Bank’s non-performing assets as of the dates indicated. As of September 30, 2009 American Federal Savings Bank had no loans considered to be a troubled debt restructuring within the meaning of FASB ASC 310 Receivables .

 

     At
September 30,
    At June 30,  
     2009     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Non-accrual loans

            

Real estate loans:

            

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 38      $ 265      $ 32      $ —        $ 80      $ 98   

Real estate construction

     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Commercial real estate and land

     948        527        —          —          —          87   

Home equity

     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Consumer

     76        26        —          21        5        —     

Commercial business

     177        184        —          —          260        249   

Accruing loans delinquent 90 days or more

     171        251        —          191        114        67   
                                                

Total nonperforming loans

     1,410        1,253        32        212        459        501   

Real estate owned

     158        —          —          —          —          —     
                                                

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 1,568      $ 1,253      $ 32      $ 212      $ 459      $ 501   
                                                

Total nonperforming loans to net loans

     0.93     0.75     0.02     0.13     0.33     0.47

Total nonperforming loans to total assets

     0.52     0.43     0.01     0.09     0.20     0.24

Total nonperforming assets to total assets

     0.52     0.43     0.01     0.09     0.20     0.24

The nonperforming loan amounts and percentages presented above are shown and calculated gross of any related specific loan allowances. During the year ended June 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had one foreclosure resulting in a loss of $3,000. There were no foreclosures during the three months ended September 30, 2009. During the three months ended September 30, 2009 and the year ended June 30, 2009, the amount of interest recorded on loans previously accounted for on a non-accrual basis was immaterial.

 

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Classified Assets.

Management, in compliance with regulatory guidelines, conducts an internal loan review program, whereby loans are placed or classified in categories depending upon the level of risk of nonpayment or loss. These categories are special mention, substandard, doubtful or loss. When a loan is classified as substandard or doubtful, management is required to establish an allowance for loan losses in an amount that is deemed prudent. When management classifies a loan as a loss asset, a reserve equal to 100% of the loan balance is required to be established or the loan is required to be charged-off. The allowance for loan losses is composed of an allowance for both inherent risk associated with lending activities and specific problem assets.

Management’s evaluation of the classification of assets and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed by the Board on a regular basis and by the regulatory agencies as part of their examination process. In addition, each loan that exceeds $500,000 is monitored more closely. The following table reflects our classified assets as of the dates indicated.

 

     At September 30,    At June 30,
   2009    2009    2008
        (In thousands)     

Substandard assets

   $ 1,910    $ 1,602    $ 68

Doubtful assets

     7      —        —  

Loss assets

     30      12      38
                    

Total classified assets

   $ 1,947    $ 1,614    $ 106
                    

Allowance for Loan Losses and Real Estate Owned.

American Federal Savings Bank segregates its loan portfolio for loan losses into the following broad categories: real estate loans (consisting of residential mortgages (one- to four-family), real estate construction, commercial real estate and land), home equity loans, consumer loans and commercial business loans. American Federal Savings Bank provides for a general allowance for losses inherent in the portfolio by the above categories, which consists of two components. General loss percentages are calculated based on historical analyses and other factors such as volume and severity of delinquencies, local and national economy, underwriting standards, and other factors. A supplemental portion of the allowance is calculated for inherent losses which probably exist as of the evaluation date even though they might not have been identified by the more objective processes used. This is due to the risk of error and/or inherent imprecision in the process.

This portion of the allowance is particularly subjective and requires judgments based on qualitative factors which do not lend themselves to exact mathematical calculations such as: trends in delinquencies and non-accruals; trends in volume; terms and portfolio mix; new credit products; changes in lending policies and procedures; and changes in the outlook for the local, regional and national economy.

At least quarterly, management of American Federal Savings Bank evaluates the need to establish reserves against losses on loans and other assets based on estimated losses on specific loans and on any real estate owned when a finding is made that a loss is estimable and probable. Such evaluation includes a review of all loans for which full collectibility may not be reasonably assured and considers; among other matters; the estimated market value of the underlying collateral of problem loans; prior loss experience; economic conditions; and overall portfolio quality.

Provisions for, or adjustments to, estimated losses are included in earnings in the period they are established. We had $625,000 in allowances for loan losses at September 30, 2009.

While we believe we have established our existing allowance for loan losses in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, there can be no assurance that bank regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, will not request that we significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, or that general economic conditions, a deteriorating real estate market, or other factors will not cause us to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, therefore negatively affecting our financial condition and earnings.

In making loans, we recognize that credit losses will be experienced and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the security for the loan.

It is our policy to review our loan portfolio, in accordance with regulatory classification procedures, on at least a quarterly basis.

 

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The following table sets forth information with respect to our allowance for loan losses at the dates and for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 525      $ 300      $ 300      $ 518      $ 535      $ 573      $ 628   

Provision for loan losses

     135        —          257        (175     —          —          —     

Reclassification to repossessed property reserve

     —          (3     —          —          —          (15     (15

Loans charged-off:

              

Real estate loans

     —            —          —          —          —          —     

Home equity

     (28       —          —          —          —          —     

Consumer

     (8       (47     (54     (29     (48     (50

Commercial business loans

     —            —          —          —          —          —     

Recoveries:

     —                 

Real estate loans

     —            —          —          —          —          —     

Home equity

     —            —          —          —          —          —     

Consumer

     1        3        15        11        12        25        10   

Commercial business loans

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
                                                        

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

     (35     —          (32     (43     (17     (23     (40
                                                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 625      $ 300      $ 525      $ 300      $ 518      $ 535      $ 573   
                                                        

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

     0.37     0.17     0.31     0.18     0.33     0.38     0.53

Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans

     39.56     400.00     41.90     937.50     244.34     141.91     132.03

Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period

     0.02     (0.002 )%      (0.02 )%      (0.03 )%      (0.01 )%      (0.02 )%      (0.05 )% 

 

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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.

 

          At June 30,  
    At September 30, 2009     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                       

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

  $ 187   45.46   $ 190   47.26   $ 133   51.53   $ 189   51.68   $ 60   53.71   $ 51   52.68

Real estate construction

    15   3.63     10   2.77     10   4.35     13   5.20     3   4.88     3   13.77

Commercial real estate and land

    198   22.97     158   21.90     34   16.75     27   16.16     8   13.20     19   2.53
                                                                       

Total real estate loans

    400   72.06     358   71.93     177   72.62     229   73.04     71   71.79     73   68.99

Home equity

    70   17.09     67   17.11     62   16.65     48   15.74     37   14.29     8   15.66

Consumer

    118   6.56     68   6.46     51   6.87     141   7.21     245   8.36     327   10.17

Commercial business

    37   4.29     32   4.50     10   3.86     100   4.01     182   5.56     165   5.20
                                                                       

Total other loans

    225   27.94     167   28.07     123   27.38     289   26.96     464   28.21     500   31.01
                                                                       

Total

  $ 625   100.00   $ 525   100.00   $ 300   100.00   $ 518   100.00   $ 535   100.00   $ 573   100.00
                                                                       

 

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Investment Activities

General.

Federally chartered savings banks such as American Federal Savings Bank have the authority to invest in various types of investment securities, including United States Treasury obligations, securities of various Federal agencies (including securities collateralized by mortgages), certificates of deposits of insured banks and savings institutions, municipal securities, corporate debt securities and loans to other banking institutions.

American Federal Savings Bank maintains liquid assets that may be invested in specified short-term securities and other investments. Liquidity levels may be increased or decreased depending on the yields on investment alternatives. They may also be increased based on management’s judgment as to the attractiveness of the yields then available in relation to other opportunities. Liquidity levels can also change based on management’s expectation of future yield levels, as well as management’s projections as to the short-term demand for funds to be used in American Federal Savings Bank’s loan origination and other activities. American Federal Savings Bank maintains an investment securities portfolio and a mortgage-backed securities portfolio as part of its investment portfolio.

Investment Policies.

The investment policy of American Federal Savings Bank, which is established by the board of directors, is designed to foster earnings and liquidity within prudent interest rate risk guidelines, while complementing American Federal Savings Bank’s lending activities. The policy provides for available-for-sale (including those accounted for under FASB ASC 825), held-to-maturity, and trading classifications. However, American Federal Savings Bank does not hold any securities for purposes of trading. The policy permits investments in high credit quality instruments with diversified cash flows while permitting us to maximize total return within the guidelines set forth in our interest rate risk and liquidity management policies. Permitted investments include but are not limited to U.S. government obligations, government agency or government-sponsored enterprise obligations, state, county and municipal obligations, and mortgage-backed securities. Collateralized mortgage obligations, investment grade corporate debt securities, and commercial paper are also included. We also invest in Federal Home Loan Bank overnight deposits and federal funds, but these instruments are not considered part of the investment portfolio.

Our investment policy also includes several specific guidelines and restrictions to insure adherence with safe and sound activities. The policy prohibits investments in high-risk mortgage derivative products (as defined within the policy) without prior approval from the board of directors. Management must demonstrate the business advantage of such investments.

We do not participate in hedging programs, interest rate swaps, or other activities involving the use of off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments, except interest rate caps and certain financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges related to loans committed to be sold in the secondary market. Further, American Federal Savings Bank does not invest in securities which are not initially rated investment grade.

The Board, through its asset liability committee, has charged the President and CEO to implement the investment policy. All transactions are reported to the board of directors monthly, as well as the current composition of the portfolio, including market values and unrealized gains and losses.

Investment Securities.

We maintain a portfolio of investment securities, classified as either available-for-sale (including those accounted for under FASB ASC 825) or held-to-maturity to enhance total return on investments. At September 30, 2009, our investment securities included U.S. government and agency obligations, Small Business Administration pools, municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and corporate obligations, all with varying characteristics as to rate, maturity and call provisions. Investment securities held-to-maturity represented 0.28% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total investment portfolio. Securities available-for-sale totaled 96.52% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total investment portfolio, while Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred securities totaled 0.11%. The remainder is comprised of interest-bearing deposits in banks and stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.

 

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The following table sets forth the carrying value of American Federal Savings Bank’s investment securities portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

     At September 30,     At June 30,  
     2009     2009     2008     2007  
     Carrying
Value
   Percent of
Total
    Carrying
Value
   Percent of
Total
    Carrying
Value
   Percent of
Total
    Carrying
Value
   Percent of
Total
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:

                    

U.S. Government and agency obligations

   $ 4,930    5.17   $ 3,882    4.57   $ 2,232    2.70   $ 3,643    5.41

Corporate obligations

     10,037    10.52     9,493    11.18     12,722    15.38     13,623    20.22

Municipal obligations

     34,036    35.67     28,893    34.04     22,190    26.83     20,728    30.77

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     35,112    36.80     31,551    37.17     28,224    34.17     17,075    25.35

Mortgage-backed securities

     7,985    8.37     8,444    9.95     13,016    15.74     7,872    11.68

Common Stock

     —      —          —      —          33    —          —      —     

Corporate preferred stock

     —      —          —      —          —      —          1,833    2.72
                                                    

Total securities available for sale

     92,100    96.52     82,263    96.91     78,417    94.82     64,774    96.15

Securities held-to-maturity, at book value:

                    

Mortgage-backed securities

     —      —          —      —          22    0.03     95    0.14

Municipal obligations

     265    0.28     375    0.44     675    0.82     826    1.23
                                                    

Total securities held to maturity

     265    0.28     375    0.44     697    0.85     921    1.37

Preferred stock

     108    0.11     25    0.03     1,321    1.60     N/A    N/A   
                                                    

Total securities

     92,473    96.91     82,663    97.38     80,435    97.27     65,695    98.00

Federal Home Loan Bank capital stock, at cost

     2,000    2.10     2,000    2.36     1,715    2.07     1,315    1.95

Interest bearing deposits

     944    0.99     224    0.26     549    0.66     360    0.53
                                                    

Total

   $ 95,417    100.00   $ 84,887    100.00   $ 82,699    100.00   $ 67,370    100.00
                                                    

The following table sets forth information regarding the carrying values, weighted average yields and maturities of American Federal Savings Bank investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2009.

 

    At September 30, 2009  
    One Year or Less     More than One to Five Years     More than Five to Ten Years     More than Ten Years     Total Investment Securities  
    Carrying
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average

Yield
    Carrying
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
  Approximate
Market
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Securities available-for-sale:

                     

U.S. Government and agency obligations

    —     —        $ 3,659   1.76   $ 831   1.06   $ 440   0.94   $ 4,930   $ 7,930   1.57

Corporate obligations

    —     —          7,263   4.90     1,053   5.45     1,721   7.51     10,037     10,037   5.41

Municipal obligations

    —     —          2,399   2.78     7,532   5.59     24,105   6.70     34,036     34,036   6.18

Collateralized mortgage obligations

  $ 106   2.60         3,697   3.20     31,309   4.70     35,112     35,112   4.54

Mortgage-backed securities

    194   4.29     396   3.75     101   5.38     7,294   5.20     7,985     7,985   5.11
                                                                 

Total securities available for sale

    300   3.69     13,717   3.66     13,214   4.62     64,869   5.55     92,100     92,100   5.13

Securities-held to-maturity:

                     

Municipal obligations

    —     —          265   7.33     —     —          —     —          265     271   7.33
                                         

Total securities held to maturity

    —     —          265   7.33     —     —          —     —          265     271   7.33

Preferred

    —     —              —     —          108   —          108     108   %   
                                                                 

Total securities

    300   3.69     13,982   3.73     13,214   4.62     64,977   5.54     92,473     92,479   5.13

Interest-bearing deposits & Federal funds sold

    4,155   0.59     —     —          —     —          —     —          4,155     4,155   0.59
                                         

Federal Home Loan Bank capital stock

                2,000        
                         

Total

  $ 4,455   0.80   $ 13,982   3.73   $ 13,214   4.62   $ 66,977   5.37   $ 96,628   $ 96,634   4.93
                                                                 

 

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Sources of Funds

General.

Deposits are the major source of our funds for lending and other investment purposes. Borrowings (principally from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle) are also used to compensate for reductions in the availability of funds from other sources. In addition to deposits and borrowings, we derive funds from loan and mortgage-backed securities principal repayments, and proceeds from the maturity, call and sale of mortgage-backed securities and investment securities and from the sale of loans. Loan and mortgage-backed securities payments are a relatively stable source of funds, while loan prepayments and deposit inflows are significantly influenced by general interest rates and financial market conditions.

Deposits.

We offer a variety of deposit accounts. Deposit account terms vary, primarily as to the required minimum balance amount, the amount of time that the funds must remain on deposit and the applicable interest rate.

Our current deposit products include certificates of deposit accounts ranging in terms from 90 days to five years as well as checking, savings and money market accounts. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are included in certificates of deposit.

Deposits are obtained primarily from residents of Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Townsend. We believe we are able to attract deposit accounts by offering outstanding service, competitive interest rates and convenient locations and service hours. We use traditional methods of advertising to attract new customers and deposits, including radio, television, print media advertising and sales training and incentive programs for employees. Management believes that non-residents of Montana hold an insignificant number and amount of deposit accounts.

We pay interest rates on deposits which are competitive in our market. Interest rates on deposits are set weekly by senior management, based on a number of factors, including: projected cash flow; a current survey of a selected group of competitors’ rates for similar products; external data which may influence interest rates; investment opportunities and loan demand; and scheduled certificate maturities and loan and investment repayments.

Core deposits are deposits that are more stable and somewhat less sensitive to rate changes. They also represent a lower cost source of funds than rate sensitive, more volatile accounts such as certificates of deposit. We believe that our core deposits are our checking, as well as NOW accounts, statement savings accounts, money market accounts and IRA accounts. Based on our historical experience, we include IRA accounts funded by certificates of deposit as core deposits because they exhibit the principal features of core deposits in that they are stable and generally are not rate sensitive. Core deposits amounted to $130.84 million or 67.07% of American Federal Savings Bank’s deposits at September 30, 2009 ($107.39 million or 55.05% if IRA certificates of deposit are excluded). The presence of a high percentage of core deposits and, in particular, transaction accounts, is part of our strategy to restructure our liabilities to more closely resemble the lower cost liabilities of a commercial bank. However, a significant portion of our deposits remains in certificate of deposit form. These certificates of deposit, should they mature and be renewed at higher rates, would result in an increase in our cost of funds.

 

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The following table sets forth American Federal Savings Bank’s distribution of deposit accounts at the dates indicated and the weighted average interest rate on each category of deposit represented:

 

           At June 30,  
     At September 30, 2009     2009     2008     2007  
     Amount    Percent of
Total
    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Percent of
Total
    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Percent of
Total
    Weighted
Average
Amount
    Amount    Percent of
Total
    Weighted
Average
Amount
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Noninterest checking

   $ 18,902    9.69   —        $ 15,002    8.01   —        $ 14,617    8.17   —        $ 13,694    7.62   —     

Passbook savings

     26,979    13.83   0.41     26,445    14.13   0.41     23,906    13.37   0.65     22,521    12.54   0.65

NOW account/Interest bearing checking

     34,784    17.83   0.25     32,664    17.45   0.33     30,720    17.18   0.38     30,953    17.23   0.21

Money market accounts

     26,730    13.70   0.30     26,886    14.36   0.64     25,275    14.12   1.75     23,292    12.96   2.12
                                                                            

Total

     107,395    55.05   0.26     100,997    53.95   0.38     94,518    52.85   0.76     90,460    50.35   0.78

Certificates of deposit accounts:

                            

IRA certificates

     23,447    12.02   2.85     23,121    12.35   2.96     22,108    12.36   3.15     21,534    11.99   3.97

Brokered certificates

     —      —        —          —      —        —          —      —        —          4,411    2.46   5.30

Other certificates

     64,238    32.93   2.16     63,081    33.70   2.41     62,225    34.79   3.31     63,242    35.20   4.66
                                                                            

Total certificates of deposit

     87,685    44.95   2.34     86,202    46.05   2.56     84,333    47.15   3.27     89,187    49.65   4.53
                                                                            

Total deposits

   $ 195,080    100.00   1.19   $ 187,199    100.00   1.38   $ 178,851    100.00   1.94   $ 179,647    100.00   100.00
                                                                            

 

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The following table sets forth the amounts and maturities of our certificates of deposit as of September 30, 2009, for the maturity dates indicated:

 

     September 30,
2010
   September 30,
2011
   September 30,
2012
   After
September 30,
2012
   Total
     (Dollars in thousands)

Under 1.01%

   $ 6,550    $ 10    $ —      $ —      $ 6,560

1.01 – 2.00%

     28,922      894      —        —        29,816

2.01 – 3.00%

     12,768      4,660      317      1,205      18,950

3.01 – 4.00%

     24,168      1,127      1,210      987      27,492

4.01 – 5.00%

     2,629      458      1,536      203      4,826

5.01 – 6.00%

     —        41      —        —        41

6.01 – 7.00%

     —        —        —        —        —  
                                  

Total

   $ 75,037    $ 7,190    $ 3,063    $ 2,395    $ 87,685
                                  

The following table shows the amount of certificates of deposit of more than $100,000 by time remaining until maturity as of September 30, 2009:

 

     (In thousands)

3 months or less

   $ 9,166

Over 3 to 6 months

     6,496

Over 6 to 12 months

     6,646

Over 12 months

     2,999
      

Total

   $ 25,307
      

The following table sets forth the net changes in deposit accounts for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008     2007  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Opening balance

   $ 187,199      $ 178,851      $ 178,851      $ 179,647      $ 174,342   

Deposits (Withdrawals), Net

     7,276        3,436        5,265        (5,059     1,279   

Interest credited

     605        808        3,083        4,263        4,026   
                                        

Ending balance

   $ 195,080      $ 183,095      $ 187,199      $ 178,851      $ 179,647   
                                        

Net increase (decrease)

   $ 7,881      $ 4,244      $ 8,348      $ (797   $ 5,305   
                                        

Percent increase

     4.21     2.37     4.67     (0.44 )%      3.04

Weighted average cost of deposits during the period

     1.40     2.09     1.86     2.67     2.37

Weighted average cost of deposits at the end of period

     1.19     1.89     1.38     1.94     2.64

Our depositors are primarily residents of the state of Montana.

Borrowings.

Deposits are the primary source of funds for our lending and investment activities and for general business purposes. However, as the need arises, or in order to take advantage of funding opportunities, we also borrow funds in the form of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and other borrowings from PNC Financial Services, Inc. to supplement our supply of lendable funds and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, Eagle Bancorp formed a special purpose subsidiary, Eagle Bancorp Statutory Trust I (the “Trust”), for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities in the amount of $5.0 million. Eagle Bancorp has issued subordinated debentures to the Trust, and the coupon on the debentures matches the dividend payment on the trust preferred securities. For regulatory purposes, the securities qualify as Tier 1 Capital, while for accounting purposes they are recorded as long term debt. The securities have a 30 year maturity and carry a fixed coupon of 6.02% for the first five years, at which time the coupon becomes variable, at a spread of 142 basis points over 3 month LIBOR.

 

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The following table sets forth information concerning our borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and PNC at the end of, and during, the periods indicated:

 

     At or For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
    At or For the Year Ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008     2007  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

FHLB Advances:

          

Average balance

   $ 43,778      $ 40,351      $ 44,144      $ 21,964      $ 23,435   

Maximum balance at any month-end

     43,917        45,919        46,889        42,222        29,487   

Balance at period end

     43,639        45,919        44,056        42,222        16,000   

Weighted average interest rate during the period

     3.70     3.72     3.54     4.21     5.13

Weighted average interest rate at period end

     3.69     3.70     3.69     3.57     4.99

Repurchase Agreements:

          

Average balance

     23,000        23,000        23,000        21,347        5,493   

Maximum balance at any month-end

     23,000        23,000        23,000        23,000        14,000   

Balance at period end

     23,000        23,000        23,000        23,000        14,000   

Weighted average interest rate during the period

     4.66     4.66     4.66     4.81     4.64

Weighted average interest rate at period end

     4.66     4.66     4.66     4.66     4.69

Other:

          

Average balance

     —          1,081        628        401        143   

Maximum balance at any month-end

     —          2,760        3,900        3,000        3,800   

Balance at period end

     —          —          —          3,000        3,800   

Weighted average interest rate during the period

       2.18     1.28     3.79     5.32

Weighted average interest rate at period end

       n/a        n/a        3.15     5.32

Total borrowings:

          

Average balance

     66,778        64,432        67,772        43,712        29,071   

Maximum balance at any month-end

     66,917        68,919        73,789        68,222        36,695   

Balance at period end

     66,639        68,919        67,056        68,222        33,800   

Weighted average interest rate during the period

     4.03     4.03     3.90     4.50     5.04

Weighted average interest rate at period end

     4.03     4.02     4.02     3.94     4.90

 

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Subsidiary Activity

We are permitted to invest in the capital stock of, or originate secured or unsecured loans to, subsidiary corporations. We do not have any subsidiaries, except for American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Bancorp Statutory Trust I.

Personnel

As of September 30, 2009, we had 78 full-time employees and nine part-time employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. We believe our relationship with our employees to be good.

Legal Proceedings

American Federal Savings Bank, from time to time, is a party to routine litigation, which arises in the normal course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which American Federal Savings Bank holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the business of American Federal Savings Bank. There were no lawsuits pending or known to be contemplated against Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank at September 30, 2009.

Properties

Eagle Bancorp’s business activities consist of its ownership of 100% of the common stock of American Federal Savings Bank. American Federal Savings Bank’s executive office is located at 1400 Prospect Avenue in Helena, Montana. American Federal Savings Bank conducts its business through seven offices, which are located in Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Townsend, Montana. All of its offices are owned. Its principal banking office in Helena also serves as its executive headquarters and operations center. This office houses over 50% of American Federal Savings Bank’s full-time employees. The following table sets forth the location of each of American Federal Savings Bank’s offices, the year the office was opened, and the net book value including land, buildings, computer software and its related equipment and furniture. The square footage at each location is also shown.

 

Location

  

Address

   Opened    Value At
September 30,
2009

(in thousands)
   Square Footage

Helena Main Office

  

1400 Prospect Ave.

Helena, MT 59601

   1997    3,861    32,304

Helena Downtown Drive-up

  

28 Neill Ave.

Helena, MT 59601

   1987    344    1,391

Helena Skyway Branch

  

2090 Cromwell Dixon

Helena, MT 59602

   2009    2,444    4,643

Butte Office

  

3401 Harrison Ave.

Butte, MT 59701

   1979    536    3,890

Bozeman Office

  

606 North Seventh

Bozeman, MT 59715

   1980    460    5,886

Bozeman Branch

  

1455 Oak St

Bozeman, MT 59715

   2009    7,494    19,818

Townsend Office

  

416 Broadway

Townsend, MT 59644

   1979    232    1,973

As of September 30, 2009, the net book value of land, buildings, furniture, and equipment owned by American Federal Savings Bank, less accumulated depreciation, totaled $15.371 million.

Expense Allocation

American Federal Savings Bank has entered into an agreement with Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC and any successor (Eagle Montana) to provide it with certain administrative support services for compensation not less than the fair market value of the services provided.

 

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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

General

As a federally-chartered savings institution, American Federal Savings Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision as its primary federal regulator, and the FDIC, as the insurer of its deposits. American Federal Savings Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank, or FHLB, System and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC. American Federal Savings Bank must file reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions. There are periodic examinations by the Office of Thrift Supervision to evaluate American Federal Savings Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. Under certain circumstances the FDIC may also examine American Federal Savings Bank. 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 adequate allowance for loan losses for regulatory purposes. Any change in such policies, whether by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the FDIC or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on Eagle Montana and American Federal Savings Bank and their operations. Eagle Montana, as a savings and loan holding company, will be required to file certain reports with, will be subject to examination by, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Eagle Montana is also subject to the rules and regulations of the SEC under the federal securities laws. See “—Holding Company Regulation.”

Federal Regulation of Savings Institutions

Office of Thrift Supervision . The Office of Thrift Supervision has extensive authority over the operations of savings institutions. As part of this authority, American Federal Savings Bank is required to file periodic reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and is subject to periodic examinations by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Office of Thrift Supervision also has extensive enforcement authority over all savings institutions and their holding companies, including American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Montana. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, issue cease-and-desist or removal orders and initiate prompt corrective action orders. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision. Except under certain circumstances, public disclosure of final enforcement actions by the Office of Thrift Supervision is required.

In addition, the investment, lending and branching authority of American Federal Savings Bank also are prescribed by federal laws, which prohibit American Federal Savings Bank from engaging in any activities not permitted by these laws. For example, no savings institution may invest in non-investment grade corporate debt securities. In addition, the permissible level of investment by federal institutions in loans secured by non-residential real property may not exceed 400% of total capital, except with approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Federal savings institutions are generally authorized to branch nationwide. American Federal Savings Bank is in compliance with the noted restrictions.

All savings institutions are required to pay assessments to the Office of Thrift Supervision to fund the agency’s operations. The general assessments, paid on a semi-annual basis, are determined based on the savings institution’s total assets, including consolidated subsidiaries. American Federal Savings Bank’s Office of Thrift Supervision assessment for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 was $77,915.

American Federal Savings Bank’s general permissible lending limit for loans-to-one-borrower is equal to the greater of $500,000 or 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus (except for loans fully secured by certain readily marketable collateral, in which case this limit is increased to 25% of unimpaired capital and surplus). At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank’s lending limit under this restriction was $4.2 million and, at that date, our largest aggregation of loans to one borrower was approximately $8.47 million, consisting of two commercial real estate loans secured by detention facilities. However, 90%, or $6.49 million, of that loan was sold without recourse to the Montana Board of Investments, leaving a net balance of $1.97 million for the two loans, which was below American Federal Savings Bank’s federal legal lending limit to one borrower of approximately $4.2 million. At September 30, 2009, these loans were performing in accordance with their terms. American Federal Savings Bank maintains the servicing for these loans.

The Office of Thrift Supervision, as well as the other federal banking agencies, has adopted guidelines establishing safety and soundness standards on such matters as loan underwriting and documentation, asset quality, earnings standards, internal controls and audit systems, interest rate risk exposure and compensation and other employee benefits. Any institution that fails to comply with these standards must submit a compliance plan.

Federal Home Loan Bank System . American Federal Savings Bank is a member of the FHLB of Seattle, which is one of 12 regional FHLBs that administer the home financing credit function of savings institutions. Each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans or advances to members in accordance with policies and procedures, established by the Board of Directors of the FHLB, which are subject to the oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Board. All advances from the FHLB are required to be fully secured by sufficient collateral as determined by the FHLB. In addition, all long-term advances are required to provide funds for residential home financing.

 

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As a member, American Federal Savings Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the FHLB of Seattle. At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had $2.0 million in FHLB stock, which was in compliance with this requirement. American Federal Savings Bank received $0 and $16,000 in dividends from the FHLB of Seattle for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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

Federal Reserve System . The Federal Reserve System requires all depository institutions to maintain noninterest-bearing reserves at specified levels against their checking, NOW and Super NOW checking accounts and non-personal time deposits. The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System may be used to satisfy the Office of Thrift Supervision liquidity requirements.

Savings institutions have authority to borrow from the Federal Reserve System “discount window”. American Federal Savings Bank maintains a “primary credit” facility at the Federal Reserve’s discount window. American Federal Savings Bank had no borrowings from the Federal Reserve’s discount window as of September 30, 2009.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts . Deposit accounts at American Federal Savings Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, generally up to a maximum of $100,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts. American Federal Savings Bank’s deposits, therefore, are subject to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance assessments. Effective October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) temporarily (until December 31, 2013) raised the basic limit on federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation imposes an assessment against all depository institutions for deposit insurance. This assessment is based on the risk category of the institution and, prior to 2009, ranged from five to 43 basis points of the institution’s deposits. On December 22, 2008, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued a final rule that raises the current deposit insurance assessment rates uniformly by seven basis points (to a range from 12 to 50 basis points) effective for the first quarter 2009. On February 27, 2009 the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued a final rule that will alter the way the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation calculate federal deposit insurance assessment rates beginning in the second quarter at 2009. Under the rule, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation first establishes an institution’s initial base assessment rate. This initial base assessment rate would range, depending on the risk category of the institution, from 12 to 45 basis points. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation then adjusts the initial base assessment (higher or lower) to obtain the total base assessment rate. The adjustment to the initial base assessment rate are based upon an institution’s levels of unsecured debt, secured liabilities, and brokered deposits. The total base assessment rate would range from seven to 77.5 basis points of the institution’s deposits.

On May 22, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule levying a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. The special assessment was payable on September 30, 2009. We recorded an expense of $128,295 during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, to reflect the special assessment. The final rule permits the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s board of directors to levy up to two additional special assessments of up to five basis points each during 2009 if the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation estimates that the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio will fall to a level that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s board of directors believes would adversely affect public confidence or to a level that will be close to or below zero. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has publicly announced that it is probable that it will levy an additional special assessment of up to five basis points later in 2009, the amount and timing of which are currently uncertain. Any further special assessments that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation levies will be recorded as an expense during the appropriate period. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation materially increased the general assessment rate and, therefore, our Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation general insurance premium expense will increase substantially compared to prior periods.

On November 12, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule pursuant to which all insured depository institutions are required to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. Under the rule, this pre-payment was due on December 30, 2009. Under the rule, the assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 will be based on each institution’s total base assessment rate for the third quarter of 2009, modified to assume that the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 had been in effect for the entire third quarter, and the assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 will be equal to the modified third quarter assessment rate plus an additional 3 basis points. In addition, each institution’s base assessment rate for each period will be calculated using its third quarter assessment base, adjusted quarterly for an estimated 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base through the end of 2012. Under this new rule, we made a payment of approximately $1.0 million to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on December 30, 2009, and recorded the payment as a prepaid expense, which will be amortized to expense over three years.

 

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In addition to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums, the Financing Corporation is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance cost and custodial fees on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation in the 1980s to recapitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the Financing Corporation are due to mature in 2017 through 2019. For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the annualized Financing Corporation assessment was equal to 1.14% for each $100 in domestic deposits maintained at an institution.

Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program . In October 2008, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation introduced the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. This program has two components. One guarantees newly issued senior unsecured debt of a participating organization, up to certain limits established for each institution, issued between October 14, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will pay the unpaid principal and interest on a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-guaranteed debt instrument upon the uncured failure of the participating entity to make a timely payment of principal or interest in accordance with the terms of the instrument. The guarantee will remain in effect until June 30, 2012. In return for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s guarantee, participating institutions will pay the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation a fee based on the amount and maturity of the debt. American Federal Savings Bank has opted not to participate in this component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.

The other component of the program provides full federal deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts, regardless of dollar amount, until June 30, 2010. An annualized 10 basis point assessment on balances in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts that exceed the existing deposit insurance limit of $250,000 will be assessed on a quarterly basis to insured depository institutions that have not opted out of this component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. American Federal Savings Bank has opted to participate in this component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.

Capital Requirements . Federally insured savings institutions, such as American Federal Savings Bank, are required by the Office of Thrift Supervision to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. These minimum capital standards include: a 1.5% tangible capital to total assets ratio, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS examination 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 system) and, together with the risk-based capital standard itself, a 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital standard. The Office of Thrift Supervision 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 as principal that are not permissible for a national bank.

The risk-based capital standard requires federal savings institutions to maintain 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, recourse obligations, residual interests and direct credit substitutes, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100%, assigned by the Office of Thrift Supervision capital regulation based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Tier 1 (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 currently 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. The Office of Thrift Supervision also has authority to establish individual minimum capital requirements for financial institutions.

Prompt Corrective Action . The Office of Thrift Supervision is required to take certain supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings institutions, the severity of which depends upon the institution’s degree of undercapitalization. Generally, an institution that has a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 8%, a ratio of Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 4%, or a ratio of core capital to total assets of less than 4% (3% or less for institutions with the highest examination rating) is considered to be “undercapitalized.” An institution that has a total risk-based capital ratio less than 6%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized” and an institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.” Subject to a narrow exception, the Office of Thrift Supervision is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a savings institution that is “critically undercapitalized.” Office of Thrift Supervision regulations also require that a capital restoration plan be filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision within 45 days of the date a savings institution receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” In addition, numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to an undercapitalized institution, including, but not limited to, increased monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth, capital distributions and expansion. ”Significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to more extensive mandatory regulatory actions. The Office of Thrift Supervision also could 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. At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank’s capital ratios met the “well capitalized” standards. See “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance.”

 

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Limitations on Capital Distributions .  Office of Thrift Supervision regulations impose various restrictions on savings institutions with respect to their ability to make distributions of capital, which include dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, cash-out mergers and other transactions charged to the capital account. Generally, savings institutions, such as American Federal Savings Bank, that before and after the proposed distribution are well-capitalized, may make capital distributions during any calendar year equal to up to 100% of net income for the year-to-date plus retained net income for the two preceding years. However, an institution deemed to be in need of more than normal supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision may have its dividend authority restricted by the Office of Thrift Supervision.

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

Qualified Thrift Lender Test .  All savings institutions, including American Federal Savings Bank, are required to meet a qualified thrift lender (“QTL”) test to avoid certain restrictions on their operations. This test requires a savings institution to have at least 65% of its total assets, as defined by regulation, in qualified thrift investments on a monthly average for nine out of every 12 months on a rolling basis. As an alternative, the savings institution may maintain 60% of its assets in those assets specified in Section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). Under either test, such assets primarily consist of residential housing related loans and investments.

A savings institution that fails to meet the QTL is subject to certain operating restrictions and may be required to convert to a national bank charter. As of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank maintained 68.85% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments and, therefore, met the qualified thrift lender test.

Activities of Associations and their Subsidiaries .  When a savings institution establishes or acquires a subsidiary or elects to conduct any new activity through a subsidiary that the association controls, the savings institution must file a notice or application with the FDIC and the Office of Thrift Supervision at least 30 days in advance and receive regulatory approval or non-objection. Savings institutions also must conduct the activities of subsidiaries in accordance with existing regulations and orders.

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

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

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) generally prohibits a company from making loans to its executive officers and directors. However, that act contains a specific exception for loans by a depository institution to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking laws. Under such laws, American Federal Savings Bank’s authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders of American Federal Savings Bank and its affiliates (“insiders”), as well as entities such persons control is limited. The law restricts both the individual and aggregate amount of loans American Federal Savings Bank may make to insiders based, in part, on American Federal Savings Bank’s capital position and requires certain Board approval procedures to be followed. Such loans must be made on terms substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. There is an exception for loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to all employees of the institution and does not give preference to insiders over other employees. There are additional restrictions applicable to loans to executive officers.

The USA PATRIOT Act . The USA Patriot Act gives the federal government powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. The USA Patriot Act also requires the federal banking agencies to take into consideration the effectiveness of controls designed to combat money-laundering activities in determining whether to approve a merger or other acquisition application of a member institution. Accordingly, if we engage in a merger or other acquisition, our controls designed to combat money laundering would be considered as part of the application process. We have established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.

 

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Holding Company Regulation

General. Upon completion of the conversion and subject to approval of its application to become a savings and loan holding company, Eagle Montana will be a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to regulatory oversight of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Accordingly, Eagle Montana is required to register and file reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and is subject to regulation and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision. In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision has enforcement authority over Eagle Montana and its non-savings institution subsidiaries which also permits the Office of Thrift Supervision to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to present a serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution.

Activities Restrictions . The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, or GLBA, provides that no company may acquire control of a savings association after May 4, 1999 unless it engages only in the financial activities permitted for financial holding companies under the law or for multiple savings and loan holding companies as described below. Upon any non-supervisory acquisition by Eagle Montana of another savings association as a separate subsidiary, Eagle Montana would become a multiple savings and loan holding company and would be limited to activities permitted multiple holding companies by Office of Thrift Supervision regulation. Office of Thrift Supervision has issued an interpretation concluding that multiple savings holding companies may also engage in activities permitted for financial holding companies, including lending, trust services, insurance activities and underwriting, investment banking and real estate investments.

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

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

Acquisition of Eagle Montana . Under the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, a notice or application must be submitted to the Office of Thrift Supervision if any person (including a company), or a group acting in concert, seeks to acquire 10% or more of Eagle Montana’s outstanding voting stock, unless the Office of Thrift Supervision has found that the acquisition will not result in a change in control of Eagle Montana. In acting on such a notice or application, the Office of Thrift Supervision must take into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the anti-trust effect of the acquisition. Any company that acquires control will be subject to regulation as a savings and loan holding company.

Federal Securities Laws

We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 for the registration of the shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to the stock offering and in connection with the conversion. Upon completion of the stock offering, our common stock will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We will be subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of shares of common stock to be issued in the stock offering does not cover the resale of those shares. Shares of common stock purchased by persons who are not our affiliates may be resold without registration. Shares purchased by our affiliates will be subject to the resale restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. If we meet the current public information requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, each affiliate of ours that complies with the other conditions of Rule 144, including those that require the affiliate’s sale to be aggregated with those of other persons, would be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a number of shares not to exceed, in any three-month period, the greater of 1% of our outstanding shares, or the average weekly volume of trading in the shares during the preceding four calendar weeks. In the future, we may permit affiliates to have their shares registered for sale under the Securities Act of 1933.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. As directed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will be required to certify that our quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. The rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have several requirements, including having these officers certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; they have made certain disclosures to our auditors and the

 

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audit committee of the board of directors about our internal control over financial reporting; and they have included information in our quarterly and annual reports about their evaluation and whether there have been changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could materially affect internal control over financial reporting.

Regulatory Enforcement Authority

Federal law provides federal banking regulators with substantial enforcement powers. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders, and to initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institution-affiliated parties, as defined. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with regulatory authorities.

 

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FEDERAL AND STATE TAXATION

Federal Taxation. For federal income tax purposes, Eagle Montana will file a consolidated federal income tax return with its wholly owned subsidiaries on a fiscal year basis. The applicable federal income tax expense or benefit will be properly allocated to each subsidiary based upon taxable income or loss calculated on a separate company basis.

We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes . The asset and liability method accounts for deferred income taxes by applying the enacted statutory rates in effect at the balance sheet date to differences between the book basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The resulting deferred tax liabilities and assets are adjusted to reflect changes in tax laws.

Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank’s federal income tax returns have not been audited in the most recent five-year period.

State Taxation. As a Delaware business corporation, Eagle Montana will be required to pay franchise taxes to the state of Delaware and to file annual income tax returns with the State of Montana. The State of Montana imposes a tax on income, referred to as the corporation license tax, of 6.75% on net income measured substantially the same as federally taxable income.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Eagle Montana

The board of directors of Eagle Montana will consist of seven individuals who currently serve as directors of Eagle Bancorp, Eagle Financial MHC and American Federal Savings Bank. The board of directors of Eagle Montana will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal as possible, with approximately one-third of the directors elected each year. The directors will be elected by the stockholders of Eagle Montana annually for three-year terms, and until their successors are elected and have qualified. The terms of the directors of each of Eagle Montana and American Federal Savings Bank are identical. The executive officers of Eagle Montana are also executive officers of Eagle Bancorp. We expect that Eagle Montana and American Federal Savings Bank will continue to have common directors until there is a business reason to establish separate management structures.

 

Director

   Current Term to Expire

Class 1

  

Don O. Campbell

   2010

Rick F. Hays

   2010

Peter J. Johnson

   2010

Class 2

  

Lynn E. Dickey

   2011

Larry A. Dreyer

   2011

Class 3

  

James A. Maierle

   2012

Thomas J. McCarvel

   2012

The following individuals will serve as the executive officers of Eagle Montana and hold the offices set forth below opposite their name.

 

Name

  

Positions Held

Peter J. Johnson    President and Chief Executive Officer
Clinton J. Morrison    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Michael C. Mundt    Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
Robert M. Evans    Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Rachel R. Amdahl    Senior Vice President/Operations

Executive officers of Eagle Montana are elected annually and hold office until their respective successors have been elected or until death, resignation or removal by the board of directors.

Eagle Bancorp

The following table provides the positions, ages (as of November 30, 2009) and terms of office as applicable to Eagle Bancorp’s directors and executive officers.

 

Name (1)

  

Age

  

Positions Held in Eagle Bancorp

   Director Since (2)
   DIRECTORS   

Don O. Campbell

   76    Vice Chairman    1994

Lynn E. Dickey

   63    Director    2005

Larry A. Dreyer

   64    Chairman    1990

Rick F. Hays

   57    Director    2007

Peter J. Johnson

   52    Director    2007

James A. Maierle

   62    Director    1997

Thomas J. McCarvel

   60    Director    1998

 

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Name (1)

  

Age

  

Positions Held in Eagle Bancorp

   Director Since (2)
   EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS   

Clinton J. Morrison

   39    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    N/A

Michael C. Mundt

   55    Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer    N/A

Robert M. Evans

   61    Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer    N/A

Rachel R. Amdahl

   41    Senior Vice President/Operations    N/A

 

(1) The mailing address for each person listed is c/o Eagle Bancorp, 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59601.
(2) Each director of Eagle Bancorp is also a director of American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Financial MHC, which owns the majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp.

The Business Background of Our Directors and Executive Officers.

The business experience for the past five years of each of our directors and executive officers is set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, directors and executive officers have held their positions for the past five years.

Directors

Don O. Campbell is a retired certified public accountant and previously served as Vice President and Controller of Capri, Inc., an investment management company located in Helena.

Lynn E. Dickey is retired from Galusha, Higgins and Galusha P.C., a public accounting firm in Helena. He worked for Galusha for 36 years and was active in the state CPA society. He has served on the boards of numerous civic and charitable organizations.

Larry A. Dreyer is the Chairman of Eagle Bancorp. He was previously the President and Chief Executive Officer of American Federal Savings Bank from 1993 and 1995, respectively, to July 2007. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1973. He is a member and past president of the Downtown Kiwanis Club and past chairman of both the St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation and Diocese of Helena Finance Council.

Rick F. Hays retired from Qwest Communications in November 2006, where he was the Montana President for Qwest operations, a position he held since 1996. He worked in the telecommunications industry for over 32 years. He has served on the boards of numerous civic, educational and charitable organizations.

Peter J. Johnson has served as President of American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Bancorp since July 2007 and CEO since November 2007. Prior to being named President, he had served as American Federal Savings Bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1981. He currently serves on the Montana Independent Bankers Association board of directors. He is a past chairman of both the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce and the Diocese of Helena Finance Council. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Helena, and serves on the board of trustees of St. Peter’s Hospital.

James A. Maierle has served since January 2006 as Chairman of the Board of Morrison-Maierle, Inc., a civil engineering corporation, headquartered in Helena. He was President of Morrison-Maierle, Inc. from October 1997 to January 2006.

Thomas J. McCarvel has served as a Vice President of Carroll College in Helena since December 1991. From 1988 to 1991 he was the Chief Operating Officer of Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C., a public accounting firm in Helena, which served as Eagle Bancorp’s independent auditor prior to fiscal year 2006.

Executive Officers who are not Directors

Clinton J. Morrison has served as the Chief Financial Officer of American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Bancorp since July 2007. Prior to being named the Chief Financial Officer, he had served as American Federal Savings Bank’s treasurer and compliance officer. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 2001. Mr. Morrison maintains a certified public accountant license in the State of Montana. He currently is a member of the Montana Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. Mr. Morrison currently is a member of the Helena Downtown Kiwanis Club and previously served terms as President and Treasurer of that organization.

Michael C. Mundt has served as the Chief Lending Officer of American Federal Savings Bank since April 1994. Prior to being named the Chief Lending Officer, he served as Vice President of Consumer and Commercial Lending. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1988. He currently serves on the Montana Bankers Association’s board of directors, and also currently serves as the President of the Montana Business Assistance Connection, a local economic development non-profit organization.

Robert M. Evans has served as the Chief Information Officer of American Federal Savings Bank since January 2008. Prior to being named Chief Information Officer, he served as American Federal Savings Bank’s Vice President of Information Services. Mr. Evans also serves as American Federal Savings Bank’s Security Officer. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1986.

 

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Rachel R. Amdahl has served as Senior Vice President/Operations of American Federal Savings Bank since February 2006. Prior to being named the Senior Vice President/Operations, she served as Vice President/Operations since 2000. She joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1987. She currently serves on the Lewis and Clark County United Way board of directors. She also is a member of the Women’s Leadership Network.

Board Independence

Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each director other than Larry A. Dreyer and Peter J. Johnson is “independent,” as defined by the Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Under the Marketplace Rules, a director can be independent only if the director does not trigger a categorical bar to independence and our board of directors affirmatively determines that the director does not have a relationship which, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment by the director in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In determining the independence of the directors, the board considered the relationships described under “—Transactions with Certain Related Persons,” which it determined were immaterial to the individual’s independence.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, (i) no executive of Eagle Bancorp served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of Eagle Bancorp; (ii) no executive officer of Eagle Bancorp served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of Eagle Bancorp; and (iii) no executive officer of Eagle Bancorp served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of Eagle Bancorp.

Committees of Our Board of Directors

Our board of directors has three standing committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating committee. Each of our audit, compensation and nominating committees have a majority of independent directors. We have adopted charters for the audit, compensation and nominating committees describing the authority and responsibilities delegated to each committee by our board of directors, which are available on our website at www.americanfederalsavingsbank.com. These documents will also be available in print to any stockholder requesting a copy in writing from our corporate secretary at our executive offices set forth in this prospectus.

Audit Committee

The audit committee is appointed by the board of directors to assist the board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of Eagle Montana’s financial reporting process. The audit committee consists of three non-employee directors: Messrs. Dickey, Campbell and Hays. The chairmanship is held by Mr. Dickey. Each member is “independent”, in accordance with the requirements for companies quoted on NASDAQ. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Dickey meets the requirements of “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the SEC. The board believes that the other members of the audit committee are qualified to serve based on their experience and background. The charter describes the audit committee’s principal duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to:

 

   

Oversight and review of the annual financial reporting process and adequacy and integrity of Eagle Montana’s financial information (including corporate accounting, financial reporting practices, and the quality of the financial reports of Eagle Montana);

 

   

Oversight and review of the legal and regulatory requirements of Eagle Montana;

 

   

Oversight and review of the independent auditors qualifications and independence;

 

   

Oversight and review of the performance of Eagle Montana’s internal audit function and the independent accountants and other mandated audit committee duties;

 

   

Oversight and review of the system of internal controls and safeguards;

 

   

Review with the independent auditor, the internal auditor and management the adequacy of Eagle Montana’s internal controls and any material weaknesses, any findings or recommendations from the independent auditor, all critical accounting policies and all other materials matters relating to the audit procedures;

 

   

Review of related party transactions, legal and regulatory matters material to the financial statements and the compliance programs of Eagle Montana;

 

   

Maintenance of an open avenue of communication between the board of directors, senior management, internal auditors, and Eagle Montana’s independent auditors and to permit auditors and internal auditors to meet with the audit committee without the presence of management; and

 

   

Oversight, review and approval of audit, audit-related, tax, and all other fees.

 

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The audit committee met nine times in the 2009 fiscal year.

Compensation Committee

Eagle Montana maintains a standing compensation committee, currently comprised of Messrs. Campbell, McCarvel and Maierle. Each member of the committee is independent in accordance with the listing standards of NASDAQ. The compensation committee reviews all compensation components for Eagle Montana’s executive officers, including salary, bonus, and deferred compensation plans. In setting appropriate compensation for the executive officers, the compensation committee considers the performance of Eagle Montana, the level of salary, bonus and stock options and other benefits provided to executive officers of comparable companies, and the level of compensation paid in recent years. In its oversight of compensation programs, prior to making recommendations to the full board, the compensation committee reviews recommendations from the CEO. Decisions by the compensation committee are approved by the full board of directors. The compensation committee met twice in the 2009 fiscal year.

Nominating Committee

Messrs. Campbell, Dickey and Hays served on the nominating committee in fiscal 2009. Each member is “independent” in accordance with the requirements for companies listed on NASDAQ. The primary responsibilities of the nominating committee include:

 

   

identifying diverse individuals qualified to become members of the board;

 

   

recommending to the board the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders;

 

   

considering nominees proposed by stockholders of Eagle Montana; and

 

   

evaluating the board and its members.

The nominating committee met three times in the 2009 fiscal year.

Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation awarded to or earned by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Lending Officer in each of the last two fiscal years.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and principal position

   Year    Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)
   Stock
awards
($)
   Option
awards
($)
   Non-equity
incentive
plan
compensation
($)
   Nonqualified
deferred
compensation
earnings ($)
   All other
compensation
($)(1)
   Total ($)

Peter J. Johnson,
President and Chief Executive Officer

   2009    144,000    21,600    —      —      —      —      36,439    202,039
   2008    136,000    16,080    —      —      —      —      29,650    181,730

Clinton J. Morrison
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   2009    90,000    11,250    —      —      —      —      26,593    127,843
   2008    84,000    8,400    —      —      —      —      18,794    111,194
                          

Michael C. Mundt,
Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

   2009    108,000    13,518    —      —      —      —      26,302    147,820
   2008    103,000    10,300    —      —      —      —      25,635    138,935
                          

 

(1) For fiscal 2009, All Other Compensation for Mr. Johnson consisted of employer contributions to profit sharing plan of $9,684, $3,228 for employer 401(k) payments, $3,947 for employer deferred compensation payments, $1,397 for ESOP stock, and $6,183 for various medical and life insurance payments, and $12,000 as compensation for his services as a director. For fiscal 2009, All Other Compensation for Mr. Mundt consisted of employer contributions to profit sharing of $7,263, $2,421 for employer 401(k) payments, $7,916 for employer deferred compensation payments, $1,397 for ESOP stock, and $7,305 for various medical and life insurance payments. For fiscal 2009, All Other Compensation for Mr. Morrison consisted of employer contributions to profit sharing of $5,972, $1,991 for employer 401(k) payments, $11,419 for employer deferred compensation payments, $1,397 for ESOP stock, and $5,814 for various medical and life insurance payments.

Employment Agreement

American Federal Savings Bank entered into an Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2009, with Peter J. Johnson, its President and Chief Executive Officer and amended effective January 22, 2010. The Employment Agreement will continue in effect until September 30, 2011, unless extended by the board of directors of American Federal Savings Bank for an additional two-year term. The amended Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $155,000 per year, which may be increased from time to time (but not reduced). Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Johnson generally will be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans including, but not limited to, retirement plans, profit-sharing plans, health-and-accident plans, medical coverage or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by American Federal Savings Bank in the future to its senior executives and key management employees.

 

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The Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Johnson’s employment is terminated by American Federal Savings Bank for any reason other than for cause, or Mr. Johnson terminates his employment due to either (i) a diminishing of his duties and responsibilities, (ii) a relocation of his place of employment by more than 50 miles, (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of American Federal Savings Bank, or (iv) any breach of the Agreement by American Federal Savings Bank, he will be entitled to receive certain payments from American Federal Savings Bank. These payments will be a sum equal to the payments due to Mr. Johnson for the remaining term of the Employment Agreement, including base salary, bonuses, and any other cash or deferred compensation paid or to be paid (including the value of employer contributions that would have been made on his behalf over the remaining term of the Employment Agreement to any tax-qualified retirement plan), subject to certain restrictions.

The Employment Agreement contains provisions requiring non-disclosure of confidential information regarding the business and activities of American Federal Savings Bank and contains provisions restricting Mr. Johnson’s ability to compete with American Federal Savings Bank for a one-year term after termination of his employment due to any Event of Termination.

Non-Contributory Profit Sharing Plan

Neither Eagle Bancorp, nor American Federal Savings Bank, has a pension plan for employees. Instead, American Federal Savings Bank has established a non-contributory profit sharing plan for eligible employees who have completed one year of service with American Federal Savings Bank. The non-contributory plan enables American Federal Savings Bank to contribute up to 15% of qualified salaries each year. Typically 6% is contributed. The percentage amount of the contribution is determined by the board of directors each year and is based primarily on profitability for the past year. For the year ended June 30, 2009, the Board authorized profit sharing contributions to Mr. Johnson of $9,684, to Mr. Mundt of $7,263 and to Mr. Morrison of $5,972, and total contribution expense was $181,590 for the year ended June 30, 2009.

The Non-Contributory Profit Sharing Plan also allows employees to make contributions to a tax-qualified defined contribution savings plan or an employee owned 401(k) plan. Employees can contribute a portion of their salaries, (up to a maximum of $16,500 for calendar 2009), to a 401(k) plan. American Federal Savings Bank’s board has the authority to match up to a maximum of 50% of an employee’s contribution provided that the matching amount does not exceed 2.0% of such employee compensation. For the year ended June 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank contributed $3,228, $2,421 and $1,991 to Mr. Johnson’s, Mr. Mundt’s and Mr. Morrison’s 401(k) programs, respectively, and $47,227 in total expense to the 401(k) program.

Salary Continuation Agreement

Another benefit offered by American Federal Savings Bank is a program to increase overall retirement benefits for employees to levels which more closely approximate those in comparable businesses. American Federal Savings Bank consulted with independent compensation consultants and developed a plan to supplement retirement benefits. The plan American Federal Savings Bank adopted covers seven of its senior officers, including Messrs. Johnson, Morrison and Mundt, two senior vice presidents and two vice presidents. Mr. Morrison was added to the plan in the 2008 fiscal year. This non-qualified retirement plan is designated the American Federal Savings Bank Salary Continuation Agreement (the “Salary Continuation Agreement”). Under the Salary Continuation Agreement, each officer receives a fixed retirement benefit based on his or her years of service with American Federal Savings Bank. American Federal Savings Bank maintains insurance policies whose proceeds will reimburse American Federal Savings Bank for the payment of benefits under this plan. It also provides for partial payments in the event of early retirement, death or disability. In Mr. Johnson’s case, if he retires at age 65, the Salary Continuation Agreement provides for a lump sum payment of $151,800, or an annual payment for life of $16,500. In Mr. Mundt’s case, if he retires at age 65, the Salary Continuation Agreement provides for a lump sum payment of $230,000, or an annual payment for life of $25,000. In Mr. Morrison’s case, if he retires at age 65, the Salary Continuation Agreement provides for a lump sum payment of $706,000, or an annual payment for life of $65,500. American Federal Savings Bank has purchased life insurance contracts for each covered executive to fund the payments. American Federal Savings Bank recognizes expenses to maintain the plan. For the year ended June 30, 2009, the total expenses were $101,952.

Split-Dollar Benefit Plan

American Federal Savings Bank has entered into agreements with three insurance companies for the purpose of establishing a split-dollar benefit plan. American Federal Savings Bank purchased life insurance policies on thirteen officers of American Federal Savings Bank, including American Federal Savings Bank’s five executive officers. The plan provides for the officers to receive life insurance benefits ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, provided they meet the eligibility requirements of the plan. The remainder of the life insurance benefits accrues to American Federal Savings Bank.

Bonus Plan

American Federal Savings Bank also provides a discretionary bonus program (“Bonus Program”) for all eligible employees. The Bonus Program is based on the after-tax net profitability of American Federal Savings Bank and is linked specifically to American Federal Savings Bank’s return on assets. In the case of non-officer employees, bonus amounts are based on salary levels. Under the Bonus Program, American Federal Savings Bank’s return on assets for the period from January through October is used to determine the bonus levels of officers. Officers’ bonuses are directly linked to the return on assets. For example, if American Federal Savings Bank produces a return on assets of 0.90%, then each officer would receive a bonus of 9% of annual base salary. Executive

 

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officers’ bonuses are generally based on a formula of 1.25 times American Federal Savings Bank’s return on assets (for example, executive officer bonuses would be 11.25% of annual salary based on a return on assets of 0.90%, or 1.25 times nine). The President and Chief Executive Officer’s bonus is generally based on a formula of 1.5 times American Federal Savings Bank’s return on assets. For the year ended June 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank paid total bonuses of $226,911. Mr. Johnson’s bonus was $21,600, Mr. Mundt’s bonus was $13,518 and Mr. Morrison’s bonus was $11,250.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

In connection with its reorganization to the mutual holding company form of organization, American Federal Savings Bank established an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP” or “Plan”) for employees age 21 or older who have at least one year of credited service with American Federal Savings Bank. As of September 30, 2009, the ESOP held 4,606 shares of common stock that have not been allocated to Plan participants. These shares represent shares purchased by the ESOP in the initial stock offering. Shares of common stock purchased by the ESOP were funded by funds borrowed from Eagle Bancorp. Shares purchased in the initial offering by the ESOP have been allocated to participants’ accounts over ten years. As of September 30, 2009, the Plan maintains 38,156 shares that have been allocated to Plan participants. A total of 42,762 shares are held in the Plan.

The ESOP trustee is expected to purchase, on behalf of the plan, 8% of the total number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock issued in the offering. We anticipate that the plan will fund its stock purchase with a loan from Eagle Montana equal to the aggregate purchase price of the common stock. The loan will be repaid primarily through American Federal Savings Bank’s contribution to the plan over the anticipated 12-year term of the loan.

The trustee will hold the shares purchased by the employee stock ownership plan in an unallocated suspense account, and shares will be released from the suspense account on a pro-rata basis as we repay the loan. Contributions to the ESOP and shares released from the suspense account are allocated among ESOP participants on the basis of participants’ eligible compensation as it relates to eligible compensation of all participants. Employees are fully vested upon completion of six years of service. Benefits may be payable upon retirement, early retirement, disability, death or separation from service.

The ESOP is administered by the ESOP Committee of American Federal Savings Bank. The ESOP trustee must vote all allocated shares held by the ESOP in accordance with the instructions of participating employees. Unallocated shares will be voted by the ESOP trustee.

GAAP requires that any third-party borrowing by the ESOP be reflected as a liability on Eagle Bancorp’s statement of financial condition. Since the ESOP is borrowing from Eagle Bancorp, such obligation is eliminated in consolidation. However, the cost of unallocated shares is treated as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

The ESOP is subject to the requirements of ERISA and regulations of the IRS and the United States Department of Labor.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

There were no outstanding equity awards held by the named executive officers at September 30, 2009.

Directors’ Compensation

The following table sets forth for the year ended June 30, 2009 certain information as to the total remuneration we paid to Eagle Bancorp’s directors. Mr. Johnson’s compensation for his service as director is reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

Director Compensation Table For the Year Ended June 30, 2009

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
   Stock
Awards ($)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
Awards ($)
   Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
   All Other
Compensation ($)
   Total ($)

Don O. Campbell

   16,800    —      —      —      —      16,800

Lynn E. Dickey

   14,800    —      —      —      —      14,800

Larry A. Dreyer

   21,000    —      —      —      —      21,000

Rick F. Hays

   15,000    —      —      —      —      15,000

James A. Maierle

   14,200    —      —      —      —      14,200

Thomas J. McCarvel

   14,000    —      —      —      —      14,000

During fiscal 2009, each director, except for the Chairman of the Board, was paid an annual fee of $12,000. The Chairman of the Board receives an annual fee of $21,000. Also, each non-employee director, other than the Chairman of the Board, was paid $200 for each committee meeting attended. The total fees paid to the directors of Eagle Bancorp for the year ended June 30, 2009, were $107,800. Eagle Bancorp has no other director compensation plans or director deferred compensation plans other than the Stock Incentive Plan approved at the annual meeting in 2000, and no director received an award from the Stock Incentive Plan in fiscal year 2009. As of September 30, 2009, each director of Eagle Bancorp also serves as a director of American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Financial MHC. Directors do not receive additional compensation for their service on the boards of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Financial MHC.

 

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Long-Term Stock-Based Compensation

The Eagle Bancorp 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) authorizes up to 80,511 shares of Common Stock to be made available to non-employee directors, officers and employees as options (incentive or nonqualified) (collectively, “Options”), or restricted stock (“Recognition and Retention Plan Stock” or “RRP Stock”) as described below. Options under the Stock Incentive Plan are rights to purchase Common Stock at a fixed price set forth in an option agreement, generally the fair market value at the date of grant. No options have been granted under the Stock Incentive Plan. RRP Stock is an award of actual stock subject to forfeiture provisions if the recipient leaves Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank before a specified number of years. The purpose of the Stock Incentive Plan is to attract and retain qualified personnel in key positions and provide officers, employees and non-employee directors with a proprietary interest in Eagle Bancorp as an incentive to contribute to the success of Eagle Bancorp. Additionally, the Stock Incentive Plan serves to promote the attention of management to stockholders’ concerns and to reward employees for outstanding performance.

The Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the granting of options to purchase Common Stock and awards of RRP Stock. The maximum number of shares reserved for purchase pursuant to the exercise of options is 57,508 shares. The maximum number of the shares reserved for the award of RRP Stock is 23,003 shares. All officers, employees and non-employee directors of Eagle Bancorp and its affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. The Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Authorized but unissued shares or shares previously issued and reacquired by Eagle Bancorp may be used to satisfy the awards under the Stock Incentive Plan.

The Stock Incentive Plan permits the award of Options to employees and officers of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Bancorp in the form of either incentive options qualified under Section 422 of the Code (“Incentive Stock Options” or “ISO”) or as nonqualified stock options. Non-employee directors are only eligible to receive grants of non-qualified stock options. Under the Stock Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee will determine which non-employee directors, officers and employees will be granted Options, whether such Options will be ISOs or nonqualified stock options, and when such Options can be exercised. Vesting must not commence earlier than at least one year from the date of the grant. Finally, the vesting of such Options may not be accelerated, except in the case of death or disability. The exercise price of all Incentive Stock Options must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock at the time of grant, except as provided below. The criteria used for the award of Options is determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may take into account job duties and responsibilities, seniority, job performance, and a comparison of similar awards by companies comparable to Eagle Bancorp when granting Options to officers, employees and directors.

Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to officers and employees. In order to qualify as Incentive Stock Options under Section 422 of the Code, the exercise price must not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock on the date of the grant and the term of the Option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Incentive Stock Options granted to any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock may be exercised only for a period of five years from the date of grant and the exercise price must be at least equal to 110% of the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant.

The Stock Incentive Plan permits the Compensation Committee to grant, in its discretion, non-qualified options at fair market value to directors, as well as to officers and employees.

The Stock Incentive Plan also permits the use of Recognition and Retention Plan Stock awards (“RRP Stock”). Under the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan up to 23,003 of the shares contained in the Stock Incentive Plan are available for awards as RRP Stock. The terms of the RRP Stock awards shall be set by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. The use of RRP Stock is intended to enable Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank to retain personnel of experience and ability in key positions of responsibility.

Restricted stock awards to officers, employees and non-employee directors will be granted based upon a number of factors to be determined by the Compensation Committee, including seniority, job duties and responsibilities, job performance, and a comparison of similar awards by companies comparable to Eagle Bancorp. Common Stock used for RRP Stock awards may be authorized but unissued shares or previously issued shares of Common Stock repurchased by Eagle Bancorp.

The Compensation Committee may amend or terminate the Stock Incentive Plan at any time. Such amendments are required to be approved by stockholders in accordance with applicable law and regulation if such approval is required to satisfy requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or other regulatory requirements. The Stock Incentive Plan terminates ten years after its effective date. The Stock Incentive Plan permits Options which expire to be reissued. The Stock Incentive Plan permits adjustment by the Compensation Committee of the number of shares to reflect reclassification, recapitalization or similar capital change. The adjustments by the Compensation Committee shall be conclusive and binding on Eagle Bancorp and any participants. The Compensation Committee’s adjustments are designed to maintain the same proportion for the number of shares which existed before the event requiring adjustment.

The Stock Incentive Plan became effective on October 19, 2000. Unless sooner terminated, the Stock Incentive Plan will be in effect until October 19, 2010.

 

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Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion

Stock-Based Incentive Plan. While a final determination has not been made, we currently intend to adopt a new stock-based incentive plan within one year following the offering that will provide for grants of stock options and restricted common stock awards. If the stock-based incentive plan is adopted within one year following the conversion, the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to option grants or restricted stock awards under the plan may not exceed 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares sold in the offering, subject to adjustment as may be required by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations or policy to reflect any stock options or restricted stock granted by Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank.

We may fund our plans through open market purchases, as opposed to issuing common stock. The stock-based incentive plan will not be established sooner than six months after the stock offering and if adopted within one year after the stock offering would require the approval by stockholders owning a majority of the outstanding shares of Eagle Montana common stock eligible to be cast. If the stock-based incentive plan is established after one year after the stock offering, it would require the approval of our stockholders by a majority of votes cast. The following additional restrictions would apply to our stock-based incentive plan if the plan is adopted within one year after the stock offering:

 

   

non-employee directors in the aggregate may not receive more than 30% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;

 

   

any one non-employee director may not receive more than 5% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;

 

   

any officer or employee may not receive more than 25% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;

 

   

any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans and management stock award plans, in the aggregate, may not hold more than 10% of the shares sold in the offering, unless American Federal Savings Bank has tangible capital of 10% or more, in which case any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans and management stock award plans, may be increased to up to 12% of the shares sold in the offering;

 

   

stock options and restricted stock awards may not vest more rapidly than 20% per year, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant;

 

   

accelerated vesting is not permitted except for death, disability or upon a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana; and

 

   

our executive officers or directors must exercise or forfeit their options in the event that American Federal Savings Bank becomes critically undercapitalized, is subject to enforcement action or receives a capital directive.

In the event federal regulators change their regulations or policies regarding stock-based incentive plans, including any regulations or policies restricting the size of awards and vesting of benefits as described above, the restrictions described above may not be applicable.

Change in Control Agreements

American Federal Savings Bank also intends to enter into change in control agreements with certain senior executive officers. The change in control agreements are intended to be effective as of January 1, 2010, and will be made with Clinton J. Morrison, Michael C. Mundt, Robert M. Evans and Rachel R. Amdahl. The change in control agreements do not provide benefits for termination for cause. The change in control agreements will provide payments to each officer following a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank and upon either (a) an involuntary termination of the officer by American Federal Savings Bank or its successor, or (b) without the officer’s consent, a voluntary termination of the officer’s employment due to (i) a material change of his or her functions, duties or responsibilities, (ii) a reduction in the officer’s annual compensation, or (iii) a relocation of his or her place of employment by more than 50 miles without the officer’s consent. If one of these events occurs within four (4) months following a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank, the officer, or his or her beneficiary in the event of his or her death, would be paid a sum equal to his or her base pay plus bonus for the most recently completed fiscal year. The officer would also receive under the agreement benefit payments (less co-payment amounts) for life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to coverage maintained by American Federal Savings Bank for the 12-month period following termination or until other coverage is obtained.

The change in control agreements have two-year terms and are required to be reviewed each year on the anniversary date of the agreement and may be extended at that time for an additional year. For purposes of both the employment agreement of Mr. Johnson and the change in control agreements of the officers, a change of control of American Federal Savings Bank means (i) a merger or consolidation where American Federal Savings Bank is not the consolidated or surviving bank, (ii) a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of American Federal Savings Bank, (iii) voluntary or involuntary dissolution of American Federal Savings Bank; and (iv) a change in control as defined in the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978. A change in control would not take place for an internal reorganization such as a holding company formation. Assuming these agreements were in effect and Messrs. Morrison, Mundt and Evans and Ms. Amdahl had been terminated in connection with a change in control as of September 30, 2009, the officers would receive aggregate severance of approximately $411,919 based upon their current level of salary and bonus, plus 12 months of benefits coverage.

 

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Transactions with Certain Related Persons

American Federal Savings Bank has followed the policy of offering residential mortgage loans for the financing of personal residences and consumer loans to its officers, directors and employees. Loans are made in the ordinary course of business. Except for consumer loans to officers and employees, but not directors, with an interest rate one percent below the American Federal Savings Bank prevailing rate, these loans are also made on substantially the same terms and conditions, including interest rate and collateral, as those of comparable transactions prevailing at the time with persons not related to American Federal Savings Bank. These loans do not include more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. As of September 30, 2009, the aggregate principal balance of loans outstanding to all directors, executive officers and immediate family members of such individuals, and companies in which they are principals was approximately $1.82 million. No executive officer has had a consumer loan outstanding in excess of $120,000 since July 1, 2006.

American Federal Savings Bank has contracted with a subsidiary of a company which is partially owned by James Maierle, one of Eagle Bancorp’s directors. American Federal Savings Bank paid $18,375 during the three months ended September 30, 2009 to this affiliated entity for support services, and an additional $58,471 for computer hardware and software used by American Federal Savings Bank for its computer network. For the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, expenditures were $54,000 and $35,000, respectively, for support services and $83,401 and $137,000, respectively, for computer hardware and software. Management believes that these services are provided on terms no less favorable than could be obtained from a non-related party in an arms-length transaction.

In 2007, American Federal Savings Bank also made a construction loan, in the normal course of lending, to this same affiliated entity for the construction of an office building. For the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, $0 and $6,011,000 ($1,570,000 net of participation sold) had been disbursed, respectively. In fiscal 2008 the construction was completed and the loan was refinanced into $7.5 million of permanent financing, at an interest rate of 6.625%. On July 9, 2008, 80%, or $6.0 million, was sold without recourse to the Montana Board of Investments. As of September 30, 2009, this loan’s principal balance was $7.25 million ($1.45 million net of participation sold). For the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the entity paid $39,866 and $0 in principal, respectively, and $123,211 and $211,661 in interest, respectively. American Federal Savings Bank maintains the servicing for this loan.

 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

The following table shows information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by our directors and executive officers and each person known to be a “beneficial owner” of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of December 9, 2009. For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership of securities generally means the power to vote or dispose of securities, regardless of any economic interest in the securities. Information regarding certain holders of more than 5% of our outstanding shares is based on information reported on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on the date indicated in the footnotes to this table.

 

Name

  

Title or Address (1)

   Shares of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned (3)
    Percent of
Class
 
Eagle Financial MHC    1400 Prospect Avenue Helena, MT 59601    648,493      60.35
Tyndall Capital Partners, L.P. (2)    599 Lexington Avenue, Suite 4100 New York, NY 10022    88,100      8.20
American Federal Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan    1400 Prospect Avenue Helena, MT 59601    4,606      *   
Don O. Campbell    Vice Chairman    7,400  (4)    *   
Lynn E. Dickey    Director    330      *   
Larry A. Dreyer    Chairman    14,585  (5)(6)    1.36
Rick F. Hays    Director    500      *   
Peter J. Johnson    Director    14,059  (5)(7)    1.31
James A. Maierle    Director    14,900  (8)    1.39
Thomas J. McCarvel    Director    8,800      *   
Clinton J. Morrison    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    1,113  (5)(7)    *   
Michael C. Mundt    Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer    8,348  (5)(7)    *   
Robert M. Evans    Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer    2,343  (5)    *   
Rachel R. Amdahl    Senior Vice President/Operations    1,375  (5)(7)    *   
All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons)       73,753      6.86

 

* Less than 1% of outstanding shares.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the mailing address for each director and officer listed is c/o Eagle Bancorp, 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59601.
(2) The information as to Tyndall Capital Partners, L.P. (“Capital”) is derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2007. Tyndall Partners, L.P. (“Tyndall”) owns 51,900 shares and 18,700 shares are owned by Tyndall Institutional Partners, L.P. (“Tyndall Institutional” and, together with Tyndall, the “Funds”). Capital is the general partner of the Funds, and possesses the sole power to vote and the sole power to direct the disposition of all shares held by the Funds. In addition, 17,500 shares are owned by Jeffrey S. Halis, the manager of the general partner of Capital.
(3) Except as otherwise noted, all beneficial ownership by directors and executive officers is direct and each director or executive officer exercises sole voting and investment power over the shares.
(4) Includes 1,150 shares held by revocable trust in his wife’s name. Mr. Campbell retains voting control.
(5) Includes common stock held in American Federal Savings Bank’s ESOP.
(6) Includes 400 shares held by his wife for which Mr. Dreyer disclaims beneficial ownership.
(7) Includes common stock held by each Executive Officer in American Federal Savings Bank’s Non-Contributory Profit Sharing Plan.

 

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(8) Includes 5,000 shares held by Rosmar, Inc. for which Mr. Maierle, as President of Rosmar, Inc., has shared voting and investment power.

 

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SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The table below sets forth, for each of Eagle Montana’s directors and executive officers and for all of the directors and executive officers as a group, the following information:

 

  (i) the number of exchange shares to be held upon consummation of the conversion, based upon their beneficial ownership of Eagle Bancorp common stock as of , 2010;

 

  (ii) the proposed purchases of subscription shares, assuming sufficient shares of common stock are available to satisfy their subscriptions; and

 

  (iii) the total amount of Eagle Montana common stock to be held upon consummation of the conversion.

In each case, it is assumed that subscription shares are sold at the midpoint of the offering range. See “The Conversion and Offering— Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” Regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision prohibit our directors and officers from selling the shares they purchase in the offering for one year after the date of purchase.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of
Exchange
Shares to be
Held (2)
   Proposed Purchases of Stock
in the Offering (1)
   Total Common
Stock to be Held
 
      Number of
Shares
   Amount    Number of
Shares
   Percentage of
Total Shares
Outstanding
 

Directors:

              

Peter J. Johnson

   52,030    10,000    $ 100,000    62,030    1.56

Larry A. Dreyer

   53,977    5,000      50,000    58,977    1.48   

Don O. Campbell

   27,386    5,000      50,000    32,386    *   

Rick F. Hays

   1,850    5,000      50,000    6,850    *   

Lynn E. Dickey

   1,221    7,500      75,000    8,721    *   

James A. Maierle

   55,143    7,500      75,000    62,643    1.58   

Thomas J. McCarvel

   32,567    500      5,000    33,067    *   
                            

Total

   224,174    40,500    $ 405,000    264,674    6.66
                            

Executive Officers:

              

Robert M. Evans

   8,671    15,000    $ 150,000    23,671    *   

Michael C. Mundt

   30,895    5,000      50,000    35,895    *   

Clinton J. Morrison

   4,119    3,000      30,000    7,119    *   

Rachel R. Amdahl

   5,088    8,300      83,000    13,388    *   
                            

Total

   48,773    31,300    $ 313,000    80,073    2.01   
                            

Total for Directors and Executive Officers

   272,947    71,800    $ 718,000    344,747    8.67
                            

 

* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes proposed subscriptions, if any, by associates.
(2) Based on information presented in “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock” and assumes an exchange ratio of 3.7009 shares for each share of Eagle Bancorp.

 

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THE CONVERSION AND OFFERING

The Boards of Directors of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC have approved the plan of conversion and reorganization. The plan of conversion and reorganization must also be approved by the members of Eagle Financial MHC (depositors and certain borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank) and the stockholders of Eagle Bancorp. A special meeting of members and a special meeting of stockholders have been called for this purpose. The Office of Thrift Supervision has conditionally approved the plan of conversion and reorganization; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion and reorganization by that agency.

General

Pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization, our organization will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully stock form. Eagle Financial MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Eagle Bancorp, will be merged into American Federal Savings Bank, and Eagle Financial MHC will no longer exist. Eagle Bancorp, which owns 100% of American Federal Savings Bank, will cease to exist and will be succeeded by a new Delaware corporation named Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. As part of the conversion, the ownership interest in Eagle Bancorp of Eagle Financial MHC will be offered for sale in the offering by Eagle Montana. When the conversion is completed, all of the outstanding common stock of American Federal Savings Bank will be owned by Eagle Montana, and all of the outstanding common stock of Eagle Montana will be owned by public stockholders. A diagram of our corporate structure before and after the conversion is set forth in the “Summary” section of this prospectus.

Under the plan of conversion and reorganization, at the conclusion of the offering, each share of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned by persons other than Eagle Financial MHC will be canceled and converted automatically into new shares of Eagle Montana common stock determined pursuant to an exchange ratio. The exchange ratio will ensure that immediately after the exchange of existing shares of Eagle Bancorp for new shares, the public stockholders will own the same percentage of shares of common stock of Eagle Montana that they owned in Eagle Bancorp immediately prior to the conversion, excluding any shares they purchased in the offering and cash paid in lieu of fractional exchange shares.

Eagle Montana intends to retain between $7.7 million and $10.6 million of the net proceeds, or $12.2 million if the offering range is increased by 15% (excluding the portion of the net proceeds loaned to our employee stock ownership plan), and to contribute the balance of the net proceeds to American Federal Savings Bank. The conversion will be consummated only upon the issuance of at least the minimum number of shares of our common stock offered pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization.

The plan of conversion and reorganization provides that we will offer shares of common stock in a “subscription offering” in the following descending order of priority:

 

  (i) First, to depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50.00 at the close of business on November 30, 2008.

 

  (ii) Second, to our tax-qualified employee benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, which will receive nontransferable subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.

 

  (iii) Third, to depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50.00 at the close of business on [supplemental date].

 

  (iv) Fourth, to depositors of American Federal Savings Bank at the close of business on [voting record date].and to borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of the [voting record date].

If all shares are not subscribed for in the subscription offering, we may, at our discretion, offer shares of common stock for sale in a community offering to members of the general public, with a preference given in the following order:

 

  (i) Natural persons residing in the State of Montana; and

 

  (ii) Eagle Bancorp’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date].

We have the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any orders to purchase shares of the common stock received in the community offering. The community offering, if any, may begin at the same time as, during, or after the subscription offering and must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by the Office of Thrift Supervision. See “—Community Offering.”

The shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or community offering will be offered to the general public on a best efforts basis by Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, acting as sole book-running manager, and D.A. Davidson & Co., as co-manager, in a syndicated community offering through a syndicate of selected dealers.

We have the right to accept or reject orders received in the syndicated community offering at our sole discretion. The syndicated community offering may begin at any time following the commencement of the subscription offering and must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by us, with approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Alternatively, we may sell any remaining shares in an underwritten public offering, which would be conducted on a firm commitment basis. See “—Syndicated Community Offering.”

 

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We determined the number of shares of common stock to be offered in the offering based upon an independent valuation appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of Eagle Montana. All shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be sold at $10.00 per share. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering. The independent valuation will be updated and the final number of the shares of common stock to be issued in the offering will be determined at the completion of the offering. See “—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued” for more information as to the determination of the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock.

The following is a brief summary of the conversion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the plan of conversion and reorganization. A copy of the plan of conversion and reorganization is available for inspection at each banking office of American Federal Savings Bank and at the Western Regional and the Washington, D.C. offices of the Office of Thrift Supervision. The plan of conversion and reorganization is also filed as an exhibit to Eagle Financial MHC’s application to convert from mutual to stock form, of which this prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the Office of Thrift Supervision. The plan of conversion and reorganization is also an exhibit to Eagle Montana’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, which is accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commission website, www.sec.gov . See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Reasons for the Conversion and Offering

Our board of directors decided at this time to convert to a fully public stock form of ownership and conduct the offering in order to increase our capital position. Completing the offering is necessary for us to continue to grow and execute our business strategy.

Our primary reasons for converting to the stock holding company structure and raising additional capital through the offering are:

 

   

to support internal growth through lending in the communities we serve;

 

   

to improve our capital position during a period of significant economic uncertainty, especially for the financial industry (as of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank was considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes and is not subject to a directive or recommendation from the Office of Thrift Supervision or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to raise capital);

 

   

to finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions, branches of financial institutions or other financial service companies primarily in, or adjacent to, south central Montana, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

to enhance existing products and services, and support the development of new products and services by investing, for example, in technology to support growth and enhanced customer service;

 

   

to improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock and stockholder returns through higher earnings and more flexible capital management strategies; and

 

   

to use the additional capital for other general corporate purposes.

As a fully converted stock holding company, we will have greater flexibility in structuring mergers and acquisitions, including the form of consideration that we can use to pay for an acquisition. Our current mutual holding company structure limits our ability to offer shares of our common stock as consideration for a merger or acquisition since Eagle Financial MHC is required to own a majority of our shares of common stock. Potential sellers often want stock for at least part of the purchase price. Our new stock holding company structure will enable us to offer stock or cash consideration, or a combination of stock and cash, and will therefore enhance our ability to compete with other bidders when acquisition opportunities arise.

Approvals Required — Plan of Conversion and Reorganization

The affirmative vote of a majority of the total eligible votes of the members of Eagle Financial MHC as of [voting record date] is required to approve the plan of conversion and reorganization. By their approval of the plan of conversion and reorganization, the members of Eagle Financial MHC (comprised of depositors and certain borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank) will also be approving the merger of Eagle Financial MHC into American Federal Savings Bank. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp, including shares held by Eagle Financial MHC, and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp held by the public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp as of [stockholder record date] are also required to approve the plan of conversion and reorganization. The plan of conversion and reorganization also must be approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision, which has given its conditional approval; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion and reorganization by such agency.

Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations provide that in a conversion of a mutual holding company to fully stock form, the public stockholders will be entitled to exchange their shares for common stock of the new holding company, provided that the

 

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mutual holding company demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Office of Thrift Supervision that the basis for the exchange is fair and reasonable. Each publicly held share of Eagle Bancorp common stock will, on the effective date of the conversion, be automatically converted into the right to receive shares of Eagle Montana common stock. The number of shares of common stock will be determined pursuant to the exchange ratio, which ensures that the public stockholders will own approximately the same percentage of common stock in Eagle Montana after the conversion as they held in Eagle Bancorp immediately prior to the conversion, exclusive of their purchase of additional shares of common stock in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares. The exchange ratio will not be dependent on the market value of Eagle Bancorp common stock at that time. The exchange ratio will be based on the percentage of Eagle Bancorp common stock held by the public, the independent valuation of Eagle Montana prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering. The exchange ratio is expected to range from approximately 3.1458 exchange shares for each publicly held share of Eagle Bancorp at the minimum of the offering range to 4.8944 exchange shares for each publicly held share of Eagle Bancorp at the adjusted maximum of the offering range.

If you are a stockholder of Eagle Bancorp, at the conclusion of the conversion, your shares will be exchanged for shares of Eagle Montana. The number of shares you receive will be based on the number of shares of common stock you own and the final exchange ratio determined as of the conclusion of the conversion.

The following table shows how the exchange ratio will adjust, based on the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering. The table also shows how many whole shares of Eagle Montana a hypothetical owner of Eagle Bancorp common stock would receive in the exchange for 100 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned at the consummation of the conversion, depending on the number of shares issued in the offering.

 

     New Shares to be Sold in
This Offering
    New Shares to be
Exchanged for Existing
Shares of

Eagle Bancorp
    Total Shares
of Common
Stock to be
Outstanding
After the
Offering
   Exchange
Ratio
   Equivalent Per
Share Current
Market Price (1)
   New Shares
That Would be
Received for
Existing 100
Shares
     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent                     

Minimum

   2,040,000    60.4   1,340,136    39.6   3,380,136    3.1458    $ 31.45    314

Midpoint

   2,400,000    60.4   1,576,630    39.6   3,976,630    3.7009      37.00    370

Maximum

   2,760,000    60.4   1,813,125    39.6   4,573,125    4.2560      42.56    425

Adjusted Maximum

   3,174,000    60.4   2,085,093    39.6   5,259,093    4.8944      48.94    489

 

(1) Represents the value of shares of Eagle Montana received in the conversion by a holder of one share of Eagle Bancorp at the exchange ratio, assuming the market price of $10.00 per share.

Exchange of Existing Stockholders’ Stock Certificates

The conversion of existing outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock into the right to receive shares of Eagle Montana common stock will occur automatically on the effective date of the conversion. As soon as practicable after the effective date of the conversion, our exchange agent will send a transmittal form to each public stockholder of Eagle Bancorp who holds stock certificates. The transmittal forms are expected to be mailed within five business days after the effective date of the conversion and will contain instructions on how to exchange stock certificates of Eagle Bancorp common stock for stock certificates of Eagle Montana common stock. We expect that stock certificates evidencing shares of Eagle Montana common stock will be distributed within five business days after the exchange agent receives properly executed transmittal forms, Eagle Bancorp stock certificates and other required documents. You should not forward your stock certificates until you have received transmittal forms, which will include forwarding instructions. Shares held by public stockholders through a brokerage account in “street name” will be exchanged automatically upon the conclusion of the conversion; no transmittal forms will be mailed relating to these shares.

No fractional shares of Eagle Montana common stock will be issued to any public stockholder of Eagle Bancorp when the conversion is completed. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued to a stockholder who holds a stock certificate, we will pay by check an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the $10.00 offering purchase price per share. Payment for fractional shares will be made as soon as practicable after the receipt by the exchange agent of the transmittal forms and the surrendered Eagle Bancorp stock certificates. If your shares of common stock are held in street name (such as in a brokerage account), you will automatically receive cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares in your brokerage account.

After the conversion, Eagle Bancorp stockholders who hold stock certificates will not receive shares of Eagle Montana common stock and will not be paid dividends on the shares of Eagle Montana common stock until existing certificates representing shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock are surrendered for exchange in compliance with the terms of the transmittal form. When stockholders surrender their certificates, any unpaid dividends will be paid without interest. For all other purposes, however, each certificate that represents shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock outstanding at the effective date of the conversion will be considered to evidence ownership of shares of Eagle Montana common stock into which those shares have been converted by virtue of the conversion.

 

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If a certificate for Eagle Bancorp common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, our exchange agent will issue a new stock certificate upon receipt of appropriate evidence as to the loss, theft or destruction of the certificate, appropriate evidence as to the ownership of the certificate by the claimant, and appropriate and customary indemnification, which is normally effected by the purchase of a bond from a surety company at the stockholder’s expense.

All shares of Eagle Montana common stock that we issue in exchange for existing shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock will be considered to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of common stock, subject, however, to our obligation to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the effective date of the conversion that may have been declared by us on or prior to the effective date, and which remain unpaid at the effective date.

Effects of Conversion on Depositors, Borrowers and Members

Continuity. While the conversion is being accomplished, the normal business of American Federal Savings Bank of accepting deposits and making loans will continue without interruption. American Federal Savings Bank will continue to be a federally-chartered savings bank and will continue to be regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision. After the conversion, American Federal Savings Bank will continue to offer existing services to depositors, borrowers and other customers. The directors serving Eagle Bancorp at the time of the conversion will be the directors of Eagle Montana after the conversion.

Effect on Deposit Accounts. Pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization, each depositor of American Federal Savings Bank at the time of the conversion will automatically continue as a depositor after the conversion, and the deposit balance, interest rate and other terms of such deposit accounts will not change as a result of the conversion. Each such account will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to the same extent as before the conversion. Depositors will continue to hold their existing certificates, passbooks and other evidences of their accounts.

Effect on Loans. No loan outstanding from American Federal Savings Bank will be affected by the conversion, and the amount, interest rate, maturity and security for each loan will remain as it was contractually fixed prior to the conversion.

Effect on Voting Rights of Members. At present, all depositors of American Federal Savings Bank and those borrowers whose loans were outstanding since April 4, 2000 are members of, and have voting rights in, Eagle Financial MHC as to all matters requiring membership action. Upon completion of the conversion, these depositors and borrowers will cease to be members of Eagle Financial MHC and will no longer have voting rights, unless they purchase shares of Eagle Montana’s common stock. Upon completion of the conversion, all voting rights in American Federal Savings Bank will be vested in Eagle Montana as the sole stockholder of American Federal Savings Bank. The stockholders of Eagle Montana will possess exclusive voting rights with respect to Eagle Montana common stock.

Tax Effects. We will receive an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with regard to the federal and state income tax consequences of implementing the plan of conversion and reorganization to the effect that the conversion and reorganization will not result in a taxable transaction for federal or state income tax purposes to Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, the public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp (except for cash paid for fractional exchange shares), members of Eagle Financial MHC, eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders, or American Federal Savings Bank. See “—Material Income Tax Consequences.”

Effect on Liquidation Rights. Each depositor in American Federal Savings Bank has both a deposit account in American Federal Savings Bank and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of Eagle Financial MHC based upon the deposit balance in his or her account. This ownership interest is tied to the depositor’s account and has no tangible market value separate from the deposit account. Currently, this interest may only be realized in the event of a complete liquidation of Eagle Financial MHC and American Federal Savings Bank. Any depositor who opens a deposit account obtains a pro rata ownership interest in Eagle Financial MHC without any additional payment beyond the amount of the deposit. A depositor who reduces or closes his or her account receives a portion or all of the balance in the deposit account but nothing for his or her ownership interest in the net worth of Eagle Financial MHC, which is lost to the extent that the balance in the account is reduced or closed.

Consequently, depositors in a stock subsidiary of a mutual holding company normally have no way of realizing the value of their ownership interest, which has realizable value only in the unlikely event that Eagle Financial MHC and American Federal Savings Bank are liquidated. If this occurs, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would share pro rata in any residual surplus and reserves of Eagle Financial MHC after other claims, including claims of depositors to the amounts of their deposits, are paid.

In the unlikely event that American Federal Savings Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first, followed by distribution of the “liquidation account” to depositors as of November 30, 2008 and [supplemental date] who continue to maintain their deposit accounts as of the date of liquidation, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to Eagle Montana as the holder of American Federal Savings Bank’s capital stock. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision, a post-conversion merger, consolidation, sale of bulk assets or similar combination or transaction with another insured savings institution would not be considered a liquidation and, in such a transaction, the liquidation account would be assumed by the surviving institution. See “—Liquidation Rights.”

 

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Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued

The plan of conversion and reorganization and federal regulations require that the aggregate purchase price of the common stock sold in the offering must be based on the appraised pro forma market value of the common stock, as determined by an independent valuation. American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Financial MHC have retained Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to prepare an independent valuation appraisal. For its services in preparing the initial valuation, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will receive a fee of $36,500 and $3,000 for expenses and an additional $4,500 for each valuation update, as necessary. American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Financial MHC have agreed to indemnify Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and its employees and affiliates against specified losses, including any losses in connection with claims under the federal securities laws, arising out of its services as independent appraiser, except where such liability results from its negligence or bad faith.

The independent valuation appraisal considered the pro forma impact of the offering. Consistent with the Office of Thrift Supervision appraisal guidelines, the appraisal applied three primary methodologies: the pro forma price-to-book value approach applied to both reported book value and tangible book value; the pro forma price-to-earnings approach applied to reported and core earnings; and the pro forma price-to-assets approach. The market value ratios applied in the three methodologies were based upon the current market valuations of the peer group companies, subject to valuation adjustments applied by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to account for differences between Eagle Bancorp and the peer group. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. placed the greatest emphasis on the price-to-earnings and price-to-book approaches in estimating pro forma market value.

The independent valuation was prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in reliance upon the information contained in this prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. also considered the following factors, among others:

 

   

the present results and financial condition of Eagle Bancorp and the projected results and financial condition of Eagle Montana;

 

   

the economic and demographic conditions in Eagle Bancorp’s existing market area;

 

   

certain historical, financial and other information relating to Eagle Bancorp;

 

   

the impact of the offering on Eagle Montana’s stockholders’ equity and earnings potential;

 

   

the proposed dividend policy of Eagle Montana; and

 

   

the trading market for securities of comparable institutions and general conditions in the market for such securities.

Included in Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.’s independent valuation were certain assumptions as to the pro forma earnings of Eagle Montana after the conversion that were utilized in determining the appraised value. These assumptions included estimated expenses, an assumed after-tax rate of return on the net offering proceeds of 0.82% and purchases in the open market of the common stock issued in the offering by the stock-based incentive plan at the $10.00 per share purchase price. See “Pro Forma Data” for additional information concerning these assumptions. The use of different assumptions may yield different results.

The independent valuation states that as of December 3, 2009, the estimated pro forma market value, or valuation range, of Eagle Montana ranged from a minimum of $33.8 million to a maximum of $45.7 million, with a midpoint of $39.8 million and an adjusted maximum of $52.6 million. The board of directors of Eagle Montana decided to offer the shares of common stock for a price of $10.00 per share. The aggregate offering price of the shares of common stock will be equal to the valuation range multiplied by the percentage of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned by Eagle Financial MHC. The number of shares offered will be equal to the aggregate offering price of the shares of common stock divided by the price per share. Based on the valuation range, the 60.4% of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned by Eagle Financial MHC and the $10.00 price per share, the minimum of the offering range will be 2,040,000 shares, the midpoint of the offering range will be 2,400,000 shares and the maximum of the offering range will be 2,760,000 shares of common stock, with an adjusted maximum of 3,174,000 shares.

The board of directors of Eagle Montana reviewed the independent valuation and, in particular, considered the following:

 

   

Eagle Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations;

 

   

comparison of financial performance ratios of Eagle Bancorp to those of other financial institutions of similar size;

 

   

market conditions generally and in particular for financial institutions; and

 

   

the historical trading price of the publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock.

All of these factors are set forth in the independent valuation. The board of directors also reviewed the methodology and the assumptions used by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in preparing the independent valuation and believes that such assumptions were reasonable. The offering range may be amended with the approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, if required, as a result of subsequent developments in the financial condition of Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank or market conditions generally. In the event the independent valuation is updated to amend the pro forma market value of Eagle Montana to less than $33.8 million or more than $52.6 million the appraisal will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by a post-effective amendment to Eagle Montana’s registration statement.

 

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The independent valuation is not intended, and must not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing our shares of common stock. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. did not independently verify our consolidated financial statements and other information that we provided to them, nor did Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. independently value our assets or liabilities. The independent valuation considers American Federal Savings Bank as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of American Federal Savings Bank. Moreover, because the independent valuation is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which may change from time to time, persons purchasing our common stock in the offering may not thereafter be able to sell their shares of common stock at prices at or above the $10.00 price per share.

Following commencement of the subscription offering, the maximum of the valuation range may be increased by up to 15%, or up to $52.6 million, without resoliciting purchasers, which will result in a corresponding increase of up to 15% in the maximum of the offering range to up to 3,174,000 shares, to reflect changes in the market and financial conditions, or demand for the shares of common stock. We will not decrease the minimum of the valuation range and the minimum of the offering range without a resolicitation of purchasers. The subscription price of $10.00 per share of common stock will remain fixed. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” as to the method of distribution of additional shares of common stock to be issued in the event of an increase in the offering range of up to 3,174,000 shares.

If the update to the independent valuation at the conclusion of the offering results in an increase in the maximum of the valuation range to more than $52.6 million and a corresponding increase in the offering range to more than 3,174,000 shares, or a decrease in the minimum of the valuation range to less than $33.8 million and a corresponding decrease in the offering range to fewer than 2,040,000 shares, then, after consulting with the Office of Thrift Supervision, we may terminate the plan of conversion and reorganization, cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations and promptly return by check all funds received, with interest at 0.30%. Alternatively, we may establish a new offering range, extend the offering period and commence a resolicitation of purchasers or take other actions as permitted by the Office of Thrift Supervision in order to complete the offering. In the event that we extend the offering and conduct a resolicitation, purchasers would have the opportunity to maintain, change or cancel their stock orders within a specified period. If a purchaser does not respond during the period, his or her stock order will be canceled and payment will be returned promptly, with interest at 0.30% and deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. Any single offering extension will not exceed 90 days; aggregate extensions may not conclude beyond [final expiration date], which is two years after the special meeting of members to vote on the conversion.

An increase in the number of shares of common stock to be issued in the offering would decrease both a purchaser’s ownership interest and Eagle Montana’s pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis while increasing pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares to be issued in the offering would increase both a purchaser’s ownership interest and Eagle Montana’s pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis, while decreasing pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. For a presentation of the effects of these changes, see “Pro Forma Data.”

Copies of the independent valuation appraisal report prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and the detailed memorandum setting forth the method and assumptions used in the appraisal report are available for inspection at the main office of American Federal Savings Bank and as specified under “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights

In accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization, rights to subscribe for shares of common stock in the subscription offering have been granted in the following descending order of priority. The filling of all subscriptions that we receive will depend on the availability of common stock after satisfaction of all subscriptions of all persons having prior rights in the subscription offering and subject to the minimum, maximum and overall purchase limitations set forth in the plan of conversion and reorganization and as described below under “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”

Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders. Each American Federal Savings Bank depositor with aggregate deposit account balances of $50.00 or more (a “Qualifying Deposit”) at the close of business on November 30, 2008 (an “Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $250,000 (25,000 shares) of our common stock, (ii) one-tenth of one percent of the total number of shares issued in the offering of common stock; or (iii) 15 times the product, rounded down to the nearest whole number, obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of common stock offered by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the Qualifying Deposit of the eligible account holder and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all eligible account holders, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will first be allocated so as to permit each Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated to each Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled. If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.

 

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To ensure proper allocation of our shares of common stock, each Eligible Account Holder must list on his or her stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest on November 30, 2008. In the event of oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed. In the event of an oversubscription, the subscription rights of Eligible Account Holders who are also directors or executive officers of Eagle Bancorp or their associates will be subordinated to the subscription rights of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent attributable to increased deposits in the twelve months preceding November 30, 2008.

Priority 2: Tax-Qualified Plans. Our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, consisting of our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to 10% of the shares of common stock issued in the offering, although our employee stock ownership plan intends to purchase 8% of the shares of common stock issued in the offering. If market conditions warrant, in the judgment of its trustees, the employee stock ownership plan may instead elect to purchase shares in the open market following the conversion.

Priority 3: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. To the extent that there are sufficient shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders and our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, each American Federal Savings Bank depositor, other than directors and executive officers of Eagle Bancorp, with a Qualifying Deposit at the close of business on [supplemental date] who is not an Eligible Account Holder (“Supplemental Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $250,000 (25,000 shares) of common stock, (ii) one-tenth of one percent of the total number of shares issued in the offering of common stock; or (iii) 15 times the product, rounded down to the nearest whole number, obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of common stock to be sold by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the Qualifying Deposit of the Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will be allocated so as to permit each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated to each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled.

To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest at [supplemental date]. In the event of oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.

Priority 4: Other Members. To the extent that there are shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders, our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, each depositor and borrower member of American Federal Savings Bank as of the close of business on the voting record date of [voting record date] who is not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder (“Other Members”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to the greater of $250,000 (25,000 shares) of common stock, or 0.10% of the total number of shares of common stock issued in the offering, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, available shares will be allocated so as to permit each Other Member to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Any remaining shares will be allocated among Other Members in the proportion that the amount of the subscription of each Other Member whose subscription remains unsatisfied bears to the total amount of the subscriptions of all Other Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied. To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Other Member must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts or loan accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest at [voting record date]. In the event of oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.

Expiration Date. The subscription offering will expire at 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date], unless extended by us for up to 45 days. Such extension may be made without notice to you, except that extensions beyond [extension date] will require the approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision and a resolicitation of subscribers in the offering. We may decide to extend the expiration date of the subscription offering for any reason, whether or not subscriptions have been received for shares at the minimum, midpoint or maximum of the offering range. Subscription rights which have not been exercised prior to the expiration date will become void. Subscription rights will expire whether or not each eligible depositor or borrower can be located.

Community Offering

To the extent that shares of common stock remain available for purchase after satisfaction of all subscriptions of Eligible Account Holders, our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, we may offer shares pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization to members of the general public in a community offering. Shares may be offered with the following preferences:

 

  (i) Natural persons residing in the State of Montana;

 

  (ii) Eagle Bancorp’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date]; and

 

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  (iii) Other members of the general public.

Purchasers in the community offering may purchase up to $250,000 (25,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” The minimum purchase is 25 shares. The opportunity to purchase shares of common stock in the community offering category is subject to our right, in our sole discretion, to accept or reject any such orders in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following the expiration date of the offering.

If we do not have sufficient shares of common stock available to fill the accepted orders of persons residing in the State of Montana, we will allocate the available shares among those persons in a manner that permits each of them, to the extent possible, to purchase the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares subscribed for by such person. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated among such persons residing in the state whose orders remain unsatisfied on an equal number of shares basis per order. If an oversubscription occurs due to the orders of public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp as of [stockholder record date], the allocation procedures described above will apply to the stock orders of such persons. In the event of an oversubscription among members of the general public, these same allocation procedures will also apply. In connection with the allocation process, orders received for Eagle Montana common stock in the community offering will first be filled up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the shares sold in the offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order until all shares have been allocated.

The term “residing” or “resident” as used in this prospectus means any person who occupies a dwelling within the State of Montana, has a present intent to remain within this community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the community, together with an indication that this presence within the community is something other than merely transitory in nature. We may utilize deposit or loan records or other evidence provided to us to decide whether a person is a resident. In all cases, however, the determination shall be in our sole discretion.

Expiration Date. The community offering may begin during or after the subscription offering, and is currently expected to terminate at the same time as the subscription offering. Eagle Montana may decide to extend the community offering for any reason and is not required to give purchasers notice of any such extension unless such period extends beyond [extension date], in which case we will resolicit purchasers in the offering.

Syndicated Community Offering

If feasible, our board of directors may decide to offer for sale shares of common stock not subscribed for or purchased in the subscription and community offerings in a syndicated community offering, subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as we may determine, in a manner that will achieve a wide distribution of our shares of common stock. In the syndicated community offering, any person may purchase up to $250,000 (25,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. We retain the right to accept or reject in whole or in part any orders in the syndicated community offering. Unless the Office of Thrift Supervision permits otherwise, accepted orders for Eagle Montana common stock in the syndicated community offering will first be filled up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the shares sold in the offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order until all shares have been allocated. Unless the syndicated community offering begins during the community offering, the syndicated community offering will begin as soon as possible after the completion of the subscription and community offerings.

If a syndicated community offering is held, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will serve as sole book-running manager and D.A. Davidson will serve as co-manager. As sole book-running manager, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated may form a syndicate of other brokers-dealers who are Financial Industry Regulatory Authority member firms.

In the event that we sell common stock in a “stand by” underwritten public offering, we have agreed that Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will have the right to serve as sole book-running manager. Any underwritten public offering will be conducted on a firm commitment basis. In such case, the underwriters will purchase all shares of common stock not sold in the subscription offering or the community offering, if any such shares are purchased. The aggregate price paid to us by or through the underwriters for the shares of common stock will be the number of shares sold multiplied by the $10.00 price per share, less the amount of an underwriting discount as negotiated between us and the underwriters and approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. If we determine to sell stock in an underwritten public offering, the terms of such offering, including the names of the underwriters participating in such offering, will be described in a supplement to this prospectus.

Neither Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated nor any registered broker-dealer will have any obligation to take or purchase any shares of the common stock in the syndicated community offering. The syndicated community offering will be conducted in accordance with certain Securities and Exchange Commission rules applicable to best efforts offerings. Generally under those rules, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, a broker-dealer, will deposit funds it receives prior to closing from interested investors into a separate non-interest-bearing bank account at a bank other than American Federal Savings Bank. The closing of the syndicated community offering is subject to conditions set forth in an agency agreement among us, Eagle Bancorp, Eagle Financial MHC and American Federal Savings Bank on one hand and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated on the other hand. If and when all the conditions for the closing are met, funds for common stock sold in the syndicated community offering, less fees and commissions payable by us, will be promptly delivered to us. If the offering is consummated, but some or all of an interested investor’s funds are not accepted by us, those funds will be returned to the interested investor promptly after closing, without interest. If the offering is not consummated, funds in the account will be promptly returned, without interest, to the potential investor. Normal customer ticketing will be used for order placement. In the syndicated community offering, order forms will not be used.

 

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If for any reason we cannot effect a syndicated community offering of shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings, or in the event that there is a significant number of shares remaining unsold after the subscription, community and syndicated community offerings, we will try to make other arrangements for the sale of unsubscribed shares, if possible. The Office of Thrift Supervision must approve any such arrangements.

Limitations on Common Stock Purchases

The plan of conversion and reorganization includes the following limitations on the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in the offering:

 

  (i) No person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of common stock or more than $250,000 (25,000 shares);

 

  (ii) Our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, may purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, including shares issued in the event of an increase in the offering range of up to 15%;

 

  (iii) Except for the tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan, as described above, no person or entity, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such person or entity, may purchase more than $500,000 (50,000 shares) in all categories of the offering combined; and

 

  (iv) The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in all categories of the offering by executive officers and directors of American Federal Savings Bank and their associates, in the aggregate, when combined with shares of common stock issued in exchange for existing shares, may not exceed 29% of the shares issued in the conversion.

Depending upon market or financial conditions, our board of directors, with the approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision and without further approval of members of Eagle Financial MHC, may decrease or increase the purchase limitations. If a purchase limitation is increased, subscribers in the subscription offering who ordered the maximum amount will be given, and, in our sole discretion, some other large subscribers who through their subscriptions evidence a desire to purchase the maximum allowable number of shares may be given, the opportunity to increase their subscriptions up to the then applicable limit. The effect of this type of resolicitation will be an increase in the number of shares of common stock owned by subscribers who choose to increase their subscriptions. In the event that the maximum purchase limitation is increased to 5% of the shares sold in the offering, such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, provided that orders for Eagle Montana common stock exceeding 5% of the shares issued in the offering shall not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total shares sold in the offering.

In the event of an increase in the offering range of up to 3,174,000 shares of common stock, shares will be allocated in the following order of priority in accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization:

 

  (i) to fill the tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including the employee stock ownership and 401(k) plans’, subscriptions for up to 10% of the total number of shares of common stock sold in the offering;

 

  (ii) in the event that there is an oversubscription at the Eligible Account Holder, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder or Other Member levels, to fill unfulfilled subscriptions of these subscribers according to their respective priorities; and

 

  (iii) to fill unfulfilled subscriptions in the community offering, with preference given first to natural persons residing in the State of Montana, then to Eagle Bancorp’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date] and then to members of the general public.

The term “associate” of a person means:

 

  (i) any corporation or organization, other than Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or a majority-owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank, of which the person is a senior officer, partner or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of any equity security;

 

  (ii) any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; provided, however, that for the purposes of subscriptions in the offering and restrictions on the sale of stock after the conversion, the term “associate” does not include a person who has a substantial beneficial interest in an employee stock benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank, or who is a trustee or fiduciary of such plan, and for purposes of aggregating total shares that may be held by officers and directors of Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana, the term “associate” does not include any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank; and

 

  (iii) any blood or marriage relative of the person, who either has the same home as the person or who is a director or officer of Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana.

 

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The term “acting in concert” means:

 

  (i) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or

 

  (ii) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.

A person or company which acts in concert with another person or company shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether common stock held by the trustee and common stock held by the employee stock benefit plan will be aggregated.

We have the sole discretion to determine whether prospective purchasers are “associates” or “acting in concert.” Persons exercising subscription rights through a single qualifying deposit account held jointly, whether or not related, will be deemed to be acting in concert unless we determine otherwise.

Our directors are not treated as associates of each other solely because of their membership on the board of directors. Common stock purchased in the offering will be freely transferable except for shares purchased by executive officers and directors of Eagle Montana or American Federal Savings Bank and except as described below. Any purchases made by any associate of Eagle Montana or American Federal Savings Bank for the explicit purpose of meeting the minimum number of shares of common stock required to be sold in order to complete the offering shall be made for investment purposes only and not with a view toward redistribution. In addition, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority guidelines, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and their associates are subject to certain restrictions on transfer of securities purchased in accordance with subscription rights and to certain reporting requirements upon purchase of these securities. For a further discussion of limitations on purchases of our shares of common stock at the time of conversion and thereafter, see “—Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after Conversion” and “Restrictions on Acquisition of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.”

Marketing Arrangements

To assist in the marketing of our common stock, we have retained Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, which is a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will assist us on a best efforts basis in the offering by:

 

  (i) acting as our financial advisors for the conversion and offering;

 

  (ii) providing administrative services and managing the Stock Information Center;

 

  (iii) educating our employees regarding the offering;

 

  (iv) targeting our sales efforts, including assisting in the preparation of marketing materials; and

 

  (v) soliciting orders for common stock.

For these services, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will receive an advisory and administrative fee of $30,000 and 1.25% of the dollar amount of all shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings. No sales fee will be payable to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated with respect to shares purchased by officers, directors and employees or their immediate families and shares purchased by our tax-qualified employee benefit plans.

In the event that Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated sells common stock through a group of broker-dealers in a syndicated community offering, it will be paid a fee equal to 1% of the dollar amount of shares sold in the syndicated community offering, which fee along with the fee payable to selected dealers (which will include Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated) shall not exceed 6% in the aggregate. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will serve as sole book running manager and D.A. Davidson will serve as co-manager.

In the event that common stock is sold by a group of stand-by underwriters (including Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated) in a stand-by firm commitment underwritten public offering (for which Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will serve as sole book running manager), any stand-by fees will be paid separately by us, and the underwriting discount shall not exceed 6% of the dollar amount of total shares sold in such offering. All fees payable with respect to a syndicated community offering on a firm commitment underwritten public offering will be in addition to fees sold for the subscription and community offerings.

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated also will be reimbursed for allocable expenses in amount not to exceed 430,000 for the subscription offering and community offering and $50,000 for the syndicated offering, and for attorney’s fees in the subscription offering community offering and syndicated community offering in an amount not to exceed $75,000.

In the event that we are required to resolicit subscribers for shares of our common stock in the subscription and community offerings and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated provides significant additional services in connection with the resolicitation, (including repeating the services described above, such as reviewing supplemental offering documents and news releases, reviewing any updates to the independent appraisal, providing advice with respect to potential changes to purchase limitations, assisting with the receipt of supplemental regulatory approvals, providing additional assistance with the processing of the return and acceptance of prior

 

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and new orders (including orders from individual retirement accounts and Keogh Accounts) and coordinating functions with the financial printer), we may pay Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated an additional fee for those services that will not exceed $50,000. Under such circumstances, with out consent, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated may be reimbursed for additional allowable expenses not to exceed $15,000 and additional reimbursable attorney’s fees not to exceed $25,000, provided that the aggregate of all reimbursable expenses and legal fees shall not exceed $195,000.

If the plan of conversion and reorganization is terminated or if Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated terminates its agreement with us in accordance with the provisions of the agreement, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will receive reimbursement of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses plus $30,000 for its advisory and administrative services.

We will indemnify Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated against liabilities and expenses, including legal fees, incurred in connection with certain claims or litigation arising out of or based upon untrue statements or omissions contained in the offering materials for the common stock, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Some of our directors and executive officers may participate in the solicitation of offers to purchase common stock. These persons will be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation. Other regular employees of American Federal Savings Bank may assist in the offering, but only in ministerial capacities, and may provide clerical work in effecting a sales transaction. No offers or sales may be made by tellers or at the teller counters. Investment-related questions of prospective purchasers will be directed to executive officers or registered representatives of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated. Our other employees have been instructed not to solicit offers to purchase shares of common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase of common stock. We will rely on Rule 3a4-1 under the Exchange Act and sales of common stock will be conducted within the requirements of Rule 3a4-1, so as to permit officers, directors and employees to participate in the sale of common stock. None of our officers, directors or employees will be compensated in connection with their participation in the offering.

We have also engaged Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated as records management agent in connection with the conversion and offering. In its role as records management agent, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, will assist us in the offering as follows:

 

  (i) consolidation of deposit and loan accounts and vote calculation;

 

  (ii) preparation of information for order forms and proxy cards;

 

  (iii) interface with our financial printer;

 

  (iv) record stock order information; and

 

  (v) tabulate proxy votes.

For these services, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will receive a fee of $25,000. We will also reimburse Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, not to exceed $5,000.

Lock-up Agreements

We and our directors and executive officers have agreed not to, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, transfer, pledge, assign, hypothecate or otherwise encumber any shares of our common stock or options, warrants or other securities exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for our common stock during the period commencing with the filing of the registration statement for the offering and conversion and ending 90 days after completion of the offering and conversion without the prior written consent of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated. In addition, except for securities issued pursuant to existing employee benefit plans in accordance with past practices or securities issued in connection with a merger or acquisition by us, we have agreed not to issue, offer to sell or sell any shares of our common stock or options, warrants or other securities exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for our common stock without the prior written consent of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated for a period of 90 days after completion of the offering and conversion.

Offering Deadline

The subscription and community offerings will expire at 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date], unless extended, without notice to you, for up to 45 days. Any extension of the subscription and/or community offering beyond [extension date] would require the Office of Thrift Supervision’s approval. In such event, we would conduct a resolicitation. Purchasers would have the opportunity to maintain, change or cancel their stock orders within a specified period. If a purchaser does not respond during the resolicitation period, his or her stock order will be canceled and payment will be returned promptly, with interest calculated at 0.30%, and deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. We will not execute orders until at least the minimum number of shares offered has been sold. If we have not sold the minimum by the expiration date or any extension thereof, we will terminate the offering and cancel all orders, as described above. Any single offering extension will not exceed 90 days; aggregate extensions may not conclude beyond [final extension date], which is two years after the special meeting of members to vote on the conversion. We reserve the right in our sole discretion to terminate the offering at any time and for any reason, in which case we will cancel any deposit account withdrawal orders and promptly return all funds submitted, with interest calculated at 0.30% from the date of receipt.

 

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Prospectus Delivery

To ensure that each purchaser receives a prospectus at least 48 hours before the expiration date of the offering in accordance with Rule 15c2-8 of the Exchange Act, we may not mail a prospectus any later than five days prior to the expiration date or hand deliver any later than two days prior to the expiration date. Execution of an order form will confirm receipt of delivery in accordance with Rule 15c2-8. Order forms will only be distributed with or preceded by a prospectus.

Procedure for Purchasing Shares in the Subscription and Community Offerings

Use of Stock Order Forms. In order to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription offering and community offering, you must submit a properly completed original stock order form and remit full payment. Incomplete stock order forms or stock order forms that are not signed are not required to be accepted. We are not required to accept stock orders submitted on photocopied or facsimiled stock order forms. All stock order forms must be received (not postmarked) prior to 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date]. We are not required to accept stock order forms that are not received by that time, are executed defectively or are received without full payment or without appropriate withdrawal instructions. We are not required to notify purchasers of incomplete or improperly executed stock order forms. We have the right to waive or permit the correction of incomplete or improperly executed stock order forms, but we do not represent that we will do so. You may submit your stock order form and payment by mail using the stock order reply envelope provided, by overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address on the stock order form, or by hand-delivery to American Federal Savings Bank’s main office. Stock order forms may not be delivered to other American Federal Savings Bank offices. Once tendered, a stock order form cannot be modified or revoked without our consent. We reserve the absolute right, in our sole discretion, to reject orders received in the community offering, in whole or in part, at the time of receipt or at any time prior to completion of the offering.

If you are ordering shares in the subscription offering, by signing the stock order form you are representing that you are purchasing shares for your own account and that you have no agreement or understanding with any person for the sale or transfer of the shares. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and reorganization and of the acceptability of the stock order forms will be final.

By signing the stock order form, you will be acknowledging that the common stock is not a deposit or savings account and is not federally insured or otherwise guaranteed by American Federal Savings Bank or the federal or state governments, and that you received a copy of this prospectus. However, signing the stock order form will not result in you waiving your rights under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. We have the right to reject any order submitted in the offering by a person who we believe is making false representations or who we otherwise believe, either alone or acting in concert with others, is violating, evading, circumventing, or intends to violate, evade or circumvent the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and reorganization.

Payment for Shares. Payment for all shares of common stock will be required to accompany all completed order forms for the purchase to be valid. You may not submit cash or wire transfers. Payment for shares may be made by:

 

  (i) personal check, bank check or money order, made payable to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.; or

 

  (ii) authorization of withdrawal from the types of American Federal Savings Bank deposit accounts designated on the stock order form.

Appropriate means for designating withdrawals from deposit accounts at American Federal Savings Bank are provided on the order forms. The funds designated must be available in the account(s) at the time the stock order form is received. A hold will be placed on these funds, making them unavailable to the depositor. Funds authorized for withdrawal will continue to earn interest within the account at the contract rate until the offering is completed, at which time the designated withdrawal will be made. Interest penalties for early withdrawal applicable to certificate of deposit accounts will not apply to withdrawals authorized for the purchase of shares of common stock; however, if a withdrawal results in a certificate of deposit account with a balance less than the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate of deposit will be canceled at the time of withdrawal without penalty and the remaining balance will earn interest calculated at the current statement savings rate subsequent to the withdrawal. In the case of payments made by personal check, these funds must be available in the account(s) and will be immediately cashed and placed in a segregated account at American Federal Savings Bank or another depository institution and will earn interest calculated at 0.30% from the date payment is processed until the offering is completed or terminated at which time interest checks will be mailed to subscribers.

You may not remit American Federal Savings Bank line of credit checks, and we will not accept third-party checks, including those payable to you and endorsed over to Eagle Montana. You may not designate on your stock order form a direct withdrawal from an American Federal Savings Bank individual retirement account. See “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares” for information on using such funds. Additionally, you may not designate on your stock order form a direct withdrawal from American Federal Savings Bank deposit accounts with check-writing privileges. Please provide a check instead. If you request direct withdrawal, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account(s). Once we receive your executed stock order form, it may not be modified, amended or rescinded without our consent, unless the offering is not completed by [extension date], in which event purchasers may be given the opportunity to increase, decrease or rescind their orders for a specified period of time.

 

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Regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision prohibit American Federal Savings Bank from lending funds or extending credit to any persons to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.

We shall have the right, in our sole discretion, to permit institutional investors to submit irrevocable orders together with the legally binding commitment for payment and to thereafter pay for the shares of common stock for which they subscribe in the community offering at any time prior to 48 hours before the completion of the conversion. This payment may be made by wire transfer.

If our employee stock ownership plan purchases shares in the offering, it will not be required to pay for such shares until consummation of the offering, provided that there is a loan commitment from an unrelated financial institution or Eagle Montana to lend to the employee stock ownership plan the necessary amount to fund the purchase.

Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares

If you are interested in using your individual retirement account funds to purchase shares of common stock, you must do so through a self-directed individual retirement account, such as offered by brokerage firms. By regulation, American Federal Savings Bank’s individual retirement accounts are not self-directed, so they cannot be invested in our shares of common stock. Therefore, if you wish to use your funds that are currently in an American Federal Savings Bank individual retirement account, you may not designate on the stock order form that you wish funds to be withdrawn from the account for the purchase of common stock. The funds you wish to use for the purchase of common stock will have to be transferred to another bank or a brokerage account before you place your stock order. There will be no early withdrawal or interest penalties for these transfers. The new trustee or custodian will hold the shares of common stock in a self-directed account in the same manner as we now hold the depositor’s individual retirement account funds. An annual administrative fee may be payable to the new trustee or custodian. Assistance on how to transfer individual retirement accounts maintained at American Federal Savings Bank can be obtained from the Stock Information Center. Subscribers interested in using funds in an individual retirement account or any other retirement account held, whether at American Federal Savings Bank or elsewhere, to purchase shares of common stock should contact our Stock Information Center for guidance as soon as possible, preferably at least two weeks prior to the [expiration date] offering deadline. Processing such transactions takes additional time, and whether such funds can be used may depend on limitations imposed by the institutions where such funds are currently held. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to use such funds.

Delivery of Stock Certificates

Certificates representing shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings are expected to be mailed by regular mail to the persons entitled thereto at the certificate registration address noted by them on the stock order form on the day following the completion of the conversion, and we expect trading in the stock to begin the business day following the completion of the conversion. The conversion is expected to be completed as soon as practicable following satisfaction of the conditions described above in “Summary—Conditions to Completion of the Conversion.” It is possible that, until certificates for the common stock are delivered, purchasers may not be able to sell the shares of common stock that they ordered, even though the common stock will have begun trading. Your ability to sell the shares of common stock prior to your receipt of the stock certificate will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.

If you are currently a stockholder of Eagle Bancorp, see “Exchange of Existing Stockholders’ Stock Certificates.”

Other Restrictions

Notwithstanding any other provision of the plan of conversion and reorganization, no person is entitled to purchase any shares of common stock to the extent the purchase would be illegal under any federal or state law or regulation, including state “blue sky” regulations, or would violate regulations or policies of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. We may ask for an acceptable legal opinion from any purchaser as to the legality of his or her purchase and we may refuse to honor any purchase order if an opinion is not timely furnished. In addition, we are not required to offer shares of common stock to any person who resides in a foreign country, or in a State of the United States with respect to which any of the following apply: (a) a small number of persons otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under the plan of conversion reside in such state; (b) the issuance of subscription rights or the offer or sale of shares of common stock to such persons would require us, under the securities laws of such state, to register as a broker, dealer, salesman or agent or to register or otherwise qualify our securities for sale in such state; or (c) such registration or qualification would be impracticable for reasons of cost or otherwise.

Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit any person with subscription rights, including the Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, from transferring or entering into any agreement or understanding to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of the subscription rights issued under the plan of conversion and reorganization or the shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise. These rights may be exercised only by the person to whom they are granted and only for his or her account. When registering your stock purchase on the stock order form, you should not add the name(s) of persons who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than you do. Doing so may jeopardize your subscription rights. Each person exercising subscription rights will be required to certify that he or she is purchasing shares solely for his or her own account and that he or she has no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares. The regulations also prohibit any person from offering or making an announcement of an offer or intent to make an offer to purchase subscription rights or shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise prior to completion of the offering.

 

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We will pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies in the event we become aware of the transfer of subscription rights, and we will not honor orders that we believe involve the transfer of subscription rights.

Stock Information Center

Our banking office personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the offering. If you have any questions regarding the conversion or offering, please call our Stock Information Center. The toll-free telephone number is 1-(877)       -        . The Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time. The Stock Information Center will be closed weekends and bank holidays. American Federal Savings Bank offices will not have offering materials and will only accept hand-delivered stock order forms and proxy cards at its main office located at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana.

Liquidation Rights

Liquidation prior to the conversion . In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of Eagle Financial MHC or Eagle Bancorp prior to the conversion, all claims of creditors of Eagle Bancorp, including those of depositors of American Federal Savings Bank (to the extent of their deposit balances), would be paid first. Thereafter, if there were any assets of Eagle Bancorp remaining, these assets would be distributed to stockholders, including Eagle Financial MHC. Then, if there were any assets of Eagle Financial MHC remaining, members of Eagle Financial MHC would receive those remaining assets, pro rata, based upon the deposit balances in their deposit account in American Federal Savings Bank immediately prior to liquidation.

Liquidation following the conversion . In the unlikely event that American Federal Savings Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first, followed by distribution of the “liquidation account” to certain depositors, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to Eagle Montana as the holder of American Federal Savings Bank capital stock.

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision, a post-conversion merger, consolidation, sale of bulk assets or similar combination or transaction with another insured savings institution would not be considered a liquidation and, in these types of transactions, the liquidation account would be assumed by the surviving institution.

The plan of conversion and reorganization provides for the establishment, upon the completion of the conversion, of a special “liquidation account” for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in an amount equal to Eagle Financial MHC’s ownership interest in the retained earnings of Eagle Bancorp as of the date of its latest balance sheet contained in this prospectus.

The purpose of the liquidation account following the conversion is to provide Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who maintain their deposit accounts with American Federal Savings Bank after the conversion with a liquidation interest in the unlikely event of the complete liquidation of American Federal Savings Bank after the conversion. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder who continues to maintain his or her deposit account at American Federal Savings Bank, would be entitled, on a complete liquidation of American Federal Savings Bank after the conversion, to an interest in the liquidation account prior to any payment to the stockholders of Eagle Montana. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have an initial interest in the liquidation account for each deposit account, including savings accounts, transaction accounts such as negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit, with a balance of $50.00 or more held in American Federal Savings Bank on November 30, 2008, or [supplemental date]. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have a pro rata interest in the total liquidation account for each such deposit account, based on the proportion that the balance of each such deposit account on November 30, 2008, or [supplemental date] bears to the balance of all deposit accounts in American Federal Savings Bank on such dates.

If, however, on any June 30 annual closing date commencing after the effective date of the conversion, the amount in any such deposit account is less than the amount in the deposit account on November 30, 2008 or [supplemental date] or any other annual closing date, then the interest in the liquidation account relating to such deposit account would be reduced from time to time by the proportion of any such reduction, and such interest will cease to exist if such deposit account is closed. In addition, no interest in the liquidation account would ever be increased despite any subsequent increase in the related deposit account. Payment pursuant to liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders would be separate and apart from the payment of any insured deposit accounts to such depositor. Any assets remaining after the above liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are satisfied would be distributed to Eagle Montana as the sole stockholder of American Federal Savings Bank.

Material Income Tax Consequences

Although the conversion may be effected in any manner approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision that is consistent with the purposes of the plan of conversion and reorganization, and applicable law, regulations and policies, it is intended that the conversion will be effected through various mergers. Completion of the offering is conditioned upon the prior receipt of an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with respect to federal and Montana tax laws to the effect that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eagle

 

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Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana as a result of the conversion or by account holders receiving subscription rights, except to the extent, if any, that subscription rights are deemed to have fair market value on the date such rights are issued. We have received an opinion of counsel Nixon Peabody LLP as to the federal tax consequences of the conversion. We have received an opinion of counsel Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP to the effect that, more likely than not, the income tax consequences under Montana law of the offering are not materially different than for federal income tax purposes.

Nixon Peabody LLP, has issued an opinion to Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Montana that for federal income tax purposes:

 

  1. The conversion of Eagle Bancorp to a federally-chartered interim stock savings bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  2. The merger of Eagle Bancorp with and into American Federal Savings Bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code. Neither Eagle Bancorp nor American Federal Savings Bank will recognize gain or loss as a result of such merger. (Sections 361(a) and 1032(a) of the Internal Revenue Code).

 

  3. The basis of the assets of Eagle Bancorp and the holding period of such assets to be received by American Federal Savings Bank will be the same as the basis and holding period in such assets in the hands of Eagle Bancorp immediately before the exchange. (Sections 362(b) and 1223(2) of the Internal Revenue Code).

 

  4. The conversion of Eagle Financial MHC, to a federally-chartered interim stock savings bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  5. The merger of Eagle Financial MHC with and into American Federal Savings Bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  6. The exchange of Eligible Account Holders’ and Supplemental Account Holders’ interests in Eagle Financial MHC for interests in a liquidation account established in American Federal Savings Bank will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Federal Income Tax regulations.

 

  7. None of Eagle Financial MHC, American Federal Savings Bank, Eligible Account Holders nor Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, will recognize any gain or loss on the transfer of the assets of Eagle Financial MHC to American Federal Savings Bank in exchange for an interest in a liquidation account established in American Federal Savings Bank for the benefit of such persons who remain depositors or borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank.

 

  8. The basis of the assets of Eagle Financial MHC and the holding period of such assets to be received by American Federal Savings Bank will be the same as the basis and holding period in such assets in the hands of Eagle Financial MHC immediately before the exchange. (Sections 362(b) and 1223(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.)

 

  9. Current stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will not recognize any gain or loss upon their constructive exchange of Eagle Bancorp common stock for shares of American Federal Savings Bank or upon their constructive exchange of such shares of American Federal Savings Bank for new shares of Eagle Montana common stock.

 

  10. Each stockholder’s aggregate basis in shares of Eagle Montana common stock (including fractional share interests) received in the exchange will be the same as the aggregate basis of Eagle Bancorp common stock surrendered in the exchange.

 

  11. Each stockholder’s holding period in his or her Eagle Montana common stock received in the exchange will include the period during which the Eagle Bancorp common stock surrendered was held, provided that the Eagle Bancorp common stock surrendered is a capital asset in the hands of the stockholder on the date of the exchange.

 

  12. Cash received by any current stockholder of Eagle Bancorp in lieu of a fractional share interest in shares of Eagle Montana common stock will be treated as having been received as a distribution in full payment in exchange for a fractional share interest of Eagle Montana common stock, which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled to receive. Accordingly, a stockholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and the basis of the fractional share. If the common stock is held by the stockholder as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be capital gain or loss.

 

  13. It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase Eagle Montana common stock is zero. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders or Other Members upon distribution to them of nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of Eagle Montana common stock. Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members will not realize any taxable income as the result of the exercise by them of the nontransferable subscriptions rights.

 

  14. It is more likely than not that the basis of the shares of Eagle Montana common stock purchased in the offering by the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will be the purchase price. The holding period of the Eagle Montana common stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will commence on the date on which the right to acquire such stock was exercised.

 

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  15. No gain or loss will be recognized by Eagle Montana on the receipt of money in exchange for Eagle Montana common stock sold in the offering.

