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AMES NATIONAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

atlo20200930_10q.htm
 

 

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

[Mark One]

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

 

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

(State of Incorporation)

42-1039071

(I. R. S. Employer Identification Number)

                                          

405 Fifth Street

Ames, Iowa 50010

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common stock

ATLO

NASDAQ

 

 

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 ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐    Accelerated filer ☒    Non-accelerated filer ☐    Smaller reporting company ☒     Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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

 

As of October 30, 2020, there were 9,122,747 shares of common stock, par value $2, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

 

INDEX

 

   

 Page

     

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

3

     
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

3

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

4

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

5

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

6

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

7

     
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9

     

Item 2.

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

30

     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

52

     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

53

     

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

53

     

Item 1.A.

Risk Factors

53

     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

54

     

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

55

     

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

55

     

Item 5.

Other Information

55

     

Item 6.

Exhibits

55

     

 

Signatures

56

 

 

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

  

September 30,

  

December 31,

 

ASSETS

 

2020

  

2019

 
         

Cash and due from banks

 $22,750,013  $34,616,880 

Interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold

  119,643,061   108,947,624 

Securities available-for-sale

  548,817,733   479,843,448 

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock, at cost

  3,148,191   3,138,900 

Loans receivable, net

  1,159,063,052   1,048,147,496 

Loans held for sale

  2,797,141   2,776,785 

Bank premises and equipment, net

  17,295,829   17,810,605 

Accrued income receivable

  12,172,766   11,788,409 

Other real estate owned

  620,909   4,003,684 

Bank-owned life insurance

  2,897,480   2,842,713 

Deferred income taxes, net

  -   1,151,016 

Intangible assets, net

  3,309,239   3,959,260 

Goodwill

  12,424,434   12,114,559 

Other assets

  5,455,601   6,041,126 
         

Total assets

 $1,910,395,449  $1,737,182,505 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        
         

LIABILITIES

        

Deposits

        

Noninterest-bearing checking

 $337,487,550  $267,441,988 

Interest-bearing checking

  504,329,496   461,857,728 

Savings and money market

  548,918,915   481,642,221 

Time, $250,000 and over

  66,910,762   74,206,421 

Other time

  202,526,378   208,026,740 

Total deposits

  1,660,173,101   1,493,175,098 
         

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  30,492,436   42,033,570 

FHLB advances

  3,000,000   5,000,000 

Dividends payable

  -   2,213,459 

Deferred income taxes, net

  1,697,985   - 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

  8,995,285   7,180,906 

Total liabilities

  1,704,358,807   1,549,603,033 
         

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        

Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,122,747 and 9,222,747 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

  18,245,494   18,445,494 

Additional paid-in capital

  17,001,736   18,794,141 

Retained earnings

  155,300,906   146,225,085 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  15,488,506   4,114,752 

Total stockholders' equity

  206,036,642   187,579,472 
         

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $1,910,395,449  $1,737,182,505 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

 
  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Interest and dividend income:

                

Loans, including fees

 $12,865,021  $10,513,426  $38,021,904  $32,022,997 

Securities:

                

Taxable

  1,986,904   1,671,572   5,725,476   4,715,137 

Tax-exempt

  891,093   945,769   2,755,515   3,114,298 

Other interest and dividend income

  175,397   400,963   888,412   928,996 

Total interest income

  15,918,415   13,531,730   47,391,307   40,781,428 
                 

Interest expense:

                

Deposits

  1,718,746   2,547,763   6,267,158   7,512,979 

Other borrowed funds

  39,787   170,082   238,314   553,930 

Total interest expense

  1,758,533   2,717,845   6,505,472   8,066,909 
                 

Net interest income

  14,159,882   10,813,885   40,885,835   32,714,519 
                 

Provision for loan losses

  541,844   378,789   4,424,475   545,203 
                 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

  13,618,038   10,435,096   36,461,360   32,169,316 
                 

Noninterest income:

                

Wealth management income

  1,036,131   857,664   2,807,592   2,661,421 

Service fees

  380,620   400,919   1,126,857   1,158,348 

Securities gains, net

  -   15,141   429,925   17,031 

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

  646,589   289,033   1,486,047   685,790 

Merchant and card fees

  459,600   372,073   1,295,854   1,119,598 

Other noninterest income

  271,803   184,399   707,884   615,688 

Total noninterest income

  2,794,743   2,119,229   7,854,159   6,257,876 
                 

Noninterest expense:

                

Salaries and employee benefits

  5,839,963   4,780,894   17,427,608   14,294,219 

Data processing

  1,209,973   1,085,951   3,737,426   2,849,396 

Occupancy expenses, net

  668,003   526,360   2,015,941   1,643,924 

FDIC insurance assessments

  135,859   1,698   185,716   193,593 

Professional fees

  407,118   386,339   1,148,597   1,158,168 

Business development

  307,386   310,786   753,075   827,561 

Intangible asset amortization

  215,575   124,243   650,021   427,221 

New market tax credit projects amortization

  145,395   -   436,166   - 

Other operating expenses, net

  361,280   259,048   1,085,562   755,971 

Total noninterest expense

  9,290,552   7,475,319   27,440,112   22,150,053 
                 

Income before income taxes

  7,122,229   5,079,006   16,875,407   16,277,139 
                 

Provision for income taxes

  1,450,750   1,037,845   3,221,750   3,380,950 
                 

Net income

 $5,671,479  $4,041,161  $13,653,657  $12,896,189 
                 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 $0.62  $0.44  $1.49  $1.40 
                 

Dividends declared per share

 $0.25  $0.24  $0.50  $0.72 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

   

September 30,

 
   

2020

   

2019

   

2020

   

2019

 
                                 

Net income

  $ 5,671,479     $ 4,041,161     $ 13,653,657     $ 12,896,189  

Unrealized gains on securities before tax:

                               

Unrealized holding gains arising during the period

    1,994,598       1,786,525       15,594,931       11,828,086  

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income

    -       15,141       429,925       17,031  

Other comprehensive income, before tax

    1,994,598       1,771,384       15,165,006       11,811,055  

Tax effect related to other comprehensive income

    (498,649 )     (442,846 )     (3,791,252 )     (2,952,764 )

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

    1,495,949       1,328,538       11,373,754       8,858,291  

Comprehensive income

  $ 7,167,428     $ 5,369,699     $ 25,027,411     $ 21,754,480  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

  

Common Stock

  

Additional Paid-in

  

Retained

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income,

  

Total

Stockholders'

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Net of Taxes

  

Equity

 
                         

Balance, June 30, 2019

  9,232,122  $18,464,244  $19,019,767  $142,312,863  $3,454,662  $183,251,536 

Net income

  -   -   -   4,041,161   -   4,041,161 

Other comprehensive income

  -   -   -   -   1,328,538   1,328,538 

Retirement of stock

  (9,375)  (18,750)  (225,626)  -   -   (244,376)

Cash dividends declared, $0.24 per share

  -   -   -   (2,213,459)  -   (2,213,459)

Balance, September 30, 2019

  9,222,747  $18,445,494  $18,794,141  $144,140,565  $4,783,200  $186,163,400 
                         
                         

Balance, June 30, 2020

  9,122,747  $18,245,494  $17,001,736  $151,910,115  $13,992,557  $201,149,902 

Net income

  -   -   -   5,671,479   -   5,671,479 

Other comprehensive income

  -   -   -   -   1,495,949   1,495,949 

Retirement of stock

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Cash dividends declared, $0.25 per share

  -   -   -   (2,280,688)  -   (2,280,688)

Balance, September 30, 2020

  9,122,747  $18,245,494  $17,001,736  $155,300,906  $15,488,506  $206,036,642 

 

 

  

Common Stock

  

Additional Paid-in

  

Retained

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss),

  

Total Stockholders'

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Net of Taxes

  

Equity

 
                         

Balance, December 31, 2018

  9,293,305  $18,586,610  $20,461,724  $137,891,821  $(4,075,091) $172,865,064 

Net income

  -   -   -   12,896,189   -   12,896,189 

Other comprehensive income

  -   -   -   -   8,858,291   8,858,291 

Retirement of stock

  (70,558)  (141,116)  (1,667,583)  -   -   (1,808,699)

Cash dividends declared, $0.72 per share

  -   -   -   (6,647,445)  -   (6,647,445)

Balance, September 30, 2019

  9,222,747  $18,445,494  $18,794,141  $144,140,565  $4,783,200  $186,163,400 
                         
                         

Balance, December 31, 2019

  9,222,747  $18,445,494  $18,794,141  $146,225,085  $4,114,752  $187,579,472 

Net income

  -   -   -   13,653,657   -   13,653,657 

Other comprehensive income

  -   -   -   -   11,373,754   11,373,754 

Retirement of stock

  (100,000)  (200,000)  (1,792,405)        (1,992,405)

Cash dividends declared, $0.50 per share

  -   -   -   (4,577,836)  -   (4,577,836)

Balance, September 30, 2020

  9,122,747  $18,245,494  $17,001,736  $155,300,906  $15,488,506  $206,036,642 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

   

2020

   

2019

 
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

               

Net income

  $ 13,653,657     $ 12,896,189  

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

               

Provision for loan losses

    4,424,475       545,203  

Provision for off-balance sheet commitments

    51,000       -  

Amortization of securities, available-for-sale, loans and deposits, net

    558,579       1,048,818  

Amortization of intangible asset

    650,021       427,221  

Depreciation

    1,083,790       903,070  

Deferred income taxes

    (942,251 )     75,549  

Securities (gains), net

    (429,925 )     (17,031 )

(Gain) on sales of loans held for sale

    (1,486,047 )     (685,790 )

Proceeds from loans held for sale

    67,934,569       34,023,953  

Originations of loans held for sale

    (66,468,878 )     (34,574,101 )

Loss on sale and disposal of premises and equipment, net

    59,212       9,360  

Amortization of investment in new market tax credit projects

    436,166       -  

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

    (21,617 )     (43,414 )

Change in assets and liabilities:

               

Increase in accrued income receivable

    (384,357 )     (320,758 )

(Increase) decrease in other assets

    441,024       (892,594 )

Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities

    1,763,379       943,244  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    21,322,797       14,338,919  
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

               

Purchase of securities available-for-sale

    (165,075,991 )     (61,502,161 )

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale

    5,462,657       8,211,157  

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

    104,636,283       64,641,695  

Purchase of FHLB stock

    (1,148,500 )     (3,912,600 )

Proceeds from the redemption of FHLB stock

    1,133,200       4,448,600  

Net (increase) in interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions and federal funds sold

    (10,695,437 )     (52,872,972 )

Net (increase) decrease in loans

    (114,712,894 )     8,159,497  

Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned

    3,415,130       655,161  

Purchase of bank premises and equipment

    (851,876 )     (648,005 )

Proceeds from the sale of bank equipment

    -       4,000  

Cash paid for bank acquired

    (309,875 )     -  

Other

    (54,767 )     (50,132 )

Net cash (used in) investing activities

    (178,202,070 )     (32,865,760 )
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

               

Increase in deposits

    167,337,240       28,086,411  

Increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    (11,541,134 )     11,521,575  

Payments on FHLB borrowings

    (2,000,000 )     (12,600,000 )

Proceeds from FHLB borrowings

    -       3,000,000  

Dividends paid

    (6,791,295 )     (6,571,446 )

Stock repurchases

    (1,992,405 )     (1,808,699 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    145,012,406       21,627,841  
                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks

    (11,866,867 )     3,101,000  
                 

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

               

Beginning

    34,616,880       30,384,066  

Ending

  $ 22,750,013     $ 33,485,066  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

   

2020

   

2019

 
                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

               

Cash payments for:

               

Interest

  $ 7,133,940     $ 7,852,381  

Income taxes

    3,987,474       3,360,844  
                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES

               

Transfer of loans receivable to other real estate owned

  $ 10,738     $ -  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

1.

