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To Stockholders


First National had a satisfactory year in 2001 given the challenges of the recession and the terrorist war. Net income was $80,839,000 which was a 10.4% return on average equity. Both numbers are down from historic standards and below our goals and expectations.

The economic deterioration began early in 2001 and led to recession by summer further deepening after the terrorist attacks on September eleventh.

As consumers felt the recession, First National's large credit card portfolio showed increasing delinquencies and resulting charge-offs. Our provision for loan losses on a managed loan basis increased $76,490,000 to $252,851,000. As the recession lingers, we expect to continue providing additional reserves to the allowance for loan losses in 2002.

In order to boost the economy during 2001, the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates eleven times; the most significant one-year drop in history. At First National the vast majority of our loans float with interest rate indexes, while our certificates of deposit are fixed for an average life of nine months. During the first half of 2001 we experienced a substantial decline in our net interest margin as a result of these rapid rate reductions.

Management's Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 34 gives a complete explanation of how the increased delinquencies and charge-offs, and the reduced net interest margin adversely impacted our earnings.

Expansion

In spite of the recession's dampening effects, First National showed good growth. Managed assets grew $814,000,000, reaching a record high of $11,590,283,000. Total revenue set a new high of $1,296,403,000. Noninterest income (which includes securitization income) has grown dramatically; from $303.9 million in 1999, to $436.8 million in 2000, and to $491.8 million in 2001. That is 62% growth in the last 24 months.


During 2001, First National acquired 21 credit card portfolios. First National Bank of Colorado opened new branches in Westminster and in the Qwest Tower on 17th Street in downtown Denver. In July, the Frisco, Texas office of First National Bank of Omaha was completed. Cornerstone Mortgage Company opened new offices in Conroe and Sugar Land, Texas and Fort Collins, Loveland and Broomfield, Colorado.

In January 2002 First National acquired Castle BancGroup, Inc., the parent company of Castle Bank, N.A., headquartered in DeKalb, Illinois. Castle serves customers through 10 banking offices located in four counties just west of suburban Chicago. On December 31, 2001 Castle had consolidated assets of $583,400,000 making this the largest acquisition in the Company's history.

LOCATIONS MAP

Looking ahead, the major commitments we are making in people, software, equipment, facilities, and marketing are investments in the future. They have had and will continue to have a short-term adverse impact on our earnings.

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However, I believe that these commitments will help us to fulfill our vision.

The First National vision is to be a significant regional banking company which is able to compete nationally with certain niche products. This will be accomplished by providing our customers with "Quality Products and Superior Service."

Two thousand one was a challenging year, for us and for our Nation. I want to thank our customers, shareholders, and 6,200 associates located throughout the United States who have supported the First National family of companies. We look forward to creating a strong long-term future.


 

 

LOGO
    Bruce R. Lauritzen

3



First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Performance Trends


($ in millions)

GRAPH

*Reported assets or loans plus securitized credit card loans and credit card loans serviced for related parties

4



First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Financial Highlights


 
  Years ended December 31,

 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
  1997
 

($ in thousands except per share data)


Total managed assets (1)

 

$

11,590,283

 

$

10,776,352

 

$

9,292,488

 

$

8,921,837

 

$

8,363,021

 

Total reported assets

 

$

9,752,261

 

$

9,283,314

 

$

8,560,444

 

$

8,187,815

 

$

7,332,021

 

Net income

 

$

80,839

 

$

105,477

 

$

92,361

 

$

86,492

 

$

75,187

 

Stockholders' equity

 

$

817,056

 

$

750,203

 

$

650,474

 

$

584,303

 

$

510,057

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

$

118,526

 

$

105,304

 

$

106,484

 

$

121,877

 

$

128,990

 


(1) Reported assets plus securitized credit card loans and credit card loans serviced for related parties


Per share data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings

 

$

244.42

 

$

315.33

 

$

276.02

 

$

258.19

 

$

220.68

 

Diluted earnings

 

$

241.67

 

$

315.33

 

$

276.02

 

$

258.19

 

$

220.68

 

Dividends

 

$

47.09

 

$

46.47

 

$

38.72

 

$

35.00

 

$

33.76

 

Stockholders' equity

 

$

2,442.62

 

$

2,242.76

 

$

1,943.91

 

$

1,744.19

 

$

1,522.56

 


                                 


Profit ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on average equity

 

 

10.4%

 

 

15.4%

 

 

15.1%

 

 

15.7%

 

 

15.2%

 

Return on average assets

 

 

.9%

 

 

1.2%

 

 

1.2%

 

 

1.2%

 

 

1.1%

 


PHOTO

First National Bank, Fort Collins, Colorado

5



First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition


 
  December 31,

   
 
  2001
  2000
   

(in thousands except share and per share data)


Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

$

530,586

 

$

430,091

 

 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments     221,107     385,360    

    Total cash and cash equivalents     751,693     815,451    

Investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Available-for-sale (amortized cost $304,555 and $814,458)     306,237     813,398    
  Held-to-maturity (fair value $1,230,343 and $203,127)     1,216,064     201,253    
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other securities, at cost     33,806     24,843    

    Total investment securities     1,556,107     1,039,494    

Loans

 

 

6,977,104

 

 

6,926,199

 

 
  Less: Allowance for loan losses     118,526     105,304    
            Unearned income     23,575     20,591    

    Net loans     6,835,003     6,800,304    

Premises and equipment, net

 

 

184,647

 

 

164,410

 

 
Other assets     424,811     463,655    

    Total assets   $ 9,752,261   $ 9,283,314    


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Noninterest-bearing   $ 1,227,196   $ 954,665    
  Interest-bearing     6,863,577     6,893,284    

    Total deposits     8,090,773     7,847,949    

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements

 

 

157,767

 

 

156,805

 

 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances     300,930     189,325    
Other borrowings     157,556     91,098    
Other liabilities     135,264     154,340    

Capital notes

 

 

92,915

 

 

93,594

 

 

    Total liabilities     8,935,205     8,533,111    

Contingencies and commitments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Common stock, $5 par value, 346,767 shares authorized
334,500 shares issued and outstanding
    1,673     1,673    
  Additional paid-in capital     2,511     2,511    
  Retained earnings     811,805     746,718    
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     1,067     (699 )  

    Total stockholders' equity     817,056     750,203    

    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 9,752,261   $ 9,283,314    

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6



First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income


 
  For the years ended December 31,

   
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
   

(in thousands except share and per share data)

Interest income:                      
  Interest and fees on loans and lease financing   $ 724,953   $ 755,032   $ 694,073    
  Interest on securities:                      
    Taxable interest income     63,410     63,890     65,504    
    Nontaxable interest income     1,696     1,912     1,191    
  Interest on federal funds sold
and other short-term investments
    14,501     16,361     9,557    

      Total interest income     804,560     837,195     770,325    

Interest expense:                      
  Interest on deposits     326,942     351,315     284,482    
  Interest on federal funds purchased and securities
sold under repurchase agreements
    5,515     9,847     8,394    
  Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank advances     13,499     10,482     7,162    
  Interest on other borrowings     6,263     5,069     391    
  Interest on capital notes     7,080     7,168     7,104    

      Total interest expense     359,299     383,881     307,533    

Net interest income     445,261     453,314     462,792    
Provision for loan losses     166,895     131,073     144,573    

Net interest income after provision for loan losses     278,366     322,241     318,219    
Noninterest income:                      
  Processing services     246,435     202,458     161,148    
  Credit card securitization income     98,281     58,859     40,166    
  Deposit services     35,427     32,584     27,865    
  Trust and investment services     24,204     22,165     22,980    
  Gain on sale of mortgage loans     23,862     8,569     10    
  Gain on sale of subsidiary         59,414        
  Miscellaneous     63,634     52,793     51,751    

      Total noninterest income     491,843     436,842     303,920    

Noninterest expense:                      
  Salaries and employee benefits     293,483     264,449     216,263    
  Marketing, communications and supplies     80,481     83,082     63,763    
  Professional services     59,045     33,346     25,543    
  Equipment rentals, depreciation and maintenance     54,538     55,375     50,637    
  Net occupancy expense of premises     44,148     43,290     30,554    
  Processing expense     34,113     35,269     27,661    
  Goodwill and other intangibles amortization     21,679     26,898     21,460    
  Loan servicing expense     20,620     23,072     24,683    
  Miscellaneous     27,596     29,338     19,264    

      Total noninterest expense     635,703     594,119     479,828    

Income before income taxes     134,506     164,964     142,311    
Income tax expense (benefit):                      
  Current     10,839     70,324     50,059    
  Deferred     42,828     (10,837 )   (109 )  

      Total income tax expense     53,667     59,487     49,950    

Net income   $ 80,839   $ 105,477   $ 92,361    

Basic earnings per common share   $ 244.42   $ 315.33   $ 276.02    

Diluted earnings per common share   $ 241.67   $ 315.33   $ 276.02    

Basic common shares outstanding     330,740     334,500     334,622    

Diluted common shares outstanding     334,500     334,500     334,622    

Cash dividends declared per common share   $ 47.09   $ 46.47   $ 38.72    

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7




First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income


 
  For the years ended December 31,

   
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
   

(in thousands)

Net Income   $ 80,839   $ 105,477   $ 92,361    
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:                      
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities     7,210     17,419     (17,415 )  
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income     4,468     2,070     888    

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax     2,742     15,349     (18,303 )  
Less: Income tax expense (benefit) for other comprehensive income     976     5,552     (6,645 )  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax     1,766     9,797     (11,658 )  

Comprehensive income   $ 82,605   $ 115,274   $ 80,703    


Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity


For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999


 
  Common
Stock
($5 par value)

  Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)

  Employee
Stock
Trust

  Total
Stockholders'
Equity

 

 
(in thousands except per share data)

 
Balance, January 1, 1999   $ 1,675   $ 2,515   $ 578,951   $ 1,162   $   $ 584,303  
Net Income             92,361             92,361  
Repurchase of common stock     (2 )   (4 )   (1,568 )           (1,574 )
Net unrealized depreciation on securities available-for-sale, net of tax                 (11,658 )       (11,658 )
Cash dividends - $38.72 per share             (12,958 )           (12,958 )

 
Balance, December 31,1999     1,673     2,511     656,786     (10,496 )       650,474  
Net Income             105,477             105,477  
Net unrealized appreciation on securities available-for-sale, net of tax                 9,797         9,797  
Purchase shares for employee stock trust                     4,901     4,901  
Change in employee stock trust obligation                     (4,901 )   (4,901 )
Cash dividends - $46.47 per share             (15,545 )           (15,545 )

 
Balance, December 31, 2000     1,673     2,511     746,718     (699 )       750,203  
Net Income             80,839             80,839  
Net unrealized appreciation on securities available-for-sale, net of tax                 1,766         1,766  
Purchase shares for employee stock trust                     1,036     1,036  
Sale of shares from employee stock trust                     (301 )   (301 )
Change in employee stock trust obligation                     (735 )   (735 )
Cash dividends - $47.09 per share             (15,752 )           (15,752 )

 
Balance, December 31, 2001   $ 1,673   $ 2,511   $ 811,805   $ 1,067   $   $ 817,056  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8



First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


 
  For the years ended December 31,

   
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
   

(in thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net Income   $ 80,839   $ 105,477   $ 92,361    
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:                      
      Provision for loan losses     166,895     131,073     144,573    
      Depreciation and amortization     51,065     70,581     55,381    
      Provision for deferred taxes     42,828     (10,837 )   (109 )  
      Origination of mortgage loans for resale     (1,895,942 )   (673,813 )   (132,466 )  
      Proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans for resale     1,746,495     654,769     142,921    
      Gain on sale of subsidiary         (59,414 )      
      Other asset and liability activity, net     (39,752 )   148     (168,713 )  

  Net cash flows from operating activities     152,428     217,984     133,948    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    Acquisitions, net of cash received (1)     (2,380 )   (32,907 )   (20,539 )  
    Net cash received from sale of subsidiary         57,810        
    Maturities of securities available-for-sale     653,824     182,744     202,169    
    Sales of securities available-for-sale     440,128     20,418     200,035    
    Purchases of securities available-for-sale     (581,150 )   (32,920 )   (518,571 )  
    Maturities of securities held-to-maturity     1,607,808     70,989     266,526    
    Purchases of securities held-to-maturity     (2,609,923 )   (91,643 )   (7,343 )  
    Redemptions of FHLB stock and other securities         17,636     163    
    Purchases of FHLB stock and other securities     (9,066 )   (264 )   (24,475 )  
    Net change in loans     (288,759 )   (1,286,639 )   (567,210 )  
    Credit card securitization activities, net     351,484     775,995     (1,978 )  
    Purchases of loan portfolios     (122,805 )   (165,688 )   (48,586 )  
    Purchases of premises and equipment     (66,636 )   (55,471 )   (41,372 )  
    Other, net     7,065     2,927     3,178    

  Net cash flows from investing activities     (620,410 )   (537,013 )   (558,003 )  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    Net change in deposits     242,824     804,462     (84,414 )  
    Assumption of deposits, net             39,712    
    Net change in federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements     962     (184,680 )   (17,490 )  
    Issuance of FHLB advances     199,716     420,316     452,267    
    Principal repayments on FHLB advances     (88,111 )   (603,068 )   (111,725 )  
    Issuance of other borrowings     1,185,583     661,994     10,286    
    Principal repayments on other borrowings     (1,120,319 )   (602,936 )   (11,032 )  
    Principal repayments on capital notes     (679 )   (795 )   (794 )  
    Repurchase of common stock             (1,574 )  
    Cash dividends paid     (15,752 )   (15,545 )   (12,958 )  

  Net cash flows from financing activities     404,224     479,748     262,278    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents     (63,758 )   160,719     (161,777 )  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     815,451     654,732     816,509    

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 751,693   $ 815,451   $ 654,732    

Cash paid during the year for:                      
  Interest   $ 377,038   $ 368,455   $ 310,471    
  Income taxes   $ 29,522   $ 50,933   $ 52,632    
Non-cash investing and financing activities:                      
  Consideration for business acquisitions   $   $ 5,000   $ 2,319    

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)
During 2001, the non-cash assets and assumed liabilities of acquired companies were immaterial. During 2000, companies were acquired with non-cash assets of $103.8 million and liabilities of $65.9 million. During 1999, companies were acquired with non-cash assets of $214.0 million and liabilities of $191.2 million.

