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 fourteen individuals to assist with financial reporting, human resources, audit, compliance, marketing, technology systems, training and the coordination of management activities, in addition to 204 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 fees 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; and (vi) professional fees. 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.
The Company had net income of $3,610,000, or $0.39 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income of $3,807,000, or $0.41 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Total equity capital as of March 31, 2017 totaled $168.1 million or 12.0% of total assets.
The decrease in quarterly earnings can be primarily attributed to a higher provision for loan losses and increases in interest expense, offset in part by an increase in loan interest income.
Net loan charge-offs totaled $3,000 and $78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The provision for loan losses totaled $398,000 and $192,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The following management discussion and analysis will provide a review of important items relating to:
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Challenges
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Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results
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Critical Accounting Policies
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Income Statement Review
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Balance Sheet Review
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Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
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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 13, 2017.
K
ey 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 5,913 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
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3 Months
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Ended
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March 31,
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Years Ended December 31,
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2017
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2016
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2015
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2014
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Company
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Company
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Industry*
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Company
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Industry
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Company
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Industry
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Return on assets
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1.05
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%
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1.18
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%
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1.04
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%
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1.13
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%
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1.04
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%
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1.21
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%
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1.01
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%
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Return on equity
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8.66
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%
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9.38
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%
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9.32
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%
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9.44
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%
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9.31
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%
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10.09
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%
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9.03
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%
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Net interest margin
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3.20
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%
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3.36
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%
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3.13
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%
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3.33
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%
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3.07
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%
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3.31
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%
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3.14
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%
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Efficiency ratio
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54.14
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%
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51.95
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%
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58.28
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%
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53.59
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%
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59.91
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%
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53.37
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%
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61.88
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%
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Capital ratio
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12.16
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%
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12.60
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%
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9.48
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%
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12.00
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%
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9.59
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%
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12.05
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%
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9.46
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%
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*Latest available data
Key performances indicators include:
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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 1.05% and 1.16% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in this ratio in 2017 from the previous period is primarily due to an increase in average assets due primarily to loan growth and a decrease in net income associated with an increased provision for loan losses and increases in interest expense, offset in part by an increase in loan interest income.
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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 at 8.66% and 9.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in this ratio in 2017 from the previous period is primarily due to a decrease in net income and an increase in average equity.
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Net Interest Margin
The net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was 3.20% and 3.36%, 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 decrease in this ratio in 2017 is primarily the result of a decrease in the yield on loans and an increase in the interest rates on deposits.
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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 54.14% and 53.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The efficiency ratio remained nearly unchanged.
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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 12.16% as of March 31, 2017 is significantly higher than the industry average as of December 31, 2016.
Industry Results
The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the fourth quarter of 2016:
Income Is $43.7 Billion in Fourth Quarter
Insured institutions reported net income of $43.7 billion for the quarter, an increase of $3.1 billion (7.7%) compared with the year before. Almost 60% of all banks reported year-over-year increases in quarterly earnings. Only 8.1% of banks were unprofitable for the quarter, down from 9.6% the previous year. The average return on assets (ROA) rose slightly to 1.04%, from 1.02% in fourth quarter 2015.
Full-Year 2016 Earnings Rise to $171.3 Billion
The industry reported $171.3 billion in net income for full-year 2016, $7.9 billion (4.9%) more than the industry earned in 2015. Almost two out of every three banks (65.2%) reported higher earnings in 2016 than in 2015. Only 4.2% of all banks had negative full-year net income. This is the lowest percentage of unprofitable banks for any year since 1995. Net operating revenue was $29 billion (4.2%) higher than in 2015, as net interest income increased by $29.8 billion (6.9%) and total noninterest income declined by $779 million (0.3%). The average net interest margin (NIM) rose to 3.13% from 3.07% in 2015. Total noninterest expenses were only $5.1 billion (1.2%) higher than a year earlier, as itemized litigation charges at a few large banks were $2.95 billion lower than in 2015. Loan-loss provisions totaled $47.8 billion, an increase of $10.7 billion (28.8%) from 2015. The average return on assets for 2016 was 1.04%, unchanged from the full-year average for 2015.