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 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 adjustments, necessary to present fairly these consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for an entire year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted in accordance with the requirements for interim financial statements. The interim financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the year-end audited financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the “Annual Report”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned banking subsidiaries (the “Banks”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill resulting from acquisitions is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually or whenever events change and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment with an estimation of the fair value of a reporting unit.

 

The fair value of a reporting unit is the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As none of the Company’s reporting units are publicly traded, individual reporting unit fair value determinations cannot be directly correlated to the Company’s stock price. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions and selecting an appropriate control premium. At September 30, 2020, Company management has performed a goodwill impairment assessment and determined goodwill was not impaired.

 

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior consolidated financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on stockholders’ equity and net income of the prior periods.

 

New and Pending Accounting Pronouncements: In September 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Organizations will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. In October 2019, the FASB voted to approve amendments to the effective date of ASU No. 2016-13 for smaller reporting companies, as defined by the SEC, and other non-SEC reporting entities. The amendment delays the effective date for our Company until interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company continues collecting and retaining loan and credit data and evaluating various loss estimation models, along with refining the implementation of the software and its approach for determining the expected credit losses under the new guidance. The Company’s preliminary evaluation indicates the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13 are expected to impact the Company’s financial statements. The Company is continuing to evaluate the extent of the potential impact.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance in this update eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. For public companies, this update became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests with a measurement date after January 1, 2017. ASU 2017-04 was adopted on January 1, 2020 and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The update became effective for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for the removed disclosures and delayed adoption until fiscal year 2020 permitted for the new disclosures. The removed and modified disclosures were adopted on a retrospective basis, and the new disclosures were adopted on a prospective basis. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

9

 

 

2.

Bank Acquisition

 

On October 25, 2019, the Company completed the purchase of Iowa State Savings Bank (“ISSB”), (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition was consistent with the Bank’s strategy to strengthen and expand its Iowa market share. ISSB’s acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. This bank was purchased for cash consideration of $22.6 million. As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded a core deposit intangible asset of $1,891,000 and goodwill of approximately $2,680,000. The results of operations for this acquisition have been included since the transaction date of October 25, 2019. Since the acquisition date, there has been no significant credit deterioration of the acquired loans.

 

The following table summarizes the fair value of the total consideration transferred as a part of the ISSB Acquisition as well as the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the effective date of the transaction (in thousands):

 

Cash consideration transferred

 $22,643 
     

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

    
     

Cash and due from banks

 $3,188 

Federal funds sold

  2,792 

Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions

  21,035 

Securities available-for-sale

  33,615 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock at cost

  365 

Loans receivable

  137,776 

Accrued interest receivable

  2,888 

Bank premises and equipment

  2,452 

Other real estate owned

  3,582 

Bank owned life insurance

  2,499 

Core deposit intangible asset

  1,891 

Other assets

  204 

Deposits

  (188,631)

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

  (1,747)

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

  (1,946)
     

Total identifiable net assets

  19,963 
     

Goodwill

 $2,680 

 

On October 25, 2019, associated with the ISSB Acquisition, the contractual balance of loans receivable acquired was $139,703,000 and the contractual balance of the deposits assumed was $188,068,000. Loans receivable acquired include commercial real estate, 1-4 family real estate, agricultural real estate, commercial operating, agricultural operating and consumer loans. During the first quarter of 2020, an additional $310,000 of goodwill was recorded due to an adjustment to the initial purchase price.

 

The acquired loans associated with the ISSB Acquisition at contractual values as of October 25, 2019 were determined to be risk rated as follows (in thousands):

 

Pass

 $121,346 

Watch

  12,333 

Special Mention

  - 

Substandard

  6,024 
     

Total loans acquired at book value

 $139,703 

 

The core deposit intangible asset is amortized to expense on a declining basis over a period of ten years. The loan market valuation is accreted to income on the effective yield method over a ten year period. The time deposits market valuation is amortized to expense on a declining basis over a two year period.

 

10

 

 

3.

Dividends

 

On October 14, 2020, the Company declared a cash dividend on its common stock, payable on November 13, 2020 to stockholders of record as of October 30, 2020, equal to $0.25 per share.

 

 

4.

Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share amounts were calculated using the weighted average shares outstanding during the periods presented. The weighted average outstanding shares for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 9,122,747 and 9,227,685, respectively. The weighted average outstanding shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were 9,156,805 and 9,241,789, respectively. The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented.

 

 

5.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. No material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements have occurred since December 31, 2019.

 

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

The following table presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

Description

 

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 
                 

2020

                
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $8,856  $8,856  $-  $- 

U.S. government agencies

  97,984   -   97,984   - 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  133,796   -   133,796   - 

State and political subdivisions

  233,563   -   233,563   - 

Corporate bonds

  74,619   -   74,619   - 
                 
  $548,818  $8,856  $539,962  $- 
                 

2019

                
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $9,452  $9,452  $-  $- 

U.S. government agencies

  126,433   -   126,433   - 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  81,128   -   81,128   - 

State and political subdivisions

  195,302   -   195,302   - 

Corporate bonds

  67,528   -   67,528   - 
                 
  $479,843  $9,452  $470,391  $- 

 

Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. U.S. government agencies, mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivisions, and most corporate bonds 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.

 

11

 

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 or a change in previously recognized impairment).  The following table presents the assets carried on the balance sheet (after specific reserves) by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

Description

 

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 
                 

2020

                
                 

Loans receivable

 $1,295  $-  $-  $1,295 

Other real estate owned

  621   -   -   621 
                 

Total

 $1,916  $-  $-  $1,916 
                 

2019

                
                 

Loans receivable

 $535  $-  $-  $535 

Other real estate owned

  4,004   -   -   4,004 
                 

Total

 $4,539  $-  $-  $4,539 

 

The significant inputs used in the fair value measurements for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

 

  

2020

  

Estimated

 

Valuation

  

Range

  

Fair Value

 

Techniques

 

Unobservable Inputs

(Average)

            

Impaired Loans

 $1,295 

Evaluation of collateral

 

Estimation of value

NM*
            

Other real estate owned

 $621 

Appraisal

 

Appraisal adjustment

6%-8%(7%)

 

  

2020

  

Estimated

 

Valuation

  

Range

  

Fair Value

 

Techniques

 

Unobservable Inputs

(Average)

            

Impaired Loans

 $535 

Evaluation of collateral

 

Estimation of value

 NM*  
            

Other real estate owned

 $4,004 

Appraisal

 

Appraisal adjustment

6%-8%(7%)

 

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

 

GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. 

 

12

 

The following table includes the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

    

2020

  

2019

 
  

Fair Value

     

Estimated

      

Estimated

 
  

Hierarchy

 

Carrying

  

Fair

  

Carrying

  

Fair

 
  

Level

 

Amount

  

Value

  

Amount

  

Value

 
                   

Financial assets:

                  

Cash and due from banks

 

Level 1

 $22,750  $22,750  $34,617  $34,617 

Interest-bearing deposits

 

Level 1

  119,643   119,643   108,948   108,948 

Securities available-for-sale

 

See previous table

  548,818   548,818   479,843   479,843 

FHLB and FRB stock

 

Level 2

  3,148   3,148   3,139   3,139 

Loans receivable, net

 

Level 2

  1,159,063   1,135,210   1,048,147   1,025,032 

Loans held for sale

 

Level 2

  2,797   2,797   2,777   2,777 

Accrued income receivable

 

Level 1

  12,173   12,173   11,788   11,788 

Financial liabilities:

                  

Deposits

 

Level 2

 $1,660,173  $1,663,366  $1,493,175  $1,495,155 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

Level 1

  30,492   30,492   42,034   42,034 

FHLB advances

 

Level 2

  3,000   3,115   5,000   4,935 

Accrued interest payable

 

Level 1

  945   945   1,163   1,163 

 

The methodologies used to determine fair value as of September 30, 2020 did not change from the methodologies described in the December 31, 2019 Annual Financial Statements.

 

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

 

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

 

13

 

 

7.

Debt Securities

 

The amortized cost of securities available-for-sale and their approximate fair values as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

2020:

     

Gross

  

Gross

     
  

Amortized

  

Unrealized

  

Unrealized

  

Estimated

 
  

Cost

  

Gains

  

Losses

  

Fair Value

 
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $8,492  $364  $-  $8,856 

U.S. government agencies

  92,650   5,340   (6)  97,984 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  130,706   3,140   (50)  133,796 

State and political subdivisions

  226,574   7,024   (35)  233,563 

Corporate bonds

  69,744   4,875   -   74,619 
  $528,166  $20,743  $(91) $548,818 

 

2019:

     

Gross

  

Gross

     
  

Amortized

  

Unrealized

  

Unrealized

  

Estimated

 
  

Cost

  

Gains

  

Losses

  

Fair Value

 
                 

U.S. government treasuries

 $9,392  $64  $(4) $9,452 

U.S. government agencies

  124,913   1,609   (89)  126,433 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  80,295   867   (34)  81,128 

State and political subdivisions

  193,745   1,852   (295)  195,302 

Corporate bonds

  66,012   1,542   (26)  67,528 
  $474,357  $5,934  $(448) $479,843 

 

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2020, are shown below by expected maturity. Expected maturity will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands).

 

  

Amortized

  

Estimated

 
  

Cost

  

Fair Value

 
         

Due in one year or less

 $46,260  $46,694 

Due after one year through five years

  226,833   236,081 

Due after five years through ten years

  211,689   220,972 

Due after ten years

  43,384   45,071 

Total

 $528,166  $548,818 

 

Securities with a carrying value of $193.4 million and $180.0 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, were pledged on public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

 

14

 

The proceeds, gains and losses for securities available-for-sale for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale

 $-  $2,238  $5,463  $8,211 

Gross realized gains on securities available-for-sale

  -   16   430   37 

Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale

  -   (1)  -   (20)

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

  -   4   108   4 

 

Gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position are summarized as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

 

  

Less than 12 Months

  

12 Months or More

  

Total

 

2020:

 

Estimated Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

  

Estimated Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

  

Estimated Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

 
                         

Securities available-for-sale:

                        

U.S. government agencies

 $-  $-  $917  $(6) $917  $(6)

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  21,671   (50)  -   -   21,671   (50)

State and political subdivisions

  5,924   (32)  180   (3)  6,104   (35)
  $27,595  $(82) $1,097  $(9) $28,692  $(91)

 

  

Less than 12 Months

  

12 Months or More

  

Total

 

2019:

 

Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

  

Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

  

Fair Value

  

Unrealized Losses

 
                         

Securities available-for-sale:

                        

U.S. government treasuries

 $3,023  $(4) $-  $-  $3,023  $(4)

U.S. government agencies

  23,827   (85)  2,520   (4)  26,347   (89)

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  14,885   (28)  1,934   (6)  16,819   (34)

State and political subdivisions

  17,512   (125)  5,954   (170)  23,466   (295)

Corporate bonds

  4,129   (26)  -   -   4,129   (26)
  $63,376  $(268) $10,408  $(180) $73,784  $(448)

 

Gross unrealized losses on debt securities totaled $91,000 as of September 30, 2020. 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, state or political subdivision, or corporations. Management then determines whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and reviews industry analysts’ reports. The Company’s procedures for evaluating investments in states, municipalities and political subdivisions include but are not limited to reviewing the offering statement and the most current available financial information, comparing yields to yields of bonds of similar credit quality, confirming capacity to repay, assessing operating and financial performance, evaluating the stability of tax revenues, considering debt profiles and local demographics, and for revenue bonds, assessing the source and strength of revenue structures for municipal authorities. These procedures, as applicable, are utilized for all municipal purchases and are utilized in whole or in part for monitoring the portfolio of municipal holdings. The Company does not utilize third party credit rating agencies as a primary component of determining if the municipal issuer has an adequate capacity to meet the financial commitments under the security for the projected life of the investment, and, therefore, does not compare internal assessments to those of the credit rating agencies. Credit rating downgrades are utilized as an additional indicator of credit weakness and as a reference point for historical default rates. Management concluded that the gross unrealized losses on debt securities were temporary. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in fair values and management’s assessments will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

15

 

 

8.