9


LOGO

10



First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999


A.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation  -  The consolidated financial statements of First National of Nebraska, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) include the accounts of the parent company; its 99.68% owned subsidiary, First National Bank of Omaha and subsidiaries (the Bank); its wholly-owned other banking subsidiaries; and its nonbanking subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Nature of Business  -  The Company is a Nebraska-based interstate financial holding company whose primary assets are its banking subsidiaries. The banking subsidiaries are principally engaged in consumer, commercial, real estate and agricultural lending and retail deposit activities. The Company also has subsidiaries which provide merchant credit card processing and other services.

These operating activities involve similar types of customers, products and services and distribution methods. Financial information is maintained and analyzed on a total entity basis for decision making and performance assessment. The Company's operations are also regulated by common regulatory authorities. Therefore, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," the Company has determined that it is a single reportable entity.

Use of Estimates  -  In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents  -  For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Securities  -  Debt securities for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as "held-to-maturity" and reported at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading, including equity securities with readily determinable fair values, are classified as "available-for-sale" and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses on a net-of-tax basis excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other securities are not actively traded and do not have readily determinable fair values, therefore, these securities are reported at cost.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the level yield method over the period to maturity. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined using the specific-identification method.

Loans  -  Loans are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the yield of the related loan over the estimated average life of the loan.

Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes collection of interest is doubtful after considering economic and business conditions, collection efforts, and the financial condition of the borrower. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged off is reversed against interest income.

Loans Held for Sale  -  Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.

Leases  -  Equipment acquired with no outside financing is leased to customers under direct financing lease arrangements. The net investment in direct financing leases is the sum of all minimum lease payments and estimated residual values, less unearned income. Unearned income is recognized as interest income over the terms of the leases by methods that approximate the level yield method.

Allowance for Loan Losses  -  The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Additions to the allowance are made through increases in the provision for loan

11



losses. Charge-offs are deducted from the allowance, and subsequent recoveries are added. Methods for measuring the appropriate level of the allowance for non-credit card loans include the application of estimated loss factors to outstanding loans and certain unused commitments based on internal risk classifications of such loans and commitments. Additionally, impairment for larger non-consumer loans is measured and recognized to the extent that the recorded investment of an impaired loan exceeds its value either based on the fair value of the loan's underlying collateral less costs to sell, the calculated present value of projected cash flows discounted at the contractual effective interest rate, or the loan's observable fair value. For credit card loans, management estimates losses inherent in the portfolio based on a model which tracks historical loss experience on delinquent accounts and charge-offs, net of estimated recoveries, due to bankruptcies, deceased cardholders and account settlements. In addition to these methods of measurement, management also considers other factors such as general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit concentrations and credit quality trends. Since the evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these factors is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty, the measurement of the overall allowance is subject to estimation risk, and the amount of actual losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts. The Company's measurement methods incorporate comparisons between recent experience and historical rates to reduce differences between estimated and actual losses. The allowance for loan losses is allocated to different parts of the loan portfolio based on the Company's measurement processes for internal analytical purposes only. The entire allowance is available to absorb probable credit losses in the Company's total loan portfolio.

Premises and Equipment  -  Premises, furniture and equipment, and leasehold improvements are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the leases. Land is carried at cost.

Credit Card Securitizations  -  The Company sells credit card loans which are converted into securities and sold to investors, a process referred to as securitization. In conjunction with these securitizations, the Company retains servicing rights and an interest in residual cash flows, known as interest-only strips ("IO strips") which are classified in other assets. Since the Company receives adequate compensation relative to current market servicing rates, a servicing asset or liability is not generally recognized in a credit card securitization. Gain or loss on the sale of credit card loans depends in part on the previous carrying amount of the financial assets involved in the transfer, allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests based on their relative fair value at the date of transfer. To obtain fair values, quoted market prices are used if available. However, quotes are generally not available for retained interests, so the Company uses its best estimates for fair value based on the present value of future expected cash flows using assumptions for credit losses, prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Interest-only strips are measured like investments in debt securities classified as trading under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Changes in fair value of the IO strips are recorded as a component of credit card securitization income.

Mortgage Servicing Rights  -  Servicing rights resulting from mortgage loan sales are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of estimated net servicing revenues. Servicing rights are assessed for impairment periodically, based on fair value, with any impairment recognized through a valuation allowance. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified based on interest rate and original maturity. Fees received for servicing mortgage loans owned by investors are based on a percentage of the outstanding monthly principal balance of such loans and are included in income as loan payments are received. These fees are reported net of the amortization of related servicing rights. Costs of servicing mortgage loans are charged to expense as incurred.

Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements  -  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are classified as secured borrowings, generally mature within one day from the transaction date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The Company may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities.

Income Taxes  -  The Company files consolidated federal and state tax returns. Taxes of the subsidiaries, computed on a separate return basis, are remitted to the parent company. Under the liability method used to calculate income taxes, the Company provides deferred taxes for differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities by applying currently enacted statutory tax rates which are applicable to future periods.

Intangible Assets  -  Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets associated with merger and acquisition transactions. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging up to 25 years. Core deposit intangibles represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in acquisitions and are amortized over periods not exceeding 10 years using straight-line and accelerated methods, as appropriate. Purchased credit card relationships represent the intangible value of acquired credit card relationships and are amortized over 15 years using an accelerated method.

12



The Company periodically assesses the recoverability of intangible assets by reviewing such assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value may not be recoverable. An impairment is recognized when undiscounted cash flows of assets are estimated to be insufficient to recover their related carrying value.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments  -  Fair values of financial instruments that are not actively traded are based on market prices of similar instruments and/or valuation techniques using market assumptions. Although management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of these financial instruments, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. The Company assumes that the carrying amount of cash and short-term financial instruments approximates their fair value.

Trust Assets  -  Property (other than cash deposits) held by banking subsidiaries in fiduciary or agency capacities for their customers is not included in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition since such items are not assets of the Company.

Earnings Per Share  -  Basic net earnings per common share ("EPS") is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. This calculation does not include outstanding common shares held in trust for the Company's executive deferred compensation plan and employee stock trust plan.

Diluted EPS is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding calculated for basic EPS, plus the dilutive effect of the contingently issuable shares of common stock held in trust for the Company's executive deferred compensation plan and employee stock trust plan.

Other  -  Certain reclassifications were made to prior years' financial statements to conform them to the classifications used in 2001. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or total assets.

13


B.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Debt and equity securities have been classified in the consolidated statements of financial condition according to management's intent.

Available-for-sale

The amortized cost of available-for-sale securities and their approximate fair values at December 31 were as follows:

 
  Amortized Cost
  Gross Unrealized Gains
  Gross Unrealized Losses
  Fair Value
 

(in thousands)

2001                          
U.S. Government obligations   $ 274,888   $ 1,414   $ (21 ) $ 276,281  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     3,500         (223 )   3,277  
Mortgage-backed securities     25,168     503         25,671  
Other securities     999     9         1,008  

Total securities available-for-sale   $ 304,555   $ 1,926   $ (244 ) $ 306,237  

2000                          
U.S. Government obligations   $ 766,885   $ 1,401   $ (2,183 ) $ 766,103  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     3,500             3,500  
Mortgage-backed securities     42,052     177     (324 )   41,905  
Other securities     2,021     2     (133 )   1,890  

Total securities available-for-sale   $ 814,458   $ 1,580   $ (2,640 ) $ 813,398  

1999                          
U.S. Government obligations   $ 924,897   $ 89   $ (15,366 ) $ 909,620  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     3,500             3,500  
Mortgage-backed securities     52,530     14     (1,197 )   51,347  
Other securities     7,016     2     (36 )   6,982  

Total securities available-for-sale   $ 987,943   $ 105   $ (16,599 ) $ 971,449  

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value by the contractual maturity of available-for-sale debt securities held on December 31, 2001 as well as the weighted average yield for each range (stated on a taxable equivalent basis assuming a 35% marginal tax rate). Yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of stockholders' equity.

 
  Amortized
Cost

  Fair
Value

  Weighted
Average
Yield

   

($ in thousands)

U.S. Government obligations                    
Due in one year or less   $ 236,430   $ 237,069   2.64 %  
Due after one year through five years     38,458     39,212   4.33 %  
Due after five years through ten years              
Due after ten years              

  Total   $ 274,888   $ 276,281   2.88 %  

Obligations of states and political subdivisions                    
Due in one year or less   $   $      
Due after one year through five years     525     520   10.71 %  
Due after five years through ten years     1,090     1,014   11.11 %  
Due after ten years     1,885     1,743   11.81 %  

  Total   $ 3,500   $ 3,277   11.43 %  

Other securities                    
Due in one year or less   $ 995   $ 1,004   7.41 %  
Due after one year through five years              
Due after five years through ten years              
Due after ten years     4     4      

  Total   $ 999   $ 1,008   7.38 %  

Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities were $4.5 million in 2001, $2.1 million in 2000 and $.9 million in 1999. The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were $440 million, $20 million and $200 million for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

14



Held-to-maturity

The amortized cost of held-to-maturity securities and their approximate fair values at December 31 were as follows:


 


 

Amortized Cost

 

Gross Unrealized Gains


 

Gross Unrealized Losses


 

Fair
Value


 


(in thousands)


2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
U.S. Government obligations   $ 1,058,723   $ 13,633   $ (1,603 ) $ 1,070,753  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     26,859     470     (13 )   27,316  
Mortgage-backed securities     129,932     2,084     (292 )   131,724  
Other securities     550             550  

Total securities held-to-maturity   $ 1,216,064   $ 16,187   $ (1,908 ) $ 1,230,343  

2000                          
U.S. Government obligations   $ 117,816   $ 628   $ (11 ) $ 118,433  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     32,086     232     (39 )   32,279  
Mortgage-backed securities     50,894     1,102     (38 )   51,958  
Other securities     457             457  

Total securities held-to-maturity   $ 201,253   $ 1,962   $ (88 ) $ 203,127  

1999                          
U.S. Government obligations   $ 124,731   $ 7   $ (732 ) $ 124,006  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     34,945     66     (292 )   34,719  
Mortgage-backed securities     19,280     7     (274 )   19,013  
Other securities     450             450  

Total securities held-to-maturity   $ 179,406   $ 80   $ (1,298 ) $ 178,188  

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value by the contractual maturity of held-to-maturity debt securities held on December 31, 2001 as well as the weighted average yield for each range (stated on a taxable equivalent basis assuming a 35% marginal tax rate).


 


 

Amortized
Cost


 

Fair
Value


 

Weighted
Average
Yield


 

 


($ in thousands)


U.S. Government obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Due in one year or less   $ 226,875   $ 228,210   2.74 %  
Due after one year through five years     831,848     842,543   4.41 %  
Due after five years through ten years              
Due after ten years              

  Total   $ 1,058,723   $ 1,070,753   4.05 %  

Obligations of states and political subdivisions                    
Due in one year or less   $ 5,817   $ 5,857   6.56 %  
Due after one year through five years     14,161     14,513   7.06 %  
Due after five years through ten years     3,513     3,576   7.42 %  
Due after ten years     3,368     3,370   9.59 %  

  Total   $ 26,859   $ 27,316   7.31 %  

Other securities                    
Due in one year or less   $ 400   $ 400   6.50 %  
Due after one year through five years     50     50   7.80 %  
Due after five years through ten years     100     100   3.00 %  
Due after ten years              

  Total   $ 550   $ 550   5.98 %  

Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities totaling $789.2 million and $677.9 million, at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

15


C.  LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The Company grants individual consumer, commercial, agricultural, and real estate loans to its customers. It is diversified in its lending by providing financing to a variety of borrowers throughout the Company's operating regions in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas. The majority of credit card loans are to customers located in the central part of the United States.

The following table reflects the diversification of the lending activities for loans at December 31:


 


 

2001

 

2000


 


(in thousands)

 
Credit card (1)

 

$

1,992,199

 

$

2,214,474

 
  Commercial and financial     1,134,257     1,159,850  
  Real estate - residential (2)     802,769     629,740  
  Real estate - commercial     762,043     781,011  
  Individual consumer     747,421     706,130  
  Agricultural     682,600     663,422  
  Real estate - construction and land development (3)     649,786     546,405  
  Real estate - agricultural     109,167     105,649  
  Lease financing (4)     80,389     101,988  
  Other     16,473     17,530  

  Gross loans     6,977,104     6,926,199  
  Less:              
    Allowance for loan losses     118,526     105,304  
    Unearned income     23,575     20,591  

  Net loans   $ 6,835,003   $ 6,800,304  

(1)
Reported amounts do not include credit card loans that have been securitized and credit card loans sold to and serviced for related parties of $1.8 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company acquired 21 credit card loan portfolios totaling $112.2 million throughout 2001.
(2)
Includes loans held for sale of $270.6 million and $65.1 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
(3)
Real estate - construction and land development at December 31, 2001 was comprised of the following (comparable prior year information was not available):
 
  2001
   
 

(in thousands)

  Commercial construction   $ 255,522      
  Residential land development     124,218      
  Commercial land development     100,336      
  Multi-family construction     83,375      
  Residential construction     86,335      

  Real estate - construction and land development   $ 649,786      

(4)
Lease financing at December 31 was comprised of the following:
 
  2001
  2000
 

(in thousands)

  Direct financing leases:              
    Lease payments receivable   $ 65,848   $ 85,829  
    Estimated residual value of equipment     14,541     16,159  

      80,389     101,988  
  Less unearned income     9,734     14,172  

  Net leases   $ 70,655   $ 87,816  

At December 31, 2001, minimum lease financing payments receivable for each of the five succeeding years are approximately: $19.4 million for 2002; $18.0 million for 2003; $13.3 million for 2004; $7.4 million for 2005; and $3.4 million for 2006.

In addition to loans owned by the Company, credit card loans securitized and managed by the Company totaled $1.8 billion and $1.4 billion at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Credit card loan participations sold to banks owned by controlling shareholders of the Company and serviced by the Company were $81 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000. Non-credit card loan participations sold to banks owned by controlling shareholders of the Company were $21.0 million and $19.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2001 and 2000. Non-credit

16



card loan participations of $35.9 million and $50.8 million were also purchased from companies owned by controlling shareholders at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Loans to subsidiary bank directors and their associated entities were made in the ordinary course of business and approximate $44.0 million and $47.9 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Mortgage loans serviced for others totaled $944.9 million and $604.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2001 and 2000.

