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HILLS BANCORPORATION - Annual Report: 2005 (Form 10-K)

HILLS BANCORPORATION

FORM 10-K

DECEMBER 31, 2005




UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. Commission File Number 0-12668.
   
HILLS BANCORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Iowa   42-1208067

 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of 
Incorporation or Organization)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
131 Main Street, Hills, Iowa 52235
   

   
(Address of principal executive offices)    
     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (319) 679-2291
Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: None
Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:
 
No par value common stock

Title of Class
  

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Registrant S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o

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

While it is difficult to determine the market value of shares owned by nonaffiliates (within the meaning of such term under the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission), the Registrant estimates that the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock held by nonaffiliates on March 20, 2006 (based upon reports of beneficial ownership that approximately 81% of the shares are so owned by nonaffiliates and upon information communicated informally to the Registrant by various purchasers and sellers that the sale price for the common stock is generally $46.50 per share) was $172,180,000.

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of March 20, 2006 is 4,562,237 shares of no par value common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement dated March 20, 2006 for the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of the Registrant to be held April 17, 2006 (the Proxy Statement) are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.


Page 1 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION
FORM 10-K
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
     
 
    PART I    
Item 1.   Business 3  
    General 3  
    Competition 6  
    The Economy 7  
    Supervision and Regulation 8  
    Consolidated Statistical Information 16  
Item 1A.   Risk Factors 27  
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments 29  
Item 2.   Properties 30  
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings 31  
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 31  
         
    Part II    
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters    
       and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 32  
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data 34  
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and    
       Results of Operations 35  
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 51  
Item 8.   Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 54  
Item 9.   Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and    
       Financial Disclosure 87  
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures 87  
Item 9B.   Other Information 89  
         
    Part III    
Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 89  
Item 11.   Executive Compensation 89  
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and    
       Related Stockholders Matters 89  
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 89  
Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services 89  
         
    Part IV    
Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 90  

Page 2 of 98



PART I

Item 1.   Business

GENERAL

Hills Bancorporation (the “Company”) is a holding company principally engaged, through its subsidiary bank, in the business of banking. The Company was incorporated December 12, 1982 and all operations are conducted within the state of Iowa. The Company became owner of 100% of the outstanding stock of Hills Bank and Trust Company, Hills, Iowa (“Hills Bank and Trust” or the “Bank”) as of January 23, 1984 when stockholders of Hills Bank and Trust exchanged their shares for shares of the Company. Effective July 1, 1996, the Company formed a new subsidiary, Hills Bank, which acquired for cash all the outstanding shares of a bank in Lisbon, Iowa. Subsequently an office of Hills Bank was opened in Mount Vernon, Iowa, a community that is contiguous to Lisbon. Effective November 17, 2000, Hills Bank was merged into Hills Bank and Trust. On September 20, 1996, another subsidiary, Hills Bank Kalona, acquired cash and other assets and assumed the deposits of the Kalona, Iowa office of Boatmen’s Bank Iowa, N.A. Effective October 26, 2001, Hills Bank Kalona was merged into Hills Bank and Trust.

Through its internet website (www.hillsbank.com) the Company makes available, free of charge, by link to the internet website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov), the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendment to those reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed or furnished.

The Bank is a full-service commercial bank extending its services to individuals, businesses, governmental units and institutional customers. The Bank is actively engaged in all areas of commercial banking, including acceptance of demand, savings and time deposits; making commercial, real estate, agricultural and consumer loans; maintaining night and safe deposit facilities; and performing collection, exchange and other banking services tailored for individual customers. The Bank administers estates, personal trusts, and pension plans and provides farm management and investment advisory and custodial services for individuals, corporations and nonprofit organizations. The Bank makes commercial and agricultural loans, real estate loans, automobile, installment and other consumer loans. In addition, the Bank earns substantial fees from originating mortgages that are sold in the secondary residential real estate market without mortgage servicing rights being retained.

The Bank has an established formal loan origination policy. In general, the loan origination policy attempts to reduce the risk of credit loss to the Bank by requiring, among other things, maintenance of minimum loan to value ratios, evidence of appropriate levels of insurance carried by borrowers and documentation of appropriate types and amounts of collateral and sources of expected payment.

The Bank’s business is not seasonal, except that loan origination fees are driven by interest rate movements and are higher in a low rate environment. As of December 31, 2005, the Company had no employees and the Bank had 304 full-time and 97 part-time employees.


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

 Johnson County

The Bank’s primary trade area includes the Johnson County communities of Iowa City, Coralville, Hills and North Liberty, located near Interstate 80 and Interstate 380 in Eastern Iowa. These communities have a combined population of approximately 91,500. Johnson County, Iowa has a population of approximately 122,000. The University of Iowa in Iowa City has approximately 30,000 students and 23,600 full and part-time employees, including 7,200 employees of The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Other principal employers in Johnson County include the following (Data source is the City of Iowa City Economic Development Division):

 
Employer Type of Business Employees
 
 
 
 
  Iowa City Community School District   Education   1,550  
  Hy-Vee Food Stores   Grocery Stores   1,500  
  ACT   Educational Testing Service   1,340  
  Pearson   Information Service - Computers   1,300  
  Mercy Hospital   Health Care   1,241  
  Veterans Administration Medical Center   Health Care   1,232  
  Lear Corporation   Automotive Products Manufacturing   800  
  Systems Unlimited   Human Services   760  
  Rockwell Collins   Electronic Manufacturing   673  
  City of Iowa City   City Government   620  

Page 4 of 98



Item 1.   Business (Continued)

Linn County

The Bank also operates offices in the Linn County, Iowa communities of Lisbon, Marion, Mount Vernon and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lisbon has a population of approximately 1,800 and Mount Vernon, located two miles from Lisbon, has a population of about 4,000. Both communities are strong economically and are within easy commuting distances to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Iowa. Cedar Rapids has a metropolitan population of approximately 152,000, including approximately 28,000 from adjoining Marion, Iowa and is located approximately 10 miles west of Lisbon, Iowa and approximately 25 miles north of Iowa City on Interstate 380. The total population of Linn County is approximately 199,500. The largest employer in the Cedar Rapids area is Rockwell Collins, manufacturer of communications instruments, with about 7,300 employees. Other large employers in the Cedar Rapids area and their approximate number of employees are as follows (Data source is the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce):

 
Employer Type of Business Employees
 
 
 
 
  Cedar Rapids, College, Linn-Mar, Marion
   and Grant Wood School Districts
  Education   4,100  
  AEGON USA, Inc.   Insurance   2,600  
  St. Luke’s Hospital   Health Care   2,400  
  Maytag Appliances, Amana Refrigeration
    Products
  Appliance Manufacturing   2,200  
  Mercy Medical Center   Health Care   2,100  
  Hy-Vee Food Stores   Grocery Stores   2,000  
  City of Cedar Rapids   City Government   1,500  
  MCI Communications   Telecommunications   1,500  
  McLeod*USA   Telecommunications   1,400  
  Kirkwood Community College   Education   1,400  
  Alliant Energy Corporation   Electric Utility   1,100  
  Quaker Oats Company   Cereals and Chemicals   1,100  
 
Washington County
 
The Bank has an office located in Kalona, Iowa, which is in Washington County. Kalona is located approximately 20 miles south of Iowa City. Kalona has a population of approximately 2,300. The population of Washington County is approximately 21,000. Kalona is primarily an agricultural community, but it is located within easy driving distance for employment in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty (combined population 90,500) and Washington, Iowa (population 7,000).

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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

COMPETITION

The financial services industry is highly competitive. The Bank must compete with financial services providers, such as banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, mortgage banking companies, insurance companies and money market and mutual fund companies. It faces increased competition from non-banking institutions such as brokerage houses and insurance companies, as well as from financial services subsidiaries of commercial and manufacturing companies. Many of these competitors enjoy the benefits of fewer regulatory constraints and lower cost structures.

Effective March 13, 2000, securities firms and insurance companies that elect to become financial holding companies were allowed to acquire banks and other financial institutions. This has increased the number of competitors and intensified the competitive environment in which the Company conducts business. The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. These technological advances may diminish the importance of depository institutions and other financial intermediaries in the transfer of funds between parties.

The Bank is in direct competition for loans and deposits and financial services with a number of other banks and credit unions in Johnson and Linn County. A comparison of the number of office locations and deposits in the two counties as of June, 2005 (Most recent date of available data from the FDIC and national credit union websites) is as follows:

 
Johnson County Linn County
   
 
 
Offices Deposits (in millions) Offices Deposits (in millions)
   
 
 
 
 
  Hills Bank and Trust Company 6   $ 771   5   $ 172  
  Branches of largest competing regional bank 5     199   9     706  
  Largest competing independent bank 6     396   9     385  
  Largest competing credit union 5     344   6     307  
  All other bank and credit union offices 23     373   69     2,233  




  Total Market in County 45   $ 2,083   98   $ 3,803  




 
In reviewing the most current data available at December 31, 2005, in Johnson County two new banks have either opened or announced new offices and one existing bank has announced plans to open an additional office since June 2005. In Linn County, one new bank has announced plans to open an office in 2006. This brings the number of offices to 48 and 99 in Johnson and Linn Counties, respectively. In summary, in the last eighteen months, six new offices have been added in Johnson County and five in Linn County while the population base has increased by 12,500, or just over 4%, in the last two years.

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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

THE ECONOMY

The Bank’s primary trade territory is Johnson County, Iowa. Linn County, Iowa is becoming an increasingly important market, and the Bank now has five offices open in Linn County. The Bank also has one office in Kalona in Washington County, Iowa. The table that follows shows employment information as of December 31, 2005, regarding the labor force and unemployment levels in the three counties in which the Bank has office locations along with comparable data on the United States and the State of Iowa.

 
    Labor Force   Unemployed   Rate %    



                  
  United States 150,153,000   7,375,000   4.90 %  
  State of Iowa 1,655,400   74,100   4.50 %  
  Johnson County 84,300   2,300   2.70 %  
  Linn County 114,100   5,300   4.60 %  
  Washington County 14,100   500   3.60 %  
 

The unemployment rate for the Bank’s prime market area is favorable and the rate historically has been lower than the unemployment rates for both the United States and the State of Iowa. As discussed with the employment table of large employers in Johnson and Linn County, the University of Iowa’s impact on the local economy is very important in maintaining acceptable employment levels. The FY 2005-2006 budget for the University of Iowa is $2.2 billion with state appropriations of approximately $296 million, or above 13.5% of the total. In addition, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics have a FY 2005-2006 budget of $724 million with 5.4% coming from the State of Iowa appropriation. While the State’s revenues have rebounded in the last fiscal year, Iowa has experienced shortfalls in three of the last four budget cycles. The State’s budgetary constraints have not had a significant effect on the local economy. Johnson and Linn Counties have been one of the strongest economic areas in Iowa and have had substantial economic growth in the past ten years. The largest segment of the employed population is employed in manufacturing, management, professional or related occupations.

The economies in the counties continue to be enhanced by local Iowa colleges and the University of Iowa. In addition to providing quality employment, they enroll students who provide economic benefits to the area. The following table indicates Fall 2005 enrollment.

 
College   City   Enrollment

 
 
  The University of Iowa   Iowa City   29,642  
  Coe College   Cedar Rapids   1,354  
  Cornell College   Mount Vernon   1,179  
  Kirkwood Community College   Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Washington   15,109  
  Mount Mercy College   Cedar Rapids   1,490  
 
The Bank also serves a number of smaller communities in Johnson, Linn and Washington counties that are more dependent upon the agricultural economy, which historically has been affected by commodity prices and weather. The average price per acre of farm land continues to be an important factor to consider when reviewing the local economy. The average price per acre in Iowa in 2005 was $2,914 compared to $2,629 in 2004, a 10.8% increase. The range of average land prices in Johnson, Linn and Washington counties is between $3,144 and $3,661 per acre. The three counties average increase was 9.81% in 2005. The Bank’s total agricultural loans comprise about 3.8% of the Bank’s total loans.

Page 7 of 98



Item 1.   Business (Continued)

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

Financial institutions and their holding companies are extensively regulated under federal and state law. As a result, the growth and earnings performance of the Company can be affected not only by management decisions and general economic conditions but also by the requirements of applicable state and federal statutes and regulations and the policies of various governmental regulatory authorities, including the Iowa Superintendent of Banking (the “Superintendent”), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The effect of applicable statues, regulations and regulatory policies can be significant and cannot be predicted with a high degree of certainty.