Loans Receivable and Credit Disclosures

 

The composition of loans receivable as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows (in     thousands):

 

  

2020

  

2019

 
         

Real estate - construction

 $45,521  $47,895 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  211,239   201,510 

Real estate - commercial

  491,399   435,850 

Real estate - agricultural

  157,495   160,771 

Commercial 1

  152,707   84,084 

Agricultural

  102,199   111,945 

Consumer and other

  16,539   18,791 
   1,177,099   1,060,846 

Less:

        

Allowance for loan losses

  (15,932)  (12,619)

Deferred loan fees 2

  (2,104)  (80)

Loans receivable, net

 $1,159,063  $1,048,147 

 

1 Commercial loan portfolio as of September 30, 2020 includes $79.6 million Payroll Protection Program ("PPP") loans

2 Deferred loan fees as of September 30, 2020 includes $1.9 million of fees related to the PPP loans.

 

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), enacted on March 27, 2020, in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The PPP is administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). PPP loans may be forgiven by the SBA and are 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA.

 

16

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses, on a disaggregated basis, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, June 30, 2020

 $849  $2,505  $6,864  $1,713  $1,994  $1,830  $250  $16,005 

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  (105)  80   583   (15)  (5)  (14)  18   542 

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  -   2   1   -   9   -   272   284 

Loans charged-off

  -   (1)  -   -   (582)  (48)  (268)  (899)

Balance, September 30, 2020

 $744  $2,586  $7,448  $1,698  $1,416  $1,768  $272  $15,932 

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

 $672  $2,122  $5,362  $1,326  $1,458  $1,478  $201  $12,619 

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  71   477   2,527   372   573   338   66   4,424 

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  1   5   3   -   13   -   277   299 

Loans charged-off

  -   (18)  (444)  -   (628)  (48)  (272)  (1,410)

Balance, September 30, 2020

 $744  $2,586  $7,448  $1,698  $1,416  $1,768  $272  $15,932 

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, June 30, 2019

 $721  $1,847  $4,906  $1,301  $1,590  $1,332  $172  $11,869 

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  41   237   158   9   (112)  10   36   379 

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  -   2   3   -   5   -   2   12 

Loans charged-off

  -   -   -   -   (326)  -   -   (326)

Balance, September 30, 2019

 $762  $2,086  $5,067  $1,310  $1,157  $1,342  $210  $11,934 

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
      

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2018

 $699  $1,820  $4,615  $1,198  $1,777  $1,384  $191  $11,684 

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  63   265   437   112   (324)  (42)  34   545 

Recoveries of loans charged-off

  -   4   15   -   34   -   6   59 

Loans charged-off

  -   (3)  -   -   (330)  -   (21)  (354)

Balance, September 30, 2019

 $762  $2,086  $5,067  $1,310  $1,157  $1,342  $210  $11,934 

 

17

 

Allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2020

     

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

 $-  $150  $-  $-  $2  $41  $30  $223 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  744   2,436   7,448   1,698   1,414   1,727   242   15,709 

Balance September 30, 2020

 $744  $2,586  $7,448  $1,698  $1,416  $1,768  $272  $15,932 

 

2019

     

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

 $-  $209  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $209 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  672   1,913   5,362   1,326   1,458   1,478   201   12,410 

Balance December 31, 2019

 $672  $2,122  $5,362  $1,326  $1,458  $1,478  $201  $12,619 

 

 

Loans receivable disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2020

     

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  $1,332  $11,046  $1,868  $949  $977  $51  $16,388 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  45,356   209,907   480,353   155,627   151,758   101,222   16,488   1,160,711 
                                 

Balance September 30, 2020

 $45,521  $211,239  $491,399  $157,495  $152,707  $102,199  $16,539  $1,177,099 

 

2019

     

1-4 Family

                         
  

Construction

  

Residential

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

          

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

and Other

  

Total

 

Individually evaluated for impairment

 $-  $1,204  $83  $84  $462  $2,951  $4  $4,788 

Collectively evaluated for impairment

  47,895   200,306   435,767   160,687   83,622   108,994   18,787   1,056,058 
                                 

Balance December 31, 2019

 $47,895  $201,510  $435,850  $160,771  $84,084  $111,945  $18,791  $1,060,846 

 

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.

 

18

 

Impaired loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

  

2020

  

2019

 
      

Unpaid

          

Unpaid

     
  

Recorded

  

Principal

  

Related

  

Recorded

  

Principal

  

Related

 
  

Investment

  

Balance

  

Allowance

  

Investment

  

Balance

  

Allowance

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

                        

Real estate - construction

 $165  $165  $-  $-  $-  $- 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  386   436   -   460   796   - 

Real estate - commercial

  11,046   11,836   -   83   435   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  1,868   1,885   -   84   97   - 

Commercial

  947   1,567   -   462   517   - 

Agricultural

  448   605   -   2,951   3,071   - 

Consumer and other

  10   10   -   4   4   - 

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  14,870   16,504   -   4,044   4,920   - 
                         

With an allowance recorded:

                        

Real estate - construction

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  946   1,283   150   744   755   209 

Real estate - commercial

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Commercial

  2   2   2   -   -   - 

Agricultural

  529   531   41   -   -   - 

Consumer and other

  41   43   30   -   -   - 

Total loans with specific reserve:

  1,518   1,859   223   744   755   209 
                         

Total

                        

Real estate - construction

  165   165   -   -   -   - 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  1,332   1,719   150   1,204   1,551   209 

Real estate - commercial

  11,046   11,836   -   83   435   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  1,868   1,885   -   84   97   - 

Commercial

  949   1,569   2   462   517   - 

Agricultural

  977   1,136   41   2,951   3,071   - 

Consumer and other

  51   53   30   4   4   - 
                         
  $16,388  $18,363  $223  $4,788  $5,675  $209 

 

19

 

Average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
  

Average

  

Interest

  

Average

  

Interest

 
  

Recorded

  

Income

  

Recorded

  

Income

 
  

Investment

  

Recognized

  

Investment

  

Recognized

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

 $83  $-  $-  $- 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  305   -   364   4 

Real estate - commercial

  11,091   -   637   45 

Real estate - agricultural

  1,966   -   86   - 

Commercial

  735   21   240   - 

Agricultural

  813   340   2,206   - 

Consumer and other

  8   -   -   - 

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  15,001   361   3,533   49 
                 

With an allowance recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

  -   -   -   - 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  957   -   341   - 

Real estate - commercial

  -   -   -   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  -   -   -   - 

Commercial

  627   -   1,267   - 

Agricultural

  531   -   -   - 

Consumer and other

  30   -   5   - 

Total loans with specific reserve:

  2,145   -   1,613   - 
                 

Total

                

Real estate - construction

  83   -   -   - 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  1,262   -   705   4 

Real estate - commercial

  11,091   -   637   45 

Real estate - agricultural

  1,966   -   86   - 

Commercial

  1,362   21   1,507   - 

Agricultural

  1,344   340   2,206   - 

Consumer and other

  38   -   5   - 
                 
  $17,146  $361  $5,146  $49 

 

20

 
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
  

Average

  

Interest

  

Average

  

Interest

 
  

Recorded

  

Income

  

Recorded

  

Income

 
  

Investment

  

Recognized

  

Investment

  

Recognized

 

With no specific reserve recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

 $41  $-  $-  $- 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  294   -   305   30 

Real estate - commercial

  8,221   -   384   105 

Real estate - agricultural

  1,202   6   79   - 

Commercial

  586   23   241   - 

Agricultural

  1,896   340   1,103   - 

Consumer and other

  26   -   -   - 

Total loans with no specific reserve:

  12,266   369   2,112   135 
                 

With an allowance recorded:

                

Real estate - construction

  -   -   -   - 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  938   -   226   - 

Real estate - commercial

  244   -   -   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  -   -   -   - 

Commercial

  356   -   1,867   - 

Agricultural

  380   -   -   - 

Consumer and other

  15   -   10   1 

Total loans with specific reserve:

  1,933   -   2,103   1 
                 

Total

                

Real estate - construction

  41   -   -   - 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  1,232   -   531   30 

Real estate - commercial

  8,465   -   384   105 

Real estate - agricultural

  1,202   6   79   - 

Commercial

  942   23   2,108   - 

Agricultural

  2,276   340   1,103   - 

Consumer and other

  41   -   10   1 
                 
  $14,199  $369  $4,215  $136 

 

The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $247,000 and $272,000, respectively. The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $747,000 and $389,000, respectively.

 

Nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $16,388,000 and $4,788,000 respectively.

 

The Company had loans meeting the definition of a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) of $11,480,000 as of September 30, 2020, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans. The Company had TDRs of $1,171,000 as of December 31, 2019, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans.

 

21

 

The Company’s TDR, on a disaggregated basis, occurring in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

 
      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

 
  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

 
  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

 
                         

Real estate - construction

  -  $-  $-   -  $-  $- 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  -   -   -   3   1,035   1,035 

Real estate - commercial

  1   10,157   10,157   -   -   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Commercial

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Agricultural

  3   56   56   -   -   - 

Consumer and other

  1   27   27   -   -   - 
                         
   5  $10,240  $10,240   3  $1,035  $1,035 

 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

      

Pre-Modification

  

Post-Modification

 
      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

      

Outstanding

  

Outstanding

 
  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

  

Number of

  

Recorded

  

Recorded

 
  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

  

Contracts

  

Investment

  

Investment

 
                         

Real estate - construction

  -  $-  $-   -  $-  $- 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  -   -   -   3   1,035   1,035 

Real estate - commercial

  2   10,341   10,341   -   -   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Commercial

  1   61   61   -   -   - 

Agricultural

  3   56   56   -   -   - 

Consumer and other

  1   27   27   -   -   - 
                         
   7  $10,485  $10,485   3  $1,035  $1,035 

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company granted concessions to three borrowers facing financial difficulties which were unrelated to COVID-19. Payments on these loans were deferred for an extended period of time and the interest rate was reduced below the market interest rate. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company granted concessions to five borrowers facing financial difficulties. Payments on these loans were deferred for an extended period of time and the interest rate was reduced below the market interest rate. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company granted concessions to one borrower with three 1-4 family residential contracts facing financial difficulties. The loans were originated with terms less than normal related to collateral.