We believe that the tax opinions summarized above address all material federal income tax consequences that are generally applicable to Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana and persons receiving subscription rights and shareholders of Eagle Bancorp. The tax opinion as to items 12 and 13 above is based on the position that subscription rights to be received by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members do not have any economic value at the time of distribution or the time the subscription rights are exercised. In this regard, Nixon Peabody LLP noted that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, are legally non-transferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of common stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in any community offering. The firm also noted that the Internal Revenue Service has not in the past concluded that subscription rights have value. Based on the foregoing, Nixon Peabody LLP believes that it is more likely than not that the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock have no value. However, the issue of whether or not the nontransferable subscription rights have value is based on all the facts and circumstances. If the subscription rights granted to Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members are deemed to have an ascertainable value, receipt of these rights could result in taxable gain to those Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members who exercise the subscription rights in an amount equal to the ascertainable value, and we could recognize gain on a distribution. Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences in the event that subscription rights are deemed to have an ascertainable value.

We also have received a letter from Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., stating its belief that the subscription rights do not have any ascertainable fair market value and that the price at which the subscription rights are exercisable will not be more or less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of the exercise. This position is based on the fact that these rights are acquired by the recipients without cost, are nontransferable and of short duration, and afford the recipients the right only to purchase the common stock at the same price as will be paid by members of the general public in any community offering.

We do not plan to apply for a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service concerning the transactions described herein. Unlike private letter rulings issued by the Internal Revenue Service, opinions of counsel are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or any state tax authority, and such authorities may disagree with such opinions. In the event of such disagreement, there can be no assurance that the conclusions reached in an opinion of counsel would be sustained by a court if contested by the Internal Revenue Service.

The federal tax opinion has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Eagle Montana’s registration statement. An opinion regarding the Montana state income tax consequences consistent with the federal tax opinion issued by Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP, Montana counsel to Eagle Financial MHC and Eagle Bancorp has also been filed as an exhibit to Eagle Montana’s registration statement.

Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after the Conversion

All shares of common stock purchased in the offering by a director or an executive officer of American Federal Savings Bank generally may not be sold for a period of one year following the closing of the conversion, except in the event of the death of the director or executive officer. Each certificate for restricted shares will bear a legend giving notice of this restriction on transfer, and instructions will be issued to the effect that any transfer within this time period of any certificate or record ownership of the shares other than as provided above is a violation of the restriction. Any shares of common stock issued at a later date as a stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise, with respect to the restricted stock will be similarly restricted. The directors and executive officers of Eagle Montana also will be restricted by the insider trading rules promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act.

Purchases of shares of our common stock by any of our directors, executive officers and their associates, during the three-year period following the closing of the conversion may be made only through a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except with the prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. This restriction does not apply, however, to negotiated transactions involving more than 1% of our outstanding common stock or to purchases of our common stock by our stock-based incentive plan or any of our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans or non-tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans.

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit Eagle Montana from repurchasing its shares of common stock during the first year following the conversion unless compelling business reasons exist for such repurchases. After one year, the Office of Thrift Supervision does not impose any repurchase restrictions.

 

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COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS FOR EXISTING

STOCKHOLDERS OF EAGLE BANCORP

General

As a result of the conversion, existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will become stockholders of Eagle Montana. There are differences in the rights of stockholders of Eagle Bancorp and stockholders of Eagle Montana caused by differences between federal and Delaware law and regulations and differences in Eagle Bancorp’s federal stock charter and bylaws and Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

This discussion is not intended to be a complete statement of the differences affecting the rights of stockholders, but rather summarizes the material differences and similarities affecting the rights of stockholders. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” for procedures for obtaining a copy of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

Authorized Capital Stock

The authorized capital stock of Eagle Bancorp consists of 9,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share. The authorized capital stock of Eagle Montana consists of 8,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Stockholder approval is required to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Montana.

Eagle Bancorp’s charter and Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation both authorize the board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock and, for any series of preferred stock, to determine the terms and rights of the series, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion and redemption rates and liquidation preferences. As a result of the ability to fix voting rights for a series of preferred stock, our board of directors has the power, to the extent consistent with its fiduciary duty, to issue a series of preferred stock to persons friendly to management in order to attempt to block a hostile tender offer, merger or other transaction by which a third party seeks control, and thereby assist management to retain its position. We currently have no plans for the issuance of additional shares for such purposes.

Issuance of Capital Stock

Pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, Eagle Financial MHC is required to own not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock. Eagle Financial MHC will no longer exist following consummation of the conversion.

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation does not contain restrictions on the issuance of shares of capital stock to directors, officers or controlling persons, whereas Eagle Bancorp’s stock charter restricts such issuances to general public offerings, or to directors for qualifying shares, unless the share issuance or the plan under which they would be issued has been approved by a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal stockholders’ meeting. However, stock-based compensation plans, such as stock option plans and restricted stock plans, would have to be submitted to Eagle Montana stockholders for approval due to requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market and in order to qualify stock options for favorable federal income tax treatment.

Voting Rights

Neither Eagle Bancorp’s stock charter or bylaws nor Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors. For additional information regarding voting rights, see “—Limitations on Voting Rights of Greater-than-10% Stockholders” below.

Payment of Dividends

Eagle Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends depends, to a large extent, upon American Federal Savings Bank’s ability to pay dividends to Eagle Bancorp. The Office of Thrift Supervision regulations state, in part, that dividends may be declared and paid by American Federal Savings Bank only out of accumulated net earnings. A dividend may not be declared or paid unless the surplus, prior to the transfer of net earnings, would not be reduced by the payment of the dividend. Dividends may also not be declared or paid if American Federal Savings Bank is in default in payment of any assessment due to the FDIC.

The same restrictions will apply to American Federal Savings Bank’s payment of dividends to Eagle Montana. In addition, Delaware law generally limits dividends to our capital surplus or, if there is no capital surplus, our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

Board of Directors

Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws and Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws each require the board of directors to be divided into three classes and that the members of each class shall be elected for a term of three years and until their successors are elected and qualified, with one class being elected annually.

Under Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws, any vacancies on the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors although less than a quorum of the board of directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected to serve until the next election of directors of the class of directors in which such vacancy was created by the shareholders. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by election by the board of directors for a term of office continuing only until the next election of directors by the stockholders. Under Eagle Montana’s bylaws, any vacancy occurring

 

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on the board of directors, including any vacancy created by reason of an increase in the number of directors, may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, and any director so chosen shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Vacancies resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled by a majority vote of the directors then in office, and directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of the class to which they have been elected expires.

Under Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws, any director may be removed only for cause by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares. Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation provides that any director may be removed only for cause by the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding voting shares of Eagle Montana at a meeting called for the purpose of removing the director.

Limitations on Liability

The charter and bylaws of Eagle Bancorp do not limit the personal liability of directors.

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation provides that directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. These provisions might, in certain instances, discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for a breach of their duties even though such an action, if successful, might benefit Eagle Montana.

Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents

Under current Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, Eagle Bancorp shall indemnify its directors, officers and employees for any costs incurred in connection with any litigation involving such person’s activities as a director, officer or employee if such person obtains a final judgment on the merits in his or her favor. In addition, indemnification is permitted in the case of a settlement, a final judgment against such person, or final judgment other than on the merits, if a majority of disinterested directors determines that such person was acting in good faith within the scope of his or her employment as he or she could reasonably have perceived it under the circumstances and for a purpose he or she could reasonably have believed under the circumstances was in the best interests of Eagle Bancorp or its stockholders. Eagle Bancorp also is permitted to pay ongoing expenses incurred by a director, officer or employee if a majority of disinterested directors concludes that such person may ultimately be entitled to indemnification. Before making any indemnification payment, Eagle Bancorp is required to notify the Office of Thrift Supervision of its intention, and such payment cannot be made if the Office of Thrift Supervision objects to such payment.

The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana provide that it shall indemnify its current and former directors and officers to the fullest extent required or permitted by Delaware law, including the advancement of expenses. Delaware law allows Eagle Montana to indemnify any person for expenses, settlements, judgments and fines in suits in which such person has been made a party by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer or employee of Eagle Montana. Indemnification may be given if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. The right to indemnification includes the right to be paid the expenses incurred in advance of final disposition of a proceeding.

Special Meetings of Stockholders

Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws provide that special meetings of Eagle Bancorp’s stockholders may be called by the Chairman, the president, a majority of the members of the board of directors or the holders of not less than one-tenth of the outstanding capital stock of Eagle Bancorp entitled to vote at the meeting. Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders of Eagle Montana may be called only by a majority vote of the entire board of directors.

Stockholder Nominations and Proposals

Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws generally provide that stockholders may submit nominations for election of directors at an annual meeting of stockholders and may propose any new business to be taken up at such a meeting by filing the proposal in writing with Eagle Bancorp at least five days before the date of any such meeting.

Eagle Montana’s bylaws generally provide that any stockholder desiring to make a nomination for the election of directors or a proposal for new business at a meeting of stockholders must submit written notice to Eagle Montana not less than 60 days prior to the first anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting if the meeting is held within 30 days of the anniversary of the prior year’s meeting. If the meeting is not held within 30 days of the anniversary of the prior year’s meeting, then nominations must be made no later than seven days following the first public announcement of the meeting.

Management believes that it is in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders to provide sufficient time to enable management to disclose to stockholders information about a dissident slate of nominations for directors. This advance notice requirement may also give management time to solicit its own proxies in an attempt to defeat any dissident slate of nominations, should management determine that doing so is in the best interests of stockholders generally. Similarly, adequate advance notice of stockholder proposals will give management time to study such proposals and to determine whether to recommend to the stockholders that such proposals be adopted. In certain instances, such provisions could make it more difficult to oppose management’s nominees or proposals, even if stockholders believe such nominees or proposals are in their best interests.

 

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Stockholder Action Without a Meeting

The bylaws of Eagle Bancorp provide that any action to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken if a consent in writing, setting forth the actions so taken, is given by the holders of all outstanding shares entitled to vote. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana prohibits action to be taken by stockholders without a meeting.

Stockholder’s Right to Examine Books and Records

A federal regulation, which is applicable to Eagle Bancorp, provides that stockholders may inspect and copy specified books and records after proper written notice for a proper purpose. Delaware law provides that a stockholder may inspect the company’s stock ledger, list of stockholders and other books and records.

Limitations on Voting Rights of Greater-than-10% Stockholders

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation provides that no beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock will be permitted to vote any shares in excess of such 10% limit. Eagle Bancorp’s charter does not provide such a limit on voting common stock.

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations provide that for a period of three years following the date of the completion of the offering, no person, acting singly or together with associates in a group of persons acting in concert, may directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of a class of Eagle Montana’s equity securities without the prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Where any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10% of a class of Eagle Montana’s equity securities without the prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the securities beneficially owned by such person in excess of 10% may not be voted by any person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote, and will not be counted as outstanding for purposes of determining the affirmative vote necessary to approve any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote.

Mergers, Consolidations and Sales of Assets

A federal regulation applicable to Eagle Bancorp generally requires the approval of two-thirds of the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp and the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding stock of Eagle Bancorp entitled to vote thereon for mergers, consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of Eagle Bancorp’s assets. Such regulation permits Eagle Bancorp to merge with another corporation without obtaining the approval of its stockholders if:

 

  (i) it does not involve an interim savings institution;

 

  (ii) Eagle Bancorp’s federal stock charter is not changed;

 

  (iii) each share of Eagle Bancorp’s stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the transaction will be an identical outstanding share or a treasury share of Eagle Bancorp after such effective date; and

 

  (iv) either:

 

  (a) no shares of voting stock of Eagle Bancorp and no securities convertible into such stock are to be issued or delivered under the plan of combination; or

 

  (b) the authorized but unissued shares or the treasury shares of voting stock of Eagle Bancorp to be issued or delivered under the plan of combination, plus those initially issuable upon conversion of any securities to be issued or delivered under such plan, do not exceed 15% of the total shares of voting stock of Eagle Bancorp outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the transaction.

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation contains a provision requiring that specified transactions with an “interested stockholder” be approved by 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares unless it is (i) approved by a majority of Eagle Montana’s disinterested directors, or (ii) certain price and procedural requirements are satisfied. An “interested stockholder” is broadly defined to include the right, directly or indirectly, to acquire or to control the voting or disposition of 15% or more of Eagle Montana’s voting stock.

Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations generally provide that a stockholder of a federally-chartered corporation that engages in a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of its assets shall have the right to demand from such institution payment of the fair or appraised value of his or her stock in the corporation, subject to specified procedural requirements. The regulations also provide, however, that a stockholder of a federally-chartered corporation whose shares are listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq stock market are not entitled to dissenters’ rights in connection with a merger if the stockholder is required to accept only “qualified consideration” for his or her stock, which is defined to include cash, shares of stock of any institution or corporation that at the effective date of the merger will be listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, or any combination of such shares of stock and cash.

 

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Under Delaware law, stockholders of Eagle Montana will not have dissenters’ appraisal rights in connection with a plan of merger or consolidation to which Eagle Montana is a party as long as the common stock of Eagle Montana trades on a national securities exchange or is held of record by more than 2,000 holders.

Amendment of Governing Instruments

No amendment of Eagle Bancorp’s stock charter may be made unless it is first proposed by the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp, then preliminarily approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision, and thereafter approved by the holders of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting.

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation may be amended by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock if at least a majority of the members of the board of directors approves such amendment; provided, however, that approval by at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock is generally required to amend the following provisions:

 

  (i) the applicability of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law;

 

  (ii) the division of the board of directors into three classes;

 

  (iii) the limitation on voting rights of persons who directly or indirectly beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock;

 

  (iv) the indemnification of current and former directors and officers by Eagle Montana;

 

  (v) the requirement of an 80% stockholder approval for business combination transactions with interested stockholders;

 

  (vi) the prohibition of stockholder action by written consent;

 

  (vii) the requirement that the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of common stock must vote to remove directors, and can only remove directors for cause;

 

  (viii) the limitation of liability of officers and directors to Eagle Montana for money damages; and

 

  (ix) the provision of the certificate of incorporation requiring approval of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock to amend the provisions of the certificate of incorporation provided in (i) through (viii) of this list.

The certificate of incorporation also provide that the bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of our directors or by the stockholders and that specified provisions in the bylaws may only be amended by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be voted at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders. Any amendment of this supermajority requirement for amendment of the bylaws would also require the approval of 80% of the outstanding voting stock.

 

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RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

Although the board of directors of Eagle Montana is not aware of any effort that might be made to obtain control of Eagle Montana after the conversion, the board of directors believes that it is appropriate to include certain provisions as part of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to protect the interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders from takeovers which our board of directors might conclude are not in the best interests of American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana or Eagle Montana’s stockholders.

The following discussion is a general summary of the material provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, American Federal Savings Bank’s charter and bylaws and certain other regulatory provisions that may be deemed to have an “anti-takeover” effect. The following description of certain of these provisions is necessarily general and reference should be made in each case to the actual document or regulatory provision in question. Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws are included as part of Eagle Financial MHC’s application for conversion filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision and Eagle Montana’s registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain a number of provisions relating to corporate governance and rights of stockholders that might discourage future takeover attempts. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such transactions may not have an opportunity to do so. In addition, these provisions will also render the removal of the board of directors or management of Eagle Montana more difficult.

Prohibition of Cumulative Voting. The certificate of incorporation prohibits cumulative voting for the election of directors.

Restrictions on Removing Directors from Office. The certificate of incorporation provides that directors may be removed only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of our then-outstanding common stock entitled to vote.

Authorized but Unissued Shares. After the conversion, Eagle Montana will have authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock. See “Description of Capital Stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. Following the Conversion.” The certificate of incorporation authorize 1,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock. Eagle Montana is authorized to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series subject to applicable provisions of law, and the board of directors is authorized to fix the designations, and relative preferences, limitations, voting rights, if any, including without limitation, offering rights of such shares (which could be multiple or as a separate class). In the event of a proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of Eagle Montana that the board of directors does not approve, it might be possible for the board of directors to authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock with rights and preferences that would impede the completion of the transaction. An effect of the possible issuance of preferred stock therefore may be to deter a future attempt to gain control of Eagle Montana. The board of directors has no present plan or understanding to issue any preferred stock.

Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Amendments to the certificate of incorporation must be approved by our board of directors and also by at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our voting stock; provided, however, that approval by at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock is generally required to amend the following provisions:

 

  (i) the applicability of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law;

 

  (ii) the division of the board of directors into three classes;

 

  (iii) the limitation on voting rights of persons who directly or indirectly beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock;

 

  (iv) the indemnification of current and former directors and officers by Eagle Montana;

 

  (v) the requirement of an 80% stockholder approval for business combination transactions with interested stockholders;

 

  (vi) the prohibition of stockholder action by written consent;

 

  (vii) the requirement that the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of common stock must vote to remove directors, and can only remove directors for cause;

 

  (viii) the limitation of liability of officers and directors to Eagle Montana for money damages; and

 

  (ix) the provision of the certificate of incorporation requiring approval of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock to amend the provisions of the certificate of incorporation provided in (i) through (viii) of this list.

The certificate of incorporation also provide that certain bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of our directors or by the stockholders and that specified provisions in the bylaws may only be amended by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be voted at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders. Any amendment of this supermajority requirement for amendment of the bylaws would also require the approval of 80% of the outstanding voting stock.

Stockholder Vote Required to Approve Business Combinations with Principal Shareholders. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana requires the approval of the holders of at least 80% of Eagle Montana’s outstanding shares of voting

 

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stock to approve certain “Business Combinations,” as defined therein, and related transactions. Under Delaware law, absent this provision, Business Combinations, including mergers, consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of the assets of a corporation must, subject to certain exceptions, be approved by the vote of the holders of only a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Montana and any other affected class of stock. Under the certificate of incorporation, at least 80% approval of stockholders is required in connection with any transaction involving an interested stockholder (as defined below) except (i) in cases where the proposed transaction has been approved in advance by a majority of those members of Eagle Montana’s board of directors who are unaffiliated with the interested stockholder and were directors prior to the time when the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or (ii) if the proposed transaction meets certain conditions set forth in the certificate of incorporation, which are designed to afford the stockholders a fair price in consideration for their shares in which case, if a stockholder vote is required, approval of only a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock would be sufficient.

The term “interested stockholder” is defined to include any individual, corporation, partnership or other entity (other than Eagle Montana or its subsidiary) which owns beneficially or controls, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Eagle Montana. This provision of the certificate of incorporation applies to any “Business Combination,” which is defined to include (i) any merger, consolidation or share exchange of Eagle Montana or any of its subsidiaries with or into any interested stockholder or affiliate of an interested stockholder; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition to or with any interested stockholder or affiliate of assets of Eagle Montana having an aggregate market value of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of the total consolidated assets of Eagle Montana or the aggregate market value of the outstanding stock of Eagle Montana; (iii) the issuance or transfer to any interested stockholder or its affiliate by Eagle Montana (or any subsidiary) of any securities of Eagle Montana subject to certain exceptions; (iv) the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of Eagle Montana proposed by or on behalf of any interested stockholder or affiliate thereof; (v) any reclassification of securities, recapitalization, merger or consolidation of Eagle Montana which has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of outstanding shares of common stock or any class of equity or convertible securities of Eagle Montana owned directly or indirectly by an interested stockholder or affiliate thereof; (vi) any transaction involving Eagle Montana or any subsidiary that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class or series owned by the interested stockholder except for immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of stock repurchases not caused by the interested stockholder; and (vii) any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through Eagle Montana or any subsidiary.

Purpose and Anti-Takeover Effects of Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Our board of directors believes that the provisions described above or below are prudent and will reduce our vulnerability to takeover attempts and certain other transactions that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors. These provisions also will assist us in the orderly deployment of the offering proceeds into productive assets during the initial period after the conversion. Our board of directors believes these provisions are in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders. Our board of directors believes that it will be in the best position to determine the true value of Eagle Montana and to negotiate more effectively for what may be in the best interests of its stockholders. Accordingly, our board of directors believes that it is in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders to encourage potential acquirers to negotiate directly with the board of directors and that these provisions will encourage such negotiations and discourage hostile takeover attempts. It is also the view of our board of directors that these provisions should not discourage persons from proposing a merger or other transaction at a price reflective of the true value of Eagle Montana and that is in the best interests of all stockholders.

Takeover attempts that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors present the risk of a takeover on terms that may be less favorable than might otherwise be available. A transaction that is negotiated and approved by our board of directors, on the other hand, can be carefully planned and undertaken at an opportune time in order to obtain maximum value of Eagle Montana for our stockholders, with due consideration given to matters such as the management and business of the acquiring corporation and maximum strategic development of Eagle Montana’s assets.

Although a tender offer or other takeover attempt may be made at a price substantially above the current market price, such offers are sometimes made for less than all of the outstanding shares of a target company. As a result, stockholders may be presented with the alternative of partially liquidating their investment at a time that may be disadvantageous, or retaining their investment in an enterprise that is under different management and whose objectives may not be similar to those of the remaining stockholders.

Despite our belief as to the benefits to stockholders of these provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, these provisions may also have the effect of discouraging a future takeover attempt that would not be approved by our board of directors, but pursuant to which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have any opportunity to do so. Such provisions will also make it more difficult to remove our board of directors and management. Our board of directors, however, has concluded that the potential benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages.

Following the conversion, pursuant to applicable law and, if required, following the approval by stockholders, we may adopt additional anti-takeover provisions in our certificate of incorporation or other devices regarding the acquisition of our equity securities that would be permitted for a Delaware business corporation.

The cumulative effect of the restrictions on acquisition of Eagle Montana contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and in Delaware law may be to discourage potential takeover attempts and perpetuate incumbent management, even though certain stockholders of Eagle Montana may deem a potential acquisition to be in their best interests, or deem existing management not to be acting in their best interests.

 

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Delaware Corporate Law

In addition, the state of Delaware has a statute designed to provide Delaware corporations, such as Eagle Montana, with additional protection against hostile takeovers. The takeover statute, which is codified in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law is intended to discourage certain takeover practices by impeding the ability of a hostile acquiror to engage in certain transactions with the target company.

In general Section 203 provides that a “Person” who owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation (referred to in Section 203 as an “Interested Shareholder”) may not consummate a merger or other business combination transaction with such corporation at any time during the three-year period following the date such “Person” became an Interested Shareholder. The term “business combination” is defined broadly to cover a wide range of corporate transactions including mergers, sales of assets, issuances of stock, transactions with subsidiaries and the receipt of disproportionate financial benefits.

The statute exempts the following transactions from the requirements of Section 203: (i) any business combination if, prior to the date a person became an Interested Shareholder, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an Interested Shareholder; (ii) any business combination involving a person who acquired at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock in the transaction in which he became an Interested Shareholder, with the number of shares outstanding calculated without regard to those shares owned by the corporation’s directors who are also officers and by certain employee stock plans; (iii) any business combination with an Interested Shareholder that is approved by the board of directors and by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the Interested Shareholder; and (iv) certain business combinations that are proposed after the corporation had received other acquisition proposals and which are approved or not opposed by a majority of certain continuing members of the board of directors. A corporation may exempt itself from the requirements of the statute by adopting an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws electing not to be governed by Section 203. At the present time, the board of directors does not intend to propose any such amendment.

Conversion Regulations

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit any person from making an offer, announcing an intent to make an offer or participating in any other arrangement to purchase stock or acquiring stock or subscription rights in a converting institution or its holding company from another person prior to completion of its conversion. Further, without the prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, no person may make an offer or announcement of an offer to purchase shares or actually acquire shares of a converted institution or its holding company for a period of three years from the date of the completion of the conversion if, upon the completion of such offer, announcement or acquisition, the person would become the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding stock of the institution or its holding company. The Office of Thrift Supervision has defined “person” to include any individual, group acting in concert, corporation, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities of an insured institution. However, offers made exclusively to a bank or its holding company, or an underwriter or member of a selling group acting on the converting institution’s or its holding company’s behalf for resale to the general public are excepted. The regulation also provides civil penalties for willful violation or assistance in any such violation of the regulation by any person connected with the management of the converting institution or its holding company or who controls more than 10% of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a converted institution or its holding company.

American Federal Savings Bank’s Federal Stock Charter

The federal stock charter of American Federal Savings Bank will provide that for a period of five years from the closing of the conversion, no person other than Eagle Montana may offer directly or indirectly to acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of American Federal Savings Bank. This provision does not apply to any tax-qualified employee benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana or to underwriters in connection with a public offering. In addition, during this five-year period, all shares owned over the 10% limit may not be voted on any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote.

Change in Control Regulations

Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of an insured federal savings bank or its parent holding company unless the Office of Thrift Supervision has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition. In addition, Office of Thrift Supervision regulations provide that no company may acquire control of a savings bank without the prior approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Any company that acquires such control becomes a “savings and loan holding company” subject to registration, examination and regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision.

Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the institution’s directors, or a determination by the Office of Thrift Supervision that the acquiror has the power to direct, or directly or indirectly to exercise a controlling influence over, the management or policies of the institution. Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a savings bank’s voting stock, if the acquiror is also subject to any one of eight “control factors,” constitutes a rebuttable determination of control under the regulations.

 

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Such control factors include the acquiror being one of the two largest stockholders. The determination of control may be rebutted by submission to the Office of Thrift Supervision, prior to the acquisition of stock or the occurrence of any other circumstances giving rise to such determination, of a statement setting forth facts and circumstances which would support a finding that no control relationship will exist and containing certain undertakings. The regulations provide that persons or companies which acquire beneficial ownership exceeding 10% or more of any class of a savings bank’s stock who do not intend to participate in or seek to exercise control over a savings bank’s management or policies may qualify for a safe harbor by filing with the Office of Thrift Supervision a certification form that states, among other things, that the holder is not in control of such institution, is not subject to a rebuttable determination of control and will take no action which would result in a determination or rebuttable determination of control without prior notice to or approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, as applicable. There are also rebuttable presumptions in the regulations concerning whether a group “acting in concert” exists, including presumed action in concert among members of an “immediate family.”

The Office of Thrift Supervision may prohibit an acquisition of control if it finds, among other things, that:

 

  (i) the acquisition would result in a monopoly or substantially lessen competition;

 

  (ii) the financial condition of the acquiring person might jeopardize the financial stability of the institution; or

 

  (iii) the competence, experience or integrity of the acquiring person indicates that it would not be in the interest of the depositors or the public to permit the acquisition of control by such person.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

FOLLOWING THE CONVERSION

General

Eagle Montana is authorized to issue 8,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Eagle Montana currently expects to issue in the offering up to 2,760,000 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment, and up to 1,813,125 shares, subject to adjustment, in exchange for the publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp. Eagle Montana will not issue shares of preferred stock in the conversion. Each share of Eagle Montana common stock will have the same relative rights as, and will be identical in all respects to, each other share of common stock. Upon payment of the subscription price for the common stock, in accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization, all of the shares of common stock will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.

The shares of common stock of Eagle Montana will represent nonwithdrawable capital, will not be an account of an insurable type, and will not be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Common Stock

Dividends. Eagle Montana may pay dividends as and when declared by our board of directors. The payment of dividends by Eagle Montana is subject to limitations that are imposed by law and applicable regulation. Delaware law generally limits dividends to our capital surplus or, if there is no capital surplus, our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. The holders of common stock of Eagle Montana will be entitled to receive and share equally in dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. If Eagle Montana issues shares of preferred stock, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to dividends.

Voting Rights. Upon consummation of the conversion, the holders of common stock of Eagle Montana will have exclusive voting rights in Eagle Montana. They will elect Eagle Montana’s board of directors and act on other matters as are required to be presented to them under Delaware law or as are otherwise presented to them by the board of directors. Generally, each holder of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. If Eagle Montana issues shares of preferred stock, holders of the preferred stock may also possess voting rights. Certain matters require an 80% stockholder vote.

As a federally-chartered stock savings bank, corporate powers and control of American Federal Savings Bank are vested in its board of directors, who elect the officers of American Federal Savings Bank and who fill any vacancies on the board of directors. Voting rights of American Federal Savings Bank are vested exclusively in the owners of the shares of capital stock of American Federal Savings Bank, which will be Eagle Montana, and voted at the direction of Eagle Montana’s board of directors. Consequently, the holders of the common stock of Eagle Montana will not have direct control of American Federal Savings Bank.

Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana, as the holder of 100% of American Federal Savings Bank’s capital stock, would be entitled to receive all assets of American Federal Savings Bank available for distribution, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of American Federal Savings Bank, including all deposit accounts and accrued interest thereon, and after distribution of the balance in the liquidation account to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Eagle Montana, the holders of its common stock would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all its debts and liabilities, all of the assets of Eagle Montana available for distribution. If preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock in the event of liquidation or dissolution.

Preemptive Rights. Holders of the common stock of Eagle Montana will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares that may be issued. Eagle Montana common stock is not subject to redemption.

Preferred Stock

None of the shares of Eagle Montana’s authorized preferred stock will be issued as part of the offering or the conversion. Preferred stock may be issued with preferences and designations as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue shares of preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion rights that could dilute the voting strength of the holders of the common stock and may assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control.

 

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TRANSFER AGENT

The transfer agent and registrar for Eagle Montana’s common stock is Registrar & Transfer Co., Cranford, New Jersey.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2009, have been included herein in reliance upon the report of Davis, Kinard & Co., P.C., independent registered public accounting firm, which is included herein and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has consented to the publication herein of the summary of its report to Eagle Montana setting forth its opinion as to the estimated pro forma market value of the shares of common stock upon completion of the offering and its letter with respect to subscription rights.

LEGAL MATTERS

Nixon Peabody LLP, Washington, D.C., counsel to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank, will issue to Eagle Montana its opinion regarding the legality of the common stock and the federal income tax consequences of the conversion. Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP, counsel to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank, will issue to Eagle Montana its opinion regarding the state income tax consequences of the conversion. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated by Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., Washington D.C.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Eagle Montana has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the shares of common stock offered hereby. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. Such information, including the appraisal report which is an exhibit to the registration statement, can be examined without charge at the public reference facilities of the Securities and Exchange Commission located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of such material can be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission at prescribed rates. The Securities and Exchange Commission telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Eagle Montana. The statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are, of necessity, brief descriptions of the material terms of, and should be read in conjunction with, such contract or document.

Eagle Financial MHC has filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision an Application on Form AC with respect to the conversion. This prospectus omits certain information contained in the application. The application may be examined at the principal office of the Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20552, and at the Western Regional Office of the Office of Thrift Supervision, 225 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 500, Irving, Texas 75062-2326. Our plan of conversion and reorganization is available, upon request, at each of our banking offices.

In connection with the offering, Eagle Montana will register its common stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, upon such registration, Eagle Montana and the holders of its common stock will become subject to the proxy solicitation rules, reporting requirements and restrictions on common stock purchases and sales by directors, officers and greater than 10% stockholders, the annual and periodic reporting and certain other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the plan of conversion and reorganization, Eagle Montana has undertaken that it will not terminate such registration for a period of at least three years following the offering.

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF EAGLE BANCORP AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-7

***

All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required information either is not applicable or is included in the financial statements or related notes.

 

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LOGO

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiary

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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 financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the 2009 and 2008 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiary as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/ S /    D AVIS K INARD & C O . PC        
DAVIS KINARD & CO. PC

Abilene, Texas

August 7, 2009

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollars in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)

 

     September 30,
2009
    June 30,  
       2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              

Assets

      

Cash and due from banks

   $ 3,687      $ 2,487      $ 3,541   

Interest bearing deposits in banks

     944        224        549   

Federal funds sold

     3,211        3,617        —     
                        

Cash and cash equivalents

     7,842        6,328        4,090   

Securities available-for-sale

     92,100        82,263        78,417   

Securities held-to-maturity (fair value approximates $384 in 2009 and $708 in 2008)

     265        375        697   

Preferred stock - SFAS 159

     108        25        1,321   

FHLB stock restricted, at cost

     2,000        2,000        1,715   

Investment in Eagle Bancorp Statutory Trust I

     155        155        155   

Mortgage loans held for sale

     3,494        5,349        7,370   

Loans receivable, net of deferred loan fees and allowance for loan losses of $625, $525 and $300 at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively

     168,185        167,197        168,149   

Accrued interest and dividend receivable

     1,540        1,399        1,426   

Mortgage servicing rights, net

     2,315        2,208        1,652   

Premises and equipment, net

     15,371        13,761        8,080   

Cash surrender value of life insurance

     6,544        6,496        6,285   

Real estate acquired in settlement of loans, net of allowance for losses

     158        —          —     

Other assets

     603        2,153        550   
                        

Total assets

   $ 300,680      $ 289,709      $ 279,907   
                        

Liabilities and Shareholders’ equity

      

Noninterest bearing

   $ 18,902      $ 15,002      $ 14,617   

Interest bearing

     176,178        172,197        164,234   
                        

Total deposits

     195,080        187,199        178,851   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     3,379        2,507        2,045   

Federal funds purchased

     —          —          3,000   

FHLB advances and other borrowings

     66,639        67,056        65,222   

Subordinated debentures

     5,155        5,155        5,155   
                        

Total liabilities

     270,253        261,917        254,273   

Commitments and contingencies

      

Shareholders’ equity

      

Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding

     —          —          —     

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 9,000,000 shares authorized, 1,223,572 shares issued; 1,074,507, 1,075,312 and 1,076,072 shares outstanding at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively

     12        12        12   

Capital surplus

     4,589        4,564        4,487   

Unallocated common stock held by ESOP

     (9     (18     (55

Treasury stock, at cost

     (5,056     (5,034     (5,013

Retained earnings

     29,583        28,850        27,025   

Net accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)

     1,308        (582     (822
                        

Total shareholders’ equity

     30,427        27,792        25,634   
                        

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 300,680      $ 289,709      $ 279,907   
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollars in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years Ended
June 30,
 
     2009    2008     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              

Interest and dividend income

         

Loans, including fees

   $ 2,708    $ 2,837      $ 11,411      $ 10,905   

Securities available-for-sale

     1,004      963        3,893        3,071   

Securities held- to-maturity

     4      5        20        34   

Trust preferred securities

     —        —          9        9   

Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends

     —        7        —          16   

Deposits with banks

     8      4        15        63   
                               

Total interest income

     3,724      3,816        15,348        14,098   
                               

Interest expense

         

Deposits

     611      862        3,161        4,387   

FHLB advances and other borrowings

     655      643        2,645        1,966   

Subordinated debentures

     75      75        309        309   
                               

Total interest expense

     1,341      1,580        6,115        6,662   
                               

Net interest income

     2,383      2,236        9,233        7,436   

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     135      —          257        (175
                               

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     2,248      2,236        8,976        7,611   
                               

Noninterest income

         

Service charges on deposit accounts

     195      190        745        711   

Net gain on sale of loans

     440      183        2,216        801   

Mortgage loan service fees

     185      140        628        542   

Net realized gain on sales of available for sale securities

     —        57        54        72   

Net gain (loss) on preferred stock - SFAS 159

     84      (1,239     (1,296     (511

Other income

     157      165        652        609   
                               

Total noninterest income

     1,061      (504     2,999        2,224   
                               

Noninterest expenses

         

Salaries and employee benefits

     1,099      1,046        4,411        3,965   

Occupancy and equipment expense

     219      216        900        818   

Data processing

     88      73        370        297   

Advertising

     106      91        394        293   

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights

     126      71        598        313   

Federal insurance premiums

     65      7        307        20   

Postage

     38      33        151        99   

Legal, accounting, and examination fees

     75      48        231        220   

Consulting fees

     57      43        114        116   

ATM processing

     17      14        62        56   

Other expense

     213      207        1,025        866   
                               

Total noninterest expenses

     2,103      1,849        8,563        7,063   
                               

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,206      (117     3,412        2,772   

Income tax expense (benefit)

     362      (17     1,024        662   
                               

Net income (loss)

   $ 844    $ (100   $ 2,388      $ 2,110   
                               

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.79    $ (0.09   $ 2.23      $ 1.97   
                               

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.69    $ (0.08   $ 1.96      $ 1.74   
                               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited)

and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

(Dollars in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)

 

     Preferred
Stock
   Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Unallocated
ESOP
Shares
    Treasury
Stock
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Total  

Balance at July 1, 2007

   $ —      $ 12    $ 4,387    $ (92   $ (4,759   $ 25,448      $ (908   $ 24,088   

Net income for the year ended June 30, 2009

                  2,110          2,110   

Change in net unrealized depreciation on available for sale securities and cash flow hedges, net

                    86        86   
                         

Total comprehensive income

                      2,196   
                         

SFAS 159 Adjustment

                  (118       (118

Dividends paid ($.96 per share)

                  (415       (415

Treasury stock purchased (1,250 shares @ $33.00; 3,285 shares @ $32.75; 1,000 shares @ $27.25; 750 shares @ $28.25; 2,000 shares @ $28.25;

                (254         (254

ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released for allocation (4,600) shares

           100      37              137   
                                                             

Balance at June 30, 2008

     —        12      4,487      (55     (5,013     27,025        (822     25,634   

Net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2008

                  (100       (100

Other comprehensive income

                    (1,134     (1,134
                         

Total comprehensive income

                      (1,234
                         

Dividends paid ($.255per share)

                  (109       (109

Treasury stock purchased (760 shares @ $27.00)

                (21         (21

EITF No. 06-4 & 06-10

                  (129       (129

ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released for allocation (1,150) shares

           21      9              30   
                                                             

Balance at September 30, 2008

     —        12      4,508      (46     (5,034     26,687        (1,956     24,171   

Balance at June 30, 2008

     —        12      4,487      (55     (5,013     27,025        (822     25,634   

Net income

                  2,388          2,388   

Change in net unrealized depreciation on available for sale securities and cash flow hedges, net

                    240        240   
                         

Total comprehensive income

                      2,628   
                         

Dividends paid ($1.02 per share)

                  (435       (435

Treasury stock purchased (760 shares @ $27.00)

                (21         (21

EITF No. 06-4 & 06-10

                  (128       (128

ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released for allocation (4,600) shares

           77      37              114   
                                                             

Balance at June 30, 2009

     —        12      4,564      (18     (5,034     28,850        (582     27,792   

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2009

                  844          844   

Other comprehensive income

                    1,890        1,890   

Total comprehensive income

                      2,734   

Dividends paid ($0.26 per share)

                  (111       (111

Treasury stock purchased (805 shares @ $28.25)

                (22         (22

ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released for allocation (1,150 shares)

           25      9              34   
                                                             

Balance at September 30, 2009

   $ —      $ 12    $ 4,589    $ (9   $ (5,056   $ 29,583      $ 1,308      $ 30,427   
                                                             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years Ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              

Cash flows from operating activities

        

Net income

   $ 844      $ 100      $ 2,388      $ 2,110   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

        

Provision for mortgage servicing rights valuation losses

     —          —          —          —     

Provision(credit) for loan losses

     135        —          257        (175

Depreciation

     122        112        482        459   

Net amortization of securities premium & discounts

     38        50        163        234   

Amortization of capitalized mortgage servicing rights

     126        71        598        313   

Net gain on sale of loans

     (440     (183     (2,216     (801

Net realized (gain) loss on sales of available-for-sale securities

     —          (57     (54     (72

Net recognized loss (gain) on preferred stock - SFAS 159

     (84     1,239        1,296        511   

Net loss on sale of OREO

     —          —          2        —     

Net loss on sale of fixed assets

     —          —          —          3   

Appreciation in cash surrender value of life insurance, net

     (48     (60     (211     (222

Net change in

        

Loans held for sale

     2,290        280        4,257        (5,366

Accrued interest receivable

     (141     (67     27        (95

Other assets

     1,556        (552     (1,603     414   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     98        1,038        344        (311
                                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     4,496        1,771        5,730        (2,998

Cash flows from investing activities

        

Activity in available for sale securities

        

Sales

     —          4,062        5,298        4,852   

Maturities, prepayments and calls

     2,003        3,649        11,182        15,778   

Purchases

     (9,174     (8,152     (20,114     (36,176

Activity in held to maturity securities

        

Maturities, prepayments and calls

     110        308        322        224   

FHLB stock purchased

     —          (166     (285     (400

Loan originations and principal collections, net

         (471     (10,175

Net increase in loan receivable, excludes transfers to real estate acquired in settlement of loans

     (1,519     (5,057    

Purchase of bank owned life insurance

     —          —          —          (300

Proceeds from sale of OREO

     —          —          13        —     

Proceeds from sale of equipment

     —          —          —          9   

Additions to premises and equipment

     (1,732     (1,128     (6,163     (2,746
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (10,312     (6,484     (10,218     (28,934

Cash flows from financing activities

        

Net increase (decrease) in deposits

     7,880        4,244        8,348        (800

Net change in federal funds purchased

     —          (3,000     (3,000     (800

Net change in advances from the FHLB and other borrowings

     (417     3,696        1,834        35,222   

Purchase of treasury stock, at cost

     (22     (21     (21     (254

Dividends paid

     (111     (109     (435     (415
                                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     7,330        4,810        6,726        32,953   
                                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     1,514        97        2,238        1,021   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     6,328        4,090        4,090        3,069   
                                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 7,842      $ 4,187      $ 6,328      $ 4,090   
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Eagle Bancorp was organized in 2000 as the majority-owned subsidiary of Eagle Financial, MHC, (“the Mutual Holding Company”) and the sole parent of American Federal Savings Bank (“the Bank”). Collectively, Eagle Bancorp and the Bank are referred to herein as “the Company.”

The Bank is a federally chartered savings bank subject to the regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”). The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and its deposit accounts are insured to the applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

The Bank is headquartered in Helena, Montana, and operates additional branches in Butte, Bozeman, and Townsend, Montana. The Bank’s market area is concentrated in south central Montana, to which it primarily offers commercial, residential, and consumer loans. The Bank’s principal business is accepting deposits and, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, investing in various types of loans and securities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Eagle Bancorp and the Bank. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, mortgage servicing rights, and the valuation of foreclosed assets. In connection with the determination of the estimated losses on loans, foreclosed assets, valuation of deferred tax assets and mortgage servicing rights management obtains independent appraisals and valuations.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within the south-central Montana area. Note 3 discusses the types of securities that the Company invests in. Note 4 discusses the types of lending that the Company engages in. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one industry or customer.

The Company carries certain assets with other financial institutions which are subject to credit risk by the amount such assets exceed federal deposit insurance limits. At September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, no account balances were held with correspondent banks that were in excess of FDIC insured levels. Also, from time to time, the Company is due amounts in excess of FDIC insurance limits for checks and transit items. Management monitors the financial stability of correspondent banks and considers amounts advanced in excess of FDIC insurance limits to present no significant additional risk to the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — continued

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are defined as those amounts included in the balance sheet captions “cash and due from banks,” “interest bearing deposits in banks,” and “federal funds sold” all of which mature within ninety days.

The Bank is required to maintain a reserve balance with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank properly maintained amounts in excess of required reserves of $50,000 as of September 30, 2009, June 30, 2009 and 2008.

Investment Securities

The Company designates debt and equity securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading.

Held-to-maturity — Debt investment securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at their remaining unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts. Premiums are amortized and discounts are accreted using the interest method over the period remaining until maturity.

Available-for-sale — Investment securities that will be held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that may be sold in response to changes in market interest or prepayment rates, need for liquidity, and changes in the availability of and the yield of alternative investments, are classified as available-for-sale. These assets are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are reported as other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

Declines in the fair value of individual held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are other than temporary are recognized by write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. Such write-downs would be included in earnings as realized losses.

Trading — No investment securities were designated as trading at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008.

Securities SFAS 159 — Beginning fiscal year, July 1, 2007 the Company elected to account for its preferred stock under SFAS No. 159, which allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. Subsequent changes in fair value of these assets are recognized in earning when incurred. On July 1, 2007 a charge to retained earnings for $118,000 was recorded in accordance with the implementation of SFAS No. 159 to record the unrealized loss (net of taxes) on preferred stock at that date.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — continued

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Company’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock is a restricted investment carried at cost ($100 per share par value), which approximates its fair value. As a member of the FHLB system, the Company is required to maintain a minimum level of investment in FHLB stock based on specific percentages of its outstanding FHLB advances. The Company may request redemption at par value of any stock in excess of the amount it is required to hold. Stock redemptions are made at the discretion of the FHLB. The Bank redeemed no FHLB shares during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market value, determined in aggregate, plus the fair value of associated derivative financial instruments. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized in a valuation allowance by a charge to income.

Loans

The Company grants mortgage, commercial and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by mortgage loans in south central Montana. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the general economic conditions in this area.

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold until maturity are reported at the outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs, allowance for loan losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts on purchased loans. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the contractual life of the loan, as an adjustment of the yield, using the interest method.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. Personal loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — continued

Allowance for Loan Losses — continued

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

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. For such 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. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

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 the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject of a restructuring agreement.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. Generally, purchased servicing rights are capitalized at the cost to acquire the rights. For sales of mortgage loans, a portion of the cost of originating the loan is allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair value. Fair value is based on a market price valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — continued

Mortgage Servicing Rights — continued

Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that the fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranches. If the Bank later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

Life insurance policies are initially recorded at cost at the date of purchase. Subsequent to purchase, the policies are periodically adjusted for fair value. The adjustment to fair value increases or decreases the carrying value of the policies and is recorded as an income or expense on the consolidated statement of income. For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 there were no adjustments to fair value that were outside the normal appreciation in cash surrender value.

Foreclosed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are initially recorded at the lower of the Company’s carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure. All write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a property exceeds its fair value. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed. Valuations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of its cost or fair value less cost to sell.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets, which are for ten to forty years for buildings and improvements and two to ten years for furniture and fixtures. The costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while major expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — continued

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiary file consolidated federal and state income tax returns. Each entity is viewed as, and reports as, a separate legal and accounting entity for regulatory purposes. Accordingly, each entity’s applicable federal and state income tax expense or benefit (both current and deferred) is recorded as if each entity had filed its income tax returns on a separate entity basis. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Accordingly, deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to “temporary differences” between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws or rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. A deferred tax liability is recognized for all temporary differences that will result in future taxable income. A deferred tax asset is recognized for all temporary differences that will result in future tax deductions, subject to reduction of the asset by a valuation allowance in certain circumstances. This valuation allowance is recognized if, based on an analysis of available evidence, management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance is subject to ongoing adjustment based on changes in circumstances that affect management’s judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax asset. Adjustments to increase or decrease the valuation allowance are charged or credited, respectively, to income tax expense.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is accounted for on the cost method and consists of 149,065 shares at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 148,260 shares at December 31, 2009 and 147,500 shares at December 31,2008.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. Advertising costs were approximately $106,000, $91,000, $394,000 and $293,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Compensation expense recognized for the Company’s ESOP equals the fair value of shares that have been allocated or committed to be released for allocation to participants. Any difference between the fair value of the shares at the time and the ESOP’s original acquisition cost is charged or credited to stockholders’ equity (capital surplus). The cost of ESOP shares that have not yet been allocated or committed to be released is deducted from stockholders’ equity.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic EPS plus the incremental amount of potential common stock determined by the treasury stock method. For purposes of computing EPS, outstanding common shares include all shares issued to the Mutual Holding Company but exclude ESOP shares that have not been allocated or committed to be released for allocation to participants.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — continued

Financial Instruments

All derivative financial instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are recognized in the financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments used as cash flow hedges are recognized as a component of comprehensive income. At September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company was holding forward delivery commitments that qualify as derivative financial instruments.

The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments approximates fair value. The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is generally determined by a third party’s valuation of the underlying asset.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

GAAP Codification – On July 1, 2009, the FASB’s GAAP Codification became effective as the sole authoritative source of GAAP. This codification reorganizes current GAAP for non-governmental entities into a topical index to facilitate accounting research and to provide users additional assurance that they have referenced all related literature pertaining to a given topic. Existing GAAP prior to the Codification was not altered in the compilation of the GAAP Codification. The GAAP Codification encompasses all FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards, Emerging Issues Task Force statements, FASB Staff Positions, FASB Interpretations, FASB Derivative Implementation Guides, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Positions, Accounting Principles Board Opinions and Accounting Research Bulletins along with the remaining body of GAAP effective as of June 30, 2009. Financial Statements issued for all interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, will need to reference accounting guidance embodied in the Codification as opposed to referencing the previously authoritative pronouncements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 810 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and the deconsolidation of a subsidiary; (b) changes the way the consolidated income statement is presented; (c) establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation; (d) requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated; and (e) requires expanded disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent’s owners and the interests of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. The accounting provisions of ASC 810 must be applied prospectively, but the presentation and disclosure requirements must be applied retrospectively to provide comparability in the financial statements. Early adoption is prohibited. ASC 810 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows

The FASB recently issued ASC 805 that requires (a) a company to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value as of the acquisition date; and (b) an acquirer in preacquisition periods to expense all acquisition-related costs, among various other modifications included in ASC 805. ASC 805 requires that any adjustments to an acquired entity’s deferred tax asset and liability balance that occur after the measurement period be recorded as a component of income tax expense. This accounting treatment is required for business combinations consummated before the effective date ASC 805 (non-prospective), otherwise ASC 805 must be applied prospectively. The presentation and disclosure requirements must be applied retrospectively to provide comparability in the financial statements. Early adoption is prohibited. ASC 805 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The impact of this standard is dependent upon the level of future acquisitions.

FASB ASC 815-10 requires companies to provide qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in their hedged positions. The statement also requires companies to disclose more information about the location and amounts of derivative instruments in financial statements; how derivatives and related hedges are accounted for and how the hedges affect the entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. FASB ASC 815-10 is effective for periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company will comply with the disclosure provisions of FASB ASC 815-10 to the extent it has entered into derivative transactions in the year of adoption.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — continued

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On November 14, 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued its long-anticipated proposed International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) roadmap outlining milestones that, if achieved, could lead to mandatory transition to IFRS for U.S. domestic registrants starting in 2014. IFRS is a comprehensive series of accounting standards published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Under the proposed roadmap, the Company could be required through its parent company to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and the SEC will make a determination in 2011 regarding the mandatory adoption of IFRS for U.S. domestic registrants. Management is currently assessing the impact that this potential change would have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and will continue to monitor the development of the potential implementation of IFRS.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 2: Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years Ended
June 30,
     2009    2008     2009    2008
     (Unaudited)           
(In Thousands)                     

Weighted average shares outstanding during the year on which basic earnings per share is calculated

   $ 1,073    $ 1,069      $ 1,071    $ 1,071

Add: weighted average of stock held in treasury

     149      148        148      143

Average outstanding shares on which diluted earnings per share is calculated

   $ 1,222    $ 1,217      $ 1,219    $ 1,214
                            

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

   $ 844    $ (100   $ 2,338    $ 2,110
                            

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.79    $ (0.09   $ 2.23    $ 1.97
                            

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.69    $ (0.08   $ 1.96    $ 1.74
                            

NOTE 3: Securities

The Company’s investment policy requires that the Company purchase only high-grade investment securities. Most municipal obligations are categorized as “AAA” or better by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. These ratings are achieved because the securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the municipality and also supported by third-party credit insurance policies. Mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are issued by government sponsored corporations, including Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Fannie Mae, and the Guaranteed National Mortgage Association. The amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities, together with unrealized gains and losses, are as follows:

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 3: Securities — continued

 

     September 30, 2009
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)    Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Market
Value

Available for Sale

          

U.S. Government and agency

   $ 4,919    $ 28    $ (17   $ 4,930

Municipal obligations

     33,354      1,076      (394     34,036

Corporate obligations

     9,944      343      (250     10,037

Mortgage-backed securities – government-backed

     7,737      253      (5     7,985

Private label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs

     2,129      17      (138     2,008
                            

CMOs – government-backed

     32,212      893      (1     33,104
                            

Total securities available for sale

   $ 90,295    $ 2,610    $ (805   $ 92,100
                            

Held to Maturity

          

Municipal obligations

   $ 265    $ 6    $ —        $ 271
                            

Total securities held to maturity

   $ 265    $ 6    $ —        $ 271
                            

Securities SFAS 159

          

Preferred stock

   $ 2,000    $ —      $ (1,892   $ 108
                            
   $ 2,000    $ —      $ (1,892   $ 108
                            
     June 30, 2009
(Dollars in Thousands)    Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Market
Value

Available for Sale

          

U.S. Government and agency

   $ 3,893    $ 14    $ (25   $ 3,882

Municipal obligations

     29,747      202      (1,056     28,893

Corporate obligations

     9,963      149      (619     9,493

Mortgage-backed securities – government-backed

     8,287      162      (5     8,444

Private label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs

     2,226      0      (382     1,844
                            

CMOs – government-backed

     29,048      663      (4     29,707
                            

Total securities available for sale

   $ 83,164    $ 1,190    $ (2,091   $ 82,263
                            

Held to Maturity

          

Municipal obligations

   $ 375    $ 9    $ —        $ 384
                            

Total securities held to maturity

   $ 375    $ 9    $ —        $ 384
                            

Securities SFAS 159

          

Preferred stock

   $ 2,000    $ —      $ (1,975   $ 25
                            
   $ 2,000    $ —      $ (1,975   $ 25
                            

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 3: Securities — continued

 

     June 30, 2008
(Dollars in Thousands)    Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Market
Value

Available for Sale

          

U.S. Government and agency

   $ 2,242    $ 6    $ (16   $ 2,232

Municipal obligations

     22,790      60      (660     22,190

Corporate obligations

     12,811      53      (142     12,722

Mortgage-backed securities – government-backed

     13,135      8      (127     13,016

Private label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs

     767      0      (76     691

CMOs – government-backed

     27,813      36      (316     27,533

Common stock

     82      —        (49     33
                            

Total securities available for sale

   $ 79,640    $ 163    $ (1,386   $ 78,417
                            

Held to Maturity

          

Municipal obligations

   $ 675    $ 11    $ —        $ 686

Mortgage-backed securities – government-backed

     22      —        —          22
                            

Total securities held to maturity

   $ 697    $ 11    $ —        $ 708
                            

Securities SFAS 159

          

Preferred stock

   $ 2,000    $ —        (679   $ 1,321
                            
   $ 2,000    $ —        (679   $ 1,321
                            

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 3: Securities — continued

Beginning July 1, 2007 the Company elected to account for its FHLMC and FNMA preferred stock under SFAS No. 159 Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. Subsequent changes in fair value of these assets are recognized in earnings when incurred. Management elected to invoke the option to carry its preferred stock at fair value to more accurately reflect the estimated realizability of the preferred stock at each financial reporting date. The market value of preferred stock was $108,000, $25,000 and $1,321,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, resulting in a gain / (loss) in value of $84,000, ($1,239,000), ($1,296,000) and ($511,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and is included in noninterest income.

The Company has not entered into any interest rate swaps, options, or futures contracts relating to investment securities.

Gross recognized gains on securities available-for-sale were $0, $69,000, $113,000 and $87,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale were $0, $12,000, $59,000, and $15,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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

 

     September 30, 2009
(Unaudited)
     Held to Maturity    Available for Sale

(Dollars in Thousands)

   Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Market
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Market
Value

Due in one year or less

   $ 0    $ 0    $ 0    $ 0

Due from one to five years

     265      271      13,175      13,320

Due from five to ten years

           9,142      9,417

Due after ten years

           25,900      26,266
                           
     265      271      48,217      49,003

Mortgage-backed

           7,737      7,985

Private label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs

           2,129      2,008
                           

CMOs

           32,212      33,104
                           

Total

   $ 265    $ 271    $ 90,295    $ 92,100
                           
     June 30, 2009
     Held to Maturity    Available for Sale
(Dollars in Thousands)    Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Market
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Market
Value

Due in one year or less

   $ 110    $ 110    $ 110    $ 110

Due from one to five years

     125      131      10,414      10,187

Due from five to ten years

     140      143      7,643      7,683

Due after ten years

     —        —        25,437      24,289
                           
     375      384      43,604      42,269

Mortgage-backed – government-backed

     —        —        8,287      8,444

Private label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs

           2,226      1,844
                           

CMOs – government-backed

     —        —        29,047      29,706
                           

Total

   $ 375      384    $ 83,164    $ 82,263
                           

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 3: Securities — continued

Maturities of securities do not reflect repricing opportunities present in adjustable rate securities.

At September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, securities with a carrying value of $34,986,000, $36,651,000 and $33,880,000, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

The following table discloses, as of September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company’s investment securities that have been in a continuous unrealized-loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 or more months:

 

     Less than 12 months    12 months or longer
     September 30, 2009
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)    Estimated
Market
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Market
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses

U.S. Government and agency

   $ 711    $ 11    $ 450    $ 6

Municipal obligations

     1,756      104      2,675      291

Corporate obligations

     0      0      1,412      250

Private label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs

     583      20      355      119
                           

Mortgage-backed & CMOs – government-backed

     2,121      2      392      3
                           

Total

   $ 5,171    $ 137    $ 5,284    $ 670
                           
     June 30, 2009
(Dollars in Thousands)    Estimated
Market
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Market
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses

U.S. Government and agency

   $ 1,686    $ 18    $ 458    $ 7

Municipal obligations

     11,529      422      5,732      634

Corporate obligations

     1,193      49      1,961      570

Private label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs

     1,339      192      504      189
                           

Mortgage-backed & CMOs – government-backed

     1,416      4      558      6
                           

Total

   $ 17,163    $ 685    $ 9,213    $ 1,406
                           
     June 30, 2008

U.S. Government and agency

   $ 964    $ 16    $ —      $ —  

Municipal obligations

     13,272      460      3,067      200

Corporate obligations

     7,973      218      —        —  

Private label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs

     766      76      0      0

Mortgage-backed & CMOs – government-backed

     31,425      328      1,991      39

Common stock

     33      49      1.1      1.2
                           

Total

   $ 54,433    $ 1,147    $ 5,058    $ 239
                           

In evaluating debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment losses, management assesses whether the Company intends to sell or if it is more likely-than-not that it will be required to sell impaired debt securities. In so doing, management considers contractual constraints, liquidity, capital, asset/liability management and securities portfolio objectives. With respect to its impaired debt securities at September 30, 2009, June 30, 2009 and 2008, management determined that it does not intend to sell and that there is no expected requirement to sell any of its impaired debt securities.

As of September 30, 2009, June 30, 2009 and 2008, there were 45, 97 and 140 securities are in an unrealized loss position and were considered to be temporarily impaired and therefore an impairment charge has not been recorded. All of such temporarily impaired investments are debt securities.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

At September 30, 2009, 19 U.S. Government and agency securities and municipal obligations have unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of less than 1.1% from the Company’s amortized cost basis. These unrealized losses are principally due to rising interest rates. As such, the Company determined that none of such securities had other-than-temporary impairment.

At September 30, 2009, 21 mortgage backed and CMO securities have unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of less than 0.4% from the Company’s cost basis. These unrealized losses are principally due to credit concerns and rising interest rates. Management considers available evidence to assess whether it is more likely-than-not that all amounts due would not be collected. In such assessment, management considers the severity and duration of the impairment, the credit ratings of the security, the overall deal and payment structure, including the Company's position within the structure, underlying obligor, financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, delinquencies, defaults, loss severities, recoveries, prepayments, cumulative loss projections, discounted cash flows and fair value estimates.

At September 30, 2009, 5 corporate obligations have unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of less than 2.6% from the Company’s cost basis. These unrealized losses are principally due to credit concerns with the issuers along with rising interest rates. Management, in conjunction with its investment consultants, reviews the ability of the companies which issued the securities to meet their payment terms. This evaluation includes a review of each company’s financial condition (including parent and subsidiary information), current developments in the financial press, and commentary from the ratings agencies. Management has concluded that the companies, as demonstrated by their continued payments of interest and the rise in fair values subsequent to September 30, 2009, are not experiencing severe enough difficulties to consider the securities as other than temporarily impaired.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 4: Loans

A summary of the balances of loans follows:

 

     September 30,
2009
    June 30,  
     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              
(Dollars in Thousands)                   

First mortgage loans

      

Residential mortgage (1-4 family)

   $ 76,711      $ 79,216      $ 86,751   

Commercial real estate

     38,761        36,713        28,197   

Real estate construction

     6,119        4,642        7,317   

Other loans: Home equity

     28,836        28,676        28,034   

Consumer

     11,074        10,835        11,558   

Commercial

     7,244        7,541        6,502   
                        

Subtotal

     168,745        167,623        168,359   

Less: Allowance for loan losses

     (625     (525     (300

Deferred loan fees, net

     65        99        90   
                        

Total loans, net

   $ 168,185      $ 167,197      $ 168,149   
                        

Loans net of related allowance for loan losses on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued were $1,251,000, $990,000 and $0 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Interest income not accrued on these loans and cash interest income was immaterial for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. The allowance for loan losses on nonaccrual loans as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $34,000, $12,000 and $32,000, respectively. The Company expects to collect all amounts due on nonaccrual loans, including interest accrued at contractual rates. There were $30,000, $15,000 and $32,000 loans considered impaired at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company had $171,000, $251,000 and $0, respectively, of loans past due greater than ninety days that were still accruing interest.

The following is a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses:

 

     September 30,
2009
    June 30,  
     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              
(Dollars in Thousands)                   

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 525      $ 300      $ 518   

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     135        257        (175

Loans charged off

     (36     (47     (54

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

     1        15        11   
                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 625      $ 525      $ 300   
                        

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 5: Loans — continued

Loans are granted to directors and officers of the Company in the ordinary course of business. Such loans are made in accordance with policies established for all loans of the Company, except that directors, officers, and employees may be eligible to receive discounts on loan origination costs.

Loans receivable from directors and senior officers, and their related parties, of the Company at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, were $1,820,104, $1,760,679 and $7,808,639, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and the year ended June 30, 2009, total principal additions amounted to $134,438 and $123,752, respectively, and total principal payments amounted to $64,109 and $6,123,665, respectively. One loan was to a company that is a related party of a director, and accounts for $6,000,000 of the $9,489 and $6,123,665 principal payments noted previously. On July 9, 2008 $6,000,000 of this loan was sold to the Montana Board of Investments under an existing commitment established February 28, 2007. Interest income from all these loans was $28,970, $26,705, $140,015 and $229,617 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 5: Mortgage Servicing Rights

The Company is servicing loans for the benefit of others totaling approximately $284,630,000, $270,508,000 and $204,654,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Servicing loans for others generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts, disbursing payments to investors, and foreclosure processing.

Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with the foregoing loan servicing, and included in demand deposits, were approximately $2,679,000, $2,668,000 and $2,219,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The following is a summary of activity in mortgage servicing rights and the valuation allowance:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              
(Dollars in Thousands)                         

Mortgage servicing rights

        

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 2,208      $ 1,652      $ 1,652      $ 1,628   

Mortgage servicing rights capitalized

     233        80        1,154        337   

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights

     (126     (71     (598     (313
                                

Balance at end of period

     2,315        1,661        2,208        1,652   

Valuation allowance

        

Balance at beginning of period

     —          —          —          —     

Provision (credited) to operations

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Balance at end of period

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Net mortgage servicing rights

   $ 2,315      $ 1,661      $ 2,208      $ 1,652   
                                

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 5: Mortgage Servicing Rights — continued

The fair values of these rights were $2,649,000, $2,389,000 and $2,078,000 at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The fair value of servicing rights was determined using discount rates ranging from 9% to 20%, prepayment speeds ranging from 100% to 400%, depending on stratification of the specific right. The fair value was also adjusted for the affect of potential past dues and foreclosures.

NOTE 6: Premises and Equipment

A summary of the cost and accumulated depreciation of premises and equipment follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)    September 30,
2009
    June 30,  
     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              

Land, buildings, and improvements

   $ 18,069      $ 16,380      $ 10,571   

Furniture and equipment

     3,800        3,757        4,261   
                        
     21,869        20,137        14,832   

Accumulated depreciation

     (6,498     (6,376     (6,752
                        
   $ 15,371      $ 13,761      $ 8,080   
                        

Depreciation expense totaled $122,031, $111,662, $482,256 and $458,964 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 7: Deposits

The composition of deposits is summarized as follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)    September 30,
2009
   June 30,
      2009    2008
     (Unaudited)          

Noninterest checking

   $ 18,902    $ 15,002    $ 14,617

Interest bearing checking

     34,784      32,664      30,720

Passbook savings

     26,979      26,445      23,906

Money market accounts

     26,730      26,886      25,275

Time certificates of deposits

     87,685      86,202      84,333
                    
   $ 195,080    $ 187,199    $ 178,851
                    

The weighted average cost of funds was 1.19%, 1.38% and 1.94% at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 7: Deposits — continued

At September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

 

     September 30,
2009
   June 30,
2009
     (Unaudited)     
(Dollars in Thousands)          

Within one year

   $ 75,307    $ 72,102

One to two years

     7,190      10,067

Two to three years

     3,063      2,663

Three to four years

     1,596      913

Thereafter

     799      457
             

Total

   $ 87,685    $ 86,202
             

Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Years Ended June 30,
     2009    2008    2009    2008
     (Unaudited)          
(Dollars in Thousands)                    

Checking

   $ 22    $ 30    $ 114    $ 71

Passbook savings

     28      39      131      150

Money market accounts

     41      112      322      420

Time certificates of deposits

     520      681      2,594      3,746
                           
   $ 611    $ 862    $ 3,161    $ 4,387
                           

As of May 20, 2009 FDIC insurance covers deposits up to $250,000 through December 31, 2013. On January 1, 2014, the standard insurance amount will return to $100,000 per deposit for all account categories except for IRAs and other certain retirement accounts which will remain at $250,000 per depositor. The Bank is a participant in the FDIC’s Transactional Account Guarantee Program, and as such noninterest bearing accounts are fully insured until June 30, 2010 when the program expires. At September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company held $46,954,000, $40,146,000 and $37,211,000, respectively, in non-retirement deposit accounts that included balances in excess of $100,000 or more. At September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company held $279,000, $294,000 and $285,000, respectively, in qualified retirement deposit accounts that included balances in excess of $250,000. After December 31, 20013 deposit amounts above $100,000, and $250,000 for retirement accounts may not be insured by the FDIC, depending upon the underlying ownership of the account.

At September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company reclassified $51,000, $148,000 and $44,000, respectively, in overdrawn deposits as loans.

Directors’ and senior officers’ deposit accounts at September 30, 2009 (unaudited )and June 30, 2009 and 2008, were $317,000, $299,000 and $201,000, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 8: Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and other borrowings mature as follows:

 

     September 30,
2009
   June 30,
        2009    2008
(Dollars in Thousands)    (Unaudited)          
        

Within one year

   $ 10,667    $ 10,667    $ 9,167

One to two years

     9,972      8,389      15,666

Two to three years

     25,000      18,000      3,389

Three to four years

     7,000      16,000      16,000

Four to five years

     9,000      9,000      16,000

Thereafter

     5,000      5,000      5,000
                    

Total

   $ 66,639    $ 67,056    $ 65,222
                    

Federal Home Loan Advances

The advances are due at maturity, with the exception of two advances, totaling, $10,000,000, that are callable at the FHLB of Seattle’s option. The advances are subject to prepayment penalties. The interest rates on advances are fixed. The advances are collateralized by investment securities pledged to the FHLB of Seattle and a blanket pledge of the Bank’s 1-4 family residential mortgage portfolio. The carrying value of the securities collateralized for these advances was $772,000 and $1,135,081 as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009, respectively. At September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company exceeded the collateral requirements of the FHLB. The Company’s investment in FHLB stock is also pledged as collateral on these advances. The total FHLB funding line available to the Company at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009, was 30% and 30%, respectively, of total Bank assets, or approximately $88.4 million and $86.8 million, respectively. The balance of advances was $43,639,000, $44,056,000 and $42,222,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Other Borrowings

The Bank had $23,000,000 in structured repurchase agreements with PNC Financial Service Group, Inc. (“PNC”) at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008. These agreements are collateralized by corporate and municipal securities. The carrying value of these securities was $27,218,000 and $27,961,000 as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009, respectively. These agreements include terms, under certain conditions, which allow PNC to exercise a call option.

Federal Funds Purchased

The Bank has a $6,000,000 Federal Funds line of credit with PNC. The balance was $0, $0, and $3,000,000 as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The Bank established a $5,000,000 Federal Funds line of credit with Zions Bank during the fiscal year 2009. The balance was $0 and $0 as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 8: Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings — continued

Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window

For additional liquidity sources, the Bank opened a credit facility at the Federal Reserve Bank’s Discount Window. The amount available to the Bank is limited by various collateral requirements. The Bank has pledged one Agency security and one mortgage backed security at the Federal Reserve Bank that had a carrying value of $5,538,000 and $6,151,000 as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009, respectively. The account had $0 balance as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008.

For all borrowings outstanding the weighted average interest rate for advances at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008 was 4.03%, 4.02% and 3.94% respectively. The weighted average amount outstanding was $66,781,000, $64,432,000, $67,772,000 and $43,712,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The maximum amount outstanding at any month-end was $66,917,000, $73,789,000 and $68,222,222 during the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 9: Subordinated Debentures

On September 28, 2005, the Company completed the private placement of $5,155,000 in subordinated debentures to Eagle Bancorp Statutory Trust I (“the Trust”). The Trust funded the purchase of the subordinated debentures through the sale of trust preferred securities to First Tennessee Bank, N.A. with a liquidation value of $5,155,000. Using interest payments made by the Company on the debentures, the Trust began paying quarterly dividends to preferred security holders on December 15, 2005. The annual percentage rate of the interest payable on the subordinated debentures and distributions payable on the preferred securities is fixed at 6.02% until December 15, 2010 then becomes variable at 3-Month LIBOR plus 1.42%. Dividends on the preferred securities are cumulative and the Trust may defer the payments for up to five years. The preferred securities mature in December 15, 2035 unless the Company elects and obtains regulatory approval to accelerate the maturity date to as early as December 15, 2010.

For the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, interest expense on the subordinated debentures was $75, $75, $309,000 and $309,000, respectively.

Subordinated debt may be included in regulatory Tier 1 capital subject to a limitation that such amounts not exceed 25% of Tier 1 capital. The remainder of subordinated debt is included in Tier II capital. There is no limitation for inclusion of subordinated debt in total risk-based capital and, as such, all subordinated debt was included in total risk-based capital.

NOTE 10: Legal Contingencies

Various legal claims also arise from time to time in the normal course of business which, in the opinion of management, will have no material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 11: Income Taxes

The components of the Company’s income tax provision are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              
(Dollars in Thousands)                         

Current

        

U.S. federal

   $ 345      $ (34   $ 975      $ 678   

Montana

     95        (9     270        198   
                                
     440        (43     1,245        876   
                                

Deferred

        

U.S. federal

     (53     18        (149     (165

Montana

     (25     8        (72     (49
                                
     (78     26        (221     (214
                                

Total

   $ 362      $ (17   $ 1,024      $ 662   
                                

The nature and components of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are a component of other assets in the accompanying statement of financial condition, are as follows:

 

     September 30,
2009
    June 30,  
       2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              
(Dollars in Thousands)                   

Deferred tax assets:

      

Deferred compensation

   $ 274      $ 272      $ 267   

Loans receivable

     41        34        20   

Securities available-for-sale & preferred stock SFAS 159

     —          862        567   

Other

     16        16        22   
                        

Total deferred tax assets

     331        1,184        876   
                        

Deferred tax liabilities:

      

Premises and equipment

     (207     (210     (112

Deferred loan fees

     (7     (11     (23

FHLB stock

     (390     (389     (389

Securities available-for-sale & preferred stock SFAS 159

     (42    

Unrealized gain on hedging

     —          (20     (14

Other

     —          —          (11
                        

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (646     (630     (549
                        

Net deferred tax (liability) asset

   $ (315   $ 554      $ 327   
                        

The Company believes, based upon the available evidence, that all deferred tax assets will be realized in the normal course of operations. Accordingly, these assets have not been reduced by a valuation allowance.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 11: Income Taxes—continued

A reconciliation of the Company’s effective income tax provision to the statutory federal income tax rate is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              
(Dollars in Thousands)                         

Federal income taxes at the statutory rate of 34%

   $ 410      $ (40   $ 1,160      $ 942   

State income taxes

     81        (8     230        150   

Nontaxable income

     (89     (64     (451     (409

Other, net

     (40     129        85        (21
                                

Income tax expense

   $ 362      $ (17   $ 1,024      $ 662   
                                

Effective tax rate

     30.0     14.5     30.0     23.9
                                

Prior to January 1, 1987, the Company was allowed a special bad debt deduction limited generally in the current year to 32% (net of preference tax) of otherwise taxable income and subject to certain limitations based on aggregate loans and savings account balances at the end of the year. If the amounts that qualified as deductions for federal income tax purposes are later used for purposes other than for bad debt losses, they will be subject to federal income tax at the then current corporate rate. Retained earnings include approximately $625,000, $525,000 and $300,000 at September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for which federal income tax has not been provided.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 12: Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income represents the sum of net income and items of “other comprehensive income” that are reported directly in stockholders’ equity, such as the change during the period in the after-tax net unrealized gain or loss on securities available-for-sale.

The Company’s other comprehensive income is summarized as follows for the dated indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              
(Dollars in Thousands)                         

Net unrealized holding loss arising during the year:

        

Available for sale securities, net of related income tax benefit of $726, $(471), $112 and $48, respectively

   $ 1,893      $ (1,071   $ 263      $ 112   

Forward delivery commitments, net of related income tax expense of $(1), $(10), $6 and $8, respectively

     (3     (23     15        20   

FAS 159 reclassification on July 1, 2007

     —          —            118   

Change in effective tax rate (on beginning balance of other comprehensive loss of ($908) at July 1, 2008)

     —          —            (114

Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain included in net income, net of related income tax expense of $0, $17, $16 and $22, respectively

     —          (40     (38     (50
                                

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 1,890      $ (1,134   $ 240      $ 86   
                                

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 13: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Years Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008    2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)             
(Dollars in Thousands)                        

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

         

Cash paid during the year for interest

   $ 1,340      $ 1,562    $ 6,127      $ 6,565   

Cash paid during the year for income taxes

     —          321      1,475        919   

Non-Cash Investing Activities

         

Increase in market value of securities available for sale

   $ (2,705   $ 1,587    $ (321   $ (88

Mortgage servicing rights capitalized

     234        80      1,154        338   

ESOP shares released

     34        30      114        137   

NOTE 14: Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by 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 Bank’s 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 classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of tangible and core capital (as defined in the regulations) to total adjusted assets (as defined), and of risk-based capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined). Management believes, as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. Nothing has come to management’s attention which would cause the Bank’s well capitalized category to change subsequent to January 5, 2010.

The most recent notification from the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) (as of January 5, 2009) categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well-capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum tangible, core, and risk-based ratios as set forth in the table below. The Bank’s actual capital amounts (in thousands) and ratios are presented in the table below:

 

F-30


Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 14: Regulatory Capital Requirements — continued

 

     Actual     Minimum Capital
Requirement
   Minimum To Be Well
Capitalized Under Prompt
Corrective Action Provisions
 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio  
(Dollars in Thousands)                                      

September 30, 2009 (Unaudited):

                

Total Risk-based Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                

Consolidated

   $ 34,711    16.65   $ 16,678    8.0%    $ N/A    N/A

Bank

     28,272    13.72        16,487    8.0      20,609    10.0   

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                

Consolidated

     34,117    16.36        8,339    4.0      N/A    N/A   

Bank

     27,677    13.43        8,244    4.0      12,365    6.0   

Tier I Capital to Adjusted Total Assets

                

Consolidated

     34,117    11.42        8,965    3.0      N/A    N/A   

Bank

     27,677    9.45        8,782    3.0      14,637    5.0   

Tangible Capital to Adjusted Total Assets

                

Consolidated

     34,117    11.42        4,482    1.5      N/A    N/A   

Bank

     27,677    9.45        4,391    1.5      N/A    N/A   

June 30, 2009:

                

Total Risk-based Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                

Consolidated

   $ 33,886    16.61   $ 16,318    8.00%    $ N/A    N/A %

Bank

     27,592    13.66        16,157    8.00      20,196    10.00   

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                

Consolidated

     33,374    16.36        8,159    4.00      N/A    N/A  

Bank

     27,079    13.41        8,078    4.00      12,118    6.00   

Tier I Capital to Adjusted Total Assets

                

Consolidated

     33,374    11.50        8,709    3.00      N/A    N/A  

Bank

     27,079    9.53        8,522    3.00      14,203    5.00   

Tangible Capital to Adjusted Total Assets

                

Consolidated

     33,374    11.50        4,354    1.50      N/A    N/A  

Bank

     27,079    9.53        4,261    1.50      N/A    N/A  
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio  

June 30, 2008:

                   

Total Risk-based Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                

Consolidated

   $ 31,875    16.24   $ 15,702    8.00%    $ N/A    N/A %

Bank

     26,192    13.43        15,599    8.00      19,498    10.00   

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                

Consolidated

     31,611    16.11        7,851    4.00      N/A    N/A  

Bank

     25,928    13.30        7,799    4.00      11,699    6.00   

Tier I Capital to Adjusted Total Assets

                

Consolidated

     31,611    11.25        8,433    3.00      N/A    N/A  

Bank

     25,928    9.40        8,272    3.00      13,787    5.00   

Tangible Capital to Adjusted Total Assets

                

Consolidated

     31,611    11.25        4,216    1.50      N/A    N/A  

Bank

     25,928    9.40        4,136    1.50      N/A    N/A  

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 14: Regulatory Capital Requirements — continued

A reconciliation of the Bank’s capital (in thousands) determined by generally accepted accounting principles to capital defined for regulatory purposes, is as follows:

 

     September 30,
2009
    June 30,  
     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              
(Dollars in Thousands)                   

Capital determined by generally accepted accounting principles

   $ 28,976      $ 26,687      $ 25,282   

Unrealized (gain) loss on securities available-for-sale

     (1,255     439        678   

Unrealized gain on forward delivery commitments

     (44     (47     (32
                        

Tier I (core) capital

     27,677        27,079        25,928   

General allowance for loan losses

     595        513        264   
                        

Total risk based capital

   $ 28,272      $ 27,592      $ 26,192   
                        

Dividend Limitations

Under OTS regulations that became effective April 1, 1999, savings associations such as the Bank generally may declare annual cash dividends up to an amount equal to net income for the current year plus net income retained for the two preceding years. Dividends in excess of such amount require OTS approval. The Bank has paid dividends totaling $250,000, $1,552,000 and $1,600,000 to the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The Company had paid a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share to its shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited), four quarterly dividends of $0.255 per share to its shareholders for the year ended June 30, 2009, and four quarterly dividends of $0.24 per share to its shareholders for the year ended June 30, 2008.

Liquidation Rights

All depositors who had liquidation rights with respect to the Bank as of the effective date of the Reorganization continue to have such rights solely with respect to the Mutual Holding Company, as long as they continue to hold deposit accounts with the Bank. In addition, all persons who become depositors of the Bank subsequent to the Reorganization will have liquidation rights with respect to the Mutual Holding Company.

NOTE 15: Related Party Transactions

The Bank has contracted with a subsidiary of a company which is partially owned by one of the Company’s directors. The Bank paid $18,000 and $54,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and the year ended June 30, 2009 for support services, respectively, and an additional $58,000 and $83,041 for computer hardware and software used by the Bank for its computer network, respectively. For the year ended June 30, 2008, expenditures were $35,000 for support services and $137,000 for computer hardware and software.

NOTE 15: Related Party Transactions — continued

In 2007, the Bank also made a construction loan, in the normal course of lending, to this same affiliated entity for the construction of an office building. At the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, $0 and $6,011,000 ($1,570,000 net of participation sold) had been disbursed, respectively. In fiscal 2008 the construction was completed and the loan was refinanced into $7,500,000 permanent financing. On July 9, 2008, 80%, or $6.0 million was sold to the Montana Board of Investments. As of September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009, this loan’s principal balance was $7,250,000 ($1,450,000 net of participation sold)-and $7,301,000 ($722,000 net of participation sold), respectively. The Bank maintains the servicing for this loan.

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 16: Employee Benefits

Profit Sharing Plan

The Company provides a noncontributory profit sharing plan for eligible employees who have completed one year of service. The amount of the Company’s annual contribution, limited to a maximum of 15% of qualified employees’ salaries, is determined by the Board of Directors. Profit sharing expense was $43,000, $42,000, $182,000 and $159,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The Company’s profit sharing plan includes a 401(k) feature. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company may match up to 50% of participants’ contributions up to a maximum of 4% of participants’ salaries. For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company’s match totaled $12,000, $12,000, $47,000 and $43,000, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plans

The Company has entered into deferred compensation contracts with current key employees. The contracts provide fixed benefits payable in equal annual installments upon retirement. The Company purchased life insurance contracts that may be used to fund the payments. The charge to expense is based on the present value computations of anticipated liabilities. For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the total expense was $27,000, $26,000, $102,000 and $105,000, respectively. The Company has recorded a liability for the deferred compensation plan of $912,000, $908,000 and $890,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which is included in the balance of accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

The Company has established an ESOP for eligible employees who meet certain age and service requirements. At inception the ESOP borrowed $368,000 from Eagle Bancorp and used the funds to purchase 46,006 shares of common stock, at $8 per share, in the offering. The Bank makes periodic contributions to the ESOP sufficient to satisfy the debt service requirements of the loan that has a ten-year term and bears interest at 8%. The ESOP uses these contributions, and any dividends received by the ESOP on unallocated shares, to make principal and interest payments on the loan.

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 16: Employee Benefits — continued

Employee Stock Ownership Plan — continued

Shares purchased by the ESOP are held in a suspense account by the plan trustee until allocated to participant accounts. Shares released from the suspense account are allocated to participants on the basis of their relative compensation in the year of allocation. Participants become vested in the allocated shares over a period not to exceed seven years. Any forfeited shares are allocated to other participants in the same proportion as contributions.

Total ESOP expenses of $107,000 and $128,000 were recognized in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively, for 4,600 shares committed to be released to participants during the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 with respect to the plan years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. The cost of the 2,306 ESOP shares ($18,000 at June 30, 2009) that have not yet been allocated or committed to be released to participants is deducted from stockholders’ equity. The fair value of these shares was approximately $65,000 at that date.

Stock Incentive Plan

The Company adopted the Stock Incentive Plan (“the Plan”) on October 19, 2000. The Plan provides for different types of awards including stock options, restricted stock and performance shares. Under the Plan, 23,000 shares of restricted stock were granted to directors and certain officers during fiscal 2001. These shares of restricted stock vest in equal installments over five years beginning one year from the grant date.

There were no stock options granted under the Plan as of September 30, 2009.

NOTE 17: Financial Instruments and Off-Balance-Sheet Activities

All financial instruments held or issued by the Company are held or issued for purposes other than trading. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and forward delivery commitments for the sale of whole loans to the secondary market.

Commitments to extend credit — In response to marketplace demands, the Company routinely makes commitments to extend credit for fixed rate and variable rate loans with or without rate lock guarantees. When rate lock guarantees are made to customers, the Company becomes subject to market risk for changes in interest rates that occur between the rate lock date and the date that a firm commitment to purchase the loan is made by a secondary market investor.

Generally, as interest rates increase, the market value of the loan commitment goes down. The opposite effect takes place when interest rates decline.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as the borrower satisfies the Company’s underwriting standards and related provisions of the borrowing agreements. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments to extend credit as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. Collateral is required for substantially all loans, and normally consists of real property. The Company’s experience has been that substantially all loan commitments are completed or terminated by the borrower within 3 to 12 months.

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 17: Financial Instruments and Off-Balance-Sheet Activities — continued

The notional amounts of the Company’s commitments to extend credit at fixed and variable interest rates were approximately $8,789,000, $12,440,000 and $8,374,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Fixed rate commitments are extended at rates ranging from 4.38% to 8.00%, 4.50% to 8.0% and 4.50% to 6.75% at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company has lines of credit representing credit risk of approximately $56,333,000, $52,288,000 and $43,751,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of which approximately $29,442,000, $26,838,000 and $21,026,000 had been drawn at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company has credit cards issued representing credit risk of approximately $690,000, $675,000 and $640,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of which approximately $31,000, $21,000 and $24,000 had been drawn at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company has letters of credits issued representing credit risk of approximately $2,242,000, $1,347,000 and $2,440,000 at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Forward delivery commitments — The Company uses mandatory sell forward delivery commitments to sell whole loans. These commitments are also used as a hedge against exposure to interest-rate risks resulting from rate locked loan origination commitments on certain mortgage loans held-for-sale. Gains and losses in the items hedged are deferred and recognized in other comprehensive income until the commitments are completed. At the completion of the commitments the gains and losses are recognized in the Company’s income statement.

As of September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company had entered into commitments to deliver approximately $3,437,000, $5,344,000 and $7,425,000 respectively, in loans to various investors, all at fixed interest rates ranging from 4.25% to 5.38%, 4.25% to 5.63% and 5.25% to 6.38%, at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company had approximately $63,000, $68,000 and $46,000 of gains deferred as a result of the forward delivery commitments entered into as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The total amount of the gain is expected to be taken into income within the next twelve months.

The Company did not have any gains or losses reclassified into earnings as a result of the ineffectiveness of its hedging activities. The Company considers its hedging activities to be highly effective.

The Company did not have any gains or losses reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges because it was probable that the original forecasted transaction would not occur by the end of the originally specified time frame as of September 30, 2009.

The Company has no other off-balance-sheet arrangements or transactions with unconsolidated, special purpose entities that would expose the Company to liability that is not reflected on the face of the financial statements.

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 18: Fair Value Disclosures

SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

SFAS 157 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement costs). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

Level 3 Inputs — Significant unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 18: Fair Value Disclosures — continued

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

In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

Available for Sale Securities — Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayments speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Impaired Loans — Impaired loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on internally customized discounting criteria.

Preferred Stock — SFAS 159 — Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayments speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Loans Held for Sale — These loans are reported at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is determined based on expected proceeds based on sales contracts and commitments and are considered Level 2 inputs.

Mortgage Servicing Rights — Fair values are estimated by stratifying the mortgage servicing portfolio into groups of loans with similar financial characteristics, such as loan type, interest rate, and expected maturity. The Company obtains market survey data estimates and bid quotations from secondary market investors who regularly purchase mortgage servicing rights. Assumptions regarding loan payoffs are determined using historical information on segmented loan categories for nonspecific borrowers.

Repossessed Assets – Repossessed including foreclosed real estate are reported at fair value less estimated costs to dispose of the property using Level 2 inputs. The fair values are determined by appraisals using valuation techniques consistent with the market approach using recent sales of comparable properties. In cases where such inputs are unobservable, the balance is reflected within the Level 3 hierarchy.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009 and 2008, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (dollars in thousands):

NOTE 18: Fair Value Disclosures — continued

 

     September 30, 2009
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)    Level 1
Inputs
   Level 2
Inputs
   Level 3
Inputs
   Total Fair
Value

Available for sale securities

   $ —      $ 92,100    $ —      $ 92,100

Preferred stock - SFAS 159

        108         108

Loans held-for-sale

        3,494         3,494
     June 30, 2009
     Level 1
Inputs
   Level 2
Inputs
   Level 3
Inputs
   Total Fair
Value

Available for sale securities

   $ —      $ 82,263      —      $ 82,263

Preferred stock - SFAS 159

        25         25

Loans held-for-sale

        5,349         5,349
     June 30, 2008
     Level 1
Inputs
   Level 2
Inputs
   Level 3
Inputs
   Total Fair
Value

Available for sale securities

   $ —      $ 78,417    $ —      $ 78,417

Preferred stock - SFAS 159

        1,321         1,321

Loans held-for-sale

        7,370         7,370

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The following table summarizes financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (dollars in thousands):

 

     September 30, 2009
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)    Level 1
Inputs
   Level 2
Inputs
   Level 3
Inputs
   Total Fair
Value

Financial assets:

           

Impaired loans

   $ —      $ —      $ 3    $ 3

Mortgage servicing rights

        2,315         2,315

Nonfinancial assets:

           

Repossessed assets

        163      
     June 30, 2009
     Level 1
Inputs
   Level 2
Inputs
   Level 3
Inputs
   Total Fair
Value

Impaired loans

   $ —      $ 3    $ —      $ 3

Mortgage servicing rights

        2,389         2,389
     June 30, 2008
     Level 1
Inputs
   Level 2
Inputs
   Level 3
Inputs
   Total Fair
Value

Impaired loans

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

Mortgage servicing rights

        1,652         1,652

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 18: Fair Value Disclosures — continued

As of September 30, 2009, certain impaired loans were remeasured and reported at fair value through a specific valuation allowance allocation of the allowance for loan losses based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral. Impaired loans with a carrying value of $3,175 were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $30,469 to a total reported fair value of $3,175 based on collateral valuations utilizing Level 3 valuation inputs.

During the year ended June 30, 2009, certain impaired loans were remeasured and reported at fair value through a specific valuation allowance allocation of the allowance for possible loan losses based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral. Impaired loans with a carrying value of $15,000 were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $12,000 to a total reported fair value of $3,000 based on collateral valuations utilizing Level 2 valuation inputs.

As of September 30, 2009, mortgage servicing rights were remeasured and reported at fair value through a valuation allowance based upon the fair value of the calculated servicing rights. Servicing rights with a carrying value of $2,315,000 were reduced by the valuation allowance totaling $0 to a total reported fair value of $2,315,000 based on collateral valuations utilizing Level 2 valuation inputs.

As of June 30, 2009, mortgage servicing rights were remeasured and reported at fair value through a valuation allowance based upon the fair value of the calculated servicing rights. Servicing rights with a carrying value of $2,208,000 were reduced by the valuation allowance totaling $0 to a total reported fair value of $2,208,000 based on collateral valuations utilizing Level 2 valuation inputs.

Repossessed assets including foreclosed real estate owned are valued at the time the loan is foreclosed upon and the asset is transferred from loans. The value is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell. The appraisals are generally discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. Such discounts are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Repossessed assets are reviewed and evaluated on at least an annual basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above. During the 3 months ended September 30, 2009, there were no write-downs that were charged to the consolidated income statements.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 18: Fair Value Disclosures — continued

Those financial instruments not subject to the initial implementation of SFAS 157 are required under SFAS 107 to disclose the fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the statement of financial position, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Below is a table that summarizes the fair market values of all financial instruments of the Company at September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and June 30, 2009, followed by methods and assumptions that were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of the classes of financial instruments not covered by SFAS 157.

The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

 

    

September 30,

2009

   June 30,
     (Unaudited)    2009    2008
     Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
(Dollars in Thousands)                  

Financial Assets:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,842    $ 7,842    $ 6,328    $ 6,328    $ 4,090    $ 4,090

Securities held-to-maturity

     265      271      375      384      697      708

FHLB stock

     2,000      2,000      2,000      2,000      1,715      1,715

Loans receivable, net

     168,185      173,540      167,197      172,408      168,149      169,027

Cash value of life insurance

     6,544      6,544      6,496      6,496      6,285      6,285

Financial Liabilities:

                 

Deposits

     107,395      107,395      100,997      100,997      94,518      94,518

Time certificates of deposit

     87,685      89,575      86,202      88,284      84,333      85,241

Advances from the FHLB & other borrowings

     66,639      70,542      67,056      70,524      65,222      66,575

Subordinated debentures

     5,155      3,718      5,155      3,899      5,155      4,833

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

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 18: Fair Value Disclosures — continued

Cash and interest-bearing accounts — The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time between the origination of these instruments and their expected realization.

Stock in the FHLB — The fair value of stock in the FHLB approximates redemption value.

Loans receivable — Fair values are estimated by stratifying the loan portfolio into groups of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as real estate, commercial, and consumer, with each category further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms.

For mortgage loans, the Company uses the secondary market rates in effect for loans that have similar characteristics. The fair value of other fixed rate loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the anticipated maturities adjusted for prepayment estimates. Adjustable interest rate loans are assumed to approximate fair value because they generally reprice within the short term.

Fair values are adjusted for credit risk based on assessment of risk identified with specific loans, and risk adjustments on the remaining portfolio based on credit loss experience.

Assumptions regarding credit risk are judgmentally determined using specific borrower information, internal credit quality analysis, and historical information on segmented loan categories for non-specific borrowers.

Cash surrender value of life insurance — The carrying amount for cash surrender value of life insurance approximates fair value as policies are recorded at redemption value.

Deposits and time certificates of deposit — The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as checking, passbook, and money market, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of time certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar maturities.

Advances from the FHLB & Subordinated Debentures — The fair value of the Company’s advances and debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on the interest rate that would be effective September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively if the borrowings repriced according to their stated terms.

NOTE 19: Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements

Set forth below is the condensed statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited)and June 30, 2009 and 2008, of Eagle Bancorp together with the related condensed statements of operations and cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 19: Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements — continued

Condensed Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     September 30,
2009
   June 30,
          2009    2008
     (Unaudited)          

Assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 542    $ 318    $ 237

Securities available for sale

     5,673      5,491      4,666

Preferred stock - SFAS 159

     13      25      141

Investment in Eagle Bancorp Statutory Trust I

     155      155      155

Investment in American Federal Savings Bank

     28,977      26,688      25,282

Other assets

     235      283      321
                    

Total assets

   $ 35,595    $ 32,960    $ 30,802
                    

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

        

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 13    $ 13    $ 13

Long-term subordinated debt

     5,155      5,155      5,155

Stockholders' Equity

     30,427      27,792      25,634
                    

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

   $ 30,595    $ 32,960    $ 30,802
                    

Condensed Statements of Operations

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              

Interest income

   $ 101      $ 71      $ 146      $ 166   

Interest expense

     (78     (78     (310     (310

Noninterest expense. Net

     (30     (148     (114     (117
                                

Loss before income taxes

     (7     (155     (278     (261

Income tax benefit

     (2     (89     (83     (144
                                

Loss before equity in undistributed earnings of American Federal Savings Bank

     (5     (66     (195     (117

Equity in earnings (loss) of American Federal Savings Bank

     848        (34     2,583        2,227   
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 843      $ (100   $ 2,388      $ 2,110   
                                

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 19: Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements — continued

Condensed Statements of Cash Flow

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Years ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited)              

Cash flows from operating activities

        

Net income (loss)

   $ 843      $ (66   $ 2,388      $ 2,110   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

        

Equity in earnings of American Federal Savings Bank

     (848     —          (2,583     (2,227

Other adjustments, net

     (55     10        94        6   
                                

Net cash used in operating activities

     (60     (56     (101     (111

Cash flows from investing activities

        

Dividends received from American Federal Savings Bank

     250        802        1,302        1,600   

Activity in available for sale securities

        

Sales

     —          87        89        —     

Maturities, prepayments and calls

     167        61        279        89   

Purchases

     —          (814     (1,152     (908
                                

Net cash provided by investing activities

     417        136        518        781   

Cash flows from financing activities

        

ESOP payments and dividends

     1        2        120        146   

Payments to purchase treasury stock

     (23     (21     (21     (254

Dividends paid

     (111     (109     (435     (415
                                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (133     (128     (336     (523

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     224        (48     81        147   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     318        237        237        90   
                                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 542      $ 189      $ 318      $ 237   
                                

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 20: Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following is a condensed summary of quarterly results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)                    Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2009

(Unaudited)
 

Interest and dividend income

           $ 3,724   

Interest expense

             1,341   
                

Net interest income

             2,383   

Loan loss provision

             135   

Net interest income after loan loss provision

             2,248   

Non interest income

             1,061   

Non interest expense

             2,103   
                

Income before income tax expense

             1,206   

Income tax expense

             362   
                

Net income

           $ 844   
                

Comprehensive income (loss)

           $ 1,890   
                

Basic earnings per common share

           $ 0.79  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

           $ 0.69  
                
     Year ended June 30, 2009  
     First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
   Third
Quarter
   Fourth
Quarter
 
          

Interest and dividend income

   $ 3,816      $ 3,943    $ 3,822    $ 3,760   

Interest expense

     1,580        1,575      1,512      1,441   
                              

Net interest income

     2,236        2,368      2,310      2,319   

Loan loss provision

     —          34      72      151   

Net interest income after loan loss provision

     2,236        2,334      2,238      2,168   

Non interest income

     (504     444      1,526      1,533   

Non interest expense

     1,849        2,056      2,251      2,407   
                              

Income before income tax expense

     (117     722      1,513      1,294   

Income tax expense

     (17     198      454      389   
                              

Net income

   $ (100   $ 524    $ 1,059    $ 905   
                              

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (1,134   $ 308    $ 374    $ 692   
                              

Basic (loss) earnings per common share

   $ (0.09 )   $ 0.49    $ 0.99    $ 0.84  
                              

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share

   $ (0.08 )   $ 0.43    $ 0.87    $ 0.74  
                              
     Year ended June 30, 2008  

Interest and dividend income

   $ 3,408      $ 3,494    $ 3,474    $ 3,713   

Interest expense

     1,699        1,717      1,639      1,598   
                              

Net interest income

     1,709        1,777      1,835      2,115   

Loan loss provision

     —          —        —        (175

Net interest income after loan loss provision

     1,709        1,777      1,835      2,290   

Non interest income

     584        269      619      752   

Non interest expense

     1,668        1,787      1,761      1,847   
                              

Income before income tax expense

     625        259      693      1,195   

Income tax expense

     161        40      155      306   
                              

Net income

   $ 464      $ 219    $ 538    $ 889   
                              

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 556      $ 215    $ 236    $ (921
                              

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.43     $ 0.20    $ 0.50    $ (0.83 )
                              

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.38     $ 0.18    $ 0.44    $ (0.73 )
                              

 

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EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 21: Subsequent Events

The Board announced on July 16, 2009 the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.26 per share for the fourth quarter. It is payable August 28, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business August 7, 2009. Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp’s mutual holding company, has waived its right to receive dividends on the 648,493 shares of Eagle Bancorp that Eagle Financial MHC holds. Total net dividends paid was $111,000, $109,000, $435,000, and $415,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Total dividends waived by the mutual holding company was $169,000, $165,000, $661,000, and $622,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and 2008 (unaudited) and the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 22: Plan of Conversion and Reorganization

On December 2, 2009, the Board of Directors of Eagle Financial MHC approved a plan of conversion and reorganization under which Eagle Financial MHC would convert from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company. The conversion to a stock holding company is subject to approval of the members of Eagle Financial MHC and the OTS and includes the filing of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If such approvals are obtained, Eagle Financial MHC and Eagle Bancorp will cease to exist as separate legal entities and a stock holding company, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (of which the Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary) will issue and sell shares of capital stock to eligible depositors and borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank and the public.

The cost of conversion and issuing the capital stock will be deferred and deducted from the proceeds of the offering. In the event the conversion and offering are not completed, any deferral costs will be charged to operations. Through September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had not incurred any conversion costs.

In accordance with OTS regulations, at the time of the conversion from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company, American Federal Savings Bank will substantially restrict retained earnings by establishing a liquidation account. The liquidation account will be maintained for the benefit of eligible account holders who continue to maintain their accounts at American Federal Savings Bank after conversion. The liquidation account will be reduced annually to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases will not restore an eligible account holder’s interest in the liquidation account.

In the event of a complete liquidation of American Federal Savings Bank, and only in such event, each account holder will be entitled to receive a distribution from the liquidation account in an amount proportionate to the adjusted qualifying account balances then held. American Federal Savings Bank may not pay dividends if those dividends would reduce equity capital below the required liquidation account amount.

 

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No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation other than as contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, such other information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. or American Federal Savings Bank. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. or American Federal Savings Bank since any of the dates as of which information is furnished herein or since the date hereof.

Up to 2,760,000 Shares of Common Stock

(Subject to Increase to up to 3,174,000 Shares)

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

(Proposed Holding Company for American Federal Savings Bank)

COMMON STOCK

par value $0.01 per share

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

Stifel Nicolaus

[Prospectus date]

 

 

These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not federally insured or guaranteed.

 

 

Until                      2010, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 

 


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LETTER TO EAGLE BANCORP PUBLIC STOCKHOLDERS (Registered and Street Name)

[Eagle Bancorp Letterhead]

Dear Stockholder:

Eagle Bancorp is soliciting stockholder votes regarding the mutual-to-stock conversion of Eagle Financial MHC. Pursuant to a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”), our organization will convert from a partially public company to a fully public company by selling a minimum of 2,040,000 shares of common stock of a newly formed company which will become the holding company for American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

The Proxy Vote

We have received conditional regulatory approval to implement the Plan, however we must also receive the approval of our stockholders. Enclosed is a Proxy Statement/Prospectus describing the proposal before our stockholders. Please promptly vote the enclosed Proxy Card. Our Board of Directors urges you to vote “FOR” the Plan.

The Exchange

At the conclusion of the conversion, your shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock will be exchanged for new shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. The number of new shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock that you receive will be based on an exchange ratio that is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Shortly after the completion of the conversion, our exchange agent will send a transmittal form to each stockholder of Eagle Bancorp who holds stock certificates. The transmittal form explains the procedure to follow to exchange your shares. Please do not deliver your certificate(s) before you receive the transmittal form. Shares of Eagle Bancorp that are held in street name (e.g. in a brokerage account) will be converted automatically at the conclusion of the conversion; no action or documentation is required of you.

The Stock Offering

We are offering the shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. for sale at $10.00 per share. The shares are being offered in a Subscription Offering to eligible customers of American Federal Savings Bank. If all shares are not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering, shares are expected to be available in a Community Offering, to Eagle Bancorp public stockholders and others not eligible to place orders in the Subscription Offering. If you may be interested in purchasing shares of our common stock, contact our Stock Information Center to receive a stock order form and prospectus. The stock offering period is expected to expire on March     , 2010 .

If you have any questions please refer to the Questions & Answers section herein.

We thank you for your support as a stockholder of Eagle Bancorp.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Johnson

President and Chief Executive Officer

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

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PROSPECTUS OF EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT OF EAGLE BANCORP

American Federal Savings Bank is converting from a mutual holding company structure to a fully-public ownership structure. Currently, American Federal Savings Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp, and Eagle Financial MHC owns approximately 60.4% of Eagle Bancorp’s common stock. The remaining 39.6% of Eagle Bancorp’s common stock is owned by public stockholders. As a result of the conversion, our newly formed company, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., will become the parent of American Federal Savings Bank. Each share of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned by the public will be exchanged for between 3.1458 and 4.256 shares of common stock of Eagle Montana, so that Eagle Bancorp’s existing public stockholders will own the same percentage of Eagle Montana common stock as they owned of Eagle Bancorp’s common stock immediately prior to the conversion, excluding new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash issued in lieu of fractional exchange shares. The actual number of shares that you will receive will depend on the percentage of Eagle Bancorp common stock held by the public at the completion of the conversion, the final independent appraisal of Eagle Montana and the number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock sold in the offering described in the following paragraph. It will not depend on the market price of Eagle Bancorp common stock. See “Proposal 1—Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders” for a discussion of the exchange ratio. Based on the $            per share closing price of Eagle Bancorp common stock as of the last trading day prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, unless at least              shares of Eagle Montana common stock are sold in the offering (which is between the              and              of the offering range), the initial value of the Eagle Montana common stock you receive in the share exchange would be less than the market value of the Eagle Bancorp common stock you currently own. See “Risk Factors—The market value of Eagle Montana common stock received in the share exchange may be less than the market value of Eagle Bancorp common stock exchanged.”

Concurrently with the exchange offer, we are offering up to 2,760,000 shares of common stock of Eagle Montana, representing the 60.4% ownership interest of Eagle Financial MHC in Eagle Bancorp, for sale to eligible depositors, certain borrowers and to the public at a price of $10.00 per share. The conversion of Eagle Financial MHC and the offering and exchange of common stock by Eagle Montana is referred to herein as the “conversion and offering.” After the conversion and offering are completed, American Federal Savings Bank will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eagle Montana, and 100% of the common stock of Eagle Montana will be owned by public stockholders. As a result of the conversion and offering, Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC will cease to exist.

Eagle Bancorp’s common stock is currently traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol “EBMT.” We have applied to list Eagle Montana’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “EBMT”. However, for the first 20 trading days, Eagle Montana common stock will trade with the symbol “EBMTD.”

The conversion and offering cannot be completed unless the stockholders of Eagle Bancorp approve the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Eagle Financial MHC, referred to herein as the “plan of conversion”. Eagle Bancorp is holding a special meeting of stockholders at                                                              , Helena, Montana, on [Meeting Date], at              .m., local time, to consider and vote upon the plan of conversion. Eagle Bancorp’s board of directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the plan of conversion.

This document serves as the proxy statement for the special meeting of stockholders of Eagle Bancorp and the prospectus for the shares of Eagle Montana common stock to be issued in exchange for shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock. We urge you to read this entire document carefully. You can also obtain information about us from documents that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Office of Thrift Supervision. This document does not serve as the prospectus relating to the offering by Eagle Montana of its shares of common stock in the offering, which will be made pursuant to a separate prospectus.

This proxy statement/prospectus contains information that you should consider in evaluating the plan of conversion. In particular, you should carefully read the section captioned “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 for a discussion of certain risk factors relating to the conversion and offering.

These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

For answers to your questions, please read this proxy statement/prospectus, including the Questions and Answers section, beginning on page 1. Questions about voting on the plan of conversion and related documents may be directed to our proxy information agent Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC at 1-888-742-1305, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time.

The date of this proxy statement/prospectus is                     , 2010, and is first being mailed to stockholders of Eagle Bancorp on or about                     , 2010.


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EAGLE BANCORP

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

(406) 442-3080

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

On [Meeting Date], Eagle Bancorp will hold a special meeting of stockholders at                                                              . The meeting will begin at     :00     .m., local time. At the meeting, stockholders will consider and act on the following:

 

  1. The approval of a plan of conversion and reorganization pursuant to which: (a) Eagle Bancorp will convert to an interim federal stock savings association and merge with and into American Federal Savings Bank, with American Federal Savings Bank being the surviving entity, (b) Eagle Financial MHC, which currently owns approximately 60.4% of the common stock of Eagle Bancorp, will convert to an interim federal stock savings association and merge with and into American Federal Savings Bank, with American Federal Savings Bank being the surviving entity, (c) an interim stock savings association will be formed as a subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation recently formed to be the holding company for American Federal Savings Bank, and then will merge into American Federal Savings Bank, with American Federal Savings Bank being the surviving entity, (d) the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp, other than those held by Eagle Financial MHC, will be converted into shares of common stock of Eagle Montana, and (e) Eagle Montana will offer shares of its common stock for sale in a subscription offering and community offering, and, if necessary, a syndicated community offering;

 

  2. The approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the plan of conversion and reorganization;

 

  3. The following informational proposals:

 

  3a. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors;

 

  3b. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit business combinations with interested stockholders;

 

  3c. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote to approve certain amendments to Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation;

 

  3d. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder proposed amendments to Eagle Montana’s bylaws;

 

  3e. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of Eagle Montana’s outstanding voting stock; and

 

  4. Such other business that may properly come before the meeting.

NOTE: The board of directors is not aware of any other business to come before the meeting.

The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals 3a through 3e were approved as part of the process in which our boards of directors approved the plan of conversion and reorganization (referred to herein as the “plan of conversion”). These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Office of Thrift Supervision’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion. While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals.

The board of directors has fixed                     , 2010, as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and at an adjournment or postponement thereof.

Upon written request addressed to the Corporate Secretary of Eagle Bancorp at the address given above, stockholders may obtain an additional copy of this proxy statement/prospectus and/or a copy of the plan of conversion. In order to assure timely receipt of the additional copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and/or the plan of conversion, the written request should be received by Eagle Bancorp by                     , 2010.


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Please complete and sign the enclosed proxy card, which is solicited by the board of directors, and mail it promptly in the enclosed envelope. If you prefer, you may vote by using the telephone or Internet, according to the instructions on the proxy card. The proxy will not be used if you attend the meeting and vote in person.

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
   
Peter J. Johnson
President and CEO

Helena, Montana

                     , 2010


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Questions and Answers for Stockholders of Eagle Bancorp Regarding the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization

   1

Summary

   4

Risk Factors

   12

Information About the Special Meeting

   19

Proposal 1 — Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization

   22

Proposal 2 — Adjournment of the Special Meeting

   37

Proposals 3a Through 3e — Informational Proposals Related to the Certificate of Incorporation of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

   37

Forward-Looking Statements

   41

Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries

   42

Recent Developments of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries

   44

How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering

   49

Our Policy Regarding Dividends

   51

Market for the Common Stock

   52

Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance

   53

Capitalization

   54

Pro Forma Data

   56

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

   63

Business of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

   75

Business of Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank

   76

Supervision and Regulation

   94

Taxation

   100

Management

   101

Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock

   110

Subscriptions by Directors and Executive Officers

   111

Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights for Existing Stockholders of Eagle Bancorp

   112

Restrictions on Acquisition of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

   116

Description of Capital Stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

   120

Transfer Agent

   121

Registration Requirements

   121

Experts

   121

Legal Matters

   121

Where You Can Find Additional Information

   121

Other Matters

   121


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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

FOR STOCKHOLDERS OF EAGLE BANCORP

REGARDING THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION

You should read this document for more information about the conversion and reorganization. The plan of conversion and reorganization described herein (referred to as the “plan of conversion”), has been conditionally approved by Eagle Bancorp’s primary federal regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion by that agency.

 

Q. WHAT ARE STOCKHOLDERS BEING ASKED TO APPROVE?

 

A. Eagle Bancorp stockholders as of                     , 2010 are being asked to vote on the plan of conversion of Eagle Financial MHC. Pursuant to the plan of conversion, Eagle Financial MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form to the stock form of organization. As part of the conversion, our newly formed Delaware corporation, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is currently conducting an offering of common stock to eligible depositors and certain borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank, eligible Eagle Bancorp stockholders and to the public. The shares offered represent Eagle Financial MHC’s current 60.4% ownership interest in Eagle Bancorp. Voting for approval of the plan of conversion will also include approval of the exchange ratio, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana (including the anti-takeover provisions and provisions limiting stockholder rights) and the amendments to American Federal Savings Bank’s charter. Your vote is important. Without sufficient votes “FOR” its adoption, we cannot implement the plan of conversion.

In addition, Eagle Bancorp stockholders are being asked to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the plan of conversion.

Stockholders also are asked to vote on the following informational proposals with respect to the certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana:

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors;

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit business combinations with interested stockholders;

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote to approve certain amendments to Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation;

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder proposed amendments to Eagle Montana’s bylaws; and

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of Eagle Montana’s outstanding voting stock.

The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation that are included as informational proposals were approved as part of the process in which our boards of directors approved the plan of conversion. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Office of Thrift Supervision’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion. While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals. The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized above as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring, or rendering more difficult, attempts by third parties to obtain control of Eagle Montana if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.

Your vote is important. Without sufficient votes “FOR” adoption of the plan of conversion, we cannot implement the plan of conversion and complete the related stock offering.

 

Q. WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THE CONVERSION AND RELATED OFFERING?

 

A.

Our primary reasons for converting and raising additional capital through the offering are: (1) to support internal growth through lending in the communities we serve; (2) to improve our capital position during a period of significant economic uncertainty, especially for the financial industry (as of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank was considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes and is not subject to any directive or a recommendation from the Office of Thrift Supervision to raise capital); (3) to finance the acquisition of financial institutions or other financial service companies primarily in, or adjacent to south central Montana, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction; (4) to finance the acquisition of branches from other financial institutions primarily in, or adjacent to south central Montana, although we do not currently have any agreements or understandings regarding any specific branch acquisition transaction; (5) to enhance existing products and services, and support the

 

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development of new products and services by investing; (6) to improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock and enhance stockholder returns through higher earnings and more flexible capital management strategies; and (7) to use the additional capital for other general corporate purposes.

In addition, we believe that the additional capital raised in the offering may enable us to take advantage of business opportunities that may not otherwise be available to us.

 

Q. WHAT WILL STOCKHOLDERS RECEIVE FOR THEIR EXISTING EAGLE BANCORP SHARES?

 

A. As more fully described in “Proposal 1 — Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization — Share Exchange Ratio,” depending on the number of shares sold in the offering, each share of common stock that you own at the time of the completion of the conversion will be exchanged for between 3.1458 shares at the minimum and 4.8944 shares at the adjusted maximum of the offering range of Eagle Montana common stock (cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional exchange shares). For example, if you own 100 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock, and the exchange ratio is 3.7009 (at the midpoint of the offering range), after the conversion you will receive 370 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock, based on the $10.00 per share purchase price of stock in the offering.

Stockholders who hold shares in street-name at a brokerage firm do not need to take any action to exchange their shares of common stock. Your shares will be automatically exchanged within your brokerage account. Stockholders with stock certificates will receive a transmittal form with instructions on how to surrender stock certificates after completion of the conversion. You should not submit a stock certificate until you receive a transmittal form.

 

Q. WHY WILL THE SHARES THAT I RECEIVE BE BASED ON A PRICE OF $10.00 PER SHARE RATHER THAN THE TRADING PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK PRIOR TO COMPLETION OF THE CONVERSION?

 

A. The $10.00 per share price was selected primarily because it is a commonly selected per share price for mutual-to-stock conversion offerings. The amount of common stock Eagle Montana will issue in the offering and the exchange is based on an independent appraisal of the estimated market value of Eagle Montana, assuming the conversion and offering are completed. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., an appraisal firm experienced in appraisal of financial institutions, has estimated that, as of December 3, 2009, this market value ranged from $33.8 million to $45.7 million, with a midpoint of $39.8 million. Based on this valuation, the number of shares of common stock of Eagle Montana that existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will receive in exchange for their shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock will range from approximately 1.34 million to 1.81 million, with a midpoint of 1.58 million (with a value of approximately $13.4 million to $18.1 million, with a midpoint of $15.8 million, at $10.00 per share). The number of shares received by the existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp is intended to maintain their existing 39.6% ownership in our organization (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares). The independent appraisal is based in part on Eagle Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations, the pro forma impact of the additional capital raised by the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, and an analysis of a peer group of ten publicly traded savings bank and thrift holding companies that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered comparable to Eagle Bancorp.

 

Q. DOES THE EXCHANGE RATIO DEPEND ON THE TRADING PRICE OF EAGLE BANCORP COMMON STOCK?

 

A. No, the exchange ratio will not be based on the market price of Eagle Bancorp common stock. Therefore, changes in the price of Eagle Bancorp common stock between now and the completion of the conversion and offering will not affect the calculation of the exchange ratio.

 

Q. WHY DOESN’T EAGLE BANCORP WAIT TO CONDUCT THE CONVERSION AND OFFERING UNTIL THE STOCK MARKET IMPROVES SO THAT CURRENT STOCKHOLDERS CAN RECEIVE A HIGHER EXCHANGE RATIO?

 

A. The board of directors believes that because the stock holding company form of organization offers important advantages, it is in the best interest of our stockholders to complete the conversion and offering sooner rather than later. There is no way to know when market conditions will change or how they might change, or how changes in market conditions might affect stock prices for financial institutions. The board of directors concluded that it would be better to complete the conversion and offering now, under a valuation that offers a fair exchange ratio to existing stockholders and an attractive price to new investors, rather than wait an indefinite amount of time for market conditions that would result in a higher exchange ratio but a less attractive valuation for new investors.

 

Q. SHOULD I SUBMIT MY STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?

 

A. No. If you hold stock certificate(s), instructions for exchanging the shares will be sent to you after completion of the conversion. If your shares are held in “street name” ( e.g., in a brokerage account) rather than in certificate form, the share exchange will be reflected automatically in your account upon completion of the conversion.

 

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Q. HOW DO I VOTE?

 

A. Mark your vote, sign each proxy card enclosed and return the card(s) to us, in the enclosed proxy reply envelope. If you prefer, you may vote by telephone or Internet, in accordance with instructions on the proxy card. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY.

 

Q. IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN STREET NAME, WILL MY BROKER AUTOMATICALLY VOTE ON THE PLAN ON MY BEHALF?

 

A. No. Your broker will not be able to vote your shares without instructions from you. You should instruct your broker to vote your shares, using the directions that your broker provides to you.

 

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT VOTE?

 

A. Your vote is very important. Not voting all the proxy card(s) you receive will have the same effect as voting “against” the plan of conversion. Without sufficient favorable votes “for” the plan of conversion, we will not proceed with the conversion and offering.

 

Q. WHAT IF I DO NOT GIVE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS TO MY BROKER?

 

A. Your vote is important. If you do not instruct your broker to vote your shares, the unvoted proxy will have the same effect as a vote “against” the plan of conversion.

 

Q. MAY I PLACE AN ORDER TO PURCHASE SHARES IN THE OFFERING, IN ADDITION TO THE SHARES THAT I WILL RECEIVE IN THE EXCHANGE?

 

A. Yes. Eligible depositors and certain borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank have priority subscription rights allowing them to purchase common stock in a subscription offering. Shares not purchased in the subscription offering may be available for sale to the public, including Eagle Bancorp stockholders, in a community offering, as described herein. In the event orders for Eagle Montana common stock in a community offering exceed the number of shares available for sale, shares may be allocated (to the extent shares remain available) first to cover orders of natural persons residing in the State of Montana, next to cover orders of Eagle Bancorp stockholders as of                     , 2010, and thereafter to cover orders of other members of the general public. If you would like to receive a prospectus and stock order form, you must call our Stock Information Center at                             , Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time. The Stock Information Center is closed weekends and bank holidays. Please note that properly completed and signed stock order forms, with full payment, must be received (not postmarked) no later than 12:00 noon, Mountain Time on                     , 2010.

 

Q. WILL THE CONVERSION HAVE ANY EFFECT ON DEPOSIT AND LOAN ACCOUNTS AT AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK?

 

A. No. The account number, amount, interest rate and withdrawal rights of deposit accounts will remain unchanged. Deposits will continue to be federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the legal limit. Loans and rights of borrowers will not be affected. Depositors and borrowers will no longer have voting rights in Eagle Financial MHC, which will cease to exist, after the conversion and offering. Only stockholders of Eagle Montana will have voting rights after the conversion and offering.

Other Questions?

For answers to other questions, please read the proxy statement/prospectus. Questions about voting on the plan of conversion may be directed to our proxy information agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC, at 1-888-742-1305, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time. Questions about the stock offering may be directed to our Stock Information Center at 1-                            , Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time. The Stock Information Center is closed weekends and bank holidays.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights material information from this proxy statement/prospectus and may not contain all the information that is important to you. To understand the conversion and other proposals fully, you should read this entire document carefully, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Proposal 1 — Approval of The Plan of Conversion and Reorganization,” “Proposal 2 — Adjournment of the Special Meeting,” “Proposals 3a through 3e — Informational Proposals Related to the Certificate of Incorporation of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The Eagle Bancorp Special Meeting

Date, Time and Place. Eagle Bancorp will hold its special meeting of stockholders to consider and vote on the plan of conversion at                                                              , on                     , 2010, at     :00     .m., Mountain Time.

The Proposals. Stockholders will be voting on the following proposals at the special meeting:

 

  1. The approval of a plan of conversion and reorganization pursuant to which: (a) Eagle Bancorp will convert to an interim federal stock savings association and merge with and into American Federal Savings Bank, with American Federal Savings Bank being the surviving entity, (b) Eagle Financial MHC, which currently owns approximately 60.4% of the common stock of Eagle Bancorp, will convert to an interim federal stock savings association and merge with and into American Federal Savings Bank, with American Federal Savings Bank being the surviving entity, (c) an interim stock savings association will be formed as a subsidiary of Eagle Montana, a Delaware corporation recently formed to be the holding company for American Federal Savings Bank, and then will merge into American Federal Savings Bank, with American Federal Savings Bank being the surviving entity, (d) the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp, other than those held by Eagle Financial MHC, will be converted into shares of common stock of Eagle Montana, (e) Eagle Montana will offer shares of its common stock for sale in a subscription offering and community offering, and, if necessary, a syndicated community offering;

 

  2. The approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the plan of conversion and reorganization; and

 

  3. The following informational proposals:

 

  3a. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors;

 

  3b. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit business combinations with interested stockholders;

 

  3c. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote to approve certain amendments to Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation;

 

  3d. Approval of a Provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder proposed amendments to Eagle Montana’s bylaws;

 

  3e. Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of Eagle Montana’s outstanding voting stock; and

 

  4. Such other business that may properly come before the meeting.

The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals 3a through 3e were approved as part of the process in which our boards of directors approved the plan of conversion. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Office of Thrift Supervision’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion. While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals. The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring or rendering more difficult attempts by third parties to obtain control of Eagle Montana, if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.

Vote Required for Approval of Proposals by the Stockholders of Eagle Bancorp.

Proposal 1: Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization. We must obtain the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of                     , 2010, other than shares held by Eagle Financial MHC, and (ii) at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of                     , 2010, including shares held by Eagle Financial MHC.

 

 

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Proposal 2: Approval of the adjournment of the special meeting. We must obtain the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast by the holders of outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp as of                     , 2010, to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposal to approve the plan of conversion.

Informational Proposals 3a through 3e. The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals were approved as part of the process in which the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp approved the plan of conversion. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Office of Thrift Supervision’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion. While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals. The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring or rendering more difficult attempts by third parties to obtain control of Eagle Montana, if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.

Other Matters. We must obtain the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by holders of outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp.

Management anticipates that Eagle Financial MHC our majority stockholder, will vote all of its shares of common stock in favor of all the matters set forth above. If Eagle Financial MHC votes all of its shares in favor of each proposal, the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting if necessary, would be assured.

As of                     , 2010 the directors and executive officers of Eagle Bancorp beneficially owned              shares, or approximately             % of the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock and Eagle Financial MHC owned 648,493 shares, or approximately 60.4% of the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock.

Your board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the plan of conversion, “FOR” the adjournment of the special meeting and “FOR” the Informational Proposals 3a through 3e.

The Companies

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., or Eagle Montana, is a newly-formed Delaware corporation that was incorporated in December 2009 to be the successor corporation to Eagle Bancorp upon completion of the conversion. Eagle Montana will own all of the outstanding shares of common stock of American Federal Savings Bank upon completion of the conversion.

Eagle Montana’s executive offices are located at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601. Our telephone number at this address is (406) 442-3080.

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Financial MHC is the federally-chartered mutual holding company that was created on April 4, 2000 upon the conversion of American Federal Savings Bank to a federal stock savings bank. Eagle Financial MHC’s principal business activity is the ownership of 648,493 shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp, or 60.4% of the outstanding shares as of September 30, 2009. After the completion of the conversion, Eagle Financial MHC will cease to exist.

Eagle Bancorp

Eagle Bancorp is a federally-chartered stock holding company that owns all of the outstanding common stock of American Federal Savings Bank. Eagle Bancorp’s charter was approved on April 4, 2000, when it became the mid-tier stock holding company of American Federal Savings Bank. At September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp had consolidated assets of $300.7 million, deposits of $195.1 million and shareholders’ equity of $30.4 million. As of September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp had 1,074,507 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 648,493 shares were owned by Eagle Financial MHC and the remaining 426,014 shares were held by the public.

American Federal Savings Bank

American Federal Savings Bank is a federally-chartered savings bank headquartered in Helena, Montana. It was originally founded in 1922 as a Montana-chartered building and loan association. In 1975, it adopted a federal thrift charter and, in 2000, converted from the mutual (meaning no stockholders) structure into the mutual holding company structure.

Plan of Conversion and Reorganization

The Boards of Directors of Eagle Bancorp, Eagle Financial MHC, American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Montana have adopted a plan of conversion and reorganization, referred to herein as the “plan of conversion,” pursuant to which American Federal Savings Bank will reorganize from a mutual holding company structure to a stock form holding company structure. Public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will receive shares in Eagle Montana in exchange for their shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock based on an exchange ratio. This conversion to a stock holding company structure also includes the offering by Eagle Montana of

 

 

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shares of its common stock to eligible depositors and borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank in a subscription offering and, if necessary, to the public in a community offering and syndicated community offering. Following the conversion and offering, Eagle Financial MHC and Eagle Bancorp will no longer exist, and Eagle Montana will be the parent company of American Federal Savings Bank.

The conversion and offering cannot be completed unless the stockholders of Eagle Bancorp approve the plan of conversion. Eagle Bancorp’s stockholders will vote on the plan of conversion at Eagle Bancorp’s special meeting. This document is the proxy statement used by Eagle Bancorp’s board of directors to solicit proxies for the special meeting. It is also the prospectus of Eagle Montana regarding the shares of Eagle Montana common stock to be issued to Eagle Bancorp’s stockholders in the share exchange. This document does not serve as the prospectus relating to the offering by Eagle Montana of its shares of common stock in the subscription offering and any community offering, syndicated community offering or firm commitment offering, which are made pursuant to a separate prospectus.

In addition, informational proposals relating to Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation are also described in this proxy statement/prospectus. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Office of Thrift Supervision’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion. While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals listed above, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals.

Our Current Organizational Structure

In 2000, Eagle Bancorp became the mid-tier stock holding company of American Federal Savings Bank, owning 100% of its stock, and conducted an initial public offering by selling a minority of its common stock to the public. The majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp are owned by Eagle Financial MHC, which is a federally-chartered mutual (meaning no stockholders) holding company.

Pursuant to the terms of Eagle Financial MHC’s plan of conversion and reorganization, we are offering for sale in a subscription offering, and possibly in a community and/or a syndicated community offering, shares of common stock that represent the majority ownership interest in Eagle Bancorp that is currently held by Eagle Financial MHC. Upon the completion of the offering, Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC will cease to exist, and we will complete the transition from partial to full public stock ownership. Upon completion of the conversion, existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will receive shares of common stock of Eagle Montana in exchange for their shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock in order to maintain the public stockholders’ existing percentage ownership in our organization (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares).

The following diagram shows our current organizational structure:

LOGO

 

 

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Our Organizational Structure Following the Conversion

After the conversion and offering are completed, we will be organized as a fully public stock holding company, as follows:

LOGO

Reasons for the Conversion and the Offering

Our primary reasons for converting to the stock holding company structure and raising additional capital through the offering are:

 

   

to support internal growth through lending in the communities we serve;

 

   

to improve our capital position during a period of significant economic uncertainty, especially for the financial services industry (as of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank was considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes and is not subject to any directive or recommendation from the Office of Thrift Supervision or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to raise capital);

 

   

to finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions, branches of financial institutions or other financial service companies primarily in, or adjacent to, south central Montana, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

to enhance existing products and services, and support the development of new products and services by investing, for example, in technology to support growth and enhanced customer service;

 

   

to improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock and stockholder returns through higher earnings and more flexible capital management strategies; and

 

   

to use the additional capital for other general corporate purposes.

Conditions to Completion of the Conversion

The Office of Thrift Supervision has conditionally approved the plan of conversion and reorganization; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion and reorganization by that agency.

We cannot complete the conversion unless:

 

   

The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by at least a majority of votes eligible to be cast by members of Eagle Financial MHC as of [voting record date] (comprised of American Federal Savings Bank depositors as of [voting record date] and borrowers as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of [voting record date]);

 

   

The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of [voting record date], including shares held by Eagle Financial MHC (because Eagle Financial MHC owns 60.4% of the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock, we expect that Eagle Financial MHC and our directors and executive officers will control the outcome of this vote.);

 

   

The plan of conversion and reorganization is approved by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of [voting record date], excluding those shares held by Eagle Financial MHC;

 

   

We sell at least the minimum number of shares of common stock offered; and

 

 

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We receive the final approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision to complete the conversion; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion and reorganization by that agency.

Eagle Financial MHC intends to vote its ownership interest in favor of the plan of conversion and reorganization. At [stockholder record date], Eagle Financial MHC owned 60.4% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp. The directors and executive officers of Eagle Bancorp and their affiliates owned              shares of Eagle Bancorp, or             % of the outstanding shares of common stock as of [stockholder record date]. They have indicated their intention to vote those shares in favor of the plan of conversion and reorganization.

How We Determined the Offering Range, the Exchange Ratio and the $10.00 Per Share Stock Price

The offering range and exchange ratio are based on an independent appraisal of the estimated market value of Eagle Montana, assuming the conversion, the exchange and the offering are completed. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., an appraisal firm experienced in appraisals of financial institutions, has estimated that, as of December 3, 2009, this estimated pro forma market value ranged from $33.8 million to $45.7 million, with a midpoint of $39.8 million. Based on this valuation, the 60.4% ownership interest of Eagle Financial MHC being sold in the offering and the $10.00 per share price, the number of shares of common stock being offered for sale by Eagle Montana will range from 2,040,000 shares to 2,760,000 shares. The $10.00 per share price was selected primarily because it is the price most commonly used in mutual-to-stock conversions of financial institutions. The exchange ratio will range from 3.1458 shares at the minimum of the offering range to 4.2560 shares at the maximum of the offering range in order to preserve the existing percentage ownership of public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp (excluding any new shares purchased by them in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares). If market conditions warrant or there is excess demand for the shares, the appraisal can be increased by 15%. At this adjusted maximum of the offering range, the pro forma market value is $52.6 million, the number of shares of common stock offered for sale will be 3,174,000 and the exchange ratio will be 4.8944 shares.

The independent appraisal is based in part on Eagle Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations, the pro forma impact of the additional capital raised by the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, and an analysis of a peer group of 10 publicly traded savings bank and thrift holding companies that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered comparable to Eagle Bancorp.

The appraisal peer group consists of the following companies. Total assets are as of September 30, 2009.

 

Company Name and Ticker Symbol

   Exchange    Headquarters    Total Assets
                   (in thousands)

Elmira Savings Bank, FSB

 

ESBK

   NASDAQ    Elmira, NY    $ 505,896

Home Bancorp, Inc.

