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AMES NATIONAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2012 March (Form 10-Q)

form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
[Mark One]
T
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

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 T 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 T 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 filer o Accelerated filer T Non-accelerated filer o Smaller 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 T

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, 2012)
 


 
 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

INDEX

   
Page
       
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
3
 
       
 
3
 
       
 
4
 
       
 
5
 
       
 
6
 
       
 
7
 
       
 
9
 
       
Item 2.
23
 
       
Item 3.
39
 
       
Item 4.
40
 
       
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
40
 
       
Item 1.A.
40
 
       
Item 2.
40
 
       
Item 3.
41
 
       
Item 4.
41
 
       
Item 5.
41
 
       
Item 6.
41
 
       
42
 

 
2


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2012
   
2011
 
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 21,294,949     $ 22,829,291  
Federal funds sold
    700,000       -  
Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions
    70,938,771       33,741,406  
Securities available-for-sale
    525,763,643       508,624,622  
Loans receivable, net
    444,257,174       438,650,837  
Loans held for sale
    1,380,851       1,212,620  
Bank premises and equipment, net
    11,300,567       11,362,626  
Accrued income receivable
    6,433,889       6,467,509  
Other real estate owned
    9,553,325       9,538,440  
Other assets
    3,033,207       3,136,482  
                 
Total assets
  $ 1,094,656,376     $ 1,035,563,833  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Deposits
               
Demand, noninterest bearing
  $ 138,444,091     $ 126,059,239  
NOW accounts
    264,137,920       229,810,463  
Savings and money market
    236,578,147       216,768,048  
Time, $100,000 and over
    104,103,749       107,944,525  
Other time
    136,467,623       138,123,116  
Total deposits
    879,731,530       818,705,391  
                 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    36,084,532       41,696,585  
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances
    14,662,463       15,179,335  
Other long-term borrowings
    20,000,000       20,000,000  
Dividend payable
    1,396,637       1,210,419  
Deferred income taxes
    973,612       885,433  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    4,693,381       3,329,285  
Total liabilities
    957,542,155       901,006,448  
                 
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, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    18,865,830       18,865,830  
Additional paid-in capital
    22,651,222       22,651,222  
Retained earnings
    87,710,599       85,564,078  
Accumulated other comprehensive income-net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale
    9,903,068       9,492,753  
Treasury stock, at cost; 122,002 shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    (2,016,498 )     (2,016,498 )
Total stockholders' equity
    137,114,221       134,557,385  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,094,656,376     $ 1,035,563,833  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
3


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Interest income:
           
Loans, including fees
  $ 5,810,757     $ 5,740,432  
Securities:
               
Taxable
    1,624,644       1,662,469  
Tax-exempt
    1,650,715       1,636,965  
Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold
    125,253       107,926  
Total interest income
    9,211,369       9,147,792  
                 
Interest expense:
               
Deposits
    1,169,318       1,370,911  
Other borrowed funds
    329,498       378,642  
Total interest expense
    1,498,816       1,749,553  
                 
Net interest income
    7,712,553       7,398,239  
                 
Provision for loan losses
    51,293       -  
                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    7,661,260       7,398,239  
                 
Noninterest income:
               
Trust services income
    504,772       514,544  
Service fees
    337,439       329,558  
Securities gains, net
    307,533       421,155  
Gain on sale of loans held for sale
    285,039       220,865  
Merchant and ATM fees
    296,958       175,871  
Other noninterest income
    168,847       155,547  
Total noninterest income
    1,900,588       1,817,540  
                 
Noninterest expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    2,980,619       2,766,508  
Data processing
    509,330       445,815  
Occupancy expenses
    359,684       394,158  
FDIC insurance assessments
    154,461       272,742  
Other real estate owned, net
    98,378       46,135  
Other operating expenses, net
    736,311       654,591  
Total noninterest expense
    4,838,783       4,579,949  
                 
Income before income taxes
    4,723,065       4,635,830  
                 
Provision for income taxes
    1,179,907       1,163,309  
                 
Net income
  $ 3,543,158     $ 3,472,521  
                 
Basic and diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.38     $ 0.37  
                 
Dividends declared per share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.13  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
4


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
             
Net income
  $ 3,543,158     $ 3,472,521  
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
               
Unrealized gains on securities without other than temporary impairment before tax:
               
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period
    958,828       2,215,638  
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
    307,533       421,155  
Other comprehensive income before tax
    651,295       1,794,483  
Tax expense related to other comprehensive income
    (240,980 )     (663,960 )
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
    410,315       1,130,523  
Comprehensive income
  $ 3,953,473     $ 4,603,044  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
5


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
(unaudited)

   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in-Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income,
Net of Taxes
   
Treasury Stock
   
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
                                     
Balance, December 31, 2010
  $ 18,865,830     $ 22,651,222     $ 76,519,493     $ 3,326,479     $ -     $ 121,363,024  
Net income
    -       -       3,472,521       -       -       3,472,521  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       1,130,523       -       1,130,523  
Cash dividends declared, $0.13 per share
    -       -       (1,226,279 )     -       -       (1,226,279 )
Balance, March 31, 2011
    18,865,830       22,651,222       78,765,735       4,457,002       -       124,739,789  
                                                 
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  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
6


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
(unaudited)
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
  $ 3,543,158     $ 3,472,521  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    51,293       -  
Provision for off-balance sheet commitments
    6,000       5,000  
Amortization, net
    1,575,550       1,241,499  
Depreciation
    174,664       167,371  
Credit for deferred income taxes
    (152,800 )     (65,000 )
Securities gains, net
    (307,533 )     (421,155 )
Impairment of other real estate owned
    22,475       -  
Loss (gain) on sale of other real estate owned, net
    8,674       (13,224 )
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease (increase) in loans held for sale
    (168,231 )     1,017,812  
Decrease (increase) in accrued income receivable
    33,620       (627,641 )
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    101,016       (643,534 )
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    1,358,096       1,132,708  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    6,245,982       5,266,357  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of securities available-for-sale
    (58,422,193 )     (72,419,765 )
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale
    8,648,317       13,083,096  
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available-for-sale
    32,018,132       35,919,373  
Net increase in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions
    (37,197,365 )     (16,713,338 )
Net decrease (increase) in federal funds sold
    (700,000 )     1,900,000  
Net decrease (increase) in loans
    (5,810,130 )     882,614  
Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
    106,466       230,606  
Purchase of bank premises and equipment, net
    (110,346 )     (35,311 )
Other changes in other real estate owned
    -       (26,986 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (61,467,119 )     (37,179,711 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Increase in deposits
    61,026,139       36,000,917  
Increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    (5,612,053 )     2,213,363  
Payments from other short-term borrowings, net
    -       (1,644,619 )
Payments on FHLB borrowings
    (516,872 )     (516,344 )
Dividends paid
    (1,210,419 )     (1,037,621 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    53,686,795       35,015,696  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks
    (1,534,342 )     3,102,342  
                 
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
               
Beginning
    22,829,291       15,478,133  
Ending
  $ 21,294,949     $ 18,580,475  

 
7


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
(unaudited)
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
           
Cash payments for:
           
Interest
  $ 1,508,085     $ 1,759,140  
Income taxes
    272,147       167,716  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
  $ 152,500     $ 123,869  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
8


AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1.
Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 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, 2011 (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.