The allowance for loan losses is intended to cover losses inherent in the Company's loan portfolio as of the reporting date. On a monthly basis, the Company evaluates its allowance for loan losses based upon a review of collateral values, delinquencies, nonaccruals, payment histories and various other analytical and subjective measures relating to the various loan portfolios within the Company. The allowance for loan losses also includes provisions for losses on loans considered impaired and measured pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan."

Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31 are as follows:


 


 

2001

 

2000


 

1999


 

 


(in thousands)

 
Balance beginning of year

 

$

105,304

 

$

106,484

 

$

121,877

 

 
  Provision for loan losses     166,895     131,073     144,573    
  Addition due to acquisitions of loans     2,245     3,518     3,054    
  Reduction due to sales of loans     (5,928 )   (12,210 )      
 
Loans charged off

 

 

(171,455

)

 

(146,306

)

 

(191,257

)

 
  Loans recovered     21,465     22,745     28,237    

  Total net charge-offs     (149,990 )   (123,561 )   (163,020 )  

  Balance end of year   $ 118,526   $ 105,304   $ 106,484    

Credit card loans are predominately unsecured, and the allowance for potential losses associated with these loans has been established accordingly. Non-credit card loans are generally secured by underlying real estate, business assets, personal property and personal guarantees. The amount of collateral obtained is based upon management's evaluation of the borrower.

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that all principal and interest amounts due will not be collected in accordance with the loan's contractual terms. Certain loans, such as loans held for sale or small-balance homogeneous loans (e.g. credit card, home mortgages and installment credit) are exempt from impairment determinations for disclosure purposes. Impairment is recognized to the extent that the recorded investment of an impaired loan exceeds its value either based on the fair value of the loan's underlying collateral less costs to sell, the calculated present value of projected cash flows discounted at the contractual effective interest rate, or the loan's observable fair value. As of December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 and for each of the three years then ended, the Company's recorded investment in impaired loans and associated interest income was immaterial.

D.  CREDIT CARD ACTIVITIES

The Company sells credit card loans which are converted into securities and sold to investors, a process referred to as securitization. In credit card securitizations, designated pools of credit card loans, including related allowances for credit losses, are removed from the balance sheet and a security is sold to investors. In all of these transactions, the Company retains servicing responsibilities and receives annual servicing fees, which are classified in processing services income. The average servicing fee is approximately two percent of the outstanding balances of the credit card loans securitized. The Company also retains rights to future cash flows arising after investors have received the return for which they are entitled. These retained interests are known as interest-only strips ("IO strips") and are subordinate to investor's interests. The value of the IO strips are subject to credit, prepayment and interest rate risks on the loans sold. The investors have no recourse to the Company's assets for failure of debtors to pay. However, as contractually required, the Company may designate certain accounts, known as spread accounts, to be used as collateral for the benefit of investors.

As of December 31, 2001 and 2000, managed credit card loan balances (those held by the Company in its portfolio, those sold to investors through securitizations and those sold to related parties with servicing retained) were $3.8 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. The following table reflects the balance sheet impact of the Company's

17



credit card securitizations and the delinquencies and the net charge-offs for the managed credit card loan portfolio. An account is considered contractually delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the specified due date.


 


 

2001

 

2000


 


($ in thousands)

 
Credit card loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Credit card loan portfolio included on the balance sheet   $ 1,992,199   $ 2,214,474  
    Securitized credit card loans sold to investors and removed from the reported balance sheet     1,757,022     1,412,038  
    Credit card loans sold to and serviced for related parties and removed from the reported balance sheet     81,000     81,000  

        Total managed credit card loan portfolio at December 31   $ 3,830,221   $ 3,707,512  
 
Delinquent loans in the managed credit card loan portfolio at December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
      30-89 days   $ 111,035   $ 93,877  
      90 days or more and still accruing   $ 84,640   $ 63,109  
 
Total net charge-offs on the managed credit card loan portfolio for the year ended December 31

 

$

219,217

 

$

164,911

 
 
Annual average credit card loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Reported credit card loans   $ 2,130,788   $ 2,253,450  
    Securitized credit card loans     1,531,470     913,006  
    Credit card loans sold to and serviced for related parties     81,000     81,000  

        Total annual average managed credit card loan portfolio   $ 3,743,258   $ 3,247,456  

Total net charge-offs as a percentage of annual average managed loans

 

 

5.86%

 

 

5.08%

 

At the time the Company enters into a securitization, an IO strip asset is recognized and the resulting gain on sale is recorded in noninterest income as a component of credit card securitization income. During the revolving period of a credit card securitization, additional gains are recognized as additional credit card loans are sold. The IO strips are paid down as payments are received on the securitized credit card loans. For the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company recognized pretax gains of $72.8 million and $43.4 million, respectively, which are reflected as a component of credit card securitization income.

Because the IO strips are carried at fair value, certain estimates are used in determining the fair value of IO strips, including net revenues, prepayment speeds, weighted-average loan lives and the discount rate. The components of net revenues, which are estimated, include finance charge and a portion of fee revenue generated by the securitized loans in excess of interest paid to investors, related net credit losses and the cost of servicing. The resulting expected cash flows are discounted over the estimated lives of the loans to determine the fair value. Such estimates and assumptions are subject to change and, accordingly, the Company may not recover all of the recorded investment of IO strips. The loans in each trust have unique attributes; thus, the IO strips related to each trust are evaluated separately. The following assumptions were used throughout 2001 and 2000 to estimate the fair value of the IO strips related to credit card securitizations:


 


 

2001

 

2000


 


(rates per annum)


Weighted-average loan lives (in years)

 

.5 - .7

 

..5 - .7

 
Prepayment speeds   11.8% - 16.4%   11.8% - 16.7%  
Expected credit losses   4.7% - 7.8%   2.7% - 5.9%  
Discount rate   15%   15%  

18


The fair value of IO strips was $34.5 million and $18.2 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. At December 31, 2001, the Company calculated the sensitivity of the assumptions used in calculating the fair values of IO strips to immediate 10 percent and 20 percent adverse changes in the assumptions.

 
  Actual

  Impact on Fair Value with
an Adverse Change of

 


($ in thousands and rates per annum)


 

 


 

10%

 

20%


 


As of December 31, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Weighted average loan lives (in years)   .5 - .7          
Prepayment speeds   11.8% - 15.2%   $ 2,863   $ 5,781  
Expected credit losses   6.2% - 7.8%   $ 4,222   $ 8,454  
Discount rate   15%   $ 142   $ 284  

This sensitivity analysis is hypothetical and is as of a specific point in time. As a result, these scenarios should be used with caution. As the table indicates, changes in fair value based on a 10 percent variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair values of IO strips are calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

A summary of certain cash flows received from and paid to securitization trusts during 2001 and 2000 are as follows:


 


 

2001

 

2000


 

 


(in thousands)


Received from (paid to) the securitization trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Proceeds from new securitizations   $ 614,500   $ 1,199,000    
Payments on previously securitized loans     (263,016 )   (423,005 )  

Change in securitization     351,484     775,995    

Collections used by the trusts to purchase new
balances in revolving credit card securitizations

 

 

2,114,829

 

 

1,235,021

 

 
Servicing fees received     30,902     19,845    
Cash flows received on IO strips     103,616     58,335    

Credit enhancements associated with credit card securitizations totaled $12.2 million and $8.5 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and are classified on the balance sheet in other assets.

E.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment at December 31 were comprised of the following:


 


 

2001

 

2000


 


(in thousands)


Land

 

$

23,243

 

$

18,536

 
Buildings     118,451     103,278  
Leasehold improvements     35,999     30,516  
Equipment     246,121     219,096  

      423,814     371,426  
Less accumulated depreciation     239,167     207,016  

Net premises and equipment   $ 184,647   $ 164,410  

See footnote M for discussion of leased premises and equipment.

19


F.  DEPOSITS

At December 31, 2001, the scheduled maturities of total certificates of deposit were as follows:


(in thousands)


 


 

 


 

 


 


2002

 

$

2,931,954

 
2003     660,981  
2004     184,634  
2005     107,662  
2006 and thereafter     40,981  

Total certificates of deposit   $ 3,926,212  

The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit, each with a minimum denomination of $100,000, was approximately $926.4 million and $971.8 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

G.  FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

The Company had advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank as follows:

 
  December 31, 2001
  December 31, 2000

 


 

Weighted
Average
Rate


 

Amount


 

Weighted
Average
Rate


 

Amount


 


($ in thousands)


Scheduled maturities due on advances:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Due in one year or less   6.04 % $ 2,391   6.50 % $ 58,048  
Due after one year through two years   5.83 %   3,287   6.43 %   1,464  
Due after two years through three years   5.36 %   30,896   6.50 %   12,366  
Due after three years through four years   6.14 %   2,809   5.67 %   29,974  
Due after four years through five years   4.94 %   23,665   6.49 %   1,887  
Due after five years   4.68 %   237,882   5.67 %   85,586  

Total Federal Home Loan Bank advances   4.81 % $ 300,930   5.99 % $ 189,325  

These Federal Home Loan Bank advances carried interest rates ranging from 1.95% to 7.82% as of December 31, 2001. Fixed-rate advances totaling $281.5 million at December 31, 2001 are convertible into adjustable-rate advances at the option of the Federal Home Loan Bank with call dates ranging from January 2002 to September 2006. These convertible advances include $1.0 million with scheduled maturities due after one year through two years, $29.0 million with maturities due after two years through three years, $22.0 million with maturities due after four years through five years, and $229.5 million with maturities due after five years. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had no outstanding balance on a $55.0 million unsecured line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, outstanding advances were collateralized by real estate loans totaling $747.6 million and $375.4 million, respectively, mortgage-backed securities totaling $40.8 million and $89.8 million, respectively, and investment securities totaling $15.5 million and $0, respectively, in compliance with Federal Home Loan Bank requirements. Additionally, the Company held Federal Home Loan Bank stock totaling $22.0 million at December 31, 2001 and $15.4 million at December 31, 2000 which is also held as collateral.

H.  OTHER BORROWINGS

The parent company has a $125 million syndicated revolving credit facility available for acquisitions or other corporate purposes which bears a variable rate of interest tied to publicly announced debt ratings of the Bank. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the balance outstanding under this credit facility was $0 and $23 million, respectively. The credit facility will mature on December 4, 2003, at which time, any outstanding balance will be due. Among other restrictions, the loan agreement requires that the Company maintain certain financial covenants.

Cornerstone Mortgage Company, a subsidiary of the Bank, acquired in February 2000, has a warehousing credit and security agreement providing for a $140 million credit line used to fund mortgage loan originations for resale. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the balance outstanding on this credit line was $138.3 million and $45.9 million, respectively. This line bears a variable rate of interest tied to LIBOR and the types of mortgage loans funded. The credit line is collateralized by the mortgage loans which the line is used to fund. Repayment periods for draws on the warehousing credit line range from 90-270 days based on the type of mortgage loan funded by the line. The

20



warehousing credit and security agreement expires in August 2002. Among other restrictions, the warehousing credit and security agreement requires that Cornerstone Mortgage Company maintain certain financial covenants. As part of this agreement, the Bank issued a $2.9 million letter of credit.

InfiCorp Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary acquired in July 2000 by the parent company, has an agreement for a $10.0 million unsecured revolving credit line for operating purposes which bears a variable rate of interest tied to LIBOR. The balance outstanding under this credit line was $5.5 million and $8.8 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The credit line will mature in February 2002, at which time, any outstanding balance will be due. Among other restrictions, the loan agreement requires that InfiCorp Holdings, Inc. maintain certain financial covenants. The parent company has guaranteed payment of this credit line.

In April 2000, a subsidiary of the parent company, Whitetail Finance Company, entered into an agreement providing for a $10.0 million unsecured revolving credit line for operating purposes which bears a variable rate of interest tied to LIBOR. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the balance outstanding under this credit line was $7.2 million and $5.8 million, respectively. The credit line will mature in July 2002, at which time, any outstanding balance will be due. Among other restrictions, the loan agreement requires that the Company maintain certain financial covenants. The parent company has guaranteed payment of this note.

In July 2000, the parent company issued $1.5 million and $3.5 million in notes which mature on or before July 6, 2003 and July 6, 2010, respectively, and pay interest semi-annually at a fixed rate of 9.1% and 9.4%, respectively. These notes may be prepaid at the option of the parent company prior to maturity without penalty.

At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the existing 22-story headquarters building located in Omaha, Nebraska, was subject to a mortgage which requires annual payments of $1.3 million including interest at 7.75%, through the year 2002. The Bank may prepay the mortgage with a prepayment premium. The mortgage balance was $1.3 million and $2.4 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

In June 2001, the parent company entered into a new agreement providing for a $10.0 million unsecured revolving credit line for corporate purposes. The agreement matures in June 2002 and the interest rate is tied to the lender's prime rate. There was no balance outstanding under this credit line at December 31, 2001.

I.    CAPITAL NOTES

The Bank has $75 million in subordinated capital notes which are due to mature on December 1, 2010. The subordinated capital notes pay interest semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 at a fixed rate of 7.32%. The subordinated capital notes are unsecured and subordinated to the claims of depositors and general creditors of the Bank. No sinking fund has been provided, and the subordinated capital notes may not be redeemed, in whole or in part, prior to maturity.

The Company has unsecured capital notes that were issued in conjunction with various bank acquisitions and require principal payments through 2009. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, $17.9 million and $18.6 million, respectively, were outstanding on these notes. The capital notes are noncallable and carry interest rates ranging from 7.50% to 12.00%. Principal amounts due on capital notes in each of the succeeding five years are approximately: $7.3 million in 2002; $1.8 million in 2003 and 2004; $4.7 million in 2005 and $.3 million in 2006.