 

There were no TDR loans that were modified during the twelve months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 that had payment defaults. The Company considers TDR loans to have payment default when it is past due 60 days or more.

 

22

 

There were $15,000 and $31,000 of net charge-offs related to TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. There were $275,000 of net charge-offs related to TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Section 4013 of the CARES Act, “Temporary Relief From Troubled Debt Restructurings,” allows financial institutions the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to TDRs for a limited period of time during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, various regulatory agencies, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the FDIC, (the "agencies") issued an interagency statement on loan modifications and reporting for financial institutions working with customers affected by COVID-19. The interagency statement was effective immediately and impacted accounting for loan modifications. The agencies confirmed with the staff of the FASB that short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief, are not to be considered TDRs. This includes short-term (e.g., six months) modifications, such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or other delays in payment that are insignificant. Borrowers considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented.

 

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had executed 199 COVID-19 related loan modifications under these rules on a total outstanding principal balance of $127.5 million. Of those loans, 100 loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $94.8 million remain on deferral, including $11.7 million of loans that were less than 30 days past due after the modification period expired. The remaining loans of $32.7 million have been returned to a normal payment status. These loans did not have financial difficulty prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and were generally modified for principal and interest payment deferral or interest only payments for up to six months. Modified loans continue to accrue interest and are evaluated for past due status based on the revised payment terms.

 

23

 

An aging analysis of the recorded investments in loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, is as follows (in thousands):

 

2020

     

90 Days

              

90 Days

 
  30-89  

or Greater

  

Total

          

or Greater

 
  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Current

  

Total

  

Accruing

 
                         

Real estate - construction

 $26  $165  $191  $45,330  $45,521  $- 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  763   385   1,148   210,091   211,239   131 

Real estate - commercial

  176   75   251   491,148   491,399   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  1,014   1,835   2,849   154,646   157,495   33 

Commercial

  104   647   751   151,956   152,707   - 

Agricultural

  574   472   1,046   101,153   102,199   - 

Consumer and other

  37   36   73   16,466   16,539   16 
                         
  $2,694  $3,615  $6,309  $1,170,790  $1,177,099  $180 

 

2019

     

90 Days

              

90 Days

 
  

30-89

  

or Greater

  

Total

          

or Greater

 
  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Past Due

  

Current

  

Total

  

Accruing

 
                         

Real estate - construction

 $1,796  $-  $1,796  $46,099  $47,895  $- 

Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential

  811   290   1,101   200,409   201,510   188 

Real estate - commercial

  387   -   387   435,463   435,850   - 

Real estate - agricultural

  422   -   422   160,349   160,771   - 

Commercial

  518   237   755   83,329   84,084   - 

Agricultural

  666   2,587   3,253   108,692   111,945   62 

Consumer and other

  146   6   152   18,639   18,791   5 
                         
  $4,746  $3,120  $7,866  $1,052,980  $1,060,846  $255 

 

24

 

The credit risk profile by internally assigned grade, on a disaggregated basis, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2020

 

Construction

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

             
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

Total

 
                         

Pass

 $39,626  $380,297  $113,790  $132,487  $76,116  $742,316 

Watch

  5,730   74,178   34,810   14,820   23,843   153,381 

Special Mention

  -   3,200   -   -   -   3,200 

Substandard

  -   22,678   7,027   4,451   1,263   35,419 

Substandard-Impaired

  165   11,046   1,868   949   977   15,005 
                         
  $45,521  $491,399  $157,495  $152,707  $102,199  $949,321 

 

2019

 

Construction

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

             
  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Real Estate

  

Commercial

  

Agricultural

  

Total

 
                         

Pass

 $41,073  $387,274  $118,692  $62,655  $90,083  $699,777 

Watch

  6,822   29,209   32,780   16,147   15,248   100,206 

Special Mention

  -   4,581   -   -   -   4,581 

Substandard

  -   14,703   9,215   4,820   3,663   32,401 

Substandard-Impaired

  -   83   84   462   2,951   3,580 
                         
  $47,895  $435,850  $160,771  $84,084  $111,945  $840,545 

 

The credit risk profile based on payment activity, on a disaggregated basis, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):

 

2020

 

1-4 Family

         
  

Residential

  

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

and Other

  

Total

 
             

Performing

 $209,778  $16,472  $226,250 

Non-performing

  1,461   67   1,528 
             
  $211,239  $16,539  $227,778 

 

2019

 

1-4 Family

         
  

Residential

  

Consumer

     
  

Real Estate

  

and Other

  

Total

 
             

Performing

 $200,117  $18,782  $218,899 

Non-performing

  1,393   9   1,402 
             
  $201,510  $18,791  $220,301 

 

25

 

 

9.

Goodwill

 

As a result of the acquisition of ISSB in 2019, goodwill of $2.7 million was recognized. Goodwill recognized in the Acquisition was primarily attributable to an expanded market share and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of ISSB. For income tax purposes, goodwill associated with ISSB is amortized over a fifteen year period. Goodwill for this acquisition and previous acquisitions is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at least annually.

 

 

10.

Intangible assets

 

In conjunction with the acquisition of ISSB in 2019, the Company recorded $1.9 million in core deposit intangible assets. The following sets forth the carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the intangible assets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

  

2020

  

2019

 
  

Gross

  

Accumulated

  

Gross

  

Accumulated

 
  

Amount

  

Amortization

  

Amount

  

Amortization

 
                 

Core deposit intangible asset

 $6,411  $3,336  $6,411  $2,745 

Customer list

  535   301   535   242 
                 

Total

 $6,946  $3,637  $6,946  $2,987 

 

The weighted average life of the intangible assets is 3.7 years as of September 30, 2020 and 4.2 years as of December 31, 2019.

 

The following sets forth the activity related to the intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Beginning intangible assets, net

 $3,525  $2,375  $3,959  $2,678 

Amortization

  (216)  (124)  (650)  (427)
                 

Ending intangible assets, net

 $3,309  $2,251  $3,309  $2,251 

 

26

 

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

 

2020

 $176 

2021

  628 

2022

  574 

2023

  502 

2024

  337 

2025

  301 

After

  791 
     

Total

 $3,309 

 

 

11.

Pledged Collateral Related to Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements

 

The repurchase agreements mature daily and the following sets forth the pledged collateral at estimated fair value related to securities sold under repurchase agreements as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

  

2020

  

2019

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

        

U.S. government treasuries

 $2,078  $3,528 

U.S. government agencies

  39,851   35,557 

U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

  14,046   19,614 
         

Total pledged collateral

 $55,975  $58,699 

 

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

 

 

12.

Income Taxes

 

The tax effects of temporary differences related to income taxes are included in deferred income taxes. The change in deferred income taxes since December 31, 2019 is due primarily to the increase in the unrealized gains on investment securities.

 

27

 

 

13.

Regulatory Matters

 

On September 30, 2020, the Banks qualified for and elected to use the community bank leverage ratio (CBLR) framework. In order to qualify for the CBLR framework, a community banking organization must have a tier 1 leverage ratio of greater than 8%, less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, and limited amounts of off-balance-sheet exposures and trading assets and liabilities. Beginning in 2021, the CBLR will increase to 8.5% for the calendar year and will again increase to 9% beginning January 1, 2022. A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all requirements under the framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital.

 

The Company and the Banks’ capital amounts and ratios as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

          

To Be Well

 
          

Capitalized Under

 
          

Prompt Corrective

 
  

Actual

  

Action Provisions

 
  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

 
                 

As of September 30, 2020:

                

Community Bank Leverage Ratio:

                

(Tier 1 capital to average assets for leverage ratio):

                

Boone Bank & Trust

 $13,770   9.5% $11,642   8.0%

First National Bank

  84,275   8.8   76,901   8.0 

Iowa State Savings Bank

  21,251   9.5   17,883   8.0 

Reliance State Bank

  22,923   9.9   18,438   8.0 

State Bank & Trust

  16,181   8.9   14,590   8.0 

United Bank & Trust

  10,436   9.6   8,720   8.0 

 

28

 
                  

To Be Well

 
                  

Capitalized Under

 
          

For Capital

  

Prompt Corrective

 
  

Actual

  

Adequacy Purposes

  

Action Provisions

 
  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

 
                         

As of December 31, 2019:

                        

Total capital (to risk- weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $180,834   14.3% $132,878   10.50%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  14,205   14.1   10,610   10.50  $10,105   10.0%

First National Bank

  87,375   13.9   66,180   10.50   63,028   10.0 

Iowa State Savings Bank

  20,610   14.2   15,208   10.50   14,483   10.0 

Reliance State Bank

  24,487   13.0   19,778   10.50   18,836   10.0 

State Bank & Trust

  16,800   13.5   13,115   10.50   12,490   10.0 

United Bank & Trust

  10,775   14.3   7,910   10.50   7,534   10.0 
                         

Tier 1 capital (to risk- weighted assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $167,514   13.2% $107,568   8.50%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,274   13.1   8,589   8.50  $8,084   8.0%

First National Bank

  80,665   12.8   53,574   8.50   50,423   8.0 

Iowa State Savings Bank

  20,151   13.9   12,311   8.50   11,587   8.0 

Reliance State Bank

  22,166   11.8   16,010   8.50   15,069   8.0 

State Bank & Trust

  15,233   12.2   10,617   8.50   9,992   8.0 

United Bank & Trust

  9,955   13.2   6,403   8.50   6,027   8.0 
                         

Tier 1 capital (to average- assets):

                        

Consolidated

 $167,544   10.1% $66,234   4.00%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,274   9.5   5,604   4.00  $7,005   5.0%

First National Bank

  80,665   9.3   34,702   4.00   43,378   5.0 

Iowa State Savings Bank

  20,151   9.5   8,453   4.00   10,567   5.0 

Reliance State Bank

  22,166   10.0   8,886   4.00   11,108   5.0 

State Bank & Trust

  15,233   9.5   6,384   4.00   7,980   5.0 

United Bank & Trust

  9,955   9.8   4,073   4.00   5,091   5.0 
                         

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

                        

Consolidated

 $167,544   13.2% $88,585   7.00%  N/A   N/A 

Boone Bank & Trust

  13,274   13.1   7,074   7.00  $6,568   6.5%

First National Bank

  80,665   12.8   44,120   7.00   40,968   6.5 

Iowa State Savings Bank

  20,151   13.9   10,138   7.00   9,414   6.5 

Reliance State Bank

  22,166   11.8   13,185   7.00   12,243   6.5 

State Bank & Trust

  15,233   12.2   8,743   7.00   8,119   6.5 

United Bank & Trust

  9,955   13.2   5,273   7.00   4,897   6.5 

 

 

14.

Subsequent Events

 

Management evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no significant events or transactions occurring after September 30, 2020, but prior to November 5, 2020, that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at September 30, 2020. Except for dividends declared on October 14, 2020, there were no other significant events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that did not exist at September 30, 2020.