The Corporation and its subsidiary Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements of federal banking agencies that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that could have a material adverse effect on financial position and operations.

Federal and state laws and regulations generally applicable to financial institutions, such as the Company and its subsidiary Bank, regulate, among other things, the scope of business, investments, reserves against deposits, capital levels relative to operations, the nature and amount of collateral for loans, the establishment of branches, mergers, consolidations and dividends. The system of supervision and regulation applicable to the Company and its subsidiary Bank establishes a comprehensive framework for their respective operations and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s deposit insurance funds and the depositors, rather than the stockholders, of financial institutions.

The following is a summary of the material elements of the regulatory framework applicable to the Company and its subsidiary Bank. It does not describe all of the statutes, regulations and regulatory policies that apply, nor does it restate all of the requirements of the statutes, regulations and regulatory policies that are described. As such, the following is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable statutes, regulations and regulatory policies. Any change in applicable law, regulations or regulatory policies may have a material effect on the business of the Company and its subsidiary Bank.

Significant Regulatory Developments

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, also known as the Financial Services Modernization Act (the “Act”), was enacted on November 12, 1999. The Act allows eligible bank holding companies to engage in a wider range of non-banking activities and grants them greater authority to engage in securities and insurance activities. Under the Act, an eligible bank holding company that elects to become a financial holding company may engage in any activity that the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines by regulation or order is financial in nature, incidental to any such financial activity, or complementary to any such financial activity and does not pose a substantial risk to the safety or soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally. A financial service corporation can engage in a number of financial activities including insurance and securities underwriting and other agency activities, merchant banking and insurance company portfolio investment activities. Activities that are ancillary to financial activities are also allowed. Additionally, the Act amends the federal securities laws to incorporate functional regulation of bank securities and activities and provides for the functional regulation of insurance activities by establishing which insurance products banks and bank subsidiaries may provide as principal. National banks are also authorized by the Act to engage, through “financial subsidiaries,” in certain activities that are permissible for financial holding companies (as described above) and certain activities that the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Federal Reserve, determines are financial in nature or incidental to any such financial activity.


Page 8 of 98



Item 1.   Business (Continued)

Various bank regulatory agencies have issued regulations as mandated by the Act. During June 2000, all of the federal bank regulatory agencies jointly issued regulations implementing the privacy provisions of the Act. In addition, the Federal Reserve issued interim regulations establishing procedures for bank holding companies to elect to become financial holding companies and listing the financial activities permissible for financial holding companies, as well as describing the extent to which financial holding companies may engage in securities and merchant banking activities. The Federal Reserve has issued an interim regulation regarding the parameters under which state member banks may establish and maintain financial subsidiaries. As of the date of this filing, the Company has not applied for or received approval to operate as a financial holding company. In addition, the Bank has not applied for or received approval to establish financial subsidiaries.

In the area of privacy, the Act requires clear disclosure by all financial institutions of their privacy policies regarding the sharing of nonpublic information with both affiliates and third parties. Further, the Act requires a notice to consumers and an opportunity to “opt out” of sharing of nonpublic personal information with nonaffiliated third parties, subject to certain limited exceptions. The Act also reforms laws that regulate ATMs, Community Reinvestment Banks and Deposit Production Offices. Specifically, the Act requires ATM operators who impose a fee for use of an ATM by a non-customer to post a notice both on the machine and on the screen that a fee will be charged and the amount of the fee, and further requires a notice when ATM cards are issued that surcharges may be imposed by other parties when transactions are initiated from ATMs not operated by the card issuer. The Act also clarifies that nothing in the Act repeals any provision of the Continuity Reinvestment Act (“CRA”); however, the Act requires full disclosure of all CRA agreements and reduces the frequency of CRA exams for small banks and savings and loans (those with no more than $250 million in assets). The Act allows community banks all the powers as a matter of right that large institutions have accumulated on an ad hoc basis, including the ability to underwrite municipal bonds in the future. Finally, the Act expands the prohibition of deposit production offices contained in the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the “Riegle-Neal Act”) to include all branches of an out-of-state bank holding company.

Regulation of the Company

General.  The Company, as the sole shareholder of the Bank, is a bank holding company. As a bank holding company, the Company is registered with, and is subject to regulation by, the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act, as amended (the “BHCA”). Under the BHCA, the Company is subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve. The Company is also required to file with the Federal Reserve periodic reports of the Company’s operations and such additional information regarding the Company and its subsidiaries as the Federal Reserve may require.

Source of Strength Policy. According to Federal Reserve Board policy, bank/financial holding companies are expected to act as a source of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support each such subsidiary. This support may be required at times when a bank/financial holding company may not be able to provide support. Similarly, under the cross-guarantee provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, in the event of a loss suffered or anticipated by the FDIC – either as a result of default of a banking or thrift subsidiary of a bank/financial holding company such as the Company or related to FDIC assistance provided to a subsidiary in danger of default – the other banking subsidiaries of such bank/financial holding company may be assessed for the FDIC’s loss, subject to certain exceptions.


Page 9 of 98



Item 1.   Business (Continued)

Investments and Activities. Under the BHCA, a bank holding company must obtain Federal Reserve approval before: (i) acquiring, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of any voting shares of another bank or bank holding company if, after the acquisition, it would own or control more than 5% of the shares of the other bank or bank holding company (unless it already owns or controls the majority of such shares), (ii) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of another bank or (iii) merging or consolidating with another bank holding company. Subject to certain conditions (including certain deposit concentration limits established by the BHCA), the Federal Reserve may allow a bank holding company to acquire banks located in any state of the United States without regard to whether the acquisition is prohibited by the law of the state in which the target bank is located. On approving interstate acquisitions, however, the Federal Reserve is required to give effect to applicable state law limitations on the aggregate amount of deposits that may be held by the acquiring bank holding company and its insured depository institution affiliates in the state in which the target bank is located (provided that those limits do not discriminate against out-of-state depository institutions or their holding companies) and state laws which require that the target bank have been in existence for a minimum period of time (not to exceed five years) before being acquired by an out-of-state bank holding company.

The BHCA also generally prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company which is not a bank and from engaging in any business other than that of banking, managing and controlling banks or furnishing services to banks and their subsidiaries. This general prohibition is subject to a number of exceptions. The principal exception allows bank holding companies to engage in, and to own shares of companies engaged in, certain businesses found by the Federal Reserve to be “so closely related to banking . . . as to be a proper incident thereto.” Under current regulations of the Federal Reserve, the Company either directly or through non-bank subsidiaries would be permitted to engage in a variety of banking-related businesses, including the operation of a thrift, sales and consumer finance, equipment leasing, the operation of a computer service bureau (including software development) and mortgage banking and brokerage. The BHCA generally does not place territorial restrictions on the domestic activities of non-bank subsidiaries of bank holding companies.

Federal law also prohibits any person from acquiring “control” of a bank holding company without prior notice to the appropriate federal bank regulator. “Control” is defined in certain cases as the acquisition of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of a bank or a bank holding company depending on the circumstances surrounding the acquisition.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

Regulatory guidelines define capital and spell out the minimum acceptable capital levels for banks. The purpose of these guidelines is to increase depositor protection and to reduce deposit insurance fund losses. Currently, the three federal banking agencies use a “risk-based” approach to gauge bank capital. Under this approach, the agencies define what is to be included in bank capital and establish the minimum capital a bank must have primarily to protect it from the risk inherent in its asset holdings.

Risk-based capital guidelines divide capital into core and supplemental capital. It consists primarily of common and certain preferred stock, surplus and retained earnings. Bank holding companies are required to maintain minimum levels of capital in accordance with Federal Reserve capital adequacy guidelines. If capital falls below minimum guideline levels, a bank holding company, among other things, may be denied approval to acquire or establish additional banks or non-bank businesses. Supplemental or Tier 2 capital consists, within certain specified limits, of such things as the allowance for loan losses, hybrid capital instruments and subordinated debt. These supplemental items are often forms of debt that are subordinate to claims of depositors and the FDIC. As such, they provide depositor protection and are included in bank capital. The sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital, less certain deductions, represents a bank’s total capital. In the capital guidelines, Tier 1 capital must constitute at least 50% of a bank’s total capital. Thus, the use of Tier 2 capital is limited by the amount of Tier 1 capital.


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

As part of their capital adequacy assessment, the regulatory agencies convert a bank’s assets, including off-balance sheet items, to risk-equivalent assets. The purpose of this conversion is to quantify the relative risk, primarily credit risk, in these assets and to determine the minimum capital necessary to compensate for this risk. Assets that pose little risk, such as cash held at the bank’s offices and U. S. government securities, are weighted zero, meaning that no capital support is required for these assets. Assets that pose greater risk are weighted at 20%, 50% or 100% of their dollar value, indicating the level of capital support they require. Except for banks with large “off-balance sheet” asset positions, risk weighting will nearly always lower total assets requiring capital support. However, even if a bank held nothing but cash and U.S. securities, it would still be required to maintain capital support for these assets. The reason is that banks face more than credit risk (e.g., market risk), and these other risks require that banks maintain minimum levels of capital to protect the banks and their depositors.

The Federal Reserve’s capital guidelines establish the following minimum regulatory capital requirements for bank holding companies: a risk-based requirement expressed as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets, and a leverage requirement expressed as a percentage of total assets. The risk-based requirement consists of a minimum ratio of total capital to total risk-weighted assets of 8%, at least one-half of which must be Tier 1 capital. The leverage requirement consists of a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of 3% for the most highly rated companies, with a minimum requirement of 4% for all others.

The risk-based and leverage standards described above are minimum requirements. Higher capital levels will be required if warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profiles of individual banking organizations. For example, the Federal Reserve’s capital guidelines contemplate that additional capital may be required to take adequate account of, among other things, interest rate risk, or the risks posed by concentration of credit, nontraditional activities or securities trading activities. Further, any banking organization experiencing or anticipating significant growth would be expected to maintain capital ratios (i.e., Tier 1 capital less all intangible assets), well above the minimum levels. Current Federal Reserve minimum requirements for a well capitalized organization experiencing significant growth are a leverage ratio of 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% and total risk-based capital ratio of 10%. As of December 31, 2005, the Company had regulatory capital in excess of the Federal Reserve’s minimum and well-capitalized definition requirements, with a leverage ratio of 9.04%, with total Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 12.54% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.80%.

Under current Federal Reserve regulations, the subsidiary Bank is limited in the amount it may loan to the Company and the Company’s nonbank subsidiaries, if any (each of the Company and the Company’s nonbank subsidiaries being an “Affiliate”). Loans to a single Affiliate may not exceed 10% and loans to all Affiliates may not exceed 20% of the Bank’s capital stock, surplus and undivided profits, plus the allowance for loan losses. Loans from the Bank to nonbank Affiliates, including the Company, must be collateralized.

Dividends.  The Iowa Business Corporation Act (“IBCA”) allows the Company to pay dividends only out of its surplus (as defined and computed in accordance with the provision of the IBCA) or if the Company has no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. Additionally, the Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement with regard to the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies. The policy statement provides that a bank holding company should not pay cash dividends which exceed its net income or which can only be funded in ways that weaken the bank holding company’s financial health, such as by borrowing. The Federal Reserve also possesses enforcement powers over bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries to prevent or remedy actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices or violations of applicable statutes and regulations. Among these powers is the ability to proscribe the payment of dividends by banks and bank holding companies.


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

Federal Securities Regulation. The Company’s common stock is registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Consequently, the Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading and other restrictions and requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act.

On July 30, 2002, the United States Congress enacted the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, a law that addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information.

As directed by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer are each required to certify that the Company’s Quarterly and Annual Reports do not contain any untrue statements of material fact. Such officers must certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining, and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls; they have made certain disclosures to the Company’s auditors [and the audit committee of the Board of Directors] about the Company’s internal controls; and they have included information in the Company’s Quarterly and Annual Reports about their evaluation and whether there have been significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subject to the evaluation.