Net Interest Income Growth Lifts Operating Revenues
Net operating revenue totaled $181.8 billion in the fourth quarter, up $7.9 billion (4.6%) from the year before. Net interest income was $8.4 billion (7.6%) higher, while noninterest income declined by $480 million (0.8%). The increase in net interest income was attributable to growth in interest-bearing assets (up 5.2% over the past 12 months) and improvement in the industry’s aggregate NIM, which rose to 3.16%, from 3.12% in fourth quarter 2015. The NIM improvement was not broad-based. A majority of banks (54.3%) reported lower NIMs than the year earlier. The decline in noninterest income was driven by a $950 million drop in income from changes in fair values of financial instruments and a $432 million decline in interchange fees. Both trading income and servicing income rose $1.7 billion (39.8% and 51.4%, respectively) from fourth quarter 2015.
Noninterest Expenses Up 2.6% From a Year Before
Total noninterest expenses were $2.7 billion (2.6%) higher than the year before. Salary and employee benefit expenses rose $1.7 billion (3.4%), while goodwill impairment charges were $675 million higher. Expenses for premises and fixed assets were only $9 million (0.1%) higher than the year earlier.
Quarterly Loss Provisions Decline From a Year Ago
Loan-loss provisions totaled $12.2 billion in the fourth quarter, $3 million less than banks set aside a year earlier. This marks the first time since second quarter 2014 that quarterly provision expenses have not posted a year-over-year increase. For the industry, fourth-quarter provisions represented 6.7% of the quarter’s net operating revenue, down from 7% in fourth quarter 2015.
Quarterly Charge-Offs Rise for a Fifth Consecutive Quarter
Net loan losses totaled $12.2 billion, up $1.5 billion (13.5%) from a year earlier. This is the fifth quarter in a row that net charge-offs have posted a year-over-year increase. Credit card charge-offs were $1.4 billion (24.8%) higher, while net charge-offs of loans to commercial and industrial (C&I) borrowers rose $666 million (37.9%). Charge-offs of residential mortgage loans were $576 million (75.1%) lower than in fourth quarter 2015. The average net charge-off rate rose to 0.53%, from 0.49% the year before. This is well below the high of 3.00% recorded in fourth quarter 2009.
Noncurrent Loan Rate at Lowest Level Since 2007
Noncurrent loans and leases—those 90 days or more past-due or in nonaccrual status—declined for the 26th time in the last 27 quarters, falling by $2.4 billion (1.8%) during the three months ended December 31. During the quarter, noncurrent C&I loans declined for the first time in eight quarters, falling by $1.4 billion (5.3%). Noncurrent residential mortgage loan balances fell by $2 billion (3%), while noncurrent home equity loans declined by $170 million (1.6%), and noncurrent nonfarm nonresidential real estate loans fell by $192 million (2%). These improvements exceeded the $1.1 billion (12.7%) increase in noncurrent credit card balances. The average noncurrent loan rate fell from 1.45% to 1.41%, the lowest level since year-end 2007.
Loan-Loss Reserves Decline for the First Time in Five Quarters
Banks reduced their reserves for loan and lease losses during the fourth quarter, as slightly lower loan-loss provisions were offset by higher net charge-offs. Loss reserves fell by $649 million (0.5%). At banks that itemize their reserves, which represent more than 90% of total industry reserves, the decline was driven by reductions in reserves for residential real estate loan losses, which fell by $1.2 billion (6.5%), and in reserves for commercial loan losses, which declined by $639 million (1.8%). Itemized reserves for losses on credit cards increased by $677 million (2.3%). Despite the small reduction in industry reserves, the larger decline in noncurrent loan balances caused the coverage ratio of reserves to noncurrent loans to rise from 91.1% to 92.3% in the quarter, the highest level since third quarter 2007.
Equity Capital Posts a Quarterly Decline as the Market Value of Available-For-Sale Securities Falls
Total equity capital declined by $16.8 billion (0.9%) in fourth quarter 2016, as higher interest rates caused the market values of available-for-sale securities at banks to fall. Accumulated other comprehensive income declined by $39.5 billion in the quarter, mostly as a result of the drop in securities values. Retained earnings contributed $15.1 billion to equity growth, $1.8 billion (13.5%) more than a year earlier. Banks declared $28.6 billion in dividends, a $1.3 billion (4.8%) increase over fourth quarter 2015. The average equity-to-assets ratio for the industry declined from 11.22% to 11.11%. At the end of the quarter, 99.7% of all banks, representing 99.9% of industry assets, met or exceeded the requirements for the highest regulatory capital category as defined for Prompt Corrective Action purposes.
