Ames National Corp.
ATLO
#8336
Rank
$0.25 B
Marketcap
$28.66
Share price
1.09%
Change (1 day)
70.90%
Change (1 year)

Ames National Corp. - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
Table Of Contents

UNITED STATES

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, 2015

 

[_]       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 0-32637

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

IOWA

 

 

 

42-1039071

(State or Other Jurisdiction of   

 

 

 

(I. R. S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)    Identification Number)

 

405 FIFTH STREET

AMES, IOWA 50010

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (515) 232-6251

 

Not Applicable

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer____ Accelerated filer __X__ Non-accelerated filer ____ Smaller reporting company ____

 

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

 

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

 

COMMON STOCK, $2.00 PAR VALUE   

9,310,913

(Class) 

(Shares Outstanding at October 30, 2015)

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

 

INDEX

 

  Page
   
   

Part I.

Financial Information

 
     

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

     
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

3
     
 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

4
     
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

5

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

     
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9

     

Item 2.

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

32
     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

51

     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures 51 
     

Part II.

Other Information

 
     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

52

     

Item 1.A.

Risk Factors

52

     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

52

     

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

52

     

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

52

     

Item 5.

Other Information

53

     

Item 6.

Exhibits

53

     

Signatures

54

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

 

  

September 30,

  

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

  

2014

 
ASSETS        

Cash and due from banks

 $26,140,701   $23,730,257  

Federal funds sold

  -    6,000  

Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions

  40,155,352    31,463,382  

Securities available-for-sale

  546,016,890    542,502,381  

Loans receivable, net

  690,315,150    658,440,998  

Loans held for sale

  916,322    704,850  

Bank premises and equipment, net

  16,828,000    15,956,989  

Accrued income receivable

  8,540,727    7,471,023  

Other real estate owned

  3,418,108    8,435,885  

Deferred income taxes

  1,978,434    2,633,177  

Core deposit intangible, net

  1,403,982    1,730,231  

Goodwill

  6,732,216    6,732,216  

Other assets

  896,580    1,223,328  
         

Total assets

 $1,343,342,462   $1,301,030,717  
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        
         

LIABILITIES

        

Deposits

        

Demand, noninterest bearing

 $187,652,406   $188,725,609  

NOW accounts

  300,533,481    298,581,556  

Savings and money market

  350,538,471    321,700,422  

Time, $250,000 and over

  35,178,437    36,169,601  

Other time

  187,474,843    206,946,069  

Total deposits

  1,061,377,638    1,052,123,257  
         

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  52,065,563    51,265,011  

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances

  50,253,477    14,467,737  

Other borrowings

  13,000,000    23,000,000  

Dividend payable

  1,862,183    1,675,964  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

  4,378,121    3,824,330  

Total liabilities

  1,182,936,982    1,146,356,299  
         

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        

Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,310,913 shares as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

  18,621,826    18,621,826  

Additional paid-in capital

  20,878,728    20,878,728  

Retained earnings

  116,214,889    110,701,847  

Accumulated other comprehensive income - net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale

  4,690,037    4,472,017  

Total stockholders' equity

  160,405,480    154,674,418  
         

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $1,343,342,462   $1,301,030,717  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2015

  

2014

  

2015

  

2014

 
                 

Interest income:

                

Loans, including fees

 $7,808,414   $6,722,179   $22,920,161   $19,708,190  

Securities:

                

Taxable

  1,506,702    1,792,258    4,639,398    5,407,157  

Tax-exempt

  1,433,537    1,538,531    4,399,623    4,857,733  

Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold

  94,364    67,183    288,411    213,259  

Total interest income

  10,843,017    10,120,151    32,247,593    30,186,339  
                 

Interest expense:

                

Deposits

  744,958    803,098    2,276,004    2,557,799  

Other borrowed funds

  257,791    299,434    898,565    897,781  

Total interest expense

  1,002,749    1,102,532    3,174,569    3,455,580  
                 

Net interest income

  9,840,268    9,017,619    29,073,024    26,730,759  
                 

Provision for loan losses

  37,797    55,145    1,036,610    130,020  
                 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

  9,802,471    8,962,474    28,036,414    26,600,739  
                 

Noninterest income:

                

Wealth management income

  671,699    686,955    2,040,956    2,108,150  

Service fees

  445,706    426,588    1,285,063    1,194,862  

Securities gains, net

  111,622    79,501    608,926    214,582  

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

  206,072    224,554    705,370    473,733  

Merchant and card fees

  350,310    281,766    1,016,783    831,405  

Gain (loss) on the sale of premises and equipment, net

  -    -    (1,132)   1,242,209  

Other noninterest income

  164,568    129,326    467,217    443,505  

Total noninterest income

  1,949,977    1,828,690    6,123,183    6,508,446  
                 

Noninterest expense:

                

Salaries and employee benefits

  3,882,484    3,513,375    11,418,395    10,235,563  

Data processing

  720,232    656,715    2,089,363    1,823,635  

Occupancy expenses, net

  414,868    366,258    1,408,464    1,185,066  

FDIC insurance assessments

  169,692    164,535    519,962    490,231  

Professional fees

  346,665    332,988    951,835    963,876  

Business development

  254,757    303,026    719,689    726,503  

Other real estate owned expense (income), net

  (104,380)   (19,908)   605,830    (198)

Core deposit intangible amortization

  103,251    76,959    326,249    203,707  

Other operating expenses, net

  194,639    272,474    773,430    776,248  

Total noninterest expense

  5,982,208    5,666,422    18,813,217    16,404,631  
                 

Income before income taxes

  5,770,240    5,124,742    15,346,380    16,704,554  
                 

Provision for income taxes

  1,670,389    1,393,256    4,246,790    4,592,054  
                 

Net income

 $4,099,851   $3,731,486   $11,099,590   $12,112,500  
                 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 $0.44   $0.40   $1.19   $1.30  
                 

Dividends declared per share

 $0.20   $0.18   $0.60   $0.54  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2015

  

2014

  

2015

  

2014

 
                 
                 

Net income

 $4,099,851   $3,731,486   $11,099,590   $12,112,500  

Other comprehensive income (losses), before tax:

                

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities before tax:

                

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  2,649,038    (572,017)  954,990    7,800,643  

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income

  111,622    79,501    608,926    214,582  

Other comprehensive income (losses), before tax

  2,537,416    (651,518)  346,064    7,586,061  

Tax effect related to other comprehensive income (loss)

  (938,843)  241,062    (128,044)  (2,806,843)

Other comprehensive income (losses), net of tax

  1,598,573    (410,456)  218,020    4,779,218  

Comprehensive income

 $5,698,424   $3,321,030   $11,317,610   $16,891,718  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

Nine Months Ended Septembewr 30, 2015 and 2014

 

  

Common Stock

  

Additional Paid-in-Capital

  

Retained Earnings

  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Taxes

  

Treasury Stock

  

Total Stockholders' Equity

 
                         

Balance, December 31, 2013

 $18,865,830   $22,651,222   $102,154,498   $451,132   $(2,016,498) $142,106,184  

Net income

  -    -    12,112,500    -    -    12,112,500  

Other comprehensive income

  -    -    -    4,779,218    -    4,779,218  

Cash dividends declared, $0.54 per share

  -    -    (5,027,894)  -    -    (5,027,894)

Balance, September 30, 2014

 $18,865,830   $22,651,222   $109,239,104   $5,230,350   $(2,016,498) $153,970,008  
                         

Balance, December 31, 2014

 $18,621,826   $20,878,728   $110,701,847   $4,472,017   $-   $154,674,418  

Net income

  -    -    11,099,590    -    -    11,099,590  

Other comprehensive income

  -    -    -    218,020    -    218,020  

Cash dividends declared, $0.60 per share

  -    -    (5,586,548)  -    -    (5,586,548)

Balance, September 30, 2015

 $18,621,826   $20,878,728   $116,214,889   $4,690,037   $-   $160,405,480  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

 

  

2015

  

2014

 
         

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

        

Net income

 $11,099,590   $12,112,500  

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

        

Provision for loan losses

  1,036,610    130,020  

Provision for off-balance sheet commitments

  7,000    53,000  

Amortization, net

  2,590,850    3,133,065  

Amortization of core deposit intangible asset

  326,249    203,707  

Depreciation

  812,607    605,100  

Deferred income taxes

  526,700    557,853  

Securities gains, net

  (608,926)   (214,582)

(Gain) loss on sale of premises and equipment, net

  1,132    (1,242,209)

Impairment of other real estate owned

  614,687    -  

(Gain) on sale of other real estate owned, net

  (88,164)   (7,175)

Change in assets and liabilities:

        

(Increase) in loans held for sale

  (211,472)   (151,805)

(Increase) in accrued income receivable

  (1,069,704)   (921,324)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

  321,674    (452,695)

Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities

  546,791    115,795  

Net cash provided by operating activities

  15,905,624    13,921,250  
         

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

        

Purchase of securities available-for-sale

  (87,374,515)   (61,818,547)

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale

  21,305,694    31,688,263  

Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available-for-sale

  60,365,412    57,120,089  

Net (increase) in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions

  (8,691,970)   (12,182,001)

Decrease in federal funds sold

  6,000    -  

Net (increase) in loans

  (32,535,238)   (6,705,707)

Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned

  4,594,675    78,990  

Net proceeds from the sale of bank premises and equipment

  -    1,746,444  

Purchase of bank premises and equipment, net

  (1,679,676)   (1,329,925)

Cash acquired, net of cash paid, for acquired bank offices

  -    16,428,981  

Other

  (28,812)   (19,673)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  (44,038,430)   25,006,914  
         

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

        

Increase (decrease) in deposits

  9,357,287    (53,879,019)

Increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  800,552    25,762,071  

Payments on FHLB borrowings and other borrowings

  (10,414,260)   (7,054,374)

Proceeds from short-term FHLB borrowings, net

  36,200,000    2,500,000  

Dividends paid

  (5,400,329)   (4,841,676)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  30,543,250    (37,512,998)
         

Net increase in cash and due from banks

  2,410,444    1,415,166  
         

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

        

Beginning

  23,730,257    24,270,031  

Ending

 $26,140,701   $25,685,197  

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

 

  

2015

  

2014

 
         

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

        

Cash payments for:

        

Interest

 $3,377,794   $3,602,255  

Income taxes

  3,246,791    4,147,836  
         

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES

        

Transfer of loans receivable to other real estate owned

 $74,609   $111,109  
         

Business Combination: (Assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value)

        

Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions acquired

 $-   $5,719,000  

Securities available-for-sale acquired

  -    10,602,454  

Loans receivable acquired

  -    44,620,021  

Bank premises and equipment acquired

  -    3,864,900  

Accrued interest receivable acquired

  -    230,332  

Other real estate owned acquired

  -    1,267,720  

Other tangible assets acquired

  -    748,511  

Goodwill

  -    1,131,467  

Core deposit intangible

  -    1,018,000  

Deposits assumed

  -    81,962,650  

Securities sold under repurchase agreements to repurchase assumed

  -    2,815,297  

Other liabilities assumed

  -    853,439  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1.     Significant Accounting Policies

 

The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are unaudited. In the opinion of the management of Ames National Corporation (the "Company"), these financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly these consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for an entire year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted in accordance with the requirements for interim financial statements. The interim financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the year-end audited financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “Annual Report”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned banking subsidiaries (the “Banks”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill resulting from acquisitions is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually or whenever events change and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value of a reporting unit. The second step, if necessary, measures the amount of impairment, if any.

