g-10q093008.htm
 
UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

/X/   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
 

For the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2008

Commission File Number 0-18082



                               GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC.                                
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
43-1524856
(State of Incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
 
   
1451 E. Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri
65804
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
   
(417) 887-4400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes /X/             No /  /
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer /  /     Accelerated filer /X/     Non-accelerated filer /  /
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)        
Smaller reporting company /  /
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes /  /     No /X/

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock: 13,380,969 shares of common stock, par value $.01, outstanding at November 7, 2008.

 
 
 
 

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 (In thousands, except number of shares)
 
   
SEPTEMBER 30,
    
DECEMBER 31,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
(Unaudited)
        
ASSETS
            
Cash
  
$
56,020
    
$
79,552
  
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
    
67,008
      
973
  
        Cash and cash equivalents
    
123,028
      
80,525
  
Available-for-sale securities
    
505,715
      
425,028
  
Held-to-maturity securities (fair value $1,443 – September 2008;
                
  $1,508 - December 2007)
    
1,360
      
1,420
  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    
5,184
      
6,717
  
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses of
                
   $29,379 – September 2008; $25,459 - December 2007
    
1,766,583
      
1,813,394
  
Interest receivable
    
12,103
      
15,441
  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    
17,666
      
14,904
  
Foreclosed assets held for sale, net
    
32,810
      
20,399
  
Premises and equipment, net
    
29,954
      
28,033
  
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    
1,737
      
1,909
  
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    
8,448
      
13,557
  
Refundable income taxes
    
7,252
      
1,701
  
Deferred income taxes
    
16,072
      
8,704
  
        Total Assets
  
$
2,527,912 
    
$
2,431,732 
  
                 
            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                
Liabilities:
                
Deposits
  
$
1,854,474
    
$
1,763,146
  
Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements with customers
    
229,274
      
143,721
  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    
122,847
      
213,867
  
Structured repurchase agreements
    
50,000
      
--
  
Short-term borrowings
    
52,519
      
73,000
  
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust
    
30,929
      
30,929
  
Accrued interest payable
    
8,882
      
6,149
  
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance
    
1,232
      
378
  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    
8,971
      
10,671
  
        Total Liabilities
    
2,359,128
      
2,241,861
  
Stockholders' Equity:
                
Capital stock
                
  Serial preferred stock, $.01 par value;
                
    authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued
    
--
      
--
  
  Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and
                
    outstanding September 2008 - 13,380,969 shares; December 2007 -
                
    13,400,197 shares
    
134
      
134
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
19,693
      
19,342
  
Retained earnings
    
155,329
      
170,933
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    
(6,372
)
    
(538
)
        Total Stockholders' Equity
    
168,784
      
189,871
  
        Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  
$
2,527,912
    
$
2,431,732
  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
2
 
 

GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
    
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
    
2008
    
2007
  
INTEREST INCOME
  
(Unaudited)
    
(Unaudited)
  
Loans
  
$
28,992
    
$
36,636
    
$
91,393
    
$
107,477
  
Investment securities and other
    
6,032
      
5,340
      
17,635
      
15,661
  
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
    
35,024
      
41,976
      
109,028
      
123,138
  
INTEREST EXPENSE
                                
Deposits
    
13,708
      
19,867
      
45,471
      
57,489
  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    
1,140
      
1,738
      
3,864
      
5,065
  
Short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements
    
1,473
      
1,917
      
4,255
      
5,576
  
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust
    
336
      
522
      
1,097
      
1,402
  
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
    
16,657
      
24,044
      
54,687
      
69,532
  
NET INTEREST INCOME
    
18,367
      
17,932
      
54,341
      
53,606
  
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
    
4,500
      
1,350
      
47,200
      
4,125
  
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
    
13,867
      
16,582
      
7,141
      
49,481
  
                                 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
                                
Commissions
    
1,964
      
2,435
      
7,036
      
7,665
  
Service charges and ATM fees
    
4,067
      
3,817
      
11,603
      
11,270
  
Net realized gains on sales of loans
    
369
      
247
      
1,127
      
682
  
Net realized gains (losses) on sales and impairments of
                                
    available-for-sale securities
    
(5,293
) 
    
4
      
(5,286
) 
    
4
  
Net gain on sales of fixed assets
    
9
      
11
      
175
      
35
  
Late charges and fees on loans
    
259
      
370
      
632
      
752
  
Change in interest rate swap fair value net of change
    in hedged deposit fair value
    
32
      
157
      
5,287
      
843
  
Other income
    
382
      
569
      
1,262
      
1,252
  
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME
    
1,789
      
7,610
      
21,836
      
22,503
  
                                 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
                                
Salaries and employee benefits
    
7,561
      
7,744
      
23,807
      
22,373
  
Net occupancy and equipment expense
    
2,027
      
1,971
      
6,212
      
5,844
  
Postage
    
558
      
552
      
1,690
      
1,670
  
Insurance
    
542
      
537
      
1,662
      
984
  
Advertising
    
247
      
355
      
866
      
1,063
  
Office supplies and printing
    
209
      
187
      
654
      
659
  
Telephone
    
320
      
339
      
1,052
      
1,006
  
Legal, audit and other professional fees
    
515
      
285
      
1,236
      
867
  
Expense on foreclosed assets
    
1,868
      
125
      
2,484
      
275
  
Other operating expenses
    
803
      
1,225
      
2,661
      
3,239
  
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
    
14,650
      
13,320
      
42,324
      
37,980
  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    
1,006
      
10,872
      
(13,347
)
    
34,004
  
                                 
PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
    
182
      
3,555
      
(5,350
)
    
11,144
  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
824
    
$
7,317
    
$
(7,997
)
  
$
22,860
  
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
  
$
.06
    
$
.54
    
$
(.60
)
  
$
1.68
  
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
  
$
.06
    
$
.54
    
$
(.60
)
  
$
1.67
  
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
  
$
.18
    
$
.17
    
$
.54
    
$
.50
  



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 
3
 
 


 GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 (In thousands)
   
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
(Unaudited)
  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
            
  Net income (loss)
  
$
(7,997
)
  
$
22,860
  
  Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    
75,665
      
52,498
  
  Originations of loans held for sale
    
(68,236
)
    
(48,636
)
  Items not requiring (providing) cash:
                
    Depreciation
    
1,833
      
1,999
  
    Amortization
    
293
      
303
  
    Provision for loan losses
    
47,200
      
4,125
  
    Net gains on loan sales
    
(1,127
)
    
(682
)
    Net (gains) losses on sale or impairment of available-for-sale investment securities
    
5,286
      
(4
)
    Net gains on sale of premises and equipment
    
(175
)
    
(35
)
    (Gain) loss on sale of foreclosed assets
    
1,235
      
(133
)
    Amortization of deferred income, premiums and discounts
    
(1,647
)
    
(3,195
)
    Change in interest rate swap fair value net of change in
                
      hedged deposit fair value
    
(5,287
)
    
(843
)
    Deferred income taxes
    
(4,227
)
    
2,040
  
  Changes in:
                
    Interest receivable
    
3,338
      
(2,287
)
    Prepaid expenses and other assets
    
(6,177
)
    
1,046
  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    
2,852
      
(9,714
)
    Income taxes refundable/payable
    
(5,551
)
    
(549
)
      Net cash provided by operating activities
    
37,278
      
18,793
  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                
  Net increase in loans
    
(21,549
)
    
(113,765
)
  Purchase of loans
    
(3,506
)
    
(4,141
)
  Proceeds from sale of student loans
    
634
      
2,455
  
  Purchase of additional business units
    
--
      
(730
)
  Purchase of premises and equipment
    
(3,992
)
    
(2,642
)
  Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
    
413
      
65
  
  Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
    
8,065
      
1,810
  
  Capitalized costs on foreclosed assets
    
(394
)
    
(94
)
  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities
    
85,242
      
1,664
  
  Proceeds from maturing available-for-sale investment securities
    
21,000
      
391,335
  
  Proceeds from maturing held-to-maturity investment securities
    
60
      
50
  
  Proceeds from called investment securities
    
120,500
      
6,850
  
  Principal reductions on mortgage-backed securities
    
48,937
      
56,805
  
  Purchase of available-for-sale securities
    
(371,034
)
    
(511,729
)
  (Purchase) redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    
5,109
      
(1,062
)
      Net cash used in investing activities
    
(110,515
)
    
(173,129
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                
  Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit
    
205,078
      
(13,331
)
  Net increase (decrease) in checking and savings deposits
    
(106,985
)
    
90,167
  
  Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    
503,000
      
749,000
  
  Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    
(594,020
)
    
(734,097
)
  Net increase in short-term borrowings and structured repo
    
115,072
      
55,732
  
  Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance
    
854
      
864
  
  Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred debentures
    
--
      
5,155
  
  Stock repurchase
    
(408
)
    
(6,036
)
  Dividends paid
    
(7,227
)
    
(6,685
)
  Stock options exercised
    
376
      
1,353
  
      Net cash provided by financing activities
    
115,740
      
142,122
  
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    
42,503
      
(12,214
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    
80,525
      
133,150
  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  
$
123,028
    
$
120,936
  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
4
 
 

GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company" or "Great Southern") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The financial statements presented herein reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. Those adjustments consist only of normal recurring adjustments. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The consolidated statement of financial condition of the Company as of December 31, 2007, has been derived from the audited consolidated statement of financial condition of the Company as of that date.
 
Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Company's annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
NOTE 2: OPERATING SEGMENTS
 
The Company's banking operation is its only reportable segment. The banking operation is principally engaged in the business of originating residential and commercial real estate loans, construction loans, commercial business loans and consumer loans and funding these loans through deposits attracted from the general public and correspondent account relationships, brokered deposits and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLBank") and others. The operating results of this segment are regularly reviewed by management to make decisions about resource allocations and to assess performance.
 
Revenue from segments below the reportable segment threshold is attributable to three operating segments of the Company. These segments include insurance services, travel services and investment services. Selected information is not presented separately for the Company's reportable segment, as there is no material difference between that information and the corresponding information in the consolidated financial statements.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the travel, insurance and investment divisions reported gross revenues of $1.3 million, $377,000 and $264,000, respectively, and net income (loss) of $(110,000), $39,000 and $115,000, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, the travel, insurance and investment divisions reported gross revenues of $1.7 million, $442,000 and $454,000, respectively, and net income (loss) of $(52,000), $46,000 and $92,000, respectively.
 

 
5
 
 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the travel, insurance and investment divisions reported gross revenues of $5.0 million, $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and net income of $77,000, $129,000 and $259,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the travel, insurance and investment divisions reported gross revenues of $5.2 million, $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and net income of $284,000, $145,000 and $144,000, respectively.
 
The decrease in gross revenues in the investment division for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, was a result of the alliance formed with Ameriprise Financial Services through Penney, Murray and Associates. As a result of this change, Great Southern now records most of its investment services activity on a net basis in non-interest income. Thus, non-interest expense related to the investment services division is also reduced.
 

 
NOTE 3: COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, requires the reporting of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, and excludes investments by and distributions to owners. Comprehensive income includes net income and other items of comprehensive income meeting the above criteria. The Company's only component of other comprehensive income is the unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
(In thousands)
  
             
Net income
  
$
824
    
$
7,317
  
Unrealized holding gains (losses),
   net of income taxes
    
(5,274
)
    
 1,556
  
Less: reclassification adjustment
   for gains (losses) included in
   net income, net of income taxes
    
(3,440
) 
    
3
  
     
(1,834
)
    
1,553
  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
(1,010
)
  
$
8,870
  

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
(In thousands)
  
             
Net income (loss)
  
$
(7,997
)
  
$
22,860
  
Unrealized holding gains (losses),
   net of income taxes
    
(9,270
)
    
(719
)
Less: reclassification adjustment
   for gains (losses) included in
   net income, net of income taxes
    
(3,436
)
    
3
  
     
(5,834
)
    
(722
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
(13,831
)
  
$
22,138
  
 
 
6

 
NOTE 4: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised), Business Combinations. SFAS No. 141(revised) retains the fundamental requirements in Statement 141 that the acquisition method of accounting be used for business combinations, but broadens the scope of Statement 141 and contains improvements to the application of this method. The Statement requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. Costs incurred to effect the acquisition are to be recognized separately from the acquisition. Assets and liabilities arising from contractual contingencies must be measured at fair value as of the acquisition date. Contingent consideration must also be measured at fair value as of the acquisition date. SFAS No. 141 (revised) applies to business combinations occurring after January 1, 2009. Based on its current activities, the Company does not expect the adoption of this Statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an Amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary be accounted for as equity in the consolidated statement of financial position and that net income include the amounts for both the parent and the noncontrolling interest, with a separate amount presented in the income statement for the noncontrolling interest share of net income. SFAS No. 160 also expands the disclosure requirements and provides guidance on how to account for changes in the ownership interest of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. Based on its current activities, the Company does not expect the adoption of this Statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2. The staff position delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (which was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2008) for nonfinancial assets and liabilities on a recurring basis, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The delay is intended to allow additional time to consider the effect of various implementation issues with regard to the application of SFAS No. 157. This staff position defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to January 1, 2009, for items within the scope of the staff position.
  
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, which requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities intended to improve the transparency of financial reporting. Under SFAS No. 161, entities will be required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company expects to adopt SFAS No. 161 effective January 1, 2009.  The adoption of this standard is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for

 
7
 
 


selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (the GAAP hierarchy). The FASB concluded that the GAAP hierarchy should reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB and is issuing this Statement to achieve that result. SFAS No. 162 is effective sixty days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411. The adoption of this standard is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2008, the FASB issued an Exposure Draft of a proposed Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, Disclosure of Certain Loss Contingencies—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 141(R). The purpose of the proposed statement is intended to improve the quality of financial reporting by expanding disclosures required about certain loss contingencies. Investors and other users of financial information have expressed concerns that current disclosures required in SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, do not provide sufficient information in a timely manner to assist users of financial statements in assessing the likelihood, timing, and amount of future cash flows associated with loss contingencies. If approved as written, this proposed Statement would expand disclosures about certain loss contingencies in the scope of SFAS No. 5 or SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations, and would be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, and interim and annual periods in subsequent fiscal years.

In June 2008, the FASB issued an Exposure Draft of a proposed Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, Accounting for Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. The purpose of the proposed Statement is intended to simplify hedge accounting resulting in increased comparability of financial results for entities that apply hedge accounting. Specifically, the proposed statement would eliminate the multiple methods of hedge accounting currently being used for the same transaction. It also would require an entity to designate all risks as the hedged risk (with certain exceptions) in the hedged item or transaction, thus better reflecting the economics of such items and transactions in the financial statements. Additional objectives of the proposed Statement are to: simplify accounting for hedging activities; improve the financial reporting of hedging activities to make the accounting model and associated disclosures more useful and easier to understand for users of financial statements; resolve major practice issues related to hedge accounting that have arisen under Statement 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities; and address differences resulting from recognition and measurement anomalies between the accounting for derivative instruments and the accounting for hedged items or transactions. If approved as written, the proposed Statement would require application of the amended hedging requirements for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2009, and interim periods within those fiscal years.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of an Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active. FSP 157-3 clarifies how SFAS No. 157 Fair Value Measurements should be applied when valuing securities in markets that are not active and illustrates how an entity would determine fair value in this circumstance. The FSP states that an entity should not automatically conclude that a particular transaction price is determinative of fair value. In a dislocated market, judgment is required to evaluate whether individual transactions are forced liquidations or distressed sales. When relevant observable market information is not available, a valuation approach that incorporates management’s judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset in a current sale transaction would be acceptable. The FSP also indicates that quotes from brokers or pricing services may be relevant inputs when

 
8
 
 


measuring fair value, but are not necessarily determinative in the absence of an active market for the asset. The adoption of FSP 157-3, effective upon issuance, did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
NOTE 5: DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
In the normal course of business, the Company uses derivative financial instruments (primarily interest rate swaps) to assist in its interest rate risk management. In accordance with SFAS No. 133,  Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities , all derivatives are measured and reported at fair value on the Company's consolidated statement of financial condition as either an asset or a liability. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings during the period of the change in the fair values. For all hedging relationships, derivative gains and losses that are not effective in hedging the changes in fair value of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings during the period of the change. Similarly, the changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133 are also reported currently in earnings in noninterest income.
 
The net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. The net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income.
 
At the inception of the hedge and quarterly thereafter, a formal assessment is performed to determine whether changes in the fair values of the derivatives have been highly effective in offsetting the changes in the fair values of the hedged item and whether they are expected to be highly effective in the future. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. This process includes identification of the hedging instrument, hedged item, risk being hedged and the method for assessing effectiveness and measuring ineffectiveness. In addition, on a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether the derivative used in the hedging transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged item and measures and records any ineffectiveness. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is or will no longer be effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item, the derivative expires, is sold or terminated or management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.
 
The estimates of fair values of the Company's derivatives and related liabilities are calculated by an independent third party using proprietary valuation models. The fair values produced by these valuation models are in part theoretical and reflect assumptions which must be made in using the valuation models. Small changes in assumptions could result in significant changes in valuation. The risks inherent in the determination of the fair value of a derivative may result in income statement volatility.
 
The Company uses derivatives to modify the repricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities so that changes in interest rates do not have a significant adverse effect on net interest income and cash flows and to better match the repricing profile of its interest-sensitive assets and
 

 
9
 
 

liabilities. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, certain interest-sensitive assets and liabilities will gain or lose market value. In an effective fair value hedging strategy, the effect of this change in value will generally be offset by a corresponding change in value on the derivatives linked to the hedged assets and liabilities.
 
