Ames National Corp.
ATLO
#8354
Rank
$0.24 B
Marketcap
$28.05
Share price
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Change (1 year)

Ames National Corp. - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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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 March 31, 2013
 
o
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 Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I. R. S. Employer 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  o
 
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 o
 
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 fileroAccelerated filer xNon-accelerated filer oSmaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     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 April 26, 2013)
 


 
 

 
 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION


   
Page
     
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
3
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
 
9
     
Item 2.
26
     
Item 3.
41
     
Item 4.
41
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
41
     
Item 1.A.
42
     
Item 2.
42
     
Item 3.
42
     
Item 4.
42
     
Item 5.
42
     
Item 6.
43
     
 
44

 
2

 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(unaudited)

   
March 31,
  
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2013
  
2012
 
        
Cash and due from banks
 $22,695,730  $34,805,371 
Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions
  76,070,883   44,639,033 
Securities available-for-sale
  608,303,937   588,417,037 
Loans receivable, net
  507,833,509   510,125,880 
Loans held for sale
  1,453,982   1,030,180 
Bank premises and equipment, net
  12,073,335   12,233,464 
Accrued income receivable
  7,161,067   7,173,703 
Other real estate owned
  9,595,828   9,910,825 
Core deposit intangible, net
  1,229,491   1,303,264 
Goodwill
  5,600,749   5,600,749 
Other assets
  2,511,842   2,452,593 
          
Total assets
 $1,254,530,353  $1,217,692,099 
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
        
          
LIABILITIES
        
Deposits
        
Demand, noninterest bearing
 $166,911,150  $182,033,279 
NOW accounts
  314,063,659   287,294,015 
Savings and money market
  302,870,203   279,774,197 
Time, $100,000 and over
  97,819,266   99,925,619 
Other time
  152,552,623   155,705,340 
Total deposits
  1,034,216,901   1,004,732,450 
          
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
  34,722,165   27,088,660 
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances
  12,593,618   14,611,035 
Other long-term borrowings
  20,000,000   20,000,000 
Dividend payable
  1,489,747   1,396,627 
Deferred income taxes
  1,039,518   1,632,560 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  4,696,722   3,495,032 
Total liabilities
  1,108,758,671   1,072,956,364 
          
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
        
Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued 9,432,915 shares; outstanding 9,310,913 shares as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
  18,865,830   18,865,830 
Additional paid-in capital
  22,651,222   22,651,222 
Retained earnings
  96,256,026   94,159,839 
Accumulated other comprehensive income-net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale
  10,015,102   11,075,342 
Treasury stock, at cost; 122,002 shares at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
  (2,016,498)  (2,016,498)
Total stockholders' equity
  145,771,682   144,735,735 
          
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 $1,254,530,353  $1,217,692,099 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
3


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

  
2013
  
2012
 
        
Interest income:
      
Loans, including fees
 $6,158,513  $5,810,757 
Securities:
        
Taxable
  1,379,962   1,624,644 
Tax-exempt
  1,728,433   1,650,715 
Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold
  109,733   125,253 
Total interest income
  9,376,641   9,211,369 
          
Interest expense:
        
Deposits
  995,840   1,169,318 
Other borrowed funds
  295,911   329,498 
Total interest expense
  1,291,751   1,498,816 
          
Net interest income
  8,084,890   7,712,553 
          
Provision for loan losses
  13,574   51,293 
          
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
  8,071,316   7,661,260 
          
Noninterest income:
        
Trust services income
  487,254   504,772 
Service fees
  375,825   337,439 
Securities gains, net
  68,991   307,533 
Gain on sale of loans held for sale
  355,543   285,039 
Merchant and ATM fees
  340,486   296,958 
Other noninterest income
  214,869   168,847 
Total noninterest income
  1,842,968   1,900,588 
          
Noninterest expense:
        
Salaries and employee benefits
  3,216,082   2,980,619 
Data processing
  572,635   509,330 
Occupancy expenses
  405,724   359,684 
FDIC insurance assessments
  160,308   154,461 
Professional fees
  272,455   317,473 
Business development
  191,351   181,116 
Other real estate owned (income) expense, net
  (5,181)  98,378 
Core deposit intangible amortization
  73,773   - 
Other operating expenses, net
  231,949   237,722 
Total noninterest expense
  5,119,096   4,838,783 
          
Income before income taxes
  4,795,188   4,723,065 
          
Provision for income taxes
  1,209,254   1,179,907 
          
Net income
 $3,585,934  $3,543,158 
          
Basic and diluted earnings per share
 $0.39  $0.38 
          
Dividends declared per share
 $0.16  $0.15 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
4


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
  
2012
 
        
        
Net income
 $3,585,934  $3,543,158 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
        
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities before tax:
        
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
  (1,613,929)  958,828 
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
  68,991   307,533 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
  (1,682,920)  651,295 
Tax effect related to other comprehensive income (loss)
  622,680   (240,980)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
  (1,060,240)  410,315 
Comprehensive income
 $2,525,694  $3,953,473 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
5


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

   
Common
Stock
  
Additional
Paid-in-Capital
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income, Net of
Taxes
  
Treasury
Stock
  
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
                    
Balance, December 31, 2011
 $18,865,830  $22,651,222  $85,564,078  $9,492,753  $(2,016,498) $134,557,385 
Net income
  -   -   3,543,158   -   -   3,543,158 
Other comprehensive income
  -   -   -   410,315   -   410,315 
Cash dividends declared, $0.15 per share
  -   -   (1,396,637)  -   -   (1,396,637)
Balance, March 31, 2012
 $18,865,830  $22,651,222  $87,710,599  $9,903,068  $(2,016,498) $137,114,221 
                          
Balance, December 31, 2012
 $18,865,830  $22,651,222  $94,159,839  $11,075,342  $(2,016,498) $144,735,735 
Net income
  -   -   3,585,934   -   -   3,585,934 
Other comprehensive loss
  -   -   -   (1,060,240)  -   (1,060,240)
Cash dividends declared, $0.16 per share
  -   -   (1,489,747)  -   -   (1,489,747)
Balance, March 31, 2013
 $18,865,830  $22,651,222  $96,256,026  $10,015,102  $(2,016,498) $145,771,682 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
6


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

   
2013
  
2012
 
        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
      
Net income
 $3,585,934  $3,543,158 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
        
Provision for loan losses
  13,574   51,293 
Provision for off-balance sheet commitments
  14,000   6,000 
Amortization, net, securities available-for-sale
  1,649,643   1,575,550 
Amortization of core deposit intangible asset
  73,773   - 
Depreciation
  190,428   174,664 
Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes
  29,639   (152,800)
Securities gains, net
  (68,991)  (307,533)
Impairment of other real estate owned
  -   22,475 
Loss (gain) on sale of other real estate owned, net
  (25,351)  8,674 
Change in assets and liabilities:
        
Increase in loans held for sale
  (423,802)  (168,231)
Decrease in accrued income receivable
  12,636   33,620 
Decrease (increase) in other assets
  (62,459)  101,016 
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
  1,187,690   1,358,096 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  6,176,714   6,245,982 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
        