 

Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions and selecting an appropriate control premium. At September 30, 2015, Company management has performed a goodwill impairment analysis and determined goodwill was not impaired.

 

2.     Branch Acquisition

 

On August 29, 2014, First National Bank (FNB) completed the purchase of three bank branches of First Bank located in West Des Moines and Johnston, Iowa (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition was consistent with the Bank’s strategy to strengthen and expand its Iowa market share.  The acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and were reflected in the September 30, 2014 financial statements as such.  These branches were purchased for cash consideration of $4.1 million.  As a result of the Acquisition, the Company recorded a core deposit intangible asset of $1,018,000 and goodwill of $1,131,000. The results of operations for this acquisition have been included since the transaction date of August 29, 2014. The fair value of credit deteriorated purchased loans related to this Acquisition is $1,507,000. These purchased loans are included in the impaired loan category in the financial statements.

 

 

The following table summarizes the fair value of the total consideration transferred as a part of the Acquisition as well as the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of August 29, 2014, the effective date of the transaction.

 

Cash consideration transferred

 $4,147,680  
     

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

    
     

Cash and Due from Banks

 $20,576,661  

Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions

  5,719,000  

Securities available-for-sale

  10,602,454  

Loans receivable

  44,620,021  

Accrued interest receivable

  230,332  

Bank premises and equipment

  3,864,900  

Other real estate owned

  1,267,720  

Core deposit intangible asset

  1,018,000  

Other assets

  748,511  

Deposits

  (81,962,650)

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  (2,815,297)

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

  (853,439)
     

Total identifiable net assets

 $3,016,213  
     

Goodwill

 $1,131,467  

 

On August 29, 2014, the contractual balance of loans receivable acquired was $45,584,000 and the contractual balance of the deposits assumed was $81,841,000.  Loans receivable acquired include commercial real estate, 1-4 family real estate, commercial operating and consumer loans.

 

The acquired loans at contractual values as of August 29, 2014 were determined to be risk rated as follows:

 

Pass

 $29,840,000  

Watch

  6,659,000  

Special Mention

  1,478,000  

Substandard

  5,460,000  

Deteriorated credit

  2,147,000  
     

Total loans acquired at book value

 $45,584,000  

 

Loans acquired as deteriorated credit loans are classified as impaired loans.

 

The core deposit intangible asset is amortized to expense on a declining basis over a period of nine years.  The loan market valuation is accreted to income on a declining basis over a six year period.  The time deposits market valuation is amortized to expense on a declining basis over a two year period.

 

 

3.      Dividends

 

On August 12, 2015, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock, payable on November 13, 2015 to stockholders of record as of October 30, 2015, equal to $0.20 per share.

 

    4.      Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share amounts were calculated using the weighted average shares outstanding during the periods presented. The weighted average outstanding shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were 9,310,913. The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented.

 

5.     Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2014.

 

6.     Fair Value Measurements

 

Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are required to be classified and disclosed according to the process for determining fair value. There are three levels of determining fair value.

 

Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available.

 

Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology include: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risk); or inputs derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

 

  

The following table presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. (in thousands)

 

Description

 

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 
                 

2015

                
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $1,479   $1,479   $-   $-  

U.S. government agencies

  108,911    -    108,911    -  

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  102,740    -    102,740    -  

State and political subdivisions

  278,016    -    278,016    -  

Corporate bonds

  49,675    -    49,675    -  

Equity securities, common stock

  757    757    -    -  

Equity securities, other

  4,439    -    4,439    -  
                 
  $546,017   $2,236   $543,781   $-  
                 

2014

                
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $1,447   $1,447   $-   $-  

U.S. government agencies

  87,307    -    87,307    -  

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  120,985    -    120,985    -  

State and political subdivisions

  281,776    -    281,776    -  

Corporate bonds

  47,320    -    47,320    -  

Equity securities, common stock

  758    758    -    -  

Equity securities, other

  2,909    -    2,909    -  
                 
  $542,502   $2,205   $540,297   $-  

 

Level 1 securities include equity securities traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.  U.S government mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivisions, most corporate bonds and other equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

 

The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between Levels at the end of each reporting period, if applicable. There were no transfers between Levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

 

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The following table presents the assets carried on the balance sheet (after specific reserves) by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. (in thousands)

 

Description

 

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 
                 

2015

                
                 

Loans receivable

 $630   $-   $-   $630  

Other real estate owned

  3,418    -    -    3,418  
                 

Total

 $4,048   $-   $-   $4,048  
                 

2014

                
                 

Loans receivable

 $692   $-   $-   $692  

Other real estate owned

  8,436    -    -    8,436  
                 

Total

 $9,128   $-   $-   $9,128  

 

Loans Receivable: Loans in the tables above consist of impaired credits held for investment. In accordance with the loan impairment guidance, impairment was measured based on the fair value of collateral less estimated selling costs for collateral dependent loans. Fair value for impaired loans is based upon appraised values of collateral adjusted for trends observed in the market. A valuation allowance was recorded for the excess of the loan’s recorded investment over the amounts determined by the collateral value method. This valuation allowance is a component of the allowance for loan losses. The Company considers these fair value measurements as level 3.

 

Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned in the table above consists of real estate obtained through foreclosure. Other real estate owned is recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs, at the date of transfer, with any impairment amount charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to the transfer, other real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, with any impairment amount recorded as a noninterest expense. The carrying value of other real estate owned is not re-measured to fair value on a recurring basis but is subject to fair value adjustments when the carrying value exceeds the fair value less estimated selling costs. Management uses appraised values and adjusts for trends observed in the market and for disposition costs in determining the value of other real estate owned. A valuation allowance was recorded for the excess of the asset’s recorded investment over the amount determined by the fair value, less estimated selling costs. This valuation allowance is a component of the allowance for other real estate owned. The valuation allowance was $3,852,000 as of September 30, 2015 and $6,389,000 as of December 31, 2014. The Company considers these fair value measurements as level 3.

 

  

The significant inputs used in the fair value measurements for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: (in thousands)

 

  

2015

 
  

Estimated

 

Valuation

 

 

 

Range

 
  

Fair Value

 

Techniques

 Unobservable Inputs 

(Average)

 
               

Impaired Loans

 $630  

Evaluation of collateral

 

Estimation of value

   NM*   
               

Other real estate owned

 $3,418  

Appraisal

 

Appraisal adjustment

  3%-10% (6%) 

 

  

2014

  
  

Estimated

 

Valuation

 

 

 

Range

  
  

Fair Value

 

Techniques

 Unobservable Inputs 

(Average)

  
               

Impaired Loans

 $692  

Evaluation of collateral

 

Estimation of value

   NM*   
               

Other real estate owned

 $8,436  

Appraisal

 

Appraisal adjustment

  4%-10% (7%) 

 

* Not Meaningful. Evaluations of the underlying assets are completed for each impaired loan with a specific reserve. The types of collateral vary widely and could include accounts receivables, inventory, a variety of equipment and real estate. Collateral evaluations are reviewed and discounted as appropriate based on knowledge of the specific type of collateral. In the case of real estate, an independent appraisal may be obtained. Types of discounts considered included aging of receivables, condition of the collateral, potential market for the collateral and estimated disposal costs. These discounts will vary from loan to loan, thus providing a range would not be meaningful.

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United State of America (GAAP) requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis.  The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are discussed above.  The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.

 

Fair value of financial instruments: 

 

Disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that value, is required whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. In cases in which 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 estimate of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain financial instruments with a fair value that is not practicable to estimate and all non-financial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not necessarily represent the underlying value of the Company.

 

The following disclosures represent financial instruments in which the ending balances at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are not carried at fair value in their entirety on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits in financial institutions: The recorded amount of these assets approximates fair value.

 

 

Securities available-for-sale: Fair value measurement for Level 1 securities is based upon quoted prices. Fair value measurement for Level 2 securities are based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. Level 1 securities include equity securities traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.  U.S government mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivisions, some corporate bonds and other equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.

 

Loans receivable: The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates, which reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based on the historical experience, with repayments for each loan classification modified, as required, by an estimate of the effect of current economic and lending conditions. The effect of nonperforming loans is considered in assessing the credit risk inherent in the fair value estimate.

 

Loans held for sale: The fair value of loans held for sale is based on prevailing market prices.

 

Deposits: Fair values of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings and NOW accounts, and money market accounts, are equal to the amount payable on demand as of the respective balance sheet date. Fair values of certificates of deposit are based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value estimates do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market.

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase: The carrying amounts of securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximate fair value because of the generally short-term nature of the instruments.

 

FHLB advances and other borrowings: Fair values of FHLB advances and other borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently being offered with similar terms.

 

Accrued income receivable and accrued interest payable: The carrying amounts of accrued income receivable and accrued interest payable approximate fair value.

 

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit: The fair values of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreement and credit worthiness of the counterparties. The carrying value and fair value of the commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are not considered significant.

 

Limitations: Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as described above as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: (in thousands)

 

   

2015

  

2014

 
 

Fair Value

     

Estimated

      

Estimated

 
 

Hierarchy

 

Carrying

  

Fair

  

Carrying

  

Fair

 
 

Level

 

Amount

  

Value

  

Amount

  

Value

 
                  

Financial assets:

                 

Cash and due from banks

Level 1

 $26,141   $26,141   $23,730   $23,730  

Federal funds sold

Level 1

  -    -    6    6  

Interest bearing deposits

Level 1

  40,155    40,155    31,463    31,463  

Securities available-for-sale

See previous table

  546,017    546,017    542,502    542,502  

Loans receivable, net

Level 2

  690,315    691,520    658,441    656,896  

Loans held for sale

Level 2

  916    916    705    705  

Accrued income receivable

Level 1

  8,541    8,541    7,471    7,471  

Financial liabilities:

                 

Deposits

Level 2

 $1,061,378   $1,062,829   $1,052,123   $1,052,082  

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Level 1

  52,066    52,066    51,265    51,265  

FHLB advances

Level 2

  50,253    50,924    14,468    15,281  

Other borrowings

Level 2

  13,000    14,004    23,000    24,339  

Accrued interest payable

Level 1

  436    436    536    536  

 

The methodologies used to determine fair value as of September 30, 2015 did not change from the methodologies described in the December 31, 2014 Annual Financial Statements.