Loan Balances Increase $72.3 Billion in the Fourth Quarter
Total assets rose by $13.7 billion (0.1%) during the fourth quarter. Total loan and lease balances increased by $72.3 billion (0.8%). Growth in loan balances was led by credit cards (up $38.2 billion, 5%), loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential real estate properties (up $22.8 billion, 1.7%), and real estate construction and development loans (up $10.1 billion, 3.3%). C&I loan balances fell for the first time in 26 quarters, declining $7.7 billion (0.4%). Investment securities portfolios rose by $52 billion (1.5%) during the quarter despite a $52.4 billion decline in the market values of securities available for sale. Assets in trading accounts declined by $27.3 billion (4.6%). Banks reduced their balances at Federal Reserve banks by $116.4 billion (9.6%).
Total Loan Balances Rise 5.3% During 2016
For full-year 2016, total assets increased $812.6 billion (5.1%). Total loans and leases increased by $466 billion (5.3%), as C&I loans rose by $94.2 billion (5.1%), loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential real estate were up by $92.6 billion (7.5%), and residential mortgages increased by $91.1 billion (4.8%). All major loan categories grew in 2016. Banks increased their investment securities by $205.9 billion (6.1%) in 2016, with mortgage-backed securities up $133.3 billion (7.1%) and U.S. Treasury securities up $97 billion (23%).
Deposits Rise by $96 Billion
Domestic deposit growth was relatively strong in the fourth quarter. Total deposits rose by $95.9 billion (0.7%), as deposits in domestic offices increased by $186.5 billion (1.6%), while foreign office deposits declined by $90.6 billion (6.8%). Balances in domestic interest-bearing accounts rose by $178.7 billion (2.1%), and balances in noninterest-bearing accounts grew by $7.7 billion (0.2%). Balances in consumer-oriented accounts increased by $120.5 billion (3%), while all other domestic office deposits rose by $62 billion (1%). Banks reduced their nondeposit liabilities by $65.4 billion (3.1%), as securities sold under repurchase agreements declined by $25.1 billion (10.9%), and trading account liabilities fell by $13 billion (5.1%).
“Problem Bank List” Continues to Improve
The number of FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions reporting quarterly financial results fell to 5,913 in the fourth quarter, from 5,980 in the third quarter of 2016. There were 65 mergers of insured institutions during the quarter, while no insured banks failed. No new charters were added during the quarter. Banks reported 2,052,504 full-time equivalent employees, an increase of 18,777 from fourth quarter 2015. The number of insured institutions on the FDIC’s “Problem Bank List” declined from 132 to 123, as total assets of problem banks rose from $24.9 billion to $27.6 billion. For all of 2016, the number of insured institutions reporting declined by 269. Mergers absorbed 251 institutions, and 5 insured institutions failed. This is the smallest number of bank failures in a year since three FDIC-insured institutions failed in 2007. In 2015, there were eight failures.
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, 2016 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” accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements. Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective estimates and judgments, management has identified the allowance for loan losses, the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment for investment securities and the assessment of goodwill to be the Company’s most critical accounting policies.
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 various considerations regarding 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 changes 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.
For further discussion concerning the allowance for loan losses and the process of establishing specific reserves, see the section of the Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management” and “Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses”.
Fair Value and Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities
The Company’s securities available-for-sale portfolio is carried at fair value with “fair value” being defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact.
Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are 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 changes 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 consummated in previous periods. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment. For the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, determination of the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Impairment would arise if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. At March 31, 2017, Company’s management has completed the goodwill impairment assessment and determined goodwill was not impaired. Actual future test results may differ from the present evaluation of impairment due to changes in the conditions used in the current evaluation.