Purchase of securities available-for-sale
  (48,732,167)  (58,422,193)
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale
  1,701,395   8,648,317 
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available-for-sale
  23,698,932   32,018,132 
Net increase in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions
  (31,431,850)  (37,197,365)
Net decrease in federal funds sold
  -   (700,000)
Net decrease (increase) in loans
  2,398,188   (5,810,130)
Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
  334,068   106,466 
Purchase of bank premises and equipment, net
  (27,089)  (110,346)
Net cash used in investing activities
  (52,058,523)  (61,467,119)
          
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
        
Increase in deposits
  29,552,707   61,026,139 
Increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
  7,633,505   (5,612,053)
Payments on FHLB borrowings
  (2,017,417)  (516,872)
Dividends paid
  (1,396,627)  (1,210,419)
Net cash provided by financing activities
  33,772,168   53,686,795 
          
Net decrease in cash and due from banks
  (12,109,641)  (1,534,342)
          
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
        
Beginning
  34,805,371   22,829,291 
Ending
 $22,695,730  $21,294,949 

 
7


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
 
 
 
2013
  
2012
 
        
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
      
Cash payments for:
      
Interest
 $1,394,056  $1,508,085 
Income taxes
  55,440   272,147 
          
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
        
Transfer of loans receivable to other real estate owned
 $5,205  $152,500 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
8


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


1. 
Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 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 generally accepted accounting principles 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, 2012 (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 and core deposit intangible asset:  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 March 31, 2013, Company management has performed a goodwill impairment analysis and determined goodwill was not impaired.

The only other significant intangible asset is a core deposit intangible.  The core deposit intangible asset is determined to have a definite life and is amortized over the estimated useful life.  The core deposit intangible asset is a customer based relationship valuation attributed to the expectation of a lower net cost of these deposits versus alternative sources of funds.  The core deposit intangible asset is reviewed for impairment whenever events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  No such events have occurred and Company management continues to amortize over the original estimated useful life.

2. 
Office Acquisition
 
On April 27, 2012, Reliance State Bank (Reliance Bank) completed the purchase of two bank offices located in Garner and Klemme, Iowa (the “Acquisition”).  This 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.  These offices were purchased for cash consideration of $5.4 million.  As a result of the Acquisition, the Company recorded a core deposit intangible asset of $1,500,000 and goodwill of $5,601,000. The results of operations for this Acquisition have been included since the transaction date of April 27, 2012.

 
9


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 the effective date of the transaction.
 
   
April 27,
 
   
2012
 
     
Cash consideration transferred
 $5,400,000 
      
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
    
      
Cash
 $49,703,137 
Loans receivable
  46,103,022 
Accrued interest receivable
  514,760 
Bank premises and equipment
  864,500 
Core deposit intangible asset
  1,500,000 
Deposits
  (98,766,558)
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
  (119,610)
      
Total identifiable net liabilities
 $(200,749)
      
Goodwill
 $5,600,749 

On April 27, 2012, the contractual balance of loans receivable acquired was $46,972,000 and the contractual balance of the deposits assumed was $98,109,000.  Loans receivable acquired include agricultural real estate, commercial real estate, 1-4 family real estate, commercial operating, agricultural operating and consumer loans determined to be pass rated.

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

The excess cash in the transaction has been utilized through purchases within Reliance Bank’s investment portfolio.  In the future, any excess cash will be used in the form of continued investment growth and to fund loan growth.

3. 
Dividends

On February 13, 2013, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock, payable on May 15, 2013 to stockholders of record as of May 1, 2013, equal to $0.16 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 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were 9,310,913.  The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented.

 
10



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, 2012.

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 process 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.

 
11


The following table presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Description
 
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
 
              
2013
            
              
U.S. government agencies
 $51,181,000  $-  $51,181,000  $- 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
  193,728,000   -   193,728,000   - 
State and political subdivisions
  324,841,000   -   324,841,000   - 
Corporate bonds
  35,166,000   -   35,166,000   - 
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
  694,000   694,000   -   - 
Equity securities, other
  2,694,000   -   2,694,000   - 
                  
 
 $608,304,000  $694,000  $607,610,000  $- 
                  
2012
                
                  
U.S. government agencies
 $48,687,000  $-  $48,687,000  $- 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
  191,957,000   -   191,957,000   - 
State and political subdivisions
  309,573,000   -   309,573,000   - 
Corporate bonds
  34,761,000   -   34,761,000   - 
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
  630,000   630,000   -   - 
Equity securities, other
  2,809,000   -   2,809,000   - 
                  
 
 $588,417,000  $630,000  $587,787,000  $- 
 
Level 1 securities include those 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.  Other securities available-for-sale 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.

 
12

 
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 with the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Description
 
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
 
              
2013
            
              
Loans receivable
 $3,612,000  $-  $-  $3,612,000 
Other real estate owned
  9,596,000   -   -   9,596,000 
                  
Total
 $13,208,000  $-  $-  $13,208,000 
                  
2012
                
                  
Loans receivable
 $2,732,000  $-  $-  $2,732,000 
Other real estate owned
  9,911,000   -   -   9,911,000 
                  
Total
 $12,643,000  $-  $-  $12,643,000 

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 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.  Subsequent to the transfer, other real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs.  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 Company considers these fair values level 3.

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.

 
13

 
The following disclosures represent financial instruments in which the ending balances at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are not carried at fair value in their entirety on the consolidated balance sheets.

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

Securities available-for-sale:  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the securities credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.

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

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.

Deposit liabilities:  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 and other short-term borrowings:  The carrying amounts of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the generally short-term nature of the instruments.

FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings:  Fair values of FHLB advances and other long-term 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 carry 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.

 
14

 
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as described above were as follows:

     
March 31,
  
December 31,
 
 
 
 
2013
  
2012
 
 
Fair Value
            
 
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
  
Fair
  
Carrying
  
Fair
 
 
Level
 
Amount
  
Value
  
Amount
  
Value
 
                
Financial assets:
              
Cash and due from banks
Level 1
 $22,695,730  $22,696,000  $34,805,371  $34,805,000 
Interest bearing deposits
Level 1
  76,070,883   76,071,000   44,639,033   44,639,000 
Securities available-for-sale
See previous table
  608,303,937   608,304,000   588,417,037   588,417,000 
Loans receivable, net
Level 2
  507,833,509   511,637,000   510,125,880   514,047,000 
Loans held for sale
Level 2
  1,453,982   1,454,000   1,030,180   1,030,000 
Accrued income receivable
Level 1
  7,161,067   7,161,000   7,173,703   7,174,000 
Financial liabilities:
                  
Deposits
Level 2
 $1,034,216,901  $1,036,712,000  $1,004,732,450  $1,008,013,000 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Level 1
  34,722,165   34,722,000   27,088,660   27,089,000 
FHLB advances
Level 2
  12,593,618   13,864,000   14,611,035   15,997,000 
Other long-term borrowings
Level 2
  20,000,000   22,263,000   20,000,000   22,404,000 
Accrued interest payable
Level 1
  718,376   718,000   752,425   752,000 

The methodology used to determine fair value as of March 31, 2013 did not change from the methodology used in the December 31, 2012 Annual Report.