 

 

7.     Debt and Equity Securities

 

The amortized cost of securities available-for-sale and their fair values as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized below: (in thousands)

 

2015:

     

Gross

  

Gross

     
  

Amortized

  

Unrealized

  

Unrealized

  

Estimated

 
  

Cost

  

Gains

  

Losses

  

Fair Value

 
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $1,441   $38   $-   $1,479  

U.S. government agencies

  107,720    1,340    (149)   108,911  

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  100,253    2,530    (43)   102,740  

State and political subdivisions

  274,100    4,367    (451)   278,016  

Corporate bonds

  49,989    322    (636)   49,675  

Equity securities, common stock

  630    127    -    757  

Equity securities, other

  4,439    -    -    4,439  
  $538,572   $8,724   $(1,279)  $546,017  

 

2014:

     

Gross

  

Gross

     
  

Amortized

  

Unrealized

  

Unrealized

  

Estimated

 
  

Cost

  

Gains

  

Losses

  

Fair Value

 
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $1,431   $16   $-   $1,447  

U.S. government agencies

  86,997    822    (512)  87,307  

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  118,349    2,744    (108)  120,985  

State and political subdivisions

  277,328    5,097    (649)  281,776  

Corporate bonds

  47,760    471    (911)  47,320  

Equity securities, common stock

  630    128    -    758  

Equity securities, other

  2,909    -    -    2,909  
  $535,404   $9,278   $(2,180)  $542,502  

 

The proceeds, gains and losses from securities available-for-sale are summarized as follows: (in thousands)

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2015

  

2014

  

2015

  

2014

 

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale

 $5,926   $28,209   $21,306   $31,688  

Gross realized gains on securities available-for-sale

  126    232    623    367  

Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale

  (14)   (152)   (14)   (152)

Tax provision applicable to net realized gains on securities available-for-sale

  42    30    227    80  

 

  

Unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position are summarized as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: (in thousands)

 

  

Less than 12 Months

  

12 Months or More

  

Total

 

2015:

 

Estimated Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

  

Estimated Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

  

Estimated Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

 
                         

Securities available-for-sale:

                        

U.S. government agencies

 $12,731   $(67) $6,828   $(82) $19,559   $(149)

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  5,670    (43)  -    -    5,670    (43)

State and political subdivisions

  44,365    (312)  10,805    (139)  55,170    (451)

Corporate bonds

  16,882    (152)  14,690    (484)  31,572    (636)
  $79,648   $(574) $32,323   $(705) $111,971   $(1,279)

 

  

Less than 12 Months

  

12 Months or More

  

Total

 

2014:

 

Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

  

Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

  

Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

 
                         

Securities available-for-sale:

                        

U.S. government agencies

 $14,016   $(64) $17,523   $(448) $31,539   $(512)

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  6,934    (20)  16,123    (88)  23,057    (108)

State and political subdivisions

  45,618    (252)  24,880    (397)  70,498    (649)

Corporate bonds

  8,937    (73)  20,724    (838)  29,661    (911)
  $75,505   $(409) $79,250   $(1,771) $154,755   $(2,180)

 

Gross unrealized losses on debt securities totaled $1,279,000 as of September 30, 2015. These unrealized losses are generally due to changes in interest rates or general market conditions. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analysts’ reports. Management concluded that the gross unrealized losses on debt securities were temporary. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in fair values and management’s assessments will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

   

 

8.

Loans Receivable and Credit Disclosures

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses, on a disaggregated basis, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: (in thousands)

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, June 30, 2015

 $823   $1,826   $3,590   $812   $1,263   $1,338   $220   $9,872  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  145    (9)  (129)  (20)  97    (44)  (2)  38  

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  15   2   -    -    -    -    16   33  

Loans charged-off

  -    (1  -    -    -    -    (15)  (16)

Balance, September 30, 2015

 $968   $1,817   $3,461   $792   $1,360   $1,294   $235   $9,927  

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

 $495   $1,648   $3,214   $737   $1,247   $1,312   $186   $8,839  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  438    154    247    55    113    (18)  48    1,037  

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  35    22    -    -    -    -    24    81  

Loans charged-off

  -    (7)  -    -    -    -    (23)  (30)

Balance, September 30, 2015

 $968   $1,817   $3,461   $792   $1,360   $1,294   $235   $9,927  

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, June 30, 2014

 $514   $1,503   $3,144   $694   $1,396   $1,106   $160   $8,517  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  (3)  97    12    (2)  (75)  5    21    55  

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  -    2    15    -    1    -    4    22  

Loans charged-off

  -    (35)  -    -    (17)  -    (12)  (64)

Balance, September 30, 2014

 $511   $1,567   $3,171   $692   $1,305   $1,111   $173   $8,530  

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 2014

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

 $392   $1,523   $3,230   $686   $1,435   $1,165   $141   $8,572  

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  119    178    (74)  6    (130)  (54)  85    130  

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  -    9    15    -    17    -    15    56  

Loans charged-off

  -    (143)  -    -    (17)  -    (68)  (228)

Balance, September 30, 2014

 $511   $1,567   $3,171   $692   $1,305   $1,111   $173   $8,530  

 

  

Allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows: (in thousands)

 

2015

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $-   $265   $6   $-   $161   $-   $-   $432  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  968    1,552    3,455    792    1,199    1,294    235    9,495  

Balance September 30, 2015

 $968   $1,817   $3,461   $792   $1,360   $1,294   $235   $9,927  

 

2014

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $-   $244   $33   $-   $60   $-   $-   $337  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  495    1,524    3,181    737    1,067    1,312    186    8,502  

Balance December 31, 2014

 $495   $1,768   $3,214   $737   $1,127   $1,312   $186   $8,839  


Loans receivable disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2015

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $-   $1,066   $611   $-   $206   $11   $2   $1,896  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  65,197    124,318    239,481    64,125    105,475    78,931    20,916    698,443  
                                 

Balance September 30, 2015

 $65,197   $125,384   $240,092   $64,125   $105,681   $78,942   $20,918   $700,339  

 

2014

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $195   $811   $833   $-   $540   $19   $9   $2,407  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  35,821    121,966    256,221    57,449    92,163    85,590    15,754    664,964  
                                 

Balance December 31, 2014

 $36,016   $122,777   $257,054   $57,449   $92,703   $85,609   $15,763   $667,371  

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The credit deteriorated loans acquired as a part of the Acquisition have been included in the following information. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. The Company will apply its normal loan review procedures to identify loans that should be evaluated for impairment.

 

 

The following is a recap of impaired loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: (in thousands)

 

  

2015

  

2014

 
      

Unpaid

          

Unpaid

     
  

Recorded

  

Principal

  

Related

  

Recorded

  

Principal

  

Related

 
  

Investment

  

Balance

  

Allowance

  

Investment

  

Balance

  

Allowance

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

                        

Real estate - construction

 $-   $-   $-   $195   $346   $-  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  298    303    -    24    29    -  

Real estate - commercial

  505    1,073    -    675    1,204    -  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  18    24    -    456    535    -  

Agricultural

  11    13    -    19    19    -  

Consumer and other

  2    3    -    9    6    -  

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  834    1,416    -    1,378    2,139    -  
                         

With an allowance recorded:

                        

Real estate - construction

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  768    900    265    787    903    244  

Real estate - commercial

  106    111    6    158    158    33  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  188    263    161    84    84    60  

Agricultural

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Consumer and other

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Total loans with specific reserve:

  1,062    1,274    432    1,029    1,145    337  
                         

Total

                        

Real estate - construction

  -    -    -    195    346    -  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  1,066    1,203    265    811    932    244  

Real estate - commercial

  611    1,184    6    833    1,362    33  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  206    287    161    540    619    60  

Agricultural

  11    13    -    19    19    -  

Consumer and other

  2    3    -    9    6    -  
                         
  $1,896   $2,690   $432   $2,407   $3,284   $337  

 

  

The following is a recap of the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014: (in thousands)

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2015

  

2014

 
  

Average

  

Interest

  

Average

  

Interest

 
  

Recorded

  

Income

  

Recorded

  

Income

 
  

Investment

  

Recognized

  

Investment

  

Recognized

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

 $51   $62   $419   $-  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  250    -    185    7  

Real estate - commercial

  525    -    374    -  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  94    -    274    -  

Agricultural

  11    -    19    -  

Consumer and other

  4    -    8    -  

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  935    62    1,279    7  
                 

With an allowance recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

  -    -    -    -  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  761    -    209    -  

Real estate - commercial

  129    -    160    -  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  131    -    274    -  

Agricultural

  -    -    2    -  

Consumer and other

  -    -    4    -  

Total loans with specific reserve:

  1,021    -    649    -  
                 

Total

                

Real estate - construction

  51    62    419    -  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  1,011    -    394    7  

Real estate - commercial

  654    -    534    -  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  225    -    548    -  

Agricultural

  11    -    21    -  

Consumer and other

  4    -    12    -  
                 
  $1,956   $62   $1,928   $7  

 

  

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2015

  

2014

 
  

Average

  

Interest

  

Average

  

Interest

 
  

Recorded

  

Income

  

Recorded

  

Income

 
  

Investment

  

Recognized

  

Investment

  

Recognized

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

 $121   $129   $461   $-  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  161    -    230    12  

Real estate - commercial

  579    23    318    206  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  276    3    158    -  

Agricultural

  13    -    19    -  

Consumer and other

  5    2    23    -  

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  1,155    157    1,209    218  
                 

With an allowance recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

  -    -    -    -  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  772    -    279    -  

Real estate - commercial

  143    -    103    -  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  106    -    519    70  

Agricultural

  -    -    3    -  

Consumer and other

  -    -    2    -  

Total loans with specific reserve:

  1,021    -    906    70  
                 

Total

                

Real estate - construction

  121    129    461    -  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  933    -    509    12  

Real estate - commercial

  722    23    421    206  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  382    3    677    70  

Agricultural

  13    -    22    -  

Consumer and other

  5    2    25    -  
                 
  $2,176   $157   $2,115   $288  

 

The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $39,000 and $30,000, respectively. The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $127,000 and $92,000, respectively

 

The Company had loans meeting the definition of a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) of $801,000 as of September 30, 2015, of which all were included in impaired loans and nonaccrual loans. The Company had TDRs of $1,129,000 as of December 31, 2014, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans.