Fair value of financial instruments: The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures:

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

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

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

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

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

 
9

 
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 interest payable approximate fair value.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June, 2011, the FASB issued guidance on comprehensive income to require that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, the guidance requires entities to present, on the face of the financial statements, reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement or statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity was eliminated. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In April, 2011, the FASB issued guidance which modifies certain aspects contained in the Receivables topic of FASB ASC 310. The standard clarifies the guidance on evaluating whether a receivable term modification constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The amendments in this guidance were effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May, 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance which eliminates terminology difference between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) on the measurement of fair value and the related fair value disclosures. While largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles and disclosures, the changes were made as part of the continuing efforts to converge GAAP and IFRS. The adoption of this guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

2.
Dividends

On February 8, 2012, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock, payable on May 15, 2012 to stockholders of record as of May 1, 2012, equal to $0.15 per share.

3.
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, 2012 and 2011 were 9,310,913 and 9,432,915, respectively. The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented.

 
10


4.
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, 2011.

5.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments (as described in Note 1) were as follows:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
   
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
                         
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 21,294,949     $ 21,295,000     $ 22,829,291     $ 22,829,000  
Federal funds sold
    700,000       700,000       -       -  
Interest bearing deposits
    70,938,771       70,939,000       33,741,406       33,741,000  
Securities available-for-sale
    525,763,643       525,764,000       508,624,622       508,625,000  
Loans receivable, net
    444,257,174       447,786,000       438,650,837       445,240,000  
Loans held for sale
    1,380,851       1,381,000       1,212,620       1,213,000  
Accrued income receivable
    6,433,889       6,434,000       6,467,509       6,468,000  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Deposits
  $ 879,731,530     $ 882,580,000     $ 818,705,391     $ 821,979,000  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    36,084,532       36,085,000       41,696,585       41,697,000  
FHLB and other long-term borrowings
    34,662,463       37,967,000       35,179,335       38,705,000  
Accrued interest payable
    793,578       794,000       802,847       803,000  

The methodology used to determine fair value as of March 31, 2012 did not change from the methodology used in the December 31, 2011 Annual Report.

6. 
Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

 
11


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

The following table presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
2012
                       
                         
U.S. government agencies
  $ 50,195,000     $ -     $ 50,195,000     $ -  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    183,693,000       -       183,693,000       -  
State and political subdivisions
    265,789,000       -       265,789,000       -  
Corporate bonds
    22,699,000       -       22,699,000       -  
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    602,000       602,000       -       -  
Equity securities, other
    2,786,000       -       2,786,000       -  
                                 
    $ 525,764,000     $ 602,000     $ 525,162,000     $ -  
                                 
2011
                               
                                 
U.S. government agencies
  $ 63,200,000     $ -     $ 63,200,000     $ -  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    159,855,000       -       159,855,000       -  
State and political subdivisions
    259,393,000       -       259,393,000       -  
Corporate bonds
    20,387,000       -       20,387,000       -  
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    2,810,000       2,810,000       -       -  
Equity securities, other
    2,980,000       -       2,980,000       -  
                                 
    $ 508,625,000     $ 2,810,000     $ 505,815,000     $ -  

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, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
2012
                       
                         
Loans receivable
  $ 2,366,000     $ -     $ -     $ 2,366,000  
Other real estate owned
    9,553,000       -       -       9,553,000  
                                 
Total
  $ 11,919,000     $ -     $ -     $ 11,919,000  
                                 
2011
                               
                                 
Loans receivable
  $ 2,453,000     $ -     $ -     $ 2,453,000  
Other real estate owned
    9,538,000       -       -       9,538,000  
                                 
Total
  $ 11,991,000     $ -     $ -     $ 11,991,000  

Loans: 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 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 values 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.

 
13


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, 2012:
                       
U.S. government agencies
  $ 47,943,203     $ 2,265,247     $ (13,180 )   $ 50,195,270  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    179,424,738       4,442,423       (173,937 )     183,693,224  
State and political subdivisions
    256,998,272       9,203,388       (413,212 )     265,788,448  
Corporate bonds
    22,002,821       752,253       (56,374 )     22,698,700  
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    889,552       -       (287,451 )     602,101  
Equity securities, other
    2,785,900       -       -       2,785,900  
    $ 510,044,486     $ 16,663,311     $ (944,154 )   $ 525,763,643  


         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
December 31, 2011:
                       
U.S. government agencies
  $ 60,868,023     $ 2,341,093     $ (8,720 )   $ 63,200,396  
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    156,310,052       3,643,552       (99,143 )     159,854,461  
State and political subdivisions
    249,707,887       9,788,715       (103,279 )     259,393,323  
Corporate bonds
    20,288,210       465,331       (366,798 )     20,386,743  
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    3,402,389       -       (592,889 )     2,809,500  
Equity securities, other
    2,980,199       -       -       2,980,199  
    $ 493,556,760     $ 16,238,691     $ (1,170,829 )   $ 508,624,622  

The proceeds, gains and losses from securities available-for-sale for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below:

   
2012
   
2011
 
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
  $ 8,648,317     $ 13,083,096  
Gross realized gains on securities available-for-sale
    307,763       421,655  
Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale
    230       500  
Tax provision applicable to net realized gains on securities available-for-sale
    115,000       157,000  

 
14


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, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 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
 
2012:
                                   
                                     
Securities available-for-sale:
                                   
U.S. government agencies
  $ 1,475,864     $ (13,180 )   $ -     $ -     $ 1,475,864     $ (13,180 )
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    36,485,036       (173,937 )     -       -       36,485,036       (173,937 )
State and political subdivisions
    18,301,204       (401,755 )     356,824       (11,457 )     18,658,028       (413,212 )
Corporate obligations
    3,323,594       (56,374 )     -       -       3,323,594       (56,374 )
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    -       -       889,552       (287,451 )     889,552       (287,451 )
    $ 59,585,698     $ (645,246 )   $ 1,246,376     $ (298,908 )   $ 60,832,074     $ (944,154 )