21



J.  INCOME TAXES

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31 were as follows:


 


 

2001

 

2000


 


(in thousands)


Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Allowance for loan losses   $ 45,982   $ 40,194  
  Employee benefits     15,882     12,148  
  Purchased credit card relationships     11,001     8,634  
  Gain on sale of subsidiary     2,488     5,186  
  Net operating loss carryforwards from acquired company (1)     4,902     5,467  
  Depreciation and amortization     1,901     4,538  
  Market adjustment on available-for-sale securities         364  
  Other     1,505     4,889  

Total deferred tax assets     83,661     81,420  

Deferred tax liabilities:              
  Lease financing     3,980     2,891  
  Change in accrual method recognized over future periods for tax purposes         1,678  
  Retained interests recorded for securitization     18,411     10,627  
  Mortgage servicing rights     3,340      
  Credit card loan fee deferral     37,078      
  Market adjustment on available-for-sale securities     614      
  Other     2,866     2,052  

Total deferred tax liabilities     66,289     17,248  

Net deferred tax assets   $ 17,372   $ 64,172  

(1)
Expires in 2020.

The following is a comparative analysis of the provision for federal and state taxes:

 
  For the years ended December 31,
   

 


 

2001

 

2000


 

1999


 

 


(in thousands)


Current federal

 

$

6,800

 

$

65,567

 

$

45,073

 

 
Current state     4,039     4,757     4,986    

Total current taxes     10,839     70,324     50,059    

Deferred federal

 

 

42,939

 

 

(10,926

)

 

(30

)

 
Deferred state     (111 )   89     (79 )  

Total deferred taxes     42,828     (10,837 )   (109 )  

Total provision for income taxes   $ 53,667   $ 59,487   $ 49,950    

The effective rates of total tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 were different than the statutory federal tax rate. The reasons for the differences were as follows:


 


 

2001

 

2000


 

1999


 

 


(percent of pretax income)


Statutory federal tax rate

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

 
Additions(reductions) in taxes resulting from:                
  Tax-exempt interest income   (0.9) % (0.8) % (0.7) %  
  State taxes   1.8 % 1.9 % 2.2 %  
  Change in tax estimate   1.8 % (0.2) % (2.7) %  
  Goodwill amortization   1.9 % 1.7 % 1.2 %  
  Other items, net   .3 % (1.5) % 0.1 %  

Effective tax rate   39.9 % 36.1 % 35.1 %  

22


K.  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table provides the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:


 


 

2001

 

2000


 

1999


 


(in thousands except share data)


Net Income

 

$

80,839

 

$

105,477

 

$

92,361

 

Average common shares outstanding

 

 

334,500

 

 

334,500

 

 

334,622

 
  Less: Average shares held for executive deferred compensation plan     1,966          
      Average shares held in employee stock trust     1,794          

Average common shares outstanding used in basic earnings per share     330,740     334,500     334,622  
  Add: Dilutive effect of shares held for deferred compensation plans     3,760          

Average common shares outstanding used in diluted earnings per share     334,500     334,500     334,622  

L.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company provides a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan to employees. The pension plan covers substantially all employees with one or more years of service. Pension benefits are based on years of service and the employee's highest average compensation using 60 consecutive months out of the last 120 months of employment. The pension benefits are funded under a self-administered pension trust with the Bank's trust department acting as trustee. The Company's policy is to fund the pension plan with sufficient assets necessary to meet benefit obligations as determined on an actuarial basis (normally up to the amount deductible under existing tax regulations).

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company also provides postretirement medical and death benefits to retired employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. The medical plan is contributory, whereby the retired employee pays a portion of the health insurance premium, and contains other cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the pension and postretirement benefit plans.

 
  Pension Benefits
  Postretirement Benefits

 


 

2001

 

2000


 

2001


 

2000


 

 


(in thousands)


Change in benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Benefit obligation at January 1   $ 67,437   $ 58,382   $ 8,377   $ 6,922    
Service cost     6,935     5,529     723     689    
Interest cost     5,227     4,374     612     536    
Retiree contributions             108     64    
Actuarial loss     7,113     572     251     386    
Benefits paid     (1,719 )   (1,420 )   (785 )   (220 )  

Benefit obligation at December 31   $ 84,993   $ 67,437   $ 9,286   $ 8,377    

 
  Pension Benefits
  Postretirement Benefits

 


 

2001

 

2000


 

2001


 

2000


 


(in thousands)


Change in plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1   $ 65,044   $ 64,950      
Actual return on plan assets     5,309     1,514      
Benefits paid     (1,719 )   (1,420 )    

Balance at December 31   $ 68,634   $ 65,044      

23


 
  Pension Benefits
  Postretirement Benefits

 


 

2001

 

2000


 

2001


 

2000


 

 


(in thousands)


Funded status

 

$

(16,359

)

$

(2,393

)

$

(9,286

)

$

(8,377

)

 
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss     6,346     (351 )   (1,286 )   (1,577 )  
Unrecognized prior service cost     296     359            
Unrecognized transition obligation             2,400     2,617    

Accrued benefit cost   $ (9,717 ) $ (2,385 ) $ (8,172 ) $ (7,337 )  

 
  Pension Benefits
  Postretirement Benefits

 


 

2001

 

2000


 

2001


 

2000


 


Assumptions as of December 31:
(weighted averages)
                 
Discount rate   7.25%   7.50%   7.25%   7.50%  
Expected return on plan assets   8.00%   8.00%      
Rate of compensation increase   5.00%   5.00%      

Pension plan assets consist primarily of equity securities, corporate bonds and government and agency securities. The pension plan owned Company common stock with an original cost of $270,000 and a fair value of $26.4 million and $23.3 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Net periodic benefit cost included the following components:

 
  Pension Benefits
  Postretirement Benefits

 


 

2001

 

2000


 

1999


 

2001


 

2000


 

1999


 

 


(in thousands)


Service cost

 

$

6,935

 

$

5,529

 

$

4,940

 

$

723

 

$

689

 

$

614

 

 
Interest cost     5,227     4,374     3,524     612     536     443    
Amortization of prior service costs     63     63     63                
Expected return on plan assets     (4,893 )   (5,145 )   (6,231 )              
Recognized net actuarial gain             (991 )   (40 )   (46 )   (36 )  
Amortization of transition amounts         (333 )   (394 )   217     217     217    

Net periodic benefit cost   $ 7,332   $ 4,488   $ 911   $ 1,512   $ 1,396   $ 1,238    

The assumed healthcare cost trend rate used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the postretirement benefit plan was 5%. A one percentage point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would not materially affect the service or interest cost components of the net periodic postretirement healthcare cost or postretirement benefit obligation.

In addition to the pension and postretirement benefit plans, the Company also has contributory 401(k) savings plans which cover substantially all employees. Total cost for these plans, included within noninterest expense, for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was $4.2 million, $3.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

In December 2000, the Company established and funded two executive deferred compensation plans, replacing an existing executive deferred compensation plan. For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, expense attributable to these plans was $1.0 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

Also in December 2000, the Company established and funded an employee stock trust. The employee stock trust was established to provide funding for obligations of employee benefit plans. The employee stock trust is a non-qualified grantor trust and is consolidated with the Company's financial statements. Shares held by the employee stock trust are treated for accounting purposes like treasury stock, as a reduction of stockholders' equity. The obligation under this employee stock trust is also classified as a component of equity. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the employee stock trust held 1,907 shares and 1,531 shares of parent company stock, respectively. None of these shares were committed to fund employee benefit obligations at December 31, 2001 and 2000.

M. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

In the normal course of business, there are various outstanding commitments to extend credit in the form of unused loan commitments and standby letters of credit that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Since commitments may expire without being exercised, these amounts do not necessarily represent future funding

24



requirements. The Company uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments as those described in Note C.

At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had unused loan commitments, excluding consumer credit card lines, of $2.4 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively. Additionally, standby letters of credit of $134.1 million and $105.4 million had been issued at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The majority of these commitments are collateralized by various assets. No material losses are anticipated as a result of these transactions.

The Company had unused consumer credit card lines of $28.7 billion and $24.9 billion at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company has the contractual right to change the conditions of the credit card members' benefits or terminate the unused line at any time without prior notice. Since many unused credit card lines are never actually drawn upon, the unfunded amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements.

The Company has operating leases for office space with terms ranging from one to ten years, which may include renewal options. Certain leases also include residual value guarantees up to $130.5 million, or alternatively, the Company may elect to exercise purchase options totaling $150.8 million. Operating leases on equipment and office space require future minimum annual net rental payments as follows: 2002-$15.3 million; 2003-$13.4 million; 2004-$10.7 million; 2005-$8.0 million; 2006-$6.1 million; and $23.6 million thereafter through the year 2026. Net rental expense on leases for the years ending December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was approximately $21.9 million, $25.9 million and $18.6 million, respectively.

The Company has entered into a lease for a 40-story tower in Omaha, Nebraska that is currently under construction. Future annual lease payments are estimated to be $8.6 million based on current interest rates and are expected to begin when the tower is completed in 2002. This lease is expected to include estimated residual value guarantees up to $165.8 million, or alternatively, the Company may elect to exercise a purchase option for approximately $195 million. The Company has short-term leases for other locations in Omaha which it has the ability to terminate upon completion of the tower's construction.

N.  REGULATORY MATTERS

The Company is governed by various regulatory agencies. Financial holding companies and their nonbanking subsidiaries are regulated by the Federal Reserve Board. National banks are primarily regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). All federally-insured banks are also regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The Company's banking subsidiaries include nine national banks and two state-chartered banks, all of which are insured by the FDIC. The state-chartered banks are also regulated by state banking authorities.

Various requirements and restrictions under federal and state laws regulate the operations of the Company. These laws, among other things, require the maintenance of reserves against deposits, impose certain restrictions on the nature and terms of loans, restrict investments and other activities, and regulate mergers and the establishment of branches and related operations. The ability of the parent company to pay cash dividends to its shareholders and service debt may be dependent upon cash dividends from its subsidiary banks. Subsidiary banks are subject to limitations under federal law in the amount of dividends they may declare. At December 31, 2001, approximately $96 million of subsidiary banks' retained earnings was available for dividend declaration without prior regulatory approval.

The parent company is a "financial holding company" under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. As a financial holding company, the Company is permitted to engage in and to acquire companies engaged in "financial in nature" activities. These activities could include, among other things, securities and insurance activities and investment banking (through appropriate entities). Engaging in these activities could subject the parent company and its subsidiaries to regulation by additional functional regulators. The parent company is required to satisfy certain conditions in order to retain its rights as a financial holding company. One such condition is that all of the depository institutions controlled by the Company must be and remain well capitalized and well managed. Failure to satisfy this condition could result in regulatory action against the Company, including forced divestiture of its depository institution subsidiaries.

The Company and its banking subsidiaries are required to maintain minimum capital in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Total capital of the Company and its banking subsidiaries are divided into two tiers:

25


In addition, for risk-based capital computations, the assets and certain off-balance sheet commitments of the Company and its banking subsidiaries are assigned to four risk-weighted categories based on the level of credit risk ascribed to such assets or commitments.

Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and its banking subsidiaries must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. These quantitative measures require the Company and its banking subsidiaries to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Tier 1 and total capital (sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I capital to average assets. The Company and its banking subsidiaries' capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

As of December 31, 2001, the Company's banking subsidiaries are well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since December 31, 2001 that management believes have changed these categories. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company's banking subsidiaries must maintain minimum total risk-based capital of 10%, Tier I risk-based capital of 6%, and Tier I leverage capital of 5%.

The Company's and First National Bank of Omaha's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.

 
  Actual

  For Minimum Capital Adequacy Purposes

  To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions

 


($ in thousands)


 

Amount

 

Ratio


 

Amount


 

Ratio


 

Amount


 

Ratio


 


As of December 31, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets                                
    Consolidated Company   $ 898,582   11.1%   $ 647,331   8.0%     N/A      
    First National Bank of Omaha   $ 468,483   11.2%   $ 336,025   8.0%   $ 420,031   10.0%  
  Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets                                
    Consolidated Company   $ 714,469   8.8%   $ 323,666   4.0%     N/A      
    First National Bank of Omaha   $ 339,579   8.1%   $ 168,012   4.0%   $ 252,019   6.0%  
  Tier I Capital to Average Assets                                
    Consolidated Company   $ 714,469   7.6%   $ 376,661   4.0%     N/A      
    First National Bank of Omaha   $ 339,579   6.9%   $ 196,456   4.0%   $ 245,570   5.0%  

As of December 31, 2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets                                
    Consolidated Company   $ 828,406   10.4%   $ 639,999   8.0%     N/A      
    First National Bank of Omaha   $ 436,651   10.5%   $ 332,436   8.0%   $ 415,545   10.0%  
  Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets                                
    Consolidated Company   $ 643,431   8.0%   $ 319,999   4.0%     N/A      
    First National Bank of Omaha   $ 312,868   7.5%   $ 166,218   4.0%   $ 249,327   6.0%  
  Tier I Capital to Average Assets                                
    Consolidated Company   $ 643,431   7.2%   $ 357,993   4.0%     N/A      
    First National Bank of Omaha   $ 312,868   6.9%   $ 180,863   4.0%   $ 226,078   5.0%  

The banking industry is also affected by the monetary and fiscal policies of regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board. Through open market securities transactions, variations in the discount rate, the establishment of reserve requirements and the regulation of certain interest rates payable by member banks, the Federal Reserve Board exerts considerable influence over the cost and availability of funds obtained for lending and investing. Changes in interest rates, deposit levels and loan demand are influenced by the changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, as well as the effect of actions by monetary and fiscal authorities. Pursuant to Federal Reserve Bank reserve requirements, the Company's banking subsidiaries were required to maintain certain cash reserve balances with the Federal Reserve system of approximately $43.7 million and $32.2 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

O.  ACQUISITIONS

In February 2000, the Bank acquired Cornerstone Mortgage Company in a transaction accounted for as a purchase. Cornerstone Mortgage Company is a full service mortgage banking company headquartered in Houston, Texas with assets of approximately $20 million at acquisition.

26



In July 2000, the parent company acquired InfiCorp Holdings, Inc., parent of InfiStar Corporation, InfiLink Corporation and InfiBank, a limited purpose credit card bank, in a transaction accounted for as a purchase. InfiCorp Holdings, Inc., located in Atlanta, Georgia, provides comprehensive credit card portfolio management services and had consolidated assets of approximately $49 million at the time of acquisition.

In November 1999, a subsidiary of the parent company, First National Bank South Dakota, acquired Commercial Banshares, Inc., parent of Commercial Trust and Savings Bank, in a transaction accounted for as a purchase. Commercial Banshares, Inc. had consolidated assets of approximately $161 million. At acquisition, Commercial Trust and Savings Bank was renamed to Commercial Bank, a division of First National Bank South Dakota. Commercial Bank has branches in Mitchell, Huron and Woonsocket, South Dakota.