 

 

The following tables sets forth information on the Company’s TDRs, on a disaggregated basis, occurring in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014: (dollars in thousands)

 

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2015

  

2014

 
      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

 
      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

 
  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

 
  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

 
                         

Real estate - construction

  -   $-   $-    -   $-   $-  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  -    -    -    1    25    25  

Real estate - commercial

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Agricultural

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Consumer and other

  -    -    -    -    -    -  
                         
   -   $-   $-    1   $25   $25  

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2015

  

2014

 
      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

 
      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

 
  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

 
  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

 
                         

Real estate - construction

  -   $-   $-    -   $-   $-  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  -    -    -    1    25    25  

Real estate - commercial

  -    -    -    1    43    43  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Commercial

  -    -    -    -    -    -  

Agricultural

  -    -    -    1    19    19  

Consumer and other

  -    -    -    1    6    6  
                         
   -   $-   $-    4   $93   $93  

 

The Company did not grant any concessions on any loans experiencing financial difficulties during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

The Company restructured one loan during the three months ended September 30, 2014. However, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted concessions to three borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. A commercial real estate loan was restructured as an interest only loan for a period of time. An agricultural and consumer loan’s maturity dates were extended one year with interest only until maturity. A 1-4 family residential loan’s term was extended beyond normal terms.

 

A TDR loan is considered to have payment default when it is past due 60 days or more.

 

No TDR loan modified during the twelve months ended September 30, 2015 had a payment default. Two TDR loans modified during the twelve months ended September 30, 2014 had a payment defaults. These modified TDR loans had a balance as of September 30, 2014 of $132,000.

 

There were no charge-offs related to TDRs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. There were two charge-offs related to TDRs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 in the amount of $48,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the specific reserves were reduced by $100,000 as a result of one TDR that is no longer considered impaired.

 

  

An aging analysis of the recorded investments in loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, is as follows: (in thousands)

 

2015

     

90 Days

              

90 Days

 
  30-89  

or Greater

  

Total

          

or Greater

 
  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Current

  

Total

  

Accruing

 
                         

Real estate - construction

 $-   $-   $-   $65,197   $65,197   $-  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  957    317    1,274    124,110    125,384    84  

Real estate - commercial

  106    -    106    239,986    240,092    -  

Real estate - agricultural

  -    -    -    64,125    64,125    -  

Commercial

  63    121    184    105,497    105,681    -  

Agricultural

  100    67    167    78,775    78,942    -  

Consumer and other

  45    -    45    20,873    20,918    -  
                         
  $1,271   $505   $1,776   $698,563   $700,339   $84  

 

2014

     

90 Days

              

90 Days

 
  30-89   

or Greater

  

Total

          

or Greater

 
  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Current

  

Total

  

Accruing

 
                         

Real estate - construction

 $64   $-   $64   $35,952   $36,016   $-  

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  888    57    945    121,832    122,777    36  

Real estate - commercial

  467    45    512    256,542    257,054    -  

Real estate - agricultural

  28    -    28    57,421    57,449    -  

Commercial

  264    84    348    92,355    92,703    -  

Agricultural

  -    -    -    85,609    85,609    -  

Consumer and other

  63    -    63    15,700    15,763    -  
                         
  $1,774   $186   $1,960   $665,411   $667,371   $36  

 

 

 The credit risk profile by internally assigned grade, on a disaggregated basis, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows: (in thousands)

 

2015

 

Construction

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

             
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

Total

 
                         

Pass

 $59,275   $213,552   $57,453   $93,265   $72,410   $495,955  

Watch

  4,897    19,541    6,508    9,979    6,104    47,029  

Special Mention

  -    393    -    210    81    684  

Substandard

  1,025    5,995    164    2,021    336    9,541  

Substandard-Impaired

  -    611    -    206    11    828  
                         
  $65,197   $240,092   $64,125   $105,681   $78,942   $554,037  

 

2014

 

Construction

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

             
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

Total

 
                         

Pass

 $30,055   $223,775   $51,024   $79,117   $78,387   $462,358  

Watch

  3,893    18,617    6,275    10,086    6,827    45,698  

Special Mention

  -    1,296    88    585    -    1,969  

Substandard

  1,873    12,532    62    2,376    395    17,238  

Substandard-Impaired

  195    834    -    539    -    1,568  
                         
  $36,016   $257,054   $57,449   $92,703   $85,609   $528,831  

 

The credit risk profile based on payment activity, on a disaggregated basis, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

2015

 

1-4 Family

         
  

Residential

  

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

and Other

  

Total

 
             

Performing

 $124,208   $20,915   $145,123  

Non-performing

  1,176    3    1,179  
             
  $125,384   $20,918   $146,302  

 

2014

 

1-4 Family

         
  

Residential

  

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

and Other

  

Total

 
             

Performing

 $121,928   $15,756   $137,684  

Non-performing

  849    7    856  
             
  $122,777   $15,763   $138,540  

 

  

 

9.

Other Real Estate Owned

 

The following table provides the composition of other real estate owned as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: (in thousands)

 

  

2015

  

2014

 
         

Construction and land development

 $2,636   $5,385  

1 to 4 family residential real estate

  601    1,270  

Commercial real estate

  181    1,781  
         
  $3,418   $8,436  

 

The Company is actively marketing the assets referred to in the table above. Management uses appraised values and adjusts for trends observed in the market and for disposition costs in determining the value of other real estate owned. The assets above are primarily located in the metropolitan Des Moines, Iowa and Ames, Iowa areas.

 

10.     Goodwill

 

As of August 29, 2014, FNB acquired three bank branches located in West Des Moines and Johnston, Iowa, which resulted in the recognition of $1.1 million of goodwill.  Goodwill recognized in the Acquisition was primarily attributable to an expanded market share and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the West Des Moines and Johnston, Iowa branches with FNB.  The goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at least annually. For income tax purposes, goodwill is amortized over fifteen years.

 

11.     Core deposit intangible asset

 

In conjunction with the Acquisition of the three bank branches in 2014, the Company recorded $1.0 million in core deposit intangible assets. The following sets forth the carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of core deposit intangible assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: (in thousands)

 

  

2015

  

2014

 
  

Gross

  

Accumulated

  

Gross

  

Accumulated

 
  

Amount

  

Amortization

  

Amount

  

Amortization

 
                 

Core deposit intangible asset

 $2,518   $1,114   $2,518   $788  

 

The weighted average life of the core deposit intangible is 3 years as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

 

The following sets forth the activity related to core deposit intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014: (in thousands)

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2015

  

2014

  

2015

  

2014

 
                 

Beginning core deposit intangible, net

 $1,507   $902   $1,730   $1,029  

Acquisition

 $-   $1,018   $-   $1,018  

Amortization

  (103)  (77)  (326)  (204)
                 

Ending core deposit intangible, net

 $1,404   $1,843   $1,404   $1,843  

 

Estimated remaining amortization expense on core deposit intangible for the years ending December 31st is as follows: (in thousands)

 

2015

 $95  

2016

  354  

2017

  299  

2018

  251  

2019

  127  

2020

  71  

After

  207  
     
  $1,404  

 

  

 

12.

Secured Borrowings

 

The following sets forth the pledged collateral at estimated fair value related to securities sold under repurchase agreements and term repurchase agreements as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: (in thousands)

 

  

2015

  

2014

 
  

Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements

 
  

Overnight

  

Greater than

  

Total

  

Overnight

  

Greater than

  

Total

 
      

90 days

          

90 days

     
                         

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

                        

U.S. government treasuries

 $1,479   $-   $1,479   $1,447   $-   $1,447  

U.S. government agencies

  47,718    -    47,718    46,880    -    46,880  

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  42,508    -    42,508    51,472    -    51,472  
                         
                         

Total

 $91,705   $-   $91,705   $99,799   $-   $99,799  
                         

Term repurchase agreements:

                        

U.S. government agencies

 $-   $14,607   $14,607   $-   $12,151   $12,151  

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  -    727    727    -    1,771    1,771  
                         
                         

Total

 $-   $15,334   $15,334   $-   $13,922   $13,922  
                         

Total borrowings

 $91,705   $15,334   $107,039   $99,799   $13,922   $113,721  

 

In the event the repurchase agreements exceed the estimated fair value of the pledged securities available-for-sale, the Company has unpledged securities available-for-sale that may be pledged on the repurchase agreements.

 

  

 

13.

Regulatory Matters

 

The Company and the Banks capital amounts and ratios are as follows:

                  

To Be Well

 
                  

Capitalized Under

 
          

For Capital

  

Prompt Corrective

 
  

Actual

  

Adequacy Purposes

  

Action Provisions

 
  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

 
                         

As of September 30, 2015:

                        

Total capital (to risk- weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $159,220    16.8% $75,723    8.0%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  14,384    16.1    7,128    8.0   $8,910    10.0%

First National Bank

  73,310    15.0    39,060    8.0    48,825    10.0  

Reliance State Bank

  23,883    14.1    13,521    8.0    16,901    10.0  

State Bank & Trust

  19,458    15.7    9,906    8.0    12,383    10.0  

United Bank & Trust

  14,531    20.4    5,712    8.0    7,140    10.0  
                         

Tier 1 capital (to risk- weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $148,783    15.7% $56,792    6.0%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,420    15.1    5,346    6.0   $7,128    8.0%

First National Bank

  68,300    14.0    29,295    6.0    39,060    8.0  

Reliance State Bank

  22,088    13.1    10,141    6.0    13,521    8.0  

State Bank & Trust

  17,909    14.5    7,430    6.0    9,906    8.0  

United Bank & Trust

  13,768    19.3    4,284    6.0    5,712    8.0  
                         

Tier 1 capital (to average- weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $148,783    11.4% $52,309    4.0%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,420    10.1    5,322    4.0   $6,652    5.0%

First National Bank

  68,300    9.6    28,327    4.0    35,409    5.0  

Reliance State Bank

  22,088    10.8    8,159    4.0    10,199    5.0  

State Bank & Trust

  17,909    11.2    6,390    4.0    7,987    5.0  

United Bank & Trust

  13,768    12.7    4,352    4.0    5,441    5.0  
                         

Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $148,783    15.7% $42,594    4.5%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,420    15.1    4,010    4.5   $5,792    6.5%

First National Bank

  68,300    14.0    21,971    4.5    31,736    6.5  

Reliance State Bank

  22,088    13.1    7,606    4.5    10,986    6.5  

State Bank & Trust

  17,909    14.5    5,572    4.5    8,049    6.5  

United Bank & Trust

  13,768    19.3    3,213    4.5    4,641    6.5  

 

