FIRST COMMONWEALTH INC
10-Q, 1997-11-13
HOSPITAL & MEDICAL SERVICE PLANS
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<PAGE>

                    ----------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[x]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934
     For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997

                                       OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission file number: 0-27064

                            FIRST COMMONWEALTH, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
                           Delaware                     75-2154228
(State or other jurisdiction of                (IRS employer identification
incorporation or organization)                 number)

             444 North Wells Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL  60610
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                                 (312) 644-1800
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, outstanding as of October 31, 1997:
3,626,139 shares

                    ----------------------------------------

<PAGE>

                            First Commonwealth, Inc.
                                   Form 10-Q
                    For the quarter ended September 30, 1997

                                     INDEX

                        PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                        -------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Page
                                                                                       ---- 
<S>                                                                                    <C>   
Item 1. Financial Statements
                                                                                    
        Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30,
        1997 and December 31, 1996....................................................   3

        Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended
        September 30, 1997 and 1996...................................................   5

        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30,
        1997 and 1996.................................................................   6

        Reconciliations of Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities for
        the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.............................   7

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements....................................   8

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
        Operations....................................................................  10


                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
                          ---------------------------

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..............................................  14

SIGNATURES............................................................................  15
</TABLE>
                   SPECIAL NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

          Certain statements included or incorporated by reference in this 
Form 10-Q under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q 
constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause
the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially
different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other
things, increased competition in the markets in which the Company operates;
changes in regulation affecting the Company; changes in the utilization of
services; changes in arrangements relating to payments to providers; the level
of the Company's indemnity enrollment and the related indemnity risk of
indemnity plans; the ability to integrate and successfully operate acquired
businesses and the risks associated with such businesses; the possible need for,
and ability to obtain if needed, financing on acceptable terms to finance the
Company's growth strategy; the ability of the Company to operate within the
limitations imposed by any such financing arrangements; and other factors
referenced or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q.

                                       2

<PAGE>

                        PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                        -------------------------------

Item 1.  Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

First Commonwealth, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
- -----------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)

ASSETS                                                    September 30, 1997   December 31, 1996
- ------                                                    ------------------   -----------------
                                                                 (Unaudited)
<S>                                                        <C>                 <C>

CURRENT ASSETS:

 Cash and cash equivalents                                           $10,336            $15,817

 Investments - Short Term                                                  0                  0

 Accounts receivable, net of allowance
 of $352 at September 30, 1997 and $290 at
 December 31, 1996                                                     3,489              3,011

 Other receivables                                                       374                221

 Deposit under reinsurance agreement                                     341                697

 Prepaid expenses                                                      1,987                408

 Prepaid income taxes                                                    159                  0

 Deferred tax asset                                                      734                869
                                                                     -------            -------

     Total current assets                                             17,420             21,023
                                                                     -------            -------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost                                        3,927              3,348

 Less - Accumulated depreciation                                      (2,161)            (1,726)
                                                                     -------            -------

     Property and equipment, net                                       1,766              1,622
                                                                     -------            -------

OTHER ASSETS:

 Restricted cash equivalents and government securities
 on deposit, at market                                                   950              1,222

 Deposits and other                                                       93                105

 Intangible assets, net                                               10,323             10,482
                                                                     -------            -------

     Total other assets                                               11,366             11,809
                                                                     -------            -------

     TOTAL ASSETS                                                    $30,552            $34,454
                                                                     =======            =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>
First Commonwealth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            September 30, 1997  December 31, 1996
                                                ------------------  -----------------
                                                       (Unaudited)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 Accounts payable - trade                                   $   69           $   338

 Accounts payable - dental service providers                   209               348

 Claims liability                                            1,384             1,580    

 Accrued payroll and related costs                             544               739

 Other accrued expenses                                        397               648

 Deferred subscriber revenue                                 4,972             4,449

 Payable under reinsurance agreement                           340               628

 Income taxes payable                                            0               101

 Other current liabilities                                       0             5,500
                                                            ------           -------

   Total current liabilities                                 7,915            14,331


DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY - long-term                             227               167
                                                         ---------         ---------

   Total liabilities                                         8,142            14,498
                                                         ---------          --------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 Preferred stock ($.001 par value; 1,000,000
   shares authorized, none issued)                               0                 0

 Common stock ($.001 par value; 15,000,000 shares
   authorized, 3,623,639 shares at September 30, 1997
   and 3,600,996 shares at December 31, 1996 issued
   and outstanding)                                              4                 4