Regulation of the Bank

General. The Bank is an Iowa-chartered bank, the deposit accounts of which are insured by the FDIC’s Bank Insurance Fund (“BIF”). As an Iowa-chartered, FDIC insured bank, the Bank is subject to the examination, supervision, reporting and enforcement requirements of the Superintendent of Banking of the State of Iowa (the “Superintendent”), as the chartering authority for Iowa banks, and the FDIC, as administrator of the BIF.

Deposit Insurance.   As an FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is required to pay deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based assessment system under which all insured depository institutions are placed into one of nine categories and assessed insurance premiums based upon their respective levels of capital and results of supervisory evaluations. Institutions classified as well-capitalized (as defined by the FDIC) and considered healthy, pay the lowest premium while institutions that are less than adequately capitalized (as defined by the FDIC) and considered of substantial supervisory concern, pay the highest premium. Risk classification of all insured institutions is made by the FDIC for each semi-annual assessment period. The Bank is currently paying the minimum assessment under the FDIC’s risk assessment system.

The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution if the FDIC determines, after a hearing, that the institution (i) has engaged in or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, (ii) is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or (iii) has violated any applicable law, regulation, order, or any condition imposed in writing by, or written agreement with, the FDIC. The FDIC may also suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for a permanent termination of insurance if the institution has no tangible capital. Management of the Company is not aware of any activity or condition that could result in termination of the deposit insurance of the Bank.

Capital Requirements. Among the requirements and restrictions imposed upon state banks by the Superintendent are the requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the nature and amount of loans, and restrictions relating to investments, opening of bank offices and other activities of state banks. Changes in the capital structure of state banks are also approved by the Superintendent. State banks must have a Tier 1 risk-based leverage ratio of 6.5% plus a fully funded loan loss reserve. In certain instances, the Superintendent may mandate higher capital, but the Superintendent has not imposed such a requirement on the Bank. In determining the Tier 1 risk-based leverage ratio, the Superintendent uses total equity capital without unrealized securities gains and the allowance for loan losses less any intangible assets. At December 31, 2005, the Tier 1 risk-based leverage ratio of the Bank was 8.78% and exceeded the ratio required by the Superintendent.


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

Capital adequacy for banks took on an added dimension with the establishment of a formal system of prompt corrective action under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA). This system uses bank capital levels to trigger supervisory actions designed to quickly correct banking problems. Capital adequacy zones are used by the federal banking agencies to trigger these actions. The ratios and the definition of “adequate capital” are the same as those used by the agencies in their capital adequacy guidelines.

Federal law provides the federal banking regulators of the Bank with broad power to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized banking institutions. The extent of the regulators’ powers depends on whether the institution in question is “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized,” in each case as defined by regulation. Under prompt corrective action, banks that are inadequately capitalized face a variety of mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions. For example, “undercapitalized banks” must restrict asset growth, obtain prior approval for business expansion, and have an approved plan to restore capital. “Critically undercapitalized banks” must be placed in receivership or conservatorship within 90 days unless some other action would result in lower long-term costs to the deposit insurance fund.

Depending upon the capital category to which an institution is assigned, the regulators’ corrective powers include: requiring the institution to submit a capital restoration plan; limiting the institution’s asset growth and restricting its activities; requiring the institution to issue additional capital stock (including additional voting stock) or to be acquired; restricting transactions between the institution and its affiliates; restricting the interest rate the institution may pay on deposits; ordering a new election of directors of the institution; requiring that senior executive officers or directors be dismissed; prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; requiring the institution to divest certain subsidiaries; prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on subordinated debt; and ultimately, appointing a receiver for the institution. As of December 31, 2005, the Bank was well capitalized, as defined by FDIC regulations.

Community Investment and Consumer Protection Laws.  The Community Reinvestment Act requires insured institutions to define the communities that they serve, identify the credit needs of those communities and adopt and implement a “Community Reinvestment Act Statement” pursuant to which they offer credit products and take other actions that respond to the credit needs of the community. The responsible federal banking regulator must conduct regular Community Reinvestment Act examinations of insured financial institutions and assign to them a Community Reinvestment Act rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs improvement” and “unsatisfactory.” From the most recent examination in 2005, the Community Reinvestment Act rating of the Company’s banking subsidiary was “outstanding.”

In addition to the Community Reinvestment Act, other federal and state laws regulate various lending and consumer aspects of the banking business. Governmental Agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, have become concerned that in some cases prospective borrowers experience unlawful discrimination in their efforts to obtain loans from depository and other lending institutions. These agencies have brought litigation against some depository institutions alleging discrimination against borrowers. Many of these suits have been settled, in some cases for material sums, short of a full trial.

Recently, these governmental agencies have clarified what they consider to be lending discrimination and have specified various factors that they will use to determine the existence of lending discrimination under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act. These factors include evidence that a lender discriminated on a prohibited basis, evidence that a lender treated applicants differently based on prohibited factors in the absence of evidence that the treatment was the result of prejudice or a conscious intention to discriminate, and evidence that a lender applied an otherwise neutral non-discriminatory policy uniformly to all applicants, but the practice had a discriminatory effect, unless the practice could be justified as a business necessity.


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

Banks and other depository institutions also are subject to numerous consumer-oriented laws and regulations. These laws, which include the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Fair Housing Act, require compliance by depository institutions with various disclosure requirements and requirements regulating the availability of funds after deposit or the making of certain loan, to customers.

Supervisory Assessments. All Iowa banks are required to pay supervisory assessments to the Superintendent to fund the Superintendent’s examination and supervision operations. Effective July 1, 2002 the Superintendent changed the method of computation of the supervisory assessment from billing for each state examination completed based on an hourly rate, to billing on an annual basis based on the assets of the bank, the expected hours needed to conduct examinations of that size bank and an additional amount if more work is required. For fiscal 2005 the assessment total was $91,532.

Dividends.  The Iowa Banking Act provides that an Iowa bank may not pay dividends in an amount greater than its undivided profits.

The payment of dividends by any financial institution or its holding company is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and a financial institution generally is prohibited from paying any dividends if, following payment thereof, the institution would be undercapitalized. As described above, the Bank exceeded its minimum capital requirements under applicable guidelines as of December 31, 2005. Notwithstanding the availability of funds for dividends, however, the Superintendent may prohibit the payment of any dividends by the Bank if the Superintendent determines such payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. The ability of the Company to pay dividends to its stockholders is dependent upon dividends paid by the Bank. The Bank is subject to certain statutory and regulatory restrictions on the amount it may pay in dividends. To maintain acceptable capital ratios in the Bank, certain of its retained earnings are not available for the payment of dividends. To maintain a ratio of total risk-based capital to assets of 8%, retained earnings of $13,720,000 as of December 31, 2005 are available for the payment of dividends to the Company.

Insider Transactions. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law on extensions of credit to the Company and its subsidiaries, on investments in the stock or other securities of the Company and its subsidiaries and the acceptance of the stock or other securities of the Company or its subsidiaries as collateral for loans. Certain limitations and reporting requirements are also placed on extensions of credit by the Bank to its directors and officers, to directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, to principal stockholders of the Company, and to “related interests” of such directors, officers and principal stockholders. In addition, federal law and regulations may affect the terms upon which any person becoming a director or officer of the Company or one of its subsidiaries or a principal stockholder of the Company may obtain credit from banks with which the Bank maintains a correspondent relationship.

Safety and Soundness Standards. The federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines that establish operational and managerial standards to promote the safety and soundness of federally insured depository institutions. The guidelines set forth standards for internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, asset quality and earnings.


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

In general, the safety and soundness guidelines prescribe the goals to be achieved in each area, and each institution is responsible for establishing its own procedures to achieve those goals. If an institution fails to comply with any of the standards set forth in the guidelines, the institution’s primary federal regulator may require the institution to submit a plan for achieving and maintaining compliance. If an institution fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan, or fails in any material respect to implement a compliance plan that has been accepted by its primary federal regulator, the regulator is required to issue an order directing the institution to cure the deficiency. Until the deficiency cited in the regulator’s order is cured, the regulator may restrict the institution’s rate of growth, require the institution to increase its capital, restrict the rates the institution pays on deposits or require the institution to take any action the regulator deems appropriate under the circumstances. Noncompliance with the standards established by the safety and soundness guidelines may also constitute grounds for other enforcement action by the federal banking regulators, including cease and desist orders and civil money penalty assessments.

Branching Authority. Historically, Iowa’s intrastate branching statutes have been rather restrictive when compared with those of other states. Iowa’s intrastate branching statutes were relaxed in legislation that became effective on February 21, 2001 (the “2001 Amendment”). The 2001 Amendment allowed Iowa banks to move towards statewide branching by allowing every Iowa bank, with the approval of its primary regulator, to establish three new bank offices anywhere in Iowa during the next three years. The three offices are in addition to those offices allowed within certain restricted geographic areas under prior Iowa law. Effective July 1, 2004, the 2001 Amendment repealed all limitations on bank office location and effectively allowed statewide branching. Since that date, banks have been allowed to establish an unlimited number of offices in any location in Iowa subject only to regulatory approval.

Under the Riegle-Neal Act, both state and national banks are allowed to establish interstate branch networks through acquisitions of other banks, subject to certain conditions, including certain limitations on the aggregate amount of deposits that may be held by the surviving bank and all of its insured depository institution affiliates. The establishment of new interstate branches or the acquisition of individual branches of a bank in another state (rather than the acquisition of an out-of-state bank in its entirety) is allowed by the Riegle-Neal Act only if specifically authorized by state law. The legislation allowed individual states to “opt-out” of certain provisions of the Riegle-Neal Act by enacting appropriate legislation prior to June 1, 1997. Iowa permits interstate bank mergers, subject to certain restrictions, including a prohibition against interstate mergers involving an Iowa bank that has been in existence and continuous operation for fewer than five years.

Miscellaneous. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions on loans to the Company or its non-bank subsidiaries, on investments in the stock or securities thereof, on the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower, and on the issuance of a guarantee or letter of credit on behalf of the Company or its non-banking subsidiaries. The Bank is also subject to certain restrictions on most types of transactions with the Company or its non-bank subsidiaries, requiring that the terms of such transactions be substantially equivalent to terms of similar transactions with non-affiliated firms.

State Bank Activities. Under federal law and FDIC regulations, FDIC insured state banks are prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, from making or retaining equity investments of a type, or in an amount, that are not permissible for a national bank. Federal law and FDIC regulations also prohibit FDIC insured state banks and their subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, from engaging as principal in any activity that is not permitted for a national bank or its subsidiary, respectively, unless the Bank meets, and continues to meet, its minimum regulatory capital requirements and the FDIC determines the activity would not pose a significant risk to the deposit insurance fund of which the Bank is a member. These restrictions have not had, and are not currently expected to have, a material impact on the operations of the Bank.


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

Regulatory Enforcement Authority. The enforcement powers available to federal and state banking regulators are substantial and include, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders and to initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institutions-affiliated parties, as defined. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with regulatory authorities.

CONSOLIDATED STATISTICAL INFORMATION

The following consolidated statistical information reflects selected balances and operations of the Company and the Bank for the periods indicated.

The following tables show (1) average balances of assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, (2) interest income and expense on a tax equivalent basis, (3) interest rates and interest differential and (4) changes in interest income and expense.