   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
2011:
                                   
                                     
Securities available-for-sale:
                                   
U.S. government agencies
  $ 4,256,053     $ (8,720 )   $ -     $ -     $ 4,256,053     $ (8,720 )
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities
    20,579,759       (99,143 )     -       -       20,579,759       (99,143 )
State and political subdivisions
    6,838,342       (102,718 )     454,850       (561 )     7,293,192       (103,279 )
Corporate obligations
    6,571,481       (366,798 )     -       -       6,571,481       (366,798 )
Equity securities, financial industry common stock
    -       -       2,809,500       (592,889 )     2,809,500       (592,889 )
    $ 38,245,635     $ (577,379 )   $ 3,264,350     $ (593,450 )   $ 41,509,985     $ (1,170,829 )

At March 31, 2012, debt securities have gross unrealized losses of $656,703. 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. Gross unrealized losses on equity securities totaled $287,451 as of March 31, 2012. Management analyzed the financial condition of the equity issuers and considered the general market conditions and other factors in concluding that the gross unrealized losses on equity 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.

 
15


8.
Loan Receivable and Credit Disclosures

Activity in the allowance for loan losses, on a disaggregated basis, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

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
  $ 793,000     $ 1,402,000     $ 2,859,000     $ 501,000     $ 1,352,000     $ 764,000     $ 234,000     $ 7,905,000  
Provision (credit) for loan losses
    24,000       (10,000 )     (42,000 )     15,000       61,000       40,000       (37,000 )     51,000  
Recoveries of loans charged-off
    -       3,000       -       -       4,000       -       22,000       29,000  
Loans charged-off
    -       (10,000 )     -       -       -       -       (9,000 )     (19,000 )
Balance, March 31, 2012
  $ 817,000     $ 1,385,000     $ 2,817,000     $ 516,000     $ 1,417,000     $ 804,000     $ 210,000     $ 7,966,000  

2011
         
1-4 Family
                                     
   
Construction
   
Residential
   
Commercial
   
Agricultural
               
Consumer
       
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Commercial
   
Agricultural
   
and Other
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
  $ 731,000     $ 1,404,000     $ 2,720,000     $ 486,000     $ 1,152,000     $ 735,000     $ 293,000     $ 7,521,000  
Provision (credit) for loan losses
    35,000       17,000       8,000       30,000       (46,000 )     (33,000 )     (11,000 )     -  
Recoveries of loans charged-off
    -       -       -       -       14,000       -       6,000       20,000  
Loans charged-off
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (14,000 )     (14,000 )
Balance, March 31, 2011
  $ 766,000     $ 1,421,000     $ 2,728,000     $ 516,000     $ 1,120,000     $ 702,000     $ 274,000     $ 7,527,000  

Allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

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
  $ 165,000     $ 112,000     $ 168,000     $ -     $ 409,000     $ -     $ -     $ 854,000  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    652,000       1,273,000       2,649,000       516,000       1,008,000       804,000       210,000       7,112,000  
Balance March 31, 2012
  $ 817,000     $ 1,385,000     $ 2,817,000     $ 516,000     $ 1,417,000     $ 804,000     $ 210,000     $ 7,966,000  

2011
         
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
  $ 165,000     $ 111,000     $ 199,000     $ -     $ 400,000     $ -     $ 1,000     $ 876,000  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    628,000       1,291,000       2,660,000       501,000       952,000       764,000       233,000       7,029,000  
Balance December 31, 2011
  $ 793,000     $ 1,402,000     $ 2,859,000     $ 501,000     $ 1,352,000     $ 764,000     $ 234,000     $ 7,905,000  

 
16


Loans receivable disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

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
  $ 2,420,000     $ 2,213,000     $ 2,656,000     $ -     $ 588,000     $ -     $ -     $ 7,877,000  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    24,092,000       89,254,000       149,204,000       32,324,000       80,764,000       50,508,000       18,263,000       444,409,000  
                                                                 
Balance March 31, 2012
  $ 26,512,000     $ 91,467,000     $ 151,860,000     $ 32,324,000     $ 81,352,000     $ 50,508,000     $ 18,263,000     $ 452,286,000  

2011
         
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
  $ 2,163,000     $ 2,346,000     $ 2,703,000     $ -     $ 590,000     $ -     $ 1,000     $ 7,803,000  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    21,468,000       91,916,000       144,797,000       32,503,000       75,368,000       52,179,000       20,753,000       438,984,000  
                                                                 
Balance December 31, 2011
  $ 23,631,000     $ 94,262,000     $ 147,500,000     $ 32,503,000     $ 75,958,000     $ 52,179,000     $ 20,754,000     $ 446,787,000  

 
17


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, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

2012
     
         
Unpaid
       
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
 
   
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
 
With no specific reserve recorded:
                 
Real estate - construction
  $ 1,826,000     $ 1,826,000     $ -  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    1,900,000       1,900,000       -  
Real estate - commercial
    931,000       931,000       -  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -  
Commercial
    -       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -  
Total loans with no specific reserve:
    4,657,000       4,657,000       -  
                         
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Real estate - construction
    594,000       594,000       165,000  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    313,000       313,000       112,000  
Real estate - commercial
    1,725,000       1,725,000       168,000  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -  
Commercial
    588,000       588,000       409,000  
Agricultural
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -  
Total loans with specific reserve:
    3,220,000       3,220,000       854,000  
                         
Total
                       
Real estate - construction
    2,420,000       2,420,000       165,000  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    2,213,000       2,213,000       112,000  
Real estate - commercial
    2,656,000       2,656,000       168,000  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -  
Commercial
    588,000       588,000       409,000  
Agricultural
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -  
                         
    $ 7,877,000     $ 7,877,000     $ 854,000  

 
18


2011
     
         
Unpaid
       
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
 
   
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
 
                   
With no specific reserve recorded:
                 
Real estate - construction
  $ 1,493,000     $ 1,493,000     $ -  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    2,030,000       2,030,000       -  
Real estate - commercial
    951,000       951,000       -  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -  
Commercial
    -       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -  
Total loans with no specific reserve:
    4,474,000       4,474,000       -  
                         
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Real estate - construction
    670,000       670,000       165,000  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    316,000       316,000       111,000  
Real estate - commercial
    1,752,000       1,752,000       199,000  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -  
Commercial
    590,000       590,000       400,000  
Agricultural
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    1,000       1,000       1,000  
Total loans with specific reserve:
    3,329,000       3,329,000       876,000  
                         