 

HBCP

   NASDAQ    Lafayette, LA    $ 533,410

Home Federal Bancorp, Inc.

 

HOME

   NASDAQ    Nampa, ID    $ 827,899

Liberty Bancorp, Inc.

 

LBCP

   NASDAQ    Liberty, MO    $ 384,243

Louisiana Bancorp, Inc.

 

LABC

   NASDAQ    Metairie, LA    $ 332,237

LSB Corporation

 

LSBX

   NASDAQ    North Andover, MA    $ 806,953

Rome Bancorp, Inc.

 

ROME

   NASDAQ    Rome, NY    $ 338,035

Teche Holding Company

 

TSH

   NYSE Amex    New Iberia, LA    $ 765,071

TF Financial Corporation

 

THRD

   NASDAQ    Newtown, PA    $ 711,849

WVS Financial Corp.

 

WVFC

   NASDAQ    Pittsburgh, PA    $ 369,989

The independent appraisal does not indicate actual market value. Do not assume or expect that the estimated valuation as indicated above means that, after the offering, the shares of our common stock will trade at or above the $10.00 purchase price.

The following table presents a summary of selected pricing ratios for the peer group companies, Eagle Montana (on a pro forma basis) and Eagle Bancorp (on a historical basis). The pricing ratios are based on earnings and other information as of and for the twelve months ended September 30, 2009 and stock price information as of December 3, 2009, as reflected in Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.’s appraisal report, dated December 3, 2009. Compared to the average pricing of the peer group, our pro forma pricing ratios at the maximum of the offering range indicated a premium of 1.4% on a price-to-book value basis, a discount of 5.2% on a price-to-tangible book value basis, and a discount of 6.4% on a price-to-core earnings basis.

 

     Price-to-core
earnings
multiple (1)
   Price-to-
book
value ratio
    Price-to-
tangible book
value ratio
 

Eagle Montana (on a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the conversion)

       

Minimum

   9.8x    72.31   72.31

Midpoint

   11.6x    79.94   79.94

Maximum

   13.5x    86.66   86.66

Maximum, as adjusted

   15.6x    93.55   93.55

 

 

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     Price-to-core
earnings
multiple (1)
   Price-to-
book
value ratio
    Price-to-
tangible book
value ratio
 

Eagle Montana (on a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the conversion)

       

Valuation of peer group companies, as of

       

December 3, 2009

       

Averages

   14.4x    85.48   91.38

Medians

   13.3x    88.71   94.00

 

(1) Information derived from the Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. appraisal report and are based upon estimated core earnings for the twelve months ended September 30, 2009. These ratios are different than the “Pro Forma Data.”

Our board of directors, in reviewing and approving the independent appraisal, considered the range of price-to-core earnings multiples, the range of price-to-book value and price-to-tangible book value ratios at the different ranges of shares of common stock to be sold in the offering, and did not consider one valuation approach to be more important than the other. Instead, in approving the independent appraisal, the board of directors concluded that these ranges represented the appropriate balance of the three approaches to establishing our estimated valuation range, and the number of shares of common stock to be sold, in comparison to the peer group institutions. The estimated appraised value and the resulting discounts took into consideration the potential financial impact of the offering as well as the trading price of Eagle Bancorp common stock, which increased from $29.15 per share on December 1, 2009, the closing price on the last trading day immediately preceding the announcement of the conversion, to $30.75 per share, the closing price on December 3, 2009, the effective date of the independent appraisal.

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will update the independent appraisal prior to the completion of the conversion. If the estimated appraised value, including offering shares and exchange shares, changes to either below $33.8 million or above $52.6 million, we will resolicit persons who submitted stock orders. See “Proposal 1 — Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued.”

The Exchange of Existing Shares of Eagle Bancorp Common Stock

At the conclusion of the conversion, shares held by existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will be canceled and exchanged for shares of common stock of Eagle Montana. The number of shares of common stock received will be based on an exchange ratio determined as of the conclusion of the conversion and offering, which will depend upon our final appraised value. The number of shares received will not be based on the market price of Eagle Bancorp outstanding shares at that time. Instead, the exchange ratio will ensure that existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will retain the same approximate percentage ownership of our organization after the offering, exclusive of their purchase of any additional shares of common stock in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares.

The following table shows how the exchange ratio will adjust, based on the valuation of Eagle Montana and the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering. The table also shows the number of whole shares of Eagle Montana common stock a hypothetical owner of Eagle Bancorp common stock would receive in exchange for 100 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned at the completion of the conversion, depending on the number of shares of common stock sold in the offering.

 

     New Shares to be Sold
in This Offering
    New Shares to be
Exchanged for Existing
Shares

of Eagle Bancorp
    Total Shares
of Common
Stock to be
Outstanding
After the
Offering
   Exchange
Ratio
   Equivalent
Per Share
Current
Market
Price (1)
   New
Shares
That
Would be
Received
for
Existing
100 Shares
     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent                     

Minimum

   2,040,000    60.4   1,340,136    39.6   3,380,136    3.1458    $ 31.45    314

Midpoint

   2,400,000    60.4   1,576,630    39.6   3,976,630    3.7009      37.00    370

Maximum

   2,760,000    60.4   1,813,125    39.6   4,573,125    4.2560      42.56    425

Adjusted Maximum

   3,174,000    60.4   2,085,093    39.6   5,259,093    4.8944      48.94    489

 

(1) Represents the value of shares of Eagle Montana common stock received in the conversion by a holder of one share of Eagle Bancorp at the exchange ratio, assuming the market price of $10.00 per share.

No fractional shares of Eagle Montana common stock will be issued to any public stockholder of Eagle Bancorp. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued, Eagle Montana will pay in cash an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the $10.00 per share purchase price of the common stock in the offering. See “Proposal 1—Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Exchange of Existing Stockholders’ Stock Certificates.”

 

 

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How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering

Assuming we sell 2,400,000 shares of common stock in the stock offering, and we have net proceeds of $22.2 million, we intend to distribute the net proceeds as follows:

 

   

$11.1 million (50.0% of the net proceeds) will be invested in American Federal Savings Bank;

 

   

$1.9 million (8.7% of the net proceeds) will be loaned to our employee stock ownership plan to fund its purchase of our shares of common stock; and

 

   

$9.2 million (41.3% of the net proceeds) will be retained by us.

We may use the funds that we retain for investments, to pay cash dividends, to repurchase shares of common stock and for other general corporate purposes. American Federal Savings Bank, whose capital will be increased by $11.1 million, may use the proceeds it receives to support increased lending and other products and services. The net proceeds retained also may be used for future business expansion through acquisitions of banks, thrifts and other financial services companies, and acquiring branch offices. We have no current arrangements or agreements with respect to any such acquisitions. Initially, a substantial portion of the net proceeds will be invested in short-term investments and mortgage-backed securities consistent with our investment policy.

Please see “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering” for more information on the proposed use of the proceeds from the offering.

Purchases by Officers and Directors

We expect our directors, executive officers and their associates, to purchase approximately 71,800 shares of common stock in the offering. The purchase price paid by them will be the same $10.00 per share price paid by all other persons who purchase shares of common stock in the offering. After the conversion, as a result of purchases in the offering and the shares they will receive in exchange for shares of Eagle Bancorp that they currently own, our directors and executive officers, together with their associates, are expected to own approximately 303,807 shares and 385,688 shares of common stock, or 8.99% and 8.43% of our total outstanding shares of common stock at the minimum and the maximum of the offering range, respectively. See “Subscriptions by Directors and Executive Officers.”

Market for Common Stock

Publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp’s common stock currently trade on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, or OTCBB, under the symbol “EBMT.” Upon completion of the conversion and offering, the shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp will be cancelled and will cease trading. It is currently expected that Eagle Montana common stock will then commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. We have applied to list Eagle Montana’s shares of common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “EBMT.” However, for the first 20 trading days, shares of Eagle Montana common stock will trade under the symbol “EBMTD” and thereafter, our trading symbol will be “EBMT.” In order to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, we are required to have at least three broker-dealers who will make a market in our common stock. Eagle Bancorp currently has nine registered market makers. Persons purchasing shares of common stock in the offering may not be able to sell their shares at or above the $10.00 price per share.

Our Dividend Policy

It is our current intention to maintain dividends after the conversion at current equivalent levels. As of September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share, which equals $1.04 per share on an annualized basis. After the conversion and subject to the authority of the board of directors to do so, we intend to continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis. Eagle Montana expects the annual dividends following our conversion to equal $0.33, $0.28, $0.24 and $0.21 per share at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, which represents an annual dividend yield of 3.3%, 2.8%, 2.4% and 2.1%, at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, based upon a price of $10.00 per share. The amount of dividends that we intend to pay after the conversion will preserve the dividend amount that Eagle Bancorp stockholders currently receive, as adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio. However, the dividend rate and the continued payment of dividends following our conversion and the completion of this offering will depend on a number of factors, including our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions. No assurance can be given that we will continue to pay dividends or that they will not be reduced or eliminated in the future.

See “Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries” and “Market for the Common Stock” for information regarding our historical dividend payments.

Tax Consequences

As a general matter, implementing the plan of conversion and reorganization will not result in a taxable transaction for federal or state income tax purposes to Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana, persons eligible to subscribe in the subscription offering, or existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp. Existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp who receive cash in lieu of fractional exchange share interests in shares of Eagle Montana common stock will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and the tax basis of the fractional share.

 

 

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Changes in Stockholders’ Rights for Existing Stockholders of Eagle Bancorp

As a result of the conversion, existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will become stockholders of Eagle Montana. Some rights of stockholders of Eagle Montana will be reduced compared to the rights stockholders currently have in Eagle Bancorp The reduction in stockholder rights results from differences between the federal and Delaware charters and bylaws, and from distinctions between federal and Delaware law. Many of the differences in stockholder rights under the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana are not mandated by Delaware law but have been chosen by management as being in the best interests of Eagle Montana and all of its stockholders. The differences in stockholder rights in the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana include the following: (i) approval by at least 80% of outstanding shares required to remove a director for cause; (ii) greater lead time required for stockholders to submit proposals for certain provisions of new business or to nominate directors; (iii) approval by at least 80% of outstanding shares required to amend the certificate of incorporation and bylaws; and (iv) approval by at least 80% of outstanding shares required to approve business combinations involving an interested stockholder. See “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights For Existing Stockholders of Eagle Bancorp” for a discussion of these differences.

Dissenters’ Rights

Stockholders of Eagle Bancorp do not have dissenters’ rights in connection with the conversion and offering.

Important Risks in Owning Eagle Montana’s Common Stock

Before you decide to purchase stock, you should read the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 12 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the following risk factors in evaluating an investment in the shares of common stock.

Risks Related to Our Business

While Montana has not to date experienced the significant economic and real estate related decline of many other parts of the Western United States, a change in Montana’s economy could adversely affect earnings.

American Federal Savings Bank operates from seven offices located in the State of Montana, and confines its lending to Montana borrowers. Montana, unlike many parts of the Western United States, has not to date experienced recession-driven economic problems such as large increases in unemployment rates, decline in real estate values and high foreclosures. We are unable to determine whether this trend suggests fundamental strength in Montana’s economy or whether recession-driven effects will simply occur later.

Montana had 5.4% unemployment in January of 2009, and this rate has gradually increased during 2009. At present, however, Montana’s current unemployment rate is significantly less than that of the United States as a whole. Specifically, according to data published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana’s unemployment rate at October 31, 2009 was 6.4%, while that of the United States was 10.1% as of the same date. Montana’s comparatively low unemployment rate could suggest that unemployment levels for Montana may become more severe in the future as the effects of the recession are felt in Montana. If this occurs, American Federal Savings Bank may be required to devote resources to resolving recession-driven asset quality problems at a time when banks in other parts of the country may be experiencing a recovery. Should unemployment continue to increase in Montana as it has during most of 2009, the ability of consumers to pay debts, including home mortgage and home equity loans and other consumer debt such as credit cards can adversely affect lending institutions like American Federal Savings Bank. At minimum, American Federal Savings Bank would be required to increase its loan loss provisions and dedicate more resources to workout activities during a period when banks in other geographic regions may be recovering.

If the allowance for credit losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.

Our customers may not repay their loans according to the original terms, and the collateral, if any, securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance. We may experience significant loan losses, which may have a material adverse effect on operating results. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. If the assumptions prove to be incorrect, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease net income. As of September 30, 2009, our allowance for loan losses to net loans receivable was 0.37%.

Our emphasis on the origination of consumer, commercial real estate and commercial business loans is one of the more significant factors in evaluating the allowance for loan losses. As we continue to increase the amount of such loans, additional or increased provisions for loan losses may be necessary and would decrease earnings.

Bank regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase to the provision for loan losses or further loan charge-offs. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

We could record future losses on our securities portfolio.

A number of factors or combinations of factors could require us to conclude in one or more future reporting periods that an unrealized loss exists with respect to our investment securities portfolio that constitutes an impairment that is other than temporary, which could result in material losses to us. These factors include, but are not limited to, continued failure by the issuer to make scheduled interest payments, an increase in the severity of the unrealized loss on a particular security, an increase in the continuous duration of the unrealized loss without an improvement in value or changes in market conditions and/or industry or issuer specific factors that would render us unable to forecast a full recovery in value. In addition, the fair values of securities could decline if the overall economy and the financial condition of some of the issuers continues to deteriorate and there remains limited liquidity for these securities.

The United States economy is in a deep recession. A prolonged economic downturn, especially one affecting our geographic market area, will adversely affect our business and financial results.

The United States and many industrial nations are experiencing a severe economic recession which is expected to continue in 2010. Loan portfolio quality has deteriorated at many institutions, reflecting in part, the deteriorating U.S. economy and rising unemployment. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages have declined and may continue to decline. The continuing real estate downturn also has resulted in reduced demand for the construction of new housing and increased delinquencies in construction, residential and commercial mortgage loans. Financial institution stock prices have declined substantially, and it is significantly more difficult for financial institutions to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Quarterly Banking Profile has reported that noncurrent assets plus other real estate owned as a percentage of assets for FDIC insured financial institutions rose to 3.07% as of September 30, 2009, compared to 0.95% as of December 31, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Quarterly Banking Profile has reported that annualized return on average assets was 0.10% for FDIC insured financial institutions compared to 0.81% for the year

 

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ended December 31, 2007. The Nasdaq Bank Index declined 36.5% between December 31, 2007 and September 30, 2009. At September 30, 2009, our noncurrent assets plus other real estate owned as a percentage of assets was 0.52%, and our annualized return on average assets was 1.14% for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Continued negative developments in the financial services industry and the domestic and international credit markets may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the market for and value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Moreover, continued declines in the stock market in general, or stock values of financial institutions and their holding companies, could adversely affect our stock performance.

Any future Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance premiums or special assessments will adversely impact our earnings.

On May 22, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule levying a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. The special assessment was payable on September 30, 2009. We recorded an expense of $128,295 during the year ended June 30, 2009, to reflect the special assessment. The final rule permits the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to levy up to two additional special assessments of up to five basis points each during 2009 if the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation estimates that the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio will fall to a level that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation believes would adversely affect public confidence or to a level that will be close to or below zero. Any further special assessments that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation levies will be recorded as an expense during the appropriate period. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation increased the general assessment rate and, therefore, our Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation general insurance premium expense will increase compared to prior periods.

On November 12, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule pursuant to which all insured depository institutions will be required to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. This pre-payment was due on December 30, 2009. The assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 will be based on each institution’s total base assessment rate for the third quarter of 2009, modified to assume that the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 had been in effect for the entire third quarter, and the assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 will be equal to the modified third quarter assessment rate plus an additional three basis points. In addition, each institution’s base assessment rate for each period will be calculated using its third quarter assessment base, adjusted quarterly for an estimated 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base through the end of 2012. We made a payment of approximately $1.0 million to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on December 30, 2009, and recorded the payment as a prepaid expense, which will be amortized over three years.

As a savings bank, pursuant to the Home Owners’ Loan Act, or HOLA, American Federal Savings Bank is required to maintain a certain percentage of its total assets in HOLA-qualifying loans and investments, which limits our asset mix and could significantly restrict our ability to diversify our loan portfolio.

A savings bank or thrift differs from a commercial bank in that it is required to maintain at least 65% of its total assets in HOLA-qualifying loans and investments, such as loans for the purchase, refinance, construction, improvement, or repair of residential real estate, home equity loans, educational loans and small business loans. To maintain our thrift charter we have to pass the Qualified Thrift Lender test, or QTL test, in nine out of 12 of the immediately preceding months. The QTL test limits the extent to which we can grow our commercial loan portfolio. However, a loan that does not exceed $2 million (including a group of loans to one borrower) and is for commercial, corporate, business, or agricultural purposes is not so limited. We may be limited in our ability to change our asset mix and increase the yield on our earning assets by growing our commercial loan portfolio.

In addition, if we continue to grow our commercial loan portfolio and our single-family loan portfolio declines, it is possible that in order to maintain our QTL status, we could be forced to buy mortgage-backed securities or other HOLA-qualifying assets at times when the terms might not be attractive. Alternatively, we could find it necessary to pursue different structures, including converting American Federal Savings Bank’s thrift charter to a commercial bank charter.

Because we intend to increase our commercial real estate and commercial business loan originations, our credit risk will increase and continued downturns in the local real estate market or economy could adversely affect our earnings.

We intend to continue our recent emphasis on originating commercial real estate and commercial business loans. Commercial real estate and commercial business loans generally have more risk than the one- to four-family residential real estate loans we originate. Because the repayment of commercial real estate and commercial business loans depends on the successful management and operation of the borrower’s properties or related businesses, repayment of such loans can be affected by adverse conditions in the local real estate market or economy. Commercial real estate and commercial business loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to individual borrowers or groups of related borrowers. A downturn in the real estate market or the local economy could adversely affect the value of properties securing the loan or the revenues from the borrower’s business, thereby increasing the risk of nonperforming loans. As our commercial real estate and commercial business loan portfolios increase, the corresponding risks and potential for losses from these loans may also increase.

Declines in home values could decrease our loan originations and increase delinquencies and defaults.

Declines in home values in our markets could adversely impact results from operations. Like all financial institutions, we are subject to the effects of any economic downturn, and in particular, a significant decline in home values would likely lead to a decrease in new home equity loan originations and increased delinquencies and defaults in both the consumer home equity loan and residential

 

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real estate loan portfolios and result in increased losses in these portfolios. Declines in the average sale prices of homes in our primary markets could lead to higher loan losses.

We depend on the services of our executive officers and other key employees.

Our success depends upon the continued employment of certain members of our senior management team. We also depend upon the continued employment of the individuals that manage several of our key functional areas. The departure of any member of our senior management team may adversely affect our operations.

Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our results of operations and financial condition are significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Our results of operations depend substantially on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits, borrowings and trust preferred securities. Because our interest-bearing liabilities generally reprice or mature more quickly than our interest-earning assets, an increase in interest rates generally would tend to result in a decrease in net interest income.

Changes in interest rates may also affect the average life of loans and mortgage-related securities. Decreases in interest rates can result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities, as borrowers refinance to reduce their borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent that we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates on existing loans and securities. Additionally, increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans. Also, increases in interest rates may extend the life of fixed rate assets, which would restrict our ability to reinvest in higher yielding alternatives, and may result in customers withdrawing certificates of deposit early so long as the early withdrawal penalty is less than the interest they could receive as a result of the higher interest rates.

Changes in interest rates also affect the current fair value of our interest-earning securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities moves inversely with changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2009, the fair value of our investment securities portfolio totaled $92.4 million.

At September 30, 2009, our interest rate risk analysis indicated that the market value of our equity would decrease by 10.74% if there was an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in market interest rates.

Strong competition may limit growth and profitability.

Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. We compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. Many of these competitors (whether regional or national institutions) have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have and may offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. Our profitability depends upon our ability to successfully compete in our market areas.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The federal banking laws and regulations govern the activities in which we may engage, and are primarily for the protection of depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the ability to impose restrictions on a bank’s operations, reclassify assets, determine the adequacy of a bank’s allowance for loan losses and determine the level of deposit insurance premiums assessed. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, new regulations or legislation or additional deposit insurance premiums could have a material impact on our operations. Because our business is highly regulated, the laws and applicable regulations are subject to frequent change. Any new laws, rules and regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or prospects.

A federal legislative proposal has been introduced that would eliminate the Office of Thrift Supervision, our primary federal regulator, which may require Eagle Montana to become a bank holding company.

Legislation in the United States Congress has been proposed that would implement sweeping changes to the current bank regulatory structure. The proposal would, among other things, merge the Office of Thrift Supervision into the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC are currently regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision, and Eagle Montana will be regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision following the conversion. If the Office of Thrift Supervision is eliminated, American Federal Savings Bank may be required to convert to a national bank or state bank and Eagle Montana may be required to become a bank holding company subject to regulation and supervision under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, and the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, including holding company regulatory capital requirements to which Eagle Montana is not currently subject. In addition, compliance with new regulations and being supervised by one or more new regulatory agencies could increase our expenses.

 

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If our investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle becomes impaired, our earnings and stockholders’ equity could decrease.

We are required to own common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle to qualify for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and to be eligible to borrow funds under the Federal Home Loan Bank’s advance program. The aggregate cost of our Federal Home Loan Bank common stock as of September 30, 2009 was $2.0 million. Federal Home Loan Bank common stock is not a marketable security and can only be redeemed by the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Federal Home Loan Banks may be subject to accounting rules and asset quality risks that could materially lower their regulatory capital. In an extreme situation, it is possible that the capitalization of a Federal Home Loan Bank, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, could be substantially diminished or reduced to zero. Consequently, we believe that there is a risk that our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle common stock could be deemed impaired at some time in the future, and if this occurs, it would cause our earnings and stockholders’ equity to decrease by the amount of the impairment charge.

Future legislative or regulatory actions responding to perceived financial and market problems could impair our ability to foreclose on collateral.

There have been proposals made by members of Congress and others that would reduce the amount distressed borrowers are otherwise contractually obligated to pay under their mortgage loans and limit an institution’s ability to foreclose on mortgage collateral. Were proposals such as these, or other proposals limiting our rights as a creditor, to be implemented, we could experience increased credit losses or increased expense in pursuing our remedies as a creditor. In addition, there have been legislative proposals to create a federal consumer protection agency that may, among other powers, have the ability to limit our rights as a creditor.

Risks Related to the Offering and the Exchange

The market value of Eagle Montana common stock received in the share exchange may be less than the market value of Eagle Bancorp common stock exchanged.

The number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock you receive will be based on an exchange ratio that will be determined as of the date of completion of the conversion and offering. The exchange ratio will be based on the percentage of Eagle Bancorp common stock held by the public prior to the completion of the conversion and offering, the final independent appraisal of Eagle Montana common stock prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors and the number of shares of common stock sold in the offering. The exchange ratio will ensure that existing public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp common stock will own the same percentage of Eagle Montana common stock after the conversion and offering as they owned of Eagle Bancorp common stock immediately prior to completion of the conversion and offering, exclusive of the effect of their purchase of additional shares in the offering and the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares. The exchange ratio will not depend on the market price of Eagle Bancorp common stock.

The exchange ratio ranges from a minimum of 3.1458 to a maximum of 4.256 shares of Eagle Montana common stock per share of Eagle Bancorp common stock. Shares of Eagle Montana common stock issued in the share exchange will have an initial value of $10.00 per share. Depending on the exchange ratio and the market value of Eagle Bancorp common stock at the time of the exchange, the initial market value of the Eagle Montana common stock that you receive in the share exchange could be less than the market value of the Eagle Bancorp common stock that you currently own. Based on the most recent closing price of Eagle Bancorp common stock prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, which was $            , unless at least              shares of Eagle Montana common stock are sold in the offering (which is between the              and the              of the offering range), the initial value of the Eagle Montana common stock you receive in the share exchange would be less than the market value of the Eagle Bancorp common stock you currently own.

There may be a decrease in stockholders’ rights for existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp.

As a result of the conversion, existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will become stockholders of Eagle Montana. Some rights of stockholders of Eagle Montana will be reduced compared to the rights stockholders currently have in Eagle Bancorp. The reduction in stockholder rights results from differences between the federal and Delaware charters and bylaws, and from distinctions between federal and Delaware law. Many of the differences in stockholder rights under the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana are not mandated by Delaware law but have been chosen by management as being in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders. The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana include the following provisions: (i) approval by at least 80% of outstanding shares required to remove a director for cause; (ii) greater lead time required for stockholders to submit proposals for new business or to nominate directors; and (iii) approval by at least 80% of outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally is required to amend the bylaws and certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation.

The future price of the shares of common stock may be less than the $10.00 purchase price per share in the offering.

If you purchase shares of common stock in the offering, you may not be able to sell them later at or above the $10.00 purchase price in the offering. In several cases, shares of common stock issued by newly converted savings institutions or mutual holding companies have traded below the initial offering price. The aggregate purchase price of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be based on an independent appraisal. The independent appraisal is not intended, and should not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock. The independent appraisal is based on certain estimates, assumptions and

 

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projections, all of which are subject to change from time to time. After our shares begin trading, the trading price of our common stock will be determined by the marketplace, and may be influenced by many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the overall performance of the economy, investor perceptions of Eagle Montana and the outlook for the financial services industry in general. Price fluctuations may be unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies.

We have broad discretion to deploy our net proceeds and our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds may have an adverse impact on our financial performance and the value of our common stock.

Eagle Montana intends to contribute between $9.4 million and $12.8 million of the net proceeds of the offering (or $14.8 million at the adjusted maximum of the offering range) to American Federal Savings Bank. Eagle Montana may use the remaining net proceeds to invest in short-term investments, repurchase shares of common stock, pay dividends or for other general corporate purposes. Eagle Montana also expects to use a portion of the net proceeds it retains to fund a loan for the purchase of shares of common stock in the offering by the employee stock ownership plan. American Federal Savings Bank may use the net proceeds it receives to fund new loans, purchase investment securities, acquire financial institutions or financial services companies, acquire branches, or for other general corporate purposes. With the exception of the loan to the employee stock ownership plan, we have not allocated specific amounts of the net proceeds for any of these purposes, and we will have significant flexibility in determining the amount of the net proceeds we apply to different uses and the timing of such applications. We have not established a timetable for reinvesting of the net proceeds, and we cannot predict how long we will require to reinvest the net proceeds.

Our return on equity initially will be low compared to our historical performance. A lower return on equity may negatively impact the trading price of our common stock.

Net income divided by average stockholders’ equity, known as “return on average equity” is a ratio many investors use to compare the performance of a financial institution to its peers. Our return on average equity ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended June 30, 2009 were 11.60% and 8.94%, respectively, compared to an average negative return on equity of 7.36% based on trailing twelve-month earnings for all publicly traded fully converted savings institutions as of September 30, 2009. We expect that our return on average equity will decrease as a result of the additional capital that we will raise in the offering. For example, our pro forma return on equity for the three months ended September 30, 2009 is 6.06%, assuming the sale of shares at the maximum of the offering range. Over time, we intend to use the net proceeds from the offering to increase earnings per share and book value per share, without assuming undue risk, with the goal of achieving a return on equity that is comparable to our historical performance. This goal may take a number of years to achieve, and we may not be able to achieve it. Consequently, you should not expect a return on equity similar to our current return on equity in the near future. Failure to achieve a competitive return on equity may make an investment in our common stock unattractive to some investors and may cause our common stock to trade at lower prices than comparable companies with higher returns on equity.

Trading in our common stock is limited, and a liquid market for our common stock may not develop.

The common stock of Eagle Bancorp has been listed on the OTCBB. The OTCBB is a significantly more limited market than the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq Stock Market. We have applied to list Eagle Montana common stock for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “EBMT,” subject to completion of the offering and compliance with certain conditions. You may have difficulty selling the shares that you buy if no active trading market develops.

The ownership interest of management and employees could enable insiders to prevent a merger that may provide stockholders a premium for their shares.

The shares of common stock that our directors and officers intend to purchase in the offering, when combined with the shares that they will receive in the exchange for their existing shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock may result in management and the board controlling as much as approximately 8.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock at the minimum of the offering range. In addition, our employee stock ownership plan is expected to purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering, and additional stock options and shares of common stock would be granted to our directors and employees if a stock-based incentive plan is adopted in the future. This would result in management and employees controlling a significant percentage of our shares of common stock. If these individuals were to act together, they could have significant influence over the outcome of any stockholder vote. This voting power may discourage a potential sale of Eagle Montana that our stockholders may desire.

The implementation of the stock-based incentive plan may dilute your ownership interest.

We intend to adopt a new stock-based incentive plan following the offering, subject to receipt of stockholder approval. This stock-based incentive plan may be funded either through open market purchases or from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock of Eagle Montana. While our intention is to fund this plan through open market purchases, stockholders would experience a 7.8% reduction in ownership interest at the adjusted maximum of the offering range in the event newly issued shares of our common stock are used to fund stock options or shares of restricted common stock under the plan in an amount equal to up to 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares sold in the offering. In the event we adopt the plan within one year following the conversion, shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards of restricted stock and grants of options under the stock-based incentive plan would be limited to 4% and 10%, respectively, of the total shares sold in the offering, subject to adjustment as may be required by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations or policy to reflect restricted stock previously granted by Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank. In the event we adopt the plan more than one year following the conversion, the plan will not be subject to these limitations.

 

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Although the implementation of the stock-based benefit plan will be subject to stockholder approval, historically, the overwhelming majority of stock-based benefit plans adopted by savings institutions and their holding companies following mutual-to-stock conversions have been approved by stockholders.

Additional expenses following the conversion from the compensation and benefit expenses associated with the implementation of the new stock-based incentive benefit plan will adversely affect our profitability.

We intend to adopt a new stock-based incentive plan after the offering, subject to stockholder approval, pursuant to which plan participants would be awarded restricted shares of our common stock (at no cost to them) and options to purchase shares of our common stock. If the stock-based incentive plan is implemented within one year of the completion of the offering, the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance for awards of restricted stock or grants of options under such stock-based incentive plan may not exceed 4% and 10%, respectively, of the shares sold in the offering subject to adjustment as may be required by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations or policy to reflect restricted stock previously granted by Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank. If we award restricted shares of common stock or grant options in excess of these amounts under a stock-based incentive plan adopted more than one year after the completion of the offering, our costs would increase further.

Following the offering, our non-interest expenses are likely to increase as we will recognize additional annual employee compensation and benefit expenses related to the shares granted to employees and executives under our stock-based incentive plan. We cannot predict the actual amount of these new stock-related compensation and benefit expenses because applicable accounting practices require that expenses be based on the fair market value of the shares of common stock at specific points in the future; however, we expect them to be material. In addition, we would recognize expense for our employee stock ownership plan when shares are committed to be released to participants’ accounts (i.e., as the loan used to acquire these shares is repaid), and we would recognize expense for restricted stock awards and stock options over the vesting period of awards made to recipients. The expense in the first year following the offering has been estimated to be approximately $184,000 ($112,240 after tax) at the adjusted maximum of the offering range as set forth in the pro forma financial information under “Pro Forma Data,” assuming the $10.00 per share purchase price as fair market value. Actual expenses, however, may be higher or lower, depending on the price of our common stock.

Various factors may make takeover attempts more difficult to achieve.

Our board of directors has no current intention to sell control of Eagle Montana. Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, federal regulations, Delaware law and various other factors may make it more difficult for companies or persons to acquire control of Eagle Montana without the consent of our board of directors. You may want a takeover attempt to succeed because, for example, a potential acquiror could offer a premium over the then prevailing price of our common stock. The factors that may discourage takeover attempts or make them more difficult include:

 

   

Office of Thrift Supervision Regulations. Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit, for three years following the completion of a conversion, the direct or indirect acquisition of more than 10% of any class of equity security of a savings institution or holding company regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervisor regulated holding company of a converted institution without the prior approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision.

 

   

Certificate of Incorporation and statutory provisions. Provisions of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana and Delaware law may make it more difficult and expensive to pursue a takeover attempt that management opposes, even if the takeover is favored by a majority of our stockholders. These provisions also would make it more difficult to remove our current board of directors or management, or to elect new directors. Specifically, under Delaware law, any person who acquires more than 15% of the common stock of Eagle Montana without the prior approval of its board of directors would be prohibited from engaging in any type of business combination with Eagle Montana for a three-year period unless such transaction is subsequently approved by the board of directors and by stockholders at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66  2 / 3 % of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by such person. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana contains a provision requiring that specified transactions with an “interested stockholder” be approved by 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares unless it is either approved by a majority of Eagle Montana’s disinterested directors or certain price and procedural requirements are satisfied. Additional provisions include limitations on voting rights of beneficial owners of more than 10% of our common stock, the election of directors to staggered terms of three years, not permitting cumulative voting in the election of directors, not permitting stockholders to call a special meeting, and a requirement that holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of common stock must vote to remove directors and can only remove directors for cause. Our bylaws also contain provisions regarding the timing and content of stockholder proposals and nominations.

 

   

Federal Stock Charter of American Federal Savings Bank. The federal stock charter of American Federal Savings Bank will provide that for a period of five years from the closing of the conversion and offering, no person other than Eagle Montana may offer directly or indirectly to acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of American Federal Savings Bank. This provision does not apply to any tax-qualified employee benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana or to an underwriter or member of an underwriting or selling group involving the public sale or resale of securities of Eagle Montana or any of its subsidiaries, so long as after the sale or resale, no underwriter or member of the selling group is a beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of any class of equity securities of American Federal Savings Bank. In addition, during this five-year period, all shares owned over the 10% limit may not be voted on any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote.

 

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Issuance of stock options and restricted stock. We also intend to issue stock options and shares of restricted stock to key employees and directors that will require payments to these persons in the event of a change in control of Eagle Montana. These payments may have the effect of increasing the costs of acquiring Eagle Montana, thereby discouraging future takeover attempts.

 

   

Employment and Change in Control Agreements. We have an employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Peter J. Johnson, that provides, among other things, for a payment of between one and two times his base salary in the event of Mr. Johnson’s involuntary termination occurring after a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank. We intend to also enter into change in control agreements with four senior officers, Clinton Morrison, Michael Mundt, Rachel Amdahl and Robert Evans, that provide for payment of base salary for one year in the event of a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank. These payments may have the effect of increasing costs of acquiring Eagle Montana, thereby discouraging future takeovers.

You may not revoke your decision to purchase Eagle Montana common stock in the subscription and community offerings after you send us your subscription.

Funds submitted or automatic withdrawals from American Federal Savings Bank deposit accounts authorized in the connection with a purchase of shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be held by us until the completion or termination of the conversion and offering, including any extension of the expiration date. Because completion of the conversion and offering will be subject to regulatory approvals and an update of the independent appraisal prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., among other factors, there may be one or more delays in the completion of the conversion and offering. Orders submitted in the subscription and community offerings are irrevocable, and subscribers will have no access to subscription funds unless the offering is terminated, or extended beyond         , or the number of shares to be sold in the offering is increased to more than 3,174,000 shares or decreased to less than 2,040,000 shares.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING

General

This proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation by the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp of proxies to be voted at the special meeting of stockholders to be held at                                                               on                     , 2010 at     :00     .m., Mountain Time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The purpose of the special meeting is to consider and vote upon the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Eagle Financial MHC (referred to herein as the “plan of conversion”).

In addition, stockholders will vote on a proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposals. Stockholders will vote on the following informational proposals with respect to the certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana:

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors;

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit business combinations with interested stockholders;

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote to approve certain amendments to Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation;

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder proposed amendments to Eagle Montana’s bylaws; and

 

   

Approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of Eagle Montana’s outstanding voting stock.

The plan of conversion provides for a series of transactions, referred to as the conversion and offering, which will result in the elimination of the mutual holding company. The plan of conversion will also result in the creation of a new stock holding company which will own all of the outstanding shares of American Federal Savings Bank, the exchange of shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp by stockholders other than Eagle Financial MHC, who are referred to as the “public stockholders,” for shares of the new stock holding company, Eagle Montana, and the issuance and the sale of additional shares to depositors of American Federal Savings Bank and others in an offering.

We cannot complete the conversion unless:

 

   

The plan of conversion is approved by at least a majority of votes eligible to be cast by members of Eagle Financial MHC as of                     , 2010 (comprised of American Federal Savings Bank depositors as of [voting record date] and borrowers as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of [voting record date]);

 

   

The plan of conversion is approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of                     , 2010, including shares held by Eagle Financial MHC (because Eagle Financial MHC owns 60.4% of the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock, we expect that Eagle Financial MHC and our directors and executive officers will control the outcome of this vote);

 

   

The plan of conversion is approved by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of                     , 2010, excluding those shares held by Eagle Financial MHC;

 

   

We sell at least the minimum number of shares of common stock offered; and

 

   

We receive the final approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision to complete the conversion, however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion by that agency.

This proxy statement/prospectus, together with the accompanying proxy card, is first being mailed or delivered to stockholders of Eagle Bancorp on or about                     , 2010.

Voting in favor of or against the plan of conversion includes a vote for or against the conversion of Eagle Financial MHC to a stock holding company as contemplated by the plan of conversion. Voting in favor of the plan of conversion will not obligate you to purchase any shares of common stock in the offering and will not affect the balance, interest rate or federal deposit insurance of any deposits at American Federal Savings Bank.

Who Can Vote at the Meeting

You are entitled to vote your Eagle Bancorp common stock if our records show that you held your shares as of the close of business on                     , 2010. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or nominee how to vote.

 

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As of the close of business on                     , 2010, there were              shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock outstanding. Each share of common stock has one vote.

Attending the Meeting

If you are a stockholder as of the close of business on                     , 2010, you may attend the meeting. However, if you hold your shares in street name, you will need proof of ownership to be admitted to the meeting. A recent brokerage statement or a letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock held in street name in person at the meeting, you will have to get a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares.

Vote Required

The special meeting will be held only if there is a quorum. A quorum exists if a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, is present at the meeting. If you return valid proxy instructions or attend the meeting in person, your shares will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum, even if you abstain from voting. Broker non-votes also will be counted for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker, bank or other nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner.

Proposal 1: Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization. We must obtain the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of                     , 2010, other than shares held by Eagle Financial MHC, and (ii) at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp as of                     , 2010, including shares held by Eagle Financial MHC.

Proposal 2: Approval of the adjournment of the special meeting. We must obtain the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast by the holders of outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp as of                     , 2010, to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposal to approve the plan of conversion.

Informational Proposals 3a through 3e: Approval of certain provisions in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation. The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals were approved as part of the process in which the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp approved the plan of conversion. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Office of Thrift Supervision’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion. While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals. The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring or rendering more difficult attempts by third parties to obtain control of Eagle Montana, if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.

Other Matters. We must obtain the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by holders of outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp.

Shares Held by Eagle Financial MHC and Our Officers and Directors

As of                     , 2010, Eagle Financial MHC beneficially owned 648,493 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock. This equals approximately 60.4% of our outstanding shares. Eagle Financial MHC intends to vote all of its shares in favor of Proposal 1, approval of the plan of conversion, Proposal 2, approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, and Informational Proposals 3a through 3e.

As of                     , 2010, our officers and directors beneficially owned              shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock. This equals             % of our outstanding shares and             % of shares held by persons other than Eagle Financial MHC.

Voting by Proxy

Our board of directors is sending you this proxy statement/prospectus to request that you allow your shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock to be represented at the special meeting by the persons named in the enclosed proxy card. All shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock represented at the meeting by properly executed and dated proxies will be voted according to the instructions indicated on the proxy card. If you sign, date and return a proxy card without giving voting instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by our board of directors. Our board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the plan of conversion, “FOR” approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, and “FOR” each of the Informational Proposals 3a through 3e.

If any matters not described in this proxy statement/prospectus are properly presented at the special meeting, the board of directors will use their judgment to determine how to vote your shares. We do not know of any other matters to be presented at the special meeting.

 

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You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the meeting. To revoke your proxy, you must advise the Corporate Secretary of Eagle Bancorp in writing before your common stock has been voted at the special meeting, deliver a later-dated proxy or attend the special meeting and vote your shares in person. Attendance at the special meeting will not in itself constitute revocation of your proxy.

If your Eagle Bancorp common stock is held in street name, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow to have your shares voted. Your broker, bank or other nominee may allow you to deliver your voting instructions via the telephone or the Internet. Please see the instruction form provided by your broker, bank or other nominee that accompanies this proxy statement/prospectus.

Solicitation of Proxies

This proxy statement/prospectus and the accompanying proxy card are being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the special meeting by the board of directors. Eagle Bancorp will pay the costs of soliciting proxies from its stockholders. To the extent necessary to permit approval of the plan of conversion and the other proposals being considered, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC, our proxy solicitor, directors, officers or employees of Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank may solicit proxies by mail, telephone and other forms of communication. We will reimburse such persons for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such solicitation. We will pay Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC $4,500 for shareholder solicitation services, $5,000 for member solicitation services and $1,000 for stockholder information agent services plus out-of-pocket expenses and charges for telephone calls made and received in connection with the solicitation.

We will also reimburse banks, brokers, nominees and other fiduciaries for the expenses they incur in forwarding the proxy materials to you.

Participants in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and 401(k) Plan

If you participate in American Federal Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”), you will receive a voting instruction form that reflects all shares you may direct the trustees to vote on your behalf under the ESOP. Under the terms of the ESOP, the ESOP trustee may only vote allocated shares held by the ESOP in accordance with the instructions of participating employees. The ESOP trustee, subject to the exercise of its fiduciary duties, will vote all unallocated shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock held by the ESOP. The deadline for returning your voting instructions to the ESOP trustee is                     , 2010. Under the terms of the American Federal Savings Bank Restated Profit Sharing Plan (“401(k) Plan”), the trustee may vote all shares in the Eagle Bancorp Stock Fund.

The board of directors recommends that you promptly sign, date and mark the enclosed proxy card in favor of the above described proposals, including, the adoption of the plan of conversion and promptly return it in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-prepaid proxy reply envelope. Alternatively, you may vote by using the telephone or Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card. Voting the proxy card will not prevent you from voting in person at the special meeting.

Your prompt vote is very important. Failure to vote will have the same effect as voting against the plan of conversion.

 

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PROPOSAL 1 — APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION

The Boards of Directors of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC have approved the plan of conversion and reorganization, referred to herein as the “plan of conversion.” The plan of conversion must also be approved by the members of Eagle Financial MHC (depositors and certain borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank) and the stockholders of Eagle Bancorp A special meeting of members and a special meeting of stockholders have been called for this purpose. The Office of Thrift Supervision has conditionally approved the plan of conversion; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion by that agency.

General

Pursuant to the plan of conversion, our organization will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully stock form. Eagle Financial MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Eagle Bancorp, will be merged into American Federal Savings Bank, and Eagle Financial MHC will no longer exist. Eagle Bancorp, which owns 100% of American Federal Savings Bank, will cease to exist and will be succeeded by a new Delaware corporation named Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. As part of the conversion, the ownership interest in Eagle Bancorp of Eagle Financial MHC will be offered for sale in the offering by Eagle Montana. When the conversion is completed, all of the outstanding common stock of American Federal Savings Bank will be owned by Eagle Montana, and all of the outstanding common stock of Eagle Montana will be owned by public stockholders. A diagram of our corporate structure before and after the conversion is set forth in the “Summary” section of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Under the plan of conversion, at the conclusion of the offering, each share of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned by persons other than Eagle Financial MHC will be canceled and converted automatically into new shares of Eagle Montana common stock determined pursuant to an exchange ratio. The exchange ratio will ensure that immediately after the exchange of existing shares of Eagle Bancorp for new shares, the public stockholders will own the same percentage of shares of common stock of Eagle Montana that they owned in Eagle Bancorp immediately prior to the conversion, excluding any shares they purchased in the offering and cash paid in lieu of fractional exchange shares.

Eagle Montana intends to retain between $7.7 million and $10.6 million of the net proceeds, or $12.3 million if the offering range is increased by 15% (excluding the portion of the net proceeds loaned to our employee stock ownership plan), and to contribute the balance of the net proceeds to American Federal Savings Bank. The conversion will be consummated only upon the issuance of at least the minimum number of shares of our common stock offered pursuant to the plan of conversion.

The plan of conversion provides that we will offer shares of common stock in a “subscription offering” in the following descending order of priority:

 

  (i) First, to depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50.00 at the close of business on November 30, 2008.

 

  (ii) Second, to our tax-qualified employee benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, which will receive nontransferable subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering.

 

  (iii) Third, to depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50.00 at the close of business on [supplemental date].

 

  (iv) Fourth, to depositors of American Federal Savings Bank at the close of business on [voting record date] and to borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of the [voting record date].

If all shares are not subscribed for in the subscription offering, we may, at our discretion, offer shares of common stock for sale in a community offering to members of the general public, with a preference given in the following order:

 

  (i) Natural persons residing in the State of Montana; and

 

  (ii) Eagle Bancorp’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date].

We have the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any orders to purchase shares of the common stock received in the community offering. The community offering, if any, may begin at the same time as, during, or after the subscription offering and must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by the Office of Thrift Supervision. See “—Community Offering.”

The shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or community offering will be offered to the general public on a best efforts basis by Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, acting as sole book-running manager, and D.A. Davidson & Co., as co-manager, in a syndicated community offering through a syndicate of selected dealers.

We have the right to accept or reject orders received in the syndicated community offering at our sole discretion. The syndicated community offering may begin at any time following the commencement of the subscription offering and must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by us, with approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Alternatively, we may sell any remaining shares in an underwritten public offering, which would be conducted on a firm commitment basis. See “—Syndicated Community Offering.”

 

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We determined the number of shares of common stock to be offered in the offering based upon an independent valuation appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of Eagle Montana. All shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be sold at $10.00 per share. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering. The independent valuation will be updated and the final number of the shares of common stock to be issued in the offering will be determined at the completion of the offering. See “—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued” for more information as to the determination of the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock.

The following is a brief summary of the conversion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the plan of conversion. A copy of the plan of conversion is available for inspection at each banking office of American Federal Savings Bank and at the Western Regional and the Washington, D.C. offices of the Office of Thrift Supervision. The plan of conversion is also filed as an exhibit to Eagle Financial MHC’s application to convert from mutual to stock form, of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the Office of Thrift Supervision. The plan of conversion is also an exhibit to Eagle Montana’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, which is accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commission website, www.sec.gov. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Reasons for the Conversion and Offering

Our Board of Directors decided at this time to convert to a fully public stock form of ownership and conduct the offering in order to increase our capital position. Completing the offering is necessary for us to continue to grow and execute our business strategy.

Our primary reasons for converting to the stock holding company structure and raising additional capital through the offering are:

 

   

to support internal growth through lending in the communities we serve;

 

   

to improve our capital position during a period of significant economic uncertainty, especially for the financial industry (as of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank was considered “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes and is not subject to a directive or a recommendation from the Office of Thrift Supervision to raise capital);

 

   

to finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions, branches of financial institutions or other financial service companies primarily in, or adjacent to, south central Montana, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

to enhance existing products and services, and support the development of new products and services by investing, for example, in technology to support growth and enhanced customer service;

 

   

to improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock and enhance stockholder returns through higher earnings and more flexible capital management strategies; and

 

   

to use the additional capital for other general corporate purposes.

As a fully converted stock holding company, we will have greater flexibility in structuring mergers and acquisitions, including the form of consideration that we can use to pay for an acquisition. Our current mutual holding company structure limits our ability to offer shares of our common stock as consideration for a merger or acquisition since Eagle Financial MHC is required to own a majority of our shares of common stock. Potential sellers often want stock for at least part of the purchase price. Our new stock holding company structure will enable us to offer stock or cash consideration, or a combination of stock and cash, and will therefore enhance our ability to compete with other bidders when acquisition opportunities arise.

Approvals Required – Plan of Conversion

The affirmative vote of a majority of the total eligible votes of the members of Eagle Financial MHC as of [voting record date] is required to approve the plan of conversion. By their approval of the plan of conversion, the members of Eagle Financial MHC (comprised of depositors and certain borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank) will also be approving the merger of Eagle Financial MHC into American Federal Savings Bank. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp, including shares held by Eagle Financial MHC, and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp held by the public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp as of [stockholder record date] are also required to approve the plan of conversion. The plan of conversion also must be approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision, which has given its conditional approval; however, such approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion by such agency.

Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations provide that in a conversion of a mutual holding company to fully stock form, the public stockholders will be entitled to exchange their shares for common stock of the new holding company, provided that the

 

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mutual holding company demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Office of Thrift Supervision that the basis for the exchange is fair and reasonable. Each publicly held share of Eagle Bancorp common stock will, on the effective date of the conversion, be automatically converted into the right to receive shares of Eagle Montana common stock. The number of shares of common stock will be determined pursuant to the exchange ratio, which ensures that the public stockholders will own approximately the same percentage of common stock in Eagle Montana after the conversion as they held in Eagle Bancorp immediately prior to the conversion, exclusive of their purchase of additional shares of common stock in the offering and their receipt of cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares. The exchange ratio will not be dependent on the market value of Eagle Bancorp common stock at that time. The exchange ratio will be based on the percentage of Eagle Bancorp common stock held by the public, the independent valuation of Eagle Montana prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering. The exchange ratio is expected to range from approximately 3.1458 exchange shares for each publicly held share of Eagle Bancorp at the minimum of the offering range to 4.8944 exchange shares for each publicly held share of Eagle Bancorp at the adjusted maximum of the offering range.

If you are a stockholder of Eagle Bancorp, at the conclusion of the conversion, your shares will be exchanged for shares of Eagle Montana. The number of shares you receive will be based on the number of shares of common stock you own and the final exchange ratio determined as of the conclusion of the conversion.

The following table shows how the exchange ratio will adjust, based on the number of shares of common stock issued in the offering. The table also shows how many whole shares of Eagle Montana a hypothetical owner of Eagle Bancorp common stock would receive in the exchange for 100 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned at the consummation of the conversion, depending on the number of shares issued in the offering.

 

     New Shares to be Sold
in This Offering
    New Shares to be
Exchanged for Existing
Shares of
Eagle Bancorp
    Total
Shares of
Common
Stock to be
Outstanding
After the
Offering
   Exchange
Ratio
   Equivalent
Per Share
Current
Market
Price (1)
   New
Shares
That
Would be
Received
for Existing
100 Shares
     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent                     

Minimum

   2,040,000    60.4   1,340,136    39.6   3,380,136    3.1458    $ 31.45    314

Midpoint

   2,400,000    60.4   1,576,630    39.6   3,976,630    3.7009      37.00    370

Maximum

   2,760,000    60.4   1,813,125    39.6   4,573,125    4.2560      42.56    425

Adjusted Maximum

   3,174,000    60.4   2,085,093    39.6   5,259,093    4.8944      48.94    489

 

(1) Represents the value of shares of Eagle Montana received in the conversion by a holder of one share of Eagle Bancorp at the exchange ratio, assuming the market price of $10.00 per share.

Exchange of Existing Stockholders’ Stock Certificates

The conversion of existing outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock into the right to receive shares of Eagle Montana common stock will occur automatically on the effective date of the conversion. As soon as practicable after the effective date of the conversion, our exchange agent will send a transmittal form to each public stockholder of Eagle Bancorp who holds stock certificates. The transmittal forms are expected to be mailed within five business days after the effective date of the conversion and will contain instructions on how to exchange stock certificates of Eagle Bancorp common stock for stock certificates of Eagle Montana common stock. We expect that stock certificates evidencing shares of Eagle Montana common stock will be distributed within five business days after the exchange agent receives properly executed transmittal forms, Eagle Bancorp stock certificates and other required documents. You should not forward your stock certificates until you have received transmittal forms, which will include forwarding instructions. Shares held by public stockholders through a brokerage account in “street name” will be exchanged automatically upon the conclusion of the conversion; no transmittal forms will be mailed relating to these shares.

No fractional shares of Eagle Montana common stock will be issued to any public stockholder of Eagle Bancorp when the conversion is completed. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued to a stockholder who holds a stock certificate, we will pay by check an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the $10.00 offering purchase price per share. Payment for fractional shares will be made as soon as practicable after the receipt by the exchange agent of the transmittal forms and the surrendered Eagle Bancorp stock certificates. If your shares of common stock are held in street name (such as in a brokerage account), you will automatically receive cash in lieu of fractional exchange shares in your brokerage account.

After the conversion, Eagle Bancorp stockholders who hold stock certificates will not receive shares of Eagle Montana common stock and will not be paid dividends on the shares of Eagle Montana common stock until existing certificates representing shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock are surrendered for exchange in compliance with the terms of the transmittal form. When stockholders surrender their certificates, any unpaid dividends will be paid without interest. For all other purposes, however, each certificate that represents shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock outstanding at the effective date of the conversion will be considered to evidence ownership of shares of Eagle Montana common stock into which those shares have been converted by virtue of the conversion.

 

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If a certificate for Eagle Bancorp common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, our exchange agent will issue a new stock certificate upon receipt of appropriate evidence as to the loss, theft or destruction of the certificate, appropriate evidence as to the ownership of the certificate by the claimant, and appropriate and customary indemnification, which is normally effected by the purchase of a bond from a surety company at the stockholder’s expense.

All shares of Eagle Montana common stock that we issue in exchange for existing shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock will be considered to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of common stock, subject, however, to our obligation to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the effective date of the conversion that may have been declared by us on or prior to the effective date, and which remain unpaid at the effective date.

Effects of Conversion on Depositors, Borrowers and Members

Continuity. While the conversion is being accomplished, the normal business of American Federal Savings Bank of accepting deposits and making loans will continue without interruption. American Federal Savings Bank will continue to be a federally-chartered savings bank and will continue to be regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision. After the conversion, American Federal Savings Bank will continue to offer existing services to depositors, borrowers and other customers. The directors serving Eagle Bancorp at the time of the conversion will be the directors of Eagle Montana after the conversion.

Effect on Deposit Accounts. Pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization, each depositor of American Federal Savings Bank at the time of the conversion will automatically continue as a depositor after the conversion, and the deposit balance, interest rate and other terms of such deposit accounts will not change as a result of the conversion. Each such account will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to the same extent as before the conversion. Depositors will continue to hold their existing certificates, passbooks and other evidences of their accounts.

Effect on Loans. No loan outstanding from American Federal Savings Bank will be affected by the conversion, and the amount, interest rate, maturity and security for each loan will remain as it was contractually fixed prior to the conversion.

Effect on Voting Rights of Members. At present, all depositors of American Federal Savings Bank and those borrowers whose loans were outstanding since April 4, 2000 are members of, and have voting rights in, Eagle Financial MHC as to all matters requiring membership action. Upon completion of the conversion, these depositors and borrowers will cease to be members of Eagle Financial MHC and will no longer have voting rights, unless they purchase shares of Eagle Montana’s common stock. Upon completion of the conversion, all voting rights in American Federal Savings Bank will be vested in Eagle Montana as the sole stockholder of American Federal Savings Bank. The stockholders of Eagle Montana will possess exclusive voting rights with respect to Eagle Montana common stock.

Tax Effects. We will receive an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with regard to the federal and state income tax consequences of the conversion to the effect that implementing the plan of conversion and reorganization will not result in a taxable transaction for federal or state income tax purposes to Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, the public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp (except for cash paid for fractional exchange shares), members of Eagle Financial MHC, eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders, or American Federal Savings Bank. See “—Material Income Tax Consequences.”

Effect on Liquidation Rights. Each depositor in American Federal Savings Bank has both a deposit account in American Federal Savings Bank and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of Eagle Financial MHC based upon the deposit balance in his or her account. Currently, this ownership interest is tied to the depositor’s account and has no tangible market value separate from the deposit account. This interest may only be realized in the event of a complete liquidation of Eagle Financial MHC and American Federal Savings Bank. Any depositor who opens a deposit account obtains a pro rata ownership interest in Eagle Financial MHC without any additional payment beyond the amount of the deposit. A depositor who reduces or closes his or her account receives a portion or all of the balance in the deposit account but nothing for his or her ownership interest in the net worth of Eagle Financial MHC, which is lost to the extent that the balance in the account is reduced or closed.

Consequently, depositors in a stock subsidiary of a mutual holding company normally have no way of realizing the value of their ownership interest, which has realizable value only in the unlikely event that Eagle Financial MHC and American Federal Savings Bank are liquidated. If this occurs, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would share pro rata in any residual surplus and reserves of Eagle Financial MHC after other claims, including claims of depositors to the amounts of their deposits, are paid.

In the unlikely event that American Federal Savings Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first, followed by distribution of the “liquidation account” to depositors as of November 30, 2008 and [supplemental date] who continue to maintain their deposit accounts as of the date of liquidation, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to Eagle Montana as the holder of American Federal Savings Bank’s capital stock. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision, a post-conversion merger, consolidation, sale of bulk assets or similar combination or transaction with another insured savings institution would not be considered a liquidation and, in such a transaction, the liquidation account would be assumed by the surviving institution. See “—Liquidation Rights.”

 

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Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued

The plan of conversion and reorganization and federal regulations require that the aggregate purchase price of the common stock sold in the offering must be based on the appraised pro forma market value of the common stock, as determined by an independent valuation. American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Financial MHC have retained Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to prepare an independent valuation appraisal. For its services in preparing the initial valuation, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will receive a fee of $36,500 and $3,000 for expenses and an additional $4,500 for each valuation update, as necessary. American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Financial MHC have agreed to indemnify Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and its employees and affiliates against specified losses, including any losses in connection with claims under the federal securities laws, arising out of its services as independent appraiser, except where such liability results from its negligence or bad faith.

The independent valuation appraisal considered the pro forma impact of the offering. Consistent with the Office of Thrift Supervision appraisal guidelines, the appraisal applied three primary methodologies: the pro forma price-to-book value approach applied to both reported book value and tangible book value; the pro forma price-to-earnings approach applied to reported and core earnings; and the pro forma price-to-assets approach. The market value ratios applied in the three methodologies were based upon the current market valuations of the peer group companies, subject to valuation adjustments applied by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to account for differences between Eagle Bancorp and the peer group. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. placed the greatest emphasis on the price-to-earnings and price-to-book approaches in estimating pro forma market value.

The independent valuation was prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in reliance upon the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. also considered the following factors, among others:

 

   

the present results and financial condition of Eagle Bancorp and the projected results and financial condition of Eagle Montana;

 

   

the economic and demographic conditions in Eagle Bancorp’s existing market area;

 

   

certain historical, financial and other information relating to Eagle Bancorp;

 

   

the impact of the offering on Eagle Montana’s stockholders’ equity and earnings potential;

 

   

the proposed dividend policy of Eagle Montana; and

 

   

the trading market for securities of comparable institutions and general conditions in the market for such securities.

Included in Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.’s independent valuation were certain assumptions as to the pro forma earnings of Eagle Montana after the conversion that were utilized in determining the appraised value. These assumptions included estimated expenses, an assumed after-tax rate of return on the net offering proceeds of 0.82% and purchases in the open market of the common stock issued in the offering by the stock-based incentive plan at the $10.00 per share purchase price. See “Pro Forma Data” for additional information concerning these assumptions. The use of different assumptions may yield different results.

The independent valuation states that as of December 3, 2009, the estimated pro forma market value, or valuation range, of Eagle Montana ranged from a minimum of $33.8 million to a maximum of $45.7 million, with a midpoint of $39.8 million and an adjusted maximum of $52.6 million. The board of directors of Eagle Montana decided to offer the shares of common stock for a price of $10.00 per share. The aggregate offering price of the shares of common stock will be equal to the valuation range multiplied by the percentage of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned by Eagle Financial MHC. The number of shares offered will be equal to the aggregate offering price of the shares of common stock divided by the price per share. Based on the valuation range, the 60.4% of Eagle Bancorp common stock owned by Eagle Financial MHC and the $10.00 price per share, the minimum of the offering range will be 2,040,000 shares, the midpoint of the offering range will be 2,400,000 shares and the maximum of the offering range will be 2,760,000 shares of common stock, with an adjusted maximum of 3,174,000 shares.

The board of directors of Eagle Montana reviewed the independent valuation and, in particular, considered the following:

 

   

Eagle Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations;

 

   

comparison of financial performance ratios of Eagle Bancorp to those of other financial institutions of similar size;

 

   

market conditions generally and in particular for financial institutions; and

 

   

the historical trading price of the publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock.

All of these factors are set forth in the independent valuation. The board of directors also reviewed the methodology and the assumptions used by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in preparing the independent valuation and believes that such assumptions were reasonable. The offering range may be amended with the approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, if required, as a result of subsequent developments in the financial condition of Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank or market conditions generally. In the event the independent valuation is updated to amend the pro forma market value of Eagle Montana to less than $33.8 million or more than $52.6 million the appraisal will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by a post-effective amendment to Eagle Montana’s registration statement.

 

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The independent valuation is not intended, and must not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing our shares of common stock. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. did not independently verify our consolidated financial statements and other information that we provided to them, nor did Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. independently value our assets or liabilities. The independent valuation considers American Federal Savings Bank as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of American Federal Savings Bank. Moreover, because the independent valuation is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which may change from time to time, persons purchasing our common stock in the offering may not thereafter be able to sell their shares of common stock at prices at or above the $10.00 price per share.

Following commencement of the subscription offering, the maximum of the valuation range may be increased by up to 15%, or up to $52.6 million, without resoliciting purchasers, which will result in a corresponding increase of up to 15% in the maximum of the offering range to up to 3,174,000 shares, to reflect changes in the market and financial conditions or demand for the shares of common stock. We will not decrease the minimum of the valuation range and the minimum of the offering range without a resolicitation of purchasers. The subscription price of $10.00 per share of common stock will remain fixed. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” as to the method of distribution of additional shares of common stock to be issued in the event of an increase in the offering range of up to 3,174,000 shares.

If the update to the independent valuation at the conclusion of the offering results in an increase in the maximum of the valuation range to more than $52.6 million and a corresponding increase in the offering range to more than 3,174,000 shares, or a decrease in the minimum of the valuation range to less than $33.8 million and a corresponding decrease in the offering range to fewer than 2,040,000 shares, then, after consulting with the Office of Thrift Supervision, we may terminate the plan of conversion and reorganization, cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations and promptly return by check all funds received, with interest at 0.30%. Alternatively, we may establish a new offering range, extend the offering period and commence a resolicitation of purchasers or take other actions as permitted by the Office of Thrift Supervision in order to complete the offering. In the event that we extend the offering and conduct a resolicitation, purchasers would have the opportunity to maintain, change or cancel their stock orders within a specified period. If a purchaser does not respond during the period, his or her stock order will be canceled and payment will be returned promptly, with interest at 0.30%, and deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. Any single offering extension will not exceed 90 days; aggregate extensions may not conclude beyond [final expiration date], which is two years after the special meeting of members to vote on the conversion.

An increase in the number of shares of common stock to be issued in the offering would decrease both a purchaser’s ownership interest and Eagle Montana’s pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis while increasing pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares to be issued in the offering would increase both a purchaser’s ownership interest and Eagle Montana’s pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis, while decreasing pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. For a presentation of the effects of these changes, see “Pro Forma Data.”

Copies of the independent valuation appraisal report prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and the detailed memorandum setting forth the method and assumptions used in the appraisal report are available for inspection at the main office of American Federal Savings Bank and as specified under “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights

In accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization, rights to subscribe for shares of common stock in the subscription offering have been granted in the following descending order of priority. The filling of all subscriptions that we receive will depend on the availability of common stock after satisfaction of all subscriptions of all persons having prior rights in the subscription offering and subject to the minimum, maximum and overall purchase limitations set forth in the plan of conversion and reorganization and as described below under “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”

Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders. Each American Federal Savings Bank depositor with aggregate deposit account balances of $50.00 or more (a “Qualifying Deposit”) at the close of business on November 30, 2008 (an “Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $250,000 (25,000 shares) of our common stock, (ii) one-tenth of one percent of the total number of shares issued in the offering of common stock; or (iii) 15 times the product, rounded down to the nearest whole number, obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of common stock offered by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the Qualifying Deposit of the eligible account holder and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all eligible account holders, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will first be allocated so as to permit each Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated to each Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled. If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.

To ensure proper allocation of our shares of common stock, each Eligible Account Holder must list on his or her stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest on November 30, 2008. In the event of oversubscription, failure

 

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to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed. In the event of an oversubscription, the subscription rights of Eligible Account Holders who are also directors or executive officers of Eagle Bancorp or their associates will be subordinated to the subscription rights of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent attributable to increased deposits in the twelve months preceding November 30, 2008.

Priority 2: Tax-Qualified Plans. Our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, consisting of our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to 10% of the shares of common stock issued in the offering, although our employee stock ownership plan intends to purchase 8% of the shares of common stock issued in the offering. If market conditions warrant, in the judgment of its trustees, the employee stock ownership plan may instead elect to purchase shares in the open market following the conversion.

Priority 3: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. To the extent that there are sufficient shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders and our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, each American Federal Savings Bank depositor, other than directors and executive officers of Eagle Bancorp, with a Qualifying Deposit at the close of business on [supplemental date] who is not an Eligible Account Holder (“Supplemental Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $250,000 (25,000 shares) of common stock, (ii) one-tenth of one percent of the total number of shares issued in the offering of common stock; or (iii) 15 times the product, rounded down to the nearest whole number, obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of common stock to be sold by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the Qualifying Deposit of the Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will be allocated so as to permit each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated to each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled.

To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts or loan accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest at [supplemental date]. In the event of oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.

Priority 4: Other Members. To the extent that there are shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders, our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, each depositor and borrower member of American Federal Savings Bank as of the close of business on the voting record date of [voting record date] who is not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder (“Other Members”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to the greater of $250,000 (25,000 shares) of common stock or 0.10% of the total number of shares of common stock issued in the offering, subject to the overall purchase and ownership limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, available shares will be allocated so as to permit each Other Member to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Any remaining shares will be allocated among Other Members in the proportion that the amount of the subscription of each Other Member whose subscription remains unsatisfied bears to the total amount of the subscriptions of all Other Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied. To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Other Member must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest at [voting record date]. In the event of oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.

Expiration Date. The subscription offering will expire at 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date], unless extended by us for up to 45 days. Such extension may be made without notice to you, except that extensions beyond [extension date] will require the approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision and a resolicitation of subscribers in the offering. We may decide to extend the expiration date of the subscription offering for any reason, whether or not subscriptions have been received for shares at the minimum, midpoint or maximum of the offering range. Subscription rights which have not been exercised prior to the expiration date will become void. Subscription rights will expire whether or not each eligible depositor or borrower can be located.

Community Offering

To the extent that shares of common stock remain available for purchase after satisfaction of all subscriptions of Eligible Account Holders, our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, we may offer shares pursuant to the plan of conversion and reorganization to members of the general public in a community offering. Shares may be offered with the following preferences:

 

  (i) Natural persons residing in the State of Montana;

 

  (ii) Eagle Bancorp’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date]; and

 

  (iii) Other members of the general public.

 

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Purchasers in the community offering may purchase up to $250,000 (25,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” The minimum purchase is 25 shares. The opportunity to purchase shares of common stock in the community offering category is subject to our right, in our sole discretion, to accept or reject any such orders in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following the expiration date of the offering.

If we do not have sufficient shares of common stock available to fill the accepted orders of persons residing in the State of Montana, we will allocate the available shares among those persons in a manner that permits each of them, to the extent possible, to purchase the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares subscribed for by such person. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated among such persons residing in the state whose orders remain unsatisfied on an equal number of shares basis per order. If an oversubscription occurs due to the orders of public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp as of [stockholder record date], the allocation procedures described above will apply to the stock orders of such persons. In the event of an oversubscription among members of the general public, these same allocation procedures will also apply. In connection with the allocation process, orders received for Eagle Montana common stock in the community offering will first be filled up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the shares sold in the offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order until all shares have been allocated.

The term “residing” or “resident” as used in this proxy statement/prospectus means any person who occupies a dwelling within the State of Montana, has a present intent to remain within this community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the community, together with an indication that this presence within the community is something other than merely transitory in nature. We may utilize deposit or loan records or other evidence provided to us to decide whether a person is a resident. In all cases, however, the determination shall be in our sole discretion.

Expiration Date. The community offering may begin during or after the subscription offering, and is currently expected to terminate at the same time as the subscription offering. Eagle Montana may decide to extend the community offering for any reason and is not required to give purchasers notice of any such extension unless such period extends beyond [extension date], in which case we will resolicit purchasers in the offering.

Syndicated Community Offering

If feasible, our board of directors may decide to offer for sale shares of common stock not subscribed for or purchased in the subscription and community offerings in a syndicated community offering, subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as we may determine, in a manner that will achieve a wide distribution of our shares of common stock. In the syndicated community offering, any person may purchase up to $250,000 (25,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. We retain the right to accept or reject in whole or in part any orders in the syndicated community offering. Unless the Office of Thrift Supervision permits otherwise, accepted orders for Eagle Montana common stock in the syndicated community offering will first be filled up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the shares sold in the offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order until all shares have been allocated. Unless the syndicated community offering begins during the community offering, the syndicated community offering will begin as soon as possible after the completion of the subscription and community offerings.

If a syndicated community offering is held, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will serve as sole book-running manager and D.A. Davidson will serve as co-manager As sole book-running manager, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated may form a syndicate of other brokers-dealers who are Financial Industry Regulatory Authority member firms.

In the event that we sell common stock in a “stand by” underwritten public offering, we have agreed that Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will have the right to serve as sole book-running manager. Any underwritten public offering will be conducted on a firm commitment basis. In such case, the underwriters will purchase all shares of common stock not sold in the subscription offering or the community offering, if any such shares are purchased. The aggregate price paid to us by or through the underwriters for the shares of common stock will be the number of shares sold multiplied by the $10.00 price per share, less the amount of an underwriting discount as negotiated between us and the underwriters and approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. If we determine to sell stock in an underwritten public offering, the terms of such offering, including the names of the underwriters participating in such offering, will be described in a supplement to this proxy statement/prospectus.

Neither Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated nor any registered broker-dealer will have any obligation to take or purchase any shares of the common stock in the syndicated community offering. The syndicated community offering will be conducted in accordance with certain Securities and Exchange Commission rules applicable to best efforts offerings. Generally under those rules, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, a broker-dealer, will deposit funds it receives prior to closing from interested investors into a separate non-interest-bearing bank account at a bank other than American Federal Savings Bank. The closing of the syndicated community offering is subject to conditions set forth in an agency agreement among us, Eagle Bancorp, Eagle Financial MHC and American Federal Savings Bank on one hand and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated on the other hand. If and when all the conditions for the closing are met, funds for common stock sold in the syndicated community offering, less fees and commissions payable by us, will be promptly delivered to us. If the offering is consummated, but some or all of an interested investor’s funds are not accepted by us, those funds will be returned to the interested investor promptly after closing, without interest. If the offering is not consummated, funds in the account will be promptly returned, without interest, to the potential investor. Normal customer ticketing will be used for order placement. In the syndicated community offering, order forms will not be used.

 

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If for any reason we cannot effect a syndicated community offering of shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings, or in the event that there is a significant number of shares remaining unsold after the subscription, community and syndicated community offerings, we will try to make other arrangements for the sale of unsubscribed shares, if possible. The Office of Thrift Supervision must approve any such arrangements.

Limitations on Common Stock Purchases

The plan of conversion and reorganization includes the following limitations on the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in the offering:

 

  (i) No person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of common stock or more than $250,000 (25,000 shares);

 

  (ii) Our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan and 401(k) plan, may purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, including shares issued in the event of an increase in the offering range of up to 15%;

 

  (iii) Except for the tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan, as described above, no person or entity, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such person or entity, may purchase more than $500,000 (50,000 shares) in all categories of the offering combined; and

 

  (iv) The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in all categories of the offering by executive officers and directors of American Federal Savings Bank and their associates, in the aggregate, when combined with shares of common stock issued in exchange for existing shares, may not exceed 29% of the shares issued in the conversion.

Depending upon market or financial conditions, our board of directors, with the approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision and without further approval of members of Eagle Financial MHC, may decrease or increase the purchase limitations. If a purchase limitation is increased, subscribers in the subscription offering who ordered the maximum amount will be given, and, in our sole discretion, some other large subscribers who through their subscriptions evidence a desire to purchase the maximum allowable number of shares may be given, the opportunity to increase their subscriptions up to the then applicable limit. The effect of this type of resolicitation will be an increase in the number of shares of common stock owned by subscribers who choose to increase their subscriptions. In the event that the maximum purchase limitation is increased to 5% of the shares sold in the offering, such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, provided that orders for Eagle Montana common stock exceeding 5% of the shares issued in the offering shall not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total shares sold in the offering.

In the event of an increase in the offering range of up to 3,174,000 shares of common stock, shares will be allocated in the following order of priority in accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization:

 

  (i) to fill the tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including the employee stock ownership and 401(k) plans’, subscriptions for up to 10% of the total number of shares of common stock sold in the offering;

 

  (ii) in the event that there is an oversubscription at the Eligible Account Holder, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder or Other Member levels, to fill unfulfilled subscriptions of these subscribers according to their respective priorities; and

 

  (iii) to fill unfulfilled subscriptions in the community offering, with preference given first to natural persons residing in the State of Montana, then to Eagle Bancorp’s public stockholders as of [stockholder record date] and then to members of the general public.

The term “associate” of a person means:

 

  (i) any corporation or organization, other than Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or a majority-owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank, of which the person is a senior officer, partner or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of any equity security;

 

  (ii) any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; provided, however, that for the purposes of subscriptions in the offering and restrictions on the sale of stock after the conversion, the term “associate” does not include a person who has a substantial beneficial interest in an employee stock benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank, or who is a trustee or fiduciary of such plan, and for purposes of aggregating total shares that may be held by officers and directors of Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana, the term “associate” does not include any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank; and

 

  (iii) any blood or marriage relative of the person, who either has the same home as the person or who is a director or officer of Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana.

The term “acting in concert” means:

 

  (i) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or

 

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  (ii) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.

A person or company which acts in concert with another person or company shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether common stock held by the trustee and common stock held by the employee stock benefit plan will be aggregated.

We have the sole discretion to determine whether prospective purchasers are “associates” or “acting in concert.” Persons exercising subscription rights through a single qualifying deposit account held jointly, whether or not related, will be deemed to be acting in concert unless we determine otherwise.

Our directors are not treated as associates of each other solely because of their membership on the board of directors. Common stock purchased in the offering will be freely transferable except for shares purchased by executive officers and directors of Eagle Montana or American Federal Savings Bank and except as described below. Any purchases made by any associate of Eagle Montana or American Federal Savings Bank for the explicit purpose of meeting the minimum number of shares of common stock required to be sold in order to complete the offering shall be made for investment purposes only and not with a view toward redistribution. In addition, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority guidelines, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and their associates are subject to certain restrictions on transfer of securities purchased in accordance with subscription rights and to certain reporting requirements upon purchase of these securities. For a further discussion of limitations on purchases of our shares of common stock at the time of conversion and thereafter, see “—Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after Conversion” and “Restrictions on Acquisition of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.”

Marketing Arrangements

To assist in the marketing of our common stock, we have retained Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, which is a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will assist us on a best efforts basis in the offering by:

 

  (i) acting as our financial advisors for the conversion and offering;

 

  (ii) providing administrative services and managing the Stock Information Center;

 

  (iii) educating our employees regarding the offering;

 

  (iv) targeting our sales efforts, including assisting in the preparation of marketing materials; and

 

  (v) soliciting orders for common stock.

For these services, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will receive an advisory and administrative fee of $30,000 and 1.25% of the dollar amount of all shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offering. No sales fee will be payable to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated with respect to shares purchased by officers, directors and employees or their immediate families and shares purchased by our tax-qualified employee benefit plans.

In the event that Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated sells common stock through a group of broker-dealers in a syndicated community offering, it will be paid a fee equal to 1% of the dollar amount of shares sold in the syndicated community offering, which fee along with the fee payable to selected dealers (which will include Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated) shall not exceed 6% in the aggregate. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will serve as sole book running manager and D.A. Davidson will serve as co-manager.

In the event that common stock is sold by a group of stand-by underwriters (including Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated) in a stand-by firm commitment underwritten public offering (for which Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will serve as sole book running manager), any stand-by fees will be paid separately by us, and the underwriting discount shall not exceed 6% of the dollar amount of total shares sold in such offering. All fees payable with respect to a syndicated community offering or a firm commitment underwritten public offering will be in addition to fees paid for the subscription and community offerings.

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated also will be reimbursed for allocable expenses in amount not to exceed $30,000 for the subscription offering and community offering and $50,000 for the syndicated offering, and for attorney’s fees in the subscription offering community offering and syndicated community offering in an amount not to exceed $75,000.

In the event that we are required to resolicit subscribers for shares of our common stock in the subscription and community offerings and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated provides significant additional services in connection with the resolicitation (including repeating the services described above, such as reviewing supplemental offering documents and news releases, reviewing any updates to the independent appraisal, providing advice with respect to potential changes to purchase limitations, assisting with the receipt of supplemental regulatory approvals, providing additional assistance with the processing of the return and acceptance of prior and new orders (including orders from individual retirement accounts and Keogh Accounts) and coordinating functions with the financial printer), we may pay Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated an additional fee for those services that will not exceed $50,000. Under such circumstances, with our consent, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated may be reimbursed for additional allowable expenses not to exceed $15,000 and additional reimbursable attorney’s fees not to exceed $25,000, provided that the aggregate of all reimbursable expenses and legal fees shall not exceed $195,000.

 

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If the plan of conversion and reorganization is terminated or if Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated terminates its agreement with us in accordance with the provisions of the agreement, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will receive reimbursement of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses plus $30,000 for its advisory and administrative services.

We will indemnify Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated against liabilities and expenses, including legal fees, incurred in connection with certain claims or litigation arising out of or based upon untrue statements or omissions contained in the offering materials for the common stock, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Some of our directors and executive officers may participate in the solicitation of offers to purchase common stock. These persons will be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation. Other regular employees of American Federal Savings Bank may assist in the offering, but only in ministerial capacities, and may provide clerical work in effecting a sales transaction. No offers or sales may be made by tellers or at the teller counters. Investment-related questions of prospective purchasers will be directed to executive officers or registered representatives of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated. Our other employees have been instructed not to solicit offers to purchase shares of common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase of common stock. We will rely on Rule 3a4-1 under the Exchange Act and sales of common stock will be conducted within the requirements of Rule 3a4-1, so as to permit officers, directors and employees to participate in the sale of common stock. None of our officers, directors or employees will be compensated in connection with their participation in the offering.

We have also engaged Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated as records management agent in connection with the conversion and offering. In its role as records management agent, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, will assist us in the offering as follows:

 

  (i) consolidation of deposit and loan accounts and vote calculation;

 

  (ii) preparation of information for order forms and proxy cards;

 

  (iii) interface with our financial printer;

 

  (iv) record stock order information; and

 

  (v) tabulate proxy votes.

For these services, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will receive a fee of $25,000. We will also reimburse Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, not to exceed $5,000.

Offering Deadline

The subscription and community offerings will expire at 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date], unless extended, without notice to you, for up to 45 days. Any extension of the subscription and/or community offering beyond [extension date] would require the Office of Thrift Supervision’s approval. In such event, we would conduct a resolicitation. Purchasers would have the opportunity to maintain, change or cancel their stock orders within a specified period. If a purchaser does not respond during the resolicitation period, his or her stock order will be canceled and payment will be returned promptly, with interest calculated at 0.30%, and deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. We will not execute orders until at least the minimum number of shares offered has been sold. If we have not sold the minimum by the expiration date or any extension thereof, we will terminate the offering and cancel all orders, as described above. Any single offering extension will not exceed 90 days; aggregate extensions may not conclude beyond [final extension date], which is two years after the special meeting of members to vote on the conversion. We reserve the right in our sole discretion to terminate the offering at any time and for any reason, in which case we will cancel any deposit account withdrawal orders and promptly return all funds submitted, with interest calculated at 0.30% from the date of receipt.

Prospectus Delivery

To ensure that each purchaser receives a prospectus at least 48 hours before the expiration date of the offering in accordance with Rule 15c2-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we may not mail a prospectus any later than five days prior to the expiration date or hand deliver any later than two days prior to the expiration date. Execution of an order form will confirm receipt of delivery in accordance with Rule 15c2-8. Order forms will only be distributed with or preceded by a prospectus.

Procedure for Purchasing Shares in the Subscription and Community Offerings

Use of Stock Order Forms. In order to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription offering and community offering, you must submit a properly completed original stock order form and remit full payment. Incomplete stock order forms or stock order forms that are not signed are not required to be accepted. We are not required to accept stock orders submitted on photocopied or facsimiled stock order forms. All stock order forms must be received (not postmarked) prior to 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on [expiration date]. We are not required to accept stock order forms that are not received by that time, are executed defectively or are received without full payment or without appropriate withdrawal instructions. We are not required to notify purchasers of incomplete or improperly executed stock order forms. We have the right to waive or permit the correction of

 

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incomplete or improperly executed stock order forms, but we do not represent that we will do so. You may submit your stock order form and payment by mail using the stock order reply envelope provided, by overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address on the stock order form, or by hand-delivery to American Federal Savings Bank’s main office. Stock order forms may not be delivered to other American Federal Savings Bank offices. Once tendered, a stock order form cannot be modified or revoked without our consent. We reserve the absolute right, in our sole discretion, to reject orders received in the community offering, in whole or in part, at the time of receipt or at any time prior to completion of the offering.

If you are ordering shares in the subscription offering, by signing the stock order form you are representing that you are purchasing shares for your own account and that you have no agreement or understanding with any person for the sale or transfer of the shares. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and reorganization and of the acceptability of the stock order forms will be final.

By signing the stock order form, you will be acknowledging that the common stock is not a deposit or savings account and is not federally insured or otherwise guaranteed by American Federal Savings Bank or the federal or state governments, and that you received a copy of this proxy statement/prospectus. However, signing the stock order form will not result in you waiving your rights under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We have the right to reject any order submitted in the offering by a person who we believe is making false representations or who we otherwise believe, either alone or acting in concert with others, is violating, evading, circumventing, or intends to violate, evade or circumvent the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and reorganization.

Payment for Shares. Payment for all shares of common stock will be required to accompany all completed order forms for the purchase to be valid. You may not submit cash or wire transfers. Payment for shares may be made by:

 

  (i) personal check, bank check or money order, made payable to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.; or

 

  (ii) authorization of withdrawal from the types of American Federal Savings Bank deposit accounts designated on the stock order form.

Appropriate means for designating withdrawals from deposit accounts at American Federal Savings Bank are provided on the order forms. The funds designated must be available in the account(s) at the time the stock order form is received. A hold will be placed on these funds, making them unavailable to the depositor. Funds authorized for withdrawal will continue to earn interest within the account at the contract rate until the offering is completed, at which time the designated withdrawal will be made. Interest penalties for early withdrawal applicable to certificate of deposit accounts will not apply to withdrawals authorized for the purchase of shares of common stock; however, if a withdrawal results in a certificate of deposit account with a balance less than the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate of deposit will be canceled at the time of withdrawal without penalty and the remaining balance will earn interest calculated at the current statement savings rate subsequent to the withdrawal. In the case of payments made by personal check, these funds must be available in the account(s) and will be immediately cashed and placed in a segregated account at American Federal Savings Bank or another depository institution and will earn interest calculated at 0.30% from the date payment is processed until the offering is completed or terminated, at which time interest checks will be mailed to subscribers.

You may not remit American Federal Savings Bank line of credit checks, and we will not accept third-party checks, including those payable to you and endorsed over to Eagle Montana. You may not designate on your stock order form a direct withdrawal from an American Federal Savings Bank individual retirement account. See “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares” for information on using such funds. Additionally, you may not designate on your stock order form a direct withdrawal from American Federal Savings Bank deposit accounts with check-writing privileges. Please provide a check instead. If you request direct withdrawal, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account(s). Once we receive your executed stock order form, it may not be modified, amended or rescinded without our consent, unless the offering is not completed by [extension date], in which event purchasers may be given the opportunity to increase, decrease or rescind their orders for a specified period of time.

Regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision prohibit American Federal Savings Bank from lending funds or extending credit to any persons to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.

We shall have the right, in our sole discretion, to permit institutional investors to submit irrevocable orders together with the legally binding commitment for payment and to thereafter pay for the shares of common stock for which they subscribe in the community offering at any time prior to 48 hours before the completion of the conversion. This payment may be made by wire transfer.

If our employee stock ownership plan purchases shares in the offering, it will not be required to pay for such shares until consummation of the offering, provided that there is a loan commitment from an unrelated financial institution or Eagle Montana to lend to the employee stock ownership plan the necessary amount to fund the purchase.

Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares

If you are interested in using your individual retirement account funds to purchase shares of common stock, you must do so through a self-directed individual retirement account, such as offered by brokerage firms. By regulation, American Federal Savings Bank’s individual retirement accounts are not self-directed, so they cannot be invested in our shares of common stock. Therefore, if you wish to use your funds that are currently in an American Federal Savings Bank individual retirement account, you may not designate on the stock order form that you wish funds to be withdrawn from the account for the purchase of common stock. The funds you wish to use for

 

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the purchase of common stock will have to be transferred to another bank or a brokerage account before you place your stock order. There will be no early withdrawal or interest penalties for these transfers. The new trustee or custodian will hold the shares of common stock in a self-directed account in the same manner as we now hold the depositor’s individual retirement account funds. An annual administrative fee may be payable to the new trustee or custodian. Assistance on how to transfer individual retirement accounts maintained at American Federal Savings Bank can be obtained from the Stock Information Center. Subscribers interested in using funds in an individual retirement account or any other retirement account, whether held at American Federal Savings Bank or elsewhere, to purchase shares of common stock should contact our Stock Information Center for guidance as soon as possible, preferably at least two weeks prior to the [expiration date] offering deadline. Processing such transactions takes additional time, and whether such funds can be used may depend on limitations imposed by the institutions where such funds are currently held. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to use such funds.

Delivery of Stock Certificates

Certificates representing shares of common stock issued in the offering are expected to be mailed to the persons entitled thereto at the certificate registration address noted by them on the stock order form on the day following the completion of the conversion, and we expect trading in the stock to begin the business day following the completion of the conversion. The conversion is expected to be completed as soon as practicable following satisfaction of the conditions described above in “Summary—Conditions to Completion of the Conversion.” Any certificates returned as undeliverable will be held by our transfer agent until claimed by persons legally entitled thereto or otherwise disposed of in accordance with applicable law. Until certificates for the shares of common stock are available and delivered to purchasers, purchasers may not be able to sell the shares of common stock which they ordered, even though the common stock will have begun trading. Your ability to sell the shares of common stock prior to your receipt of the stock certificate will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.

If you are currently a stockholder of Eagle Bancorp, see “Exchange of Existing Stockholders’ Stock Certificates.”

Other Restrictions

Notwithstanding any other provision of the plan of conversion and reorganization, no person is entitled to purchase any shares of common stock to the extent the purchase would be illegal under any federal or state law or regulation, including state “blue sky” regulations, or would violate regulations or policies of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. We may ask for an acceptable legal opinion from any purchaser as to the legality of his or her purchase and we may refuse to honor any purchase order if an opinion is not timely furnished. In addition, we are not required to offer shares of common stock to any person who resides in a foreign country, or in a State of the United States with respect to which any of the following apply: (a) a small number of persons otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under the plan of conversion reside in such state; (b) the issuance of subscription rights or the offer or sale of shares of common stock to such persons would require us, under the securities laws of such state, to register as a broker, dealer, salesman or agent or to register or otherwise qualify our securities for sale in such state; or (c) such registration or qualification would be impracticable for reasons of cost or otherwise.

Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit any person with subscription rights, including the Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, from transferring or entering into any agreement or understanding to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of the subscription rights issued under the plan of conversion and reorganization or the shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise. These rights may be exercised only by the person to whom they are granted and only for his or her account. When registering your stock purchase on the stock order form, you should not add the name(s) of persons who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than you do. Doing so may jeopardize your subscription rights. Each person exercising subscription rights will be required to certify that he or she is purchasing shares solely for his or her own account and that he or she has no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares. The regulations also prohibit any person from offering or making an announcement of an offer or intent to make an offer to purchase subscription rights or shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise prior to completion of the offering.

We will pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies in the event we become aware of the transfer of subscription rights, and we will not honor orders that we believe involve the transfer of subscription rights.

Stock Information Center

Our banking office personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the offering. If you have any questions regarding the offering, please call our Stock Information Center. The toll-free telephone number is 1-877-            . The Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time. The Stock Information Center will be closed weekends and bank holidays. American Federal Savings Bank offices will only accept hand-delivered stock order forms and proxy cards at its main office located at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana.

Liquidation Rights

Liquidation prior to the conversion. In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of Eagle Financial MHC or Eagle Bancorp prior to the conversion, all claims of creditors of Eagle Bancorp, including those of depositors of American Federal Savings Bank (to the extent of their deposit balances), would be paid first. Thereafter, if there were any assets of Eagle Bancorp remaining, these assets would

 

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be distributed to stockholders, including Eagle Financial MHC. Then, if there were any assets of Eagle Financial MHC remaining, members of Eagle Financial MHC would receive those remaining assets, pro rata, based upon the deposit balances in their deposit account in American Federal Savings Bank immediately prior to liquidation.

Liquidation following the conversion. In the unlikely event that American Federal Savings Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first, followed by distribution of the “liquidation account” to certain depositors, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to Eagle Montana as the holder of American Federal Savings Bank capital stock.

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision, a post-conversion merger, consolidation, sale of bulk assets or similar combination or transaction with another insured savings institution would not be considered a liquidation and, in these types of transactions, the liquidation account would be assumed by the surviving institution.

The plan of conversion and reorganization provides for the establishment, upon the completion of the conversion, of a special “liquidation account” for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in an amount equal to Eagle Financial MHC’s ownership interest in the retained earnings of Eagle Bancorp as of the date of its latest balance sheet contained in this proxy statement/prospectus.

The purpose of the liquidation account following the conversion is to provide Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who maintain their deposit accounts with American Federal Savings Bank after the conversion with a liquidation interest in the unlikely event of the complete liquidation of American Federal Savings Bank after the conversion. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder who continues to maintain his or her deposit account at American Federal Savings Bank, would be entitled, on a complete liquidation of American Federal Savings Bank after the conversion, to an interest in the liquidation account prior to any payment to the stockholders of Eagle Montana. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have an initial interest in the liquidation account for each deposit account, including savings accounts, transaction accounts such as negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit, with a balance of $50.00 or more held in American Federal Savings Bank on November 30, 2008, or [supplemental date]. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have a pro rata interest in the total liquidation account for each such deposit account, based on the proportion that the balance of each such deposit account on November 30, 2008, or [supplemental date] bears to the balance of all deposit accounts in American Federal Savings Bank on such dates.

If, however, on any June 30 annual closing date commencing after the effective date of the conversion, the amount in any such deposit account is less than the amount in the deposit account on November 30, 2008 or [supplemental date] or any other annual closing date, then the interest in the liquidation account relating to such deposit account would be reduced from time to time by the proportion of any such reduction, and such interest will cease to exist if such deposit account is closed. In addition, no interest in the liquidation account would ever be increased despite any subsequent increase in the related deposit account. Payment pursuant to liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders would be separate and apart from the payment of any insured deposit accounts to such depositor. Any assets remaining after the above liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are satisfied would be distributed to Eagle Montana as the sole stockholder of American Federal Savings Bank.

Material Income Tax Consequences

Although the conversion may be effected in any manner approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision that is consistent with the purposes of the plan of conversion and reorganization, and applicable law, regulations and policies, it is intended that the conversion will be effected through various mergers. Completion of the offering is conditioned upon the prior receipt of an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with respect to federal and Montana tax laws to the effect that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana as a result of the conversion or by account holders receiving subscription rights, except to the extent, if any, that subscription rights are deemed to have fair market value on the date such rights are issued. We have received an opinion of counsel Nixon Peabody LLP as to the federal tax consequences of the conversion. We have received an opinion of counsel Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP to the effect that, more likely than not, the income tax consequences under Montana law of the offering are not materially different than for federal income tax purposes.

Nixon Peabody LLP, has issued an opinion to Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Montana that for federal income tax purposes:

1. The conversion of Eagle Bancorp to a federally-chartered interim stock savings bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2. The merger of Eagle Bancorp with and into American Federal Savings Bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code. Neither Eagle Bancorp nor American Federal Savings Bank will recognize gain or loss as a result of such merger. (Sections 361(a) and 1032(a) of the Internal Revenue Code).

3. The basis of the assets of Eagle Bancorp and the holding period of such assets to be received by American Federal Savings Bank will be the same as the basis and holding period in such assets in the hands of Eagle Bancorp immediately before the exchange. (Sections 362(b) and 1223(2) of the Internal Revenue Code).

 

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4. The conversion of Eagle Financial MHC, to a federally-chartered interim stock savings bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code.

5. The merger of Eagle Financial MHC with and into American Federal Savings Bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.

6. The exchange of Eligible Account Holders’ and Supplemental Account Holders’ interests in Eagle Financial MHC for interests in a liquidation account established in American Federal Savings Bank will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Federal Income Tax regulations.

7. None of Eagle Financial MHC, American Federal Savings Bank, Eligible Account Holders nor Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, will recognize any gain or loss on the transfer of the assets of Eagle Financial MHC to American Federal Savings Bank in exchange for an interest in a liquidation account established in American Federal Savings Bank for the benefit of such persons who remain depositors or borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank.

8. The basis of the assets of Eagle Financial MHC and the holding period of such assets to be received by American Federal Savings Bank will be the same as the basis and holding period in such assets in the hands of Eagle Financial MHC immediately before the exchange. (Sections 362(b) and 1223(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.)

9. Current stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will not recognize any gain or loss upon their constructive exchange of Eagle Bancorp common stock for shares of American Federal Savings Bank or upon their constructive exchange of such shares of American Federal Savings Bank for new shares of Eagle Montana common stock.

10. Each stockholder’s aggregate basis in shares of Eagle Montana common stock (including fractional share interests) received in the exchange will be the same as the aggregate basis of Eagle Bancorp common stock surrendered in the exchange.

11. Each stockholder’s holding period in his or her Eagle Montana common stock received in the exchange will include the period during which the Eagle Bancorp common stock surrendered was held, provided that the Eagle Bancorp common stock surrendered is a capital asset in the hands of the stockholder on the date of the exchange.

12. Cash received by any current stockholder of Eagle Bancorp in lieu of a fractional share interest in shares of Eagle Montana common stock will be treated as having been received as a distribution in full payment in exchange for a fractional share interest of Eagle Montana common stock, which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled to receive. Accordingly, a stockholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and the basis of the fractional share. If the common stock is held by the stockholder as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be capital gain or loss.

13. It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase Eagle Montana common stock is zero. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders or Other Members upon distribution to them of nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of Eagle Montana common stock. Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members will not realize any taxable income as the result of the exercise by them of the nontransferable subscriptions rights.

14. It is more likely than not that the basis of the shares of Eagle Montana common stock purchased in the offering by the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will be the purchase price. The holding period of the Eagle Montana common stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will commence on the date on which the right to acquire such stock was exercised.

15. No gain or loss will be recognized by Eagle Montana on the receipt of money in exchange for Eagle Montana common stock sold in the offering.

We believe that the tax opinions summarized above address all material federal income tax consequences that are generally applicable to Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana and persons receiving subscription rights and shareholders of Eagle Bancorp. The tax opinion as to items 12 and 13 above is based on the position that subscription rights to be received by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members do not have any economic value at the time of distribution or the time the subscription rights are exercised. In this regard, Nixon Peabody LLP noted that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, are legally non-transferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of common stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in any community offering. The firm also noted that the Internal Revenue Service has not in the past concluded that subscription rights have value. Based on the foregoing, Nixon Peabody LLP believes that it is more likely than not that the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock have no value. However, the issue of whether or not the nontransferable subscription rights have value is based on all the facts and circumstances. If the subscription rights granted to Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members are deemed to have an ascertainable value, receipt of these rights could result in taxable gain to those Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members who exercise the subscription rights in an amount equal to the ascertainable value, and we could recognize gain on a distribution. Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences in the event that subscription rights are deemed to have an ascertainable value.

 

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We also have received a letter from Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., stating its belief that the subscription rights do not have any ascertainable fair market value and that the price at which the subscription rights are exercisable will not be more or less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of the exercise. This position is based on the fact that these rights are acquired by the recipients without cost, are nontransferable and of short duration, and afford the recipients the right only to purchase the common stock at the same price as will be paid by members of the general public in any community offering.

We do not plan to apply for a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service concerning the transactions described herein. Unlike private letter rulings issued by the Internal Revenue Service, opinions of counsel are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or any state tax authority, and such authorities may disagree with such opinions. In the event of such disagreement, there can be no assurance that the conclusions reached in an opinion of counsel would be sustained by a court if contested by the Internal Revenue Service.

The federal tax opinion has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Eagle Montana’s registration statement. An opinion regarding the Montana state income tax consequences consistent with the federal tax opinion issued by Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP, tax advisors to Eagle Financial MHC and Eagle Bancorp has also been filed as an exhibit to Eagle Montana’s registration statement.

Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after the Conversion

All shares of common stock purchased in the offering by a director or an executive officer of American Federal Savings Bank generally may not be sold for a period of one year following the closing of the conversion, except in the event of the death of the director or executive officer. Each certificate for restricted shares will bear a legend giving notice of this restriction on transfer, and instructions will be issued to the effect that any transfer within this time period of any certificate or record ownership of the shares other than as provided above is a violation of the restriction. Any shares of common stock issued at a later date as a stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise, with respect to the restricted stock will be similarly restricted. The directors and executive officers of Eagle Montana also will be restricted by the insider trading rules promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Purchases of shares of our common stock by any of our directors, executive officers and their associates, during the three-year period following the closing of the conversion may be made only through a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except with the prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. This restriction does not apply, however, to negotiated transactions involving more than 1% of our outstanding common stock or to purchases of our common stock by our stock-based incentive plan or any of our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans or non-tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans.

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit Eagle Montana from repurchasing its shares of common stock during the first year following the conversion unless compelling business reasons exist for such repurchases. After one year, the Office of Thrift Supervision does not impose any repurchase restrictions.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Eagle Financial MHC.

PROPOSAL 2 — ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

If there are not sufficient votes to constitute a quorum or to approve the plan of conversion at the time of the special meeting, the plan of conversion may not be approved unless the special meeting is adjourned to a later date or dates in order to permit further solicitation of proxies. In order to allow proxies that have been received by Eagle Bancorp at the time of the special meeting to be voted for an adjournment, if necessary, Eagle Bancorp has submitted the question of adjournment to its stockholders as a separate matter for their consideration. The board of directors of Eagle Bancorp recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the adjournment proposal. If it is necessary to adjourn the special meeting, no notice of the adjourned special meeting is required to be given to stockholders (unless the adjournment is for more than 30 days or if a new record date is fixed), other than an announcement at the special meeting of the hour, date and place to which the special meeting is adjourned.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposal to approve the plan of conversion.

PROPOSALS 3a THROUGH 3e — INFORMATIONAL PROPOSALS RELATED TO THE

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

By their approval of the plan of conversion as set forth in Proposal 1, the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp has approved each of the informational proposals numbered 3a through 3e, all of which relate to provisions included in the certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana. Each of these informational proposals is discussed in more detail below.

As a result of the conversion, the public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp, whose rights are presently governed by the charter and bylaws of Eagle Bancorp, will become stockholders of Eagle Montana, whose rights will be governed by the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana. The following informational proposals address the material differences between the

 

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governing documents of the two companies. This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the charter and bylaws of Eagle Bancorp and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” for procedures for obtaining a copy of those documents.

The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals 3a through 3e were approved as part of the process in which the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp approved the plan of conversion. These proposals are informational in nature only, because the Office of Thrift Supervision’s regulations governing mutual-to-stock conversions do not provide for votes on matters other than the plan of conversion. Eagle Bancorp’s stockholders are not being asked to approve these informational proposals at the special meeting. While we are asking you to vote with respect to each of the informational proposals set forth below, the proposed provisions for which an informational vote is requested will become effective if stockholders approve the plan of conversion, regardless of whether stockholders vote to approve any or all of the informational proposals. The provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation which are summarized as informational proposals may have the effect of deterring or rendering more difficult attempts by third parties to obtain control of Eagle Montana, if such attempts are not approved by the board of directors, or may make the removal of the board of directors or management, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.

Informational Proposal 3a – Approval of a Provision in Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation to Limit the Ability of Stockholders to Remove Directors. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana provides that any director may be removed by stockholders only for cause upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors voting together as a single class.

Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws provides that any director may be removed only for cause by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares at a meeting of stockholders called for such purpose. This has provided an adequate degree of protection under the mutual holding company structure, in which the mutual holding company owns a majority of all voting shares and can prevent a third party from seeking removal of one or more directors in order to promote an agenda that may not be in the best interests of all other stockholders.

The 80% voting requirement of the certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana is intended to prevent sudden and fundamental changes to the composition of the board of directors except in the case of director misconduct. This provision does not prevent the replacement of one or more directors at a special meeting of stockholders, and will not prevent replacement of the entire Board. This provision is intended to reduce the ability of anyone to coerce members of the board of directors by threatening them with removal from office, in cases where the directors are acting in good faith to discharge their duties to the corporation and to all stockholders as a group. This provision will not prevent a stockholder from conducting a proxy contest with respect to the election of directors at a special meeting of stockholders.

The higher vote threshold may make it more difficult to bring about a change in control of Eagle Montana. One method for a hostile stockholder to take control of a company is to acquire a majority of the outstanding shares of the company through a tender offer or open market purchases and then use its voting power to remove the existing directors.

The board of directors believes that it is desirable to adopt this provision so that a director’s continued service will be conditioned on his or her ability to serve and discharge his or her duties to the corporation and the stockholders in good faith, rather than his or her position relative to a dominant stockholder.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors.

Informational Proposal 3b – Approval of a Provision in Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation to Limit Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, to approve certain “business combinations” with an “interested stockholder.” This supermajority voting requirement will not apply in cases where the proposed transaction has been approved by a majority of disinterested directors or where various fair price and procedural conditions have been met.

Under Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation, the term “interested stockholder” is defined to include any individual, corporation, partnership or other entity (other than Eagle Montana or its subsidiary) which owns beneficially or controls, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Eagle Montana. This provision of the certificate of incorporation applies to any “Business Combination,” which is defined to include (i) any merger, consolidation or share exchange of Eagle Montana or any of its subsidiaries with or into any interested stockholder or affiliate of an interested stockholder; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition to or with any interested stockholder or affiliate of assets of Eagle Montana having an aggregate market value of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of the total consolidated assets of Eagle Montana or the aggregate market value of the outstanding stock of Eagle Montana; (iii) the issuance or transfer to any interested stockholder or its affiliate by Eagle Montana (or any subsidiary) of any securities of Eagle Montana subject to certain exceptions; (iv) the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of Eagle Montana proposed by or on behalf of any interested stockholder or affiliate thereof; (v) any reclassification of securities, recapitalization, merger or consolidation of Eagle Montana which has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of outstanding shares of common stock or any class of equity or convertible securities of Eagle Montana owned directly or indirectly by an interested stockholder or affiliate thereof; (vi) any transaction involving Eagle Montana or

 

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any subsidiary that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class or series owned by the interested stockholder except for immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of stock repurchases not caused by the interested stockholder; and (vii) any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through Eagle Montana or any subsidiary.

Neither the charter or bylaws of Eagle Bancorp nor the federal laws and regulations applicable to Eagle Bancorp contain a provision that restricts business combinations between Eagle Bancorp and any interested stockholder in the manner set forth above.

This provision is intended to limit the ability of any person who acquires a significant number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock to effect a transaction that may not be in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders generally. This will not prevent a significant stockholder from seeking approval of a business combination, but it will make it more difficult for such a stockholder to influence the outcome of a stockholder vote simply by acquiring a large number of shares of common stock but without persuading other stockholders of the merits of its proposed course of action.

Eagle Bancorp’s charter does not contain similar provisions regarding business combinations involving interested stockholders. This has not been necessary under the mutual holding company structure, in which the mutual holding company owns a majority of all voting shares and can prevent a third party from effecting a transaction that may be in its own self-interest but which may not be in the best interests of all other stockholders.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit business combinations with interested stockholders.

Informational Proposal 3c. – Approval of a Provision in Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation Requiring a Super-Majority Vote to Approve Certain Amendments to Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation. No amendment of the charter of Eagle Bancorp may be made unless it is first proposed by the board of directors, then preliminarily approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision, and thereafter approved by the holders of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana generally may be amended by the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote; provided, however, that any amendment of Article V (Business Combinations), Article VI (Board of Directors), Article VII (Stockholder Action), Article VIII (Bylaw Amendments), Article IX (Acquisition of Stock), Article X (Director Liability), Article XI (Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation), and Article XII (Indemnification) must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of no less than 80% of all votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

These limitations on amendments to specified provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation are intended to ensure that the referenced provisions are not limited or changed upon a simple majority vote. While this limits the ability of stockholders to amend those provisions, Eagle Financial MHC, as a 60.4% stockholder, currently can effectively block any stockholder proposed change to the charter.

This provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation could have the effect of discouraging a tender offer or other takeover attempt where to ability to make fundamental changes through amendments to the certificate of incorporation is an important element of the takeover strategy of the potential acquiror. The board of directors believes that the provisions limiting certain amendments to the certificate of incorporation will put the board of directors in a stronger position to negotiate with third parties with respect to transactions potentially affecting the corporate structure of Eagle Montana and the fundamental rights of its stockholders, and to preserve the ability of all stockholders to have an effective voice in the outcome of such matters.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote to approve certain amendments to Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation.

Informational Proposal 3d. – Approval of a Provision in Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation Requiring a Super-Majority Vote of Stockholders to Approve Stockholder Proposed Amendments to Eagle Montana’s Bylaws. An amendment to Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws proposed by stockholders must be approved by the holders of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting subject to applicable approval by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana provides that stockholders may only amend certain provisions of the bylaws if such proposal is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of no less than 80% of all votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

These limitations on amendments to the bylaws of Eagle Montana are intended to ensure that the bylaws are not limited or changed upon a simple majority vote of stockholders. While this limits the ability of stockholders to amend the bylaws, Eagle Financial MHC, as a 60.4% stockholder, currently can effectively block any stockholder proposed change to the bylaws. Also, the board of directors of both Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Montana may by a majority vote amend either company’s bylaws.

This provision in Eagle Montana’s bylaws could have the effect of discouraging a tender offer or other takeover attempt where the ability to make fundamental changes through amendments to the bylaws is an important element of the takeover strategy of the potential acquiror. The board of directors believes that the provision limiting amendments to the bylaws will put the board of directors in a stronger position to negotiate with third parties with respect to transactions potentially affecting the corporate structure of Eagle Montana and the fundamental rights of its stockholders, and to preserve the ability of all stockholders to have an effective voice in the outcome of such matters.

 

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The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of the provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation requiring a super-majority vote of stockholders to approve stockholder proposed amendments to Eagle Montana’s bylaws.

Informational Proposal 3e. – Approval of a Provision in Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation to Limit the Voting Rights of Shares Beneficially Owned in Excess of 10% of Eagle Montana’s Outstanding Voting Stock. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana provides that in no event shall any person, who directly or indirectly beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock as of the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled or permitted to vote on any matter, be entitled or permitted to any vote in respect of the shares held in excess of the 10% limit. Beneficial ownership is determined pursuant to the federal securities laws and includes, but is not limited to, shares as to which any person and his or her affiliates (1) have the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options and (2) have or share investment or voting power (but shall not be deemed the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of a revocable proxy granted for a particular meeting of stockholders, and that are not otherwise beneficially, or deemed by Eagle Montana to be beneficially, owned by such person and his or her affiliates).

The foregoing restriction does not apply to any employee benefit plans of Eagle Montana or any subsidiary or a trustee of a plan.

The charter of Eagle Bancorp provides that, for a period of five years from the effective date of American Federal Savings Bank’s mutual holding company reorganization, no person, other than Eagle Financial MHC, shall directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire more than 10% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock. The foregoing restriction does not apply to:

 

   

the purchase of shares by underwriters in connection with a public offering; or

 

   

the purchase of shares by any employee benefit plans of Eagle Bancorp or any subsidiary.

The provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation limiting the voting rights of beneficial owners of more than 10% of Eagle Montana’s outstanding voting stock is intended to limit the ability of any person to acquire a significant number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock and thereby gain sufficient voting control so as to cause Eagle Montana to effect a transaction that may not be in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders generally. This provision will not prevent a stockholder from seeking to acquire a controlling interest in Eagle Montana, but it will prevent a stockholder from voting more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock unless that stockholder has first persuaded the board of directors of the merits of the course of action proposed by the stockholder. The board of directors of Eagle Montana believes that fundamental transactions generally should be first considered and approved by the board of directors as the Board generally believes that it is in the best position to make an initial assessment of the merits of any such transactions and that the board of directors’ ability to make the initial assessment could be impeded if a single stockholder could acquire a sufficiently large voting interest so as to control a stockholder vote on any given proposal. This provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation makes an acquisition, merger or other similar corporate transaction less likely to occur, even if such transaction is supported by most stockholders, because it can prevent a holder of shares in excess of the 10% limit from voting the excess shares in favor of the transaction. Thus, it may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect.

The board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of a provision in Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to limit the voting rights of shares beneficially owned in excess of 10% of Eagle Montana’s outstanding voting stock.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This proxy statement/prospectus includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “project,” “could,” “intend,” “target” and other similar words and expressions of the future. 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 asset 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 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:

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

competition among depository and other financial institutions;

 

   

changes in the prices, values and sales volume of residential and commercial real estate in Montana;

 

   

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

 

   

adverse changes in the securities markets;

 

   

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

 

   

our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities, if any;

 

   

changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;

 

   

changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans;

 

   

our ability to continue to increase and manage our commercial and residential real estate, multi-family, and commercial business loans;

 

   

possible impairments of securities held by us, including those issued by government entities and government sponsored enterprises;

 

   

the level of future deposit premium assessments;

 

   

the impact of the current recession on our loan portfolio (including cash flow and collateral values), investment portfolio, customers and capital market activities;

 

   

the impact of the current governmental effort to restructure the U.S. financial and regulatory system;

 

   

the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for possible loan losses and other estimates;

 

   

changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers and their ability to repay their loans when due; and

 

   

the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters.

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Please see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12.

 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

OF

EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

The summary financial information presented below is derived in part from the consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries. The following is only a summary and you should read it in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes beginning on page F-1. The information at June 30, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is derived in part from the audited consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp that appear in this proxy statement/prospectus. The information at June 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and for the years then ended is derived in part from audited consolidated financial statements that do not appear in this proxy statement/prospectus. The operating data for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and the financial condition data at September 30, 2009 were not audited. However, in the opinion of management of Eagle Bancorp, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the unaudited periods have been made. No adjustments were made other than normal recurring entries. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire year.

 

     At September 30,    At June 30,
     2009    2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Balance Sheet Data:

                 

Total assets

   $ 300,680    $ 289,709    $ 279,907    $ 244,686    $ 226,178    $ 206,414

Investment securities, available-for-sale

     92,100      82,263      78,417      64,774      64,198      75,227

Investment securities, held-to-maturity

     265      375      697      921      1,018      1,201

Loans receivable, net:

                 

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

     76,711      79,216      86,751      81,958      75,913      56,533

Real estate construction

     6,119      4,642      7,317      8,253      6,901      2,723

Home Equity

     28,836      28,676      28,034      24,956      20,191      16,801

Consumer

     11,074      10,835      11,558      11,438      11,820      10,909

Commercial (1)

     46,005      44,254      34,699      31,987      26,509      20,347

Total loans receivable, net

     168,185      167,197      168,149      158,140      140,858      106,839

Mortgage loans held for sale

     3,494      5,349      7,370      1,175      918      2,148

Mortgage servicing rights, net

     2,315      2,208      1,652      1,628      1,722      1,857

Deposits

     195,080      187,199      178,851      179,647      174,342      172,497

FHLB advances and other borrowings

     66,639      67,056      65,222      30,000      22,371      9,885

Subordinated debentures

     5,155      5,155      5,155      5,155      5,155      —  

Shareholders’ equity

     30,427      27,792      25,634      24,088      22,545      22,265

 

 

(1) Includes commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans.

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
September 30,
    For the Year Ended June 30,
     2009    2008     2009    2008     2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating Data:

                  

Total interest income

   $ 3,724    $ 3,816      $ 15,348    $ 14,098      $ 12,651    $ 10,506    $ 9,043

Total interest expense

     1,341      1,580        6,115      6,662        5,966      3,792      2,563

Net interest income

     2,383      2,236        9,233      7,436        6,685      6,714      6,480
                                                  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

     135      —          257      (175     —        —        —  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     2,248      2,236        8,976      7,611        6,685      6,714      6,480

Noninterest income (1)

     1,061      (504     2,999      2,224        2,261      2,165      2,059

Noninterest expense

     2,103      1,849        8,563      7,063        6,614      6,465      6,181
                                                  

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,206      (117     3,412      2,772        2,332      2,414      2,358

Income tax expense (benefit)

     362      (17     1,024      662        554      629      615
                                                  

Net income (loss)

   $ 844    $ (100   $ 2,388    $ 2,110      $ 1,778    $ 1,785    $ 1,743
                                                  

Earnings (loss) per share:

                  

Basic

   $ 0.79    $ (0.09   $ 2.23    $ 1.97      $ 1.66    $ 1.66    $ 1.55
                                                  

Diluted

   $ 0.69    $ (0.08   $ 1.96    $ 1.74      $ 1.47    $ 1.48    $ 1.45
                                                  

 

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     At or For the Three
Months Ended
September 30, (2)
    At or For the Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  

Financial Ratios and Other Data:

              

Return on average assets (3)

   1.14   (0.14 )%    0.84   0.83   0.75   0.83   0.86

Return on average equity (4)

   11.60   (1.59 )%    8.94   8.25   7.41   7.88   7.48

Net interest rate spread (5)

   3.40   3.26   3.34   2.84   2.76   3.21   3.36

Net interest margin (6)

   3.58   3.50   3.52   3.15   3.06   3.41   3.51

Noninterest expense to average assets

   2.86   2.67   3.00   2.77   2.79   3.01   3.06

Efficiency ratio

   63.55   106.76   71.51   71.81   73.93   72.81   72.39

Noninterest income to average assets

   1.44   (0.73 )%    1.05   0.87   0.95   1.01   1.02

Dividend payout ratio (7)

   13.15   NM      18.21   19.67   21.71   20.11   20.83

Net interest income to noninterest expense

   1.13x      1.21x      1.08x      1.05x      1.01x      1.04x      1.05x   

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

   1.085x      1.096x      1.078x      1.108x      1.107x      1.107x      1.112x   

Nonperforming loans to net loans receivable

   0.93   0.04   0.75   0.02   0.13   0.33   0.47

Nonperforming assets to total assets

   0.52   0.03   0.43   0.01   0.09   0.20   0.24

Allowance for loan losses to net loans receivable

   0.37   0.17   0.31   0.18   0.33   0.38   0.54

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans

   39.56   400.00   41.90   937.50   244.34   141.91   132.03

Average equity to average assets

   9.78   9.06   9.09   10.02   10.12   10.54   11.55

Equity to total assets

   10.12   8.51   9.59   9.16   9.84   9.97   10.79

Tangible equity to tangible assets

   10.12   8.51   9.59   9.16   9.84   9.97   10.49

Number of branch offices

   7      5      6      5      5      5      5   

 

 

(1) Because of our election to apply FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments , we had a negative $504,000 in noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The loss stemmed primarily from a loss in value of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock investments for which the FASB ASC 825 election was applied.
(2) Ratios are annualized where appropriate.
(3) Represents net income divided by average total assets.
(4) Represents net income divided by average equity.
(5) Represents average yield on interest-earning assets less average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(6) Represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(7) The dividend payout ratio represents dividends declared per share divided by net income per share.

 

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS OF EAGLE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following tables set forth selected consolidated historical financial and other data of Eagle Bancorp and its subsidiaries for the periods and at the dates indicated. The information at June 30, 2009 is derived in part from, and should be read together with, the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Eagle Bancorp beginning at page F-1 of this prospectus. The information at December 31, 2009 and for the six months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 is unaudited, but reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the six months ended December 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for the remainder of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.

 

     At December 31,
2009
   At June 30,
2009
     (In thousands)

Selected Financial Condition Data:

     

Total assets

   $ 306,108    $ 289,709

Investment securities, available-for-sale

     94,948      82,263

Investment securities, held-to-maturity

     265      375

Loans receivable, net

     171,250      167,197

Mortgage loans held for sale

     2,236      5,349

Mortgage servicing rights, net

     2,350      2,208

Deposits

     202,223      187,199

FHLB advances and other borrowings

     66,222      67,056

Subordinated debentures

     5,155      5,155

Shareholders’ equity

     30,280      27,792

 

     For the Three Months
Ended December 31,
   For the Six Months
Ended December 31,
 
     2009    2008    2009    2008  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Selected Operating Data:

           

Total interest income

   $ 3,798    $ 3,943    $ 7,522    $ 7,759   

Total interest expense

     1,353      1,575      2,694      3,155   

Net interest income

     2,445      2,368      4,828      4,604   
                             

Provision for loan losses

     107      34      242      34   

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     2,338      2,334      4,586      4,570   

Noninterest income

     937      444      1,998      (60

Noninterest expense

     2,485      2,056      4,588      3,905   
                             

Income before income taxes

     790      722      1,996      605   

Income tax expense

     237      198      599      181   
                             

Net income

   $ 553    $ 524    $ 1,397    $ 424   
                             

Earnings per share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.52    $ 0.49    $ 1.30    $ 0.40   
                             

Diluted

   $ 0.45    $ 0.43    $ 1.14    $ 0.35   
                             

 

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     At or For the Three Months
Ended December 31, (1)
    At or For the Six Months
Ended December 31, (1)
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:

        

Return on average assets (2)

   0.73   0.73   0.94   0.30

Return on average equity (3)

   7.29   8.54   9.62   3.46

Net interest rate spread (4)

   3.39   3.49   3.37   3.36

Net interest margin (5)

   3.55   3.67   3.55   3.56

Noninterest expense to average assets

   3.28   2.88   3.08   2.75

Efficiency ratio

   73.48   73.12   57.21   85.94

Noninterest income to average assets

   1.24   0.62   1.34   (0.04 )% 

Dividend payout ratio (6)

   50.00   52.04   40.00   127.50

Net interest income to noninterest expense

   0.98x      1.15x      1.05x      1.18x   

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

   1.085x      1.073x      1.085x      1.084x   

Nonperforming loans to net loans receivable

   1.25   0.15   1.25   0.15

Nonperforming assets to total assets

   0.75   0.09   0.75   0.09

Allowance for loan losses to net loans receivable

   0.41   0.19   0.41   0.19

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans

   32.68   131.27   32.68   131.27

Average equity to average assets

   10.00   8.59   9.75   8.64

Equity to total assets

   9.89   8.67   9.89   8.67

Tangible equity to tangible assets

   9.89   8.67   9.89   8.67

Number of branch offices

   7      5      7      5   

 

 

(1) Ratios are annualized where appropriate.
(2) Represents net income divided by average total assets.
(3) Represents net income divided by average equity.
(4) Represents average yield on interest-earning assets less average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(5) Represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(6) The dividend payout ratio represents dividends declared per share divided by net income per share.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009

Total assets at December 31, 2009 were $306.11 million, an increase of $16.40 million, or 5.66%, from $289.71 million at June 30, 2009. This increase in assets was primarily attributed to an increase in securities available-for-sale of $12.69 million. Total liabilities increased by $13.91 million to $275.83 million at December 31, 2009, from $261.92 million at June 30, 2009. Total equity increased $2.49 million to $30.28 million at December 31, 2009 from $27.79 million at June 30, 2009.

Loans receivable increased $4.05 million, or 2.42%, to $171.25 million at December 31, 2009, from $167.20 million at June 30, 2009. Real estate construction loans was the loan category with the largest increase, $3.37 million, while residential mortgage loans decreased $2.58 million as we continued to diversify lending activity away from residential real estate lending. Commercial real estate loans also increased $2.69 million. Most other loan categories showed modest changes. Total loan originations were $74.92 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009, with single family mortgages accounting for $52.22 million of the total. Home equity and construction loan originations totaled $6.83 million and $3.84 million, respectively, for the same period. Commercial real estate and land loan originations totaled $6.57 million. Loans held-for-sale decreased to $2.24 million at December 31, 2009 from $5.35 million at June 30, 2009.

Deposits increased $15.02 million, or 8.03%, to $202.22 million at December 31, 2009 from $187.20 million at June 30, 2009. Growth occurred in all deposit categories.

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings decreased $834,000, or 1.24%, to $66.22 million from $67.06 million as a result of continued growth in deposits. Federal fund purchases remained at $0.

Total shareholders’ equity increased $2.49 million or 8.95%, to $30.28 million at December 31, 2009 from $27.79 million at June 30, 2009. This was a result of net income for the period of $1.40 million and by an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $1.27 million (mainly due to an increase in net unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale). This was partially offset by dividends paid and repurchases of common stock.

 

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

Net income increased $29,000, or 5.53%, to $553,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $524,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in noninterest income and partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $77,000, or 3.25%, to $2.45 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $2.37 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The increase was mainly the result of lower funding costs produced by lower short term rates and growth in levels of deposits.

Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income decreased $145,000 to $3.80 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $3.94 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. Interest and fees on loans decreased to $2.78 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $2.96 million for the same period ended December 31, 2008. This decrease of $175,000, or 5.92%, was due primarily to the decrease in the average balances on loans for the three months ended December 31, 2009. Average balances for loans receivable, net, for the three months ended December 31, 2009 were $172.05 million, compared to $180.34 million for the previous year. This represents a decrease of $8.29 million, or 4.60%. The average interest rate earned on loans receivable decreased by 9 basis points, from 6.55% to 6.46%. Interest and dividends on investment securities available-for-sale (AFS) increased to $1.01 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $977,000 for the same period last year. Average balances on investments increased to $92.64 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $75.57 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The average interest rate earned on investments decreased to 4.37% from 5.20%. Interest on deposits with banks increased to $7,000 from $1,000, due to an increase in average balances. Average balances on deposits with banks increased to $8.44 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $286,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The average rates on deposit with banks decreased from 1.40% at December 31, 2008 to 0.33% at December 31, 2009.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $222,000, or 14.1%, to $1.35 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $1.58 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, due to lower funding costs. Our deposit expense decreased $241,000, or 29.0% to $589,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $830,000 for three months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease was the result of a decrease in average rates paid on deposit accounts. Interest bearing checking accounts decreased in average rates paid from 0.36% to 0.22%. Money market accounts had decreased from 1.48% to 0.52%. Average balances in interest-bearing deposit accounts increased to $181.54 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $167.76 million for the same period in the previous year. A small decrease in the average balance of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in the average rate paid, resulted in an increase in interest paid on borrowings to $689,000 versus $670,000 paid in the same period in the previous year. The average rate paid on borrowings increased from 4.10% last year to 4.24% this year. The average rate paid on liabilities decreased 49 basis points from the three months ended December 31, 2008 to the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to earnings to maintain the total allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate by American Federal Savings Bank, to provide for probable loan losses based on prior loss experience, volume and type of lending conducted by American Federal Savings Bank, national and local economic conditions, and past due loans in portfolio. Our policies require the review of assets on a quarterly basis. We classify loans as well as other assets if warranted. While American Federal Savings Bank believes it uses the best information available to make a determination with respect to the allowance for loan losses, it recognizes that future adjustments may be necessary. A provision of $107,000 was made for loan losses for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, and $34,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 to reflect levels that were considered adequate. Increases in delinquent loans and classified assets were contributing factors to increasing the provision. Total classified assets increased from $1.25 million at June 30, 2009 to $3.87 million at December 31, 2009. At quarter end, American Federal Savings Bank had $142,000 in other real estate owned and $10,000 in repossessed property.

Non-performing assets increased from $1.57 million at September 30, 2009 to $2.30 million at December 31, 2009. This increase was due primarily to an increase in 90 day delinquent and still accruing loans of $708,000. The increase in the 90 day delinquent and still accruing category related to two loans, a residential mortgage loan ($400,000) and a commercial real estate loan ($313,000). Both mortgages are adequately collateralized and management does not expect to incur any losses. Non-accrual loans increased $104,000, primarily due to one residential mortgage loan ($80,000) and two home equity loans totaling $161,000, partially offset by decreases in other non-accrual loans. Management feels the three additional loans are adequately collateralized and does not expect to incur any losses. Repossessed assets declined slightly, from $163,000 to $157,000. One parcel of land was sold while a repossessed vehicle was added.

Based on our review of classified assets at December 31, 2009, total classified assets consisted of substandard assets of $3.70 million and reserved losses of $9,000, compared to substandard assets of $3.68 million and doubtful assets of $7,000 at September 30, 2009. Although the total classifications did not change materially, the composition did change. Classified investment securities declined from $1.77 million at September 30, 2009 to 944,000 at December 31, 2009. Classified loans increased from $1.95 million at September 30, 2009 to $2.77 million at December 31, 2009, primarily due to the two loans mentioned above that are included in the 90 day delinquent and still accruing category.

Charge-offs for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 were $32,000 compared to $6,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2008. Charge-offs for the 12 months ended December 31, 2009 were $107,000 compared to $33,000 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2008. The charge-offs during the 12 months ended December 31 were primarily due to charge-offs in consumer loans of $31,000 and residential mortgages secured by properties located in our market area of $28,000.

 

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Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $493,000, or 111%, to $937,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $444,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. This increase was due to a higher gain on sale of loans compared to the prior year’s period. Net gain on sale of loans increased $111,000, to $349,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $238,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. Likewise mortgage loan servicing fees increased $281,000 to $198,000 for three months ended December 31, 2009 from an expense of $83,000. This increase is primarily due to a provision against the valuation of mortgage servicing rights of $239,000 for the prior year’s period.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $429,000, or 20.9%, to $2.49 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 from $2.06 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $105,000 and occupancy costs of $95,000 attributable to the opening of a new branch facility.

Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of $237,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009, compared to an income tax expense of $198,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2009 was 30.00%, and was 27.42% for the three months ended December 31, 2008.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

Net income was $1.40 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $973,000 from $424,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in noninterest income of $2.06 million, and an increase in net interest income of $224,000.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $224,000, or 4.87%, to $4.83 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $4.60 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The increase was mainly the result of lower funding costs from a decline in short term rates and the growth of deposits during the period. These increases were partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense of $683,000.

Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income decreased $237,000, or 3.05%, to $7.52 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $7.76 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008. Interest and fees on loans decreased to $5.49 million for 2009 from $5.79 million for 2008. This decrease of $304,000, or 5.25%, was due to a decrease in the average balances of loans receivable for the six months ended December 31, 2009 and by a decrease in the average interest rate on such loans. Average balances for loans receivable, net, for this period were $171.66 million, compared to $177.35 million for the previous year. This is a decrease of $5.69 million, or 3.21%. The average interest rate earned on loans receivable decreased by 14 basis points, to 6.39% from 6.53%. Interest and dividends on investment securities available-for-sale (AFS) increased to $2.01 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $1.94 million for the same period ended December 31, 2008. Interest on deposits with banks increased to $15,000 from $5,000.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $461,000, or 14.6%, to $2.69 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $3.16 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008, due to lower funding costs. Interest on deposits decreased to $1.20 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $1.69 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008. This decrease of $492,000, or 29.08%, was the result of a decrease in average rates paid on deposit accounts offset by an increase in average balances in deposit accounts. Average rates paid on certificates of deposit decreased from 2008 to 2009, and the average rate paid on all liabilities decreased by 50 basis points from the six month period ended December 31, 2008 to the six month period ended December 31, 2009. Average balances in interest-bearing deposits increased to $178.27 million for the six month period ended December 31, 2009 compared to $166.47 million for the same period in the previous year. Interest paid on borrowings increased to $1.34 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $1.31 million for the same period ended December 31, 2008. The increase in borrowing costs was due to increases in the average balances. Average balances of borrowings increased to $72.67 million in 2009 compared to $71.79 million in 2008. The average rate paid on borrowings increased 3 basis points from 2008 to 2009.

Provision for Loan Losses. A provision of $242,000 was made for loan losses for the six months ended December 31, 2009, and $34,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. Increases in delinquent loans and classified assets were contributing factors to increasing the provision. Total classified assets increased from $1.25 million at June 30, 2009 to $3.87 million at December 31, 2009. At quarter end, American Federal Savings Bank had $142,000 in other real estate owned and $10,000 in repossessed property.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $2.06 million to $2.00 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from a negative $60,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. This increase was primarily attributable to last period’s recognition of a decline in value of $1.29 million on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock investments for which the FASB ASC 825 election was applied during the six months ended December 31, 2008. The FASB ASC election allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. Subsequent changes in fair value of these assets are recognized in earnings when incurred. The market value of preferred stock was $82,000 and $1.321 million at September 30, 2008, and June 30, 2008, respectively, resulting in a loss in value of $1.239 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2008.