 

                  

To Be Well

 
                  

Capitalized Under

 
          

For Capital

  

Prompt Corrective

 
  

Actual

  

Adequacy Purposes

  

Action Provisions

 
  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

 
                         

As of December 31, 2014:

                        

Total capital (to risk- weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $151,146    16.6% $72,879    8.0%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,948    15.7    7,123    8.0   $8,904    10.0%

First National Bank

  69,174    14.7    37,568    8.0    46,960    10.0  

Reliance State Bank

  21,727    13.2    13,166    8.0    16,457    10.0  

State Bank & Trust

  18,708    15.8    9,485    8.0    11,856    10.0  

United Bank & Trust

  14,089    21.3    5,295    8.0    6,618    10.0  
                         

Tier 1 capital (to risk- weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $141,739    15.6% $36,440    4.0%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,084    14.7    3,562    4.0   $5,342    6.0%

First National Bank

  65,112    13.9    18,784    4.0    28,176    6.0  

Reliance State Bank

  19,966    12.1    6,583    4.0    9,874    6.0  

State Bank & Trust

  17,224    14.5    4,742    4.0    7,113    6.0  

United Bank & Trust

  13,313    20.1    2,647    4.0    3,971    6.0  
                         

Tier 1 capital (to average- weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $141,739    11.0% $51,604    4.0%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,084    9.8    5,325    4.0   $6,656    5.0%

First National Bank

  65,112    9.4    27,671    4.0    34,589    5.0  

Reliance State Bank

  19,966    9.6    8,321    4.0    10,402    5.0  

State Bank & Trust

  17,224    10.9    6,318    4.0    7,898    5.0  

United Bank & Trust

  13,313    12.3    4,315    4.0    5,394    5.0  

 

The September 30, 2015 capital ratios are calculated under the Basel III capital rules that became effective on January 1, 2015. Capital ratios prior to January 1, 2015 were calculated under the prompt corrective capital rules that were in effect for those periods.

 

As disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2015, in July of 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC issued final rules implementing the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act changes. The rules revise minimum capital requirements and adjust prompt corrective action thresholds. The final rules revise the regulatory capital elements, add a new common equity Tier I capital ratio, increase the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirements and implement a new capital conservation buffer. The rules also permit certain banking organizations to retain, through a one-time election, the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company and the Banks have made the election to retain the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The final rules took effect for the Company and the Banks on January 1, 2015, subject to a transition period for certain parts of the rules.

 

The September 30, 2015 table above includes the new regulatory capital ratio requirements that became effective on January 1, 2015. Beginning in 2016, an additional capital conservation buffer will be added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes, subject to a three year phase-in period. The capital conservation buffer will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.5 percent. A banking organization with a conservation buffer of less than 2.5 percent (or the required phase-in amount in years prior to 2019) will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. At the present time, the ratios for the Company and the Banks are sufficient to meet the fully phased-in conservation buffer.

 

  

14.     Subsequent Events

 

Management evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no significant events or transactions occurring after September 30, 2015, but prior to November 6, 2015, that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at September 30, 2015. There were no other significant events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that did not exist at September 30, 2015.

 

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

 

Overview

 

Ames National Corporation (the “Company”) is a bank holding company established in 1975 that owns and operates five bank subsidiaries in central Iowa (the “Banks”). The following discussion is provided for the consolidated operations of the Company and its Banks, First National Bank, Ames, Iowa (First National), State Bank & Trust Co. (State Bank), Boone Bank & Trust Co. (Boone Bank), Reliance State Bank (Reliance Bank), and United Bank & Trust NA (United Bank). The purpose of this discussion is to focus on significant factors affecting the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company does not engage in any material business activities apart from its ownership of the Banks. Products and services offered by the Banks are for commercial and consumer purposes including loans, deposits and wealth management services. The Banks also offer investment services through a third-party broker-dealer. The Company employs thirteen individuals to assist with financial reporting, human resources, audit, compliance, marketing, technology systems and the coordination of management activities, in addition to 207 full-time equivalent individuals employed by the Banks.

 

The Company’s primary competitive strategy is to utilize seasoned and competent Bank management and local decision making authority to provide customers with faster response times and more flexibility in the products and services offered. This strategy is viewed as providing an opportunity to increase revenues through creating a competitive advantage over other financial institutions. The Company also strives to remain operationally efficient to provide better profitability while enabling the Company to offer more competitive loan and deposit rates.

 

The principal sources of Company revenues and cash flow are: (i) interest and fees earned on loans made by the Company and Banks; (ii) interest on fixed income investments held by the Company and Banks; (iii) fees on wealth management services provided by those Banks exercising trust powers; (iv) service charges on deposit accounts maintained at the Banks and (v) Merchant and card fees. The Company’s principal expenses are: (i) interest expense on deposit accounts and other borrowings; (ii) provision for loan losses; (iii) salaries and employee benefits; (iv) data processing costs associated with maintaining the Banks’ loan and deposit functions; (v) occupancy expenses for maintaining the Bank’s facilities; (vi) professional fees; and (vii) other real estate owned expenses. The largest component contributing to the Company’s net income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on earning assets (primarily loans and investments) and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities (primarily deposits and other borrowings). One of management’s principal functions is to manage the spread between interest earned on earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities in an effort to maximize net interest income while maintaining an appropriate level of interest rate risk.

 

 

On August 29, 2014, First National purchased substantially all of the assets, including loans, and assumed substantially all of the liabilities, including deposit accounts, of First Bank, an Iowa state charted bank located in West Des Moines, Iowa, for $4.1 million. First National operates all three bank offices previously operated by First Bank in West Des Moines, Iowa and Johnston, Iowa.

 

The Company had net income of $4,100,000, or $0.44 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to net income of $3,731,000, or $0.40 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Total equity capital as of September 30, 2015 totaled $160.4 million or 11.9% of total assets.

 

The increase in quarterly earnings can be primarily attributed to increased loan interest income driven by a higher loan volume from loans acquired as well as new loan originations.   

 

Net loan recoveries totaled $17,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and net loan charge-offs totaled $42,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The provision for loan losses totaled $38,000 and $55,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

 

The Company had net income of $11,100,000, or $1.19 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to net income of $12,113,000, or $1.30 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

The decrease in year-to-date earnings can be primarily attributed to the one-time gain on the sale of premises and equipment in 2014 of $1,242,000 with no corresponding gain in 2015, higher provision for loan losses, increased noninterest expense associated with the Acquisition and other real estate owned impairment write downs.    

 

Net loan recoveries totaled $51,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and net loan charge-offs totaled $172,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The provision for loan losses totaled $1,037,000 and $130,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

 

 The following management discussion and analysis will provide a review of important items relating to:

 

●     Challenges

●     Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

●     Critical Accounting Policies

●     Income Statement Review

●     Balance Sheet Review

●     Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

●     Liquidity and Capital Resources

●     Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

 

Challenges

 

Management has identified certain events or circumstances that may negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in the future and is attempting to position the Company to best respond to those challenges. These challenges are addressed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2015.

 

Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

 

Certain key performance indicators for the Company and the industry are presented in the following chart. The industry figures are compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and are derived from 6,348 commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the FDIC. Management reviews these indicators on a quarterly basis for purposes of comparing the Company’s performance from quarter-to-quarter against the industry as a whole.

 

  

Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry 

 

  

3 Months

  

9 Months

                         
  

Ended

  

Ended

  

3 Months Ended

  

Years Ended December 31,

 
  

September 30, 2015

  

June 30, 2015

  

2014

  

2013

 
  

Company

  

Company

  

Industry *

  

Company

  

Industry

  

Company

  

Industry

 
                                 

Return on assets

  1.24%  1.12%  1.01%  1.09%  1.21%  1.01%  1.14%  1.07%
                                 

Return on equity

  10.35%  9.36%  8.48%  9.74%  10.09%  9.03%  9.76%  9.56%
                                 

Net interest margin

  3.36%  3.32%  3.32%  3.06%  3.31%  3.14%  3.18%  3.26%
                                 

Efficiency ratio

  50.74%  53.45%  54.88%  59.22%  53.37%  61.88%  52.78%  60.54%
                                 

Capital ratio

  12.00%  11.93%  11.86%  9.53%  12.05%  9.46%  11.67%  9.41%

 

*Latest available data

 

Key performances indicators include:

 

●     Return on Assets

 

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average assets. It is used to measure how effectively the assets of the Company are being utilized in generating income. The Company's annualized return on average assets was 1.24% and 1.20% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in this ratio in 2015 from the previous period is due to an increase in net income attributed primarily to interest income associated with an increase in average loan balances in 2015.

 

●     Return on Equity

 

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average equity. It is used to measure the net income or return the Company generated for the shareholders’ equity investment in the Company. The Company's return on average equity was 10.35% and 9.73% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in this ratio in 2015 from the previous period is due to the increase in net income attributed primarily to interest income associated with an increase in average loan balances in 2015.

 

●     Net Interest Margin

 

The net interest margin for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 3.36% and 3.32%, respectively. The ratio is calculated by dividing net interest income by average earning assets. Earning assets are primarily made up of loans and investments that earn interest. This ratio is used to measure how well the Company is able to maintain interest rates on earning assets above those of interest-bearing liabilities, which is the interest expense paid on deposits and other borrowings. The increase in this ratio in 2015 is primarily the result of an increase in the average balance of loans, offset in part by a decrease in the average balances of investment securities.

 

  

●     Efficiency Ratio

 

This ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net interest income and noninterest income. The ratio is a measure of the Company’s ability to manage noninterest expenses. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 50.74% and 52.24% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in the efficiency ratio in 2015 from the previous period is primarily the result higher loan interest income.

 

●     Capital Ratio

 

The average capital ratio is calculated by dividing average total equity capital by average total assets. It measures the level of average assets that are funded by shareholders’ equity. Given an equal level of risk in the financial condition of two companies, the higher the capital ratio, generally the more financially sound the company. The Company’s capital ratio of 12.00% as of September 30, 2015 is significantly higher than the industry average as of June 30, 2015.

 

Industry Results

 

The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the second quarter of 2015:

 

Improving Earnings Trend Remains Broad-Based

 

FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions earned $43 billion in net income in second quarter 2015, an increase of $2.9 billion (7.3 percent) compared with second quarter 2014. Higher net operating revenue and lower noninterest expenses outweighed increased expenses for loan-loss provisions. Almost 60 percent of all banks—58.9 percent—reported year-over-year growth in quarterly net income, while only 5.6 percent were unprofitable in the quarter. In second quarter 2014, 6.8 percent of all banks reported net losses. The average return on assets rose slightly to 1.09 percent, from 1.07 percent in the 2014 quarter.