Total
                       
Real estate - construction
    2,163,000       2,163,000       165,000  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    2,346,000       2,346,000       111,000  
Real estate - commercial
    2,703,000       2,703,000       199,000  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -  
Commercial
    590,000       590,000       400,000  
Agricultural
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    1,000       1,000       1,000  
                         
    $ 7,803,000     $ 7,803,000     $ 876,000  

There are no significant differences between nonaccrual and impaired loan balances at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 
19


The following is a recap of the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

   
2012
   
2011
 
   
Average
   
Interest
   
Average
   
Interest
 
   
Recorded
   
Income
   
Recorded
   
Income
 
   
Investment
   
Recognized
   
Investment
   
Recognized
 
With no specific reserve recorded:
                       
Real estate - construction
  $ 1,660,000     $ -     $ 1,220,000     $ -  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    1,965,000       5,000       674,000       -  
Real estate - commercial
    941,000       -       227,000       -  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -       -  
Commercial
    -       -       45,000       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    -       -       5,000       -  
Total loans with no specific reserve:
    4,566,000       5,000       2,171,000       -  
                                 
With an allowance recorded:
                               
Real estate - construction
    632,000       -       2,821,000       -  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    315,000       -       546,000       -  
Real estate - commercial
    1,739,000       -       658,000       -  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -       -  
Commercial
    589,000       -       -       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    1,000       -       19,000       -  
Total loans with specific reserve:
    3,276,000       -       4,044,000       -  
                                 
Total
                               
Real estate - construction
    2,292,000       -       4,041,000       -  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    2,280,000       5,000       1,220,000       -  
Real estate - commercial
    2,680,000       -       885,000       -  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -       -  
Commercial
    589,000       -       45,000       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    1,000       -       24,000       -  
                                 
    $ 7,842,000     $ 5,000     $ 6,215,000     $ -  

The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $116,000 and $102,000, respectively.

The Company had troubled debt restructurings of $3,483,000 as of March 31, 2012, of which $2,796,000 was included in impaired loans and $687,000 was on accrual status. The Company had troubled debt restructurings of $3,602,000 as of December 31, 2011, of which $2,545,000 was included in impaired loans and $1,057,000 was on accrual status.

 
20


An aging analysis of the recorded investments in loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, is as follows:

2012
                                 
Greater Than
 
      30-89    
Greater Than
   
Total
               
90 Days
 
   
Past Due
   
90 Days
   
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total
   
Accruing
 
                                       
Real estate - construction
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 26,512,000     $ 26,512,000     $ -  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    1,028,000       1,990,000       3,018,000       88,449,000       91,467,000       -  
Real estate - commercial
    -       182,000       182,000       151,678,000       151,860,000       5,000  
Real estate - agricultural
    134,000       -       134,000       32,190,000       32,324,000       -  
Commercial
    195,000       5,000       200,000       81,152,000       81,352,000       -  
Agricultural
    39,000       -       39,000       50,469,000       50,508,000       -  
Consumer and other
    66,000       -       66,000       18,197,000       18,263,000       -  
                                                 
    $ 1,462,000     $ 2,177,000     $ 3,639,000     $ 448,647,000     $ 452,286,000     $ 5,000  

2011
                                 
Greater Than
 
      30-89    
Greater Than
   
Total
               
90 Days
 
   
Past Due
   
90 Days
   
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total
   
Accruing
 
                                       
Real estate - construction
  $ 34,000     $ -     $ 34,000     $ 23,597,000     $ 23,631,000     $ -  
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential
    273,000       2,275,000       2,548,000       91,714,000       94,262,000       112,000  
Real estate - commercial
    105,000       113,000       218,000       147,282,000       147,500,000       -  
Real estate - agricultural
    -       -       -       32,503,000       32,503,000       -  
Commercial
    1,342,000       23,000       1,365,000       74,593,000       75,958,000       -  
Agricultural
    -       -       -       52,179,000       52,179,000       -  
Consumer and other
    98,000       17,000       115,000       20,639,000       20,754,000       40,000  
                                                 
    $ 1,852,000     $ 2,428,000     $ 4,280,000     $ 442,507,000     $ 446,787,000     $ 152,000  

 
21


The credit risk profile by internally assigned grade, on a disaggregated basis, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

2012
   
Construction
   
Commercial
   
Agricultural
                   
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Commercial
   
Agricultural
   
Total
 
                                     
Pass
  $ 14,316,000     $ 99,607,000     $ 28,984,000     $ 66,554,000     $ 47,474,000     $ 256,935,000  
Watch \ Special Mention
    2,825,000       44,902,000       2,599,000       12,124,000       2,564,000       65,014,000  
Substandard
    6,951,000       4,695,000       741,000       2,086,000       470,000       14,943,000  
Substandard-Impaired
    2,420,000       2,656,000       -       588,000       -       5,664,000  
                                                 
    $ 26,512,000     $ 151,860,000     $ 32,324,000     $ 81,352,000     $ 50,508,000     $ 342,556,000  

2011
   
Construction
   
Commercial
   
Agricultural
                   
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Commercial
   
Agricultural
   
Total
 
                                     
Pass
  $ 9,942,000     $ 94,820,000     $ 29,534,000     $ 65,502,000     $ 49,489,000     $ 249,287,000  
Watch \ Special Mention
    4,087,000       43,201,000       2,441,000       7,667,000       2,190,000       59,586,000  
Substandard
    7,439,000       6,776,000       528,000       2,199,000       500,000       17,442,000  
Substandard-Impaired
    2,163,000       2,703,000       -       590,000       -       5,456,000  
                                                 
    $ 23,631,000     $ 147,500,000     $ 32,503,000     $ 75,958,000     $ 52,179,000     $ 331,771,000  

The credit risk profile based on payment activity, on a disaggregated basis, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

2012
   
1-4 Family
             
   
Residential
   
Consumer
       
   
Real Estate
   
and Other
   
Total
 
                   
Performing
  $ 89,254,000     $ 18,263,000     $ 107,517,000  
Non-performing
    2,213,000       -       2,213,000  
                         
    $ 91,467,000     $ 18,263,000     $ 109,730,000  

2011
   
1-4 Family
             
   
Residential
   
Consumer
       
   
Real Estate
   
and Other
   
Total
 
                   
Performing
  $ 91,804,000     $ 20,713,000     $ 112,517,000  
Non-performing
    2,458,000       41,000       2,499,000  
                         
    $ 94,262,000     $ 20,754,000     $ 115,016,000  

 
22


9.
Subsequent Events

Management evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. On April 27, 2012, Reliance State Bank, formerly known as Randall-Story State Bank purchased certain assets, including loans and assumed certain liabilities, including deposits from Liberty Bank, F.S.B. (“Liberty”). Reliance State Bank paid Liberty a deposit premium of $5,400,000 as of April 27, 2012. Financial information is not currently available, but is expected to be available as of June 30, 2012. There were no other significant events or transactions occurring after March 31, 2012, but prior to May 9, 2012, that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at March 31, 2012. There were no significant events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that did not exist at March 31, 2012.