At September 30, 2008, the Company had six SFAS No. 133 designated swaps with Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc. (“Lehman”). On September 15, 2008, Lehman filed for bankruptcy protection and hedge accounting was immediately terminated. The fair market value of the underlying hedged items (certificates of deposit) through September 15, 2008, is being amortized over the remaining life of the hedge period on a straight-line basis. The fair market value of the swaps as of September 15, 2008, included both assets and liabilities totaling a net asset of $235,000. These swaps were valued using the income approach with observable Level 2 market expectations at the measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single discounted present amount. The Level 2 inputs are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates, volatilities and credit risk at commonly quoted intervals). Mid-market pricing is used as a practical expedient for fair value measurements. The Company has a netting agreement with Lehman and the collectability of the net asset is uncertain at this time. The Company has a valuation allowance of $235,000 on the asset as of September 30, 2008.
 
At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company's fair value hedges include interest rate swaps to convert the economic interest payments on certain brokered CDs from a fixed rate to a floating rate based on LIBOR. At September 30, 2008, these fair value hedges were considered to be highly effective and any hedge ineffectiveness was deemed not material. The notional amounts of the liabilities being hedged were $37.6 million and $419.2 million at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. At September 30, 2008, swaps in a net settlement receivable position totaled $37.6 million and swaps in a net settlement payable position totaled $-0-. At December 31, 2007, swaps in a net settlement receivable position totaled $225.7 million and swaps in a net settlement payable position totaled $193.5 million. The net gains recognized in earnings on fair value hedges were $32,000 and $157,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The net gains recognized in earnings on fair value hedges were $5.3 million and $843,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
NOTE 6: STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Previously, the Company's stockholders approved the Company's reincorporation to the State of Maryland. Under Maryland law, there is no concept of "Treasury Shares." Instead, shares purchased by the Company constitute authorized but unissued shares under Maryland law. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America state that accounting for treasury stock shall conform to state law. The cost of shares purchased by the Company has been allocated to Common Stock and Retained Earnings balances.
 
 
10
 
 
NOTE 7: INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
   
September 30, 2008
  
   
Amortized
 Cost
    
Gross
 Unrealized
 Gains
    
Gross
 Unrealized
 Losses
    
Approximate
 Fair
 Value
    
Tax
 Equivalent
 Yield
    
   
(Dollars in thousands)
  
AVAILABLE -FOR-SALE SECURITIES:
      
U.S. government agencies
  
$
34,967
    
$
---
    
$
1,379
    
$
33,588
      
6.41
%
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
76,790
      
23
      
3,032
      
73,781
      
5.46
    
Mortgage-backed securities
    
343,169
      
1,633
      
1,162
      
343,640
      
5.22
    
Corporate bonds
    
1,501
      
---
      
463
      
1,038
      
8.50
    
States and political subdivisions
    
55,483
      
14
      
3,891
      
51,606
      
6.17
    
Equity securities
    
3,608
      
---
      
1,546
      
2,062
      
3.79
    
Total available-for-sale securities
  
$
515,518
    
$
1,670
    
$
11,473
    
$
505,715
      
5.44
%
  
       
HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES:
      
States and political subdivisions
  
$
1,360
    
$
83
      
---  
    
$
1,443
      
7.49
%
  
Total held-to-maturity securities
  
$
1,360
    
$
83
      
---  
    
$
1,443
      
7.49
%
  
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company determined that the impairment of its investment in FNMA/FHLMC perpetual preferred stock with an original cost of $5.8 million had become other than temporary.  Consequently, the Company recorded a $5.3 million charge to income.
 
   
December 31, 2007
  
   
Amortized
 Cost
    
Gross
 Unrealized
 Gains
    
Gross
 Unrealized
 Losses
    
Approximate
 Fair
 Value
    
Tax
 Equivalent
 Yield
    
   
(Dollars in thousands)
  
AVAILABLE -FOR-SALE SECURITIES:
      
U.S. government agencies
  
$
126,117
    
$
53
    
$
375
    
$
125,795
      
5.81
%
  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    
39,769
      
214
      
654
      
39,329
      
5.65
    
Mortgage-backed securities
    
183,023
      
1,030
      
916
      
183,137
      
4.92
    
Corporate bonds
    
1,501
      
---
      
25
      
1,476
      
8.50
    
States and political subdivisions
    
62,572
      
533
      
453
      
62,652
      
6.17
    
Equity securities
    
12,874
      
4
      
239
      
12,639
      
7.42
    
Total available-for-sale securities
  
$
425,856
    
$
1,834
    
$
2,662
    
$
425,028
      
5.52
%
  
HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES:
      
States and political subdivisions
  
$
1,420
    
$
88
      
---  
    
$
1,508
      
7.48
%
  
Total held-to-maturity securities
  
$
1,420
    
$
88
      
---  
    
$
1,508
      
7.48
%
  
 
 
11

 
NOTE 8: LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
   
September 30, 
2008
    
December 31,
2007
  
   
(In Thousands)
  
One-to four-family residential mortgage loans
  
$
206,101
    
$
185,253
  
Other residential mortgage loans
    
120,344
      
87,177
  
Commercial real estate loans
    
484,476
      
471,573
  
Other commercial loans
    
141,017
      
207,059
  
Industrial revenue bonds
    
60,905
      
61,224
  
Construction loans
    
683,113
      
919,059
  
Installment, education and other loans
    
177,650
      
154,015
  
Prepaid dealer premium
    
14,027
      
10,759
  
Discounts on loans purchased
    
(5
)  
    
(6
)  
Undisbursed portion of loans in process
    
( 89,318
)  
    
(254,562
)  
Allowance for loan losses
    
(29,379
)  
    
(25,459
)  
Deferred loan fees and gains, net
    
(2,348
)  
    
(2,698
)  
   
$
1,766,583
    
$
1,813,394
  
Weighted average interest rate
    
6.42
%
    
7.58
%

NOTE 9: DEPOSITS
 
   
September 30,
 2008
    
December 31,
 2007
  
   
(In Thousands)
  
       
Time Deposits:
      
0.00% - 1.99%
  
$
44,857
    
$
598
  
2.00% - 2.99%
    
159,879
      
22,850
  
3.00% - 3.99%
    
454,799
      
93,717
  
4.00% - 4.99%
    
558,245
      
470,718
  
5.00% - 5.99%
    
 82,740
      
497,877
  
6.00% - 6.99%
    
901
      
10,394
  
7.00% and above
    
185
      
374
  
Total time deposits (3.69% - 4.83%)
    
1,301,606
      
1,096,528
  
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
    
142,549
      
166,231
  
Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits (1.42% - 2.75%)
    
407,832
      
491,135
  
     
1,851,987
      
1,753,894
  
Interest rate swap fair value adjustment
    
2,487
      
9,252
  
     Total Deposits
  
$
1,854,474
    
$
1,763,146
  
 
 
NOTE 10: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 has been applied prospectively as of the beginning of this fiscal year. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have an impact on our financial statements except for the expanded disclosures noted below.
 
 
12
 
 
The following definitions describe the fair value hierarchy of levels of inputs used in the Fair Value Measurements.
 
·  
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1): Inputs that are quoted unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market for the asset is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
 
·  
Other observable inputs (Level 2): Inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity including quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices for securities in inactive markets and inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
·  
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Inputs that reflect assumptions of a source independent of the reporting entity or the reporting entity's own assumptions that are supported by little or no market activity or observable inputs.
 
Financial instruments are broken down as follows by recurring or nonrecurring measurement status. Recurring assets are initially measured at fair value and are required to be remeasured at fair value in the financial statements at each reporting date. Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis are assets that, due to an event or circumstance, were required to be remeasured at fair value after initial recognition in the financial statements at some time during the reporting period.
 
The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2008.
 
Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values used by the Company are obtained from an independent pricing service, which represent either quoted market prices for the identical or fair values determined by pricing models, or other model-based valuation techniques, that consider observable market data, such as interest rate volatilities, LIBOR yield curve, credit spreads and prices from market makers and live trading systems. Recurring Level 1 securities include exchange traded equity securities. Recurring Level 2 securities include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, state and municipal bonds and U.S. government agency equity securities. Recurring Level 3 securities include one U.S. government agency security and one corporate debt security.
 
 
13

 
     
    
Fair value measurements at September 30, 2008, using
   
Fair value
  
Quoted prices in active
markets for identical assets
    
Other observable
inputs
    
Significant
unobservable
inputs
   
September  30,
2008
  
(Level 1)
    
(Level 2)
    
(Level 3)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale securities:
                      
U.S government agencies
 $ 
33,588
   $
---
   $ 
23,988
   $ 
9,600
     Collateralized mortgage obligations
  
73,781
    
---
    
73,781
    
---
Mortgage-backed securities
  
343,640
    
---
    
343,640
    
---
Corporate bonds
  
1,038
    
654
    
---
    
384
States and political subdivisions
  
51,606
    
---
    
51,606
    
---
Equity securities
  
2,062
    
864
    
1,198
    
---
     Total available-for-sale securities
 $ 
505,715
   $
1,518
   $ 
494,213
   $ 
9,984

The following is a reconciliation of activity for available-for-sale securities measured at fair value based on significant unobservable (Level 3) information. $9.6 million of U.S. government agency securities were reclassified from Level 2 to Level 3 due to a valuation provided by a bond trading desk, which was heavily influenced by unobservable market inputs during the quarter ended September 30, 2008.
 
 
Investment Securities
  
 
(In thousands)
  
Balance, July 1, 2008
  
$
445
  
Unrealized loss included in comprehensive income
    
(461
 ) 
Transfer from Level 2 to Level 3
    
10,000
  
Balance, September 30, 2008
  
$
   9,984
  
 
 
Investment Securities
  
 
(In thousands)
  
Balance, January 1, 2008
  
$
10,450
  
Unrealized loss included in comprehensive income
    
(466
 ) 
Balance, September 30, 2008
  
$
    9,984
  
 
Interest Rate Swap Agreements. The fair value is estimated by a third party using inputs that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data and, therefore, are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. These fair value estimations include primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves and option volatilities, and include the value associated with counterparty credit risk. Fair value estimates related to the Company’s hedged deposits are derived in the same manner. As of September 30, 2008, the Company assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its interest rate swap positions, and determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. The fair value of interest rate swaps at September 30, 2008, was a liability of $0.4 million.
 
 
14
 
The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2008.
 
Loans Held for Sale. Mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, the Company classifies mortgage loans held for sale as Nonrecurring Level 2. Write-downs to fair value typically do not occur as the Company generally enters into commitments to sell individual mortgage loans at the time the loan is originated to reduce market risk. The Company typically does not have commercial loans held for sale.
 
Impaired Loans. A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that all of the principal and interest due may not be collected according to its contractual terms.  Generally, when a loan is considered impaired, the amount of reserve required under SFAS No. 114 is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. The Company makes such measurements on all material loans deemed impaired using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. The fair value of collateral used by the Company is determined by obtaining an observable market price or by obtaining an appraised value from an independent, licensed or certified appraiser, using observable market data. This data includes information such as selling price of similar properties and capitalization rates of similar properties sold within the market, expected future cash flows or earnings of the subject property based on current market expectations, and other relevant factors. In addition, management may apply selling and other discounts to the underlying collateral value to determine the fair value. If an appraised value is not available, the fair value of the impaired loan is determined by an adjusted appraised value including unobservable cash flows.
 
The Company records impaired loans as Nonrecurring Level 3. If a loan’s fair value as estimated by the Company is less than its carrying value, the Company either records a charge-off of the portion of the loan that exceeds the fair value or establishes a specific reserve as part of the allowance for loan losses. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 114, impaired loans with a carrying value of $47.9 million, with an associated valuation reserve of $4.9 million, were recorded at their fair value of $43.0 million at September 30, 2008. Losses of $3.3 million and $47.2 million related to impaired loans were recognized in earnings through the provision for loan losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
 
NOTE 11: EMERGENCY ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT OF 2008

In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, on October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) was signed into law.  Pursuant to EESA, the U.S. Treasury will have the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgages, mortgaged-backed securities and certain other financial instruments from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets.  On October 14, 2008, the Department of the Treasury announced that it would purchase equity stakes in a wide variety of banks and thrifts using $250 billion of capital from the EESA funds under a program known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program (the “TARP Capital Purchase Program”).  The TARP Capital Purchase Program involves the purchase by the Treasury of preferred stock in financial institutions with warrants to purchase common stock.  Also on October 14, 2008, the FDIC announced the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, which provides for the guarantee of newly-issued senior unsecured debt of banks, thrifts and certain holding companies as well as full deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing deposit transaction accounts, regardless of dollar amount.  Unlimited coverage for non-interest bearing transaction accounts under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program is available for 30 days without charge and thereafter at a cost of 10 basis points per annum.  The Company is currently assessing its participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program and the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.

 
15
 
 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in the Company's press releases or other public or shareholder communications, and in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "project," "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, changes in economic conditions in the Company's market area, changes in policies by regulatory agencies, fluctuations in interest rates, the risks of lending and investing activities, including changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the Company's ability to access cost-effective funding, fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions, demand for loans and deposits in the Company's market area and competition, that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected. The Company wishes to advise readers that the factors listed above could affect the Company's financial performance and could cause the Company's actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements.
 
The Company does not undertake-and specifically declines any obligation-to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
 
Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates
 
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
The Company believes that the determination of the allowance for loan losses involves a higher degree of judgment and complexity than its other significant accounting policies. The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining an allowance level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated loan losses. Management's determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the loan portfolio and other relevant factors. However, this evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates of, including, among others, expected default probabilities, loss once loans default, expected commitment usage, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, value of collateral, estimated losses, and general amounts for historical loss experience.
 

 
16
 
 

The process also considers economic conditions, uncertainties in estimating losses and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. All of these factors may be susceptible to significant change. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provisions for loan losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods. In addition, the Bank’s regulators could require additional provisions for loan losses as part of their examination process.  The Bank's annual regulatory examination was held in October 2008.  The examination field work is complete and the Bank is awaiting the formal written report.
 
Additional discussion of the allowance for loan losses is included in the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the section titled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Allowances for Losses on Loans and Foreclosed Assets." Judgments and assumptions used by management in the past have resulted in an overall allowance for loan losses that has been sufficient to absorb estimated loan losses. Inherent in this process is the evaluation of individual significant credit relationships. From time to time certain credit relationships may deteriorate due to payment performance, cash flow of the borrower, value of collateral, or other factors. In these instances, management may have to revise its loss estimates and assumptions for these specific credits due to changing circumstances. In some cases, additional losses may be realized; in other instances, the factors that led to the deterioration may improve or the credit may be refinanced elsewhere and allocated allowances may be released from the particular credit. For the periods included in these financial statements, management's overall methodology for evaluating the allowance for loan losses has not changed significantly.
 
In addition, the Company considers that the determination of the valuations of foreclosed assets held for sale involves a high degree of judgment and complexity. The carrying value of foreclosed assets reflects management’s best estimate of the amount to be realized from the sales of the assets.  While the estimate is generally based on a valuation by an independent appraiser or recent sales of similar properties, the amount that the Company realizes from the sales of the assets could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in these financial statements, resulting in losses that could adversely impact earnings in future periods.
 
General
 
The profitability of the Company and, more specifically, the profitability of its primary subsidiary, Great Southern Bank (the "Bank"), depends primarily on its net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income the Bank earns on its loans and investment portfolio, and the interest it pays on interest-bearing liabilities, which consists mainly of interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is affected by the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned or paid on these balances. When interest-earning assets approximate or exceed interest-bearing liabilities, any positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income.
 
In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Great Southern's net loans decreased $46.8 million, or 2.6%, from $1.81 billion at December 31, 2007, to $1.77 billion at September 30, 2008. As loan demand is affected by a variety of factors, including general economic conditions, and because of the competition we face, we cannot be assured that our loan growth will match or exceed the level of increases achieved in prior years. Based upon the current lending environment and economic conditions, the Company does not expect to grow the overall loan portfolio significantly, if at all, at this time. However, some loan categories have experienced

 
17
 
 

increases. The main loan areas experiencing increases in the first nine months of 2008 were commercial real estate loans, one- to four-family and multifamily real estate loans and consumer loans, partially offset by lower balances in construction loans and commercial business loans. In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, outstanding residential and commercial construction loan balances decreased $84.4 million, to $601.6 million at September 30, 2008. In addition, the undisbursed portion of construction and land development loans decreased $165.3 million from $254.6 million at December 31, 2007, to $89.3 million at September 30, 2008. The Company's strategy continues to be focused on maintaining credit risk and interest rate risk at appropriate levels given the current credit and economic environments.

In addition, the level of non-performing loans and foreclosed assets may affect our net interest income and net income. While we have not historically had an overall high level of charge-offs on our non-performing loans prior to 2008, we do not accrue interest income on these loans and do not recognize interest income until the loan is repaid or interest payments have been made for a period of time sufficient to provide evidence of performance on the loans. Generally, the higher the level of non-performing assets, the greater the negative impact on interest income and net income.  We expect loan loss provision, non-performing assets and foreclosed assets to remain elevated.  In addition, expenses related to the credit resolution process should also remain elevated.
 