Income Statement Review
for the Three Months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
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
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Three Months Ended March 31,
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2017
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2016
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Average
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Revenue/
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Yield/
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Average
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Revenue/
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Yield/
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balance
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expense
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rate
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balance
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expense
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rate
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ASSETS
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(dollars in thousands)
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Interest-earning assets
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Loans 1
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Commercial
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$
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75,103
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$
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814
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4.34
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%
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$
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99,726
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$
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1,103
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4.42
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%
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Agricultural
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67,383
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835
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4.95
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%
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74,668
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916
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4.91
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%
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Real estate
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601,798
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6,327
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4.21
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%
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507,753
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5,642
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4.44
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%
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Consumer and other
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11,619
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140
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4.83
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%
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22,019
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|
|
196
|
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3.57
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%
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Total loans (including fees)
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|
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755,903
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8,116
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4.29
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%
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704,166
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|
7,857
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|
4.46
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%
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taxable
|
|
|
267,419
|
|
|
|
1,513
|
|
|
|
2.26
|
%
|
|
|
265,529
|
|
|
|
1,495
|
|
|
|
2.25
|
%
|
Tax-exempt 2
|
|
|
249,353
|
|
|
|
2,028
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
%
|
|
|
257,369
|
|
|
|
2,155
|
|
|
|
3.35
|
%
|
Total investment securities
|
|
|
516,772
|
|
|
|
3,541
|
|
|
|
2.74
|
%
|
|
|
522,898
|
|
|
|
3,650
|
|
|
|
2.79
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold
|
|
|
49,763
|
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
1.10
|
%
|
|
|
31,750
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
1.21
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest-earning assets
|
|
|
1,322,438
|
|
|
$
|
11,794
|
|
|
|
3.57
|
%
|
|
|
1,258,814
|
|
|
$
|
11,603
|
|
|
|
3.69
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noninterest-earning assets
|
|
|
49,714
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,239
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
1,372,152
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,313,053
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
$
|
712,439
|
|
|
$
|
480
|
|
|
|
0.27
|
%
|
|
$
|
652,629
|
|
|
$
|
310
|
|
|
|
0.19
|
%
|
Time deposits > $100,000
|
|
|
82,701
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
1.01
|
%
|
|
|
90,306
|
|
|
|
199
|
|
|
|
0.88
|
%
|
Time deposits < $100,000
|
|
|
118,758
|
|
|
|
233
|
|
|
|
0.78
|
%
|
|
|
127,918
|
|
|
|
241
|
|
|
|
0.75
|
%
|
Total deposits
|
|
|
913,898
|
|
|
|
922
|
|
|
|
0.40
|
%
|
|
|
870,853
|
|
|
|
750
|
|
|
|
0.34
|
%
|
Other borrowed funds
|
|
|
79,035
|
|
|
|
279
|
|
|
|
1.41
|
%
|
|
|
80,098
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
|
|
1.32
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Interest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
992,934
|
|
|
|
1,201
|
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
|
|
950,951
|
|
|
|
1,013
|
|
|
|
0.43
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demand deposits
|
|
|
204,661
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
191,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
7,768
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,745
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders' equity
|
|
|
166,790
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
164,168
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
$
|
1,372,152
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,313,053
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
10,593
|
|
|
|
3.20
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
10,588
|
|
|
|
3.36
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spread Analysis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income/average assets
|
|
$
|
11,794
|
|
|
|
3.44
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,603
|
|
|
|
3.53
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense/average assets
|
|
$
|
1,201
|
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,013
|
|
|
|
0.31
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest income/average assets
|
|
$
|
10,593
|
|
|
|
3.09
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
10,588
|
|
|
|
3.23
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Net Interest Income
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.20% and 3.36%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 totaled $9,883,000 compared to $9,835,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, interest income increased $235,000, or 2%, when compared to the same period in 2016. The increase from 2016 was primarily attributable to higher average balance of loans, offset in part by lower yields on loans. The higher average balances of loans were due primarily to favorable economic conditions in our market areas. The lower yields on loans were due primarily to the low interest rate environment.
Interest expense increased $187,000, or 18%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016. The higher interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to higher rates on core deposits due to competitive pressures.
Provision for Loan Losses
The Company’s provision for loan losses was $398,000 and $192,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net loan charge-offs were $3,000 and $78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in the provision for loan losses was due primarily to the growth in the loan portfolio. However, the Iowa agricultural economy remains weak as a result of the current low grain prices; however, favorable crop yields provided better than break even cash flows in 2016 even with low crop prices for most of the Company’s farm customers
Noninterest Income and Expense
Noninterest income decreased $19,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The decrease in noninterest income is primarily due to lower wealth management income and to a lesser extent lower gains on the sale of loans, service fees, and merchant and card fees, offset in part by higher security gains. The lower wealth management income was primarily due to lower one time estate fees, offset in part by increases in assets under management. The decline in the gain on sale of loans was due to lower loan volume driven by lower refinance activity in central Iowa. Exclusive of realized securities gains, noninterest income was 10% lower in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.
Noninterest expense increased $42,000 or 1% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of increases in data processing costs, professional fees and other expenses, offset in part by decreases in FDIC insurance assessments and building occupancy costs. Data processing increases was due to increasing technology costs. The increase in other expenses was due to higher deposit account costs. The lower FDIC insurance assessment is due to lower assessment rates. The lower building occupancy costs are due to lower property taxes and lower utility costs due to a milder winter. The efficiency ratio was 54.14% for the first quarter of 2017 as compared to 53.91% in 2016.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1,479,000 and $1,501,000, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 29% and 28%, respectively. The increase is the effective tax rate is primarily due to a decrease in tax-exempt interest income.