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

Overview

Ames National Corporation (the “Company”) is a bank holding company established in 1975 that owns and operates five bank subsidiaries in central Iowa (the “Banks”). The following discussion is provided for the consolidated operations of the Company and its Banks, First National Bank, Ames, Iowa (First National), State Bank & Trust Co. (State Bank), Boone Bank & Trust Co. (Boone Bank), Reliance State Bank, formerly known as Randall-Story 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 177 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) securities gains. The Company’s principal expenses are: (i) interest expense on deposit accounts and other borrowings; (ii) provision for loan losses; (iii) salaries and employee benefits; (iv) data processing costs associated with maintaining the Banks’ loan and deposit functions; (v) occupancy expenses for maintaining the Banks’ facilities; and (vi) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance assessments. 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.

 
23


The Company had net income of $3,543,000, or $0.38 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to net income of $3,473,000, or $0.37 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Total equity capital as of March 31, 2012 totaled $137.1 million or 12.5% of total assets.

Change in the quarterly earnings can be primarily attributed lower interest expense on deposits, lower FDIC insurance assessments and an increase in merchant and ATM fees, offset in part by an increase in salaries and employee benefits.

Net loan recoveries for the quarter totaled $10,000, compared to net loan recoveries of $6,000 in the first quarter of 2011. The provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2012 totaled $51,000. There was no provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2011.

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.

·              Interest rates are likely to increase as the economy continues its gradual recovery and the increasing 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 Banks’ earning assets have the appropriate maturity and repricing characteristics to optimize earnings and the Banks’ interest rate risk positions.

·              The Company’s market in central Iowa has numerous banks, credit unions, and investment and insurance companies competing for similar business opportunities. This competitive environment will continue to compress the Banks’ net interest margins and thus affect profitability. Strategic planning efforts at the Company and Banks continue to focus on capitalizing on the Banks’ strengths in local markets while working to identify opportunities for improvement to gain competitive advantages.

 
24


·              Other real estate owned amounted to $9.6 million and $9.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Other real estate owned costs amounted to $98,000 and $46,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, 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 Company operates in a highly regulated environment and is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination. The compliance burden and impact on the Company’s operations and profitability is significant. On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act represents a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the United States and, among many other things, establishes the new federal Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), requires the CFPB and other federal agencies are continuing to implement many new and significant rules and regulations. At this time, it is difficult to predict the extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act or the resulting rules and regulations will impact the Company’s and the Banks’ business. Compliance with the new law and regulations may result in additional costs, which could be significant, and could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. The Company cannot predict what changes, if any, will be made to existing federal and state legislation and regulations or the effect that any changes may have on future business and earnings prospects. The cost of compliance with regulatory requirements may adversely affect the Company’s net income.

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 FDIC and are derived from 7,357 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.

 
25


Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry

   
Quarter Ended
                                     
   
March 31,
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Company
   
Company
   
Industry*
   
Company
   
Industry
   
Company
   
Industry
 
                                           
Return on assets
    1.33 %     1.38 %     0.88 %     1.40 %     0.66 %     1.02 %     0.09 %
                                                         
Return on equity
    10.37 %     10.82 %     7.86 %     10.91 %     5.99 %     8.31 %     0.90 %
                                                         
Net interest margin
    3.41 %     3.60 %     3.60 %     3.74 %     3.76 %     3.78 %     3.47 %
                                                         
Efficiency ratio
    50.34 %     49.80 %     61.37 %     50.12 %     57.22 %     63.72 %     55.53 %
                                                         
Capital ratio
    12.79 %     12.75 %     9.09 %     12.80 %     8.90 %     12.32 %     8.65 %

*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 1.33% and 1.40%, respectively, for the three month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011. The decrease in this ratio in 2012 from the previous period is primarily the result of an increase in average assets.

·
Return on Equity

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average equity. It is used to measure the net income or return the Company generated for the shareholders’ equity investment in the Company. The Company's return on average equity was 10.37% and 11.31%, respectively for the three month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011. The decrease in this ratio in 2012 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, 2012 and 2011 was 3.41% and 3.53%, 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 2012 is primarily the result of lower market yields on interest earning assets.

·
Efficiency Ratio

This ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net interest income and noninterest income. The ratio is a measure of the Company’s ability to manage noninterest expenses. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 50.34% and 49.70% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The change in the efficiency ratio in 2012 from the previous period is primarily the result of increased noninterest expense, offset in part by higher net interest income.

 
26


·
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 is significantly higher than the industry average.

Industry Results

The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the fourth quarter of 2011:

Quarterly Net Income Posts Tenth Consecutive Year-Over-Year Gain

Lower provisions for loan losses, reflecting an improving trend in asset quality, lifted fourth-quarter net income of FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions. Fourth-quarter earnings totaled $26.3 billion, an increase of $4.9 billion (23.1%) compared with the same period of 2010. The year-over-year improvement in profits comprised a majority of insured institutions. Almost two out of every three banks (63.2%) reported higher quarterly net income than a year ago, and only 18.9% were unprofitable, compared with 27.1% in fourth quarter 2010. The average return on assets (ROA) rose to 0.76%, from 0.64% a year earlier.

Earnings Benefit Further from Lower Provisions for Loan Losses

Insured institutions set aside $19.5 billion in provisions for loan losses in the fourth quarter, a decline of $13.1 billion (40.1%) from fourth quarter 2010. Provisions represented 12.1% of the industry’s net operating revenue (the sum of net interest income and total noninterest income), down from 19.7% a year ago, and well below the 51.7% peak level in this cycle registered in fourth quarter 2008. Loss provisions have fallen, year over year, for nine consecutive quarters. The trend of reduced provisioning was relatively broad: more than half of all institutions (54.6%) reported lower quarterly provisions than a year ago.

Overall Revenues Continue to Exhibit Weakness

For the third time in the last four quarters, net operating revenue posted a year-over-year decline. The $3.8 billion (2.3%) drop was caused by a $4.4 billion (7.4%) reduction in noninterest income. Gains on loan sales were $1.9 billion (53%) below the level of a year ago, servicing income was $1.4 billion (29.9%) lower, and trading income fell by $812 million (23.5%). Increases in the market values of some large bank liabilities produced accounting losses in the fourth quarter that reversed some of the related gains in noninterest income that occurred in third quarter 2011. Net interest income increased year over year for the first time in four quarters, rising by $609 million (0.6%).