AVERAGE BALANCES
(Average Daily Basis)

 
Years Ended December 31
 
 
   2005    2004    2003   
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
ASSETS                  
  Cash and due from banks $ 24,533   $ 23,069   $ 25,186  
  Taxable securities   141,337     149,948     150,149  
  Nontaxable securities   76,858     71,182     63,689  
  Federal funds sold   7,295     3,013     41,269  
  Loans, net   1,060,011     935,259     829,710  
  Property and equipment, net   22,061     22,252     22,148  
  Other assets   25,949     26,615     23,159  

  $ 1,358,044   $ 1,231,338   $ 1,155,310  

                   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $ 133,046   $ 124,108   $ 108,414  
  Interest-bearing demand deposits   144,866     141,028     122,918  
  Savings deposits   259,267     239,997     214,088  
  Time deposits   467,878     399,915     399,747  
  Short-term borrowings   30,044     37,441     29,323  
  FHLB borrowings   190,438     167,563     167,595  
  Other liabilities   8,843     6,718     6,448  
  Redeemable common stock held by
    Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  18,635     15,600     13,908  
  Stockholders’ equity   105,027     98,968     92,869  

  $ 1,358,044   $ 1,231,338   $ 1,155,310  


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

 
Years Ended December 31
 
 
2005 2004 2003
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
      
Income:                  
   Loans (1) $ 66,822   $ 57,697   $ 54,437  
   Taxable securities   4,795     5,250     6,268  
   Nontaxable securities (1)   4,130     3,812     3,645  
   Federal funds sold   235     27     382  

         Total interest income   75,982     66,786     64,732  

                             
Expense:                  
   Interest-bearing demand deposits   989     715     1,011  
   Savings deposits   3,619     1,797     1,950  
   Time deposits   15,057     11,790     13,959  
   Short-term borrowings   749     470     394  
   FHLB borrowings   9,949     9,113     9,091  

         Total interest expense   30,363     23,885     26,405  

                             
         Net interest income $ 45,619   $ 42,901   $ 38,327  

 
(1) Presented on a tax equivalent basis using a rate of 35% for the three years presented.

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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL

 
Years Ended December 31

   2005    2004    2003   

                    
Average yields:                  
  Loans (1)   6.29 %   6.16 %   6.55 %
  Loans (tax equivalent basis)   6.30     6.17     6.56  
  Taxable securities   3.39     3.50     4.17  
  Nontaxable securities   3.49     3.48     3.72  
  Nontaxable securities (tax equivalent basis)   5.37     5.36     5.72  
  Federal funds sold   3.21     0.90     0.93  
  Interest-bearing demand deposits   0.69     0.51     0.82  
  Savings deposits   1.40     0.75     0.91  
  Time deposits   3.22     2.95     3.49  
  Short-term borrowings   2.49     1.26     1.34  
  FHLB borrowings   5.22     5.44     5.42  
  Yield on average interest-earning assets   5.91     5.76     5.97  
  Rate on average interest-bearing liabilities   2.77     2.42     2.83  
  Net interest spread (2)   3.14     3.34     3.14  
  Net interest margin (3)   3.56     3.70     3.53  
   
(1)
Non-accruing loans are not significant and have been included in the average loan balances for purposes of this computation.
 
(2)
Net interest spread is the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the yield on average interest-paying liabilities stated on a tax equivalent basis using a federal rate of 35% for the three years presented.
 
(3)
Net interest margin is net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.

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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

 
Changes Due
To Volume
Changes Due
To Rates
Total
Changes

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
      
Year ended December 31, 2005:                  
   Change in interest income:                  
      Loans $ 7,696   $ 1,429   $ 9,125  
      Taxable securities   (356 )   (98 )   (454 )
      Nontaxable securities   304     14     318  
      Federal funds sold   39     168     207  

 
    7,683     1,513     9,196  

 
   Change in interest expense:                  
      Interest-bearing demand deposits   (17 )   (257 )   (274 )
      Savings deposits   (138 )   (1,684 )   (1,822 )
      Time deposits   (2,001 )   (1,266 )   (3,267 )
      Federal funds purchased and securities sold
         under agreements to repurchase
  128     (407 )   (279 )
      FHLB borrowings   (1,215 )   379     (836 )

 
    (3,243 )   (3,235 )   (6,478 )

 
   Change in net interest income $ 4,440   $ (1,722 ) $ 2,718  

 
Year ended December 31, 2004:                  
   Change in interest income:                  
      Loans $ 6,632   $ (3,372 ) $ 3,260  
      Taxable securities   (8 )   (1,010 )   (1,018 )
      Nontaxable securities   408     (241 )   167  
      Federal funds sold   (369 )   14     (355 )

 
    6,663     (4,609 )   2,054  

 
   Change in interest expense:                  
      Interest-bearing demand deposits   131     (427 )   (296 )
      Savings deposits   217     (370 )   (153 )
      Time deposits   6     (2,175 )   (2,169 )
      Federal funds purchased and securities sold
         under agreements to repurchase
  101     (25 )   76  
      FHLB borrowings   (1 )   23     22  

 
    454     (2,974 )   (2,520 )

 
   Change in net interest income $ 6,209   $ (1,635 ) $ 4,574  

 
 
Rate volume variances are allocated on a consistent basis using the absolute values of changes in volume compared to the absolute values of the changes in rates. Loan fees included in interest income are not material. Interest on nontaxable securities and loans is shown at tax equivalent amounts.

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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

LOANS

The following table shows the composition of loans (before deducting the allowance for loan losses) as of December 31 for each of the last five years. The table does not include loans held for sale to the secondary market.

 
December 31,

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

   (Amounts In Thousands)   
                                
Agricultural $ 43,730   $ 39,116   $ 38,153   $ 37,937   $ 34,304  
Commercial and financial   91,501     70,453     47,938     46,828     44,363  
Real estate, construction   83,456     72,388     66,644     47,201     40,430  
Real estate, mortgage   906,188     797,958     696,453     621,226     533,257  
Loans to individuals   32,201     32,106     31,591     32,906     34,713  
 
 
        Total $ 1,157,076   $ 1,012,021   $ 880,779   $ 786,098   $ 687,067  
 
 
 

There were no foreign loans outstanding for any of the years presented.

MATURITY DISTRIBUTION OF LOANS

The following table shows the principal payments due on loans as of December 31, 2005:

 
Amount
Of Loans
  One Year
Or Less (1)
  One To
Five Years
  Over Five
Years
 
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
          
Commercial $ 135,231   $ 75,430   $ 48,008   $ 11,793  
Real Estate   989,644     116,053     305,901     567,690  
Other   32,201     13,154     18,782     265  
 
 
Totals $ 1,157,076   $ 204,637   $ 372,691   $ 579,748  
 
 
  
The types of interest rates applicable to these principal payments are shown below:  
                          
Fixed rate $ 477,947   $ 86,341   $ 343,114   $ 48,492  
Variable rate   679,129     118,296     29,577     531,256  
 
 
  $ 1,157,076   $ 204,637   $ 372,691   $ 579,748  
 
 
   
(1)
A significant portion of the commercial loans are due in one year or less. A significant percentage of the notes are re-evaluated prior to their maturity and are likely to be extended.

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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

NONACCRUAL, PAST DUE AND RESTRUCTURED LOANS

The following table summarizes the Company’s non-accrual, past due, restructured and impaired loans as of December 31 for each of the years presented:

 
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
     
Nonaccrual loans $ 175   $ 808   $ 3,944   $ 1,538   $ 1,001  
Accruing loans past due
  90 days or more
  1,910     2,313     2,296     2,516     2,921  
Restructured loans                    
Impaired loans (includes non-accrual loans)   16,602     18,977     18,177     16,261     11,288  
 

The Company does not have a significant amount of loans that are past due less than 90 days where there are serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the loan repayment terms.

Loans are placed on non-accrual status when management believes the collection of future principal and interest is not reasonably assured. The decrease in non-accrual loans from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2005 resulted from the restoration of the accrual status on two real estate loans. At December 31, 2004, there was $646,000 of non-accrual loans related to the two loans compared to none at December 31, 2005. The non-accrual loans are considered to be impaired loans for purposes of reviewing the adequacy of the loan loss reserve. Interest income was not materially affected by this classification.

The Company has no individual borrower or borrowers engaged in the same or similar industry exceeding 10% of total loans. The Company has no interest-bearing assets, other than loans, that meet the non-accrual, past due, restructured or potential problem loan criteria.

Impaired loans decreased by $2,375,000 as of December 31, 2005 from December 31, 2004. Impaired loans includes any loan that has been placed on nonaccrual status. They also include loans that, based on management’s evaluation of current information and events, are considered to be loans that it is likely the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. The portion of impaired loan constituting impaired real estate loans was $11.3 million at December 31, 2005 compared to $11.7 million at December 31, 2004.

Specific allowances for losses on non-accrual and impaired loans are established if the loan balances exceed the net present value of the relevant future cash flows or the fair value of the relevant collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

The reduction in impaired loans resulted from the decrease in nonaccrual loans noted above and an additional commercial mortgage with a balance of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2004, which had been included in impaired loans, being paid off in 2005.


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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

The following table summarizes the Bank’s loan loss experience for each of the last five years:

 
Year Ended December 31,

   2005    2004    2003    2002    2001   

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
      
Allowance for loan losses
  at beginning of year
$ 13,790   $ 12,585   $ 12,125   $ 9,950   $ 10,428  
 
 
Charge-offs:                              
  Agriculture       78     26     33     35  
  Commercial and financial   802     224     266     562     1,225  
  Real estate, mortgage   392     431     478     390     557  
  Loans to individuals   981     635     874     803     724  
 
 
    2,175     1,368     1,644     1,788     2,541  
 
 
Recoveries:                              
  Agriculture   47     36     88     116     72  
  Commercial and financial   191     151     661     371     289  
  Real estate, mortgage   265     104     318     402     362  
  Loans to individuals   1,141     812     613     625     416  
 
 
    1,644     1,103     1,680     1,514     1,139  
 
 
Net charge-offs (recoveries)   531     265     (36 )   274     1,402  
 
 
Provision for loan losses (1)   2,101     1,470     424     2,449     924  
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
  at end of year
$ 15,360   $ 13,790   $ 12,585   $ 12,125   $ 9,950  
 
 
Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries)
  during year to average loans outstanding
  0.05 %   0.03 %   0.00 %   0.04 %   0.22 %
 
 
   
(1)
For financial reporting purposes, management reviews the loan portfolio and determines the allowance for loan loses, which represents management’s judgment of the probable losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio. The loan loss provision is the amount necessary to adjust the allowance to the level considered appropriate by management. The adequacy of the allowance is reviewed quarterly and considers the impact of economic conditions on the borrowers’ ability to repay, loan collateral values, past collection experience, the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio and such other factors that deserve current recognition. The growth of the loan portfolio is a significant element in the determination of the provision for loan losses.

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Item 1.   Business (Continued)

ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The Bank regularly reviews a substantial portion of the loans in the portfolio and assesses whether the loans are impaired. If the loans are impaired, the Bank determines if a specific allowance is appropriate. In addition, the Bank’s management also reviews and, where determined necessary, provides allowances based upon reviews of specific borrowers and provides allowances for areas that management considers are of higher credit risk (agricultural loans and constructed model real estate homes). Loans for which there are no specific allowances are classified into one or more risk categories. Based upon the risk category assigned, the Bank allocates a percentage, as determined by management, for a required allowance needed. The percentage begins with historical loss experience factors, which are then adjusted for current economic factors.

The following table presents the allowance for loan losses on loans by type of loans and the percentage in each category to total loans as of December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 
2005   2004  
Amount   % of Total
Allowance
  % of Loans
to Total Loans
  Amount   Total
Allowance
  % of Loans
To Total Loans
 
 
 
 
(In Thousands)   (In Thousands)  
Agriculture $ 1,528     9.95 %   3.78 % $ 1,736     12.59 %   3.87 %
Commercial   2,676     17.42     7.91     1,913     13.87     6.96  
Real estate, construction   1,339     8.72     7.21     1,471     10.67     7.15  
Real estate, mortgage   9,061     58.99     78.32     7,872     57.08     78.85  
Consumer   756     4.92     2.78     798     5.79     3.17  
 
 
 
  $ 15,360     100.00 %   100.00 % $ 13,790     100.00 %   100.00 %
 
 
 
  2003   2002  
Agriculture $ 2,470     19.63 %   4.33 % $ 2,219     18.30 %   4.78 %
Commercial   1,421     11.29     5.44     1,374     11.33     5.91  
Real estate, construction   1,076     8.55     7.57     975     8.04     5.95  
Real estate, mortgage   6,775     53.83     79.07     6,638     54.75     79.21  
Consumer   843     6.70     3.59     919     7.58     4.15  
 
 
 
  $ 12,585     100.00 %   100.00 % $ 12,125     100.00 %   100.00 %
 
 
 
  2001                    
Agriculture $ 1,032     10.37 %   4.95 %                  
Commercial   1,714     17.23     6.40                    
Real estate, construction   770     7.74     5.84                    
Real estate, mortgage   5,722     57.50     77.80                    
Consumer   712     7.16     5.01                    
 
                   
  $ 9,950     100.00 %   100.00 %                  
 
                   
 

The allowance for loan losses increased $1.6 million in 2005. The increase in and changes in the allocation of the allowance were primarily due to volume changes of loans outstanding and not a material deterioration of credit quality. Due to the volume increase in loans outstanding of $141.8 million in 2005, the allocation increased approximately $1.7 million. The largest allocation for loan growth was for real estate mortgage loans which was $1.2 million and reflected the $108.2 million growth in this category. The commercial loan allocation increased from $1.9 million at December 31, 2004 to $2.7 million at December 31, 2005 due to loan growth in 2005 of $21.0 million. The reduction of $.2 million in the allocation for agriculture is due to an improvement in the overall quality of loans in the swine production area. The increase in the allocations based on the current loan credit quality of $240,000 was offset by the reduction of specific reserves for impaired loans.