 Capital in excess of par value                             13,221            13,207

 Less 495 shares of common stock at September 30, 1997
   and 425 shares of common stock at December 31,
   1996 held in treasury, at cost                              (12)              (12)

 Retained earnings                                           9,197             6,757
                                                           -------           -------

   Total stockholders' equity                               22,410            19,956
                                                           -------           -------

   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity              $30,552           $34,454
                                                           =======           =======

</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>

First Commonwealth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        For the three months ended:    For the nine months ended:
                                                        ---------------------------    --------------------------
                                                      Sept 30, 1997     Sept 30, 1996  Sept 30, 1997  Sept 30, 1996
                                                      -------------     -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>            <C>            <C>
SUBSCRIBER REVENUE

  Managed Care                                           $   10,978        $    8,870     $   32,284     $   23,280
  Indemnity/PPO                                               3,310             2,760          8,893          7,810
  Fee Income                                                    231               156            661            488
                                                         ----------        ----------     ----------     ----------

     Total Subscriber Revenue                                14,519            11,786         41,838         31,578
                                                         ----------        ----------     ----------     ----------


BENEFIT COVERAGE EXPENSES

  Managed Care                                                6,989             5,402         20,363         13,703
  Indemnity/PPO                                               2,957             2,164          7,468          6,109
  Fee Income                                                     --                --             --             --
                                                         ----------        ----------     ----------     ----------

     Total Benefit Coverage Expenses                          9,946             7,566         27,831         19,812
                                                         ----------        ----------     ----------     ----------

GROSS MARGIN

  Managed Care                                                3,989             3,468         11,921          9,577
  Indemnity/PPO                                                 353               596          1,425          1,701
  Fee Income                                                    231               156            661            488
                                                         ----------        ----------     ----------     ----------

     Total Gross Margin                                       4,573             4,220         14,007         11,766

SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE                                        3,201             3,249         10,210          8,836
                                                         ----------        ----------     ----------     ----------

  Operating income                                            1,372               971          3,797          2,930

INTEREST INCOME, net                                            121               160            339            482
                                                         ----------        ----------     ----------     ----------

  Income before income taxes                                  1,493             1,131          4,136          3,412

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                                      611               464          1,696          1,378
                                                         ----------        ----------     ----------     ----------

NET INCOME                                               $      882        $      667     $    2,440     $    2,034
                                                         ==========        ==========     ==========     ==========

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON
EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING                             3,736,008         3,682,978      3,732,886      3,564,831

EARNINGS PER SHARE                                            $0.24             $0.18          $0.65          $0.57

</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>

First Commonwealth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(Dollars in Thousands)(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                      For the nine months ended:
                                                                     ---------------------------
                                                               September 30, 1997    September 30, 1996
                                                               ------------------    ------------------
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     Cash received from subscribers                                     $ 41,002              $ 31,131
     Cash paid to providers of care                                      (19,631)              (12,074)
     Cash paid to employees, brokers and suppliers                       (12,092)               (9,680)
     Claims paid                                                          (7,564)               (6,118)
     Interest paid                                                             0                    (1)
     Interest received                                                       293                   438
     Income taxes paid                                                    (1,662)               (1,445)
     Cash transferred from (to) restricted funds                             278                  (348)
                                                                        --------              --------
       Net cash provided by operating activities                             624                 1,903
                                                                        --------              --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     Purchase of property and equipment, net                                (579)                 (529)
     Purchase of short-term investments                                     (517)               (5,162)
     Proceeds from short-term investments                                    517                 2,093
     Acquisition related cost                                             (5,540)                 (116)
                                                                        --------              --------
       Net cash used in financing activities                              (6,119)               (3,714)
                                                                        --------              --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     Issuance of common stock                                                 15                     1
     Principal payments on capital leases                                      0                   (27)
     Purchase of treasury stock                                               (1)                  (10)
     Payments of preferred dividends                                           0                   (13)
                                                                          ------                ------

       Net cash provided (used) in financing activities                       14                   (49)
                                                                          ------                ------

       Net change in cash and cash equivalents                            (5,481)               (1,860)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
     beginning of period                                                  15,817                12,680
                                                                         -------              --------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
     end of period                                                       $10,336               $10,820
                                                                         =======               =======
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       6
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
 
First Commonwealth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
RECONCILIATIONS OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)(Unaudited)