 

29

 

 

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

 

The Company does not engage in any material business activities apart from its ownership of the Banks. Products and services offered by the Banks are for commercial and consumer purposes including loans, deposits and wealth management services. Wealth management services includes financial planning and managing trust, agencies, estates and investment brokerage accounts. The Company employs sixteen individuals to assist with financial reporting, human resources, audit, compliance, marketing, technology systems, training, real estate valuation services and the coordination of management activities, in addition to 265 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 Banks; (iii) fees on wealth management services provided by those Banks exercising trust powers; (iv) service fees on deposit accounts maintained at the Banks; (v) gain on sale of loans; and (vi) merchant and card fees. The Company’s principal expenses are: (i) interest expense on deposit accounts and other borrowings; (ii) provision for loan losses; (iii) salaries and employee benefits; (iv) data processing costs associated with maintaining the Banks’ loan and deposit functions; (v) occupancy expenses for maintaining the Bank’s facilities; and (vi) professional fees. The largest component contributing to the Company’s net income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on earning assets (primarily loans and investments) and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities (primarily deposits and other borrowings). One of management’s principal functions is to manage the spread between interest earned on earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities in an effort to maximize net interest income while maintaining an appropriate level of interest rate risk.

 

The Company had net income of $5,671,000, or $0.62 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net income of $4,041,000, or $0.44 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in earnings is primarily the result of a reduction in interest expense due to market rate decreases and the Iowa State Savings Bank acquisition.

 

Net loan charge-offs totaled $615,000 and $314,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The provision for loan losses totaled $542,000 and $379,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

 

The Company had net income of $13,654,000, or $1.49 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net income of $12,896,000, or $1.40 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

The increase in earnings is primarily the result of the Acquisition, reduction in interest expense due to market rate decreases, and was partially offset by an increase in provision for loan losses.

 

Net loan charge-offs totaled $1,111,000 and $295,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The provision for loan losses totaled $4,424,000 and $545,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

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

 

Challenges and COVID-19 Status, Risks and Uncertainties

Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

Critical Accounting Policies

Income Statement Review

Balance Sheet Review

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Challenges and COVID-19 Status, Risks and Uncertainties

 

Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic during the first quarter of 2020, management had identified certain events or circumstances that may negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in the future and detailed its efforts to position the Company to best respond to those challenges. These challenges are addressed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2020.

 

The Company conducts business in the State of Iowa and Iowa began to place significant restrictions on companies and individuals on March 9, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The State of Iowa has eased many of the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As an organization that focuses on community banking, we are concerned about the health of our customers, employees and local communities and keep that thought at the forefront of our decisions. The Company’s bank lobbies are open to the public, with business also being transacted through our drive up facilities, online, telephone or by appointment.

 

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly heightened the level of challenges, risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its operations, including the following:

 

 

As the economic slowdown continues to evolve due to the pandemic, some of the Company’s customers may experience decreased revenues, which may correlate to an inability to make timely loan payments or maintain payrolls. This, in turn, could adversely impact the revenues and earnings of the Company by, among other things, requiring further increases in the allowance for loan losses and increases in the level of charge-offs in the loan portfolio. As detailed herein, the Company recognized a significant increase in provision expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase was due in part to the economic slowdown. Management anticipates additional increases in the allowance if the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to negatively impact the loan portfolio.

 

 

 

The Federal Reserve decreased the range for the federal funds target rate by 0.5 percent on March 3, 2020, and by another 1.0 percent on March 16, 2020, reaching a current range of 0.0 – 0.25 percent.

 

 

Local and the State of Iowa’s elevated unemployment may continue to cause economic challenges to our consumer and commercial customers due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher levels of unemployment may adversely impact the revenues and earnings of the Company.

 

 

The Company anticipates a slowdown in demand for its products and services, including in the demand for traditional loans, although the timing of the recovery is uncertain.

 

 

Goodwill is currently evaluated for impairment quarterly and goodwill has been determined to not be impaired as of September 30, 2020. In the future goodwill may be impaired if the effects of the economic slowdown negatively impacts our net income and fair value, particularly of our most recent acquisition. An impairment of goodwill would decrease the Company’s earnings during the period in which the impairment is recorded.

 

 

The uncertain economic conditions has created significant volatility and disruption in the financial markets, and these conditions may require the Company to recognize an elevated level of other than temporary impairments on securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio as issuers of these securities are negatively impacted by the economic slowdown. Declines in fair value of securities held in the portfolio could also reduce the unrealized gains reported as part of the Company’s other comprehensive income.

 

 

Market interest rates have declined significantly and these reductions, especially if prolonged, could adversely affect the Company’s net interest income, net interest margin and earnings.

 

 

Dividends in the future may be reduced or eliminated if the COVID-19 pandemic has an adverse effect on net income, an unanticipated increase in deposits or other unidentified risks that may negatively affect the Company’s capital ratios.

 

We have taken numerous steps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the following:

 

 

We have been actively working with loan customers to evaluate prudent loan modification terms. As of September 30, 2020, approximately $94.8 million, or 8.1%, of loans were in payment deferral status under COVID-19 related modifications. COVID-19 related modifications primarily involve a delay of principal and/or interest payments for up to six months.

 

 

We had 942 PPP loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $79.6 million as of September 30, 2020. Borrowers have begun the process of filing for forgiveness with the SBA. When the borrower applies for loan forgiveness, the Bank has 60 days to submit the application to the SBA. The SBA then has 90 days to approve the loan forgiveness. We began receiving forgiveness payments from the SBA in October 2020 and expect the forgiveness process to extend into 2021

 

 

We have successfully deployed a modified working environment to emphasize the safety of our teams and continuity of our business processes. We do not anticipate significant challenges to our ability to maintain our systems and controls in light of the measures we have taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. No material operational or internal control challenges or risks have been identified to date.

 

 

Certain industries are widely expected to be particularly impacted by shutdowns, capacity restrictions, quarantines and social distancing in response to COVID-19 and efforts to contain it. As of September 30, 2020 approximately 8.4% of our loan portfolio is associated with the hospitality and entertainment industries. Because of the significant uncertainties related to the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential effects on our customers, and on the national and local economy as a whole, there can be no assurances as to how the crisis may ultimately affect the Company’s loan portfolio.

 

Key Performance Indicators and Industry Results

 

Certain key performance indicators for the Company and the industry are presented in the following chart. The industry figures are compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and are derived from 5,066 commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the FDIC. Management reviews these indicators on a quarterly basis for purposes of comparing the Company’s performance from quarter-to-quarter against the industry as a whole.

 

Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry 

 

   

3 Months

   

9 Months

                   

Years Ended December 31,

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

   

3 Months Ended

                                 
   

September 30, 2020

   

June 30, 2020

   

2019

   

2018

 
   

Company

   

Company

   

Industry*

   

Company

   

Industry*

   

Company

   

Industry*

 
                                                                 

Return on assets

    1.21 %     0.99 %     0.94 %     0.36 %     1.14 %     1.29 %     1.23 %     1.35 %
                                                                 

Return on equity

    11.18 %     9.27 %     9.09 %     3.53 %     9.48 %     11.40 %     10.09 %     11.98 %
                                                                 

Net interest margin

    3.21 %     3.16 %     3.10 %     2.81 %     3.21 %     3.36 %     3.23 %     3.40 %
                                                                 

Efficiency ratio

    54.80 %     56.30 %     56.49 %     58.69 %     58.51 %     56.63 %     55.90 %     56.27 %
                                                                 

Capital ratio

    10.80 %     10.69 %     10.35 %     8.77 %     12.05 %     9.66 %     12.18 %     9.70 %

 

*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 1.21% and 1.10% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This ratio increase was primarily the result of a reduction in interest expense due to market rate decreases.

 

Return on Equity

 

This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average equity. It is used to measure the net income or return the Company generated for the shareholders’ equity investment in the Company. The Company's return on average equity was at 11.18% and 8.74% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This ratio increase was primarily the result of a reduction in interest expense due to market rate decreases.

 

 

Net Interest Margin

 

The net interest margin for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 3.21% and 3.15%, respectively. The ratio is calculated by dividing tax equivalent 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.

 

Efficiency Ratio

 

This ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net interest income and noninterest income. The ratio is a measure of the Company’s ability to manage noninterest expenses. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 54.80% and 57.80% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The efficiency ratio has slightly improved compared to the prior quarter last year.

 

Capital Ratio

 

The average capital ratio is calculated by dividing average total equity capital by average total assets. It measures the level of average assets that are funded by shareholders’ equity. Given an equal level of risk in the financial condition of two companies, the higher the capital ratio, generally the more financially sound the company. The Company’s capital ratio of 10.80% as of September 30, 2020 is significantly higher than the industry average of 8.77% as of June 30, 2020.

 

Industry Results:

 

The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the second quarter of 2020

 

Quarterly Net Income Declines $43.7 Billion (70%) From 12 Months Ago

 

Quarterly net income for the 5,066 FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions totaled $18.8 billion during second quarter 2020, a decline of $43.7 billion (70%) from a year ago. The decline in net income reflects a continuation of uncertain economic activity, which drove an increase in provision expenses. Slightly less than half (47.5%) of all banks reported lower net income compared to a year ago. The average return on assets ratio was 0.36% for the current quarter, down 102 basis points from a year ago.

 

Net Interest Margin Declines to 2.81%

 

Net interest income was $131.5 billion in second quarter 2020, down $7.6 billion (5.4%) from a year ago. This marks the third consecutive quarter that net interest income declined on a year-over-year basis. Most of the decline was driven by the three largest institutions, as less than half (42.2%) of all banks reported lower net interest income from a year ago. The average net interest margin (NIM) for the banking industry declined below the 3% level, or down 58 basis point from a year ago to 2.81%. This is the lowest NIM ever reported in the Quarterly Banking Profile (QBP). The NIM compression was broad-based, as it declined for all five asset size groups featured in the QBP. The decline in NIM was caused by asset yields declining at a faster rate than funding costs, as low-yielding assets grew substantially.

 

 

Noninterest Income Increases Nearly 7% From a Year Ago

 

With almost half (47.8%) of all banks increasing their noninterest income from a year ago, the aggregate noninterest income for the banking industry rose by $4.6 billion (6.9%) to $70.8 billion. The annual increase in noninterest income was attributable to higher trading revenue, which rose by $6.7 billion (80.2%), and net gains on loan sales, which increased by $4.1 billion (110.8%).

 

Noninterest Expense Increases 6.2% From Second Quarter 2019

 

Noninterest expense rose to $122.3 billion in the second quarter, up $7.2 billion (6.2%) from a year ago. More than half (58.6%) of all banks reported year-over-year increases in noninterest expense. The annual increase in noninterest expense was attributable to higher salary and employee benefits (up $2.7 billion, or 4.8%) and goodwill impairment charges (up $2.5 billion). The average assets per employee increased from $8.8 million in second quarter 2019 to $10.2 million in second quarter 2020. Noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets declined by 16 basis points from a year ago to 2.37%, the lowest level ever reported in the QBP.

 

Provisions for Credit Losses Rise From 12 Months Ago

 

The continuation of weak economic activity and the recent implementation of the current expected credit losses (CECL) accounting methodology resulted in provisions for credit losses to increase by $49.1 billion (382.2%) or from $12.8 billion in second quarter 2019 to $61.9 billion this quarter. Quarter over quarter, provisions for credit losses rose by $9.2 billion (17.4%). During the second quarter, 253 banks used the CECL accounting standard. CECL adopters reported $56.3 billion in provisions for credit losses in second quarter, up 419.2% from a year ago, and non-CECL adopters reported $5.6 billion, up 207.3%. Almost two out of every three banks (61.2%) reported yearly increases in provision for credit losses.