Balance Sheet Review
As of March 31, 2017, total assets were $1,395,306,000, a $28,853,000 increase compared to December 31, 2016. The increase in assets was due primarily to an increase in interest bearing deposits, loans and other assets.
Investment Portfolio
The investment portfolio totaled $516,353,000 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $273,000 from the December 31, 2016 balance of $516,080,000. The increase in the investment portfolio was primarily due purchases of corporate bonds offset in part by sales, calls and maturities of state and political subdivision.
On a quarterly basis, the investment portfolio is reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment. As of March 31, 2017, gross unrealized losses of $2,477,000, are considered to be temporary in nature due to the interest rate environment of 2017 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 March 31, 2017, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 272
government municipalities and agencies located within 25 states with a fair value of $261.6 million. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 286 government municipalities and agencies located within 25 states with a fair value of $264.4 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 March 31, 2017 was $5.1 million (approximately 1.9 % 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates.
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
Amortized
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
Amortized
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Obligation bonds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iowa
|
|
$
|
71,226
|
|
|
$
|
71,004
|
|
|
$
|
75,142
|
|
|
$
|
74,408
|
|
Texas
|
|
|
11,057
|
|
|
|
11,136
|
|
|
|
11,091
|
|
|
|
11,065
|
|
Pennsylvania
|
|
|
8,725
|
|
|
|
8,716
|
|
|
|
8,728
|
|
|
|
8,654
|
|
Washington
|
|
|
7,193
|
|
|
|
7,018
|
|
|
|
7,221
|
|
|
|
6,957
|
|
Other (2017: 17 states; 2016: 17 states)
|
|
|
25,162
|
|
|
|
25,507
|
|
|
|
28,064
|
|
|
|
28,258
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total general obligation bonds
|
|
$
|
123,363
|
|
|
$
|
123,381
|
|
|
$
|
130,246
|
|
|
$
|
129,342
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue bonds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iowa
|
|
$
|
129,301
|
|
|
$
|
130,063
|
|
|
$
|
126,750
|
|
|
$
|
126,964
|
|
Other (2017: 7 states; 2016: 9 states)
|
|
|
8,189
|
|
|
|
8,191
|
|
|
|
8,208
|
|
|
|
8,142
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue bonds
|
|
$
|
137,490
|
|
|
$
|
138,254
|
|
|
$
|
134,958
|
|
|
$
|
135,106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions
|
|
$
|
260,853
|
|
|
$
|
261,635
|
|
|
$
|
265,204
|
|
|
$
|
264,448
|
|
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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 th
ousands)
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
Amortized
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
Amortized
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue bonds by revenue source
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales tax
|
|
$
|
76,173
|
|
|
$
|
77,040
|
|
|
$
|
77,586
|
|
|
$
|
78,085
|
|
Water
|
|
|
14,095
|
|
|
|
14,019
|
|
|
|
11,283
|
|
|
|
11,296
|
|
College and universities, primarily dormitory revenues
|
|
|
11,279
|
|
|
|
11,341
|
|
|
|
14,105
|
|
|
|
13,907
|
|
Leases
|
|
|
9,091
|
|
|
|
9,027
|
|
|
|
9,106
|
|
|
|
8,960
|
|
Electric
|
|
|
8,440
|
|
|
|
8,505
|
|
|
|
8,446
|
|
|
|
8,459
|
|
Other
|
|
|
18,412
|
|
|
|
18,322
|
|
|
|
14,432
|
|
|
|
14,399
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue bonds by revenue source
|
|
$
|
137,490
|
|
|
$
|
138,254
|
|
|
$
|
134,958
|
|
|
$
|
135,106
|
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Loan Portfolio
The loan portfolio, net of the allowance for loan losses of $10,902,000, totaled $759,786,000 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $7,604,000, or 1%, from the December 31, 2016 balance of $752,182,000. The increase in the loan portfolio is primarily due to steady loan demand for most of our affiliate banks. The Company’s expansion into the Des Moines metro market was a significant factor in obtaining this growth.
Other Assets
Other assets totaled $10,228,000 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $9,429,000 from the December 31, 2016 balance of $799,000. The increase was due primarily to receivables from two brokers related to the sale of securities available-for-sale.
Deposits
Deposits totaled $1,141,672,000 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of $32,263,000, or 3%, from the December 31, 2016 balance of $1,109,409,000. The increase in deposits was primarily due to increases in NOW, savings and money market account balances.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $50,374,000 as of March 31, 2017, a decrease of $7,963,000, or 14%, from the December 31, 2016 balance of $58,337,000 associated with one commercial account.