In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Great Southern's available-for-sale securities increased $80.7 million, or 19.0%, from $425 million at December 31, 2007, to $506 million at September 30, 2008. The Company’s mix of securities changed in the nine month period primarily in two categories. U.S. Government agency debt securities decreased $92.2 million primarily due to maturing short-term securities and longer term securities that were called at par by the issuing agency. The Company elected to replace these securities with U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities, which increased $160.5 million, to cover pledging requirements for public funds and customer repurchase agreements. Most of these agency mortgage-backed securities have interest rates that are fixed for a period of five to ten years and then adjust annually.
 
The Company attracts deposit accounts through our retail branch network, correspondent banking and corporate services areas, and brokered deposits. The Company then utilizes these deposit funds, along with Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) advances and other borrowings, to meet loan demand. In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, total deposit balances increased $91.3 million, or 5.2%. However, the mix of deposits continued to shift from checking deposits to certificates of deposit, primarily brokered CDs. Interest-bearing transaction accounts decreased $83.3 million while non-interest-bearing checking accounts decreased $23.7 million. Retail certificates of deposit decreased $20.1 million. There is a high level of competition for deposits in our markets. While it is our goal to gain checking account and certificate of deposit market share in our branch footprint, we cannot be assured of this in future periods. In 2007 and so far in 2008, our non-interest-bearing checking account balances have decreased, primarily as a result of lower balances being kept in correspondent bank customers' accounts. These lower balances are due to the effects of the correspondent customers clearing checks through other avenues using electronic presentment, thus requiring lower compensating balances. If this decrease in non-interest-bearing checking account balances relative to the balances in other deposit categories continues, it could negatively impact our net interest income. A significant amount of the reduction in interest-bearing checking balances was the result of customers moving funds into customer reverse repurchase agreements.
 

 
18
 
 

Total brokered deposits were $898.2 million at September 30, 2008, up from $674.6 million at December 31, 2007. Included in these totals at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, were Great Southern Bank customer deposits totaling $101.8 million and $88.8 million, respectively, that are part of the CDARS program which allows bank customers to maintain balances in an insured manner that would otherwise exceed the FDIC deposit insurance limit. The Company decided to increase the amount of longer-term brokered certificates of deposit in the first nine months of 2008 to provide liquidity for operations and to maintain in reserve its available secured funding lines with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) and the Federal Reserve Bank. In the first nine months of 2008, the Company issued approximately $292 million of new brokered certificates which are fixed rate certificates with maturity terms of generally two to four years, which the Company (at its discretion) may redeem at par generally after six months. In addition in the same period, the Company issued approximately $87 million of new brokered certificates, which are fixed rate certificates with maturity terms of generally two to four years, which the Company may not redeem prior to maturity. There are no interest rate swaps associated with these brokered certificates.
 
These funding changes contributed to decreases in our net interest income and net interest margin. These longer-term certificates carry an interest rate that is approximately 150 basis points higher than the interest rate that the Company would have paid if it instead utilized short-term advances from the FHLBank. The Company decided the higher rate was justified by the longer term and the ability to keep committed funding lines available. The net interest margin was also negatively impacted as the Company originated some of the new certificates in advance of the anticipated terminations of the existing certificates, thereby causing the Company to have excess funds for a period of time. These excess funds were invested in short-term cash equivalents at rates that at times caused the Company to earn a negative spread. Partially offsetting the increase in brokered CDs, several existing brokered certificates were redeemed by the Company in the first half of 2008 as the related interest rate swaps were terminated by the swap counterparties. These redeemed certificates had effective interest rates through the interest rate swaps of approximately 90-day LIBOR. Interest rate swap notional amounts have decreased from $419 million at December 31, 2007, to $38 million at September 30, 2008.

Our ability to fund growth in future periods may also be dependent on our ability to continue to access brokered deposits and FHLBank advances. In times when our loan demand has outpaced our generation of new deposits, we have utilized brokered deposits and FHLBank advances to fund these loans. These funding sources have been attractive to us because we can create variable rate funding, if desired, which more closely matches the variable rate nature of much of our loan portfolio. While we do not currently anticipate that our ability to access these sources will be reduced or eliminated in future periods, if this should happen, the limitation on our ability to fund additional loans would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our net interest income may be affected positively or negatively by market interest rate changes. A large portion of our loan portfolio is tied to the "prime" rate and adjusts immediately when this rate adjusts. We also have a portion of our liabilities that will reprice with changes to the federal funds rate or the three-month LIBOR rate. We monitor our sensitivity to interest rate changes on an ongoing basis (see "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk").
 

 
19
 
 

Ongoing changes in the level and shape of the interest rate yield curve pose challenges for interest rate risk management. Beginning in the second half of 2004 and through September 30, 2006, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "FRB") increased short-term interest rates through steady increases to the Federal Funds rate. Other short-term rates, such as LIBOR and short-term U.S. Treasury rates, increased in conjunction with these increases by the FRB. By September 30, 2006, the FRB had raised the Federal Funds rates by 4.25% (from 1.00% in June 2004) and other short-term rates rose by corresponding amounts. However, there was not a parallel shift in the yield curve; intermediate and long-term interest rates did not increase at a corresponding pace. This caused the shape of the interest rate yield curve to become much flatter, which creates different issues for interest rate risk management. On September 18, 2007, the FRB decreased the Federal Funds rate by 50 basis points and many market interest rates began to fall in the following weeks. In the months following September 2007, the FRB has reduced the Federal Funds rate by an additional 375 basis points. The Federal Funds rate now stands at 1.00%. However, funding costs for most financial services companies have not declined in tandem with these reductions in the Federal Funds rate. Competition for deposits, the desire for longer term funding, elevated LIBOR interest rates and wide credit spreads have kept borrowing costs relatively high in the current environment.
 
Another factor that continues to negatively impact net interest income is the elevated level of LIBOR interest rates compared to Federal Funds rates as a result of credit and liquidity concerns in financial markets. These LIBOR interest rates were elevated approximately 50-60 basis points compared to historical averages versus the stated Federal Funds rate for most of the three months ended September 30, 2008. In the latter portion of September 2008 and into October 2008, LIBOR rates spiked even higher in comparison to the stated Federal Funds rate. At times, these LIBOR interest rates have been elevated over 200 basis points compared to historical averages. The Company has interest rate swaps and other borrowings that are indexed to LIBOR, thereby causing increased funding costs. Funding costs related to brokered certificates of deposit have also been elevated due to competition by issuers seeking to generate significant funding.

The Federal Reserve most recently cut interest rates on October 29, 2008. Great Southern has a significant portfolio of loans which are tied to a “prime rate” of interest. Some of these loans are tied to a national index of “prime,” while most are indexed to “Great Southern prime.” The Company has elected to leave its “Great Southern prime rate” of interest at 5.00% in light of the current highly competitive funding environment for deposits, including LIBOR rates that have been over 4.00%. This does not affect a large number of customers as a majority of the loans indexed to “Great Southern prime” are already at interest rate floors which are provided for in individual loan documents. But for the interest rate floors, a  rate cut by the Federal Reserve generally would have an anticipated immediate negative impact on the Company’s net interest income due to the large total balance of loans which generally adjust immediately as the Federal Funds rate adjusts. Because the Federal Funds rate is already very low, there may also be a negative impact on the Company’s net interest income due to the Company’s inability to lower its funding costs in the current environment. Usually any negative impact is expected to be offset over the following 60- to 120-day period, and subsequently is expected to have a positive impact, as the Company’s interest rates on deposits, borrowings and interest rate swaps would normally also go down as a result of a reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, assuming normal credit, liquidity and competitive loan and deposit pricing pressures.  However, the operating environment has not been normal and interest costs for deposits and borrowings have been and continue

 
20
 
 

to be elevated because of abnormal credit, liquidity and competitive pricing pressures; therefore we expect our net interest margin will continue to be compressed.  Any anticipated positive impact will likely be reduced by the change in the funding mix noted above, as well as retail deposit competition in the Company’s market areas.

In addition, Great Southern's net interest margin has been negatively affected by certain characteristics of some of its loans, deposit mix, loan and deposit pricing by competitors, and timing of interest rate changes by the FRB as compared to interest rate changes in the financial markets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, interest income was reduced $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively, due to the reversal of accrued interest on loans which were added to non-performing status during those periods. This reduced net interest income and net interest margin. In addition, net interest income and net interest margin were negatively impacted by the effects of the accounting entries recorded for certain interest rate swaps (amortization of deposit broker origination fees). This amortization expense reduced net interest income by $2.5 million and $649,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
The negative impact of declining loan interest rates has been partially mitigated by the positive effects of the Company’s loans which have interest rate floors. At September 30, 2008, the Company had a portfolio of prime-based loans totaling approximately $1.03 billion with rates that change immediately with changes to the prime rate of interest. Of this total, $744 million represented loans which had interest rate floors. These floors were at varying rates, with $203 million of these loans having floor rates of 7.0% or greater and another $495 million of these loans having floor rates between 5.0% and 7.0%. At September 30, 2008, $668 million of these loans were at their floor rates. During 2003 and 2004, the Company's loan portfolio had loans with rate floors that were much lower. However, since market interest rates were also much lower at that time, these loan rate floors went into effect and established a loan rate which was higher than the contractual rate would have otherwise been. This contributed to a loan yield for the entire portfolio which was approximately 139 and 55 basis points higher than the "prime rate of interest" at December 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively. As interest rates rose in the second half of 2004 and throughout 2005 and 2006, these interest rate floors were exceeded and the loans reverted back to their normal contractual interest rate terms. At December 31, 2005, the loan yield for the portfolio was approximately 8 basis points higher than the "prime rate of interest," resulting in lower interest rate margins. At December 31, 2006, the loan portfolio yield was approximately 5 basis points lower than the "prime rate of interest." During the latter portion of 2007 and into 2008, as the "prime rate of interest" has gone down, the Company's loan portfolio again has had loans with rate floors that went into effect and established a loan rate which was higher than the contractual rate would have otherwise been. This contributed to a loan yield for the entire portfolio which was approximately 33 basis points higher than the "prime rate of interest" at December 31, 2007. At September 30, 2008, the loan yield for the portfolio had increased to a level that was approximately 142 basis points higher than the national "prime rate of interest." In October 2008, the national “prime rate of interest” decreased an additional 100 basis points. While interest rate floors have had an overall positive effect on the Company’s results, they do subject the Company to the risk that borrowers will elect to refinance their loans with other lenders.
 
 
 

 
21
 
 

The Company's profitability is also affected by the level of its non-interest income and operating expenses. Non-interest income consists primarily of service charges and ATM fees, commissions earned by our travel, insurance and investment divisions, late charges and prepayment fees on loans, gains on sales of loans and available-for-sale investments and other general operating income. Non-interest income is also affected by the Company's interest rate hedging activities. Operating expenses consist primarily of salaries and employee benefits, occupancy-related expenses, expenses related to foreclosed assets, postage, insurance, advertising and public relations, telephone, professional fees, office expenses and other general operating expenses.
 
Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2008 decreased primarily as a result of the impairment write-down in value of the Company’s investments in available-for-sale Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac perpetual preferred stock. This write-down totaled $5.3 million on a pre-tax basis. As previously reported in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2008, the Company’s investments in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities were included in securities available for sale at a cost of $4.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively. These securities have recently traded at 5 to 10 percent of par value and are currently not expected to pay dividends. It is unclear if or when the values of such investment securities will improve, or whether such values will deteriorate further. Based on these developments, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment. The Company does not own any other equity securities issued by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Third quarter 2008 commission income from the Company’s travel, insurance and investment divisions decreased $471,000, or 19.3%, compared to the same period in 2007. Part of this decrease was in the investment division as a result of the alliance formed with Ameriprise Financial Services through Penney, Murray and Associates. As a result of this change, Great Southern now records most of its investment services activity on a net basis in non-interest income. Thus, non-interest expense related to the investment services division is also reduced. The Company’s travel division also experienced a decrease in commission income.
 
The change in the fair value of certain interest rate swaps and the related change in fair value of hedged deposits resulted in an increase in non-interest income of $5.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, and an increase of $843,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Income of this magnitude related to the change in the fair value of certain interest rate swaps and the related change in the fair value of hedged deposits should not be expected in future quarters. This income is part of a 2005 accounting restatement in which approximately $3.4 million (net of taxes) was charged against retained earnings in 2005. This charge has been (and continues to be) recovered in subsequent periods as interest rate swaps matured or were terminated by the swap counterparty.
 
Total non-interest expense increased 10.0% in the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Total non-interest expense increased 11.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. These increases were due to expenses related to problem loans and foreclosed assets, expenses related to FDIC insurance premiums and the continued growth of the Company. Excluding the increase in expenses on foreclosed assets, non-interest expenses decreased $413,000, or 3.1%, in the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Excluding the increase in expenses on foreclosed assets, non-interest expenses increased $2.1 million, or 5.7%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Due to the increase in the level of foreclosed assets, foreclosure-related expenses in the third quarter of 2008 were higher than the comparable 2007 period by approximately $1.7 million. For the same reason, foreclosure-related expenses increased $2.2 million in the nine months ended September
 

 
22
 
 

30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. In 2007, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) began to once again assess insurance premiums on insured institutions. Under the new pricing system, institutions in all risk categories, even the best rated, are charged an FDIC premium. Great Southern received a deposit insurance credit as a result of premiums previously paid. The Company's credit offset assessed premiums for the first half of 2007, but premiums were owed by the Company in the latter half of 2007 and into 2008. The Company incurred additional deposit insurance expense of $39,000 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007, and the Company expects a similar expense in subsequent quarters. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007, the Company incurred additional insurance expense of $753,000.
 
In addition to the expense increases noted above, the Company’s increase in non-interest expense in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 related to the continued growth of the Company. Late in the first quarter of 2007, Great Southern completed its acquisition of a travel agency in St. Louis. In addition since June 2007, the Company opened banking centers in Springfield, Mo. and Branson, Mo. In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007, non-interest expenses increased $600,000 related to the ongoing operations of these entities.
 
The operations of the Bank, and banking institutions in general, are significantly influenced by general economic conditions and related monetary and fiscal policies of regulatory agencies. Deposit flows and the cost of deposits and borrowings are influenced by interest rates on competing investments and general market rates of interest. Lending activities are affected by the demand for financing real estate and other types of loans, which in turn are affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered and other factors affecting loan demand and the availability of funds.
 
Business Initiatives
 
The Company is expanding its retail banking center network in the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan regions. This is part of the Company's overall long-term plan to open two to three banking centers per year as market conditions warrant. The Company's first retail banking center in the St. Louis market is expected to open in 2009. Located in Creve Coeur, Mo., the full-service banking center will complement a loan production office and a Great Southern Travel office already in operation in this market. Construction will be underway soon on a second banking center in the Lee's Summit, Mo., market, a suburb of Kansas City. The banking center should be completed in 2009 and will enhance access and service to Lee's Summit-area customers. Great Southern opened its first Lee's Summit retail location in 2006.  Currently, the Company has not slated any new banking center openings beyond 2009.
 
Effect of Federal Laws and Regulations
 
Federal legislation and regulation significantly affect the banking operations of the Company and the Bank, and have increased competition among commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking enterprises and other financial institutions. In particular, the capital requirements and operations of regulated depository institutions such as the Company and the Bank have been and will be subject to changes in applicable statutes and regulations from time to
 

 
23
 
 

time, which changes could, under certain circumstances, adversely affect the Company or the Bank.
 
Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company increased total assets by $96.2 million to $2.53 billion. Net loans decreased by $46.8 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, gross residential and commercial construction loan balances decreased $235.9 million. The main loan areas experiencing increases in the first nine months of 2008 were commercial real estate loans, one- to four-family and multifamily real estate loans and consumer loans, partially offset by lower average balances in construction loans and commercial business loans. The Company's strategy continues to be focused on maintaining credit risk and interest rate risk at appropriate levels given the current credit and economic environments. The Company does not expect to grow the loan portfolio significantly at this time. Available-for-sale investment securities increased by $80.7 million and cash and cash equivalents increased $42.5 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the average balance of investment securities and other interest-earning assets increased by $61.0 million compared to the same period in 2007 due to the purchase of securities and interest-bearing deposits to provide liquidity and to be pledged against customer reverse repurchase agreements,  public funds deposits and structured repo borrowings. In some instances, the Company invested excess funds in short-term cash equivalents at rates that at times caused the Company to earn a negative spread. While the Company generally earned a positive spread on securities purchased, it was much smaller than the Company's overall net interest spread, having the effect of increasing net interest income but decreasing net interest margin. While there is no specifically stated goal, the available-for-sale securities portfolio has recently been approximately 15% to 20% of total assets. The available-for-sale securities portfolio was 20.0% and 17.5% of total assets at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Foreclosed assets increased $12.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. See “Non-performing assets – foreclosed assets” for additional information on the Company’s foreclosed assets.
 