A second acquisition occurred in November 1999 and it was also accounted for as a purchase. A bank holding company subsidiary acquired FNBJ Company, a parent of First National Bank of Johnstown, Colorado. FNBJ Company, the holding company of First National Bank of Johnstown, had consolidated assets of approximately $30 million. At acquisition, First National Bank of Johnstown merged into Union Colony Bank and was renamed Union Colony - Johnstown Branch.

P.  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations", and Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Statement No. 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. Statement No. 142 requires that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. The Company is required to implement Statement No. 142 on January 1, 2002, which will result in the discontinuation of approximately $8 million of pre-tax goodwill amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2002. This discontinuation of goodwill amortization may be offset by losses from impairment testing of goodwill as required in Statement No. 142. Initial goodwill impairment tests indicate there will be no material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Q.  FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company's various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the specified assets and liabilities held by the Company at December 31, 2001 and 2000. The information presented is based on pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2001 and 2000. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since

27



that time, and the current estimated fair value of these financial instruments may have changed since that point in time.

 
  December 31, 2001
  December 31, 2000

 


 

Carrying
Amount


 

Estimated
Fair
Value


 

Carrying
Amount


 

Estimated
Fair
Value


 


(in thousands)


Financial assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 751,693   $ 751,693   $ 815,451   $ 815,451  
Investment securities     1,556,107     1,570,386     1,039,494     1,041,368  
Net loans and lease financing     6,835,003     7,142,638     6,800,304     6,920,819  
Accrued interest receivable     82,211     82,211     94,906     94,906  

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Deposits   $ 8,090,773   $ 8,125,743   $ 7,847,949   $ 7,889,612  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements     157,767     157,767     156,805     156,805  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances     300,930     316,291     189,325     192,077  
Other borrowings     157,556     157,556     91,098     91,098  
Accrued interest payable     33,158     33,158     50,626     50,626  
Capital notes     92,915     98,761     93,594     97,372  

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating fair value disclosures for the Company's financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents  -  The carrying amounts of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments approximate the fair values.

Investment Securities  -  The fair values of the Company's securities, excluding Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other securities, are based on the quoted market prices at December 31, 2001 and 2000. Available-for-sale securities are carried at their aggregate fair values. The carrying value of the Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Net Loans and Lease Financing  -  The fair values of the Company's loans and lease financing have been estimated using two methods: 1) the carrying amounts of short-term and variable rate loans approximate fair values excluding certain credit card loans which are tied to an index floor; and 2) for all other loans, discounting of projected future cash flows. When using the discounting method, loans are pooled in homogeneous groups with similar terms and conditions and discounted at a target rate at which similar loans would be made to borrowers at year end. In addition, when computing the estimated fair values for all loans, the allowance for loan losses is subtracted from the calculated fair values for consideration of credit issues.

Accrued Interest Receivable  -  The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates the fair value.

Deposits  -  The methodologies used to estimate the fair values of deposits are similar to the two methods used to estimate the fair values of loans. Deposits are pooled in homogeneous groups and the future cash flows of these groups are discounted using current market rates offered for similar products at year end.

Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements  -  The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements approximate the fair values.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances  -  The fair values of Federal Home Loan Bank advances are estimated by discounting future cash flows using current market rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Other Borrowings  -  The carrying amounts for other borrowings approximates fair value since these borrowings are primarily variable rate instruments.

Accrued Interest Payable  -  The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates the fair value.

Capital Notes  -  The fair values of capital notes are estimated by discounting future cash flows using current market rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

28



Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments  -  The estimated fair value of loan commitments and standby letters of credit approximate carrying value because the fees currently charged for these arrangements and the underlying interest rates approximate market.

R.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On January 31, 2002, the Company completed its acquisition of Castle BancGroup, Inc. in a transaction accounted for as a purchase in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141. Castle BancGroup Inc., had consolidated assets of $583.4 million as of December 31, 2001 and upon acquisition, was renamed to First National of Illinois, Inc., the 100 percent owner of Castle Bank, N.A.

29


S.  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF FIRST NATIONAL OF NEBRASKA

First National of Nebraska (parent company only)
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition


 
  December 31,
   

 


 

2001

 

2000


 

 


(in thousands)


Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

$

167

 

$

315

 

 
Other short-term investments     18,975     4,100    

  Total cash and cash equivalents     19,142     4,415    

Other securities

 

 

406

 

 

406

 

 
Loans to subsidiaries     1,119     23,783    

Investment in subsidiaries:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  First National Bank of Omaha     341,046     312,659    
  Other banking subsidiaries     434,180     428,033    
  Nonbanking subsidiaries     47,961     28,393    

  Total investment in subsidiaries     823,187     769,085    

Other assets

 

 

7,894

 

 

7,526

 

 

  Total assets   $ 851,748   $ 805,215    


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

$

10,738

 

$

6,777

 

 
Deferred gain on sale of buildings     3,358     3,960    
Other borrowings     5,000     28,000    

Capital notes

 

 

15,596

 

 

16,275

 

 

  Total liabilities     34,692     55,012    

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Common stock     1,673     1,673    
  Additional paid-in capital     2,511     2,511    
  Retained earnings     811,805     746,718    
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     1,067     (699 )  

  Total stockholders' equity     817,056     750,203    

  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 851,748   $ 805,215    

30



First National of Nebraska (parent company only)
Condensed Statements of Operations


 
  For the years ended December 31,

   
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
   

(in thousands except share and per share data)

   

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Income from subsidiaries:                      
    Dividends from First National Bank of Omaha   $ 41,020   $ 39,752   $ 27,066    
    Dividends from other banking subsidiaries     26,250     35,000     31,000    
    Dividends from nonbanking subsidiaries     5,366            
  Interest income on short-term investments     156     453     38    
  Recognized gain on sale of buildings     602     602     602    
  Investment interest and other income     554     4,026     1,599    

      Total revenues     73,948     79,833     60,305    

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest     3,571     3,750     1,656    
  Other     12,010     10,825     6,094    

      Total expenses     15,581     14,575     7,750    

Income before income taxes and equity in
undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
    58,367     65,258     52,555    
Income tax expense (benefit)     (3,793 )   (1,028 )   (5,507 )  

      Total income before equity in undistributed
earnings of subsidiaries
    62,160     66,286     58,062    

Equity in undistributed earnings (losses)
of subsidiaries:
                     
    First National Bank of Omaha     16,750     27,703     13,589    
    Other banking subsidiaries     791     13,685     18,473    
    Nonbanking subsidiaries     1,138     (2,197 )   2,237    

      Total equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries     18,679     39,191     34,299    

Net income   $ 80,839   $ 105,477   $ 92,361    

Diluted earnings per common share   $ 241.67   $ 315.33   $ 276.02    

Diluted common shares outstanding     334,500     334,500     334,622    

31



First National of Nebraska (parent company only)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows


 
  For the years ended December 31,

   
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
   

(in thousands)


CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Net Income   $ 80,839   $ 105,477   $ 92,361    
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows
from operating activities:
                     
      Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries     (18,679 )   (39,191 )   (34,299 )  
      Recognized gain on sale of buildings     (602 )   (602 )   (602 )  
      Gain on sale of investment securities         (2,039 )      
      Other, net     4,523     2,992     (2,678 )  

  Net cash flows from operating activities     66,081     66,637     54,782    

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Sales of securities available-for-sale         17,957        
    Purchases of securities available-for-sale         (15,918 )      
    Change in investment in subsidiaries and other assets     (11,923 )   (77,376 )   (36,168 )  

  Net cash flows from investing activities     (11,923 )   (75,337 )   (36,168 )  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Issuance of other borrowings     50,000     112,000     10,000    
    Principal repayments of other borrowings     (73,000 )   (89,056 )   (10,056 )  
    Principal repayments of capital notes     (679 )   (795 )   (794 )  
    Repurchase of common stock             (1,574 )  
    Cash dividends paid     (15,752 )   (15,545 )   (12,958 )  

  Net cash flows from financing activities     (39,431 )   6,604     (15,382 )  


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

14,727

 

 

(2,096

)

 

3,232

 

 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     4,415     6,511     3,279    

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 19,142   $ 4,415   $ 6,511    

Cash paid during the year for:                      
  Interest   $ 3,878   $ 3,296   $ 1,701    
  Income taxes   $ 29,522   $ 50,933   $ 52,632    

Cash received from affiliates for income taxes

 

$

27,156

 

$

45,129

 

$

49,271

 

 

Noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Noncash consideration for business acquisition   $   $ 5,000   $    

32


Independent Auditors' Report

Board of Directors and Stockholders
First National of Nebraska, Inc.
Omaha, Nebraska

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of First National of Nebraska, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First National of Nebraska, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

SIG

Omaha, Nebraska
February 1, 2002

33



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


The Company

The Company consists of the parent company, which is a Nebraska-based interstate financial holding company, and its consolidated subsidiaries which trace their origins back to 1857. Its principal subsidiaries include First National Bank of Omaha and its subsidiaries; First National Bank and Trust Company of Columbus; First National Bank, North Platte; Platte Valley State Bank and Trust Company, Kearney; The Fremont National Bank and Trust Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary: Nebraska Trust Company, N.A.; First National Bank of Kansas, Overland Park, Kansas; First National Bank South Dakota, Yankton, South Dakota; InfiBank, N.A., Atlanta, Georgia; and First National of Colorado, Inc., and its wholly-owned Colorado subsidiaries which primarily include: First National Bank, Fort Collins; Union Colony Bank, Greeley; First National Bank of Colorado, Boulder; and FNC Trust Group, N.A. Effective January 2002, the Company acquired Castle BancGroup Inc., parent company of Castle Bank, N.A. located in DeKalb, Illinois. Also, in January 2002, Nebraska Trust Company, N.A. and FNC Trust Group, N.A. were merged into other banks of the Company. The Company also has nonbanking subsidiaries, which in the aggregate are not material. The Company had 6,209 employees as of December 31, 2001.

The Company is governed by various regulatory agencies. Financial holding companies and their nonbanking subsidiaries are regulated by the Federal Reserve Board. National banks are primarily regulated by the OCC. All federally-insured banks are also regulated by the FDIC. The Company's banking subsidiaries include nine national banks and two state-chartered banks, all of which are insured by the FDIC. The state-chartered banks are also regulated by state banking authorities.

The Company has 49 years of experience providing credit card services and was one of the originators of the bank credit card industry. Through a banking subsidiary, the Company conducts a significant consumer credit card service under license arrangements with VISA USA and MasterCard International, Inc. The Company's credit card customers are located throughout the United States, but primarily in the central part of the country. In 2001, the Company was ranked the eighth largest bank issuer of credit cards and the fifteenth largest overall issuer based on the amount of managed credit card loans outstanding. The Company performs credit card servicing activities on behalf of its affiliate banks including data processing, payment processing, statement rendering, marketing, customer service, credit administration and card embossing. The Company primarily funds its credit card loans through core deposits and securitization fundings.

The Company continues to make substantial investments in data processing technology for its own data processing needs and to provide various data processing services for unaffiliated parties. The services provided include automated clearinghouse transactions, merchant credit card processing and check processing. In 2001, the Company was ranked the eleventh largest merchant credit card processor in the United States with over $26.6 billion in sales volume in 2001 and $24.4 billion in sales volume in 2000. It was also ranked among the top twenty largest automated clearinghouse processors in the country and is one of the largest check processors in its market area. The Company continues to closely monitor the risks and competitive conditions as they relate to pricing and technological issues associated with these processing services.

Competitors of the Company include commercial banks, savings and loan associations, consumer and commercial finance companies, credit unions and other financial services companies. The Company's credit card operation competes with other issuers of credit cards ranging from other national issuers of bank cards to retailers which provide their own credit cards. As a result of this intense nation-wide competition, a number of companies have been exiting the credit card industry in recent years. The Company remains committed to its credit card operations and continued growth in these operations.

Management's discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements, which reflect management's current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including economic conditions, performance of financial markets, adequacy of allowance for loan losses, competition, rapid fluctuations in interest rates, and changes in the legislative and regulatory environment. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, and any changes in such assumptions or factors could produce future results which may differ from those indicated in this report.

34



Unless otherwise noted, all financial information is presented on a reported loan basis and is derived from the accompanying consolidated financial statements. References to managed loans includes securitized credit card loans and credit card loans serviced for related parties which have been removed from the reported balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company's most significant accounting policies that involve the use of estimates and assumptions are related to the allowance for loan losses and credit card securitizations. The policy for the allowance for loan losses is described in the later section titled "Asset Quality" and the accounting policy for credit card securitizations is described in the later section "Loan Portfolio-Credit Card". Both accounting policies are further addressed at Note A to the consolidated financial statements. The judgments and uncertainties affecting these policies could result in materially different amounts under different conditions or using different assumptions.

Results of Operations

Overview

Net income for 2001 was $80.8 million, down $24.6 million, or 23.4%, from 2000. Diluted earnings per common share decreased to $241.67 for 2001 compared to $315.33 and $276.02 per diluted common share for 2000 and 1999, respectively. The Company's earnings for 2001 were positively impacted by an increase in credit card securitization income; however, earnings were negatively impacted by the compression of net interest margin, an increase in provision for loan losses and expenses associated with the Company's growth initiatives including expansion into new markets in Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Atlanta, Georgia; and Lincoln, Nebraska. The Company earned a record net income for 2000 of $105.5 million, an increase of $13.1 million, or 14.2%, from 1999. Net income for 2000 included a pre-tax gain of $59.4 million recognized on the sale of an 80.13% interest in a subsidiary, Retriever Payment Systems (Retriever), which was primarily involved in merchant processing sales. Return on average stockholders' equity for 2001 was 10.4% compared to 15.4% for 2000 and 15.1% for 1999. Return on average assets was .9% for 2001 and 1.2% for 2000 and 1999.

Net interest income

Net interest income is defined as the difference between interest income and fees derived from earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest income and expense are affected by changes in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, in addition to changes in interest rates. The relative performance of net interest income is frequently measured by net interest margin, which is calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by average interest-earning assets.