Page 23 of 98



Item 1.   Business (Continued)

Residential real estate loan products that include features such as loan-to-values in excess of 100%, interest only payments or adjustable-rate mortgages, which expose a borrower to payment increases in excess of changes in the market interest rate, increase the credit risk of a loan. The Bank does not offer this type of loan product.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The following tables show the carrying value of the investment securities which are principally held by the Bank as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and the maturities and weighted average yields of the investment securities as of December 31, 2005:

 
December 31,
 
 
   2005    2004    2003   
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
Carrying value:                  
   U. S. Treasury securities $   $   $ 6,138  
   Obligations of other U. S. Government
      agencies and corporations
  117,482     133,929     152,710  
   Obligations of state and political subdivisions   79,519     75,194     68,535  

  $ 197,001   $ 209,123   $ 227,383  

     
December 31, 2005
 
 
Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
      
Obligations of other U. S. Government agencies and corporations, maturities:            
  Within 1 year $ 30,359     3.11 %
  From 1 to 5 years   87,123     3.64  

 
  $ 117,482        

 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions, maturities:            
  Within 1 year $ 7,825     5.62 %
  From 1 to 5 years   40,039     5.44  
  From 5 to 10 years   30,297     5.07  
  Over 10 years   1,358     6.11  

 
  $ 79,519        

 
          Total $ 197,001        

 

Page 24 of 98



Item 1.   Business (Continued)

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

As of December 31, 2005, there were no investment securities, exceeding 10% of stockholders’ equity, other than securities of the U. S. Government agencies and corporations.

The weighted average yield is based on the amortized cost of the investment securities. The yields are computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 35%.

DEPOSITS

The following tables show the amounts of average deposits and average rates paid on such deposits for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and the composition of the certificates of deposit issued in denominations in excess of $100,000 as of December 31, 2005:

 
December 31,

2005 Rate 2004 Rate 2003 Rate

      
Average noninterest-bearing deposits $ 133,046   0.00 % $ 124,108   0.00 % $ 108,414   0.00 %
Average interest-bearing demand deposits   144,866   0.69     141,028   0.51     122,918   0.82  
Average savings deposits   259,267   1.40     239,997   0.75     214,088   0.91  
Average time deposits   467,878   3.22     399,915   2.95     399,747   3.49  
 
     
     
     
  $ 1,005,057       $ 905,048       $ 845,167      
 
     
     
     
                          
Time certificates issued in amounts    
  of $100,000 or more as of    
  December 31, 2005 with Amount   Rate   Amount   Rate   Amount   Rate  
  maturity in:
 
  3 months or less $ 17,288     2.90 % $ 10,059     1.81 % $ 13,728     2.84 %
  3 through 6 months   11,320     3.23     9,546     2.07     12,649     2.69  
  6 through 12 months   35,080     3.98     24,418     2.47     8,735     2.57  
  Over 12 months   35,001     4.07     39,687     3.66     26,854     3.84  
 
       
       
       
  $ 98,689         $ 83,710         $ 61,966        
 
       
       
       
 
There were no deposits in foreign banking offices.

Page 25 of 98



Item 1.   Business (Continued)

RETURN ON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND ASSETS

The following table presents the return on average assets, return on average stockholders’ equity, the dividend payout ratio and average stockholders’ equity to average assets ratio for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 
2005 2004 2003

      
Return on average assets   1.12 %   1.15 %   1.24 %
Return on average stockholders’ equity   14.47     14.34     15.36  
Dividend payout ratio   22.44     22.44     19.99  
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets ratio   7.73     8.04     8.04  
 

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS        

The following table shows outstanding balances, weighted average interest rates at year end, maximum month-end balances, average month-end balances and weighted average interest rates of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase during 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 
2005 2004 2003

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
      
Outstanding balance as of December 31 $ 34,537   $ 37,985   $ 29,926  
Weighted average interest rate at year end   3.45 %   1.83 %   1.00 %
Maximum month-end balance   52,849     65,316     37,205  
Average month-end balance   30,044     37,441     29,323  
Weighted average interest rate for the year   2.49 %   1.26 %   1.34 %
 

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK BORROWINGS

The following table shows outstanding balances, weighted average interest rates at year end, maximum month-end balances, average month-end balances and weighted average interest rates during 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 
2005 2004 2003

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
      
Outstanding balance as of December 31 $ 223,161   $ 167,542   $ 167,574  
Weighted average interest rate at year end   5.00 %   5.35 %   5.34 %
Maximum month-end balance   223,161     167,574     167,606  
Average month-end balance   190,438     167,563     167,595  
Weighted average interest rate for the year   5.22 %   5.44 %   5.42 %

Page 26 of 98



Item 1A. Risk Factors

The performance of our Company is subject to various risks. We consider the risks described below to be the most significant risks we face, but such risks are not the only risk factors that could affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. For a discussion of the impact of risks on our financial condition and results of operations in recent years and on forward looking statements contained in this report, reference is made to Item 7 below.

We may be adversely affected by economic conditions in the local economies in which we conduct our operations, and in the United States in general.

Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions may adversely affect our business and profitability. Our business faces various material risks, including credit risk and the risk that the demand for our products and services will decrease. Foreign or domestic terrorism or geopolitical events could shock commodity and financial markets and cause an economic downturn. In an economic downturn, our credit risk and litigation expense would increase. Also, decreases in consumer confidence, real estate values, interest rates and investment returns, usually associated with a downturn, could make the types of loans we originate less profitable.

We may incur losses because of ineffective risk management processes and strategies.

We seek to monitor and control our risk exposure through a variety of financial, credit, operational, compliance and legal reporting systems. We employ risk monitoring and risk mitigation techniques, but those techniques and the judgments that accompany their application may not be adequate to deal with unexpected economic and financial events or the specifics and timing of such events. Thus, we may, in the course of our activities, incur losses despite our risk management efforts.

Our profitability and liquidity may be adversely affected by a deterioration in the credit quality of, or defaults by, third parties who owe us money or other assets.

We are exposed to the risk that third parties that owe us money or other assets will not perform their obligations. These parties may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. Our rights against third parties may not be enforceable in all circumstances. In addition, a deterioration in the credit quality of third parties whose securities or obligations we hold could result in losses and/or adversely affect our ability to use those securities or obligations for liquidity purposes.

A failure in our operational systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties, could impair our liquidity, disrupt our business, damage our reputation and cause losses.

Shortcomings or failures in our internal processes, people or systems could lead to impairment of our liquidity, financial loss, disruption of our business, liability to our customers, regulatory interventions or damage to our reputation. Our financial, accounting, data processing or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, adversely affecting our ability to process transactions. We also face the risk of operational failure or termination of any of the clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries we use to facilitate transactions. Any such failure or termination could adversely affect our ability to effect transactions, service our customers and manage exposure to risk.

Despite the contingency plans and facilities we have in place, our ability to conduct business may be adversely impacted by a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business and the communities in which we are located. This may include a disruption involving electrical, communications, transportation or other services used by us or by third parties with which we conduct business. If a disruption occurs in one location and our employees in that location are unable to occupy our offices or communicate with or travel to other locations, our ability to service and interact with our customers may suffer and we may be unable to successfully implement contingency plans that depend on communication or travel.


Page 27 of 98



Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)

Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks. Although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses or other malicious code and other events that could have a security impact. If one or more of such events occur, this potentially could jeopardize our or our customers’ confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our customers’ or third parties’ operations, which could result in significant losses or damage to our reputation. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remedy vulnerabilities or other exposures. In the event of such a security breach, we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by us.

Changing interest rates may adversely affect our profits.

If interest rates decrease, our net interest income could be negatively affected if interest earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans, mortgage-related securities, and other investment securities, decreases more quickly than interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. This would cause our net income to go down. In addition, if interest rates decline, our loans and investments may be prepaid earlier than expected, which may also lower our income. Rising interest rates may hurt our income because they may reduce the demand for loans and the value of our investment securities. Higher interest rates could adversely affect housing and other sectors of the economy that are interest-rate sensitive. Interest rates do and will continue to fluctuate, and we cannot predict future Federal Reserve Board actions or other factors that will cause rates to change.

We experience intense competition for loans and deposits.

Competition among financial institutions in attracting and retaining deposits and making loans is intense. Traditionally, our most direct competition for deposits has come from commercial banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions doing business in our areas of operation. Recently, we have experienced increasing competition for deposits from nonbanking sources, such as money market mutual funds and corporate and government debt securities. Competition for loans comes primarily from commercial banks, savings and loan associations, consumer finance companies, insurance companies and other institutional lenders. We compete primarily on the basis of products offered, customer service and price. A number of institutions with which we compete have greater assets and capital than we do and, thus, are better able to compete on the basis of price than we are.

We are subject to substantial regulation which could adversely affect our business and operations.

As a financial institution, we are subject to extensive regulation, and which materially affects our business. Statutes, regulations and policies to which we are subject may be changed at any time, and the interpretation and the application of those laws and regulations by our regulators is also subject to change. There can be no assurance that future changes in regulations or in their interpretation or application will not adversely affect us. We have established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulatory and operational risk requirements. However, we face complexity and costs in our compliance efforts. Adverse publicity and damage to our reputation arising from the failure or perceived failure to comply with legal, regulatory or contractual requirements could affect our ability to attract and retain customers or could result in enforcement actions, fines, penalties and lawsuits.

If we do not continue to meet or exceed regulatory capital requirements and maintain our “well-capitalized” status, there could be an adverse effect on the manner in which we do business and on the confidence of our customers in us.


Page 28 of 98



Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)

Under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines, we must meet guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could have a material effect on our financial condition and could subject us to a variety of enforcement actions, as well as certain restrictions on our business. Failure to maintain the status of “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework could adversely affect the confidence that our customers have in us, which can lead to a decline in the demand for our products and affect the prices that we are able to charge for our products and services.

If we are not able to anticipate and keep pace with rapid changes in technology, or do not respond to rapid technological changes in our industry, our business can be adversely affected.

Our financial performance depends, in part, on our ability to develop and market new and innovative services, and to adopt or develop new technologies that differentiate our products or provide cost efficiencies. The risks inherent in this process include rapid technological change in the industry, our ability to access technical and other information from customers, and the significant and ongoing investments required to bring new services to market in a timely fashion at competitive prices. A further risk is the introduction by competitors of services that could replace or provide lower-cost alternatives to our products and services.

Our performance may be adversely affected if we are unable to hire and retain qualified employees.

Our performance is largely dependent on the talents and efforts of our employees. Competition in the financial services industry for qualified employees is intense. Our ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate our existing employees.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.


Page 29 of 98



Item 2.   Properties

The Company’s office and the main office of the Bank are located at 131 Main Street, Hills, Iowa. This is a brick building containing approximately 45,000 square feet. A portion of the building was built in 1977, a two-story addition was completed in 1984, and a two-story brick addition was completed in February 2001. With the completion of the 2001 addition, the entire Bank’s processing and administrative systems, including trust, were consolidated in Hills, Iowa. A majority of these operations previously were located in the Bank’s Coralville office. As a result of the consolidation, sixty-five full-time and part-time employees were relocated.

The other offices of Hills Bank and Trust, which are owned by the Bank except as otherwise indicated below, are as follows:

 
1.
The Iowa City office, located at 1401 South Gilbert Street, is a one-story brick building containing approximately 15,400 square feet. The branch has five drive-up teller lanes and a drive-up, 24-hour automatic teller machine. The Bank’s trust department customer service representatives are located here. This building was constructed in 1982 and has been expanded several times, most recently in 1998.
   