Net gain on sale of loans increased $368,000, to $789,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $421,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. Likewise mortgage loan servicing fees increased $326,000 to $383,000 for six months ended December 31, 2009. As noted above, this increase is primarily due to a provision against the valuation of mortgage servicing rights of $239,000 for the prior year’s period.

 

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Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $683,000, or 17.5%, to $4.59 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 from $3.91 million for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy costs and federal deposit insurance premiums. Salaries and employee benefits increased $158,000 resulting from merit raises, inflationary costs and a slightly larger staff. Occupancy costs increased $102,000 due to the opening of the Skyway branch in Helena, Montana in January 2009 and the Oak Street branch in Bozeman, Montana in October 2009. The federal deposit insurance premiums increased $115,000 due to the expiration of credits and the FDIC increasing assessment rates.

Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of $599,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2009, compared to an income tax expense of $181,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008. The effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2009 was 30.00%, and was 29.92% for the six months ended December 31, 2008.

 

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HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE OFFERING

Although we cannot determine what the actual net proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock in the offering will be until the offering is completed, we anticipate that the aggregate net proceeds will be between $18.8 million and $25.6 million, or $29.6 million if the offering range is increased by 15%.

We intend to distribute the net proceeds from the stock offering as follows:

 

     Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of  
     2,040,000 Shares     2,400,000 Shares     2,760,000 Shares     3,174,000 Shares (1)  
     Amount     Percent of Net
Proceeds
    Amount     Percent of Net
Proceeds
    Amount     Percent of Net
Proceeds
    Amount     Percent of Net
Proceeds
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Offering proceeds

   $ 20,400      100.00   $ 24,000      100.00   $ 27,600      100.00   $ 31,740      100.00

Less offering expenses

     (1,646   (8.07 )     (1,802   (7.51 )     (1,957   (7.09 )     (2,136   (6.73 )
                                                        

Net offering proceeds

   $ 18,754      91.93   $ 22,198      92.49   $ 25,643      92.91   $ 29,604      93.27
                                        

Distribution of net proceeds:

                

To American Federal Savings Bank

   $ (9,377   (45.97 )%    $ (11,099   (46.25 )%    $ (12,822   (46.45 )%    $ (14,802   (46.64 )% 

To fund the loan to employee stock ownership plan

     (1,632   (8.00 )     (1,920   (8.00 )     (2,208   (8.00 )     (2,539   (8.00 )
                                                        

Retained by Eagle Montana

   $ 7,745      37.97   $ 9,179      38.25   $ 10,614      38.45   $ 12,263      38.64
                                        

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares which could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market or general financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.

Payments for shares of common stock made through withdrawals from existing deposit accounts will not result in the receipt of new funds for investment but will result in a reduction of American Federal Savings Bank’s deposits. The net proceeds may vary because total expenses relating to the offering may be more or less than our estimates. For example, our expenses would increase if a syndicated community offering were used to sell shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings.

Eagle Montana May Use the Proceeds it Retains From the Offering:

 

   

to fund a loan to the employee stock ownership plan to purchase shares of common stock in the offering;

 

   

to finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions or other financial service companies as opportunities arise, particularly in, or adjacent to, south central Montana, although we do not currently have any agreements or understandings regarding any specific acquisition transaction and it is impossible to determine when, if ever, such opportunities may arise;

 

   

to pay cash dividends to stockholders;

 

   

to repurchase shares of our common stock for, among other things, the funding of our stock-based incentive plan;

 

   

to invest in securities; and

 

   

for other general corporate purposes.

Initially, a substantial portion of the net proceeds will be invested in short-term investments, investment-grade debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities.

Under current Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, we may not repurchase shares of our common stock during the first year following the completion of the conversion, except when extraordinary circumstances exist and with prior regulatory approval and for the funding of certain stock-based plans.

American Federal Savings Bank May Use the Net Proceeds it Receives From the Offering:

 

   

to fund new loans, including commercial real estate, commercial and residential construction loans, commercial business loans, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and consumer loans;

 

   

to finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions or other financial service companies primarily in, or adjacent to, south central Montana, we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

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to acquire branches from other financial institutions primarily in, or adjacent to, south central Montana although we do not currently have any agreements or understandings regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

to enhance existing products and services; and

 

   

for other general corporate purposes.

Initially, a substantial portion of the net proceeds will be invested in short-term investments, investment-grade debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities. The use of proceeds may change based on changes in interest rates, equity markets, laws and regulations affecting the financial services industry, our relative position in the financial services industry, the attractiveness of potential acquisitions, and overall market conditions. Our business strategy for the deployment of the net proceeds raised in the offering is discussed in more detail in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Business Strategy.”

 

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OUR POLICY REGARDING DIVIDENDS

As of September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share, which equals $1.04 per share on an annualized basis. It is our current intention to maintain dividends after the conversion at current equivalent levels. After the conversion, we intend to continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis. After adjustment for the exchange ratio, we expect the annual dividends to equal $0.33, $0.28, $0.24 and $0.21 per share at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, which represents an annual dividend yield of 3.3%, 2.8%, 2.4% and 2.1% at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, based upon a stock price of $10.00 per share. The amount of dividends that we intend to pay to our stockholders following the conversion is intended to preserve the per share dividend amount, adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio, that our stockholders currently receive on their shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock. However, the dividend rate and the continued payment of dividends will depend on a number of factors including our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that we will not reduce or eliminate dividends in the future.

Under the rules of the Office of Thrift Supervision, American Federal Savings Bank will not be permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock to Eagle Montana, its sole stockholder, if American Federal Savings Bank’s stockholder’s equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account established in connection with the conversion. In addition, American Federal Savings Bank will not be permitted to make a capital distribution if, after making such distribution, it would be undercapitalized. See “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Liquidation Rights.”

Unlike American Federal Savings Bank, we are not restricted by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations on the payment of dividends to our stockholders, although the source of dividends will depend on the net proceeds retained by us and earnings and dividends from American Federal Savings Bank. However, we will be subject to state law limitations on the payment of dividends. Delaware law generally limits dividends to our capital surplus or, if there is no capital surplus, our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

Finally, pursuant to Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, during the three-year period following the conversion, we will not take any action to declare an extraordinary dividend to stockholders that would be treated by recipients as a tax-free return of capital for federal income tax purposes.

See “Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiaries” and “Market for the Common Stock” for information regarding our historical dividend payments.

 

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MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK

Eagle Bancorp’s common stock is currently traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, or OTCBB, under the symbol “EBMT.” Upon completion of the offering, Eagle Bancorp’s shares of common stock will be cancelled and will cease trading. We have applied to list Eagle Montana’s shares of common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, and it is currently expected that Eagle Montana common stock will commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Market upon completion of the offering. However, for the first 20 trading days, shares of Eagle Montana common stock will trade under the symbol “EBMTD” and thereafter, our trading symbol will be “EBMT.” In order to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, we are required to have at least three broker-dealers who will make a market in our common stock. Eagle Bancorp currently has nine registered market makers.

The development of a public market having the desirable characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control or that of any market maker. The number of active buyers and sellers of our common stock at any particular time may be limited, which may have an adverse effect on the price at which our common stock can be sold. You may not be able to sell your shares at or above the $10.00 price per share in the offering. Purchasers of our common stock should have a long-term investment intent and should recognize that there may be a limited trading market in our common stock.

The following table sets forth the high and low trading prices for shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock and cash dividends paid per share for the periods indicated. As of September 30, 2009, there were 426,014 shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock outstanding (excluding shares held by Eagle Financial MHC). In connection with the conversion and offering, each existing publicly held share of common stock of Eagle Bancorp will be converted into a right to receive a number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock, based upon the exchange ratio that is described in other sections of this proxy statement/prospectus. See “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”

 

Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010

   High    Low    Dividend Paid
Per Share

Third quarter through January 22, 2010

   $ 34.25    $ 32.65    $  

Second quarter

     35.00      28.50      0.260

First quarter

     30.00      27.50      0.260

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009

              

Fourth quarter

   $ 28.00    $ 23.00    $ 0.255

Third quarter

     23.00      21.00      0.255

Second quarter

     26.00      23.00      0.255

First quarter

     28.00      25.55      0.255

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008

              

Fourth quarter

   $ 29.50    $ 25.75    $ 0.240

Third quarter

     30.80      26.00      0.240

Second quarter

     32.75      30.30      0.240

First quarter

     33.00      30.45      0.240

On December 1, 2009, the business day immediately preceding the public announcement of the conversion, and on             , 2010, the closing prices of Eagle Bancorp common stock as reported on the OTCBB were $29.15 per share and $            per share, respectively. At September 30, 2009, Eagle Bancorp had approximately 500 stockholders of record. On the effective date of the conversion, all publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock, including shares of common stock held by our officers and directors, will be converted automatically into and become the right to receive a number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock determined pursuant to the exchange ratio. See “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”

 

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HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE

At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank exceeded all of the applicable regulatory capital requirements. The table below sets forth the historical equity capital and regulatory capital of American Federal Savings Bank at September 30, 2009, and the pro forma regulatory capital of American Federal Savings Bank, after giving effect to the sale of Eagle Montana’s shares of common stock at a $10.00 per share purchase price. Accordingly, the table assumes the receipt by American Federal Savings Bank of at least 50% of the net proceeds. See “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”

 

     American Federal
Savings Bank Historical
at September 30, 2009
    Pro Forma at September 30, 2009 Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share  
       2,040,000 Shares     2,400,000 Shares     2,760,000 Shares     3,174,000 Shares (1)  
     Amount    Percent of
Assets (2)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (2)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (2)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (2)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (2)
 

Equity capital

   $ 28,976    9.84   $ 35,915      11.91   $ 37,205      12.28   $ 38,496      12.66   $ 39,979      13.08

Tangible capital (3)

   $ 27,677    9.45   $ 34,616      11.55   $ 35,906      11.93   $ 37,197      12.31   $ 38,680      12.73

Tangible capital requirement

     4,391    1.50       4,495      1.50       4,515      1.50       4,534      1.50       4,556      1.50  
                                                                     

Excess

   $ 23,286    7.95   $ 30,121      10.05   $ 31,391      10.43   $ 32,663      10.80   $ 34,124      11.23
                                                                     

Core capital (3)(4)

   $ 27,677    9.45   $ 34,616      11.55   $ 35,906      11.93   $ 37,197      12.31   $ 38,680      12.73

Core capital requirement

     8,782    3.00       8,991      3.00       9,029      3.00       9,068      3.00       9,112      3.00  
                                                                     

Excess

   $ 18,895    6.45   $ 25,625      8.55   $ 26,877      8.93   $ 28,129      9.30   $ 29,568      9.73
                                                                     

Total risk-based capital (4)

   $ 28,272    13.72   $ 35,211      16.97   $ 36,501      17.57   $ 37,792      18.17   $ 39,275      18.86

Risk-based requirement

     16,487    8.00       16,598      8.00       16,619      8.00       16,639      8.00       16,663      8.00  
                                                                     

Excess

   $ 11,785    5.72   $ 18,613      8.97   $ 19,882      9.57   $ 21,153      10.17   $ 22,612      10.85
                                                                     

Reconciliation of capital infused into American Federal Savings Bank:

                     

Net proceeds

        $ 9,377        $ 11,099        $ 12,822        $ 14,802     

Add:

                     

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

          10          10          10          10     

Less:

                     

Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan

          (1,632       (1,920       (2,208       (2,539  

Common stock acquired by stock-based incentive plan

          (816       (960       (1,104       (1,270  
                                             

Pro forma increase in GAAP and regulatory capital (5)

        $ 6,939        $ 8,229        $ 9,520        $ 10,003     
                                             

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares of common stock that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares, or changes in market or general financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Tangible and core capital levels are shown as a percentage of adjusted total assets. Risk-based capital levels are shown as a percentage of risk-weighted assets.
(3) Tangible and core capital are determined by subtracting unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale and unrealized gain on forward delivery commitments of $1.255 million and $44,000, respectively, at September 30, 2009, from equity capital as determined by generally accepted accounting principles.
(4) Pro forma capital levels assume that we fund the stock-based incentive plans with purchases in the open market equal to 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering at a price equal to the price for which the shares of common stock are sold in the stock offering, and that the employee stock ownership plan purchases 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering with funds we lend. Pro forma GAAP and regulatory capital have been reduced by the amount required to fund both of these plans. See “Management” for a discussion of the stock-based incentive plan and employee stock ownership plan. We may award shares of common stock under one or more stock-based incentive plans in excess of this amount if the stock-based benefit plans are adopted more than one year following the stock offering. Accordingly, we may increase the awards beyond current regulatory restrictions and beyond the amounts reflected in this table.
(5) Pro forma amounts and percentages assume net proceeds are invested in assets that carry a 20% risk weighting.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table presents the historical consolidated capitalization of Eagle Bancorp at September 30, 2009 and the pro forma consolidated capitalization of Eagle Montana after giving effect to the offering, based upon the assumptions set forth in the “Pro Forma Data” section.

 

     Eagle Bancorp
Historical at
September 30,
2009
    Eagle Montana $10.00 Per Share Pro Forma  
       2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in Thousands, except share amounts)  

Deposits (2)

   $ 195,080      $ 195,070      $ 195,070      $ 195,070      $ 195,070   

Borrowed funds

     66,639        66,639        66,639        66,639        66,639   

Subordinated debentures

     5,155        5,155        5,155        5,155        5,155   
                                        

Total deposits and borrowed funds

   $ 266,874      $ 266,864      $ 266,864      $ 266,864      $ 266,864   
                                        

Shareholders’ equity:

          

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized (post-conversion) (3)

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Common stock $0.01 par value, 8,000,000 shares authorized (post-conversion); shares to be issued as reflected (3) (4)

     12        34        40        46        53   

Additional paid-in capital (3)

     4,589        23,321        26,759        30,198        34,152   

Retained earnings (5)

     29,583        29,583        29,583        29,583        29,583   

Accumulated other comprehensive gain

     1,308        1,308        1,308        1,308        1,308   

Plus:

          

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     —          10        10        10        10   

Less:

          

Treasury stock

     (5,056     (5,056     (5,056     (5,056     (5,056

Common stock already acquired by ESOP

     (9     (9     (9     (9     (9

Common stock to be acquired by the ESOP (6)

     —          (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Common stock to be acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (7)

     —          (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270
                                        

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 30,427      $ 46,743      $ 49,755      $ 52,768      $ 56,232   
                                        

Shares Outstanding

          

Total shares outstanding

     1,074,507        3,380,136        3,976,630        4,573,125        5,259,093   

Exchange shares issued

     —          1,340,136        1,576,630        1,813,125        2,085,093   

Shares offered for sale

     —          2,040,000        2,400,000        2,760,000        3,174,000   

Total shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets

     10.12     14.75     15.55     16.34     17.22

Tangible equity ratio

     9.45     14.75     15.55     16.34     17.22

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares of common stock that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares, or changes in market or general financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Does not reflect withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock in the offering other than a deposit of $10,000 of Eagle Financial MHC held at American Federal Savings Bank. These withdrawals would reduce pro forma deposits by the amount of the withdrawals. On a pro forma basis, it also reflects a transfer to equity of $10,000 in Eagle Financial MHC deposits held at American Federal Savings Bank.
(3) Eagle Bancorp currently has 1,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock, no par value, and 9,000,000 authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. On a pro forma basis, Eagle Montana common stock and additional paid-in capital have been revised to reflect the number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock to be outstanding, which is 3,380,136 shares, 3,976,630 shares, 4,573,125 shares and 5,259,093 shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively.

 

(Footnotes continued on next page)

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(continued from previous page)

 

(4) No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of Eagle Montana common stock pursuant to stock options to be granted under a stock-based incentive plan. If this plan is implemented within one year of the completion of the offering, an amount up to 10% of the shares of Eagle Montana common stock sold in the offering will be reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options. We may exceed this limit if the plan is implemented more than one year following the completion of the offering. See “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion.”
(5) The retained earnings of American Federal Savings Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation.”
(6) Assumes that 8% of the shares sold in the offering will be acquired by the employee stock ownership plan financed by a loan from Eagle Montana. The loan will be repaid principally from American Federal Savings Bank’s contributions to the employee stock ownership plan. Since Eagle Montana will finance the employee stock ownership plan debt, this debt will be eliminated through consolidation and no liability will be reflected on Eagle Montana’s consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the amount of shares of common stock acquired by the employee stock ownership plan is shown in this table as a reduction of total stockholders’ equity.
(7) Assumes at the minimum, midpoint, the maximum and the maximum as adjusted, of the offering range that a number of shares of common stock equal to 4% of the shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be purchased by the stock-based incentive plan in open market purchases. The stock-based incentive plan will be submitted to a vote of stockholders following the completion of the offering. The funds to be used by the stock-based incentive plan to purchase the shares will be provided by Eagle Montana. The dollar amount of common stock to be purchased is based on the $10.00 per share offering price and represents unearned compensation. This amount does not reflect possible increases or decreases in the value of common stock relative to the subscription price in the offering. As Eagle Montana accrues compensation expense to reflect the vesting of shares pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan, the credit to capital will be offset by a charge to operations. Implementation of the stock-based incentive plan will require stockholder approval. If the shares to fund the plan (restricted stock awards and stock options) are assumed to come from authorized but unissued shares of Eagle Montana, the number of outstanding shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and the maximum, as adjusted, of the offering range would be 3,665,736, 4,312,630, 4,959,525 and 5,703,453, respectively, total shareholders’ equity would be $47.6 million, $50.7 million, $53.9 million and $57.5 million, respectively, and total shareholders’ ownership in Eagle Montana would be diluted by approximately 8.4% at the maximum of the offering range.

 

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PRO FORMA DATA

The following tables summarize historical data of Eagle Bancorp and pro forma data at and for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and at and for the year ended June 30, 2009. This information is based on assumptions set forth below and in the tables, and should not be used as a basis for projections of market value of the shares of common stock following the offering. Moreover, pro forma stockholders’ equity per share does not give effect to the liquidation account to be established in the conversion or, in the unlikely event of a liquidation of American Federal Savings Bank, to the recoverability of intangible assets or the tax effect of the recapture of the bad debt reserve. See “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Liquidation Rights.”

The net proceeds in the tables are based upon the following assumptions:

 

  (i) Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated estimates that approximately one-third of all shares of common stock will be sold in the subscription and community offerings, including shares purchased by insiders, with the remaining shares to be sold in the syndicated community offering;

 

  (ii) 71,800 shares of common stock will be purchased by our executive officers and directors, and their associates;

 

  (iii) our employee stock ownership plan will purchase 8% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering with a loan from Eagle Montana. The loan will be repaid in substantially equal payments of principal and interest over a period of 12 years;

 

  (iv) Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated will receive a fee equal to 1.25% of all shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings and a fee equal to 6% of all shares sold in the syndicated community offering. No fee will be paid with respect to shares of common stock purchased by our qualified and non-qualified employee stock benefit plans, or stock purchased by our officers, directors and employees, and their immediate families; and

 

  (v) total expenses of the offering, including the marketing fees to be paid to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, will be between $1.6 million at the minimum of the offering range and $2.1 million at the maximum of the offering range, as adjusted.

We calculated pro forma consolidated net income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and the year ended June 30, 2009 as if the estimated net proceeds we received had been invested at the beginning of each period at an assumed interest rate of 1.34% (0.82% on an after-tax basis). The interest rate was calculated assuming that 25% of the net proceeds are placed into residential mortgage loans (half in 30-year fixed rate loans and half in 15-year fixed rate loans) with the remaining 75% of the net proceeds invested in one-year U.S. Treasury securities, all based on market interest rates prevailing as of September 30, 2009. We consider the resulting rate to reflect more accurately the pro forma reinvestment rate than an arithmetic average method in light of current market interest rates. The effect of withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock has not been reflected. Historical and pro forma per share amounts have been calculated by dividing historical and pro forma amounts by the indicated number of shares of common stock. No effect has been given in the pro forma stockholders’ equity calculations for the assumed earnings on the net proceeds.

The pro forma tables give effect to the implementation of one or more stock-based incentive plans. Subject to the receipt of stockholder approval, we have assumed that the stock-based incentive plans will acquire for restricted stock awards a number of shares of common stock equal to 4% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering at the same price for which they were sold in the stock offering. We assume that shares of common stock are granted under the plans in awards that vest over a five-year period.

We have also assumed that the stock-based incentive plans will grant options to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering. In preparing the tables below, we assumed that stockholder approval was obtained, that the exercise price of the stock options and the market price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share and that the stock options had a term of 10 years and vested over five years. We applied the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate a grant-date fair value of $1.99 for each option. In addition to the terms of the options described above, the Black-Scholes option pricing model assumed an estimated volatility rate of 22.35% for the shares of common stock, a dividend yield of 3.3%, an expected option life of 10 years and a risk-free interest rate of 3.31%.

We may grant options and award shares of common stock under one or more stock-based incentive plans in excess of 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering if the stock-based incentive plans are adopted more than one year following the stock offering.

As discussed under “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering,” we intend to contribute at least 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering to American Federal Savings Bank, and we will retain the remainder of the net proceeds from the stock offering. We will use a portion of the proceeds we retain for the purpose of making a loan to the employee stock ownership plan and retain the rest of the proceeds for future use.

 

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The pro forma table does not give effect to:

 

   

withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purpose of purchasing shares of common stock in the stock offering;

 

   

our results of operations after the stock offering; or

 

   

changes in the market price of the shares of common stock after the stock offering.

The following pro forma information may not represent the financial effects of the stock offering at the date on which the stock offering actually occurs and you should not use the table to indicate future results of operations. Pro forma stockholders’ equity represents the difference between the stated amount of our assets and liabilities, computed in accordance with GAAP. We did not increase or decrease stockholders’ equity to reflect the difference between the carrying value of loans and other assets and their market value. Pro forma stockholders’ equity is not intended to represent the fair market value of the shares of common stock and may be different than the amounts that would be available for distribution to stockholders if we liquidated. Per share figures have been calculated based on shares of Eagle Bancorp outstanding as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

     At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of
 
     2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  

Gross proceeds of stock offering

   $ 20,400      $ 24,000      $ 27,600      $ 31,740   

Market value of shares issued in the exchange

     13,401        15,766        18,131        20,851   
                                

Pro forma market capitalization

   $ 33,801      $ 39,766      $ 45,731      $ 52,591   
                                

Gross proceeds of offering

   $ 20,400      $ 24,000      $ 27,600      $ 31,740   

Less: Expenses

     (1,646     (1,802     (1,957     (2,136
                                

Estimated net proceeds

     18,754        22,198        25,643        29,604   

Less: Common stock purchased by employee stock ownership plan

     (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Less: Common stock purchased by the stock-based incentive plan

     (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270

Plus: Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     10        10        10        10   
                                

Estimated net proceeds, as adjusted

   $ 16,316      $ 19,328      $ 22,341      $ 25,805   
                                

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

        

Consolidated net income:

        

Historical

   $ 844      $ 844      $ 844      $ 844   

Pro forma adjustments:

        

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     34        40        46        53   

Employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (21     (24     (28     (32

Shares granted under the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (25     (29     (34     (39

Options granted under the stock-based incentive plan (4)

     (20     (24     (28     (32
                                

Pro forma net income

   $ 812      $ 807      $ 800      $ 795   
                                

Net income per share (5):

        

Historical

   $ 0.26     $ 0.22     $ 0.19     $ 0.17  

Pro forma adjustments:

        

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     0.01       0.01       0.01       0.01  

Employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01

Shares granted under the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01

Options granted under the stock-based incentive plan (4)

     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01
                                

Pro forma net income per share (5) (6)

   $ 0.25     $ 0.21     $ 0.18     $ 0.16  
                                

Offering price to pro forma net income per share

     10.0x        11.9x        13.9x        15.6x   

Number of shares used in net income per share calculations (5)

     3,230,536        3,800,630        4,370,725        5,026,333   

 

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     At or for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of
 
     2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  

At September 30, 2009

        

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Historical

   $ 30,427      $ 30,427      $ 30,427      $ 30,427   

Estimated net proceeds

     18,754        22,198        25,643        29,604   

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     10        10        10        10   

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Less: Common stock acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270
                                

Pro forma shareholders’ equity

   $ 46,743      $ 49,755      $ 52,768      $ 56,232   

Less: Intangible assets

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 46,743      $ 49,755      $ 52,768      $ 56,232   
                                

Shareholders’ equity per share (7):

        

Historical

   $ 9.00     $ 7.65     $ 6.65      $ 5.79   

Estimated net proceeds

     5.55       5.58       5.61        5.63   

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     —          —          —          —     

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (0.48     (0.48     (0.48     (0.48

Less: Common stock acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24
                                

Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share (7)

   $ 13.83     $ 12.51      $ 11.54      $ 10.69  

Less: Intangible assets

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 13.83     $ 12.51      $ 11.54      $ 10.69  
                                

Offering price as percentage of pro forma shareholders’ equity per share

     72.31     79.93     86.66     93.55
                                

Offering price as percentage of pro forma tangible shareholders’ equity per share

     72.31     79.93     86.66     93.55
                                

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma shareholders’ equity per share calculations (8)

     3,380,136        3,976,630        4,573,125        5,259,093   
                                

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares, or changes in market and financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Assumes that 8% of shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire these shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the employee stock ownership plan from Eagle Montana. American Federal Savings Bank intends to make annual contributions to the employee stock ownership plan in an amount at least equal to the required principal and interest payments on the debt. American Federal Savings Bank’s total annual payments on the employee stock ownership plan debt are based upon 12 equal annual installments of principal and interest. FASB ASC 718-40 “ Employee Stock Ownership Plans ” (“FASB ASC 718-40”), requires that an employer record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares committed to be released to employees. The pro forma adjustments assume that: (i) the employee stock ownership plan shares are allocated in equal annual installments based on the number of loan repayment installments assumed to be paid by American Federal Savings Bank, (ii) the fair value of the common stock remains equal to the $10.00 subscription price and (iii) the employee stock ownership plan expense reflects an effective combined federal and state tax rate of 39%. The unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed to fund the employee stock ownership plan. The pro forma net income further assumes that 13,600, 16,000, 18,400 and 21,160 shares were committed to be released during the period at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, and in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40, only the employee stock ownership plan shares committed to be released during the period were considered outstanding for purposes of net income per share calculations.
(3)

Gives effect to the grant of stock awards pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan expected to be adopted by Eagle Montana following the offering and presented to stockholders for approval not earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. We have assumed that at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum as adjusted, of the offering range this plan acquires a number of shares of restricted common stock equal to 4% of the shares sold in the offering, either through open market purchases, from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or treasury stock of Eagle Montana. Funds used by the stock-based incentive plan to purchase the shares of common stock will be contributed by Eagle Montana. In calculating the

 

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pro forma effect of the stock-based incentive plan, it is assumed that the shares of common stock were acquired by the plan in open market purchases at the beginning of the period presented for a purchase price equal to the price for which the shares are sold in the offering, and that 100% of the amount contributed was an amortized expense (20% annually based upon a five-year vesting period) during the three months ended September 30, 2009. There can be no assurance that the actual purchase price of the shares of common stock granted under the stock-based incentive plan will be equal to the $10.00 subscription price. If shares are acquired from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or from treasury shares of Eagle Montana, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This will also have a dilutive effect of approximately 2.4% (at the maximum of the offering range) on the ownership interest of stockholders. The impact on pro forma net income per share and pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is not material. The following table shows pro forma net income per share and pro forma stockholders’ equity per share, assuming all the shares of common stock to fund the stock awards are obtained from authorized but unissued shares.

 

At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

   Minimum    Midpoint    Maximum    Maximum, as
Adjusted

Pro forma net income per share

   $ 0.24    $ 0.21    $ 0.18    $ 0.15

Pro forma shareholders’ equity per share

   $ 13.74    $ 12.45    $ 11.50    $ 10.68

 

(4) Gives effect to the granting of options pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan, which is expected to be adopted by Eagle Montana following the offering and presented to stockholders for approval not earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. We have assumed that options will be granted to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares sold in the offering. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock options, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and the trading price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, and the estimated grant-date fair value pursuant to the application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $1.99 for each option. The pro forma net income assumes that the options granted under the stock-based incentive plan have a value of $1.99 per option, which was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula using the following assumptions: (i) the trading price on date of grant was $10.00 per share; (ii) exercise price is equal to the trading price on the date of grant; (iii) dividend yield of 3.3%; (iv) expected life of 10 years; (v) expected volatility of 22.35%; and (vi) risk-free interest rate of 3.31%. If the fair market value per share on the date of grant is different than $10.00, or if the assumptions used in the option pricing formula are different from those used in preparing this pro forma data, the value of options and the related expense recognized will be different. The aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five-year vesting period of the options. There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $10.00 price per share. If a portion of the shares to satisfy the exercise of options under the stock-based incentive plan is obtained from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, our net income and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This also will have a dilutive effect of up to 5.7% on the ownership interest of persons who purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
(5) The number of shares used to calculate pro forma net income per share is equal to the estimated weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2009 multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, and subtracting the employee stock ownership plan shares which have not been committed for release during the respective periods in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40. The weighted shares outstanding used for this calculation is equal to the number of new shares to be issued in the offering at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, plus the existing Eagle Bancorp shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted. See footnote 2, above. See also “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”
(6) The retained earnings of American Federal Savings Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Our Policy Regarding Dividends,” “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation.”
(7) Per share figures include publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock that will be exchanged for shares of Eagle Montana common stock in the conversion. Stockholders’ equity per share calculations are based upon the sum of (i) the number of subscription shares assumed to be sold in the offering; and (ii) shares to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares.
(8) The number of shares used to calculate pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is equal to the total number of shares to be outstanding upon completion of the offering. The shares outstanding used for this calculation is equal to the number of new shares to be issued in the offering at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, plus the existing shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted. See also “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”

 

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     At or for the Year Ended June 30, 2009
Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of
 
   2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
   (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  

Gross proceeds of stock offering

   $ 20,400      $ 24,000      $ 27,600      $ 31,740   

Market value of shares issued in the exchange

     13,401        15,766        18,131        20,851   
                                

Pro forma market capitalization

   $ 33,801      $ 39,766      $ 45,731      $ 52,591   
                                

Gross proceeds of offering

   $ 20,400      $ 24,000      $ 27,600      $ 31,740   

Less: Expenses

     (1,646     (1,802     (1,957     (2,136
                                

Estimated net proceeds

     18,754        22,198        25,643        29,604   

Less: Common stock purchased by employee stock ownership plan

     (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Less: Common stock purchased by the stock-based incentive plan

     (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270

Plus: Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     10        10        10        10   
                                

Estimated net proceeds, as adjusted

   $ 16,316      $ 19,328      $ 22,341      $ 25,805   
                                

For the Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2009

        

Consolidated net income:

        

Historical

   $ 2,388      $ 2,388      $ 2,388      $ 2,388   

Pro forma adjustments:

        

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     133        158        183        211   

Employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (83     (98     (112     (129

Shares granted under the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (100     (117     (135     (155

Options granted under the stock-based incentive plan (4)

     (81     (96     (110     (126
                                

Pro forma net income

   $ 2,258      $ 2,235      $ 2,214      $ 2,189   
                                

Net income per share (5):

        

Historical

   $ 0.74     $ 0.63     $ 0.55     $ 0.48  

Pro forma adjustments:

        

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     0.04       0.04       0.04       0.04  

Employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03

Shares granted under the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03

Options granted under the stock-based incentive plan (4)

     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03
                                

Pro forma net income per share (5) (6)

   $ 0.69     $ 0.58     $ 0.50     $ 0.43  
                                

Offering price to pro forma net income per share

     14.3     16.9     19.6     22.7

Number of shares used in net income per share calculations (5)

     3,230,536        3,800,630        4,370,725        5,026,333   

At June 30, 2009

        

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Historical

   $ 27,792      $ 27,792      $ 27,792      $ 27,792   

Estimated net proceeds

     18,754        22,198        25,643        29,604   

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     10        10        10        10   
                                

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (1,632     (1,920     (2,208     (2,539

Less: Common stock acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (816     (960     (1,104     (1,270
                                

Pro forma shareholders’ equity

   $ 44,108      $ 47,120      $ 50,133      $ 53,597   

Less: Intangible assets

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 44,108      $ 47,120      $ 50,133      $ 53,597   
                                

 

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     At or for the Year Ended June 30, 2009
Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of
 
   2,040,000
Shares
    2,400,000
Shares
    2,760,000
Shares
    3,174,000
Shares (1)
 
   (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  

Shareholders’ equity per share (7):

        

Historical

   $ 8.22     $ 6.99     $ 6.08     $ 5.28  

Estimated net proceeds

     5.55       5.58       5.61       5.63  

Eagle Financial MHC capital contribution

     —          —          —          —     

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (2)

     (0.48     (0.48     (0.48     (0.48

Less: Common stock acquired by the stock-based incentive plan (3)

     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24
                                

Pro forma shareholders’ equity per share (7)

   $ 13.05     $ 11.85     $ 10.97     $ 10.18  

Less: Intangible assets

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 13.05     $ 11.85     $ 10.97     $ 10.18  
                                

Offering price as percentage of pro forma shareholders’ equity per share

     76.63     84.46     91.32     98.23
                                

Offering price as percentage of pro forma tangible shareholders’ equity per share

     76.63     84.46     91.32     98.23
                                

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma shareholders’ equity per share calculations (8)

     3,380,136        3,976,630        4,573,125        5,259,093   
                                

 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares, or changes in market and financial conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Assumes that 8% of shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire these shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the employee stock ownership plan from Eagle Montana. American Federal Savings Bank intends to make annual contributions to the employee stock ownership plan in an amount at least equal to the required principal and interest payments on the debt. American Federal Savings Bank’s total annual payments on the employee stock ownership plan debt are based upon 12 equal annual installments of principal and interest. FASB ASC 718-40 requires that an employer record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares committed to be released to employees. The pro forma adjustments assume that: (i) the employee stock ownership plan shares are allocated in equal annual installments based on the number of loan repayment installments assumed to be paid by American Federal Savings Bank, (ii) the fair value of the common stock remains equal to the $10.00 subscription price and (iii) the employee stock ownership plan expense reflects an effective combined federal and state tax rate of 39%. The unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed to fund the employee stock ownership plan. The pro forma net income further assumes that 13,600, 16,000, 18,400 and 21,160 shares were committed to be released during the year at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, and in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40, only the employee stock ownership plan shares committed to be released during the year were considered outstanding for purposes of net income per share calculations.
(3) Gives effect to the grant of stock awards pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan expected to be adopted by Eagle Montana following the offering and presented to stockholders for approval not earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. We have assumed that at the midpoint, maximum and maximum as adjusted, of the offering range this plan acquires a number of shares of restricted common stock equal to 4% of the shares sold in the stock offering, either through open market purchases, from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or treasury stock of Eagle Montana. Funds used by the stock-based incentive plan to purchase the shares of common stock will be contributed by Eagle Montana. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock-based incentive plan, it is assumed that the shares of common stock were acquired by the plan in open market purchases at the beginning of the period presented for a purchase price equal to the price for which the shares are sold in the offering, and that 100% of the amount contributed was an amortized expense (20% annually based upon a five-year vesting period) during the year ended June 30, 2009. There can be no assurance that the actual purchase price of the shares of common stock granted under the stock-based incentive plan will be equal to the $10.00 subscription price. If shares are acquired from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or from treasury shares of Eagle Montana, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This will also have a dilutive effect of approximately 2.4% (at the maximum of the offering range) on the ownership interest of stockholders. The impact on pro forma net income per share and pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is not material. The following table shows pro forma net income per share and pro forma stockholders’ equity per share, assuming all the shares of common stock to fund the stock awards are obtained from authorized but unissued shares.

 

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At or For the Year Ended June 30, 2009

   Minimum    Midpoint    Maximum    Maximum, as
Adjusted

Pro forma net income per share

   $ 0.68    $ 0.58    $ 0.50    $ 0.44

Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share

   $ 12.98    $ 11.80    $ 10.94    $ 10.19

 

(4) Gives effect to the granting of options pursuant to the stock-based incentive plan, which is expected to be adopted by Eagle Montana following the offering and presented to stockholders for approval not earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. We have assumed that options will be granted to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares sold in the offering. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock options, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and the trading price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, and the estimated grant-date fair value pursuant to the application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $1.99 for each option. The pro forma net income assumes that the options granted under the stock-based incentive plan have a value of $1.99 per option, which was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula using the following assumptions: (i) the trading price on date of grant was $10.00 per share; (ii) exercise price is equal to the trading price on the date of grant; (iii) dividend yield of 3.3%; (iv) expected life of 10 years; (v) expected volatility of 22.35%; and (vi) risk-free interest rate of 3.31%. If the fair market value per share on the date of grant is different than $10.00, or if the assumptions used in the option pricing formula are different from those used in preparing this pro forma data, the value of options and the related expense recognized will be different. The aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five-year vesting period of the options. There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $10.00 price per share. If a portion of the shares to satisfy the exercise of options under the stock-based incentive plan is obtained from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, our net income and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This also will have a dilutive effect of up to 5.7% on the ownership interest of persons who purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
(5) The number of shares used to calculate pro forma net income per share is equal to the estimated weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended June 30, 2009 multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, and subtracting the employee stock ownership plan shares which have not been committed for release during the respective periods in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40. The weighted shares outstanding used for this calculation is equal to the number of new shares to be issued in the offering at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, plus the existing Eagle Bancorp shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted. See footnote 2, above. See also “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”
(6) The retained earnings of American Federal Savings Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Our Policy Regarding Dividends,” “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation.”
(7) Per share figures include publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock that will be exchanged for shares of Eagle Montana common stock in the conversion. Stockholders’ equity per share calculations are based upon the sum of (i) the number of subscription shares assumed to be sold in the offering; and (ii) shares to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares. The number of subscription shares actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed amounts.
(8) The number of shares used to calculate pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is equal to the total number of shares to be outstanding upon completion of the offering. The shares outstanding used for this calculation is equal to the number of new shares to be issued in the offering at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted, plus the existing shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and maximum, as adjusted. See also “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization—Share Exchange Ratio for Current Stockholders.”

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This discussion and analysis reflects our consolidated financial statements and other relevant statistical data. The information in this section has been derived from the audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements, which appear beginning on page F-1 of this proxy statement/prospectus. You should read the information in this section in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding Eagle Bancorp provided in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Overview

Historically, our principal business has consisted of attracting deposits from the general public and the business community and making loans secured by various types of collateral, including real estate and other consumer assets. We are significantly affected by prevailing economic conditions, particularly interest rates, as well as government policies concerning, among other things, monetary and fiscal affairs, housing and financial institutions and regulations regarding lending and other operations, privacy and consumer disclosure. Attracting and maintaining deposits is influenced by a number of factors, including interest rates paid on competing investments offered by other financial and non-financial institutions, account maturities, fee structures, and levels of personal income and savings. Lending activities are affected by the demand for funds and thus are influenced by interest rates, the number and quality of lenders and regional economic conditions. Sources of funds for lending activities include deposits, borrowings, repayments on loans, cash flows from maturities of investment securities and income provided from operations.

Our earnings depend primarily on our level of net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on our interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of loans, mortgage-backed securities and other investment securities, and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits, borrowed funds, and trust-preferred securities. Net interest income is a function of our interest rate spread, which is the difference between the average yield earned on our interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on our interest-bearing liabilities, as well as a function of the average balance of interest-earning assets compared to interest-bearing liabilities. Also contributing to our earnings is noninterest income, which consists primarily of service charges and fees on loan and deposit products and services, net gains and losses on sale of assets, and mortgage loan service fees. Net interest income and noninterest income are offset by provisions for loan losses, general administrative and other expenses, including salaries and employee benefits and occupancy and equipment costs, as well as by state and federal income tax expense.

American Federal Savings Bank has a strong mortgage lending focus, with the majority of its loans in single-family residential mortgages, which has enabled it to successfully market home equity loans, as well as a wide range of shorter term consumer loans for various personal needs (automobiles, recreational vehicles, etc.). In recent years we have also focused on adding commercial loans to our portfolio, both real estate and non-real estate. We have made some progress in this initiative. As of September 30, 2009, commercial real estate and land loans and commercial business loans represented 22.97% and 4.29% of the total loan portfolio, respectively, which represented increases from the 21.90% and 16.75% amounts at June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 periods, respectively. The purpose of this diversification is to mitigate our dependence on the mortgage market, as well as to improve our ability to manage our interest rate spread. American Federal Savings Bank’s management recognizes that fee income will also enable it to be less dependent on specialized lending and it now maintains a significant loan serviced portfolio, which provides a steady source of fee income. As of September 30, 2009, we had mortgage servicing rights, net of $2.315 million compared to $2.208 million as of June 30, 2009. The gain on sale of loans also provides significant fee income in periods of high mortgage loan origination volumes. Fee income is also supplemented with fees generated from our deposit accounts. American Federal Savings Bank has a high percentage of non-maturity deposits, such as checking accounts and savings accounts, which allows management flexibility in managing its spread. Non-maturity deposits do not automatically reprice as interest rates rise, as do certificates of deposit.

For the past three years, management’s focus has been on improving our core earnings. Core earnings can be described as income before taxes, with the exclusion of gain on sale of loans and adjustments to the market value of our loans serviced portfolio. Management believes that we will need to continue to focus on increasing net interest margin, other areas of fee income, and control operating expenses to achieve earnings growth going forward. Management’s strategy of growing the loan portfolio and deposit base is expected to help achieve these goals: loans typically earn higher rates of return than investments; a larger deposit base will yield higher fee income; increasing the asset base will reduce the relative impact of fixed operating costs. The biggest challenge to management’s strategy is funding the growth of our balance sheet in an efficient manner. Deposit growth will be difficult to maintain due to significant competition and higher cost wholesale funding (which is usually more expensive than retail deposits) will likely be needed to supplement it. As did many financial institutions, we invested in certain securities that were impacted by the current financial crisis. As a result, some of those instruments were no longer performing, and in the first quarter of the 2008 fiscal year, we elected to apply Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 825 Financial Instruments to certain preferred stock issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. FASB ASC 825 election had a significant impact on earnings in the first quarter of the 2009 fiscal year, resulting in an earnings charge for that period of $1.24 million.

Other than in limited circumstances for certain high-credit-quality customers, we do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans on one- to four-family residential properties (where the borrower pays interest but no principal for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan). We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on their loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not offer “subprime loans” (loans that generally target borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios) or Alt-A loans (traditionally defined as loans having less than full documentation).

 

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Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that our growth and success have largely been due to the following strengths that have given us a competitive advantage in our markets:

 

   

Maintaining a strong and experienced management team, and attracting and retaining dedicated and qualified personnel to support the growth of our franchise. Achieving our strategic objectives requires an experienced and dedicated management team, which we have developed and maintained over the years. Our management team has been an integral part of the continued growth and success of American Federal Savings Bank, including its transition to being a fully public company.

 

   

Creating value for our stockholders. As a publicly traded mutual holding company, we have strived to create value for our stockholders while meeting the needs of our banking customers. During each of the last five fiscal years since 2005, we have been profitable. Common stock purchased in our initial offering in 2000 has appreciated 264% in value as of November 30, 2009. We will continue to focus on enhancing shareholder value as we transition to a fully converted stock holding company.

 

   

Attracting and retaining core deposits. Our core deposits to total deposits ratio enables us to maintain a relatively low cost and stable funding source for our loans and other assets. Our core deposits include checking, NOW accounts, statement savings accounts, money market accounts, IRA accounts and business checking. Based on our historical experience, core deposits are longer term funding sources and unlikely to decline significantly as interest rates change. At September 30, 2009, core deposits represented 67.07% of total deposits. Excluding IRA funds, core deposits were 55.05%. We had no brokered funds as of September 30, 2009.

 

   

Maintaining strong asset quality. We have maintained superior asset quality by focusing on lower risk loan products, operating in economically diverse and growing markets, and applying conservative underwriting standards. As of September 30, 2009, our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.52%, as compared to average ratios of 2.72% for all Montana banks and 8.33% for all Nasdaq-listed banks and thrifts based in the region (including Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado) based on information from SNL Securities. By maintaining strong asset quality, we are able to minimize the reversal or non-accrual of interest on our loans, reduce our exposure to loan charge-offs or material additions to our allowance for loan losses, manage costs related to asset recovery and keep our management team focused on serving our customers and growing our business.

 

   

Operating in a relatively healthy economic climate. The Montana market in which we operate has not experienced significant increases in unemployment rates or loan foreclosures similar to those that have adversely impacted banks in many regions of the country. In Montana, unemployment as of October 31, 2009, based on information released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 6.4% versus 10.1% for the nation. Furthermore, the primary markets we serve in south central Montana (consisting of Lewis and Clark, Silver Bow and Gallatin counties) have also experienced favorable growth in population and average household incomes. According to estimates from SNL Securities, from 2000 to 2009 the total population in our primary markets increased 16.7% from approximately 158,000 to 185,000, and the average household income increased 25.0% from $35,292 to $44,095. The relatively low rate of unemployment and solid growth rates are important indicators of the economic health of our market and have enabled us to dedicate capital resources to growth and revenue enhancement as opposed to resolution of troubled assets.

Our Business Strategy

Our strategy is to continue our profitability through building a diversified loan portfolio and positioning American Federal Savings Bank as a full-service community bank that offers both retail and commercial loan and deposit products in all of its markets. We believe that this focus will enable us to continue to grow our franchise, while maintaining our commitment to customer service, high asset quality, and sustained net earnings. The following are the key elements of our business strategy:

 

   

Continue to diversify our portfolio by emphasizing our recent growth in commercial real estate and commercial business loans as a complement to our traditional single family residential real estate lending;

 

   

Continue to emphasize the attraction and retention of lower cost long-term core deposits;

 

   

Seek opportunities where presented to acquire other institutions or expand our branch structure, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction;

 

   

Maintain our high asset quality levels; and

 

   

Operate as a community-oriented independent financial institution that offers a broad array of financial services with high levels of customer service.

 

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Our results of operations may be significantly affected by our ability to effectively implement our business strategy including our plans for expansion through strategic acquisitions, although we do not currently have any understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction. If we are unable to effectively integrate and manage acquired or merged businesses or attract significant new business through our branching efforts, our financial performance may be negatively affected.

Expected Increase in Noninterest Expense Following the Offering

Following the completion of the conversion and offering, our noninterest expense can be expected to increase because of the increased compensation expenses associated with the purchase of shares of common stock by our employee stock ownership plan, the adoption of a new stock-based incentive plan, if approved by our stockholders, and implementation of our business plan. Assuming that 2,760,000 shares are sold in the offering (the maximum of the offering range):

 

  (i) the employee stock ownership plan will acquire 220,800 shares of common stock with a $2.2 million loan from Eagle Montana that is expected to be repaid over 12 years, resulting in an annual expense (pre-tax) of approximately $184,000 (assuming that the shares of common stock maintain a value of $10.00 per share);

 

  (ii) if adopted more than one year following the offering, the new stock-based incentive plan may award a number of shares of restricted stock equal to or in excess of 4% of the shares sold in the offering, or 110,400 shares, to eligible participants, and such awards will be expensed as the awards vest. Assuming all shares are awarded under the stock-based incentive plan at a price of $10.00 per share, and that the awards vest over a minimum of five years, the corresponding annual expense (pre-tax) associated with shares awarded under the stock-based incentive plan will be approximately $221,000; and

 

  (iii) if adopted more than one year following the offering, the new stock-based incentive plan may award options to purchase a number of shares equal to or in excess of 10% of the shares sold in the offering, or 276,000 shares, to eligible participants, and such options will be expensed as the options vest. Assuming all options are awarded under the stock-based incentive plan at a price of $10.00 per share, and that the options vest over a minimum of five years and using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: an exercise price and trading price on the date of grant of $10.00 and a fair value of $1.99 per option based upon a dividend yield of 3.3%, expected life of 10 years, expected volatility of 22.35% and risk-free interest rate of 3.31%. The corresponding annual expense (pre-tax) associated with options awarded under the stock-based incentive plan will be approximately $110,000.

The actual expense that will be recorded for the employee stock ownership plan will be determined by the market value of the shares of common stock as they are released to employees over the term of the loan, and whether the loan is repaid faster than its contractual term. Accordingly, increases in the stock price above $10.00 per share will increase the total employee stock ownership plan expense, and accelerated repayment of the loan will increase the employee stock ownership plan expense for those periods in which accelerated or larger loan repayments are made. Further, the actual expense of the stock-based incentive plan related to restricted stock will be determined by the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date, which may be less than or greater than $10.00 per share.

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain accounting policies are important to the understanding of our financial condition, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates associated with these policies are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances, including, but without limitation, changes in interest rates, performance of the economy, financial condition of borrowers and laws and regulations. The following are the accounting policies we believe are critical.

Allowance for Loan Losses. We recognize that losses will be experienced on loans and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan, the creditworthiness of the borrower, general economic conditions and the quality of the collateral for the loan. We maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses based on all available information. The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, including past loan loss experience, known and inherent losses, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, and current economic conditions. The loan portfolio and other credit exposures are regularly reviewed by management in its determination of the allowance for loan losses. The methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance includes a review of historical losses, peer group comparisons, industry data and economic conditions.

As an integral part of their examination process, the Office of Thrift Supervision periodically reviews our allowance for loan losses and may require us to make additional provisions for estimated losses based upon judgments different from those of management. In establishing the allowance for loan losses, loss factors are applied to various pools of outstanding loans. Loss factors are derived using our historical loss experience and may be adjusted for factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. Commercial loans that are criticized are evaluated individually to determine the required allowance for loan losses and to evaluate the potential impairment of such loans under FASB ASC 310 Receivables . Although management believes that it uses the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the

 

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determinations. Because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that increases will not be necessary should the quality of loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed previously. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. The allowance is based on information known at the time of the review. Changes in factors underlying the assessment could have a material impact on the amount of the allowance that is necessary and the amount of provision to be charged against earnings. Such changes could impact future results.

Valuation of Investment Securities. Substantially all of our investment securities are classified as available for sale and recorded at current fair value. Unrealized gains or losses, net of deferred taxes, are reported in other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices of identical assets, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon valuation models that use cash flow, security structure and other observable information. Where sufficient data is not available to produce a fair valuation, fair value is based on broker quotes for similar assets. Broker quotes may be adjusted to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Adjustments may include unobservable parameters, among other things. No adjustments were made to any broker quotes received by us.

We conduct a quarterly review and evaluation of our investment securities to determine if any declines in fair value are other than temporary. In making this determination, we consider the period of time the securities were in a loss position, the percentage decline in comparison to the securities’ amortized cost, the financial condition of the issuer, if applicable, and the delinquency or default rates of underlying collateral. We consider our intent to sell the investment securities and the likelihood that we will not have to sell the investment securities before recovery of their cost basis. If impairment exists, credit related impairment losses are recorded in earnings while noncredit related impairment losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Deferred Income Taxes. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes as prescribed in Statement of FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes . Using 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 current 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 be applied 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 liabilities and assets. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets, which are inherently subjective, are reviewed on an ongoing basis as regulatory and business factors change. A reduction in estimated future taxable income could require us to record a valuation allowance. Changes in levels of valuation allowances could result in increased income tax expense, and could negatively affect earnings.

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

Total assets increased by $10.97 million, or 3.79%, to $300.68 million at September 30, 2009, from $289.71 million at June 30, 2009. Total liabilities increased by $8.33 million to $270.25 million at September 30, 2009, from $261.92 million at June 30, 2009. Total equity increased $2.64 million to $30.43 million at September 30, 2009, from $27.79 million at June 30, 2009.

Loans receivable increased $988,000, or 0.59%, to $168.19 million at September 30, 2009 from $167.20 million at June 30, 2009. The largest category of increase in loans receivable was commercial real estate loans with a $2.05 million increase, while residential mortgage loans decreased $2.51 million. This also reflected our emphasis on non-residential lending growth. Real estate construction loans also increased $1.48 million attributable to a modest increase in construction activity. Most other loan categories showed modest changes. Total loan originations were $43.07 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, with single family mortgages accounting for $29.02 million of the total. Home equity and construction loan originations totaled $4.17 million and $2.5 million, respectively, for the same period. Commercial real estate and land loan originations totaled $3.47 million. Loans held-for-sale decreased to $3.49 million at September 30, 2009, from $5.35 million at June 30, 2009.

Deposits grew $7.88 million, or 4.21%, to $195.08 million at September 30, 2009 from $187.20 million at June 30, 2009. The growth was attributable to the general growth in deposits experienced by banks generally as consumers sought secure investments and the protection of higher levels of federal deposit insurance. Growth in certificates of deposit and non-interest checking, interest-bearing checking accounts, and savings accounts contributed to the increase in deposits. Money market accounts declined slightly. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and other borrowings decreased $417,000, or 0.62%, to $66.64 million at September 30, 2009 from $67.06 million at June 30, 2009 and was attributable in part to the growth in liquidity from deposit growth during the period.

The increase in total equity was the result of net income of $844,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and an increase in other comprehensive income of $1.89 million (mainly due to an increase in net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale), offset by dividends paid, consisting of a $0.26 per share regular cash dividend, and treasury stock purchases. All investment categories had increases in fair market value, with municipal securities experiencing the largest increase.

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

Total assets increased $9.80 million, or 3.50%, to $289.71 million at June 30, 2009, compared to $279.91 million at June 30, 2008. Total liabilities increased by $7.65 million, or 3.01%, to $261.92 million at June 30, 2009, from $254.27 million at June 30, 2008. The loan portfolio decreased $952,000 during the year attributable to declines in residential real estate, real estate construction and consumer loans offset by gains in commercial real estate and land loans, commercial business loans, and home equity loans .The increases were attributable to increased demand and our emphasis on diversifying our lending mix. Total deposits increased $8.35 million as we experienced growth in consumer preference for secured, protected locations for funds, protected by higher levels of federal deposit insurance. Noninterest checking increased $385,000 or 2.63%, to $15.00 million at June 30, 2009, and money market accounts increased $1.61 million, or 6.37%. Interest bearing checking and certificates of deposits increased $1.94 million, or 6.33%, and $1.87 million, or 2.22%, respectively. Much of the asset growth was funded by these increased deposits.

 

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Loans receivable decreased $952,000, or 0.57% to $167.20 million from $168.15 million. Significant refinancing activity contributed to the lower loan balances. $131.23 million in loans were sold during fiscal year 2009, an increase of $79.16 million from fiscal year 2008’s amount of $52.07 million. Origination activity on all loan categories with the exception of real estate construction loans and home equity loans increased in the current fiscal year. Commercial real estate and land loans increased $8.51 million during the year, and residential mortgage loans decreased $7.54 million. The available-for-sale (AFS) investment portfolio increased $3.85 million, or 4.90%, to $82.26 million at June 30, 2009 from $78.42 million at June 30, 2008. The investment category with the largest increase was municipal obligations, which increased $6.70 million.

Total deposits increased $8.35 million as we experienced significant growth in deposits, notwithstanding generally lower rates on deposits. The growth was attributable to consumers seeking additional safety and the protection afforded by increased federal deposit insurance. Of that amount, certificates of deposit increased $1.87 million, to $86.20 million at June 30, 2009 from $84.33 million at June 30, 2008. The Bank had no brokered deposits as of June 30, 2009. Interest-earning checking accounts increased $1.94 million while noninterest checking increased $385,000. Money market accounts increased $1.61 million and savings accounts increased $2.54 million. Deposit growth may continue to be difficult to achieve on a long-term basis due to fierce competition among financial institutions in our markets. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings decreased to $67.06 million at year-end 2009 from $68.22 million at year-end 2008, a decrease of $1.17 million and the result of our ability to generate liquidity through deposit growth.

Total shareholders’ equity was $27.79 million at June 30, 2009, an increase of $2.16 million. This increase was the result of net income for the year and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $240,000 (mainly due to a decrease in net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale), partially offset by the purchase of treasury stock and dividends paid during the year. The decrease in net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale was due to market disruption due to the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 as well as interest rate movements. The available-for-sale portfolio overall saw a decrease in its net unrealized loss over the period. Increases in fair market value for mortgage-backed securities and CMOs were greater than the decrease in fair market value of the other fixed income securities.

 

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Analysis of Net Interest Income

The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information at and for the periods indicated. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.

 

     For the Three Months Ended September 30,  
   2009     2008  
   Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
    Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets:

                

Interest-earning assets:

                

FHLB stock

   $ 2,000      —      —     $ 1,781    $ 7    1.57

Loans receivable, net

     171,262    $ 2,708    6.32     174,370      2,835    6.50

Investment securities

     84,983      1,008    4.74     79,004      970    4.91

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

     8,123      8    0.44     665      4    2.41
                                        

Total interest-earning assets

     266,368      3,724    5.59     255,820      3,816    5.97

Noninterest-earning assets

     28,072           21,191      
                        

Total assets

   $ 294,440         $ 277,011      
                        

Liabilities and Equity:

                

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                

Deposit accounts:

                

Money market

   $ 27,103    $ 41    0.61   $ 25,692    $ 111    1.73

Passbooks

     26,979      28    0.42     24,093      39    0.65

Checking

     34,948      22    0.25     30,958      30    0.39

Certificates of deposit

     85,772      521    2.43     84,415      682    3.23

Advances from FHLB and subordinated debt

     70,647      730    4.13     68,298      718    4.21
                                        

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     245,449      1,341    2.19     233,456      1,580    2.71

Non-interest checking

     17,291           15,160      

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     2,889           3,291      
                        

Total liabilities

     265,629           251,907      

Total equity

     28,811           25,104      
                        

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 294,440         $ 277,011      
                        

Net interest income/interest rate spread (1)

      $ 2,383    3.40      $ 2,236    3.26
                                

Net interest margin (2)

         3.58         3.50
                        

Total interest-earning assets to interest bearing liabilities

         108.52         109.58
                        

 

(1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
(2) Net interest margin represents income before the provision for loan losses divided by average interest-earning assets.
(3) Annualized. For purposes of this table, tax exempt income is not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.

 

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     For the Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2007  
     Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
    Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
    Average
Daily
Balance
   Interest
and
Dividends
   Yield/
Cost (3)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets:

                        

Interest-earning assets:

                        

FHLB stock

   $ 1,891    $ —      0.00   $ 1,336    $ 16    1.20   $ 1,315    $ 7    0.53

Loan receivable, net

     177,354      11,411    6.43     165,470      10,905    6.59     149,818      9,731    6.50

Investment securities

     79,432      3,922    4.94     67,837      3,105    4.58     66,723      2,863    4.28

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

     3,271      15    0.46     1,587      63    3.97     922      50    5.42
                                                            

Total interest-earning assets

     261,948      15,348    5.86     236,230      14,089    5.96     218,778      12,651    5.78

Noninterest-earning assets

     23,642           19,070           18,351      
                                    

Total assets

   $ 285,590         $ 255,300         $ 237,129      
                                    

Liabilities and Equity:

                        

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                        

Deposit accounts:

                        

Money market

   $ 26,344    $ 308    1.17   $ 21,981    $ 420    1.91   $ 25,648      525    2.05

Passbooks

     24,069      131    0.54     22,965      150    0.65     23,139      152    0.66

Checking

     32,994      114    0.35     30,550      71    0.23     30,789      63    0.20

Certificates of deposit

     86,666      2,608    3.01     88,888      3,746    4.21     83,753      3,451    4.12

Advances from FHLB and subordinated debt

     72,927      2,954    4.05     48,867      2,266    4.64     34,226      1,775    5.19
                                                            

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     243,000      6,115    2.52     213,251      6,653    3.12     197,555      5,966    3.02

Non-interest checking

     14,502           14,063           13,382      

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     2,117           2,403           2,189      
                                    

Total liabilities

     259,619           229,717           213,126      

Total equity

     25,971           25,583           24,003      
                                    

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 285,590         $ 255,300         $ 237,129      
                                    

Net interest income/interest rate spread (1)

      $ 9,233    3.34      $ 7,436    2.84      $ 6,685    2.76
                                                

Net interest margin (2)

         3.52         3.15         3.06
                                    

Total interest-earning assets to interest bearing liabilities

         107.80         110.78         110.74
                                    

 

(1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
(2) Net interest margin represents income before the provision for loan losses divided by average interest-earning assets.
(3) For purposes of this table, tax exempt income is not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.

 

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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 for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume multiplied by the old rate; (2) changes in rate, which are changes in rate multiplied by the old volume; and (3) changes not solely attributable to rate or volume, which have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,
Increase (Decrease)
    Year Ended June 30,
Increase (Decrease)
 
     2009 vs. 2008     2009 vs. 2008     2008 vs. 2007  
     Due to     Net     Due to     Net     Due to     Net  
     Volume     Rate       Volume     Rate       Volume     Rate    
     (In thousands)  

Interest earning assets:

                  

Loans receivable, net

   $ (50   $ (77   $ (127   $ 783      $ (277   $ 506      $ 1,017      $ 157      $ 1,174   

Investment securities

     68        (31     37        538        263        801        48        203        251   

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

     18        (13     5        67        (115     (48     36        (23     13   

Other earning assets

     —          (7     (7     —          —          —          —          9        9   
                                                                        

Total interest earning assets

     36        (128     (92     1,388        (129     1,259        1,101        346        1,447   

Interest bearing liabilities:

                  

Passbook, money market and checking accounts

     21        (110     (89     96        (184     (88     (76     (23     (99

Certificates of deposit

     11        (172     (161     (94     (1,044     (1,138     212        83        295   

Borrowings

     27        (15     12        1,116        (428     688        755        (255     500   
                                                                        

Total interest bearing liabilities

     59        (297     (238     1,118        (1,656     (538     891        (195     696   
                                                                        

Change in net interest income

   $ (23   $ 169      $ 146      $ 270      $ 1,527      $ 1,797      $ 210      $ 541      $ 751   
                                                                        

 

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

Net Income . Our net income was $844,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Because of our election to apply FASB ASC 825, we had a net loss of $100,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, stemming primarily from a loss in value of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock investments for which the FASB ASC 825 election was applied. The return to profitability in the first quarter of the 2010 fiscal year reflected our traditional core earnings and relatively small recovery in value in our holdings of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock of $84,000. While we continue to hold these securities, other value adjustments may occur in future periods under FASB ASC 825. Our tax provision was $379,000 higher in the current quarter. Basic earnings per share were $0.79 for the current period, compared to a loss per share of $0.09 for the previous year’s period.

Net Interest Income . Net interest income increased to $2.383 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $2.236 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. This increase of $147,000 was the result of a decrease in interest expense of $239,000 partially offset by a decrease in interest and dividend income of $92,000.

Interest and Dividend Income . Total interest and dividend income was $3.724 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to $3.816 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, representing a decrease of $92,000, or 2.41%. Interest and fees on loans decreased to $2.708 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 from $2.837 million for the same period ended September 30, 2008. This decrease of $129,000, or 4.55%, was due to the decrease in the average balances of loans receivable for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Average balances for loans receivable, net, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $171.26 million, compared to $174.37 million for the previous year. This represents a decrease of $3.11 million, or 1.78%. The average interest rate earned on loans receivable decreased by 18 basis points, from 6.50% at September 30, 2008 to 6.32% at September 30, 2009. Interest and dividends on investment securities available-for-sale increased to $1.00 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 from $963,000 for the same quarter last year. Average balances on investments increased to $84.98 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to $79.00 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The average interest rate earned on investments decreased to 4.74% from 4.91%.

Interest Expense . Total interest expense decreased to $1.341 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $1.580 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of $239,000, or 15.13%. Interest on deposits decreased to $611,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $862,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The decrease of $251,000, or 29.12%, was the result of a decrease in average rates paid on deposits from 2.09% at September 30, 2008, to 1.40% at September 30, 2009. All categories of deposits showed decreases in average rates paid. Average balances in interest-bearing deposit accounts increased to $174.80 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to $165.16 million for the same quarter in the previous year. The increase in the average balance of FHLB and other borrowings resulted in an increase in interest paid on borrowings to $655,000 in the current quarter compared to $643,000 in the previous year’s quarter. The average rate paid on borrowings decreased from 4.21% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 to 4.13% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The average rate paid on all liabilities decreased 52 basis points from the quarter ended September 30, 2008 to the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Provision for Loan Losses . Provisions for loan losses are charged to earnings to maintain the total allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate by American Federal Savings Bank, to provide for probable loan losses based on prior loss experience, volume and type of lending conducted by American Federal Savings Bank, national and local economic conditions, and past due loans in portfolio. Our policies require the review of assets on a quarterly basis. We classify loans as well as other assets if warranted. While American Federal Savings Bank believes it uses the best information available to make a determination with respect to the allowance for loan losses, it recognizes that future adjustments may be necessary. A provision of $135,000 was made for loan losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, and none in the quarter ended September 30, 2008, resulting in allowances of $625,000 and $300,000 as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This is a reflection of the continued strong asset quality of American Federal Savings Bank’s loan portfolio, as non-performing loan ratios continue to be below peer averages. Total classified assets increased from $1.61 million at June 30, 2009 to $1.95 million at September 30, 2009. At quarter end, American Federal Savings Bank had $158,000 in other real estate owned and $5,000 in repossessed property.

Noninterest Income . Total noninterest income increased to $1.061 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from a negative $504,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. As noted above, the loss for the three months ended September 30, 2008 stemmed primarily from a loss in value of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock investments for which the FASB ASC 825 election was applied. Income from the sale of loans increased to $440,000 from $183,000 due to $17.62 million more in mortgage loan sales in the current period versus last year’s period and a relatively small recovery in value in our holdings of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock.

Noninterest Expense . Noninterest expense increased by $254,000 or 13.74% to $2.103 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, from $1.849 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. This increase was primarily due to an increase in FDIC insurance premiums of $58,000 and an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $53,000. Other expense categories showed minor changes.

Income Tax Expense/Benefit . Our income tax expense was $362,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to a benefit of $17,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 was 30.02% and was 14.53% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

 

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

Net Income . Our net income was $2.388 million and $2.110 million for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This increase of $278,000, or 13.18%, was the result of an increase in net interest income of $1.797 million and an increase in net noninterest income of $775,000, offset by increases in noninterest expense of $1.50 million and the provision for loan losses of $257,000. Our tax provision was $362,000 higher in 2009. Basic earnings per share for the year ended June 30, 2009 were $2.23, compared to $1.97 for the year ended June 30, 2008. Diluted earnings per share were $1.96 and $1.74 for 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Net Interest Income . Net interest income increased to $9.233 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, from $7.436 million for the previous year. This increase of $1.797 million, or 24.17%, was the result of an increase in interest income of $1.250 million and a decrease in interest expense of $547,000. As shown in the “Rate/Volume Analysis” above, this increase is mainly attributable a larger average balance of loans and investments and lower rates on deposits.

Interest and Dividend Income . Total interest and dividend income was $15.348 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, compared to $14.098 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $1.250 million, or 8.87%. Interest and fees on loans increased to $11.411 million for 2009 from $10.905 million for 2008. This increase of $506,000, or 4.64%, was due primarily to the increase in the average balances on loans receivable for the year ended June 30, 2009. The average interest rate earned on loans receivable decreased by 16 basis points, to 6.43% from 6.59%. Average balances for loans receivable, net, for the year ended June 30, 2009 were $177.35 million, compared to $165.47 million for the previous year. This represents an increase of $11.88 million, or 7.18%. Interest and dividends on investment securities available-for-sale (AFS) increased to $3.893 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $3.071 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $822,000, or 26.77%. This increase was the result of higher average interest rates on the AFS portfolio during the year, along with a higher average balance. Interest earned from deposits at other banks decreased slightly for the year ended June 30, 2009 due to much lower rates. Interest and dividends on investments held-to-maturity (HTM) also experienced a slight decline.

Interest Expense . Total interest expense decreased to $6.115 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $6.662 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, a decrease of $547,000, or 8.2%. Interest on deposits decreased to $3.161 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $4.387 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. This decrease of $1.226 million, or 27.95%, was due primarily to a decrease on average rates paid. The average cost of deposits decreased 81 basis points, to 1.86% in 2009 from 2.67% in 2008. Certificates of deposit were the only category to show a decrease in average balances in 2009. An increase in the average balance of borrowings was partially offset by a decrease in the average rate paid and resulted in an increase in interest paid on borrowings to $2.954 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $2.266 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. The average balance of borrowings increased to $72.927 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, compared to $48.867 million for the year ended June 30, 2008 and resulted principally from an increase in FHLB borrowings. The average rate paid on borrowings decreased to 4.05% in 2009 from 4.64% in 2008.

Provision for Loan Losses . Provisions for loan losses are charged to earnings to maintain the total allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate by American Federal Savings Bank to provide for probable loan losses based on prior loss experience, volume and type of lending conducted by American Federal Savings Bank, and past due loans in portfolio. Our policies require the review of assets on a quarterly basis. We classify loans as well as other assets if warranted. While management believes it uses the best information available to make a determination with respect to the allowance for loan losses, it recognizes that future adjustments may be necessary. A provision to increase the allowance for loan losses by $257,000 was made for the year ended June 30, 2009 while an adjustment of $175,000 was made to reduce the allowance for loan loss for the year ended June 30, 2008, resulting in allowances of $525,000 and $300,000 as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Total classified assets increased to $1.614 million at June 30, 2009 from $106,000 at June 30, 2008. Total non-performing loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio is 0.75% at June 30, 2009, up from 0.02% at June 30, 2008. As of June 30, 2009, we had no real estate owned.

Noninterest Income . Total noninterest income increased to $2.999 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, from $2.224 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, an increase of $775,000 or 34.85%. This increase was primarily due to an increase in gain on sale of loans of $1.415 million offset by recognized losses of $785,000 on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stock that is accounted for under FASB ASC 825. The preferred stock of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae currently held by us constitutes $25,000 or 0.009% of total assets as of June 30, 2009. Net gain on sale of loans increased due to significant refinance activity that occurred particularly in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $34,000 to $745,000 for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $711,000 for the year ended June 30, 2008. This was primarily due to an increase in overdraft protection fees. Other noninterest income increased $43,000 to $652,000, primarily due to increased fee income on electronic payments and higher fee income on loan products. The single largest item in other noninterest income is earnings from bank owned life insurance of $264,000.

Noninterest Expense . Noninterest expense increased by $1.50 million or 21.23% to $8.563 million for the year ended June 30, 2009 from $7.063 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. This increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits of $446,000, federal deposit insurance premiums of $287,000, amortization of mortgage servicing rights of $285,000, and advertising expense of $101,000. The increase in salaries and benefits was due to normal pay raises and incentive pay related to mortgage originations. Federal deposit insurance increased due to the special assessment applied to institutions in June 2009 and other premium increases assessed effective January 2009. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights increased due to the increase in loan prepayments that resulted from the significant increase in refinance activity, and advertising expenses were higher due to increased promotion of deposit products. Other categories of noninterest expense showed modest changes.

 

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Income Tax Expense . Eagle’s income tax expense was $1.024 million for the year ended June 30, 2009, compared to $662,000 for the year ended June 30, 2008. The effective tax rate for the year ended June 30, 2009 was 30.0% as opposed to 23.9% for the year ended June 30, 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

American Federal Savings Bank, is required to maintain minimum levels of liquid assets as defined by the Office of Thrift Supervision regulations. The Office of Thrift Supervision has eliminated the statutory requirement based upon a percentage of deposits and short-term borrowings. The Office of Thrift Supervision states that the liquidity requirement is retained for safety and soundness purposes, and that appropriate levels of liquidity will depend upon the types of activities in which the company engages. For internal reporting purposes, American Federal Savings Bank uses policy minimums of 1.0%, and 8.0% for “basic surplus” and “basic surplus with FHLB” as internally defined. In general, the “basic surplus” is a calculation of the ratio of unencumbered short-term assets reduced by estimated percentages of CD maturities and other deposits that may leave American Federal Savings Bank in the next 90 days divided by total assets. “Basic surplus with FHLB” adds to “basic surplus” the additional borrowing capacity we have with the FHLB. We exceeded those minimum ratios as of both September 30, 2009 and June 30, 2009.

American Federal Savings Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits, repayment of loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investments, funds provided from operations, and advances from the FHLB. Scheduled repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities and maturities of investment securities are generally predictable. However, other sources of funds, such as deposit flows and loan prepayments, can be greatly influenced by the general level of interest rates, economic conditions and competition. American Federal Savings Bank uses liquidity resources principally to fund existing and future loan commitments. It also uses them to fund maturing certificates of deposit, demand deposit withdrawals and to invest in other loans and investments, maintain liquidity, and meet operating expenses.

Liquidity may be adversely affected by unexpected deposit outflows, higher interest rates paid by competitors, and similar matters. Management monitors projected liquidity needs and determines the level desirable, based in part on commitments to make loans and management’s assessment of American Federal Savings Bank’s ability to generate funds.

At September 30, 2009, our measure of sensitivity to interest rate movements, as measured by the Office of Thrift Supervision, slightly improved from the previous quarter. American Federal Savings Bank’s capital ratio as measured by the Office of Thrift Supervision slightly increased from the previous quarter. American Federal Savings Bank’s strong capital position mitigates its interest rate risk exposure. American Federal Savings Bank is well within the guidelines set forth by the Board of Directors for interest rate risk sensitivity.

As of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank’s regulatory capital was in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements. At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank’s tangible, core, and risk-based capital ratios amounted to 9.45%, 9.45%, and 13.72%, respectively, compared to regulatory requirements of 1.5%, 3.0%, and 8.0%, respectively. See “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance” for information with respect to our regulatory capital position as of September 30, 2009.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, presented elsewhere herein, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time and due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all of our assets and liabilities are monetary. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on our performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the price of goods and services.

Interest Rate Risk Analysis

In addition to the asset/liability committee, the board of directors reviews our asset and liability policies. The board of directors reviews interest rate risk and interest rate trends quarterly, as well as liquidity and capital ratio requirements. Management administers the policies and determinations of the board of directors with respect to our asset and liability goals and strategies. Our asset and liability policy and strategies are expected to continue as described so long as competitive and regulatory conditions in the financial institution industry and market interest rates continue as they have in recent years.

The following table discloses how our net portfolio value (“NPV”) would react to interest rate changes. Given the current relatively low level of market interest rates, an NPV calculation for an interest rate decrease of greater than 100 basis points has not been prepared.

 

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Changes in Market Interest Rates (Basis Points)

   Net Portfolio Value as % of PV of Assets  
   At September 30, 2009
Projected NPV
    Board Policy Limit
(if applicable)
 
           Must be at least:  

+400

   N/A    

+300

   8.93   7.00

+200

   10.74   8.00

+100

   12.18   9.00

0

   —        —     

-100

   13.63   10.00

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans we make. In addition, we use mandatory sell forward delivery commitments to sell whole loans to the secondary markets. These commitments are also used as a hedge against exposure to interest rate risks relating from rate locked loan origination commitments on certain mortgage loans held-for-sale.

 

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BUSINESS OF EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is a Delaware corporation, organized in December 2009. Upon completion of the conversion, Eagle Montana will become the holding company of American Federal Savings Bank and will succeed to all of the business and operations of Eagle Bancorp and each of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC will cease to exist.

Initially following the completion of the conversion, Eagle Montana will have no significant assets other than owning 100% of the outstanding common stock of American Federal Savings Bank, the net proceeds it retains from the offering, part of which will be used to make a loan to the American Federal Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and its ownership of a wholly owned statutory trust subsidiary through which Eagle Bancorp has issued trust preferred securities, and will have no significant liabilities. See “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering.” Eagle Montana intends to use the support staff and offices of American Federal Savings Bank and will pay American Federal Savings Bank for these services. If Eagle Montana expands or changes its business in the future, it may hire its own employees.

Eagle Montana intends to invest the net proceeds of the offering as discussed under “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering.” In the future, we may pursue other business activities, including mergers and acquisitions, investment alternatives and diversification of operations. There are, however, no current understandings or agreements for these activities.

 

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BUSINESS OF EAGLE BANCORP AND AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

Eagle Bancorp, a federally chartered stock holding company, holds 100% of the stock of American Federal Savings Bank. Its charter was approved on April 4, 2000, when it became the mid-tier stock holding company for American Federal Savings Bank, a federally chartered stock savings bank headquartered in Helena, Montana. Eagle Bancorp’s principal business is its ownership of 100% of the capital stock of American Federal Savings Bank.

American Federal Savings Bank was founded in 1922 as a Montana chartered building and loan association and has conducted operations in Helena since that time. In 1975, American Federal Savings Bank adopted a federal thrift charter. American Federal Savings Bank currently has seven retail banking offices. We also have seven automated teller machines located in our market area and we participate in the CashCard® and Money Pass® ATM networks.

Market Area

From our headquarters in Helena, Montana, we operate seven retail banking offices, including our main office. Our banking offices are located in Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Townsend, Montana.

Montana is one of the largest states in terms of land mass but ranks as one of the least populated states. According to U.S. Census Bureau data for 2008, it had a population of 967,440. Helena, where we are headquartered, is the county seat of Lewis and Clark County, which has a population of approximately 59,300 and is located within 120 miles of four of Montana’s other five largest cities: Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman and Butte. It is approximately midway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Helena is also Montana’s state capital. Its economy has shown moderate growth, in terms of both employment and income. State government and the numerous offices of the federal government comprise the largest employment sector. Helena also has significant employment in the service industries. Specifically, it has evolved into a central health care center with employment in the medical and the supporting professions as well as the medical insurance industry. The local economy is also dependent to a lesser extent upon ranching and agriculture. These have been more cyclical in nature and remain vulnerable to severe weather conditions, increased competition, both domestic and international, as well as commodity prices.

Bozeman is approximately 95 miles southeast of Helena. It is located in Gallatin County, which has a population of approximately 80,900. Bozeman is home to Montana State University and has achieved its growth in part due to the growth of the University as well as the increased tourism for resort areas in and near Bozeman. Agriculture, however, remains an important part of Bozeman’s economy. Bozeman has also become an attractive location for retirees, primarily from the West Coast, owing to its many winter and summer recreational opportunities and the presence of the University.

Butte, Montana is approximately 64 miles southwest of Helena. Butte and the surrounding Silver-Bow County have a population of approximately 32,800. Butte’s economy is somewhat reliant on the mining industry. Butte’s economy has been volatile from the fluctuations in metal and mineral commodity prices.

Townsend is the smallest community in which we operate. It has a population of about 2,000. Many of its residents commute to other Montana locations for work. Other employment in Townsend is primarily in agriculture and services. Townsend is approximately 32 miles southeast of Helena.

Competition

We face strong competition in our primary market area for the attraction of retail deposits and the origination of loans. Historically, Montana was a unit banking state. This means that the ability of Montana state banks to create branches was either prohibited or significantly restricted. As a result of unit banking, Montana has a significant number of independent financial institutions serving a single community in a single location. While the state’s population is approximately 967,440, there are 77 commercial banks, 59 credit unions and two federally chartered thrift institutions operating in Montana as of June 30, 2009. Our most direct competition for depositors has historically come from locally owned and out-of-state commercial banks, thrift institutions and credit unions operating in our primary market area. The number of such competitor locations has increased significantly in recent years. Our competition for loans also comes from banks, thrifts and credit unions in addition to mortgage bankers and brokers. Our principal market areas can be characterized as markets with moderately increasing incomes, relatively low unemployment, increasing wealth (particularly in the growing resort areas such as Bozeman), and moderate population growth. According to information reported by SNL Securities, as of June 30, 2009, we ranked 17 th in the state of Montana in total deposits. As of the same date, we ranked 5 th , 6 th , 13 th and 2 nd in Lewis and Clark, Silver Bow, Gallatin and Broadwater counties, respectively.

Lending Activities

General

American Federal Savings Bank primarily originates one- to four-family residential real estate loans and, to a lesser extent, commercial real estate loans, real estate construction loans, home equity loans, consumer loans and commercial loans. Commercial real estate loans include loans on multi-family dwellings, loans on nonresidential property and loans on developed and undeveloped land. Home equity loans include loans secured by the borrower’s primary residence. Typically, the property securing such loans is subject to a prior lien. Consumer loans consist of loans secured by collateral other than real estate, such as automobiles, recreational vehicles and boats. Personal loans and lines of credit are made on deposits held by American Federal Savings Bank and on an unsecured basis. Commercial loans consist of business loans and lines of credit on a secured and unsecured basis.

 

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Loan Portfolio Composition.

The following table analyzes the composition of American Federal Savings Bank’s loan portfolio by loan category at the dates indicated.

 

    At September 30,
2009
    At June 30,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
  Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                       

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

  $ 76,711      45.46   $ 79,216      47.26   $ 86,751      51.53   $ 81,958      51.68   $ 75,913      53.71   $ 56,533      52.68

Real estate construction

    6,119      3.63     4,642      2.77     7,317      4.35     8,253      5.20     6,901      4.88     2,723      2.54

Commercial real estate and land

    38,761      22.97     36,713      21.90     28,197      16.75     25,621      16.16     18,648      13.20     14,779      13.77
                                                                                   

Total real estate loans

    121,591      72.06     120,571      71.93     122,265      72.62     115,832      73.04     101,462      71.79     74,035      68.99

Other loans:

                       

Home equity

    28,836      17.09     28,676      17.11     28,034      16.65     24,956      15.74     20,191      14.29     16,801      15.66

Consumer

    11,074      6.56     10,835      6.46     11,558      6.87     11,438      7.21     11,820      8.36     10,909      10.16

Commercial business

    7,244      4.29     7,541      4.50     6,502      3.86     6,366      4.01     7,861      5.56     5,568      5.19
                                                                                   

Total other loans

    47,154      27.94     47,052      28.07     46,094      27.38     42,760      26.96     39,872      28.21     33,278      31.01
                                                                                   

Total gross loans

    168,745      100.00     167,623      100.00     168,359      100.00     158,592      100.00     141,334      100.00     107,313      100.00
                                               

Less:

                       

Deferred loan fees

    (65       (99       (90       (66       (59       (99  

Allowance for loan losses

    625          525          300          518          535          573     
                                                           

Total loans, net

  $ 168,185        $ 167,197        $ 168,149        $ 158,140        $ 140,858        $ 106,839     
                                                           

 

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Fee Income.

American Federal Savings Bank receives lending related fee income from a variety of sources. Its principal source of this income is from the origination and servicing of sold mortgage loans. Fees generated from mortgage loan servicing, which generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts, disbursing payments to investors and foreclosure processing for loans held by others, were $185,000 and $140,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $628,000 and $542,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Other loan related fee income for contract collections, late charges, credit life commissions and credit card fees were $17,000 and $16,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $78,000 and $66,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Loan Maturity Schedule.

The following table sets forth the estimated maturity of our loan portfolio at June 30, 2009. Scheduled principal repayments of loans do not necessarily reflect the actual life of such assets. The average life of a loan is typically substantially less than its contractual terms because of prepayments. In addition, due on sale clauses on loans generally give us the right to declare loans immediately due and payable in the event, among other things, that the borrower sells the real property, subject to the mortgage, and the loan is not paid off. All mortgage loans are shown to be maturing based on the date of the last payment required by the loan agreement, except as noted.

Loans having no stated maturity, those without a scheduled payment, demand loans and matured loans, are shown as due in one year or less.

 

     Due in one
year or less
   Due after
one year
through
two years
   Due after
two years
through
three years
   Due after
three years
through
five years
   Due after
five years
   Total
     (In thousands)

Real estate loans:

  

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 228    $ 181    $ 1,261    $ 1,672    $ 81,406    $ 84,748

Real estate construction

     4,562      —        —        —        —        4,562

Commercial real estate and land

     3,098      5,206      2,553      3,829      22,397      37,083

Home equity

     3,087      4,278      5,313      4,049      11,896      28,623

Consumer

     1,699      824      2,830      3,323      2,210      10,886

Commercial business

     3,590      311      650      1,207      1,312      7,070
                                         

Total (1)

   $ 16,264    $ 10,800    $ 12,607    $ 14,080    $ 119,221    $ 172,972
                                         

 

(1)

Includes mortgage loans held for sale.

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans, at June 30, 2009, due after June 30, 2010, which have fixed interest rates and which have floating or adjustable interest rates:

 

     Fixed     Adjustable     Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

      

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 63,918      $ 20,602      $ 84,520   

Real estate construction

     —          —          —     

Commercial real estate and land

     31,096        2,889        33,985   

Home equity

     22,434        3,102        25,536   

Consumer

     8,640        547        9,187   

Commercial business

     3,030        450        3,480   
                        

Total (1)

   $ 129,118      $ 27,590      $ 156,708   
                        

Percent of total

     82.39     17.61     100.00
                        

 

(1)

Includes mortgage loans held for sale.

 

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The following table sets forth information with respect to our loan originations, purchases and sales activity for the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,    Year Ended June 30,  
   2009     2008    2009     2008  
     (In thousands)  

Loans originated

         

Real estate loans:

         

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 29,017      $ 17,981    $ 164,657      $ 72,385   

Real estate construction

     2,504        1,934      4,672        15,504   

Commercial real estate and land

     3,466        9,042      21,500        19,375   

Home equity

     4,167        4,860      20,043        20,461   

Consumer

     2,000        1,748      8,341        7,637   

Commercial business

     1,913        1,143      8,789        8,243   
                               

Total loans originated

     43,067        36,708      228,002        143,605   

Loans purchased

         

Whole loans

     —          —       

Participations

     —          —       
                               

Total loans purchased

     —          —       

Loans sold

         

Whole loans

     28,135        10,517      125,232        47,732   

Participations

     —          6,000      6,000        4,341   
                               

Total loans sold

     28,135        16,517      131,232        52,073   

Principal repayments and loan refinancings

     15,733        15,351      99,509        75,522   

Deferred loan fees decrease (increase)

     34        5      (9     (24

Allowance for losses decrease (increase)

     (100     —        (225     218   
                               

Net loan increase (decrease)

   $ (867   $ 4,845    $ (2,973   $ 16,204   
                               

Net loans receivable at end of period (includes loans held for sale)

   $ 171,679      $ 180,364    $ 172,546      $ 175,519   
                               

 

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Residential Lending.

American Federal Savings Bank’s primary lending activity consists of the origination of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans secured by property located in American Federal Savings Bank’s market area. Approximately 45.46% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio as of September 30, 2009 were comprised of such loans. American Federal Savings Bank generally originates one- to-four-family residential mortgage loans in amounts up to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or the selling price of the mortgaged property without requiring private mortgage insurance. A mortgage loan originated by American Federal Savings Bank, whether fixed rate or adjustable rate, can have a term of up to 30 years. American Federal Savings Bank holds substantially all of its adjustable rate and its 8, 10 and 12-year fixed rate loans in portfolio. Adjustable rate loans limit the periodic interest rate adjustment and the minimum and maximum rates that may be charged over the term of the loan. American Federal Savings Bank’s fixed rate 15-year and 20-year loans are held in portfolio or sold in the secondary market depending on market conditions. Generally, all 30-year fixed rate loans are sold in the secondary market. The volume of loan sales is dependent on the volume, type and term of loan originations.

American Federal Savings Bank obtains a significant portion of its noninterest income from servicing loans sold. American Federal Savings Bank offers many of the fixed rate loans it originates for sale in the secondary market on a servicing retained basis. This means that we process the borrower’s payments and send them to the purchaser of the loan. This retention of servicing enables American Federal Savings Bank to increase fee income and maintain a relationship with the borrower. At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had $272.30 million in residential mortgage loans and $12.33 million in commercial real estate loans sold with servicing retained. American Federal Savings Bank does not ordinarily purchase home mortgage loans from other financial institutions.

Property appraisals on real estate securing American Federal Savings Bank’s single-family residential loans are made by state certified and licensed independent appraisers who are approved annually by the board of directors. Appraisals are performed in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. American Federal Savings Bank generally obtains title insurance policies on all first mortgage real estate loans originated. On occasion, refinancings of mortgage loans are approved using title reports instead of title insurance. Title reports are also allowed on home equity loans. Borrowers generally remit funds with each monthly payment of principal and interest, to a loan escrow account from which American Federal Savings Bank makes disbursements for such items as real estate taxes and hazard and mortgage insurance premiums as they become due.

Home Equity Loans.

American Federal Savings Bank also originates home equity loans. These loans are secured by the borrowers’ primary residence, but are typically subject to a prior lien, which may or may not be held by American Federal Savings Bank. At September 30, 2009, $28.84 million or 17.1% of our total loans were home equity loans. Borrowers may use the proceeds from American Federal Savings Bank’s home equity loans for many purposes, including home improvement, debt consolidation, or other purchasing needs. American Federal Savings Bank offers fixed rate, fixed payment home equity loans as well as variable and fixed rate home equity lines of credit. Fixed rate home equity loans typically have terms of no longer than 15 years.

Although home equity loans are secured by real estate, they carry a greater risk than first lien residential mortgages because of the existence of a prior lien on the property securing the loan, as well as the flexibility the borrower has with respect to the loan proceeds. American Federal Savings Bank attempts to minimize this risk by maintaining conservative underwriting policies on such loans. We generally make home equity loans for up to only 85% of appraised value of the underlying real estate collateral, less the amount of any existing prior liens on the property securing the loan.

Commercial Real Estate and Land Loans.

American Federal Savings Bank originates commercial real estate mortgage and land loans, including both developed and undeveloped land loans, and loans on multi-family dwellings. Commercial real estate and land loans made up 22.97% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio, or $38.76 million at September 30, 2009. The majority of these loans are non-residential commercial real estate loans. American Federal Savings Bank’s commercial real estate mortgage loans are primarily permanent loans secured by improved property such as office buildings, retail stores, commercial warehouses and apartment buildings. The terms and conditions of each loan are tailored to the needs of the borrower and based on the financial strength of the project and any guarantors. Generally, commercial real estate loans originated by American Federal Savings Bank will not exceed 75% of the appraised value or the selling price of the property, whichever is less. The average loan size is approximately $169,000 and is typically made with fixed rates of interest and 5- to 15-year maturities. Upon maturity, the loan is repaid or the terms and conditions are renegotiated. Generally, all originated commercial real estate loans are within the market area of American Federal Savings Bank and all are within the state of Montana. American Federal Savings Bank’s largest single commercial real estate loan had a balance of approximately $1.65 million on September 30, 2009, and is secured by a residential lot subdivision.

Real Estate Construction Lending.

American Federal Savings Bank also lends funds for the construction of one- to four-family homes and commercial real estate. Real estate construction loans are made both to individual homeowners for the construction of their primary residence and, to a lesser extent, to local builders for the construction of pre-sold houses or houses that are being built for sale in the future. Real estate construction loans accounted for $6.12 million or 3.63% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio at September 30, 2009.

 

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Consumer Loans.

As part of its strategy to invest in higher yielding shorter term loans, American Federal Savings Bank emphasized growth of its consumer lending portfolio in recent years. This portfolio includes personal loans secured by collateral other than real estate, unsecured personal loans and lines of credit, and loans secured by deposits held by American Federal Savings Bank. As of September 30, 2009, consumer loans totaled $11.07 million or 6.56% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio. These loans consist primarily of auto loans, RV loans, boat loans, personal loans and credit lines and deposit account loans. Consumer loans are originated in American Federal Savings Bank’s market area and generally have maturities of up to seven years. For loans secured by savings accounts, American Federal Savings Bank will lend up to 90% of the account balance on single payment loans and up to 100% for monthly payment loans.

Consumer loans have a shorter term and generally provide higher interest rates than residential mortgage loans. Consumer loans can be helpful in improving the spread between average loan yield and cost of funds and at the same time improve the matching of the maturities of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. Increasing its consumer loans has been a major part of American Federal Savings Bank’s strategy of operating more like a commercial bank than a traditional savings bank.

The underwriting standards employed by American Federal Savings Bank for consumer loans include a determination of the applicant’s credit history and an assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. The stability of the applicant’s monthly income may be determined by verification of gross monthly income from primary employment, and additionally from any verifiable secondary income. Creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary consideration; however, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral in relation to the proposed loan amount.

Commercial Business Loans.

Commercial business loans amounted to $7.24 million, or 4.29% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total loan portfolio at September 30, 2009. American Federal Savings Bank’s commercial business loans are traditional business loans and are not secured by real estate. Such loans may be structured as unsecured lines of credit or may be secured by inventory, accounts receivable or other business assets. While the commercial business loan portfolio amounted to only 4.29% of the total portfolio at September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank intends to increase such lending by focusing on market segments which it has not previously emphasized, such as business loans to doctors, lawyers, architects and other professionals as well as to small businesses within its market area. Our management believes that this strategy provides opportunities for growth, without significant additional cost outlays for staff and infrastructure.

Commercial business loans of this nature usually involve greater credit risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans we originate. The collateral we receive is typically related directly to the performance of the borrower’s business which means that repayment of commercial business loans is dependent on the successful operations and income stream of the borrower’s business. Such risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. In addition, commercial lending generally requires substantially greater oversight efforts compared to residential real estate lending.

Loans to One Borrower.

Under federal law, savings institutions have, subject to certain exemptions, lending limits to one borrower in an amount equal to the greater of $500,000 or 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus. As of September 30, 2009, our largest aggregation of loans to one borrower was approximately $8.47 million, consisting of two commercial real estate loans secured by detention facilities. However, 90%, or $6.49 million, of one loan was sold without recourse to the Montana Board of Investments, leaving a net balance of $1.97 million for the two loans, which was below American Federal Savings Bank’s federal legal lending limit to one borrower of approximately $4.20 million. At September 30, 2009, these loans were performing in accordance with their terms. American Federal Savings Bank maintains the servicing for these loans.

Loan Solicitation and Processing.

Our customary sources of mortgage loan applications include repeat customers, walk-ins, and referrals from home builders and real estate brokers. We also advertise in local newspapers and on local radio and television. We currently have the ability to accept online mortgage loan applications and provide pre-approvals through our website. Our branch managers and loan officers located at our headquarters and in branches, have authority to approve certain types of loans when presented with a completed application. Other loans must be approved at our main offices as disclosed below. No loan consultants or loan brokers are currently used by us for either residential or commercial lending activities.

After receiving a loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report and verifications are obtained to confirm specific information relating to the loan applicant’s employment, income and credit standing. When required by our policies, an appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is undertaken by an independent fee appraiser. In connection with the loan approval process, our staff analyze the loan applications and the property involved. Officers and branch managers are granted lending authority based on the kind of loan types where they possess expertise and their level of experience. We have established a series of loan committees to approve any loans which may exceed the lending authority of particular officers or branch managers. Four members of the board of directors are required for approval of any loan, or aggregation of loans to a single borrower, that exceeds $1,250,000.

 

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Loan applicants are promptly notified of the decision by a letter setting forth the terms and conditions of the decision. If approved, these terms and conditions include the amount of the loan, interest rate basis, amortization term, a brief description of real estate to be mortgaged, tax escrow and the notice of requirement of insurance coverage to be maintained. We generally require title insurance on first mortgage loans and fire and casualty insurance on all properties securing loans, which insurance must be maintained during the entire term of the loan.

Loan Commitments.

We generally provide commitments to fund fixed and adjustable-rate single-family mortgage loans for periods up to 60 days at a specified term and interest rate, and other loan categories for shorter time periods. The total amount of our commitments to extend credit as of September 30, 2009, was approximately $8.79 million, $7.58 million of which was for residential mortgage loans.

Non-performing Loans and Problem Assets

Collection Procedures.

Generally, our collection procedures provide that when a loan is 15 or more days delinquent, the borrower is sent a past due notice. If the loan becomes 30 days delinquent, the borrower is sent a written delinquency notice requiring payment. If the delinquency continues, subsequent efforts are made to contact the delinquent borrower, including face to face meetings and counseling to resolve the delinquency. All collection actions are undertaken with the objective of compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Act.

For mortgage loans and home equity loans, if the borrower is unable to cure the delinquency or reach a payment agreement, we will institute foreclosure actions. If a foreclosure action is taken and the loan is not reinstated, paid in full or refinanced, the property is sold at judicial sale at which we may be the buyer if there are no adequate offers to satisfy the debt. Any property acquired as the result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until such time as it is sold or otherwise disposed of. When real estate owned is acquired, it is recorded at the lower of the unpaid principal balance of the related loan or its fair market value less estimated selling costs. The initial recording of any loss is charged to the allowance for loan losses. As of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had $158,000 of real estate owned.

Loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis and are placed on non-accrual status when they are more than 90 days delinquent. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status at any time if, in the opinion of management, the collection of additional interest is doubtful. Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status is charged against interest income. Subsequent payments are either applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on the assessment of the ultimate collectibility of the loan. At September 30, 2009, we had $1.25 million ($1.24 million net of specific reserves) of loans that were non-performing and held on non-accrual status.

Delinquent Loans.

The following table provides information regarding American Federal Savings Bank’s loans that are delinquent 30 to 89 days and accruing at the dates indicated:

 

     At
September 30,
   At June 30,
     2009    2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
     (In thousands)

Loans delinquent for 30 to 89 days and accruing:

                 

Real estate loans:

                 

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 940    $ 492    $ 285    $ 426    $ 342    $ 143

Real estate construction

     —        220      —        —        —        —  

Commercial real estate and land

     468      969      306      130      133      349

Home equity

     150      248      209      130      46      93

Consumer

     106      184      46      115      64      140

Commercial business

     131      19      52      188      138      6
                                         

Total delinquent loans

   $ 1,795    $ 2,132    $ 898    $ 989    $ 723    $ 731
                                         

 

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Non-Performing Assets.

The following table sets forth information regarding American Federal Savings Bank’s non-performing assets as of the dates indicated. As of September 30, 2009 American Federal Savings Bank had no loans considered to be a troubled debt restructuring within the meaning of FASB ASC 310 Receivables .

 

     At
September 30,
    At June 30,  
   2009     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Non-accrual loans

            

Real estate loans:

            

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

   $ 38      $ 265      $ 32      $ —        $ 80      $ 98   

Real estate construction

     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Commercial real estate and land

     948        527        —          —          —          87   

Home equity

     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Consumer

     76        26        —          21        5        —     

Commercial business

     177        184        —          —          260        249   

Accruing loans delinquent 90 days or more

     171        251        —          191        114        67   
                                                

Total nonperforming loans

     1,410        1,253        32        212        459        501   

Real estate owned

     158        —          —          —          —          —     
                                                

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 1,568      $ 1,253      $ 32      $ 212      $ 459      $ 501   
                                                

Total nonperforming loans to net loans

     0.93     0.75     0.02     0.13     0.33     0.47

Total nonperforming loans to total assets

     0.52     0.43     0.01     0.09     0.20     0.24

Total nonperforming assets to total assets

     0.52     0.43     0.01     0.09     0.20     0.24

The nonperforming loan amounts and percentages presented above are shown and calculated gross of any related specific loan allowances. During the year ended June 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had one foreclosure resulting in a loss of $3,000. There were no foreclosures during the three months ended September 30, 2009. During the three months ended September 30, 2009 and the year ended June 30, 2009, the amount of interest recorded on loans previously accounted for on a non-accrual basis was immaterial.

 

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Classified Assets.

Management, in compliance with regulatory guidelines, conducts an internal loan review program, whereby loans are placed or classified in categories depending upon the level of risk of nonpayment or loss. These categories are special mention, substandard, doubtful or loss. When a loan is classified as substandard or doubtful, management is required to establish an allowance for loan losses in an amount that is deemed prudent. When management classifies a loan as a loss asset, a reserve equal to 100% of the loan balance is required to be established or the loan is required to be charged-off. The allowance for loan losses is composed of an allowance for both inherent risk associated with lending activities and specific problem assets.

Management’s evaluation of the classification of assets and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed by the Board on a regular basis and by the regulatory agencies as part of their examination process. In addition, each loan that exceeds $500,000 is monitored more closely. The following table reflects our classified assets as of the dates indicated.

 

     At
September 30,
   At June 30,
   2009    2009    2008
   (In thousands)

Substandard assets

   $ 1,910    $ 1,602    $ 68

Doubtful assets

     7      —        —  

Loss assets

     30      12      38
                    

Total classified assets

   $ 1,947    $ 1,614    $ 106
                    

Allowance for Loan Losses and Real Estate Owned.

American Federal Savings Bank segregates its loan portfolio for loan losses into the following broad categories: real estate loans (consisting of residential mortgages (one- to four-family), real estate construction, commercial real estate and land), home equity loans, consumer loans and commercial business loans. American Federal Savings Bank provides for a general allowance for losses inherent in the portfolio by the above categories, which consists of two components. General loss percentages are calculated based on historical analyses and other factors such as volume and severity of delinquencies, local and national economy, underwriting standards, and other factors. A supplemental portion of the allowance is calculated for inherent losses which probably exist as of the evaluation date even though they might not have been identified by the more objective processes used. This is due to the risk of error and/or inherent imprecision in the process.

This portion of the allowance is particularly subjective and requires judgments based on qualitative factors which do not lend themselves to exact mathematical calculations such as: trends in delinquencies and non-accruals; trends in volume; terms and portfolio mix; new credit products; changes in lending policies and procedures; and changes in the outlook for the local, regional and national economy.

At least quarterly, management of American Federal Savings Bank evaluates the need to establish reserves against losses on loans and other assets based on estimated losses on specific loans and on any real estate owned when a finding is made that a loss is estimable and probable. Such evaluation includes a review of all loans for which full collectibility may not be reasonably assured and considers; among other matters; the estimated market value of the underlying collateral of problem loans; prior loss experience; economic conditions; and overall portfolio quality.

Provisions for, or adjustments to, estimated losses are included in earnings in the period they are established. We had $625,000 in allowances for loan losses at September 30, 2009.

While we believe we have established our existing allowance for loan losses in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, there can be no assurance that bank regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, will not request that we significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, or that general economic conditions, a deteriorating real estate market, or other factors will not cause us to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, therefore negatively affecting our financial condition and earnings.

In making loans, we recognize that credit losses will be experienced and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the security for the loan.

It is our policy to review our loan portfolio, in accordance with regulatory classification procedures, on at least a quarterly basis.

 

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The following table sets forth information with respect to our allowance for loan losses at the dates and for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 525      $ 300      $ 300      $ 518      $ 535      $ 573      $ 628   

Provision for loan losses

     135        —          257        (175     —          —          —     

Reclassification to repossessed property reserve

     —          (3     —          —          —          (15     (15

Loans charged-off:

              

Real estate loans

     —            —          —          —          —          —     

Home equity

     (28       —          —          —          —          —     

Consumer

     (8       (47     (54     (29     (48     (50

Commercial business loans

     —            —          —          —          —          —     

Recoveries:

     —                 

Real estate loans

     —            —          —          —          —          —     

Home equity

     —            —          —          —          —          —     

Consumer

     1        3        15        11        12        25        10   

Commercial business loans

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
                                                        

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

     (35     —          (32     (43     (17     (23     (40
                                                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 625      $ 300      $ 525      $ 300      $ 518      $ 535      $ 573   
                                                        

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

     0.37     0.17     0.31     0.18     0.33     0.38     0.53

Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans

     39.56     400.00     41.90     937.50     244.34     141.91     132.03

Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period

     0.02     (0.002 )%      (0.02 )%      (0.03 )%      (0.01 )%      (0.02 )%      (0.05 )% 

 

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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.

 

    At September 30,
2009
    At June 30,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
  Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
    Amount   Loan
Category
as a
Percent of
Total
Loans
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                       

Residential mortgage (one- to four-family)

  $ 187   45.46   $ 190   47.26   $ 133   51.53   $ 189   51.68   $ 60   53.71   $ 51   52.68

Real estate construction

    15   3.63     10   2.77     10   4.35     13   5.20     3   4.88     3   13.77

Commercial real estate and land

    198   22.97     158   21.90     34   16.75     27   16.16     8   13.20     19   2.53
                                                                       

Total real estate loans

    400   72.06     358   71.93     177   72.62     229   73.04     71   71.79     73   68.99

Home equity

    70   17.09     67   17.11     62   16.65     48   15.74     37   14.29     8   15.66

Consumer

    118   6.56     68   6.46     51   6.87     141   7.21     245   8.36     327   10.17

Commercial business

    37   4.29     32   4.50     10   3.86     100   4.01     182   5.56     165   5.20
                                                                       

Total other loans

    225   27.94     167   28.07     123   27.38     289   26.96     464   28.21     500   31.01
                                                                       

Total

  $ 625   100.00   $ 525   100.00   $ 300   100.00   $ 518   100.00   $ 535   100.00   $ 573   100.00
                                                                       

 

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Investment Activities

General.

Federally chartered savings banks such as American Federal Savings Bank have the authority to invest in various types of investment securities, including United States Treasury obligations, securities of various Federal agencies (including securities collateralized by mortgages), certificates of deposits of insured banks and savings institutions, municipal securities, corporate debt securities and loans to other banking institutions.

American Federal Savings Bank maintains liquid assets that may be invested in specified short-term securities and other investments. Liquidity levels may be increased or decreased depending on the yields on investment alternatives. They may also be increased based on management’s judgment as to the attractiveness of the yields then available in relation to other opportunities. Liquidity levels can also change based on management’s expectation of future yield levels, as well as management’s projections as to the short-term demand for funds to be used in American Federal Savings Bank’s loan origination and other activities. American Federal Savings Bank maintains an investment securities portfolio and a mortgage-backed securities portfolio as part of its investment portfolio.

Investment Policies.

The investment policy of American Federal Savings Bank, which is established by the board of directors, is designed to foster earnings and liquidity within prudent interest rate risk guidelines, while complementing American Federal Savings Bank’s lending activities. The policy provides for available-for-sale (including those accounted for under FASB ASC 825), held-to-maturity, and trading classifications. However, American Federal Savings Bank does not hold any securities for purposes of trading. The policy permits investments in high credit quality instruments with diversified cash flows while permitting us to maximize total return within the guidelines set forth in our interest rate risk and liquidity management policies. Permitted investments include but are not limited to U.S. government obligations, government agency or government-sponsored enterprise obligations, state, county and municipal obligations, and mortgage-backed securities. Collateralized mortgage obligations, investment grade corporate debt securities, and commercial paper are also included. We also invest in Federal Home Loan Bank overnight deposits and federal funds, but these instruments are not considered part of the investment portfolio.

Our investment policy also includes several specific guidelines and restrictions to insure adherence with safe and sound activities. The policy prohibits investments in high-risk mortgage derivative products (as defined within the policy) without prior approval from the board of directors. Management must demonstrate the business advantage of such investments.

We do not participate in hedging programs, interest rate swaps, or other activities involving the use of off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments, except interest rate caps and certain financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges related to loans committed to be sold in the secondary market. Further, American Federal Savings Bank does not invest in securities which are not initially rated investment grade.

The Board, through its asset liability committee, has charged the President and CEO to implement the investment policy. All transactions are reported to the board of directors monthly, as well as the current composition of the portfolio, including market values and unrealized gains and losses.

Investment Securities.

We maintain a portfolio of investment securities, classified as either available-for-sale (including those accounted for under FASB ASC 825) or held-to-maturity to enhance total return on investments. At September 30, 2009, our investment securities included U.S. government and agency obligations, Small Business Administration pools, municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and corporate obligations, all with varying characteristics as to rate, maturity and call provisions. Investment securities held-to-maturity represented 0.28% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total investment portfolio. Securities available-for-sale totaled 96.52% of American Federal Savings Bank’s total investment portfolio, while Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred securities totaled 0.11%. The remainder is comprised of interest-bearing deposits in banks and stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.

 

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The following table sets forth the carrying value of American Federal Savings Bank’s investment securities portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

     At September 30,     At June 30,  
   2009     2009     2008     2007  
   Carrying
Value
   Percent of
Total
    Carrying
Value
   Percent of
Total
    Carrying
Value
   Percent of
Total
    Carrying
Value
   Percent of
Total
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:

                    

U.S. Government and agency obligations

   $ 4,930    5.17   $ 3,882    4.57   $ 2,232    2.70   $ 3,643    5.41

Corporate obligations

     10,037    10.52     9,493    11.18     12,722    15.38     13,623    20.22

Municipal obligations

     34,036    35.67     28,893    34.04     22,190    26.83     20,728    30.77

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     35,112    36.80     31,551    37.17     28,224    34.17     17,075    25.35

Mortgage-backed securities

     7,985    8.37     8,444    9.95     13,016    15.74     7,872    11.68

Common Stock

     —      —          —      —          33    —          —      —     

Corporate preferred stock

     —      —          —      —          —      —          1,833    2.72
                                                    

Total securities available for sale

     92,100    96.52     82,263    96.91     78,417    94.82     64,774    96.15

Securities held-to-maturity, at book value:

                    

Mortgage-backed securities

     —      —          —      —          22    0.03     95    0.14

Municipal obligations

     265    0.28     375    0.44     675    0.82     826    1.23
                                                    

Total securities held to maturity

     265    0.28     375    0.44     697    0.85     921    1.37

Preferred stock

     108    0.11     25    0.03     1,321    1.60     N/A    N/A   
                                                    

Total securities

     92,473    96.91     82,663    97.38     80,435    97.27     65,695    98.00

Federal Home Loan Bank capital stock, at cost

     2,000    2.10     2,000    2.36     1,715    2.07     1,315    1.95

Interest bearing deposits

     944    0.99     224    0.26     549    0.66     360    0.53
                                                    

Total

   $ 95,417    100.00   $ 84,887    100.00   $ 82,699    100.00   $ 67,370    100.00
                                                    

The following table sets forth information regarding the carrying values, weighted average yields and maturities of American Federal Savings Bank investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2009.

 

    At September 30, 2009  
  One Year or Less     More than One to
Five Years
    More than Five to
Ten Years
    More than
Ten Years
    Total Investment Securities  
  Carrying
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
    Carrying
Value
  Approximate
Market
Value
  Annualized
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Securities available-for-sale:

                     

U.S. Government and agency obligations

    —     —        $ 3,659   1.76   $ 831   1.06   $ 440   0.94   $ 4,930   $ 7,930   1.57

Corporate obligations

    —     —          7,263   4.90     1,053   5.45     1,721   7.51     10,037     10,037   5.41

Municipal obligations

    —     —          2,399   2.78     7,532   5.59     24,105   6.70     34,036     34,036   6.18

Collateralized mortgage obligations

  $ 106   2.60         3,697   3.20     31,309   4.70     35,112     35,112   4.54

Mortgage-backed securities

    194   4.29     396   3.75     101   5.38     7,294   5.20     7,985     7,985   5.11
                                                                 

Total securities available for sale

    300   3.69     13,717   3.66     13,214   4.62     64,869   5.55     92,100     92,100   5.13

Securities-held to-maturity:

                     

Municipal obligations

    —     —          265   7.33     —     —          —     —          265     271   7.33
                                         

Total securities held to maturity

    —     —          265   7.33     —     —          —     —          265     271   7.33

Preferred

    —     —              —     —          108   —          108     108   %   
                                                                 

Total securities

    300   3.69     13,982   3.73     13,214   4.62     64,977   5.54     92,473     92,479   5.13

Interest-bearing deposits & Federal funds sold

    4,155   0.59     —     —          —     —          —     —          4,155     4,155   0.59
                                         

Federal Home Loan Bank capital stock

                2,000        
                         

Total

  $ 4,455   0.80   $ 13,982   3.73   $ 13,214   4.62   $ 66,977   5.37   $ 96,628   $ 96,634   4.93
                                                                 

 

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Sources of Funds

General.

Deposits are the major source of our funds for lending and other investment purposes. Borrowings (principally from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle) are also used to compensate for reductions in the availability of funds from other sources. In addition to deposits and borrowings, we derive funds from loan and mortgage-backed securities principal repayments, and proceeds from the maturity, call and sale of mortgage-backed securities and investment securities and from the sale of loans. Loan and mortgage-backed securities payments are a relatively stable source of funds, while loan prepayments and deposit inflows are significantly influenced by general interest rates and financial market conditions.

Deposits.

We offer a variety of deposit accounts. Deposit account terms vary, primarily as to the required minimum balance amount, the amount of time that the funds must remain on deposit and the applicable interest rate.

Our current deposit products include certificates of deposit accounts ranging in terms from 90 days to five years as well as checking, savings and money market accounts. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are included in certificates of deposit.

Deposits are obtained primarily from residents of Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Townsend. We believe we are able to attract deposit accounts by offering outstanding service, competitive interest rates and convenient locations and service hours. We use traditional methods of advertising to attract new customers and deposits, including radio, television, print media advertising and sales training and incentive programs for employees. Management believes that non-residents of Montana hold an insignificant number and amount of deposit accounts.

We pay interest rates on deposits which are competitive in our market. Interest rates on deposits are set weekly by senior management, based on a number of factors, including: projected cash flow; a current survey of a selected group of competitors’ rates for similar products; external data which may influence interest rates; investment opportunities and loan demand; and scheduled certificate maturities and loan and investment repayments.

Core deposits are deposits that are more stable and somewhat less sensitive to rate changes. They also represent a lower cost source of funds than rate sensitive, more volatile accounts such as certificates of deposit. We believe that our core deposits are our checking, as well as NOW accounts, statement savings accounts, money market accounts and IRA accounts. Based on our historical experience, we include IRA accounts funded by certificates of deposit as core deposits because they exhibit the principal features of core deposits in that they are stable and generally are not rate sensitive. Core deposits amounted to $130.84 million or 67.07% of American Federal Savings Bank’s deposits at September 30, 2009 ($107.39 million or 55.05% if IRA certificates of deposit are excluded). The presence of a high percentage of core deposits and, in particular, transaction accounts, is part of our strategy to restructure our liabilities to more closely resemble the lower cost liabilities of a commercial bank. However, a significant portion of our deposits remains in certificate of deposit form. These certificates of deposit, should they mature and be renewed at higher rates, would result in an increase in our cost of funds.

 

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The following table sets forth American Federal Savings Bank’s distribution of deposit accounts at the dates indicated and the weighted average interest rate on each category of deposit represented:

 

    At September 30, 2009     At June 30,  
    2009     2008     2007  
  Amount   Percent of
Total
    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount   Percent of
Total
    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount   Percent of
Total
    Weighted
Average
Amount
    Amount   Percent of
Total
    Weighted
Average
Amount
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Noninterest checking

  $ 18,902   9.69   —        $ 15,002   8.01   —        $ 14,617   8.17   —        $ 13,694   7.62   —     

Passbook savings

    26,979   13.83   0.41     26,445   14.13   0.41     23,906   13.37   0.65     22,521   12.54   0.65

NOW account/Interest bearing checking

    34,784   17.83   0.25     32,664   17.45   0.33     30,720   17.18   0.38     30,953   17.23   0.21

Money market accounts

    26,730   13.70   0.30     26,886   14.36   0.64     25,275   14.12   1.75     23,292   12.96   2.12
                                                                       

Total

    107,395   55.05   0.26     100,997   53.95   0.38     94,518   52.85   0.76     90,460   50.35   0.78

Certificates of deposit accounts:

                       

IRA certificates

    23,447   12.02   2.85     23,121   12.35   2.96     22,108   12.36   3.15     21,534   11.99   3.97

Brokered certificates

    —     —        —          —     —        —          —     —        —          4,411   2.46   5.30

Other certificates

    64,238   32.93   2.16     63,081   33.70   2.41     62,225   34.79   3.31     63,242   35.20   4.66
                                                                       

Total certificates of deposit

    87,685   44.95   2.34     86,202   46.05   2.56     84,333   47.15   3.27     89,187   49.65   4.53
                                                                       

Total deposits

  $ 195,080   100.00   1.19   $ 187,199   100.00   1.38   $ 178,851   100.00   1.94   $ 179,647   100.00   100.00
                                                                       

 

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The following table sets forth the amounts and maturities of our certificates of deposit as of September 30, 2009, for the maturity dates indicated:

 

     September 30,
2010
   September 30,
2011
   September 30,
2012
   After
September 30,
2012
   Total
     (Dollars in thousands)

Under 1.01%

   $ 6,550    $ 10    $ —      $ —      $ 6,560

1.01 – 2.00%

     28,922      894      —        —        29,816

2.01 – 3.00%

     12,768      4,660      317      1,205      18,950

3.01 – 4.00%

     24,168      1,127      1,210      987      27,492

4.01 – 5.00%

     2,629      458      1,536      203      4,826

5.01 – 6.00%

     —        41      —        —        41

6.01 – 7.00%

     —        —        —        —        —  
                                  

Total

   $ 75,037    $ 7,190    $ 3,063    $ 2,395    $ 87,685
                                  

The following table shows the amount of certificates of deposit of more than $100,000 by time remaining until maturity as of September 30, 2009:

 

     (In thousands)

3 months or less

   $ 9,166

Over 3 to 6 months

     6,496

Over 6 to 12 months

     6,646

Over 12 months

     2,999
      

Total

   $ 25,307
      

The following table sets forth the net changes in deposit accounts for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008     2009     2008     2007  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Opening balance

   $ 187,199      $ 178,851      $ 178,851      $ 179,647      $ 174,342   

Deposits (Withdrawals), Net

     7,276        3,436        5,265        (5,059     1,279   

Interest credited

     605        808        3,083        4,263        4,026   
                                        

Ending balance

   $ 195,080      $ 183,095      $ 187,199      $ 178,851      $ 179,647   
                                        

Net increase (decrease)

   $ 7,881      $ 4,244      $ 8,348      $ (797   $ 5,305   
                                        

Percent increase

     4.21     2.37     4.67     (0.44 )%      3.04

Weighted average cost of deposits during the period

     1.40     2.09     1.86     2.67     2.37

Weighted average cost of deposits at the end of period

     1.19     1.89     1.38     1.94     2.64

Our depositors are primarily residents of the state of Montana.

Borrowings.

Deposits are the primary source of funds for our lending and investment activities and for general business purposes. However, as the need arises, or in order to take advantage of funding opportunities, we also borrow funds in the form of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and other borrowings from PNC Financial Services, Inc. to supplement our supply of lendable funds and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, Eagle Bancorp formed a special purpose subsidiary, Eagle Bancorp Statutory Trust I (the “Trust”), for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities in the amount of $5.0 million. Eagle Bancorp has issued subordinated debentures to the Trust, and the coupon on the debentures matches the dividend payment on the trust preferred securities. For regulatory purposes, the securities qualify as Tier 1 Capital, while for accounting purposes they are recorded as long term debt. The securities have a 30 year maturity and carry a fixed coupon of 6.02% for the first five years, at which time the coupon becomes variable, at a spread of 142 basis points over 3 month LIBOR.

 

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The following table sets forth information concerning our borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and PNC at the end of, and during, the periods indicated:

 

     At or For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
    At or For the Year Ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008     2007  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

FHLB Advances:

          

Average balance

   $ 43,778      $ 40,351      $ 44,144      $ 21,964      $ 23,435   

Maximum balance at any month-end

     43,917        45,919        46,889        42,222        29,487   

Balance at period end

     43,639        45,919        44,056        42,222        16,000   

Weighted average interest rate during the period

     3.70     3.72     3.54     4.21     5.13

Weighted average interest rate at period end

     3.69     3.70     3.69     3.57     4.99

Repurchase Agreements:

          

Average balance

     23,000        23,000        23,000        21,347        5,493   

Maximum balance at any month-end

     23,000        23,000        23,000        23,000        14,000   

Balance at period end

     23,000        23,000        23,000        23,000        14,000   

Weighted average interest rate during the period

     4.66     4.66     4.66     4.81     4.64

Weighted average interest rate at period end

     4.66     4.66     4.66     4.66     4.69

Other:

          

Average balance

     —          1,081        628        401        143   

Maximum balance at any month-end

     —          2,760        3,900        3,000        3,800   

Balance at period end

     —          —          —          3,000        3,800   

Weighted average interest rate during the period

       2.18     1.28     3.79     5.32

Weighted average interest rate at period end

       n/a        n/a        3.15     5.32

Total borrowings:

          

Average balance

     66,778        64,432        67,772        43,712        29,071   

Maximum balance at any month-end

     66,917        68,919        73,789        68,222        36,695   

Balance at period end

     66,639        68,919        67,056        68,222        33,800   

Weighted average interest rate during the period

     4.03     4.03     3.90     4.50     5.04

Weighted average interest rate at period end

     4.03     4.02     4.02     3.94     4.90

 

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Subsidiary Activity

We are permitted to invest in the capital stock of, or originate secured or unsecured loans to, subsidiary corporations. We do not have any subsidiaries, except for American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Bancorp Statutory Trust I.

Personnel

As of September 30, 2009, we had 78 full-time employees and nine part-time employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. We believe our relationship with our employees to be good.

Legal Proceedings

American Federal Savings Bank, from time to time, is a party to routine litigation, which arises in the normal course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which American Federal Savings Bank holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the business of American Federal Savings Bank. There were no lawsuits pending or known to be contemplated against Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank at September 30, 2009.

Properties

Eagle Bancorp’s business activities consist of its ownership of 100% of the common stock of American Federal Savings Bank. American Federal Savings Bank’s executive office is located at 1400 Prospect Avenue in Helena, Montana. American Federal Savings Bank conducts its business through seven offices, which are located in Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Townsend, Montana. All of its offices are owned. Its principal banking office in Helena also serves as its executive headquarters and operations center. This office houses over 50% of American Federal Savings Bank’s full-time employees. The following table sets forth the location of each of American Federal Savings Bank’s offices, the year the office was opened, and the net book value including land, buildings, computer software and its related equipment and furniture. The square footage at each location is also shown.

 

Location

  

Address

   Opened    Value At
September 30,
2009

(in thousands)
   Square Footage

Helena Main Office

  

1400 Prospect Ave.

Helena, MT 59601

   1997    3,861    32,304

Helena Downtown Drive-up

  

28 Neill Ave.

Helena, MT 59601

   1987    344    1,391

Helena Skyway Branch

  

2090 Cromwell Dixon

Helena, MT 59602

   2009    2,444    4,643

Butte Office

  

3401 Harrison Ave.

Butte, MT 59701

   1979    536    3,890

Bozeman Office

  

606 North Seventh

Bozeman, MT 59715

   1980    460    5,886

Bozeman Branch

  

1455 Oak St

Bozeman, MT 59715

   2009    7,494    19,818

Townsend Office

  

416 Broadway

Townsend, MT 59644

   1979    232    1,973

As of September 30, 2009, the net book value of land, buildings, furniture, and equipment owned by American Federal Savings Bank, less accumulated depreciation, totaled $15.371 million.

Expense Allocation

American Federal Savings Bank has entered into an agreement with Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC and any successor (Eagle Montana) to provide it with certain administrative support services for compensation not less than the fair market value of the services provided.

 

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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

General

As a federally-chartered savings institution, American Federal Savings Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision as its primary federal regulator, and the FDIC, as the insurer of its deposits. American Federal Savings Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank, or FHLB, System and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC. American Federal Savings Bank must file reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions. There are periodic examinations by the Office of Thrift Supervision to evaluate American Federal Savings Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. Under certain circumstances the FDIC may also examine American Federal Savings Bank. 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 adequate allowance for loan losses for regulatory purposes. Any change in such policies, whether by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the FDIC or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on Eagle Montana and American Federal Savings Bank and their operations. Eagle Montana, as a savings and loan holding company, will be required to file certain reports with, will be subject to examination by, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Eagle Montana is also subject to the rules and regulations of the SEC under the federal securities laws. See “—Holding Company Regulation.”

Federal Regulation of Savings Institutions

Office of Thrift Supervision . The Office of Thrift Supervision has extensive authority over the operations of savings institutions. As part of this authority, American Federal Savings Bank is required to file periodic reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and is subject to periodic examinations by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Office of Thrift Supervision also has extensive enforcement authority over all savings institutions and their holding companies, including American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Montana. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, issue cease-and-desist or removal orders and initiate prompt corrective action orders. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision. Except under certain circumstances, public disclosure of final enforcement actions by the Office of Thrift Supervision is required.

In addition, the investment, lending and branching authority of American Federal Savings Bank also are prescribed by federal laws, which prohibit American Federal Savings Bank from engaging in any activities not permitted by these laws. For example, no savings institution may invest in non-investment grade corporate debt securities. In addition, the permissible level of investment by federal institutions in loans secured by non-residential real property may not exceed 400% of total capital, except with approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Federal savings institutions are generally authorized to branch nationwide. American Federal Savings Bank is in compliance with the noted restrictions.

All savings institutions are required to pay assessments to the Office of Thrift Supervision to fund the agency’s operations. The general assessments, paid on a semi-annual basis, are determined based on the savings institution’s total assets, including consolidated subsidiaries. American Federal Savings Bank’s Office of Thrift Supervision assessment for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 was $77,915.

American Federal Savings Bank’s general permissible lending limit for loans-to-one-borrower is equal to the greater of $500,000 or 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus (except for loans fully secured by certain readily marketable collateral, in which case this limit is increased to 25% of unimpaired capital and surplus). At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank’s lending limit under this restriction was $4.2 million and, at that date, our largest aggregation of loans to one borrower was approximately $8.47 million, consisting of two commercial real estate loans secured by detention facilities. However, 90%, or $6.49 million, of that loan was sold without recourse to the Montana Board of Investments, leaving a net balance of $1.97 million for the two loans, which was below American Federal Savings Bank’s federal legal lending limit to one borrower of approximately $4.2 million. At September 30, 2009, these loans were performing in accordance with their terms. American Federal Savings Bank maintains the servicing for these loans.

The Office of Thrift Supervision, as well as the other federal banking agencies, has adopted guidelines establishing safety and soundness standards on such matters as loan underwriting and documentation, asset quality, earnings standards, internal controls and audit systems, interest rate risk exposure and compensation and other employee benefits. Any institution that fails to comply with these standards must submit a compliance plan.

Federal Home Loan Bank System . American Federal Savings Bank is a member of the FHLB of Seattle, which is one of 12 regional FHLBs that administer the home financing credit function of savings institutions. Each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans or advances to members in accordance with policies and procedures, established by the Board of Directors of the FHLB, which are subject to the oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Board. All advances from the FHLB are required to be fully secured by sufficient collateral as determined by the FHLB. In addition, all long-term advances are required to provide funds for residential home financing.

 

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As a member, American Federal Savings Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the FHLB of Seattle. At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank had $2.0 million in FHLB stock, which was in compliance with this requirement. American Federal Savings Bank received $0 and $16,000 in dividends from the FHLB of Seattle for the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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

Federal Reserve System . The Federal Reserve System requires all depository institutions to maintain noninterest-bearing reserves at specified levels against their checking, NOW and Super NOW checking accounts and non-personal time deposits. The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System may be used to satisfy the Office of Thrift Supervision liquidity requirements.

Savings institutions have authority to borrow from the Federal Reserve System “discount window”. American Federal Savings Bank maintains a “primary credit” facility at the Federal Reserve’s discount window. American Federal Savings Bank had no borrowings from the Federal Reserve’s discount window as of September 30, 2009.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts . Deposit accounts at American Federal Savings Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, generally up to a maximum of $100,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts. American Federal Savings Bank’s deposits, therefore, are subject to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance assessments. Effective October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) temporarily (until December 31, 2013) raised the basic limit on federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation imposes an assessment against all depository institutions for deposit insurance. This assessment is based on the risk category of the institution and, prior to 2009, ranged from five to 43 basis points of the institution’s deposits. On December 22, 2008, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued a final rule that raises the current deposit insurance assessment rates uniformly by seven basis points (to a range from 12 to 50 basis points) effective for the first quarter 2009. On February 27, 2009 the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued a final rule that will alter the way the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation calculate federal deposit insurance assessment rates beginning in the second quarter at 2009. Under the rule, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation first establishes an institution’s initial base assessment rate. This initial base assessment rate would range, depending on the risk category of the institution, from 12 to 45 basis points. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation then adjusts the initial base assessment (higher or lower) to obtain the total base assessment rate. The adjustment to the initial base assessment rate are based upon an institution’s levels of unsecured debt, secured liabilities, and brokered deposits. The total base assessment rate would range from seven to 77.5 basis points of the institution’s deposits.

On May 22, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule levying a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. The special assessment was payable on September 30, 2009. We recorded an expense of $128,295 during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, to reflect the special assessment. The final rule permits the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s board of directors to levy up to two additional special assessments of up to five basis points each during 2009 if the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation estimates that the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio will fall to a level that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s board of directors believes would adversely affect public confidence or to a level that will be close to or below zero. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has publicly announced that it is probable that it will levy an additional special assessment of up to five basis points later in 2009, the amount and timing of which are currently uncertain. Any further special assessments that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation levies will be recorded as an expense during the appropriate period. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation materially increased the general assessment rate and, therefore, our Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation general insurance premium expense will increase substantially compared to prior periods.

On November 12, 2009, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted a final rule pursuant to which all insured depository institutions are required to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. Under the rule, this pre-payment was due on December 30, 2009. Under the rule, the assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 will be based on each institution’s total base assessment rate for the third quarter of 2009, modified to assume that the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 had been in effect for the entire third quarter, and the assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 will be equal to the modified third quarter assessment rate plus an additional 3 basis points. In addition, each institution’s base assessment rate for each period will be calculated using its third quarter assessment base, adjusted quarterly for an estimated 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base through the end of 2012. Under this new rule, we made a payment of approximately $1.0 million to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on December 30, 2009, and recorded the payment as a prepaid expense, which will be amortized to expense over three years.

 

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In addition to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums, the Financing Corporation is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance cost and custodial fees on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation in the 1980s to recapitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the Financing Corporation are due to mature in 2017 through 2019. For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the annualized Financing Corporation assessment was equal to 1.14% for each $100 in domestic deposits maintained at an institution.

Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. In October 2008, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation introduced the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. This program has two components. One guarantees newly issued senior unsecured debt of a participating organization, up to certain limits established for each institution, issued between October 14, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will pay the unpaid principal and interest on a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-guaranteed debt instrument upon the uncured failure of the participating entity to make a timely payment of principal or interest in accordance with the terms of the instrument. The guarantee will remain in effect until June 30, 2012. In return for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s guarantee, participating institutions will pay the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation a fee based on the amount and maturity of the debt. American Federal Savings Bank has opted not to participate in this component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.

The other component of the program provides full federal deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts, regardless of dollar amount, until June 30, 2010. An annualized 10 basis point assessment on balances in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts that exceed the existing deposit insurance limit of $250,000 will be assessed on a quarterly basis to insured depository institutions that have not opted out of this component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. American Federal Savings Bank has opted to participate in this component of the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.

Capital Requirements. Federally insured savings institutions, such as American Federal Savings Bank, are required by the Office of Thrift Supervision to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. These minimum capital standards include: a 1.5% tangible capital to total assets ratio, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS examination 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 system) and, together with the risk-based capital standard itself, a 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital standard. The Office of Thrift Supervision 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 as principal that are not permissible for a national bank.

The risk-based capital standard requires federal savings institutions to maintain 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, recourse obligations, residual interests and direct credit substitutes, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100%, assigned by the Office of Thrift Supervision capital regulation based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Tier 1 (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 currently 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. The Office of Thrift Supervision also has authority to establish individual minimum capital requirements for financial institutions.

Prompt Corrective Action. The Office of Thrift Supervision is required to take certain supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings institutions, the severity of which depends upon the institution’s degree of undercapitalization. Generally, an institution that has a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 8%, a ratio of Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 4%, or a ratio of core capital to total assets of less than 4% (3% or less for institutions with the highest examination rating) is considered to be “undercapitalized.” An institution that has a total risk-based capital ratio less than 6%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized” and an institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.” Subject to a narrow exception, the Office of Thrift Supervision is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a savings institution that is “critically undercapitalized.” Office of Thrift Supervision regulations also require that a capital restoration plan be filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision within 45 days of the date a savings institution receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” In addition, numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to an undercapitalized institution, including, but not limited to, increased monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth, capital distributions and expansion. ”Significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to more extensive mandatory regulatory actions. The Office of Thrift Supervision also could 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. At September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank’s capital ratios met the “well capitalized” standards. See “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance.”

 

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Limitations on Capital Distributions .  Office of Thrift Supervision regulations impose various restrictions on savings institutions with respect to their ability to make distributions of capital, which include dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, cash-out mergers and other transactions charged to the capital account. Generally, savings institutions, such as American Federal Savings Bank, that before and after the proposed distribution are well-capitalized, may make capital distributions during any calendar year equal to up to 100% of net income for the year-to-date plus retained net income for the two preceding years. However, an institution deemed to be in need of more than normal supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision may have its dividend authority restricted by the Office of Thrift Supervision.

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

Qualified Thrift Lender Test .  All savings institutions, including American Federal Savings Bank, are required to meet a qualified thrift lender (“QTL”) test to avoid certain restrictions on their operations. This test requires a savings institution to have at least 65% of its total assets, as defined by regulation, in qualified thrift investments on a monthly average for nine out of every 12 months on a rolling basis. As an alternative, the savings institution may maintain 60% of its assets in those assets specified in Section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). Under either test, such assets primarily consist of residential housing related loans and investments.

A savings institution that fails to meet the QTL is subject to certain operating restrictions and may be required to convert to a national bank charter. As of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank maintained 68.85% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments and, therefore, met the qualified thrift lender test.

Activities of Associations and their Subsidiaries .  When a savings institution establishes or acquires a subsidiary or elects to conduct any new activity through a subsidiary that the association controls, the savings institution must file a notice or application with the FDIC and the Office of Thrift Supervision at least 30 days in advance and receive regulatory approval or non-objection. Savings institutions also must conduct the activities of subsidiaries in accordance with existing regulations and orders.

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

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

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) generally prohibits a company from making loans to its executive officers and directors. However, that act contains a specific exception for loans by a depository institution to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking laws. Under such laws, American Federal Savings Bank’s authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders of American Federal Savings Bank and its affiliates (“insiders”), as well as entities such persons control is limited. The law restricts both the individual and aggregate amount of loans American Federal Savings Bank may make to insiders based, in part, on American Federal Savings Bank’s capital position and requires certain Board approval procedures to be followed. Such loans must be made on terms substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. There is an exception for loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to all employees of the institution and does not give preference to insiders over other employees. There are additional restrictions applicable to loans to executive officers.

The USA PATRIOT Act . The USA Patriot Act gives the federal government powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. The USA Patriot Act also requires the federal banking agencies to take into consideration the effectiveness of controls designed to combat money-laundering activities in determining whether to approve a merger or other acquisition application of a member institution. Accordingly, if we engage in a merger or other acquisition, our controls designed to combat money laundering would be considered as part of the application process. We have established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.

 

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Holding Company Regulation

General. Upon completion of the conversion and subject to approval of its application to become a savings and loan holding company, Eagle Montana will be a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to regulatory oversight of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Accordingly, Eagle Montana is required to register and file reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and is subject to regulation and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision. In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision has enforcement authority over Eagle Montana and its non-savings institution subsidiaries which also permits the Office of Thrift Supervision to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to present a serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution.

Activities Restrictions . The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, or GLBA, provides that no company may acquire control of a savings association after May 4, 1999 unless it engages only in the financial activities permitted for financial holding companies under the law or for multiple savings and loan holding companies as described below. Upon any non-supervisory acquisition by Eagle Montana of another savings association as a separate subsidiary, Eagle Montana would become a multiple savings and loan holding company and would be limited to activities permitted multiple holding companies by Office of Thrift Supervision regulation. Office of Thrift Supervision has issued an interpretation concluding that multiple savings holding companies may also engage in activities permitted for financial holding companies, including lending, trust services, insurance activities and underwriting, investment banking and real estate investments.

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

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

Acquisition of Eagle Montana . Under the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, a notice or application must be submitted to the Office of Thrift Supervision if any person (including a company), or a group acting in concert, seeks to acquire 10% or more of Eagle Montana’s outstanding voting stock, unless the Office of Thrift Supervision has found that the acquisition will not result in a change in control of Eagle Montana. In acting on such a notice or application, the Office of Thrift Supervision must take into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the anti-trust effect of the acquisition. Any company that acquires control will be subject to regulation as a savings and loan holding company.

Federal Securities Laws

We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 for the registration of the shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to the stock offering and in connection with the conversion. Upon completion of the stock offering, our common stock will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We will be subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of shares of common stock to be issued in the stock offering does not cover the resale of those shares. Shares of common stock purchased by persons who are not our affiliates may be resold without registration. Shares purchased by our affiliates will be subject to the resale restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. If we meet the current public information requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, each affiliate of ours that complies with the other conditions of Rule 144, including those that require the affiliate’s sale to be aggregated with those of other persons, would be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a number of shares not to exceed, in any three-month period, the greater of 1% of our outstanding shares, or the average weekly volume of trading in the shares during the preceding four calendar weeks. In the future, we may permit affiliates to have their shares registered for sale under the Securities Act of 1933.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. As directed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will be required to certify that our quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. The rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have several requirements, including having these officers certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; they have made certain disclosures to our auditors and the

 

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audit committee of the board of directors about our internal control over financial reporting; and they have included information in our quarterly and annual reports about their evaluation and whether there have been changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could materially affect internal control over financial reporting.

Regulatory Enforcement Authority

Federal law provides federal banking regulators with substantial enforcement powers. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders, and to initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institution-affiliated parties, as defined. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with regulatory authorities.

 

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TAXATION

Federal Taxation. For federal income tax purposes, Eagle Montana will file a consolidated federal income tax return with its wholly owned subsidiaries on a fiscal year basis. The applicable federal income tax expense or benefit will be properly allocated to each subsidiary based upon taxable income or loss calculated on a separate company basis.

We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes . The asset and liability method accounts for deferred income taxes by applying the enacted statutory rates in effect at the balance sheet date to differences between the book basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The resulting deferred tax liabilities and assets are adjusted to reflect changes in tax laws.

Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank’s federal income tax returns have not been audited in the most recent five-year period.

State Taxation. As a Delaware business corporation, Eagle Montana will be required to pay franchise taxes to the state of Delaware and to file annual income tax returns with the State of Montana. The State of Montana imposes a tax on income, referred to as the corporation license tax, of 6.75% on net income measured substantially the same as federally taxable income.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Eagle Montana

The board of directors of Eagle Montana will consist of seven individuals who currently serve as directors of Eagle Bancorp, Eagle Financial MHC and American Federal Savings Bank. The board of directors of Eagle Montana will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal as possible, with approximately one-third of the directors elected each year. The directors will be elected by the stockholders of Eagle Montana annually for three-year terms, and until their successors are elected and have qualified. The terms of the directors of each of Eagle Montana and American Federal Savings Bank are identical. The executive officers of Eagle Montana are also executive officers of Eagle Bancorp. We expect that Eagle Montana and American Federal Savings Bank will continue to have common directors until there is a business reason to establish separate management structures.

 

Director

   Current Term to Expire

Class 1

  

Don O. Campbell

   2010

Rick F. Hays

   2010

Peter J. Johnson

   2010

Class 2

  

Lynn E. Dickey

   2011

Larry A. Dreyer

   2011

Class 3

  

James A. Maierle

   2012

Thomas J. McCarvel

   2012

The following individuals will serve as the executive officers of Eagle Montana and hold the offices set forth below opposite their name.

 

Name

  

Positions Held

Peter J. Johnson    President and Chief Executive Officer
Clinton J. Morrison    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Michael C. Mundt    Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
Robert M. Evans    Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Rachel R. Amdahl    Senior Vice President/Operations

Executive officers of Eagle Montana are elected annually and hold office until their respective successors have been elected or until death, resignation or removal by the board of directors.

Eagle Bancorp

The following table provides the positions, ages (as of November 30, 2009) and terms of office as applicable to Eagle Bancorp’s directors and executive officers.

 

Name (1)

   Age   

Positions Held in Eagle Bancorp

   Director Since (2)

DIRECTORS

Don O. Campbell

   76    Vice Chairman    1994

Lynn E. Dickey

   63    Director    2005

Larry A. Dreyer

   64    Chairman    1990

Rick F. Hays

   57    Director    2007

Peter J. Johnson

   52    Director    2007

James A. Maierle

   62    Director    1997

Thomas J. McCarvel

   60    Director    1998

 

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Name (1)

   Age   

Positions Held in Eagle Bancorp

   Director Since (2)

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS

Clinton J. Morrison

   39    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    N/A

Michael C. Mundt

   55    Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer    N/A

Robert M. Evans

   61    Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer    N/A

Rachel R. Amdahl

   41    Senior Vice President/Operations    N/A

 

(1) The mailing address for each person listed is c/o Eagle Bancorp, 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59601.
(2) Each director of Eagle Bancorp is also a director of American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Financial MHC, which owns the majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp.

The Business Background of Our Directors and Executive Officers.

The business experience for the past five years of each of our directors and executive officers is set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, directors and executive officers have held their positions for the past five years.

Directors

Don O. Campbell is a retired certified public accountant and previously served as Vice President and Controller of Capri, Inc., an investment management company located in Helena.

Lynn E. Dickey is retired from Galusha, Higgins and Galusha P.C., a public accounting firm in Helena. He worked for Galusha for 36 years and was active in the state CPA society. He has served on the boards of numerous civic and charitable organizations.

Larry A. Dreyer is the Chairman of Eagle Bancorp. He was previously the President and Chief Executive Officer of American Federal Savings Bank from 1993 and 1995, respectively, to July 2007. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1973. He is a member and past president of the Downtown Kiwanis Club and past chairman of both the St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation and Diocese of Helena Finance Council.

Rick F. Hays retired from Qwest Communications in November 2006, where he was the Montana President for Qwest operations, a position he held since 1996. He worked in the telecommunications industry for over 32 years. He has served on the boards of numerous civic, educational and charitable organizations.

Peter J. Johnson has served as President of American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Bancorp since July 2007 and CEO since November 2007. Prior to being named President, he had served as American Federal Savings Bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1981. He currently serves on the Montana Independent Bankers Association board of directors. He is a past chairman of both the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce and the Diocese of Helena Finance Council. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Helena, and serves on the board of trustees of St. Peter’s Hospital.

James A. Maierle has served since January 2006 as Chairman of the Board of Morrison-Maierle, Inc., a civil engineering corporation, headquartered in Helena. He was President of Morrison-Maierle, Inc. from October 1997 to January 2006.

Thomas J. McCarvel has served as a Vice President of Carroll College in Helena since December 1991. From 1988 to 1991 he was the Chief Operating Officer of Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C., a public accounting firm in Helena, which served as Eagle Bancorp’s independent auditor prior to fiscal year 2006.

Executive Officers who are not Directors

Clinton J. Morrison has served as the Chief Financial Officer of American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Bancorp since July 2007. Prior to being named the Chief Financial Officer, he had served as American Federal Savings Bank’s treasurer and compliance officer. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 2001. Mr. Morrison maintains a certified public accountant license in the State of Montana. He currently is a member of the Montana Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. Mr. Morrison currently is a member of the Helena Downtown Kiwanis Club and previously served terms as President and Treasurer of that organization.

Michael C. Mundt has served as the Chief Lending Officer of American Federal Savings Bank since April 1994. Prior to being named the Chief Lending Officer, he served as Vice President of Consumer and Commercial Lending. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1988. He currently serves on the Montana Bankers Association’s board of directors, and also currently serves as the President of the Montana Business Assistance Connection, a local economic development non-profit organization.

Robert M. Evans has served as the Chief Information Officer of American Federal Savings Bank since January 2008. Prior to being named Chief Information Officer, he served as American Federal Savings Bank’s Vice President of Information Services. Mr. Evans also serves as American Federal Savings Bank’s Security Officer. He joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1986.

 

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Rachel R. Amdahl has served as Senior Vice President/Operations of American Federal Savings Bank since February 2006. Prior to being named the Senior Vice President/Operations, she served as Vice President/Operations since 2000. She joined American Federal Savings Bank in 1987. She currently serves on the Lewis and Clark County United Way board of directors. She also is a member of the Women’s Leadership Network.

Board Independence

Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each director other than Larry A. Dreyer and Peter J. Johnson is “independent,” as defined by the Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Under the Marketplace Rules, a director can be independent only if the director does not trigger a categorical bar to independence and our board of directors affirmatively determines that the director does not have a relationship which, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment by the director in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In determining the independence of the directors, the board considered the relationships described under “—Transactions with Certain Related Persons,” which it determined were immaterial to the individual’s independence.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, (i) no executive of Eagle Bancorp served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of Eagle Bancorp; (ii) no executive officer of Eagle Bancorp served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of Eagle Bancorp; and (iii) no executive officer of Eagle Bancorp served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of Eagle Bancorp.

Committees of Our Board of Directors

Our board of directors has three standing committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating committee. Each of our audit, compensation and nominating committees have a majority of independent directors. We have adopted charters for the audit, compensation and nominating committees describing the authority and responsibilities delegated to each committee by our board of directors, which are available on our website at www.americanfederalsavingsbank.com. These documents will also be available in print to any stockholder requesting a copy in writing from our corporate secretary at our executive offices set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Audit Committee

The audit committee is appointed by the board of directors to assist the board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of Eagle Montana’s financial reporting process. The audit committee consists of three non-employee directors: Messrs. Dickey, Campbell and Hays. The chairmanship is held by Mr. Dickey. Each member is “independent”, in accordance with the requirements for companies quoted on NASDAQ. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Dickey meets the requirements of “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the SEC. The board believes that the other members of the audit committee are qualified to serve based on their experience and background. The charter describes the audit committee’s principal duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to:

 

   

Oversight and review of the annual financial reporting process and adequacy and integrity of Eagle Montana’s financial information (including corporate accounting, financial reporting practices, and the quality of the financial reports of Eagle Montana);

 

   

Oversight and review of the legal and regulatory requirements of Eagle Montana;

 

   

Oversight and review of the independent auditors qualifications and independence;

 

   

Oversight and review of the performance of Eagle Montana’s internal audit function and the independent accountants and other mandated audit committee duties;

 

   

Oversight and review of the system of internal controls and safeguards;

 

   

Review with the independent auditor, the internal auditor and management the adequacy of Eagle Montana’s internal controls and any material weaknesses, any findings or recommendations from the independent auditor, all critical accounting policies and all other materials matters relating to the audit procedures;

 

   

Review of related party transactions, legal and regulatory matters material to the financial statements and the compliance programs of Eagle Montana;

 

   

Maintenance of an open avenue of communication between the board of directors, senior management, internal auditors, and Eagle Montana’s independent auditors and to permit auditors and internal auditors to meet with the audit committee without the presence of management; and

 

   

Oversight, review and approval of audit, audit-related, tax, and all other fees.

 

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The audit committee met nine times in the 2009 fiscal year.

Compensation Committee

Eagle Montana maintains a standing compensation committee, currently comprised of Messrs. Campbell, McCarvel and Maierle. Each member of the committee is independent in accordance with the listing standards of NASDAQ. The compensation committee reviews all compensation components for Eagle Montana’s executive officers, including salary, bonus, and deferred compensation plans. In setting appropriate compensation for the executive officers, the compensation committee considers the performance of Eagle Montana, the level of salary, bonus and stock options and other benefits provided to executive officers of comparable companies, and the level of compensation paid in recent years. In its oversight of compensation programs, prior to making recommendations to the full board, the compensation committee reviews recommendations from the CEO. Decisions by the compensation committee are approved by the full board of directors. The compensation committee met twice in the 2009 fiscal year.

Nominating Committee

Messrs. Campbell, Dickey and Hays served on the nominating committee in fiscal 2009. Each member is “independent” in accordance with the requirements for companies listed on NASDAQ. The primary responsibilities of the nominating committee include:

 

   

identifying diverse individuals qualified to become members of the board;

 

   

recommending to the board the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders;

 

   

considering nominees proposed by stockholders of Eagle Montana; and

 

   

evaluating the board and its members.

The nominating committee met three times in the 2009 fiscal year.

Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation awarded to or earned by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Lending Officer in each of the last two fiscal years.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and principal position

   Year    Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)
   Stock
awards
($)
   Option
awards
($)
   Non-equity
incentive
plan
compensation
($)
   Nonqualified
deferred
compensation
earnings ($)
   All other
compensation
($)(1)
   Total ($)

Peter J. Johnson,
President and Chief Executive Officer

   2009    144,000    21,600    —      —      —      —      36,439    202,039
   2008    136,000    16,080    —      —      —      —      29,650    181,730

Clinton J. Morrison
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   2009    90,000    11,250    —      —      —      —      26,593    127,843
   2008    84,000    8,400    —      —      —     

—  

   18,794    111,194

Michael C. Mundt,
Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

   2009    108,000    13,518    —      —      —      —      26,302    147,820
   2008    103,000    10,300    —      —      —     

—  

   25,635    138,935

 

(1) For fiscal 2009, All Other Compensation for Mr. Johnson consisted of employer contributions to profit sharing plan of $9,684, $3,228 for employer 401(k) payments, $3,947 for employer deferred compensation payments, $1,397 for ESOP stock, and $6,183 for various medical and life insurance payments, and $12,000 as compensation for his services as a director. For fiscal 2009, All Other Compensation for Mr. Mundt consisted of employer contributions to profit sharing of $7,263, $2,421 for employer 401(k) payments, $7,916 for employer deferred compensation payments, $1,397 for ESOP stock, and $7,305 for various medical and life insurance payments. For fiscal 2009, All Other Compensation for Mr. Morrison consisted of employer contributions to profit sharing of $5,972, $1,991 for employer 401(k) payments, $11,419 for employer deferred compensation payments, $1,397 for ESOP stock, and $5,814 for various medical and life insurance payments.

Employment Agreement

American Federal Savings Bank entered into an Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2009, with Peter J. Johnson, its President and Chief Executive Officer, and amended effective January 22, 2010. The Employment Agreement will continue in effect until September 30, 2011, unless extended by the board of directors of American Federal Savings Bank for an additional two-year term. The amended Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $155,000 per year, which may be increased from time to time (but not reduced). Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Johnson generally will be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans including, but not limited to, retirement plans, profit-sharing plans, health-and-accident plans, medical coverage or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by American Federal Savings Bank in the future to its senior executives and key management employees.

 

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The Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Johnson’s employment is terminated by American Federal Savings Bank for any reason other than for cause, or Mr. Johnson terminates his employment due to either (i) a diminishing of his duties and responsibilities, (ii) a relocation of his place of employment by more than 50 miles, (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of American Federal Savings Bank, or (iv) any breach of the Agreement by American Federal Savings Bank, he will be entitled to receive certain payments from American Federal Savings Bank. These payments will be a sum equal to the payments due to Mr. Johnson for the remaining term of the Employment Agreement, including base salary, bonuses, and any other cash or deferred compensation paid or to be paid (including the value of employer contributions that would have been made on his behalf over the remaining term of the Employment Agreement to any tax-qualified retirement plan), subject to certain restrictions.

The Employment Agreement contains provisions requiring non-disclosure of confidential information regarding the business and activities of American Federal Savings Bank and contains provisions restricting Mr. Johnson’s ability to compete with American Federal Savings Bank for a one-year term after termination of his employment due to any Event of Termination.

Non-Contributory Profit Sharing Plan

Neither Eagle Bancorp, nor American Federal Savings Bank, has a pension plan for employees. Instead, American Federal Savings Bank has established a non-contributory profit sharing plan for eligible employees who have completed one year of service with American Federal Savings Bank. The non-contributory plan enables American Federal Savings Bank to contribute up to 15% of qualified salaries each year. Typically 6% is contributed. The percentage amount of the contribution is determined by the board of directors each year and is based primarily on profitability for the past year. For the year ended June 30, 2009, the Board authorized profit sharing contributions to Mr. Johnson of $9,684, to Mr. Mundt of $7,263 and to Mr. Morrison of $5,972, and total contribution expense was $181,590 for the year ended June 30, 2009.

The Non-Contributory Profit Sharing Plan also allows employees to make contributions to a tax-qualified defined contribution savings plan or an employee owned 401(k) plan. Employees can contribute a portion of their salaries, (up to a maximum of $16,500 for calendar 2009), to a 401(k) plan. American Federal Savings Bank’s board has the authority to match up to a maximum of 50% of an employee’s contribution provided that the matching amount does not exceed 2.0% of such employee compensation. For the year ended June 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank contributed $3,228, $2,421 and $1,991 to Mr. Johnson’s, Mr. Mundt’s and Mr. Morrison’s 401(k) programs, respectively, and $47,227 in total expense to the 401(k) program.

Salary Continuation Agreement

Another benefit offered by American Federal Savings Bank is a program to increase overall retirement benefits for employees to levels which more closely approximate those in comparable businesses. American Federal Savings Bank consulted with independent compensation consultants and developed a plan to supplement retirement benefits. The plan American Federal Savings Bank adopted covers seven of its senior officers, including Messrs. Johnson, Morrison and Mundt, two senior vice presidents and two vice presidents. Mr. Morrison was added to the plan in the 2008 fiscal year. This non-qualified retirement plan is designated the American Federal Savings Bank Salary Continuation Agreement (the “Salary Continuation Agreement”). Under the Salary Continuation Agreement, each officer receives a fixed retirement benefit based on his or her years of service with American Federal Savings Bank. American Federal Savings Bank maintains insurance policies whose proceeds will reimburse American Federal Savings Bank for the payment of benefits under this plan. It also provides for partial payments in the event of early retirement, death or disability. In Mr. Johnson’s case, if he retires at age 65, the Salary Continuation Agreement provides for a lump sum payment of $151,800, or an annual payment for life of $16,500. In Mr. Mundt’s case, if he retires at age 65, the Salary Continuation Agreement provides for a lump sum payment of $230,000, or an annual payment for life of $25,000. In Mr. Morrison’s case, if he retires at age 65, the Salary Continuation Agreement provides for a lump sum payment of $706,000, or an annual payment for life of $65,500. American Federal Savings Bank has purchased life insurance contracts for each covered executive to fund the payments. American Federal Savings Bank recognizes expenses to maintain the plan. For the year ended June 30, 2009, the total expenses were $101,952.

Split-Dollar Benefit Plan

American Federal Savings Bank has entered into agreements with three insurance companies for the purpose of establishing a split-dollar benefit plan. American Federal Savings Bank purchased life insurance policies on thirteen officers of American Federal Savings Bank, including American Federal Savings Bank’s five executive officers. The plan provides for the officers to receive life insurance benefits ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, provided they meet the eligibility requirements of the plan. The remainder of the life insurance benefits accrues to American Federal Savings Bank.

Bonus Plan

American Federal Savings Bank also provides a discretionary bonus program (“Bonus Program”) for all eligible employees. The Bonus Program is based on the after-tax net profitability of American Federal Savings Bank and is linked specifically to American Federal Savings Bank’s return on assets. In the case of non-officer employees, bonus amounts are based on salary levels. Under the Bonus Program, American Federal Savings Bank’s return on assets for the period from January through October is used to determine the bonus levels of officers. Officers’ bonuses are directly linked to the return on assets. For example, if American Federal Savings Bank produces a return on assets of 0.90%, then each officer would receive a bonus of 9% of annual base salary. Executive

 

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officers’ bonuses are generally based on a formula of 1.25 times American Federal Savings Bank’s return on assets (for example, executive officer bonuses would be 11.25% of annual salary based on a return on assets of 0.90%, or 1.25 times nine). The President and Chief Executive Officer’s bonus is generally based on a formula of 1.5 times American Federal Savings Bank’s return on assets. For the year ended June 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank paid total bonuses of $226,911. Mr. Johnson’s bonus was $21,600, Mr. Mundt’s bonus was $13,518 and Mr. Morrison’s bonus was $11,250.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

In connection with its reorganization to the mutual holding company form of organization, American Federal Savings Bank established an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP” or “Plan”) for employees age 21 or older who have at least one year of credited service with American Federal Savings Bank. As of September 30, 2009, the ESOP held 4,606 shares of common stock that have not been allocated to Plan participants. These shares represent shares purchased by the ESOP in the initial stock offering. Shares of common stock purchased by the ESOP were funded by funds borrowed from Eagle Bancorp. Shares purchased in the initial offering by the ESOP have been allocated to participants’ accounts over ten years. As of September 30, 2009, the Plan maintains 38,156 shares that have been allocated to Plan participants. A total of 42,762 shares are held in the Plan.

The ESOP trustee is expected to purchase, on behalf of the plan, 8% of the total number of shares of Eagle Montana common stock issued in the offering. We anticipate that the plan will fund its stock purchase with a loan from Eagle Montana equal to the aggregate purchase price of the common stock. The loan will be repaid primarily through American Federal Savings Bank’s contribution to the plan over the anticipated 12-year term of the loan.

The trustee will hold the shares purchased by the employee stock ownership plan in an unallocated suspense account, and shares will be released from the suspense account on a pro-rata basis as we repay the loan. Contributions to the ESOP and shares released from the suspense account are allocated among ESOP participants on the basis of participants’ eligible compensation as it relates to eligible compensation of all participants. Employees are fully vested upon completion of six years of service. Benefits may be payable upon retirement, early retirement, disability, death or separation from service.

The ESOP is administered by the ESOP Committee of American Federal Savings Bank. The ESOP trustee may only vote allocated shares held by the ESOP in accordance with the instructions of participating employees. Unallocated shares will be voted by the ESOP trustee.

GAAP requires that any third-party borrowing by the ESOP be reflected as a liability on Eagle Bancorp’s statement of financial condition. Since the ESOP is borrowing from Eagle Bancorp, such obligation is eliminated in consolidation. However, the cost of unallocated shares is treated as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

The ESOP is subject to the requirements of ERISA and regulations of the IRS and the United States Department of Labor.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

There were no outstanding equity awards held by the named executive officers at September 30, 2009.

Directors’ Compensation

The following table sets forth for the year ended June 30, 2009 certain information as to the total remuneration we paid to Eagle Bancorp’s directors. Mr. Johnson’s compensation for his service as director is reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

Director Compensation Table For the Year Ended June 30, 2009

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash($)
   Stock Awards
($)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
Awards ($)
   Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total
($)

Don O. Campbell

   16,800    —      —      —      —      16,800

Lynn E. Dickey

   14,800    —      —      —      —      14,800

Larry A. Dreyer

   21,000    —      —      —      —      21,000

Rick F. Hays

   15,000    —      —      —      —      15,000

James A. Maierle

   14,200    —      —      —      —      14,200

Thomas J. McCarvel

   14,000    —      —      —      —      14,000

During fiscal 2009, each director, except for the Chairman of the Board, was paid an annual fee of $12,000. The Chairman of the Board receives an annual fee of $21,000. Also, each non-employee director, other than the Chairman of the Board, was paid $200 for each committee meeting attended. The total fees paid to the directors of Eagle Bancorp for the year ended June 30, 2009, were $107,800. Eagle Bancorp has no other director compensation plans or director deferred compensation plans other than the Stock Incentive Plan approved at the annual meeting in 2000, and no director received an award from the Stock Incentive Plan in fiscal year 2009. As of September 30, 2009, each director of Eagle Bancorp also serves as a director of American Federal Savings Bank and Eagle Financial MHC. Directors do not receive additional compensation for their service on the boards of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Financial MHC.

 

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Long-Term Stock-Based Compensation

The Eagle Bancorp 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) authorizes up to 80,511 shares of Common Stock to be made available to non-employee directors, officers and employees as options (incentive or nonqualified) (collectively, “Options”), or restricted stock (“Recognition and Retention Plan Stock” or “RRP Stock”) as described below. Options under the Stock Incentive Plan are rights to purchase Common Stock at a fixed price set forth in an option agreement, generally the fair market value at the date of grant. No options have been granted under the Stock Incentive Plan. RRP Stock is an award of actual stock subject to forfeiture provisions if the recipient leaves Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank before a specified number of years. The purpose of the Stock Incentive Plan is to attract and retain qualified personnel in key positions and provide officers, employees and non-employee directors with a proprietary interest in Eagle Bancorp as an incentive to contribute to the success of Eagle Bancorp. Additionally, the Stock Incentive Plan serves to promote the attention of management to stockholders’ concerns and to reward employees for outstanding performance.

The Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the granting of options to purchase Common Stock and awards of RRP Stock. The maximum number of shares reserved for purchase pursuant to the exercise of options is 57,508 shares. The maximum number of the shares reserved for the award of RRP Stock is 23,003 shares. All officers, employees and non-employee directors of Eagle Bancorp and its affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. The Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Authorized but unissued shares or shares previously issued and reacquired by Eagle Bancorp may be used to satisfy the awards under the Stock Incentive Plan.

The Stock Incentive Plan permits the award of Options to employees and officers of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Bancorp in the form of either incentive options qualified under Section 422 of the Code (“Incentive Stock Options” or “ISO”) or as nonqualified stock options. Non-employee directors are only eligible to receive grants of non-qualified stock options. Under the Stock Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee will determine which non-employee directors, officers and employees will be granted Options, whether such Options will be ISOs or nonqualified stock options, and when such Options can be exercised. Vesting must not commence earlier than at least one year from the date of the grant. Finally, the vesting of such Options may not be accelerated, except in the case of death or disability. The exercise price of all Incentive Stock Options must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock at the time of grant, except as provided below. The criteria used for the award of Options is determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may take into account job duties and responsibilities, seniority, job performance, and a comparison of similar awards by companies comparable to Eagle Bancorp when granting Options to officers, employees and directors.

Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to officers and employees. In order to qualify as Incentive Stock Options under Section 422 of the Code, the exercise price must not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock on the date of the grant and the term of the Option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Incentive Stock Options granted to any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock may be exercised only for a period of five years from the date of grant and the exercise price must be at least equal to 110% of the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant.

The Stock Incentive Plan permits the Compensation Committee to grant, in its discretion, non-qualified options at fair market value to directors, as well as to officers and employees.

The Stock Incentive Plan also permits the use of Recognition and Retention Plan Stock awards (“RRP Stock”). Under the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan up to 23,003 of the shares contained in the Stock Incentive Plan are available for awards as RRP Stock. The terms of the RRP Stock awards shall be set by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. The use of RRP Stock is intended to enable Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank to retain personnel of experience and ability in key positions of responsibility.

Restricted stock awards to officers, employees and non-employee directors will be granted based upon a number of factors to be determined by the Compensation Committee, including seniority, job duties and responsibilities, job performance, and a comparison of similar awards by companies comparable to Eagle Bancorp. Common Stock used for RRP Stock awards may be authorized but unissued shares or previously issued shares of Common Stock repurchased by Eagle Bancorp.

The Compensation Committee may amend or terminate the Stock Incentive Plan at any time. Such amendments are required to be approved by stockholders in accordance with applicable law and regulation if such approval is required to satisfy requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or other regulatory requirements. The Stock Incentive Plan terminates ten years after its effective date. The Stock Incentive Plan permits Options which expire to be reissued. The Stock Incentive Plan permits adjustment by the Compensation Committee of the number of shares to reflect reclassification, recapitalization or similar capital change. The adjustments by the Compensation Committee shall be conclusive and binding on Eagle Bancorp and any participants. The Compensation Committee’s adjustments are designed to maintain the same proportion for the number of shares which existed before the event requiring adjustment.

The Stock Incentive Plan became effective on October 19, 2000. Unless sooner terminated, the Stock Incentive Plan will be in effect until October 19, 2010.

 

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Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion

Stock-Based Incentive Plan. While a final determination has not been made, we currently intend to adopt a new stock-based incentive plan within one year following the offering that will provide for grants of stock options and restricted common stock awards. If the stock-based incentive plan is adopted within one year following the conversion, the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to option grants or restricted stock awards under the plan may not exceed 10% and 4%, respectively, of the shares sold in the offering, subject to adjustment as may be required by Office of Thrift Supervision regulations or policy to reflect any stock options or restricted stock granted by Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank.

We may fund our plans through open market purchases, as opposed to issuing common stock. The stock-based incentive plan will not be established sooner than six months after the stock offering and if adopted within one year after the stock offering would require the approval by stockholders owning a majority of the outstanding shares of Eagle Montana common stock eligible to be cast. If the stock-based incentive plan is established after one year after the stock offering, it would require the approval of our stockholders by a majority of votes cast. The following additional restrictions would apply to our stock-based incentive plan if the plan is adopted within one year after the stock offering:

 

   

non-employee directors in the aggregate may not receive more than 30% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;

 

   

any one non-employee director may not receive more than 5% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;

 

   

any officer or employee may not receive more than 25% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan;

 

   

any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans and management stock award plans, in the aggregate, may not hold more than 10% of the shares sold in the offering, unless American Federal Savings Bank has tangible capital of 10% or more, in which case any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans and management stock award plans, may be increased to up to 12% of the shares sold in the offering;

 

   

stock options and restricted stock awards may not vest more rapidly than 20% per year, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant;

 

   

accelerated vesting is not permitted except for death, disability or upon a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana; and

 

   

our executive officers or directors must exercise or forfeit their options in the event that American Federal Savings Bank becomes critically undercapitalized, is subject to enforcement action or receives a capital directive.

In the event federal regulators change their regulations or policies regarding stock-based incentive plans, including any regulations or policies restricting the size of awards and vesting of benefits as described above, the restrictions described above may not be applicable.

Change in Control Agreements

American Federal Savings Bank also intends to enter into change in control agreements with certain senior executive officers. The change in control agreements are intended to be effective as of January 1, 2010, and will be made with Clinton J. Morrison, Michael C. Mundt, Robert M. Evans and Rachel R. Amdahl. The change in control agreements do not provide benefits for termination for cause. The change in control agreements will provide payments to each officer following a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank and upon either (a) an involuntary termination of the officer by American Federal Savings Bank or its successor, or (b) without the officer’s consent, a voluntary termination of the officer’s employment due to (i) a material change of his or her functions, duties or responsibilities, (ii) a reduction in the officer’s annual compensation, or (iii) a relocation of his or her place of employment by more than 50 miles without the officer’s consent. If one of these events occurs within four (4) months following a change in control of American Federal Savings Bank, the officer, or his or her beneficiary in the event of his or her death, would be paid a sum equal to his or her base pay plus bonus for the most recently completed fiscal year. The officer would also receive under the agreement benefit payments (less co-payment amounts) for life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to coverage maintained by American Federal Savings Bank for the 12-month period following termination or until other coverage is obtained.

The change in control agreements have two-year terms and are required to be reviewed each year on the anniversary date of the agreement and may be extended at that time for an additional year. For purposes of both the employment agreement of Mr. Johnson and the change in control agreements of the officers, a change of control of American Federal Savings Bank means (i) a merger or consolidation where American Federal Savings Bank is not the consolidated or surviving bank, (ii) a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of American Federal Savings Bank, (iii) voluntary or involuntary dissolution of American Federal Savings Bank; and (iv) a change in control as defined in the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978. A change in control would not take place for an internal reorganization such as a holding company formation. Assuming these agreements were in effect and Messrs. Morrison, Mundt and Evans and Ms. Amdahl had been terminated in connection with a change in control as of September 30, 2009, the officers would receive aggregate severance of approximately $411,919 based upon their current level of salary and bonus, plus 12 months of benefits coverage.

 

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Transactions with Certain Related Persons

American Federal Savings Bank has followed the policy of offering residential mortgage loans for the financing of personal residences and consumer loans to its officers, directors and employees. Loans are made in the ordinary course of business. Except for consumer loans to officers and employees, but not directors, with an interest rate one percent below the American Federal Savings Bank prevailing rate, these loans are also made on substantially the same terms and conditions, including interest rate and collateral, as those of comparable transactions prevailing at the time with persons not related to American Federal Savings Bank. These loans do not include more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. As of September 30, 2009, the aggregate principal balance of loans outstanding to all directors, executive officers and immediate family members of such individuals, and companies in which they are principals was approximately $1.82 million. No executive officer has had a consumer loan outstanding in excess of $120,000 since July 1, 2006.

American Federal Savings Bank has contracted with a subsidiary of a company which is partially owned by James Maierle, one of Eagle Bancorp’s directors. American Federal Savings Bank paid $18,375 during the three months ended September 30, 2009 to this affiliated entity for support services, and an additional $58,471 for computer hardware and software used by American Federal Savings Bank for its computer network. For the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, expenditures were $54,000 and $35,000, respectively, for support services and $83,401 and $137,000, respectively, for computer hardware and software. Management believes that these services are provided on terms no less favorable than could be obtained from a non-related party in an arms-length transaction.

In 2007, American Federal Savings Bank also made a construction loan, in the normal course of lending, to this same affiliated entity for the construction of an office building. For the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, $0 and $6,011,000 ($1,570,000 net of participation sold) had been disbursed, respectively. In fiscal 2008 the construction was completed and the loan was refinanced into $7.5 million of permanent financing, at an interest rate of 6.625%. On July 9, 2008, 80%, or $6.0 million, was sold without recourse to the Montana Board of Investments. As of September 30, 2009, this loan’s principal balance was $7.25 million ($1.45 million net of participation sold). For the years ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the entity paid $39,866 and $0 in principal, respectively, and $123,211 and $211,661 in interest, respectively. American Federal Savings Bank maintains the servicing for this loan.

 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

The following table shows information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by our directors and executive officers and each person known to be a “beneficial owner” of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of December 9, 2009. For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership of securities generally means the power to vote or dispose of securities, regardless of any economic interest in the securities. Information regarding certain holders of more than 5% of our outstanding shares is based on information reported on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on the date indicated in the footnotes to this table.

 

Name

  

Title or Address (1)

   Shares of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned (3)
    Percent of
Class
 

Eagle Financial MHC

  

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, MT 59601

   648,493      60.35

Tyndall Capital Partners, L.P. (2)

  

599 Lexington Avenue, Suite 4100

New York, NY 10022

   88,100      8.20

American Federal Savings

Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan

  

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, MT 59601

   4,606      *   

Don O. Campbell

   Vice Chairman    7,400 (4)    *   

Lynn E. Dickey

   Director    330      *   

Larry A. Dreyer

   Chairman    14,585 (5)(6)    1.36

Rick F. Hays

   Director    500      *   

Peter J. Johnson

   Director    14,059 (5)(7)    1.31

James A. Maierle

   Director    14,900 (8)    1.39

Thomas J. McCarvel

   Director    8,800      *   

Clinton J. Morrison

   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    1,113 (5)(7)    *   

Michael C. Mundt

   Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer    8,348 (5)(7)    *   

Robert M. Evans

   Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer    2,343 (5)    *   

Rachel R. Amdahl

   Senior Vice President/Operations    1,375 (5)(7)    *   

All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons)

      73,753      6.86

 

* Less than 1% of outstanding shares.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the mailing address for each director and officer listed is c/o Eagle Bancorp, 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59601.
(2) The information as to Tyndall Capital Partners, L.P. (“Capital”) is derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2007. Tyndall Partners, L.P. (“Tyndall”) owns 51,900 shares and 18,700 shares are owned by Tyndall Institutional Partners, L.P. (“Tyndall Institutional” and, together with Tyndall, the “Funds”). Capital is the general partner of the Funds, and possesses the sole power to vote and the sole power to direct the disposition of all shares held by the Funds. In addition, 17,500 shares are owned by Jeffrey S. Halis, the manager of the general partner of Capital.
(3) Except as otherwise noted, all beneficial ownership by directors and executive officers is direct and each director or executive officer exercises sole voting and investment power over the shares.
(4) Includes 1,150 shares held by revocable trust in his wife’s name. Mr. Campbell retains voting control.
(5) Includes common stock held in American Federal Savings Bank’s ESOP.
(6) Includes 400 shares held by his wife for which Mr. Dreyer disclaims beneficial ownership.
(7) Includes common stock held by each Executive Officer in American Federal Savings Bank’s Non-Contributory Profit Sharing Plan.
(8) Includes 5,000 shares held by Rosmar, Inc. for which Mr. Maierle, as President of Rosmar, Inc., has shared voting and investment power.

 

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SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The table below sets forth, for each of Eagle Montana’s directors and executive officers and for all of the directors and executive officers as a group, the following information:

 

  (i) the number of exchange shares to be held upon consummation of the conversion, based upon their beneficial ownership of Eagle Bancorp common stock as of , 2010;

 

  (ii) the proposed purchases of subscription shares, assuming sufficient shares of common stock are available to satisfy their subscriptions; and

 

  (iii) the total amount of Eagle Montana common stock to be held upon consummation of the conversion.

In each case, it is assumed that subscription shares are sold at the midpoint of the offering range. See “Proposal I – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization— Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” Regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision prohibit our directors and officers from selling the shares they purchase in the offering for one year after the date of purchase.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of
Exchange
Shares to be
Held (2)
   Proposed Purchases of
Stock
in the Offering (1)
   Total Common
Stock to be Held
 
      Number of
Shares
   Amount    Number of
Shares
   Percentage
of Total
Shares
Outstanding
 

Directors:

              

Peter J. Johnson

   52,030    10,000    $ 100,000    62,030    1.56

Larry A. Dreyer

   53,977    5,000      50,000    58,977    1.48   

Don O. Campbell

   27,386    5,000      50,000    32,386    *   

Rick F. Hays

   1,850    5,000      50,000    6,850    *   

Lynn E. Dickey

   1,221    7,500      75,000    8,721    *   

James A. Maierle

   55,143    7,500      75,000    62,643    1.58   

Thomas J. McCarvel

   32,567    500      5,000    33,067    *   
                            

Total

   224,174    40,500    $ 405,000    264,674    6.66
                            

Executive Officers:

              

Robert M. Evans

   8,671    15,000    $ 150,000    23,671    *   

Michael C. Mundt

   30,895    5,000      50,000    35,895    *   

Clinton J. Morrison

   4,119    3,000      30,000    7,119    *   

Rachel R. Amdahl

   5,088    8,300      83,000    13,388    *   
                            

Total

   48,773    31,300    $ 313,000    80,073    2.01   
                            

Total for Directors and Executive Officers

   272,947    71,800    $ 718,000    344,747    8.67
                            

 

* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes proposed subscriptions, if any, by associates.
(2) Based on information presented in “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock” and assumes an exchange ratio of 3.7009 shares for each share of Eagle Bancorp.

 

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COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS FOR EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS OF EAGLE BANCORP

General

As a result of the conversion, existing stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will become stockholders of Eagle Montana. There are differences in the rights of stockholders of Eagle Bancorp and stockholders of Eagle Montana caused by differences between federal and Delaware law and regulations and differences in Eagle Bancorp’s federal stock charter and bylaws and Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

This discussion is not intended to be a complete statement of the differences affecting the rights of stockholders, but rather summarizes the material differences and similarities affecting the rights of stockholders. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” for procedures for obtaining a copy of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

Authorized Capital Stock

The authorized capital stock of Eagle Bancorp consists of 9,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share. The authorized capital stock of Eagle Montana consists of 8,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Stockholder approval is required to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Montana.

Eagle Bancorp’s charter and Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation both authorize the board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock and, for any series of preferred stock, to determine the terms and rights of the series, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion and redemption rates and liquidation preferences. As a result of the ability to fix voting rights for a series of preferred stock, our board of directors has the power, to the extent consistent with its fiduciary duty, to issue a series of preferred stock to persons friendly to management in order to attempt to block a hostile tender offer, merger or other transaction by which a third party seeks control, and thereby assist management to retain its position. We currently have no plans for the issuance of additional shares for such purposes.

Issuance of Capital Stock

Pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, Eagle Financial MHC is required to own not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock. Eagle Financial MHC will no longer exist following consummation of the conversion.

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation does not contain restrictions on the issuance of shares of capital stock to directors, officers or controlling persons, whereas Eagle Bancorp’s stock charter restricts such issuances to general public offerings, or to directors for qualifying shares, unless the share issuance or the plan under which they would be issued has been approved by a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal stockholders’ meeting. However, stock-based compensation plans, such as stock option plans and restricted stock plans, would have to be submitted to Eagle Montana stockholders for approval due to requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market and in order to qualify stock options for favorable federal income tax treatment.

Voting Rights

Neither Eagle Bancorp’s stock charter or bylaws nor Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors. For additional information regarding voting rights, see “—Limitations on Voting Rights of Greater-than-10% Stockholders” below.

Payment of Dividends

Eagle Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends depends, to a large extent, upon American Federal Savings Bank’s ability to pay dividends to Eagle Bancorp. The Office of Thrift Supervision regulations state, in part, that dividends may be declared and paid by American Federal Savings Bank only out of accumulated net earnings. A dividend may not be declared or paid unless the surplus, prior to the transfer of net earnings, would not be reduced by the payment of the dividend. Dividends may also not be declared or paid if American Federal Savings Bank is in default in payment of any assessment due to the FDIC.

The same restrictions will apply to American Federal Savings Bank’s payment of dividends to Eagle Montana. In addition, Delaware law generally limits dividends to our capital surplus or, if there is no capital surplus, our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

Board of Directors

Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws and Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws each require the board of directors to be divided into three classes and that the members of each class shall be elected for a term of three years and until their successors are elected and qualified, with one class being elected annually.

Under Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws, any vacancies on the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors although less than a quorum of the board of directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected to serve until the next election of directors of the class of directors in which such vacancy was created by the shareholders. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by election by the board of directors for a term of office continuing only until the next election of directors by the stockholders. Under Eagle Montana’s bylaws, any vacancy occurring

 

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on the board of directors, including any vacancy created by reason of an increase in the number of directors, may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, and any director so chosen shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Vacancies resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled by a majority vote of the directors then in office, and directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of the class to which they have been elected expires.

Under Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws, any director may be removed only for cause by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares. Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation provides that any director may be removed only for cause by the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding voting shares of Eagle Montana at a meeting called for the purpose of removing the director.

Limitations on Liability

The charter and bylaws of Eagle Bancorp do not limit the personal liability of directors.

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation provides that directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. These provisions might, in certain instances, discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for a breach of their duties even though such an action, if successful, might benefit Eagle Montana.

Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents

Under current Office of Thrift Supervision regulations, Eagle Bancorp shall indemnify its directors, officers and employees for any costs incurred in connection with any litigation involving such person’s activities as a director, officer or employee if such person obtains a final judgment on the merits in his or her favor. In addition, indemnification is permitted in the case of a settlement, a final judgment against such person, or final judgment other than on the merits, if a majority of disinterested directors determines that such person was acting in good faith within the scope of his or her employment as he or she could reasonably have perceived it under the circumstances and for a purpose he or she could reasonably have believed under the circumstances was in the best interests of Eagle Bancorp or its stockholders. Eagle Bancorp also is permitted to pay ongoing expenses incurred by a director, officer or employee if a majority of disinterested directors concludes that such person may ultimately be entitled to indemnification. Before making any indemnification payment, Eagle Bancorp is required to notify the Office of Thrift Supervision of its intention, and such payment cannot be made if the Office of Thrift Supervision objects to such payment.

The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Eagle Montana provide that it shall indemnify its current and former directors and officers to the fullest extent required or permitted by Delaware law, including the advancement of expenses. Delaware law allows Eagle Montana to indemnify any person for expenses, settlements, judgments and fines in suits in which such person has been made a party by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer or employee of Eagle Montana. Indemnification may be given if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. The right to indemnification includes the right to be paid the expenses incurred in advance of final disposition of a proceeding.

Special Meetings of Stockholders

Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws provide that special meetings of Eagle Bancorp’s stockholders may be called by the Chairman, the president, a majority of the members of the board of directors or the holders of not less than one-tenth of the outstanding capital stock of Eagle Bancorp entitled to vote at the meeting. Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders of Eagle Montana may be called only by a majority vote of the entire board of directors.

Stockholder Nominations and Proposals

Eagle Bancorp’s bylaws generally provide that stockholders may submit nominations for election of directors at an annual meeting of stockholders and may propose any new business to be taken up at such a meeting by filing the proposal in writing with Eagle Bancorp at least five days before the date of any such meeting.

Eagle Montana’s bylaws generally provide that any stockholder desiring to make a nomination for the election of directors or a proposal for new business at a meeting of stockholders must submit written notice to Eagle Montana not less than 60 days prior to the first anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting if the meeting is held within 30 days of the anniversary of the prior year’s meeting. If the meeting is not held within 30 days of the anniversary of the prior year’s meeting, then nominations must be made no later than seven days following the first public announcement of the meeting.

Management believes that it is in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders to provide sufficient time to enable management to disclose to stockholders information about a dissident slate of nominations for directors. This advance notice requirement may also give management time to solicit its own proxies in an attempt to defeat any dissident slate of nominations, should management determine that doing so is in the best interests of stockholders generally. Similarly, adequate advance notice of stockholder proposals will give management time to study such proposals and to determine whether to recommend to the stockholders that such proposals be adopted. In certain instances, such provisions could make it more difficult to oppose management’s nominees or proposals, even if stockholders believe such nominees or proposals are in their best interests.

 

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Stockholder Action Without a Meeting

The bylaws of Eagle Bancorp provide that any action to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken if a consent in writing, setting forth the actions so taken, is given by the holders of all outstanding shares entitled to vote. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana prohibits action to be taken by stockholders without a meeting.

Stockholder’s Right to Examine Books and Records

A federal regulation, which is applicable to Eagle Bancorp, provides that stockholders may inspect and copy specified books and records after proper written notice for a proper purpose. Delaware law provides that a stockholder may inspect the company’s stock ledger, list of stockholders and other books and records.

Limitations on Voting Rights of Greater-than-10% Stockholders

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation provides that no beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock will be permitted to vote any shares in excess of such 10% limit. Eagle Bancorp’s charter does not provide such a limit on voting common stock.

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations provide that for a period of three years following the date of the completion of the offering, no person, acting singly or together with associates in a group of persons acting in concert, may directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of a class of Eagle Montana’s equity securities without the prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Where any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10% of a class of Eagle Montana’s equity securities without the prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the securities beneficially owned by such person in excess of 10% may not be voted by any person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote, and will not be counted as outstanding for purposes of determining the affirmative vote necessary to approve any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote.

Mergers, Consolidations and Sales of Assets

A federal regulation applicable to Eagle Bancorp generally requires the approval of two-thirds of the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp and the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding stock of Eagle Bancorp entitled to vote thereon for mergers, consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of Eagle Bancorp’s assets. Such regulation permits Eagle Bancorp to merge with another corporation without obtaining the approval of its stockholders if:

 

  (i) it does not involve an interim savings institution;

 

  (ii) Eagle Bancorp’s federal stock charter is not changed;

 

  (iii) each share of Eagle Bancorp’s stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the transaction will be an identical outstanding share or a treasury share of Eagle Bancorp after such effective date; and

 

  (iv) either:

 

  (a) no shares of voting stock of Eagle Bancorp and no securities convertible into such stock are to be issued or delivered under the plan of combination; or

 

  (b) the authorized but unissued shares or the treasury shares of voting stock of Eagle Bancorp to be issued or delivered under the plan of combination, plus those initially issuable upon conversion of any securities to be issued or delivered under such plan, do not exceed 15% of the total shares of voting stock of Eagle Bancorp outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the transaction.

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation contains a provision requiring that specified transactions with an “interested stockholder” be approved by 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares unless it is (i) approved by a majority of Eagle Montana’s disinterested directors, or (ii) certain price and procedural requirements are satisfied. An “interested stockholder” is broadly defined to include the right, directly or indirectly, to acquire or to control the voting or disposition of 15% or more of Eagle Montana’s voting stock.

Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations generally provide that a stockholder of a federally-chartered corporation that engages in a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of its assets shall have the right to demand from such institution payment of the fair or appraised value of his or her stock in the corporation, subject to specified procedural requirements. The regulations also provide, however, that a stockholder of a federally-chartered corporation whose shares are listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq stock market are not entitled to dissenters’ rights in connection with a merger if the stockholder is required to accept only “qualified consideration” for his or her stock, which is defined to include cash, shares of stock of any institution or corporation that at the effective date of the merger will be listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, or any combination of such shares of stock and cash.

 

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Under Delaware law, stockholders of Eagle Montana will not have dissenters’ appraisal rights in connection with a plan of merger or consolidation to which Eagle Montana is a party as long as the common stock of Eagle Montana trades on a national securities exchange or is held of record by more than 2,000 holders.

Amendment of Governing Instruments

No amendment of Eagle Bancorp’s stock charter may be made unless it is first proposed by the board of directors of Eagle Bancorp, then preliminarily approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision, and thereafter approved by the holders of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting.

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation may be amended by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock if at least a majority of the members of the board of directors approves such amendment; provided, however, that approval by at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock is generally required to amend the following provisions:

 

  (i) the applicability of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law;

 

  (ii) the division of the board of directors into three classes;

 

  (iii) the limitation on voting rights of persons who directly or indirectly beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock;

 

  (iv) the indemnification of current and former directors and officers by Eagle Montana;

 

  (v) the requirement of an 80% stockholder approval for business combination transactions with interested stockholders;

 

  (vi) the prohibition of stockholder action by written consent;

 

  (vii) the requirement that the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of common stock must vote to remove directors, and can only remove directors for cause;

 

  (viii) the limitation of liability of officers and directors to Eagle Montana for money damages; and

 

  (ix) the provision of the certificate of incorporation requiring approval of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock to amend the provisions of the certificate of incorporation provided in (i) through (viii) of this list.

The certificate of incorporation also provide that the bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of our directors or by the stockholders and that specified provisions in the bylaws may only be amended by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be voted at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders. Any amendment of this supermajority requirement for amendment of the bylaws would also require the approval of 80% of the outstanding voting stock.

 

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RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

Although the board of directors of Eagle Montana is not aware of any effort that might be made to obtain control of Eagle Montana after the conversion, the board of directors believes that it is appropriate to include certain provisions as part of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation to protect the interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders from takeovers which our board of directors might conclude are not in the best interests of American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana or Eagle Montana’s stockholders.

The following discussion is a general summary of the material provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, American Federal Savings Bank’s charter and bylaws and certain other regulatory provisions that may be deemed to have an “anti-takeover” effect. The following description of certain of these provisions is necessarily general and reference should be made in each case to the actual document or regulatory provision in question. Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws are included as part of Eagle Financial MHC’s application for conversion filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision and Eagle Montana’s registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain a number of provisions relating to corporate governance and rights of stockholders that might discourage future takeover attempts. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such transactions may not have an opportunity to do so. In addition, these provisions will also render the removal of the board of directors or management of Eagle Montana more difficult.

Prohibition of Cumulative Voting. The certificate of incorporation prohibits cumulative voting for the election of directors.

Restrictions on Removing Directors from Office. The certificate of incorporation provides that directors may be removed only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of our then-outstanding common stock entitled to vote.

Authorized but Unissued Shares. After the conversion, Eagle Montana will have authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock. See “Description of Capital Stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. Following the Conversion.” The certificate of incorporation authorize 1,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock. Eagle Montana is authorized to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series subject to applicable provisions of law, and the board of directors is authorized to fix the designations, and relative preferences, limitations, voting rights, if any, including without limitation, offering rights of such shares (which could be multiple or as a separate class). In the event of a proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of Eagle Montana that the board of directors does not approve, it might be possible for the board of directors to authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock with rights and preferences that would impede the completion of the transaction. An effect of the possible issuance of preferred stock therefore may be to deter a future attempt to gain control of Eagle Montana. The board of directors has no present plan or understanding to issue any preferred stock.

Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Amendments to the certificate of incorporation must be approved by our board of directors and also by at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our voting stock; provided, however, that approval by at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock is generally required to amend the following provisions:

 

  (i) the applicability of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law;

 

  (ii) the division of the board of directors into three classes;

 

  (iii) the limitation on voting rights of persons who directly or indirectly beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock;

 

  (iv) the indemnification of current and former directors and officers by Eagle Montana;

 

  (v) the requirement of an 80% stockholder approval for business combination transactions with interested stockholders;

 

  (vi) the prohibition of stockholder action by written consent;

 

  (vii) the requirement that the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of common stock must vote to remove directors, and can only remove directors for cause;

 

  (viii) the limitation of liability of officers and directors to Eagle Montana for money damages; and

 

  (ix) the provision of the certificate of incorporation requiring approval of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock to amend the provisions of the certificate of incorporation provided in (i) through (viii) of this list.

The certificate of incorporation also provide that certain bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of our directors or by the stockholders and that specified provisions in the bylaws may only be amended by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be voted at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders. Any amendment of this supermajority requirement for amendment of the bylaws would also require the approval of 80% of the outstanding voting stock.

 

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Stockholder Vote Required to Approve Business Combinations with Principal Shareholders. The certificate of incorporation of Eagle Montana requires the approval of the holders of at least 80% of Eagle Montana’s outstanding shares of voting stock to approve certain “Business Combinations,” as defined therein, and related transactions. Under Delaware law, absent this provision, Business Combinations, including mergers, consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of the assets of a corporation must, subject to certain exceptions, be approved by the vote of the holders of only a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle Montana and any other affected class of stock. Under the certificate of incorporation, at least 80% approval of stockholders is required in connection with any transaction involving an interested stockholder (as defined below) except (i) in cases where the proposed transaction has been approved in advance by a majority of those members of Eagle Montana’s board of directors who are unaffiliated with the interested stockholder and were directors prior to the time when the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or (ii) if the proposed transaction meets certain conditions set forth in the certificate of incorporation, which are designed to afford the stockholders a fair price in consideration for their shares in which case, if a stockholder vote is required, approval of only a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock would be sufficient.

The term “interested stockholder” is defined to include any individual, corporation, partnership or other entity (other than Eagle Montana or its subsidiary) which owns beneficially or controls, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Eagle Montana. This provision of the certificate of incorporation applies to any “Business Combination,” which is defined to include (i) any merger, consolidation or share exchange of Eagle Montana or any of its subsidiaries with or into any interested stockholder or affiliate of an interested stockholder; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition to or with any interested stockholder or affiliate of assets of Eagle Montana having an aggregate market value of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of the total consolidated assets of Eagle Montana or the aggregate market value of the outstanding stock of Eagle Montana; (iii) the issuance or transfer to any interested stockholder or its affiliate by Eagle Montana (or any subsidiary) of any securities of Eagle Montana subject to certain exceptions; (iv) the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of Eagle Montana proposed by or on behalf of any interested stockholder or affiliate thereof; (v) any reclassification of securities, recapitalization, merger or consolidation of Eagle Montana which has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of outstanding shares of common stock or any class of equity or convertible securities of Eagle Montana owned directly or indirectly by an interested stockholder or affiliate thereof; (vi) any transaction involving Eagle Montana or any subsidiary that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class or series owned by the interested stockholder except for immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of stock repurchases not caused by the interested stockholder; and (vii) any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through Eagle Montana or any subsidiary.

Purpose and Anti-Takeover Effects of Eagle Montana’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Our board of directors believes that the provisions described above or below are prudent and will reduce our vulnerability to takeover attempts and certain other transactions that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors. These provisions also will assist us in the orderly deployment of the offering proceeds into productive assets during the initial period after the conversion. Our board of directors believes these provisions are in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders. Our board of directors believes that it will be in the best position to determine the true value of Eagle Montana and to negotiate more effectively for what may be in the best interests of its stockholders. Accordingly, our board of directors believes that it is in the best interests of Eagle Montana and its stockholders to encourage potential acquirers to negotiate directly with the board of directors and that these provisions will encourage such negotiations and discourage hostile takeover attempts. It is also the view of our board of directors that these provisions should not discourage persons from proposing a merger or other transaction at a price reflective of the true value of Eagle Montana and that is in the best interests of all stockholders.

Takeover attempts that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors present the risk of a takeover on terms that may be less favorable than might otherwise be available. A transaction that is negotiated and approved by our board of directors, on the other hand, can be carefully planned and undertaken at an opportune time in order to obtain maximum value of Eagle Montana for our stockholders, with due consideration given to matters such as the management and business of the acquiring corporation and maximum strategic development of Eagle Montana’s assets.

Although a tender offer or other takeover attempt may be made at a price substantially above the current market price, such offers are sometimes made for less than all of the outstanding shares of a target company. As a result, stockholders may be presented with the alternative of partially liquidating their investment at a time that may be disadvantageous, or retaining their investment in an enterprise that is under different management and whose objectives may not be similar to those of the remaining stockholders.

Despite our belief as to the benefits to stockholders of these provisions of Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, these provisions may also have the effect of discouraging a future takeover attempt that would not be approved by our board of directors, but pursuant to which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have any opportunity to do so. Such provisions will also make it more difficult to remove our board of directors and management. Our board of directors, however, has concluded that the potential benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages.

Following the conversion, pursuant to applicable law and, if required, following the approval by stockholders, we may adopt additional anti-takeover provisions in our certificate of incorporation or other devices regarding the acquisition of our equity securities that would be permitted for a Delaware business corporation.

 

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The cumulative effect of the restrictions on acquisition of Eagle Montana contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and in Delaware law may be to discourage potential takeover attempts and perpetuate incumbent management, even though certain stockholders of Eagle Montana may deem a potential acquisition to be in their best interests, or deem existing management not to be acting in their best interests.

Delaware Corporate Law

In addition, the state of Delaware has a statute designed to provide Delaware corporations, such as Eagle Montana, with additional protection against hostile takeovers. The takeover statute, which is codified in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law is intended to discourage certain takeover practices by impeding the ability of a hostile acquiror to engage in certain transactions with the target company.

In general Section 203 provides that a “Person” who owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation (referred to in Section 203 as an “Interested Shareholder”) may not consummate a merger or other business combination transaction with such corporation at any time during the three-year period following the date such “Person” became an Interested Shareholder. The term “business combination” is defined broadly to cover a wide range of corporate transactions including mergers, sales of assets, issuances of stock, transactions with subsidiaries and the receipt of disproportionate financial benefits.

The statute exempts the following transactions from the requirements of Section 203: (i) any business combination if, prior to the date a person became an Interested Shareholder, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an Interested Shareholder; (ii) any business combination involving a person who acquired at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock in the transaction in which he became an Interested Shareholder, with the number of shares outstanding calculated without regard to those shares owned by the corporation’s directors who are also officers and by certain employee stock plans; (iii) any business combination with an Interested Shareholder that is approved by the board of directors and by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the Interested Shareholder; and (iv) certain business combinations that are proposed after the corporation had received other acquisition proposals and which are approved or not opposed by a majority of certain continuing members of the board of directors. A corporation may exempt itself from the requirements of the statute by adopting an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws electing not to be governed by Section 203. At the present time, the board of directors does not intend to propose any such amendment.

Conversion Regulations

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations prohibit any person from making an offer, announcing an intent to make an offer or participating in any other arrangement to purchase stock or acquiring stock or subscription rights in a converting institution or its holding company from another person prior to completion of its conversion. Further, without the prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, no person may make an offer or announcement of an offer to purchase shares or actually acquire shares of a converted institution or its holding company for a period of three years from the date of the completion of the conversion if, upon the completion of such offer, announcement or acquisition, the person would become the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding stock of the institution or its holding company. The Office of Thrift Supervision has defined “person” to include any individual, group acting in concert, corporation, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities of an insured institution. However, offers made exclusively to a bank or its holding company, or an underwriter or member of a selling group acting on the converting institution’s or its holding company’s behalf for resale to the general public are excepted. The regulation also provides civil penalties for willful violation or assistance in any such violation of the regulation by any person connected with the management of the converting institution or its holding company or who controls more than 10% of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a converted institution or its holding company.

American Federal Savings Bank’s Federal Stock Charter

The federal stock charter of American Federal Savings Bank will provide that for a period of five years from the closing of the conversion, no person other than Eagle Montana may offer directly or indirectly to acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of American Federal Savings Bank. This provision does not apply to any tax-qualified employee benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana or to underwriters in connection with a public offering. In addition, during this five-year period, all shares owned over the 10% limit may not be voted on any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote.

Change in Control Regulations

Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of an insured federal savings bank or its parent holding company unless the Office of Thrift Supervision has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition. In addition, Office of Thrift Supervision regulations provide that no company may acquire control of a savings bank without the prior approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Any company that acquires such control becomes a “savings and loan holding company” subject to registration, examination and regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision.

Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the institution’s directors, or a determination by the Office of Thrift Supervision that the acquiror has the power to direct, or directly or indirectly to exercise a controlling influence

 

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over, the management or policies of the institution. Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a savings bank’s voting stock, if the acquiror is also subject to any one of eight “control factors,” constitutes a rebuttable determination of control under the regulations. Such control factors include the acquiror being one of the two largest stockholders. The determination of control may be rebutted by submission to the Office of Thrift Supervision, prior to the acquisition of stock or the occurrence of any other circumstances giving rise to such determination, of a statement setting forth facts and circumstances which would support a finding that no control relationship will exist and containing certain undertakings. The regulations provide that persons or companies which acquire beneficial ownership exceeding 10% or more of any class of a savings bank’s stock who do not intend to participate in or seek to exercise control over a savings bank’s management or policies may qualify for a safe harbor by filing with the Office of Thrift Supervision a certification form that states, among other things, that the holder is not in control of such institution, is not subject to a rebuttable determination of control and will take no action which would result in a determination or rebuttable determination of control without prior notice to or approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision, as applicable. There are also rebuttable presumptions in the regulations concerning whether a group “acting in concert” exists, including presumed action in concert among members of an “immediate family.”

The Office of Thrift Supervision may prohibit an acquisition of control if it finds, among other things, that:

 

  (i) the acquisition would result in a monopoly or substantially lessen competition;

 

  (ii) the financial condition of the acquiring person might jeopardize the financial stability of the institution; or

 

  (iii) the competence, experience or integrity of the acquiring person indicates that it would not be in the interest of the depositors or the public to permit the acquisition of control by such person.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

General

Eagle Montana is authorized to issue 8,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Eagle Montana currently expects to issue in the offering up to 2,760,000 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment, and up to 1,813,125 shares, subject to adjustment, in exchange for the publicly held shares of Eagle Bancorp. Eagle Montana will not issue shares of preferred stock in the conversion. Each share of Eagle Montana common stock will have the same relative rights as, and will be identical in all respects to, each other share of common stock. Upon payment of the subscription price for the common stock, in accordance with the plan of conversion and reorganization, all of the shares of common stock will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.

The shares of common stock of Eagle Montana will represent nonwithdrawable capital, will not be an account of an insurable type, and will not be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Common Stock

Dividends. Eagle Montana may pay dividends as and when declared by our board of directors. The payment of dividends by Eagle Montana is subject to limitations that are imposed by law and applicable regulation. Delaware law generally limits dividends to our capital surplus or, if there is no capital surplus, our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. The holders of common stock of Eagle Montana will be entitled to receive and share equally in dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. If Eagle Montana issues shares of preferred stock, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to dividends.

Voting Rights. Upon consummation of the conversion, the holders of common stock of Eagle Montana will have exclusive voting rights in Eagle Montana. They will elect Eagle Montana’s board of directors and act on other matters as are required to be presented to them under Delaware law or as are otherwise presented to them by the board of directors. Generally, each holder of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. If Eagle Montana issues shares of preferred stock, holders of the preferred stock may also possess voting rights. Certain matters require an 80% stockholder vote.

As a federally-chartered stock savings bank, corporate powers and control of American Federal Savings Bank are vested in its board of directors, who elect the officers of American Federal Savings Bank and who fill any vacancies on the board of directors. Voting rights of American Federal Savings Bank are vested exclusively in the owners of the shares of capital stock of American Federal Savings Bank, which will be Eagle Montana, and voted at the direction of Eagle Montana’s board of directors. Consequently, the holders of the common stock of Eagle Montana will not have direct control of American Federal Savings Bank.

Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Montana, as the holder of 100% of American Federal Savings Bank’s capital stock, would be entitled to receive all assets of American Federal Savings Bank available for distribution, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of American Federal Savings Bank, including all deposit accounts and accrued interest thereon, and after distribution of the balance in the liquidation account to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Eagle Montana, the holders of its common stock would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all its debts and liabilities, all of the assets of Eagle Montana available for distribution. If preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock in the event of liquidation or dissolution.

Preemptive Rights. Holders of the common stock of Eagle Montana will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares that may be issued. Eagle Montana common stock is not subject to redemption.

Preferred Stock

None of the shares of Eagle Montana’s authorized preferred stock will be issued as part of the offering or the conversion. Preferred stock may be issued with preferences and designations as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue shares of preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion rights that could dilute the voting strength of the holders of the common stock and may assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control.

 

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TRANSFER AGENT

The transfer agent and registrar for Eagle Montana’s common stock is Registrar & Transfer Co., Cranford, New Jersey.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

In connection with the conversion and offering, we will register our common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and will not deregister our common stock for a period of at least three years following the conversion and offering. As a result of registration, the proxy and tender offer rules, insider trading reporting and restrictions, annual and periodic reporting and other requirements of that statute will apply.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2009, appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus have been included herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of Davis, Kinard & Co., P.C., Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, which is included herein and upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has consented to the publication herein of the summary of its report to Eagle Montana setting forth its opinion as to the estimated pro forma market value of the shares of common stock upon completion of the offering and its letter with respect to subscription rights.

LEGAL MATTERS

Nixon Peabody LLP, Washington, D.C., counsel to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp and American Federal Savings Bank, will issue to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. its opinion regarding the legality of the common stock and the federal income tax consequences of the conversion. Certain matters relating to state taxation will be passed upon for us by Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated by Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., Washington, D.C.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Eagle Montana has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the shares of common stock offered hereby. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. Such information, including the appraisal report which is an exhibit to the registration statement, can be examined without charge at the public reference facilities of the Securities and Exchange Commission located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of such material can be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission at prescribed rates. The Securities and Exchange Commission telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a web site (http:/www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Eagle Montana. The statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are, of necessity, brief descriptions of the material terms of, and should be read in conjunction with, such contract or document.

Eagle Financial MHC has filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision an Application on Form AC with respect to the conversion. This proxy statement/prospectus omits certain information contained in the application. The application may be examined at the principal office of the Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20552, and at the Western Regional Office of the Office of Thrift Supervision, 225 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 500, Irving, Texas 75062-2326. Our plan of conversion is available, upon request, at each of our banking offices.

In connection with the offering, Eagle Montana will register its common stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, upon such registration, Eagle Montana and the holders of its common stock will become subject to the proxy solicitation rules, reporting requirements and restrictions on common stock purchases and sales by directors, officers and greater than 10% stockholders, the annual and periodic reporting and certain other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the plan of conversion, Eagle Montana has undertaken that it will not terminate such registration for a period of at least three years following the offering.

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this document, the board of directors is not aware of any business to come before the special meeting other than the matters described above in the proxy statement/prospectus. However, if any matters should properly come before the special meeting, it is intended that the holders of the proxies will act in accordance with their best judgment.

 

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PART II: INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

     Amount

* Legal Fees and Expenses

   $ 220,000

* Accounting Fees and Expenses

     50,000

* Marketing and Records Management Fees and Expenses (1)

     1,545,735

* Appraisal Fees and Expenses

     41,500

* Business Plan Fees and Expenses

     37,500

* Printing, Edgar and Mailing Fees (Including Postage)

     80,000

Filing Fees (FINRA, Nasdaq, SEC, OTS)

     120,694

* Blue Sky Fees

     7,500

* Proxy Solicitation

     8,000

* Other

     25,000
      

* Total

   $ 2,135,929
      

 

* Estimated

 

(1) Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. has retained Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated to assist in the sale of common stock on a best efforts basis in the offerings, and to serve as records management agent in connection with the conversion and offering. Fees are estimated at the maximum, as adjusted, of the offering range assuming that one-third of the offering is sold in the subscription and community offerings and the remaining two-thirds of the offering will be sold by a syndicate of broker-dealers in a syndicated community offering. The fees include: (i) selling commissions payable by us to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated in connection with the subscription and community offerings equal to 1.25% of the aggregate amount of common stock in the subscription and community offerings (net of purchases by insiders and our ESOP) (approximately $91,135); (ii) fees and selling commissions payable by us to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and any other broker-dealers participating in the syndicated offering equal to 6% of the aggregate amount of common stock sold in the syndicated community offering (approximately $1.3 million); and (iii) other expenses of the offering payable to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated as marketing and records management agent estimated to be $185,000.

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes a court to award, or a corporation’s board of directors to grant, indemnity to officers, directors and other corporate agents in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations.

As permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, Eagle Montana’s certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of its directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors subject to certain limitations.

In addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the bylaws of Eagle Montana, provide that:

 

   

Eagle Montana shall indemnify its directors and officers for serving Eagle Montana in those capacities or for serving other business enterprises at Eagle Montana’s request, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law;

 

   

Eagle Montana is required to advance expenses, as incurred, to its directors and officers in connection with defending a proceeding, except that such director or officer shall undertake to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification;

Eagle Montana will maintain directors and officers insurance to insure its directors and officers against certain liabilities.

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Not Applicable.

 

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Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules:

The exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as part of this registration statement are as follows:

(a) List of Exhibits

 

  1.1    Engagement Letter between Eagle Bancorp, Eagle Financial MHC and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated.*
  1.2    Form of Agency Agreement between Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated.
  2    Eagle Financial MHC Plan of Conversion and Reorganization.
  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.*
  3.2    Bylaws of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.*
  4    Form of Common Stock Certificate of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.*
  5    Opinion of Nixon Peabody LLP regarding legality of securities being registered.
  8.1    Federal Tax Opinion of Nixon Peabody LLP.
  8.2    State Tax Opinion of Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP.
10.1    Employee Stock Ownership Plan (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the SEC on December 20, 1999).
10.2    Eagle Bancorp 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the proxy statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting filed with the SEC on September 19, 2000).
10.3    Employment Contract, effective as of October 1, 2009, between Peter J. Johnson and American Federal Savings Bank.*
10.4    Form of Change in Control Agreement between Clinton J. Morrison and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.5    Form of Change in Control Agreement between Michael C. Mundt and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.6    Form of Change in Control Agreement between Robert M. Evans and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.7    Form of Change in Control Agreement between Rachel R. Amdahl and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.8    Amendment No. 1 to Employment Contract, effective as of January 22, 2010, between Peter J. Johnson and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.9    Salary Continuation Agreement, dated April 18, 2002, between Larry A. Dreyer and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.10    First Amendment to Salary Continuation Agreement, dated December 31, 2006, between Larry A. Dreyer and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.11    Salary Continuation Agreement, dated April 18, 2002, between Peter J. Johnson and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.12    First Amendment to Salary Continuation Agreement, dated December 31, 2006, between Peter J. Johnson and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.13    Salary Continuation Agreement, dated November 15, 2007, between Clinton J. Morrison and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.14    Salary Continuation Agreement, dated April 18, 2002, between Michael C. Mundt and American Federal Savings Bank.

 

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10.15    First Amendment to Salary Continuation Agreement, dated December 31, 2006, between Michael C. Mundt and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.16    Salary Continuation Agreement, dated April 18, 2002, between Robert M. Evans and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.17    First Amendment to Salary Continuation Agreement, dated December 31, 2006, between Robert M. Evans and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.18    Salary Continuation Agreement, dated November 16, 2006, between Rachel R. Amdahl and American Federal Savings Bank.
10.19    American Federal Savings Bank Split-Dollar Plan, effective October 21, 2004.
21.1    Subsidiaries of Registrant.*
23.1    Consent of Nixon Peabody LLP (contained in Opinions included as Exhibits 5 and 8.1).
23.2    Consent of Davis Kinard & Co., P.C.
23.3    Consent of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.*
23.4    Consent of Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP (contained in Opinion included as Exhibit 8.2)
24    Power of Attorney (set forth on signature page).
99.1    Appraisal Agreement between American Federal Savings Bank and Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.*
99.2    Business Plan Agreement by and among American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Bancorp and Keller & Company, Inc.*
99.3    Appraisal Report of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.*
99.4    Letter of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. with respect to Subscription Rights.*
99.5    Marketing Materials.
99.6    Order and Acknowledgment Form.
99.7    Form of Proxy for Eagle Bancorp stockholders.*
99.8    Proxy Solicitation Agreement between Eagle Bancorp and Laurel Hill Advisory Group.
*    Previously filed.

(b) Financial Statement Schedules

No financial statement schedules are filed because the required information is not applicable or is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

 

Item 17. Undertakings

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

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(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§230.424 of this chapter);

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(7) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

(8) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Helena, State of Montana on February 1, 2010.

 

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

By:

 

/ S /    P ETER J. J OHNSON        

  Peter J. Johnson
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Duly Authorized Representative)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signatures

     

Title

 

Date

/ S /     P ETER J. J OHNSON        

    President and Chief Executive Officer   February 1, 2010
Peter J. Johnson     (Principal Executive Officer)  

/ S /     C LINTON J. M ORRISON        

    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   February 1, 2010
Clinton J. Morrison    

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal

Accounting Officer)

 

*

    Chairman  
Larry A. Dreyer      

*

    Vice Chairman  
Don O. Campbell      

*

    Director  
Rick F. Hays      

*

    Director  
Lynn E. Dickey      

*

    Director  
James A. Maierle      

*

    Director  
Thomas J. McCarvel      

*By:

 

/ S /     P ETER J. J OHNSON        

      February 1, 2010
  Peter J. Johnson      
  Attorney-in-Fact      

 

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Exhibit 1.2

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

(a Delaware Stock Corporation)

Up to 2,760,000 Shares

(Subject to Increase Up to 3,174,000 Shares)

COMMON STOCK ($0.01 Par Value)

Subscription Price $10.00 Per Share

FORM OF AGENCY AGREEMENT

                     , 2010

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

237 Park Avenue, 8 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Eagle Bancorp, a federally-chartered stock corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a newly-formed Delaware corporation organized to be the successor to the Mid-Tier Holding Company (the “Holding Company”), Eagle Financial, MHC, a federally-chartered mutual holding company (the “MHC”) that owns 60.4% of the outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, and American Federal Savings Bank, a federally-chartered stock savings bank (the “Bank”) whose outstanding common stock is owned in its entirety by the Mid-Tier Holding Company (collectively the Holding Company, Mid-Tier Holding Company, the MHC and the Bank, the “Primary Parties”), hereby confirm, jointly and severally, their agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel” or “Agent”), as follows:

Section 1. The Offering . The MHC, in accordance with the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization adopted December 2, 2009 (the “Plan”), intends to convert from a federally-chartered mutual holding company form-of-organization to a stock holding company form of organization (the “Conversion”) in accordance with the laws of the United States and the applicable regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”) (collectively, the “Conversion Regulations”). In connection with the Conversion, the Holding Company, a newly-formed Delaware corporation, will offer shares of Common Stock (as defined below) on a priority basis to (i) Eligible Account Holders; (ii) Employee Plans of the Holding Company or Bank; (iii) Supplemental Eligible Account Holders; and (iv) Other Voting Members (all capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan).

Pursuant to the Plan, the Holding Company is offering a minimum of 2,040,000 and a maximum of 2,760,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) (subject to an increase up to 3,174,000 shares) (the “Offer Shares”), in the Subscription Offering, and, if necessary, (i) the Community Offering and/or (ii) the Syndicated Community Offering (collectively, the “Offering”). The Holding Company will sell the Offer Shares in the Offering at $10.00 per share (the “Purchase Price”).


Pursuant to the Plan, the Holding Company will issue a minimum of 1,340,136 and a maximum of 1,813,125 shares of its Common Stock (subject to increase up to 2,085,093 shares) (the “Exchange Shares”) to existing public stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their existing shares of the Mid-Tier Holding Company (the “Exchange”) so that, upon completion of the Offering and the Exchange, 100% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Holding Company will be publicly held, 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank will be held by the Holding Company, and the MHC and the Mid-Tier Holding Company will cease to exist. Collectively, the Offer Shares and the Exchange Shares may also be termed the “Shares.” If the number of Shares is increased or decreased in accordance with the Plan, the term “Shares” shall mean such greater or lesser number, where applicable.

Pursuant to the Plan, in the Subscription Offering, the Holding Company will offer the Offer Shares, subject to the allocation procedures and purchase limitations set forth in the Plan, in descending order of priority to: (1) Eligible Account Holders; (2) Employee Plans of the Holding Company or the Bank; (3) Supplemental Eligible Account Holders; and (4) Other Voting Members. The Holding Company may offer the Offer Shares, if any, remaining after the Subscription Offering, in the Community Offering on a priority basis to natural persons residing within the State of Montana, then to the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s public stockholders at the Voting Record Date, and then to the general public. In the event a Community Offering is held, it may be held at any time during or immediately after the Subscription Offering. Depending on market conditions, Offer Shares available for sale but not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering or purchased in the Community Offering may be offered in the Syndicated Community Offering to selected members of the general public through a syndicate of registered broker-dealers under the terms set forth on Exhibit A (“Assisting Brokers”) that are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) managed by Stifel as the sole book running manager and                      as a co-manager (referred to as the “Co-Manager”).

It is acknowledged that the number of Offer Shares to be sold in the Offering may be increased or decreased as described in the Prospectus (as hereinafter defined); that the purchase of the Offer Shares in the Offering is subject to maximum and minimum purchase limitations as described in the Plan and the Prospectus; and that the Holding Company may reject, in whole or in part, any subscription received in the Community Offering and Syndicated Community Offering.

The Holding Company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-163790) in order to register the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the “1933 Act Regulations”), and has filed such amendments thereto as have been required to the date hereof (the “Registration Statement”). The prospectus, as amended, included in the Registration Statement at the time it initially became effective is hereinafter called the “Prospectus,” except that if any prospectus is filed by the Holding Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) of the 1933 Act Regulations differing from the prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it initially becomes effective, the term “Prospectus” shall refer to the prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) from and after the time said prospectus is filed with the Commission and shall include any supplements and amendments thereto from and after their dates of effectiveness or use, respectively.

 

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In connection with the Conversion, (i) the MHC filed with the OTS an application for conversion to a stock company (together with any other required ancillary applications and/or notices, the “Conversion Application”) and amendments thereto as required by the OTS in accordance with the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended (the “HOLA”), and 12 C.F.R. Parts 575 and 563b (collectively with the HOLA, the Conversion Regulations”) and (ii) the Bank filed applications with the OTS for interim bank mergers (the “Merger Applications”) to be completed as part of the Conversion. The Holding Company has also filed with the OTS its application on Form H-(e)1-S (together with any interim merger applications and any other required ancillary applications and/or notices, the “Holding Company Application”) to become a unitary savings and loan holding company under the HOLA and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Collectively, the Conversion Application, the Merger Applications and the Holding Company Application may also be termed the “Applications.”

Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Holding Company is delivering to the Agent copies of the Prospectus dated                      , 2010 to be used in the Subscription Offering and Community Offering (if any), and, if necessary, will deliver copies of the Prospectus and any prospectus supplement for use in a Syndicated Community Offering.

Section 2. Appointment of Agent . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Primary Parties hereby appoint Stifel to consult with, advise and assist the Primary Parties in connection with the sale of the Offer Shares in the Offering, and as sole book running manager, and with the Co-Manager for the purpose of soliciting or receiving purchase orders for Offer Shares in connection with the sale of the Offer Shares in the Syndicated Community Offering.

On the basis of the representations and warranties of the Primary Parties contained in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, this Agreement, Stifel accepts such appointment and agrees to use its best efforts to assist the Primary Parties with the solicitation of subscriptions and purchase orders for the Offer Shares and agrees to consult with and advise the Primary Parties as to the matters set forth in Section 3 of the letter agreement, dated October 30, 2009 between the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and Stifel (the “Letter Agreement”) (a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B ), including the coordination of the Syndicated Community Offering, and to solicit offers to purchase Offer Shares in the Syndicated Community Offering. It is acknowledged by the Primary Parties that the Agent shall not be obligated to purchase any Offer Shares and shall not be obligated to take any action which is inconsistent with any applicable law, regulation, decision or order. Except as set forth in Section 13 hereof, the appointment of the Agent to provide services hereunder shall terminate upon consummation of the Offering.

If selected broker-dealers in addition to Stifel and the Co-Manager are used to assist in the sale of Offer Shares in the Syndicated Community Offering, the Primary Parties hereby, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, appoint Stifel as sole book running manager with the Co-Manager of the Syndicated Community Offering. On the basis of the representations and warranties of the Primary Parties contained in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, this Agreement, Stifel accepts such appointment and agrees to manage the selling group of broker-dealers in the Syndicated Community Offering.

 

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Section 3. Refund of Purchase Price . In the event that the Conversion is not consummated for any reason, including but not limited to the inability to sell a minimum of 2,040,000 Offer Shares during the Offering (including any permitted extension thereof) or such other minimum number of Offer Shares as shall be established consistent with the Plan and the Conversion Regulations, this Agreement shall terminate and any persons who have subscribed for or ordered any of the Offer Shares shall have refunded to them the full amount which has been received from such person, together with interest, if applicable, as provided in the Prospectus. Upon termination of this Agreement, neither the Agent nor the Primary Parties shall have any obligation to the other except that (i) the Primary Parties shall remain liable for any amounts due pursuant to Sections 4, 9, 11 and 12 hereof, unless the transaction is not consummated due to the breach by the Agent of a warranty, representation or covenant; and (ii) the Agent shall remain liable for any amount due pursuant to Sections 11 and 12 hereof, unless the transaction is not consummated due to the breach by the Primary Parties of a warranty, representation or covenant.

Section 4. Fees . In addition to the expenses specified in Section 9 hereof, as compensation for the Agent’s services under this Agreement, the Agent has received or will receive the following fees from the Primary Parties:

(a) An advisory and administrative services fee of $30,000 has been paid as follows to Stifel: (i) $15,000 was paid upon execution of the Letter Agreement, and (ii) $15,000 was paid upon the initial filing of the Registration Statement.

(b) A fee for sales of the Offer Shares in the Offering of one and one-quarter percent (1.25%) of the aggregate dollar amount of the Offer Shares sold in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering. No fee shall be payable in connection with the issuance of Exchange Shares, or the sale of stock to a charitable foundation formed by the Company, the officers, directors, employees or immediate family of such persons (“Insiders”) and qualified and non-qualified employee benefit plans of the Primary Parties or the Insiders. “Immediate family” includes the spouse, parents, siblings and children who live in the same house as the officer, director or employee. The fee under this Section 4(b) will be reduced by the amount of the advisory and administrative services fee under Section 4(a).

(c) If any of the Offer Shares remain unsubscribed after the Subscription Offering and Community Offering, at the request of the Holding Company, Stifel will form a group of approved broker-dealer firms in accordance with Section 2 for purposes of the Syndicated Community Offering. Stifel will act as sole book running manager in the Syndicated Community Offering and                      shall serve as the Co-Manager in the Syndicated Community Offering. The Holding Company shall pay a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the aggregate dollar amount of the Offer Shares sold pursuant to this Section 4(c) (the “Syndicate Management Fee”). In addition, the Holding Company will pay a syndicate sales fee (the “Syndicate Sales Fee”) which Syndicate Sales Fee, together with the Syndicate Management Fee, will not, in the aggregate, exceed six percent (6%) of the aggregate dollar amount of the Offer Shares sold pursuant to this Section 4(c), to Stifel, the Co-Manager, and other selected dealers selling shares in the Syndicated Community Offering. Alternatively, for Offer Shares sold by “stand-by” underwriters, including Stifel, pursuant to a publicly underwritten offering, the Holding Company will pay all “stand-by” fees, and the underwriting discount will not exceed

 

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six percent (6%) of the aggregate dollar amount of Offer Shares sold. In either case, in consultation with Stifel, the Holding Company will determine which FINRA member firms will serve as co-managers of the Syndicated Community Offering or otherwise participate in the selling group and the extent of their participation. Stifel will not commence sales of the Offer Shares through a selling group of approved broker-dealer firms or underwriters without prior approval of the Holding Company. All such fees payable under this Section 4(c) (less the fees payable pursuant to Section 4(a)) shall be in addition to all fees payable under Section 4(b) and shall be paid at Closing (as defined in Section 5).

In the event that the Holding Company is required to resolicit subscribers for Offer Shares in the Subscription Offering and Community Offering and Stifel is required to provide significant additional services in connection with such a resolicitation, the Primary Parties and Stifel shall mutually agree to the dollar amount of additional compensation due to Stifel not to exceed $50,000 and the Primary Parties shall pay such amount, if any. Until any agreement called for by this paragraph is reached, Stifel shall not incur expenses relating to any resolicitation in an amount that would cause the total expenses incurred by Stifel that are reimbursable by the Primary Parties pursuant to Section 9 hereof to be greater than those permitted without the prior written consent of the Holding Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3, 10 or 14 and the sale of the Offer Shares is not consummated, Stifel shall not be entitled to receive the fees set forth in Sections 4(b)-(c), but Stifel will retain the fee for its conversion and proxy solicitation advisory and administrative services already earned of $25,000 and the Primary Parties will reimburse Stifel for its reasonable expenses pursuant to Section 9.

Section 5. Closing . If the minimum number of Offer Shares permitted to be sold in the Offering on the basis of the most recently updated Appraisal (as defined in Section 6(k)) are subscribed for at or before the termination date of the Offering (which may be extended), and the other conditions (including those in Section 10) to the completion of the Conversion are satisfied, on the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), the Holding Company agrees to issue the Exchange Shares and Offer Shares against payment therefor by the means authorized by the Plan and to deliver certificates evidencing ownership of the Shares issued in such authorized denominations and registrations directly to the purchasers thereof or as instructed as promptly as practicable after the Closing Date. The closing (the “Closing”) shall be held at the offices of Nixon Peabody LLP, Washington, D.C., or at such other place as shall be agreed upon among the Primary Parties and the Agent, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on the business day selected by the Primary Parties, which business day shall be no less than two (2) business days following the giving of prior notice by the Holding Company to the Agent or at such other time as shall be agreed upon by the Primary Parties and the Agent. At the Closing, the Primary Parties shall deliver to the Agent by wire transfer in same-day funds the commissions, fees and expenses owing to the Agent as set forth in Section 4 and Section 9 hereof and the opinions required hereby and other documents deemed reasonably necessary for the Agent shall be executed and delivered to effect the sale of the Offer Shares as contemplated hereby and pursuant to the terms of the Prospectus; and the Agent shall deliver to the Holding Company by wire transfer in same day funds the aggregate proceeds of the Offer Shares sold by the Agents in the Syndicated Offering, net of commissions and fees owing to the Agents under paragraph (c) of Section 4 of

 

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this Agreement; provided, however, that all out-of-pocket expenses to which Stifel is entitled under Section 9 hereof shall be due and payable upon receipt by the Holding Company or the Bank of a written accounting therefor setting forth in reasonable detail the expenses incurred by Stifel. The hour and date upon which the Holding Company shall release the Shares for delivery in accordance with the terms hereof is referred to herein as the “Closing Date.”

Stifel shall have no liability to any party for the records or other information provided by the Primary Parties (or their agents other than Stifel) to Stifel for use in allocating the Shares. Subject to the limitations of Section 11 hereof, the Primary Parties shall indemnify and hold harmless Stifel for any liability arising out of the allocation of the Shares in accordance with (i) the Plan generally, and (ii) the records or other information provided to Stifel (or its agents) by the Primary Parties (or their agents).

Section 6. Representations and Warranties of the Primary Parties . The Primary Parties jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Agent that:

(a) The MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank have all such power, authority, authorizations, approvals and orders as may be required to enter into this Agreement, and, as of the Closing Date, the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank will have all such power, authority, authorizations, approvals and orders as may be required to carry out the provisions and conditions hereof and to issue and sell the Offer Shares and to issue the Exchange Shares as provided herein and as described in the Prospectus. The consummation of the Conversion, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Letter Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank. This Agreement has been validly executed and delivered by the Primary Parties, and is a valid, legal and binding obligation of the Primary Parties, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent, if any, that the provisions of Sections 11 and 12 hereof may be unenforceable as against public policy, and except to the extent that such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, insolvency laws, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, or the rights of creditors of savings institutions insured by the FDIC (including the laws relating to the rights of the contracting parties to equitable remedies).

(b) The Registration Statement was declared effective by the Commission on                      , 2010. No stop order has been issued with respect to the Registration Statement. No proceedings related to the Registration Statement have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Primary Parties, threatened by the Commission. At the time the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus contained therein (including any amendment or supplement thereto), became effective, the Registration Statement complied as to form in all material respects with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus contained therein (including any amendment or supplement thereto), any Blue Sky Application or any Sales Information (as such terms are defined in Section 11 hereof) authorized by the Primary Parties for use in connection with the Offering, did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were

 

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made, not misleading. At the time any Rule 424(b) or (c) Prospectus was filed with the Commission and at the Closing Date referred to in Section 5, the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus contained therein (including any amendment or supplement thereto) and, when taken together with the Prospectus, any Blue Sky Application (if applicable) or Sales Information (as defined below) authorized for use by any of the Primary Parties in connection with the Offering, will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the representations and warranties in this Section 6(b) shall not apply to statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Primary Parties by the Agent expressly regarding the Agent for use under the caption “The Conversion and Offering – Marketing Arrangements” or written statements or omissions from any sales information or information filed pursuant to state securities or blue sky laws or regulations regarding the Agent.

(c) At the time of filing the Registration Statement and at the date hereof, the Holding Company was not, and is not, an ineligible issuer, as defined in Rule 405. At the time of the filing of the Registration Statement and at the time of the use of any issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433(h), the Holding Company met the conditions required by Rules 164 and 433 for the use of a free writing prospectus. If required to be filed, the Holding Company has filed any issuer free writing prospectus related to the offered Shares at the time it is required to be filed under Rule 433 and, if not required to be filed, will retain such free writing prospectus in the Holding Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g) and if any issuer free writing prospectus is used after the date hereof in connection with the offering of the Shares the Holding Company will file or retain such free writing prospectus as required by Rule 433.

(d) As of the Applicable Time, neither (i) the Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus(es) issued at or prior to the Applicable Time and the Statutory Prospectus, all considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure Package”), nor (ii) any individual Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Prospectus included in the Registration Statement relating to the Offer Shares or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Holding Company by the Agent specifically for use therein. As used in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Agreement:

(1) “Applicable Time” means each and every date when a potential purchaser submitted a subscription or otherwise committed to purchase Shares.

(2) “Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433(h), relating to the offered Shares that is required to be filed with the Commission by the Holding Company or required to be filed with the Commission. The term does not include any writing exempted from the definition of prospectus pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2(a)(10) of the 1933 Act, without regard to Rule 172 or Rule 173.

 

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(3) “Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors.

(4) “Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus. The term Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus also includes any “ bona fide electronic road show,” as defined in Rule 433(h), that is made available without restriction pursuant to Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) or otherwise, even though not required to be filed with the Commission.

(5) “Statutory Prospectus,” as of any time, means the Prospectus relating to the Offer Shares that is included in the Registration Statement relating to the offered Offer Shares immediately prior to that time, including any document incorporated by reference therein.

(e) Each Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, as of its date of first use and at all subsequent times through the completion of the Offering and sale of the Offer Shares or until any earlier date that the Holding Company notified or notifies the Agent (as described in the next sentence), did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Offer Shares, including any document incorporated by reference therein that has not been superseded or modified. If at any time following the date of first use of an Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the offered Offer Shares or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Holding Company has notified or will notify promptly the Agent so that any use of such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus may cease until it is amended or supplemented and the Holding Company has promptly amended or will promptly amend or supplement such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission. The foregoing two sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Holding Company by the Agent specifically for use therein.

(f) The Conversion Application, including the Prospectus, the proxy statement for the solicitation of proxies from the Voting Members for the special meeting to approve the Plan (the “Voting Members’ Proxy Statement”) and the proxy statement/prospectus for the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company for the special meeting to approve the Plan (the “Stockholders’ Proxy Statement”), was approved by the OTS on                      , 2010 and the Prospectus, Voting Members’ Proxy Statement and Stockholders’ Proxy Statement have been authorized for use by the OTS. At the time the Conversion Application, including the Prospectus, Voting Members’ Proxy Statement and Stockholders’ Proxy Statement contained therein (including any amendment or supplement

 

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thereto), were approved and authorized for use by the OTS and at all times subsequent thereto until the Closing Date, the Conversion Application, including the Prospectus, Voting Members’ Proxy Statement and Stockholders’ Proxy Statement contained therein (including any amendment or supplement thereto), complied and will comply as to form in all material respects with the Conversion Regulations. At the time of the approvals by the OTS and at all times subsequent thereto until the Closing Date, the Conversion Application, including the Prospectus, the Voting Members’ Proxy Statement and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement, did not and will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that representations or warranties in this subsection (f) shall not apply to statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Primary Parties by the Agent expressly regarding the Agent for use in Prospectus contained under the caption “The Conversion and Offering – Marketing Arrangements”, and in the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement under the caption “Proposal 1 – Approval of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization – Marketing Arrangements”, or written statements or omissions from any sales information or information filed pursuant to state securities or blue sky laws or regulations regarding the Agent.

(g) No order has been issued by the Commission, the OTS or any other state or federal regulatory authority, preventing or suspending the use of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and no action by or before any such government entity to revoke any approval, authorization or order of effectiveness related to the Conversion is pending or, to the knowledge of the Primary Parties, threatened.

(h) The Plan has been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank and the Holding Company. To the knowledge of the Primary Parties, no person has sought, or at the Closing Date will have sought, to obtain review of the final action of the OTS in approving the Plan, the Conversion Application, the Merger Application or the Holding Company Application.

(i) The Merger Application was approved by the OTS on                      , 2010. The Merger Application did and will comply as to form in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations of the OTS (except as modified or waived by the OTS). At the time of such approvals and at all times subsequent thereto until the Closing Date, the Merger Application (including any amendment or supplement thereto) did not and will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(j) The Holding Company Application was approved by the OTS on                      , 2010. The Holding Company Application did and will comply as to form in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations of the OTS (except as modified or waived by the OTS). At the time of the approval and at all times subsequent thereto until the Closing Date, the Holding Company Application (including any amendment or supplement thereto) did not and does not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that

 

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representations or warranties in this subsection (i) shall not apply to statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Primary Parties by the Agent expressly regarding the Agent for use in the Holding Company Application.

(k) Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., which prepared the appraisal of the aggregate pro forma market value of the Common Stock on which the Offering was based (the “Appraisal”), has advised the Primary Parties in writing that it is independent with respect to each of the Primary Parties and the Primary Parties believe Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to be expert in preparing appraisals of savings institutions.

(l) Davis Kinard & Co., P.C., which certified the financial statements filed as part of the Registration Statement and the Applications, has advised the Primary Parties that it is an independent certified public accountant within the meaning of Rule 101 of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Davis Kinard & Co., P.C. is, with respect to each of the Primary Parties, an independent certified public accountant as required by the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and the regulations of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB Regulations”).

(m) The financial statements and the notes thereto which are included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly the financial condition and retained earnings of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank as of the dates indicated and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods specified. The financial statements comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation S-X of the Commission and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis during the periods presented, except as otherwise noted therein, and present fairly in all material respects the information required to be stated therein. The other financial, statistical and pro forma information and related notes included in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package present fairly the information shown therein on a basis consistent with the audited and any unaudited financial statements included in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package, and as to the pro forma adjustments, the adjustments made therein have been properly and consistently applied on the basis described therein.

(n) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus, and the General Disclosure Package other than as disclosed therein: (i) there has not been any material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operation, capital, properties, business affairs or prospects of any of the Primary Parties or the Primary Parties considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business; (ii) there has not been any material change in total assets of the Primary Parties on a consolidated basis, any material increase in the aggregate amount of loans past due ninety (90) days or more, or any real estate acquired by foreclosure or loans characterized as “in substance foreclosure;” (iii) none of the Primary Parties have issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation for borrowings other than in the ordinary course of business; and (iv) there have not been any material transactions entered into by any of the Primary Parties, other than those in the ordinary course of business. The capitalization, liabilities, assets, properties and business of the Primary Parties conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and, none of the Primary Parties has any material liabilities of any kind, contingent or otherwise, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.

 

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(o) The Holding Company is a stock corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and will be qualified to transact business and will be in good standing in Montana and in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of business requires such qualification, unless the failure to qualify in one or more of such jurisdictions would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operation, capital, properties, business affairs or prospects of the Primary Parties taken as a whole (a “Material Adverse Effect”). As of the Closing Date, the Holding Company will have obtained all licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations required for the conduct of its business, except those that individually or in the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and as of the Closing Date, all such licenses, permits and governmental authorizations will be in full force and effect, and the Holding Company will be in compliance therewith in all material respects.

(p) The Holding Company does not, and as of the Closing Date will not, own any equity securities or any equity interest in any business enterprise except as described in the Prospectus.

(q) Except as described in the Prospectus there are no contractual encumbrances or restrictions or requirements or material legal restrictions or requirements required to be described therein, on the ability of the Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the MHC, or the Bank, (A) to pay dividends or make any other distributions on its capital stock or to pay any indebtedness owed to another party, (B) to make any loans or advances to, or investments in, another party or (C) to transfer any of its property or assets to another party. Except as described in the Prospectus, there are no restrictions, encumbrances or requirements affecting the payment of dividends or the making of any other distributions on any of the capital stock of the Holding Company.

(r) The Bank has properly administered all accounts for which it acts as a fiduciary, including but not limited to accounts for which it serves as a trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative, guardian, conservator or investment advisor, in accordance with the terms of the governing documents and applicable state and federal law and regulation, except where the failure to be in compliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Bank nor any of its respective directors, officers or employees has committed any material breach of trust with respect to any such fiduciary account, and the accountings for each such fiduciary account are true and correct in all material respects and accurately reflect the assets of such fiduciary account in all material respects.

(s) The Bank is a duly organized and validly existing federally-chartered savings bank in stock form and is duly authorized to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; the activities of the Bank are permitted by the rules, regulations and practices of the Office of Thrift Supervision; the Bank has obtained all licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations currently required for the conduct of its business, except those that individually or in the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and all such licenses, permits and

 

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other governmental authorizations are in full force and effect; the Bank is, and as of the Closing Date will be, duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States; the Bank is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would have a Material Adverse Effect; all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Bank is duly and validly issued to the Mid-Tier Holding Company and is fully paid and nonassessable; and all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Bank after the Conversion will be duly and validly issued to the Holding Company and will be fully paid and nonassessable; and as of the Closing Date, the Holding Company will directly own all of the capital stock of the Bank free and clear of any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or restriction of any kind. The Bank does not own equity securities or any equity interest in any other business enterprise except as otherwise described in the Prospectus or as are immaterial in amount and are not required to be described in the Prospectus.

(t) The MHC is a duly organized and validly existing federally-chartered mutual holding company under the laws of the United States, duly authorized to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; the activities of the MHC are permitted by the rules, regulations and practices of the OTS; the MHC has obtained all licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations currently required for the conduct of its business, except those that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect; all such licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations are in full force and effect; and the MHC is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would have a Material Adverse Effect.

(u) The Mid-Tier Holding Company is a duly organized and validly existing federally-chartered stock corporation under the laws of the United States, duly authorized to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; the activities of the Mid-Tier Holding Company are permitted by the rules, regulations and practices of the OTS; the Mid-Tier Holding Company has obtained all licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations currently required for the conduct of its business, except those that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect; all such licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations are in full force and effect; and the Mid-Tier Holding Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would have a Material Adverse Effect.

(v) The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) of Seattle. The deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to applicable limits.

(w) As of the Closing Date, the Bank will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Holding Company.

(x) Each of the Bank’s direct and indirect wholly-owned or partially-owned, subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing in the jurisdiction of its incorporation and duly authorized to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus.

(y) The Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the MHC and the Bank carry, or are covered by, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as the Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the MHC and the Bank deem reasonably adequate for the conduct of their respective businesses and the value of their respective properties.

 

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(z) Upon consummation of the Conversion, the authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Holding Company will be within the range set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “Capitalization” and no shares of Common Stock have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Closing Date (except those shares issued to the Bank for its initial organization); the Offer Shares to be subscribed for in the Offering have been duly and validly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Holding Company pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration calculated as set forth in the Plan and the Prospectus, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable; the Exchange Shares to be issued in the Exchange have been duly and validly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Holding Company pursuant to the Plan, the Prospectus, and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable; the issuance of the Shares is not subject to preemptive rights, except for the subscription rights granted pursuant to the Plan; and the terms and provisions of the shares of Common Stock will conform in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus. Upon issuance of the Offer Shares sold, good title to the Offer Shares will be transferred from the Holding Company to the purchasers of Offer Shares against payment therefor in the Offering as set forth in the Plan and the Prospectus. Upon issuance of the Exchange Shares, good title to the Exchange Shares will be transferred from the Holding Company to the recipients thereof in the Exchange as set forth in the Plan, the Prospectus and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement.

(aa) The Primary Parties are not, and as of the Closing Date will not be, in violation of their respective certificate of incorporation or charters or their respective bylaws, or in material default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant, or condition contained in any contract, lease, loan agreement, indenture or other instrument to which they are a party or by which they, or any of their respective properties, may be bound which would result in a Material Adverse Effect. The consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and in the Plan will not (i) conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default under, the certificate of incorporation, charter or bylaws of any of the Primary Parties, or materially conflict with or constitute a material breach of, or default under, any material contract, lease or other instrument to which any of the Primary Parties has a beneficial interest, or any applicable law, rule, regulation or order that is material to the financial condition of the Primary Parties; (ii) violate any authorization, approval, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Primary Parties except for such violations which would not have a Material Adverse Effect; or (iii) result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property of the Primary Parties that would have a Material Adverse Effect.

(bb) No default exists, and no event has occurred that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default on the part of any of the Primary Parties, in the due performance and observance of any term, covenant or condition of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, bank loan or credit agreement or any other instrument or agreement to which any of the Primary Parties is a party or by which any of their property is bound or affected in any respect which, in any such case, would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Primary Parties individually or taken as a whole, and all such agreements are in full force and effect; and no other party to any such agreements has instituted or, to the knowledge of any of the Primary

 

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Parties, threatened any action or proceeding wherein any of the Primary Parties is alleged to be in default thereunder under circumstances where such action or proceeding, if determined adversely to any of the Primary Parties, would have a Material Adverse Effect.

(cc) The Primary Parties have good and marketable title to all assets which are material to the businesses, financial condition, results of operation, capital, properties, and assets of the Primary Parties and to those assets described in the Prospectus as owned by them, free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances, restrictions or other claims, except such as are described in the Prospectus or which do not have a Material Adverse Effect; and all of the leases and subleases that are material to the businesses of the Primary Parties, including those described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, are in full force and effect.

(dd) The Primary Parties are not in material violation of any directive from the OTS, the Commission or any other agency to make any material change in the method of conducting their respective businesses; the Primary Parties have conducted and are conducting their respective businesses so as to comply in all respects with all applicable statutes and regulations (including, without limitation, regulations, decisions, directives and orders of the OTS and the Commission), except where the failure to so comply would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and there is no charge, investigation, action, suit or proceeding before or by any court, regulatory authority or governmental agency or body pending or, to the knowledge of any of the Primary Parties, threatened, which would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the Conversion, the performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Plan as described in the Registration Statement, or which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(ee) Prior to the Closing Date, the Primary Parties will have received an opinion of their special counsel, Nixon Peabody LLP, with respect to the federal income tax consequences of the Conversion, as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and an opinion from Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP with respect to the tax consequences of the Conversion under the laws of the State of Montana; and the facts and representations upon which such opinions will be based, will be truthful, accurate and complete, and none of the Primary Parties will take any action inconsistent therewith.

(ff) The Primary Parties have timely filed all required federal, state and local tax returns and have paid all taxes that have become due and payable, and no deficiency has been asserted with respect thereto by any taxing authority. All material tax liabilities have been adequately provided for in the financial statements of the Primary Parties in accordance with GAAP.

(gg) No approval, authorization, consent or other order of any regulatory or supervisory or other public authority is required for the execution and delivery by the Primary Parties of this Agreement, or the sale and issuance of the Offer Shares and the issuance of the Exchange Shares, except for the approval of the OTS and the Commission and any necessary qualification, notification, or registration or exemption under the securities or blue sky laws of the various states in which the Offer Shares are to be offered for sale and the Exchange Shares are to be issued.

 

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(hh) None of the Primary Parties has: (i) issued any securities within the last 18 months (except for (a) notes to evidence bank loans or other liabilities in the ordinary course of business or as described in the Prospectus, (b) shares of Common Stock issued with respect to the initial capitalization of the Holding Company and (c) shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company issued pursuant to the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan or as described in the Prospectus); (ii) had any dealings with respect to sales of securities within the 12 months prior to the date hereof with any member of FINRA, or any person related to or associated with such member, other than discussions and meetings relating to the Offering and purchases and sales of U.S. government and agency and other securities in the ordinary course of business; (iii) entered into a financial or management consulting agreement relating to the Conversion and the Offering except for the Letter Agreement and as contemplated hereunder; or (iv) engaged any intermediary between the Agent and the Primary Parties in connection with the Offering or the offering of shares of the common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, and no person is being compensated in any manner for such services.

(ii) Neither any of the Primary Parties nor, to the knowledge of the Primary Parties, any employee of the Primary Parties, has made any payment of funds of the Primary Parties as a loan to any person for the purchase of Offer Shares, except for the Holding Company’s loan to the employee stock ownership plan the proceeds of which will be used to purchase Offer Shares and the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s existing loan to the employee stock ownership plan, or has made any other payment or loan of funds prohibited by law, and no funds have been set aside to be used for any payment prohibited by law.

(jj) The Bank complies in all material respects with the applicable financial record keeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, and the regulations and rules thereunder.

(kk) The Primary Parties have not relied upon the Agent or its counsel for any legal, tax or accounting advice in connection with the Conversion.

(ll) The records of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Voting Members are accurate and complete in all material respects.

(mm) The Primary Parties comply in all respects with all laws, rules and regulations relating to environmental protection, except where the failure to so comply would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, and none of them has been notified or is otherwise aware that any of them is potentially liable, or is considered potentially liable, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or any other Federal, state or local environmental laws and regulations; no action, suit, regulatory investigation or other proceeding is pending, or to the knowledge of the Primary Parties, threatened against the Primary Parties relating to environmental protection, nor do the Primary Parties have any reason to believe any such proceedings may be brought against any of them; and no disposal, release or discharge of hazardous or toxic substances, pollutants or contaminants, including petroleum and gas products, as any of such terms may be defined under federal, state or local law, has occurred on, in, at or about any facilities or properties owned or leased by any of the Primary Parties or in which the Bank has a security interest, except, in the case of facilities or properties in which the Bank has a security interest, to the extent such disposal, release or discharge would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(nn) All of the loans represented as assets in the most recent financial information of the Primary Parties included in the Prospectus meet or are exempt from all requirements of federal, state and local law pertaining to lending, including, without limitation, truth in lending (including the requirements of Regulations Z and 12 C.F.R. Part 226), real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, equal credit opportunity and all disclosure laws applicable to such loans, except for violations which, if asserted, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(oo) None of the Primary Parties are required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(pp) To the Holding Company’s, the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s, the MHC’s and the Bank’s knowledge, there are no affiliations or associations between any member of the FINRA and any of the Holding Company’s, the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s, the MHC’s and the Bank’s officers, directors or 5% or greater securityholders, except as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

(qq) The statistical and market related data contained in any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, the Prospectus and the Registration Statement are based on or derived from sources which the Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the MHC and the Bank believe were reliable and accurate at the time they were filed with the Commission. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the 1933 Act and Section 21E of the 1934 Act) contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.

(rr) The Primary Parties have taken all actions necessary to obtain at Closing a Blue Sky Memorandum from Nixon Peabody LLP on which Stifel may rely.

Any certificates signed by an officer of any of the Primary Parties and delivered to the Agent or its counsel that refer to this Agreement shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Primary Parties to the Agent as to the matters covered thereby with the same effect as if such representation and warranty were set forth herein.

Section 7. Representations and Warranties of the Agent . Stifel represents and warrants to the Primary Parties that:

(a) Stifel is a corporation and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Missouri with full power and authority to provide the services to be furnished to the Primary Parties hereunder.

(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Stifel, and each of this Agreement and the Letter Agreement is the legal, valid and binding agreement of Stifel, enforceable in accordance with its

 

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terms, except to the extent, if any, that the provisions of Sections 11 and 12 hereof may be unenforceable as against public policy, and except to the extent that such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, insolvency laws, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or general equity principles.

(c) Each of the Agent and its employees, agents and representatives who shall perform any of the services hereunder shall have, and until the Offering is consummated or terminated shall maintain, all licenses, approvals and permits necessary to perform such services and shall comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations in connection with the performance of such services.

(d) No action, suit, charge or proceeding before the Commission, FINRA, any state securities commission or any court is pending, or to the knowledge of the Agent, threatened against the Agent which, if determined adversely to such Agent, would have a material adverse effect upon the ability of Agent to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(e) Agent is registered as a broker/dealer pursuant to Section 15(b) of the 1934 Act and is a member of FINRA.

(f) Any funds received in the Offering by the Agent will be handled by the Agent in accordance with Rule 15c2-4 under the 1934 Act to the extent applicable.

Section 8. Covenants of the Primary Parties . The Primary Parties hereby jointly and severally covenant with the Agent as follows:

(a) The Holding Company will not, at any time after the date the Registration Statement is declared effective, file any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement without providing the Agent and its counsel an opportunity to review and comment on such amendment or supplement or file any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement to which amendment or supplement the Agent or its counsel shall reasonably object. The Holding Company will furnish promptly to the Agent and its counsel copies of all correspondence from the Commission with respect to the Registration Statement and the Holding Company’s responses thereto.

(b) The Holding Company represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Agent, and the Agent represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Holding Company, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Offer Shares that would constitute an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, or that would constitute a “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 405, required to be filed with the Commission. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Holding Company and the Agent is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.” The Holding Company represents that it has and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely Commission filing where required, legending and record keeping. The Holding Company need not treat any communication as a free writing prospectus if it is exempt from the definition of prospectus pursuant to Clause (a) of Section 2(a)(10) of the 1933 Act without regard to Rule 172 or 173.

 

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(c) The Primary Parties will not, at any time after the date any Application is approved, file any amendment or supplement to such Application without providing the Agent and its counsel an opportunity to review and comment on such amendment or supplement or file any amendment or supplement to such Application to which amendment or supplement the Agent or its counsel shall reasonably object. The Primary Parties will furnish promptly to the Agent and its counsel copies of all correspondence from the OTS with respect to the Applications and the Primary Parties’ responses thereto.

(d) The Primary Parties will use their best efforts to cause the OTS to approve the Holding Company’s acquisition of the Bank and the Merger Application, and will use their best efforts to cause any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission and any post-effective amendment to the Conversion Application to be approved by the OTS and will promptly upon receipt of any information concerning the events listed below notify the Agent (i) when the Registration Statement, as amended, has become effective; (ii) when the Conversion Application as amended, has been approved by the OTS; (iii) when the Merger Application has been approved by the OTS; (iv) when the Holding Company Application, as amended, has been approved by the OTS; (v) of the receipt of any comments from the OTS or any other governmental entity with respect to the Conversion or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (vi) of any request by the Commission, the OTS, or any other governmental entity for any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Applications or for additional information; (vii) of the issuance by the Commission, the OTS or any other governmental agency of any order or other action suspending the Offering or the use of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Voting Members’ Proxy Statement, the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement or any other filing of the Primary Parties under the Conversion Regulations or other applicable law, or the threat of any such action; (viii) of the issuance by the Commission, the OTS, or any state authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of the initiation or threat of initiation or threat of any proceedings for that purpose; or (ix) of the occurrence of any event mentioned in subsection (g) below. The Primary Parties will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance by the Commission, the OTS or any other state authority of any order referred to in (vii) and (viii) above and, if any such order shall at any time be issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible time.

(e) The Primary Parties will deliver to the Agent and to its counsel conformed copies of each of the following documents, with all exhibits: the Applications as originally filed and of each amendment or supplement thereto, and the Registration Statement, as originally filed and each amendment thereto. Further, the Primary Parties will deliver such additional copies of the foregoing documents to counsel to the Agent as may be required for any FINRA filings. In addition, the Primary Parties will also deliver to the Agent such number of copies of the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as the Agent may reasonably request.

(f) The Primary Parties will comply in all material respects with any and all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions with respect to the Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby imposed by the Commission, by applicable state law and regulations, and by the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations, the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations to be complied with prior to the Closing Date; and when the Prospectus is required to be delivered, the Primary Parties will comply in all material respects, at their own expense, with all requirements imposed upon them by the OTS, the Conversion Regulations (except as

 

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modified or waived in writing by the OTS), the Commission, by applicable state law and regulations and by the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated under such statutes, in each case as from time to time in force, so far as is necessary to permit the continuance of sales or dealing in shares of Common Stock during such period in accordance with the provisions hereof and the Prospectus.

(g) The Primary Parties will inform the Agent of any event or circumstance of which it is or becomes aware as a result of which the Registration Statement and/or Prospectus, as then supplemented or amended, would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading. If it is necessary, in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Primary Parties, to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to correct such untrue statement of a material fact or to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances existing at the time of their use, the Primary Parties will, at their expense, prepare, file with the Commission and the OTS, and furnish to the Agent, a reasonable number of copies of an amendment or amendments of, or a supplement or supplements to, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Agent after a reasonable time for review) which will amend or supplement the Registration Statement and/or the Prospectus so that as amended or supplemented it will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances existing at the time, not misleading. For the purpose of this subsection, each of the Primary Parties will furnish such information with respect to itself as the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

(h) Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Holding Company will endeavor in good faith, in cooperation with the Agent, to register or to qualify the Shares for issuance or offering and sale, as applicable, or to exempt such Shares from registration and to exempt the Holding Company and its officers, directors and employees from registration as broker-dealers, under the applicable securities laws of the jurisdictions in which the Offering will be conducted; provided, however, that the Holding Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified. In each jurisdiction where any of the Shares shall have been registered or qualified as above provided, the Holding Company will make and file such statements and reports in each year as are or may be required by the laws of such jurisdiction.

(i) Upon consummation of the Conversion, the Bank will establish a liquidation account for the benefit of the Bank’s depositors, in accordance with the Plan and the requirements of the Conversion Regulations.

(j) The Holding Company will not sell or issue, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, for a period of ninety (90) days after the date hereof, any shares of Common Stock or securities into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, without the Agent’s prior written consent other than in connection with any plan or arrangement described in the Prospectus.

(k) For a period of three years from the date of this Agreement, the Holding Company will furnish to the Agent, as soon as practical after such information is available (i) a copy of each report of the Holding Company furnished to or filed with the Commission under the

 

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1934 Act or any national securities exchange or system on which any class of securities of the Holding Company is listed or quoted, (ii) a copy of each report of the Holding Company mailed to holders of Common Stock, (iii) each press release and material news item and article released by the Holding Company and/or Bank, and (iv) from time-to-time, such other publicly available information concerning the Primary Parties as the Agent may reasonably request. For purposes of this paragraph, any document filed electronically with the Commission shall be deemed to be furnished to the Agent.

(l) The Primary Parties will use the net proceeds from the sale of the Common Stock in the manner set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering.”

(m) The Holding Company and the Bank will distribute the Prospectus, any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, or other offering materials in connection with the offering and sale of the Common Stock only in accordance with the Conversion Regulations, the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under such statutes, and, as applicable, the laws of any state in which the shares are qualified for sale.

(n) Prior to the Closing Date, the Holding Company shall register its Common Stock under Section 12(b) of the 1934 Act, and will request that such registration statement be effective no later than the completion of the Conversion. The Holding Company shall maintain the effectiveness of such registration for not less than three years or such shorter period as permitted by the OTS.

(o) For so long as the Common Stock is registered under the 1934 Act, the Holding Company will furnish to its stockholders as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year such reports and other information as are required to be furnished to its stockholders under the 1934 Act.

(p) The Holding Company will report the use of proceeds of the Offering in accordance with Rule 463 under the 1933 Act Regulations.

(q) The Primary Parties will maintain appropriate arrangements for depositing all funds received from persons mailing subscriptions for or orders to purchase Offer Shares on an interest bearing basis (and funds received by check will be deposited no later than 12:00 noon on the Business Day after receipt) as described in the Prospectus until the Closing Date and satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the release of the Holding Company’s obligation to refund payments received from persons subscribing for or ordering Offer Shares in the Offering, in accordance with the Plan as described in the Prospectus, or until refunds of such funds have been made to the persons entitled thereto or withdrawal authorizations canceled in accordance with the Plan and as described in the Prospectus. The Primary Parties will maintain such records of all funds received to permit the funds of each subscriber to be separately insured by the FDIC (to the maximum extent allowable) and to enable the Primary Parties to make the appropriate refunds of such funds in the event that such refunds are required to be made in accordance with the Plan and as described in the Prospectus.

 

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(r) Within ninety (90) days following the Closing Date, the Holding Company will register as a savings and loan holding company under HOLA.

(s) The Primary Parties will take such actions and furnish such information as are reasonably requested by the Agent in order for the Agent to ensure compliance with FINRA Rule 5130 (Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of IPOs of Equity Securities).

(t) The Primary Parties will conduct their businesses in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, decisions, directives and orders, including all decisions, directives and orders of the Commission and the OTS.

(u) The Primary Parties shall comply with any and all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions with respect to the Conversion and the transactions contemplated thereby imposed by the OTS, the HOLA, the Commission, the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations, the 1934 Act, the 1934 Act Regulations to be complied with subsequent to the Closing Date. The Holding Company will comply with all provisions of all undertakings contained in the Registration Statement.

(v) The Primary Parties will not amend the Plan without notifying the Agent prior thereto.

(w) The Holding Company shall provide Stifel with any information necessary to allow Stifel to assist with the allocation process in order to permit the Holding Company to carry out the allocation of the Offer Shares in the event of an oversubscription, and such information shall be accurate and reliable in all material respects.

(x) The Holding Company will not deliver the Shares until the Primary Parties have satisfied or caused to be satisfied each condition set forth in Section 10 hereof, unless such condition is waived in writing by Stifel.

(y) On or before the Closing Date, the Primary Parties will have completed all conditions precedent to the Conversion specified in the Plan and the offer, sale and issuance of the Shares will have been conducted in all material respects in accordance with the Plan, the Conversion Regulations (except as modified or waived in writing by the OTS) and with all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon any of the Primary Parties by the OTS, the Commission or any other regulatory authority and in the manner described in the Prospectus (except as may be modified or waived in writing by the OTS, the Commission or such other regulatory authority).

(z) Immediately upon completion of the sale by the Holding Company of the Offer Shares, the issuance of the Exchange Shares and the completion of certain transactions necessary to implement the Plan, (i) all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Bank shall be owned by the Holding Company, (ii) the Holding Company shall have no direct subsidiaries other than the Bank, and (iii) the Conversion shall have been effected in all material respects in accordance with all applicable statutes, regulations, decisions and orders; and all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions with respect to the Conversion (except those

 

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that are conditions subsequent) imposed by the OTS, the Commission, or any other governmental agency, if any, shall have been complied with by the Primary Parties in all material respects or appropriate waivers shall have been obtained and all notice and waiting periods shall have been satisfied, waived or elapsed.

(aa) Prior to the Closing Date, the Plan shall have been approved by the Voting Members of the MHC and the stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company in accordance with the Plan, the Conversion Regulations, the applicable provisions, if any, of the MHC’s charter and bylaws and the Voting Members’ Proxy Statement and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement.

(bb) The Holding Company shall notify the Agent when funds shall have been received for the minimum number of Offer Shares set forth in the Prospectus.

(cc) The officers and directors of the Primary Parties, listed in Exhibit C of this Agreement, shall not exercise any stock options providing for the issuance of shares of common stock in the Mid-Tier Holding Company during the Offering or otherwise sell or transfer any shares of Common Stock commencing on the date hereof and continuing for a period of ninety (90) days following the Closing Date (the “Restricted Period”). The Primary Parties shall not honor the exercise of any stock options providing for the issuance of shares of common stock in the Mid-Tier Holding Company by any such officer or director during the Offering, nor shall the Holding Company otherwise assist such officers or directors in connection with the sale or transfer of shares of Common Stock during the Restricted Period.

Section 9. Payment of Expenses . Whether or not the Conversion is completed or the sale, issuance and exchange of the Shares by the Holding Company is consummated, the Primary Parties will pay for all their expenses incident to the performance of this Agreement, including without limitation: (a) the preparation and filing of the Applications and Registration Statement; (b) the preparation, printing, filing, delivery and mailing of the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus, and all documents related to the Offering and proxy solicitation; (c) all filing fees and expenses in connection with the qualification or registration of the Shares for offer and sale by the Holding Company under the securities or “blue sky” laws, including without limitation filing fees, reasonable legal fees and disbursements of counsel in connection therewith, and in connection with the preparation of a blue sky law survey; (d) the filing fees of FINRA related to Stifel’s fairness filing under Rule 2710 of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; (e) fees and expenses related to the preparation of the independent appraisal; (f) fees and expenses related to printing, data processing, auditing, accounting and other services; (g) all expenses relating to advertising, temporary personnel, investor meetings and the stock information center; and (h) transfer agent fees and costs of preparation and distribution of stock certificates. The Primary Parties also agree to reimburse Stifel for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including legal fees and expenses and expenses incurred in connection with the syndicated community offering or public underwritten offering, incurred by Stifel in connection with the services hereunder, subject to the limitations provided below. Stifel will not incur reimbursable legal fees (excluding counsel’s out-of-pocket expenses) in excess of $75,000. Stifel will not incur actual accountable reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses in excess of $30,000 in the subscription offering and community offering and in excess of $50,000 in the syndicated community offering. The Primary Parties acknowledge, however,

 

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that such limitations on expenses and legal fees may be increased by the mutual consent of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and Stifel in the event of delay in the Offering, which requires material additional work by Stifel or its counsel or an update of the financial information contained in the Prospectus to reflect a period later than set forth in the financial statements in the original Registration Statement; provided that under such circumstances, Stifel will not incur additional accountable reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses in excess of $15,000 or additional reimbursable legal fees in excess of $25,000 and that the aggregate of all reimbursable expenses and legal fees for the Offering shall not exceed $195,000. Not later than two (2) days prior to the Closing Date, Stifel will provide the Bank with a detailed accounting of all reimbursable expenses of Stifel and its counsel to be paid at the Closing.

Section 10. Conditions to the Agent’s Obligations . The obligations of the Agent hereunder and the occurrence of the Closing and the Conversion are subject to the condition that all representations and warranties of the Primary Parties herein contained are, at and as of the commencement of the Offering and at and as of the Closing Date, true and correct, the condition that the Primary Parties shall have performed all of their obligations hereunder to be performed on or before such dates and to the following further conditions:

(a) The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the Commission, the Conversion Application, Holding Company Application and the Merger Application shall have been approved by the OTS, and no stop order or other action suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued under the 1933 Act or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Primary Parties, threatened by the Commission or any state authority and no order or other action suspending the authorization for use of the Prospectus or the consummation of the Conversion shall have been issued, or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Primary Parties, threatened by the OTS, the Commission or any other governmental body.

(b) At the Closing Date, the Agent shall have received:

(1) The opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, of Nixon Peabody LLP and/or local counsel acceptable to the Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and counsel for the Agent to the effect that:

(i) The Holding Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in Montana and in each other jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(ii) The Bank is a duly organized and validly existing federally-chartered stock savings bank, and upon consummation of the Conversion, the Bank will continue to be a validly existing federally-chartered stock savings bank, with full power and authority to own its

 

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properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; the activities of the Bank as described in the Prospectus are permitted by federal law and the rules, regulations and practices of the OTS; and at the Closing Date, the issuance and sale of the capital stock of the Bank to the Holding Company in the Conversion has been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Holding Company and the Bank and, upon payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will be owned of record and beneficially by the Holding Company, free and clear of any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or restriction.