Total liabilities increased $117.3 million from December 31, 2007 to $2.36 billion at September 30, 2008. Deposits increased $91.3 million and securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements with customers increased $85.6 million. Partially offsetting these increases, short-term borrowings decreased $20.5 million and FHLBank advances decreased $91.1 million, from $213.9 million at December 31, 2007, to $122.8 million at September 30, 2008. The level of FHLBank advances and short-term borrowings will fluctuate depending on growth in the Company's loan portfolio and other funding needs and sources of the Company. These decreases during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily related to the maturity of very short-term FHLBank advances and Federal Reserve Term Auction Facility funds which had been obtained near the end of 2007 to meet funding needs at year-end. In September 2008, the Company entered into a structured repo borrowing transaction for $50 million. This borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.34% if three-month LIBOR remains at 2.81% or less on quarterly interest reset dates; if LIBOR is above the 2.81% rate on quarterly interest reset dates, then the Company’s borrowing rate decreases by 2.5 times the difference in LIBOR (up to 250 basis points). Deposits (excluding brokered and national certificates of deposit) decreased $114.1 million from December 31, 2007. Retail CDs and non-interest-bearing transaction accounts decreased $20.1 million and $23.7 million, respectively. Interest-bearing checking accounts
 

 
24
 
 

(mainly money market accounts) decreased $83.3 million. Checking account balances totaled $550.4 million at September 30, 2008, down from $657.4 million at December 31, 2007. A significant amount of this reduction in checking balances was moved into customer reverse repurchase agreements as noted above. Total brokered deposits were $898.2 million at September 30, 2008, up from $674.6 million at December 31, 2007. Included in these totals at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, were Great Southern Bank customer deposits totaling $101.8 million and $88.8 million, respectively, that are part of the CDARS program which allows bank customers to maintain balances in an insured manner that would otherwise exceed the FDIC deposit insurance limit. The Company decided to increase the amount of longer-term brokered certificates of deposit in the first nine months of 2008 to provide liquidity for operations and to maintain in reserve its available secured funding lines with the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank. In the first nine months of 2008, the Company issued approximately $292 million of new brokered certificates which are fixed rate certificates with maturity terms of generally two to four years, which the Company (at its discretion) may redeem at par generally after six months. In addition in the same period, the Company issued approximately $87 million of new brokered certificates, which are fixed rate certificates with maturity terms of generally two to four years, which the Company may not redeem prior to maturity. There are no interest rate swaps associated with these brokered certificates.
 
Stockholders' equity decreased $21.1 million from $189.9 million at December 31, 2007 to $168.8 million at September 30, 2008. The Company recorded a net loss of $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, dividends declared were $7.2 million, net repurchases of the Company's common stock were $149,000 and accumulated other comprehensive loss increased $5.8 million.  The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss resulted from decreases in the fair value of the Company's available-for-sale investment securities.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 21,200 shares of its common stock at an average price of $19.19 per share and issued 1,972 shares at an average price of $13.23 per share to cover stock option exercises.
 
In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company was not aggressively buying back shares of its stock in an effort to conserve its capital. Management may purchase the Company’s common stock from time to time as long as it believes that repurchasing the stock contributes to the overall growth of shareholder value and the maintenance of appropriate capital levels. The number of shares of stock that will be repurchased and the price that will be paid is the result of many factors, several of which are outside the control of the Company. The primary factors, however, are the number of shares available in the market from sellers at any given time, the price of the stock within the market as determined by the market, and the projected impact on the Company's capital and earnings per share.
 
Results of Operations and Comparison for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
General
 
Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, net income decreased $6.5 million, or 88.7%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease
 

 
25
 
 

was primarily due to an increase in provision for loan losses of $3.2 million, or 233.3%, an increase in non-interest expense of $1.3 million, or 10.0%, and a decrease in non-interest income of $5.8 million, or 76.5%, partially offset by an increase in net interest income of $435,000, or 2.4%, and a decrease in provision for income taxes of $3.4 million, or 94.9%.
 
Excluding the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, economically, net income decreased $6.5 million, or 87.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in provision for loan losses of $3.2 million, or 233.3%, an increase in non-interest expense of $1.3 million, or 10.0%, and a decrease in non-interest income of $5.7 million, or 76.3%, partially offset by an increase in net interest income of $368,000, or 2.0%, and a decrease in provision for income taxes of $3.4 million, or 93.8%.
 
Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, net income decreased $30.9 million, or 135.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in provision for loan losses of $43.1 million, or 1,044.2%, an increase in non-interest expense of $4.3 million, or 11.4%, and a decrease in non-interest income of $667,000, or 3.0%, partially offset by an increase in net interest income of $735,000, or 1.4%, and a decrease in provision for income taxes of $16.5 million, or 148.0%.
 
Excluding the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, economically, net income decreased $32.5 million, or 143.4%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in provision for loan losses of $43.1 million, or 1,044.2%, an increase in non-interest expense of $4.3 million, or 11.4%, and a decrease in non-interest income of $5.0 million, or 23.0%, partially offset by an increase in net interest income of $2.5 million, or 4.7%, and a decrease in provision for income taxes of $17.4 million, or 157.5%.
 
The information presented in the table below and elsewhere in this report excluding hedge accounting entries recorded (for the 2008 and 2007 periods) is not prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). The tables below and elsewhere in this report excluding hedge accounting entries recorded (for the 2008 and 2007 periods) contain reconciliations of this information to the reported information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes that this non-GAAP financial information is useful in its internal management financial analyses and may also be useful to investors because the Company believes that the exclusion of these items from the specified components of net income better reflect the Company's underlying operating results during the periods indicated for the reasons described above. The amortization of deposit broker fees and the net change in fair value of interest rate swaps and related deposits may be volatile. For example, if market interest rates decrease significantly, the interest rate swap counterparties may wish to terminate the swaps prior to their stated maturities. If a swap is terminated, it is likely that the Company would redeem the related deposit account at face value. If the deposit account is redeemed, any unamortized broker fee associated with the deposit account must be written off to interest expense. In addition, if the interest rate swap is terminated, there may be an income or expense impact related to the fair values of the swap and related deposit which were previously recorded
 

 
26
 
 

in the Company's financial statements. The effect on net income, net interest income, net interest margin and non-interest income could be significant in any given reporting period.
 
Selected Financial Data and Non-GAAP Reconciliation
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
Dollars
    
Earnings Per
Diluted Share
    
Dollars
    
Earnings Per
Diluted Share
    
                           
Reported Earnings
  
$
824
    
$
.06
    
$
7,317
    
$
.54
    
Amortization of deposit broker
   origination fees (net of taxes)
    
90
      
.01
      
134
      
.01
    
Net change in fair value of interest
   rate swaps and related deposits
   (net of taxes)
    
(14
)
    
--
      
(90
)
    
(.01
)
  
Earnings excluding impact
   of hedge accounting entries
  
$
900
    
$
.07
    
$
7,361
    
$
.54
    
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
Dollars
    
Earnings (Loss)
Per Diluted Share
    
Dollars
    
Earnings (Loss)
Per Diluted Share
    
                           
Reported Earnings
  
$
(7,997
)
  
$
(.60
)
  
$
22,860
    
$
1.67
    
Amortization of deposit broker
   origination fees (net of taxes)
    
1,607
      
.12
      
422
      
.03
    
Net change in fair value of interest
   rate swaps and related deposits
   (net of taxes)
    
(3,435
)
    
(.25
)
    
(655
)
    
(.05
)
  
Earnings excluding impact
   of hedge accounting entries
  
$
(9,825
)
  
$
(.73
)
  
$
22,627
    
$
1.65
    

Total Interest Income
 
Total interest income decreased $7.0 million, or 16.6%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease was due to a $7.6 million, or 20.9%, decrease in interest income on loans, partially offset by a $692,000, or 13.0%, increase in interest income on investments and other interest-earning assets. Interest income for investment securities and other interest-earning assets increased due to higher average balances, partially offset by lower average rates of interest. Interest income for loans decreased due to significantly lower average rates of interest, partially offset by higher average
 

 
27
 
 

balances. The lower average rates were a result of the significant decreases to the prime rate of interest since the third quarter of 2007.
 
Total interest income decreased $14.1 million, or 11.5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease was due to a $16.1 million, or 15.0%, decrease in interest income on loans, partially offset by a $2.0 million, or 12.6%, increase in interest income on investments and other interest-earning assets. Interest income for investment securities and other interest-earning assets increased due to higher average balances, partially offset by slightly lower average rates of interest. Interest income for loans decreased due to significantly lower average rates of interest, partially offset by higher average balances. The lower average rates were a result of the significant decreases to the prime rate of interest since the third quarter of 2007.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, and 2007, interest income was reduced $352,000 and $659,000, respectively, due to the reversal of accrued interest on loans which were added to non-performing status during the quarters. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, and 2007, interest income was reduced $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively, due to the reversal of accrued interest on loans which were added to non-performing status during the periods. Partially offsetting this, the Company collected interest which was previously charged off in the amount of $0 and $76,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $78,000 and $183,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The net effect of these reversals and collections reduced net interest income and net interest margin. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same periods in 2007, the average balance of investment securities and other interest-earning assets increased by approximately $50-80 million due to excess funds for liquidity and the purchase of very short-term discount notes and other securities to pledge against public funds deposits, customer repurchase agreements and structured repo borrowings. While the Company earned a positive spread on these securities (leading to higher net interest income), it was much smaller than the Company's overall net interest spread, having the effect of decreasing net interest margin. See "Net Interest Income" for additional information on the impact of this interest activity.
 
Interest Income - Loans
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007, interest income on loans decreased due to lower average interest rates, partially offset by higher average balances. Interest income decreased $8.4 million as the result of lower average interest rates on loans. The average yield on loans decreased from 8.08% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 6.28% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. Generally, a rate cut by the FRB would have an anticipated immediate negative impact on interest income and net interest income due to the large total balance of loans which generally adjust immediately as Fed Funds adjust. A large portion of the Bank's loan portfolio is prime-based with interest rate floors and, therefore, adjusts with changes to the "prime rate" of interest. Prior to 2006, when market interest rates were lower, many of these loan rate floors were in effect and established a loan rate which was higher than the contractual rate would have otherwise been. During 2006 and 2007, as market interest rates rose, many of these interest rate floors were exceeded and the loans reverted back to their normal contractual interest
 

 
28
 
 

rate terms. In the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first nine months of 2008, the FRB significantly lowered the Federal Funds interest rate. This has led to many of the Company’s loans which are tied to the prime rate of interest again having loan rate floors which are in effect as of September 30, 2008. In the three months ended September 30, 2008, the average yield on loans was 6.28% versus an average prime rate for the period of 5.00%, or a difference of a positive 128 basis points. In the three months ended September 30, 2007, the average yield on loans was 8.08% versus an average prime rate for the period of 8.18%, or a difference of a negative 10 basis points.
 
Interest income increased $742,000 as the result of higher average loan balances from $1.80 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2007 to $1.84 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2008. The higher average balance resulted principally from the Bank's increases in average balances in commercial real estate loans, one- to four-family and multifamily real estate loans and consumer loans, partially offset by lower average balances in construction loans and commercial business loans. The Bank's one- to four-family residential loan portfolio balance increased in 2007 and to date in 2008 due to increased production by the Bank’s mortgage division. The Bank generally sells fixed-rate one- to four-family residential loans in the secondary market.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007, interest income on loans decreased due to lower average interest rates, partially offset by higher average balances. Interest income decreased $22.1 million as the result of lower average interest rates on loans. The average yield on loans decreased from 8.18% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 6.57% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. A large portion of the Bank's loan portfolio adjusts with changes to the "prime rate" of interest, as discussed above. In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the average yield on loans was 6.57% versus an average prime rate for the period of 5.44%, or a difference of a positive 113 basis points. In the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the average yield on loans was 8.18% versus an average prime rate for the period of 8.23%, or a difference of a negative 5 basis points.
 
Interest income increased $6.0 million as the result of higher average loan balances from $1.76 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to $1.86 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The higher average balance resulted principally from the Bank's increases in average balances in commercial real estate loans, one- to four-family and multifamily real estate loans and consumer loans. The Bank's one- to four-family residential loan portfolio balance increased in 2007 and to date in 2008 due to increased production by the Bank’s mortgage division. The Bank generally sells fixed-rate one- to four-family residential loans in the secondary market.
 
Interest Income - Investments and Other Interest-earning Assets
 
Interest income on investments and other interest-earning assets increased $692,000, mainly as a result of higher average balances, partially offset by lower average rates of interest, during the three months ended September 30, 2008, when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. Interest income increased $849,000 as a result of an increase in average balances from $427 million during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $498 million during the
 

 
29
 
 

three months ended September 30, 2008. Interest income decreased $157,000 as a result of a decrease in average rates from 4.96% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 4.82% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. In 2005 and 2006, as principal balances on mortgage-backed securities were paid down through prepayments and normal amortization, the Company replaced a large portion of these securities with variable-rate mortgage-backed securities (primarily one-year and hybrid ARMs) which had a lower yield at the time of purchase relative to the fixed-rate securities remaining in the portfolio. As these securities reached interest rate reset dates in 2007, their rates typically have increased along with market interest rate increases. As market interest rates (primarily treasury rates and LIBOR rates) have generally declined from 2007 levels, the interest rates on those securities that reprice in 2008 likely will not increase and some could decrease at their next interest rate reset date. The actual amount of securities that will reprice and the actual interest rate changes on these securities is subject to the level of prepayments on these securities and the changes that actually occur in market interest rates (primarily treasury rates and LIBOR rates). The increase in average balances of investment securities in the first nine months of 2008 was primarily in available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities, where securities were needed for liquidity and pledging to deposit accounts under customer repurchase agreements and public fund deposits. The majority of these added securities are backed by hybrid ARMs which will have fixed rates of interest for a period of time (generally five to ten years) and then will adjust annually. In addition, the Company has several agency securities that are callable at the option of the issuer. Many of these securities were called in the first half of 2008, so the balance of U. S. Government agency securities has decreased. It is possible that, if market interest rates decline, agency security balances may be reduced further in 2008. The actual amount of securities that will reprice and the actual interest rate changes on these securities is subject to the level of prepayments on these securities and the changes that actually occur in market interest rates (primarily treasury rates and LIBOR rates). The Company had total variable-rate mortgage-backed securities of approximately $234 million at September 30, 2008.
 
Interest income on investments and other interest-earning assets increased $2.0 million, mainly as a result of higher average balances, partially offset by lower average rates of interest, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Interest income increased $2.2 million as a result of an increase in average balances from $430 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $491 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Interest income decreased $231,000 as a result of a decrease in average rates from 4.87% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 4.79% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
Total Interest Expense
 
Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, total interest expense decreased $7.4 million, or 30.7%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on deposits of $6.2 million, or 31.0%, a decrease in interest expense on short-term borrowings and structured repo of $444,000, or 23.2%, a decrease in interest expense on FHLBank advances of $598,000, or 34.4%, and a decrease in interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust of $186,000, or 35.6%.
 

 
30
 
 

Excluding the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, total interest expense decreased $7.3 million, or 30.7%, during the three months ended September 30, 2008, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on deposits of $6.1 million, or 31.0%, a decrease in interest expense on short-term borrowings and structured repo of $444,000, or 23.2%, a decrease in interest expense on FHLBank advances of $598,000, or 34.4%, and a decrease in interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust of $186,000, or 35.6%.
 
Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, total interest expense decreased $14.8 million, or 21.3%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on deposits of $12.0 million, or 20.9%, a decrease in interest expense on short-term borrowings and structured repo of $1.3 million, or 23.7%, a decrease in interest expense on FHLBank advances of $1.2 million, or 23.7%, and a decrease in interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust of $305,000, or 21.8%.
 
Excluding the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, total interest expense decreased $16.6 million, or 24.2%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on deposits of $13.8 million, or 24.4%, a decrease in interest expense on short-term borrowings and structured repo of $1.3 million, or 23.7%, a decrease in interest expense on FHLBank advances of $1.2 million, or 23.7%, and a decrease in interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust of $305,000, or 21.8%.
 
The amortization of the deposit broker origination fees which were originally recorded as part of the 2005 accounting change regarding interest rate swaps significantly increased interest expense in both the first and second quarters of 2008, but did not have a significant effect in the third quarter of 2008. The amortization of these fees totaled $139,000 and $206,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $2.5 million and $649,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company expects that this fee amortization will be significantly less in the remainder of 2008 and thereafter, as fewer interest rate swaps remain and they are not as likely to be called. At September 30, 2008, the Company had $1.0 million of the original $6.5 million of the deposit broker origination fees which were originally recorded as part of the 2005 accounting change regarding interest rate swaps left to amortize in interest expense in future periods.
 
Interest Expense - Deposits
 
Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, interest on demand deposits decreased $2.2 million due to a decrease in average rates from 3.51% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 1.50% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. The average interest rates decreased due to lower overall market rates of interest throughout the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first nine months of 2008. Market rates of interest on checking and money market accounts began to decrease in the
 

 
31
 
 

fourth quarter of 2007 as the FRB reduced short-term interest rates. These FRB reductions have now continued into the fourth quarter of 2008. Interest on demand deposits decreased $540,000 due to a decrease in average balances from $491 million during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $436 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008. Average noninterest-bearing demand balances decreased from $167 million in the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $147 million in the three months ended September 30, 2008.
 
Interest expense on deposits decreased $5.1 million as a result of a decrease in average rates of interest on time deposits from 5.40% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.77% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. This average rate of interest included the amortization of the deposit broker origination fees discussed above. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.6 million due to an increase in average balances of time deposits from $1.14 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $1.27 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2008. Market rates of interest on new certificates decreased since 2007 as the FRB reduced short-term interest rates. In addition, the Company's interest rate swaps repriced to lower rates in conjunction with the decreases in market interest rates in the first nine months of 2008.
 
The effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps did not impact interest on demand deposits.
 