2.
The Coralville office is a two-story building built in 1972 and expanded in 2001 that contains approximately 23,000 square feet of space. This office is equipped with four drive-up teller lanes and one automatic teller machine and is used primarily for retail banking services.
   
3.
A 2,800 square foot branch bank in North Liberty, Iowa was opened for business in 1986. This office is a full-service location including three drive-up teller lanes and a drive-up automatic teller machine.
   
4.
The Bank leases an office at 201 South Clinton Street in downtown Iowa City with approximately 5,800 square feet. The office has two 24-hour automatic teller machines and is located with the Old Capitol Town Center. The lease expires in 2014 with four additional five year terms available at the Bank’s option.
   
5.
In December 2001, the Bank opened a new East Side office location at 2621 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City. The office is a 5,800 square foot, one-story building, and it has three drive-up lanes and a drive-up ATM. The new office replaced a leased office that had 1,100 square feet.
   
6.
The Lisbon office is a two-story brick building in Lisbon, Iowa with approximately 3,000 square feet of banking retail space located on the first floor. The building was extensively remodeled in 1996 and has one drive-up lane and a walk-up, 24-hour automatic teller machine.
   
7.
The Mount Vernon office opened in February 1998 with the completion of a full-service, 4,200 square foot office, with four drive-up lanes and a drive-up automatic teller machine.
   
8.
In February 2000, the Bank opened a 2,900 square foot branch office in downtown Cedar Rapids that is leased. In April 2001, an additional contiguous 2,100 square feet of space was leased and then remodeled for retail banking purposes. The leases expire in 2011 and has one five year renewal option.

Page 30 of 98



Item 2.   Properties (Continued)

 
 9.
The Kalona office is a 6,400 square foot building that contains a walk-up 24-hour automatic teller machine and one drive-up lane. This is an older building that was remodeled in late 1998.
   
10.
In March of 2002, the Bank opened its eleventh office, and the second office location in the Cedar Rapids market. The new 7,200 square foot one-story building has three drive-up lanes and a drive-up ATM. The location of the office is on Williams Boulevard in Southwest Cedar Rapids.
   
11.
A full service office opened on February 10, 2003 in Marion, Iowa, after extensive remodeling of the property located at 800 11th Street. The office is a two-story building having approximately 8,400 square feet with three drive-up lanes and a drive-up ATM. 1.    
   
12.
In June of 2005, the Bank opened a limited purpose office at the Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City. The office is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The office opens deposit accounts, provides deposit services, trust and investment services and check cashing. It does not perform loan origination services. This office is neither owned nor leased by the Bank. 2.    
 

All of the properties owned by the Bank are free and clear of any mortgages or other encumbrances of any type.

Item 3.   Legal Proceedings

There are no materials pending legal proceedings. Neither the Company nor the Bank holds any properties that are the subject of hazardous waste clean-up investigations.

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders for the three months ended December 31, 2005.


Page 31 of 98



PART II
   
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
   

There is no established trading market for the Company’s common stock. Its stock is not listed with any exchange or quoted in an automated quotation system of a registered securities association, nor is there any broker/dealer acting as a market maker for its stock. The Company’s stock is not actively traded. As of March 13, 2006, the Company had 1,499 stockholders.

Based on the Company’s stock transfer records and information informally provided to the Company, its stock trading transactions have been as follows:

  
Year Number of Shares Traded Number of Transactions High Selling Price Low Selling Price

 
 
 
 
   
2005   11,858   27   $ 46.50   $ 37.00     (1)  
2004   8,842   22     37.00     33.67        
2003   22,461   26     33.67     29.34        
                              
  (1) This included 1,400 shares of stock repurchased under the 2005 Stock Repurchase Plan approved on August 8, 2005. Those purchase prices ranged from $45.00 to $46.50 per share.
     

The Company paid aggregate annual cash dividends in 2005, 2004 and 2003 of $3,412,000, $3,185,000 and $2,853,000 respectively, or $.75 per share in 2005, $.70 per share in 2004 and $.63 per share in 2003. In January 2006, the Company declared and paid a dividend of $.81 per share totaling $3,695,000. The decision to declare any such cash dividends in the future and the amount thereof rests within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will remain subject to, among other things, certain regulatory restrictions imposed on the payment of dividends by the Bank, and the future earnings, capital requirements and financial condition of the Company.

As of December 31, 2005, stock option information is as follows:

 
  Number of shares that would be issued if all options were exercised   62,619    
  Weighted average price of options outstanding $ 26.69    
  Number of additional shares that could be granted   119,579    
 

There are no stock option plans that have not been approved by the stockholders.

On July 26, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to a total of 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2005 Stock Repurchase Program”). This authorization will expire on December 31, 2009. The Company expects the purchases pursuant to the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program to be made from time to time in private transactions at a price equal to the most recent quarterly independent appraisal of the shares of the Company’s common stock and with the Board reviewing the overall results of the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program on a quarterly basis. The amount and timing of stock repurchases will be based on various factors, such as the Board’s assessment of the Company’s capital structure and liquidity, the amount of interest shown by shareholders in selling shares of stock to the Company at their appraised value, and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors.


Page 32 of 98



Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (Continued)
   

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s stock purchases pursuant to the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program for the year ended December 31, 2005:

 
Period in 2005 Total number of shares
purchased
Average price paid per
share
Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
Maximum number of
shares that may yet
be purchased under
the plans or programs

 
July 1 to July 31   0     N/A   0   750,000  
August 1 to August 31   605   $ 45.00   605   749,395  
September 1 to September 30   334     45.00   939   749,061  
October 1 to October 31   305     45.74   1,244   748,756  
November 1 to November 30   0     N/A   1,244   748,756  
December 1 to December 31   156     46.50   1,400   748,600  
Total   1,400   $ 45.33   1,400   748,600  

Page 33 of 98



Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

CONSOLIDATED FIVE-YEAR STATISTICAL SUMMARY

 
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

YEAR-END TOTALS (Amounts in Thousands)                              
  Total assets $ 1,433,649   $ 1,290,449   $ 1,183,521   $ 1,098,547   $ 976,105  
  Investment securities   209,001     218,016     236,157     214,211     189,960  
  Federal funds sold           13,233     32,514     29,428  
  Loans held for sale   702     3,908     1,960     6,884     5,575  
  Loans, net   1,141,716     998,231     868,194     773,973     677,117  
  Deposits   1,036,414     957,236     868,652     802,321     720,018  
  Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   223,161     167,542     167,574     167,606     137,637  
  Redeemable common stock   20,634     16,336     14,864     12,951     12,194  
  Stockholders’ equity   109,479     103,803     96,765     88,084     78,155  
                               
EARNINGS (Amounts in Thousands)                              
  Interest income $ 74,403   $ 65,324   $ 63,381   $ 64,561   $ 63,718  
  Interest expense   30,363     23,885     26,405     31,141     34,435  
  Provision for loan losses   2,101     1,470     424     2,449     924  
  Other income   12,808     12,542     13,852     10,658     9,257  
  Other expenses   32,861     31,965     29,137     25,043     22,859  
  Income taxes   6,684     6,351     6,998     5,122     4,613  
  Net income   15,202     14,195     14,269     11,464     10,144  
                               
PER SHARE                              
  Net income:                              
    Basic $ 3.34   $ 3.12   $ 3.15   $ 2.55   $ 2.26  
    Diluted   3.32     3.11     3.14     2.53     2.24  
Cash dividends   0.75     0.70     0.63     0.58     0.53  
Book value as of December 31   24.00     22.82     21.27     19.56     17.38  
Increase (decrease) in book value
    due to:
                             
    ESOP obligation   (4.52 )   (3.59 )   (3.27 )   (2.88 )   (2.71 )
    Accumulated other
        comprehensive income
  (0.39 )   0.13     0.68     1.05     0.67  
                               
SELECTED RATIOS                              
  Return on average assets   1.12 %   1.15 %   1.24 %   1.10 %   1.11 %
  Return on average equity   14.47     14.34     15.36     14.05     13.94  
  Return on average equity net of ESOP                              
    obligation   12.29     12.39     13.36     12.18     11.99  
  Net interest margin   3.56     3.70     3.53     3.59     3.58  
  Average stockholders’ equity to                              
    average total assets   7.73     8.04     8.04     7.85     7.96  
  Dividend payout ratio   22.44     22.44     19.99     22.87     23.58  

Page 34 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition And Results of Operations
   

The following discussion by management is presented regarding the financial results for Hills Bancorporation (“The Company”) for the dates and periods indicated. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the “Selected Consolidated Five-Year Statistical Summary” and our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included or incorporated by reference elsewhere in this document.

An overview of the year 2005 is presented following the section discussing a special note regarding forward looking statements.

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This report contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects of the Company include, but are not limited to, the following:

 
  The strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts its operations which may be less favorable than expected and may result in, among other things, a deterioration in the credit quality and value of the Company’s assets.
     
  The effects of, and changes in, laws, regulations and policies affecting banking, securities, insurance and monetary and financial matters as well as any laws otherwise affecting the Company.
     
  The effects of changes in interest rates (including the effects of changes in the rate of prepayments of the Company’s assets) and the policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
     
  The ability of the Company to compete with other financial institutions as effectively as the Company currently intends due to increases in competitive pressures in the financial services sector.
     
  The ability of the Company to obtain new customers and to retain existing customers.
     
  The timely development and acceptance of products and services, including products and services offered through alternative delivery channels such as the Internet.
     
  Technological changes implemented by the Company and by other parties, including third party vendors, which may be more difficult or more expensive than anticipated or which may have unforeseen consequences to the Company and its customers.
     
  The ability of the Company to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition And Results of Operations (Continued)
   
  The ability of the Company to retain key executives and employees and the difficulty that the Company may experience in replacing key executives and employees in an effective manner.
     
  Consumer spending and saving habits which may change in a manner that affects the Company’s business adversely.
     
  The economic impact of terrorist attacks and military actions.
     
  Business combinations and the integration of acquired businesses and assets which may be more difficult or expensive than expected.
     
  The costs, effects and outcomes of existing or future litigation.
     
  Changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
     
  The ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated.
 

These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including other factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Overview

The Company is a bank holding company engaged, through its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, in the business of commercial banking. The Company’s subsidiary is Hills Bank and Trust Company, Hills, Iowa (the“Bank”). The Bank was formed in Hills, Iowa in 1904. The Bank is a full-service commercial bank extending its services to individuals, businesses, governmental units and institutional customers primarily in the communities of Hills, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Mount Vernon, Kalona, Cedar Rapids and Marion, Iowa. On June 28, 2005, the Bank opened a limited purpose office at the Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City, Iowa for the exclusive use of Oaknoll residents and staff (the “Oaknoll Office”). The Oaknoll Office is staffed by existing Bank personnel and is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The Oaknoll Office opens deposit accounts and provides deposit services, trust and investment services and check cashing. The Oaknoll Office does not perform loan origination activities. At December 31, 2005 the Bank has twelve full service locations.

The Company’s net income for 2005 was $15,202,000 compared to $14,195,000 in 2004. Diluted earnings per share were $3.32 and $3.11 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The Bank’s net interest income is the largest component of the Bank’s revenue, and it is a function of the average earning assets and the net interest margin percentage. Net interest margin is the ratio of tax equivalent net interest income to average earning assets. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Bank achieved a net interest margin of 3.56% compared to 3.70% in 2004, which resulted in a decrease of $1.7 million in net interest income attributable to the reduction in the net interest margin percentage. This decrease was more than offset by an increase of $4.4 million in net interest income attributable to growth of $126.1 million in the Bank’s average earning assets. Together, these factors resulted in a $2.7 million increase in net interest income.


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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   
Highlights reached on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2005 for the Company included the following:
 
Net loans are $1.142 billion.
   
Loan growth in 2005 of $145.1 million and deposit growth of $79.2 million.
   
Stockholders’ equity increased $5.7 million with dividends paid in 2005 of $3.4 million.
   