Declines in net interest income and net interest margin in 2001 resulted primarily from the securitizations of credit card loans associated with the Company's overall liquidity and capital management activities. Net interest income and net interest margin contracted and expanded within the calendar years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. The fluctuations in 2001 and 2000 were a result of shifts in the mix of interest-earning assets and differences in the repricing velocity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. In addition, as a result of the weakened economy, the Federal Reserve decreased targeted federal funds rates 11 times throughout 2001. The decrease in net interest income and net interest margin for 2000 was also due to increased pressure on deposit generation. On a reported loan basis, the Company continues to experience a reduction in credit card loans as a percentage of total loans primarily as a result of its credit card securitization activities. For an enhanced understanding of the trends impacting net interest income, it is also helpful to analyze performance on a managed loan basis by adding data related to securitized loans to reported loans. See the later section titled "Loan Portfolio-Credit Card" for an expanded comparative presentation of financial information on a reported and a managed loan basis.

35



The following table presents a summary of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis related to average earning assets and net interest margin on both a reported and a managed loan basis. Managed loan financial information includes credit card loans that have been securitized and credit card loans that are serviced for related parties.


 


 

2001

 

2000


 

1999


 


($ in thousands)


Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (1)   $ 446,174   $ 454,344   $ 463,431  
Average earning assets     8,608,392     7,918,068     7,117,622  
Net interest margin     5.18%     5.74%     6.51%  

Managed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (1)   $ 638,339   $ 558,729   $ 549,914  
Average earning assets     10,220,862     8,912,074     7,851,221  
Net interest margin     6.25%     6.27%     7.00%  

(1)
Certain loan fees have been reclassified from interest income to processing services income for the prior years presented to conform to 2001 presentation.

Under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), the Company no longer reports net interest income on securitized and sold credit card loans. If these loans had not been accounted for as a sale, net interest income and provision for loan losses would have been greater and noninterest income would have been reduced by a net corresponding amount. Net interest income would have been greater by $192.2 million, $104.4 million and $86.5 million in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Correspondingly, for the same periods, the provision for loan losses would have been greater by $86.0 million, $45.3 million and $34.3 million and noninterest income would have been reduced by $106.2 million, $59.1 million and $52.1 million, as disclosed later in the section titled "Loan Portfolio-Credit Card".

The Federal Reserve's reductions of the targeted federal funds rates from 6.50% at December 31, 2000 to 1.75% at December 31, 2001 caused a downward repricing of the Company's variable rate loans. Nearly all of the Company's variable rate credit card loans had reached their contractual interest rate floors by June 30, 2001. Therefore, the impact of further rate reductions on interest-earning assets that occurred in the third and fourth quarters of 2001 was lessened since variable rate loans act as fixed rate loans when they reach their contractual interest rate floors.

The Company primarily funds its loans with certificates of deposit, money market deposit accounts and floating rate wholesale funds. These interest-bearing liabilities also repriced downward consistent with the Federal Reserve rate reductions; however, the velocity of the downward repricing of loans exceeded the velocity of the downward pricing of deposits for the first half of 2001, resulting in a decreased net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2001. During the second half of 2001, certificates of deposit continued to reprice downward while interest-earning asset yields stabilized, resulting in an improved net interest margin for the second half of 2001.

Provision for loan losses

The provision for loan losses is charged against earnings to cover both current period net loan charge-offs and to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an acceptable level to cover losses inherent in the portfolio as of the reporting date. For 2001, the provision for loan losses increased $35.8 million, or 27.3%, to $166.9 million compared to $131.1 million for 2000. This increase in the provision for loan losses in 2001 is reflective of the increase in credit card loan delinquencies and net loan charge-offs that occurred throughout 2001 due to a weakening economy. Included in net loan charge-offs is $13.1 million related to the Company's agricultural loan portfolio resulting from two unrelated agricultural borrowers' fraudulent activities. Management's estimate of losses inherent in the portfolio has resulted in a need for additional allowances for loan losses at December 31, 2001 compared to December 31, 2000. The provision for loan losses in 2000 decreased by $13.5 million, or 9.3%, to $131.1 million compared to $144.6 million for 1999. This reduction for the provision for loan losses in 2000 was primarily due to lower delinquency and charge-off rates and reductions in the outstanding balances of higher risk credit card loans relative to the entire portfolio as a result of credit card securitizations.

Noninterest income and expense

Increases in noninterest income and expense as reflected in the following tables primarily relate to the Company's growth initiatives which have taken place since the beginning of 2000. The Company has expanded into new markets including Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Lincoln, Nebraska. Additionally, the Company acquired Cornerstone Mortgage Company in February 2000, InfiCorp Holdings, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia in July 2000 and sold an 80.13% interest in a subsidiary, Retriever Payment Systems (Retriever) in December 2000.

36


 
  For the years ended December 31,

  % Increase (Decrease)
from prior year

   
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
  2001
  2000
   

($ in thousands)


Noninterest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Processing services   $ 246,435   $ 202,458   $ 161,148   21.7 % 25.6 %  
  Credit card securitization income     98,281     58,859     40,166   67.0 % 46.5 %  
  Deposit services     35,427     32,584     27,865   8.7 % 16.9 %  
  Trust and investment services     24,204     22,165     22,980   9.2 % (3.5) %  
  Gain on sale of mortgage loans     23,862     8,569     10   178.5 %    
  Gain on sale of subsidiary         59,414            
  Miscellaneous     63,634     52,793     51,751   20.5 % 2.0 %  

      Total noninterest income   $ 491,843   $ 436,842   $ 303,920   12.6 % 43.7 %  

 
  For the years ended December 31,

  % Increase (Decrease)
from prior year

   

 


 

2001


 

2000


 

1999


 

2001


 

2000


 

 


($ in thousands)


Noninterest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Salaries and employee benefits   $ 293,483   $ 264,449   $ 216,263   11.0 % 22.3 %  
  Marketing, communication and supplies     80,481     83,082     63,763   (3.1 )% 30.3 %  
  Professional services     59,045     33,346     25,543   77.1 % 30.5 %  
  Equipment rentals, depreciation and
maintenance
    54,538     55,375     50,637   (1.5 )% 9.4 %  
  Net occupancy expense of premises     44,148     43,290     30,554   2.0 % 41.7 %  
  Processing expense     34,113     35,269     27,661   (3.3 )% 27.5 %  
  Goodwill and other intangibles amortization     21,679     26,898     21,460   (19.4 )% 25.3 %  
  Loan servicing expense     20,620     23,072     24,683   (10.6 )% (6.5 )%  
  Miscellaneous     27,596     29,338     19,264   (5.9) % 52.3 %  

      Total noninterest expense   $ 635,703   $ 594,119   $ 479,828   7.0 % 23.8 %  

Processing services income includes fees related to processing credit card products issued by the Company, fees collected from merchants for credit card transaction processing, and servicing income related to securitized loans. Part of the increase in processing services income, $32.6 million in 2001 and $30.7 million in 2000, relates to increased credit card processing volumes during those periods compared to prior years. Also contributing to the growth in processing services income were increases of $10.5 million in 2001 and $6.6 million in 2000 for servicing fees received on securitized credit card loans due to greater volumes of loans being securitized. These increases in securitization volumes also resulted in increases in securitization gains of $29.3 million in 2001 and $30.7 million in 2000, which is included in credit card securitization income. The increase in the gains on sales of mortgage loans in 2000 was primarily due to the Company's acquisition of Cornerstone Mortgage Company in February 2000. The increase in the gain on sale of mortgage loans in 2001 is due to an increased volume of loan originations as a result of the interest rate environment and additional mortgage offices. The nature of Cornerstone Mortgage Company's business is to originate residential mortgage loans and to sell those loans with servicing released. The expenses associated with this activity are reported throughout the noninterest expense section, while revenues from this activity are shown as gain on sale of mortgage loans.

Salaries and employee benefits increased primarily due to the Company's growth initiatives since the beginning of 2000. The increase in marketing, communications and supplies expense of 30.3% in 2000, is largely due to increased credit card marketing efforts and promotional costs related to the Company's expansion into new markets. Professional services increased $25.7 million, or 77.1%, in 2001 primarily due to fees paid to Retriever as an external independent merchant processing sales organization. Fees paid to Retriever in 2000 were not reflected in the consolidated statements of income for 2000 when Retriever was consolidated as a wholly-owned subsidiary. The increase in professional services of 30.5% in 2000 relates to higher costs incurred to acquire additional merchant processing customers and increased professional fees incurred related to company growth. Goodwill and other intangibles amortization increased 25.3% in 2000 primarily as a result of increased amortization for premiums paid for

37



credit card acquisitions during 2000 which are amortized using accelerated methods. Additionally, goodwill and other intangibles amortization in 2000 reflects the termination of an agent bank relationship and the resulting accelerated runoff of the related customer relationships. In 2001, goodwill and other intangibles amortization returned to normal levels. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, the Company will discontinue approximately $8 million of pre-tax goodwill amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2002. The 10.6% decrease in loan servicing expense in 2001 resulted primarily from the recognition of a rebate from a credit card association during the first quarter of 2001. Miscellaneous expense increased 52.3% in 2000 primarily due to an increase in the Company's contributions to community projects and initiatives.

Loan Portfolio

Credit Card

The Company securitizes credit card loans on a revolving basis as a funding vehicle to supplement its use of core deposits, its primary source of funding. In credit card securitizations, designated pools of credit card loans, including related allowances for credit losses, are removed from the balance sheet and a security is sold to investors. In all of these transactions, the Company retains servicing responsibilities and receives annual servicing fees, which are classified in processing services income. The Company also retains rights to future cash flows arising after investors have received the return for which they are entitled. These retained interests are known as interest-only strips ("IO strips"). At the time the Company enters into a securitization, an IO strip is recognized and the resulting gain on sale is recorded in noninterest income as a component of credit card securitization income. During the revolving period of a credit card securitization, additional gains are recognized as credit card loans are sold. The notional amounts of the IO strips are reduced as payments are received on the securitized credit card loans.

Because IO strips are carried at fair value, certain estimates are used in determining the fair value of IO strips, including net revenues, prepayment speeds, weighted-average loan lives and the discount rate. The components of net revenues, which are estimated, include finance charge and a portion of fee revenue generated by the securitized loans in excess of interest paid to investors, related net credit losses and the cost of servicing. The resulting expected cash flows are discounted over the estimated lives of the loans to determine the fair value. Such estimates and assumptions are subject to change and, accordingly, the Company may not recover all of the recorded investment of IO strips. A sensitivity analysis for the IO strips reflecting the effects of possible adverse changes in these assumptions is disclosed in Note D of the consolidated financial statements.

For the year ended December 31, 2001, credit card securitization income includes gains on securitized credit card loans of $72.8 million, interest income on IO strips of $4.5 million, and the effects of changes in the fair value of the IO strips for $21.0 million.

The following tables provide supplemental financial information on both a reported loan and a managed loan basis to augment the understanding of the impact credit card loan securitizations have on the financial results of the Company. The reported financial information is presented in accordance with GAAP whereas the managed financial information is presented for comparative analytical and discussion purposes only, and does not represent GAAP accounting treatment.

38



 
  December 31, 2001
  December 31, 2000
 
 
  Reported
  Securitized and serviced for related parties
  Managed
  Reported
  Securitized and serviced for related parties
  Managed
 

($ in thousands)

As of Period End:                                      
Total loans outstanding   $ 6,953,529   $ 1,838,022   $ 8,791,551   $ 6,905,608   $ 1,493,038   $ 8,398,646  
Total credit card loans outstanding   $ 1,992,199   $ 1,838,022   $ 3,830,221   $ 2,214,474   $ 1,493,038   $ 3,707,512  
Credit card loans as a percentage of total loans     28.7%           43.6%     32.1%           44.1%  
Year-to-Date Average:                                      
Total loans outstanding   $ 6,973,521   $ 1,612,470   $ 8,585,991   $ 6,505,669   $ 994,006   $ 7,499,675  
Total credit card loans outstanding   $ 2,130,788   $ 1,612,470   $ 3,743,258   $ 2,253,450   $ 994,006   $ 3,247,456  
Credit card loans as a percentage of total loans     30.6%           43.6%     34.6%           43.3%  

The managed financial information presented in the following table reflects the Company's net interest income as if the credit card loans had not been securitized. Managed noninterest income, however, does include the effects of changes in the IO strip during the years presented.


 


 

Reported


 

Credit card
securitizations


 

Managed


 


($ in thousands)

For the year ended December 31, 2001:                    
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis   $ 446,174   $ 192,165   $ 638,339  
Provision for loan losses     166,895     85,956     252,851  
Noninterest income     491,843     (106,209 ) (1)   385,634  

Average earning assets

 

$

8,608,392

 

 

 

 

$

10,220,862

 
Net interest margin     5.18%           6.25%  


For the year ended December 31, 2000:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis   $ 454,344   $ 104,385   $ 558,729  
Provision for loan losses     131,073     45,288     176,361  
Noninterest income     436,842     (59,097 ) (1)   377,745  

Average earning assets

 

$

7,918,068

 

 

 

 

$

8,912,074

 
Net interest margin     5.74%           6.27%  


For the year ended December 31, 1999:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis   $ 463,431   $ 86,483   $ 549,914  
Provision for loan losses     144,573     34,342     178,915  
Noninterest income     303,920     (52,141 ) (1)   251,779  

Average earning assets

 

$

7,117,622

 

 

 

 

$

7,851,221

 
Net interest margin     6.51%           7.00%  

(1)
Includes credit card securitization income and servicing fees which are classified in processing services income.

Real Estate

Total real estate loans outstanding were $2.3 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company is diversified in its real estate lending by providing construction, permanent and land development financing to a variety of borrowers throughout the Company's operating regions in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa and Texas. These real estate loans are generally secured by the underlying property being financed. The Company regularly monitors concentrations of its real estate loans based on geography, loan type and borrower.

39


Asset Quality

The Company's loan delinquency rates and net charge-off activity reflect, among other factors, general economic conditions, the quality of the loans, the average seasoning of the loans and the success of the Company's collection efforts. The Company's objective in managing its loan portfolio is to balance and optimize the profitability of the loans within the context of acceptable risk characteristics. The Company continually monitors the risks embedded in the credit card loan portfolio with the use of statistically-based simulation models which incorporate historical net charge-off trends on past due accounts and net charge-off trends related to bankruptcies, deceased credit card holders and account settlements.