Excluding the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, economically, interest expense on deposits decreased $5.0 million as a result of a decrease in average rates of interest on time deposits from 5.33% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.72% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. Interest expense on deposits also increased $1.6 million due to an increase in average balances of time deposits from $1.14 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $1.27 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2008.
 
Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, interest on demand deposits decreased $6.1 million due to a decrease in average rates from 3.43% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 1.84% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The average rates of interest decreased due to lower overall market rates of interest throughout the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first nine months of 2008. Market rates of interest on checking and money market accounts began to decrease in the fourth quarter of 2007 as the FRB reduced short-term interest rates. These FRB reductions have now continued into the fourth quarter of 2008. Interest on demand deposits increased $1.1 million due to an increase in average balances from $470 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $517 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Average noninterest-bearing demand balances decreased from $171 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $149 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
Interest expense on deposits decreased $10.2 million as a result of a decrease in average rates of interest on time deposits from 5.34% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 4.20% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. This average rate of interest included the amortization of the deposit broker origination fees discussed above. Interest expense on deposits increased $3.1 million due to an increase in average balances of time deposits from
 

 
32
 
 

$1.14 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $1.22 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Market rates of interest on new certificates decreased since 2007 as the FRB reduced short-term interest rates. In addition, the Company's interest rate swaps repriced to lower rates in conjunction with the decreases in market interest rates in the first nine months of 2008.
 
Excluding the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded in 2008 and 2007 for certain interest rate swaps, economically, interest expense on deposits decreased $11.9 million as a result of a decrease in average rates of interest on time deposits from 5.26% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.93% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Interest expense on deposits also increased $3.1 million due to an increase in average balances of time deposits from $1.14 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $1.22 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
Interest Expense - FHLBank Advances, Short-term Borrowings and Structured Repo Borrowings and Subordinated Debentures Issued to Capital Trust
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007, interest expense on FHLBank advances decreased primarily due to lower average interest rates. Interest expense on FHLBank advances decreased $316,000 due to a decrease in average interest rates from 4.87% in the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.69% in the three months ended September 30, 2008. Rates on advances decreased as the Company employed advances which matured in a relatively short term and advances which are indexed to one-month LIBOR and adjust monthly, taking advantage of the falling interest rate environment. Interest expense on FHLBank advances decreased $282,000 due to a decrease in average balances from $142 million during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $123 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007, interest expense on FHLBank advances decreased primarily due to lower average interest rates. Interest expense on FHLBank advances decreased $1.2 million due to a decrease in average interest rates from 4.93% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.76% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Rates on advances decreased as the Company employed advances which matured in a relatively short term and advances which are indexed to one-month LIBOR and adjust monthly, taking advantage of the falling interest rate environment. Average balances of FHLBank advances were $137 million during both the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
 
Interest expense on short-term and structured repo borrowings decreased $1.2 million due to a decrease in average rates on short-term borrowings from 4.37% in the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 2.13% in the three months ended September 30, 2008. The average interest rates decreased due to lower overall market rates of interest in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Market rates of interest on short-term borrowings began to decrease in the fourth quarter of 2007 and continued to decrease through the third quarter of 2008 as the FRB has decreased short-term interest rates. Interest expense on short-term borrowings increased $802,000 due to an increase in average balances from $174 million during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $276 million during the three months ended
 

 
33
 
 

September 30, 2008. The increase in balances of short-term borrowings was primarily due to the Company’s use of borrowing lines available under the Federal Reserve’s Term Auction Facility and increases in securities sold under repurchase agreements with the Company's deposit customers. In addition, in September 2008, the Company entered into a structured repo borrowing agreement totaling $50 million which bears interest at a fixed rate unless LIBOR exceeds 2.81%. If LIBOR exceeds 2.81%, the borrowing costs decrease by a multiple of the difference between LIBOR and 2.81%. This rate adjusts quarterly.
 
Interest expense on short-term and structured repo borrowings decreased $3.3 million due to a decrease in average rates on short-term borrowings from 4.45% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 2.33% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The average interest rates decreased due to lower overall market rates of interest in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Market rates of interest on short-term borrowings began to decrease in the fourth quarter of 2007 and continued to decrease through the first nine months of 2008 as the FRB has decreased short-term interest rates. Interest expense on short-term borrowings increased $2.0 million due to an increase in average balances from $168 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $244 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The increase in balances of short-term borrowings was primarily due to the Company’s use of borrowing lines available under the Federal Reserve’s Term Auction Facility and increases in securities sold under repurchase agreements with the Company's deposit customers. In addition, in September 2008, the Company entered into a structured repo borrowing agreement totaling $50 million described above.
 
Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust decreased $196,000 due to decreases in average rates from 6.83% in the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 4.32% in the three months ended September 30, 2008. As LIBOR rates decreased from the same period a year ago, the interest rates on these instruments also adjusted lower. Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust increased $10,000 due to a slight increases in average balances from $30 million in the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $31 million in the three months ended September 30, 2008. In July 2007, the Company issued $5 million of new trust preferred debentures, increasing the amount of trust preferred debentures outstanding.
 
Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust decreased $475,000 due to decreases in average rates from 6.86% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 4.74% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. As LIBOR rates decreased from the same period a year ago, the interest rates on these instruments also adjusted lower. Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust increased $170,000 due to increases in average balances from $27 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $31 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. In July 2007, the Company issued $5 million of new trust preferred debentures, increasing the amount of trust preferred debentures outstanding.
 

 

 
34
 
 

Net Interest Income
 
Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded for certain interest rate swaps in 2008 and 2007, the Company's overall average interest rate spread increased 21 basis points, or 7.9%, from 2.66% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 2.87% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. Changes in the average interest rate spread included a 173 basis point decrease in the weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a 152 basis point decrease in the weighted average yield received on interest-earning assets. The Company's overall net interest margin decreased 7 basis points, or 2.2%, from 3.20% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.13% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. In comparing the two periods, the yield on loans decreased 180 basis points while the yield on investment securities and other interest-earning assets decreased 14 basis points. The rate paid on deposits decreased 164 basis points, the rate paid on FHLBank advances decreased 118 basis points, the rate paid on short-term and structured repo borrowings decreased 224 basis points, and the rate paid on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust decreased 251 basis points. The rate paid on deposits was affected by the amortization of the deposit broker origination fees discussed above.
 
The prime rate of interest averaged 8.18% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to an average of 5.00% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. The prime rate began to decrease in the latter half of 2007 as the FRB began to lower short-term interest rates, and stood at 5.00% at September 30, 2008. A large percentage of the Bank's loans are indexed to the prime rate of interest, which resulted in decreased loan yields in 2008 compared to 2007.
 
Interest rates paid on deposits, FHLBank advances, short-term borrowings and subordinated debentures were significantly lower in the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the 2007 period. Interest costs on these liabilities began to decrease in the latter half of 2007 and throughout the first nine months of 2008 as a result of declining short-term market interest rates, primarily due to decreases by the FRB. The Company continues to utilize (although currently to a significantly lesser degree) interest rate swaps and FHLBank advances that reprice frequently to manage overall interest rate risk. See "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for additional information on the Company's interest rate swaps.
 
Excluding the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded for certain interest rate swaps in 2008 and 2007, the Company's overall average interest rate spread increased 20 basis points, or 7.4%, from 2.70% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 2.90% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. The increase was due to a 171 basis point decrease in the weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a 152 basis point decrease in the weighted average yield received on interest-earning assets. The Company's overall net interest margin decreased 8 basis points, or 2.5%, from 3.23% during the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.15% during the three months ended September 30, 2008. In comparing the two periods, the yield on loans decreased 180 basis points while the yield on investment securities and other interest-earning assets decreased 14 basis points. The rate paid on deposits decreased 162 basis points, the rate paid on FHLBank advances decreased 118 basis points, the rate paid on short-term and structured repo borrowings decreased 224 basis points, and the rate paid on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust decreased 251 basis points.
 

 
35
 
 

Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded for certain interest rate swaps in 2008 and 2007, the Company's overall average interest rate spread increased 6 basis points from 2.74% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to 2.80% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Changes in the average interest rate spread included a 139 basis point decrease in the weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a 133 basis point decrease in the weighted average yield received on interest-earning assets. The Company's overall net interest margin decreased 19 basis points, or 5.8%, from 3.28% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.09% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. In comparing the two periods, the yield on loans decreased 161 basis points while the yield on investment securities and other interest-earning assets decreased 8 basis points. The rate paid on deposits decreased 128 basis points, the rate paid on FHLBank advances decreased 117 basis points, the rate paid on short-term and structured repo borrowings decreased 212 basis points, and the rate paid on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust decreased 212 basis points. The rate paid on deposits was affected by the amortization of the deposit broker origination fees discussed above.
 
The prime rate of interest averaged 8.23% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to an average of 5.44% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The prime rate began to decrease in the latter half of 2007 as the FRB began to lower short-term interest rates, and stood at 5.00% at September 30, 2008. A large percentage of the Bank's loans are indexed to the prime rate of interest, which resulted in decreased loan yields in 2008 compared to 2007.
 
Excluding the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded for certain interest rate swaps in 2008 and 2007, the Company's overall average interest rate spread increased 17 basis points, or 6.1%, from 2.78% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 2.95% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The increase was due to a 150 basis point decrease in the weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a 133 basis point decrease in the weighted average yield received on interest-earning assets. The Company's overall net interest margin decreased 9 basis points, or 2.7%, from 3.32% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 3.23% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. In comparing the two periods, the yield on loans decreased 161 basis points while the yield on investment securities and other interest-earning assets decreased 8 basis points. The rate paid on deposits decreased 141 basis points, the rate paid on FHLBank advances decreased 117 basis points, the rate paid on short-term and structured repo borrowings decreased 212 basis points, and the rate paid on subordinated debentures issued to capital trust decreased 212 basis points.
 

 
36
 
 

Non-GAAP Reconciliation
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
  
       
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
$
      
%
    
$
      
%
  
                             
Reported Net Interest Income/Margin
  
$
18,367
      
3.13
%
  
$
17,932
      
3.20
%
Amortization of deposit broker
   origination fees
    
139
      
.02
      
206
      
.03
  
Net interest income/margin excluding
   impact of hedge accounting entries
  
$
18,506
      
3.15
%
  
$
18,138
      
3.23
%

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
$
      
%
    
$
      
%
  
                             
Reported Net Interest Income/Margin
  
$
54,341
      
3.09
%
  
$
53,606
      
3.28
%
Amortization of deposit broker
   origination fees
    
2,472
      
.14
      
649
      
.04
  
Net interest income/margin excluding
   impact of hedge accounting entries
  
$
56,813
      
3.23
%
  
$
54,255
      
3.32
%

For additional information on net interest income components, refer to "Average Balances, Interest Rates and Yields" table in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This table is prepared including the impact of the accounting changes for interest rate swaps.
 
Provision for Loan Losses and Allowance for Loan Losses
 
The provision for loan losses increased $3.1 million from $1.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2007 to $4.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008. The allowance for loan losses increased $2.2 million, or 7.8%, to $29.4 million at September 30, 2008 compared to $27.2 million at June 30, 2008. Net charge-offs were $2.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2008 versus $1.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2007. The increases in charge-offs and foreclosed assets were due to general market conditions, and more specifically, housing supply, absorption rates and unique circumstances related to individual borrowers and projects. As properties were transferred into foreclosed assets, evaluations were made of the value of these assets with corresponding charge-offs as appropriate. Four relationships were responsible for $1.2 million of the total charge-offs in the three months ended September 30, 2008.  Three of these relationships were transferred to non-performing loans, and the remaining one relationship was completely charged off.
 
The provision for loan losses increased $43.1 million from $4.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to $47.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The allowance for loan losses increased $3.9 million, or 15.4%, to $29.4 million at September 30, 2008 compared to $25.5 million at December 31, 2007. Net charge-offs were $43.3 million
 

 
37
 
 

in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 versus $4.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase in charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was due principally to the $35 million which was provided for and charged off in the quarter ended March 31, 2008, related to the Company's loans to the Arkansas-based bank holding company and related loans to individuals described in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for March 31, 2008. In addition, general market conditions, and more specifically, housing supply, absorption rates and unique circumstances related to individual borrowers and projects also contributed to increased provisions. As properties were transferred into foreclosed assets, evaluations were made of the value of these assets with corresponding charge-offs as appropriate.
 
Management records a provision for loan losses in an amount it believes sufficient to result in an allowance for loan losses that will cover current net charge-offs as well as risks believed to be inherent in the loan portfolio of the Bank. The amount of provision charged against current income is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, past loss experience, current portfolio mix, actual and potential losses identified in the loan portfolio, economic conditions, regular reviews by internal staff and regulatory examinations.
 
Weak economic conditions, higher inflation or interest rates, or other factors may lead to increased losses in the portfolio and/or requirements for an increase in loan loss provision expense. Management has established various controls in an attempt to limit future losses, such as a watch list of possible problem loans, documented loan administration policies and a loan review staff to review the quality and anticipated collectability of the portfolio. Management determines which loans are potentially uncollectible, or represent a greater risk of loss, and makes additional provisions to expense, if necessary, to maintain the allowance at a satisfactory level.
 
The Bank's allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.63%, 1.49% and 1.38% at September 30, 2008, June 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively. Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover losses inherent in the Company's loan portfolio at this time, based on recent internal and external reviews of the Company's loan portfolio and current economic conditions. If economic conditions remain weak or deteriorate significantly, it is possible that additional loan loss provisions would be required, thereby adversely affecting future results of operations and financial condition.  The Company expects loan loss provisions, non-performing loans and foreclosed assets to remain elevated.
 
Non-performing Assets
 
As a result of changes in balances and composition of the loan portfolio, changes in economic and market conditions that occur from time to time, and other factors specific to a borrower's circumstances, the level of non-performing assets will fluctuate. Non-performing assets at September 30, 2008, were $66.0 million, up $10.1 million from December 31, 2007 and up $0.1 million from June 30, 2008. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets were 2.61% at September 30, 2008, compared to 2.30% at December 31, 2007, and 2.65% at June 30, 2008. Compared to December 31, 2007, non-performing loans decreased $2.3 million to $33.2 million while foreclosed assets increased $12.4 million to $32.8 million. Commercial real estate, construction and business loans comprised $30.1 million, or 91%, of the total $33.2 million of non-performing loans at September 30, 2008.
 

 
38
 
 

 
Non-performing Loans. Compared to December 31, 2007, non-performing loans decreased $2.3 million to $33.2 million. Increases in non-performing loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, were primarily due to the addition of eleven loan relationships to the Non-performing Loans category. Two of these relationships were subsequently transferred to foreclosed assets by September 30, 2008, one relationship was paid off by September 30, 2008, and eight of these relationships remain in the Non-performing Loans category:
 
·
A $1.7 million loan relationship, which was previously secured by a stock investment in a bank holding company, and is currently secured by anticipated tax refunds, interests in various business ventures and other collateral. A charge-off of approximately $5.1 million was recorded upon the transfer of the relationship to Non-Performing Loans. This relationship was described in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Non-performing Assets – Subsequent Event Regarding Potential Problem Loans.” This relationship was reduced $1.0 million, to $687,000, during the third quarter of 2008 through receipt of a portion of the anticipated tax refunds. This relationship remains in the Non-Performing Loans category at September 30, 2008.  In November 2008, the Company received a payment from the borrower which reduced the outstanding balance of this relationship to $-0-.
 
A $1.7 million loan relationship, which involves a retail/office rehabilitation project in the St. Louis metropolitan area, was added to Non-Performing Loans in the first quarter of 2008. This relationship was transferred to foreclosed assets during the second quarter of 2008 and remains in foreclosed assets at September 30, 2008. A charge-off of approximately $1.0 million was recorded upon the transfer of the relationship to foreclosed assets. Renovations to the building are not complete. The Company will likely attempt to sell the building “as is” instead of completing the renovations.
 
·
A $2.7 million loan relationship, which is secured primarily by a motel in the State of Florida. This motel has operated for several years; however, it has been experiencing cash flow problems for a while, resulting in inconsistent payment performance. This relationship was described in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Potential Problem Loans.” The primary collateral was sold by the borrower during the third quarter of 2008. The Company received a principal reduction on the debt and financed the new owner.
 
·
A $2.3 million loan relationship, which is secured primarily by commercial land and acreage to be developed into commercial lots in Northwest Arkansas. This relationship was described in the Company’s March 31, 2008 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under “Potential Problem Loans.” This relationship remains in the Non-Performing Loans category at September 30, 2008.
 
·
A $1.2 million loan relationship, which is secured primarily by vacant commercial land and a duplex development in Northwest Arkansas. This relationship was described in the Company’s March 31, 2008 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under “Potential Problem Loans.” A charge-off of approximately $440,000 was recorded during the third quarter of 2008, reducing the relationship balance to $770,000. This relationship remains in the Non-Performing Loans category at September 30, 2008.
 

 
39
 
 

 
 
·
A $952,000 loan relationship, which was previously secured by a stock investment in a bank holding company, and is currently secured primarily by interests in various business ventures, agricultural ground, as well as other assets. A charge-off of approximately $1.5 million was recorded upon the transfer of the relationship to Non-Performing Loans. This relationship was described in the Company’s March 31, 2008 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under “Potential Problem Loans.” This relationship was reduced $180,000, to $772,000, during the third quarter of 2008 through receipt of payments from the borrower. This relationship remains in the Non-Performing Loans category at September 30, 2008.
 