(iii) The MHC is a mutual holding company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business in each other jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(iv) The Mid-Tier Holding Company is a federally-chartered stock corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business in each other jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(v) The activities of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the MHC, the Holding Company, and the Bank, as described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, are permitted by federal law. To such counsel’s knowledge, each of the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company, and the Bank has obtained all licenses, permits, and other governmental authorizations that are material for the conduct of its business, and all such licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations are in full force and effect, and to such counsel’s knowledge the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank are complying therewith in all material respects.

(vi) The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Seattle. The Bank is an insured depository institution under the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, and no proceedings for the termination or revocation of the federal deposit insurance of the Bank are pending or, to such counsel’s knowledge, threatened.

(vii) Upon consummation of the Conversion, (a) the authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Holding Company will be within the range set forth in the Prospectus under the caption

 

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“Capitalization,” and no shares of Common Stock have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Closing Date (except for the shares issued upon incorporation of the Holding Company to facilitate the Conversion); (b) the Offer Shares to be subscribed for in the Offering will have been duly and validly authorized for issuance, and when issued and delivered by the Holding Company pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration calculated as set forth in the Plan, will be fully paid and nonassessable; (c) the Exchange Shares to be issued in the Exchange will have been duly and validly authorized for issuance, and when issued and delivered by the Holding Company pursuant to the Plan, will be fully paid and nonassessable; and (d) the issuance of the Shares is not subject to preemptive rights under the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Holding Company, or arising or outstanding by operation of law or under any contract, indenture, agreement, instrument or other document known to such counsel, except for the subscription rights under the Plan.

(viii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Primary Parties; and this Agreement constitutes a valid, legal and binding obligation of each of the Primary Parties, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the provisions of Sections 11 and 12 hereof may be unenforceable as against public policy, and except to the extent that such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, insolvency laws, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, or the rights of creditors of savings institutions insured by the FDIC (including laws and judicial decisions relating to the rights of the contracting parties to equitable remedies).

(ix) The Plan has been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank and approved by the stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Voting Members in the manner required by the Conversion Regulations and the certificate of incorporation, charters and bylaws of each of the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank.

(x) The Conversion, including the Offering and the Exchange, was effected in all material respects in accordance with the Plan and all applicable laws, including statutes, regulations, decisions and orders (except that this opinion need not address state securities or “blue sky” laws and regulations nor matters addressed in the letter referred to in Section 10(b)(2) of this Agreement); all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions with respect to the Conversion imposed by the OTS or any other governmental agency, if any, were complied with by the Primary Parties in all material respects or appropriate waivers were obtained and all notices and waiting periods were satisfied, waived or replaced.

 

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(xi) The Conversion Application, the Holding Company Application and the Merger Application have been approved by the OTS and the Prospectus, the Voting Members’ Proxy Statement, and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement have been authorized for use by the OTS, and subject to the satisfaction of any conditions set forth in such approvals, no further approval, registration, authorization, consent or other order of any federal or state regulatory agency, public board or body is required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the offer, sale and issuance of the Offer Shares, the issuance of the Exchange Shares, and the consummation of the Conversion, except as may be required under the state securities or “blue sky” laws of various jurisdictions as to which no opinion need be rendered.

(xii) The purchase by the Holding Company of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Bank has been authorized by the OTS, and no action has been taken or is pending or, to such counsel’s knowledge, threatened to revoke any such authorization or approval.

(xiii) The Registration Statement has become effective under the 1933 Act, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued or proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or, to such counsel’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission.

(xiv) The material tax consequences of the Conversion are set forth in the Prospectus under the captions “Summary – Tax Consequences” and “Federal and State Taxation.” The information in the Prospectus under the captions “Summary – Tax Consequences” and “Federal and State Taxation” has been reviewed by such counsel and fairly describes such opinions rendered by such counsel and Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP to the Primary Parties with respect to such matters.

(xv) The terms and provisions of the shares of Common Stock conform to the description thereof contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and the form of certificate to be used to evidence the shares of Common Stock is in due and proper form.

(xvi) At the time the Applications were approved and as of the Closing Date, the Applications (as amended or supplemented), the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented), the Voting Members’ Proxy Statement (as amended or supplemented) and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement (as amended or supplemented), complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Conversion Regulations and all applicable laws, rules and regulations and decisions and orders of the OTS, except as modified or waived in writing (other than the financial statements, notes to financial statements, financial tables and other

 

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financial and statistical data included therein and the appraisal valuation and the business plan as to which counsel need express no opinion). To such counsel’s knowledge, no person has sought to obtain regulatory or judicial review of the final action of the OTS in approving the Applications.

(xvii) At the time that the Registration Statement became effective and as of the Closing Date, the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) (other than the financial statements, notes to financial statements, financial tables or other financial and statistical data included therein and the appraisal valuation and the business plan as to which counsel need express no opinion), complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.

(xviii) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending, or, to such counsel’s knowledge, threatened (i) asserting the invalidity of this Agreement or (ii) seeking to prevent the Conversion or the offer, sale or issuance of the Shares.

(xix) The information in the Prospectus under the captions “Supervision and Regulation,” “Federal and State Taxation” (solely as it relates to federal tax law), “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights for Existing Stockholders of Eagle Bancorp” “Restrictions on Acquisition of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.,” “Description of Capital Stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. Following the Conversion,” and “The Conversion and Offering,” to the extent that such information constitutes matters of law, summaries of legal matters, documents or proceedings, or legal conclusions, has been reviewed by such counsel and is accurate in all material respects.

(xx) None of the Primary Parties are required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(xxi) None of the Primary Parties is in violation of its certificate of incorporation or its charter, as the case may be, or its bylaws or, to such counsel’s knowledge, any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument filed as an exhibit to, or incorporated by reference in, the Registration Statement, which violation would have a Material Adverse Effect. In addition, the execution and delivery of and performance under this Agreement by the Primary Parties, the incurrence of the obligations set forth herein and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not result in (i) any violation of the provisions of the certificate of incorporation or charter, as the case may be, or the bylaws of any of the Primary Parties, (ii) any violation of any applicable law, act, regulation, or to such counsel’s knowledge, order or

 

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court order, writ, injunction or decree, and (iii) any violation of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument filed as an exhibit to, or incorporated by reference in, the Registration Statement, which violation would have a Material Adverse Effect.

The opinion may be limited to matters governed by the laws of the United States and the States of Delaware and Montana. In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States, to the extent such counsel deems proper and specified in such opinion, upon the opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Agent, as long as such other opinion indicates that the Agent may rely on the opinion, and (B) as to matters of fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the Primary Parties and public officials; provided copies of any such opinion(s) or certificates of public officials are delivered to Agent together with the opinion to be rendered hereunder by special counsel to the Primary Parties. The opinion of such counsel for the Primary Parties shall state that it has no reason to believe that the Agent is not reasonably justified in relying thereon. The opinion of such counsel for the Primary Parties also shall state that the Agent’s counsel may rely for purposes of its own opinion on the opinion of such counsel and, if applicable, local counsel, whose opinion(s) shall expressly authorize such reliance.

(2) The letter of Nixon Peabody LLP in form and substance to the effect that during the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, Nixon Peabody LLP participated in conferences with certain officers of and other representatives of the Primary Parties, counsel to the Agent, representatives of the independent public accountants for the Primary Parties and representatives of the Agent at which the contents of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and related matters were discussed and has considered the matters required to be stated therein and the statements contained therein and, although (without limiting the opinions provided pursuant to Section 10(b)(1)), Nixon Peabody LLP has not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, on the basis of the foregoing, nothing has come to the attention of Nixon Peabody LLP that caused Nixon Peabody LLP to believe that the Registration Statement at the time it was declared effective by the Commission and as of the date of such letter or that the General Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading (it being understood that counsel need express no comment or opinion with respect to financial statements, notes to financial statements, schedules and other financial and statistical data included, or statistical or appraisal methodology employed, in the Registration Statement, or Prospectus or General Disclosure Package).

(3) The favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., counsel for Stifel, with respect to such matters as the Agent may reasonably require; such opinion may rely, as to matters of fact,

 

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upon certificates of officers and directors of the Primary Parties delivered pursuant hereto or as such counsel may reasonably request and upon the opinion of Nixon Peabody LLP.

(4) The letter of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. in form and substance to the effect that during the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. participated in conferences with certain officers of and other representatives of the Primary Parties, counsel to the Primary Parties, representatives of the independent public accountants for the Primary Parties and representatives of the Agent at which the contents of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and related matters were discussed and has considered the matters required to be stated therein and the statements contained therein and, although (without limiting the opinions provided pursuant to Section 10(b)(3)), Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. has not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, on the basis of the foregoing, nothing has come to the attention of Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. that caused Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C. to believe that the Registration Statement at the time it was declared effective by the Commission and as of the date of such letter or that the General Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading (it being understood that counsel need express no comment or opinion with respect to financial statements, notes to financial statements, schedules and other financial and statistical data included, or statistical or appraisal methodology employed, in the Registration Statement, or Prospectus or General Disclosure Package).

(5) A Blue Sky Memorandum from Nixon Peabody LLP addressed to the Holding Company and the Agent relating to the offering, including Agent’s participation therein. The Blue Sky Memorandum will address the necessity of obtaining or confirming exemptions, qualifications or the registration of the Common Stock under applicable state securities law.

(c) On or prior to the date on which the Offer Shares are first offered in the Subscription Offering, the Agent shall receive a letter from Davis Kinard & Co., P.C., dated the date hereof and addressed to the Agent, such letter (i) confirming that Davis Kinard & Co., P.C. is a firm of independent registered public accountants within the meaning of the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations and the PCAOB Regulations, and stating in effect that in Davis Kinard & Co., P.C.’s opinion the consolidated financial statements of the Mid-Tier Holding Company included in the Prospectus comply as to form in all material respects with generally accepted accounting principles, the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations, and the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations; (ii) stating in effect that, on the basis of certain agreed upon procedures (but not an audit examination in accordance with the auditing standards of the PCAOB) consisting of a review (in accordance with Statement of Auditing Standards No. 100, Interim Financial Information) of the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of the Mid-Tier

 

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Holding Company prepared by the Primary Parties as of and for the interim periods ended September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009, a reading of the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Audit Committee and stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank and consultations with officers of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank responsible for financial and accounting matters, nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe that: (A) such unaudited consolidated financial statements and any “Recent Developments” information in the Prospectus are not in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with that of the audited financial statements included in the Prospectus; or (B) during the period from the date of the recent developments financial information included in the Prospectus to a specified date not more than three (3) business days prior to the date of the Prospectus, there was any material increase in borrowings (defined as securities sold under agreements to repurchase and any other form of debt other than deposits), or decrease in the deposits or loan allowance, total assets, stockholders’ equity or there was any change in common stock outstanding (other than for stock option plans) at the date of such letter as compared with amounts shown in the September 30, 2009 unaudited statement of condition included in the Prospectus or there was any decrease in net interest income, non-interest income, net interest income after provision or net income, or increase in provision for loan losses, non-interest expense of the Primary Parties for the period commencing immediately after the recent development date and ended not more than three (3) business days prior to the date of the Prospectus as compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year; and (iii) stating that, in addition to the audit examination referred to in its opinion included in the Prospectus and the performance of the procedures referred to in clause (ii) of this subsection (c), they have compared with the general accounting records of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, which are subject to the internal controls of the accounting system of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, and other data prepared by the Primary Parties from accounting records, to the extent specified in such letter, such amounts and/or percentages set forth in the Prospectus as the Agent may reasonably request, and they have found such amounts and percentages to be in agreement therewith (subject to rounding).

(d) At the Closing Date, the Agent shall receive a letter from Davis Kinard & Co., P.C. dated the Closing Date, addressed to the Agent, confirming the statements made by its letter delivered by it pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section 10, the “specified date” referred to in clause (ii)(B) thereof to be a date specified in such letter, which shall not be more than three (3) business days prior to the Closing Date.

(e) At the Closing Date, counsel to the Agent shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as counsel for the Agent may require for the purpose of enabling them to advise the Agent with respect to the issuance and sale of the Common Stock as herein contemplated and related proceedings, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions herein contained.

(f) At the Closing Date, the Agent shall receive a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of each of the Primary Parties, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that: (i) they have examined the Registration Statement and at the time the Registration Statement became authorized for final use, the Prospectus did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) there has not been, since the respective dates as of which

 

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information is given in the Registration Statement, any Material Adverse Effect otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Registration Statement; (iii) the representations and warranties contained in Section 6 of this Agreement are true and correct with the same force and effect as though made at and as of the Closing Date; (iv) the Primary Parties have complied in all material respects with all material agreements and satisfied all conditions on their part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Date including the conditions contained in this Section 10; (v) no stop order has been issued or, to the best of their knowledge, is threatened, by the Commission or any other governmental body; (vi) no order suspending the Offering, the Exchange, the Conversion, the acquisition of all of the shares of the Bank by the Holding Company, the transactions required under the Plan to consummate the Conversion or the effectiveness of the Prospectus has been issued and to the best of their knowledge, no proceedings for any such purpose have been initiated or threatened by the OTS, the Commission, or any other federal or state authority; (vii) to the best of their knowledge, no person has sought to obtain regulatory or judicial review of the action of the OTS in approving the Plan or to enjoin the Conversion, and (viii) that the officers and directors of the Primary Parties have agreed to abide by the restrictions on the exercise of options and sale of Common Stock set forth in Section 8(cc).

(g) At the Closing Date, the Agent shall receive a letter from Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., dated as of the Closing Date, (i) confirming that said firm is independent of the Primary Parties and is experienced and expert in the area of corporate appraisals, (ii) stating in effect that the Appraisal complies in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Conversion Regulations, and (iii) further stating that its opinion of the aggregate pro forma market value of the Primary Parties, as converted, expressed in the Appraisal as most recently updated, remains in effect.

(h) Prior to and at the Closing Date, none of the Primary Parties shall have sustained, since the date of the latest financial statements included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise than as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there shall not have been any material change, or any development involving a prospective material change in, or affecting the general affairs of, management, financial position, retained earnings, long-term debt, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of any of the Primary Parties, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the effect of which, in any such case described above, in the Agent’s reasonable judgment, is sufficiently material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the Offering or the Exchange or the delivery of the Shares or the Exchange Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus and the Stockholders’ Proxy Statement.

(i) Prior to and at the Closing Date: (i) in the reasonable opinion of the Agent, there shall have been no material adverse change in the financial condition or in the earnings, capital, properties or business affairs of the Primary Parties considered as one enterprise, from and as of the latest date as of which such condition is set forth in the Prospectus, except as referred to therein; (ii) there shall have been no material transaction entered into by the Primary

 

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Parties, independently or considered as one enterprise, from the latest date as of which the financial condition of the Primary Parties is set forth in the Prospectus, other than transactions referred to or contemplated therein; (iii) none of the Primary Parties shall have received from the OTS any direction (oral or written) to make any material change in the method of conducting their business with which it has not complied in all material respects (which direction, if any, shall have been disclosed to the Agent) and which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (iv) none of the Primary Parties shall have been in default (nor shall an event have occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under any provision of any agreement or instrument relating to any material outstanding indebtedness; (v) no action, suit or proceeding, at law or in equity or before or by any federal or state commission, board or other administrative agency, shall be pending or, to the knowledge of the Primary Parties, threatened against any of the Primary Parties or affecting any of their properties wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (vi) the Shares shall have been qualified or registered for offering and sale, as applicable, under the securities or “blue sky” laws of the jurisdictions requested by the Agent.

(j) At or prior to the Closing Date, the Agent shall receive (i) a copy of the Conversion Application and a copy of the letters from the OTS approving the Conversion Application and the Merger Application and authorizing the Prospectus, Voting Members’ Proxy Statement and Stockholders’ Proxy Statement for use, (ii) if available, a copy of the order from the Commission declaring the Registration Statement effective, (iii) a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation of the Holding Company, (iv) a copy of Holding Company Application and a copy of the letter from the OTS approving the Holding Company Application, (v) a certificate from the FDIC evidencing the Bank’s insurance of accounts, and (vi) any other documents that Agent shall reasonably request.

(k) The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto, between the Agent and the persons set forth on Exhibit C hereto, relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Common Stock or certain other securities, shall be delivered to the Agent on or before the date hereof and shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date.

(l) Subsequent to the date hereof, there shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) a suspension or limitation in trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market, or quotations halted generally on the Nasdaq Stock Market, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required by either of such exchanges or FINRA or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority other than temporary trading halts or limitation (A) imposed as a result of intraday changes in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, (B) lasting no longer than until the regularly scheduled commencement of trading on the next succeeding business-day and (C) which when combined with all other such halts occurring during the previous five (5) business days, total less than three (3); (ii) a general moratorium on the operations of federally-insured financial institutions or a general moratorium on the withdrawal of deposits from commercial banks or other federally-insured financial institutions declared by either federal or state authorities; (iii) any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or elsewhere; or (iv) any outbreak of hostilities or

 

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escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis, including, without limitation, terrorist activities after the date hereof, the effect of any of (i) through (iv) herein, in the judgment of the Agent, is so material and adverse as to make it impracticable to market the Shares or to enforce contracts, including subscriptions or purchase orders, for the sale of the Shares.

All such opinions, certificates, letters and documents will be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent and to counsel for the Agent. Any certificate signed by an officer of the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company or the Bank and delivered to the Agent or to counsel for the Agent shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the MHC, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company or the Bank, as the case may be, to the Agent as to the statements made therein. If any condition to the Agent’s obligations hereunder to be fulfilled prior to or at the Closing Date is not fulfilled, the Agent may terminate this Agreement (provided that if this Agreement is so terminated but the sale of Shares is nevertheless consummated, the Agent shall be entitled to the full compensation provided for in Section 4 hereof) or, if the Agent so elect, may waive any such conditions which have not been fulfilled or may extend the time of their fulfillment.

Section 11. Indemnification .

(a) The Primary Parties, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent, its officers, directors, agents, attorneys, servants and employees and each person, if any, who control the Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20(a) of the 1934 Act, against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage or expense whatsoever (including but not limited to settlement expenses, subject to the limitation set forth in the last sentence of subsection (c) below), joint or several, that the Agent or any of such officers, directors, agents, attorneys, servants, employees and controlling Persons (collectively, the “Related Persons”) may suffer or to which the Agent or the Related Persons may become subject under all applicable federal and state laws or otherwise, and to promptly reimburse the Agent and any Related Persons upon written demand for any reasonable expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred by the Agent or any Related Persons in connection with investigating, preparing or defending any actions, proceedings or claims (whether commenced or threatened) to the extent such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions: (i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto), the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, the Applications, or any blue sky application, or other instrument or document of the Primary Parties or based upon written information supplied by any of the Primary Parties filed in any state or jurisdiction to register or qualify any or all of the Shares under the securities laws thereof (collectively, the “Blue Sky Applications”), or any application or other document, advertisement, or communication (“Sales Information”) prepared, made or executed by or on behalf of any of the Primary Parties with its consent or based upon written information furnished by or on behalf of any of the Primary Parties, whether or not filed in any jurisdiction, in order to qualify or register the Shares under the securities laws thereof, (ii) arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state in any of the foregoing documents or information, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (iii) arise from any theory of

 

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liability whatsoever relating to or arising from or based upon the Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto), the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, the Applications, any Blue Sky Applications or Sales Information or other documentation distributed in connection with the Offering; or (iv) result from any claims made with respect to the accuracy, reliability and completeness of the records of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders or Other Voting Members or for any denial or reduction of a subscription or order to purchase Common Stock, whether as a result of a properly calculated allocation pursuant to the Plan or otherwise, based upon such records; provided, however, that no indemnification is required under this subsection (a) to the extent such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue material statements or alleged untrue material statements in, or material omission or alleged material omission from, the Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, the Applications, the Blue Sky Applications or Sales Information or other documentation distributed in connection with the Conversion made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Primary Parties by the Agent or its representatives (including counsel) with respect to the Agent expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) under the caption “The Conversion and Offering – Marketing Arrangements;” provided, further , that the Primary Parties will not be responsible for any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent a court of competent jurisdiction finds they result primarily from material oral misstatements by the Agent to a purchaser of Shares which are not based upon information in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, or from actions taken or omitted to be taken by the Agent in bad faith or from the Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, and the Agent agrees to repay to the Primary Parties any amounts advanced to it by the Primary Parties in connection with matters as to which it is found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(b) The Agent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Primary Parties, their directors and officers, agents, servants and employees and each person, if any, who controls any of the Primary Parties within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20(a) of the 1934 Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage or expense whatsoever (including but not limited to settlement expenses, subject to the limitation set forth in the last sentence of subsection (c) below), joint or several, which they, or any of them, may suffer or to which they, or any of them, may become subject under all applicable federal and state laws or otherwise, and to promptly reimburse the Primary Parties and any such persons upon written demand for any reasonable expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred by them in connection with investigating, preparing or defending any actions, proceedings or claims (whether commenced or threatened) to the extent such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, the Applications or any Blue Sky Applications or Sales Information or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state in any of the foregoing documents a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that each Agent’s obligations under this Section 11(b) shall exist only if and only to the extent that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement was made in,

 

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or such material fact or alleged material fact was omitted from, the Applications, Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto), the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Blue Sky Applications or Sales Information in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Primary Parties by the Agent or its representatives (including counsel) expressly for use under the caption “The Conversion and Offering – Marketing Arrangements.”

(c) Each indemnified party shall give prompt written notice to each indemnifying party of any action, proceeding, claim (whether commenced or threatened), or suit instituted against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have on account of this Section 11, Section 12 or otherwise. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of such action. In addition, if it so elects within a reasonable time after receipt of such notice, an indemnifying party, jointly with any other indemnifying parties receiving such notice, may assume the defense of such action with counsel chosen by it reasonably acceptable to the indemnified parties that are defendants in such action, unless such indemnified parties reasonably object to such assumption on the ground that there may be legal defenses available to them that are different from or in addition to those available to such indemnifying party. If an indemnifying party assumes the defense of such action, the indemnifying parties shall not be liable for any fees and expenses of counsel for the indemnified parties incurred thereafter in connection with such action, proceeding or claim, other than reasonable costs of investigation. In no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (unless an indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to it or them which are different from or in addition to those of other indemnified parties) for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action, proceeding or claim or separate but similar or related actions, proceedings or claims in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances. The Primary Parties shall be liable for any settlement of any claim against the Agent (or its directors, officers, employees, affiliates or controlling persons), made with the consent of the Primary Parties, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Primary Parties shall not, without the written consent of the Agent, settle or compromise any claim against them based upon circumstances giving rise to an indemnification claim against the Primary Parties hereunder unless such settlement or compromise provides that the Agent and the other indemnified parties shall be unconditionally and irrevocably released from all liability in respect of such claim.

(d) The agreements contained in this Section 11 and in Section 12 hereof and the representations and warranties of the Primary Parties set forth in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Agent or its officers, directors, controlling persons, agents, attorneys, servants or employees or by or on behalf of any of the Primary Parties or any officers, directors, controlling persons, agents, attorneys, servants or employees of any of the Primary Parties; (ii) delivery of and payment hereunder for the Shares; or (iii) any termination of this Agreement. To the extent required by law, Sections 11 and 12 hereof are subject to and limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act.

 

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Section 12. Contribution .

(a) In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in Section 11 is due in accordance with its terms but is found in a final judgment by a court to be unavailable from the Primary Parties or the Agent, the Primary Parties and the Agent shall contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities of the nature contemplated by such indemnification in such proportion so that (i) the Agent is responsible for that portion represented by the percentage that the fees paid to the Agent pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement (not including expenses) (“Agent’s Fees”), less any portion of Agent’s Fees paid by Stifel to Assisting Brokers, bear to the total proceeds received by the Primary Parties from the sale of the Shares in the Offering, net of all expenses of the Offering, except Agent’s Fees and (ii) the Primary Parties shall be responsible for the balance. If, however, the allocation provided above is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required under Section 11 above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable to such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative fault of the Primary Parties on the one hand and the Agent on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions, proceedings or claims in respect thereof), but also the relative benefits received by the Primary Parties on the one hand and the Agent on the other from the Offering, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Primary Parties on the one hand and the Agent on the other hand shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total proceeds from the Offering, net of all expenses of the Offering except Agent’s Fees, received by the Primary Parties bear, with respect to the Agent, to the total fees (not including expenses) received by the Agent less the portion of such fees paid by the Agent to Assisting Brokers. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Primary Parties on the one hand or the Agent on the other and the parties relative intent, good faith, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Primary Parties and the Agent agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 12 were determined by pro-rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 12. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or action, proceedings or claims in respect thereof) referred to above in this Section 12 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action, proceeding or claim. It is expressly agreed that the Agent shall not be liable for any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense or be required to contribute any amount which in the aggregate exceeds the amount paid (excluding reimbursable expenses) to the Agent under this Agreement less the portion of such fees paid by the Agent to Assisting Brokers. It is understood and agreed that the above-stated limitation on the Agent’s liability is essential to the Agent and that the Agent would not have entered into this Agreement if such limitation had not been agreed to by the parties to this Agreement. No person found guilty of any fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution with respect to any loss or liability arising from such misrepresentation from any person who was not found guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 12, each of Agent’s and the Primary Parties’ officers and directors and each person, if any, who controls the

 

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Agent or any of the Primary Parties within the meaning of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Primary Parties and the Agent. Any party entitled to contribution, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action, suit, claim or proceeding against such party in respect of which a claim for contribution may be made against another party under this Section 12, will notify such party from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission to so notify such party shall not relieve the party from whom contribution may be sought from any other obligation it may have hereunder or otherwise than under this Section 12.

Section 13. Survival . All representations, warranties and indemnities contained in this Agreement (and in Paragraph 12 of the Letter Agreement, “Confidentiality”), or all statements contained in certificates of officers of the Primary Parties or the Agent submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any termination or cancellation of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Agent or its controlling persons, or by or on behalf of the Primary Parties and shall survive the issuance of the Shares, and any legal representative, successor or assign of the Agent, any of the Primary Parties, and any indemnified person shall be entitled to the benefit of the respective agreements, indemnities, warranties and representations.

Section 14. Termination . The Agent may terminate this Agreement by giving the notice indicated below in this Section at any time after this Agreement becomes effective as follows:

(a) In the event (i) the Plan is abandoned or terminated by the Holding Company; (ii) the Holding Company fails to consummate the sale of the minimum number of Shares prior to December 31, 2010 in accordance with the provisions of the Plan or as required by the Conversion Regulations and applicable law; (iii) the Agent terminates this relationship because there has been a material adverse change in the financial condition or operations of the Primary Parties considered as one enterprise since the date of the latest financial statements included in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package; or (iv) immediately prior to commencement of the Offering, the Agent terminates this relationship because in its opinion, which shall have been formed in good faith after reasonable determination and consideration of all relevant factors, there has been a failure to satisfactorily disclose all relevant information in the General Disclosure Package or the existence of market conditions which might render the sale of the Shares inadvisable, this Agreement shall terminate and no party to this Agreement shall have any obligation to the other hereunder except as set forth in Sections 3, 4, 9, 11 and 12 hereof.

(b) If any of the conditions specified in Section 10 hereof shall not have been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement, or by the Closing Date, or waived in writing by the Agent, this Agreement and all of the Agent’s obligations hereunder may be canceled by the Agent by notifying the Bank of such cancellation in writing at any time at or prior to the Closing Date, and any such cancellation shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as otherwise provided in Sections 3, 4, 9, 11 and 12 hereof.

(c) If the Agent elects to terminate this Agreement as provided in this Section, the Primary Parties shall be notified by the Agent as provided in Section 15 hereof.

 

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(d) If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, Stifel shall retain the conversion advisory and administrative services fee earned and paid to it pursuant to Section 4(a) and the Primary Parties shall reimburse Stifel for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses pursuant to Section 9.

Section 15. Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Agent shall be directed to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, 237 Park Avenue, 8 th Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Ben A. Plotkin, Executive Vice President, Vice Chairman (with a copy to Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 780, Washington, DC 20015, Attention: John J. Gorman, Esq.); notices to the Primary Parties shall be directed to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., 1400 Prospect Avenue, P.O. Box 4999, Helena, Montana 59601, Attention: Peter J. Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer (with a copy to Nixon Peabody LLP, 5535 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20005, Attention: Raymond Gustini, Esq.).

Section 16. Parties . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Agent and the Primary Parties, and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and the controlling persons and officers and directors referred to in Sections 11 and 12 and their heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provisions herein contained.

Section 17. Partial Invalidity . In the event that any term, provision or covenant herein or the application thereof to any circumstances or situation shall be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remainder hereof and the application of said term, provision or covenant to any other circumstance or situation shall not be affected thereby, and each term, provision or covenant herein shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.

Section 18. Entire Agreement; Amendment . This Agreement represents the entire understanding of the Primary Parties and the Agent with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes any and all other oral or written agreements heretofore made, except for: (i) Paragraph 12 of the Letter Agreement (“Confidentiality”) and (ii) the Data Processing Information Agent Engagement Terms, dated November 25, 2009 by and among the Primary Parties and Stifel, relating to Stifel’s providing information agent services in connection with the Conversion. No waiver, amendment or other modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

Section 19. Construction and Waiver of Jury Trial . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to its conflicts of laws principles. Any dispute hereunder shall be brought in a court in the State of New York. Each of the Primary Parties and the Agent waives all right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding, claim or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) related to or arising out of this Agreement.

 

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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument along with all counterparts will become a binding agreement between you and us in accordance with its terms.

 

Very truly yours,

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

By:

 

 

  Peter J. Johnson
  President and Chief Executive Officer

EAGLE BANCORP

By:

 

 

  Peter J. Johnson
  President and Chief Executive Officer

EAGLE FINANCIAL, MHC

By:

 

 

  Peter J. Johnson
  President and Chief Executive Officer

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

By:

 

 

  Peter J. Johnson
  President and Chief Executive Officer

 

The foregoing Agency Agreement is

hereby confirmed and accepted as

of the date first set forth above.

STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

By:

 

 

  Robin P. Suskind
  Managing Director

 


EXHIBIT A

SELECTED DEALERS AGREEMENT

                     , 2010

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

One South Street, 15 th Floor

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We understand that you are entering into this Master Selected Dealers Agreement (the “Agreement”) in counterparts with us and other firms who may be invited to participate as dealers in offerings of securities in which you are acting as sole representative of or as one of the representatives of the underwriters comprising the underwriting syndicate. Whether or not we have executed this Agreement, this Agreement shall apply to any offering of securities in which we elect to act as a selected dealer after receipt from you of one or more invitations by telecopy, e-mail, or other written form of communication or telephone call (confirmed immediately in writing) which refers to this Agreement, identifies the issuer, describes the securities to be offered and states the amount of securities proposed to be reserved for purchase by selected dealers. Your invitation also will include instructions for our acceptance of such invitation. At or prior to the time of an offering, you shall also advise us, to the extent applicable, of the expected offering date, the expected closing date and certain other terms of the offering, including without limitation and as applicable, the initial public offering price (or the formula for determining such price), the interest or dividend rate (or the method by which such rate is to be determined), the conversion or exchange price (or the formula for determining such price), the selling concession, the amount of any reallowance, the amount of securities to be allotted to us, and the time at which subscriptions for shares reserved for selected dealers will be opened. Such information may be conveyed by you in one or more written communications or by telephone (confirmed immediately in writing) (such communications, together with the original invitation described above, received by us with respect to the offering are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Invitation”). The terms of such Invitation shall become a part of this Agreement with respect to the offering to which it applies.

This Agreement, as amended or supplemented by the Invitation, shall become binding with respect to our participation in an offering of securities described in an Invitation upon our acceptance thereof by telecopy, e-mail, telephone call (confirmed immediately in writing) or other form of communication specified in the Invitation if we do not revoke such acceptance in writing prior to the date and time specified in the Invitation or upon acceptance by us of an allotment of securities (such an acceptance being hereinafter referred to as an “Acceptance”). If we have not previously executed this Agreement, by our Acceptance we shall be deemed to be signatories hereof with respect to the offering to which the Acceptance relates. To the extent that any terms contained in the Invitation are inconsistent with any provisions herein, such terms shall supersede any such provisions.

 

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The issuer of the securities in any offering of securities in which we agree to participate as a selected dealer pursuant to this Agreement, including the issuer of any guarantees relating to such securities, is hereinafter referred to as the “Issuer” and the securities to be purchased in such offering, including any guarantees relating to such securities or any other securities into which such securities are convertible or for which such securities are exercisable or exchangeable and any securities that may be purchased upon exercise of an overallotment option, are hereinafter referred to as the “Securities.” A syndicated offering of securities of the Issuer in connection with the conversion of the Issuer and/or an affiliated entity from a mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure is hereinafter referred to as a “Conversion Offering” and the securities offered and sold by the Issuer pursuant to a Conversion Offering are hereinafter referred to as the “Conversion Stock”. Any underwriters of an offering of Securities in which we agree to participate as a selected dealer pursuant to this Agreement, including the Representatives (as defined below), are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Underwriters” and the parties who agree to participate in such offering as selected dealers are hereinafter referred to as “Selected Dealers”. All references herein to “you” shall mean Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and all references herein to the “Representatives” shall mean you and the other firms, if any, which are named as Representatives in the Invitation.

The following provisions of this Agreement shall apply separately to each individual offering of Securities. It is understood that from time to time in connection with offerings of Securities, you or the Representatives shall determine which signatories to this Agreement will be invited to become Selected Dealers for the Securities. This Agreement may be supplemented or amended by you by written notice to us and, except for supplements or amendments set forth in an Invitation relating to a particular offering of Securities, any such supplement or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective with respect to any offering of Securities to which this Agreement applies after this Agreement is so amended or supplemented.

1. Conditions of Offering; Acceptance and Purchase.

(a) The offer to Selected Dealers will be made on the basis of a reservation of Securities and an allotment against subscriptions as set forth in the Invitation. Acceptance of any reserved Securities received after the time specified therefor in the Invitation and any application for additional Securities will be subject to rejection in whole or in part. Subscription books may be closed by the Representatives at any time in the Representatives’ discretion without notice and the right is reserved to reject any subscription in whole or in part. By our Acceptance, we agree to purchase as principal, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Invitation, the Offering Document (defined below) and this Agreement, the amount of Securities allotted to us by the Representatives.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Conversion Offering (or other offering if so indicated in the Invitation) will be a “best efforts” offering and will not be underwritten. Any Conversion Offering will also be contingent and will involve a closing only after receipt of necessary documentation from the Issuer and its affiliates and satisfaction of other closing conditions specified in the agency agreement for the Conversion Offering. Any Conversion Offering will be designed to comply with applicable rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), including Rules 15c2-4, 10b-9 and

 

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15c6-1 (see NASD Notices to Members 98-4, 87-61 and 84-7). We represent and agree that we shall fully comply with Commission Rules 15c2-4, 10b-9 and 15c6-1 with respect to any Conversion Offering, including, but not limited to, promptly depositing funds received from interested investors prior to the satisfaction of all closing conditions contained in the applicable agency agreement for the subject Conversion Offering into one or more separate non-interest bearing accounts established at a bank other than the bank affiliated with the Issuer, promptly delivering to the Issuer funds (less fees and commissions payable pursuant to the applicable agency agreement) for Conversion Stock sold by us in the Conversion Offering if and when all closing conditions are met, and promptly returning funds to the interested investors if the Conversion Offering does not close or if the closing occurs but some or all of an interested investor’s funds are not accepted by the Issuer. We also represent that we are aware that those who purchase in a best efforts Conversion Offering are subject to the investor purchase limitations described in the Prospectus (as hereinafter defined).

2. Offering Materials .

(a) In the case of an Invitation regarding an offer of Securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the Representatives will furnish to us, to the extent made available by the Issuer, copies (which may be in electronic form except as required pursuant to rules or regulations under the 1933 Act) of the prospectus or amended or supplemented prospectus, subject to Sections 3(e) and 3(f) below, or any “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act (excluding any documents incorporated by reference therein) to be used in connection with the offering of the Securities in such number as we may reasonably request. The term “Prospectus” means the form of prospectus (including amendments and supplements, and any documents incorporated by reference therein) authorized for use in connection with such offering.

(b) In the case of an Invitation regarding an offer of Securities for which no registration statement has been or will be filed with the Commission, the Representatives will furnish to us, to the extent made available by the Issuer, copies (which may be in electronic form except as required pursuant to rules or regulations under the 1933 Act) of any offering circular or other offering materials to be used in connection with the offering of the Securities and of each amendment or supplement thereto (collectively, the “Offering Circular”). The Prospectus or Offering Circular, as the case may be, relating to an offering of Securities is herein referred to as the “Offering Document.”

(c) We agree that in purchasing Securities we will rely upon no statement whatsoever, written or oral, other than statements in the Offering Document delivered to us by the Representatives. We understand and agree that we are not authorized to give any information or make any representation not contained in the Offering Document in connection with the offering of the Securities.

(d) We agree to make a record of our distribution of each preliminary or final Offering Document and, if requested by the Representatives, we will furnish a copy of any amendment or supplement to any preliminary or final Offering Document to each person to whom we have furnished a previous preliminary or final Offering Document. Our purchase of

 

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Securities registered under the 1933 Act shall constitute our confirmation that we have delivered, and our agreement that we will deliver, all preliminary and final Prospectuses required for compliance with Rule 15c2-8 (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”). Our purchase of Securities for which no registration statement has been or will be filed with the Commission shall constitute (i) our confirmation that we have delivered, and our agreement that we will deliver, all preliminary and final Offering Circulars required for compliance with the applicable international, foreign, federal and state laws and the applicable rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder governing the use and distribution of offering circulars by underwriters and (ii) to the extent consistent with such laws, rules and regulations, our confirmation that we have delivered, and our agreement that we will deliver, all preliminary and final Offering Circulars that would be required if Rule 15c2-8 (or any successor provision) under the 1934 Act applied to such offering.

(e) We understand that we are not authorized to make any offer of the Securities that would constitute a “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act, except for any such free writing prospectus provided by the Issuer or you expressly for use in connection with the offering of the Securities provided that each such free writing prospectus (i) is correct and not misleading, (ii) is not required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433 (except to the extent required to be filed by the Issuer and, assuming for this purpose, that the Issuer files the free writing prospectus with the Commission within the time required by Rule 433) and (iii) otherwise complies with Rule 433. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to Section 3(f) below, we further understand that we may use any other free writing prospectus relating to the Securities with your prior written consent that meets the following requirements: (A) does not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; (B) does not contain any forward-looking information or any valuation of the Issuer or the Securities, other than such information as may be set forth in any Prospectus; (C) does not contain any “issuer information” as defined in Rule 433, other than any such information as may be set forth in or derived from any Prospectus or free writing prospectus relating to the Securities that has been previously filed by the Issuer with the Commission; (D) complies with the requirements of NASD Rule 2210 (“Communications with Customers and the Public”), including the internal approval requirements and content standards set forth therein; (E) complies with the requirements of Rule 433, including the eligibility and prospectus conditions and the legend and other information requirements, and is not required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433; and (F) has been reviewed by counsel for the Underwriters prior to first use. Our Acceptance will constitute our representation and agreement that any free writing prospectus we use will comply with this paragraph.

(f) We will indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse you, each other Underwriter and each such other person to such extent and on such terms with respect to any free writing prospectus that we use or provide to others to use, provided that our obligation under this sentence shall not be limited to any particular information in such free writing prospectus but shall apply with respect to such free writing prospectus in its entirety (other than any information that is contained in any Prospectus or free writing prospectus filed by the Issuer with the Commission and for which the Issuer has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters under the Underwriting Agreement), from and against any loss, damage, expense, liability or claim

 

A-4


(including the reasonable cost of investigation and defense, including counsel fees and expenses, which shall be paid as incurred) resulting from any breach of our agreements and representations regarding free writing prospectuses in Section 3(e) above.

3. Offering of the Securities.

(a) The Representatives will advise each Selected Dealer, in the Invitation or other written communication, of the release by the Representatives of the Securities for public offering and of the public offering price. Upon receipt of such advice, any of the Securities thereafter purchased by us pursuant to this Agreement are to be reoffered by us to the public at the public offering price, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Invitation and the Offering Document. After the public offering of the Securities has commenced, the Representatives may change the public offering price, the selling concession and the reallowance to dealers. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Securities shall not be offered or sold by us below the public offering price before the termination of the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to the offering of such Securities, except that a reallowance from the public offering price not in excess of the amount set forth in the Invitation may be allowed to Qualified Dealers who agree that such amount is to be retained and not re-allowed in whole or in part. “Qualified Dealers” shall be brokers or dealers (as defined in the By-Laws of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)) actually engaged in the investment banking or securities business which make the representations and agreements contained in Section 12 hereof. “Qualified Dealers” also shall include foreign banks, dealers or institutions which make the representations and agreements contained in Section 12 hereof.

(b) The offering of the Securities is made subject to delivery of the Securities and their acceptance by the Underwriters, prior sale of the Securities, the approval of all legal matters by counsel and any other conditions referred to in the Offering Document and to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Invitation.

(c) The Representatives as such and, with the Representatives’ consent, any Underwriter may buy Securities from, or sell Securities to, any of the Selected Dealers or any of the Underwriters, and any Selected Dealer may buy Securities from, or sell Securities to, any other Selected Dealer or an Underwriter, at the public offering price less all or any part of the concession to Selected Dealers.

(d) If we receive or are credited with the Selected Dealers’ concession as to any Securities purchased by us pursuant to this Agreement, which, prior to the later of (i) the termination of the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to the offering of such Securities and (ii) the covering by the Representatives of any short position created by the Representatives in connection with the offering of such Securities, the Representatives purchase or contract to purchase for the account of any Underwriter or the Representatives (whether such Securities have been sold or loaned by us, or issued on transfer or in exchange for such Securities) then we agree to pay the Representatives on demand for the accounts of the several Underwriters an amount equal to the Selected Dealers’ concession and, in addition, the Representatives may charge us with any accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount, dividends, broker’s commission, dealers’ mark-ups and transfer taxes paid in connection with such purchase or

 

A-5


contract to purchase. The Representatives may use the securities tracking system of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) to identify any such Securities. Securities delivered on such repurchases need not be the identical Securities originally purchased. The Representatives shall not be obligated to pay any Selected Dealers’ concession with respect to any such repurchased Securities as to which we have not yet received or been credited with the Selected Dealers’ concession and we shall remain responsible for any accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount, dividends, broker’s commission, dealers’ mark-ups or transfer taxes paid in connection with such repurchase or agreement to repurchase.

(e) No expenses shall be charged to Selected Dealers. A single transfer tax upon the sale of the Securities by the respective Underwriters to us will be paid by such Underwriters when such Securities are delivered to us. However, we shall pay any transfer tax on sales of Securities by us and shall pay our proportionate share of any transfer tax or other tax (other than the single transfer tax described above) in the event that any such tax shall from time to time be assessed against us and other Selected Dealers as a group or otherwise.

4. Over-Allotment; Stabilization; Allotments. The Representatives may, with respect to any offering of Securities, be authorized to over-allot, to purchase and sell Securities (and any other securities of the Issuer of the same class and series as the Securities and any other securities of the Issuer which the Representatives may designate) for their long or short account and to stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities (and any other securities of the Issuer of the same class and series as the Securities and any other securities of the Issuer which the Representatives may designate), or to impose a penalty bid with respect to the Securities. We agree that upon the Representatives’ request at any time and from time to time prior to the termination of the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to an offering of Securities we will report the amount of Securities purchased by us pursuant to such offering then remaining unsold by us and will, upon the Representatives’ request at any such time, sell to the Representatives for the account of one or more Underwriters such amount of such Securities as the Representatives may designate at the public offering price less an amount to be determined by the Representatives not in excess of the Selected Dealers’ concession.

5. Open Market Transactions. Unless the Securities are “exempted securities” as defined in Section 3(a)(12) of the 1934 Act, we represent that, at all times since we were invited to participate in the offering of the Securities, we have complied and we will comply with the provisions of Regulation M applicable to such offering, in each case as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions. If we have been notified in writing by the Representatives that the Underwriters may conduct passive market making in compliance with Rule 103 of Regulation M in connection with the offering of the Securities, we represent that, at all times since our receipt of such notice, we have complied and we will comply with the provisions of such Rule applicable to such offering, as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions. The Representatives may, by notice in the Invitation or otherwise, impose additional trading restrictions on any security.

An opening uncovered writing transaction in options to acquire Conversion Stock for our account or for the account of a customer shall be deemed, for purposes of this Section 5, to be a sale of Conversion Stock which is not unsolicited. The term “opening uncovered writing

 

A-6


transaction in options to acquire” as used above means a transaction where the seller intends to become a writer of an option to purchase any Conversion Stock which he does not own. An opening uncovered purchase transaction in options to sell Conversion Stock for our account or for the account of a customer shall be deemed, for purposes of this paragraph, to be a sale of Conversion Stock which is not unsolicited. The term “opening uncovered purchase transaction in options to sell” as used above means a transaction where the purchaser intends to become an owner of an option to sell Conversion Stock which he does not own.

Covered Security ” means (a) the Conversion Stock, (b) any securities into which the Conversion Stock may be converted, exchanged or exercised, (c) any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for the Conversion Stock and (d) any securities which, under the terms of the Conversion Stock, may in whole or in significant part determine the value of the Conversion Stock.

6. Payment and Delivery. Securities purchased by us pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid for in an amount equal to the public offering price therefor, or, if the Representatives shall so advise us, at such public price less the Selected Dealer’s concession with respect thereto, at or before 9:00 A.M. on the date on which the Underwriters are required to purchase the Securities, by delivery to the Representatives at the offices of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated specified in Section 10 (or at such other time and address as the Representatives may specify upon at least one day’s notice), of immediately available funds payable to the order of you, which funds will be held at US Bancorp in the “Stifel, Nicolause & Co., Inc. Escrow Account for Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.” If payment is made for Securities purchased by us at the public offering price, the Selected Dealers’ concession to which we may be entitled will be paid to us upon termination of the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to the offering of such Securities. The Representatives will give us notice of the date of delivery. If applicable, the Representatives may make delivery through the facilities of DTC or any other depository or similar facility.

With respect to any Conversion Offering, we represent that none of the persons for whom we are placing orders to purchase Conversion Stock: (a) have placed an order through us in excess of the individual maximum purchase limitation established for the Conversion Offering; (b) have, together with their associates and persons acting in concert, placed orders through us in excess of the aggregate maximum purchase limitation established for the Conversion Offering; (c) have, nor have their associates, placed an order for shares of the Conversion Stock through another broker or dealer or in the subscription offering that preceded the Conversion Offering; or (d) would, upon completion of the Conversion Offering and the exchange of shares of common stock of the bank affiliated with the Issuer for shares of the Conversion Stock, own more than the maximum ownership limitation established for the Conversion Offering.

In order to satisfy regulatory requirements, we will be required to provide the Representatives with the following information prior to the closing of the Conversion Offering:

 

   

Total number of orders and the U.S. dollar value this represents;

 

   

Total number of orders for 10,000 shares or less and the U.S. dollar value this represents;

 

   

Total number of orders for more than 10,000 shares and the U.S. dollar value this represents.

 

A-7


7. Blue Sky and Other Qualifications. It is understood and agreed that the Representatives assume no obligation or responsibility with respect to the right of any Selected Dealer or other person to sell the Securities in any jurisdiction, notwithstanding any information that the Representatives may furnish as to the jurisdictions under the securities laws of which it is believed the Securities may be sold.

8. Termination.

(a) The effectiveness of this Agreement will terminate with respect to each offering of Securities to which this Agreement applies at the close of business on the 45 th day after the commencement of the offering of such Securities unless terminated by the Representatives at any time prior thereto by notice to us and except for provisions hereof that contemplate obligations surviving the termination of the effectiveness of this Agreement with respect to an offering of Securities, including without limitation Sections 6 and 9 and all payment and delivery obligations and authority with respect to matters to be determined by the Representatives or by you acting on behalf of other Representatives, all of which shall survive such termination.

(b) This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto upon five business days’ prior written notice to the other party; provided, however, that with respect to any particular offering of Securities, if you receive any such notice from us after our Acceptance for such offering, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to such offering and shall terminate with respect to such offering and all previous offerings only in accordance with and to the extent provided in subsection (a) of this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing and unless otherwise stated in the Invitation, our Acceptance of an Invitation after termination of this Agreement in accordance with this subsection (b) will cause the terms of this Agreement to apply to the related offering as if this Agreement was not terminated.

9. Role of the Representatives; Role of the Selected Dealers; Legal Responsibility.

(a) The Representatives are acting as representatives of each of the Underwriters in all matters connected with the offering of the Securities and with the Underwriters’ purchase of the Securities. Any action to be taken, authority that may be exercised or determination to be made by the Representatives hereunder may be taken, exercised or made by you on behalf of all Representatives. The obligations of each Underwriter and each Selected Dealer shall be several and not joint.

(b) The Representatives, as such, shall have full authority to take such action as they may deem advisable in all matters pertaining to the offering of the Securities or arising under this Agreement or the Invitation. The Representatives will be under no liability to any Selected Dealer for any act or omission except for obligations expressly assumed by the Representatives herein, and no obligation on the part of the Representatives will be implied or inferred herefrom.

 

A-8


(c) We understand and agree that we are to act as principal in purchasing securities and we are not authorized to act as agent for the Issuer, any selling security holder or any of the Underwriters in offering the Securities to the public or otherwise.

(d) Nothing herein contained nor in any other written or oral communication shall constitute us an association, or partners, with the other Selected Dealers, the Underwriters or the Representatives, or, except as otherwise provided herein or in the Invitation, render us liable for the obligations of any other Selected Dealers, the Underwriters or the Representatives. If we and the other Selected Dealers, the Underwriters or the Representatives are deemed to constitute a partnership for federal income tax purposes, each Selected Dealer elects to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and agrees not to take any position inconsistent with such election, and the Representatives are authorized, in their discretion, to execute on behalf of each Selected Dealer such evidence of such election as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service.

10. Notices. Any notices from the Representatives to us shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed, hand-delivered, telephoned (and confirmed in writing), e-mailed, telegraphed, telexed, telecopied or communicated by CommScan or Dealogic wire to us at the address set forth at the foot of this Agreement, or at such other address as we shall have advised you in writing. Any notice from us to the Representatives shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed, hand-delivered, telephoned (and confirmed in writing), e-mailed, telegraphed, telexed, telecopied or communicated by CommScan or Dealogic wire to:

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

One South Street, 15 th Floor

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Attn.: Justin P. Bowman

Telephone: (443) 224-1253

Telecopy: (443) 224-1273

or to such other address, telephone, telecopy or telex as we shall be notified by the Representatives); provided, however, that our Acceptance will be addressed and transmitted in the manner set forth in the Invitation. Communications by telecopy, fax, e-mail, CommScan, Dealogic wire or other written form shall be deemed to be “written” communications.

11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland applicable to agreements made and to be performed in that State, without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

12. Certain Representations and Agreements. We represent that we are (a) a member in good standing of FINRA, or (b) a foreign bank, broker, dealer or institution not eligible for membership in FINRA. If we are such a member of FINRA, we agree that in making sales of Securities we will comply with all applicable interpretative materials and FINRA Rules and NASD Conduct Rules, including, without limitation, NASD Conduct Rules 2740 (relating to Selling Concessions, Discounts and Other Allowances) and FINRA Rule 5130 (relating to New Issues). If we are not a member of FINRA, we agree to comply as though we were a member

 

A-9


with NASD Rules 2730, 2740 and 2750 and FINRA Rule 2790. If we are such a foreign bank, broker, dealer or other institution, we agree not to offer or sell any Securities in the United States of America or its territories or possessions or to persons who are nationals thereof or residents therein (except through the Representatives), and in making sales of Securities we agree to comply with Conduct Rule 2420 of the NASD as it applies to a nonmember broker or dealer in a foreign country. We also represent that the incurrence by us of our obligations hereunder in connection with the offering of Securities will not place us in violation of Rule 15c3-1 (or any successor provision) under the 1934 Act, if such requirements are applicable to us, or the capital requirements of any other regulator to which we are subject. We agree that in selling Securities pursuant to any offering (which agreement shall also be for the benefit of the Issuer or other seller or such Securities) we will comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange having jurisdiction over the offering and in the case of an offering referred to in Section 3(b) hereof, the applicable laws, rules and regulations of any applicable regulatory body. Any references herein to the rules or regulations of the NASD shall also include any successor rules or regulations of FINRA.

We represent, by our participation in an offering of Securities, that neither us nor any of our directors, officers, partners or “persons associated with” us (as defined in the By-Laws of FINRA) nor, to our knowledge, any “related person” (as defined in the By-Laws of FINRA, which definition includes counsel, financial consultants and advisors, finders, members of the selling or distribution group, and any other persons associated with or related to any of the foregoing) within the last twelve months had any dealings with the Issuer, any selling security holder or any subsidiary or controlling person of any of the foregoing (other than in connection with the syndicate agreements relating to such offering) as to which documents or information are required to be filed with FINRA pursuant to FINRA Rule 5190 or any other applicable rules of FINRA.

 

A-10


We will notify you immediately if any of our representations contained in this Agreement cease to be accurate.

Very truly yours,

 

 

(Print name of firm)

   

 

By:

 

 

 

Print Name:

   

 

Title:

   

 

Address:

   
   
   

 

Telephone:

   

 

Telecopy:

   

 

Telex:

   

Confirmed as of the date first above written:

 

STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

By:      

Name:

  T. Richard Kendrick, IV

Title:

  Senior Vice President

 

A-11


EXHIBIT B

LETTER AGREEMENT

 

B-1


EXHIBIT C

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF PRIMARY PARTIES

 

C-1


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF LOCK-UP LETTER

             , 2010

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

As Representatives of the several Agents

named in Schedule I attached hereto

 

c/o

  Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
    237 Park Avenue
    New York, New York 10017

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned understands that Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“ Stifel Nicolaus ”),                      propose to enter into an Agency Agreement (the “ Agency Agreement ”) with Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Eagle Bancorp, a federally-chartered stock holding company (the “ Mid-Tier ”), Eagle Financial, MHC, a federally chartered mutual holding company (the “ MHC ”) and American Federal Savings Bank, a federally-chartered stock savings bank (together with its subsidiaries, the “ Bank ” and, together with the Company, the Mid-Tier and the MHC, the “ Primary Parties ”), providing for the public offering (the “ Public Offering ”) by the several Agents, including Stifel Nicolaus,                      (the “ Agents ”), of up to                      shares (the “ Shares ”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Common Stock ”).

To induce the Agents that may participate in the Public Offering to continue their efforts in connection with the Public Offering, the undersigned hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of Stifel Nicolaus on behalf of the Agents, it will not, during the period beginning on the date of the final prospectus relating to the subscription offering (the “ Subscription Offering Prospectus ”) and ending 90 days after the Closing Date (the “ Restricted Period ”), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, (3) exercise any stock options providing for the issuance of shares of Common Stock during the Offering, or (4) announce any intention to take any of the foregoing actions, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to (a) transactions relating to shares of Common Stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the Public Offering, provided that no filing under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of Common Stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions, (b) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into Common Stock as a bona fide gift, or (c) distributions of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into Common Stock to limited partners or stockholders of the undersigned; provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (b) or (c), (i) each

 

D-1


donee or distributee shall sign and deliver a lock-up letter substantially in the form of this letter and (ii) no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made during the restricted period referred to in the foregoing sentence.

In addition, the undersigned agrees that, without the prior written consent of Stifel Nicolaus on behalf of the Agents, it will not, during the Restricted Period, make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock. The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the undersigned’s shares of Common Stock except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the Restricted Period the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs; or (2) prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the Restricted Period, the restrictions imposed by this agreement shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event. The Company shall promptly notify Stifel Nicolaus of any earnings release, news or event that may give rise to an extension of the initial Restricted Period.

The undersigned shall not engage in any transaction that may be restricted by this agreement during the 34-day period beginning on the last day of the initial Restricted Period unless the undersigned requests and receives prior written confirmation from the Company or Stifel Nicolaus that the restrictions imposed by this agreement have expired.

The undersigned understands that the Company and the Agents are relying upon this agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the Public Offering. The undersigned further understands that this agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

Whether or not the Public Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market conditions. Any Public Offering will only be made pursuant to an Agency Agreement, the terms of which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Agents.

 

Very truly yours,

   

(Name)

 

D-2


SCHEDULE I TO LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

Table of Contents

Exhibit 2

PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION

OF

EAGLE FINANCIAL MHC,

a federal mutual holding company


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

   INTRODUCTION    1

2.

   DEFINITIONS    1

3.

   PROCEDURES FOR CONVERSION    7

4.

   HOLDING COMPANY APPLICATIONS AND APPROVALS    10

5.

   SALE OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES    10

6.

   PURCHASE PRICE AND NUMBER OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES    11

7.

   RETENTION OF CONVERSION PROCEEDS BY THE HOLDING COMPANY    11

8.

   SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (FIRST PRIORITY)    12

9.

   SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEE PLANS (SECOND PRIORITY)    12

10.

   SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (THIRD PRIORITY)    13

11.

   SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF OTHER VOTING MEMBERS (FOURTH PRIORITY)    13

12.

   COMMUNITY OFFERING    14

13.

   SYNDICATED COMMUNITY OFFERING    15

14.

   LIMITATION ON PURCHASES    15

15.

   PAYMENT FOR SUBSCRIPTION SHARES    17

16.

   MANNER OF EXERCISING SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS THROUGH ORDER FORMS    17

17.

   UNDELIVERED, DEFECTIVE OR LATE ORDER FORM; INSUFFICIENT PAYMENT    18

18.

   RESIDENTS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND CERTAIN STATES    19

19.

   ESTABLISHMENT OF LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT    19

20.

   VOTING RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS    20

21.

   RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE OR SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION    20

22.

   REQUIREMENTS FOR STOCK PURCHASES BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOLLOWING THE CONVERSION    21

23.

   TRANSFER OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS    22

24.

   REGISTRATION AND MARKETING    22

25.

   TAX RULINGS OR OPINIONS    22

26.

   STOCK BENEFIT PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS    22

27.

   RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF BANK AND HOLDING COMPANY    23

28.

   PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND REPURCHASE OF STOCK    24

29.

   CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS    24

30.

   CONSUMMATION OF CONVERSION AND EFFECTIVE DATE    25

31.

   EXPENSES OF CONVERSION    25

32.

   AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN    25

33.

   CONDITIONS TO CONVERSION    25

34.

   INTERPRETATION    26

 

(i)


Table of Contents
EXHIBIT A    FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG EAGLE BANCORP, AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK I AND AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
EXHIBIT B    FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG EAGLE FINANCIAL MHC, AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK II AND AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
EXHIBIT C    FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK III, EAGLE BANCORP, AND EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.
EXHIBIT D    CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE HOLDING COMPANY
EXHIBIT E    BYLAWS OF THE HOLDING COMPANY

 

(ii)


Table of Contents

PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION OF

EAGLE FINANCIAL MHC

1. INTRODUCTION

This Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”) provides for the conversion of Eagle Financial MHC, a federal mutual holding company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), into the capital stock form of organization. The Mutual Holding Company currently owns a majority of the common stock of Eagle Bancorp, a federal stock corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”) which, in turn, owns 100% of the common stock of American Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”), a federally-chartered stock savings bank. A new Delaware stock holding company (the “Holding Company”) will be established as part of the Conversion and will succeed to all the rights and obligations of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and issue Holding Company Common Stock in the Conversion. The purpose of the Conversion is to convert the Mutual Holding Company to the capital stock form of organization which will provide the Bank and the Holding Company with additional capital to grow and to respond to changing regulatory and market conditions, and also provide greater flexibility to effect corporate transactions, including, where appropriate, future mergers, acquisitions and branch expansions. The Holding Company Common Stock will be offered in the Offering upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. The subscription rights granted to Participants in the Subscription Offering are set forth in Sections 8 through 11 hereof. All sales of Holding Company Common Stock in the Community Offering, in the Syndicated Community Offering, in the Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering, or in any other manner permitted by the OTS, will be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Holding Company. As part of the Conversion, each Minority Stockholder will receive Holding Company Common Stock in exchange for Minority Shares. The Conversion will have no impact on depositors, borrowers or other customers of the Bank. After the Conversion, the Bank’s insured deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by applicable law.

This Plan has been adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank. This Plan also must be approved by at least (i) a majority of the total number of outstanding votes entitled to be cast by Voting Members at the Special Meeting of Members, (ii) two-thirds of the outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company entitled to be cast at the Meeting of Stockholders, and (iii) a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company entitled to be cast by Minority Stockholders at the Meeting of Stockholders. The OTS must approve this Plan before it is presented to Voting Members and Minority Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company for their approval.

2. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Plan, the following terms have the following meanings:

Account Holder – Any Person holding a Deposit Account in the Bank.


Table of Contents

Acting in Concert – The term Acting in Concert means (i) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or (ii) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise. A person or company which acts in concert with another person or company (“other party”) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and stock held by the plan will be aggregated.

Affiliate – Any Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another Person.

Appraised Value Range – The range of the estimated consolidated pro forma market value of the Holding Company, which shall also be equal to the estimated pro forma market value of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock to be issued in the Conversion, as determined by the Independent Appraiser prior to the Subscription Offering and as it may be amended from time to time thereafter. The maximum and minimum of the Appraised Value Range may vary as much as 15% above and 15% below, respectively, the midpoint of the Appraised Value Range.

Articles of Combination – The Articles of Combination filed with the OTS in connection with the consummation of any merger relating to the Conversion.

Associate – The term Associate when used to indicate a relationship with any person, means (i) any corporation or organization (other than the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank or a majority-owned subsidiary of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Bank) if the person is a senior officer or partner or beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any class of equity securities of the corporation or organization, (ii) any trust or other estate, if the person has a substantial beneficial interest in the trust or estate or is a trustee or fiduciary of the trust or estate except that for the purposes of this Plan relating to subscriptions in the Offering and the sale of Subscription Shares following the Conversion, a person who has a substantial beneficial interest in any Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan or any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, or who is a trustee or fiduciary of such plan, is not an Associate of such plan, and except that, for purposes of aggregating total shares that may be held by Officers and Directors the term “Associate” does not include any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, and (iii) any person who is related by blood or marriage to such person and (A) who lives in the same home as such person or (B) who is a Director or Officer of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank or the Holding Company, or any of their parents or subsidiaries.

Bank – American Federal Savings Bank, Helena, Montana.

Bank Merger – The merger of Interim with the Bank as set forth in this Plan.

 

2


Table of Contents

Code – The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Community – the State of Montana.

Community Offering – The offering for sale to certain members of the general public directly by the Holding Company of Subscription Shares not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering.

Control (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with”) means the director or indirect power to direct or exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise as described in 12 C.F.R. Part 574.

Conversion – The conversion and reorganization of the Mutual Holding Company to stock form pursuant to this Plan, and all steps incident or necessary thereto, including the Offering and the Exchange Offering.

Conversion Stock – The Subscription Shares and the Exchange Shares.

Deposit Account – Any withdrawable account, including, without limitation, savings, time, demand, NOW accounts, money market, certificate and passbook accounts.

Director – A member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Holding Company, or the Mutual Holding Company, as appropriate in the context.

Eligible Account Holder – Any Person holding a Qualifying Deposit on the Eligibility Record Date for purposes of determining subscription rights and establishing subaccount balances in the Liquidation Account.

Eligibility Record Date – The date for determining Qualifying Deposits of Eligible Account Holders of the Bank, and is November 30, 2008.

Employees – All Persons who are employed by the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company or the Mutual Holding Company.

Employee Plans – Any one or more Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans of the Bank or the Holding Company, including any ESOP and 401(k) Plan.

ESOP – The Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan and related trust.

Exchange Offering – The offering of Holding Company Common Stock to Minority Stockholders in exchange for Minority Shares.

Exchange Ratio – The rate at which shares of Holding Company Common Stock are exchanged for Minority Shares upon consummation of the Conversion. The Exchange Ratio shall be determined as of the closing of the Conversion and shall be the rate that will result in the Minority Stockholders owning in the aggregate the same percentage of the outstanding shares of Holding

 

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Company Common Stock immediately upon completion of the Conversion as the percentage of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock owned by them in the aggregate immediately prior to the consummation of the Conversion, except as adjusted for cash in lieu of fractional shares.

Exchange Shares – The shares of Holding Company Common Stock issued to Minority Stockholders in the Exchange Offering.

FDIC – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any successor thereto.

Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering – The offering of Subscription Shares, at the sole discretion of the Holding Company following the Subscription and Community Offerings, involving the sale of Subscription Shares to underwriters at an underwriting discount.

Holding Company – The Delaware corporation formed for the purpose of acquiring all of the shares of capital stock of the Bank in connection with the Conversion. Shares of Holding Company Common Stock will be issued in the Conversion to Participants and others in the Conversion.

Holding Company Common Stock – The common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Holding Company.

Independent Appraiser – The appraiser retained by the Mutual Holding Company, Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank to prepare an appraisal of the pro forma market value of the Holding Company.

Interim – American Federal Savings Bank III, the interim federal stock savings bank subsidiary to be established by the Holding Company to effect the Conversion.

Liquidation Account – The interest in the Bank received by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Account Holders in exchange for their interest in the Mutual Holding Company in connection with the Conversion.

Majority Ownership Interest – A fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of shares of Mid–Tier Holding Company common stock owned by the Mutual Holding Company immediately prior to the completion of the Conversion, and the denominator of which is equal to the total number of shares of Mid–Tier Holding Company common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the Conversion.

Meeting of Stockholders – The special or annual meeting of stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and any adjournments thereof held to consider and vote upon this Plan.

Member – Means any Person qualifying as a member of the Mutual Holding Company in accordance with its charter and bylaws and the laws of the United States.

MHC Merger – The conversion of the Mutual Holding Company into a federal interim stock savings bank and subsequent merger with and into the Bank, which shall occur immediately prior to completion of the Conversion, as set forth in this Plan.

 

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Mid-Tier Holding Company – Eagle Bancorp, the federal corporation that owns 100% of the Bank’s common stock and any successor thereto.

Mid-Tier Merger – The conversion of the Mid-Tier Holding Company into an interim stock savings bank and subsequent merger with and into the Bank, which shall occur immediately prior to completion of the Conversion, as set forth in this Plan.

Minority Shares – Any outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, or shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company issuable upon the exercise of options or grant of stock awards, owned by persons other than the Mutual Holding Company.

Minority Stockholder – Any owner of Minority Shares.

Mutual Holding Company – Eagle Financial MHC, the mutual holding company of the Mid-Tier Holding Company.

Offering – The offering and issuance, pursuant to this Plan, of Holding Company Common Stock in a Subscription Offering, Community Offering, Syndicated Community Offering and/or Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering, as the case may be. The term “Offering” does not include Holding Company Common Stock issued in the Exchange Offering.

Offering Range – The range of the number of shares of Holding Company Stock offered for sale in the Offering multiplied by the Subscription Price. The Offering Range shall be equal to the Appraised Value Range multiplied by the Majority Ownership Interest. The maximum and minimum of the Offering Range may vary as much as 15% above and 15% below, respectively, the midpoint of the Offering Range.

Officer – The term Officer means the president, any vice-president (but not an assistant vice-president, second vice-president, or other vice president having authority similar to an assistant or second vice-president), the secretary, the treasurer, the comptroller, and any other person performing similar functions with respect to any organization whether incorporated or unincorporated. The term Officer also includes the chairman of the Board of Directors if the chairman is authorized by the charter or bylaws of the organization to participate in its operating management or if the chairman in fact participates in such management.

Order Form – Any form (together with any cover letter and acknowledgments) sent to any Participant or Person containing among other things a description of the alternatives available to such Person under the Plan and by which any such Person may make elections regarding subscriptions for Subscription Shares.

Other Voting Member – A Voting Member who is not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder.

OTS – The Office of Thrift Supervision, an office of the Department of Treasury of the United States.

Participant – Any Eligible Account Holder, Employee Plan, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder or Other Voting Member.

 

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Person – An individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint-stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization, or a government or political subdivision of a government.

Plan – This Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of the Mutual Holding Company as it exists on the date hereof and as it may hereafter be amended in accordance with its terms.

Prospectus – The one or more documents used in offering the Conversion Stock.

Qualifying Deposit – The aggregate balance of all Deposit Accounts in the Bank of (i) an Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on the Eligibility Record Date, provided such aggregate balance is not less than $50, and (ii) a Supplemental Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, provided such aggregate balance is not less than $50.

Resident – Any Person who occupies a dwelling within the Community, has a present intent to remain within the Community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the Community together with an indication that such presence within the Community is something other than merely transitory in nature. To the extent the Person is a corporation or other business entity, the principal place of business or headquarters shall be in the Community. To the extent a Person is a personal benefit plan, the circumstances of the beneficiary shall apply with respect to this definition. In the case of all other benefit plans, circumstances of the trustee shall be examined for purposes of this definition. The Mutual Holding Company and the Bank may utilize deposit or loan records or such other evidence provided to it to make a determination as to whether a Person is a resident. In all cases, however, such a determination shall be in the sole discretion of the Mutual Holding Company and the Bank. A Person must be a “Resident” for purposes of determining whether such Person “resides” in the Community as such term is used in this Plan.

SEC – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Special Meeting of Members – The special or annual meeting of Voting Members and any adjournments thereof held to consider and vote upon this Plan.

Subscription Offering – The offering of Subscription Shares to Participants.

Subscription Price – The price per Subscription Share to be paid by Participants and others in the Offering. The Subscription Price will be determined by the Board of Directors of the Holding Company and fixed prior to the commencement of the Subscription Offering.

Subscription Shares – Shares of Holding Company Common Stock offered for sale in the Offering. Subscription Shares do not include shares of Holding Company Common Stock issued in exchange for Minority Shares in the Exchange Offering.

Supplemental Eligible Account Holder – Any Person, other than Directors and Officers of the Mutual Holding Company, the Bank and the Mid-Tier Holding Company (unless the OTS grants a waiver permitting a Director or Officer to be included) and their Associates, holding a Qualifying Deposit on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, who is not an Eligible Account Holder.

 

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Supplemental Eligibility Record Date – The date for determining Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, which shall be the last day of the calendar quarter preceding OTS approval of the application for conversion. The Supplemental Eligibility Record Date will only occur if the OTS has not approved the Conversion within 15 months after the Eligibility Record Date.

Syndicated Community Offering – The offering of Subscription Shares, at the sole discretion of the Holding Company, following the Subscription and Community Offerings through a syndicate of broker-dealers.

Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan – Any defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan, such as an employee stock ownership plan, stock bonus plan, profit-sharing plan or other plan, which, with its related trust, meets the requirements to be “qualified” under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Bank may make scheduled discretionary contributions to a tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan, provided such contributions do not cause the Bank to fail to meet its regulatory capital requirements. A “Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan” is any defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan which is not so qualified.

Voting Member Any Member who, at the Voting Record Date, is entitled to vote as a Member of the Mutual Holding Company in accordance with its charter and bylaws.

Voting Record Date – The date fixed by the Directors for determining eligibility to vote at the Special Meeting of Members and/or the Meeting of Stockholders.

3. PROCEDURES FOR CONVERSION

A. After approval of the Plan by the Boards of Directors of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company, the Plan together with all other requisite material shall be submitted to the OTS for approval. Notice of the adoption of the Plan by the Boards of Directors of the Bank, the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company will be published in a newspaper having general circulation in each community in which an office of the Bank is located, and copies of the Plan will be made available at each office of the Bank for inspection by depositors. The Mutual Holding Company will publish a notice of the filing with the OTS of an application to convert in accordance with the provisions of the Plan as well as notices required in connection with any holding company, merger or other applications required to complete the Conversion.

B. Promptly following approval by the OTS, the Plan will be submitted to votes of the Voting Members at the Special Meeting of Members and of the Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company at the Meeting of Stockholders. The Mutual Holding Company will mail to all Voting Members, at their last known address appearing on the records of the Bank as of the Voting Record Date, a proxy statement in either long or summary form describing the Plan, which will be submitted to a vote of Voting Members at the Special Meeting of Members. The Mid-Tier Holding Company will mail to all Stockholders a proxy statement describing the Plan, which will be submitted to a vote of Stockholders (including Minority Stockholders) at the Meeting of Stockholders. The

 

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Holding Company also will mail to all Participants a Prospectus and Order Form for the purchase of Subscription Shares. In addition, all Voting Members will receive, or be given the opportunity to request by either telephone or by letter addressed to the Bank’s Secretary, a copy of the Plan as well as the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Holding Company. The Plan must be approved by at least (i) a majority of the total number of votes entitled to be cast by Voting Members at the Special Meeting of Members, (ii) two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company entitled to be cast at the Meeting of Stockholders, and (iii) a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company entitled to be cast by Minority Stockholders at the Meeting of Stockholders. Upon such approval of the Plan, the Mutual Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank will take all other necessary steps pursuant to applicable laws and regulations to consummate the Conversion. The Conversion must be completed within 24 months of the approval of the Plan by Voting Members, unless a longer time period is permitted by governing laws and regulations.

C. The period for the Subscription Offering will be not less than 20 days nor more than 45 days, unless extended. Any shares of Common Stock for which subscriptions have not been received in the Subscription Offering may be issued in a Community Offering, a Syndicated Community Offering, a Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering or in any other manner permitted by the OTS. All sales of shares of Holding Company Common Stock must be completed within 45 days after the last day of the Subscription Offering, unless the offering period is extended by the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company with the approval of the OTS.

D. The Conversion will be effected as follows, or in any other manner that is consistent with the purposes of this Plan and applicable laws and regulations. The choice of which method to use to effect the Conversion will be made by the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company immediately prior to the closing of the Conversion. Each of the steps set forth below shall be deemed to occur in such order as is necessary to consummate the Conversion pursuant to the Plan, the intent of the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank, and applicable federal and state regulations and policy. Approval of the Plan by Voting Members and Minority Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company also shall constitute approval of each of the transactions necessary to implement the Plan.

 

  (1) The Bank will establish the Holding Company as a first-tier Delaware-chartered stock holding company subsidiary.

 

  (2) The Holding Company will charter Interim.

 

  (3) The Mid-Tier Holding Company will convert to an interim stock savings bank and merge with and into the Bank (the “Mid-Tier Merger”) with the Bank as the resulting entity pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Combination attached hereto as Exhibit A between the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank, whereby the Mutual Holding Company will receive, and the Minority Stockholders will constructively receive, shares of Bank common stock in exchange for their Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock.

 

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  (4) Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger, the Mutual Holding Company will convert to an interim stock savings bank and will merge with and into the Bank (the “MHC Merger”) with the Bank as the resulting entity pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Combination attached hereto as Exhibit B between the Mutual Holding Company and the Bank, whereby the shares of Bank common stock held by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled and each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder will receive an interest in a Liquidation Account of the Bank in exchange for such person’s interest in the Mutual Holding Company.

 

  (5) Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger and the MHC Merger, Interim will merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving entity (the “Bank Merger”) pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Combination between the Bank and Interim attached hereto as Exhibit C, whereby the Bank will become the subsidiary of the Holding Company. The constructive stockholders of the Bank (i.e., Minority Stockholders immediately prior to the Conversion) will exchange the shares of Bank common stock that they constructively received in the Mid-Tier Merger for Holding Company Common Stock.

 

  (6) Contemporaneously with the Bank Merger, the Holding Company will offer for sale its Common Stock in the Offering.

E. As part of the Conversion, each of the Minority Shares shall automatically, without further action of the holder thereof, be converted into and become the right to receive Holding Company Common Stock based upon the Exchange Ratio. The basis for exchange of Minority Shares for Holding Company Common Stock shall be fair and reasonable.

F. The Holding Company shall register the Conversion Stock with the SEC and any appropriate state securities authorities. In addition, the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall prepare preliminary proxy materials as well as other applications and information for review by the SEC in connection with the solicitation of Minority Stockholder approval of the Plan.

G. All assets, rights, interests, privileges, powers, franchises and property (real, personal and mixed) of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company shall be automatically transferred to and vested in the Holding Company by virtue of the Conversion without any deed or other document of transfer. The Holding Company, without any order or action on the part of any court or otherwise and without any documents of assumption or assignment, shall hold and enjoy all of the properties, franchises and interests, including appointments, powers, designations, nominations and all other rights and interests as the agent or other fiduciary in the same manner and to the same extent as such rights, franchises, and interests and powers were held or enjoyed by the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company. The Holding Company shall be responsible for all of the liabilities, restrictions and duties of every kind and description of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company immediately prior to the Conversion, including liabilities for all debts, obligations and contracts of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company, matured or unmatured, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether or not reflected or reserved against on balance sheets, books of accounts or records of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company.

 

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H. The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Holding Company shall read in the form of Exhibit D and Exhibit E, respectively.

I. The home office and branch office of the Bank shall be unaffected by the Conversion. The executive offices of the Holding Company shall be located at the current offices of the Mutual Holding Company and Mid-Tier Holding Company.

4. HOLDING COMPANY APPLICATIONS AND APPROVALS

The Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank will take all necessary steps to convert the Mutual Holding Company to stock form, form the Holding Company and complete the Offering. The Mutual Holding Company, Mid-Tier Holding Company, Bank and Holding Company shall make timely applications to the OTS and filings with the SEC for any requisite regulatory approvals to complete the Conversion.

5. SALE OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES

The Subscription Shares will be offered simultaneously in the Subscription Offering to the Participants in the respective priorities set forth in this Plan. The Subscription Offering may begin as early as the mailing of the proxy statement for the Special Meeting of Members. The Holding Company Common Stock will not be insured by the FDIC.

Any shares of Holding Company Common Stock for which subscriptions have not been received in the Subscription Offering may be issued in the Community Offering, subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. The Community Offering, if any, will involve an offering of all unsubscribed shares directly to the general public with a preference to those natural persons residing in the Community. The Community Offering may begin simultaneously or later than the Subscription Offering. The offer and sale of Holding Company Common Stock prior to the Special Meeting of Members, however, is subject to the approval of the Plan by Voting Members and Minority Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company.

If feasible, any shares of Holding Company Common Stock remaining after the Subscription Offering period, and the Community Offering period, should one be conducted, may be sold in a Syndicated Community Offering, a Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering or in any manner approved by the OTS that will achieve a widespread distribution of the Holding Company Common Stock. The Syndicated Community Offering or Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering may be conducted in addition to, or instead of, a Community Offering. The issuance of Holding Company Common Stock in the Subscription Offering and any Community Offering will be consummated simultaneously on the date the sale of Holding Company Common Stock in the Syndicated Community Offering or Firm Commitment Underwritten Offering is consummated and only if the required minimum number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock has been issued.

 

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6. PURCHASE PRICE AND NUMBER OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES

The total number of shares of Conversion Stock to be offered in the Conversion will be determined jointly by the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company immediately prior to the commencement of the Subscription Offering, and will be based on the Appraised Value Range and the Subscription Price. The Offering Range will be equal to the Appraised Value Range multiplied by the Majority Ownership Interest. The estimated pro forma consolidated market value of the Holding Company will be subject to adjustment within the Appraised Value Range if necessitated by market or financial conditions, with the receipt of any required approvals of the OTS, and the maximum of the Appraised Value Range may be increased by up to 15% subsequent to the commencement of the Subscription Offering to reflect changes in market and financial conditions or demand for the shares. The number of shares of Conversion Stock issued in the Conversion will be equal to the estimated pro forma consolidated market value of the Holding Company, as may be amended, divided by the Subscription Price, and the number of Subscription Shares issued in the Offering will be equal to the product of (i) the estimated pro forma consolidated market value of the Holding Company, as may be amended, divided by the Subscription Price, and (ii) the Majority Ownership Interest.

In the event that the Subscription Price multiplied by the number of shares of Conversion Stock to be issued in the Conversion is below the minimum of the Appraised Value Range, or materially above the maximum of the Appraised Value Range, a resolicitation of purchasers may be required, provided that up to a 15% increase above the maximum of the Appraised Value Range will not be deemed material so as to require a resolicitation. Any such resolicitation shall be effected in such manner and within such time as the Mutual Holding Company, Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank shall establish, if all required regulatory approvals are obtained.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares of Conversion Stock will not be issued unless, prior to the consummation of the Conversion, the Independent Appraiser confirms to the Bank, the Mutual Holding Company, the Holding Company, and the OTS, that, to the best knowledge of the Independent Appraiser, nothing of a material nature has occurred which, taking into account all relevant factors, would cause the Independent Appraiser to conclude that the number of shares of Conversion Stock issued in the Conversion multiplied by the Subscription Price is incompatible with its estimate of the aggregate consolidated pro forma market value of the Holding Company. If such confirmation is not received, the Holding Company may cancel the Offering and the Exchange Offering and, if it chooses, hold a new Offering and Exchange Offering, extend the Offering and establish a new Subscription Price and/or Appraised Value Range, or take such other action as the OTS may permit. The Holding Company Common Stock to be issued in the Conversion shall be fully paid and nonassessable.

7. RETENTION OF CONVERSION PROCEEDS BY THE HOLDING COMPANY

The Holding Company may retain up to 50% of the net proceeds of the Offering. The Holding Company believes that the Offering proceeds will provide economic strength to the Holding Company and the Bank for the future in a highly competitive and regulated financial services environment and would facilitate the continued expansion through increased lending, acquisitions of

 

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financial service organizations, continued diversification into other related businesses and for other business and investment purposes, including the possible payment of dividends and possible future repurchases of the Holding Company Common Stock as permitted by applicable federal and state regulations and policy.

8. SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (FIRST PRIORITY)

A. Each Eligible Account Holder shall have nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for in the Subscription Offering up to the greater of the maximum purchase limitation, i.e. 25,000 shares of Holding Company Common Stock, 0.10% of the total number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock issued in the Offering, or fifteen times the product (rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the number of Subscription Shares offered in the Offering by a fraction of which the numerator is the amount of the Eligible Account Holder’s Qualifying Deposit and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders, in each case on the Eligibility Record Date, subject to the provisions of Section 14, “Limitation on Purchases.”

B. In the event that Eligible Account Holders exercise subscription rights for a number of Subscription Shares in excess of the total number of such shares eligible for subscription, the Subscription Shares shall be allocated among the subscribing Eligible Account Holders so as to permit each subscribing Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation of Subscription Shares equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which such Eligible Account Holder has subscribed. Any remaining shares will be allocated among the subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied in the proportion that the amount of the Qualifying Deposit of each Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unsatisfied bears to the total amount of the Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied. If the amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated (one or more times as necessary) among those Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are still not fully satisfied on the same principle until all available shares have been allocated.

C. Subscription rights as Eligible Account Holders received by Directors and Officers and their Associates that are based on deposits made by such persons during the 12 months preceding the Eligibility Record Date shall be subordinated to the subscription rights of all other Eligible Account Holders, except as permitted by the OTS.

9. SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEE PLANS (SECOND PRIORITY)

The Employee Plans of the Holding Company and the Bank shall have subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the Subscription Shares issued in the Offering, including any Subscription Shares to be issued as a result of an increase in the maximum of the Offering Range after commencement of the Subscription Offering and prior to completion of the Conversion. Consistent with applicable laws and regulations and practices and policies, the Employee Plans may use funds contributed by the

 

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Holding Company or the Bank and/or borrowed from an independent financial institution to exercise such subscription rights, and the Holding Company and the Bank may make scheduled discretionary contributions thereto, provided that such contributions do not cause the Holding Company or the Bank to fail to meet any applicable regulatory capital requirements. The Employee Plans shall not be deemed to be Associates or Affiliates of or Persons Acting in Concert with any Director or Officer of the Holding Company or the Bank. Alternatively, if permitted by the OTS, the Employee Plans may purchase all or a portion of such shares in the open market.

10. SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (THIRD PRIORITY)

A. Each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall have nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for in the Subscription Offering up to the greater of 25,000 shares of Holding Company Common Stock, 0.10% of the total number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock issued in the Offering, or fifteen times the product (rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the number of Subscription Shares offered in the Offering by a fraction of which the numerator is the amount of the Supplemental Eligible Account Holder’s Qualifying Deposit and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, in each case on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, subject to the availability of sufficient shares after filling in full all subscription orders of the Eligible Account Holders and Employee Plans and to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14, “Limitation on Purchases.”

B. In the event that Supplemental Eligible Account Holders exercise subscription rights for a number of Subscription Shares in excess of the total number of such shares eligible for subscription, the Subscription Shares shall be allocated among the subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders so as to permit each such subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation of Subscription Shares equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which each such Supplemental Eligible Account Holder has subscribed. Any remaining shares will be allocated among the subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied in the proportion that the amount of the Qualifying Deposit of each such Supplemental Eligible Account Holder bears to the total amount of the Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied. If the amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated (one or more times as necessary) among those Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are still not fully satisfied on the same principle until all available shares have been allocated.

11. SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF OTHER VOTING MEMBERS (FOURTH PRIORITY)

A. Each Other Voting Member shall have nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for in the Subscription Offering up to the greater of 25,000 shares of Holding Company Common Stock or 0.10% of the total number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock issued in the Offering, subject to the availability of sufficient shares after filling in full all subscription orders of Eligible Account Holders, Employee Plans and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and subject to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14, “Limitation on Purchases.”

 

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B. In the event that such Other Voting Members subscribe for a number of Subscription Shares which, when added to the Subscription Shares subscribed for by the Eligible Account Holders, Employee Plans and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, is in excess of the total number of Subscription Shares to be issued, the available shares will be allocated to Other Voting Members so as to permit each such subscribing Other Voting Member, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation of Subscription Shares equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which each such Other Voting Member has subscribed. Any remaining shares will be allocated among the subscribing Other Voting Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied in the proportion that the amount of the subscription of each such Other Voting Member bears to the total amount of the subscriptions of all Other Voting Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied.

12. COMMUNITY OFFERING

If subscriptions are not received for all Subscription Shares offered for sale in the Subscription Offering, shares for which subscriptions have not been received may be issued for sale in the Community Offering through a direct community marketing program which may use a broker, dealer, consultant or investment banking firm experienced and expert in the sale of savings institutions securities. Such entities may be compensated on a fixed fee basis or on a commission basis, or a combination thereof. In the event orders for Holding Company Common Stock in the Community Offering exceed the number of shares available for sale, shares may be allocated (to the extent shares remain available) first to cover orders of natural persons residing in the Community, next to cover orders of Minority Stockholders as of the Voting Record Date, and thereafter to cover orders of other members of the general public. In the event orders for Holding Company Common Stock exceed the number of shares available for sale in a category pursuant to the distribution priorities described above, shares will be allocated within the category so that each member of that category will receive the lesser of 100 shares or their ordered amount and thereafter, remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order. In connection with the allocation process, orders received for Holding Company Common Stock in the Community Offering will first be filled up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the shares sold in the Offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order. The Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company shall use their best efforts consistent with this Plan to distribute Holding Company Common Stock sold in the Community Offering in such a manner as to promote the widest distribution practicable of such stock. The Holding Company reserves the right to reject any or all orders, in whole or in part, that are received in the Community Offering. Any Person may purchase up to 25,000 shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Community Offering, subject to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14, “Limitation on Purchases.”

 

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13. SYNDICATED COMMUNITY OFFERING

If feasible, the Board of Directors may determine to offer Subscription Shares not issued in the Subscription Offering or the Community Offering, if any, in a Syndicated Community Offering, subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as may be determined by the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company, in a manner that will achieve the widest distribution of Holding Company Common Stock, subject to the right of the Holding Company to accept or reject in whole or in part any orders in the Syndicated Community Offering. In the Syndicated Community Offering, any Person may purchase up to 25,000 shares of Holding Company Common Stock, subject to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14, “Limitation on Purchases.” In addition, unless waived by the OTS, orders received for Holding Company Common Stock in the Community Offering will first be filled up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the shares sold in the Offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order.

Provided that the Subscription Offering has begun, the Holding Company may begin the Syndicated Community Offering at any time.

If for any reason a Syndicated Community Offering of shares of Holding Company Common Stock not sold in the Subscription Offering or Community Offerings cannot be effected, or in the event that any insignificant residue of shares of Holding Company Common Stock is not sold in the Subscription Offering or Community Offerings or in the Syndicated Community Offering, if possible the Holding Company will make other arrangements for the disposition of unsubscribed shares aggregating at least the minimum of the Offering Range. Such other purchase arrangements will be subject to receipt of any required approval of the OTS.

14. LIMITATION ON PURCHASES

The following limitations shall apply to all purchases and issuances of shares of Conversion Stock:

A. The maximum number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock that may be subscribed for or purchased in all categories in the Offering by any Person or Participant, together with any Associate or group of Persons Acting in Concert, shall not exceed 50,000 shares of the Holding Company Common Stock, except that the Employee Plans may subscribe for up to 10% of the Holding Company Common Stock issued in the Offering (including shares issued in the event of an increase in the maximum of the Offering Range of 15%).

B. The maximum number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock which may be issued to or purchased in all categories of the Offering by Officers and Directors and their Associates in the aggregate, when combined with Exchange Shares received by such persons, shall not exceed 29% of the shares of Holding Company Common Stock issued in the Conversion.

C. A minimum of 25 shares of Holding Company Common Stock must be purchased by each Person or Participant purchasing shares in the Offering to the extent those shares are available; provided, however , that in the event the minimum number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock purchased times the Subscription Price exceeds $500, then such minimum purchase requirement shall be reduced to such number of shares which when multiplied by the price per share shall not exceed $500, as determined by the Board.

 

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D. If the number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock otherwise allocable pursuant to Sections 8 through 13, inclusive, to any Person or that Person’s Associates would be in excess of the maximum number of shares permitted as set forth above, the number of shares of Common Stock allocated to each such person shall be reduced to the lowest limitation applicable to that Person, and then the number of shares allocated to each group consisting of a Person and that Person’s Associates shall be reduced so that the aggregate allocation to that Person and his or her Associates complies with the above limits.

Depending upon market or financial conditions, the Boards of Directors of the Holding Company, the Mutual Holding Company and the Bank, with the receipt of any required approvals of the OTS and without further approval of Voting Members, may decrease or increase the purchase limitations in this Plan, provided that the maximum purchase limitations may not be increased to a percentage in excess of 5% of the shares issued in the Offering except as provided below. If the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company increase the maximum purchase limitations, the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company are only required to resolicit Persons who subscribed for the maximum purchase amount in the Subscription Offering and may, in the sole discretion of the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company, resolicit certain other large subscribers. Such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, provided that orders for Holding Company Common Stock exceeding 5% of the shares of Holding Company Common Stock issued in the Offering shall not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total shares of Holding Company Common Stock issued in the Offering. Requests to purchase additional shares of the Holding Company Common Stock in the event that the purchase limitation is so increased will be determined by the Boards of Directors of the Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company in their sole discretion.

In the event of an increase in the total number of shares offered in the Offering due to an increase in the maximum of the Offering Range of up to 15% (the “Adjusted Maximum”), the additional shares may be used to fill the Employee Plans orders before all other orders and then will be allocated in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Plan.

For purposes of this Section 14, (i) Directors, Officers and Employees of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company or any of their subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Associates or a group affiliated with each other or otherwise Acting in Concert solely as a result of their capacities as such, (ii) shares purchased by Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans shall not be attributable to the individual trustees or beneficiaries of any such plan for purposes of determining compliance with the limitations set forth in paragraphs A. and B. of this Section 14, and (iii) shares purchased by a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan pursuant to instructions of an individual in an account in such plan in which the individual has the right to direct the investment, including any plan of the Bank qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall be aggregated and included in that individual’s purchases and not attributed to the Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan.

Each Person purchasing Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering shall be deemed to confirm that such purchase does not conflict with the above purchase limitations contained in this Plan.

 

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15. PAYMENT FOR SUBSCRIPTION SHARES

All payments for Holding Company Common Stock subscribed for in the Subscription Offering and Community Offering must be delivered in full to the Bank or Holding Company, together with a properly completed and executed Order Form, on or prior to the expiration date of the Offering; provided, however , that if the Employee Plans subscribe for shares in the Subscription Offering, such plans will not be required to pay for the shares at the time they subscribe but rather may pay for such shares of Holding Company Common Stock subscribed for by such plans at the Subscription Price upon consummation of the Conversion. Subscription funds will be held in a segregated account at the Bank or, at the discretion of the Mutual Holding Company, at another insured depository institution.

Payment for Holding Company Common Stock subscribed for shall be made by check, money order or bank draft. Alternatively, subscribers in the Subscription and Community Offerings may pay for the shares for which they have subscribed by authorizing the Bank on the Order Form to make a withdrawal from the designated types of Deposit Accounts at the Bank in an amount equal to the aggregate Subscription Price of such shares. Such authorized withdrawal shall be without penalty as to premature withdrawal. If the authorized withdrawal is from a certificate account, and the remaining balance does not meet the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate shall be canceled at the time of withdrawal, without penalty, and the remaining balance will earn interest at the passbook rate. Funds for which a withdrawal is authorized will remain in the subscriber’s Deposit Account but may not be used by the subscriber during the Subscription and Community Offerings. Thereafter, the withdrawal will be given effect only to the extent necessary to satisfy the subscription (to the extent it can be filled) at the Subscription Price per share. Interest will continue to be earned on any amounts authorized for withdrawal until such withdrawal is given effect. Interest on funds received by check or money order will be paid by the Bank at not less than the passbook rate. Such interest will be paid from the date payment is processed by the Bank until consummation or termination of the Offering. If for any reason the Offering is not consummated, all payments made by subscribers in the Subscription and Community Offerings will be refunded to them, with interest. In case of amounts authorized for withdrawal from Deposit Accounts, refunds will be made by canceling the authorization for withdrawal. The Bank is prohibited by regulation from knowingly making any loans or granting any lines of credit for the purchase of stock in the Offering, and therefore, will not do so.

16. MANNER OF EXERCISING SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS THROUGH ORDER FORMS

As soon as practicable after the registration statement prepared by the Holding Company has been declared effective by the SEC and the stock offering materials have been approved by the OTS, Order Forms will be distributed to the Eligible Account Holders, Employee Plans, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Voting Members at their last known addresses appearing on the records of the Bank for the purpose of subscribing for shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Subscription Offering and will be made available for use by those Persons to whom a Prospectus is delivered.

 

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Each Order Form will be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus describing the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company, the Bank, the Holding Company Common Stock and the Offering. Each Order Form will contain, among other things, the following:

A. A specified date by which all Order Forms must be received by the Mutual Holding Company or the Holding Company, which date shall be not less than 20 days, nor more than 45 days, following the date on which the Order Forms are mailed by the Mutual Holding Company or the Holding Company, and which date will constitute the termination of the Subscription Offering unless extended;

B. The Subscription Price per share for shares of Holding Company Common Stock to be sold in the Offering;

C. A description of the minimum and maximum number of Subscription Shares which may be subscribed for pursuant to the exercise of subscription rights or otherwise purchased in the Subscription and Community Offering;

D. Instructions as to how the recipient of the Order Form is to indicate thereon the number of Subscription Shares for which such person elects to subscribe and the available alternative methods of payment therefor;

E. An acknowledgment that the recipient of the Order Form has received a final copy of the Prospectus prior to execution of the Order Form;

F. A statement to the effect that all subscription rights are nontransferable, will be void at the end of the Subscription Offering, and can only be exercised by delivering to the Mutual Holding Company or the Holding Company within the subscription period such properly completed and executed Order Form, together with payment in the full amount of the aggregate purchase price as specified in the Order Form for the shares of Holding Company Common Stock for which the recipient elects to subscribe in the Subscription Offering (or by authorizing on the Order Form that the Bank withdraw said amount from the subscriber’s Deposit Account at the Bank); and

G. A statement to the effect that the executed Order Form, once received by the Mutual Holding Company or the Holding Company, may not be modified or amended by the subscriber without the consent of the Holding Company.

Notwithstanding the above, the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept or reject orders received on photocopied or facsimiled order forms.

17. UNDELIVERED, DEFECTIVE OR LATE ORDER FORM; INSUFFICIENT PAYMENT

In the event Order Forms (a) are not delivered or are not timely delivered by the United States Postal Service, (b) are defectively filled out or executed, (c) are not accompanied by the full required payment, unless waived by the Holding Company, for the shares of Holding Company Common Stock subscribed for (including cases in which deposit accounts from which withdrawals are authorized are insufficient to cover the amount of the required payment), or (d) are not mailed pursuant to a “no mail” order placed in

 

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effect by the account holder, the subscription rights of the Person to whom such rights have been granted will lapse as though such Person failed to return the completed Order Form within the time period specified thereon; provided, however , that the Holding Company may, but will not be required to, waive any immaterial irregularity on any Order Form or require the submission of corrected Order Forms or the remittance of full payment for subscribed shares by such date as the Holding Company may specify. The interpretation of the Holding Company of terms and conditions of this Plan and of the Order Forms will be final, subject to the authority of the OTS.

18. RESIDENTS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND CERTAIN STATES

The Holding Company will make reasonable efforts to comply with the securities laws of all states in the United States in which Persons entitled to subscribe for shares of Holding Company Common Stock pursuant to this Plan reside. However, no such Person will be issued subscription rights or be permitted to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Subscription Offering if such Person resides in a foreign country; or in a state of the United States with respect to which any of the following apply: (a) a small number of Persons otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under the Plan reside in such state; (b) the issuance of subscription rights or the offer or sale of shares of Holding Company Common Stock to such Persons would require the Holding Company under the securities laws of such state, to register as a broker, dealer, salesman or agent or to register or otherwise qualify its securities for sale in such state; or (c) such registration or qualification would be impracticable for reasons of cost or otherwise.

19. ESTABLISHMENT OF LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT

The Bank shall establish at the time of the Conversion, a Liquidation Account in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Majority Ownership Interest and (ii) the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s total stockholders’ equity as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus used in the Conversion. Following the Conversion, the Liquidation Account will be maintained by the Bank for the benefit of the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their Deposit Accounts at the Bank. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall, with respect to his Deposit Account, hold a related inchoate interest in a portion of the Liquidation Account balance, in relation to his Deposit Account balance at the Eligibility Record Date or Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, respectively, or to such balance as it may be subsequently reduced, as hereinafter provided.

In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of the Bank (and only in such event) following all liquidation payments to creditors (including those to Account Holders to the extent of their Deposit Accounts), each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall be entitled to receive a liquidating distribution from the Liquidation Account, in the amount of the then adjusted subaccount balance for his Deposit Account then held, before any liquidation distribution may be made to any holders of the Bank’s capital stock. No merger, consolidation, purchase of bulk assets with assumption of Deposit Accounts and other liabilities, or similar transactions with an FDIC-insured institution, in which the Bank is not the surviving institution, shall be deemed to be a complete liquidation for this purpose. In such transactions, the Liquidation Account shall be assumed by the surviving institution.

 

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The initial subaccount balance for a Deposit Account held by an Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall be determined by multiplying the opening balance in the Liquidation Account by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of such Account Holder and the denominator of which is the total amount of all Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Account Holders. For Deposit Accounts in existence at both the Eligibility Record Date and the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, separate initial subaccount balances shall be determined on the basis of the Qualifying Deposits in such Deposit Account on each such record date. Such initial subaccount balance shall not be increased, but shall be subject to downward adjustment as described below.

If, at the close of business on any annual closing date, commencing on or after the effective date of the Conversion, the deposit balance in the Deposit Account of an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder is less than the lesser of (i) the balance in the Deposit Account at the close of business on any other annual closing date subsequent to the Eligibility Record Date or Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, or (ii) the amount of the Qualifying Deposit in such Deposit Account as of the Eligibility Record Date or Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, the subaccount balance for such Deposit Account shall be adjusted by reducing such subaccount balance in an amount proportionate to the reduction in such deposit balance. In the event of such downward adjustment, the subaccount balance shall not be subsequently increased, notwithstanding any subsequent increase in the deposit balance of the related Deposit Account. If any such Deposit Account is closed, the related subaccount shall be reduced to zero.

The creation and maintenance of the Liquidation Account shall not operate to restrict the use or application of any of the equity accounts of the Bank, except that the Bank shall not declare or pay a cash dividend on, or repurchase any of, its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause its equity to be reduced below (i) the amount required for the Liquidation Account; or (ii) the regulatory capital requirements of the Bank.

20. VOTING RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Following consummation of the Conversion, the holders of the voting capital stock of the Holding Company shall have the exclusive voting rights with respect to the Holding Company and the Holding Company exclusively shall hold and exercise voting rights as the holder of 100% of the Bank’s voting common stock.

21. RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE OR SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION

A. All Subscription Shares purchased by Directors or Officers of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company or the Bank in the Offering shall be subject to the restriction that, except as provided in this Section or as may be approved by the OTS, no interest in such shares may be sold or otherwise disposed of for value for a period of one year following the date of purchase in the Offering.

 

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B. The restriction on disposition of Subscription Shares set forth above in this Section shall not apply to the following:

 

  (1) Any exchange of such shares in connection with a merger or acquisition involving the Bank or the Holding Company, as the case may be, which has been approved by the appropriate federal regulatory agency; and

 

  (2) Any disposition of such shares following the death of the person to whom such shares were initially sold under the terms of the Plan.

C. With respect to all Subscription Shares subject to restrictions on resale or subsequent disposition, each of the following provisions shall apply:

 

  (1) Each certificate representing shares restricted by this section shall bear a legend prominently stamped on its face giving notice of the restriction;

 

  (2) Instructions shall be issued to the stock transfer agent for the Holding Company not to recognize or effect any transfer of any certificate or record of ownership of any such shares in violation of the restriction on transfer; and

 

  (3) Any shares of capital stock of the Holding Company issued with respect to a stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise with respect to ownership of outstanding Subscription Shares subject to the restriction on transfer hereunder shall be subject to the same restriction as is applicable to such Subscription Shares.

22. REQUIREMENTS FOR STOCK PURCHASES BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOLLOWING THE CONVERSION

For a period of three years following the Conversion, no Officer, Director or their Associates shall purchase, without the prior written approval of the OTS, any outstanding shares of Holding Company Common Stock except from a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. This provision shall not apply to negotiated transactions involving more than 1% of the outstanding shares of Holding Company Common Stock, the exercise of any options pursuant to a stock option plan or purchases of Holding Company Common Stock made by or held by any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan or Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan of the Bank or the Holding Company (including the Employee Plans) which may be attributable to any Officer or Director. As used herein, the term “negotiated transaction” means a transaction in which the securities are offered and the terms and arrangements relating to any sale are arrived at through direct communications between the seller or any person acting on its behalf and the purchaser or his investment representative. The term “investment representative” shall mean a professional investment advisor acting as agent for the purchaser and independent of the seller and not acting on behalf of the seller in connection with the transaction.

 

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23. TRANSFER OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS

Each person holding a Deposit Account at the Bank at the time of Conversion shall retain an identical Deposit Account at the Bank following Conversion in the same amount and subject to the same terms and conditions (except as to voting and liquidation rights) applicable to such deposit account in the Bank immediately preceding consummation of the conversion.

24. REGISTRATION AND MARKETING

Within the time period required by applicable laws and regulations, the Holding Company will register the securities issued in connection with the Conversion pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will not deregister such securities for a period of at least three years thereafter, except that the maintenance of registration for three years requirement may be fulfilled by any successor to the Holding Company. In addition, the Holding Company will use its best efforts to encourage and assist a market-maker to establish and maintain a market for the Conversion Stock and to list those securities on a national or regional securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market.

25. TAX RULINGS OR OPINIONS

Consummation of the Conversion is expressly conditioned upon prior receipt by the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank of either a ruling of the United States Internal Revenue Service, or an opinion of counsel with respect to federal tax laws, and either a ruling of an applicable state taxing authority, an opinion of counsel, or a letter of advice from their tax advisor with respect to applicable state tax laws, to the effect that consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Conversion and this Plan will not result in a taxable reorganization under the provisions of the applicable codes or otherwise result in any adverse tax consequences to the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company or the Bank, or the account holders receiving subscription rights before or after the Conversion, except in each case to the extent, if any, that subscription rights are deemed to have value on the date such rights are issued.

26. STOCK BENEFIT PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

A. The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to adopt Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans in connection with the Conversion, including without limitation, an ESOP. Existing as well as any newly created Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans may purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering, to the extent permitted by the terms of such benefit plans and this Plan.

B. As a result of the Conversion, the Holding Company shall be deemed to have ratified and approved all employee stock benefit plans maintained by the Bank and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and shall have agreed to issue (and reserve for issuance) Holding Company Common Stock in lieu of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company pursuant to the terms of such benefit plans. Upon consummation of the Conversion, the Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock held by such benefit plans shall be converted into Holding Company Common Stock based upon the Exchange Ratio. Also upon consummation of the Conversion, (i) all rights to purchase, sell or receive Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock and all rights to elect to make payment in Mid-Tier

 

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Holding Company common stock under any agreement between the Bank or the Mid-Tier Holding Company and any Director, Officer or Employee thereof or under any plan or program of the Bank or the Mid-Tier Holding Company, shall automatically, by operation of law, be converted into and shall become an identical right to purchase, sell or receive Holding Company Common Stock and an identical right to make payment in Holding Company Common Stock under any such agreement between the Bank or the Mid-Tier Holding Company and any Director, Officer or Employee thereof or under such plan or program of the Bank, and (ii) rights outstanding under all stock option plans shall be assumed by the Holding Company and thereafter shall be rights only for shares of Holding Company Common Stock, with each such right being for a number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock based upon the Exchange Ratio and the number of shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock that were available thereunder immediately prior to consummation of the Conversion, with the price adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio but with no change in any other term or condition of such right.

C. The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to adopt stock option plans, restricted stock award plans and other Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans, provided that such plans conform to any applicable regulations. The Holding Company and the Bank intend to implement a stock option plan and a restricted stock award plan no earlier than six months after completion of the Conversion. Stockholder approval of these plans will be required. If adopted within 12 months following the completion of the Conversion, the stock option plan will reserve a number of shares equal to up to 10% of the shares sold in the Offering and the stock award plan will reserve a number of shares equal to up to 4% of the shares sold in the Offering (unless the Bank’s tangible capital is less than 10% upon completion of the Offering in which case the stock award plan will reserve a number of shares equal to up to 3% of the shares sold in the Offering) for awards to employees and directors at no cost to the recipients. Shares for such plans may be issued out of authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares or repurchased shares.

D. The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to enter into employment agreements and/or change in control agreements with their executive officers.

27. RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF BANK AND HOLDING COMPANY

 

 

A.

   (1)    The charter of the Bank may contain a provision stipulating that no person, except the Holding Company, for a period of five years following the closing date of the Conversion, may directly or indirectly acquire or offer to acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of the Bank, without the prior written approval of the OTS. In addition, such charter may also provide that for a period of five years following the closing date of the Conversion, shares beneficially owned in violation of the above-described charter provision shall not be entitled to vote and shall not be voted by any person or counted as voting stock in connection with any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote. In addition, special meetings of the stockholders relating to changes in control or amendment of the charter may only be called by the Board of Directors, and shareholders shall not be permitted to cumulate their votes for the election of Directors.

 

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  (2) For a period of three years from the date of consummation of the Conversion, no person, other than the Holding Company, shall directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of the Bank without the prior written consent of the OTS.

B. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Holding Company may contain a provision stipulating that in no event shall any record owner of any outstanding shares of Holding Company Common Stock who beneficially owns in excess of 10% of such outstanding shares be entitled or permitted to any vote with respect to any shares held in excess of 10%. In addition, the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Holding Company may contain provisions which provide for staggered terms of the directors, noncumulative voting for directors, limitations on the calling of special meetings, a fair price provision for certain business combinations and certain notice requirements.

C. For the purposes of this section:

 

  (1) The term “person” includes an individual, a firm, a corporation or other entity;

 

  (2) The term “offer” includes every offer to buy or acquire, solicitation of an offer to sell, tender offer for, or request or invitation for tenders of, a security or interest in a security for value;

 

  (3) The term “acquire” includes every type of acquisition, whether effected by purchase, exchange, operation of law or otherwise; and

 

  (4) The term “security” includes non-transferable subscription rights issued pursuant to a plan of conversion as well as a “security” as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 77b(a)(1).

28. PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND REPURCHASE OF STOCK

A. The Holding Company shall comply with any applicable regulation in the repurchase of any shares of its capital stock following consummation of the Conversion.

B. The Bank shall not declare or pay a cash dividend on, or repurchase any of, its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause its regulatory capital to be reduced below (i) the amount required for the Liquidation Account or (ii) applicable regulatory capital requirements.

29. CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

By voting to adopt this Plan, Voting Members will be voting to adopt the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws for the Holding Company attached as Exhibits D and E to this Plan.

 

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30. CONSUMMATION OF CONVERSION AND EFFECTIVE DATE

The Effective Date of the Conversion shall be the date upon which the Articles of Combination shall be filed with OTS. The Articles of Combination shall be filed after all requisite regulatory, Member and stockholder approvals have been obtained, all applicable waiting periods have expired, and sufficient subscriptions and orders for Subscription Shares have been received. The closing of the sale of all shares of Holding Company Common Stock sold in the Offering and the Exchange Offering shall occur simultaneously on the effective date of the closing.

31. EXPENSES OF CONVERSION

The Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank and the Holding Company may retain and pay for the services of legal, financial and other advisors to assist in connection with any or all aspects of the Conversion, including the Offering, and such parties shall use their best efforts to assure that such expenses shall be reasonable.

32. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN

If deemed necessary or desirable, this Plan may be substantively amended by the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company as a result of comments from the OTS or otherwise at any time prior to solicitation of proxies from Voting Members and Mid-Tier Holding Company stockholders to vote on this Plan by the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, and at any time thereafter with the concurrence of the OTS. Any amendment to this Plan made after approval by Voting Members and Mid-Tier Holding Company stockholders with the approval of the OTS shall not necessitate further approval by Voting Members or stockholders unless otherwise required by the OTS. The Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company may terminate this Plan at any time prior to the Special Meeting of Members and the Meeting of Stockholders to vote on this Plan, and at any time thereafter with the concurrence of the OTS.

By adoption of the Plan, Voting Members of the Mutual Holding Company authorize the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company to amend or terminate the Plan under the circumstances set forth in this Section.

33. CONDITIONS TO CONVERSION

Consummation of the Conversion pursuant to this Plan is expressly conditioned upon the following:

A. Prior receipt by the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Stock Holding Company and the Bank of rulings of the United States Internal Revenue Service and the state taxing authorities, or opinions of counsel or tax advisers as described in Section 25, “Tax Rulings or Opinions,” hereof;

B. The issuance of the Subscription Shares offered in the Conversion;

C. The issuance of Exchange Shares; and

 

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D. The completion of the Conversion within the time period specified in Section 3, “Procedures for Conversion,” of this Plan.

34. INTERPRETATION

All interpretations of this Plan and application of its provisions to particular circumstances by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company shall be final, subject to the authority of the OTS.

Dated: December 2, 2009

 

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EXHIBIT A

FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG

EAGLE BANCORP,

AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK I,

AND AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK


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FORM OF

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG

EAGLE BANCORP,

AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK I,

AND AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION (the “Mid-Tier Merger Agreement”) dated as of                      , is made by and among Eagle Bancorp, a federal corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), American Federal Savings Bank, a federally-chartered stock savings bank (the “Bank”), and American Federal Interim Bank I, an interim federal savings bank (“Interim I”). Capitalized terms have the respective meanings given them in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”) of Eagle Financial MHC (the “Mutual Holding Company”), unless otherwise defined herein.

R E C I T A L S:

1. The Mid-Tier Holding Company is a federal corporation that owns 100% of the common stock of the Bank.

2. Contemporaneously with the transactions contemplated by this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement, the Mid-Tier Holding Company will exchange its charter for that of Interim I and Interim I will merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving entity.

3. At least two-thirds of the members of the boards of directors of the Bank and the Mid-Tier Holding Company have approved this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement whereby Interim I shall be merged with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving or resulting institution (the “Mid-Tier Merger”), and have authorized the execution and delivery thereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto have agreed as follows:

1. Merger . At and on the Effective Date of the Mid-Tier Merger, (i) the Mid-Tier Holding Company will exchange its charter for that of Interim I, and will merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the resulting entity (the “Resulting Institution”), and (ii) the Minority Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall constructively receive shares of Bank common stock in exchange for their Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock and the Mutual Holding Company shall receive shares of Bank common stock in exchange for its Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock.

2. Effective Date . The Mid-Tier Merger shall not be effective until and unless the Plan is approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”) after approval by at least (i) two-thirds of the outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, (ii) a majority vote of the shares held by Minority Stockholders, and (iii) a majority of the eligible vote of Voting Members, and the Articles of Combination shall have been filed with the OTS with respect to the Mid-Tier Merger. Approval of the Plan by the Voting Members shall constitute approval of the Mid-Tier Merger Agreement by the Voting Members. Approval of the Plan by Minority Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, including the Minority Stockholders, shall constitute approval of the Mid-Tier Merger Agreement by such stockholders.

 

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3. Name . The name of the Resulting Institution shall be American Federal Savings Bank.

4. Offices . The main banking office of the Resulting Institution shall be 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana. The branch offices of the Bank that were in lawful operation prior to the Mid-Tier Merger shall be operated as branch offices of the Resulting Institution.

5. Directors and Officers . The directors and officers of the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the directors and officers of the Resulting Institution after the Effective Date.

6. Rights and Duties of the Resulting Institution . At the Effective Date, the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall exchange its charter for Interim I, which shall be merged with and into the Bank with the Bank as the Resulting Institution. The business of the Resulting Institution shall be that of a federally-chartered savings bank as provided in its Certificate of Incorporation. All assets, rights, interests, privileges, powers, franchises and property (real, personal and mixed) of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank and Interim I shall be transferred automatically to and vested in the Resulting Institution by virtue of the Mid-Tier Merger without any deed or other document of transfer. The Resulting Institution, without any order or action on the part of any court or otherwise and without any documents of assumption or assignment, shall hold and enjoy all of the properties, franchises and interests, including appointments, powers, designations, nominations and all other rights and interests as the agent or other fiduciary in the same manner and to the same extent as such rights, franchises, and interests and powers were held or enjoyed by the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and Interim I. The Resulting Institution shall be responsible for all of the liabilities, restrictions and duties of every kind and description of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank and Interim I immediately prior to the Merger, including liabilities for all debts, obligations and contracts of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank and Interim I, matured or unmatured, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether or not reflected or reserved against on balance sheets, books of accounts or records of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank or Interim I. The stockholders of the Bank shall possess all voting rights with respect to the shares of stock of Interim I and the Mid-Tier Holding Company. All rights of creditors and other obligees and all liens on property of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and Interim I shall be preserved and shall not be released or impaired.

7. Rights of Stockholders . At the Effective Date, the Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock will be cancelled and the Mutual Holding Company will receive shares of Bank common stock and the Minority Stockholders will constructively receive shares of Bank common stock in exchange for their Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock.

 

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8. Other Terms . All terms used in this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement shall, unless defined herein, have the meanings set forth in the Plan. The Plan is incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof to the extent necessary or appropriate to effect and consummate the terms of this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement and the Conversion.

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Mid-Tier Holding Company, Interim I and the Bank have caused this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

 

    Eagle Bancorp
    (a federal corporation)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer
    American Federal Savings Bank
    (a federally-chartered savings bank)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer
    American Federal Interim Bank I
    (an interim federal savings bank)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT B

FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG

EAGLE FINANCIAL MHC, AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK II

AND AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK


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EXHIBIT B

FORM OF

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG

EAGLE FINANCIAL MHC, AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK II

AND AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION (the “MHC Merger Agreement”), dated as of                      , is made by and among Eagle Financial MHC, a federal mutual holding company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), American Federal Savings Bank, a federally-chartered savings bank (the “Bank”), and American Federal Interim Bank II, an interim federal savings bank (“Interim II”). Capitalized terms have the respective meanings given them in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of the Mutual Holding Company (the “Plan”) unless otherwise defined herein.

R E C I T A L S:

1. The Mutual Holding Company is a federal corporation that owns a majority of the common stock of the Bank as a result of the merger of Eagle Bancorp, a federal corporation (“Mid-Tier Holding Company”), into the Bank (the “Mid-Tier Merger”) immediately prior to the merger provided for in this MHC Merger Agreement.

2. Contemporaneously with the transactions contemplated by this MHC Merger Agreement, the Mutual Holding Company will exchange its charter for that of Interim II and Interim II will merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the resulting entity.

3. At least two-thirds of the members of the boards of directors of the Bank and the Mutual Holding Company have approved this MHC Merger Agreement whereby Interim II will be merged with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving or resulting institution (the “MHC Merger”), and authorized the execution and delivery thereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto have agreed as follows:

1. Merger . At and on the Effective Date of the MHC Merger, (i) the Mutual Holding Company shall exchange its charter for that of Interim II, and will merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the resulting entity (the “Resulting Institution”), whereupon shares of Bank common stock owned by the Mutual Holding Company shall be canceled. As part of the MHC Merger, each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall automatically receive an interest in the Liquidation Account established in the Bank, in exchange for such person’s interest in the Mutual Holding Company set forth in the Plan.

2. Effective Date . The MHC Merger shall not be effective until and unless the Plan is approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”) after approval by at least (i) two-thirds of the outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, (ii) a majority vote of the shares held by Minority Stockholders, and (iii) a majority of the eligible votes of Voting Members, and the Articles of Combination shall have been filed with the OTS with respect to the

 

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MHC Merger. Approval of the Plan by the Voting Members shall constitute approval of the MHC Merger Agreement by the Voting Members. Approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, including the Minority Stockholders, shall constitute approval of the MHC Merger Agreement by such stockholders.

3. Name . The name of the Resulting Institution shall be American Federal Savings Bank.

4. Offices . The main banking office of the Resulting Institution shall be 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana. The branch offices of the Bank that were in lawful operation prior to the MHC Merger shall be operated as branch offices of the Resulting Institution.

5. Directors and Officers . The directors and officers of the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the directors and officers of the Resulting Institution after the Effective Date.

6. Rights and Duties of the Resulting Institution . At the Effective Date, the Mutual Holding Company shall convert to Interim II, which shall be merged with and into the Bank with the Bank as the Resulting Institution. The business of the Resulting Institution shall be that of a federally-chartered savings bank as provided in its Certificate of Incorporation. All assets, rights, interests, privileges, powers, franchises and property (real, personal and mixed) of the Mutual Holding Company, the Bank and Interim II shall be transferred automatically to and vested in the Resulting Institution by virtue of the MHC Merger without any deed or other document of transfer. The Resulting Institution, without any order or action on the part of any court or otherwise and without any documents of assumption or assignment, shall hold and enjoy all of the properties, franchises and interests, including appointments, powers, designations, nominations and all other rights and interests as the agent or other fiduciary in the same manner and to the same extent as such rights, franchises, and interests and powers were held or enjoyed by the Bank, the Mutual Holding Company and Interim II. The Resulting Institution shall be responsible for all of the liabilities, restrictions and duties of every kind and description of the Mutual Holding Company, the Bank and Interim II immediately prior to the MHC Merger, including liabilities for all debts, obligations and contracts of the Mutual Holding Company, the Bank and Interim II, matured or unmatured, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether or not reflected or reserved against on balance sheets, books of accounts or records of the Mutual Holding Company, the Bank or Interim II. The stockholders of the Bank shall possess all voting rights with respect to the shares of stock of the Bank. All rights of creditors and other obligees and all liens on property of the Mutual Holding Company, the Bank and Interim II shall be preserved and shall not be released or impaired.

7. Rights of Certain Account Holders . At the Effective Date, the Bank common stock received by the Mutual Holding Company in the Mid-Tier Merger shall be cancelled, and each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Account Holder (as defined in the Plan), will receive an interest in the Liquidation Account (as defined in the Plan) established in the Bank.

 

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8. Other Terms . All terms used in this MHC Merger Agreement shall, unless defined herein, have the meanings set forth in the Plan. The Plan is incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof to the extent necessary or appropriate to effect and consummate the terms of this MHC Merger Agreement and the Conversion.

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Mutual Holding Company, Interim II and the Bank have caused this MHC Merger Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

 

    Eagle Financial MHC
    (a federal corporation)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer
    American Federal Savings Bank
    (a federally-chartered savings bank)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer
    American Federal Interim Bank II
    (an interim federal savings bank)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT C

FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK,

AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK III,

AND

EAGLE BANCORP

AND

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.


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EXHIBIT C

FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION BY AND AMONG

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK,

AMERICAN FEDERAL INTERIM BANK III,

AND

EAGLE BANCORP

AND

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF COMBINATION (the “Bank Merger Agreement”) dated as of                      , is made by and among American Federal Savings Bank, a federally-chartered savings bank (the “Bank”), Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Holding Company”), and American Federal Interim Bank III, an interim federal savings bank (“Interim III”). Capitalized terms have the respective meanings given them in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of the Mutual Holding Company (the “Plan”) unless otherwise defined herein.

R E C I T A L S:

1. The Bank is a federally-chartered stock savings bank that prior to the transactions contemplated by this Bank Merger Agreement and the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Eagle Financial MHC (the “Plan”), was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), a federal corporation that is the majority owned subsidiary of Eagle Financial MHC (the “Mutual Holding Company”). Capitalized terms have the respective meanings given them in the Plan unless otherwise defined herein.

2. The Holding Company was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank to facilitate and effect the Conversion.

3. The Holding Company has organized Interim III as a wholly-owned subsidiary to effect and facilitate the Conversion.

4. Immediately prior to the transactions contemplated by this Bank Merger Agreement, (i) the Mid-Tier Holding Company will exchange its charter for American Federal Interim Bank I, an interim federal savings bank, and merge with and into the Bank (the “Mid-Tier Merger”) with the Bank as the resulting entity, (ii) the Mutual Holding Company will receive shares of Bank common stock and the Minority Stockholders will constructively receive shares of Bank common stock in exchange for their Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock, and (iii) the Mutual Holding Company will convert to Interim Savings Bank II, an interim federal savings bank, and merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the resulting entity (the “MHC Merger”), and shares of common stock of the Bank held by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled and each Eligible and Supplemental Account Holder shall automatically receive an interest in the Liquidation Account established in the Bank, in exchange for such person’s interest in the Mutual Holding Company set forth in the Plan.

 

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5. At least two-thirds of the members of the boards of directors of the Bank and Interim III have approved this Bank Merger Agreement under which Interim III will merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving or resulting institution (the “Bank Merger”), and have authorized the execution and delivery thereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto have agreed as follows:

1. Merger . At and on the Effective Date of the Bank Merger and immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger and the MHC Merger, Interim III will merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving entity (the “Resulting Institution”). Constructive stockholders of the Bank will exchange the shares of Bank common stock that they constructively received in the Mid-Tier Merger for Holding Company Common Stock. As a result of the Bank Merger, the Holding Company will own 100% of the common stock of the Bank.

2. Stock Offering . Contemporaneously with the Bank Merger, the Holding Company will sell shares of its common stock in the Offering as described in the Plan.

3. Effective Date . The Bank Merger shall not be effective until and unless the Plan is approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”) after approval by at least (i) two-thirds of the outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, (ii) a majority of the shares held by Minority Stockholders, and (iii) a majority of the eligible votes of Voting Members, and the Articles of Combination shall have been filed with the OTS with respect to the Bank Merger. Approval of the Plan by the Voting Members shall constitute approval of this Bank Merger Agreement by the Voting Members.

4. Name . The name of the Resulting Institution shall be American Federal Savings Bank.

5. Offices . The main banking office of the Resulting Institution shall be 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana. The branch office of the Bank that was in lawful operation prior to the Bank Merger shall be operated as branch office of the Resulting Institution.

6. Directors and Officers . The directors and officers of the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the directors and officers of the Resulting Institution after the Effective Date.

7. Rights and Duties of the Resulting Institution . At the Effective Date, Interim III shall be merged with and into the Bank with the Bank as the Resulting Institution. The business of the Resulting Institution shall be that of a federally-chartered savings bank as provided in its Certificate of Incorporation. All assets, rights, interests, privileges, powers, franchises and property (real, personal and mixed) of Interim III and the Bank shall be transferred automatically to and vested in the Resulting Institution by virtue of such Bank Merger without any deed or other document of transfer. The Resulting Institution, without any order or action on the part of any court or otherwise and without any documents of assumption or assignment, shall hold and enjoy all of the properties, franchises and interests, including appointments, powers, designations, nominations and all other rights and interests as the agent or other fiduciary in the same manner and to the same extent as such rights, franchises, and interests

 

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and powers were held or enjoyed by the Bank and Interim III. The Resulting Institution shall be responsible for all of the liabilities, restrictions and duties of every kind and description of both Interim III and the Bank immediately prior to the Bank Merger, including liabilities for all debts, obligations and contracts of Interim III and the Bank, matured or unmatured, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether or not reflected or reserved against on balance sheets, books of accounts or records of Interim III or the Bank. The stockholders of the Resulting Institution shall possess all voting rights with respect to the shares of stock of the Bank and Interim III. All rights of creditors and other obligees and all liens on property of Interim III and the Bank shall be preserved and shall not be released or impaired.

8. Stockholder Rights . At the Effective Date, shares of Bank common stock constructively received by Minority Stockholders will be cancelled and the former Minority Stockholders will receive Holding Company common stock.

9. Other Terms . All terms used in this Bank Merger Agreement shall, unless defined herein, have the meanings set forth in the Plan. The Plan is incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof to the extent necessary or appropriate to effect and consummate the terms of the Bank Merger Agreement and the Conversion.

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Bank, the Holding Company and Interim III have caused this Bank Merger Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

 

    American Federal Savings Bank
    (a federally-chartered savings bank)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer
    American Federal Interim Bank III
    (a federal savings bank)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer
    Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
    (a Delaware corporation)
ATTEST:    
  ______________________________________     By:    
                                                              , Secretary       Peter J. Johnson
        President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT D

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE HOLDING COMPANY


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CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

ARTICLE I

Name

The name of the corporation is EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. (the “Corporation”).

ARTICLE II

Registered Office

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is National Corporate Research, Ltd., 615 South DuPont Highway, in the city of Dover, County of Kent, Delaware, 19901. The name of its registered agent at such address is National Corporate Research, Ltd.

ARTICLE III

Purpose and Powers

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

ARTICLE IV

Capital Stock

SECTION 1. Authorized Shares . The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 9,000,000 shares, divided into two classes consisting of 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), and 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Preferred Stock”). The Board of Directors shall have authority by resolution to issue shares of Common Stock from time to time on such terms as it may determine. The Board of Directors shall have authority by resolution to issue the shares of Preferred Stock from time to time on such terms as it may determine and to divide the Preferred Stock into one or more series and, in connection with the creation of any such series, to determine and fix by the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of shares thereof:

(a) the distinctive designation of such series, the number of shares which shall constitute such series, which number may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares then outstanding) from time to time by action of the Board of Directors, and the stated value thereof, if different from the par value thereof;

 

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(b) the dividend rate, the times of payment of dividends on the shares of such series, whether dividends shall be cumulative, and, if so, from what date or dates, and the preference or relation which such dividends will bear to the dividends payable on any shares of stock of any other class or any other series of this class;

(c) the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, the shares of such series may be redeemed;

(d) whether or not the shares of such series shall be entitled to the benefit of a retirement or sinking fund to be applied to the purchase or redemption of such shares and, if so entitled the amount of such fund and the terms and provisions relative to the operation thereof;

(e) whether or not the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, any other shares of stock of the Corporation or any other securities and, if so convertible or exchangeable, the conversion price or prices, or the rates of exchange, and any adjustments thereof, at which such conversion or exchange may be made, and any other terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange;

(f) the rights of the shares of such series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up or upon any distribution of the assets of the Corporation;

(g) whether or not the shares of such series shall have priority over or parity with or be junior to the shares of any other class or series in any respect, or shall be entitled to the benefit of limitations restricting (i) the creation of indebtedness of the Corporation, (ii) the issuance of shares of any other class or series having priority over or being on a parity with the shares of such series in any respect, or (iii) the payment of dividends on, the making of other distributions in respect of, or the purchase or redemption of shares of any other class or series on parity with or ranking junior to the shares of such series as to dividends or assets, and the terms of any such restrictions, or any other restriction with respect to shares of any other class or series on parity with or ranking junior to the share of such series in any respect;

(h) whether such series shall have voting rights, in addition to any voting rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights, which may be general or limited; and

(i) any other powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional, or other special rights of such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by law.

 

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The powers, preferences and relative participating, optional and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. All shares of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be identical in all respects with all other shares of such series, except that shares of any one series issued at different times may differ as to the dates from which dividends thereon shall be cumulative.

SECTION 2. Rights of Holders of Common Stock . Each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote. Subject to the provisions of law and the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock having a preference as to dividends over the Common Stock then outstanding, dividends may be paid on the Common Stock at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors may determine. Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, after any preferential amounts to be distributed to the holders of the Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock then outstanding have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, 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.

There shall be no cumulation of votes for the election of Directors or for any other purpose.

Every share of Common Stock shall have the same relative rights as, and be identical in all respects with, all the other shares of Common Stock.

ARTICLE V

Business Combinations

The provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or any successor provision shall govern the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

Board of Directors

SECTION 1. Number . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors consisting of three classes whose terms and number shall be as set forth in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

SECTION 2. 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 at least 80% of the voting power of all of the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class.