The level of loan delinquencies and charge-offs as of December 31, 2001 has increased from the December 31, 2000 levels due to the decline in the economy during 2001 which was intensified by the events of September 11, 2001. Delinquencies in non-credit card loans remain at lower levels which improves the overall delinquency rate for the Company. Although the level of nonaccrual loans has increased for non-credit card loans, management believes it has provided sufficient loan loss allowances for these loans. The forecast for bankruptcy losses and their resulting impact on the credit quality of credit card loans has become difficult to determine due to ongoing efforts in Congress. During 2001, credit card charge-offs related to bankruptcies constituted approximately 43% of principal credit card charge-offs. In addition, the recovery rate related to bankruptcy charge-offs is considerably less than other credit card charge-offs. At the present time, management cannot predict the outcome of the proposed bankruptcy legislative changes and the effects on future credit card charge-off rates related to bankruptcies. Continued economic uncertainty has resulted in a need for additional allowances for loan losses at December 31, 2001 compared to December 31, 2000.

The following table reflects the delinquency rates for the Company's total loan portfolio, credit card portfolio and non-credit card portfolio. An account is contractually delinquent if the minimum payment of principal or interest is not received by the specified due date. The overall delinquency rate as a percentage of total loans was 2.60% at December 31, 2001 compared with 2.53% at December 31, 2000.

Delinquent Loans:

 
  December 31, 2001

  December 31, 2000

 

($ in thousands)

 

Total Loans


 

 


 

% of Loans


 

 


 

% of Loans


 

Loans outstanding   $ 6,953,529       $ 6,905,608      
Loans delinquent:                      
  30 - 89 days   $ 117,876   1.69%   $ 124,069   1.80%  
  90 days or more & still accruing     63,053     .91%     50,081   0.73%  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total delinquent loans   $ 180,929   2.60%   $ 174,150   2.53%  
   
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans   $ 23,710     .34%   $ 14,839     .21%  
   
 
 
 
 

Credit Cards Loans


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Loans outstanding   $ 1,992,199       $ 2,214,474      
Loans delinquent:                      
  30 - 89 days   $ 68,685   3.45%   $ 61,323   2.77%  
  90 days or more & still accruing     53,607   2.69%     41,976   1.90%  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total delinquent loans   $ 122,292   6.14%   $ 103,299   4.67%  
   
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans              
   
 
 
 
 

Non-Credit Card Loans


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Loans outstanding   $ 4,961,330       $ 4,691,134      
Loans delinquent:                      
  30 - 89 days   $ 49,191     .99%   $ 62,746   1.34%  
  90 days or more & still accruing     9,446     .19%     8,105     .17%  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total delinquent loans   $ 58,637   1.18%   $ 70,851   1.51%  
   
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans   $ 23,710   .48%   $ 14,839   .32%  
   
 
 
 
 

The Company's policy is to charge off credit card loans and consumer lines of credit when they become 180 days contractually past due. Generally, other non-revolving consumer loans are charged off when they become 120 days

40



contractually past due. Net loan charge-offs include the principal amount of losses resulting from borrowers' unwillingness or inability to pay, in addition to bankruptcies, deceased borrowers and account settlements less current period recoveries of previously charged off loans. The amounts reflected as delinquent loans in the table above include loan principal amounts related to loans for which interest, principal or both are past due. On a managed loan basis, the total credit card delinquency rate was 5.11% at December 31, 2001 compared to 4.23% at December 31, 2000.

The allowance for loan losses is intended to cover losses inherent in the Company's loan portfolio as of the reporting date. On a monthly basis, the Company evaluates its allowance for loan losses based upon a review of collateral values, delinquencies, nonaccruals, payment histories and various other analytical and subjective measures relating to the various loan portfolios within the Company. Net charge-offs for the Company's overall portfolio were $150.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $123.6 million for the same period in 2000. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans were 2.15% for 2001 compared to 1.90% for 2000. This increase in net charge-offs reflects $13.1 million related to the Company's agricultural loan portfolio resulting from two unrelated borrowers' fraudulent activities. The allowance as a percentage of loans was 1.70% as of December 31, 2001 compared to 1.52% as of December 31, 2000.

The following table presents the activity in the Company's allowance for loan losses with a breakdown of charge-off and recovery activity related to credit card loans and non-credit card loans:

 
  For the years ended December 31,
   

 


 

2001


 

2000


 

 


($ in thousands)


Balance at January 1

 

$

105,304

 

$

106,484

 

 
Provision for loan losses     166,895     131,073    
Addition due to acquisitions of loans     2,245     3,518    
Reduction due to sales of loans     (5,928 )   (12,210 )  

Loans charged off:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Credit card loans     (146,234 )   (135,046 )  
  Non-credit card loans     (25,221 ) (1)   (11,260 )  
Loans recovered:                
  Credit card loans     17,852     19,584    
  Non-credit card loans     3,613     3,161    
   
 
   
Total net charge-offs     (149,990 )   (123,561 )  
   
 
   
Balance at December 31   $ 118,526   $ 105,304    
   
 
   
Allowance as a percentage of loans     1.70%     1.52%    
   
 
   
Total net charge-offs as a percentage
of average loans
    2.15%     1.90%    
   
 
   
(1)
This amount includes net charge-offs of $13.1 million resulting from fraudulent activities by two unrelated agricultural borrowers.

Capital Resources and Liquidity Including "Off-Balance Sheet" Arrangements

Capital Resources

The Company's primary source of capital is its retained earnings. The Company has historically retained approximately 85% of net income in capital to fund growth of future operations and to maintain minimum capital standards. The parent company receives dividends from its banking subsidiaries which are subject to regulatory restrictions.

The Company and its banking subsidiaries are required to maintain minimum capital in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Total capital of the Company and its banking subsidiaries are divided into two tiers:

41


Assets and certain off-balance sheet commitments of the Company and its banking subsidiaries are assigned to four risk-weighted categories based on the level of credit risk ascribed to such assets or commitments.

Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and its banking subsidiaries must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. These quantitative measures require the Company and its banking subsidiaries to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Tier 1 and total capital (sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I capital to average assets. The Company and its banking subsidiaries' capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgements by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

The Company monitors its capital on a regular basis. As of December 31, 2001, the Company and its banking subsidiaries are classified as well capitalized, the most favorable rating under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since December 31, 2001, that management believes have changed these categories. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company must maintain minimum total risk-based capital of 10%, Tier I risk-based capital of 6% and Tier I leverage capital of 5%. The Company intends to maintain sufficient capital in each of its banking subsidiaries for them to remain in the "well capitalized" category.

In 1995, First National Bank of Omaha issued $75 million in 15 year subordinated capital notes. In 1999, another banking subsidiary of the Company issued $2.3 million in capital notes related to the acquisition and merger of a bank. A portion of these capital notes, along with a portion of the parent company's $15.6 million in capital notes outstanding as of December 31, 2001 issued in connection with the Company's previous acquisitions, count towards meeting the required capital standards, subject to certain limitations.

Liquidity and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Adequate liquidity levels are necessary to ensure that sufficient funds are available for loan growth and deposit withdrawals. These funding needs are offset by funds generated from loan repayments, investment maturities, core deposit growth and wholesale funding. The Company's Asset Liability Management Committee is responsible for managing the liquidity of the Company and monitoring the current and forecasted balance sheet structures to ensure anticipated funding needs can be met at a reasonable cost. Contingency plans are in place to meet unanticipated funding needs or loss of funding sources.

The Company continues to place a priority on obtaining retail consumer deposits as its primary source of funding. The Company holds the largest market share for total bank deposits in many of the Nebraska communities which it serves including Omaha, Fremont, Columbus, Kearney, David City, North Platte, Alliance and Chadron. It also holds the largest bank market share in Fort Collins, Colorado, Overland Park, Kansas and most communities which it serves in South Dakota. The Company places in the top three for market share for deposit volume generated in Greeley, Colorado and Bellevue, Beatrice, Norfolk and Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Continuing the Company's philosophy of funding through core deposits, the Company completed its acquisition of Castle BancGroup in DeKalb, Illinois on January 31, 2002.

The Company has access to a variety of other funding sources to augment the total funding needs of the Company. Management evaluates the availability of its other funding sources on a regular basis. These other sources include securities sold under repurchase agreements, federal funds purchased, credit card-backed securitizations, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, other debt agreements, synthetic lease financing arrangements, and subordinated capital notes. Furthermore, the Company's investment portfolio is primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury and U.S. Agency securities. In accordance with the Company's investment strategy and policy, purchases of U.S. Government obligations throughout 2001 have been classified as held-to-maturity. This classification does not impact the Company's liquidity needs since the Company's held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities are short-term and highly marketable, and also represent a source of collateral for additional liquidity needs.

Certain funding sources, such as Federal Home Loan Bank advances, are more readily accessible through collateralized borrowing arrangements and provide greater flexibility in funding opportunities. The Company had outstanding Federal Home Loan Bank advances of $300.9 million as of December 31, 2001 and $189.3 million as of December 31, 2000 with an additional borrowing capacity of $503.0 million at December 31, 2001.

The Company has a $125 million syndicated revolving credit facility for which there was no balance at December 31, 2001 and $23.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2000. As of December 31, 2001, there was no balance outstanding under a $10.0 million, short-term line of credit that the Company entered into in June 2001. The Company

42



funded the $81.7 million acquisition of Castle BancGroup referred to above with a new $50.0 million three-year loan originated in January 2002, and funds from existing credit facilities and cash on hand.

The Company uses two distinct forms of off-balance sheet financing in the ordinary course of business. These forms of financing have been used since 1995. The first form is the utilization of synthetic leases to finance company-occupied space. The second form of off-balance sheet financing relates to the securitization of credit card loans originated and serviced by the Company.

Under the synthetic lease program, the Company has three different leases. One lease primarily covers a completed office building in First National Business Park that is occupied by the Company. Another lease primarily covers the Company's Technology Center. The last lease is for an office Tower under construction, for which the Company will be the primary occupant. The properties covered by these synthetic leases are owned by trusts that receive lease payments from the Company to service floating rate debt and provide a return to the equity holders in the trusts. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the cost of the buildings financed through the leases totaled $294.2 million and $219.8 million, respectively. The Tower is expected to be substantially completed in 2002, and upon completion, the total cost of the buildings financed through all synthetic leases will be $345.8 million.

The Company uses these synthetic financing arrangements in order to obtain more favorable interest rates than a typical mortgage financing arrangement. The Company is obligated to occupy the space for the term of the lease. At the expiration of the lease the Company has three options. The Company can negotiate an extension of the lease terms in accordance with the terms of the synthetic lease, elect to purchase the property for an amount equal to the debt plus all outstanding amounts due under the synthetic lease (which approximates original cost), or elect to sell the property under the terms of the synthetic lease with a corresponding obligation to pay an amount up to the maximum needed to satisfy any debt the property owner may have on the buildings. These obligations are disclosed in footnote M of the consolidated financial statements.

The second form of off-balance sheet financing used by the Company to assist in its management of liquidity, interest rate risk and capital is referred to as "securitization". Under this method of financing, credit card loans are converted into securities which are sold to investors on a revolving basis. The Company's securitizations were treated as sales. This off-balance sheet sale treatment reduces the Company's required regulatory capital levels. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had $1.8 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, of credit card loans which were originated and sold, with servicing retained by the Company. Of the $1.8 billion outstanding as of December 31, 2001, $850 million was issued in two term securitization facilities, and $928.5 million was outstanding through five conduit securitization facilities. In a conduit securitization, the Company's credit card loans are converted into securities and sold to commercial paper issuers which pool the securities with those of other issuers. The amount securitized in a conduit structure is allowed to fluctuate within the terms of the facility which may provide greater flexibility for liquidity needs. Term securitization structures are for a fixed amount and a fixed term. The Company's mixed use of conduit and term securitization structures facilitates management's liquidity and capital management strategies which consider a number of competing factors. The securitization facilities had $124.5 million in unused lines available for liquidity management purposes at December 31, 2001 compared to $130.0 million in unused lines available at December 31, 2000. The Company intends to renew or replace the outstanding conduit securitization facilities before the date they begin to amortize which is referred to in the table below as the maturity date. The total lines available and maturities for the credit card securitizations as of December 31, 2001 are as follows:

 
  Available
Issue Amount

  Outstanding
Amount

  Type
  Maturity Date

    $ 148,351,648   $ 63,351,648   Conduit   June 30, 2002*
      329,670,330     311,670,330   Conduit   January 1, 2003*
      220,000,000     220,000,000   Conduit   June 30, 2005*
      165,000,000     165,000,000   Conduit   September 30, 2005*
      190,000,000     168,500,000   Conduit   November 1, 2005*
      450,000,000     450,000,000   Term   November 17, 2003
      400,000,000     400,000,000   Term   June 15, 2004

       
    $ 1,903,021,978   $ 1,778,521,978        

       
* subject to modification        

The terms and conditions of securitizations have become more standardized over the years and include provisions requiring companies who sell loans in this manner to maintain a spread between the revenues received on the loans and expenses of the loans, including losses, interest paid to investors and loan servicing expenses. Failure to maintain

43



adequate spreads may trigger the requirement to set aside cash flows generated from principal and interest collected on the loans in a collateral account which may then be used to pay off investors. The securitizations include covenants requiring the Company to maintain credit ratings at certain levels. Failure of the Company to maintain minimum credit ratings could also result in the requirement to set aside cash flows generated from principal and interest collected on the loans in a collateral account which may be used to pay off investors.

A significant risk associated with these off-balance sheet transactions is liquidity risk in the event of noncompliance with contractual provisions or maturity of these off-balance sheet financing arrangements or related liquidity lines. In the case of the leases, the liquidity risk would be managed by the issuance of a standard mortgage. The Company regularly reviews appraisals on the leased property to ensure a new mortgage could be issued to cover the Company's lease obligations. For the credit card securitization transactions, management has issued the outstanding securities via three distinct trusts, each with segregated assets. The creation of three trusts reduces the probability of a simultaneous event requiring the Company to obtain liquidity for new loan originations no longer sold into the securitization trusts.