 
15


7. 
Debt and Equity Securities
 
The amortized cost of securities available-for-sale and their fair values are summarized below:

      
Gross
  
Gross
    
   
Amortized
  
Unrealized
  
Unrealized
  
 
 
   
Cost
  
Gains
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
 
March 31, 2013:
            
U.S. government agencies
 $48,938,063  $2,258,815  $(15,736) $51,181,142 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
  189,197,448   4,695,291   (165,058)  193,727,681 
State and political subdivisions
  316,296,601   9,203,882   (659,132)  324,841,351 
Corporate bonds
  34,651,039   1,144,912   (629,888)  35,166,063 
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
  629,700   63,900   -   693,600 
Equity securities, other
  2,694,100   -   -   2,694,100 
   $592,406,951  $17,366,800  $(1,469,814) $608,303,937 

      
Gross
  
Gross
    
   
Amortized
  
Unrealized
  
Unrealized
  
 
 
   
Cost
  
Gains
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
 
December 31, 2012:
            
U.S. government agencies
 $46,264,590  $2,422,445  $-  $48,687,035 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
  187,174,681   4,947,586   (165,076)  191,957,191 
State and political subdivisions
  300,025,960   9,963,545   (416,544)  309,572,961 
Corporate bonds
  33,933,600   1,098,168   (270,218)  34,761,550 
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
  629,700   -   -   629,700 
Equity securities, other
  2,808,600   -   -   2,808,600 
   $570,837,131  $18,431,744  $(851,838) $588,417,037 

The proceeds, gains and losses from securities available-for-sale for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized below:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
  
2012
 
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
 $1,701,395  $8,648,317 
Gross realized gains on securities available-for-sale
  70,502   307,763 
Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale
  1,511   230 
Tax provision applicable to net realized gains on securities available-for-sale
  26,000   115,000 

 
16


Unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, are summarized as follows:

   
Less than 12 Months
  
12 Months or More
  
Total
 
   
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
Losses
 
2013:
                  
                    
Securities available-for-sale:
                  
U.S. government agencies
 $4,342,660  $(15,736) $-  $-  $4,342,660  $(15,736)
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
 $24,397,002  $(165,058) $-  $-  $24,397,002  $(165,058)
State and political subdivisions
  44,975,134   (642,358)  961,118   (16,774)  45,936,252   (659,132)
Corporate bonds
  14,420,451   (629,888)  -   -   14,420,451   (629,888)
   $88,135,247  $(1,453,040) $961,118  $(16,774) $89,096,365  $(1,469,814)

   
Less than 12 Months
  
12 Months or More
  
Total
 
   
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
Losses
  
Fair Value
  
Unrealized
Losses
 
2012:
                  
                    
Securities available-for-sale:
                  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
 $20,972,453  $(165,076) $-  $-  $20,972,453  $(165,076)
State and political subdivisions
  30,651,869   (410,357)  578,145   (6,187)  31,230,014   (416,544)
Corporate bonds
  13,979,171   (270,218)  -   -   13,979,171   (270,218)
   $65,603,493  $(845,651) $578,145  $(6,187) $66,181,638  $(851,838)
 
Gross unrealized losses on debt securities totaled $1,469,814 as of March 31, 2013.  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.

 
17


8. 
Loan Receivable and Credit Disclosures

Activity in the allowance for loan losses, on a disaggregated basis, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
      
1-4 Family
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
Construction
  
Residential
  
Commercial
  
Agricultural
        
Consumer
    
   
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Commercial
  
Agricultural
  
and Other
  
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2012
 $375  $1,433  $2,859  $523  $1,461  $945  $177  $7,773 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
  (49)  61   216   1   (157)  (41)  (17)  14 
Recoveries of loans charged-off
  -   21   -   -   1   -   4   26 
Loans charged-off
  -   (23)  -   -   -   -   (4)  (27)
Balance, March 31, 2013
 $326  $1,492  $3,075  $524  $1,305  $904  $160  $7,786 

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
      
1-4 Family
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
Construction
  
Residential
  
Commercial
  
Agricultural
        
Consumer
    
   
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Commercial
  
Agricultural
  
and Other
  
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
 $793  $1,402  $2,859  $501  $1,352  $764  $234  $7,905 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
  24   (10)  (42)  15   61   40   (37)  51 
Recoveries of loans charged-off
  -   3   -   -   4   -   22   29 
Loans charged-off
  -   (10)  -   -   -   -   (9)  (19)
Balance, March 31, 2012
 $817  $1,385  $2,817  $516  $1,417  $804  $210  $7,966 

Allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

2013
 
 
 
      
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
 $100  $148  $232  $-  $200  $6  $1  $687 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
  226   1,344   2,843   524   1,105   898   159   7,099 
Balance March 31, 2013
 $326  $1,492  $3,075  $524  $1,305  $904  $160  $7,786 

2012
 
 
 
      
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
 $100  $110  $86  $-  $400  $6  $-  $702 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
  275   1,323   2,773   523   1,061   939   177   7,071 
Balance December 31, 2012
 $375  $1,433  $2,859  $523  $1,461  $945  $177  $7,773 

 
18

 
Loans receivable disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

2013
 
 
 
      
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
 $1,434  $1,209  $3,207  $-  $792  $6  $4  $6,652 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
  13,359   106,942   185,537   40,837   81,038   67,031   14,250   508,994 
                                  
Balance March 31, 2013
 $14,793  $108,151  $188,744  $40,837  $81,830  $67,037  $14,254  $515,646 

2012
 
 
 
      
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
 $1,493  $1,121  $3,280  $-  $710  $6  $4  $6,614 
Collectively evaluated for impairment
  15,584   103,147   175,380   43,868   79,554   77,477   16,336   511,346 
                                  
Balance December 31, 2012
 $17,077  $104,268  $178,660  $43,868  $80,264  $77,483  $16,340  $517,960 

 
19


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 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, at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

2013
 
 
 
      
Unpaid
    
   
Recorded
  
Principal
  
Related
 
   
Investment
  
Balance
  
Allowance
 
With no specific reserve recorded:
         
Real estate - construction
 $1,005,000  $1,005,000  $- 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  664,000   664,000   - 
Real estate - commercial
  611,000   611,000   - 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   - 
Commercial
  70,000   70,000   - 
Agricultural
  -   -   - 
Consumer and other
  3,000   3,000   - 
Total loans with no specific reserve:
  2,353,000   2,353,000   - 
              
With an allowance recorded:
            
Real estate - construction
  429,000   429,000   100,000 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  545,000   555,000   148,000 
Real estate - commercial
  2,596,000   2,596,000   232,000 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   - 
Commercial
  722,000   722,000   200,000 
Agricultural
  6,000   6,000   6,000 
Consumer and other
  1,000   1,000   1,000 
Total loans with specific reserve:
  4,299,000   4,309,000   687,000 
              