Full-Year Net Income Rises to Five-Year High

For all of 2011, net income totaled $119.5 billion, an increase of $34 billion (39.8%) from full-year 2010 earnings. This is the highest annual net income total since the industry earned $145.2 billion in 2006. More than two out of every three banks (66.9%) reported improved earnings in 2011, and only 15.5% reported a net loss for the year. In 2010, 22.1% of all banks reported full-year net losses. The average ROA was 0.88%, up from 0.65% in 2010. The improvement in full-year net income was made possible by an $81.1 billion reduction in loan loss provisions.

 
27


Full-Year Operating Revenues Are Lower than in 2010

Both net interest income and noninterest income were lower than in 2010, as full-year net operating revenue declined for only the second time since 1938 (the only other decline occurred in 2008). Net interest income posted its first full-year decline since 1971, falling by $7.5 billion (1.7%). The average net interest margin in 2011 was 3.6%, down from 3.76% in 2010. Interest-bearing assets increased by 4.4% in 2011, but more than a third of this growth (35.7%) consisted of low-yielding balances with Federal Reserve Banks. Total noninterest income fell for a second consecutive year and the fourth time in the last five years, declining by $5.3 billion (2.3%). Income from trust operations and trading income were higher than in 2010 (by $1.6 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively), but these improvements were outweighed by lower servicing income (down $8 billion), reduced gains on loan sales (down $4.8 billion), and lower income from service charges on deposit accounts, which fell by $2.1 billion (5.9%). Realized gains on securities and other assets were $3.6 billion (39.5%) lower than in 2010. Insured institutions paid $77.9 billion in dividends during 2011, an increase of $24 billion (44.5%) from 2010, but below the record level of $110.3 billion paid out in 2007.

Loan Losses Fall to Lowest Level in 15 Quarters

Net charge-offs totaled $25.4 billion in the fourth quarter, a decline of $17.1 billion (40.2%) from a year ago. The fourth-quarter total represents the lowest level for quarterly charge-offs since first quarter 2008. This is the sixth consecutive quarter in which charge-offs have posted a year-over-year decline. Improvements occurred across all major loan types. The largest declines were in credit cards (down $5.4 billion, or 42.2%), real estate construction and land development loans (down $3.3 billion, or 62.4%), residential mortgage loans (down $2.4 billion, or 31.8%) and loans to commercial and industrial (C&I) borrowers (down $2 billion, or 43.5%).

Noncurrent Loan Balances Decline in Most Major Loan Categories

The amount of loan balances that were noncurrent (90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status) declined for the seventh quarter in a row, falling by $4.3 billion (1.4%). The decline was led by real estate construction and land development loans, where noncurrent balances fell by $4.9 billion (13.2%), C&I loans, where noncurrents declined by $1.8 billion (9.5%), and nonfarm nonresidential real estate loans, where noncurrent balances fell by $1.6 billion (4%). The only significant increase in noncurrent loans occurred in residential mortgage portfolios, where noncurrent balances rose by $5.2 billion (3.1%). This increase reflected the addition of $6.3 billion in rebooked “GNMA loans” that were 90 days or more past due.

Reductions in Reserves Continue to Track Declines in Noncurrent Loans

Loan-loss reserves fell for a seventh consecutive quarter, declining by $6.3 billion (3.2%), as net charge-offs of $25.4 billion exceeded loss provisions of $19.5 billion. As has been the case throughout the recent period of reserve reductions, most of the declines have been concentrated among large institutions. Half of all banks increased their reserves during the fourth quarter, whereas 70% of the 50 largest banks reduced their reserves. The industry’s “coverage ratio” of reserves to noncurrent loans and leases declined slightly, from 63.7% to 62.5% during the quarter.

 
28


Equity Capital Registers a Small Decline

Lower unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities and other financial instruments contributed to a $7.7 billion (0.5%) decline in the industry’s total equity capital during the fourth quarter. Unrealized gains are not included in regulatory capital, and tier 1 leverage capital increased by $2.4 billion (0.2%). This is the smallest quarterly increase in leverage capital in the past 13 quarters. Retained earnings contributed $3.7 billion to capital growth in the quarter, as banks paid $22.6 billion of their $26.3 billion in quarterly earnings in dividends.

Loan Balances Post Largest Real Growth in Four Years

Total assets of insured institutions increased by $76.1 billion (0.6%) in the fourth quarter, as loan balances rose by $130.1 billion (1.8%). This is the third consecutive quarter in which total loan balances have increased and, apart from first quarter 2010 when accounting rule changes caused a $221 billion increase in reported balances, it represents the largest quarterly increase since fourth quarter 2007. As in the prior two quarters, overall loan growth was led by C&I loans, which rose by $62.8 billion (4.9%), accounting for almost half of the total increase in loans and leases during the quarter. C&I loans have increased in each of the last six quarters. Additionally, C&I loans to small businesses (C&I loans in original amounts of $1 million or less) increased by $2.8 billion (1%). This is the first time in the seven quarters for which data on quarterly changes in these loans are available that small C&I loan balances have increased. Residential mortgage loans increased by $26 billion (1.4%), following a $23.6 billion increase in the third quarter. Credit card balances posted a seasonal increase of $21.3 billion (3.2%). Real estate construction and development loans declined for a 15th consecutive quarter, falling by $14.7 billion (5.8%). Investment securities portfolios increased by $61.6 billion (2.2%), with mortgage-backed securities rising by $45.0 billion (2.8%), and state, county, and municipal securities increasing by $13.3 billion (6.5%). Assets in trading accounts declined by $36 billion (4.8%), while interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions fell by $34.9 billion (3.3%).

Money Continues to Flow into Fully Insured Deposit Accounts

Deposit balances registered strong growth for a sixth consecutive quarter, as large-denomination transaction accounts that offer unlimited insurance coverage through the end of 2012 continue to attract new depositors. Total deposits at insured institutions increased by $183.2 billion (1.8%). Over the last six quarters, deposits at FDIC-insured institutions have risen by more than $1 trillion. Most of the growth has consisted of large-denomination noninterest-bearing transaction deposits that are fully insured until the end of 2012. Balances in these accounts increased by $191.2 billion (13.7%) during the fourth quarter, and totaled $1.58 trillion at the end of the year. In contrast, nondeposit liabilities declined by $99.5 billion (4.5%), while deposits in foreign offices fell by $66.6 billion (4.5%).