·
A $900,000 loan relationship, which is secured primarily by completed houses used as rental properties in Springfield. The primary collateral was foreclosed during the third quarter of 2008. These houses were subsequently sold.
 
·
A $2.5 million loan relationship, which is secured primarily by an office and residential historic rehabilitation project in St. Louis. This relationship was charged down approximately $250,000 upon transfer to non-performing loans in the third quarter of 2008. This relationship remains in the Non-Performing Loans category at September 30, 2008.
 
·
A $3.0 million loan relationship, which is secured primarily by a condominium development in Kansas City. Some sales occurred during 2007, with the outstanding balance decreasing $1.9 million in 2007. However, no sales have occurred in 2008. This relationship was charged down approximately $285,000 upon transfer to non-performing loans in the third quarter of 2008. This relationship remains in the Non-Performing Loans category at September 30, 2008.
 
·
A $1.9 million loan relationship, which is secured primarily by a residential subdivision development and developed lots in various subdivisions in Springfield, Mo. This relationship remains in the Non-Performing Loans category at September 30, 2008.
 
·
A $1.2 million loan relationship, which is primarily secured by lots, houses and duplexes for resale in the Joplin, Mo., area. This relationship remains in the Non-Performing Loans category at September 30, 2008.
 

 
40
 
 

 
Decreases in non-performing loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, were:
 
·
A $4.4 million loan relationship, which involves an office and retail historic rehabilitation development in southeast Missouri, was transferred to foreclosed assets during the second quarter of 2008.  This relationship was described more fully in the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under "Non-performing Assets."  The carrying balance of the asset was reduced as a result of a $500,000 payment made by an investor in this project.  This building is primarily leased to a government entity and the lease revenue, which the Company receives, provides a positive cash flow to the project.  This asset is now carried in foreclosed assets at a book value of $3.9 million. While this asset is included in the Company’s Non-Performing Asset totals and ratios, the Company does not consider it to be a “Substandard Asset” as it produces a market return on the amount invested.
 
·
A $1.2 million loan relationship, which involves an office and retail historic rehabilitation development in southwest Missouri, was transferred to foreclosed assets during the second quarter of 2008.  This relationship was described more fully in the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under "Non-performing Assets."  The carrying balance of the asset was reduced as a result of a $50,000 payment made by an investor in this project and a charge-off of $100,000 at the time of foreclosure.  This building is partially leased to a government entity and the lease revenue, which the Company receives, provides some cash flow to the project.  This asset is now carried in foreclosed assets at a book value of $940,000. The Company has entered into a contract to sell the property and recorded a write-down on the asset of $110,000 in September 2008 in anticipation of the sale.
 
·
A $3.3 million loan relationship, which was secured by a nursing home in the State of Missouri, was paid off in the first quarter of 2008 upon the sale of the facility. The Company had previously recorded a charge to the allowance for loan losses regarding this relationship and recovered approximately $500,000 to the allowance upon receipt of the loan payoff. This relationship was described more fully in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Non-performing Assets.”
 
·
A portion of the primary collateral underlying a $2.6 million loan relationship, the borrowers’ interest in a publicly regulated entity, was sold by the borrower during the third quarter of 2008. The borrower sold a two-thirds interest in the entity and the new owner assumed the debt to the Company.
 
·
A $1.0 million loan relationship, which involves subdivision lots and houses in central Missouri, was foreclosed upon during the first quarter of 2008. This relationship was described more fully in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Non-performing Assets.”
 
·
A $1.9 million loan relationship, which involves partially-developed subdivision lots in Northwest Arkansas, was foreclosed upon during the second quarter of 2008. This relationship was described more fully in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Non-performing Assets.”
 

 
41
 
 

·
A $1.3 million loan relationship, which involves a restaurant building in Northwest Arkansas, was foreclosed upon during the second quarter of 2008. This relationship was described more fully in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Non-performing Assets.” The Company is currently negotiating with an interested buyer to sell this property.
 
·
A $1.3 million loan relationship, which involves several completed houses in the Branson, Mo., area, was foreclosed upon during the second quarter of 2008. This relationship was described more fully in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Non-performing Assets.”  At September 30, 2008, this relationship was recorded in foreclosed assets at $1.1 million after a $200,000 write-down in the second quarter of 2008. The Company has a portion of the properties under contract to sell which will reduce the relationship balance by $219,000.
 
At September 30, 2008, six loan relationships in excess of $1 million accounted for $20.0 million of the total non-performing loan balance of $33.2 million. In addition to the five relationships in excess of $1 million noted above, one other significant loan relationship was included in Non-performing Loans at December 31, 2007, and remained there at September 30, 2008. This relationship is described below:
 
·
A $9.2 million loan relationship, which is secured by a condominium and retail historic rehabilitation development in St. Louis. The original relationship has been reduced through the receipt of a portion of the Federal and State historic tax credits expected to be received by the Company in 2008. Upon receipt of additional Federal and State tax credits, the Company expects to reduce the balance of this relationship to approximately $5.0 million, the value of which is substantiated by a recent appraisal. In October 2008, the balance outstanding was reduced $1.4 million due to receipt of Tax Increment Financing funds. The Company expects to remove this relationship from loans and hold it as a real estate asset once the tax credit process is completed. To date, five of the ten residential units are leased. The retail space is not leased at this time. This relationship was described more fully in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Non-performing Assets.”
 
Foreclosed Assets. Of the total $32.8 million of foreclosed assets at September 30, 2008, foreclosed real estate totaled $32.4 million and repossessed automobiles, boats and other personal property totaled $405,000. Foreclosed assets increased $12.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, from $20.4 million at December 31, 2007, to $32.8 million at September 30, 2008. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, foreclosed assets increased primarily due to the addition of eight significant relationships (five of which remain in foreclosed assets) to the foreclosed assets category and the addition of several smaller relationships that involve houses which are completed and for sale or under construction, as well as developed subdivision lots, partially offset by the sale of similar houses and subdivision lots. Partially offsetting these additions to foreclosed assets, the Company sold a motel located in the State of Illinois. This relationship totaled $2.6 million. The eight relationships added to foreclosed assets were described above in “Non-Performing Loans.”
 

 
42
 
 

At September 30, 2008, ten separate relationships in excess of $1 million comprise $22.1 million, or 67%, of the total foreclosed assets balance. In addition to the five relationships described above which remain in foreclosed assets at September 30, 2008, the other five relationships include:
 
·
A $3.4 million asset relationship, discussed in previous filings as a $4.2 million relationship, which involves two residential developments in the Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area. The Company recorded a write-down on this relationship of $0.8 million through expenses on foreclosed assets in the third quarter of 2008. These two subdivisions are primarily comprised of developed lots with some additional undeveloped ground. The Company has marketed these projects and has seen some recent interest by prospective purchasers. One of the subdivisions is now under contract to sell which will reduce the relationship balance by $1.3 million.
 
·
A $3.3 million asset relationship, which involves a residential development in the St. Louis, Mo., metropolitan area. This St. Louis area relationship was foreclosed in the first quarter 2008. The Company recorded a loan charge-off of $1.0 million at the time of transfer to foreclosed assets based upon updated valuations of the assets. The Company is pursuing collection efforts against the guarantors on this credit. This relationship was described more fully in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Potential Problem Loans.”
 
·
A $3.0 million asset relationship, which involves residential developments in Northwest Arkansas. One of the developments is comprised of completed houses and additional lots. The second development is comprised of completed duplexes and triplexes. A few sales of single-family houses have occurred and the remaining properties are being marketed for sale. The Company has a portion of the properties under contract to sell which will reduce the relationship balance by $375,000.
 
·
A $1.8 million asset relationship, which involves a residence and commercial building in the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., area. The Company is marketing these properties for sale.
 
·
A $1.5 million relationship, which involves residential developments, primarily residential lots in three different subdivisions and undeveloped ground, in the Branson, Mo., area. The Company is marketing these properties for sale.
 
Potential Problem Loans. Potential problem loans decreased $14.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, from $30.4 million at December 31, 2007, to $16.1 million at September 30, 2008. Potential problem loans are loans which management has identified as having possible credit problems that may cause the borrowers difficulty in complying with current repayment terms. These loans are not reflected in non-performing assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Potential Problem Loans increased primarily due to the addition of five unrelated relationships totaling $9.2 million to the Potential Problem Loans category. These five additional relationships include: a $3.0 million office and residential historic rehabilitation project in St. Louis (subsequently moved to Non-Performing Loans category at $2.5 million); a $2.5 million relationship primarily secured by an office building and vacant land to be used for commercial development in Springfield, Mo. (described below); a $1.2 million
 

 
43
 
 

relationship primarily secured by eight single-family houses which were constructed for sale in Northwest Arkansas (described below); a $1.3 million relationship primarily secured by lots, houses and duplexes for resale in the Joplin, Mo., area (subsequently moved to Non-Performing Loans category); and a $1.2 million relationship primarily secured by subdivision lots and houses for resale in Joplin (subsequently reduced to less than $1 million). Decreases in Potential Problem Loans resulted from charge-offs totaling $2.6 million and the transfer of various relationships described above to foreclosed assets and non-performing loans. In addition, one $4.6 million relationship was removed from the Potential Problem Loans category and returned to performing status due to an ownership change in the project, which added equity to the project as well as additional guarantor support, and a reduction of $562,000 from the sale of a portion of the collateral.
 
At September 30, 2008, five significant relationships accounted for $10.3 million of the potential problem loan total of $16.1 million. These five relationships include:
 
·
The first loan relationship totaled $2.5 million and consists of an office building and vacant land to be used for commercial development in the Springfield, Mo. area.  The borrower has additional income producing properties that provide some excess cash flow to support these projects at this time.
 
·
The second loan relationship totaled $1.2 million and is primarily secured by eight single-family houses which were constructed for sale in Northwest Arkansas. The borrower had constructed and sold several homes in the subdivision, but sales have now slowed considerably and the borrower is experiencing significant difficulty in complying with current repayment terms.
 
·
The third loan relationship totaled $1.5 million. The relationship is secured primarily by a retail center, developed and undeveloped residential subdivisions, and single-family houses in the Springfield, Missouri, area. The single-family houses are leased and provide some cash flow for the loans.
 
·
The fourth loan relationship consists of a retail center, improved commercial land and other collateral in the states of Georgia and Texas totaling $3.3 million. During the first quarter of 2008, performance on the relationship improved and the Company obtained additional collateral; however, the Company still considers this relationship as having possible credit problems that may cause the borrowers difficulty in complying with current repayment terms.
 
·
The fifth loan relationship totaled $1.9 million and consists of a residential subdivision development in Springfield, Mo. The site improvements are now essentially completed and the lot sales program has been restarted.
 
Non-interest Income
 
Including the effects of the Company's accounting entries recorded for certain interest rate swaps in 2008 and 2007, total non-interest income decreased $5.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2008 when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. Non-interest
 

 
44
 
 

income for the third quarter of 2008 was $1.8 million compared with $7.6 million for the third quarter 2007. This decrease in non-interest income was primarily the result of the impairment write-down in value of the Company's investments in available-for-sale Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac perpetual preferred stock. This write-down totaled $5.3 million on a pre-tax basis. As previously reported in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2008, the Company's investments in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities were included in securities available for sale at a cost of $4.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively. These securities have recently traded at 5 to 10 percent of par value and are currently not expected to pay dividends. It is unclear if or when the values of such investment securities will improve, or whether such values will deteriorate further. Based on these developments, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment. The Company does not own any other equity securities issued by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
 
Excluding the securities loss discussed above, non-interest income for the third quarter of 2008 was $7.1 million compared with $7.6 million for the third quarter of 2007, or a decrease of $491,000. Third quarter 2008 commission income from the Company's travel, insurance and investment divisions decreased $471,000, or 19.3%, compared to the same period in 2007. Part of this decrease was in the investment division as a result of the alliance formed with Ameriprise Financial Services through Penney, Murray and Associates. As a result of this change, Great Southern now records most of its investment services activity on a net basis in non-interest income. Thus, non-interest expense related to the investment services division is also reduced. The Company's travel division also experienced a decrease in commission income. Customers are reducing their travel in light of current economic conditions. The net realized gains on loan sales increased $122,000, or 49.4%, in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007. The gain on loan sales was mainly due to a higher volume of fixed-rate residential mortgage loan originations, which the Company typically sells in the secondary market. Income from charges on deposit accounts and fees from ATM and debit card usage increased $250,000, or 6.5%, in the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Late charges and other fees on loans decreased $111,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Non-interest income was also lower due to the change in the fair value of certain interest rate swaps and the related change in fair value of hedged deposits, which resulted in an increase of $32,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2008, and an increase of $157,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2007.
 
Including the securities loss discussed above, non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $21.8 million compared with $22.5 million for the same period in 2007, or a decrease of $667,000. Excluding the securities loss discussed above, non-interest income for the first nine months of 2008 was $27.1 million compared with $22.5 million for the first nine months of 2007, or an increase of $4.6 million. A significant portion of this increase in non-interest income was due to the change in the fair value of certain interest rate swaps and the related change in fair value of hedged deposits, which resulted in an increase of $5.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, and an increase of $843,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Excluding the effects of the interest rate swap-related entries and the securities loss, non-interest income was $21.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $21.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Year-to-date September 30, 2008, commission income from the Company's travel, insurance and investment
 

 
45
 
 

divisions decreased $629,000, or 8.2%, compared to the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily in the investment division as a result of the alliance formed with Ameriprise Financial Services described above. The Company's travel division also experienced a decrease in commission income as discussed above. The net realized gains on loan sales increased $445,000, or 65.2%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. The gain on loan sales was mainly due to a higher volume of fixed-rate residential mortgage loan originations, which the Company typically sells in the secondary market. Income from charges on deposit accounts and fees from ATM and debit card usage increased $333,000, or 3.0%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007.
 
Non-interest Expense
 
Total non-interest expense increased $1.3 million, or 10.0%, from $13.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2007, to $14.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2008. The increase was primarily due to: (i) an increase of $1.7 million, or 1,394.4%, in expense on foreclosed assets; (ii) an increase of $230,000, or 80.7%, in legal and professional fees, primarily related to credit and foreclosure matters; and (iii) smaller increases and decreases in other non-interest expense areas, such as postage, occupancy, insurance, supplies and telephone. Partially offsetting these increases, salaries and employee benefits decreased $183,000, or 2.4%, and advertising expense decreased $108,000, or 30.4%.
 
Total non-interest expense increased $4.3 million, or 11.4%, from $38.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to $42.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The increase was primarily due to: (i) an increase of $2.2 million, or 803.3%, in expense on foreclosed assets; (ii) an increase of $369,000, or 42.6%, in legal and professional fees, primarily related to credit and foreclosure matters; (iii) an increase of $1.4 million, or 6.4%, in salaries and employee benefits; (iv) an increase of $678,000, or 68.9%, in insurance expense; (v) an increase of $368,000, or 6.3%, in occupancy and equipment expense; and (vi) smaller increases and decreases in other non-interest expense areas, such as postage, advertising, telephone and supplies.
 
In 2007, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) began to once again assess insurance premiums on insured institutions. Under the new pricing system, institutions in all risk categories, even the best rated, are charged an FDIC premium. Great Southern received a deposit insurance credit as a result of premiums previously paid. The Company's credit offset assessed premiums for the first half of 2007, but premiums were owed by the Company in the latter half of 2007 and into 2008. The Company currently expects a similar expense in subsequent quarters and expects that the FDIC will increase premiums for all institutions sometime in the future to replenish the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund.
 
Due to increases in the level of foreclosed assets, foreclosure-related expenses in the third quarter of 2008 were higher than the comparable 2007 period by approximately $1.7 million. Similarly, foreclosure-related expenses increased $2.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. In the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded write-downs totaling approximately $1.1 million on four unrelated foreclosed properties. Two of these properties are under contract to be sold.  The Company expects that expenses on foreclosed assets and expenses related to the credit resolution process will remain elevated.
 

 

 
46
 
 

In addition to the expense increases noted above, the Company's increase in non-interest expense in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 related to the continued growth of the Company. Late in the first quarter of 2007, Great Southern completed its acquisition of a travel agency in St. Louis. In addition since June 2007, the Company opened banking centers in Springfield, Mo. and Branson, Mo. In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007, non-interest expenses increased $600,000 related to the ongoing operations of these entities.
 
The Company's efficiency ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2008, was 72.68% compared to 52.15% in the same quarter in 2007. The efficiency ratio in the third quarter 2008 and year-to-date was primarily negatively impacted by the investment write-down recorded by the Company. The third quarter 2008 efficiency ratio was also negatively impacted by increased expenses related to foreclosures. These efficiency ratios include the impact of the hedge accounting entries for certain interest rate swaps. Excluding the effects of these entries, the efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2008 was 72.26% compared to 52.01% in the same period in 2007. The Company's ratio of non-interest expense to average assets decreased from 2.24% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 2.07% for the three months ended September 30, 2008, due to the Company's ongoing cost management efforts.
 