                                                                       For the nine months ended:
                                                              ---------------------------------------------
                                                              September 30, 1997         September 30, 1996
                                                              ------------------         ------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                        <C>

Net income                                                                $2,440                      $2,034

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

     Depreciation and amortization                                           633                         456

     (Increase) decrease in assets:

       Accounts receivable, net                                             (478)                       (438)

       Other receivables                                                    (153)                        (60)

       Deposit under reinsurance agreement                                   356                        (111)

       Prepaid expenses                                                   (1,579)                         21

       Deferred tax asset                                                    135                         109

       Prepaid income taxes                                                 (159)                       (176)

       Restricted cash equivalents and government
       securities                                                            272                        (348)

       Deposits and other                                                     12                         (54)

     Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:

       Accounts payable - trade                                             (269)                       (157)

       Accounts payable - dental service providers                          (139)                       (145)

       Claims liability                                                     (196)                          2

       Accrued payroll and related costs                                    (194)                       (130)

       Other accrued expenses                                               (251)                       (132)

       Deferred subscriber revenue                                           523                         941

       Payable under reinsurance agreement                                  (288)                         91

       Income taxes payable                                                 (101)                          0

     Increase in long-term liabilities:

       Long-term deferred tax liability                                       60                           0
                                                                          -------                     ------
     Net cash provided by operating activities                           $   624                     $ 1,903
                                                                          =======                     ======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                            FIRST COMMONWEALTH, INC.

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                               September 30, 1997


1.   Interim Financial Statements

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
First Commonwealth, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and an affiliate
(collectively, the "Company").  All material intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

     The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by
the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain notes and other information
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted from the interim
financial statements presented in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q in
accordance with such rules and regulations.  In the opinion of the Company's
management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state
fairly the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 1997, and the
results of its operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. The results
of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  The
accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the Company's financial statements and notes thereto included in the
Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.

2.   Earnings Per Share

     Earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period plus the
dilutive effect of stock options.

3.   Business Combinations

     Effective July 18, 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of Smileage
Dental Services, Inc. ("Smileage"), a Wisconsin-based dental HMO administrator,
which provides services to approximately 50,000 members and an associated
reinsurance transaction, for an aggregate purchase price (including transaction
costs) of $5.6 million.  The acquisition was financed through the issuance of
231,399 shares of the Company's common stock.  The acquisition resulted in the
excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired of approximately $5.6
million.

     Effective December 31, 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of
Champion Dental Services, Inc. ("Champion"), a Missouri-based prepaid dental
plan, which provides services to approximately 60,000 members, for an aggregate
purchase price (including transaction costs) of $5.6 million.  The acquisition
was financed through proceeds from the Company's initial public offering and was
paid in cash on January 2, 1997.  The acquisition resulted in the excess of cost
over fair value of net assets acquired of approximately $4.9 million.


                                       8

<PAGE>
 
     The acquisitions of Smileage and Champion were accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting with the results of operations of the businesses
acquired included from the effective date of the acquisitions. The results of
Smileage and Champion have been reflected in the results of operations of the
Company for the entire periods ended September 30, 1997.

     Unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 1996 are included below. Such pro forma
presentation has been prepared assuming the acquisitions of Smileage and
Champion had occurred as of January 1, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                    Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
                                    September 30, 1996  September 30,1996
                                    ------------------  -----------------
       <S>                          <C>                 <C>
 
       Revenues (in thousands)           $12,802            $37,647
                                         =======            =======
 
       Net Income (in thousands)         $   696            $ 2,200
                                         =======            =======
 
       Net Income per share              $  0.19            $  0.59
                                         =======            =======
 
</TABLE>

     The pro forma results include the historical accounts of the Company and
historical accounts of the acquired businesses and pro forma adjustments
including the amortization of the excess purchase price over the fair value of
the net assets acquired, the reduction of salaries and expenses which will not
be incurred on an ongoing basis, and the applicable income tax effects of these
adjustments. The pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative
of actual results which may have occurred had the operations of the acquired
companies been combined in prior periods.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
         of Operations

Results of Operations

     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the attached
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Three Months Ended September 30, 1997 Compared to Three Months Ended September
30, 1996

     Total subscriber revenue increased by $2.7 million, or 22.9%, to $14.5
million in the three months ended September 30, 1997 from $11.8 million in the
three months ended September 30, 1996. This increase is attributable to
increased enrollment in the Company's managed care plans as well as the effect
of the acquisitions which accounted for $1.4 million of the increase. Managed
care revenue increased by $2.1 million, or 23.6%, to $11.0 million in the three
months ended September 30, 1997 from $8.9 million in the same period in 1996,
primarily due to a 31.0% increase in new members. The revenue increase was
mainly as a result of the acquisitions which accounted for $1.4 million of the
increase. Indemnity/PPO revenue increased $550,000 to $3.3 million in 1997 from
$2.8 million in 1996, primarily as a result of adding new indemnity/PPO plan
members.