 

Margins Rebound Slightly From 30-Year Low

 

Net operating revenue—the sum of net interest income and total noninterest income—totaled $172.9 billion in the quarter, up $3.6 billion (2.1 percent) from the year before. More than two-thirds of all banks—67.9 percent— reported higher net operating income. Net interest income increased by $2.4 billion (2.3 percent), as average interest-bearing assets were 5.3 percent higher than a year earlier. The industry net interest margin of 3.06 percent was down from 3.15 percent in second quarter 2014, but was up slightly from the 30-year low of 3.02 percent in first quarter 2015. Noninterest income rose by $1.2 billion (1.9 percent), as servicing income grew by $1.8 billion (63.9 percent), and trading revenue declined by $904 million (14.1 percent).

 

Net Charge-Off Rate Improves to Pre-Crisis Level

 

Net charge-offs declined for a 20th consecutive quarter, falling $1.1 billion (11.2 percent) from the 2014 level. The average net charge-off rate fell to 0.42 percent in the quarter, down from 0.50 percent the year before. This is the lowest quarterly charge-off rate for the industry since third quarter 2006. Charge-offs were down, year over year, in all major loan categories except commercial and industrial (C&I) loans and auto loans. C&I net charge-offs were $146 million (15.7 percent) higher than the 2014 quarter, while auto loan charge-offs were up $71 million (21.2 percent).

 

  

Noncurrent Rate Continues to Improve

 

The amount of noncurrent loans and leases (90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status) fell by $8.3 billion (5.4 percent) during the three months ended June 30. This is the 21st consecutive quarterly decline in noncurrent loan balances. Noncurrent C&I loans increased by $1.5 billion (15.4 percent) during the quarter, and noncurrent auto loans rose by $40 million (4.4 percent). Noncurrent levels declined in all other major loan categories, led by a $6.4 billion (6.7 percent) decline in noncurrent residential mortgage loans. At the end of June, more than a third of the industry’s $144.7 billion in noncurrent loan balances ($50 billion, or 34.6 percent) consisted of loans with U.S. government guarantees, or loans covered by loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC.

 

Banks Continue to Release Reserves

 

Insured institutions reduced their loan-loss reserves for a 21st consecutive quarter. Reserve balances declined by $1.4 billion (1.2 percent) during the quarter, as net charge-offs of $8.9 billion exceeded loan-loss provisions of $8.1 billion. This is the smallest quarterly decline in industry reserves since banks began reducing them in second quarter 2010. The industry’s ratio of reserves to total loans and leases fell from 1.45 percent to 1.40 percent during the quarter. This is the lowest average since year-end 2007. However, the average coverage ratio of reserves to noncurrent loans rose for the 11th quarter in a row, from 79.1 percent to 82.7 percent, because of the decline in noncurrent loan balances.

 

Capital Growth Is Modest

 

Banks added $4.5 billion to equity capital during the quarter. The modest 0.3 percent increase reflected a reduced contribution from retained earnings and a decline in unrealized gains in available-for-sale securities portfolios. Retained earnings totaled $14.4 billion, which was $3.8 billion (20.9 percent) less than in second quarter 2014. Banks declared $28.6 billion in dividends in the second quarter, up $6.7 billion (30.8 percent) versus the 2014 quarter. Higher interest rates lowered the market values of securities portfolios. Accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of equity capital that includes unrealized gains on securities held for sale, declined by $12.9 billion. The industry’s equity-to-assets ratio rose from 11.18 percent to 11.23 percent during the quarter. At mid-year, 98.6 percent of all FDIC-insured institutions, representing 99.9 percent of industry assets, met or exceeded the requirements for well-capitalized banks, as defined for Prompt Corrective Action purposes.

 

Non-Operational Deposit Balances Decline

 

Total deposit balances fell by $25.8 billion (0.2 percent), as at least one large bank reduced its non-operational deposits (wholesale funds in excess of the level needed to provide operational services to wholesale customers) to avoid a regulatory capital surcharge. Deposits in foreign offices declined by $34.1 billion (2.5 percent), and domestic office deposits rose by $8.3 billion (0.1 percent). Domestic deposits in interest-bearing accounts fell by $37.1 billion (0.5 percent), while noninterest-bearing deposits increased by $45.4 billion (1.5 percent). Nondeposit liabilities declined by $34.1 billion, as trading liabilities fell by $57.9 billion (18.9 percent). Federal Home Loan Bank advances rose by $40.7 billion (9.4 percent), and other unsecured borrowings increased by $38.6 billion (13.1 percent).

 

Only One Bank Failure in the Quarter

 

The number of insured commercial banks and savings institutions reporting quarterly financial results in the second quarter fell to 6,348 from 6,419 reporters in the first quarter. During the quarter, 66 institutions were merged into other banks, while one insured institution failed. This is the first time since fourth quarter 2007 that there has been only one failure in a quarter. For a sixth consecutive quarter, no new charters were added. Banks reported 2,042,386 full-time equivalent employees in the second quarter, down from 2,042,688 in the first quarter and 2,059,827 in second quarter 2014. The number of insured institutions on the FDIC’s “Problem List” declined for a 17th consecutive quarter, from 253 to 228. Total assets of problem institutions fell from $60.3 billion to $56.5 billion.

 

  

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion contained in this Item 2 and other disclosures included within this report are based, in part, on the Company’s audited December 31, 2014 consolidated financial statements. These statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The financial information contained in these statements is, for the most part, based on the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. However, the preparation of these statements requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.

 

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in the Company’s Annual Report. Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective estimates and judgments, management has identified its most critical accounting policies to be those related to the allowance for loan losses, valuation of other real estate owned, the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment of certain securities available-for-sale and the valuation of goodwill.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses that is treated as an expense and charged against earnings. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. The Company has policies and procedures for evaluating the overall credit quality of its loan portfolio, including timely identification of potential problem loans. On a quarterly basis, management reviews the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses, incorporating a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, known information about individual loans and other factors. Qualitative factors include the general economic environment in the Company’s market area. To the extent actual results differ from forecasts and management’s judgment, the allowance for loan losses may be greater or lesser than future charge-offs. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that change in estimates will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

Other Real Estate Owned

 

Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure are initially recorded at the fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, independent appraisals or evaluations are periodically performed by management and property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a property exceeds its fair value, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of its cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed. The portion of interest costs relating to development of real estate is capitalized. The appraisals or evaluations are inherently subjective and require estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in fair values will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

  

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Available-for-Sale Securities

 

Declines in the fair value of securities available-for-sale below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are generally reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers: (1) the intent to sell the investment securities and the more likely than not requirement that the Company will be required to sell the investment securities prior to recovery; (2) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (3) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that change in management’s assessment of other-than-temporary impairment will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill arose in connection with two acquisitions. For the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, determination of the fair value of the reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.   Through September 30, 2015, no conditions indicated impairment has incurred. The next annual test will be performed in the fourth quarter of 2015. Actual future test results may differ from the present evaluation of impairment due to changes in the conditions used at the time of that evaluation.

 

  

Income Statement Review for the Three Months ended September 30, 2015

 

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

 

The following two tables are used to calculate the Company’s net interest margin. The first table includes the Company’s average assets and the related income to determine the average yield on earning assets. The second table includes the average liabilities and related expense to determine the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. The net interest margin is equal to the interest income less the interest expense divided by average earning assets.

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
                         
  

2015

  

2014

 
                         
  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

 
  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

 

ASSETS

                        

(dollars in thousands)

                        

Interest-earning assets

                        

Loans 1

                        

Commercial

 $101,382   $1,124    4.44% $86,166   $950    4.41%

Agricultural

  77,403    914    4.72%  71,628    859    4.79%

Real estate

  490,282    5,585    4.56%  413,355    4,745    4.59%

Consumer and other

  19,505    185    3.80%  14,163    168    4.74%
                         

Total loans (including fees)

  688,572    7,808    4.54%  585,312    6,722    4.59%
                         

Investment securities

                        

Taxable

  276,205    1,507    2.18%  302,713    1,792    2.37%

Tax-exempt 2

  261,882    2,205    3.37%  272,817    2,366    3.47%

Total investment securities

  538,087    3,712    2.76%  575,530    4,158    2.89%
                         

Interest bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold

  38,397    94    0.98%  26,386    67    1.01%
                         

Total interest-earning assets

  1,265,056   $11,614    3.67%  1,187,228   $10,947    3.69%
                         

Noninterest-earning assets

  55,804            61,693          
                         

TOTAL ASSETS

 $1,320,860           $1,248,921          

 

1 Average loan balance includes nonaccrual loans, if any. Interest income collected on nonaccrual loans has been included.

2 Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 35%.

 

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
                         
  

2015

  

2014

 
                         
  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

 
  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

 

LIABILITIES AND

                        

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                        

(dollars in thousands)

                        

Interest-bearing liabilities

                        

Deposits

                        

NOW, savings accounts and money markets

 $655,533   $288    0.18% $581,618   $262    0.18%

Time deposits > $100,000

  89,196    199    0.89%  95,774    227    0.95%

Time deposits < $100,000

  136,131    258    0.76%  144,915    314    0.87%

Total deposits

  880,860    745    0.34%  822,307    803    0.39%

Other borrowed funds

  81,583    258    1.26%  100,597    299    1.19%
                         

Total Interest-bearing liabilities

  962,443    1,003    0.42%  922,904    1,102    0.48%
                         

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

                        

Demand deposits

  193,518            166,219          

Other liabilities

  6,431            6,425          
                         

Stockholders' equity

  158,468            153,373          
                         

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 $1,320,860           $1,248,921          
                         
                         

Net interest income

     $10,611    3.36%     $9,845    3.32%
                         

Spread Analysis

                        

Interest income/average assets

 $11,614    3.52%     $10,947    3.51%    

Interest expense/average assets

 $1,003    0.30%     $1,102    0.35%    

Net interest income/average assets

 $10,611    3.21%     $9,845    3.15%    

 

Net Interest Income

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.36% and 3.32%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $9,840,000 compared to $9,018,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, interest income increased $723,000, or 7.1%, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase from 2014 was primarily attributable to higher average balance of loans, offset in part by lower average balances of investment securities. The higher average balances of loans were due primarily to favorable economic conditions that fueled loan demand and to a lesser extent the Acquisition. The lower average balances of investments were primarily due to maturities and calls.

 

Interest expense decreased $100,000, or 9.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014. The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to lower average rates paid on time deposits due to continued low market interest rates and a decrease in average balance of other borrowed funds.