 

Average Net Charge-Off Rate Increases by 7 Basis Points From a Year Ago

 

The average net charge-off rate increased by 7 basis points from a year ago to 0.57%. Net charge-offs increased by $2.8 billion (22.2%) from a year ago, the largest percentage increase since first quarter 2010. The annual increase in total net chargeoffs was attributable to the commercial and industrial (C&I) loan portfolio, in which charge-offs increased by $2.4 billion (128.5%). The C&I net charge-off rate rose by 31 basis points from a year ago to 0.64%, but remains well below the post-crisis high of 2.72% reported in fourth quarter 2009.

 

Noncurrent Loan Rate Increases to 1.08%

 

The average noncurrent rate increased by 15 basis points from the previous quarter to 1.08%. Noncurrent loan balances (90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status) totaled $118.3 billion in the second quarter, an increase of $15.9 billion (15.5%) from the previous quarter. Less than half (41.6%) of all banks reported quarterly increases in noncurrent loan balances. The increase in noncurrent loan balances was led by 1–4 family residential mortgage loans (up $7.6 billion, or 19.5%) and C&I loan portfolio (up $6.1 billion, or 29%). The rise in noncurrent loan balances for 1–4 family residential mortgage loans reflects Ginnie Mae (GNMA) loans, which are guaranteed by the U.S. government, that have been brought back on banks’ books. The noncurrent rate for 1–4 family residential mortgage loans increased by 33 basis points to 2.09%, and for C&I the noncurrent rate rose by 18 basis points to 1.01%.

 

 

Total Assets Expand 4.4% From the Previous Quarter

 

The banking industry reported total assets of $21.1 trillion in the second quarter, an increase of $884.6 billion (4.4%) from first quarter 2020. Cash and balances due from depository institutions increased by $478 billion (19.9%) to $2.9 trillion or 13.7% of total assets. Banks increased their securities holdings by $307.2 billion (7.3%), the largest quarterly dollar increase ever reported in the QBP. Most of this growth was attributable to U.S. Treasury securities, which rose by $173 billion (26.3%), and mortgage backed securities, which increased by $105.4 billion (4.1%).

 

Loan Balances Increase Modestly From the Previous Quarter, Driven by Paycheck Protection Program Lending

 

Total loan and lease balances increased by $33.9 billion (0.3%) from the previous quarter, led by C&I loan portfolio, which rose by $146.5 billion (5.8%). The rise in C&I loan portfolio was attributable to the implementation of the Small Business Administration-guaranteed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with $482.2 billion in PPP loans on banks’ balance sheets at the end of the quarter. The increase in total loan and lease balances was partially offset by consumer loans, which includes credit cards (down $67.1 billion, or 3.8%).

 

Deposits Expand by More Than $1 Trillion for Second Consecutive Quarter

 

Total deposit balances increased by $1.2 trillion (7.5%) from the previous quarter. Noninterest-bearing account balances rose by $637 billion (17.7%) and interest-bearing account balances rose by $575.3 billion (5.4%). Nondeposit liabilities declined by $330.9 billion (14%) from the previous quarter. The decline in nondeposit liabilities was attributable to lower Federal Home Loan Bank advances, which fell by $234.1 billion (38.2%). Over the past 12 months, total deposits rose by $2.9 trillion (20.8%), led by the increase of $2.4 trillion in the last two quarters.

 

Equity Capital Rises From the Previous Quarter

 

Equity capital totaled $2.1 trillion in the second quarter, an increase of $31.9 billion (1.5%) from the previous quarter. Retained earnings contributed $4.8 billion to equity formation in the second quarter, as net income of $18.8 billion exceeded declared dividends of $14 billion. Nine insured institutions with $1.4 billion in total assets were below the requirements for the well-capitalized category as defined for Prompt Corrective Action purposes.

 

One New Bank Opens in Second Quarter 2020

 

The number of FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions reporting declined from 5,116 to 5,066 during second quarter 2020. One new bank was added, 47 institutions were absorbed by mergers, and one bank failed. Additionally, three institutions, who did not report this quarter, sold a majority of their assets and are in process of ceasing operations. The number of institutions on the FDIC’s “Problem Bank List” declined from 54 in first quarter 2020 to 52, falling to near historic lows. Total assets of problem banks increased from $44.5 billion to $48.1 billion.

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion contained in this Item 2 and other disclosures included within this report are based, in part, on the Company’s audited December 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements. These statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The financial information contained in these statements is, for the most part, based on the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. However, the preparation of these statements requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.

 

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements. Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective estimates and judgments, management has identified the allowance for loan losses, the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment for investment securities and the assessment of goodwill impairment to be the Company’s most critical accounting policies.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses that is treated as an expense and charged against earnings. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. The Company has policies and procedures for evaluating the overall credit quality of its loan portfolio, including timely identification of potential problem loans. On a quarterly basis, management reviews the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses, incorporating a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, known information about individual loans and other factors. Qualitative factors include various considerations regarding the general economic environment in the Company’s market area. To the extent actual results differ from forecasts and management’s judgment, the allowance for loan losses may be greater or lesser than future charge-offs. Due to potential changes in conditions, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in estimates will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

For further discussion concerning the allowance for loan losses and the process of establishing specific reserves, see the section of the Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management” and “Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses”.

 

Fair Value and Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities

 

The Company’s securities available-for-sale portfolio is carried at fair value with “fair value” being defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact.

 

 

Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the intent to sell the investment securities and the more likely than not requirement that the Company will be required to sell the investment securities prior to recovery (2) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and (3) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Due to potential changes in conditions, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in management’s assessment of other-than-temporary impairment will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill arose in connection with four acquisitions consummated in previous periods. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment.  For the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, determination of the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.   Impairment would arise if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. At September 30, 2020, Company’s management has completed the goodwill impairment assessment and determined goodwill was not impaired. Actual future test results may differ from the present evaluation of impairment due to changes in the conditions used in the current evaluation. Goodwill may be impaired in the future if the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts our net income and fair value, particularly of our most recent acquisition. An impairment of goodwill would decrease the Company’s earnings during the period in which the impairment is recorded.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

This report contains references to financial measures that are not defined in GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial measures include the Company’s presentation of net interest income and net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures are widely used in the financial institutions industry and provide useful information to both management and investors to analyze and evaluate the Company’s financial performance. Limitations associated with non-GAAP financial measures include the risks that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items included in these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently. These non-GAAP disclosures should not be considered an alternative to the Company’s GAAP results. The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of net interest income and net interest margin on an FTE basis to GAAP (dollars in thousands).

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2020

   

2019

   

2020

   

2019

 

Reconciliation of net interest income and annualized net interest margin on an FTE basis to GAAP:

 

Net interest income (GAAP)

  $ 14,160     $ 10,814     $ 40,886     $ 32,715  

Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)

    237       251       732       827  

Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP)

    14,397       11,065       41,618       33,542  

Average interest-earning assets

  $ 1,796,452     $ 1,403,303     $ 1,754,519     $ 1,399,302  

Net interest margin on an FTE basis (non-GAAP)

    3.21 %     3.15 %     3.16 %     3.20 %

 

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental federal income tax rate of 21 percent, adjusted to reflect the effect of the tax-exempt interest income associated with owning tax-exempt securities and loans.

 

 

Income Statement Review for the Three Months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

 

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

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 interest income less interest expense divided by average earning assets. Refer to the net interest income discussion following the tables for additional detail.

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
                                                 
   

2020

   

2019

 
                                                 
   

Average

   

Revenue/

   

Yield/

   

Average

   

Revenue/

   

Yield/

 
   

balance

   

expense

   

rate

   

balance

   

expense

   

rate

 

ASSETS

                                               

(dollars in thousands)

                                               

Interest-earning assets

                                               

Loans (1)

                                               

Commercial

  $ 154,887     $ 1,732       4.47 %   $ 76,808     $ 1,062       5.53 %

Agricultural

    105,568       1,580       5.99 %     78,286       989       5.05 %

Real estate

    890,097       9,324       4.19 %     713,796       8,255       4.63 %

Consumer and other

    17,667       229       5.18 %     15,861       207       5.22 %
                                                 

Total loans (including fees)

    1,168,219       12,865       4.41 %     884,751       10,513       4.75 %
                                                 

Investment securities

                                               

Taxable

    362,553       1,987       2.19 %     277,264       1,672       2.41 %

Tax-exempt (2)

    164,010       1,128       2.75 %     177,431       1,197       2.70 %

Total investment securities

    526,563       3,115       2.37 %     454,695       2,869       2.52 %
                                                 

Interest-bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold

    101,670       176       0.69 %     63,857       401       2.51 %
                                                 

Total interest-earning assets

    1,796,452     $ 16,156       3.60 %     1,403,303     $ 13,783       3.93 %
                                                 

Noninterest-earning assets

    81,654                       59,894                  
                                                 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 1,878,106                     $ 1,463,197                  

 

(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 21%.

 

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
                                                 
   

2020

   

2019

 
                                                 
   

Average

   

Revenue/

   

Yield/

   

Average

   

Revenue/

   

Yield/

 
   

balance

   

expense

   

rate

   

balance

   

expense

   

rate

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                               

(dollars in thousands)

                                               

Interest-bearing liabilities

                                               

Deposits

                                               

Interest-bearing checking, savings accounts and money markets

  $ 1,027,277     $ 586       0.23 %   $ 777,506     $ 1,451       0.75 %

Time deposits

    272,361       1,133       1.66 %     226,972       1,097       1.93 %

Total deposits

    1,299,638       1,719       0.53 %     1,004,478       2,548       1.01 %

Other borrowed funds

    37,597       40       0.42 %     43,204       170       1.57 %
                                                 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    1,337,235       1,759       0.53 %     1,047,682       2,718       1.04 %
                                                 

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

                                               

Noninterest-bearing checking

    325,339                       221,586                  

Other liabilities

    12,689                       8,975                  
                                                 

Stockholders' equity

    202,843                       184,954                  
                                                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

  $ 1,878,106                     $ 1,463,197                  
                                                 
                                                 

Net interest income

          $ 14,397       3.21 %           $ 11,065       3.15 %
                                                 

Spread Analysis

                                               

Interest income/average assets

  $ 16,156       3.44 %           $ 13,783       3.77 %        

Interest expense/average assets

  $ 1,759       0.37 %           $ 2,718       0.74 %        

Net interest income/average assets

  $ 14,397       3.07 %           $ 11,065       3.02 %        

 

Net Interest Income

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.21% and 3.15%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $14,160,000 compared to $10,814,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, interest income increased $2,387,000, or 18%, when compared to the same period in 2019. The increase from 2019 was primarily due to the Acquisition, organic loan growth including PPP loans and to a lesser extent $313,000 of additional interest recognized on loans previously recorded as nonaccrual, offset in part by a reduction in interest rates on loans.

 

Interest expense decreased $959,000, or 35%, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 when compared to the same period in 2019. The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to a decrease in market interest rates on deposits.

 

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

A provision for loan losses of $542,000 was recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to $379,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Net loan charge offs totaled $615,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $314,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in the provision for loan losses was primarily due to the economic slowdown associated with COVID-19 and to a lesser extent loan growth and the increase in net charge-offs.