Total
            
Real estate - construction
  1,434,000   1,434,000   100,000 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  1,209,000   1,219,000   148,000 
Real estate - commercial
  3,207,000   3,207,000   232,000 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   - 
Commercial
  792,000   792,000   200,000 
Agricultural
  6,000   6,000   6,000 
Consumer and other
  4,000   4,000   1,000 
              
   $6,652,000  $6,662,000  $687,000 
 
 
20

 
2012
 
 
 
   
 
  
Unpaid
  
 
 
   
Recorded
  
Principal
  
Related
 
   
Investment
  
Balance
  
Allowance
 
           
With no specific reserve recorded:
         
Real estate - construction
 $1,060,000  $1,060,000  $- 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  655,000   655,000   - 
Real estate - commercial
  1,381,000   1,381,000   - 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   - 
Commercial
  80,000   80,000   - 
Agricultural
  -   -   - 
Consumer and other
  4,000   4,000   - 
Total loans with no specific reserve:
  3,180,000   3,180,000   - 
              
With an allowance recorded:
            
Real estate - construction
  433,000   433,000   100,000 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  466,000   466,000   110,000 
Real estate - commercial
  1,899,000   1,899,000   86,000 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   - 
Commercial
  630,000   630,000   400,000 
Agricultural
  6,000   6,000   6,000 
Consumer and other
  -   -   - 
Total loans with specific reserve:
  3,434,000   3,434,000   702,000 
              
Total
            
Real estate - construction
  1,493,000   1,493,000   100,000 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  1,121,000   1,121,000   110,000 
Real estate - commercial
  3,280,000   3,280,000   86,000 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   - 
Commercial
  710,000   710,000   400,000 
Agricultural
  6,000   6,000   6,000 
Consumer and other
  4,000   4,000   - 
              
   $6,614,000  $6,614,000  $702,000 

 
21


The following is a recap of the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

   
Three Months ended March 31,
 
   
2013
  
2012
 
   
Average
  
Interest
  
Average
  
Interest
 
   
Recorded
  
Income
  
Recorded
  
Income
 
   
Investment
  
Recognized
  
Investment
  
Recognized
 
With no specific reserve recorded:
            
Real estate - construction
 $1,033,000  $-  $1,660,000  $- 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  660,000   -   1,965,000   5,000 
Real estate - commercial
  996,000   2,000   941,000   - 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   -   - 
Commercial
  75,000   -   -   - 
Agricultural
  -   -   -   - 
Consumer and other
  4,000   -   -   - 
Total loans with no specific reserve:
  2,768,000   2,000   4,566,000   5,000 
                  
With an allowance recorded:
                
Real estate - construction
  431,000   -   632,000   - 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  506,000   -   315,000   - 
Real estate - commercial
  2,248,000   -   1,739,000   - 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   -   - 
Commercial
  676,000   -   589,000   - 
Agricultural
  6,000   -   -   - 
Consumer and other
  1,000   -   1,000   - 
Total loans with specific reserve:
  3,868,000   -   3,276,000   - 
                  
Total
                
Real estate - construction
  1,464,000   -   2,292,000   - 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  1,166,000   -   2,280,000   5,000 
Real estate - commercial
  3,244,000   2,000   2,680,000   - 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   -   - 
Commercial
  751,000   -   589,000   - 
Agricultural
  6,000   -   -   - 
Consumer and other
  5,000   -   1,000   - 
                  
   $6,636,000  $2,000  $7,842,000  $5,000 

The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $85,000 and $116,000, respectively.
 
The Company had loans meeting the definition of a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) of $4,956,000 as of March 31, 2013, of which all were included in impaired loans, $3,911,000 was included as nonaccrual loans and $1,045,000 was on accrual status. The Company had TDR of $5,105,000 as of December 31, 2012, all of which were included in impaired loans, $4,058,000 was included as nonaccrual loans and $1,047,000 was on accrual status.

 
22


There was no new TDR activity in the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

Two TDR loans modified during the twelve months ended March 31, 2013 in the amount of $147,000 had payment defaults.  There were no TDR loans modified during the twelve months ended March 31, 2012, with subsequent payment defaults.  A TDR loan is considered to have payment default when it is past due 60 days or more.

There was no financial impact for specific reserves or from charge-offs for the TDR loans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

An aging analysis of the recorded investments in loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, is as follows:

2013
 
 
 
      
90 Days
           
90 Days
 
   30-89  
or Greater
  
Total
        
or Greater
 
   
Past Due
  
Past Due
  
Past Due
  
Current
  
Total
  
Accruing
 
                     
Real estate - construction
 $351,000  $-  $351,000  $14,442,000  $14,793,000  $- 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  1,198,000   459,000   1,657,000   106,494,000   108,151,000   32,000 
Real estate - commercial
  85,000   47,000   132,000   188,612,000   188,744,000   - 
Real estate - agricultural
  439,000   -   439,000   40,398,000   40,837,000   - 
Commercial
  502,000   263,000   765,000   81,065,000   81,830,000   - 
Agricultural
  303,000   -   303,000   66,734,000   67,037,000   - 
Consumer and other
  166,000   1,000   167,000   14,087,000   14,254,000   - 
                          
   $3,044,000  $770,000  $3,814,000  $511,832,000  $515,646,000  $32,000 

2012
 
 
 
      
90 Days
           
90 Days
 
   30-89  
or Greater
  
Total
        
or Greater
 
   
Past Due
  
Past Due
  
Past Due
  
Current
  
Total
  
Accruing
 
                     
Real estate - construction
 $5,000  $-  $5,000  $17,072,000  $17,077,000  $- 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
  973,000   275,000   1,248,000   103,020,000   104,268,000   - 
Real estate - commercial
  17,000   135,000   152,000   178,508,000   178,660,000   - 
Real estate - agricultural
  -   -   -   43,868,000   43,868,000   - 
Commercial
  449,000   -   449,000   79,815,000   80,264,000   - 
Agricultural
  71,000   -   71,000   77,412,000   77,483,000   - 
Consumer and other
  57,000   4,000   61,000   16,279,000   16,340,000   - 
                          
   $1,572,000  $414,000  $1,986,000  $515,974,000  $517,960,000  $- 

 
23

 
The credit risk profile by internally assigned grade, on a disaggregated basis, at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:

2013
    
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
    
   
Construction
  
Commercial
  
Agricultural
  
 
  
 
    
   
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Commercial
  
Agricultural
  
Total
 
                    
Pass
 $7,148,000  $149,191,000  $36,314,000  $69,666,000  $64,532,000  $326,851,000 
Watch
  3,129,000   22,392,000   3,755,000   8,676,000   2,323,000   40,275,000 
Special Mention
  698,000   10,009,000   -   953,000   -   11,660,000 
Substandard
  2,384,000   3,945,000   768,000   1,743,000   176,000   9,016,000 
Substandard-Impaired
  1,434,000   3,207,000   -   792,000   6,000   5,439,000 
                          