     Total gross margin increased by $353,000, or 8.4%, to $4.6 million in the
three months ended September 30, 1997 from $4.2 million in the three months
ended September 30, 1996. Total gross margin as a percentage of revenue was
31.5% in 1997 as compared to 35.8% in 1996. This percentage decline was
primarily the result of an increasing percentage of revenue being generated by
the Company's acquired businesses which have a significantly lower gross margin
percentage, at an average of 27.3%, than the historical managed care business.
Managed care gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 36.3% in 1997 as
compared to 39.1% in 1996. The indemnity/PPO gross margin as a percentage of
indemnity/PPO revenue decreased to 10.7% in 1997 from 21.6% in 1996. This change
is the result of an increase in dental benefit expenses primarily attributable
to an increase in the number of services being reimbursed under the Company's
indemnity/PPO contracts. The Company expects this lower than historical
indemnity/PPO gross margin percentage to continue into the fourth quarter of
1997 and intends to negotiate price increases with its clients early in 1998 to
improve the indemnity/PPO gross margin percentage over third quarter levels. The
Company does not expect the indemnity/PPO gross margin percentage to return to
historical levels in 1998.

     SG&A expenses decreased by $48,000, or 1.5%, to $3.2 million for the three
months ended September 30, 1997 from $3.2 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1996. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A expenses dropped to 22.0%
for 1997 from 27.6% for 1996. The change is primarily the result of economies of
scale in meeting the administrative needs of increased enrollment due to the
relatively fixed nature of certain SG&A expenses as well as maintaining tight
spending levels during the quarter to partially offset the decline in the
indemnity/PPO gross margin. SG&A expenses will remain relatively flat through 
the end of 1997 and began to trend higher in 1998.

     Operating income increased by $401,000, or 40.1%, to $1.4 million for the
three months ended September 30, 1997 from $1.0 million for the three months
ended September 30, 1996. As a percentage of revenue, operating income was 9.4%
in 1997 as compared to 8.2% in 1996. The increase was due primarily to lower
SG&A as a percentage of revenue which was partially offset by lower gross
margin.

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
     Interest income decreased by $39,000 to $121,000 for the three months ended
September 30, 1997 from $160,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1996
primarily as a result of the payment of the purchase price for Champion on
January 2, 1997.

     The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 1997 was
40.9% versus 41.0% for the three months ended September 30, 1996.

     Net income increased by $215,000, or 32.2%, to $882,000 for the three
months ended September 30, 1997 from $667,000 for the three months ended
September 30, 1996. Earnings per share was $0.24 and $0.18 for the three months
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

     See Note 3 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
information relating to the pro forma effect of acquisitions.


Nine months Ended September 30, 1997 Compared to Nine months Ended September 30,
1996

     Total subscriber revenue increased by $10.2 million, or 32.3%, to $41.8
million in the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $31.6 million in the
nine months ended September 30, 1996. This increase is attributable to increased
enrollment in the Company's managed care plans as well as the effect of the
acquisitions which accounted for $7.3 million of the increase. Managed care
revenue increased by $9.0 million, or 38.6%, to $32.3 million in the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 from $23.3 million in the same period in 1996,
primarily due to a 31.0% increase in new members. The revenue increase was
mainly as a result of the acquisitions which accounted for $7.2 million of the
increase. Indemnity/PPO revenue increased $1.1 million to $8.9 million in 1997
from $7.8 million in 1996, primarily as a result of adding new indemnity/PPO
plan members.