 

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ARTICLE VII

Stockholder Action

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any class of preferred stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII

Bylaw Amendments

The Board of Directors shall have power to make, alter, amend and repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation (except so far as the Bylaws of the Corporation adopted by the stockholders shall otherwise provide). Any Bylaws made by the Board of Directors under the powers conferred hereby may be altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing and anything contained in this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws to the contrary, Section 2 of Article II and Sections 1 through 6 of Article III of the Bylaws shall not be altered, amended or repealed and no provision inconsistent therewith shall be adopted without the affirmative vote of the holders of 80% of all votes entitled to be cast in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class.

ARTICLE IX

Acquisition of Stock

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary:

SECTION 1. Restriction . No person shall directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of any equity security of the Corporation. This limitation shall not apply to any tax qualified employee stock benefit plan of the Corporation.

In the event shares are acquired in violation of this Article IX, all shares beneficially owned by any person in excess of 10% shall be considered “excess shares” and shall not be counted as shares entitled to vote and shall not be voted by any person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote.

SECTION 2. Certain Definitions . For the purposes of this Article IX, the following definitions apply:

(a) The term “person” includes an individual, a group acting in concert, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, and any unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities of the Corporation.

 

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(b) The term “offer” includes every offer to buy or otherwise acquire, solicitation of an offer to sell, tender offer for, or request or invitation for tenders of, a security or interest in a security for value.

(c) The term “acquire” includes every type of acquisition, whether effected by purchase, exchange, operation of law or otherwise.

(d) The term “acting in concert” means (i) knowing participation in a joint activity or conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement, or (ii) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer or a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.

ARTICLE X

Director Liability

No Director or officer acting in the capacity of a Director or performing duties as Director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any stockholder for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iii) under Section 174 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code (relating to the Delaware Corporation Law); or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of Directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim, that, but for this Article, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

ARTICLE XI

Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of all votes entitled to be cast in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend or repeal, or adopt any provisions inconsistent with, Articles V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, this Article XI or XIII of this Certificate of Incorporation.

 

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ARTICLE XII

Certain Business Combinations

SECTION 1. Vote Required for Certain Business Combinations .

(a) Higher Vote for Certain Business Combinations . Unless otherwise required by law, in addition to any affirmative vote required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, and except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 2 of this Article XII, a Business Combination with, or proposed by or on behalf of, any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate or Associate of any Interested Stockholder or any person who after such Business Combination would be an Affiliate or Associate of such Interested Stockholder, shall require the approval of the Board of Directors and the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock which is not owned by the Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate or Associate of such Interested Stockholder. Such affirmative vote shall be required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that a lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national securities exchange or otherwise.

(b) Definition of “Business Combination” . The term “Business Combination” as used in this Article XII shall mean:

(i) any merger, consolidation or share exchange of the Corporation or any Subsidiary with (A) any Interested Stockholder or (B) any other corporation (whether or not itself an Interested Stockholder) which is, or after such merger or consolidation would be, an Affiliate or Associate of an Interested Stockholder;

(ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of such corporation, to or with any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate or Associate of any Interested Stockholder of any assets of the Corporation or any Subsidiary having an aggregate Market Value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all of the outstanding stock of the Corporation;

(iii) any transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate or Associate of any Interested Stockholder except (A) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of

 

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the Corporation or any Subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time the Interested Stockholder became such, (B) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which security is distributed pro rata to all holders of a class or series of stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the Interested Stockholder became such, (C) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase stock made on the same terms to all holders of such stock or (D) any issuance or transfer of stock by the Corporation, provided, however, that in no case under (B) through (D) above shall there be an increase in the Interested Stockholder’s proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of the Voting Stock of the Corporation;

(iv) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or any Subsidiary proposed by or on behalf of an Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate or Associate of any Interested Stockholder; or

(v) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger, consolidation or share exchange of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any other transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving an Interested Stockholder) which in any such case has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate or Associate of any Interested Stockholder;

(vi) any transaction involving the Corporation or any Subsidiary which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series owned by the Interested Stockholder of the Corporation or of any Subsidiary, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the Interested Stockholder; or

(vii) any receipt by the Interested Stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of such corporation) of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subparagraphs (i)-(vi) above) provided by or through the Corporation or any Subsidiary.

 

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SECTION 2. When Higher Vote is Not Required . The provisions of Section 1 of this Article XII shall not be applicable to any particular Business Combination, and such Business Combination shall require only such affirmative vote as is required by law and any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation or the bylaws of the Corporation, if all of the conditions specified in either the following paragraphs (a) or (b) are met:

(a) Approval by Disinterested Directors . The Business Combination shall have been approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors.

(b) Price and Procedure Requirements . All of the following conditions shall have been met:

(1) Minimum Price Requirements . With respect to every class or series of Voting Stock of the Corporation, whether or not the Interested Stockholder has previously acquired beneficial ownership of any shares of such class or series of Voting Stock:

(i) The aggregate amount of the cash and the Fair Market Value as of the date of the consummation of the Business Combination of consideration other than cash to be received per share by holders of Common Stock in such Business Combination shall be at least equal to the higher of the following:

(A) (if applicable) the highest per share price (including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers’ fees) paid by or on behalf of the Interested Stockholder for any share of Common Stock in connection with the acquisition by the Interested Stockholder of beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock (1) within the two-year period immediately prior to the first public announcement of the proposal of the Business Combination (the “Announcement Date”), or (2) in the transaction or series of related transactions in which it became an Interested Stockholder, whichever is higher, in either case as adjusted for any subsequent stock split, stock dividend, subdivision or reclassification with respect to Common Stock; and

(B) the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the Announcement Date or on the date on which the Interested Stockholder became an Interested Stockholder (such latter date is referred to in this Article XII as the “Determination Date”), whichever is higher, as adjusted for any subsequent stock split, stock dividend, subdivision or reclassification with respect to Common Stock.

 

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(ii) The aggregate amount of the cash and the Fair Market Value as of the date of the consummation of the Business Combination of consideration other than cash to be received per share by holders of shares of any other class or series of outstanding Voting Stock shall be at least equal to the highest of the following (it being intended that the requirements of this paragraph (b)(ii) shall be required to be met with respect to every class or series of outstanding Voting Stock, whether or not the Interested Stockholder has previously acquired any shares of a particular class or series of Voting Stock):

(A) (if applicable) the highest per share price (including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers’ fees) paid by or on behalf of the Interested Stockholder for any shares of such class or series of Voting Stock in connection with the acquisition by the Interested Stockholder of beneficial ownership of such shares (1) within the two-year period immediately prior to the Announcement Date, or (2) in the transaction in which it became an Interested Stockholder, whichever is higher, in either case as adjusted for any subsequent stock split, stock dividend, subdivision or reclassification with respect to such class or series of Voting Stock;

(B) (if applicable) the highest preferential amount per share to which the holders of shares of such class or series of Voting Stock are entitled in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation; and

(C) the Fair Market Value per share of such class or series of Voting Stock on the Announcement Date or on the Determination Date, whichever is higher, in either case as adjusted for any subsequent stock split, stock dividend, subdivision or reclassification with respect to such class or series of Voting Stock.

(2) Other Requirements .

(i) The consideration to be received by holders of a particular class or series of outstanding Voting Stock (including Common Stock) shall be in cash or in the same form as the Interested Stockholder has previously paid for shares of such class or series of Voting Stock. If the Interested Stockholder has paid for shares of any class or series of Voting Stock with varying

 

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forms of consideration, the form of consideration for such class or series of Voting Stock shall be either cash or the form used to acquire the largest number of shares of such class or series of Voting Stock previously acquired by it.

(ii) After such Interested Stockholder has become an Interested Stockholder and prior to the consummation of such Business Combination: (A) except as approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors, there shall have been no failure to declare and pay at the regular date therefor any full periodic dividends (whether or not cumulative) on any outstanding Preferred Stock; (B) there shall have been (1) no reduction in the annual rate of dividends paid on the Common Stock (except as necessary to reflect any subdivision of the Common Stock), except as approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors, and (2) an increase in such annual rate of dividends as necessary to reflect any reclassification (including any reverse stock split), recapitalization, reorganization or any similar transaction which has the effect of reducing the number of outstanding shares of the Common Stock, unless the failure so to increase such annual rate is approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors; and (C) such Interested Stockholder shall have not become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting Stock except as part of the transaction which results in such Interested Stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder or by virtue of proportionate stock splits or stock dividends.

(iii) After such Interested Stockholder has become an Interested Stockholder, such Interested Stockholder shall not have received the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance or any tax credits or other tax advantages provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, whether in anticipation of or in connection with such Business Combination or otherwise.

(iv) A proxy or information statement describing the proposed Business Combination and complying with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (or any subsequent provisions replacing such Act, rules or regulations) shall be mailed to the stockholders of the Corporation at least 30 days prior to the consummation of such Business Combination (whether or not such proxy or information statement is required to be mailed pursuant to such Act or subsequent provisions).

 

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(v) After such Interested Stockholder has become an Interested Stockholder, such Interested Stockholder shall not have made any major change in the Corporation’s business or capital structure without the approval of a majority of the Disinterested Directors.

SECTION 3. Certain Definitions . For the purpose of this Article XII:

(a) A “person” shall mean any individual or firm, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated association, government or any political subdivision or agency or instrumentality of a government or other entity and shall include any group comprised of any person and any other person with whom such person or any Affiliate or Associate of such person has any agreement, arrangement or understanding, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of Voting Stock.

(b) “Interested Stockholder” shall mean any person (other than the Corporation or any Subsidiary) who or which:

(i) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of Voting Stock entitled to cast more than 15% of the votes in the election of Directors; is an Affiliate or Associate of the Corporation and at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 15% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock; or

(ii) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded to any shares of Voting Stock which were at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question beneficially owned by any Interested Stockholder, if such assignment or succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction or series of transactions not involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.

(c) A person shall be a “beneficial owner” of any Voting Stock:

(i) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly;

(ii) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has (A) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, or (B) the right to vote or direct the voting pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or (C) the right to dispose of or direct the disposition of pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; or

 

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(iii) which is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other person with which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of Voting Stock.

(d) For the purpose of determining whether a person is an Interested Stockholder pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 3, the number of shares of Voting Stock deemed to be outstanding shall include shares deemed owned through application of paragraph (c) of this Section 3 but shall not include any other shares of Voting Stock which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.

(e) “Affiliate” or “Associate” shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except that the Corporation or any Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate or an Associate of any Interested Stockholder.

(f) “Subsidiary” means any corporation of which a majority of any class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that for the purposes of the definition of Interested Stockholder set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 3, the term “Subsidiary” shall mean only a corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

(g) “Disinterested Director” means any member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation who is unaffiliated with the Interested Stockholder and was a member of the Board of Directors prior to the time that the Interested Stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, and any successor of a Disinterested Director who is not an Affiliate of the Interested Stockholder and is recommended to succeed a Disinterested Director by a majority of Disinterested Directors then serving on the Board of Directors.

(h) “Fair Market Value” means: (i) in the case of stock, the highest closing sale price during the 30-day period immediately preceding the date in question of a share of such stock on the Composite Tape for New York Stock Exchange-Listed Stocks, or, if such stock is not quoted on the Composite Tape, on such exchange, or, if such stock is not listed on such exchange, on the principal United States securities exchange registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on which such stock is listed, or, if such stock is not listed on

 

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such exchange, on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) National Market (“NMS”), or if such stock is not included on NASDAQ-NMS, the highest closing bid quotation with respect to a share of such stock during the 30-day period preceding the date in question on the NASDAQ or any system then in use, or if no such quotations are available, the fair market value on the date in question of a share of such stock as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith; and (ii) in the case of property other than cash or stock, the fair market value of such property on the date in question as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith.

(i) In the event of any Business Combination in which the Corporation survives, the phrase “consideration other than cash to be received” as used in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of Section 2 of this Article XII shall include the shares of Common Stock and/or the shares of any other class or series of outstanding Voting Stock retained by the holders of such shares.

(ii) “Voting Stock” means the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors.

SECTION 4. Powers of the Board of Directors . A majority of the Directors of the Corporation shall have the power and duty to determine for the purposes of this Article XII, on the basis of information known to them after reasonable inquiry (a) whether a person is an Interested Stockholder, (b) the number of shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by any persons, (c) whether a person is an Affiliate or Associate of another, and (d) whether the requirements of Section 2(b) of this Article XII have been met.

SECTION 5. No Effect on Fiduciary Obligations of Interested Stockholders . Nothing contained in this Article XII shall be construed to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any fiduciary obligation imposed by law.

SECTION 6. Amendment, Repeal, Etc . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage or separate class vote may be specified by law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation), any proposal to amend or repeal this Article XII or adopt any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with it which is proposed by or on behalf of an Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate or Associate of such Interested Stockholder shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the Voting Stock entitled to be cast at the election of Directors, excluding Voting Stock beneficially owned by such Interested Stockholder, unless such amendment, repeal or adoption is declared advisable by the affirmative vote of two thirds of the entire Board of Directors and a majority of the Disinterested Directors.

 

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ARTICLE XIII

Indemnification

Indemnification shall be provided for to the fullest extent authorized in the Bylaws. Any repeal or amendment of this Article XIII shall not affect indemnification provided under this Article with respect to any state of facts existing at or before the time of such amendment and any proceeding, whenever brought, based in whole or in part upon any such state of facts.

ARTICLE XIV

Gender

If the context requires, the use of any gender shall also refer to the other gender.

ARTICLE XV

Incorporator

The name and mailing address of the incorporator of the Corporation is Brent A. Little, Esq., c/o Nixon Peabody LLP, 401 9 th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20004.

The undersigned being the sole incorporator hereinbefore named, for the purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, makes this certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is my act and deed and the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly have hereunto set my hand this 2 nd day of December, 2009.

 

/s/ Brent A. Little
Brent A. Little

 

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EXHIBIT E

BYLAWS OF THE HOLDING COMPANY


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BYLAWS

OF

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

ARTICLE I

Offices

SECTION 1. Registered Office.

The registered office of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation”), within the State of Delaware is National Corporate Research, Ltd., 615 South DuPont Highway, in the city of Dover, County of Kent, Delaware, 19901 and the name of its registered agent at the registered office is National Corporate Research, Ltd.

SECTION 2. Other Offices.

The Corporation may also have offices at such places, either within or without the State of Delaware and either within or without the United States of America, as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

Stockholders

SECTION 1. Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

(a) The annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, for the purpose of electing Directors and of transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held on such date, at such place and such time as shall be designated by the Board of Directors.

(b) To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be either (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder who complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 8 of this Article II.

SECTION 2. Special Meetings of Stockholders.

Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose may be called only by a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

 

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SECTION 3. Notice of Meeting.

(a) The Secretary shall cause written notice of the time, place and purposes of each meeting to be mailed, or delivered personally, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

(b) Attendance of a person at a meeting of stockholders, in person or by proxy, constitutes a waiver of notice of the meeting, except when the stockholder attends a 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.

SECTION 4. Quorum.

(a) At any meeting of stockholders the holders of a majority of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum of the stockholders for all purposes unless a greater or lesser quorum shall be provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation and in such case the representation of the number so required shall constitute a quorum. The stockholders present in person or by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.

(b) Whether or not a quorum is present, the meeting may be adjourned from time to time by a vote of the shares present. At any such adjourned meeting, at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting if held at the time specified in the notice thereof.

SECTION 5. Organization.

(a) The Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, Executive Vice President or Vice President as the Chairman of the Board of Directors may designate, shall act as Chairman of meetings of the stockholders.

(b) The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as Secretary at all meetings of the stockholders; but in the absence of the Secretary, the Chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as Secretary of the meeting.

SECTION 6. Voting.

(a) Each holder of Common Stock and any series of Preferred Stock having voting rights shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock or such Preferred Stock held of record on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote.

(b) Directors shall be elected by ballot and upon demand of any stockholder the vote upon any question before the meeting shall be by ballot.

(c) Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at an election.

 

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(d) A stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person to act for him by written proxy, signed by such stockholder or his attorney-in-fact, but no proxy shall be voted after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Any such proxy shall be delivered to the secretary of the meeting at or prior to the time designated in the order of business for so delivering such proxies. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, present in person or represented by proxy, shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which, by express provision of statute or of the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall be signed by the stockholder voting, or by his proxy, if represented by proxy, and shall state the number of shares voted.

SECTION 7. Inspectors of Elections.

The Board of Directors or Chairman of the meeting of stockholders shall appoint one or more inspectors to count and tabulate the votes and to perform such other acts or duties as may be required by the Chairman or required by law. On request of the Chairman of the meeting, or as otherwise required by law, the inspectors shall make and execute a written report to the Chairman of the meeting of any facts found by them and matters determined by them. The report is prima facie evidence of the facts stated and of the vote certified by the inspectors.

SECTION 8. Advance Notice of Stockholder Proposals and Stockholder Nominations.

(a) At any annual meeting of the stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made (i) by or at the direction of the Board or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 8. For any nominations or other business to be properly brought before any annual meeting of the stockholders by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation: (1) not later than 60 days in advance of the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting if such meeting is to be held on a day which is within 30 days of the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting; and (2) with respect to any other annual meeting of stockholders, not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the date of public announcement of such meeting. For business proposals other than nominations, for which a notice must comply with requirements of Section 8(b), a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (1) as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, (2) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (3) the class and number of shares of the Corporation that are beneficially owned by the stockholder, (4) whether and the extent to which any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions has been entered into by or on behalf of, or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares of stock) has been made, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to or manage risk of stock price changes for, or to increase the voting

 

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power of, such stockholder or any of its affiliates with respect to any share of stock of the Corporation, and (5) as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, any material interest of the stockholder in such business. In addition, the stockholder making such proposal shall promptly provide any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at any meeting of the stockholders except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 8. The Chairman of any such meeting shall direct that any business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be considered. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 8, a stockholder seeking to include a proposal in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies shall comply with the requirements in the proxy rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to such proposal.

(b) For nominations of any person to be elected as a director, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth: (i) the name and address of the stockholder who intends to make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated; (ii) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting and nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (iii) whether and the extent to which any hedging or other transaction or series of transactions has been entered into by or on behalf of, or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares of stock) has been made, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to or manage risk of stock price changes for, or to increase the voting power of, such stockholder or any of its affiliates with respect to any share of stock of the Corporation; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder; (v) such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such stockholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission had the nominee been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board; and (vi) the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation if so elected. In addition, the stockholder making such nomination shall promptly provide any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 8. The Chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall direct that any nomination not made in accordance with these procedures be disregarded.

(c) For purposes of this Section 8, a “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or a comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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ARTICLE III

Directors

SECTION 1. Number.

The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors which, subject to any right of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, shall consist of not less than five nor more than 15 persons. The exact number of directors within the minimum and maximum limitations specified in the preceding sentence shall be fixed from time to time by the majority of the entire Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. Terms.

Beginning with the first annual meeting of stockholders held after the filing of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, shall be divided into three classes, class I, class II and class III, as nearly equal in number as possible. The terms of office of the classes of Directors elected at the initial annual meeting shall expire as follows: the term of office of class I will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders following incorporation and the remaining classes will expire at the subsequent annual meeting of stockholders. At each Annual Meeting of stockholders following such initial classification and election, 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.

SECTION 3. Resignation of Directors and Vacancies.

Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by giving written notice of his resignation to the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective shall not be specified therein, immediately upon its tender. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any vacancy in the Board of Directors caused by such resignation may be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.

SECTION 4. Removal.

Removal of Directors shall be effected in the manner set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

SECTION 5. Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies.

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nominated they shall stand for election and for initial terms that shall permit as nearly as possible three equal classes of directors. Vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled by a majority vote of the Directors then in office, and Directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders at which the term of the class to which they have been elected expires. No decrease in the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.

SECTION 6. Place and Manner of Meeting.

All meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation or at any other place within or without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time fix therefor. Any meeting of the Board of Directors, annual, regular or special, or of any committee may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment, so long as all Directors participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all such Directors shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

SECTION 7. Annual Meetings.

The Board of Directors shall meet for the purpose of organization, the election of officers and the transaction of other business, as soon as practicable after each annual meeting of stockholders. Notice of such meeting need not be given. In the event such annual meeting is not so held, the annual meeting of the Board of Directors may be held at such other time, within or without the State of Delaware and either within or without the United States of America, as shall be specified in a notice thereof given as provided in Section 10 of this Article III.

SECTION 8. Regular Meetings.

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors, of which no notice shall be required to be given, shall be held, if a quorum be present, in each and every year immediately after the adjournment of the annual meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing officers and transacting such other business as might be transacted at any regular meeting of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of additional regular meetings without other notice, except that the scheduled date of any meeting may be changed by the Chairman of the Board or the President, in the discretion of either, provided that notice of such change shall be given to all Directors personally or by mail, telephone or telegraph at least 24 hours prior to such scheduled date upon which such meeting is to be held.

SECTION 9. Special Meetings.

Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the Secretary at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, the President, or a majority of the Directors.

 

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SECTION 10. Notice of Special Meetings.

Notice of the time and place of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given by serving the same personally or by telephone or by telegram addressed to each Director at his post office address as the same shall appear on the books of the Corporation at least two hours before such meeting. Each member of the Board of Directors shall, by writing filed with the Secretary, designate his post office address to which notices or meetings of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be directed, and in the event of any change therein shall likewise designate his new post office address.

SECTION 11. Quorum.

A majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office, or of a committee thereof, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors or of the Committee thereof, except for the amendment of the Bylaws which shall require a vote of not less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office.

SECTION 12. Action Without a Meeting.

Action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or of the committee consent thereto in writing. The written consent shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors or Committee. The consent shall have the same effect as a vote of the Board of Directors or Committee thereof for all purposes.

SECTION 13. Organization.

(a) At all meetings of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, a Senior Vice President or a Vice President or in their absence a member of the Board to be selected by the members present, shall preside as Chairman of the meeting. The Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all meetings of the Board, except that in their absence the Chairman of the meeting may designate any other person to act as secretary.

(b) At meetings of the Board of Directors business shall be transacted in such order as from time to time the Board may determine.

SECTION 14. Committees of the Board.

The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, including an executive committee, each consisting of one or more Directors of the Corporation as members, with such power and authority as prescribed by the Bylaws or as provided in a resolution of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, a member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or

 

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they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place or any such absent or disqualified member. Except to the extent restricted by statute or the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation, each such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution creating it, shall have and may exercise all of the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of Directors) expressly required by this chapter to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any bylaw of the Corporation. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors. Each Committee, and each member thereof, shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

Officers

SECTION 1. Officers.

(a) The officers of the Corporation shall be a President, one or more Executive Vice Presidents, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and such additional officers, if any, as shall be elected by the Board of Directors in accordance with these Bylaws. The Board of Directors, immediately after each annual meeting of stockholders, shall select a President and one or more Executive Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents, a Secretary, and a Chief Financial Officer. The failure to hold such election shall not of itself terminate the term of office of any officer. All officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. Officers may, but need not, be Directors. Any two or more of the above offices may be held by the same persons except as prohibited by law, but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify an instrument in more than one capacity if the instrument is required by law to be acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.

(b) All officers shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office. The removal of an officer without cause shall be without prejudice to his contract rights, if any. The election or appointment of an officer shall not of itself create contract rights. All agents and employees other than officers elected by the Board of Directors shall also be subject to removal, with or without cause, at any time by the officers appointing them.

(c) Any vacancy caused by the death of any officer, his resignation, his removal or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of Directors, and any officer so elected shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

(d) In addition to the powers and duties of the officers of the Corporation as set forth in these Bylaws, the officers shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as from time to time may be determined by the Board of Directors. In the absence of action by the Board of Directors, the officers shall have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices.

 

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SECTION 2. Chairman.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. He shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at the first meeting of the board held after each annual meeting of stockholders, or as soon thereafter as possible, and except where by law the signature of the President is required, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall possess the same power as the President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors. During the absence or disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the President. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him by these Bylaws or by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3. President.

The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and, if there be one, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. He shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these Bylaws, the Board of Directors or the President. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meeting of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer unless the Board of Directors designates otherwise. The Chief Executive Officer shall be a member of the Board of Directors. He shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive and operating officer and such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of directors.

SECTION 4. Vice President.

Each Vice President, if any, shall perform all duties incident to his office and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.

SECTION 5. Chief Financial Officer.

The Chief Financial Officer shall:

(i) be the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the Corporation;

 

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(ii) have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all the funds and securities of the Corporation;

(iii) keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation;

(iv) deposit all moneys and other valuables to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors or pursuant to its direction;

(v) receive, and give receipts for, moneys due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever;

(vi) disburse the funds of the Corporation and supervise the investment of its funds, taking proper vouchers therefor;

(vii) render to the Board of Directors, whenever the Board of Directors may require, an accounting of the financial condition of the Corporation; and

(viii) in general, perform all other duties incident to the office of Chief Financial Officer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the President.

SECTION 6. Secretary.

The Secretary shall:

(i) keep or cause to be kept, in one or more books provided for the purpose, the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors, the committees of the Board of Directors and the stockholders;

(ii) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these by-laws and as required by law;

(iii) be custodian of the records and the seal of the Corporation and affix and attest the seal to all certificates for shares of the Corporation (unless the seal of the Corporation on such certificates shall be facsimile, as hereinafter provided) and affix and attest the seal to all other documents to be executed on behalf of the Corporation under its seal;

(iv) see that the books, reports, statements certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept and filed are properly kept and filed; and

(v) in general, perform all other duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the President.

 

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SECTION 7. Compensation.

The compensation of the officers of the Corporation for their services as such officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. An officer of the Corporation shall not be prevented from receiving compensation by reason of the fact that he is also a director of the Corporation.

ARTICLE V

Capital Stock

SECTION 1. Certificates of Stock.

(a) The certificates for shares of the capital stock of the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. The certificates shall be signed by the President or any Vice President and also by the Chief Financial Officer or the Secretary, and may be sealed with the seal of the Corporation, or a facsimile thereof.

(b) The signatures of the aforesaid officers may be facsimiles if the certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent or registered by a registrar other than the Corporation or its employee. The validity of any stock certificate of the Corporation signed and executed by or in the name of duly qualified officers of the Corporation shall not be affected by the subsequent death, resignation, or the ceasing for any other reason of any such officer to hold such office, whether before or after the date borne by or the actual delivery of such certificates.

(c) All certificates for shares of stock shall be consecutively numbered as the same are issued. The name of the person owning the shares represented thereby, with the number of such shares and the date of issue, shall be entered on the Corporation’s capital stock records.

(d) Except as hereinafter provided, all certificates surrendered to the Corporation shall be cancelled, and no new certificates shall be issued until the former certificate for the same number of shares shall have been surrendered and cancelled except in case of a lost or destroyed certificate.

(e) The Corporation may treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in any such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, save as expressly provided by law.

SECTION 2. Lost Certificate.

The Corporation may issue a new certificate for shares in place of a certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost or destroyed, and the Board of Directors may require the owner of the lost or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in form satisfactory to the Corporation sufficient to indemnify the Corporation, its transfer agents and registrars against any claim that may be made against them on account of the alleged lost or destroyed certificate or the issuance of such a new certificate.

 

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SECTION 3. Transfer of Shares.

Shares of the capital stock of the Corporation shall be transferable by the owner thereof in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of the certificates therefor properly endorsed. The Corporation may appoint a transfer agent and registrar or one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars, or either, for the stock of the Corporation.

SECTION 4. Regulations.

The Board of Directors shall have power and authority to make all such rules and regulations as they may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates for shares of the capital stock of the Corporation.

SECTION 5. Record Date.

(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, as the case may be, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other such action.

(b) If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; and the record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

SECTION 6. Dividends and Stock Repurchases.

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors shall have the power to declare and pay dividends upon shares of, and authorize repurchase programs for, stock of the Corporation, but only out of funds available for the payment of dividends or repurchase of shares as provided by law.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, any dividends declared upon the stock of the Corporation shall be payable on such date or dates as the Board of Directors shall determine. If the date fixed for the payment of any dividend shall in any year fall upon a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday, then the dividend payable on such date shall be paid on the next day not a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday.

 

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SECTION 7. Corporate Seal.

The Board of Directors shall provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be kept in the custody of the Secretary. A duplicate of the seal may be kept and be used by any officer of the Corporation designated by the Board of Directors or the President.

SECTION 8. Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on June 30 or shall be such other fiscal year as the Board of Directors from time-to time by resolution shall determine.

ARTICLE VI

Miscellaneous Provisions

SECTION 1. Contracts.

To the extent permitted by law, and except as otherwise prescribed by these Bylaws with respect to certificates for shares, 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.

SECTION 2. Loans.

No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

SECTION 3. Checks, Drafts, Etc.

All checks, drafts or other order for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by one or more officers, employees or agents of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4. Deposits.

All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in any duly authorized depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

 

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SECTION 5. Waivers of Notice.

Whenever any notice whatever is required to be given by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws to any person or persons, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to the notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.

SECTION 6. Offices Outside of Delaware.

Except as otherwise required by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Corporation may have an office or offices and keep its books, documents and papers outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places as from time to time may be determined by the Board of Directors or the President.

SECTION 7. Gender.

If the context requires, the use of any gender shall also refer to the other gender.

ARTICLE VII

Indemnification

SECTION 1. Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees.

(a) The Corporation shall indemnify to the full extent authorized by law any Director or Officer made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving, at the request of the Corporation, as a Director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

(b) The Corporation may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, indemnify to the full extent authorized by law any employee or agent made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

SECTION 2. Expenses Advanced.

Expenses incurred with respect to any claim, action or proceeding of the character, actual or threatened, described in Section 1 of this Article VII, may be advanced by the Corporation prior to the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay the amount so advanced if and to the extent it shall ultimately be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he was not entitled to indemnification under this Bylaw.

 

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SECTION 3. Automatic Conformity to Law.

The intention of this Bylaw is to provide indemnification with the broadest and most inclusive coverage permitted by law (a) at the time of the act or omission to be indemnified against, or (b) so permitted at the time of carrying out such indemnification, whichever of (a) or (b) may be broader or more inclusive and permitted by law to be applicable. If the indemnification permitted by law at this present time, or at any future time, shall be broader or more inclusive than the provisions of this Bylaw, then indemnification shall nevertheless extend to the broadest and most inclusive permitted by law at any time and this Bylaw shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly. If any provision or portion of this Article shall be found, in any action, suit or proceeding, to be invalid or ineffective, the validity and effect of the remaining parts shall not be affected.

ARTICLE VIII

Amendments

The stockholders or the Board of Directors of the Corporation may amend or repeal the Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws. Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at any annual or special meeting shall be required to amend or repeal the Bylaws or to adopt new Bylaws. Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, such action by the Board of Directors requires an affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office.

 

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Exhibit 5

LOGO

Suite 900

401 9th Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20004-2128

(202) 585-8000

Fax: (202) 585-8080

January 29, 2010

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

 

  RE: Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. – Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares”), as described in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-163790) initially filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) with respect to the Shares on December 17, 2009 (as amended and as may subsequently be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Registration Statement”). This opinion is being furnished in connection with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any matter pertaining to the contents of the Registration Statement or related prospectus, other than as expressly stated herein with respect to the issue of the Shares.

We have examined the Registration Statement and the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement. We also have reviewed the originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction of such corporate records, certificates and documents and we have made such investigations of law, as we have deemed appropriate as a basis for the opinions expressed below.

As to questions of fact material to our opinions expressed herein, we have, when relevant facts were not independently established, relied upon certificates of, and information received from, the Company or representatives of the Company. We have made no independent investigation of the facts stated in such certificates or as to any information received from the Company or representatives of the Company and do not opine as to the accuracy of any such factual matters. We also have relied, without investigation, upon certificates and other documents from, and conversations with, public officials.


In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have assumed, without investigation, the authenticity of any document or other instrument submitted to us as an original, the conformity to the originals of any document or other instrument submitted to us as a copy, the genuineness of all signatures on such originals or copies, and the legal capacity of natural persons who executed any such document or instrument at the time of execution thereof.

This opinion letter is based as to matters of law, solely on the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended. As used herein, the term “Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended” includes the statutory provisions contained therein, all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting such provisions.

Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, when the Shares have been duly registered on the books of the transfer agent and registrar therefor in the name or on behalf of the purchasers, and have been issued by the Company against payment therefor in the circumstances contemplated by the Company’s Registration Statement and the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Eagle Financial MHC, a federally charted mutual holding company, the issue and sale of the Shares will have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, and the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement and the prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement and any supplement or supplements to such prospectus. By the giving of such consent, we do not admit that we are experts with respect to any part of the Registration Statement, or otherwise, within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the Commission.

This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein, and no opinion or belief is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein. This opinion is based upon currently existing statutes, rules, regulations and judicial decisions, and we disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change in any of these sources of law or subsequent legal or factual developments which might affect any matters or opinions set forth herein.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ Nixon Peabody LLP
Nixon Peabody LLP

Exhibit 8.1

LOGO

401 9th Street N.W.

Suite 900

Washington, DC 20004-2128

(202) 585-8000

Fax: (202) 585-8080

January 28, 2010

Boards of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested this firm’s opinion regarding the material federal income tax consequences that will result from the conversion of Eagle Financial MHC, a federal mutual holding company (the “Mutual Holding Company”) into the capital stock form of organization (the “Conversion”), as effectuated pursuant to the three integrated transactions described below.

In connection therewith, we have made such investigations as we have deemed relevant or necessary for the purpose of this opinion. In our examination, we have assumed the authenticity of original documents, the accuracy of copies and the genuineness of signatures. We have further assumed the absence of adverse facts not apparent from the face of the instruments and documents we examined and have relied upon the accuracy of the factual matters set forth in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Eagle Financial MHC (the “Plan”) and the Registration Statement filed by Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware stock corporation (the “Holding Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Application for Conversion on Form AC filed by the Mutual Holding Company with the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”). In addition, we are relying on a letter from Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to you stating its belief as to certain valuation matters described below. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan. Furthermore, we assume that each of the parties to the Conversion will comply with all reporting obligations with respect to the Conversion required under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 2 of 10

 

Our opinion is based upon the existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and regulations thereunder (the “Treasury Regulations”), and upon current Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) published rulings and existing court decisions, any of which could be changed at any time. Any such changes may be retroactive and could significantly modify the statements and opinions expressed herein. Similarly, any change in the facts and assumptions stated below, upon which this opinion is based, could modify the conclusions. This opinion is as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change in any matter considered herein after the date hereof.

We opine only as to the matters we expressly set forth, and no opinions should be inferred as to any other matters or as to the tax treatment of the transactions that we do not specifically address. We express no opinion as to other federal laws and regulations, or as to laws and regulations of other jurisdictions, or as to factual or legal matters other than as set forth herein.

For purposes of this opinion, we are relying on the representations as to factual matters provided to us by the Mutual Holding Company, American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Bancorp and the Holding Company, as set forth in the certificates for each of those aforementioned entities and signed by authorized officers of each of the aforementioned entities, incorporated herein by reference.

Description of Proposed Transactions

Based upon our review of the documents described above, and in reliance upon such documents, we understand that the relevant facts are as follows. American Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”) is a federally-chartered savings bank headquartered in Helena, Montana. It was originally founded in 1922 as a Montana chartered building and loan association. In 1975, it adopted a federal thrift charter and, in 2000, reorganized from the mutual structure into the mutual holding company structure, thereby becoming partially stockholder-owned. The Bank became the wholly owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp, a federal corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”) in 2000. The majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, approximately 60.4%, are owned by the Mutual Holding Company. A minority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Mid-Tier Holding Company, approximately 39.6%, is owned by public stockholders. The Mutual Holding Company is a mutual holding company with no stockholders.


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 3 of 10

 

Within the last six months, the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, and the Bank have adopted the Plan providing for the Conversion of the Mutual Holding Company from a federally chartered mutual holding company to the capital stock form of organization. A new Delaware stock corporation, the Holding Company, was incorporated in December 2009 as part of the Conversion and will succeed to all the rights and obligations of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and will issue Holding Company Common Stock in the Conversion.

At the present time, three transactions referred to as the “MHC Merger,” the “Mid-Tier Merger,” and the “Bank Merger” are being undertaken. Pursuant to the Plan, the Conversion will be effected in the following steps, in such order as is necessary to consummate the Conversion:

(i) The Bank will establish the Holding Company as a first-tier subsidiary organized as a corporation under the law of the state of Delaware.

(ii) The Holding Company will charter an interim federal savings bank subsidiary (“Interim”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

(iii) The Mid-Tier Holding Company will convert to an interim stock savings bank (which shall continue to be referred to as the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”) and will merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the resulting entity (the “Mid-Tier Merger”), whereby the Mutual Holding Company will receive, and Minority Stockholders will constructively receive shares of Bank common stock in exchange for their Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock.

(iv) Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger, the Mutual Holding Company will convert to an interim stock savings bank and will merge with and into the Bank (the “MHC Merger”), whereby the shares of Bank common stock held by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled and each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder will receive an interest in a Liquidation Account of the Bank in exchange for such person’s interest in the Mutual Holding Company.

(v) Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger and MHC Merger, Interim will merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving entity (the “Bank Merger”).


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 4 of 10

 

Constructive shareholders of the Bank ( i.e., Minority Stockholders immediately prior to the Conversion) will exchange the shares of Bank common stock that they constructively received in the Mid-Tier Merger for Holding Company Common Stock.

(vi) Contemporaneously with the Bank Merger, the Holding Company will offer for sale its common stock in the Offering.

Following the Conversion, a Liquidation Account will be maintained by the Bank for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their deposit accounts with the Bank. Pursuant to Section 19 of the Plan, the Liquidation Account will be equal to the product of (a) the percentage of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company owned by the Mutual Holding Company multiplied by (b) the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s total stockholders’ equity as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus utilized in the Conversion.

All of the then-outstanding shares of Bank common stock owned by the Minority Stockholders will be converted into and become shares of Holding Company Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Ratio that ensures that after the Conversion, Minority Stockholders will own in the aggregate the same percentage of Holding Company Common Stock as they held Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock immediately prior to the Conversion, exclusive of Minority Stockholders’ purchases of additional shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering and receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. The common stock of Interim owned by the Holding Company prior to the Bank Merger will be converted into and become shares of common stock of the Bank on the Effective Date. The Holding Company Common Stock held by the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Date will be canceled on the Effective Date. Immediately following the Bank Merger, additional shares of Holding Company Common Stock will be sold to depositors and former shareholders of the Bank and to members of the public in the Offering.

As a result of the Mid-Tier Merger, the MHC Merger and the Bank Merger, the Holding Company will be a publicly-held corporation, will register the Holding Company Common Stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will become subject to the rules and regulations thereunder and file periodic reports and proxy statements with the SEC. The Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company and will continue to carry on its business and activities as conducted immediately prior to the Conversion.


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 5 of 10

 

The stockholders of the Holding Company will be the former Minority Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the MHC Merger, plus those persons who purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering. Nontransferable rights to subscribe for the Holding Company Common Stock have been granted, in order of priority, to depositors of the Bank who have account balances of $50.00 or more as of the close of business on November 30, 2008 (“Eligible Account Holders”), the Bank’s tax-qualified employee plans (“Employee Plans”), depositors of the Bank who have account balances of $50.00 or more as of the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date (“Supplemental Eligible Account Holders”), and depositors of the Bank as of the Voting Record Date (other than Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders) and borrowers of the Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of the Voting Record Date (collectively, “Other Members”). Subscription rights are nontransferable. The Holding Company will also offer shares of Holding Company Common Stock not subscribed for in the subscription offering, if any, for sale in a community offering to certain members of the general public.

Opinions

Based on the foregoing description of the MHC Merger, the Mid-Tier Merger and the Bank Merger, and subject to the qualifications and limitations set forth in this letter, we are of the opinion that:

1. The conversion of the Mid-Tier Holding Company to a federally chartered interim stock savings bank (which we shall continue to refer to as “Mid-Tier Holding Company”) will constitute a mere change in identity, form or place of organization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code and therefore will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code.

2. The Mid-Tier Merger of Mid-Tier Holding Company with and into the Bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code. (Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.)

3. The Mid-Tier Holding Company will not recognize any gain or loss on the transfer of its assets to the Bank and the Bank’s assumption of its liabilities in exchange for shares of common stock in the Bank or on the constructive distribution of such stock to Minority Stockholders and the Mutual Holding Company. (Sections 361(a), 361(c) and 357(a) of the Code.)


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 6 of 10

 

4. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Bank upon the receipt of the assets of Mid-Tier Holding Company in the Mid-Tier Merger. (Section 1032(a) of the Code.)

5. The basis of the assets of the Mid-Tier Holding Company (other than stock in the Bank) to be received by Bank will be the same as the basis of such assets in the hands of Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 362(b) of the Code.)

6. The holding period of the assets of Mid-Tier Holding Company (other than stock in Bank) to be received by Bank will include the holding period of those assets in the hands of Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 1223(2) of the Code.)

7. Mid-Tier Holding Company shareholders will not recognize any gain or loss upon their constructive exchange of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock for Bank common stock.

8. The conversion of the Mutual Holding Company to a federally chartered stock savings bank (which we shall continue to refer to as “Mutual Holding Company”) will constitute a mere change in identity, form or place of organization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code and therefore will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code.

9. The MHC Merger of the Mutual Holding Company with and into the Bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code. (Section 368(a)(l)(A) of the Code.)

10. The exchange of the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders interests in the Mutual Holding Company for interests in a Liquidation Account established in the Bank in the MHC Merger will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Income Tax Regulations. ( cf. Rev. Rul. 69-3, 1969-1 C.B. 103, and Rev. Rul. 69-646, 1969-2 C.B. 54.)

11. The Mutual Holding Company will not recognize any gain or loss on the transfer of its assets to the Bank and the Bank’s assumption of its liabilities, if any, in exchange for an interest in a Liquidation Account in the Bank or on the constructive distribution of such Liquidation Account to the Mutual Holding Company’s members who remain depositors of the Bank. (Section 361(a), 361(c) and 357(a) of the Code.)

12. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Bank upon the receipt of the assets of the Mutual Holding Company in the MHC Merger in exchange for the transfer to the members of the Mutual Holding Company of an interest in the Liquidation Account in the Bank. (Section 1032(a) of the Code.)


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 7 of 10

 

13. Persons who have an interest in the Mutual Holding Company will recognize no gain or loss upon the receipt of an interest in the Liquidation Account in the Bank in exchange for their voting and liquidation rights in the Mutual Holding Company. (Section 354(a) of the Code.)

14. The basis of the assets of Mutual Holding Company (other than stock in the Bank) to be received by Bank will be the same as the basis of such assets in the hands of the Mutual Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 362(b) of the Code.)

15. The holding period of the assets of the Mutual Holding Company in the hands of the Bank will include the holding period of those assets in the hands of the Mutual Holding Company. (Section 1223(2) of the Code.)

16. The Bank Merger of Interim with and into the Bank will qualify as a tax-free transaction under Section 351(a) of the Code and be treated as if the stockholders of the Bank contributed all of the Bank common stock to Holding Company. (Rev. Rul. 2003-48, 2003-1 C.B. 863.)

17. Interim and the Bank will not recognize any gain or loss in the Bank Merger, as Interim will be disregarded. (Revenue Ruling 2003-48, 2003-1 C.B. 863).

18. The Holding Company will not recognize any gain or loss upon its receipt of Bank common stock in constructive exchange for shares of Holding Company Common stock. (Section 1032(a) of the Code.)

19. Bank shareholders will not recognize any gain or loss upon their exchange of Bank common stock solely for shares of Holding Company Common Stock. (Section 351(a) of the Code.)

20. The payment of cash to the Minority Stockholders in lieu of fractional shares of Holding Company will be treated as though the fractional shares were distributed as part of the Bank Merger and then redeemed by Holding Company. The cash payments will be treated as distributions in full payment for the fractional shares deemed redeemed under Section 302(a) of the Code, with the result that such shareholders will have short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the extent that the cash they receive differs from the basis allocable to such fractional shares. (Rev. Rul. 66-365, 1966-2 C.B. 116 and Rev. Proc. 77-41, 1977-2 C.B. 574.)


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 8 of 10

 

21. It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase Holding Company Common Stock is zero. Accordingly, it is more likely than not that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Voting Members upon distribution to them of nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock. (Section 356(a) of the Code.) Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Voting Members will not realize any taxable income as the result of the exercise by them of the nontransferable subscriptions rights. (Rev. Rul. 56-572, 1956-2 C.B. 182.)

22. Each shareholder’s aggregate basis in his or her Holding Company Common Stock received in the exchange will be the same as the aggregate basis of the common stock surrendered in exchange therefore. Although Bank stock was constructively exchanged, this opinion also applies as if the Mid-Tier Holding Company stock was exchanged for Holding Company Common Stock. (Section 358(a) of the Code.)

23. It is more likely than not that the basis of the Holding Company Common Stock purchased in the Offering by the exercise of the nontransferable subscription rights will be the purchase price thereof. (Section 1012 of the Code.)

24. Each shareholder’s holding period in his or her Holding Company Common Stock received in the exchange will include the period during which the common stock surrendered was held, provided that the common stock surrendered is a capital asset in the hands of the shareholder on the date of the exchange. Although Bank stock was constructively exchanged, this opinion also applies as if the Mid-Tier Holding Company stock was exchanged for Holding Company Common Stock. (Section 1223(1) of the Code.)

25. The holding period of the Holding Company Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of subscriptions rights shall commence on the date on which the right to acquire such stock was exercised. (Section 1223(5) of the Code.)

26. No gain or loss will be recognized by Holding Company on the receipt of money in exchange for Holding Company Common Stock sold in the Offering. (Section 1032 of the Code.)

Our opinion under paragraph 24 above is predicated on the representation that no person shall receive any payment, whether in money or property, in lieu of the issuance of subscription rights. Our opinions under paragraphs 24, 25 and 26 are based on the position that the subscription rights to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock received by Eligible


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 9 of 10

 

Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members have a fair market value of zero. We understand that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, will be legally nontransferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in any Community Offering. We also note that the IRS has not in the past concluded that subscription rights have value. In addition, we are relying on a letter from Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to you stating its belief that subscription rights do not have any economic value at the time of distribution or at the time the rights are exercised in the subscription offering. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is more likely than not that the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase Holding Company Common Stock have no value.

If the subscription rights are subsequently found to have an economic value, income may be recognized by various recipients of the subscription rights (in certain cases, whether or not the rights are exercised) and the Holding Company and/or the Bank may be taxable on the distribution of the subscription rights.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ NIXON PEABODY


Board of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

January 28, 2010

Page 10 of 10

 

CONSENT

We hereby consent to the filing of the opinion as an exhibit to the Mutual Holding Company’s Application for Conversion filed with the OTS and to the Holding Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the SEC. We also consent to the references to our firm in the Prospectus contained in the Application for Conversion and Form S-1 under the captions “The Conversion and Offering-Material Income Tax Consequences” and “Legal Matters.”

 

Sincerely,
/S/ NIXON PEABODY LLP
NIXON PEABODY LLP

Exhibit 8.2

LOGO

January 26,2010

Boards of Directors

Eagle Financial MHC

Eagle Bancorp

American Federal Savings Bank

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested this firm’s opinion regarding Montana income tax consequences that could result from the conversion of Eagle Financial MHC, a federal mutual holding company into the capital stock form of organization, as effectuated pursuant to the three integrated transactions described below.

In connection herewith we have relied on the assumption that the relevant facts of the transaction are as described by the federal tax opinion letter of Nixon Peabody LLP as set forth verbatim in full below under the heading “Description of Proposed Transactions”. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Eagle Financial MHC (the “Plan”).

Our opinion is based on existing Montana tax provisions and, since Montana tax law and policy closely follows federal tax law, on existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and regulations promulgated thereunder.


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Boards of Directors

January 26, 2010

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This opinion is as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to advise you of any change subsequent to this date.

Description of Proposed Transactions

We are advised the following facts are true and assume them to be true. American Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”) is a federally-chartered savings bank headquartered in Helena, Montana. It was originally founded in 1922 as a Montana chartered building and loan association. In 1975, it adopted a federal thrift charter and, in 2000, reorganized from the mutual structure into the mutual holding company structure, thereby becoming partially stockholder-owned. The Bank became the wholly owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp, a federal corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”) in 2000. The majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, approximately 60.4%, are owned by the Mutual Holding Company. A minority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Mid-Tier Holding Company, approximately 39.6%, is owned by public stockholders. The Mutual Holding Company is a mutual holding company with no stockholders.

Within the last six months, the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, and the Bank have adopted the Plan providing for the Conversion of the Mutual Holding Company from a federally chartered mutual holding company to the capital stock form of organization. A new Delaware stock corporation, the Holding Company, was incorporated in December 2009 as part of the Conversion and will succeed to all the rights and obligations of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and will issue Holding Company Common Stock in the Conversion.

At the present time, three transactions referred to as the “MHC Merger,” the “Mid-Tier Merger,” and the “Bank Merger” are being undertaken. Pursuant to the Plan, the Conversion will be effected in the following steps, in such order as is necessary to consummate the Conversion:

(i) The Bank will establish the Holding Company as a first-tier subsidiary organized as a corporation under the law of the state of Delaware.


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Boards of Directors

January 26, 2010

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(ii) The Holding Company will charter an interim federal savings bank subsidiary (“Interim”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

(iii) The Mid-Tier Holding Company will convert to an interim stock savings bank (which shall continue to be referred to as the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”) and will merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the resulting entity (the “Mid-Tier Merger”), whereby the Mutual Holding Company will receive, and Minority Stockholders will constructively receive, shares of Bank common stock in exchange for their Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock.

(iv) Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger, the Mutual Holding Company will convert to an interim stock savings bank and will merge with and into the Bank (the “MHC Merger”), whereby the shares of Bank common stock held by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled and each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder will receive an interest in a Liquidation Account of the Bank in exchange for such person’s interest in the Mutual Holding Company.

(v) Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger and MHC Merger, Interim will merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving entity (the “Bank Merger”). Constructive shareholders of the Bank (i.e., Minority Stockholders immediately prior to the Conversion) will exchange the shares of Bank common stock that they constructively received in the Mid-Tier Merger for Holding Company Common Stock.

(vi) Contemporaneously with the Bank Merger, the Holding Company will offer for sale its common stock in the Offering.

Following the Conversion, a Liquidation Account will be maintained by the Bank for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their deposit accounts with the Bank. Pursuant to Section 19 of the Plan, the Liquidation Account will be equal to the product of (a) the percentage of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company owned by the Mutual Holding Company multiplied by (b) the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s total stockholders’ equity as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus utilized in the Conversion.


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Boards of Directors

January 26, 2010

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All of the then-outstanding shares of Bank common stock owned by the Minority Stockholders will be converted into and become shares of Holding Company Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Ratio that ensures that after the Conversion, Minority Stockholders will own in the aggregate the same percentage of Holding Company Common Stock as they held Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock immediately prior to the Conversion, exclusive of Minority Stockholders’ purchases of additional shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering and receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. The common stock of Interim owned by the Holding Company prior to the Bank Merger will be converted into and become shares of common stock of the Bank on the Effective Date. The Holding Company Common Stock held by the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Date will be canceled on the Effective Date. Immediately following the Bank Merger, additional shares of Holding Company Common Stock will be sold to depositors and former shareholders of the Bank and to members of the public in the Offering.

As a result of the Mid-Tier Merger, the MHC Merger and the Bank Merger, the Holding Company will be a publicly-held corporation, will register the Holding Company Common Stock under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will become subject to the rules and regulations thereunder and file periodic reports and proxy statements with the SEC. The Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company and will continue to carry on its business and activities as conducted immediately prior to the Conversion.

The stockholders of the Holding Company will be the former Minority Stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the MHC Merger, plus those persons who purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering. Nontransferable rights to subscribe for the Holding Company Common Stock have been granted, in order of priority, to depositors of the Bank who have account balances of $50.00 or more as of the close of business on November 30, 2008 (“Eligible Account Holders”), the Bank’s tax-qualified employee plans (“Employee Plans”), depositors of the Bank who have account balances of $50.00 or more as of the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date (“Supplemental Eligible Account Holders”), and depositors of the Bank as of the Voting Record Date (other than Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders) and borrowers of the Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of the Voting Record Date (collectively, “Other Members”).


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Boards of Directors

January 26, 2010

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Subscription rights are nontransferable. The Holding Company will also offer shares of Holding Company Common Stock not subscribed for in the subscription offering, if any, for sale in a community offering to certain members of the general public.

Legal Analysis

For all material purposes relevant to this transaction, the tax, if any, imposed on the involved corporations by the State of Montana is the Corporation License Tax as set forth in Title 15, Chapter 31 of the Montana Code Annotated.

For all material purposes relevant to this transaction, Montana law relating to the Corporation License Tax follows federal tax law for purposes of determining whether the contemplated transaction as described above will be a taxable event.

Further, for all material purposes relevant to this transaction, the determination under Montana tax law of whether the contemplated transaction as described above will be a taxable event with respect to individual account holders receiving subscription rights follows federal tax law in every material respect.

Opinion

Based on the foregoing description of the transaction and in reliance on the conclusions in the federal tax opinion offered by Nixon Peabody LLP with respect to federal tax ramifications, we express the following opinions and qualifications.

1. To the extent the Conversion qualifies as a “tax-free” event under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then that Conversion will likewise not result in any corporate income tax liabilities under Montana law.

2. To the extent the issuance of the non-transferrable subscription rights will not result in any federal income tax liability to the account holders, then that issuance will likewise not result in any Montana income tax liability to those same account holders.


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Boards of Directors

January 26, 2010

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Since this letter is provided in advance of the closing of the Conversion, we have assumed that such transactions will be consummated. Any change to the Plan could cause us to modify the opinions expressed herein.

In providing our opinion, we have considered the provisions of Montana tax law and its interplay with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Montana tax regulations and judicial decisions to date. A change in the authorities upon which our opinion is based could affect our conclusions. Moreover, there can be no assurances that our opinion expressed herein, if challenged, will be accepted by the State of Montana.

We specifically express no opinion concerning tax matters relating to the Plan under the Federal income tax laws but have relied on the opinions of Nixon Peabody LLP relating to the application of federal tax laws.

We have not been asked to, and we do not, render any opinion with respect to any matters other than those expressly set forth above.

 

  Sincerely yours,  
G OUGH , S HANAHAN , J OHNSON  & W ATERMAN , PLLP
 

/s/ Jock O. Anderson

 
  Jock O. Anderson  

Exhibit 10.4

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made effective as of January 1, 2010, by and among American Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”), and Clinton J. Morrison (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Bank recognizes the contribution Executive has made to the Bank and wishes to protect Executive’s position therewith for the period provided in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Executive has been elected to, and has agreed to serve in the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Bank.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the contribution and responsibilities of Executive, and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. GENERAL .

Executive is, except as described in Section 4, an employee at will and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”). Executive’s duties shall generally consist of oversight of all aspects of financial reporting, management of bank compliance and accounting, management of deposit pricing and wholesale funding operations. Executive also coordinates the annual audit.

 

2. TERM OF AGREEMENT .

The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the date first above written and shall continue for a period of two (2) years thereafter. Commencing on the first anniversary date of this Agreement and continuing at each anniversary date thereafter, the Board may extend this Agreement for an additional year. The Board will review the Agreement and the Executive’s performance annually for purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement, and the results thereof shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting.

 

3. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL .

(a) The termination benefits of Section 4 shall be payable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as herein defined) of the Bank followed at any time within four (4) months of a Change in Control, and during the term of this Agreement, by either (i) the involuntary termination by the Bank, or a successor or assignee of the Bank, of Executive’s full-time employment, other than for Cause as defined in Section 3(c) hereof, or (ii) unless consented to by the Executive, acts or events constituting a “voluntary termination” of Executive’s employment resulting from one or more of: (a) a material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility and importance, (b) reduction in his annual compensation, or (c) unless consented to by Executive, a relocation of his principal place of employment by more than 50 miles from its location immediately prior to the Change in Control. A termination described in (i) or (ii) above shall be referred to as a “Change in Control Termination Event.”


(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the Bank shall mean (i) merger or consolidation where the Bank is not the consolidated or surviving bank, (ii) transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Bank, (iii) voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the Bank or (iv) change in control as defined under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978. The surviving or resulting association, the transferee of Bank’s assets or the control person shall be bound by and have the benefit of the provisions of this Agreement, and the Bank shall take all actions necessary to insure that such association, transferee or control person is bound by the provisions of this Agreement. A Change in Control shall not occur where an internal reorganization such as a holding company formation occurs where the Bank’s shareholders become shareholders of the new entity or a termination described in Section 8 hereof “Required Regulatory Provisions”.

(c) Executive shall not have the right to receive termination benefits or other compensation or benefits pursuant to Section 4 hereof upon Termination for Cause. The term “Termination for Cause” shall mean termination because of the Executive’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, any breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any material provision of this Agreement. In determining incompetence, the acts or omissions shall be measured against standards generally prevailing in the banking industry. Following his Termination for Cause, Executive shall have a right to a hearing for reinstatement and the provision of back pay and benefits at a meeting of the Board of Directors called and held for that purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board at such meeting and which such meeting shall be held not more than 30 days from the date of notice of termination). If in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive was guilty of conduct justifying Termination for Cause, neither reinstatement or payment of back pay or benefits shall be provided.

 

4. TERMINATION BENEFITS .

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination Event described in Section 3, the Bank shall pay the Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a sum equal to the sum of his annual salary and bonus received, if any, for the most recent completed calendar year.

(b) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination Event, the Bank shall cause to be continued at the Bank’s expense (less customary premium co-payments and dependent premium payments) life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the Bank for the Executive prior to his termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees. Such coverage and payments shall cease upon the earlier of the expiration of twelve (12) months or the Executive obtaining other coverage.

 

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5. NOTICE OF TERMINATION .

(a) Any purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other parties thereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

(b) “Date of Termination” shall mean the date specified in the Notice of Termination which, in the instance of Termination for Cause, shall be immediate.

 

6. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS .

It is intended by the parties hereto that all payments provided in this Agreement shall be paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank.

 

7. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER .

(a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

(b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived.

 

8. REQUIRED REGULATORY PROVISIONS .

(a) The Board of Directors may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Board of Directors, other than Termination for Cause, shall not prejudice the Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. The Executive shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause as defined in Section 3 hereinabove.

(b) If Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), the Bank’s obligations under the Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may, in its discretion, (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations that were suspended.

 

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(c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA, all obligations of the Bank under the Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

(d) If the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the parties.

(e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated (except to the extent determined that continuation of the Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank): (i) by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “Director’) or his designee at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA or (ii) by the Director, or his designee at the time the Director or such designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

(f) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with Section 18(k) of the FDIA and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

9. REINSTATEMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER SECTION 8(b) .

In the event the Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice described in Section 8(b) hereof (the “Notice”) during the terms of this Agreement and a Change in Control, as defined herein, occurs, the Bank will assume its obligation to pay and the Executive will be entitled to receive all of the termination benefits provided for under Section 4 of this Agreement upon the Bank’s receipt of a dismissal of charges in the Notice.

 

10. SEVERABILITY .

If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

 

11. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY .

The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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12. GOVERNING LAW .

The validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by Montana law without regard to conflict of laws rules and the laws of the United States of America.

 

13. ARBITRATION .

Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his right to be paid until the Date of Termination, unless terminated for cause pursuant to Section 3 (c) hereof, during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

14. PAYMENT OF COSTS AND LEGAL FEES .

All reasonable costs and legal fees paid or incurred by the Executive pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Bank if Executive is successful on the merits pursuant to a legal judgment, arbitration or settlement.

 

15. SIGNATURES .

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, American Federal Savings Bank each has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officers, and Executive has signed this Agreement, as of the ______ day of January, 2010.

 

  AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
BY:    
  Larry A. Dreyer
  Chairman of the Board
BY:    
  Clinton J. Morrison
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

5

Exhibit 10.5

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made effective as of January 1, 2010, by and among American Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”), and Michael C. Mundt (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Bank recognizes the contribution Executive has made to the Bank and wishes to protect Executive’s position therewith for the period provided in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Executive has been elected to, and has agreed to serve in the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for the Bank.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the contribution and responsibilities of Executive, and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. GENERAL .

Executive is, except as described in Section 4, an employee at will and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”). Executive’s duties shall generally consist of oversight of bank-wide lending, new product development, and service as the Bank’s Chief Credit Officer.

 

2. TERM OF AGREEMENT .

The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the date first above written and shall continue for a period of two (2) years thereafter. Commencing on the first anniversary date of this Agreement and continuing at each anniversary date thereafter, the Board may extend this Agreement for an additional year. The Board will review the Agreement and the Executive’s performance annually for purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement, and the results thereof shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting.

 

3. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL .

(a) The termination benefits of Section 4 shall be payable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as herein defined) of the Bank followed at any time within four (4) months of a Change in Control, and during the term of this Agreement, by either (i) the involuntary termination by the Bank, or a successor or assignee of the Bank, of Executive’s full-time employment, other than for Cause as defined in Section 3(c) hereof, or (ii) unless consented to by the Executive, acts or events constituting a “voluntary termination” of Executive’s employment resulting from one or more of: (a) a material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility and importance, (b) reduction in his annual compensation, or (c) unless consented to by Executive, a relocation of his principal place of employment by more than 50 miles from its location immediately prior to the Change in Control. A termination described in (i) or (ii) above shall be referred to as a “Change in Control Termination Event.”


(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the Bank shall mean (i) merger or consolidation where the Bank is not the consolidated or surviving bank, (ii) transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Bank, (iii) voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the Bank or (iv) change in control as defined under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978. The surviving or resulting association, the transferee of Bank’s assets or the control person shall be bound by and have the benefit of the provisions of this Agreement, and the Bank shall take all actions necessary to insure that such association, transferee or control person is bound by the provisions of this Agreement. A Change in Control shall not occur where an internal reorganization such as a holding company formation occurs where the Bank’s shareholders become shareholders of the new entity or a termination described in Section 8 hereof “Required Regulatory Provisions”.

(c) Executive shall not have the right to receive termination benefits or other compensation or benefits pursuant to Section 4 hereof upon Termination for Cause. The term “Termination for Cause” shall mean termination because of the Executive’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, any breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any material provision of this Agreement. In determining incompetence, the acts or omissions shall be measured against standards generally prevailing in the banking industry. Following his Termination for Cause, Executive shall have a right to a hearing for reinstatement and the provision of back pay and benefits at a meeting of the Board of Directors called and held for that purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board at such meeting and which such meeting shall be held not more than 30 days from the date of notice of termination). If in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive was guilty of conduct justifying Termination for Cause, neither reinstatement or payment of back pay or benefits shall be provided.

 

4. TERMINATION BENEFITS .

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination Event described in Section 3, the Bank shall pay the Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a sum equal to the sum of his annual salary and bonus received, if any, for the most recent completed calendar year.

(b) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination Event, the Bank shall cause to be continued at the Bank’s expense (less customary premium co-payments and dependent premium payments) life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the Bank for the Executive prior to his termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees. Such coverage and payments shall cease upon the earlier of the expiration of twelve (12) months or the Executive obtaining other coverage.

 

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5. NOTICE OF TERMINATION .

(a) Any purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other parties thereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

(b) “Date of Termination” shall mean the date specified in the Notice of Termination which, in the instance of Termination for Cause, shall be immediate.

 

6. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS .

It is intended by the parties hereto that all payments provided in this Agreement shall be paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank.

 

7. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER .

(a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

(b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived.

 

8. REQUIRED REGULATORY PROVISIONS .

(a) The Board of Directors may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Board of Directors, other than Termination for Cause, shall not prejudice the Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. The Executive shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause as defined in Section 3 hereinabove.

(b) If Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), the Bank’s obligations under the Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may, in its discretion, (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations that were suspended.

 

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(c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA, all obligations of the Bank under the Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

(d) If the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the parties.

(e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated (except to the extent determined that continuation of the Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank): (i) by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “Director’) or his designee at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA or (ii) by the Director, or his designee at the time the Director or such designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

(f) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with Section 18(k) of the FDIA and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

9. REINSTATEMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER SECTION 8(b) .

In the event the Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice described in Section 8(b) hereof (the “Notice”) during the terms of this Agreement and a Change in Control, as defined herein, occurs, the Bank will assume its obligation to pay and the Executive will be entitled to receive all of the termination benefits provided for under Section 4 of this Agreement upon the Bank’s receipt of a dismissal of charges in the Notice.

 

10. SEVERABILITY .

If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

 

11. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY .

The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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12. GOVERNING LAW .

The validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by Montana law without regard to conflict of laws rules and the laws of the United States of America.

 

13. ARBITRATION .

Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his right to be paid until the Date of Termination, unless terminated for cause pursuant to Section 3 (c) hereof, during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

14. PAYMENT OF COSTS AND LEGAL FEES .

All reasonable costs and legal fees paid or incurred by the Executive pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Bank if Executive is successful on the merits pursuant to a legal judgment, arbitration or settlement.

 

15. SIGNATURES .

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, American Federal Savings Bank each has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officers, and Executive has signed this Agreement, as of the ______ day of January, 2010.

 

  AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
BY:    
  Larry A. Dreyer
  Chairman of the Board
BY:    
  Michael C. Mundt
  Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

 

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Exhibit 10.6

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made effective as of January 1, 2010, by and among American Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”), and Robert M. Evans (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Bank recognizes the contribution Executive has made to the Bank and wishes to protect Executive’s position therewith for the period provided in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Executive has been elected to, and has agreed to serve in the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the Bank.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the contribution and responsibilities of Executive, and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. GENERAL .

Executive is, except as described in Section 4, an employee at will and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”). Executive’s duties shall generally consist of oversight of the Information Technology Department, Bank Security Officer, and general oversight of bank-wide technology.

 

2. TERM OF AGREEMENT .

The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the date first above written and shall continue for a period of two (2) years thereafter. Commencing on the first anniversary date of this Agreement and continuing at each anniversary date thereafter, the Board may extend this Agreement for an additional year. The Board will review the Agreement and the Executive’s performance annually for purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement, and the results thereof shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting.

 

3. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL .

(a) The termination benefits of Section 4 shall be payable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as herein defined) of the Bank followed at any time within four (4) months of a Change in Control, and during the term of this Agreement, by either (i) the involuntary termination by the Bank, or a successor or assignee of the Bank, of Executive’s full-time employment, other than for Cause as defined in Section 3(c) hereof, or (ii) unless consented to by the Executive, acts or events constituting a “voluntary termination” of Executive’s employment resulting from one or more of: (a) a material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility and importance, (b) reduction in his annual compensation, or (c) unless consented to by Executive, a relocation of his principal place of employment by more than 50 miles from its location immediately prior to the Change in Control. A termination described in (i) or (ii) above shall be referred to as a “Change in Control Termination Event.”


(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the Bank shall mean (i) merger or consolidation where the Bank is not the consolidated or surviving bank, (ii) transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Bank, (iii) voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the Bank or (iv) change in control as defined under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978. The surviving or resulting association, the transferee of Bank’s assets or the control person shall be bound by and have the benefit of the provisions of this Agreement, and the Bank shall take all actions necessary to insure that such association, transferee or control person is bound by the provisions of this Agreement. A Change in Control shall not occur where an internal reorganization such as a holding company formation occurs where the Bank’s shareholders become shareholders of the new entity or a termination described in Section 8 hereof “Required Regulatory Provisions”.

(c) Executive shall not have the right to receive termination benefits or other compensation or benefits pursuant to Section 4 hereof upon Termination for Cause. The term “Termination for Cause” shall mean termination because of the Executive’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, any breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any material provision of this Agreement. In determining incompetence, the acts or omissions shall be measured against standards generally prevailing in the banking industry. Following his Termination for Cause, Executive shall have a right to a hearing for reinstatement and the provision of back pay and benefits at a meeting of the Board of Directors called and held for that purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board at such meeting and which such meeting shall be held not more than 30 days from the date of notice of termination). If in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive was guilty of conduct justifying Termination for Cause, neither reinstatement or payment of back pay or benefits shall be provided.

 

4. TERMINATION BENEFITS .

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination Event described in Section 3, the Bank shall pay the Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a sum equal to the sum of his annual salary and bonus received, if any, for the most recent completed calendar year.

(b) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination Event, the Bank shall cause to be continued at the Bank’s expense (less customary premium co-payments and dependent premium payments) life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the Bank for the Executive prior to his termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees. Such coverage and payments shall cease upon the earlier of the expiration of twelve (12) months or the Executive obtaining other coverage.

 

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5. NOTICE OF TERMINATION .

(a) Any purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other parties thereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

(b) “Date of Termination” shall mean the date specified in the Notice of Termination which, in the instance of Termination for Cause, shall be immediate.

 

6. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS .

It is intended by the parties hereto that all payments provided in this Agreement shall be paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank.

 

7. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER .

(a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

(b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived.

 

8. REQUIRED REGULATORY PROVISIONS .

(a) The Board of Directors may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Board of Directors, other than Termination for Cause, shall not prejudice the Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. The Executive shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause as defined in Section 3 hereinabove.

(b) If Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), the Bank’s obligations under the Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may, in its discretion, (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations that were suspended.

 

3


(c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA, all obligations of the Bank under the Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

(d) If the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the parties.

(e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated (except to the extent determined that continuation of the Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank): (i) by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “Director’) or his designee at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA or (ii) by the Director, or his designee at the time the Director or such designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

(f) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with Section 18(k) of the FDIA and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

9. REINSTATEMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER SECTION 8(b) .

In the event the Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice described in Section 8(b) hereof (the “Notice”) during the terms of this Agreement and a Change in Control, as defined herein, occurs, the Bank will assume its obligation to pay and the Executive will be entitled to receive all of the termination benefits provided for under Section 4 of this Agreement upon the Bank’s receipt of a dismissal of charges in the Notice.

 

10. SEVERABILITY .

If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

 

11. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY .

The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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12. GOVERNING LAW .

The validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by Montana law without regard to conflict of laws rules and the laws of the United States of America.

 

13. ARBITRATION .

Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his right to be paid until the Date of Termination, unless terminated for cause pursuant to Section 3 (c) hereof, during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

14. PAYMENT OF COSTS AND LEGAL FEES .

All reasonable costs and legal fees paid or incurred by the Executive pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Bank if Executive is successful on the merits pursuant to a legal judgment, arbitration or settlement.

 

15. SIGNATURES .

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, American Federal Savings Bank each has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officers, and Executive has signed this Agreement, as of the ______ day of January, 2010.

 

  AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
BY:    
  Larry A. Dreyer
  Chairman of the Board
BY:    
  Robert M. Evans
  Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

 

5

Exhibit 10.7

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made effective as of January 1, 2010, by and among American Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”), and Rachel R. Amdahl (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Bank recognizes the contribution Executive has made to the Bank and wishes to protect Executive’s position therewith for the period provided in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Executive has been elected to, and has agreed to serve in the position of Senior Vice President/Operations for the Bank.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the contribution and responsibilities of Executive, and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. GENERAL .

Executive is, except as described in Section 4, an employee at will and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”). Executive’s duties shall generally consist of oversight of deposit operations staff, compliance with The Bank Secrecy Act, new product implementation, and liaison with law enforcement.

 

2. TERM OF AGREEMENT .

The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the date first above written and shall continue for a period of two (2) years thereafter. Commencing on the first anniversary date of this Agreement and continuing at each anniversary date thereafter, the Board may extend this Agreement for an additional year. The Board will review the Agreement and the Executive’s performance annually for purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement, and the results thereof shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting.

 

3. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL .

(a) The termination benefits of Section 4 shall be payable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as herein defined) of the Bank followed at any time within four (4) months of a Change in Control, and during the term of this Agreement, by either (i) the involuntary termination by the Bank, or a successor or assignee of the Bank, of Executive’s full-time employment, other than for Cause as defined in Section 3(c) hereof, or (ii) unless consented to by the Executive, acts or events constituting a “voluntary termination” of Executive’s employment resulting from one or more of: (a) a material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility and importance, (b) reduction in her annual compensation, or (c) unless consented to by Executive, a relocation of her principal place of employment by more than 50 miles from its location immediately prior to the Change in Control. A termination described in (i) or (ii) above shall be referred to as a “Change in Control Termination Event.”


(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the Bank shall mean (i) merger or consolidation where the Bank is not the consolidated or surviving bank, (ii) transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Bank, (iii) voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the Bank or (iv) change in control as defined under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978. The surviving or resulting association, the transferee of Bank’s assets or the control person shall be bound by and have the benefit of the provisions of this Agreement, and the Bank shall take all actions necessary to insure that such association, transferee or control person is bound by the provisions of this Agreement. A Change in Control shall not occur where an internal reorganization such as a holding company formation occurs where the Bank’s shareholders become shareholders of the new entity or a termination described in Section 8 hereof “Required Regulatory Provisions”.

(c) Executive shall not have the right to receive termination benefits or other compensation or benefits pursuant to Section 4 hereof upon Termination for Cause. The term “Termination for Cause” shall mean termination because of the Executive’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, any breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any material provision of this Agreement. In determining incompetence, the acts or omissions shall be measured against standards generally prevailing in the banking industry. Following her Termination for Cause, Executive shall have a right to a hearing for reinstatement and the provision of back pay and benefits at a meeting of the Board of Directors called and held for that purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for her, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board at such meeting and which such meeting shall be held not more than 30 days from the date of notice of termination). If in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive was guilty of conduct justifying Termination for Cause, neither reinstatement or payment of back pay or benefits shall be provided.

 

4. TERMINATION BENEFITS .

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination Event described in Section 3, the Bank shall pay the Executive, or in the event of her subsequent death, her designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or her estate, as the case may be, a sum equal to the sum of her annual salary and bonus received, if any, for the most recent completed calendar year.

(b) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination Event, the Bank shall cause to be continued at the Bank’s expense (less customary premium co-payments and dependent premium payments) life, medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the Bank for the Executive prior to her termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees. Such coverage and payments shall cease upon the earlier of the expiration of twelve (12) months or the Executive obtaining other coverage.

 

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5. NOTICE OF TERMINATION .

(a) Any purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other parties thereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

(b) “Date of Termination” shall mean the date specified in the Notice of Termination which, in the instance of Termination for Cause, shall be immediate.

 

6. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS .

It is intended by the parties hereto that all payments provided in this Agreement shall be paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank.

 

7. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER .

(a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

(b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived.

 

8. REQUIRED REGULATORY PROVISIONS .

(a) The Board of Directors may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Board of Directors, other than Termination for Cause, shall not prejudice the Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. The Executive shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause as defined in Section 3 hereinabove.

(b) If Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), the Bank’s obligations under the Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may, in its discretion, (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations that were suspended.

 

3


(c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA, all obligations of the Bank under the Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

(d) If the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the parties.

(e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated (except to the extent determined that continuation of the Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank): (i) by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “Director’) or his designee at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA or (ii) by the Director, or his designee at the time the Director or such designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

(f) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with Section 18(k) of the FDIA and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

9. REINSTATEMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER SECTION 8(b) .

In the event the Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice described in Section 8(b) hereof (the “Notice”) during the terms of this Agreement and a Change in Control, as defined herein, occurs, the Bank will assume its obligation to pay and the Executive will be entitled to receive all of the termination benefits provided for under Section 4 of this Agreement upon the Bank’s receipt of a dismissal of charges in the Notice.

 

10. SEVERABILITY .

If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

 

11. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY .

The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

4


12. GOVERNING LAW .

The validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by Montana law without regard to conflict of laws rules and the laws of the United States of America.

 

13. ARBITRATION .

Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of her right to be paid until the Date of Termination, unless terminated for cause pursuant to Section 3 (c) hereof, during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

14. PAYMENT OF COSTS AND LEGAL FEES .

All reasonable costs and legal fees paid or incurred by the Executive pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Bank if Executive is successful on the merits pursuant to a legal judgment, arbitration or settlement.

 

15. SIGNATURES .

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, American Federal Savings Bank each has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officers, and Executive has signed this Agreement, as of the ______ day of January, 2010.

 

  AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
BY:    
  Larry A. Dreyer
  Chairman of the Board
BY:    
  Rachel R. Amdahl
  Senior Vice President/Operations

 

5

Exhibit 10.8

AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

PETER J. JOHNSON

AND

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

DATED

OCTOBER 1, 2009

SECTION 7 – TERMINATION FOR CLAUSE

Strike Section 7, “TERMINATION FOR CAUSE” in its entirety and substitute the following:

“For purposes of this Agreement, “Termination for Cause” shall include termination because of EXECUTIVE’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any provision of this Agreement. Following Notice of Termination for Cause, EXECUTIVE shall have a right to a hearing for reinstatement and the provision of back pay and benefits at a meeting of the Board of Directors called and held for that purpose (after reasonable notice to the EXECUTIVE and an opportunity for him, with his counsel, to be heard before the Board at such meeting and which such meeting shall be held not more than 30 days from the Notice of Termination for Cause). After such meeting, any Termination for Cause shall be found if a resolution of the Board by an affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the Board is delivered to EXECUTIVE. EXECUTIVE shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause. Any stock options granted to EXECUTIVE under any stock option plan or any unvested awards granted under any other stock benefit plan of the BANK, the COMPANY, or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, shall become null and void effective upon EXECUTIVE’s receipt of Notice of Termination for Cause pursuant to Section 7 hereof, and shall not be exercisable by EXECUTIVE at any time subsequent to such Termination for Cause unless EXECUTIVE is reinstated.”


SECTION 8 – REQUIRED PROVISIONS

In Section 8(f), change the reference from “FDIC” to “FDIA”.

SECTION 18 – ARBITRATION

This section is amended by adding after the words “Date of Termination” the phrase “unless terminated for cause pursuant to Section 7.”

SECTION 20 – INDEMNIFICATION

This section is amended by adding at the beginning thereof the following sentence: “All payments to the EXECUTIVE under this Section 20 are subject to applicable limitations of Section 18(k) of the FDIA.”

 

2

Exhibit 10.9

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

(AMENDED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTION 4/18/02)

THIS AGREEMENT is made this 18 th day of April, 2002, by and between AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK (the “Company”), and Larry A. Dreyer (the “Executive”).

INTRODUCTION

To encourage the Executive to remain an employee of the Company, the Company is willing to provide salary continuation benefits to the Executive. The Company will pay the benefits from its general assets.

AGREEMENT

The Executive and the Company agree as follows:

Article 1

Definitions

 

  1.1 Definitions . Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings specified:

 

  1.1.1 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References to a Code section shall be deemed to be to that section as it now exists and to any successor provision.

 

  1.1.2 “Disability” means, if the Executive is covered by a Company-sponsored disability insurance policy, total disability as defined in such policy without regard to any waiting period. If the Executive is


not covered by such a policy, Disability means the Executive suffering a sickness, accident or injury which, in the judgment of a physician satisfactory to the Company, prevents the Executive from performing substantially all of the Executive’s normal duties for the Company. As a condition to any benefits, the Company may require the Executive to submit to such physical or mental evaluations and tests as the Company’s Board of Directors deems appropriate.

 

  1.1.3 “Early Retirement Date” means the Executive attaining age sixty (60) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.4 “Normal Retirement Date” means the Executive attaining age sixty-five (65) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.5 “Termination of Employment” means the Executive’s ceasing to be employed by the Company for any reason whatsoever, voluntary or involuntary, other than by reason of an approved leave of absence.

 

  1.1.6 “Years of Service” means the total number of twelve-(12) month periods during which the Executive is employed on a full-time basis by the Company, inclusive of any approved leaves of absence.

 

2


Article 2

Lifetime Benefits

 

  2.1 Normal Retirement Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment on or after the Normal Retirement Date for reasons other than death, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.1.

 

  2.1.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.1 is the benefit described in Schedule A (Column G).

 

  2.1.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Retirement Date and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.2 Early Retirement Benefit. If the Executive terminates employment after the Early Retirement Date but before the Normal Retirement Date, and for reasons other than Death or Disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.2.

 

  2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment. The Executive may elect either to receive benefits immediately (Column E) or to wait until age sixty-five (65) (Column G).

 

  2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Early Retirement Date (or the month following age sixty-five (65) as the Executive may elect) and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

3


  2.3 Disability Benefit. If the Executive terminates employment for Disability prior to the Normal Retirement Date, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.3.

 

  2.3.1 Amount of Benefit. The benefit under this Section 2.3 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.3.2

Payment of Benefit. The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the determination of Disability and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.3.3 Lump Sum Option. The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum (Column D).

 

  2.4 Termination at Request of Company. If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for any reason, except for the reasons set forth in Section 5.2, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.4 in lieu of any other benefit under this Agreement.

 

  2.4.1 Amount of Benefit. The benefit under this Section 2.4 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.4.2

Payment of Benefit. The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the date of Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

4


  2.4.3 Lump Sum Option . The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum (Column D).

Article 3

Death Benefits

 

  3.1 Death During Active Service . If the Executive dies while in the active service of the Company, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s beneficiary the benefit described in this Section 3.1.

 

  3.1.1. Amount of Benefit . The benefit under Section 3.1 is the benefit that would have been paid to the Executive under Section 2.1 calculated as if the date of the Executive’s death were the Normal Retirement Date.

 

  3.1.2.

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Beneficiary on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s death and continuing for one hundred eighty (180) total months.

 

  3.1.3. Lump Sum Option . The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum payment equal to the present value of the one hundred eight (180) payments using a discount factor of eight percent (8%).

 

  3.2 Death During Benefit Period . If the Executive dies after benefit payments have commenced under this Agreement but before receiving benefits for one hundred eighty (180) months, the Company shall pay the remaining benefits to the Executive’s beneficiary at the same time and in the same amounts they would have been paid to the Executive until the expiration of one hundred eighty (180) months from the time payments commenced.

 

5


Article 4

Beneficiaries

 

  4.1 Beneficiary Designations . The Executive shall designate a beneficiary by filing a written designation with the Company. The Executive may revoke or modify the designation at any time by filing a new designation. However, designations will only be effective if signed by the Executive and accepted by the Company during the Executive’s lifetime. The Executive’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the beneficiary predeceases the Executive, or if the Executive names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. If the Executive dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Executive’s surviving spouse, if any and if none, to the Executive’s surviving children and the descendants of any deceased child by right of representation, and if no children or descendants survive, to the Executive’s estate.

 

  4.2 Facility of Payment . If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his or her property, the Company may pay such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Company may require proof of incompetency, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Such distribution shall completely discharge the Company from all liability with respect to such benefit.

 

6


Article 5

General Limitations

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not pay any benefit under this Agreement:

 

  5.1 Excess Parachute Payment . To the extent the benefit would be an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code.

 

  5.2 Termination for Cause . If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for:

 

  5.2.1 Gross negligence or gross neglect of duties;

 

  5.2.2 Commission of a felony or of a gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or

 

  5.2.3 Fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant Company policy committed in connection with the Executive’s employment and resulting in an adverse effect on the Company.

 

  5.3 Suicide . No benefits shall be payable if the Executive commits suicide within two (2) years after the date of this Agreement, or if the Executive has made any material misstatement of fact on any application for life insurance purchased by the Company.

 

  5.4 Vesting . Benefits are not vested prior to twenty (20) years of continuous service.

 

7


  5.5 Payment of Benefits . With the exception for death, disability (Section 1.1.2), early retirement (Section 1.1.3), or terminations at request of Company (Section 2.4), payment of benefits will not be made until the participant attains age sixty-five (65).

Article 6

Claims and Review Procedures

 

  6.1 Claims Procedure . The Company shall notify the Executive’s beneficiary in writing, within ninety (90) days of his or her written application for benefits, of his or her eligibility or noneligibility for benefits under the Agreement. If the Company determines that the beneficiary is not eligible for benefits or full benefits, the notice shall set forth (1) the specific reasons for such denial, (2) a specific reference to the provisions of the Agreement on which the denial is based, (3) a description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect his or her claim, and a description of why it is needed, and (4) an explanation of the Agreement’s claims review procedure and other appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the beneficiary wishes to have the claim reviewed. If the Company determines that there are special circumstances requiring additional time to make a decision, the Company shall notify the beneficiary of the special circumstances and the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and may extend the time for up to an additional ninety – (90) day period.

 

  6.2 Review Procedure . If the beneficiary is determined by the Company not to be eligible for benefits, or if the beneficiary believes that he or she is entitled to greater or different benefits, the beneficiary shall have the opportunity to

 

8


have such claim reviewed by the Company by filing a petition for review with the Company within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notice issued by the Company. Said petition shall state the specific reasons which the beneficiary believes entitle him or her to benefits or to greater or different benefits. Within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the petition, the Company shall afford the beneficiary (and counsel, if any) an opportunity to present his or her position to the Company orally or in writing, and the beneficiary (or counsel) shall have the right to review the pertinent documents. The Company shall notify the beneficiary of its decision in writing within the sixty-(60) day period, stating specifically the basis of its decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the beneficiary and the specific provisions of the Agreement on which the decision is based. If, because of the need for a hearing, the sixty-(60) day period is not sufficient, the decision may be deferred for up to another sixty-(60) day period at the election of the Company, but notice of this deferral shall be given to the beneficiary.

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

The Company may amend or terminate this Agreement at any time if, pursuant to legislative, judicial or regulatory action, continuation of the Agreement would (i) cause benefits to be taxable to the Executive prior to actual receipt, or (ii) result in significant financial penalties or other significantly detrimental ramifications to the Company (other than the financial impact of paying the benefits). In the event of any such amendment or termination, the Executive shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested in the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit accrued to the Executive’s benefit under Section 2.1 as of the date of the amendment or termination.

 

9


Article 8

Miscellaneous

 

  8.1 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall bind the Executive and the Company, and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees.

 

  8.2 No guaranty of Employment . This Agreement is not an employment policy or contract. It does not give the Executive the right to remain an employee of the Company, nor does it interfere with the Company’s right to discharge the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time.

 

  8.3 Non-Transferability . Benefits under this Agreement cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner.

 

  8.4 Tax Withholding . The Company may withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Agreement.

 

  8.5 Applicable Law . The Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of Montana, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

 

  8.6 Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and beneficiary are general unsecured creditors of the Company for the payment of benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Company to pay such benefits. The rights to benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors. Any insurance on the Executive’s life is a general asset of the Company to which the Executive and beneficiary have no preferred or secured claim.

 

10


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a duly authorized Company officer have signed this Agreement.

 

COMPANY:

    AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
    By  

LOGO

    Title:  

Sr VP/Treasurer

EXECUTIVE:

   

LOGO

    Title:  

President & CEO

    Date:  

June 11, 2002

 

11


SCHEDULE A

MANAGEMENT SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT

SALARY CONTINUATION PLAN

 

PARTICIPANT:

     L. DREYER

BEGINNING AGE:

     48

RETIREMENT AGE:

     65

LENGTH OF BENEFIT:

     Life with 15 Yr. Minimum
     (18 yrs. expected retirement)

BENEFIT AMOUNT:

     $45,000

PRE-RETIREMENT BENEFIT ACCRUAL / VESTING SCHEDULE

 

            A            

   B    C    D    E    F    G

      END OF      

PLAN

YEAR

   VESTING
PERCENTAGE
   CURRENT
YEAR
ACCRUAL
   IMMEDIATE
LUMP SUM
BENEFIT
   IMMEDIATE
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
   LUMP SUM
BENEFIT

AGE 65
   ANNUAL
BENEFIT

AGE 65
1    100    11,368    11,368    1,235    44,079    4,789
2    100    12,373    23,740    2,579    84,578    9,190
3    100    13,466    37,206    4,043    121,789    13,233
4    100    14,656    51,863    5,635    155,977    16,948
5    100    15,952    67,615    7,368    187,389    20,361
6    100    17,362    85,177    9,255    216,250    23,497
7    100    18,897    104,073    11,306    242,767    26,378
8    100    20,567    124,640    13,543    267,130    29,025
9    100    22,385    147,025    15,975    289,515    31,457
10    100    24,363    171,389    18,622    310,082    33,692
11    100    26,517    197,906    21,503    328,978    35,745
12    100    28,861    226,766    24,639    346,340    37,632
13    100    31,412    258,178    28,052    362,292    39,365
14    100    34,188    292,367    31,767    376,949    40,957
15    100    37,210    329,577    35,810    390,415    42,421
16    100    40,499    370,076    40,211    402,788    43,765
17    100    44,079    414,155    45,000    414,155    45,000

Exhibit 10.10

FIRST AMENDMENT

TO THE

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

DATED APRIL 18, 2002

FOR

LARRY A. DREYER

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT is adopted this 31 st day of December , 2006, effective as of January 1, 2005, by American Federal Savings Bank located in Helena, Montana (the “Company”).

The Company and Larry A. Dreyer (the “Executive”) executed the Salary Continuation Agreement effective as of April 18, 2002 (the “Agreement”).

The undersigned hereby amends the Agreement for the purpose of bringing the Agreement into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, the following changes shall be made:

The following Section 1.1.4a shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 1.1.4:

 

1.1.4a Plan Year ” shall mean the period commencing on the anniversary date of the Agreement.

The following Section 1.1.4b shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 1.1.4a:

 

1.1.4b Specified Employee ” means a key employee (as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code without regard to paragraph 5 thereof) of the Company if any stock of the Company is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise.

Section 1.1.5 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

1.1.5 Termination of Employment ” means the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for reasons other than death. Whether a Termination of Employment takes place is determined based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the termination of the Executive’s employment and whether the Company and the Executive intended for the Executive to provide significant services for the Company following such termination. A change in the Executive’s employment status will not be considered a Termination of Employment if:

 

  (a) the Executive continues to provide services as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is twenty percent (20%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of

 

1


       employment (or, if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is twenty percent (20%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or, if less, such lesser period), or

 

  (b) the Executive continues to provide services to the Company in a capacity other than as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is fifty percent (50%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment (or if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is fifty percent (50%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or if less, such lesser period).

Section 2.2.1 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A, based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

Section 2.2.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

Section 2.3.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.3.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

Sections 2.3.3 and 2.4.3 of the Agreement shall be deleted in their entirety.

The following Sections 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 2.4.3:

 

2.5 Restriction on Timing of Distributions . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is considered a Specified Employee at Termination of Employment under such procedures as established by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, benefit distributions that are made upon Termination of Employment may not commence earlier than six (6) months after the date of such Termination of Employment. Therefore, in the event this Section 2.5 is applicable to the Executive, any distribution which would otherwise be paid to the Executive within the first six months following the Termination of Employment shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the Termination of Employment. All subsequent distributions shall be paid in the manner specified.

 

2


2.6 Distributions Upon Income Inclusion Under Section 409A of the Code . Upon the inclusion of any amount into the Executive’s income as a result of the failure of this non-qualified deferred compensation plan to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent such tax liability can be covered by the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, a distribution shall be made as soon as is administratively practicable following the discovery of the plan failure.

 

2.7 Change in Form or Timing of Distributions . All changes in the form or timing of distributions hereunder must comply with the following requirements. The changes:

 

  (a) may not accelerate the time or schedule of any distribution, except as provided in Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder;

 

  (b) must, for benefits distributable under Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4, delay the commencement of distributions for a minimum of five (5) years from the date the first distribution was originally scheduled to be made; and

 

  (c) must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after the election is made.

Section 3.1.3 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety.

Article 7 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

 

7.1 Amendments . The Company may unilaterally amend this Agreement to conform with written directives to the Company from its auditors or banking regulators or to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including without limitation Section 409A of the Code and any and all Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder.

 

7.2 Plan Termination Generally . The Company may terminate this Agreement unilaterally at any time. The benefit hereunder shall be the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder. Except as provided in Section 7.3, the termination of this Agreement shall not cause a distribution of benefits under this Agreement. Rather, upon such termination benefit distributions will be made at the earliest distribution event permitted under Article 2 or Article 3.

 

7.3 Plan Terminations Under Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.2, if the Company terminates this Agreement in the following circumstances:

 

  (a) Within thirty (30) days before, or twelve (12) months after a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company as described in Section

 

3


       409A(2)(A)(v) of the Code, provided that all distributions are made no later than twelve (12) months following such termination of the Agreement and further provided that all the Company’s arrangements which are substantially similar to the Agreement are terminated so the Executive and all participants in the similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within twelve (12) months of the termination of the arrangements;

 

  (b) Upon the Company’s dissolution or with the approval of a bankruptcy court provided that the amounts deferred under the Agreement are included in the Executive’s gross income in the latest of (i) the calendar year in which the Agreement terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the distribution is administratively practical; or

 

  (c) Upon the Company’s termination of this and all other non-account balance plans (as referenced in Section 409A of the Code or the regulations thereunder), provided that all distributions are made no earlier than twelve (12) months and no later than twenty-four (24) months following such termination, and the Company does not adopt any new non-account balance plans for a minimum of five (5) years following the date of such termination;

 

       the Company may distribute the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, determined as of the date of the termination of the Agreement, to the Executive in a lump sum subject to the above terms.

The following Section 8.7 shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 8.6:

 

8.7 Compliance with Section 409A . This Agreement shall at all times be administered and the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any and all regulations thereunder, including such regulations as may be promulgated after the effective date of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS OF THE ABOVE, the Company hereby consents to this First Amendment.

American Federal Savings Bank

 

By  

LOGO

Title  

EVP / CEO

Acknowledged:

 

Executive

LOGO

Larry A. Dreyer

 

4

Exhibit 10.11

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

(AMENDED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTION 4/18/02)

THIS AGREEMENT is made this 18 th day of April, 2002, by and between AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK (the “Company”), and Peter J. Johnson (the “Executive”).

INTRODUCTION

To encourage the Executive to remain an employee of the Company, the Company is willing to provide salary continuation benefits to the Executive. The Company will pay the benefits from its general assets.

AGREEMENT

The Executive and the Company agree as follows:

Article 1

Definitions

 

  1.1 Definitions . Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings specified:

 

  1.1.1 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References to a Code section shall be deemed to be to that section as it now exists and to any successor provision.

 

  1.1.2 “Disability” means, if the Executive is covered by a Company-sponsored disability insurance policy, total disability as defined in such policy without regard to any waiting period. If the Executive is


       not covered by such a policy, Disability means the Executive suffering a sickness, accident or injury which, in the judgment of a physician satisfactory to the Company, prevents the Executive from performing substantially all of the Executive’s normal duties for the Company. As a condition to any benefits, the Company may require the Executive to submit to such physical or mental evaluations and tests as the Company’s Board of Directors deems appropriate.

 

  1.1.3 “Early Retirement Date” means the Executive attaining age sixty (60) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.4 “Normal Retirement Date” means the Executive attaining age sixty-five (65) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.5 “Termination of Employment” means the Executive’s ceasing to be employed by the Company for any reason whatsoever, voluntary or involuntary, other than by reason of an approved leave of absence.

 

  1.1.6 “Years of Service” means the total number of twelve-(12) month periods during which the Executive is employed on a full-time basis by the Company, inclusive of any approved leaves of absence.

 

2


Article 2

Lifetime Benefits

 

  2.1 Normal Retirement Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment on or after the Normal Retirement Date for reasons other than death, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.1.

 

  2.1.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.1 is the benefit described in Schedule A (Column G).

 

  2.1.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Retirement Date and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.2 Early Retirement Benefit. If the Executive terminates employment after the Early Retirement Date but before the Normal Retirement Date, and for reasons other than Death or Disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.2.

 

  2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment. The Executive may elect either to receive benefits immediately (Column E) or to wait until age sixty-five (65) (Column G).

 

  2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Early Retirement Date (or the month following age sixty-five (65) as the Executive may elect) and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

3


  2.3 Disability Benefit. If the Executive terminates employment for Disability prior to the Normal Retirement Date, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.3.

 

  2.3.1 Amount Benefit. The benefit under this Section 2.3 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.3.2

Payment of Benefit. The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the determination of Disability and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.3.3 Lump Sum Option. The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum (Column D).

 

  2.4 Termination at Request of Company. If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for any reason, except for the reasons set forth in Section 5.2, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.4 in lieu of any other benefit under this Agreement.

 

  2.4.1 Amount of Benefit. The benefit under this Section 2.4 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.4.2

Payment of Benefit. The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the date of Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

4


  2.4.3 Lump Sum Option. The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum (Column D).

Article 3

Death Benefits

 

  3.1 Death During Active Service . If the Executive dies while in the active service of the Company, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s beneficiary the benefit described in this Section 3.1.

 

  3.1.1. Amount of Benefit . The benefit under Section 3.1 is the benefit that would have been paid to the Executive under Section 2.1 calculated as if the date of the Executive’s death were the Normal Retirement Date.

 

  3.1.2.

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Beneficiary on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s death and continuing for one hundred eighty (180) total months.

 

  3.1.3. Lump Sum Option . The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum payment equal to the present value of the one hundred eight (180) payments using a discount factor of eight percent (8%).

 

  3.2 Death During Benefit Period . If the Executive dies after benefit payments have commenced under this Agreement but before receiving benefits for one hundred eighty (180) months, the Company shall pay the remaining benefits to the Executive’s beneficiary at the same time and in the same amounts they would have been paid to the Executive until the expiration of one hundred eighty (180) months from the time payments commenced.

 

5


Article 4

Beneficiaries

 

  4.1 Beneficiary Designations . The Executive shall designate a beneficiary by filing a written designation with the Company. The Executive may revoke or modify the designation at any time by filing a new designation. However, designations will only be effective if signed by the Executive and accepted by the Company during the Executive’s lifetime. The Executive’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the beneficiary predeceases the Executive, or if the Executive names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. If the Executive dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Executive’s surviving spouse, if any and if none, to the Executive’s surviving children and the descendants of any deceased child by right of representation, and if no children or descendants survive, to the Executive’s estate.

 

  4.2 Facility of Payment . If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his or her property, the Company may pay such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Company may require proof of incompetency, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Such distribution shall completely discharge the Company from all liability with respect to such benefit.

 

6


Article 5

General Limitations

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not pay any benefit under this Agreement:

 

  5.1 Excess Parachute Payment . To the extent the benefit would be an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code.

 

  5.2 Termination for Cause . If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for:

 

  5.2.1 Gross negligence or gross neglect of duties;

 

  5.2.2 Commission of a felony or of a gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or

 

  5.2.3 Fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant Company policy committed in connection with the Executive’s employment and resulting in an adverse effect on the Company.

 

  5.3 Suicide . No benefits shall be payable if the Executive commits suicide within two (2) years after the date of this Agreement, or if the Executive has made any material misstatement of fact on any application for life insurance purchased by the Company.

 

  5.4 Vesting . Benefits are not vested prior to twenty (20) years of continuous service.

 

7


  5.5 Payment of Benefits . With the exception for death, disability (Section 1.1.2), early retirement (Section 1.1.3), or terminations at request of Company (Section 2.4), payment of benefits will not be made until the participant attains age sixty-five (65).

Article 6

Claims and Review Procedures

 

  6.1 Claims Procedure . The Company shall notify the Executive’s beneficiary in writing, within ninety (90) days of his or her written application for benefits, of his or her eligibility or noneligibility for benefits under the Agreement. If the Company determines that the beneficiary is not eligible for benefits or full benefits, the notice shall set forth (1) the specific reasons for such denial, (2) a specific reference to the provisions of the Agreement on which the denial is based, (3) a description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect his or her claim, and a description of why it is needed, and (4) an explanation of the Agreement’s claims review procedure and other appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the beneficiary wishes to have the claim reviewed. If the Company determines that there are special circumstances requiring additional time to make a decision, the Company shall notify the beneficiary of the special circumstances and the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and may extend the time for up to an additional ninety – (90) days period.

 

  6.2 Review Procedure . If the beneficiary is determined by the Company not to be eligible for benefits, or if the beneficiary believes that he or she is entitled to greater or different benefits, the beneficiary shall have the opportunity to

 

8


       have such claim reviewed by the Company by filing a petition for review with the Company within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notice issued by the Company. Said petition shall state the specific reasons which the beneficiary believes entitle him or her to benefits or to greater or different benefits. Within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the petition, the Company shall afford the beneficiary (and counsel, if any) an opportunity to present his or her position to the Company orally or in writing, and the beneficiary (or counsel) shall have the right to review the pertinent documents. The Company shall notify the beneficiary of its decision in writing within the sixty-(60) day period, stating specifically the basis of its decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the beneficiary and the specific provisions of the Agreement on which the decision is based. If, because of the need for a hearing, the sixty-(60) day period is not sufficient, the decision may be deferred for up to another sixty-(60) day period at the election of the Company, but notice of this deferral shall be given to the beneficiary.

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

The Company may amend or terminate this Agreement at any time if, pursuant to legislative, judicial or regulatory action, continuation of the Agreement would (i) cause benefits to be taxable to the Executive prior to actual receipt, or (ii) result in significant financial penalties or other significantly detrimental ramifications to the Company (other than the financial impact of paying the benefits). In the event of any such amendment or termination, the Executive shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested in the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit accrued to the Executive’s benefit under Section 2.1 as of the date of the amendment or termination.

 

9


Article 8

Miscellaneous

 

  8.1 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall bind the Executive and the Company, and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees.

 

  8.2 No guaranty of Employment . This Agreement is not an employment policy or contract. It does not give the Executive the right to remain an employee of the Company, nor does it interfere with the Company’s right to discharge the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time.

 

  8.3 Non-Transferability . Benefits under this Agreement cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner.

 

  8.4 Tax Withholding . The Company may withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Agreement.

 

  8.5 Applicable Law . The Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of Montana, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

 

  8.6 Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and beneficiary are general unsecured creditors of the Company for the payment of benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Company to pay such benefits. The rights to benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors. Any insurance on the Executive’s life is a general asset of the Company to which the Executive and beneficiary have no preferred or secured claim.

 

10


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a duly authorized Company officer have signed this Agreement.

 

COMPANY:

  AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
  By  

LOGO

  Title:  

President & CEO

EXECUTIVE:

 

LOGO

  Title:  

Sr VP/Treasurer

  Date:  

6/11/02

 

11


SCHEDULE A

MANAGEMENT SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT

SALARY CONTINUATION PLAN

 

PARTICIPANT:

   P. Johnson

BEGINNING AGE:

   36

RETIREMENT AGE:

   65

LENGTH OF BENEFIT:

  

Life with 15 Yr. Minimum

(18 yrs. expected retirement)

BENEFIT AMOUNT:

   $16,500

PRE-RETIREMENT BENEFIT ACCRUAL / VESTING SCHEDULE

 

            A            

   B    C    D    E    F    G

      END OF      

PLAN

YEAR

   VESTING
PERCENTAGE
   CURRENT
YEAR
ACCRUAL
   IMMEDIATE
LUMP SUM
BENEFIT
   IMMEDIATE
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
   LUMP SUM
BENEFIT
AGE 65
   ANNUAL
BENEFIT

AGE 65
1    0    1,259    1,259    137    13,489    1,466
2    0    1,370    2,629    286    25,883    2,812
3    0    1,491    4,121    448    37,271    4,050
4    0    1,623    5,744    624    47,733    5,186
5    0    1,767    7,510    816    57,346    6,231
6    0    1,923    9,433    1,025    66,178    7,191
7    100    2,093    11,526    1,252    74,293    8,072
8    100    2,278    13,804    1,500    81,749    8,882
9    100    2,479    16,283    1,769    88,599    9,627
10    100    2,698    18,981    2,062    94,893    10,311
11    100    2,937    21,918    2,381    100,676    10,939
12    100    3,196    25,114    2,729    105,990    11,516
13    100    3,479    28,593    3,107    110,871    12,047
14    100    3,786    32,379    3,518    115,357    12,534
15    100    4,121    36,500    3,966    119,478    12,982
16    100    4,485    40,986    4,453    123,264    13,393
17    100    4,882    45,867    4,984    126,743    13,771
18    100    5,313    51,181    5,561    129,939    14,119
19    100    5,783    56,964    6,189    132,876    14,438
20    100    6,294    63,258    6,873    135,574    14,731
21    100    6,850    70,108    7,618    138,053    15,000
22    100    7,456    77,564    8,428    140,331    15,248
23    100    8,115    85,679    9,309    142,424    15,475
24    100    8,832    94,511    10,269    144,346    15,684
25    100    9,613    104,124    11,314    146,113    15,876
26    100    10,463    114,586    12,450    147,736    16,052
27    100    11,387    125,974    13,688    149,228    16,214
28    100    12,394    138,368    15,034    150,598    16,363
29    100    13,489    151,847    16,500    151,857    16,500

Exhibit 10.12

FIRST AMENDMENT

TO THE

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

DATED APRIL 18, 2002

FOR

PETER J. JOHNSON

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT is adopted this 31 st day of December , 2006, effective as of January 1, 2005, by American Federal Savings Bank located in Helena, Montana (the “Company”).

The Company and Peter J. Johnson (the “Executive”) executed the Salary Continuation Agreement effective as of April 18, 2002 (the “Agreement”).

The undersigned hereby amends the Agreement for the purpose of bringing the Agreement into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, the following changes shall be made:

The following Section 1.1.4a shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 1.1.4:

 

1.1.4a Plan Year ” shall mean the period commencing on the anniversary date of the Agreement.

The following Section 1.1.4b shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 1.1.4a:

 

1.1.4b Specified Employee ” means a key employee (as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code without regard to paragraph 5 thereof) of the Company if any stock of the Company is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise.

Section 1.1.5 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

1.1.5 Termination of Employment ” means the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for reasons other than death. Whether a Termination of Employment takes place is determined based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the termination of the Executive’s employment and whether the Company and the Executive intended for the Executive to provide significant services for the Company following such termination. A change in the Executive’s employment status will not be considered a Termination of Employment if:

 

  (a) the Executive continues to provide services as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is twenty percent (20%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of

 

1


employment (or, if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is twenty percent (20%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or, if less, such lesser period), or

 

  (b) the Executive continues to provide services to the Company in a capacity other than as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is fifty percent (50%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment (or if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is fifty percent (50%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or if less, such lesser period).

Section 2.2.1 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A, based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

Section 2.2.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

Section 2.3.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.3.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

Section 2.3.3 and 2.4.3 of the Agreement shall be deleted in their entirety.

The following Sections 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 2.4.3:

 

2.5 Restriction on Timing of Distributions . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is considered a Specified Employee at Termination of Employment under such procedures as established by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, benefit distributions that are made upon Termination of Employment may not commence earlier than six (6) months after the date of such Termination of Employment. Therefore, in the event this Section 2.5 is applicable to the Executive, any distribution which would otherwise be paid to the Executive within the first six months following the Termination of Employment shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the Termination of Employment. All subsequent distributions shall be paid in the manner specified.

 

2


2.6 Distributions Upon Income Inclusion Under Section 409A of the Code . Upon the inclusion of any amount into the Executive’s income as a result of the failure of this non-qualified deferred compensation plan to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent such tax liability can be covered by the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, a distribution shall be made as soon as is administratively practicable following the discovery of the plan failure.

 

2.7 Change in Form or Timing of Distributions . All changes in the form or timing of distributions hereunder must comply with the following requirements. The changes:

 

  (a) may not accelerate the time or schedule of any distribution, except as provided in Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder;

 

  (b) must, for benefits distributable under Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4, delay the commencement of distributions was originally scheduled to be made; and

 

  (c) must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after the election is made.

Section 3.1.3 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety.

Article 7 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

 

7.1 Amendments . The Company may unilaterally amend this Agreement to conform with written directives to the Company from its auditors or banking regulators or to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including without limitation Section 409A of the Code and any and all Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder.

 

7.2 Plan Termination Generally . The Company may terminate this Agreement unilaterally at any time. The benefit hereunder shall be the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder. Except as provided in Section 7.3, the termination of this Agreement shall not cause a distribution of benefits under this Agreement. Rather, upon such termination benefit distributions will be made at the earliest distribution event permitted under Article 2 or Article 3.

 

7.3 Plan Terminations Under Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.2, if the Company terminates this Agreement in the following circumstances:

 

  (a) Within thirty (30) days before, or twelve (12) months after a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company as described in Section

 

3


409A(2)(A)(v) of the Code, provided that all distributions are made no later than twelve (12) months following such termination of the Agreement and further provided that all the Company’s arrangements which are substantially similar to the Agreement are terminated so the Executive and all participants in the similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within twelve (12) months of the termination of the arrangements;

 

  (b) Upon the Company’s dissolution or with the approval of a bankruptcy court provided that the amounts deferred under the Agreement are included in the Executive’s gross income in the latest of (i) the calendar year in which the Agreement terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the distribution is administratively practical; or

 

  (c) Upon the Company’s termination of this and all other non-account balance plans (as referenced in Section 409A of the Code or the regulations thereunder), provided that all distributions are made no earlier than twelve (12) months and no later than twenty-four (24) months following such termination, and the Company does not adopt any new non-account balance plans for a minimum of five (5) years following the date of such termination;

the Company may distribute the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, determined as of the date of the termination of the Agreement, to the Executive in a lump sum subject to the above terms.

The following Section 8.7 shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 8.6:

 

8.7 Compliance with Section 409A . This Agreement shall at all times be administered and the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any and all regulations thereunder, including such regulations as may be promulgated after the effective date of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS OF THE ABOVE, the Company hereby consents to this First Amendment.

 

American Federal Savings Bank

By

 

LOGO

Title

 

President & CEO

Acknowledged:
Executive

LOGO

Peter J. Johnson

 

 

 

4

Exhibit 10.13

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

This SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is adopted this 15 th day of November, 2007, by and between AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, a federally chartered savings association located in Helena, Montana (the “Bank”), and CLINTON J. MORRISON (the “Executive”).

The purpose of this Agreement is to provide specified benefits to the Executive, a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees who contribute materially to the continued growth, development and future business success of the Bank. This Agreement shall be unfunded for tax purposes and for purposes of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), as amended from time to time.

Article 1

Definitions

Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings specified:

 

1.1 Account Value ” means the amount shown on Schedule A under the heading Account Value. The parties expressly acknowledge that the Account Value may be different than the liability that should be accrued by the Bank, under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), for the Bank’s obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. The Account Value on any date other than the end of a Plan Year shall be determined by adding the prorated increase attributable for the current Plan Year to the Account Value for the previous Plan Year.

 

1.2 Beneficiary ” means each designated person or entity, or the estate of the deceased Executive, entitled to any benefits upon the death of the Executive pursuant to Article 4.

 

1.3 Beneficiary Designation Form ” means the form established from time to time by the Plan Administrator that the Executive completes, signs and returns to the Plan Administrator to designate one or more Beneficiaries.

 

1.4 Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Bank as from time to time constituted.

 

1.5 Change in Control ” means a change in the ownership or effective control of the Bank, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Bank, as such change is defined in Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder.

 

1.6 Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all regulations and guidance thereunder, including such regulations and guidance as may be promulgated after the Effective Date.


1.7 Disability ” means the Executive: (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees or directors of the Bank. Medical determination of Disability may be made by either the Social Security Administration or by the provider of disability insurance covering employees or directors of the Bank provided that the definition of “disability” applied under such insurance program complies with the requirements of the preceding sentence. Upon the request of the Plan Administrator, the Executive must submit proof to the Plan Administrator of the Social Security Administration’s or the provider’s determination.

 

1.8 Early Involuntary Termination ” means a Separation from Service (other than a Termination for Cause) prior to Early Retirement Age due to the independent exercise of the unilateral authority of the Bank to terminate the Executive’s employment, other than due to the Executive’s implicit or explicit request, where the Executive was willing and able to continue performing services.

 

1.9 Early Retirement Age ” means the Executive attaining age sixty (60) and completing twenty (20) Years of Service.

 

1.10 Effective Date ” means December 1, 2007.

 

1.11 Normal Retirement Age ” means the Executive attaining age sixty-five (65) and completing twenty (20) Years of Service.

 

1.12 Plan Administrator ” means the Board or such committee or person as the Board shall appoint.

 

1.13 Plan Year ” means each twelve (12) month period commencing on November 1 and ending on October 31 of each year. The initial Plan Year shall commence on the Effective Date of this Agreement and end on the following October 31.

 

1.14 Schedule A ” means the schedule attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof. Schedule A shall be updated upon a change in any of the benefits under Articles 2 or 3.

 

1.15

Separation from Service ” means termination of the Executive’s employment with the Bank for reasons other than death. Whether a Separation from Service has occurred is determined in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Bank and Executive reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Executive would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty percent

 

2


 

(20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Bank if the Executive has been providing services to the Bank less than thirty-six (36) months).

 

1.16 Specified Employee ” means an employee who at the time of Separation from Service is a key employee of the Bank, if any stock of the Bank is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, an employee is a key employee if the employee meets the requirements of Code Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii) (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding section 416(i)(5)) at any time during the twelve (12) month period ending on December 31 (the “identification period”). If the employee is a key employee during an identification period, the employee is treated as a key employee for purposes of this Agreement during the twelve (12) month period that begins on the first day of April following the close of the identification period.

 

1.17 Termination for Cause ” means Separation from Service for:

 

  (a) Gross negligence or gross neglect of duties to the Bank;

 

  (b) Conviction of a felony or of a gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude in connection with the Executive’s employment with the Bank; or

 

  (c) Fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant Bank policy committed in connection with the Executive’s employment and resulting in a material adverse effect on the Bank.

 

1.18 Years of Service ” means the twelve (12) consecutive month period beginning on the Executive’s date of hire and any twelve (12) month anniversary thereof during the entirety of which time the Executive is an employee of the Bank. Service with a subsidiary or other entity controlled by the Bank before the time such entity became a subsidiary or under such control shall not be considered “credited service.”

Article 2

Distributions During Lifetime

 

2.1 Normal Retirement Benefit . If the executive reaches Normal Retirement Age prior to Separation from Service, the Bank shall distribute to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.1 in lieu of any other benefit under this Article.

 

  2.1.1 Amount of Benefit . The annual benefit under this Section 2.1 is Sixty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($65,500).

 

  2.1.2 Distribution of Benefit . The Bank shall distribute the annual benefit to the Executive in twelve (12) equal monthly installments commencing on the first day of the month following Normal Retirement Age. The annual benefit shall be distributed to the Executive until the Executive’s death.

 

3


2.2 Early Retirement Benefit . Upon Early Retirement, the Bank shall distribute to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.2 in lieu of any other benefit under this Article.

 

  2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The annual benefit under this Section 2.2 is the Early Retirement Benefit amount shown on Schedule A.

 

  2.2.2 Distribution of Benefit . The Bank shall distribute the annual benefit to the Executive in twelve (12) equal monthly installments commencing on the first day of the month following Separation from Service. The annual benefit shall be distributed to the Executive until the Executive’s death.

 

2.3 Early Involuntary Termination Benefit . If Early Involuntary Termination occurs, the Bank shall distribute to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.3 in lieu of any other benefit under this Article.

 

  2.3.1 Amount of Benefit . The annual benefit under this Section 2.3 is the Early Involuntary Termination Benefit amount shown on Schedule A.

 

  2.3.2 Distribution of Benefit . The Bank shall distribute the annual benefit to the Executive in twelve (12) equal monthly installments commencing on the first day of the month following Separation from Service. The annual benefit shall be distributed to the Executive until the Executive’s death.

 

2.4 Disability Benefit . If the Executive experiences a Disability which results in a Separation from Service prior to Early Retirement Age, the Bank shall distribute to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.3 in lieu of any other benefit under this Article.

 

  2.4.1 Amount of Benefit . The annual benefit under this Section 2.4 is the Disability Benefit amount shown on Schedule A.

 

  2.4.2 Distribution of Benefit . The Bank shall distribute the annual benefit to the Executive in twelve (12) equal monthly installments commencing on the first day of the month following Separation from Service. The annual benefit shall be distributed to the Executive until the Executive’s death.

 

2.5 Restriction on Commencement of Distributions . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is considered a Specified Employee, the provisions of this Section 2.5 shall govern all distributions hereunder. If benefit distributions which would otherwise be made to the Executive due to Separation from Service are limited because the Executive is a Specified Employee, then such distributions shall not be made during the first six (6) months following Separation from Service. Rather, any distribution which would otherwise be paid to the Executive during such period shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following Separation from Service. All subsequent distributions shall be paid in the manner specified.

 

4


2.6 Distributions Upon Taxation of Amounts Deferred . If, pursuant to Code Section 409A, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act or other state, local or foreign tax, the Executive becomes subject to tax on the amounts deferred hereunder, then the Bank may make a limited distribution to the Executive in a manner that conforms to the requirements of Code section 409A. Any such distribution will decrease the Executive’s benefits distributable under this Agreement.

 

2.7 Change in Form or Timing of Distributions . For distribution of benefits under this Article 2, the Executive and the Bank may, subject to the terms of Section 8.1, amend this Agreement to delay the timing or change the form of distributions. Any such amendment:

 

  (a) may not accelerate the time or schedule of any distribution, except as provided in Code Section 409A;

 

  (b) must, for benefits distributable under Section 2.1, be made at least twelve (12) months prior to the first scheduled distribution;

 

  (c) must, for benefits distributable under Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4, delay the commencement of distributions for a minimum of five (5) years from the date the first distribution was originally scheduled to be made; and

 

  (d) must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after the amendment is made.

Article 3

Distribution at Death

 

3.1 Death During Active Service . If the Executive dies prior to Separation from Service, the Bank shall distribute to the Beneficiary the benefit described in this Section 3.1. This benefit shall be distributed in lieu of any benefit under Article 2.

 

  3.1.1 Amount of Benefit . The annual benefit under this Section 3.1 is Sixty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($65,500).

 

  3.1.2 Distribution of Benefit . The Bank shall distribute the annual benefit to the Beneficiary in twelve (12) equal monthly installments for fifteen (15) years commencing on the first day of the fourth month following the Executive’s death. The Beneficiary shall be required to provide to the Bank the Executive’s death certificate.

 

3.2 Death During Distribution of a Benefit . If the Executive dies after any benefit distributions and the Executive has received less than one hundred eighty (180) monthly benefit installments, the Beneficiary shall continue to receive the same amounts the Executive would have received at the same times until the sum of the number of installments to the Beneficiary and Executive totals one hundred eighty (180).

 

5


3.3 Death Before Benefit Distributions Commence . If the Executive is entitled to benefit distributions under this Agreement but dies prior to the date that commencement of said benefit distributions are scheduled to be made under this Agreement, the Bank shall distribute to the Beneficiary the same benefits to which the Executive was entitled prior to death, except that the benefit distributions shall be paid in the manner specified in Section 3.1.2 and shall commence on the first day of the fourth month following the Executive’s death.

Article 4

Beneficiaries

 

4.1 In General . The Executive shall have the right, at any time, to designate a Beneficiary to receive any benefit distributions under this Agreement upon the death of the Executive. The Beneficiary designated under this Agreement may be the same as or different from the beneficiary designated under any other plan of the Bank in which the Executive participates.

 

4.2 Designation . The Executive shall designate a Beneficiary by completing and signing the Beneficiary Designation Form and delivering it to the Plan Administrator or its designated agent. If the Executive names someone other than the Executive’s spouse as a Beneficiary, the Plan Administrator may, in its sole discretion, determine that spousal consent is required to be provided in a form designated by the Plan Administrator, executed by the Executive’s spouse and returned to the Plan Administrator. The Executive’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary predeceases the Executive or if the Executive names a spouse as Beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. The Executive shall have the right to change a Beneficiary by completing, signing and otherwise complying with the terms of the Beneficiary Designation Form and the Plan Administrator’s rules and procedures. Upon the acceptance by the Plan Administrator of a new Beneficiary Designation Form, all Beneficiary designations previously filed shall be cancelled. The Plan Administrator shall be entitled to rely on the last Beneficiary Designation Form filed by the Executive and accepted by the Plan Administrator prior to the Executive’s death.

 

4.3 Acknowledgment . No designation or change in designation of a Beneficiary shall be effective until received, accepted and acknowledged in writing by the Plan Administrator or its designated agent.

 

4.4 No Beneficiary Designation . If the Executive dies without a valid beneficiary designation, or if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Executive, then the Executive’s spouse shall be the designated Beneficiary. If the Executive has no surviving spouse, any benefit shall be paid to the Executive’s estate.

 

4.5

Facility of Distribution . If the Plan Administrator determines in its discretion that a benefit is to be distributed to a minor, to a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of that person’s property, the Plan Administrator may direct distribution of such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or Person

 

6


 

having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Plan Administrator may require proof of incompetence, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Any distribution of a benefit shall be a distribution for the account of the Executive and the Beneficiary, as the case may be, and shall completely discharge any liability under this Agreement for such distribution amount.

Article 5

General Limitations

 

5.1 Termination for Cause . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Bank shall not distribute any benefit under this Agreement if the Executive’s employment with the Bank is terminated by the Bank or an applicable regulator due to a Termination for Cause.

 

5.2 Suicide or Misstatement . No benefit shall be distributed if the Executive commits suicide within two (2) years after the Effective Date, or if an insurance company which issued a life insurance policy covering the Executive and owned by the Bank denies coverage (i) for material misstatements of fact made by the Executive on an application for such life insurance, or (ii) for any other reason.

 

5.3 Removal . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Bank shall not distribute any benefit under this Agreement if the Executive is subject to a final removal or prohibition order issued by an appropriate federal banking agency pursuant to Section 8(e) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any payments made to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, shall be subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. 1828 and FDIC Regulation 12 CFR Part 359, Golden Parachute Indemnification Payments and any other regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder.

Article 6

Administration of Agreement

 

6.1 Plan Administrator Duties . The Plan Administrator shall administer this Agreement according to its express terms and shall also have the discretion and authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Agreement and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions, including interpretations of this Agreement, as may arise in connection with this Agreement to the extent the exercise of such discretion and authority does not conflict with Code Section 409A.

 

6.2 Agents . In the administration of this Agreement, the Plan Administrator may employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as the Plan Administrator sees fit, including acting through a duly appointed representative, and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Bank.

 

7


6.3 Binding Effect of Decisions . Any decision or action of the Plan Administrator with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation or application of this Agreement and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in this Agreement.

 

6.4 Indemnity of Plan Administrator . The Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless the Plan Administrator against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Agreement, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Plan Administrator.

 

6.5 Bank Information . To enable the Plan Administrator to perform its functions, the Bank shall supply full and timely information to the Plan Administrator on all matters relating to the date and circumstances of the Executive’s death, Disability or Separation from Service, and such other pertinent information as the Plan Administrator may reasonably require.

 

6.6 Annual Statement . The Plan Administrator shall provide to the Executive, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each Plan Year, a statement setting forth the benefits to be distributed under this Agreement.

Article 7

Claims And Review Procedures

 

7.1 Claims Procedure . An Executive or Beneficiary (“claimant”) who has not received benefits under this Agreement that he or she believes should be distributed shall make a claim for such benefits as follows:

 

  7.1.1 Initiation – Written Claim . The claimant initiates a claim by submitting to the Plan Administrator a written claim for the benefits. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the claimant, the claim must be made within sixty (60) days after such notice was received by the claimant. All other claims must be made within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim must state with particularity the determination desired by the claimant.

 

  7.1.2 Timing of Plan Administrator Response . The Plan Administrator shall respond to such claimant within ninety (90) days after receiving the claim. If the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Plan Administrator can extend the response period by an additional ninety (90) days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial ninety (90) day period, that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Plan Administrator expects to render its decision.

 

8


  7.1.3 Notice of Decision . If the Plan Administrator denies part or all of the claim, the Plan Administrator shall notify the claimant in writing of such denial. The Plan Administrator shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification shall set forth:

 

  (a) The specific reasons for the denial;

 

  (b) A reference to the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based;

 

  (c) A description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why it is needed;

 

  (d) An explanation of this Agreement’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures; and

 

  (e) A statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review.

 

7.2 Review Procedure . If the Plan Administrator denies part or all of the claim, the claimant shall have the opportunity for a full and fair review by the Plan Administrator of the denial as follows:

 

  7.2.1 Initiation – Written Request . To initiate the review, the claimant, within sixty (60) days after receiving the Plan Administrator’s notice of denial, must file with the Plan Administrator a written request for review.

 

  7.2.2 Additional Submissions – Information Access . The claimant shall then have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim. The Plan Administrator shall also provide the claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits.

 

  7.2.3 Considerations on Review . In considering the review, the Plan Administrator shall take into account all materials and information the claimant submits relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.

 

  7.2.4 Timing of Plan Administrator Response . The Plan Administrator shall respond in writing to such claimant within sixty (60) days after receiving the request for review. If the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Plan Administrator can extend the response period by an additional sixty (60) days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial sixty (60) day period, that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Plan Administrator expects to render its decision.

 

9


  7.2.5 Notice of Decision . The Plan Administrator shall notify the claimant in writing of its decision on review. The Plan Administrator shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification shall set forth:

 

  (a) The specific reasons for the denial;

 

  (b) A reference to the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based;

 

  (c) A statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits; and

 

  (d) A statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a).

Article 8

Amendments and Termination

 

8.1 Amendments . The Bank may unilaterally amend this Agreement to conform with written directives to the Bank from its auditors or banking regulators or to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including without limitation Code Section 409A.

 

8.2 Plan Termination Generally . The Bank may unilaterally terminate this Agreement at any time. The benefit shall be the Account Value as of the date this Agreement is terminated. Except as provided in Section 8.3, the termination of this Agreement shall not cause a distribution of benefits under this Agreement. Rather, upon such termination benefit distributions will be made at the earliest distribution event permitted under Article 2 or Article 3.

 

8.3 Plan Terminations Under Code Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 8.2, if the Bank terminates this Agreement in the following circumstances:

 

  (a) Within thirty (30) days before or twelve (12) months after a Change in Control, provided that all distributions are made no later than twelve (12) months following such termination of this Agreement and further provided that all the Bank’s arrangements which are substantially similar to this Agreement are terminated so the Executive and all participants in the similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within twelve (12) months of such termination;

 

  (b) Upon the Bank’s dissolution or with the approval of a bankruptcy court provided that the amounts deferred under this Agreement are included in the Executive’s gross income in the latest of (i) the calendar year in which this Agreement terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the distribution is administratively practical; or

 

10


  (c) Upon the Bank’s termination of this and all other arrangements that would be aggregated with this Agreement pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-l(c) if the Executive participated in such arrangements (“Similar Arrangements”), provided that (i) the termination and liquidation does not occur proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Bank, (ii) all termination distributions are made no earlier than twelve (12) months and no later than twenty-four (24) months following such termination, and (iii) the Bank does not adopt any new arrangement that would be a Similar Arrangement for a minimum of three (3) years following the date the Bank takes all necessary action to irrevocably terminate and liquidate the Agreement;

the Bank may distribute the Account Value, determined as of the date of the termination of this Agreement, to the Executive in a lump sum subject to the above terms.

Article 9

Miscellaneous

 

9.1 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall bind the Executive and the Bank and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees.

 

9.2 No Guarantee of Employment . This Agreement is not a contract for employment. It does not give the Executive the right to remain as an employee of the Bank nor interfere with the Bank’s right to discharge the Executive. It does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time.

 

9.3 Non-Transferability . Benefits under this Agreement cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner.

 

9.4 Tax Withholding and Reporting . The Bank shall withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld, including but not limited to taxes owed under Code Section 409A from the benefits provided under this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that the Bank’s sole liability regarding taxes is to forward any amounts withheld to the appropriate taxing authorities. The Bank shall satisfy all applicable reporting requirements, including those under Code Section 409A.

 

9.5 Applicable Law . This Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of Montana, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

 

9.6

Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and the Beneficiary are general unsecured creditors of the Bank for the distribution of benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Bank to distribute such benefits. The rights to benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment by creditors. Any insurance on the

 

11


 

Executive’s life or other informal funding asset is a general asset of the Bank to which the Executive and Beneficiary have no preferred or secured claim.

 

9.7 Reorganization . The Bank shall not merge or consolidate into or with another bank, or reorganize, or sell substantially all of its assets to another bank, firm or person unless such succeeding or continuing bank, firm or person agrees to assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement. Upon the occurrence of such an event, the term “Bank” as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the successor or survivor entity.

 

9.8 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Bank and the Executive as to the subject matter hereof. No rights are granted to the Executive by virtue of this Agreement other than those specifically set forth herein.

 

9.9 Interpretation . Wherever the fulfillment of the intent and purpose of this Agreement requires and the context will permit, the use of the masculine gender includes the feminine and use of the singular includes the plural.

 

9.10 Alternative Action . In the event it shall become impossible for the Bank or the Plan Administrator to perform any act required by this Agreement due to regulatory or other constraints, the Bank or Plan Administrator may perform such alternative act as most nearly carries out the intent and purpose of this Agreement and is in the best interests of the Bank, provided that such alternative act does not violate Code Section 409A.

 

9.11 Headings . Article and section headings are for convenient reference only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision herein.

 

9.12 Validity . If any provision of this Agreement shall be illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had never been included herein.

 

9.13 Notice . Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Bank or Plan Administrator under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered or sent by registered or certified mail to the address below:

American Federal Savings Bank

P.O. Box 4999 [ILLEGIBLE] Prospect Ave.

Helena, MT 59604

Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark on the receipt for registration or certification.

Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Executive under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered or sent by mail to the last known address of the Executive.

 

12


9.14 Deduction Limitation on Benefit Payments . If the Bank reasonably anticipates that the Bank’s deduction with respect to any distribution under this Agreement would be limited or eliminated by application of Code Section 162(m), then to the extent deemed necessary by the Bank to ensure that the entire amount of any distribution from this Agreement is deductible, the Bank may delay payment of any amount that would otherwise be distributed under this Agreement. The delayed amounts shall be distributed to the Executive (or the Beneficiary in the event of the Executive’s death) at the earliest date the Bank reasonably anticipates that the deduction of the payment of the amount will not be limited or eliminated by application of Code Section 162(m).