   $14,793,000  $188,744,000  $40,837,000  $81,830,000  $67,037,000  $393,241,000 

2012
    
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
    
   
Construction
  
Commercial
  
Agricultural
  
 
  
 
    
   
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Real Estate
  
Commercial
  
Agricultural
  
Total
 
                    
Pass
 $8,127,000  $141,206,000  $40,201,000  $66,390,000  $75,920,000  $331,844,000 
Watch
  3,209,000   17,456,000   2,931,000   11,321,000   1,093,000   36,010,000 
Special Mention
  741,000   10,119,000   -   30,000   -   10,890,000 
Substandard
  3,507,000   6,599,000   736,000   1,813,000   464,000   13,119,000 
Substandard-Impaired
  1,493,000   3,280,000   -   710,000   6,000   5,489,000 
                          
   $17,077,000  $178,660,000  $43,868,000  $80,264,000  $77,483,000  $397,352,000 

The credit risk profile based on payment activity, on a disaggregated basis, at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:

2013
         
   
1-4 Family
       
   
Residential
  
Consumer
    
   
Real Estate
  
and Other
  
Total
 
           
Performing
 $107,287,000  $14,249,000  $121,536,000 
Non-performing
  864,000   5,000   869,000 
              
   $108,151,000  $14,254,000  $122,405,000 
 
2012
           
   
1-4 Family
         
   
Residential
  
Consumer
     
   
Real Estate
  
and Other
  
Total
 
              
Performing
 $103,342,000  $16,336,000  $119,678,000 
Non-performing
  926,000   4,000   930,000 
              
   $104,268,000  $16,340,000  $120,608,000 

 
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9. 
Other Real Estate Owned

The following table provides the composition of other real estate owned as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

   
2013
  
2012
 
        
Construction and land development
 $7,489,151  $7,534,664 
1 to 4 family residential real estate
  1,292,299   1,561,784 
Commercial real estate
  814,378   814,377 
          
   $9,595,828  $9,910,825 

The Company is actively marketing the assets referred 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

Goodwill recognized in the Acquisition was primarily attributable to an expanded market share and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the Garner and Klemme offices with Reliance Bank.  The goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at least annually.  For income tax purposes, goodwill is amortized over 15 years.

11. 
Core deposit intangible asset

In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Corporation recorded $1.5 million in core deposit intangible asset.  The following sets forth the carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of core deposit intangible assets:

   
2013
 
   
Gross
  
Accumulated
 
   
Amount
  
Amortization
 
        
Core deposit intangible asset
 $1,500,000  $270,509 
 
There were no additions of other significant acquired intangible assets during 2013 or 2012.
 
 
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Amortization expense on core deposit intangible assets totaled $73,773 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Estimated remaining amortization expense on core deposit intangible for the years ending is as follows:

2013
 $199,927 
2014
  244,000 
2015
  217,500 
2016
  193,864 
2017
  172,768 
2018 and thereafter
  201,432 
 
12. 
Subsequent Events

Management evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.   There were no significant events or transactions occurring after March 31, 2013, but prior to May 9, 2013, that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at March 31, 2013.  There were no significant events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that did not exist at March 31, 2013.


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 trust services.  The Banks also offer investment services through a third-party broker-dealer.  The Company employs eleven individuals to assist with financial reporting, human resources, audit, compliance, marketing, technology systems and the coordination of management activities, in addition to 191 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 trust services provided by those Banks exercising trust powers; (iv) service charges on deposit accounts maintained at the Banks and (v) gain on sale of loans held for sale.  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; and (v) occupancy expenses for maintaining the Banks’ facilities.  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.

 
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The Company had net income of $3,586,000, or $0.39 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to net income of $3,543,000, or $0.38 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Total equity capital as of March 31, 2013 totaled $145.8 million or 11.6% of total assets.

The improvement in quarterly earnings can be primarily attributed to higher loan interest income and lower deposit interest expense, offset in part by higher noninterest expenses and lower investment interest income.  The Acquisition contributed to increases in net interest income, noninterest income, excluding securities gains and noninterest expense.
 
Net loan charge-offs totaled $400 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and net loan recoveries totaled $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The provision for loan losses totaled $14,000 and $51,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, 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 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.

·         If Interest rates increase significantly over a relatively short period of time due to improving national employment or higher inflationary pressures, the interest rate environment may present a challenge to the Company.  Increases in interest rates may negatively impact the Company’s net interest margin if interest expense increases more quickly than interest income.  The Company’s earning assets (primarily its loan and investment portfolio) have longer maturities than its interest bearing liabilities (primarily deposits and other borrowings); therefore, in a rising interest rate environment, interest expense may increase more quickly than interest income as the interest bearing liabilities reprice more quickly than earning assets.  In response to this challenge, the Banks model quarterly the changes in income that would result from various changes in interest rates.  Management believes Bank earning assets have the appropriate maturity and repricing characteristics to optimize earnings and the Banks’ interest rate risk positions.

 
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·         If market interest rates in the three to five year time horizons remain at historically low levels as compared to the short term interest rates, the interest rate environment may present a challenge to the Company.   The Company’s earning assets will reprice at lower interest rates, but the deposit will not reprice at significantly lower interest rates, therefore, the net interest income may decrease.  Management believes Bank earning assets have the appropriate maturity and repricing characteristics to optimize earnings and the Banks’ interest rate risk positions.

·         Other real estate owned amounted to $9.6 million and $9.9 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Other real estate owned expense (income) amounted to $(5,000) and $98,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Management obtains independent appraisals or performs evaluations to determine that these properties are carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell.  It is at least reasonably possible that change in fair values will occur in the near term and that such changes could have a negative impact on the Company’s earnings.
 
·         The full compliance burden and impact on the Company’s operations and profitability with respect to the Dodd-Frank Act are currently unknown, as the Dodd-Frank Act delegates to various federal agencies the task of implementing its many provisions through regulation.  Hundreds of new federal regulations, studies and reports are required under the Dodd-Frank Act and not all of them have been finalized.  Although certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have been implemented, federal rules and policies in this area will be further developing for months and years to come.  Based on the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and anticipated implementing regulations, it is highly likely that Banks, as well as the Company, will be subject to significantly increased regulation and compliance obligations that will expose the Company to higher costs as well as noncompliance risk and consequences.

·         The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, established under the Dodd-Frank Act, has broad rulemaking authority to administer and carry out the purposes and objectives of the “Federal consumer financial laws, and to prevent evasions thereof” with respect to all financial institutions that offer financial products and services to consumers.  The Bureau is also authorized to prescribe rules, applicable to any covered person or service provider, identifying and prohibiting acts or practices that are “unfair, deceptive, or abusive” in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service (“UDAAP authority”).  The term “abusive” is new and untested, and because Bureau officials have indicated that compliance will be achieved through enforcement rather than the issuance of regulations, the Company cannot predict to what extent the Bureau’s future actions will have on the banking industry or the Company.  The full reach and impact of the Bureau’s broad new rulemaking powers and UDAAP authority on the operations of financial institutions offering consumer financial products or services is currently unknown.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, insured depository institutions with assets of $10 billion or less (such as the Banks) will continue to be supervised and examined by their primary federal regulators, rather than the Bureau, with respect to compliance with federal consumer protection laws.