     Total gross margin increased by $2.2 million, or 18.6%, to $14.0 million in
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $11.8 million in the nine months
ended September 30, 1996. Total gross margin as a percentage of revenue was
33.5% in 1997 as compared to 37.3% in 1996. This percentage decline was
primarily the result of an increasing percentage of revenue being generated by
the Company's acquired businesses which have a significantly lower gross margin
percentage, at an average of 27.3%, than the historical managed care business.
Managed care gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 36.9% in 1997 as
compared to 41.1% in 1996. The indemnity/PPO gross margin as a percentage of
indemnity/PPO revenue decreased to 16.0% in 1997 from 21.8% in 1996. This change
is the result of an increase in dental benefit expenses primarily attributable
to an increase in the number of services being reimbursed under the Company's
indemnity/PPO contracts. The Company expects this lower than historical
indemnity/PPO gross margin percentage to continue into the fourth quarter of
1997 and intends to negotiate price increases with its clients early in 1998 to
improve the indemnity/PPO gross margin percentage over third quarter levels. The
Company does not expect the indemnity/PPO gross margin percentage to return to
historical levels in 1998.


                                      11
<PAGE>
 
     SG&A expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 15.9%, to $10.2 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $8.8 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. The increase of expenses is primarily from establishing
offices and staffing in Milwaukee and St. Louis as a result of the acquisitions.
As a percentage of revenue, SG&A expenses dropped to 24.4% for 1997 from 28.0%
for 1996. The change is primarily the result of economies of scale in meeting
the administrative needs of increased enrollment due to the relatively fixed
nature of certain SG&A expenses as well as maintaining tight spending levels to
partially offset the decline in the indemnity/PPO gross margin.

     Operating income increased by $867,000, or 29.9%, to $3.8 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 from $2.9 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. As a percentage of revenue, operating income was 9.1% in
1997 as compared to 9.3% in 1996. The decline was due primarily to the lower
gross margin, partially offset by the lower SG&A as a percentage of revenue.

     Interest income decreased by $143,000 to $339,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 from $482,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
primarily as a result of the payment of the purchase price for Champion on
January 2, 1997.

     The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was
41.0% versus 40.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. The increase in
the effective tax rate was primarily the result of the non-deductibility of the
amortization of goodwill incurred in one of the Company's acquisitions.

     Net income increased by $406,000, or 20.3%, to $2.4 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 from $2.0 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. Earnings per share was $0.65 and $0.57 for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

     See Note 3 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the pro
forma effect of acquisitions.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The Company's operating cash requirements for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 have been met principally through operating cash flows. The
primary uses of cash have been for the purchase of Champion, operating
activities and capital investments in the business. The Company believes that
cash generated from operations will be adequate to finance its anticipated
operating needs for the foreseeable future.

     Cash flows from operating activities were $624,000 and $1.9 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The decrease in
cash flows is mainly the result of the timing difference in prepaid expenses
which represented capitation that was prepaid as of September 30, 1997 but was
not prepaid at December 31, 1996. The Company primarily receives premium
payments in advance of disbursing managed care dentist capitation payments and
indemnity claims payments. Cash balances in excess of current needs are invested
in interest-bearing accounts or cash equivalents. Cash flows from operations
consist primarily of subscriber premiums and investment income net of capitation
payments to network dentists, claims paid, brokers' commissions, general and
administrative expenses and income taxes.

                                      12
<PAGE>

     Cash used in investing activities was $6.1 million and $3.7 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The primary use in
1997 was $5.5 million for the purchase of Champion paid on January 2, 1997. In
addition, the first nine months of 1996 includes a net of $3.1 million used to
purchase short term investment grade securities (securities which mature between
3 months and 12 months). Capital expenditures were $579,000 for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and $529,000 for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 for furniture, leasehold improvements, and computer equipment as the
Company has expanded its leased office space.

     As of September 30, 1997, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
$10.3 million and no long-term debt outstanding. 

     Under applicable insurance laws of the states in which the Company conducts
business, the Company's subsidiaries operating in the particular state are
required to maintain a minimum level of net worth and reserves. The Company may
be required from time to time to invest funds in one or more of its subsidiaries
to meet regulatory requirements, or to expand its operations into new geographic
areas. In addition, applicable laws generally limit the ability of the Company's
subsidiaries to pay dividends to the extent that required regulatory capital or
surplus would be impaired.

Impact of Inflation

     The Company does not believe the impact of inflation has significantly
affected the Company's operations.