The Company's efficiency ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was 55.56% compared to 49.90% in the same period in 2007. The efficiency ratio in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was negatively impacted by the investment write-down recorded by the Company. The 2008 period’s efficiency ratio was also negatively impacted by increased expenses related to foreclosures. These efficiency ratios include the impact of the hedge accounting entries for certain interest rate swaps. Excluding the effects of these entries, the efficiency ratio for the first nine months of 2008 was 57.69% compared to 50.14% in the same period in 2007. The Company's ratio of non-interest expense to average assets decreased from 2.16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, to 2.13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
Non-GAAP Reconciliation
 (Dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
Non-Interest
Expense
    
Revenue
Dollars*
    
%
    
Non-Interest
Expense
    
Revenue
Dollars*
    
%
  
                                     
Efficiency Ratio
   $ 14,650     $ 20,156       72.68 %   $ 13,320     $ 25,542       52.15 %
Amortization of deposit broker
     origination fees
     --       139       (.50 )        --       206       (.42 )   
Net change in fair value of interest
    rate swaps and related deposits
     --       (22 )     .08       --       (139 )     .28  
Efficiency ratio excluding impact
    of hedge accounting entries
   $ 14,650     $ 20,273       72.26 %   $ 13,320     $ 25,609       52.01 %
* Net interest income plus non-interest income.

 
47
 
 

 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008
    
2007
  
   
Non-Interest
Expense
    
Revenue
Dollars*
    
%
    
Non-Interest
Expense
    
Revenue
Dollars*
    
%
  
                                     
Efficiency Ratio
   $ 42,324     $ 76,177       55.56 %   $ 37,980     $ 76,109       49.90 %
Amortization of deposit broker
    origination fees
     --       2,472       (1.87 )        --       649       (.43 )   
Net change in fair value of interest     rate  swaps and related deposits
     --       (5,285 )     4.00       --       (1,008 )     .67  
Efficiency ratio excluding impact
    of hedge accounting entries
   $ 42,324     $ 73,364       57.69 %   $ 37,980     $ 75,750       50.14 %

* Net interest income plus non-interest income.


Provision for Income Taxes
 
Provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was 18.1% and 32.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company's effective tax rate was lower than normal primarily due to the lower pre-tax income during this period. Provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was 32.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The Company’s effective tax benefit rate was 40.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. For future periods in 2008, the Company expects the effective tax rate to be in the range of 32-33% of pre-tax income.
 
Average Balances, Interest Rates and Yields
 
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. Average balances of loans receivable include the average balances of non-accrual loans for each period. Interest income on loans includes interest received on non-accrual loans on a cash basis. Interest income on loans includes the amortization of net loan fees, which were deferred in accordance with accounting standards. Fees included in interest income were $647,000 and $990,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Fees included in interest income were $2.0 million and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Tax-exempt income was not calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The table does not reflect any effect of income taxes.
 

 
48
 
 

   
September 30,
2008
    
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2008
  
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
  
   
Yield/
Rate
    
Average
Balance
    
Interest
    
Yield/
Rate
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
  
Yield/
Rate
  
         
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Interest-earning assets:
                                      
Loans receivable:
                                      
   One- to four-family
       residential
    
6.28
%
  
$
213,136
    
$
3,389
      
6.33
%
$
182,645
    
$
3,239
  
7.04
%
   Other residential
    
6.73
      
118,265
      
1,862
      
6.26
    
80,371
      
1,722
  
8.50
  
   Commercial real estate
    
6.49
      
494,780
      
8,056
      
6.48
    
449,170
      
9,340
  
8.25
  
   Construction
    
6.11
      
622,000
      
9,483
      
6.07
    
696,754
      
14,624
  
8.33
  
   Commercial business
    
5.78
      
148,015
      
2,255
      
6.06
    
177,655
      
3,783
  
8.45
  
   Other loans
    
7.58
      
187,446
      
3,067
      
6.51
    
153,184
      
2,932
  
7.59
  
   Industrial revenue bonds(1)
    
6.40
      
52,204
      
880
      
6.71
    
58,021
      
996
  
6.81
  
                                                   
Total loans receivable
    
6.42
      
1,835,846
      
28,992
      
6.28
    
1,797,800
      
36,636
  
8.08
  
                                                   
Investment securities and
   other interest-earning assets(1)
    
4.84
      
498,037
      
6,032
      
4.82
    
427,076
      
5,340
  
4.96
  
                                                   
      Total interest-earning assets
    
6.05
      
2,333,883
      
35,024
      
5.97
    
2,224,876
      
41,976
  
7.49
  
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                                  
   Cash and cash equivalents
            
63,274
                    
82,280
              
   Other non-earning assets
            
72,829
                    
53,502
              
         Total assets
          
$
2,469,986
                  
$
2,360,658
              
                                                   
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                  
Interest-bearing demand and
   savings
    
1.42
    
$
436,129
      
1,646
      
1.50
  
$
490,898
      
4,340
  
3.51
  
Time deposits
    
3.69
      
1,273,854
      
12,062
      
3.77
    
1,140,326
      
15,527
  
5.40
  
       Total deposits
    
3.14
      
1,709,983
      
13,708
      
3.19
    
1,631,224
      
19,867
  
4.83
  
Short-term borrowings
   and structured repo
    
2.32
      
275,507
      
1,473
      
2.13
    
173,999
      
1,917
  
4.37
  
Subordinated debentures
   issued to capital trust
    
4.37
      
30,929
      
336
      
4.32
    
30,335
      
522
  
6.83
  
FHLB advances
    
3.63
      
122,969
      
1,140
      
3.69
    
141,552
      
1,738
  
4.87
  
                                                   
      Total interest-bearing
         liabilities
    
3.07
      
2,139,388
      
16,657
      
3.10
    
1,977,110
      
24,044
  
4.83
  
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                  
   Demand deposits
            
146,983
                    
167,290
              
   Other liabilities
            
9,881
                    
30,381
              
        Total liabilities
            
2,296,252
                    
2,174,781
              
Stockholders’ equity
            
173,734
                    
185,877
              
        Total liabilities and
             stockholders’ equity
          
$
2,469,986
                  
$
2,360,658
              
                                                   
Net interest income:
                                                  
   Interest rate spread
    
2.98
%
          
$
18,367
      
2.87
%
        
$
17,932
  
2.66
%
   Net interest margin*
                            
3.13
%
              
3.20
%
Average interest-earning
   assets to average interest-
   bearing liabilities
            
109.1
%
                  
112.5
%
            
 
 
_____________________
* 
Defined as the Company's net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.
(1) 
Of the total average balances of investment securities, average tax-exempt investment securities were $59.1 million and $70.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In addition, average tax-exempt loans and industrial revenue bonds were $29.9 million and $30.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest income on tax-exempt assets included in this table was $1.4 million and $953,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest income net of disallowed interest expense related to tax-exempt assets was $1.2 million and $629,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 
 
49
 
 
 
   
September 30,
2008
    
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
    
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
  
   
Yield/
Rate
    
Average
Balance
    
Interest
    
Yield/
Rate
    
Average
Balance
    
Interest
  
Yield/
Rate
  
         
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Interest-earning assets:
                                        
Loans receivable:
                                        
   One- to four-family
       residential
    
6.28
%
  
$
203,310
    
$
9,937
      
6.53
%
  
$
177,431
    
$
9,356
  
7.05
%
   Other residential
    
6.73
      
105,115
      
5,338
      
6.78
      
80,874
      
5,195
  
8.59
  
   Commercial real estate
    
6.49
      
479,364
      
24,243
      
6.76
      
452,512
      
28,449
  
8.41
  
   Construction
    
6.11
      
669,609
      
32,342
      
6.45
      
673,304
      
42,562
  
8.45
  
   Commercial business
    
5.78
      
172,097
      
7,966
      
6.18
      
167,900
      
10,588
  
8.43
  
   Other loans
    
7.58
      
175,519
      
8,822
      
6.71
      
148,732
      
8,445
  
7.59
  
   Industrial revenue bonds(1)
    
6.40
      
53,780
      
2,745
      
6.82
      
56,502
      
2,882
  
6.82
  
                                                     
Total loans receivable
    
6.42
      
1,858,794
      
91,393
      
6.57
      
1,757,255
      
107,477
  
8.18
  
                                                     
Investment securities and
   other interest-earning assets(1)
    
4.84
      
491,339
      
17,635
      
4.79
      
430,378
      
15,661
  
4.87
  
                                                     
      Total interest-earning assets
    
6.05
      
2,350,133
      
109,028
      
6.20
      
2,187,633
      
123,138
  
7.53
  
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                                    
   Cash and cash equivalents
            
68,706
                      
88,270
              
   Other non-earning assets
            
72,449
                      
47,974
              
         Total assets
          
$
2,491,288
                    
$
2,323,877
              
                                                     
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                    
Interest-bearing demand and
   savings
    
1.42
    
$
516,734
      
7,119
      
1.84
    
$
470,413
      
12,076
  
3.43
  
Time deposits
    
3.69
      
1,219,780
      
38,352
      
4.20
      
1,137,975
      
45,413
  
5.34
  
       Total deposits
    
3.14
      
1,736,514
      
45,471
      
3.50
      
1,608,388
      
57,489
  
4.78
  
Short-term borrowings and
   structured repo
    
2.32
      
244,435
      
4,255
      
2.33
      
167,630
      
5,576
  
4.45
  
Subordinated debentures
   issued to capital trust
    
4.37
      
30,929
      
1,097
      
4.74
      
27,311
      
1,402
  
6.86
  
FHLB advances
    
3.63
      
137,245
      
3,864
      
3.76
      
137,274
      
5,065
  
4.93
  
                                                     
      Total interest-bearing
         liabilities
    
3.07
      
2,149,123
      
54,687
      
3.40
      
1,940,603
      
69,532
  
4.79
  
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                    
   Demand deposits
            
149,446
                      
171,230
              
   Other liabilities
            
10,671
                      
28,146
              
        Total liabilities
            
2,309,240
                      
2,139,979
              
Stockholders’ equity
            
182,048
                      
183,898
              
        Total liabilities and
             stockholders’ equity
          
$
2,491,288
                    
$
2,323,877
              
                                                     
Net interest income:
                                                    
   Interest rate spread
    
2.98
%
          
$
54,341
      
2.80
%
          
$
53,606
  
2.74
%
   Net interest margin*
                            
3.09
%
                
3.28
%
Average interest-earning
   assets to average interest-
   bearing liabilities
            
109.4
%
                    
112.7
%
            
 
 
_______________________
* 
Defined as the Company's net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.
(1) 
Of the total average balances of investment securities, average tax-exempt investment securities were $65.3 million and $68.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In addition, average tax-exempt loans and industrial revenue bonds were $30.7 million and $29.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest income on tax-exempt assets included in this table was $3.8 million and $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest income net of disallowed interest expense related to tax-exempt assets was $3.4 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 

50
 
 
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 shown. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in rate (i.e., changes in rate multiplied by old volume) and (ii) changes in volume (i.e., changes in volume multiplied by old rate). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately to volume and rate. Tax-exempt income was not calculated on a tax equivalent basis.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008 vs. 2007
  
   
Increase
(Decrease)
Due to
        
       
   
Total
Increase
(Decrease)
  
   
Rate
    
Volume
  
   
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Interest-earning assets:
                  
  Loans receivable
   $ (8,386 )    $ 742     $ (7,644 ) 
  Investment securities and
        other interest-earning assets
     (157 )      849       692  
      Total interest-earning assets
     (8,543 )      1,591       (6,952 ) 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                        
  Demand deposits
     (2,154 )      (540 )      (2,694 )
  Time deposits
     (5,099 )      1,634       (3,465 )
Total deposits
     (7,253 )      1,094       (6,159 )
Short-term borrowings and structured repo
     (1,246 )      802       (444 )
Subordinated debentures issued
      to capital trust
     (196 )      10       (186 )
FHLBank advances
     (316 )      (282 )      (598 )
      Total interest-bearing liabilities
     (9,011 )      1,624       (7,387 )
Net interest income
   $ 468     $ (33 )    $ 435  
 
 
51
 

 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
   
2008 vs. 2007
  
   
Increase
(Decrease)
Due to
        
       
   
Total
Increase
(Decrease)
  
   
Rate
    
Volume
  
   
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Interest-earning assets:
                  
  Loans receivable
   $ (22,062 )    $ 5,978     $ (16,084 ) 
  Investment securities and
        other interest-earning assets
     (231 )     2,205       1,974  
      Total interest-earning assets
     (22,293 )      8,183       (14,110 ) 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                        
  Demand deposits
     (6,056 )      1,099       (4,957 )
  Time deposits
     (10,172 )      3,111       (7,061 )
Total deposits
     (16,228 )      4,210       (12,018 )
Short-term borrowings and structured repo
     (3,288 )      1,967       (1,321 )
Subordinated debentures issued
      to capital trust
     (475 )      170       (305 )
FHLBank advances
     (1,200 )      (1 )     (1,201 )
      Total interest-bearing liabilities
     (21,191 )      6,346       (14,845 )
Net interest income
   $ (1,102 )   $ 1,837     $ 735  
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity is a measure of the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash to meet present and future financial obligations in a timely manner through either the sale or maturity of existing assets or the acquisition of additional funds through liability management. These obligations include the credit needs of customers, funding deposit withdrawals, and the day-to-day operations of the Company. Liquid assets include cash, interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions and certain investment securities and loans. As a result of the Company's management of the ability to generate liquidity primarily through liability funding, management believes that the Company maintains overall liquidity sufficient to satisfy its depositors' requirements and meet its customers' credit needs. At September 30, 2008, the Company had commitments of approximately $5.8 million to fund loan originations, $174.1 million of unused lines of credit and unadvanced loans, and $18.1 million of outstanding letters of credit.
 
Management continuously reviews the capital position of the Company and the Bank to ensure compliance with minimum regulatory requirements, as well as exploring ways to increase capital either by retained earnings or other means.
 
The Company's stockholders' equity was $168.8 million, or 6.7% of total assets of $2.53 billion at September 30, 2008, compared to equity of $189.9 million, or 7.8%, of total assets of $2.43 billion at December 31, 2007.
 

 
52
 
 

Banks are required to maintain minimum risk-based capital ratios. These ratios compare capital, as defined by the risk-based regulations, to assets adjusted for their relative risk as defined by the regulations. Guidelines require banks to have a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, as defined, of 4.00%, a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00%, and a minimum 4.00% Tier 1 leverage ratio. To be considered "well capitalized," banks must have a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, as defined, of 6.00%, a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 10.00%, and a minimum 5.00% Tier 1 leverage ratio. On September 30, 2008, the Bank's Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.26%, total risk-based capital ratio was 11.52% and the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.10%. As of September 30, 2008, the Bank was "well capitalized" as defined by the Federal banking agencies' capital-related regulations. The Federal Reserve Bank has established capital regulations for bank holding companies that generally parallel the capital regulations for banks. On September 30, 2008, the Company's Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.36%, total risk-based capital ratio was 11.61% and the leverage ratio was 8.18%. As of September 30, 2008, the Company was "well capitalized" as defined by the Federal banking agencies' capital-related regulations.
 
The Company's primary sources of funds are certificates of deposit, FHLBank advances, other borrowings, loan repayments, unpledged securities, proceeds from sales of loans and available-for-sale securities and funds provided from operations. The Company utilizes particular sources of funds based on the comparative costs and availability at the time. The Company has from time to time chosen not to pay rates on deposits as high as the rates paid by certain of its competitors and, when believed to be appropriate, supplements deposits with less expensive alternative sources of funds. At November 7, 2008, the Company had these available secured lines and on-balance sheet liquidity:
 
Federal Home Loan Bank line
$216.6 million
Federal Reserve Bank line
$217.1 million
Interest Bearing Deposits
$87.8 million
Unpledged Securities
$194.6 million

 
Statements of Cash Flows. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, the Company had positive cash flows from operating activities and positive cash flows from financing activities. The Company experienced negative cash flows from investing activities during each of these same time periods.
 
Cash flows from operating activities for the periods covered by the Statements of Cash Flows have been primarily related to changes in accrued and deferred assets, credits and other liabilities, the provision for loan losses, depreciation, and the amortization of deferred loan origination fees and discounts (premiums) on loans and investments, all of which are non-cash or non-operating adjustments to operating cash flows. Net income adjusted for non-cash and non-operating items and the origination and sale of loans held for sale were the primary source of cash flows from operating activities. Operating activities provided cash flows of $37.3 million
 

 
53
 
 

during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, and $18.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, investing activities used cash of $110.5 million and $173.1 million, respectively, primarily due to the net increase of loans and investment securities in each period.
 
Changes in cash flows from financing activities during the periods covered by the Statements of Cash Flows are due to changes in deposits after interest credited, changes in FHLBank advances and changes in short-term borrowings, as well as stock repurchases and dividend payments to stockholders. Financing activities provided $115.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and $142.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Financing activities in the future are expected to primarily include changes in deposits, changes in FHLBank advances, changes in short-term borrowings, stock repurchases and dividend payments to stockholders.
 
Dividends. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company declared a dividend of $0.18 per share (which was paid in October 2008), or over 100% of net income per diluted share for that three month period, and paid a dividend of $0.18 per share (which was declared in June 2008). During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company declared a dividend of $0.17 per share (which was paid in October 2007), or 31% of net income per diluted share for that three month period, and paid a dividend of $0.17 per share (which was declared in June 2007).
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company declared dividends of $0.54 per share and paid dividends of $0.54 per share, or over 100% of net income per diluted share for that nine month period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company declared dividends of $0.50 per share, or 30% of net income per diluted share for that nine month period, and paid dividends of $0.49 per share.
 