 

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $2,795,000 as compared to $2,119,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of 32%. The increase in noninterest income was primarily due to gains on sale of loans held for sale from increased refinancing volume in a low interest rate environment and to a lesser extent the Acquisition.

 

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $9,291,000 compared to $7,475,000 recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of 24%. Most of the increase was related to the Acquisition. Excluding the Acquisition, the increases were related to salaries and employee benefits, FDIC insurance assessments and the amortization of the investment in Federal New Market Tax Credit projects. The increase in salaries and employee benefits, excluding the Acquisition, was primarily due to normal increases in salaries and other employee benefits including health insurance costs. The increase in FDIC insurance assessments was due to the receipt of a small bank credit in 2019 as the deposit insurance reserve ratio exceeded 1.35%. The remaining credit was fully utilized by the second quarter of 2020. The efficiency ratio was 54.8% for the third quarter of 2020 as compared to 57.8% in the third quarter of 2019.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $1,451,000 compared to $1,038,000 recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The effective tax rate was 20% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The lower than expected tax rate in 2020 and 2019 was due primarily to tax-exempt interest income and New Market Tax Credits which further lowered the tax rate in 2020.

 

 

Income Statement Review for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

 

The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

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 interest income less interest expense divided by average earning assets. Refer to the net interest income discussion following the tables for additional detail.

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
                                                 
   

2020

   

2019

 
                                                 
   

Average

   

Revenue/

   

Yield/

   

Average

   

Revenue/

   

Yield/

 
   

balance

   

expense

   

rate

   

balance

   

expense

   

rate

 

ASSETS

                                               

(dollars in thousands)

                                               

Interest-earning assets

                                               

Loans (1)

                                               

Commercial

  $ 128,638     $ 4,455       4.62 %   $ 81,022     $ 3,301       5.43 %

Agricultural

    109,038       4,601       5.63 %     80,424       3,576       5.93 %

Real estate

    878,105       28,252       4.29 %     713,449       24,523       4.58 %

Consumer and other

    18,113       713       5.25 %     16,403       623       5.06 %
                                                 

Total loans (including fees)

    1,133,894       38,021       4.47 %     891,298       32,023       4.79 %
                                                 

Investment securities

                                               

Taxable

    328,081       5,725       2.33 %     261,456       4,715       2.40 %

Tax-exempt (2)

    170,413       3,488       2.73 %     196,129       3,942       2.68 %

Total investment securities

    498,494       9,213       2.46 %     457,585       8,657       2.52 %
                                                 

Interest-bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold

    122,131       889       0.97 %     50,419       929       2.46 %
                                                 

Total interest-earning assets

    1,754,519     $ 48,123       3.66 %     1,399,302     $ 41,609       3.96 %
                                                 

Noninterest-earning assets

    82,377                       55,522                  
                                                 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 1,836,896                     $ 1,454,824                  

 

(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 21%.

 

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
                                                 
   

2020

   

2019

 
                                                 
   

Average

   

Revenue/

   

Yield/

   

Average

   

Revenue/

   

Yield/

 
   

balance

   

expense

   

rate

   

balance

   

expense

   

rate

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                               

(dollars in thousands)

                                               

Interest-bearing liabilities

                                               

Deposits

                                               

Interest-bearing checking, savings accounts and money markets

  $ 1,003,378     $ 2,668       0.35 %   $ 784,985     $ 4,584       0.78 %

Time deposits

    277,691       3,599       1.73 %     221,275       2,929       1.76 %

Total deposits

    1,281,069       6,267       0.65 %     1,006,260       7,513       1.00 %

Other borrowed funds

    46,164       238       0.69 %     42,530       554       1.74 %
                                                 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    1,327,233       6,505       0.65 %     1,048,790       8,067       1.03 %
                                                 

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

                                               

Noninterest-bearing checking

    301,434                       218,229                  

Other liabilities

    11,941                       8,388                  
                                                 

Stockholders' equity

    196,288                       179,417                  
                                                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

  $ 1,836,896                     $ 1,454,824                  
                                                 
                                                 

Net interest income

          $ 41,618       3.16 %           $ 33,542       3.20 %
                                                 

Spread Analysis

                                               

Interest income/average assets

  $ 48,123       3.49 %           $ 41,609       3.81 %        

Interest expense/average assets

  $ 6,505       0.47 %           $ 8,067       0.74 %        

Net interest income/average assets

  $ 41,618       3.02 %           $ 33,542       3.07 %        

 

Net Interest Income

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company's net interest margin adjusted for tax exempt income was 3.16% and 3.20%, respectively. Net interest income, prior to the adjustment for tax-exempt income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $40,886,000 compared to $32,715,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, interest income increased $6,610,000, or 16%, when compared to the same period in 2019. The increase from 2019 was primarily due to the Acquisition and organic loan growth including PPP loans, offset in part by a reduction in interest rates.

 

Interest expense decreased $1,562,000, or 19%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 when compared to the same period in 2019. The lower interest expense for the period is primarily attributable to a decrease in market interest rates on deposits.

 

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

A provision for loan losses of $4,424,000 was recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to $545,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Net loan charge offs totaled $1,111,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $295,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in the provision for loan losses was primarily due to the economic slowdown associated with COVID-19 and to a lesser extent loan growth and the increase in net charge-offs.

 

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $7,854,000 as compared to $6,258,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of 26%. The increase in noninterest income was primarily due to an increase in gains on sale of loans held for sale due to increased refinancing volume in a low interest rate environment, security gains, and the Acquisition.

 

Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $27,440,000 compared to $22,150,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of 24%. Most of the increase was related to the Acquisition. Excluding the Acquisition, the increases were related to salaries and employee benefits and the amortization of the investment in Federal New Market Tax Credit projects. The increase in salaries and employee benefits, excluding the Acquisition, was primarily due to normal increases in salaries and other employee benefits including health insurance costs. The efficiency ratio was 56.3% and 56.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 totaled $3,222,000 and $3,381,000, respectively. The effective tax rate was 19% and 21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The lower than expected tax rate in 2020 and 2019 was due primarily to tax-exempt interest income and New Market Tax Credits further lowered the tax rate in 2020.

 

 

Balance Sheet Review

 

As of September 30, 2020, total assets were $1,910,395,000, a $173,212,000 increase compared to December 31, 2019. The increase in assets, primarily securities available-for-sale and loans, was funded primarily by deposits.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

The investment portfolio totaled $548,818,000 as of September 30, 2020, an increase of $68,975,000 from the December 31, 2019 balance of $479,843,000. The increase in securities available-for-sale is primarily due to purchases of municipal, mortgage-backed securities, and corporate bonds, offset in part by maturities in the U.S. Government Agency portfolio.

 

On a quarterly basis, the investment portfolio is reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment. As of September 30, 2020, gross unrealized losses of $91,000, are considered to be temporary in nature due to the interest rate environment of 2020 and other general economic factors. As a result of the economic slowdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, certain bonds in the investment portfolio may become other-than-temporarily impaired and could negatively affect the Company’s net income. As a result of the Company’s favorable liquidity position, the Company does not have the intent to sell securities with an unrealized loss at the present time. In addition, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will hold these securities until recovery of their fair value to cost basis and avoid considering present unrealized loss positions to be other-than-temporary.

 

At September 30, 2020, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 275 government municipalities and agencies located within 23 states with a fair value of $233.6 million. At December 31, 2019, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 251 government municipalities and agencies located within 18 states with a fair value of $195.3 million. No one municipality or agency represents a concentration within this segment of the investment portfolio. Storm Lake, Iowa, general obligation bonds with a fair value of $8.2 million (approximately 3.5% of the fair value of the government municipalities and agencies) represent the largest exposure to any one municipality or agency for the Company as of September 30, 2020; the bonds are repayable from the levy of continuing annual tax on all the taxable property within the territory of the city of Storm Lake.

 

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

 

 

The following table summarizes the total general obligation and revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates (in thousands):

 

   

2020

   

2019

 
           

Estimated

           

Estimated

 
   

Amortized

   

Fair

   

Amortized

   

Fair

 
   

Cost

   

Value

   

Cost

   

Value

 
                                 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions:

                               

General Obligation bonds:

                               

Iowa

  $ 67,161     $ 68,964     $ 58,457     $ 59,072  

Nebraska

    12,273       12,597       3,414       3,427  

Texas

    10,246       10,829       11,243       11,382  

Washington

    8,356       8,730       6,530       6,629  

Oregon

    6,780       7,064       3,441       3,505  

Other (2020: 13 states; 2019: 12 states)

    24,736       25,462       19,208       19,432  
                                 

Total general obligation bonds

  $ 129,552     $ 133,646     $ 102,293     $ 103,447  
                                 

Revenue bonds:

                               

Iowa

  $ 66,293     $ 67,803     $ 78,281     $ 78,624  

Texas

    8,629       9,213       480       476  

Other (2020: 16 states; 2019: 12 states)

    22,100       22,901       12,691       12,755  
                                 

Total revenue bonds

  $ 97,022     $ 99,917     $ 91,452     $ 91,855  
                                 

Total obligations of states and political subdivisions

  $ 226,574     $ 233,563     $ 193,745     $ 195,302  

 

As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios were issued by government municipalities and agencies to fund public services such as community school facilities, college and university dormitory facilities, water utilities and electrical utilities. The revenue bonds are to be paid from 7 primary revenue sources. The revenue sources that represent 5% or more, individually, as a percent of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

   

2020

   

2019

 
           

Estimated

           

Estimated

 
   

Amortized

   

Fair

   

Amortized

   

Fair

 
   

Cost

   

Value

   

Cost

   

Value

 
                                 

Revenue bonds by revenue source

                               

Sales tax

  $ 31,734     $ 32,260     $ 37,928     $ 38,173  

Water

    21,117       21,792       7,271       7,272  

College and universities, primarily dormitory revenues

    11,647       12,182       14,016       14,103  

Leases

    7,484       7,697       7,291       7,351  

Electric power & light revenues

    6,127       6,291       4,370       4,405  

Sewer

    5,274       5,554       4,612       4,645  

Tax increment financing

    5,063       5,413       2,545       2,428  

Other

    8,576       8,728       13,419       13,478  
                                 

Total revenue bonds by revenue source

  $ 97,022     $ 99,917     $ 91,452     $ 91,855  

 

 

Loan Portfolio

 

The loan portfolio, net of the allowance for loan losses, totaled $1,159,063,000 and $1,048,147,000 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The increase in loans was primarily due to government guaranteed loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). The PPP loans totaled $79.6 million as of September 30, 2020. The PPP loans bear an interest rate of 1.0% and generally have a two-year maturity. The Small Business Administration has provided fees to financial institutions to originate the PPP loans with recognition of the fees over the life of the loans. Management expects most of these loans to be forgiven and the fees associated with these loans will be accelerated into interest income.

 

Deposits

 

Deposits totaled $1,660,173,000 and $1,493,175,000 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The change in deposits since December 31, 2019 was primarily due to increases in account balances of noninterest-bearing commercial checking accounts, interest-bearing public funds checking accounts and retail savings accounts. Balance fluctuations were primarily due to normal customer activity, as customers’ liquidity needs vary at any given time. In addition, funds disbursed under the PPP program were deposited into customer accounts and may impact overall deposit fluctuations as customers spend those funds according to the PPP rules. Deposit levels may decrease in future periods as a result of the distressed economic conditions in our market areas related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the low interest rate environment.