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                         PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION
                         -----------------------------

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Forms 8-K

     (a)  Exhibits:

          Exhibit No.                     Description
          -----------                     -----------

              11        Statement Regarding Computation of Net Earnings Per
                        Share

              27        Financial Data Schedule

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended September 30, 1997:

          None

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES


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

                              FIRST COMMONWEALTH, INC.
                              (Registrant)


Date:  November 13, 1997      By: /s/ Christopher C. Multhauf
                                  ------------------------------------
                              Christopher C. Multhauf
                              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



Date:  November 13, 1997      By: /s/ David W. Mulligan
                                  ------------------------------------
                              David W. Mulligan
                              President, Secretary and Chief Operating
                              Officer



Date:  November 13, 1997      By: /s/ Scott B. Sanders
                                  ------------------------------------
                              Scott B. Sanders
                              Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal
                              Financial and Accounting Officer)

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
                                 -------------


Exhibit No.            Description
- -----------            -----------

   11           Statement Regarding Computation of Net Earnings Per Share

   27           Financial Data Schedule

                                      16

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 11
                           FIRST COMMONWEALTH, INC.
          COMPUTATION OF PRIMARY AND FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Earnings Per Share
                                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              For the three months ended:              For the nine months ended:
                                                            -------------------------------          ------------------------------ 
                                                            September 30,     September 30,          September 30,    September 30,
                                                            -------------     -------------          -------------    -------------
                                                                1997              1996                   1997             1996
                                                                ----              ----                   ----             ----
<S>                                                           <C>               <C>                    <C>             <C>
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1) (2)            3,615,996         3,551,811              3,612,874        3,428,852

Additional common share equivalents related to stock
 options assumed to be exercised in accordance with the 
 treasury stock method (3) (4) (5)                              120,012           131,167                120,012          135,979
                                                              ---------         ---------             ----------       ----------

Total weighted average common and equivalent 
 shares outstanding                                           3,736,008         3,682,978              3,732,886        3,564,831
                                                              =========         =========             ==========       ==========

Net income                                                    $ 882,000         $ 667,000             $2,440,000       $2,034,000
                                                              =========         =========             ==========       ==========

Earnings per share - Primary                                  $    0.24         $    0.18             $     0.65       $     0.57
                                                              =========         =========             ==========       ==========

Earnings per share - Fully diluted                            $    0.24         $    0.18             $     0.65       $     0.57
                                                              =========         =========             ==========       ==========

</TABLE>

NOTES

(1)  Amount computed for purposes of presenting fully diluted earnings per share
     is the same as this amount.
 
(2)  Includes new shares issued based on the acquisition of Smileage Dental
     Services for 231,399 shares on July 18, 1996.

(3)  Options with an exercise price less than the fair value of common stock
     during the period presented are assumed to have been exercised with the
     proceeds from the exercise, including tax benefits assumed to have been
     realized, being used to purchase treasury shares.  The repurchase of
     treasury shares is assumed to be at the average market price for purposes
     of computing primary earnings per share and the ending market price for
     purposes of computing fully diluted earnings per share.

(4)  Average and ending fair market values are determined by reference to the
     price and date upon which stock options are granted.  All such options are
     granted at the fair value on the date of the grant.

     These prices at the end of each quarter are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 
                Period Ended              1997             1996
                ------------              ----             ----
                <S>                      <C>              <C>
                  31-March               $14.75           $25.75
                  30-June                $18.50           $27.88
                  30-Sept                $15.00           $22.25
                  31-Dec                                  $19.50
</TABLE>

(5)  The additional share equivalents related to stock options for purposes of
     fully diluted earnings per share for the three months are 120,012 and
     131,167, at September 30, 1997, and 1996 respectively, and for the nine
     months are 120,012 and 135,979 at September 30, 1997, and 1996
     respectively.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF FIRST COMMONWEALTH, INC. AS OF SEPTEMBER
30, 1997, AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS THEN ENDED, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                            JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                         10,336 
<SECURITIES>                                        0      
<RECEIVABLES>                                   3,841      
<ALLOWANCES>                                      352      
<INVENTORY>                                         0     
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               17,420           
<PP&E>                                          3,927          
<DEPRECIATION>                                  2,161        
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 30,552          
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           7,915        
<BONDS>                                             0      
                               0     
                                         0     
<COMMON>                                            4     
<OTHER-SE>                                     22,406           
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   30,552             
<SALES>                                             0              
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               41,838              
<CGS>                                               0              
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  37,702              
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    0           
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0          
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  0           
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 4,136           
<INCOME-TAX>                                    1,696          
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             2,440          
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0      
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0          
<CHANGES>                                           0      
<NET-INCOME>                                    2,440     
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    0.65     
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    0.65     
        

</TABLE>


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