Common Stock Repurchases and Issuances. The Company has been in various buy-back programs since May 1990. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock and did not issue any shares of stock to cover stock option exercises. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased 94,454 shares of its common stock at an average price of $25.39 per share and issued 19,386 shares of stock at an average price of $19.34 per share to cover stock option exercises.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 21,200 shares of its common stock at an average price of $19.19 per share and issued 1,972 shares of stock at an average price of $13.23 per share to cover stock option exercises.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased 223,948 shares of its common stock at an average price of $26.95 per share and issued 51,534 shares of stock at an average price of $18.97 per share to cover stock option exercises.
 
Management intends to continue its stock buy-back programs from time to time as long as it believes that repurchasing the stock contributes to the overall growth of shareholder value. The
 

 
54
 
 

number of shares of stock that will be repurchased and the price that will be paid is the result of many factors, several of which are outside the control of the Company. The primary factors, however, are the number of shares available in the market from sellers at any given time, the price of the stock within the market as determined by the market, and the projected impact on the Company's capital and earnings per share.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Asset and Liability Management and Market Risk
 
A principal operating objective of the Company is to produce stable earnings by achieving a favorable interest rate spread that can be sustained during fluctuations in prevailing interest rates. The Company has sought to reduce its exposure to adverse changes in interest rates by attempting to achieve a closer match between the periods in which its interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets can be expected to reprice through the origination of adjustable-rate mortgages and loans with shorter terms to maturity and the purchase of other shorter term interest-earning assets. Since the Company uses laddered brokered deposits and FHLBank advances to fund a portion of its loan growth, the Company's assets tend to reprice more quickly than its liabilities.
 
Our Risk When Interest Rates Change
 
The rates of interest we earn on assets and pay on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Accordingly, our results of operations, like those of other financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities. The risk associated with changes in interest rates and our ability to adapt to these changes is known as interest rate risk and is our most significant market risk.
 
How We Measure the Risk To Us Associated with Interest Rate Changes
 
In an attempt to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates and comply with applicable regulations, we monitor Great Southern's interest rate risk. In monitoring interest rate risk we regularly analyze and manage assets and liabilities based on their payment streams and interest rates, the timing of their maturities and their sensitivity to actual or potential changes in market interest rates.
 
The ability to maximize net interest income is largely dependent upon the achievement of a positive interest rate spread that can be sustained despite fluctuations in prevailing interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity is a measure of the difference between amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which either reprice or mature within a given period of time. The difference, or the interest rate repricing "gap," provides an indication of the extent to which an institution's interest rate spread will be affected by changes in interest rates. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest-rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities repricing during the same period, and is considered negative when the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest-rate sensitive assets during the same period. Generally, during a period of falling interest rates, a positive gap within shorter repricing periods would adversely affect net interest income, while a negative gap within shorter
 

 
55
 
 

repricing periods would result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of rising interest rates, the opposite would be true. As of September 30, 2008, Great Southern's internal interest rate risk models indicate a one-year interest rate sensitivity gap that is negative. Generally, a rate decrease by the FRB (which appears to be the current consensus environment for the FRB) would be expected to have an immediate adverse impact on Great Southern’s net interest income due to the large total balances of loans which adjust to the “prime interest rate” daily. As the Federal Funds rate is now very low, the adverse impact is currently largely mitigated by the Company’s interest rate floors on most of these daily-adjust loans. In addition, Great Southern has elected to leave its “Prime Rate” at 5.00% for those loans that are indexed to “Great Southern Prime” rather than “Wall Street Journal Prime.” The Company believes that this slight adverse impact could be negated over the subsequent 60- to 120-day period as the Company’s interest rates on deposits, borrowings and interest rate swaps should also decrease proportionately to the changes by the FRB, assuming normal credit, liquidity and competitive pricing pressures. However, the operating environment has not been normal and interest cost for deposits and borrowings have been and continue to be elevated because of abnormal credit, liquidity and competitive pricing pressures, therefore we expect the net interest margin will continue to be somewhat compressed.
 
Interest rate risk exposure estimates (the sensitivity gap) are not exact measures of an institution's actual interest rate risk. They are only indicators of interest rate risk exposure produced in a simplified modeling environment designed to allow management to gauge the Bank's sensitivity to changes in interest rates. They do not necessarily indicate the impact of general interest rate movements on the Bank's net interest income because the repricing of certain categories of assets and liabilities is subject to competitive and other factors beyond the Bank's control. As a result, certain assets and liabilities indicated as maturing or otherwise repricing within a stated period may in fact mature or reprice at different times and in different amounts and cause a change, which potentially could be material, in the Bank's interest rate risk.
 
In order to minimize the potential for adverse effects of material and prolonged increases and decreases in interest rates on Great Southern's results of operations, Great Southern has adopted asset and liability management policies to better match the maturities and repricing terms of Great Southern's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Management recommends and the Board of Directors sets the asset and liability policies of Great Southern which are implemented by the asset and liability committee. The asset and liability committee is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and is comprised of members of Great Southern's senior management. The purpose of the asset and liability committee is to communicate, coordinate and control asset/liability management consistent with Great Southern's business plan and board-approved policies. The asset and liability committee establishes and monitors the volume and mix of assets and funding sources taking into account relative costs and spreads, interest rate sensitivity and liquidity needs. The objectives are to manage assets and funding sources to produce results that are consistent with liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk and profitability goals. The asset and liability committee meets on a monthly basis to review, among other things, economic conditions and interest rate outlook, current and projected liquidity needs and capital positions and anticipated changes in the volume and mix of assets and liabilities. At each meeting, the asset and liability committee recommends appropriate strategy changes based on this review. The Chief Financial Officer or his designee is responsible for reviewing and reporting on the effects of the policy implementations and strategies to the Board of Directors at their monthly meetings.
 

 
56
 
 

In order to manage its assets and liabilities and achieve the desired liquidity, credit quality, interest rate risk, profitability and capital targets, Great Southern has focused its strategies on originating adjustable rate loans, and managing its deposits and borrowings to establish stable relationships with both retail customers and wholesale funding sources.
 
At times, depending on the level of general interest rates, the relationship between long- and short-term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, we may determine to increase our interest rate risk position somewhat in order to maintain or increase our net interest margin.
 
The asset and liability committee regularly reviews interest rate risk by forecasting the impact of alternative interest rate environments on net interest income and market value of portfolio equity, which is defined as the net present value of an institution's existing assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments, and evaluating such impacts against the maximum potential changes in net interest income and market value of portfolio equity that are authorized by the Board of Directors of Great Southern.
 
The Company enters into interest-rate swap derivatives, primarily as an asset/liability management strategy in order to hedge the change in the fair value from recorded fixed rate liabilities (long term fixed rate CDs). The terms of the swaps are carefully matched to the terms of the underlying hedged item and when the relationship is properly documented as a hedge and proven to be effective, it is designated as a fair value hedge. The fair market value of derivative financial instruments is based on the present value of future expected cash flows from those instruments discounted at market forward rates and are recognized in the statement of financial condition in the prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses caption. Effective changes in the fair market value of the hedged item due to changes in the benchmark interest rate are similarly recognized in the statement of financial condition in the prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses caption. Effective gains/losses are reported in interest expense and $244,000 and $1.0 million of ineffectiveness was recorded in income in the non-interest income caption for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. Gains and losses on early termination of the designated fair value derivative financial instruments are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to the yield on the related liability over the shorter of the remaining contract life or the maturity of the related asset or liability. If the related liability is sold or otherwise liquidated, the fair market value of the derivative financial instrument is recorded on the balance sheet as an asset or a liability (in prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses) with the resultant gains and losses recognized in non-interest income.
 
At September 30, 2008, the Company had six SFAS No. 133 designated swaps with Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc. (“Lehman”). On September 15, 2008, Lehman filed for bankruptcy protection and hedge accounting was immediately terminated. The fair market value of the underlying hedged items (certificates of deposit) through September 15, 2008, is being amortized over the remaining life of the hedge period on a straight-line basis. The fair market value of the swaps as of September 15, 2008, included both assets and liabilities totaling a net asset of $235,000. These swaps were valued using the income approach with observable Level 2 market expectations at the measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single discounted present amount. The Level 2 inputs are limited to quoted prices
 

 
57
 
 

for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates, volatilities and credit risk at commonly quoted intervals). Mid-market pricing is used as a practical expedient for fair value measurements. The Company has a netting agreement with Lehman and the collectability of the net asset is uncertain at this time. The Company has a valuation allowance of $235,000 on the asset as of September 30, 2008.
 
The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements with the objective of economically hedging against the effects of changes in the fair value of its liabilities for fixed rate brokered certificates of deposit caused by changes in market interest rates. The swap agreements generally provide for the Company to pay a variable rate of interest based on a spread to the one-month or three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) and to receive a fixed rate of interest equal to that of the hedged instrument. Under the swap agreements the Company is to pay or receive interest monthly, quarterly, semiannually or at maturity.
 
In addition to the disclosures previously made by the Company in the December 31, 2007, Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following table summarizes interest rate sensitivity information for the Company's interest rate derivatives at September 30, 2008.
 
   
Fixed to
    
Average
    
Average
  
   
Variable
    
Pay Rate
    
Receive Rate
  
Interest Rate Derivatives
  
(In Millions)
              
Interest Rate Swaps:
                  
     Expected Maturity Date
                  
          2008
  
$
4.8
      
2.94
%
    
3.75
% 
          2011
    
4.6
      
2.72
      
4.00
  
          2017
    
7.0
      
2.73
      
5.00
  
          2019
    
21.2
      
2.76
      
5.30
  
 Total Notional Amount
  
$
37.6
      
2.77
%
    
4.89
%
 Fair Value Adjustment
       Asset (Liability)
  
$
(0.4
)
                
                         
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act (the "Exchange Act")) that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately and within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate. An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures was carried out as of September 30, 2008, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and several other members of our senior management. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of
 

 
58
 
 

September 30, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
We do not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns in controls or procedures can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any control procedure also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 

 
59
 
 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought are substantial. After reviewing pending and threatened litigation with counsel, management believes at this time that the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or stockholders' equity. No assurance can be given in this regard, however.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
Set forth below are updates and additions to the market risk information provided in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. These updates and additions should be read in conjunction with the 2007 Form 10-K information.
 
Difficult market conditions and economic trends have adversely affected our industry and our business.

Negative developments beginning in the latter half of 2007 in the sub-prime mortgage market and the securitization markets for such loans, together with substantially increased oil prices and other factors, have resulted in uncertainty in the financial markets in general and a related general economic downturn, which have continued in 2008.  Dramatic declines in the housing market, with decreasing home prices and increasing delinquencies and foreclosures, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage and construction loans and resulted in significant write-downs of assets by many financial institutions.  In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many loans have declined and may continue to decline. General downward economic trends, reduced availability of commercial credit and increasing unemployment have negatively impacted the credit performance of commercial and consumer credit, resulting in additional write-downs.  Concerns over the stability of the financial markets and the economy have resulted in decreased lending by financial institutions to their customers and to each other.  This market turmoil and tightening of credit has led to increased commercial and consumer deficiencies, lack of customer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction in general business activity.  Competition among depository institutions for deposits has increased significantly. Financial institutions have experienced decreased access to deposits or borrowings.

The resulting economic pressure on consumers and businesses and the lack of confidence in the financial markets may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.

Our ability to assess the creditworthiness of customers and to estimate the losses inherent in our credit exposure is made more complex by these difficult market and economic conditions.  As a result of the foregoing factors, there is a potential for new federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to be very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations.   This increased government action may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue certain

 
60
 
 

business opportunities.  We also may be required to pay even higher Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums than the recently increased level, because financial institution failures resulting from the depressed market conditions have depleted and may continue to deplete the deposit insurance fund and reduce its ratio of reserves to insured deposits.

We do not believe these difficult conditions are likely to improve in the near future.  A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market and economic conditions on us, our customers and the other financial institutions in our market.  As a result, we may experience increases in foreclosures, delinquencies and customer bankruptcies, as well as more restricted access to funds.

 
We may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed.
 
We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations.  In addition, we may elect to raise additional capital to support the growth of our business or to finance acquisitions, if any, or we may elect to raise additional capital for other reasons.  In that regard, a number of financial institutions have recently raised considerable amounts of capital as a result of deterioration in their results of operations and financial condition arising from the turmoil in the mortgage loan market, deteriorating economic conditions, declines in real estate values and other factors.  Should we be required by regulatory authorities or otherwise elect to raise additional capital, we may seek to do so through the issuance of, among other things, our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock, which could dilute your ownership interest in the Company.
 
Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, many of which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed or on terms acceptable to us, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Recent legislative and regulatory initiatives to address these difficult market and economic conditions may not stabilize the U.S. banking system.

The recently enacted Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) authorizes the United States Department of the Treasury, hereafter the Treasury Department, to purchase from financial institutions and their holding companies up to $700 billion in mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities and certain other financial instruments, including debt and equity securities issued by financial institutions and their holding companies in a troubled asset relief program.  The purpose of the troubled asset relief program is to restore confidence and stability to the U.S. banking system and to encourage financial institutions to increase their lending to customers and to each other.  The Treasury Department has allocated $250 billion towards the troubled asset relief program capital purchase program.  Under the capital purchase program, the Treasury Department will purchase debt or equity securities from participating institutions.  The troubled asset relief program is also expected to include direct purchases or guarantees of

 
61
 
 

troubled assets of financial institutions.

EESA also increased Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance on most accounts from $100,000 to $250,000.  This increase is in place until the end of 2009 and is not covered by deposit insurance premiums paid by the banking industry.  In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has implemented two temporary programs to provide deposit insurance for the full amount of most non-interest bearing transaction accounts through the end of 2009 and to guarantee certain unsecured debt of financial institutions and their holding companies through June 2012.  Financial institutions have until December 5, 2008 to opt out of these two programs.  The purpose of these legislative and regulatory actions is to stabilize the volatility in the U.S. banking system.

EESA, the troubled asset relief program and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s recent regulatory initiatives may not stabilize the U.S. banking system or financial markets.  If the volatility in the market and the economy continue or worsen, our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to funds and the price of our stock could be materially and adversely impacted.

Other than as set forth above, there have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
On November 15, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to 700,000 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock, under a program of open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. The plan does not have an expiration date. Information on the shares purchased during the third quarter of 2008 is shown below.
 
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
 
Average Price
Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
As Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the Plan(1)
           
 
July 1, 2008 – July 31, 2008
---
$----
---
396,562
 
August 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008
---
$----
---
396,562
 
September 1, 2008 - September 30, 2008
---
$----
---
396,562
   
---
$----
---
  
_______________________
  
(1)
Amount represents the number of shares available to be repurchased under the plan as of the last calendar day of the month shown.
  

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 

 
62
 
 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Common Stockholders
 
None.
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
None.
 
Item 6. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
 
a)
Exhibits
 
 
See Exhibit Index.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
63
 
 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.
 
Registrant
 
 
Date: November 10, 2008
/s/ Joseph W. Turner
 
Joseph W. Turner
 President and Chief Executive Officer
 (Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date: November 10, 2008
/s/ Rex A. Copeland
 
Rex A. Copeland
 Treasurer
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


 
64
 
 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.                                                                Description

 
(2)
Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation, or succession
 
 
 
Inapplicable.
 
 
(3)
Articles of incorporation and Bylaws
 
 
 
(i)
The Registrant's Charter previously filed with the Commission as Appendix D to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 31, 2004 (File No. 000-18082), is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3.1.
 
 
(ii)
The Registrant's Bylaws, previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3.2.
 
 
(4)
Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures
 
The Company hereby agrees to furnish the SEC upon request, copies of the instruments defining the rights of the holders of each issue of the Registrant's long-term debt. 
 
 
(9)
Voting trust agreement
 
Inapplicable.
 
(10)
Material contracts
 
The Registrant's 1989 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1990, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.1.
 
The Registrant's 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Annex A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on September 18, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.2.
 
The Registrant's 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission (File No. 000-18082) as Annex A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 14, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.3.
 

 
 
 
 

The employment agreement dated September 18, 2002 between the Registrant and William V. Turner previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.4.
 
The employment agreement dated September 18, 2002 between the Registrant and Joseph W. Turner previously filed with the Commission (File no. 000-18082) as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.5.
 
The form of incentive stock option agreement under the Registrant's 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File no. 000-18082) filed on February 24, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.6.
 
The form of non-qualified stock option agreement under the Registrant's 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File no. 000-18082) filed on February 24, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.7.
 
A description of the salary and bonus arrangements for 2008 for the Registrant's named executive officers previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.8. 
 
A description of the current fee arrangements for the Registrant's directors previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.9.
 
(11)
Statement re computation of per share earnings
 
Attached as Exhibit 11.
 
(15)
Letter re unaudited interim financial information
 
Inapplicable.
 
(18)
Letter re change in accounting principles
 
Inapplicable.
 
(19)
Report furnished to securityholders.
 
Inapplicable.
 

 
 
 
 

    (22)         Published report regarding matters submitted to vote of security holders
 
Inapplicable.
 
(23)
Consents of experts and counsel
 
Inapplicable.
 
(24)
Power of attorney
 
None.
 
(31.1)
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
Attached as Exhibit 31.1
 
(31.2)
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Treasurer
 
Attached as Exhibit 31.2
 
(32)
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
 
Attached as Exhibit 32.
 
(99)
Additional Exhibits
 
None.