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 7,083 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.

 
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Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry

   
Quarter Ended
                
   
March 31,
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
  
2012
  
2011
  
2010
 
   
Company
  
Company
  
Industry*
  
Company
  
Industry
  
Company
  
Industry
 
                       
Return on assets
  1.18%  1.24%  1.00%  1.38%  0.88%  1.40%  0.66%
                              
Return on equity
  9.87%  10.08%  8.92%  10.82%  7.86%  10.91%  5.99%
                              
Net interest margin
  3.13%  3.35%  3.42%  3.60%  3.60%  3.74%  3.76%
                              
Efficiency ratio
  51.56%  52.33%  61.60%  49.80%  61.37%  50.12%  57.22%
                              
Capital ratio
  11.91%  12.31%  9.15%  12.75%  9.09%  12.80%  8.90%

*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 1.18% and 1.33% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The decrease in this ratio in 2013 from the previous period is primarily the result of an increase in average assets.  This increase in new or repriced earning assets generated less interest income given the low interest rate environment.

·         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 9.87% and 10.37% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The decrease in this ratio in 2013 from the previous period is primarily the result of higher average equity.

·         Net Interest Margin

The net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was 3.13% and 3.41%, 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 2013 is primarily the result of higher interest earning average assets with lower market yields, offset in part by lower market cost of funds on interest bearing liabilities.

·         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 51.56% and 50.34% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The change in the efficiency ratio in 2013 from the previous period is primarily the result of increased noninterest expense.

 
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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 11.91% and 12.31% as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, is significantly higher than the industry average.

Industry Results

The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the fourth quarter of 2012:

Net Income Is More Than a Third Higher Than in Fourth Quarter 2011

Bolstered by higher noninterest income and lower provisions for loan losses, earnings at FDIC-insured institutions in fourth quarter 2012 posted a $9.3 billion (36.9%) increase over the total for fourth quarter 2011. The $34.7 billion in fourth-quarter net income was the highest total for a fourth quarter since 2006. Well over half of all institutions—60%—reported year-over-year improvement in quarterly earnings, while the share of institutions reporting net losses for the quarter fell to 14%, from 20% a year earlier. The average return on assets (ROA) rose to 0.97% from 0.73% in fourth quarter 2011.

Noninterest Income Rebounds From Year-Earlier Weakness

The $10 billion (18.2%) year-over-year improvement in noninterest income was driven primarily by higher gains on loan sales (up $2.4 billion, or 132.4%, over fourth quarter 2011), increased trading revenue (up $1.9 billion, or 75.3%), and reduced losses on sales of foreclosed property (down $1.2 billion, or 72%). Additionally, noninterest income at some large banks was adversely affected a year ago by appreciation in the fair values of their liabilities; the absence of similar accounting losses in this quarter’s results also helped to improve noninterest income. Overall, almost two out of every three banks (62.3%) reported year-over-year increases in noninterest income.

Insured Institutions Continue to Reduce Their Loss Provisions

Banks set aside $15.1 billion in loan-loss provisions in the fourth quarter, a $4.9 billion (24.6%) reduction compared with fourth quarter 2011. This is the smallest fourth-quarter loss provision since 2006, and marks the 13th consecutive quarter with a year-over-year decline in loss provisions. More than half of all institutions—53.6%—reported lower loss provisions.

Banks See Margins Erode

The increase in noninterest income and reduction in loss provisions helped offset a $2.7 billion (2.5%) year-over-year decline in net interest income. Fourth-quarter net interest income totaled $104.4 billion, compared with $107.1 billion a year ago. This is the lowest quarterly total since fourth quarter 2009, when the industry had $1.4 trillion less in interest-bearing assets. The average net interest margin (NIM) fell to 3.32%, from 3.57% in fourth quarter 2011, as average asset yields declined more rapidly than average funding costs. This is the lowest quarterly NIM for the industry since fourth quarter 2007. More than two-thirds of all banks—67.9%—reported year-over-year NIM declines.

 
30

 
Full-Year Earnings Are Second Highest Ever

Full-year net income totaled $141.3 billion, a $22.9 billion (19.3%) improvement over 2011. This is the second-highest annual earnings ever reported by the industry, after the $145.2 billion total in 2006, when the industry had $2.7 trillion less in assets. The average ROA rose to 1.00% from 0.88% in 2011. The largest contribution to the increase in earnings came from reduced provisions for loan losses, which fell by $19.3 billion (24.9%). Noninterest income was $18.4 billion (8%) higher than in 2011, thanks to an $11.2 billion (174.4%) increase in gains on loan sales, a $6.8 billion (93.9%) increase in servicing income, and a $2.4 billion (51.8%) reduction in losses on foreclosed property sales. The improvement in noninterest income was limited by a $12.4 billion negative swing in results from trading credit exposures. Net interest income was $1.3 billion (0.3%) lower than in 2011, as the full-year NIM fell from 3.60% to 3.42%. Realized gains on securities and other assets added $4.2 billion (75.7%) more to pretax earnings than a year earlier.

Loan Losses Improve Across All Loan Categories

Asset quality indicators continued to improve in the fourth quarter. Net charge-offs (NCOs) totaled $18.6 billion, down $7 billion (27.4%) from fourth quarter 2011. This is the 10th consecutive quarter that NCOs have declined. It is the lowest quarterly NCO total since fourth quarter 2007. All major loan categories showed year-over-year improvement in quarterly NCO amounts. The largest declines occurred in 1-to-4 family residential mortgages, where quarterly NCOs fell by $1.5 billion (29.3%), in real estate construction and development loans, where NCOs declined by $1.3 billion (62.6%), in credit cards, where NCOs were $1 billion (14.1%) lower, and in loans to commercial and industrial (C&I) borrowers, where NCOs were also $1 billion (39.7%) lower.

Noncurrent Rate Declines to Four-Year Low

The amount of loans that were noncurrent (90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status) declined by $16.1 billion (5.5%) during the quarter. At year-end, noncurrent loan balances totaled $276.8 billion, compared with $292.8 billion at the end of the third quarter. The percentage of total loans and leases that were noncurrent fell from 3.86% to 3.60%, the lowest level since the end of 2008. Noncurrent balances fell in all major loan categories in the fourth quarter. Noncurrent 1-to-4 family residential mortgage balances declined by $6.4 billion (3.5%), while noncurrent real estate construction and development loans fell by $3.6 billion (17.3%), and noncurrent nonfarm nonresidential real estate loans declined by $3.1 billion (9.2%).

Coverage of Noncurrent Loans Improves Despite Reduction in Reserves

Insured institutions reduced their reserves for loan losses by $5 billion (3%) in the fourth quarter, as fourth-quarter loss provisions replenished only $15.1 billion of the $18.6 billion taken out of reserves by NCOs. This is the 11th consecutive quarter that the industry’s reserve balances have declined. The trend toward lower reserves continues to be led by larger institutions. More institutions added to their reserves than reduced them (48.8% versus 43.5%, respectively). Despite the overall reduction in reserves, the larger decline in noncurrent loan balances at insured institutions meant that the industry’s coverage ratio of reserves to noncurrent loans increased from 57.0% to 58.5% during the quarter.