Market Risk

The Company's primary market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates. The mix of financial assets and liabilities and changes in market interest rates can significantly impact the Company's pre-tax income. The objective of the Company's Asset/Liability Management Committee is to manage interest rate risk and achieve reasonable stability in managed net interest income during various interest rate environments. Interest rate risk management strategies include lengthening or shortening the interest rate repricing of loans, investments, deposits and wholesale funding, or the use of derivatives. The primary measure used to analyze and manage interest rate risk is net interest income simulation models. Using this primary tool, management attempts to optimize the asset/liability mix to lessen the impacts of significant rate movements within a broad range of interest rate scenarios.

Simulation models are used to determine the impact of several interest rate scenarios on the Company's pre-tax income for future periods. Management monitors interest rate risk on a managed loan basis. Management has set policy guidelines specifying acceptable limits within which managed net interest income can fluctuate under various rate change scenarios. The following table reflects the expected impact to the Company's pre-tax income for scenarios that apply immediate changes in interest rates to projected interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the following twelve months:


Scenario


 

$ in millions


 

% of pre-tax income


 

 
200 basis points rising   (23.0 ) (17.1 )%
100 basis points rising   (10.1 ) (7.5 )%

50 basis points falling

 

4.3

 

3.2

%
100 basis points falling (1)   2.3   1.7 %

 
(1)  Changes beyond 100 basis points falling are unrealistic in the current rate environment  

The significant amounts of net interest income at risk shown under the scenarios above are generated by the level of interest rates which existed at year-end. The above table assumes that management would take no action to address such risks. Under the present low interest rate levels, the Company's credit card loans have reached their "floor" rate. Therefore, a sudden rise in rates would not generate additional interest income on these credit card loans until rates have risen sufficiently to return those loans to a floating rate. A significant portion of the Company's variable rate credit card loans will begin to float again after interest rates increase 300 basis.

In response to the current market conditions, the Company has improved its modeling techniques and strategic planning to consider expanded interest rate scenarios. Additionally, the asset-liability management process is being further enhanced to consider changes in pricing and other strategies used by management for the retention of loan and deposit customers in a volatile rate environment. Management has also taken actions to manage interest rate risk by adjusting the maturities of new and renewed certificates of deposit, wholesale funds and the Company's investment portfolio.

44




First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)


 
  For the quarters ended

 
 
  December 31,
  September 30,
  June 30,
  March 31,
 

($ in thousands except share data)

 
2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Total interest income   $ 197,934   $ 200,873   $ 198,673   $ 207,080  
  Net interest income     124,422     112,564     101,998     106,277  
  Net income     27,148     13,479     23,843     16,369  
  Basic earnings per common share     82.12     40.77     72.10     49.45  
  Diluted earnings per common share     81.16     40.30     71.28     48.94  

 
2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Total interest income

 

$

222,156

 

$

215,336

 

$

200,840

 

$

198,863

 
  Net interest income     116,869     112,716     109,665     114,064  
  Net income     42,560     20,057     18,866     23,994  
  Basic earnings per common share     127.24     59.96     56.40     71.73  
  Diluted earnings per common share     127.24     59.96     56.40     71.73  

45



First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Data


 
  Years ended December 31,

 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
  1997
 

($ in thousands except per share data)


Total interest income and
noninterest income

 

$

1,296,403

 

$

1,274,037

 

$

1,074,245

 

$

1,094,319

 

$

1,032,285

 
Provision for loan losses     166,895     131,073     144,573     173,311     201,494  
Net income     80,839     105,477     92,361     86,492     75,187  
Basic earnings per common share     244.42     315.33     276.02     258.19     220.68  
Diluted earnings per common share     241.67     315.33     276.02     258.19     220.68  
Cash dividends per share     47.09     46.47     38.72     35.00     33.76  
Dividend payout ratio     19.5%     14.7%     14.0%     13.6%     15.3%  
Total assets     9,752,261     9,283,314     8,560,444     8,187,815     7,332,021  
Managed assets (1)     11,590,283     10,776,352     9,292,488     8,921,837     8,363,021  
Average equity to average
assets ratio
    8.2%     7.9%     7.8%     7.4%     7.0%  
Other borrowings     157,556     91,098     3,758     4,504     24,489  
Capital notes     92,915     93,594     94,389     92,864     94,052  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances     300,930     189,325     372,077     28,535     3,957  

The Company's stock is traded over-the-counter.
Bid price quotes per share, high and low, by quarter
(2)


 
   
2001

  2000

 
 
   
High
  Low
  High
  Low
 
 
 
1st quarter     $ 2,150   $ 1,975   $ 2,985   $ 1,875  
2nd quarter       2,200     2,075     2,150     1,950  
3rd quarter       2,490     2,175     2,275     2,080  
4th quarter       2,475     2,360     2,153     1,800  

Dividends per share


 
   
2001
  2000
 
 
 
1st quarter     $  17.09   $  16.47  
2nd quarter         20.00       20.00  
3rd quarter         10.00       10.00  

Number of stockholders


As of January 28, 2002, there were 334,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding which were held by 305 shareholders of record. The shareholders of record number does not reflect the persons or entities who hold their stock in nominee or "street" name.

(1)
Reported assets plus securitized credit card loans and credit card loans serviced for related parties
(2)
Sou rce: Kirkpatrick Pettis Inc., Omaha, Nebraska

Such over-the-counter market quotations reflect interdealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The Company's common stock experiences limited trading

46


 
LOGO
    Officers and Directors*

 

 

Bruce R. Lauritzen*
Chairman

 

 

J. William Henry*
President

 

 

Elias J. Eliopoulos*
Executive Vice President

 

 

Dennis A. O'Neal*
Executive Vice President

 

 

Daniel K. O'Neill*
Senior Vice President
Executive Vice President, Lauritzen Corporation

 

 

F. Phillips Giltner*
Chairman Emeritus

 

 

Margaret Lauritzen Dodge*
Finance Officer
First National Bank of Omaha

 

 

Timothy D. Hart
Secretary & Treasurer

 

 

Steven K. Ritzman
Senior Vice President

47


LOGO



Bruce R. Lauritzen*, Chairman

Elias J. Eliopoulos*
President, Consumer Banking

J. William Henry*
Executive Vice President

Dennis A. O'Neal*
President, Corporate Banking


 
Joseph W. Barry

 

Senior Vice President, Consumer Bank
  Nicholas W. Baxter*   Senior Vice President, First of Omaha Merchant Processing
  Richard A. Frandeen*   Senior Vice President, Corporate Bank
  Charles H. Fries, Jr.*   Senior Vice President, Corporate Bank
  Thomas R. Haller*   Senior Vice President, Consumer Bank
  Timothy D. Hart*   Senior Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer
  Kenneth J. Kucera   Senior Vice President, Enterprise Application Services
  John G. Langenfeld   Senior Vice President, Consumer Bank
  Matthew W. Lawver   Senior Vice President, Consumer Bank
  Frances A. Marshall*   Senior Vice President, Shared Services
  Craig V. McGarry*   Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Group
  Stephanie H. Moline   Senior Vice President, Corporate Bank
  Russell K. Oatman*   Senior Vice President, First Financial Services
  George F. Schmelzel   Senior Vice President, Consumer Bank
  James C.C. Schmidt*   Senior Vice President, Technology Services

 

 

 

 

 
 
Margaret L. Dodge*

 

Finance Officer

 

John W. Irwin*
  F. Phillips Giltner*   Chairman Emeritus   Robert W. Tritsch*

*Director

 

 

 

 



First National Bank Frisco Office (A Branch of First National Bank of Omaha)

Frisco, Texas



R. Chris Tompkins, President



First National Bank Loan Production Office

Lincoln, Nebraska



Richard L. Herink, President



First National Bank of Colorado

Boulder - Broomfield - Denver
Longmont - Louisville - Westminster, Colorado



David M. Gilman, Chairman & President


Directors      
Richard L. Byyny
Dorothy A. Horrell, Ph.D.
Thomas C. Stokes
Larry F. Frey
Caroline J. Hoyt
Richard E. Geesaman, M.D.
Earl McLaughlin
David M. Gilman
Dennis A. O'Neal



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48





First National Bank

Fort Collins - Loveland, Colorado



Thomas J. Gleason, Chairman

Mark P. Driscoll, President


Directors      
Mark P. Driscoll
Roger G. Gunlikson
Merlin G. Otteman, M.D.
John A. Duffey
Lucia A. Liley
Stephen J. Schrader
Dwight L. Ghent
Douglas E. Markley
Wayne K. Schrader
Thomas J. Gleason
Dennis A. O'Neal
David L. Wood
Mark J. Soukup, Director Emeritus    



First National Bank and Trust Company of Columbus

Columbus - Norfolk, Nebraska



John M. Peck, Chairman & President

James R. Mangels, President - Norfolk


Directors      
James M. Bator
Robert P. Loshbaugh
Steven K. Ritzman
Dwayne G. Smith
Donald N. Dworak
James R. Mangels
Richard A. Robinson
Randal J. Emrich
Larry D. Marik
Noyes W. Rogers
John F. Lohr
John M. Peck
Donald M. Schupbach



First National Bank of Kansas

Overland Park - Fairway - Olathe - Shawnee, Kansas



Stuart C. Lang, President


Directors      
Linda A. Acker
Mary Kay Horner
Ben T. Embry
Stuart C. Lang
Blair L. Gogel
James A. Polsinelli
J. William Henry
Marilyn Scafe



First National Bank

North Platte - Alliance - Chadron - Gering - Scottsbluff, Nebraska



L.H. "Rick" Kolkman, President


Directors      
Gary L. Conell, M.D.
Daniel K. O'Neill
Orville A. Kaschke
William C. Snodgrass
L.H. "Rick" Kolkman
Gary M. Trego
Thomas L. Krepel, Ph.D.
Ralph M. Tysdal



The Fremont National Bank and Trust Company

Fremont, Nebraska



David N. Simmons, Chairman & President


Directors      
Kenneth D. Beebe
Thomas J. Milliken
Jim A. Hoshor
Bart E. Qualsett
Rodney K. Koerber, M.D.
David N. Simmons
Helen J. Krause
Neil A. Stanley



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Platte Valley State Bank & Trust Company

Kearney, Nebraska



Wayne R. McKinney, Chairman

Mark A. Sutko, President


Directors      
Jeff G. Beattie
Robin W. Marshall
Mark A. Sutko
Gerald L. Dulitz
Wayne R. McKinney
Gerald J. Tomka
Byron D. Hansen
Daniel K. O'Neill
Robert P. Sahling, Honorary
Peter G. Kotsiopulos
John H. Schulte, M.D.
Carl C. Spelts, Honorary



First National Bank South Dakota

Yankton - Huron - Mitchell - Woonsocket, South Dakota



Randall A. Johnson, President


Directors      
Joseph W. Barry
Randall A. Johnson
Mark R. Buche
Joleen M. Smith
J. William Henry
Jerry Thomsen



Union Colony Bank

Greeley - Brighton - Johnstown - Windsor, Colorado



Lawrence W. Menefee, Chairman

Thomas J. Flanagan, Jr., President


Directors      
Victor J. Campbell
Kay Kosmicki
Robert A. Ruyle
George W. Doering
James R. Listen
Masoud S. Shirazi
Harold G. Evans
Lawrence W. Menefee
Michael V. Shoop
Thomas J. Flanagan, Jr.
Dennis A. O'Neal
F. Scott Thomas
John M. Todd John C. Todd, Director Emeritus  



Cornerstone Mortgage Company

Houston - Austin - Beaumont - Bryan - Conroe
 
Dallas - Frisco - Hurst - San Antonio - Sugarland
Temple - Waco - Woodlands, Texas
Scottsdale - Sierra Vista, Arizona
Boulder - Broomfield - Denver - Ft. Collins - Loveland, Colorado



Marc N. Laird, President

Judith A. Belanger, Executive Vice President



Data Management Products

Omaha, Nebraska



James A. Mills, President

Michael J. Reynolds, Senior Vice President

Darren L. Snodgrass, Vice President



First Affinity Reinsurance Company, Ltd.
First Agent Reinsurance Company, Ltd.
First Premium Reinsurance Company, Ltd.
First Standard Reinsurance Company, Ltd.
First State Reinsurance Company, Ltd.

Nevis, West Indies



Michael P. Feimer, President

Jean L. Koenck, Vice President & Treasurer



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50





First National Capital Markets

Omaha, Nebraska



Craig V. McGarry, Chairman

Todd L. Engle, President



First National Information Solutions

Omaha - Des Moines - Denver - Kansas City
Minneapolis - St. Paul



Russell K. Oatman, Chairman

Kurtis H. Shedenhelm, President



Barry J. Lockhard, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Roberta Swedlund, Senior Account Executive



First National Services Corporation

Omaha, Nebraska



R. Ray Lockhart, Director of Risk Management

Paul J. Brinker, Director of Compliance
David E. Harris, Director of Risk Consulting

Donald A. Fees, Director of Loan Review
Robert J. Wuggazer, Director of Audit



First of Omaha Merchant Processing

Omaha, Nebraska



Nicholas W. Baxter, President
Christa M. Titus, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Matt T. Minchow, Senior Vice President of Sales
Brian D. Ridder, Senior Vice President of Customer Service
Colleen M. Haack, Senior Vice President of Operations



First Technology Solutions

Omaha, Nebraska



Mark D. Waddington, President

Charles M. Huetter, Vice President of Operations

Kimberly M. Whittaker, Vice President of Sales



Gregory's Insurance, Inc.

Alliance, Nebraska



Daniel S. Contonis, Agent

Gary L. Tomlin, Agent



InfiCorp Holdings, Inc.
InfiBank
InfiStar Corporation

Atlanta, Georgia



Matthew W. Lawver, Chairman

Jerry D. Craft, President

Clay G. Battle, Chief Financial Officer
D. Andrew Mathieson, Managing Director, Credit Card Management
Ray S. Costner, Managing Director, Systems & Operations
Keith J. Floen, Managing Director, Credit Union Business Development



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51





Platinum Recovery Solutions

Omaha, Nebraska



Joseph W. Barry, President

John A. Ostrowski, Managing Director

James W. Shanahan, Vice President



Whitetail Finance Company

North Platte - Fremont - Lexington - Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Gillette, Wyoming
Sterling, Colorado



DiAnn Kolkman, President


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QuickLinks

First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Performance Trends
First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Financial Highlights
First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income
First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
First National of Nebraska (parent company only) Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
First National of Nebraska (parent company only) Condensed Statements of Operations
First National of Nebraska (parent company only) Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
First National of Nebraska and Subsidiaries Selected Financial Data