 

9.15 Compliance with Section 409A . This Agreement shall be interpreted and administered consistent with Code Section 409A.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Bank have signed this Agreement.

 

EXECUTIVE    BANK

LOGO

   By:  

LOGO

Clinton J. Morrison    Title:   President / CEO

 

13


Schedule A - Clinton J. Morrison

 

  Created on:  

December 5, 2007

     Revised on:  

 

 

 

Period Ending

  Age   Life
Expectancy
  Discount
Rate
    Schedule A
Accrual Balance
  Payout Length
in Months
  Early Retirement
Benefit
Annual Benefit
  Disability
Benefit
Annual Benefit
  Termination at Request
of Company
Annual Benefit
  Death During
Active Service
Annual Benefit*

(1)

  (2)   (3)   (4)     (5)   (6)   (7)   (8)   (9)   (10)

October 3l, 2008

  38   79   6.00   9,401   495   0   613   613   65,500

October 3l, 2009

  39   79   6.00   20,262   483   0   1,329   1,329   65,500

October 3l, 2010

  40   79   6.00   31,793   471   0   2,098   2,098   65,500

October 3l, 2011

  41   79   6.00   44,036   459   0   2,925   2,925   65,500

October 3l, 2012

  42   79   6.00   57,033   447   0   3,815   3,815   65,500

October 31, 2013

  43   80   6.00   70,832   447   0   4,739   4,739   65,500

October 31, 2014

  44   80   6.00   85,483   435   0   5,762   5,762   65,500

October 31, 2015

  45   80   6.00   101,036   423   0   6,864   6,864   65,500

October 31, 2016

  46   80   6.00   117,550   411   0   8,055   8,055   65,500

October 3l, 2017

  47   80   6.00   135,081   399   0   9,341   9,341   65,500

October 31, 2018

  48   80   6.00   153,694   387   0   10,733   10,733   65,500

October 3l, 2019

  49   80   6.00   173,455   375   0   12,242   12,242   65,500

October 31, 2020

  50   80   6.00   194,435   363   0   13,878   13,878   65,500

October 3l, 2021

  51   80   6.00   216,709   351   0   15,657   15,657   65,500

October 3l, 2022

  52   80   6.00   240,356   339   0   17,593   17,593   65,500

October 31, 2023

  53   80   6.00   265,462   327   0   19,706   19,706   65,500

October 3l, 2024

  54   81   6.00   292,117   327   0   21,685   21,685   65,500

October 3l, 2025

  55   81   6.00   320,415   315   0   24,148   24,148   65,500

October 3l, 2026

  56   81   6.00   350,459   303   0   26,846   26,846   65,500

October 31, 2027

  57   81   6.00   382,356   291   0   29,810   29,810   65,500

October 3l, 2028

  58   81   6.00   416,221   279   0   33,074   33,074   65,500

October 31, 2029

  59   81   6.00   452,174   267   0   36,680   36,680   65,500

October 31, 2030

  60   81   6.00   490,344   255   40,677   40,677   40,677   65,500

October 31, 2031

  61   81   6.00   530,869   243   45,123   45,123   45,123   65,500

October 3l, 2032

  62   82   6.00   573,893   243   48,780   48,780   48,780   65,500

October 31, 2033

  63   82   6.00   619,571   231   54,075   54,075   54,075   65,500

October 3l, 2034

  64   82   6.00   668,066   219   60,018   60,018   60,018   65,500

July 31, 2035

  65   82   6.00   706,391   207   65,500   65,500   65,500   65,500

 

* All monthly payments are guaranteed for 180 months should the participant die during payout.

Exhibit 10.14

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

(AMENDED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTION 4/18/02)

THIS AGREEMENT is made this 18 th day of April, 2002, by and between AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK (the “Company”), and Michael C. Mundt (the “Executive”).

INTRODUCTION

To encourage the Executive to remain an employee of the Company, the Company is willing to provide salary continuation benefits to the Executive. The Company will pay the benefits from its general assets.

AGREEMENT

The Executive and the Company agree as follows:

Article 1

Definitions

 

  1.1 Definitions . Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings specified:

 

  1.1.1 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References to a Code section shall be deemed to be to that section as it now exists and to any successor provision.


1.1.2 “Disability” means, if the Executive is covered by a Company-sponsored disability insurance policy, total disability as defined in such policy without regard to any waiting period. If the Executive is not covered by such a policy, Disability means the Executive suffering a sickness, accident or injury which, in the judgment of a physician satisfactory to the Company, prevents the Executive from performing substantially all of the Executive’s normal duties for the Company. As a condition to any benefits, the Company may require the Executive to submit to such physical or mental evaluations and tests as the Company’s Board of Directors deems appropriate.

 

  1.1.3 “Early Retirement Date” means the Executive attaining age sixty (60) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.4 “Normal Retirement Date” means the Executive attaining age sixty-five (65) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.5 “Termination of Employment” means the Executive’s ceasing to be employed by the Company for any reason whatsoever, voluntary or involuntary, other than by reason of an approved leave of absence.

 

  1.1.6 “Years of Service” means the total number of twelve-(12) month periods during which the Executive is employed on a full-time basis by the Company, inclusive of any approved leaves of absence.

 

2


Article 2

Lifetime Benefits

 

  2.1 Normal Retirement Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment on or after the Normal Retirement Date for reasons other than death, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.1.

 

  2.1.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.1 is the benefit described in Schedule A (Column G).

 

  2.1.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Retirement Date and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.2 Early Retirement Benefit. If the Executive terminates employment after the Early Retirement Date but before the Normal Retirement Date, and for reasons other than Death or Disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.2.

 

  2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment. The Executive may elect either to receive benefits immediately (Column E) or to wait until age sixty-five (65) (Column G).

 

  2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st)  day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Early Retirement Date (or the month following age sixty-five (65) as the Executive may elect) and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

3


  2.3 Disability Benefit. If the Executive terminates employment for Disability prior to the Normal Retirement Date, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.3.

 

  2.3.1 Amount of Benefit. The benefit under this Section 2.3 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.3.2

Payment of Benefit. The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the determination of Disability and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.3.3 Lump Sum Option. The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum (Column D).

 

  2.4 Termination at Request of Company. If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for any reason, except for the reasons set forth in Section 5.2, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.4 in lieu of any other benefit under this Agreement.

 

  2.4.1 Amount of Benefit. The benefit under this Section 2.4 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.4.2

Payment of Benefit. The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the date of Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

4


  2.4.3 Lump Sum Option. The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum (Column D).

Article 3

Death Benefits

 

  3.1 Death During Active Service . If the Executive dies while in the active service of the Company, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s beneficiary the benefit described in this Section 3.1.

 

  3.1.1. Amount of Benefit . The benefit under Section 3.1 is the benefit that would have been paid to the Executive under Section 2.1 calculated as if the date of the Executive’s death were the Normal Retirement Date.

 

  3.1.2.

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Beneficiary on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s death and continuing for one hundred eighty (180) total months.

 

  3.1.3. Lump Sum Option . The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum payment equal to the present value of the one hundred eight (180) payments using a discount factor of eight percent (8%).

 

  3.2 Death During Benefit Period . If the Executive dies after benefit payments have commenced under this Agreement but before receiving benefits for one hundred eighty (180) months, the Company shall pay the remaining benefits to the Executive’s beneficiary at the same time and in the same amounts they would have been paid to the Executive until the expiration of one hundred eighty (180) months from the time payments commenced.

 

5


Article 4

Beneficiaries

 

  4.1 Beneficiary Designations . The Executive shall designate a beneficiary by filing a written designation with the Company. The Executive may revoke or modify the designation at any time by filing a new designation. However, designations will only be effective if signed by the Executive and accepted by the Company during the Executive’s lifetime. The Executive’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the beneficiary predeceases the Executive, or if the Executive names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. If the Executive dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Executive’s surviving spouse, if any and if none, to the Executive’s surviving children and the descendants of any deceased child by right of representation, and if no children or descendants survive, to the Executive’s estate.

 

  4.2 Facility of Payment . If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his or her property, the Company may pay such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Company may require proof of incompetency, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Such distribution shall completely discharge the Company from all liability with respect to such benefit.

 

6


Article 5

General Limitations

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not pay any benefit under this Agreement:

 

  5.1 Excess Parachute Payment . To the extent the benefit would be an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code.

 

  5.2 Termination for Cause . If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for:

 

  5.2.1 Gross negligence or gross neglect of duties;

 

  5.2.2 Commission of a felony or of a gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or

 

  5.2.3 Fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant Company policy committed in connection with the Executive’s employment and resulting in an adverse effect on the Company.

 

  5.3 Suicide . No benefits shall be payable if the Executive commits suicide within two (2) years after the date of this Agreement, or if the Executive has made any material misstatement of fact on any application for life insurance purchased by the Company.

 

  5.4 Vesting . Benefits are not vested prior to twenty (20) years of continuous service.

 

7


  5.5 Payment of Benefits . With the exception for death, disability (Section 1.1.2), early retirement (Section 1.1.3), or terminations at request of Company (Section 2.4), payment of benefits will not be made until the participant attains age sixty-five (65).

Article 6

Claims and Review Procedures

 

  6.1 Claims Procedure . The Company shall notify the Executive’s beneficiary in writing, within ninety (90) days of his or her written application for benefits, of his or her eligibility or noneligibility for benefits under the Agreement. If the Company determines that the beneficiary is not eligible for benefits or full benefits, the notice shall set forth (1) the specific reasons for such denial, (2) a specific reference to the provisions of the Agreement on which the denial is based, (3) a description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect his or her claim, and a description of why it is needed, and (4) an explanation of the Agreement’s claims review procedure and other appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the beneficiary wishes to have the claim reviewed. If the Company determines that there are special circumstances requiring additional time to make a decision, the Company shall notify the beneficiary of the special circumstances and the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and may extend the time for up to an additional ninety - (90) day period.

 

8


  6.2 Review Procedure . If the beneficiary is determined by the Company not to be eligible for benefits, or if the beneficiary believes that he or she is entitled to greater or different benefits, the beneficiary shall have the opportunity to have such claim reviewed by the Company by filing a petition for review with the Company within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notice issued by the Company. Said petition shall state the specific reasons which the beneficiary believes entitle him or her to benefits or to greater or different benefits. Within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the petition, the Company shall afford the beneficiary (and counsel, if any) an opportunity to present his or her position to the Company orally or in writing, and the beneficiary (or counsel) shall have the right to review the pertinent documents. The Company shall notify the beneficiary of its decision in writing within the sixty-(60) day period, stating specifically the basis of its decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the beneficiary and the specific provisions of the Agreement on which the decision is based. If, because of the need for a hearing, the sixty-(60) day period is not sufficient, the decision may be deferred for up to another sixty-(60) day period at the election of the Company, but notice of this deferral shall be given to the beneficiary.

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

The Company may amend or terminate this Agreement at any time if, pursuant to legislative, judicial or regulatory action, continuation of the Agreement would (i) cause benefits to be taxable to the Executive prior to actual receipt, or (ii) result in significant financial penalties or other significantly detrimental ramifications to the Company (other than the financial impact of paying the benefits). In the event of any such amendment or termination, the Executive shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested in the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit accrued to the Executive’s benefit under Section 2.1 as of the date of the amendment or termination.

 

9


Article 8

Miscellaneous

 

  8.1 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall bind the Executive and the Company, and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees.

 

  8.2 No guaranty of Employment . This Agreement is not an employment policy or contract. It does not give the Executive the right to remain an employee of the Company, nor does it interfere with the Company’s right to discharge the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time.

 

  8.3 Non-Transferability . Benefits under this Agreement cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner.

 

  8.4 Tax Withholding . The Company may withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Agreement.

 

  8.5 Applicable Law . The Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of Montana, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

 

  8.6 Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and beneficiary are general unsecured creditors of the Company for the payment of benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Company to pay such benefits. The rights to benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors. Any insurance on the Executive’s life is a general asset of the Company to which the Executive and beneficiary have no preferred or secured claim.

 

10


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a duly authorized Company officer have signed this Agreement.

 

COMPANY:     AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
      By   LOGO
      Title:   President & CEO
EXECUTIVE:     LOGO
      Title:   S.V.P. - Lending
      Date:   June 11, 2002

 

11


SCHEDULE A

MANAGEMENT SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT

SALARY CONTINUATION PLAN

 

PARTICIPANT:    M. MUNDT
BEGINNING AGE:    39
RETIREMENT AGE:    65
LENGTH OF BENEFIT:   

Life with 15 Yr. Minimum

(18 yrs. expected retirement)

BENEFIT AMOUNT:    $25,000

PRE-RETIREMENT BENEFIT ACCRUAL / VESTING SCHEDULE

 

A    B    C    D    E    F    G

END OF
PLAN
YEAR

   VESTING
PERCENTAGE
   CURRENT
YEAR
ACCRUAL
   IMMEDIATE
LUMP SUM
BENEFIT
   IMMEDIATE
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
   LUMP SUM
BENEFIT
AGE 65
   ANNUAL
BENEFIT
AGE 65
  1    0    2,528    0    0    0    0
  2    0    2,751    0    0    0    0
  3    0    2,995    0    0    0    0
  4    0    3,269    0    0    0    0
  5    0    3,547    0    0    0    0
  6    0    3,661    0    0    0    0
  7    0    4,202    0    0    0    0
  8    0    4,574    0    0    0    0
  9    0    4,978    0    0    0    0
10    0    5,418    0    0    0    0
11    0    5,897    0    0    0    0
12    0    6,418    0    0    0    0
13    0    6,985    0    0    0    0
14    0    7,603    0    0    0    0
15    100    8,275    73,292    7,964    186,076    20,218
16    100    9,006    82,298    8,942    191,973    20,859
17    100    9,802    92,101    10,007    197,391    21,447
18    100    10,669    102,769    11,166    202,369    21,988
19    100    11,612    114,381    12,428    206,942    22,485
20    100    12,636    127,019    13,801    211,145    22,942
21    100    13,765    140,775    15,296    215,005    23,361
22    100    14,971    155,746    16,923    218,553    23,747
23    100    16,295    172,041    18,693    221,812    24,101
24    100    17,735    189,775    20,620    224,807    24,426
25    100    19,302    209,078    22,717    227,558    24,725
26    100    21,009    230,086    25,000    230,086    25,000

Exhibit 10.15

FIRST AMENDMENT

TO THE

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

DATED APRIL 18, 2002

FOR

MICHAEL C. MUNDT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT is adopted this 31 st day of December, 2006, effective as of January 1, 2005, by American Federal Savings Bank located in Helena, Montana (the “Company”).

The Company and Michael C. Mundt (the “Executive”) executed the Salary Continuation Agreement effective as of April 18, 2002 (the “Agreement”).

The undersigned hereby amends the Agreement for the purpose of bringing the Agreement into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, the following changes shall be made:

The following Section 1.1.4a shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 1.1.4:

 

1.1.4a Plan Year ” shall mean the period commencing on the anniversary date of the Agreement.

The following Section 1.1.4b shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 1.1.4a:

 

1.1.4b Specified Employee ” means a key employee (as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code without regard to paragraph 5 thereof) of the Company if any stock of the Company is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise.

Section 1.1.5 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

1.1.5 Termination of Employment ” means the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for reasons other than death. Whether a Termination of Employment takes place is determined based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the termination of the Executive’s employment and whether the Company and the Executive intended for the Executive to provide significant services for the Company following such termination. A change in the Executive’s employment status will not be considered a Termination of Employment if:

 

  (a)

the Executive continues to provide services as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is twenty percent (20%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of

 

1


 

employment (or, if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is twenty percent (20%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or, if less, such lesser period), or

 

  (b) the Executive continues to provide services to the Company in a capacity other than as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is fifty percent (50%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment (or if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is fifty percent (50%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or if less, such lesser period).

Section 2.2.1 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.2.1 Amount of Benefit. The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A, based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

Section 2.2.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

Section 2.3.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.3.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (l/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

Sections 2.3.3 and 2.4.3 of the Agreement shall be deleted in their entirety.

The following Sections 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 2.4.3:

 

2.5 Restriction on Timing of Distributions . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is considered a Specified Employee at Termination of Employment under such procedures as established by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, benefit distributions that are made upon Termination of Employment may not commence earlier than six (6) months after the date of such Termination of Employment. Therefore, in the event this Section 2.5 is applicable to the Executive, any distribution which would otherwise be paid to the Executive within the first six months following the Termination of Employment shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the Termination of Employment. All subsequent distributions shall be paid in the manner specified.

 

2


2.6 Distributions Upon Income Inclusion Under Section 409A of the Code . Upon the inclusion of any amount into the Executive’s income as a result of the failure of this non-qualified deferred compensation plan to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent such tax liability can be covered by the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, a distribution shall be made as soon as is administratively practicable following the discovery of the plan failure.

 

2.7 Change in Form or Timing of Distributions . All changes in the form or timing of distributions hereunder must comply with the following requirements. The changes:

 

  (a) may not accelerate the time or schedule of any distribution, except as provided in Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder;

 

  (b) must, for benefits distributable under Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4, delay the commencement of distributions for a minimum of five (5) years from the date the first distribution was originally scheduled to be made; and

 

  (c) must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after the election is made.

Section 3.1.3 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety.

Article 7 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

 

7.1 Amendments . The Company may unilaterally amend this Agreement to conform with written directives to the Company from its auditors or banking regulators or to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including without limitation Section 409A of the Code and any and all Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder.

 

7.2 Plan Termination Generally . The Company may terminate this Agreement unilaterally at any time. The benefit hereunder shall be the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder. Except as provided in Section 7.3, the termination of this Agreement shall not cause a distribution of benefits under this Agreement. Rather, upon such termination benefit distributions will be made at the earliest distribution event permitted under Article 2 or Article 3.

 

7.3 Plan Terminations Under Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.2, if the Company terminates this Agreement in the following circumstances:

 

  (a)

Within thirty (30) days before, or twelve (12) months after a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company as described in

 

3


 

Section 409A(2)(A)(v) of the Code, provided that all distributions are made no later than twelve (12) months following such termination of the Agreement and further provided that all the Company’s arrangements which are substantially similar to the Agreement are terminated so the Executive and all participants in the similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within twelve (12) months of the termination of the arrangements;

 

  (b) Upon the Company’s dissolution or with the approval of a bankruptcy court provided that the amounts deferred under the Agreement are included in the Executive’s gross income in the latest of (i) the calendar year in which the Agreement terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the distribution is administratively practical; or

 

  (c) Upon the Company’s termination of this and all other non-account balance plans (as referenced in Section 409A of the Code or the regulations thereunder), provided that all distributions are made no earlier than twelve (12) months and no later than twenty-four (24) months following such termination, and the Company does not adopt any new non-account balance plans for a minimum of five (5) years following the date of such termination;

the Company may distribute the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, determined as of the date of the termination of the Agreement, to the Executive in a lump sum subject to the above terms.

The following Section 8.7 shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 8.6:

 

8.7 Compliance with Section 409A . This Agreement shall at all times be administered and the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any and all regulations thereunder, including such regulations as may be promulgated after the effective date of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS OF THE ABOVE, the Company hereby consents to this First Amendment.

 

American Federal Savings Bank
By   LOGO
Title   EVP/CEO

 

Acknowledged:
Executive
LOGO
Michael C. Mundt

 

4

Exhibit 10.16

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

(AMENDED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTION 4/18/02)

THIS AGREEMENT is made this 18 th day of April, 2002, by and between AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK (the “Company”), and Robert M. Evans (the “Executive”).

INTRODUCTION

To encourage the Executive to remain an employee of the Company, the Company is willing to provide salary continuation benefits to the Executive. The Company will pay the benefits from its general assets.

AGREEMENT

The Executive and the Company agree as follows:

Article 1

Definitions

 

  1.1 Definitions. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings specified:

 

  1.1.1 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References to a Code section shall be deemed to be to that section as it now exists and to any successor provision.


  1.1.2 “Disability” means, if the Executive is covered by a Company-sponsored disability insurance policy, total disability as defined in such policy without regard to any waiting period. If the Executive is not covered by such a policy, Disability means the Executive suffering a sickness, accident or injury which, in the judgment of a physician satisfactory to the Company, prevents the Executive from performing substantially all of the Executive’s normal duties for the Company. As a condition to any benefits, the Company may require the Executive to submit to such physical or mental evaluations and tests as the Company’s Board of Directors deems appropriate.

 

  1.1.3 “Early Retirement Date” means the Executive attaining age sixty (60) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.4 “Normal Retirement Date” means the Executive attaining age sixty-five (65) and completing twenty (20) years of service

 

  1.1.5 “Termination of Employment” means the Executive’s ceasing to be employed by the Company for any reason whatsoever, voluntary or involuntary, other than by reason of an approved leave of absence.

 

  1.1.6 “Years of Service” means the total number of twelve-(12) month periods during which the Executive is employed on a full-time basis by the Company, inclusive of any approved leaves of absence.

 

2


Article 2

Lifetime Benefits

 

  2.1 Normal Retirement Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment on or after the Normal Retirement Date for reasons other than death, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.1.

 

  2.1.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.1 is the benefit described in Schedule A (Column G).

 

  2.1.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Retirement Date and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.2 Early Retirement Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment after the Early Retirement Date but before the Normal Retirement Date, and for reasons other than Death or Disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.2.

 

  2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment. The Executive may elect either to receive benefits immediately (Column E) or to wait until age sixty-five (65) (Column G).

 

  2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Early Retirement Date (or the month following age sixty-five (65) as the Executive may elect) and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

3


  2.3 Disability Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment for Disability prior to the Normal Retirement Date, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.3.

 

  2.3.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.3 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.3.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the determination of Disability and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.3.3 Lump Sum Option . The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum (Column D).

 

  2.4 Termination at Request of Company . If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for any reason, except for the reasons set forth in Section 5.2, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.4 in lieu of any other benefit under this Agreement.

 

  2.4.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.4 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.4.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the date of Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

4


  2.4.3 Lump Sum Option . The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum (Column D).

Article 3

Death Benefits

 

  3.1 Death During Active Service . If the Executive dies while in the active service of the Company, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s beneficiary the benefit described in this Section 3.1.

 

  3.1.1. Amount of Benefit . The benefit under Section 3.1 is the benefit that would have been paid to the Executive under Section 2.1 calculated as if the date of the Executive’s death were the Normal Retirement Date.

 

  3.1.2.

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Beneficiary on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s death and continuing for one hundred eighty (180) total months.

 

  3.1.3. Lump Sum Option . The Company shall have the option of paying the benefit in a lump sum payment equal to the present value of the one hundred eight (180) payments using a discount factor of eight percent (8%).

 

  3.2 Death During Benefit Period . If the Executive dies after benefit payments have commenced under this Agreement but before receiving benefits for one hundred eighty (180) months, the Company shall pay the remaining benefits to the Executive’s beneficiary at the same time and in the same amounts they would have been paid to the Executive until the expiration of one hundred eighty (180) months from the time payments commenced.

 

5


Article 4

Beneficiaries

 

  4.1 Beneficiary Designations . The Executive shall designate a beneficiary by filing a written designation with the Company. The Executive may revoke or modify the designation at any time by filing a new designation. However, designations will only be effective if signed by the Executive and accepted by the Company during the Executive’s lifetime. The Executive’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the beneficiary predeceases the Executive, or if the Executive names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. If the Executive dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Executive’s surviving spouse, if any and if none, to the Executive’s surviving children and the descendants of any deceased child by right of representation, and if no children or descendants survive, to the Executive’s estate.

 

  4.2 Facility of Payment . If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his or her property, the Company may pay such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Company may require proof of incompetency, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Such distribution shall completely discharge the Company from all liability with respect to such benefit.

 

6


Article 5

General Limitations

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not pay any benefit under this Agreement:

 

  5.1 Excess Parachute Payment . To the extent the benefit would be an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code.

 

  5.2 Termination for Cause . If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for:

 

  5.2.1 Gross negligence or gross neglect of duties;

 

  5.2.2 Commission of a felony or of a gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or

 

  5.2.3 Fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant Company policy committed in connection with the Executive’s employment and resulting in an adverse effect on the Company.

 

  5.3 Suicide . No benefits shall be payable if the Executive commits suicide within two (2) years after the date of this Agreement, or if the Executive has made any material misstatement of fact on any application for life insurance purchased by the Company.

 

  5.4 Vesting . Benefits are not vested prior to twenty (20) years of continuous service.

 

7


  5.5 Payment of Benefits . With the exception for death, disability (Section 1.1.2), early retirement (Section 1.1.3), or terminations at request of Company (Section 2.4), payment of benefits will not be made until the participant attains age sixty-five (65).

Article 6

Claims and Review Procedures

 

  6.1 Claims Procedure . The Company shall notify the Executive’s beneficiary in writing, within ninety (90) days of his or her written application for benefits, of his or her eligibility or noneligibility for benefits under the Agreement. If the Company determines that the beneficiary is not eligible for benefits or full benefits, the notice shall set forth (1) the specific reasons for such denial, (2) a specific reference to the provisions of the Agreement on which the denial is based, (3) a description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect his or her claim, and a description of why it is needed, and (4) an explanation of the Agreement’s claims review procedure and other appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the beneficiary wishes to have the claim reviewed. If the Company determines that there are special circumstances requiring additional time to make a decision, the Company shall notify the beneficiary of the special circumstances and the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and may extend the time for up to an additional ninety — (90) day period.

 

  6.2

Review Procedure . If the beneficiary is determined by the Company not to be eligible for benefits, or if the beneficiary believes that he or she is entitled to greater or different benefits, the beneficiary shall have the opportunity to

 

8


 

have such claim reviewed by the Company by filing a petition for review with the Company within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notice issued by the Company. Said petition shall state the specific reasons which the beneficiary believes entitle him or her to benefits or to greater or different benefits. Within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the petition, the Company shall afford the beneficiary (and counsel, if any) an opportunity to present his or her position to the Company orally or in writing, and the beneficiary (or counsel) shall have the right to review the pertinent documents. The Company shall notify the beneficiary of its decision in writing within the sixty-(60) day period, stating specifically the basis of its decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the beneficiary and the specific provisions of the Agreement on which the decision is based. If, because of the need for a hearing, the sixty-(60) day period is not sufficient, the decision may be deferred for up to another sixty-(60) day period at the election of the Company, but notice of this deferral shall be given to the beneficiary.

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

The Company may amend or terminate this Agreement at any time if, pursuant to legislative, judicial or regulatory action, continuation of the Agreement would (i) cause benefits to be taxable to the Executive prior to actual receipt, or (ii) result in significant financial penalties or other significantly detrimental ramifications to the Company (other than the financial impact of paying the benefits). In the event of any such amendment or termination, the Executive shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested in the portion of the Normal Retirement Benefit accrued to the Executive’s benefit under Section 2.1 as of the date of the amendment or termination.

 

9


Article8

Miscellaneous

 

  8.1 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall bind the Executive and the Company, and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees.

 

  8.2 No guaranty of Employment . This Agreement is not an employment policy or contract. It does not give the Executive the right to remain an employee of the Company, nor does it interfere with the Company’s right to discharge the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time

 

  8.3 Non-Transferability . Benefits under this Agreement cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner.

 

  8.4 Tax Withholding . The Company may withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Agreement.

 

  8.5 Applicable Law . The Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of Montana, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

 

  8.6

Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and beneficiary are general unsecured creditors of the Company for the payment of benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Company to pay such benefits. The rights to benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance,

 

10


 

attachment, or garnishment by creditors. Any insurance on the Executive’s life is a general asset of the Company to which the Executive and beneficiary have no preferred or secured claim.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a duly authorized Company officer have signed this Agreement.

 

COMPANY:   AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
  By  

LOGO

  Title:   President & CEO
EXECUTIVE  

LOGO

  Title:   VP / IS
  Date   6/25/02

 

11


SCHEDULE A

MANAGEMENT SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT

SALARY CONTINUATION PLAN

 

PARTICIPANT:    R. EVANS
BEGINNING AGE:    46
RETIREMENT AGE:    65
LENGTH OF BENEFIT:    Life with 15 Yr. Minimum
   (18 yrs. expected retirement)
BENEFIT AMOUNT:    $18,000

PRE-RETIREMENT BENEFIT ACCRUAL / VESTING SCHEDULE

 

A

   B    C    D    E    F    G

END OF

PLAN YEAR

   VESTING
PERCENTAGE
   CURRENT
YEAR
ACCRUAL
   IMMEDIATE
LUMP SUM
BENEFIT
   IMMEDIATE
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
   LUMP SUMP
BENEFIT

AGE 65
   ANNUAL
BENEFIT

AGE 65

  1

   0    3,661    3,661    398    16,818    1,827

  2

   0    3,985    7,646    831    32,270    3,506

  3

   0    4,337    11,984    1,302    46,467    5,049

  4

   0    4,721    16,704    1,815    59,511    6,466

  5

   0    5,138    21,842    2,373    71,496    7,768

  6

   0    5,592    27,434    2,981    82,507    8,965

  7

   0    6,086    33,520    3,642    92,625    10,064

  8

   0    6,624    40,145    4,362    101,920    11,074

  9

   0    7,210    47,354    5,145    110,461    12,002

10

   0    7,847    55,201    5,998    118,308    12,855

11

   100    8,541    63,742    6,926    125,518    13,638

12

   100    9,296    73,038    7,936    132,142    14,358

13

   100    10,117    83,155    9,035    138,228    15,019

14

   100    11,011    94,166    10,232    143,820    15,627

15

   100    11,985    106,151    11,534    148,958    16,185

16

   100    13,044    119,195    12,951    153,679    16,698

17

   100    14,197    133,392    14,494    158,016    17,169

18

   100    15,452    148,844    16,173    162,001    17,602

19

   100    16,818    165,662    18,000    165,662    18,000

Exhibit 10.17

FIRST AMENDMENT

TO THE

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

DATED APRIL 18, 2002

FOR

ROBERT M. EVANS

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT is adopted this 31 st day of December, 2006, effective as of January 1, 2005, by American Federal Savings Bank located in Helena, Montana (the “Company”).

The Company and Robert M. Evans (the “Executive”) executed the Salary Continuation Agreement effective as of April 18, 2002 (the “Agreement”).

The undersigned hereby amends the Agreement for the purpose of bringing the Agreement into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, the following changes shall be made:

The following Section 1.1.4a shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 1.1.4:

 

1.1.4a Plan Year ” shall mean the period commencing on the anniversary date of the Agreement.

The following Section 1.1.4b shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 1.1.4a:

 

1.1.4b Specified Employee ” means a key employee (as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code without regard to paragraph 5 thereof) of the Company if any stock of the Company is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise.

Section 1.1.5 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

1.1.5 Termination of Employment ” means the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for reasons other than death. Whether a Termination of Employment takes place is determined based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the termination of the Executive’s employment and whether the Company and the Executive intended for the Executive to provide significant services for the Company following such termination. A change in the Executive’s employment status will not be considered a Termination of Employment if:

 

  (a)

the Executive continues to provide services as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is twenty percent (20%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of

 

1


 

employment (or, if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is twenty percent (20%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or, if less, such lesser period), or

 

  (b) the Executive continues to provide services to the Company in a capacity other than as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is fifty percent (50%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment (or if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is fifty percent (50%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or if less, such lesser period).

Section 2.2.1 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A, based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

Section 2.2.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (  1 / 12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

Section 2.3.2 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

 

2.3.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (  1 / 12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

Sections 2.3.3 and 2.4.3 of the Agreement shall be deleted in their entirety.

The following Sections 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 2.4.3:

 

2.5 Restriction on Timing of Distributions . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is considered a Specified Employee at Termination of Employment under such procedures as established by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, benefit distributions that are made upon Termination of Employment may not commence earlier than six (6) months after the date of such Termination of Employment. Therefore, in the event this Section 2.5 is applicable to the Executive, any distribution which would otherwise be paid to the Executive within the first six months following the Termination of Employment shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the Termination of Employment. All subsequent distributions shall be paid in the manner specified.

 

2


2.6 Distributions Upon Income Inclusion Under Section 409A of the Code . Upon the inclusion of any amount into the Executive’s income as a result of the failure of this non-qualified deferred compensation plan to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent such tax liability can be covered by the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, a distribution shall be made as soon as is administratively practicable following the discovery of the plan failure.

 

2.7 Change in Form or Timing of Distributions . All changes in the form or timing of distributions hereunder must comply with the following requirements. The changes:

 

  (a) may not accelerate the time or schedule of any distribution, except as provided in Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder;

 

  (b) must, for benefits distributable under Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4, delay the commencement of distributions for a minimum of five (5) years from the date the first distribution was originally scheduled to be made; and

 

  (c) must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after the election is made.

Section 3.1.3 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety.

Article 7 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

 

7.1 Amendments . The Company may unilaterally amend this Agreement to conform with written directives to the Company from its auditors or banking regulators or to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including without limitation Section 409A of the Code and any and all Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder.

 

7.2 Plan Termination Generally . The Company may terminate this Agreement unilaterally at any time. The benefit hereunder shall be the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder. Except as provided in Section 7.3, the termination of this Agreement shall not cause a distribution of benefits under this Agreement. Rather, upon such termination benefit distributions will be made at the earliest distribution event permitted under Article 2 or Article 3.

 

7.3 Plan Terminations Under Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.2, if the Company terminates this Agreement in the following circumstances:

 

  (a)

Within thirty (30) days before, or twelve (12) months after a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company as described in Section

 

3


 

409A(2)(A)(v) of the Code, provided that all distributions are made no later than twelve (12) months following such termination of the Agreement and further provided that all the Company’s arrangements which are substantially similar to the Agreement are terminated so the Executive and all participants in the similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within twelve (12) months of the termination of the arrangements;

 

  (b) Upon the Company’s dissolution or with the approval of a bankruptcy court provided that the amounts deferred under the Agreement are included in the Executive’s gross income in the latest of (i) the calendar year in which the Agreement terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the distribution is administratively practical; or

 

  (c) Upon the Company’s termination of this and all other non-account balance plans (as referenced in Section 409A of the Code or the regulations thereunder), provided that all distributions are made no earlier than twelve (12) months and no later than twenty-four (24) months following such termination, and the Company does not adopt any new non-account balance plans for a minimum of five (5) years following the date of such termination;

the Company may distribute the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, determined as of the date of the termination of the Agreement, to the Executive in a lump sum subject to the above terms.

The following Section 8.7 shall be added to the Agreement immediately following Section 8.6:

 

8.7 Compliance with Section 409A . This Agreement shall at all times be administered and the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any and all regulations thereunder, including such regulations as may be promulgated after the effective date of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS OF THE ABOVE , the Company hereby consents to this First Amendment.

 

American Federal Savings Bank
By  

LOGO

Title  

EVP/CFO

Acknowledged:
Executive

LOGO

Robert M. Evans

 

4

Exhibit 10.18

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made this 16 th day of November, 2006, by and between AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK (the “Company”), and Rachel R. Amdahl (the “Executive”).

INTRODUCTION

To encourage the Executive to remain an employee of the Company, the Company is willing to provide salary continuation benefits to the Executive. The Company will pay the benefits from its general assets.

AGREEMENT

The Executive and the Company agree as follows:

Article 1

Definitions

 

  1.1 Definitions . Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings specified:

 

  1.1.1 Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References to a Code section shall be deemed to be to that section as it now exists and to any successor provision.

 

  1.1.2

Disability ” means, if the Executive is covered by a Company sponsored disability insurance policy, total disability as defined in such policy without regard to any waiting period. If the Executive is not covered by such a policy, Disability means the Executive


 

suffering a sickness, accident or injury which, in the judgment of a physician satisfactory to the Company, prevents the Executive from performing substantially all of the Executive’s normal duties for the Company. As a condition to any benefits, the Company may require the Executive to submit to such physical or mental evaluations and tests as the Company’s Board of Directors deems appropriate.

 

  1.1.3 Early Retirement Date ” means the Executive attaining age sixty (60) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.4 Normal Retirement Date ” means the Executive attaining age sixty-five (65) and completing twenty (20) years of service.

 

  1.1.4a Plan Year ” shall mean the period commencing on the anniversary date of the Agreement.

 

  1.1.4b Specified Employee ” means a key employee (as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code without regard to paragraph 5 thereof) of the Company if any stock of the Company is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise.

 

2


  1.1.5 Termination of Employment ” means the termination of the Executive’s employment for reasons other than death. Whether a Termination of Employment takes place is determined based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the termination of the Executive’s employment and whether the Company and the Executive intended for the Executive to provide significant services for the Company following such termination. A change in the Executive’s employment status will not be considered a Termination of Employment if:

 

  (a) the Executive continues to provide services as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is twenty percent (20%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment (or, if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is twenty percent (20%) or more of the average annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (or, if less, such lesser period), or

 

  (b) the Executive continues to provide services to the Company in a capacity other than as an employee of the Company at an annual rate that is fifty percent (50%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment (or if employed less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for such services is fifty percent (50%) or more of the average remuneration earned during the final three calendar years of employment (or is less, such lesser period).

 

3


  1.1.6 Years of Service ” means the total number of twelve-(12) month periods during which the Executive is employed on a full-time basis by the Company, inclusive of any approved leaves of absence.

Article 2

Lifetime Benefits

 

  2.1 Normal Retirement Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment on or after the Normal Retirement Date for reasons other than death, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.1.

 

  2.1.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.1 is the benefit described in Schedule A (Column G).

 

  2.1.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Retirement Date and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.2 Early Retirement Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment after the Early Retirement Date but before the Normal Retirement Date, and for reasons other than Death or Disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.2.

 

  2.2.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.2 is the benefit determined under Schedule A, based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.2.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

4


  2.3 Disability Benefit . If the Executive terminates employment for Disability prior to the Normal Retirement Date, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.3.

 

  2.3.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.3 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.3.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

  2.4 Termination at Request of Company . If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for any reason, except for the reasons set forth in Section 5.2, the Company shall pay to the Executive the benefit described in this Section 2.4 in lieu of any other benefit under this Agreement.

 

  2.4.1 Amount of Benefit . The benefit under this Section 2.4 is the benefit determined under Schedule A based on the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

  2.4.2

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Executive on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the date of Termination of Employment and continuing until the Executive’s death.

 

5


  2.5 Restriction on Timing of Distributions . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is considered a Specified Employee at Termination of Employment under such procedures as established by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, benefit distributions that are made upon Termination of Employment may not commence earlier than six (6) months after the date of such Termination of Employment. Therefore, in the event this Section 2.5 is applicable to the Executive, any distribution which would otherwise be paid to the Executive within the first six months following Termination of Employment shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the Termination of Employment. All subsequent distributions shall be paid in the manner specified.

 

  2.6 Distributions Upon Income Inclusion Under Section 409A of the Code . Upon the inclusion of any amount into the Executive’s income as a result of the failure of this non-qualified deferred compensation plan to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent such tax liability can be covered by the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, a distribution shall be made as soon as is administratively practicable following the discovery of the plan failure.

 

6


  2.7 Change in Form or Timing of Distributions . All changes in the form or timing distributions hereunder must comply with the following requirements. The changes:

 

  (a) may not accelerate the time or schedule of any distribution, except as provided in Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder;

 

  (b) must, for benefits distributable under Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4, delay the commencement of distributions for a minimum of five (5) years from the date the first distribution was originally scheduled to be made; and

 

  (c) must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after the election is made.

Article 3

Death Benefits

 

  3.1 Death During Active Service . If the Executive dies while in the active service of the Company, the Company shall pay to the Executive’s beneficiary the benefit described in this Section 3.1.

 

  3.1.1. Amount of Benefit . The benefit under Section 3.1 is the benefit that would have been paid to the Executive under Section 2.1 calculated as if the date of the Executive’s death were the Normal Retirement Date.

 

  3.1.2.

Payment of Benefit . The Company shall pay one-twelfth (1/12 th ) of the annual benefit to the Beneficiary on the first (1 st ) day of each month commencing with the month following the Executive’s death and continuing for one hundred eighty (180) total months.

 

7


  3.2 Death During Benefit Period . If the Executive dies after benefit payments have commenced under this Agreement but before receiving benefits for one hundred eighty (180) months, the Company shall pay the remaining benefits to the Executive’s beneficiary at the same time and in the same amounts they would have been paid to the Executive until the expiration of one hundred eighty (180) months from the time payments commenced.

Article 4

Beneficiaries

 

  4.1 Beneficiary Designations . The Executive shall designate a beneficiary by filing a written designation with the Company. The Executive may revoke or modify the designation at any time by filing a new designation. However, designations will only be effective if signed by the Executive and accepted by the Company during the Executive’s lifetime. The Executive’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the beneficiary predeceases the Executive, or if the Executive names a spouse as beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. If the Executive dies without a valid beneficiary designation, all payments shall be made to the Executive’s surviving spouse, if any and if none, to the Executive’s surviving children and the descendants of any deceased child by right of representation, and if no children or descendants survive, to the Executive’s estate.

 

  4.2

Facility of Payment . If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his or her property, the Company may pay such benefit to the guardian, legal

 

8


 

representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Company may require proof of incompetency, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Such distribution shall completely discharge the Company from all liability with respect to such benefit.

Article 5

General Limitations

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not pay any benefit under this Agreement:

 

  5.1 Excess Parachute Payment . To the extent the benefit would be an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code.

 

  5.2 Termination for Cause . If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for:

 

  5.2.1 Gross negligence or gross neglect of duties;

 

  5.2.2 Commission of a felony or of a gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or

 

  5.2.3 Fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant Company policy committed in connection with the Executive’s employment and resulting in an adverse effect on the Company.

 

  5.3 Suicide . No benefits shall be payable if the Executive commits suicide within two (2) years after the date of this Agreement, or if the Executive has made any material misstatement of fact on any application for life insurance purchased by the Company.

 

9


  5.4 Vesting . Benefits are not vested prior to twenty (20) years of continuous service.

 

  5.5 Payment of Benefits . With the exception for death, disability (Section 1.1.2), early retirement (Section 1.1.3), or terminations at request of Company (Section 2.4), payment of benefits will not be made until the participant attains age sixty-five (65).

Article 6

Claims and Review Procedures

 

  6.1 Claims Procedure . The Company shall notify the Executive’s beneficiary in writing, within ninety (90) days of his or her written application for benefits, of his or her eligibility or noneligibility for benefits under the Agreement. If the Company determines that the beneficiary is not eligible for benefits or full benefits, the notice shall set forth (1) the specific reasons for such denial, (2) a specific reference to the provisions of the Agreement on which the denial is based, (3) a description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect his or her claim, and a description of why it is needed, and (4) an explanation of the Agreement’s claims review procedure and other appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the beneficiary wishes to have the claim reviewed. If the Company determines that there are special circumstances requiring additional time to make a decision, the Company shall notify the beneficiary of the special circumstances and the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and may extend the time for up to an additional ninety – (90) day period.

 

10


  6.2 Review Procedure . If the beneficiary is determined by the Company not to be eligible for benefits, or if the beneficiary believes that he or she is entitled to greater or different benefits, the beneficiary shall have the opportunity to have such claim reviewed by the Company by filing a petition for review with the Company within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notice issued by the Company. Said petition shall state the specific reasons which the beneficiary believes entitle him or her to benefits or to greater or different benefits. Within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the petition, the Company shall afford the beneficiary (and counsel, if any) an opportunity to present his or her position to the Company orally or in writing, and the beneficiary (or counsel) shall have the right to review the pertinent documents. The Company shall notify the beneficiary of its decision in writing within the sixty- (60) day period, stating specifically the basis of its decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the beneficiary and the specific provisions of the Agreement on which the decision is based. If, because of the need for a hearing, the sixty-(60) day period is not sufficient, the decision may be deferred for up to another sixty-(60) day period at the election of the Company, but notice of this deferral shall be given to the beneficiary.

Article 7

Amendments and Termination

 

  7.1 Amendments . The Company may unilaterally amend this Agreement to Conform with written directives to the Company from its auditors or banking regulators or to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including without limitation Section 409A of the Code and any and all Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder.

 

11


  7.2 Plan Termination Generally . The Company may terminate this Agreement unilaterally at any time. The benefit hereunder shall be the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder. Except as provided in Section 7.3, the termination of this Agreement shall not cause a distribution of benefits under this Agreement. Rather, upon such termination benefit distributions will be made at the earliest distribution event under Article 2 or Article 3.

 

  7.3 Plan Terminations Under Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the Contrary in Section 7.2, if the Company terminates this Agreement in the following circumstances:

 

  (a) Within thirty (30) days before, or twelve (12) months after a change in the ownership or control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company as described in Section 409A(2)(A)(v) of the Code, provided that all distributions are made no later than twelve (12) months following such termination of the Agreement and further provided that all the Company’s arrangements which are substantially similar to the Agreement are terminated so the Executive and all participants in the similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within twelve (12) months of the termination of the arrangements;

 

12


  (b) Upon the Company’s dissolution or with the approval of a bankruptcy court provided that the amounts deferred under the Agreement are included in the Executive’s gross income in the latest of (i) the calendar year in which the Agreement terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the distribution is administratively practical; or

 

  (c) Upon the Company’s termination of this and all other non-account balance plans (as referenced in Section 409A of the Code or the regulations thereunder), provided that all distributions are made no earlier than twelve (12) months and no later than twenty-four (24) months following such termination, and the Company does not adopt any new non-account balance plans for a minimum of five (5) years following the date of such termination;

the Company may distribute the amount the Company has accrued with respect to the Company’s obligations hereunder, determined as of the date of the termination of the Agreement, to the Executive in a lump sum subject to the above terms.

Article 8

Miscellaneous

 

  8.1 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall bind the Executive and the Company, and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees.

 

  8.2 No guaranty of Employment . This Agreement is not an employment policy or contract. It does not give the Executive the right to remain an employee of the Company, nor does it interfere with the Company’s right to discharge the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time.

 

13


  8.3 Non-Transferability . Benefits under this Agreement cannot be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or encumbered in any manner.

 

  8.4 Tax Withholding . The Company may withhold any taxes that are required to be withheld from the benefits provided under this Agreement.

 

  8.5 Applicable Law . The Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of Montana, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

 

  8.6 Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and beneficiary are general unsecured creditors of the Company for the payment of benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent the mere promise by the Company to pay such benefits. The rights to benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors. Any insurance on the Executive’s life is a general asset of the Company to which the Executive and beneficiary have no preferred or secured claim.

 

  8.7 Compliance with Section 409A . This Agreement shall at all times be administered and the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any and all regulations thereunder, including such regulations as may be promulgated after the effective date of this Agreement.

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and a duly authorized Company officer have signed this Agreement.

 

COMPANY:   AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
  By:  

LOGO

  Title:  

EVP/CFO

EXECUTIVE:  

LOGO

  Title:  

Sr. VP/Operations

  Date:  

1-25-07

 

15


Schedule A - Rachel R. Amdahl

 

          Created On:  March 19, 2007                   Revised on:                      
    

Period

Ending

  

Age

  

Life
Expectancy

  

Discount
Rate

  

Schedule A
Accrual Balance

  

Payout Length
in Months

  

Early Retirement
Benefit
Annual Benefit

  

Disability
Benefit
Annual Benefit

  

Termination at Request
of
Company
Annual Benefit

  

Death During
Active Service
Annual Benefit*

(1)

  

(2)

  

(3)

  

(4)

  

(5)

  

(6)

  

(7)

  

(8)

  

(9)

  

(10)

October 31, 2007

   39    83    6.25%    5,490    529    0    365    365    31,600

October 31, 2008

   40    83    6.25%    11,334    517    0    756    756    31,600

October 31, 2009

   41    83    6.25%    17,553    505    0    1,177    1,177    31,600

October 31, 2010

   42    83    6.25%    24,173    493    0    1,629    1,629    31,600

October 31, 2011

   43    83    6.25%    31,218    481    0    2,115    2,115    31,600

October 31, 2012

   44    83    6.25%    38,717    469    0    2,638    2,638    31,600

October 31, 2013

   45    83    6.25%    46,697    457    0    3,202    3,202    31,600

October 31, 2014

   46    83    6.25%    55,191    445    0    3,809    3,809    31,600

October 31, 2015

   47    83    6.25%    64,232    433    0    4,465    4,465    31,600

October 31, 2016

   48    84    6.25%    73,854    433    0    5,133    5,133    31,600

October 31, 2017

   49    84    6.25%    84,095    421    0    5,890    5,890    31,600

October 31, 2018

   50    84    6.25%    94,994    409    0    6,708    6,708    31,600

October 31, 2019

   51    84    6.25%    106,595    397    0    7,593    7,593    31,600

October 31, 2020

   52    84    6.25%    118,942    385    0    8,553    8,553    31,600

October 31, 2021

   53    84    6.25%    132,083    373    0    9,594    9,594    31,600

October 31, 2022

   54    84    6.25%    146,069    361    0    10,726    10,726    31,600

October 31, 2023

   55    84    6.25%    160,955    349    0    11,959    11,959    31,600

October 31, 2024

   56    84    6.25%    176,798    337    0    13,303    13,303    31,600

October 31, 2025

   57    84    6.25%    193,660    325    0    14,771    14,771    31,600

October 31, 2026

   58    85    6.25%    211,607    325    0    16,140    16,140    31,600

October 31, 2027

   59    85    6.25%    230,709    313    0    17,857    17,857    31,600

October 31, 2028

   60    85    6.25%    251,039    301    19,742    19,742    19,742    31,600

October 31, 2029

   61    35    6.25%    272,676    289    21,815    21,815    21,815    31,600

October 31, 2030

   62    85    6.25%    295,706    277    24,102    24,102    24,102    31,600

October 31, 2031

   63    85    6.25%    320,216    265    26,633    26,633    26,633    31,600

October 31, 2032

   64    86    6.25%    346,304    265    28,802    28,802    28,802    31,600

September 30, 2033

   65    86    6.25%    371,689    253    31,600    31,600    31,600    31,600

 

* All monthly payments are guaranteed for 180 months should the participant die during payout.

Exhibit 10.19

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

SPLIT-DOLLAR PLAN

Pursuant to due authorization by its Board of Directors, the undersigned, AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, a corporation located & Helena, Montana (the “Company”) did constitute, establish and adopt the following Split-Dollar Plan (the “Plan”), effective October 21, 2004

The purpose of this Plan is to attract, retain, and reward Employees, by dividing the death proceeds of certain life insurance policies which are owned by the Company on the lives of the participating Employees with the designated beneficiary of each insured participating Employee. The Company will pay the life insurance premiums from its general assets.

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

Whenever used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings specified:

 

1.1 Beneficiary ” means each designated person, or the estate of a deceased Participant, entitled to benefits, if any, upon the death of a Participant.

 

1.2 Beneficiary Designation Form ” means the form established from time to time by the Plan Administrator that a Participant completes, signs and returns to the Plan Administrator to designate one or more Beneficiaries.

 

1.3 Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company as from time to time constituted.

 

1.4 Company ” means AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK and any of its subsidiaries (now in existence or hereafter formed or acquired) that have been selected by the Board to participate in the Plan and have adopted the Plan as a sponsor.

 

1.5 Disability ” means the Participant’s suffering a sickness, accident or injury which has been determined by the insurance carrier of any individual or group disability insurance policy covering the Participant, or by the Social Security Administration, to be a disability rendering the Participant totally and permanently disabled. Upon the request of the Plan Administrator, the Participant must submit proof to the Plan Administrator of the insurance carrier’s or Social Security Administration’s determination.

 

1.6 Company’s Interest ” means the benefit set forth in Section 3.2.

 

1.7 Election to Participate ” means the form required by the Plan Administrator of an eligible Employee to indicate acceptance of participation in this Plan.

 

1.8 Employee ” means an active employee of the Company who has the title of Vice President or greater.

 

1


1.9 Insured ” means the individual Participant whose life is insured.

 

1.10 Insurer ” means the insurance company issuing the Policy on the life of the Insured.

 

1.11 Net Death Proceeds ” means the total death proceeds of the Policy minus the cash surrender value.

 

1.12 Normal Retirement Age ” means the Participant attaining age sixty-two (62).

 

1.13 Normal Retirement Date ” means the later of the Normal Retirement Age or the date of Termination of Employment for any reason other than Termination for Cause.

 

1.14 Participant ” means an Employee (i) who is selected to participate in the Plan, (ii) who elects to participate in the Plan, (iii) who signs an Election to Participate and a Beneficiary Designation Form, (iv) whose signed Election to Participant and Beneficiary Designation Form are accepted by the Plan Administrator, (v) who commences participation in the Plan, and (vi) whose Participation has not terminated.

 

1.15 Participant’s Interest ” means the benefit set forth in Section 3.1.

 

1.16 Policy ” means the individual insurance policy or policies adopted by the Plan Administrator for purposes of insuring a Participant’s life under this Plan.

 

1.17 Plan Administrator ” means the plan administrator described in Article 10.

 

1.18

Quarterly Plan Entry Date ” means January 1 st , April 1 st , July 1 st or October 1 st .

 

1.19 Termination for Cause ” means that the Participant’s employment with the Company has been or is terminated by the Board for any of the following reasons:

 

  (a) Gross negligence or gross neglect of duties; or

 

  (b) Commission of a felony or of a gross misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or

 

  (c) Fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant Company policy committed in connection with the Participant’s employment and resulting in an adverse effect on the Company; or

 

  (d) Issuance by the Company’s banking regulators of an order for removal of the Participant.

 

1.20 Termination of Employment ” means the termination of Participant’s service before Normal Retirement Age for reasons other than (i) death; (ii) Disability; or (iii) a leave of absence approved by the Company.

 

2


1.21 Year of Service ” means the twelve consecutive month period beginning on a Participant’s date of hire and any twelve (12) month anniversary hereof, during the entirety of which time the Participant is an employee of the Company. Service with a subsidiary or other entity controlled by the Company before the time such entity became a subsidiary or under such control shall not be considered “credited service”, unless the Plan Administrator specifically agrees to credit such service. In addition, the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion may also grant additional Years of Service in such circumstances where it deems such additional service appropriate.

ARTICLE 2

PARTICIPATION

 

2.1 Eligibility . An Employee who has completed one (1) year of service shall automatically be eligible for participation in the Plan.

 

2.2 Enrollment Requirements . As a condition to participation, each selected Employee shall complete, execute and return to the Plan Administrator (i) an Election to Participate, and (ii) a Beneficiary Designation Form. In addition, the Plan Administrator shall establish from time to time such other enrollment requirements as it determines in its sole discretion are necessary.

 

2.3 Eligibility; Commencement of Participation . Provided an Employee selected to participate in the Plan has met all enrollment requirements set forth in this Plan and required by the Plan Administrator, that Employee will become a Participant beginning on the next Quarterly Plan Entry Date following one (1) Year of Service, be covered by the Plan and will be eligible to receive benefits at the time and in the manner provided hereunder, subject to the provisions of the Plan.

 

2.4 Termination of Participation . A Participant’s rights under this Plan shall automatically cease and his or her participation in this Plan shall automatically terminate, if either of the following events occur: (i) if there is a Termination for Cause; or (ii) if the Participant’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to Normal Retirement Age for reasons other than Disability (except as set forth in Section 2.5(b)) or a leave of absence approved by the Company. In the event that the Company decides to maintain the Policy after the Participant’s termination of participation in the Plan, the Company shall be the direct beneficiary of the entire death proceeds of the Policy.

 

2.5 Disability .

 

  (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 2.5, if the Participant’s employment with the Company is terminated because of the Participant’s Disability, the Company shall maintain the Policy in full force and effect and, in no event, shall the Company amend, terminate or otherwise abrogate the Participant’s Interest in the Policy. However, the Company may replace the Policy with a comparable insurance policy to cover the benefit provided under this Plan.

 

3


  (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 2.5, upon the disabled Participant’s gainful employment with an entity other than the Company, the Company shall have no further obligation to the disabled Participant, and the disabled Participant’s rights pursuant to the Plan shall cease. In the event the disabled Participant’s rights are terminated hereunder and the Company decides to maintain the Policy, the Company shall be the direct beneficiary of the entire death proceeds of the Policy.

 

2.6 Retirement . If the Participant remains in the continuous employ of the Company, upon the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date, the Company shall maintain the Policy in full force and effect and in no event shall the Company amend, terminate or otherwise abrogate the Participant’s Interest in the Policy. However, the Company may replace the Policy with a comparable insurance policy to cover the benefit under this Plan.

ARTICLE 3

POLICY OWNERSHIP/INTERESTS

 

3.1 Participant’s Interest . The Participant, or the Participant’s assignee, shall have the right to designate the Beneficiary of death proceeds equal to the amount indicated on the participant’s Election to Participate, subject to:

 

  (a) Forfeiture of Participant’s rights upon Termination of Employment prior to Normal Retirement Age;

 

  (b) Forfeiture of Participant’s rights upon Termination for Cause;

 

  (c) Forfeiture of Participant’s rights upon gainful employment following Disability.

 

  (d) Termination of the Plan and the corresponding forfeiture of rights for all Participants or any one Participant in accordance with Section 9.1 hereof; and

 

  (e) Forfeiture of the Participant’s rights and interest hereunder that the Company may reasonably consider necessary to conform with applicable law (including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).

 

3.2 Company’s Interest . The Company shall own the Policy and shall have the right to exercise all incidents of ownership except that the Company shall not sell, surrender or transfer ownership of a Policy so long as a Participant has an interest in the Policy as described in Section 3.1. This provision shall not impair the right of the Company, subject to Article 9, to terminate this Plan. With respect to each Policy, the Company shall be the beneficiary of the remaining death proceeds of the Policy after the Participant’s Interest is determined according to Section 3.1.

 

4


ARTICLE 4

PREMIUMS

 

4.1 Premium Payment . The Company shall pay all premiums due on all Policies.

 

4.2 Economic Benefit . The Plan Administrator shall determine the economic benefit attributable to any Participant based on the amount of the current term rate for the Participant’s age multiplied by the aggregate death benefit payable to the Participant’s Beneficiary. The “current term rate” is the minimum amount required to be imputed under Treasury Regulation Section 1.61-22(d)(3)(ii), or any subsequent applicable authority.

 

4.3 Imputed Income . The Company shall impute the economic benefit to the Participant on an annual basis, by adding the economic benefit to the Participant’s W-2, or if applicable, Form 1099.

ARTICLE 5

BENEFICIARIES

 

5.1 Beneficiary . Each Participant shall have the right, at any time, to designate a Beneficiary(ies) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan to a beneficiary upon the death of a Participant. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other plan of the Company in which the Participant participates.

 

5.2 Beneficiary Designation; Change . A Participant shall designate a Beneficiary by completing and signing the Beneficiary Designation Form, and delivering it to the Plan Administrator or its designated agent. The Participant’s beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary predeceases the Participant or if the Participant names a spouse as Beneficiary and the marriage is subsequently dissolved. A Participant shall have the right to change a Beneficiary by completing, signing and otherwise complying with the terms of the Beneficiary Designation Form and the Plan Administrator’s rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon the acceptance by the Plan Administrator of a new Beneficiary Designation Form, all Beneficiary designations previously filed shall be cancelled. The Plan Administrator shall be entitled to rely on the last Beneficiary Designation Form filed by the Participant and accepted by the Plan Administrator prior to the Participant’s death.

 

5.3 Acknowledgment . No designation or change in designation of a Beneficiary shall be effective until received, accepted and acknowledged in writing by the Plan Administrator or its designated agent.

 

5.4 No Beneficiary Designation . If the Participant dies without a valid designation of beneficiary, or if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant, then the Participant’s surviving spouse shall be the designated Beneficiary. If the Participant has no surviving spouse, the benefits shall be made payable to the personal representative of the Participant’s estate.

 

5


5.5 Facility of Payment . If the Plan Administrator determines in its discretion that a benefit is to be paid to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of that person’s property, the Plan Administrator may direct payment of such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Plan Administrator may require proof of incompetence, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. Any payment of a benefit shall be a payment for the account of the Participant and the Participant’s Beneficiary, as the case may be, and shall be a complete discharge of any liability under the Plan for such payment amount.

ARTICLE 6

ASSIGNMENT

Any Participant may irrevocably assign without consideration all of such Participant’s Interest in this Plan to any person, entity or trust. In the event a Participant shall transfer all of such Participant’s Interest, then all of that Participant’s Interest in this Plan shall be vested in his or her transferee, who shall be substituted as a party hereunder, and that Participant shall have no further interest in this Plan.

ARTICLE 7

INSURER

The Insurer shall be bound only by the terms of its given Policy. Any payments the Insurer makes or actions it takes in accordance with a Policy shall fully discharge it from all claims, suits and demands of all persons relating to that Policy. The Insurer shall not be bound by or deemed to have notice of the provisions of this Plan. The Insurer shall have the right to rely on the Plan Administrator’s representations with regard to any definitions, interpretations or Policy interests as specified under this Plan.

ARTICLE 8

CLAIMS AND REVIEW PROCEDURE

 

8.1 Claims Procedure . A Participant or Beneficiary (“claimant”) who has not received benefits under the Plan that he or she believes should be paid shall make a claim for such benefits as follows:

 

  8.1.1 Initiation - Written Claim . The claimant initiates a claim by submitting to the Plan Administrator a written claim for the benefits.

 

  8.1.2 Timing of Plan Administrator Response . The Plan Administrator shall respond to such claimant within 90 days after receiving the claim. If the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Plan Administrator can extend the response period by an additional 90 days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial 90-day period, that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Plan Administrator expects to render its decision.

 

6


  8.1.3 Notice of Decision . If the Plan Administrator denies part or all of the claim, the Plan Administrator shall notify the claimant in writing of such denial. The Plan Administrator shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification shall set forth:

 

  (a) The specific reasons for the denial;

 

  (b) A reference to the specific provisions of the Plan on which the denial is based;

 

  (c) A description of any additional information or material necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why it is needed;

 

  (d) An explanation of the Plan’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures; and

 

  (e) A statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review.

 

8.2 Review Procedure . If the Plan Administrator denies part or all of the claim, the claimant shall have the opportunity for a full and fair review by the Plan Administrator of the denial, as follows:

 

  8.2.1 Initiation - Written Request . To initiate the review, the claimant, within 60 days after receiving the Plan Administrator’s notice of denial, must file with the Plan Administrator a written request for review.

 

  8.2.2 Additional Submissions - Information Access . The claimant shall then have the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim. The Plan Administrator shall also provide the claimant, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits.

 

  8.2.3 Considerations on Review . In considering the review, the Plan Administrator shall take into account all materials and information the claimant submits relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.

 

  8.2.4 Timing of Plan Administrator’s Response . The Plan Administrator shall respond in writing to such claimant within 60 days after receiving the request for review. If the Plan Administrator determines that special circumstances require additional time for processing the claim, the Plan Administrator can extend the response period by an additional 60 days by notifying the claimant in writing, prior to the end of the initial 60-day period, that an additional period is required. The notice of extension must set forth the special circumstances and the date by which the Plan Administrator expects to render its decision.

 

7


  8.2.5 Notice of Decision . The Plan Administrator shall notify the claimant in writing of its decision on review. The Plan Administrator shall write the notification in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. The notification shall set forth:

 

  (a) The specific reasons for the denial;

 

  (b) A reference to the specific provisions of the Plan on which the denial is based;

 

  (c) A statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the claimant’s claim for benefits; and

 

  (d) A statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a).

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION

 

9.1 Amendment or Termination of Plan . Except as otherwise provided in Sections 2.5 and 2.6, or as otherwise agreed to in writing, the Company may amend or terminate this Plan for all Participants or for any Participant at any time prior to a Participant’s death. Such amendment or termination shall be by written notice to the Participant(s). In the event that the Company decides to maintain the Policy after the Participant’s termination of participation in the Plan, the Company shall be the direct beneficiary of the entire death proceeds of the Policy.

 

9.2 Option to Purchase Upon Termination . If the Company exercises the right to terminate the Plan or a Participant’s participation in the Plan, the Company shall not sell, surrender or transfer ownership of a Policy without first giving a Participant or the Participant’s transferee the option to purchase the Policy for a period of sixty (60) days from written notice of such intention. The purchase price shall be an amount equal to the fair market value of the Policy as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.61-22(g)(2).

 

9.3 Waiver of Participation . A Participant may, in the Participant’s sole and absolute discretion, waive his or her rights under the Plan at any time. Any waiver permitted under this Section 9.3 shall be in writing and delivered to the Plan Administrator.

ARTICLE 10

ADMINISTRATION

 

10.1

Plan Administrator Duties . This Plan shall be administered by a Plan Administrator which shall consist of the Board, or such committee or persons as the Board may choose. Members of the Plan Administrator may be Participants under this Plan. The Plan

 

8


 

Administrator shall also have the discretion and authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Plan and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of this Plan, as may arise in connection with the Plan.

 

10.2 Agents . In the administration of this Plan, the Plan Administrator may employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit, (including acting through a duly appointed representative), and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Company.

 

10.3 Binding Effect of Decisions . The decision or action of the Plan Administrator with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan.

 

10.4 Indemnity of Plan Administrator . The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Plan Administrator against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of willful misconduct by the Plan Administrator or any of its members.

 

10.5 Information . To enable the Plan Administrator to perform its functions, the Company shall supply full and timely information to the Plan Administrator on all matters relating to the Compensation of its Participants, the date and circumstances of the retirement, Disability, death or Termination of Employment of its Participants, and such other pertinent information as the Plan Administrator may reasonably require.

ARTICLE 11

MISCELLANEOUS

 

11.1 Binding Effect . This Plan shall bind each Participant and the Company, their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees and any Beneficiary.

 

11.2 No Guarantee of Employment . This Plan is not an employment policy or contract. It does not give a Participant the right to remain an Employee of the Company, nor does it interfere with the Company’s right to discharge a Participant. It also does not require a Participant to remain an Employee nor interfere with a Participant’s right to terminate employment at any time.

 

11.3 Applicable Law . The Plan and all rights hereunder shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of MONTANA, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

 

11.4

Reorganization . The Company shall not merge or consolidate into or with another company, or reorganize, or sell substantially all of its assets to another company, firm or

 

9


 

person unless such succeeding or continuing company, firm or person agrees to assume and discharge the obligations of the Company under this Plan. Upon the occurrence of such event, the term “Company” as used in this Plan shall be deemed to refer to the successor or survivor company.

 

11.5 Notice . Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Plan Administrator under this Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to the address below:

 

 

Human Resources Dept.

 
 

American Federal Savings Bank

 
 

P.O. Box 4999

 
 

Helena, MI 59604-4999

 

Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark or the receipt for registration or certification.

Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to a Participant under this Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand-delivered, or sent by mail, to the last known address of the Participant.

 

11.6 Entire Agreement . This Plan, along with a Participant’s Election to Participate, Beneficiary Designation Form and any agreement in writing between the Company and any Participant, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Participant as to the subject matter hereof. No rights are granted to the Participant under this Plan other than those specifically set forth herein.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company executes this Plan as of the date indicated above.

 

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
By  

/s/ Larry A. Dreyer

Title  

President & CEO

 

10


American Federal Savings Bank

Split-Dollar Plan

Election Form

I, PETER J. JOHNSON , an Employee designated as set forth in Article 2 of the American Federal Savings Bank Split-Dollar Plan (the “Plan”) dated October 21, 2004 hereby elect to become a Participant of this Plan according to Article 2 of the PIan.

Pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Plan, I understand that the death benefit that I am eligible for under this Plan is $75,000 (Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars).

Additionally, I acknowledge that I have read the Plan document and agree to be bound by its terms.

Executed this 4 th day of November, 2004

 

/s/ Peter J. Johnson

Peter J. Johnson

Acknowledged by the Company this 8 th day of November, 2004

 

By  

/s/ Larry A. Dreyer

Title  

President & CEO


American Federal Savings Bank

Split-Dollar Plan

Election Form

I, CLINTON J. MORRISON , an Employee designated as set forth in Article 2 of the American Federal Savings Bank Split-Dollar Plan (the “Plan”) dated October 21, 2004, hereby elect to become a Participant of this Plan according to Article 2 of the Plan.

Pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Plan, I understand that the death benefit that I am eligible for under this Plan is $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars).

Additionally, I acknowledge that I have read the Plan document and agree to be bound by its terms.

Executed this 1 day of November, 2004

 

/s/ Clinton J. Morrison

Clinton J. Morrison

Acknowledged by the Company this 8 th day of November, 2004

 

By  

/s/ Larry A. Dreyer

Title  

President & CEO


American Federal Savings Bank

Split-Dollar Plan

Election Form

I, MICHAEL C. MUNDT , an Employee designated as set forth in Article 2 of the American Federal Savings Bank Split-Dollar Plan (the “Plan”) dated October 21, 2004, hereby elect to become a Participant of this Plan according to Article 2 of the Plan.

Pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Plan, I understand that the death benefit that I am eligible for under this Plan is $75,000 (Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars).

Additionally, I acknowledge that I have read the Plan document and agree to be bound by its terms.

Executed this 1 st day of November, 2004

 

/s/ Michael C. Mundt

Michael C. Mundt

Acknowledged by the Company this 8 th day of November, 2004

 

By  

/s/ Larry A. Dreyer

Title  

President & CEO


American Federal Savings Bank

Split-Dollar Plan

Election Form

I, ROBERT M. EVANS , an Employee designated as set forth in Article 2 of the American Federal Savings Bank Split-Dollar Plan (the “Plan”) dated October 21, 2004, hereby elect to become a Participant of this Plan according to Article 2 of the Plan.

Pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Plan, I understand that the death benefit that I am eligible for under this plan is now $75,000 (Seventy-Fifty Thousand Dollars).

Additionally, I acknowledge that I have read the Plan document and agree to be bound by its terms. Further, I understand this replaces the Election to participate I executed on November 3, 2004.

Executed this 7th day of March, 2008.

 

/s/ Robert M. Evans

Robert M. Evans

Acknowledged by the Company this 7 th day of March, 2008

 

By  

/s/ Peter J. Johnson

Title  

President / CEO


American Federal Savings Bank

Split-Dollar Plan

Election Form

I, RACHEL AMDAHL, an Employee designated as set forth in Article 2 of the American Federal Savings Bank Split-Dollar Plan (the “Plan”) dated October 21, 2004, hereby elect to become a Participant of this Plan according to Article 2 of the Plan.

Pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Plan, I understand that the death benefit that I am eligible for under this Plan is now $75,000 (Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars).

Additionally, I acknowledge that I have read the Plan document and agree to be bound by its terms. Further, I understand this replaces the Election to Participate I executed on October 29, 2004.

Executed this 5 day of October, 2006

 

/s/ Rachel Amdahl

Rachel Amdahl

Acknowledged by the Company this 10 th day of October, 2006

 

By  

/s/ Peter J. Johnson

Title  

EVP / CEO

LOGO

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiary:

We consent to the use of our report dated August 7, 2009, with respect to the consolidated statements of financial condition of Eagle Bancorp and Subsidiary as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, included herein, and to references to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

LOGO

DAVIS KINARD & CO, PC

Abilene, Texas

January 28, 2010

EXHIBIT 99.5

 

LOGO

 

Dear American Federal Savings Bank Customer:

 

I am pleased to tell you about an investment opportunity and just as importantly, to request your vote. Pursuant to a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”), our organization will convert from a partially public company to a fully public company. To accomplish the conversion, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., newly-formed to become the parent company of American Federal Savings Bank, is conducting an offering of shares of common stock. Enclosed you will find a Prospectus, a Proxy Statement and a Questions and Answers Brochure with important information about the Plan, the proxy vote and the stock offering.

 

THE PROXY VOTE:

Your vote is extremely important for us to meet our goals. Although we have received conditional regulatory approval, the Plan is also subject to approval by our customers. NOT VOTING YOUR ENCLOSED PROXY CARD(S) WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING “AGAINST” THE PLAN. Note that you may receive more than one Proxy Card, depending on the ownership structure of your accounts at American Federal Savings Bank. Please vote all the Proxy Cards you receive—none are duplicates! To cast your vote, please sign each Proxy Card and return the card(s) in the Proxy Reply Envelope provided. Alternatively, you may vote by telephone or Internet, by following the instructions on the Proxy Card. Our Board of Directors urges you to vote “FOR” the PLAN.

 

Please note:

 

   

The proceeds resulting from the sale of stock will allow us to grow and to expand our services;

 

   

There will be no change to account numbers, interest rates or other terms of your deposit and loan accounts at American Federal Savings Bank. Deposit accounts will continue to be insured by the FDIC, up to the maximum legal limit;

 

   

You will continue to enjoy the same services with the same banking offices and staff;

 

   

Voting does not obligate you to purchase shares of common stock in our offering.

 

THE STOCK OFFERING:

As an eligible American Federal Savings Bank customer, you have non-transferable rights, but no obligation, to purchase shares of common stock during our Subscription Offering, before any shares are made available for sale to the general public. The common stock is being offered at $10.00 per share, and there will be no sales commission charged to purchasers during the offering.

 

Please read the enclosed materials carefully. If you are interested in purchasing shares of common stock, complete the enclosed stock order form and return it, with full payment, in the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. Stock order forms and full payment must be received (not postmarked) by 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on                     , 2010. If you are considering purchasing stock with funds you have in an IRA or other retirement account, please call our Stock Information Center promptly for guidance, because these orders require additional processing time.

 

I invite you to consider this opportunity to share in our future and, together with our Board of Directors, I thank you for your continued support as an American Federal Savings Bank customer.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Peter J. Johnson

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

LOGO

Questions?

Call our Stock Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            

From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time, Monday through Friday, except weekends and bank holidays.

 

M


LOGO

 

Dear Friend:

 

I am pleased to tell you about an opportunity to invest in Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., newly-formed to become the parent company of American Federal Savings Bank. Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is offering shares of its common stock for sale at $10.00 per share. No sales commission will be charged to purchasers during the offering.

 

Our records indicate that you were a depositor of American Federal Savings Bank at the close of business on November 30, 2008 or December 31, 2009, whose account(s) was/were closed thereafter. As such, you have non-transferable rights, but no obligation, to subscribe for shares of common stock during our Subscription Offering, before any shares are made available for sale to the general public.

 

Please read the enclosed materials carefully, before making an investment decision. If you are interested in purchasing shares of common stock, complete the enclosed stock order form and return it, with full payment, in the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. Stock order forms and full payment must be received (not postmarked) by 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on                     , 2010. If you are considering purchasing stock with funds you have in an IRA or other retirement account, please call our Stock Information Center promptly for guidance, because these orders require additional processing time.

 

If you have questions about our organization or purchasing shares, please refer to the enclosed Prospectus and Questions & Answers Brochure, or call our Stock Information Center at the number shown below.

 

I invite you to consider this opportunity to share in our future as an Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. stockholder.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

LOGO

 

Peter J. Johnson

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

LOGO

Questions?

Call our Stock Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            

From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time, Monday through Friday, except weekends and bank holidays.

 

F


LOGO

 

Dear Friend:

 

I am pleased to tell you about an opportunity to invest in Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., newly-formed to become the parent company of American Federal Savings Bank. Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is offering shares of its common stock for sale at $10.00 per share. No sales commission will be charged to purchasers during the offering.

 

Please read the enclosed materials carefully. If you are interested in purchasing shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock, complete the enclosed stock order form and return it, with full payment, in the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. Stock order forms and full payment must be received (not postmarked) by 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on                     , 2010. If you are considering purchasing stock with funds you have in an IRA or other retirement account, please call our Stock Information Center promptly for guidance, because these orders require additional processing time.

 

If you have questions about our organization or purchasing shares, please refer to the enclosed Prospectus and Questions & Answers Brochure, or call our Stock Information Center at the number shown below.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

Peter J. Johnson

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

LOGO

Questions?

Call our Stock Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            ,

From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time, Monday through Friday, except weekends and bank holidays.

 

I


 

LOGO

 

Dear Sir/Madam:

 

At the request of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., we are enclosing materials regarding the offering of shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock. Included in this package is a Prospectus describing the stock offering. We encourage you to read the enclosed information carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section of the Prospectus.

 

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated has been retained by Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. as selling agent in connection with the stock offering.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

LOGO

 

 

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

D


Office of Thrift Supervision Guidance for Accountholders

 

 

Your financial institution is in the process of selling stock to the public, in either a mutual-to-stock conversion or a stock issuance by a subsidiary of a mutual holding company. As an accountholder at this institution, you have certain priority subscription rights to purchase stock in the offering. These priority subscription rights are non-transferable. If you subscribe for stock, you will be asked to sign a statement that the purchase is for your own account, and that you have no agreement or understanding regarding the subsequent sale or transfer of any shares you receive.

 

On occasion, unscrupulous people attempt to persuade accountholders to transfer subscription rights, or to purchase shares in the offering based on the understanding that the shares will subsequently be transferred to others. Such arrangements violate federal regulations. If you participate in these schemes, you are breaking the law and may be subject to prosecution. If someone attempts to persuade you to participate in such a scheme, please contact the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) Consumer Inquiries, toll-free, at (800) 842-6929. OTS is very interested in ensuring that the prohibitions on transfer of subscription rights are not violated.

 

How will you know if you are being approached illegally? Typically, a fraudulent opportunist will approach you and offer to “loan” you money to purchase a significant amount of stock in the offering. In exchange for that “loan” you most likely will be asked either to transfer control of any stock purchased with that money to an account the other person controls, or sell the stock and give the majority of the profits to the other person. You may be told, untruthfully, that there is no risk to you, that the practice is common, and even if you are caught, that your legal expenses will be covered.

 

On the back of this page is a list of some key concepts that you should keep in mind when considering whether to participate in a mutual-to-stock conversion or stock issuance by a mutual holding company subsidiary. If you have questions, please contact the stock information center listed elsewhere in the literature you are receiving. Alternatively, you can contact us at: ombudsman@ots.treas.gov.

 

 

(over)


What Investors Need to Know

 

Key concepts for investors to bear in mind when considering whether to participate in a conversion offering, or a stock offering by a subsidiary of a mutual holding company, include the following:

 

  ·  

Know the Rules — By law, accountholders cannot sell or transfer their priority subscription rights, or the stock itself, prior to the completion of a financial institution’s conversion. Moreover, accountholders cannot enter into agreements or arrangements to sell or transfer either their subscription rights or the underlying conversion stock.

 

  ·  

“Neither a Borrower nor a Lender Be” — If someone offers to lend you money so that you can participate — or participate more fully — in a conversion, be extremely wary. Be even more wary if the source of the money is someone you do not know. The loan agreement may make you unable to certify truthfully that you are the true holder of the subscription rights and the true purchaser of the stock and that you have no agreements regarding the sale or transfer of the stock.

 

  ·  

Watch Out for Opportunists — The opportunist may tell you that he or she is a lawyer — or a consultant or a professional investor or some similarly impressive tale — who has experience with similar mutual conversion transactions. The opportunist may go to extreme lengths to assure you that the arrangement you are entering into is legitimate. They might tell you that they have done scores of these transactions and that this is simply how they work. Or they might downplay the warnings or restrictions in the prospectus or order form, telling you that “everyone” enters into such agreements or that the deal they are offering is legitimate. They may also tell you that you have no risk in the transaction. The cold, hard truth is that these are lies, and if you participate, you are breaking the law.

 

  ·  

Get the Facts from the Source — If you have any questions about the securities offering, ask the savings bank or savings association for more information. If you have any doubts about a transaction proposed to you by someone else, ask the financial institution whether the proposed arrangement is proper. You may be able to find helpful resources on the institution’s website or by visiting a branch office.

 

The bottom line for investors is always to remember that if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.


 

 

LOGO

 

Questions and Answers

About Our Conversion and Stock Offering

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 


This pamphlet answers questions about the Eagle Financial MHC conversion and the Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. stock offering. Investing in shares of common stock involves certain risks. Before making an investment decision, please read the enclosed Prospectus carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section, beginning on page    .

 

GENERAL — THE CONVERSION

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that the conversion is in the best interests of American Federal Savings Bank, our customers, our stockholders and the communities we serve.

 

Q. What is the conversion and reorganization?

 

A. Under our Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”), our organization is converting from the partially public mutual holding company structure to a fully-public stock ownership structure. Currently, Eagle Financial MHC, a mutual holding company, owns 60.4% of Eagle Bancorp’s common stock. The remaining 39.6% of Eagle Bancorp’s common stock is owned by public stockholders. As a result of the conversion, our newly-formed company, called Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., will become the parent company of American Federal Savings Bank. Shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp representing the 60.4% ownership interest of Eagle Financial MHC in Eagle Bancorp are being offered for sale.

 

     At the completion of the conversion, public stockholders of Eagle Bancorp will exchange their shares of common stock for shares of common stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., maintaining their percentage ownership prior to the conversion (excluding their purchases of stock in the offering and cash received by them in lieu of fractional exchange shares.)

 

     After the conversion is completed, 100% of the common stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc, will be owned by public stockholders. At the conclusion of the conversion, Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Financial MHC will cease to exist.

 

Q. What are the reasons for the conversion and the offering?

 

A. Our primary reasons for converting and raising additional capital through the offering are to: support internal growth through lending in the communities we serve; improve our capital position during a period of significant economic uncertainty; finance, where opportunities are presented, the acquisition of financial institutions, branches of financial institutions or other financial service companies (we have no current understandings or agreements regarding any specific acquisition transaction); enhance existing products and services and support the development of new products and services; and to improve the liquidity of our shares of common stock and enhance stockholder returns through higher earnings and more flexible capital management strategies.

 

Q. Is American Federal Savings Bank considered “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes?

 

A. Yes. As of September 30, 2009, American Federal Savings Bank was considered “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes.

 

Q. Will customers notice any change in American Federal Savings Bank’s day-to-day activities as a result of the conversion and the offering?

 

A.

No. It will be business as usual. The conversion is a change in our corporate structure. There will be no change to our Board of Directors, management, staff or branches. American Federal Savings Bank will continue to operate as an independent bank.

 

Q. Will the conversion and offering affect customers’ deposit accounts or loans?

 

A. No. The conversion and offering will not affect the balance or terms of deposits or loans, and deposits will continue to be federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, up to the maximum legal limit. Deposit accounts will not be converted to stock.

 

THE PROXY VOTE

 

Although we have received conditional regulatory approval, the Plan is also subject to stockholder and customer approval.

 

Q. Why should I vote on the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization?

 

A. Your vote “For” the Plan is extremely important. Each American Federal Savings Bank eligible customer as of             , 2010 received a Proxy Card attached to a stock order form. These customers’ packages also include a Proxy Statement describing the Plan, which cannot be implemented without stockholder and customer approval.

 

     Our Board of Directors believes that converting to a fully-public structure will best support our future growth and expanded services.

 

Q. What happens if I don’t vote?

 

A. Your vote is very important. Not voting all the Proxy Cards you receive will have the same effect as voting “ Against” the Plan. Without sufficient favorable votes, we cannot proceed with the conversion and the related stock offering.

 

Q. How do I vote?

 

A. Mark your vote, sign each Proxy Card enclosed and return the card(s) in the enclosed Proxy Reply envelope. Alternatively, you may vote by Internet or telephone, by following the simple instructions on the Proxy Card. PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY. NOT VOTING HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING “ AGAINST ” THE PLAN.

 

Q. How many votes are available to me?

 

A. Depositors are entitled to one vote for each $100 on deposit. Additionally, each eligible borrower will be entitled to one vote, in addition to votes he or she is entitled to as a depositor. However, no customer may cast more than 1,000 votes. Proxy Cards are not imprinted with your number of votes; however, votes will be automatically tallied by computer.

 

Q. Why did I receive more than one Proxy Card?

 

A. If you had more than one deposit and/or loan account on             , 2010, you may have received more than one Proxy Card, depending on the ownership structure of your accounts. There are no duplicate cards – please promptly vote all the Proxy Cards sent to you.


Q. More than one name appears on my Proxy Card. Who must sign?

 

A. The names reflect the title of your deposit and/or loan account. Proxy Cards for joint accounts require the signature of only one of the accountholders. Proxy Cards for trust or custodian accounts must be signed by the trustee or the custodian, not the listed beneficiary.

 

THE STOCK OFFERING AND PURCHASING SHARES

 

Q. How many shares are being offered and at what price?

 

A. Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is offering for sale between 2,040,000 and 3,174,000 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share.

 

Q. Who is eligible to purchase stock during the stock offering?

 

A. Pursuant to our Plan, non-transferable rights to subscribe for shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock in the Subscription Offering have been granted in the following descending order of priority:

 

       Priority #1—Depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on November 30, 2008;

 

       Priority #2—Our tax-qualified employee benefit plans;

 

       Priority #3—Depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2009; and,

 

       Priority #4—Depositors of American Federal Savings Bank at the close of business on             , 2010 and borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remained outstanding as of             , 2010.

 

     Shares not sold in the Subscription Offering may be offered for sale to the general public in a Community Offering, with a first preference given to natural persons residing in the State of Montana. A second preference will be granted to Eagle Bancorp public stockholders as of             , 2010.

 

     Shares not sold in the Subscription and Community Offerings may be offered for sale through a Syndicated Community Offering to the general public.

 

Q. I am eligible to subscribe for shares of common stock in the Subscription Offering but am not interested in investing. May I allow someone else to use my stock order form to take advantage of my priority as an eligible accountholder?

 

A.

No…subscription rights are non-transferable! Only those eligible to subscribe in the Subscription Offering , as listed above, may purchase shares in the Subscription Offering. To preserve subscription rights, the shares may only be registered in the name(s) of the eligible accountholder(s). On occasion, unscrupulous people attempt to persuade accountholders to transfer subscription rights, or to purchase shares in the offering based on an understanding that the shares will be subsequently transferred to others. Participation in such schemes is against the law and may subject involved parties to prosecution. If you become aware of any such activities, please notify our Stock Information Center promptly so that we can take the necessary steps to protect our eligible accountholders’ subscription rights in the offering. We urge you to read the enclosed “ Office of Thrift Supervision Guidance for Accountholders ” for more information on this important topic.

 

Q. How may I buy shares during the Subscription and Community Offerings?

 

A. Shares can be purchased by completing a stock order form and returning it, with full payment, so that it is physically received (not postmarked) by the offering deadline. Delivery of a stock order form may be made by mail to our Stock Information Center, using the Stock Order Reply envelope provided, by overnight courier to the Stock Information Center address indicated on the stock order form, or by hand-delivery to the Bank’s main office, which is located at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana. Hand-delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location. Stock order forms may NOT be delivered to any of our other banking offices. Please do not mail stock order forms to the Bank.

 

Q. What is the deadline for purchasing shares?

 

A. To purchase shares in the Subscription or Community Offerings, you must deliver a properly executed stock order form, with full payment, so that it is received by (not postmarked) by 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on             , 2010. Acceptable methods for delivery of stock order forms are described above.

 

Q. How may I pay for the shares?

 

A. Payment for shares can be remitted in two ways:

 

  (1) By personal check, bank check or money order , payable to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. These will be cashed upon receipt. We cannot accept wires or third party checks. American Federal Savings Bank line of credit checks may not be remitted for this purchase. Please do not mail cash!
  (2) By authorized deposit account withdrawal of funds from American Federal Savings Bank deposit account(s). The stock order form section titled “Method of Payment – Deposit Account Withdrawal” allows you to list the account number(s) and amount(s) to be withdrawn. Funds designated for direct withdrawal must be in the account(s) at the time the stock order form is received. You may not authorize direct withdrawal from accounts with check-writing privileges. Please submit a check instead. If you request direct withdrawal, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account(s). Also, IRA or other retirement accounts held at American Federal Savings Bank may not be listed for direct withdrawal. See information on retirement accounts below.

 

Q. Will I earn interest on my funds?

 

A. Yes. If you pay by personal check, bank check or money order, you will earn interest at 0.30% annual percentage yield from the day we process your payment until the


 

completion of the conversion and offering. At that time, you will be issued a check for interest earned on these funds. If you pay for shares by authorizing a direct withdrawal from your American Federal Savings Bank deposit account(s), your funds will continue earning interest within the account, at the deposit account rate. The interest will remain in your account(s) when the designated withdrawal is made, upon completion of the conversion and offering.

 

Q. Are there limits to how many shares I can order?

 

A. Yes. The minimum order is 25 shares ($250). The maximum number of shares that may be purchased by one person is 25,000 ($250,000). Also, no person or entity, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such person or entity, may purchase more than 50,000 shares ($500,000). More detail on purchase limits, including the definition of “associate” and “acting in concert”, can be found beginning on page     of the Prospectus.

 

Q. May I use my American Federal Savings Bank individual retirement account to purchase the shares?

 

A. You may use funds currently held in retirement accounts with American Federal Savings Bank. However, before you place your stock order, the funds you wish to use must be transferred to a self-directed retirement account maintained by an independent trustee or custodian, such as a brokerage firm. If you are interested in using IRA or any other retirement funds held at American Federal Savings Bank or elsewhere , please call our Stock Information Center as soon as possible for guidance, but preferably at least two weeks before the             , 2010 offering deadline. Your ability to use such funds for this purchase may depend on time constraints because this type of purchase requires additional processing time, and may be subject to limitations imposed by the institution where the funds are held.

 

Q. May I use a loan from American Federal Savings Bank to pay for shares?

 

A. No. American Federal Savings Bank, by regulation, may not extend a loan for the purchase of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock during the offering. Similarly, you may not use existing American Federal Savings Bank line of credit checks to purchase stock during the offering.

 

Q. May I change my mind after I place an order to subscribe for stock?

 

A. No. After receipt, your executed stock order form may not be modified, amended or rescinded without our consent, unless the offering is not completed by             , 2010.

 

Q. Will the stock be insured?

 

A. No. Like any common stock, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.’s stock will not be insured.

 

Q. Will dividends be paid on the stock?

 

A.

Yes. After the conversion, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. intends to pay quarterly cash dividends. The annual dividends are expected to equal $0.33, $0.28, $0.24 and $0.21 per share at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, which represents an annual dividend yield of 3.3%, 2.8%, 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively. The amount of dividends that Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. intends to pay to our stockholders following the conversion is intended to preserve the per share dividend amount, adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio, that our stockholders currently receive on their shares. However, the dividend rate and the continued payment of dividends will depend upon a number of factors, including our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions. We cannot assure that we will not reduce or eliminate dividends in the future.

 

Q. How will Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. shares trade?

 

A. Eagle Bancorp’s common stock is currently traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the trading symbol “EBMT”. Upon completion of the stock offering, the newly issued shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock will replace the existing shares and are expected to trade on the Nasdaq Global Market, under the trading symbol “EBMT”. Once the shares have begun trading, you may contact a firm offering investment services in order to buy or sell Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. shares in the future.

 

Q. If I purchase shares in the Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. offering, when will I receive my stock certificate?

 

A. Stock certificates will be mailed by our transfer agent promptly after completion of the stock offering. Although the shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock will have begun trading, brokerage firms may require that you have received your stock certificate(s) prior to selling your shares.

 

THE SHARE EXCHANGE

 

Q. What is the share exchange?

 

A. The outstanding shares of Eagle Bancorp common stock held by public stockholders at the completion date of the conversion will be exchanged for shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock. The number of shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. stock to be received by stockholders will depend on the number of shares sold in the stock offering. The procedure is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated             , 2010, distributed to the public stockholders as of             , 2010.

 

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION

 

Q. Where can I call to get more information?

 

A. For more information, refer to the enclosed Prospectus or call our Stock Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            , from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. The Stock Information Center will be closed weekends and bank holidays.

 

This brochure is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. The securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.


IMPORTANT NOTICE

 

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES

PROXY CARD(S)

REQUIRING YOUR VOTE.

 

IF MORE THAN ONE PROXY

CARD IS ENCLOSED,

PLEASE PROMPTLY VOTE

EACH CARD . . .

NONE ARE DUPLICATES!

 

THANK YOU.


 

LOGO

 

PLEASE VOTE

THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD!

 

If you have not yet voted the Proxy Card(s) we recently mailed to you

in a large white package,

please vote the enclosed replacement Proxy Card.

 

Vote by mail using the enclosed envelope,

or use the telephone or Internet voting instructions on the Proxy Card.

 

You may receive a courtesy telephone call.

Please feel free to ask questions of our agent.

 

PLEASE JOIN YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN VOTING “ FOR ” THE PLAN OF CONVERSION.

 

NOT VOTING HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING

AGAINST ” THE PLAN.

 

VOTING DOES NOT OBLIGATE YOU TO PURCHASE

COMMON STOCK IN THE OFFERING.

 

THE PLAN OF CONVERSION CHANGES OUR FORM OF CORPORATE ORGANIZATION, BUT WILL NOT RESULT IN CHANGES TO BANK STAFF, MANAGEMENT OR YOUR DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS OR LOANS.

 

If you receive more than one of these reminder mailings,

please vote each Proxy Card received. None are duplicates!

 

QUESTIONS?

 

Please call our Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time

P1


 

 

HAVE YOU VOTED YET?

 

PLEASE VOTE THE ENCLOSED

PROXY CARD!

 

Our records indicate that you have not voted the Proxy Card(s) we mailed to you.

 

You may receive a courtesy telephone call. Please feel free to ask questions

of our agent.

 

IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHETHER YOU VOTED, PLEASE VOTE. YOUR VOTE CANNOT BE COUNTED TWICE.

 

NOT VOTING HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING “ AGAINST ” THE PLAN OF CONVERSION.

 


 

Your Board of Directors urges you to vote “ FOR ” the Plan.

 


 

VOTING DOES NOT OBLIGATE YOU TO PURCHASE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK IN THE OFFERING, NOR DOES IT AFFECT YOUR AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS OR LOANS.

 

If you receive more than one of these reminder mailings,

please vote each Proxy Card received. None are duplicates!

 

QUESTIONS?

Please call our Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time

 

LOGO

P2


 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

 

NOT VOTING HAS THE SAME EFFECT

AS VOTING “AGAINST” THE PLAN OF CONVERSION.

 

In order to implement the Plan of Conversion,

we must obtain the approval of our customers.

 

Please disregard this notice if you have already voted.

If you are unsure whether you voted,

vote the enclosed replacement Proxy Card.

Your vote cannot be counted twice!

 

If you receive more than one of these reminder mailings,

please vote each Proxy Card received. None are duplicates!

 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

 

QUESTIONS?

Please call our Information Center toll-free at 1-(877)             -            

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time

 

LOGO

 

 

P3


SUBSCRIPTION AND COMMUNITY OFFERING STOCK ORDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER

[Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. Letterhead]

 

[imprinted with name & address of subscriber]

 

Date

 

STOCK ORDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

This letter confirms receipt of your order to purchase shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock. Please review the following information carefully to verify that we have accurately recorded your order information. If any information does not agree with your records, please call our Stock Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)         -            , Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time. Please refer to the batch and order number listed below when contacting our Stock Information Center.

 

Stock Registration:

 

Name1

Name2

Name3

Street1

Street2

City, State Zip

 

Other Order Information:

 

Batch #:             

Order #:             

Number of Shares Requested:             

Offering Category:              (subject to verification; see descriptions below)

Ownership Type:             

 

This letter acknowledges only that your order and payment have been received. It does not guarantee that your order will be filled, either completely or partially. Purchase limitations and share allocation procedures in the event of an oversubscription are described in the Prospectus dated             , 2010, in the section entitled “The Conversion and Offering” under the headings, “Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights” and “Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”

 

The offering period ends at 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on             , 2010. We are then required to receive final regulatory approval before stock certificates can be mailed and the newly issued shares can begin trading. This may not occur for several weeks after             , 2010. Your patience is appreciated.

 

Thank you for your order,

 

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

 


 

Offering Category Descriptions:

 

  1. Depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on November 30, 2008;

 

  2. American Federal Savings Bank’s tax-qualified employee benefit plans;

 

  3. Depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on             , 2009;

 

  4. Depositors of American Federal Savings Bank at the close of business on             , 2010 and borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of             , 2010;

 

  5. General Public – Residents of Montana;

 

  6. General Public – Eagle Bancorp stockholders as of             , 2010;

 

  7. General Public – Other.


STOCK CERTIFICATE MAILING LETTER

[Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. Letterhead]

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

I would like to welcome you as a stockholder of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. A total of              shares were purchased by investors at $10.00 per share. Thank you for your investment and your confidence in our organization.

 

Your stock certificate is enclosed. We recommend that you keep it in a safe place, such as in a safety deposit box or deposited with a brokerage firm. Replacing a lost or destroyed stock certificate can be a costly and lengthy process.

 

Carefully review the certificate to make sure the registration name and address are correct. If you find an error or have questions about your certificate, please contact our Transfer Agent:

 

on the web:

www.rtco.com

by mail:

Registrar and Transfer Company

10 Commerce Drive

Cranford, New Jersey 07016

by phone:

(800) 368-5948

by email:

info@rtco.com

 

If the enclosed stock certificate must be forwarded to the Transfer Agent, we recommend that you deliver it using insured, registered mail. If you change your address, please notify the Transfer Agent immediately, so that you will continue to receive all stockholder communications.

 

If you submitted a check or money order in full or partial payment for your stock order , you have received, or soon will receive, a check. It reflects interest at the American Federal Savings Bank statement savings rate of     %, calculated from the date your funds were processed until             , 2010.

 

If your stock order was paid in full or in part by authorizing a withdrawal from an American Federal Savings Bank deposit account , the withdrawal was made on             , 2010. Until then, interest was earned at your applicable contract rate, and the interest remains in your account.

 

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market, under the symbol “EBMT.” Should you wish to buy or sell Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. shares in the future, please contact a stockbroker.

 

Thank you for sharing in our company’s future.

 

Sincerely,
Peter J. Johnson
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

LOCAL TOMBSTONE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT – (Optional)


[Ads may be appropriate for some, not all, market areas.]

 

[EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. LOGO]

Proposed Holding Company for American Federal Savings Bank

 

UP TO 2,760,000 SHARES

COMMON STOCK

 

$10.00 Per Share

Purchase Price

 

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is conducting an offering of its common stock. Shares may be purchased directly from Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. without sales commissions or fees, in the offering period.

 

This offering expires at 12:00 noon, on             , 2010.

 

To receive a copy of the Prospectus and stock order form,

call our Stock Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            ,

from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Our Stock Information Center is closed on weekends and bank holidays.

 

This advertisement is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

BRANCH LOBBY POSTER – VOTE


[This notice should be printed by American Federal Savings Bank, and should be placed in branches after the stock offering commences, in one or more ways: on an easel, on the front doors, at teller windows, on counters, at customer service/branch manager’s desk.]

 

HAVE YOU VOTED YET?

 

We would like to remind customers to vote on our Plan of Conversion.

 

ü The Plan will not result in changes to our staff or your account relationships with American Federal Savings Bank.

 

ü Your deposit accounts will continue to be insured by the FDIC, up to the maximum legal limits.

 

ü Voting does not obligate you to purchase shares of common stock during our stock offering.

 

Your Board of Directors recommends that you join them in voting

FOR ” the Plan.

 

If you have questions about voting,

call our Stock Information Center, toll-free,

at 1-(877)           -             

from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Our Stock Information Center is closed on weekends and bank holidays.

 

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK [LOGO]

 

This notice is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.


BRANCH LOBBY POSTER – BUY (Optional)

 

******************************

 

OUR STOCK OFFERING EXPIRES                  , 2010

We are conducting an offering of shares of our common stock

 

UP TO 2,760,000 SHARES

COMMON STOCK

 

$10.00 Per Share

 

THIS OFFERING EXPIRES AT 12:00 NOON, ON                  , 2010

 

******************************

 

n

 

If you have questions about the stock offering,

call our Stock Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)         -            ,

from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Our Stock Information Center is closed on weekends and bank holidays.

 

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. [LOGO]

 

This notice is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.


FINAL BRANCH LOBBY POSTER (Optional)

[To encourage “late” voting through Laurel Hill, proxy solicitor. Tear-off phone number slips can accompany this poster.]

 

PLEASE VOTE NOW!!!

 

NOT VOTING HAS THE SAME EFFECT

AS VOTING “ AGAINST ” THE PLAN OF CONVERSION.

 

To Vote, call 1-            -            -                , Monday through                     ,             a.m. to         p.m., Mountain Time.

 

You do not need your Proxy Card in order to vote.

 

If you are unsure whether you voted already, please call. Your vote cannot be counted twice!

 

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ASKS THAT YOU VOTE

 

“FOR” the Plan of Conversion.

 

THANK YOU!

 

AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK [LOGO]

 

This notice is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.


BANK STATEMENT VOTE REMINDER NOTICE – (Optional)

 

You may have received a large white envelope containing proxy card(s) to be used to vote on our organization’s Plan of Conversion. If you received Proxy Card(s), but have not voted, please do so. If you have questions about voting, call our Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            , Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time.


BANK WEBSITE VOTE REMINDER NOTICE – (Optional)

 

HAVE YOU VOTED YOUR PROXY CARDS?

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

 

Our eligible customers and stockholders as of             , 2010 recently received Proxy Card(s) to be used to cast votes regarding American Federal Savings Bank’s Plan of Conversion.

 

If you received Proxy Cards, please vote. We hope that you will vote “ FOR ” the Plan. If you have questions about voting, please call our Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            , Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mountain Time.


LOCAL TOMBSTONE / MEETING NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT – (Optional)

 

[EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. LOGO]

Proposed Holding Company for American Federal Savings Bank

 

UP TO 2,760,000 SHARES

COMMON STOCK

 

$10.00 Per Share

Purchase Price

 

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is conducting an offering of its common stock. Shares may be purchased directly from Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. without sales commissions or fees, during the offering period.

 

You Are Cordially Invited….

 

To an informational meeting to learn about the offering of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. common stock

and the business of American Federal Savings Bank

 

[DATE]

 

    _:00 p.m.

[Location]

[Street]

[City]

 

To make a reservation or to receive a copy of the Prospectus and Stock Order Form,

call our Stock Information Center, toll-free, at 1-(877)             -            ,

from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Stock Information Center is closed on weekends and bank holidays.

 

THIS OFFERING EXPIRES AT 12:00 NOON, ON             , 2010.

 

This advertisement is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

LOGO

STOCK ORDER FORM

EAGLE BANCORP

M O N T A N A

Stifel Nicolaus Stock Information Center

18 Columbia Turnpike Florham Park, NJ 07932 Call us toll-free at 1-(877)

For Internal Use Only

BATCH #___________ ORDER #___________ CATEGORY #___________

REC’D___________________________ O___________ C___________

ORDER DEADLINE & DELIVERY: A Stock Order Form, properly completed and with full payment, must be received (not postmarked) by 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on ____________, 2010. Subscription rights will become void after this time. Stock order forms can be delivered by using the enclosed Stock Order Reply Envelope, by overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address on this form or by hand delivery to the Bank’s headquarters at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT. Hand-delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location. You may NOT deliver this form to American Federal Savings Bank branch offices. Faxes or copies of this form are not required to be accepted.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY AND COMPLETE ALL APPLICABLE SHADED AREAS. READ THE ENCLOSED STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS (BLUE SHEET) AS YOU COMPLETE THIS FORM.

SUBSCRIPTION

(1) NUMBER OF SHARES PRICE PER SHARE (2) TOTAL PAYMENT DUE X $10.00 = $ 00.

Minimum Number of Shares: 25 ($250). Maximum Number of Shares: 25,000 ($250,000). See Stock Order Form Instructions for more Information regarding maximum number of shares.

(3) METHOD OF PAYMENT - CHECK OR MONEY ORDER

Enclosed is a personal check, bank check or money order made payable to: Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., in the amount of: $ .00

Cash, wire transfers, and third party checks will not be accepted for this purchase. Checks and money orders will be cashed upon receipt. American Federal Savings Bank line of credit checks may not be remitted as payment.

(4) METHOD OF PAYMENT - DEPOSIT ACCOUNT WITHDRAWAL

The undersigned authorizes withdrawal from the American Federal Savings Bank deposit account(s) listed below. There will be no early withdrawal penalty applicable for funds authorized on this form. Funds designated for withdrawal must be in the account(s) listed at the time this form is received. IRA and other retirement accounts held at American Federal Savings Bank and accounts with check-writing privileges may NOT be listed for direct withdrawal below.

For Internal Use Only American Federal Savings Bank Withdrawal Deposit Account Number(s) Amount(s) $ .00 $ .00 $ .00 Total Withdrawal Amount $ .00 ATTACH A SEPARATE PAGE IF ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED.

(5) PURCHASER INFORMATION

Subscription Offering. Check the one box that applies, as of the earliest date, to the purchaser(s) listed in Section 9: a. Depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on November 30, 2008. b. Depositors with accounts at American Federal Savings Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2009.

C. Depositors of American Federal Savings Bank at the close of business on ________, 2010 and to borrowers of American Federal Savings Bank as of April 4, 2000 whose borrowings remain outstanding as of _______, 2010.

Community Offering. If (a) through (c) above do not apply to the purchaser(s) listed in Section 9, check the first box that applies to this order: d. You are a resident in the State of Montana.

e. You were an Eagle Bancorp stockholder as of _______, 2010. f. You are placing an order in the Community Offering, but (d) and (e) above do not apply.

ACCOUNT INFORMATION - SUBSCRIPTION OFFERING

If you checked box (a), (b) or (c) under “Subscription Offering,” please provide the following information as of the eligibility date under which purchaser(s) listed in Section 9 below qualify in the Subscription Offering: Deposit or Loan Account Title (Name(s) American Federal Savings Bank in Account) Account Number

NOTE: NOT LISTING ALL ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS, OR PROVIDING INCORRECT OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION, COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ALL OR PART OF ANY SHARE ALLOCATION. ATTACH A SEPARATE PAGE IF ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED.

(6) MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES Check if you are an Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank: Director/Trustee Officer Employee Immediate family member, as defined on the Stock Order Form Instructions.

(7) MAXIMUM PURCHASER IDENTIFICATION

Check here if you, individually or together with others (see Section 8), are subscribing for the maximum purchase allowed and are interested in purchasing more shares if the maximum purchase limitations are increased. See Stock Order Form Instructions for further guidance. If you do not check the box, you will not be contacted and resolicited in the event the maximum purchase limitations are increased.

(8) ASSOCIATES/ACTING IN CONCERT

Check here if you, or any associates or persons acting in concert with you, have submitted other orders for shares. If you check the box, list below all other orders submitted by you or your associates or by persons acting in concert with you. (continued on reverse side of this form) Name(s) listed in Section 9 on other stock order forms Number of shares ordered Name(s) listed in Section 9 on other stock order forms Number of shares ordered

(9) STOCK REGISTRATION The name(s) and address that you provide below will be reflected on your stock certificate, and will be used for other communications related to this order. Please PRINT clearly and use full first and last name(s), not initials. If purchasing in the subscription offering, you may not add the name(s) of persons/entities who do not have subscription rights or who qualified in a lower subscription priority category. See Stock Order Form Instructions for further guidance.

First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Reporting SSN/Tax ID No.

First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name SSN/Tax ID No.

Street Daytime Phone Number (Important)

(10) FORM OF STOCK OWNERSHIP Check the applicable box. See Stock Order Form Instructions for ownership definitions. FOR TRUSTEE/BROKER USE ONLY: ?Individual Joint Tenants Tenants in Common Uniform Transfer to Minors Act IRA

(11) ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE(S)

I understand, to be effective, this form, properly completed, together with full payment, must be received by Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. no later than 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on __________, 2010, otherwise this form and all subscription rights will be void. (continued on reverse side of this form)

ORDER NOT VALID UNLESS SIGNED

ONE SIGNATURE REQUIRED, UNLESS SECTION 4 OF THIS FORM INCLUDES ACCOUNTS REQUIRING MORE THAN ONE SIGNATURE TO AUTHORIZE WITHDRAWAL. IF SIGNING AS A CUSTODIAN, TRUSTEE, CORPORATE OFFICER, ETC., PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FULL TITLE.

Signature (title, if applicable) Date Signature (title, if applicable) Date


LOGO

STOCK ORDER FORM - SIDE 2

(8) ASSOCIATES/ACTING IN CONCERT (continued from front of Stock Order Form)

Associate - The term “associate” of a person means:

(1) any corporation or organization, other than Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or a majority-owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp or American Federal Savings Bank, of which the person is a senior officer, partner or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of any equity security; (2) any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; provided, however, that for the purposes of subscriptions in the offering and restrictions on the sale of stock after the conversion, the term “associate” does not include a person who has a substantial beneficial interest in an employee stock benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank, or who is a trustee or fiduciary of such plan, and for purposes of aggregating total shares that may be held by officers and directors of Eagle Financial MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana, the term “associate” does not include any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan of American Federal Savings Bank; and (3) any blood or marriage relative of the person, who either has the same home as the person or who is a director or officer of Eagle Financial, MHC, Eagle Bancorp, American Federal Savings Bank or Eagle Montana.

Acting in concert - The term “acting in concert” means.

(1) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or (2) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.

A person or company which acts in concert with another person or company shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether common stock held by the trustee and common stock held by the employee stock benefit plan will be aggregated.

We have the sole discretion to determine whether prospective purchasers are “associates” or “acting in concert.” Persons exercising subscription rights through a single qualifying deposit account held jointly, whether or not related, will be deemed to be acting in concert unless we determine otherwise.

Please see the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering - Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” for more information on purchase limitations.

(11) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND SIGNATURE (continued from front of Stock Order Form)

I agree that, after receipt by Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., this Stock Order Form may not be modified or canceled without Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.’s consent, and that if withdrawal from a deposit account has been authorized, the authorized amount will not otherwise be available for withdrawal. Under penalty of perjury, I certify that (1) the Social Security or Tax ID information and all other information provided hereon are true, correct and complete, (2) I am purchasing shares solely for my own account and that there is no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares, or my right to subscribe for shares, and (3) I am not subject to backup withholding tax [cross out (3) if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding]. I acknowledge that my order does not conflict with the overall purchase limitation of $500,000 in all categories of the offering combined, for any person or entity, together with associates of, or persons acting in concert with, such person or entity, as set forth in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization and the Prospectus dated ___________, 2010.

Subscription rights pertain to those eligible to subscribe in the Subscription Offering. Subscription rights are only exercisable by completing and submitting a Stock Order Form, with full payment for the shares subscribed for. Federal regulations prohibit any person from transferring or entering into any agreement directly or indirectly to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of subscription rights, or the underlying securities, to the account of another.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THESE SECURITIES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. OR AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK OR BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

If anyone asserts that the shares of common stock are federally insured or guaranteed, or are as safe as an insured deposit, I should call the Office of Thrift Supervision’s Consumer Response Center, toll-free, at (800) 842-6929.

I further certify that, before purchasing the common stock of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., I received the Prospectus dated _________, 2010, and that I have read the terms and conditions described in the Prospectus, including disclosure concerning the nature of the security being offered and the risks involved in the investment, described by Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page___. Risks include, but are not limited to the following:

1. While Montana has not to date experienced the significant economic and real estate related decline of many other parts of the Western United States, a change in Montana’s economy could adversely affect earnings.

2. If the allowance for credit losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.

3. We could record future losses on our securities portfolio.

4. The United States economy is in a deep recession. A prolonged economic downturn, especially one affecting our geographic market area, will adversely affect our business and financial results.

5. Any future Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance premiums or special assessments will adversely impact our earnings.

6. As a savings bank, pursuant to the Home Owners’ Loan Act, or HOLA, American Federal Savings Bank is required to maintain a certain percentage of its total assets in HOLA-qualifying loans and investments, which limits our asset mix and could significantly restrict our ability to diversify our loan portfolio.

7. Because we intend to increase our commercial real estate and commercial business loan originations, our credit risk will increase and continued downturns in the local real estate market or economy could adversely affect our earnings.

8. Declines in home values could decrease our loan originations and increase delinquencies and defaults.

9. We depend on the services of our executive officers and other key employees.

10. Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. 11. Strong competition may limit growth and profitability.

12. We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.

13. A federal legislative proposal has been introduced that would eliminate the Office of Thrift Supervision, the primary federal regulator of Eagle Bancorp and Eagle Montana, which may require Eagle Montana to become a bank holding company.

14. If our investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle becomes impaired, our earnings and stockholders’ equity could decrease.

15. Future legislative or regulatory actions responding to perceived financial and market problems could impair our ability to foreclose on collateral. 16. The future price of the shares of common stock may be less than the $10.00 purchase price per share in the offering.

17. We have broad discretion to deploy our net proceeds and our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds may have an adverse impact on our financial performance and the value of our common stock.

18. Our return on equity initially will be low compared to our historical performance. A lower return on equity may negatively impact the trading price of our common stock. 19. Trading in our common stock is limited, and there is no guarantee that a liquid market for our common stock will develop.

20. The ownership interest of management and employees could enable insiders to prevent a merger that may provide stockholders a premium for their shares. 21. The implementation of the stock-based incentive plan may dilute your ownership interest.

22. Additional expenses following the conversion from the compensation and benefit expenses associated with the implementation of the new stock-based incentive benefit plan will adversely affect our profitability.

23. Various factors may make takeover attempts more difficult to achieve.

24. You may not revoke your decision to purchase Eagle Montana common stock in the subscription offering after you send us your subscription.

By executing this form, the investor is not waiving any rights under the federal securities laws, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

See Front of Stock Order Form


LOGO

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS - SIDE 1

Sections (1) and (2) - Number of Shares and Total Payment Due. Indicate the Number of Shares that you wish to subscribe for and the Total Payment Due. Calculate the Total Payment Due by multiplying the number of shares by the $10.00 price per share. The minimum purchase is 25 shares ($250). The maximum allowable purchase by a person, or persons exercising subscription rights through a single qualifying deposit account held jointly, is 25,000 shares ($250,000). Further, no person or entity, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such person or entity, may purchase more than 50,000 shares ($500,000) of common stock, in all categories of the offering combined. Current Eagle Bancorp stockholders are subject to these purchase limitations. Please see the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering - Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” for more specific information. By signing this form, you are certifying that your order does not conflict with these purchase limitations.

Section (3) - Method of Payment - Check or Money Order. Payment may be made by including with this form a personal check, bank check or money order made payable to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. These will be cashed upon receipt; the funds remitted by personal check must be available within the account(s) when your Stock Order Form is received. Indicate the amount remitted. Interest will be calculated at American Federal Savings Bank statement savings rate until the offering is completed, at which time, a subscriber will be issued a check for interest earned. Please do not remit cash, an American Federal Savings Bank line of credit check, wire transfers or third party checks for this purchase.

Section (4) - Method of Payment - Deposit Account Withdrawal. Payment may be made by authorizing a direct withdrawal from your American Federal Savings Bank deposit account(s). Indicate the account number(s) and the amount(s) you wish withdrawn. Attach a separate page, if necessary. Funds designated for withdrawal must be available within the account(s) at the time this Stock Order Form is received. Upon receipt of this order, we will place a hold on the amount(s) designated by you - the funds designated will be unavailable to you for withdrawal thereafter. The funds will continue to earn interest within the account(s) at the contract rate, and account withdrawals will be made at the completion of the offering. There will be no early withdrawal penalty for withdrawal from an American Federal Savings Bank certificate of deposit account. Note that you may NOT designate deposit accounts with check-writing privileges. Submit a check instead. If you request that we do so, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account(s). Additionally, you may not designate for direct withdrawal American Federal Savings Bank IRA or other retirement accounts. For guidance on using retirement funds, whether held at American Federal Savings Bank or elsewhere, please contact the Stock Information Center as soon as possible - preferably at least two weeks before the _______, 2010 offering deadline, and see the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering - Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares.” Your ability to use retirement accounts to buy shares cannot be guaranteed and depends on various factors, including timing constraints and where those funds are currently held.

Section (5) - Purchaser Information. Please check the one box that applies to the purchaser(s) listed in Section 9 of this form. Purchase priorities in the Subscription Offering are based on eligibility dates. Boxes (a), (b), and (c) refer to the Subscription Offering. If you checked one of these boxes, list all American Federal Savings Bank account numbers (deposit or loan, as applicable) that the purchaser(s) had ownership in as of the applicable eligibility date. Include all forms of account ownership (e.g. individual, joint, IRA, etc.) If purchasing shares for a minor, list only the minor’s eligible accounts. If purchasing shares for a corporation or partnership, list only that entity’s eligible accounts. Attach a separate page, if necessary. Failure to complete this section, or providing incorrect or incomplete information, could result in a loss of part or all of your share allocation in the event of an oversubscription. Boxes (d), (e) and (f) refer to a Community Offering. Orders placed in the Subscription Offering will take preference over orders placed in a Community Offering. See the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering,” for further details about the Subscription and Community Offerings.

Section (6) - Management and Employees. Check the box if you are an American Federal Savings Bank, Eagle Bancorp or Eagle Financial MHC director, officer or employee, or a member of their immediate family. Immediate family includes spouse, parents, siblings and children who live in the same house as the director, officer or employee.

Section (7) - Maximum Purchaser Identification. Check the box, if applicable. Your failure to check the box will result in you not receiving notification in the event the maximum purchase limit(s) is/are increased. If you check the box but have not subscribed for the maximum amount and did not complete item 8, you will not receive this notification.

Section (8) - Association/Acting in Concert. Check the box, if applicable, and provide the requested information. Attach a separate page if necessary.

Section (9) - Stock Registration. Clearly PRINT the name(s) in which you want the shares registered and the mailing address for all correspondence related to your order, including a stock certificate. Each Stock Order Form will generate one stock certificate, subject to the stock allocation provisions described in the Prospectus. IMPORTANT: Subscription rights are non-transferable. If placing an order in the Subscription Offering, you may not add the names of persons/entities who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than yours. A Social Security or Tax ID Number must be provided. The first number listed will be identified with the stock certificate for tax reporting purposes. Listing at least one phone number is important, in the event we need to contact you about this form. NOTE FOR FINRA MEMBERS (Formerly NASD): If you are a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”), or a person affiliated or associated with a FINRA member, you may have additional reporting requirements. Please report this subscription in writing to the applicable FINRA member within one day of payment thereof.


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EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS - SIDE 2

STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS - SIDE 2

Section (10) - Form of Stock Ownership. For reasons of clarity and standardization, the stock transfer industry has developed uniform stockholder registrations for issuance of stock certificates. Beneficiaries may not be names on stock registrations. If you have any questions on wills, estates, beneficiaries, etc., please consult your legal advisor. When registering stock, do not use two initials - use the full first name, middle initial and last name. Omit words that do not affect ownership such as “Dr.” or “Mrs.” Check the one box that applies.

Buying Stock Individually - Used when shares are registered in the name of only one owner. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the purchaser named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at American Federal Savings Bank on November 30, 2008, December 31, 2009 or _______________, 2010 or a loan on April 4, 2000 that remained outstanding as of ______________, 2010.

Buying Stock Jointly - To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the persons named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at American Federal Savings Bank on November 30, 2008, December 31, 2009 or _______________, 2010 or a loan on April 4, 2000 that remained outstanding as of ___________, 2010.

Joint Tenants - Joint Tenancy (with Right of Survivorship) may be specified to identify two or more owners where ownership is intended to pass automatically to the surviving tenant(s). All owners must agree to the sale of shares. Tenants in Common - May be specified to identify two or more owners where, upon the death of one co-tenant, ownership of the stock will be held by the surviving co-tenant(s) and by the heirs of the deceased co-tenant. All owners must agree to the sale of shares.

Buying Stock for a Minor - Shares may be held in the name of a custodian for a minor under the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the minor (not the custodian) named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at American Federal Savings Bank on November 30, 2008, December 31, 2009 or _______________, 2010 or a loan on April 4, 2000 that remained outstanding as of ______________, 2010. The standard abbreviation for custodian is “CUST.” The Uniform Transfer to Minors Act is “UTMA.” Include the state abbreviation. For example, stock held by John Smith as custodian for Susan Smith under the MT Uniform Transfer to Minors Act, should be registered as John Smith CUST Susan Smith UTMA-MT (list only the minor’s social security number). Buying Stock for a Corporation/Partnership - On the first name line, indicate the name of the corporation or partnership and indicate the entity’s Tax ID Number for reporting purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the corporation or partnership named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at American Federal Savings Bank on November 30, 2008, December 31, 2009 or _______________, 2010 or a loan on April 4, 2000 that remained outstanding as of ______________, 2010.

Buying Stock in a Trust/Fiduciary Capacity - Indicate the name of the fiduciary and the capacity under which they are acting (for example, “Executor”), or name of the trust, the trustees and the date of the trust. Indicate the Tax ID Number to be used for reporting purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the entity named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at American Federal Savings Bank on November 30, 2008, December 31, 2009 or _______________, 2010 or a loan on April 4, 2000 that remained outstanding as of______________, 2010. Buying Stock in a Self-Directed IRA (for trustee/broker use only) - Registration should reflect the custodian or trustee firm’s registration requirements. For example, on the first name line indicate the name of the brokerage firm, followed by CUST or TRUSTEE. On the second name line, indicate the name of the beneficial owner (for example, “FBO John SMITH IRA”). You can indicate an account number or other underlying information and the custodian or trustee firm’s address and department to which all correspondence should be mailed related to this order, including a stock certificate. Indicate the TAX ID Number under which the IRA account should be reported for tax purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the beneficial owner named in Section 9 of this form must have had an eligible deposit account at American Federal Savings Bank on November 30, 2008, December 31, 2009 or _______________, 2010 or a loan on April 4, 2000 that remained outstanding as of ______________, 2010.

Section (11) - Acknowledgement and Signature. Sign and date the Stock Order Form where indicated. Before you sign, please carefully review the information you provided and read the acknowledgment. Verify that you have printed clearly, and completed all applicable shaded areas on the Stock Order Form. Only one signature is required, unless any account listed in Section 4 requires more than one signature to authorize a withdrawal.

Please review the Prospectus carefully before making an investment decision. Deliver your completed Stock Order Form, with full payment or withdrawal authorization, so that it is received (not postmarked) by Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.’s Stock Information Center by 12:00 noon, Mountain Time, on ___________, 2010. Stock Order Forms can be delivered by using the enclosed postage paid Stock Order Reply Envelope, by overnight courier to the Stock Information Center address indicated on the front of the Stock Order Form, or by hand-delivery to the Bank’s headquarters, which is located at 1400 Prospect Ave, Helena, Montana. Hand-delivered Stock Order Forms will only be accepted at this location. Please do not mail stock order forms to the Bank. We are not required to accept Stock Order Forms that are found to be deficient or incorrect, or that do not include proper payment or the required signature.

OVERNIGHT DELIVERY can be made to the Stock Information Center address provided on the front of the Stock Order Form.

QUESTIONS? Call our Stock Information Center, toll-free at 1-(877) ___-____ Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time. The Stock Information Center is not open on weekends or bank holidays.

Exhibit 99.8

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December 15, 2009

Eagle Bancorp

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, MT 59601

Attn: Peter J. Johnson

Re: 2010 Special Meeting of Shareholders and Members

Dear Peter:

This Letter of Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of engagement of Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC (“Laurel Hill”) by Eagle Bancorp (“EBMT”) to solicit proxies on behalf of the Company in connection with its Special Meeting of Stockholders and Members (the “Meeting”) scheduled for March 2010.

Under the terms of this Agreement:

Services : Laurel Hill shall perform the following services:

Shareholder Solicitation:

 

  a) Prepare a detailed analysis of EBMT’s shareholder base and identify the anticipated vote from each shareholder segment, including third party advisory agencies such as ISS and Glass Lewis;

 

  b) Based on the proposals that will be on the ballot, analyze EBMT’s shareholder base and forecast the likely votes in a number of potential scenarios, thereby providing clear objectives for the actual proxy solicitation;

 

  c) Devise the most efficient strategy for obtaining the support of both “street-name” and registered shareholders and recommend the specific tactics necessary to maximize vote-getting;

 

  d) Draft, print and mail the requisite search notice to all banks, brokers and nominees,

 

  e) Follow up with each bank and broker (including ADP/Broadridge) to confirm receipt of all proxy material and make certain that all material has been forwarded in a timely manner;

 

  f) Depending upon the proposals presented, provide EBMT with “talking points” strategies and/or presentations for communicating with key shareholders;

 

  g) Monitor and solicit unvoted positions on a daily basis, constantly communicating with the management of EBMT regarding the status of these positions;

 

  h) If necessary, commence a telephone solicitation campaign from selected unvoted registered and “street-name” retail holders, using the Quick-Vote system to maximize “street-name” response;


  i) Conduct the solicitation of proxies from banks, brokers and nominees, with direct phone contact of all major institutional holders. Laurel Hill will also contact third party advisors such as RiskMetrics/ISS and Glass Lewis and, if applicable, will provide EBMT with insight and recommendations regarding these advisory services;

 

  j) Provide timely reports to the management of EBMT, outlining the vote, detailing the progress of the solicitation and identifying, where possible, the voting pattern of major institutional investors;

 

  k) Coordinate the delivery of all voted proxies to the designated tabulator, up to and including the time of the Special Meeting.

Member Solicitation:

 

  1) Devise and implement the most efficient strategy for obtaining the support of members;

 

  2) Recommend the specific tactics and procedures necessary to maximize vote returns;

 

  3) Work with management and their advisors to prepare and review materials to be mailed to members in order to receive the best results;

 

  4) Monitor the progress of the vote via the tabulator and communicate with management as to the status and progress of the vote;

 

  5) Work with management and its designated agents to coordinate and set up a well organized orderly Special Meeting of members.

 

  6) Coordinate with management a telephonic solicitation campaign of members to obtain the best possible results;

 

  7) Keep management informed as to the status of the calling campaign;

 

  8) Identify and solicit unvoted members;

 

  9) Provide timely vote reports to the management of EBMT, outlining the total vote and detailing the progress of the solicitation;

 

  10) Coordinate the delivery of all voted ballots to the designated tabulator, up to and including the time of the Special Meeting of members.

Fees . In consideration of Laurel Hill providing the services listed above, EBMT shall pay Laurel Hill a fee for:

Shareholder Proxy Solicitation Services:

$4500.00 plus reasonable out of pocket expenses;

Member Solicitation Services:

$5,000.00 plus reasonable out of pocket expenses;

Shareholder Information Agent:

$1000.00 plus reasonable out of pocket expenses;

These expenses include;

 

  a) expenses incidental to the solicitation, including the preparation and mailing of the notice and inquiry required by Rule 14a-13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and postage and freight charges incurred in delivering proxy solicitation materials;


  b) expenses incurred by Laurel Hill in working with its agents or other parties involved in the solicitation, including charges for bank threshold lists, data processing, telephone directory assistance, facsimile transmissions or other forms of electronic communication and delivery of proxies to EBMT’s tabulator;

 

  c) expenses incurred by Laurel Hill at EBMT’s request or for EBMT’s convenience, including copying expenses, expenses relating to the printing of additional and/or supplemental material and travel expenses of Laurel Hill’s personnel; and

 

  d) telephone solicitation campaign (incoming and outgoing) of NOBO and/or registered shareholder and member calls will be billed at a rate of $3.40 per actual contact, up to 7000 phone calls. If the campaign requires more than 7000 phone calls, contacts will be billed at $3.25. We will bill $1.00 for leaving a message after three attempts. For those shareholders making use of the Quick Vote system, there will be an additional $3.00 tabulator charge per vote taken, as well as related Broadridge charges and;

 

  e) any other fees and expenses authorized by EBMT and resulting from extraordinary contingencies which arise during the course of solicitation, including fees and expenses for advertising, (including production and posting), media relations, stock watch and analytical services.

Please note the Fees section of this agreement is based on the assumption that the 2010 Special Meeting of Shareholders and members will not involve the solicitation of proxies in connection with any controversial or extraordinary matters (e.g., proxy fight). EBMT acknowledges and agrees that, in the event that the Meeting involves matters deemed to be extraordinary, the Fees section of this agreement shall be subject to mutually agreeable adjustment.

Compliance with Applicable Laws. EBMT and Laurel Hill hereby represent to one another that each shall use its best efforts to comply with all applicable laws relating to the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting, including, without limitation, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated there under .

Indemnification. Each party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party and its respective stockholders, officers, directors, employees, agents and affiliates against any and all claims, costs, damages, liabilities, judgments and expenses, including the reasonable and customary fees, costs and expenses of counsel, which result from claims, actions, suits, subpoenas, demands or other proceedings brought against or involving the indemnified party which directly relate to or arise out of Laurel Hill’s performance of the Services (except for costs, damages, liabilities, judgments or expenses which shall have been determined by a court of law pursuant to a final and non appealable judgment to have directly resulted from the indemnified party’s negligence, bad faith or intentional misconduct). The indemnity obligations set forth in this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the substantive laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws, and shall not be modified in any way, unless pursuant to a written agreement which has been executed by each of the parties hereto. The parties agree that any and all disputes, controversies or claims arising out of or relating to this Agreement (including any breach hereof) shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts in Delaware.

Confidentiality. Laurel Hill agrees to preserve the confidentiality of (i) all material non-public information provided by EBMT or its agents for Laurel Hill’s use in fulfilling its obligations hereunder and (ii) any information developed by Laurel Hill based upon such material non-public information (collectively, “Confidential Information”). EBMT agrees that all reports, documents


and other work product provided to EBMT by Laurel Hill pursuant to the terms of this Agreement are for the exclusive use of EBMT and may not be disclosed to any other person or entity other than EBMT’s representatives and advisors without the prior written consent of Laurel Hill, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The confidentiality obligations set forth in this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon all successors to EBMT (by operation of law or otherwise).

If the above is agreed to by you, please execute and return a signed, dated copy of this Agreement to The Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC, 2 Robbins Lane- Suite 201, Jericho, New York 11753.

Agreed to and accepted as of

the date first set forth above:

 

Eagle Bancorp         Laurel Hill Advisory Group, LLC.
By:   

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        By:   

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   Peter J. Johnson          Thomas S. Cronin
Title:   

President/CEO

        Title:   

Partner