Decline in Securities Values Contributes to Reduction in Equity Capital

Total equity capital fell by $5.6 billion (0.3%) in the fourth quarter. The decline reflected a $7.2 billion decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income, as unrealized gains on securities held for sale fell by $7.6 billion (10.4%). For the industry as a whole, retained earnings made no contribution to equity formation in the fourth quarter, as declared dividends of $35.5 billion exceeded the $34.7 billion in quarterly net income. The high level of dividends was the result of a large quarterly dividend declared at one institution. A majority of institutions, 55.2%, added to their equity capital during the quarter.

 
31

 
Loan Balances Increase for Sixth Time in Seven Quarters

Total assets increased by $227.8 billion (1.6%). Loans accounted for more than half of the increase, as net loan and lease balances rose by $123.2 billion (1.7%). Loan growth was led by C&I loans (up $53.4 billion, or 3.7%), credit cards (up $28.2 billion, or 4.2%), and nonfarm nonresidential real estate loans (up $14.6 billion, or 1.4%). Home equity loan balances fell by $12.6 billion (2.2%) during the quarter, while balances of real estate construction and development loans declined by $6.6 billion (3.1%). Loans to small businesses and farms increased by $1.7 billion (0.3%), as small C&I loans (original amounts of $1 million or less) rose by $5.3 billion (1.9%), and small farmland loans (original amounts of $500,000 or less) increased by $234 million (0.6%). Cash and balances due from depository institutions increased by $87.2 billion (6.4%), as banks increased their balances with Federal Reserve banks by $60.2 billion (9.1%). Banks’ investment securities portfolios grew by $23.5 billion (0.8%) during the quarter.

Large Denomination Deposit Balances Surge

Total deposits increased by $313.1 billion (3%), as deposits in domestic offices posted a record $386.8 billion (4.3%) increase. Most of the growth consisted of large denomination deposits. Balances in accounts of more than $250,000 increased by $348.5 billion (8.2%). Uninsured deposit balances increased by $252.7 billion (12.7%), while balances in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts above the basic FDIC coverage level of $250,000 that had temporary full FDIC coverage through the end of 2012 increased by $49.5 billion (3.3%). Banks reduced their nondeposit liabilities by $76.9 billion (3.7%), and their foreign office deposits by $73.7 billion (5.1%).

Quarterly Failures Decline to 4 ½ Year Low

In the fourth quarter, the number of insured commercial banks and savings institutions reporting financial results fell from 7,181 to 7,083. During the quarter, 88 institutions were merged into other banks, and eight insured institutions failed. This is the smallest number of failures in a quarter since second quarter 2008. For the sixth quarter in a row, no new reporting institutions were added. The year 2012 is the first in FDIC history that no new reporting institutions were added, and the second year in a row with no start-up de novo charters (the three new reporters in 2011 were all charters created to absorb failed banks). The number of institutions on the FDIC’s “Problem List” declined for a seventh consecutive quarter, from 694 to 651. Total assets of “problem” institutions fell from $262 billion to $233 billion. During the fourth quarter, insured institutions increased the number of their employees by 4,259 (0.2%).

 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 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 and other intangible assets.

 
32

 
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 and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and the core deposit intangible asset arose in connection with the Acquisition.  These assets are 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.   Through March 31, 2013, no conditions indicated impairment has incurred.  The next annual test will be performed in the fourth quarter of 2013.  Actual future test results may differ from the present evaluation of impairment due to changes in the conditions used in the current evaluation.

 
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Income Statement Review for the Three Months ended March 31, 2013

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

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 March 31,
 
                    
   
2013
  
2012
 
                    
   
Average
  
Revenue/
  
Yield/
  
Average
  
Revenue/
  
Yield/
 
   
balance
  
expense
  
rate
  
balance
  
expense
  
rate
 
ASSETS
                  
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Interest-earning assets
                  
Loans 1
                  
Commercial
 $79,983  $938   4.69% $78,983  $973   4.93%
Agricultural
  66,646   904   5.42%  48,196   657   5.45%
Real estate
  347,848   4,109   4.73%  303,330   3,918   5.17%
Consumer and other
  15,560   207   5.33%  19,713   262   5.32%
                          
Total loans (including fees)
  510,037   6,158   4.83%  450,222   5,810   5.16%
                          
Investment securities
                        
Taxable
  293,991   1,380   1.88%  268,106   1,625   2.42%
Tax-exempt  2
  286,326   2,658   3.71%  233,346   2,539   4.35%
Total investment securities
  580,317   4,038   2.78%  501,452   4,164   3.32%
                          
Interest bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold
  60,569   110   0.72%  58,398   125   0.86%
                          
Total interest-earning assets
  1,150,923  $10,306   3.58%  1,010,072  $10,099   4.00%
                          
Noninterest-earning assets
  69,055           58,730         
                          
TOTAL ASSETS
 $1,219,978          $1,068,802         

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%.

 
34

 
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES
 
                    
 
 
Three Months ended March 31,
 
                    
   
2013
  
2012
 
                    
   
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
 $582,405  $287   0.20% $469,684  $271   0.23%
Time deposits > $100,000
  99,324   281   1.13%  107,880   366   1.36%
Time deposits < $100,000
  154,261   428   1.11%  137,262   533   1.55%
Total deposits
  835,990   996   0.48%  714,826   1,170   0.65%
Other borrowed funds
  65,512   296   1.81%  75,506   329   1.75%
                          
Total Interest-bearing liabilities
  901,502   1,292   0.57%  790,332   1,499   0.76%
                          
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
                        
Demand deposits
  165,766           134,985         
Other liabilities
  7,426           6,824         
                          
Stockholders' equity
  145,284           136,661         
                          
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 $1,219,978          $1,068,802         
                          
                          
Net interest income
     $9,014   3.13%     $8,599   3.41%
                          
Spread Analysis
                        
Interest income/average assets
 $10,306   3.38%     $10,099   3.78%    
Interest expense/average assets
 $1,292   0.42%     $1,499   0.56%    
Net interest income/average assets
 $9,014   2.96%     $8,599   3.22%    

Net Interest Income

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.13% and 3.41%, respectively.  Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $8,085,000 compared to $7,713,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, interest income increased $165,000, or 1.8%, when compared to the same period in 2012.  The increase from 2012 was primarily attributable to higher average balance of investment securities and loans, offset in part by lower average yields on loans and investment securities.  The higher average balances were due primarily to the Acquisition.

Interest expense decreased $207,000, or 13.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012.  The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to lower average rates paid on deposits, offset in part by a higher average balance on deposits.  The higher average balances were due primarily to the Acquisition.