 

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

The Company’s provision for loan losses was $38,000 and $55,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Net loan recoveries were $17,000 and net loan charge-offs were $42,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Asset quality indicators for the Company, including impaired and past due loans, remain at favorable levels.

 

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Noninterest income increased $121,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in noninterest income is primarily due to higher merchant and card fees and a higher gain on the sale of securities. The increase in merchant and card income is due primarily to the Acquisition. Exclusive of realized securities gains, noninterest income was 5% higher in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

 

Noninterest expense increased $316,000 or 5.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of increases in salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits increased primarily due to the Acquisition and normal salary increases. The efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2015 was 50.74%, compared to 52.24% in 2014.   

 

Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $1,670,000 and $1,393,000, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 29% and 27%, respectively. The increase in effective rate is due primarily to impact of a lower level of tax-exempt interest income in 2015 compared to the same quarter in 2014.

 

   

Income Statement Review for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2015

 

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

 

The following two tables are used to calculate the Company’s net interest margin. The first table includes the Company’s average assets and the related income to determine the average yield on earning assets. The second table includes the average liabilities and related expense to determine the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. The net interest margin is equal to the interest income less the interest expense divided by average earning assets.

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
                         
  

2015

          

2014

         
                         
  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

 
  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

 

ASSETS

                        

(dollars in thousands)

                        

Interest-earning assets

                        

Loans 1

                        

Commercial

 $97,028   $3,305    4.54% $84,543   $2,929    4.62%

Agricultural

  76,044    2,689    4.71%  71,322    2,576    4.82%

Real estate

  485,392    16,394    4.50%  397,728    13,723    4.60%

Consumer and other

  17,766    532    3.99%  13,365    480    4.79%
                         

Total loans (including fees)

  676,230    22,920    4.52%  566,958    19,708    4.63%
                         

Investment securities

                        

Taxable

  276,287    4,639    2.24%  300,219    5,407    2.40%

Tax-exempt 2

  264,631    6,766    3.41%  286,756    7,470    3.47%

Total investment securities

  540,918    11,405    2.81%  586,975    12,877    2.93%
                         

Interest bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold

  46,608    288    0.83%  36,583    213    0.78%
                         

Total interest-earning assets

  1,263,756   $34,613    3.65%  1,190,516   $32,798    3.67%
                         

Noninterest-earning assets

  61,607            57,785          
                         

TOTAL ASSETS

 $1,325,363           $1,248,301          
                         

 

1 Average loan balance includes nonaccrual loans, if any. Interest income collected on nonaccrual loans has been included.

2 Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 35%.

 

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
                         
  

2015

  

2014

 
                         
  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

  

Average

  

Revenue/

  

Yield/

 
  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

  

balance

  

expense

  

rate

 

LIABILITIES AND

                        

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                        

(dollars in thousands)

                        

Interest-bearing liabilities

                        

Deposits

                        

NOW, savings accounts and money markets

 $651,101   $847    0.17% $601,347   $855    0.19%

Time deposits > $100,000

  90,706    613    0.90%  95,839    705    0.98%

Time deposits < $100,000

  140,515    816    0.77%  143,385    997    0.93%

Total deposits

  882,322    2,276    0.34%  840,571    2,557    0.41%

Other borrowed funds

  86,535    899    1.38%  82,650    898    1.45%
                         

Total Interest-bearing liabilities

  968,857    3,175    0.44%  923,221    3,455    0.50%
                         

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

                        

Demand deposits

  191,685            169,187          

Other liabilities

  6,643            6,140          
                         

Stockholders' equity

  158,178            149,753          
                         

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 $1,325,363           $1,248,301          
                         
                         

Net interest income

     $31,438    3.32%     $29,343    3.29%
                         

Spread Analysis

                        

Interest income/average assets

 $34,613    3.48%     $32,798    3.50%    

Interest expense/average assets

 $3,175    0.32%     $3,455    0.37%    

Net interest income/average assets

 $31,438    3.16%     $29,343    3.13%    

 

 

Net Interest Income

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.32% and 3.29%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $29,073,000 compared to $26,731,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, interest income increased $2,061,000, or 6.8%, when compared to the same period in 2014. The increase from 2014 was primarily attributable to higher average balance of loans, offset in part by lower average balances of investment securities. The higher average balance of loans was attributable to favorable economic conditions that fueled loan demand and the Acquisition. The lower average balances of investments were primarily due to maturities and calls.

 

  

Interest expense decreased $281,000, or 8.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014. The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to lower average rates paid on time deposits due to continued low market interest rates.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

The Company’s provision for loan losses was $1,037,000 and $130,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Net loan recoveries were $51,000 and net loan charge-offs were $172,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Asset quality indicators for the Company, including impaired and past due loans, remain at favorable levels.

 

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Noninterest income decreased $385,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in noninterest income is primarily due to a one-time gain on the sale of premises and equipment in 2014 with no corresponding gain in 2015, offset in part by higher securities gains. Excluding the premises and equipment gain and the gain on the sale of securities, noninterest income increased $464,000, or 9.2%. This increase was primarily due to gain on the sale of loans held for sale and merchant and card fees. The increase in the gain on the sale of loans held for sale is due to improving residential mortgage loan sales volume. The increase in merchant and card income is due primarily to the Acquisition.   

 

Noninterest expense increased $2,409,000 or 14.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of increased salaries and benefits, other real estate owned expenses, data processing expenses and occupancy expenses. The increase in salaries and benefits, data processing and occupancy was mainly the result of the Acquisition. The increase in other real estate owned expenses was due primarily to impairment write downs. 

 

Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $4,246,000 and $4,592,000, representing an effective tax rate of 28% and 27%, respectively. The increase in effective rate is due primarily to impact of lower tax-exempt interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

 

Balance Sheet Review

 

As of September 30, 2015, total assets were $1,343,342,000, a $42,311,000 increase compared to December 31, 2014. The increase in assets was due primarily to loans. The increase in assets was funded primarily by an increase in FHLB borrowings and deposits.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

The investment portfolio totaled $546,017,000 as of September 30, 2015, an increase of $3,515,000 or 1% from the December 31, 2014 balance of $542,502,000. The increase in the investment portfolio was primarily due to purchases of U.S. government agencies, offset in part by sales and pay downs of U.S. government mortgage-backed securities. 

 

On a quarterly basis, the investment portfolio is reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment. As of September 30, 2015, gross unrealized losses of $1,279,000, are considered to be temporary in nature due to the interest rate environment of 2015 and other general economic factors. As a result of the Company’s favorable liquidity position, the Company does not have the intent to sell securities with an unrealized loss at the present time. In addition, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will hold these securities until recovery of their fair value to cost basis and avoid considering present unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary.

 

  

At September 30, 2015, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 279 government municipalities and agencies located within 25 states with a fair value of $278.0 million. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 314 government municipalities and agencies located within 25 states with a fair value of $281.8 million. No one municipality or agency represents a concentration within this segment of the investment portfolio. The largest exposure to any one municipality or agency as of September 30, 2015 was $5.1 million (approximately 1.8% of the fair value of the governmental municipalities and agencies) represented by the Dubuque, Iowa Community School District to be repaid by sales tax revenues and property taxes.

 

The Company’s procedures for evaluating investments in states, municipalities and political subdivisions include but are not limited to reviewing the offering statement and the most current available financial information, comparing yields to yields of bonds of similar credit quality, confirming capacity to repay, assessing operating and financial performance, evaluating the stability of tax revenues, considering debt profiles and local demographics, and for revenue bonds, assessing the source and strength of revenue structures for municipal authorities. These procedures, as applicable, are utilized for all municipal purchases and are utilized in whole or in part for monitoring the portfolio of municipal holdings. The Company does not utilize third party credit rating agencies as a primary component of determining if the municipal issuer has an adequate capacity to meet the financial commitments under the security for the projected life of the investment, and, therefore, does not compare internal assessments to those of the credit rating agencies. Credit rating downgrades are utilized as an additional indicator of credit weakness and as a reference point for historical default rates.

 

  

The following table summarizes the total general obligation and revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates. (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

2015

  

2014

 
      

Estimated

      

Estimated

 
  

Amortized

  

Fair

  

Amortized

  

Fair

 
  

Cost

  

Value

  

Cost

  

Value

 
                 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions:

                

General Obligation bonds:

                

Iowa

 $74,282   $75,030   $75,879   $76,857  

Texas

  10,748    10,978    10,352    10,537  

Minnesota

  8,422    8,539    8,797    8,932  

Other (2015: 18 states; 2014: 18 states)

  36,787    37,303    38,405    38,939  
                 

Total general obligation bonds

 $130,239   $131,850   $133,433   $135,265  
                 

Revenue bonds:

                

Iowa

 $135,759   $138,005   $134,683   $137,250  

Other (2015: 10 states; 2014: 11 states)

  8,102    8,161    9,212    9,261  
                 

Total revenue bonds

 $143,861   $146,166   $143,895   $146,511  
                 

Total obligations of states and political subdivisions

 $274,100   $278,016   $277,328   $281,776  

 

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios were issued by government municipalities and agencies to fund public services such as community school facilities, college and university dormitory facilities, water utilities and electrical utilities. The revenue bonds are to be paid from primarily 8 revenue sources. The revenue sources that represent 5% or more, individually, as a percent of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following table. (in thousands)

 

  

2015

  

2014

 
      

Estimated

      

Estimated

 
  

Amortized

  

Fair

  

Amortized

  

Fair

 
  

Cost

  

Value

  

Cost

  

Value

 
                 

Revenue bonds by revenue source

                

Sales tax

 $86,555   $88,341   $86,386   $88,449  

College and universities, primarily dormitory revenues

  12,156    12,303    14,005    14,108  

Water

  10,471    10,516    12,155    12,191  

Leases

  10,202    10,220    9,551    9,599  

Electric

  9,537    9,717    7,357    7,578  

Other

  14,940    15,069    14,441    14,586  
                 

Total revenue bonds by revenue source

 $143,861   $146,166   $143,895   $146,511  

 

Loan Portfolio

 

The loan portfolio, net of the allowance for loan losses of $9,927,000, totaled $690,315,000 as of September 30, 2015, an increase of $31,874,000, or 5%, from the December 31, 2014 balance of $658,441,000. The increase in the loan portfolio is primarily due to increased loan volume in the construction real estate, commercial operating and agricultural real estate portfolios, offset by payments received in the commercial real estate and agricultural operating portfolio.