“Problem List” Shrinks for Third Consecutive Quarter

The number of institutions reporting financial results fell from 7,437 to 7,357 in the fourth quarter. During the quarter, 54 institutions were merged into other institutions, and 18 insured institutions failed. There were two institutions whose December financial reports had not been received at the time this publication was prepared. The number of institutions on the FDIC’s “Problem List” declined from 844 to 813 during the quarter, and total assets of “problem” institutions fell from $339 billion to $319.4 billion. For the full year, the number of reporting institutions declined by 314, as 3 new reporters were added, 92 institutions failed, and 198 were absorbed by mergers. During 2011, the number of full-time-equivalent employees at insured institutions increased from 2,088,579 to 2,107,976.

 
29


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 and the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment of certain securities available-for-sale.

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, valuations 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. 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. Independent appraisals or evaluations are periodically performed by management, 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. These 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.

 
30


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.

 
31


Income Statement Review for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

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,
 
                                     
   
2012
   
2011
 
                                     
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
Revenue/
   
Yield/
 
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
   
balance
   
expense
   
rate
 
ASSETS
                                   
(dollars in thousands)
                                   
Interest-earning assets
                                   
Loans 1
                                   
Commercial
  $ 78,983     $ 973       4.93 %   $ 78,458     $ 1,003       5.11 %
Agricultural
    48,196       657       5.45 %     41,509       574       5.53 %
Real estate
    303,330       3,918       5.17 %     280,676       3,883       5.53 %
Consumer and other
    19,713       262       5.32 %     21,809       280       5.14 %
                                                 
Total loans (including fees)
    450,222       5,810       5.16 %     422,452       5,740       5.44 %
                                                 
Investment securities
                                               
Taxable
    268,106       1,625       2.42 %     261,582       1,662       2.54 %
Tax-exempt 2
    233,346       2,539       4.35 %     217,675       2,517       4.63 %
Total investment securities
    501,452       4,164       3.32 %     479,257       4,179       3.49 %
                                                 
Interest bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold
    58,398       125       0.86 %     35,451       108       1.22 %
                                                 
Total interest-earning assets
    1,010,072     $ 10,099       4.00 %     937,160     $ 10,027       4.28 %
                                                 
Noninterest-earning assets
    58,730                       51,677                  
                                                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,068,802                     $ 988,837                  

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%.

 
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AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

   
Three Months ended March 31,
 
                                     
   
2012
   
2011
 
                                     
   
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
  $ 469,684     $ 271       0.23 %   $ 420,696     $ 327       0.31 %
Time deposits > $100,000
    107,880       366       1.36 %     99,138       412       1.66 %
Time deposits < $100,000
    137,262       533       1.55 %     142,050       632       1.78 %
Total deposits
    714,826       1,170       0.65 %     661,884       1,371       0.83 %
Other borrowed funds
    75,506       329       1.75 %     96,038       379       1.58 %
                                                 
Total Interest-bearing liabilities
    790,332       1,499       0.76 %     757,922       1,750       0.92 %
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
                                               
Demand deposits
    134,985                       102,884                  
Other liabilities
    6,824                       5,179                  
                                                 
Stockholders' equity
    136,661                       122,852                  
                                                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 1,068,802                     $ 988,837                  
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 8,600       3.41 %           $ 8,277       3.53 %
                                                 
Spread Analysis
                                               
Interest income/average assets
  $ 10,099       3.78 %           $ 10,027       4.06 %        
Interest expense/average assets
  $ 1,499       0.56 %           $ 1,750       0.71 %        
Net interest income/average assets
  $ 8,600       3.22 %           $ 8,277       3.35 %        

Net Interest Income

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.41% and 3.53%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $7,713,000 compared to $7,398,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, interest income increased $64,000 or 0.7% when compared to the same period in 2011. The increase from 2011 was primarily attributable to higher average balance of investment securities and loans, offset in part by lower average yields on loans and investment securities.

Interest expense decreased $251,000 or 14.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011. 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.

 
33


Provision for Loan Losses

The Company’s provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $51,000. The Company did not have a provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Net loan recoveries of $10,000 were realized in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and compare to net loan recoveries of $6,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Non-interest Income and Expense

Non-interest income increased $83,000 or 4.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The increase in non-interest income is primarily due to merchant and ATM fees and gain on the loans held for sale, offset in part by a decrease in security gains. Excluding net security gains for the three months ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, non-interest income increased $197,000, or 14.1%.

Non-interest expense increased $259,000 or 5.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily as a result of higher costs of salaries and employee benefits and data processing costs, offset in part by a decrease in FDIC insurance assessments. The higher salaries and employee benefit costs are primarily due to normal salary increases and higher incentive pay. The higher 2012 data processing costs are due primarily to increased costs associated with equipment upgrades, Internet and mobile banking costs. The lower FDIC insurance assessments are due primarily to lower assessment rates.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $1,180,000 and $1,163,000, representing an effective tax rate of 25% and 25%, respectively. The increase in income tax expense was due primarily to higher pretax earnings in 2012.

Balance Sheet Review

As of March 31, 2012, total assets were $1,094,656,000, a $59,093,000 increase compared to December 31, 2011. The increase in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions, securities available-for-sale and loans were funded primarily by an increase in deposits.

Investment Portfolio

The investment portfolio totaled $525,764,000 as of March 31, 2012, an increase of $17,139,000 or 3.4% from the December 31, 2011 balance of $508,625,000. The increase in the investment portfolio was primarily due to an increase in U.S. government mortgage-backed securities and state and political subdivisions bonds, offset in part by a decrease in U.S. government agency securities.

On a quarterly basis, the investment portfolio is reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment. As of March 31, 2012, gross unrealized losses of $944,000, 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 cost basis to avoid considering an impairment to be other-than-temporary.

 
34


Loan Portfolio

The loan portfolio, net of the allowance for loan losses, totaled $444,257,000 as of March 31, 2012, an increase of $5,606,000 or 1.3% from the December 31, 2011 balance of $438,651,000. The increase in the loan portfolio is primarily due to increases in the commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios.

Deposits

Deposits totaled $879,732,000 as of March 31, 2012, an increase of $61,026,000 or 7.5% from the December 31, 2011 balance of $818,705,000. The increase in deposits occurred in demand, NOW, savings, money market and time deposit accounts $100,000 and over and the increases occurred in public, commercial and retail types of deposit accounts.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $36,085,000 as of March 31, 2012, a decrease of $5,612,000 or 13.5% from the December 31, 2011 balance of $41,697,000.