 
35


Provision for Loan Losses

The Company’s provision for loan losses was $14,000 and $51,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net loan charge-offs were $400 and net loan recoveries were $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Noninterest Income and Expense

Noninterest income decreased $58,000 or 3.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.   The decrease in non-interest income is primarily due to lower net security gains, offset in part by higher gains on the sale of loans.  The increase in the gain on the sale of loans was due primarily to increased volume as a result of lower interest rates.  Excluding net security gains, non-interest income increased $181,000, or 11.4%.

Noninterest expense increased $280,000 or 5.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 primarily as a result of higher costs of salaries and employee benefits, core deposit intangible amortization, offset in part by a decrease in other real estate owned costs.  The higher salaries and employee benefit costs are primarily due to additional payroll costs as a result of the Acquisition and normal salary increases.  The lower other real estate costs are mainly due to higher gains of sale of other real estate owned; impairment write downs, which occurred in 2012; and lower operating costs in 2013 as compared to 2012.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1,209,000 and $1,180,000, representing an effective tax rate of 25% for both periods.  The slight increase in income tax expense was due primarily to higher pretax earnings in 2013.

Balance Sheet Review

As of March 31, 2013, total assets were $1,254,530,000, a $36,838,000 increase compared to December 31, 2012.  The increase in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions and securities available-for-sale were funded primarily by an increase in deposits.

Investment Portfolio

The investment portfolio totaled $608,304,000 as of March 31, 2013, an increase of $19,887,000 or 3.4% from the December 31, 2012 balance of $588,417,000.  The increase in the investment portfolio was primarily due to an increase in state and political subdivisions bonds.

On a quarterly basis, the investment portfolio is reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment.  As of March 31, 2013, gross unrealized losses of $1,470,000, are considered to be temporary in nature due to the general economic conditions and other factors.  As a result of the Company’s favorable liquidity position, the Company does not have the intent to sell impaired securities and 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 an impairment to be other-than-temporary.

 
36


Loan Portfolio

The loan portfolio, net of the allowance for loan losses, totaled $507,834,000 as of March 31, 2013, a decrease of $2,292,000, or 0.5%, from the December 31, 2012 balance of $510,126,000.  The decrease in the loan portfolio is primarily due to decrease in the agricultural operating and agricultural real estate loan portfolios.

Deposits

Deposits totaled $1,034,217,000 as of March 31, 2013, an increase of $29,484,000, or 2.9%, from the December 31, 2012 balance of $1,004,732,000.  The increase in deposits occurred in NOW, savings and money market accounts with increases primarily occurring in all areas, including commercial, retail and public types of deposit accounts.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $34,722,000 as of March 31, 2013, an increase of $7,633,000, or 28.2%, from the December 31, 2012 balance of $27,089,000.  The increase is primarily due to increases in customer account balances from December 31, 2012.

FHLB Advances and Other Long-Term Borrowings

FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings totaled $32,594,000 and $34,611,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the decrease in FHLB advances and other borrowings are due to payments on FHLB advances amounting to $2,017,000.

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, 2012.

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

The Company’s credit risk is historically centered in the loan portfolio, which on March 31, 2013 totaled $507,834,000 compared to $510,126,000 as of December 31, 2012.  Net loans comprise 40.5% of total assets as of March 31, 2013.  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 non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more) as a percentage of total loans was 1.08% at March 31, 2013, as compared to 1.27% at December 31, 2012 and 1.74% at March 31, 2012.  The Company’s level of problem loans as a percentage of total loans at March 31, 2013 of 1.08% is lower than the Company’s peer group (351 bank holding companies with assets of $1 billion to $3 billion) of 2.19% as of December 31, 2012.

Impaired loans, net of specific reserves, totaled $5,965,000 as of March 31, 2013 and were higher as compared to impaired loans of $5,912,000 as of December 31, 2012 and $7,023,000 as of March 31, 2012.  The decrease in impaired loans from March 31, 2012 is due primarily to the transfer of one borrower’s loans to other real estate owned.

 
37

 
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 $4,956,000 as of March 31, 2013, of which all were included in impaired loans and $3,911,000 was on nonaccrual status. The Company had TDRs of $5,105,000 as of December 31, 2012, all of which were included in impaired loans and $4,058,000 was on nonaccrual status.

We monitor and report our TDRs 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, recognizes impairment through the allowance. The Company had no charge-offs related to TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

We review 90 days past due loans that are still accruing interest 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, 2013, non-accrual loans totaled $5,524,000; loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $32,000.  This compares to non-accrual loans of $5,567,000 and no loans past due 90 days and still accruing as of December 31, 2012.  Other real estate owned totaled $9,596,000 as of March 31, 2013 and $9,911,000 as of December 31, 2012.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was 1.51% and 1.50%, respectively. The allowance for loan losses totaled $7,786,000 and $7,773,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Net charge-offs of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $400, compared to net loan recoveries of $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

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.

 
38

 
As of March 31, 2013, 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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 totaled $98,767,000 and $79,444,000, respectively, and provide a level of liquidity.

Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks as of March 31, 2013 include outstanding lines of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Iowa of $105,843,000, with $12,594,000 of outstanding FHLB advances at March 31, 2013.  Federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks was $111,018,000, with no outstanding federal fund balances as of March 31, 2013.  The Company had securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $34,722,000 and long-term repurchase agreements of $20,000,000 as of March 31, 2013.

Total investments as of March 31, 2013 were $608,304,000 compared to $588,417,000 as of December 31, 2012.  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, 2013.

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 three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $6,177,000 compared to the $6,246,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $52,059,000 and compares to $61,467,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease of $9,408,000 in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to the changes in net loan activity and interest bearing deposits in financial institutions, offset in part by the change in securities available-for-sale.

 
39

 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $33,772,000 compared to $53,687,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease of $19,915,000 in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to changes in deposits, offset in part by changes in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.  As of March 31, 2013, 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. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, dividends paid by the Banks to the Company amounted to $1,800,000 compared to $1,532,000 for the same period in 2012.  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 $0.16 per share in 2013 from $0.15 per share in 2012.

The Company, on an unconsolidated basis, has interest bearing deposits and marketable investment securities totaling $6,903,000 as of March 31, 2013 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 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, 2013 that are of concern to management.

Capital Resources

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2013 totaled $145,772,000 and was higher than the $144,736,000 recorded as of December 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 11.62% and 11.89%, respectively.  The capital levels of the Company exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of March 31, 2013.

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.

 
40

 

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 2013 changed significantly when compared to 2012.


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.


 
Not applicable
 
 
41


Item  1.A. 
 
None.


In November, 2012, 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 March 31, 2013, 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 March 31, 2013.
 
         
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
 
              
January 1, 2013 to January 31, 2013
  -  $-   -   100,000 
                  
February 1, 2013 to February 28, 2013
  -  $-   -   100,000 
                  
March 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013
  -  $-   -   100,000 
                  
Total
  -       -     


Not applicable


Not applicable


Not applicable

 
42

 
Item 6.

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 o f1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act o f1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

 
43

 

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: May 9, 2013
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

 
44


EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
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 o f1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.
 
 
45