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, 2016.
Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management
The Company’s credit risk is historically centered in the loan portfolio, which on March 31, 2017 totaled $759,786,000 compared to $752,182,000 as of December 31, 2016. Net loans comprise 54.5% of total assets as of March 31, 2017. 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 0.70% at March 31, 2017, as compared to 0.67% at December 31, 2016 and 0.35% at March 31, 2016. The Company’s level of problem loans as a percentage of total loans at March 31, 2017 of 0.70% is lower than the Company’s peer group (328 bank holding companies with assets of $1 billion to $3 billion) of 0.79% as of December 31, 2016.
Impaired loans, net of specific reserves, totaled $4,635,000 as of March 31, 2017 and have increased $278,000 as compared to the impaired loans of $4,357,000 as of December 31, 2016.
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 $3,662,000 as of March 31, 2017, all of which were included in impaired loans and on nonaccrual status. The Company had TDRs of $3,672,000 as of December 31, 2016, 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 three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
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 March 31, 2017, non-accrual loans totaled $5,358,000 and there were a $8,000 loan past due 90 days and still accruing. This compares to non-accrual loans of $5,077,000 and loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $22,000 as of December 31, 2016. Other real estate owned totaled $543,000 as of March 31, 2017 and $546,000 as of December 31, 2016.
The agricultural real estate and agricultural operating loan portfolio classifications remain in a weakened position. The watch and special mention loans in these categories are $42,542,000 as of March 31, 2017 as compared to $38,492,000 as of December 31, 2016. The substandard loans in these categories are $4,233,000 as of March 31, 2017 as compared to $2,399,000 as of December 31, 2016. The increase in these categories is primarily due to low grain prices, mitigated by favorable yields.
The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2017 was 1.41%, as compared to 1.38% at December 31, 2016. The allowance for loan losses totaled $10,902,000 and $10,507,000 as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Net charge-offs of loans totaled $3,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to net charge-offs of loans of $78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
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 March 31, 2017, 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:
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Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources
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Review of Statements of Cash Flows
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Company Only Cash Flows
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Review of Commitments for Capital Expenditures, Cash Flow Uncertainties and Known Trends in Liquidity and Cash Flows Needs
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Capital Resources
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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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 totaled $74,206,000 and $61,215,000, respectively, and provide an adequate level of liquidity given current economic conditions.
Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks as of March 31, 2017 include outstanding lines of credit with the FHLB of Des Moines, Iowa of $189,281,000, with $14,500,000 of outstanding FHLB advances. Federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks was $109,319,000, with no outstanding federal fund purchase balances as of March 31, 2017. The Company had securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $50,374,000 and term repurchase agreements of $13,000,000 as of March 31, 2017.
Total investments as of March 31, 2017 were $516,353,000 compared to $516,080,000 as of December 31, 2016. These investments provide the Company with a significant amount of liquidity since all of the investments are classified as available-for-sale as of March 31, 2017.
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 and payments represent a significant source of liquidity.
Review of Statements of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 totaled $6,242,000 and was comparable to the $6,342,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $33,220,000 compared to $9,582,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase of $23,638,000 in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a higher level of purchases of securities available-for-sale of $18,798,000 in 2017 compared to $6,945,000 in 2016; lower levels of proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale of $1,491,000 in 2017 compared to $12,365,000 in 2016; and a net increase in the loan portfolio, offset by a decrease in the change in interest bearing deposits.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 totaled $22,344,000 compared to $856,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The change of $21,488,000 in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to an increase in deposits in 2017 of $32,263,000 as compared to an increase in deposits of $9,670,000 in 2016. As of March 31, 2017, 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 Banks provide adequate liquidity to pay the Company’s expenses and stockholder dividends. Dividends paid by the Banks to the Company amounted to $2,600,000 and $2,150,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 $0.22 per share in 2017 from $0.21 per share in 2016.
The Company, on an unconsolidated basis, has interest bearing deposits totaling $12,281,000 as of March 31, 2017 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 March 31, 2017 that are of concern to management.
Capital Resources
The Company’s total stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2017 totaled $168,127,000 and was $3,022,000 higher than the $165,105,000 recorded as of December 31, 2016. 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 2017 market interest rates trending lower, which resulted in higher fair values in the securities available-for-sale portfolio. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 12.05% and 12.08%, respectively. The capital levels of the Company exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of March 31, 2017.
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; 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.