FHLB Advances and Other Long-Term Borrowings

FHLB advances and other long-term borrowings totaled $34,662,000 and $35,179,000 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the decrease in FHLB advances and other borrowings are due to payments on FHLB advances amounting to $517,000.

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, 2011.

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

The Company’s credit risk is historically centered in the loan portfolio, which on March 31, 2012 totaled $444,257,000 compared to $438,651,000 as of December 31, 2011. Net loans comprise 40.6% of total assets as of March 31, 2012. 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 1.74% at March 31, 2012, as compared to 1.70% at December 31, 2011 and 1.42% at March 31, 2011. The Company’s level of problem loans as a percentage of total loans at March 31, 2012 of 1.74% is lower than the Company’s peer group (303 bank holding companies with assets of $1 billion to $3 billion) of 2.95% as of December 31, 2011.

Impaired loans, net of specific reserves, totaled $7,023,000 as of March 31, 2012 and were relatively unchanged as compared to impaired loans of $6,927,000 as of December 31, 2011 and higher than impaired loans of $5,553,000 as of March 31, 2011. The increase in impaired loans from March 31, 2011 is due primarily to deterioration in cash flows on two borrowers with commercial real estate properties.

 
35


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.

We monitor and report our troubled debt restructuring on a quarterly basis. Certain troubled debt restructurings are on nonaccrual status at the time of restructuring. These borrowings are typically returned to accrual status after 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 troubled debt restructuring 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 troubled debt restructurings 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 troubled debt restructurings for possible impairment and, as necessary recognizes impairment through the allowance. The Company had no charge-offs related to modifying troubled debt restructurings for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The Company had troubled debt restructurings of $3,483,000 as of March 31, 2012, of which $2,796,000 was included in impaired loans and $687,000 was on accrual status. The Company had troubled debt restructurings of $3,602,000 as of December 31, 2011, of which $2,545,000 was included in impaired loans and $1,057,000 was on accrual status.

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, 2012, non-accrual loans totaled $7,860,000; loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $5,000. This compares to non-accrual loans of $7,915,000 and loans past due 90 days and still accruing of $152,000 on December 31, 2011. Other real estate owned totaled $9,553,000 as of March 31, 2012 and $9,538,000 as of December 31, 2011.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was 1.76% and 1.77%, respectively. The allowance for loan losses totaled $7,966,000 and $7,905,000 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Net recoveries of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $10,000, compared to net recoveries of loans of $6,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

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.

 
36


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 investment securities; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources. Other funding sources include federal funds purchased lines, FHLB advances and other capital market sources.

As of March 31, 2012, 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, 2012 and December 31, 2011 totaled $92,934,000 and $56,571,000, respectively, and provide a level of liquidity.

Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks as of March 31, 2012 include outstanding lines of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Iowa of $79,238,000, with $14,662,000 of outstanding FHLB advances at March 31, 2012. Federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks was $102,402,000, with no outstanding federal fund balances as of March 31, 2012. The Company had securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $36,085,000 and long-term repurchase agreements of $20,000,000 as of March 31, 2012.

Total investments as of March 31, 2012 were $525,764,000 compared to $508,625,000 as of December 31, 2011. 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, 2012.

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, 2012 totaled $6,246,000 compared to the $5,266,000 provided by the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase of $980,000 in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily related to changes in accrued interest receivable, other assets and amortization, offset in part by the change in loans held for sale.

 
37


Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $61,467,000 and compares to $37,180,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase of $24,287,000 in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to changes in interest bearing cash in financial institutions and loans, offset in part by changes in securities available-for-sale.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $53,687,000 compares to net cash used in financing activities of $35,016,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase of $18,671,000 in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to changes in deposits, offset in part by changes in securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased. As of March 31, 2012, 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, 2012, dividends paid by the Banks to the Company amounted to $1,532,000 compared to $1,321,000 for the same period in 2011. 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 $0.15 per share in 2012 from $0.13 per share in 2011.

The Company, on an unconsolidated basis, has interest bearing deposits and marketable investment securities totaling $14,053,000 as of March 31, 2012 that are presently available to provide additional liquidity to the Banks. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company made a capital contribution to Reliance State Bank of $13,400,000 in conjunction with acquisition of the Liberty branches in Klemme and Garner, Iowa . As of April 27, 2011, the Company has sufficient liquidity for its current cash flow needs.

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

Effective February 16, 2012, Reliance State Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Liberty to purchase certain assets, including loans, and assume certain liabilities, including deposit accounts, of branch banking offices of Liberty in Garner, Iowa and Klemme, Iowa. This transaction closed on April 27, 2012. These branches will be operated as branch offices as offices of Reliance State Bank. At closing, on April 27, 2012, Reliance State Bank paid Liberty a deposit premium of $5,400,000.

No other material capital expenditures or material changes in the capital resource mix are anticipated at this time. The primary cash flow uncertainty would be a sudden decline in deposits causing the Banks to liquidate securities. Historically, the Banks have maintained an adequate level of short-term marketable investments to fund the temporary declines in deposit balances. There are no known trends in liquidity and cash flow needs as of March 31, 2012 that are of concern to management.

 
38


Capital Resources

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2012 totaled $137,114,000 and was higher than the $134,557,000 recorded as of December 31, 2011. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 12.53% and 12.99%, respectively. The capital levels of the Company exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of March 31, 2012.

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.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company's market risk is comprised primarily of interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking. Interest rate risk results from the changes in market interest rates which may adversely affect the Company's net interest income. Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate this risk. Management does not believe that the Company's primary market risk exposure and how it has been managed year-to-date in 2012 changed significantly when compared to 2011.

 
39


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

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

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

PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

Not applicable

Item 1.A.
Risk Factors

None.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In November, 2011, 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, 2012, there were 56,220 shares remaining to be purchased under the plan.

 
40


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, 2012.

               
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, 2012 to January 31, 2012
    -     $ -       -       56,220  
                                 
February 1, 2012 to February 29, 2012
    -     $ -       -       56,220  
                                 
March 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012
    -     $ -       -       56,220  
                                 
Total
    -               -          

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
Not applicable
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable
 
Item 5.
Other information

Not applicable

Item 6.
Exhibits

31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (1)
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)

(1)            These interactive date files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act o f1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act o f1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

 
41


SIGNATURES

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

 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION
   
DATE: May 9, 2012
By: /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman
   
 
Thomas H. Pohlman, President
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
 
By: /s/ John P. Nelson
   
 
John P. Nelson, Vice President
 
(Principal Financial Officer)

 
42


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.
 
 
43