 

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $30,492,000 as of September 30, 2020, a decrease of $11,542,000, or 27%, from the December 31, 2019 balance of $42,034,000. The decrease was primarily due to account balances that transferred to interest-bearing checking.

 

Dividends Payable

 

There were no dividends payable as of September 30, 2020 as compared to $2,213,000 as of December 31, 2019. In the past, dividends were declared in one quarter and then paid in the subsequent quarter. For the quarter ended September 30, 2020 the dividend was not declared until October 14, 2020 and will be paid in the fourth quarter of 2020.

 

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, 2019.

 

 

Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management

 

The Company’s credit risk is historically centered in the loan portfolio, which on September 30, 2020 totaled $1,159,063,000 compared to $1,048,147,000 as of December 31, 2019. Net loans comprise 61% of total assets as of September 30, 2020. The objective 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 an agreement and to quantify and manage credit risk on a portfolio basis. The Company’s level of problem loans (consisting of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more) as a percentage of total loans was 1.44% at September 30, 2020, as compared to 0.48% at December 31, 2019. The increase in the level of problem loans is due primarily to the deterioration of one loan relationship in the hospitality portfolio. The Company’s level of problem loans as a percentage of total loans at September 30, 2020 of 1.44% is higher as compared to the Iowa State Average peer group of FDIC insured institutions as of June 30, 2020, of 0.85%, most recent available.

 

Impaired loans totaled $16,388,000 as of September 30, 2020 and have increased $11,600,000 as compared to the impaired loans of $4,788,000 as of December 31, 2019. The increase is primarily due to one hospitality loan relationship.

 

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

 

The Company had TDRs of $11,480,000 as of September 30, 2020 and $1,171,000 as of December 31, 2019, all of which were included in impaired and nonaccrual loans.

 

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

 

Section 4013 of the CARES Act, “Temporary Relief From Troubled Debt Restructurings,” allows financial institutions the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to TDRs for a limited period of time during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020 various regulatory agencies issued an interagency statement on loan modifications and reporting for financial institutions working with customers affected by COVID-19. The interagency statement was effective immediately and impacted accounting for loan modifications. The agencies confirmed with the staff of the FASB that short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief, are not to be considered TDRs. This includes short-term (e.g., six months) modifications, such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or other delays in payment that are insignificant. Borrowers considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program was implemented.

 

 

For TDRs that were on nonaccrual status before the modification, a specific reserve may already be recorded. In periods subsequent to modification, the Company will continue to evaluate all TDRs for possible impairment and, as necessary, recognize impairment through the allowance. Specific reserves of $40,000 were provided for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. No additional specific reserve was provided for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Company had $15,000 and $31,000 of charge-offs for TDR’s for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. The Company had $275,000 of charge-offs for TDR’s for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Company does not have material commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers with loans whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings or whose loans are on nonaccrual.

 

Loans past due 90 days or more that are still accruing interest are reviewed no less frequently than quarterly to determine if there continues to be a strong reason that the credit should not be placed on nonaccrual. As of September 30, 2020, nonaccrual loans totaled $16,388,000 and there were $180,000 of loans past due 90 days and still accruing. This compares to nonaccrual loans of $4,788,000 and loans past due 90 days and still accruing totaled $255,000 as of December 31, 2019. The increase in nonaccrual loans is due primarily to a hospitality loan. Real estate owned totaled $621,000 and $4,004,000 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

 

The agricultural real estate and agricultural operating loan portfolio classifications remain elevated. The watch and special mention loans in these categories totaled $58,653,000 as of September 30, 2020 as compared to $48,028,000 as of December 31, 2019. This increase is primarily due to one agricultural customer relationship. The substandard loans in these categories totaled $11,135,000 as of September 30, 2020 as compared to $15,913,000 as of December 31, 2019. The Iowa agricultural economy was challenging for most of 2020 as a result of the price of commodities, including corn, soybeans, cattle, hogs and ethanol, along with export concerns. Crop yields were also negatively impacted in some markets as a result of the Derecho and drought conditions.

 

The watch and special mention loans classified as commercial real estate totaled $77,378,000 as of September 30, 2020 as compared to $33,790,000 as of December 31, 2019. This increase in commercial real estate loans was due primarily to the hospitality and entertainment loan portfolio. The substandard commercial real estate loans totaled $33,724,000 as of September 30, 2020 as compared to $14,786,000 as of December 31, 2019.

 

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans as of September 30, 2020 was 1.35%, as compared to 1.19% at December 31, 2019. The allowance for loan losses totaled $15,932,000 and $12,619,000 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

 

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. The increase in the allowance for loan losses is mainly due to increased risk associated with the loan portfolio due to the economic slowdown associated with COVID-19 and to a lesser extent organic growth in the loan portfolio. Additional increases in the allowance for loan losses are anticipated if the effects of the COVID-19 conditions negatively impacts our loan portfolio. These increases may be due to increased charge-offs or an increase in the qualitative factors. The qualitative factors are considered as a part of our allowance for loan loss calculation and may deteriorate if the economic effects of COVID-19 continue in the State of Iowa and a resumption to typical social and economic activity is delayed.    

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

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

 

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

 

As of September 30, 2020, 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 and federal funds sold as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 totaled $142,393,000 and $143,565,000, respectively, and management believes these sources provide an adequate level of liquidity given current economic conditions.

 

Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks as of September 30, 2020 include outstanding lines of credit with the FHLB of Des Moines, Iowa of $214,567,000, with $3,000,000 of outstanding FHLB advances. Federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks was $106,250,000, with no outstanding federal fund purchase balances as of September 30, 2020. The Company had securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaling $30,492,000 as of September 30, 2020.

 

Total investments as of September 30, 2020 were $548,818,000 compared to $479,843,000 as of December 31, 2019. These investments provide the Company with a significant amount of liquidity since all of the investments are classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

 

Review of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $21,323,000 compared to $14,339,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $6,984,000. This increase was primarily due to an increase in net income and the provision for loan losses.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $178,202,000 compared to $32,866,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase of $145,336,000 in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a higher level of loans and purchases of investments, offset in part by increases in the proceeds from the maturities and calls of investments.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $145,012,000 compared to $21,628,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in cash provided by financing activities of $123,384,000 was primarily due to an increase in deposits, a lower amount of repayments of FHLB advances in 2020 as compared to 2019, and partially offset by changes in securities sold under repurchase agreements. As of September 30, 2020, the Company did not have any external debt financing, off-balance sheet financing arrangements, or derivative instruments linked to its stock.

 

Review of Company Only Cash Flows

 

The Company’s liquidity on an unconsolidated basis is heavily dependent upon dividends paid to the Company by the Banks. The Banks provide adequate liquidity to pay the Company’s expenses and stockholder dividends. Dividends paid by the Banks to the Company amounted to $7,229,000 and $9,568,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amounts of dividends banking subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval. Federal Reserve policy further limits the circumstances under which bank holding companies may declare dividends. For example, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements, which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Federal and state banking regulators may also restrict the payment of dividends by order.

 

The Company, on an unconsolidated basis, has interest-bearing deposits totaling $2,979,000 as of September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

No other material capital expenditures or material changes in the capital resource mix are anticipated at this time. The primary cash flow uncertainty would be a sudden decline in deposits causing the Banks to liquidate securities. Historically, the Banks have maintained an adequate level of short-term marketable investments to fund the temporary declines in deposit balances. There are no known trends in liquidity and cash flow needs as of September 30, 2020 that are of concern to management.

 

 

Capital Resources

 

The Company’s total stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2020 totaled $206,037,000 and was $18,458,000 higher than the $187,579,000 recorded as of December 31, 2019. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to net income and an increase in other comprehensive income, offset in part by dividends declared and stock repurchases. The increase in other comprehensive income is created by lower market interest rates compared to December 31, 2019, which resulted in higher fair values in the securities available-for-sale portfolio. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 10.8%. The capital levels of the Company exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of September 30, 2020.

 

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:  the substantial negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national, regional and local economies in general and on our customers in particular; 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 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic or as 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 heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K.  Management intends to identify forward-looking statements when using words such as “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “should”, “forecasting” 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 2020 changed significantly when compared to 2019. Uncertainty due to the federal governmental actions stemming from reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, may cause market interest rates to deviate from historical norms.

 

 

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

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted, and is expected to continue adversely impacting, our business and financial results, and the ultimate impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time given the evolving nature of the pandemic, including the scope and duration of the pandemic, the short and long term effects on national, state and local economies and actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic. 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the national, Iowa and local economies in which the Company conducts business, created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets, and substantially increased unemployment levels. In addition, the pandemic resulted in temporary closures and slowdowns of many businesses and significant restrictions on companies and individuals beginning in Iowa on March 9, 2020. The State of Iowa has eased many of these restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the demand for our products and services may be significantly impacted, including the demand for new loans and deposits. Furthermore, the pandemic will likely result in the recognition of an elevated level of credit losses in our loan portfolios and continued increases in our allowance for loan losses, particularly if businesses remain closed or not fully operational, the impact on the Iowa and local economy worsens, or more customers draw on their lines of credit or seek additional loans to help finance their businesses. Similarly, because of changing economic and market conditions affecting issuers, we may be required to recognize impairments on the securities we hold in our investment portfolio, as well as reductions in the unrealized gains component of other comprehensive income. Additionally, goodwill arising from recent bank acquisitions could become impaired if our net income and the fair value of the acquired assets decline due to the economic slowdown. Each of the foregoing events could negatively impact our revenues, earnings or both, as well as our financial condition.

 

 

Our business operations may also be disrupted if significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, government actions, or other restrictions in connection with the pandemic. The Company, as a financial institution, is considered an essential business and, therefore, continues to operate and maintain our customer relationships. Changes in restrictions by governmental authorities may change the way the Company conducts its business. Current and future governmental actions may temporarily require the Company to conduct business related to foreclosures, repossessions, payments deferrals and other customer-related transactions differently. The Company could also take actions to preserve its capital levels, such as lowering or suspending dividends, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, prospects, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our regulatory capital and liquidity ratios, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, including the scope and duration of the pandemic, the short and long term effects on national, state and local economies and actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the pandemic.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

In November, 2019, the Company approved a Stock Repurchase Plan which provided for the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2020, there were no shares remaining to be purchased under the plan. Ames National Corporation completed the stock repurchase program in April, 2020 and the average price per share was $19.92.

 

The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchases” (as defined in rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

 

                   

Total

         
                   

Number

   

Maximum

 
                   

of Shares

   

Number of

 
                   

Purchased as

   

Shares that

 
   

Total

           

Part of

   

May Yet Be

 
   

Number

   

Average

   

Publicly

   

Purchased

 
   

of Shares

   

Price Paid

   

Announced

   

Under

 

Period

 

Purchased

   

Per Share

   

Plans

   

The Plan

 
                                 

July 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020

    -     $ -       -       -  
                                 

August 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020

    -     $ -       -       -  
                                 

September 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020

    -     $ -       -       -  
                                 

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

 

2.1

Stock purchase agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2019).

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

Inline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL (1)

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)

 

104

Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and combined in Exhibit 101.1)

 

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

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION

   

DATE:            November 5, 2020

By: /s/ John P. Nelson

   
 

John P. Nelson, Chief Executive Officer and President

   
 

By: /s/ John L. Pierschbacher

   
 

John L. Pierschbacher. Chief Financial Officer 

 

56