 

 

Other Real Estate Owned

 

Other real estate owned was $3,418,000 and $8,436,000 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The decrease in the other real estate owned was due to the sale of properties and impairment write downs. Due to potential changes in the real estate markets, it is at least reasonably possible that management’s assessments of fair value will change in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

Deposits

 

Deposits totaled $1,061,378,000 as of September 30, 2015, an increase of $9,255,000, or 1%, from the December 31, 2014 balance of $1,052,123,000. The increase in deposits was primarily due to increases in savings and money market balances.

 

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $52,066,000 as of September 30, 2015, an increase of $801,000, or 2%, from the December 31, 2014 balance of $51,265,000. 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2014.

 

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

 

The Company’s credit risk is historically centered in the loan portfolio, which on September 30, 2015 totaled $690,315,000 compared to $658,441,000 as of December 31, 2014. Net loans comprise 51.4% of total assets as of September 30, 2015. The object in managing loan portfolio risk is to reduce the risk of loss resulting from a customer’s failure to perform according to the terms of a transaction and to quantify and manage credit risk on a portfolio basis. The Company’s level of problem loans (consisting of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more) as a percentage of total loans was 0.28% at September 30, 2015, as compared to 0.37% at December 31, 2014 and 0.41% at September 30, 2014. The Company’s level of problem loans as a percentage of total loans at September 30, 2015 of 0.28% is lower than the Company’s peer group (332 bank holding companies with assets of $1 billion to $3 billion) of 0.92% as of June 30, 2015.

 

Impaired loans, net of specific reserves, totaled $1,464,000 as of September 30, 2015 and have declined $606,000 as compared to the impaired loans of $2,070,000 as of December 31, 2014. The decrease in impaired loans since December 31, 2014 is primarily due to payments received on various loans.

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. The Company applies its normal loan review procedures to identify loans that should be evaluated for impairment.

 

 

The Company had TDRs of $794,000 as of September 30, 2015, of which all were included in impaired loans and on nonaccrual status. The Company had TDRs of $1,129,000 as of December 31, 2014, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans.

 

TDRs are monitored and reported on a quarterly basis. Certain TDRs are on nonaccrual status at the time of restructuring. These borrowings are typically returned to accrual status after the following: sustained repayment performance in accordance with the restructuring agreement for a reasonable period of at least six months; and, management is reasonably assured of future performance. If the TDR meets these performance criteria and the interest rate granted at the modification is equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk, then the loan will return to performing status.

 

For TDRs that were on nonaccrual status before the modification, a specific reserve may already be recorded. In periods subsequent to modification, the Company will continue to evaluate all TDRs for possible impairment and, as necessary, recognize impairment through the allowance. The Company had no charge-off related to TDRs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and two charge-offs in the amount of $48,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Loans past due 90 days or more that are still accruing interest are reviewed no less frequently than quarterly to determine if there is a strong reason that the credit should not be placed on non-accrual. As of September 30, 2015, non-accrual loans totaled $1,897,000 and loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $84,000. This compares to non-accrual loans of $2,407,000 and loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $36,000 as of December 31, 2014. Other real estate owned totaled $3,418,000 as of September 30, 2015 and $8,436,000 as of December 31, 2014.

 

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans as of September 30, 2015 was 1.42%, as compared to 1.32% at December 31, 2014. The allowance for loan losses totaled $9,927,000 and $8,838,000 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Net recoveries of loans totaled $51,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to net charge-offs of loans of $172,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Factors considered in establishing an appropriate allowance include: an assessment of the financial condition of the borrower, a realistic determination of value and adequacy of underlying collateral, the condition of the local economy and the condition of the specific industry of the borrower, an analysis of the levels and trends of loan categories and a review of delinquent and classified loans.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity management is the process by which the Company, through its Banks’ Asset and Liability Committees (ALCO), ensures that adequate liquid funds are available to meet its financial commitments on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. These commitments include funding credit obligations to borrowers, funding of mortgage originations pending delivery to the secondary market, withdrawals by depositors, maintaining adequate collateral for pledging for public funds, trust deposits and borrowings, paying dividends to shareholders, payment of operating expenses, funding capital expenditures and maintaining deposit reserve requirements.

 

Liquidity is derived primarily from core deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments, sale, maturity and prepayment of securities available-for-sale; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources. Other funding sources include federal funds purchased lines, FHLB advances and other capital market sources.

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2015, the level of liquidity and capital resources of the Company remain at a satisfactory level. Management believes that the Company's liquidity sources will be sufficient to support its existing operations for the foreseeable future. 

 

The liquidity and capital resources discussion will cover the following topics:

 

●     Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources

●     Review of Statements of Cash Flows

●     Company Only Cash Flows

    ●     Review of Commitments for Capital Expenditures, Cash Flow Uncertainties and Known Trends in Liquidity and Cash Flows Needs

    ●     Capital Resources

 

Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources

 

Liquid assets of cash and due from banks and interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 totaled $66,296,000 and $55,200,000, respectively, and provide a level of liquidity.

 

Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks as of September 30, 2015 include outstanding lines of credit with the FHLB of Des Moines, Iowa of $113,900,000, with $50,253,000 of outstanding FHLB advances at September 30, 2015. Federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks was $115,172,000, with no outstanding federal fund purchase balances as of September 30, 2015. The Company had securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $52,066,000 and term repurchase agreements of $13,000,000.

 

Total investments as of September 30, 2015 were $546,017,000 compared to $542,502,000 as of December 31, 2014. These investments provide the Company with a significant amount of liquidity since all of the investments are classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2015.

 

The investment portfolio serves an important role in the overall context of balance sheet management in terms of balancing capital utilization and liquidity. The decision to purchase or sell securities is based upon the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate environment, liquidity and credit considerations. The portfolio’s scheduled maturities represent a significant source of liquidity.

 

Review of Statements of Cash Flows

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $15,906,000 compared to the $13,921,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase of $1,984,000 in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the provision for loan losses.

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $(44,038,000) compared to $25,007,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The change in cash (used in) investing activities of $69,045,000 was primarily due to investments, changes in loans and the Acquisition.

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $30,543,000 compared to $(37,513,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The change of $68,056,000 in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to an increase in deposits and proceeds from FHLB borrowings, offset in part by a change in securities sold under repurchase agreements. As of September 30, 2015, the Company did not have any external debt financing, off-balance sheet financing arrangements, or derivative instruments linked to its stock.

 

 

Company Only Cash Flows

 

The Company’s liquidity on an unconsolidated basis is heavily dependent upon dividends paid to the Company by the Banks. The Company requires adequate liquidity to pay its expenses and pay stockholder dividends. Dividends paid by the Banks to the Company amounted to $6,200,000 and $5,700,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amounts of dividends banking subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval. Federal Reserve policy further limits the circumstances under which bank holding companies may declare dividends. For example, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements, which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Federal and state banking regulators may also restrict the payment of dividends by order. The quarterly dividend declared by the Company increased to $0.20 per share in 2015 from $0.18 per share in 2014.   

 

The Company, on an unconsolidated basis, has interest bearing deposits and marketable investment securities totaling $8,613,000 as of September 30, 2015 that are presently available to provide additional liquidity to the Banks.

 

Review of Commitments for Capital Expenditures, Cash Flow Uncertainties and Known Trends in Liquidity and Cash Flows Needs

 

No other material capital expenditures or material changes in the capital resource mix are anticipated at this time. The primary cash flow uncertainty would be a sudden decline in deposits causing the Banks to liquidate securities. Historically, the Banks have maintained an adequate level of short-term marketable investments to fund the temporary declines in deposit balances. There are no known trends in liquidity and cash flow needs as of September 30, 2015 that are of concern to management.

 

Capital Resources

 

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2015 totaled $160,405,000 and was higher than the $154,674,000 recorded as of December 31, 2014. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to net income and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income, reduced by dividends declared. The increase in other comprehensive income is created by 2015 market interest rates trending higher, which resulted in higher fair values in the securities available-for-sale portfolio. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 11.94% and 11.89%, respectively. The capital levels of the Company exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of September 30, 2015.

 

  

Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides the Company with the opportunity to make cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report, including forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s future financial performance and asset quality. Any forward-looking statement contained in this Quarterly Report is based on management’s current beliefs, assumptions and expectations of the Company’s future performance, taking into account all information currently available to management. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to management. If a change occurs, the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, asset quality, plans and objectives may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual results of the Company include, but are not limited to, the following: economic conditions, particularly in the concentrated geographic area in which the Company and its affiliate banks operate; competitive products and pricing available in the marketplace; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company’s loan and investment portfolios, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses dictated by new market conditions or regulatory requirements; fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. government; changes in governmental regulations affecting financial institutions (including regulatory fees and capital requirements); changes in prevailing interest rates; credit risk management and asset/liability management; the financial and securities markets; the availability of and cost associated with sources of liquidity; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate the assets being purchased from First Bank into its operations on a timely and cost effective basis; and other risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business, including those discussed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks” in the Company’s Annual Report. Management intends to identify forward-looking statements when using words such as “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “should” or similar expressions. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Item 3.          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company's market risk is comprised primarily of interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking. Interest rate risk results from the changes in market interest rates which may adversely affect the Company's net interest income. Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate this risk. Management does not believe that the Company's primary market risk exposure and how it has been managed year-to-date in 2015 changed significantly when compared to 2014.

 

Item 4.          Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

                  Not applicable

 

Item 1.A.

Risk Factors

 

       None.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

In November, 2014, the Company approved a Stock Repurchase Plan which provided for the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2015, there were 100,000 shares remaining to be purchased under the plan.

 

The following table provides information with respect to purchase made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchases” (as defined in rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 

          

Total

     
          

Number

  

Maximum

 
          

of Shares

  

Number of

 
          

Purchased as

  

Shares that

 
  

Total

      

Part of

  

May Yet Be

 
  

Number

  

Average

  

Publicly

  

Purchased

 
  

of Shares

  

Price Paid

  

Announced

  

Under

 

Period

 

Purchased

  

Per Share

  

Plans

  

The Plan

 
                 

July 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015

  -   $-    -    100,000  
                 

August 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015

  -   $-    -    100,000  
                 

September 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015

  -   $-    -    100,000  
                 

Total

  -        -      

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable

 

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable

 

 

Item 5.Other information
  
 Not applicable
  

Item 6.

Exhibits

   

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

   

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document (1)

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)

 

(1)     These interactive date files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

DATE: November 6, 2015 

 

 

By: /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman

  
 Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President
  
 

By: /s/ John P. Nelson

  
 John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

 

 Exhibit No.        Description

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

 

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

 

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

 32.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 32.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 101.INSXBRL Instance Document (1)
 101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
 101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
 101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
 101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
 101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)

 

(1)     These interactive date files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

 

 

 55