The return on average equity in 2005 was 14.47% and 14.34% in 2004. The returns for the three previous years in 2003, 2002 and 2001 were 15.36%, 14.05% and 13.94% respectively. The total equity of the Company remains strong as of December 31, 2005 with total risk-based capital at 13.80% and Tier 1 risk-based capital at 12.54%. The minimum regulatory guidelines are 8% and 4% respectively. The Company continues to increase the dividend per share with $.75, $.70 and $.63 paid out in the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively.

A detailed discussion of the financial position and results of operations follows this overview.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The financial information contained within these statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective decisions and assessments, management has identified its most critical accounting policies to be those which are related to the allowance for loan losses. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology incorporates a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative in establishing an allowance for loan loss that management believes is appropriate at each reporting date. Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, changes in non-performing loans, and other factors. Quantitative factors also incorporate known information about individual loans, including borrowers’ sensitivity to interest rate movements. Qualitative factors include the general economic environment in the Company’s markets, including economic conditions throughout the Midwest and in particular, the state of certain industries. Size and complexity of individual credits in relation to loan structure, existing loan policies and pace of portfolio growth are other qualitative factors that are considered in the methodology. As the Company adds new products and increases the complexity of its loan portfolio, it will enhance its methodology accordingly. This discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere herein, as well as other relevant portions of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Although management believes the levels of the allowance as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 were adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio, a decline in local economic conditions, or other factors, could result in increasing losses that cannot be reasonably predicted at this time.

Financial Position

 
Year End Amounts (Amounts In Thousands) 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

 
Total assets $ 1,433,649   $ 1,290,449   $ 1,183,521   $ 1,098,547   $ 976,105  
Loans, net of allowance for losses (“Net Loans”)   1,142,418     1,002,139     870,154     780,857     682,692  
Deposits   1,036,414     957,236     868,652     802,321     720,018  
Investment securities   209,001     218,016     236,157     214,211     189,960  
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   223,161     167,542     167,574     167,606     137,637  
Stockholders’ equity   109,479     103,803     96,765     88,084     78,155  

Page 37 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

Total assets at December 31, 2005 increased $143.2 million, or 11.10%, from the prior year-end. Asset growth from 2003 to 2004 was $106.9 million and represented a 9.03% increase. The largest growth in assets occurred in Net Loans, which had an increase of $140.3 million and $132.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net Loans include loans held for sale to the secondary market of $0.7 million compared to $3.9 million at the end of 2004.

Loan demand remained strong in 2005 despite the increase in interest rates. The rise in interest rates is also discussed in the net income overview that follows this financial position review. The movements of the federal funds target rate by the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee started on June 30, 2004 and focused consumers on concerns with higher interest rates. The rate increased five times in 2004 from 1% to 2.25%. In 2005, the rate increased an additional eight times to 4.25%. Normally, the U.S. Treasury market rates increase as the federal funds target rate is increased by the Federal Reserve. In pricing of loans, the Bank considers the U.S. treasury indexes for benchmarks in determining interest rates. The average rate index increases for 2005 compared to 2004, for the one, three and five year indexes were 1.74%, 1.15% and .62%, respectively. During this same period, the average federal funds rate increased from 1.40% in 2004 to 3.27%. These changes caused a flattening of the investment yield curve and also the large increase in short-term federal funds of 187 basis points with only a 62 point increase in the five year index.

Loans secured by real estate continue to see the largest increase in terms of growth. These loans increased $108.2 million in 2005 and had an increase of $101.5 million in 2004. The real estate loans for one to four family residential properties accounted for increases of $46.4 million in 2005 and $47.8 million in 2004. Commercial real estate loans increased a net $50.3 million for 2005 and $34.2 million for 2004. The other large increase for loans occurred for commercial loans which in 2005 increased a total of $21.0 million and $22.5 million in 2004. The overall economy in the Company’s principal place of business, Johnson and Linn Counties, remains in good condition with unemployment levels that remain low. Competition for quality loans and deposits will continue to be a challenge. In both counties, new banks and credit unions have been opened in the last few years. Between 2001 and 2005, twelve new banking locations were added in Johnson County and fourteen in Linn County. The twenty-six new locations include an office of one of the state’s largest credit unions and several large Des Moines-based banks. The opening of new offices has intensified in the last eighteen months with six new offices in Johnson County and five in Linn County. The increased competition for both loans and deposits could result in a lower interest rate margin that could result in lower net interest income if the volume of loans and deposits does not increase to offset any such reduction in the interest margin.

Total deposits increased by $79.2 million in 2005. Short-term borrowings, which include federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, decreased from $38.0 million to $34.5 million. Federal funds purchased decreased by $12.5 million, and repurchase agreements increased $9.0 million. Deposits increased by $88.6 million, or 10.20%, in 2004. In the last four years, the Bank has established new offices in the Cedar Rapids and Marion areas and has relocated its office on the Eastside of Iowa City and its office in Downtown Iowa City. These actions have been helpful in adding new deposit customers for the Bank. As of June 30, 2005, Johnson County total deposits were $2.1 billion and the Company’s deposits were $771 million, which represent a 37.0% market share. At June 30, 2004, deposits were $703 million or a 36.2% market share. The Linn County deposit market, as of June 30, 2005, is about twice the size of the Johnson County market with $3.8 billion. The five Linn County offices of the Company had deposits of $172 million or a 4.5% share of the market. The Company’s deposits at June 30, 2004 were $128 million and represented a 3.6% market share.


Page 38 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

Investment securities decreased by $9.02 million in 2005. In 2004, investment securities decreased by $18.1 million. The investment portfolio consists of $196.8 million of securities that are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gain or loss, net of income taxes, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The securities portfolio, which includes tax exempt securities and stock of the FHLB that is required for borrowings, is used for liquidity and pledging purposes and to provide a rate of return that is acceptable to management.

During 2005, the major funding sources for the growth in loans were the $79.2 million increase in deposits and additional funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). In 2004, the major source of funding for the growth in loans was deposit growth of $88.6 million despite a reduction in federal funds sold by $13.2 million. Total advances from the FHLB were $223.2 million and $167.5 million for 2005 and 2004, respectively. It is expected that the FHLB funding source will be used in the future when loan growth exceeds deposit increases and the interest rates on funds borrowed from the FHLB are favorable compared to other funding alternatives.

Stockholders’ equity was $109.5 million at December 31, 2005 compared to $103.8 million at December 31, 2004. The Company’s capital resources are discussed in detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section. Over the last five years, the Company has realized cumulative earnings of $65.3 million and paid shareholders dividends of $14.5 million, or 22.2% of earnings, while still maintaining capital ratios in excess of regulatory requirements.

Net Income Overview

Net income and diluted earnings per share for the last five years are as presented below:

 
Year Net Income % Increase (Decrease) E.P.S.- Diluted




  (In Thousands)       
  2005   $ 15,202   7.09 % $ 3.32  
  2004     14,195   (0.05 )   3.11  
  2003     14,269   24.47     3.14  
  2002     11,464   13.01     2.53  
  2001     10,144   8.31     2.24  
 

Net income for 2005 increased by $1.0 million or 7.09%. As indicated in the table above, diluted earnings per share increased 6.75%. Despite a reduction on the net gain on sale of loans in 2005 compared to 2004 of $0.42 million and an increase of $0.63 million in the provision for loan losses in 2005 compared to 2004, the Company was able to achieve net income of $15,202,000.

A significant factor that aided in increasing the level of profit in 2005 was the growth of average earning assets. This item accounted for a $4.4 million increase in the net interest income and more than offset the increased provision for loan losses, the reduction in other income and increased operating expenses for the year.

Annual fluctuations in the Company’s net income continue to be driven primarily by three important factors. The first important factor is net interest margin. Net interest income of $44.0 million in 2005 was derived from the Company’s $1.286 billion of average earning assets and its net interest margin of 3.56%, compared to $1.159 billion of average earning assets and a 3.70% net interest margin in 2004. The importance of net interest margin is illustrated by the fact that a decrease in the net interest margin of only 10 basis points to 3.46% would result in a $1.3 million decrease in income before taxes. Similarly, an increase in the net interest margin of 10 basis points to 3.66% would increase income before income taxes by $1.3 million. Net interest margin increased to 3.70% from 3.53% from 2003 to 2004.


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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

The second significant factor affecting the Company’s net income is the provision for loan losses. The majority of the Company’s interest earning assets are in loans outstanding, which amounted to $1.157 billion at the end of 2005. The growth in the loans outstanding was a principal factor in the increase in the Company’s allowance for loan losses to $15.4 million at December 31, 2005. The loan loss provision is the amount necessary to adjust the allowance to the level considered appropriate by management and totaled $2,101,000, $1,470,000 and $424,000 for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. (See Note 3 to the Financial Statements.) A discussion in detail is included in the Provisions for Loan Losses section below.

The amount of mortgage loans sold on the secondary market is the third significant factor. The net gain for 2005 was $1.1 million. The gain on the sale of loans on the secondary market over the past five years has ranged from $1.1 million in 2005 to $4.3 million in 2003. Sales of loans on the secondary market are influenced by the real estate market and interest rates. Low interest rates, which help spur new loan growth and secondary market loans (including refinancing), had been at record lows in 2003 when compared to interest rate levels over the last fifty years. Effective June 25, 2003, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee lowered the federal funds target rate to 1.00%, the lowest level since July 1958. The June 25, 2003 decrease was the thirteenth decrease since May 16, 2000, when the federal funds rate was 6.50%. Beginning with an increase of 25 basis points on June 30, 2004, the federal funds rate has been increased thirteen times to 4.25% with the last raise effective December 13, 2005. The prime rate has also increased from 5.25% to 7.25% during the same period. As a result of this increase in interest rates, coupled with the fact that many consumers had taken advantage of lower rates, the volume of loans sold and the related level of income from this mortgage activity did not continue at the pace which occurred during most of 2003 and into 2004.

Net income for 2004 was $14,195,000, or diluted earnings per share of $3.11. For 2004, diluted earnings per share decreased $.03 per share. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2004, represented a $74,000 decrease over the reported income for the same period in 2003. Net interest income, including fees increased $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to 2003. This increase in net interest income was due to an increase in average earning assets of $74.6 million. The increase in net interest margin was partially offset by a $2.8 million decrease in the net gain on sale of loans as discussed above. Noninterest income decreased 9.46% in 2004 to $12,542,000. This decrease was due primarily to the reduction in the net gain on the sale of secondary market mortgage loans. Noninterest expense increased from $29,137,000 in 2003 to $31,965,000 in 2004, or 9.71%.


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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the excess of the interest and fees received on interest-earning assets over the interest expense of the interest-bearing liabilities. The factors that have the greatest impact on net interest income are the volume of average earning assets and the net interest margin. The volume of average earning assets has continued to grow each year, primarily due to new loans. The net interest margin decreased in 2005 to 3.56% and compares to 3.70% in 2004, 3.53% in 2003, 3.59% in 2002 and 3.58% in 2001. The measure is shown on a tax-equivalent basis using a rate of 35% to make the interest earned on taxable and nontaxable assets more comparable.

Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis changed in 2005 as follows:

 
Change In
Average
Balance
  Change In
Average
Rate
  Increase (Decrease)  

Volume
Changes
  Rate
Changes
  Net
Change
 
 
(Amount in Thoussands)  
Interest income:                              
  Loans, net $ 124,752     0.13 % $ 7,696   $ 1,429   $ 9,125  
  Taxable securities   (8,611 )   (0.11 )   (356 )   (98 )   (454 )
  Nontaxable securities   5,676     0.01     304     14     318  
  Federal funds sold   4,282     2.31     39     168     207  
 
       
 
  $ 126,099         $ 7,683   $ 1,513   $ 9,196  
 
       
 
Interest expense:                              
  Interest-bearing demand deposits $ 3,838     0.18 % $ (17 ) $ (257 ) $ (274 )
  Savings deposits   19,270     0.65     (138 )   (1,684 )   (1,822 )
  Time deposits   67,963     0.27     (2,001 )   (1,266 )   (3,267 )
  Short-term borrowings   (7,397 )   1.23     128     (407 )   (279 )
  FHLB borrowings   22,875     (0.22 )   (1,215 )   379     (836 )
 
       
 
  $ 106,549         $ (3,243 ) $ (3,235 ) $ (6,478 )
 
       
 
Change in net interest income             $ 4,440   $ (1,722 ) $ 2,718  
           
 
 

Net interest income changes for 2004 were as follows:

 
Change In
Average
Balance
Effect Of
Volume
Changes
Effect Of
Rate
Changes
Net
Change

(Amount in Thoussands)
Interest-earning assets $ 74,585   $ 6,663   $ (4,609 ) $ 2,054  
Interest-bearing liabilities   52,273     454     (2,974 ) $ (2,520 )
       
 
Change in net interest income       $ 6,209   $ (1,635 ) $ 4,574  
       
 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   
A summary of the net interest spread and margin is as follows:
 
(Tax Equivalent Basis) 2005   2004   2003  

 
Yield on average interest-earning assets   5.91 %   5.76 %   5.96 %
Rate on average interest-bearing liabilities   2.77     2.42     2.83  
 
 
Net interest spread   3.14     3.34     3.13  
Effect of noninterest-bearing funds   0.42     0.36     0.40  
 
 
Net interest margin (tax equivalent interest income
     divided by average interest-earning assets)
  3.56 %   3.70 %   3.53 %
 
 
 

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses totaled $2,101,000, $1,470,000 and $424,000 for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Loan charge-offs net of recoveries were $531,000 in 2005 and $265,000 in 2004. Recoveries net of charge-offs for 2003 were $36,000. The loan loss provision is the amount necessary to adjust the allowance to the level considered appropriate by management. The provision adjustment is computed on a quarterly basis and is a result of management’s determination of the quality of the loan portfolio. The provision reflects a number of factors, including the size of the loan portfolio, loan concentrations, the impact on the borrowers’ ability to repay, loan collateral values, the level of impaired loans and loans past due ninety days or more. In addition, management considers the credit quality of the loans based on management’s review of problem and watch loans, including loans with historical higher credit risks (primarily agricultural loans).

Other factors that are considered in determining the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio are the vacancy rates for both residential and commercial and retail space, current equity the borrower has in the property and overall financial strength of the customer including cash flow to continue to fund loan payments. The Company also considers the state of the total economy including unemployment levels, vacancy rates of rental units and demand for commercial and retail space. In most instances the borrowers have used in their rental projections of income at least a 10% vacancy rate. As of December 31, 2005, the unemployment levels in Johnson County and Linn County were 2.7% and 4.6%, respectively, compared to 3.8% and 4.8% in December of 2004. These levels compare favorably to the State of Iowa at 4.5% and the national unemployment level at 4.9%, which were 4.7% and 5.4%, respectively in December, 2004. The residential rental vacancy rates in 2005 in Johnson County, the largest trade area for the Company, were estimated at 10.0% in Iowa City and Coralville and 10.00% in the Cedar Rapids area. The estimated vacancy rates for both markets were 10% and 9.3%, respectively, one year ago. The State of Iowa vacancy rate is 9.4% and the national rate is 9.9% with the Midwest rate at 13.4%. These vacancy rates one year ago were 8.3%, 10% and 12.4%, respectively. The Company continues to consider those vacancy rates among other factors in its current evaluation of the real estate portion of its loan portfolio.

The amount of problem or watch loans considered in the reserve computation increased approximately $1.2 million in 2005 and approximately $1.1 million from the end of 2003 to 2004. The increase was related to real estate mortgage loans. Overall loan balances for such loans continue to increase significantly. Some softness in the rental market place has been observed, although loan delinquency is about at the same level as the preceding year. Problem or watch loans considered in the estimate for December 31, 2003 involved similar balances to December 31, 2002. The allowance for loan losses balance is also affected by the charge-offs and recoveries for the periods presented. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, recoveries were $1,644,000, $1,103,000, and $1,680,000, respectively; charge-offs were $2,175,000, $1,368,000 and $1,644,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.


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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition And Results of Operations (Continued)
   

The allowance for loan losses totaled $15,360,000 at December 31, 2005 compared to $13,790,000 at December 31, 2004. The percentage of the allowance to outstanding loans was 1.33% and 1.36% at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The percentage decrease was due to loan growth (fueled primarily by an increase in demand for real estate mortgages) and a decrease in the number of “problem” or “watch” loans as a percentage of total loans outstanding. The allowance was based on management’s consideration of a number of factors, including loan concentrations, loans with higher credit risks (primarily agriculture loans and spec real estate construction) and overall increases in Net Loans outstanding. The methodology used in 2005 is consistent with the methodology used in the prior year.

Agricultural loans totaled $43,730,000 and $39,116,000 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The level of agriculture loans during the last five years compared to total loans has varied from a high of 4.99% to a low of 3.78% in 2005. Management has assessed the risks for agricultural loans to be higher than other loans due to unpredictable commodity prices, the effects of weather on crops and uncertainties regarding government support programs. In particular, loans that are in the swine production segment continue to be of major concern as prices for hogs are subject to severe fluctuations.

The University of Iowa, because of its 23,600 employees and because of its total budget in Johnson County, has a tremendous impact on the economy of the Bank’s primary trade area. In 2005 and 2004, the University of Iowa helped Johnson County’s economy remain strong. The economy of the state of Iowa has recovered somewhat from recent weakness, but the University continues to suffer from budget limitations. For its fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006, the University expects continued budget constraints. The possible effects on the local economy cannot be predicted, but such budget limitations may weaken the economy in future years.

Other Income

The other income of the Company was $12,808,000 in 2005 compared to $12,542,000 in 2004. The net increase is $266,000. In 2004, the total other income decreased $1,310,000 from 2003. The amount of the net gain on sale of secondary market mortgage loans in each year can vary significantly. The gain was $1,074,000 in 2005, $1,495,000 in 2004 and $4,278,000 in 2003. The number of loans sold in 2005 was approximately 73% of the volume in 2004 and only 33% of the activity experienced in 2003. Also, due to the heavy volume in 2003, the fee per loan was approximately 30% higher than the fee per loan in 2004 and 2005. The volume of activity in these types of loans is directly related to the level of interest rates, which were low in 2002 and 2003. Many consumers took advantage of the rates and refinanced their mortgages. In 2004 and 2005, rates did not drop sufficiently to make it feasible for a similar volume of refinancing to occur. The servicing of the loans sold into the secondary market is not retained by the Company so these loans do not provide an ongoing stream of income.

Trust fees increased $270,000 to $2,990,000 in 2005. Trust fees increased $276,000 in 2004. As of December 31, 2005, the Bank’s Trust Department had $787 million in assets under management compared to $694 million and $623 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Trust fees are based on total assets under management. The trust assets that are the most volatile are those that are held in common stocks, which amount to approximately 54% of assets under management. In 2005, the market value of such common stock remained stable whereas in 2004 and 2003, market value increased. An example of the changes is the Dow Jones Industrial Average which decreased 0.61% in 2005; and increased over 3% in 2004 and over 25% in 2003.


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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition And Results of Operations (Continued)
   

Other noninterest income was $2,332,000 in 2005 and $2,362,000 in 2004. Service charges and fees increased $650,000 in 2005 to $5,904,000 from $5,254,000 in 2004. Such charges and fees include fees on deposit accounts and credit card processing fees on merchant accounts. Service fees on deposit accounts increased $196,000 in 2005 compared to the prior year as a result of new fee income strategies implemented in the third quarter of 2005. Debit card interchange fees increased by $362,000 and merchant credit card processing fees increased by $91,000. Both of the increases were due to volume changes in debit card usage and credit card activity. Other deposit fees remained at 2004 levels in total. The rental revenue on tax credit real estate with respect to which the Company is a limited partner increased to $742,000 from $711,000 in 2004. Total other income was also partially offset by $234,000 and $177,000 in investment securities losses in 2005 and 2003, respectively. In 2004, no securities losses were reported.

Service charges and fees increased by $342,000 from 2003 to 2004, resulting in total fees of $5,254,000 in 2004. Due to increased volume, debit card interchange fees increased $156,000 and credit card processing fee income was up $193,000. Other noninterest income increased from $2,058,000 in 2003 to $2,362,000 in 2004.

Other Expenses

Total other expenses were $32,861,000 and $31,965,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase is $896,000 or 2.80% in 2005 and $2,828,000 or 9.70% in 2004. Salaries and employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense increased $441,000, a 2.65% change. This increase includes $314,000 in direct salaries, a 2.52% increase. Another component of salaries and employee benefits expense is compensation expense related to the officers’ deferred compensation plan and costs associated with restricted common stock awarded to various officers, which increased by $323,000. This increase is primarily the result of the change in the appraised value of the Company’s common stock. Effective June 30, 2005, as a result of the Company’s program to repurchase up to a total of 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, the Company began obtaining a quarterly independent appraisal of the shares of stock. Previously, the Company was obtaining an independent appraisal of the shares of stock on an annual basis for the Company’s ESOP. Due to the 2005 Stock Repurchase Program, no marketability discount was given on the new quarterly appraisals and the result was the removal by the independent appraiser of a 10% minority interest adjustment. The appraisal value of the stock based on the latest appraisal is $46.50 per share. The removal of the marketability discount had the effect of increasing the value by approximately $4.00 per share. The compensation expense due to the change was $196,000 higher than expected. The final appraisal for each quarter will be completed approximately forty days after each quarter end and sixty days after year-end. Medical expenses included with salaries and benefits decreased to $1.2 million from $1.3 million in 2004. Beginning in 2005, the Company changed its medical plan from a self-insured plan to a full-premium plan. The actual claims paid in 2005 that were incurred but not reported prior to December 31, 2004 were under the plan administrator’s estimate by $132,000 and that reduced the 2005 expense. All other expenses in this area decreased a total of $81,000.

Occupancy expense increased $31,000 with rent expense higher by $19,000 due to the new office location in the Old Capitol Town Center which opened in 2005. In 2005, furniture and equipment expense included depreciation expense of $1,835,000 and $983,000 in equipment and software maintenance contracts. These expenses one year ago were $1,905,000 for depreciation and $800,000 for the maintenance contracts. The increase in 2005 is due to more equipment and software purchases in 2005 and the related five year maintenance contracts.

Advertising and business development totaled $1,901,000 in 2005, a $330,000 decrease from the prior year. In 2004, as a result of the Company’s scorecard points awarded for credit card charges, the Bank incurred costs of $407,000 compared to $247,000 in 2005. The decrease of $160,000 is due to fewer points being redeemed in 2005. Also, charitable contributions decreased $178,000 to $88,000 in 2005; in 2004 charitable contributions included a $100,000 donation to the Hills Bancorporation Foundation and a prepayment of pledges of $81,000.


Page 44 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

Outside services increased $424,000 in 2005 to $4,999,000 as of December 31, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. Outside services include professional fees, courier services and ATM fees, and processing charges for the merchant credit card program, retail credit cards and other data processing services. Professional fees increased $243,000 from 2004 to a total of $1,714,000 for 2005. Outsourcing additional internal audit work in 2005 accounts for an increase of $29,000 and consulting fees for new fee income strategies were $226,000. All other outside services increased $181,000 to $3,286,000 in 2005. Credit card and debit card processing increased $124,000 due to a volume increase in transactions.

Total other expenses were $29,137,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase in expenses in 2004 was $2,828,000. This included an increase of $769,000 in salaries and benefits, which was the direct result of salary adjustments for 2004 and a net increase in full-time equivalents of five during 2004. Medical expenses included with salaries and benefits increased to $1.3 million from $1.1 million in 2003. This increase was due to the hiring of new employees and to 18% increases in health and drug costs. All other expenses other than salaries and benefits increased a total of $2,059,000, or 15.53%. Advertising and business development expenses increased $462,000 in 2004. The majority of this increase was due to the Bank celebrating its 100th anniversary and the related special promotions to celebrate with customers, employees and shareholders. In addition, increases in outside services and rental expense on tax credit real estate were $693,000 and $431,000, respectively. The increase in outside services included fees paid by the Company for assistance in complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Company’s outsourcing of its internal audit work. A new tax credit property was added in January 2004, increasing depreciation expense in 2004.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $6,684,000, $6,351,000 and $6,998,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes were 30.54% in 2005, 30.91% in 2004 and 32.91% in 2003. The percentages in 2005 and 2004 were less than 2003 due to additional tax credits available as a result of the tax credit property placed in service in January of 2004. The amount of tax credits were $678,000, $596,000 and $234,000 for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (FAS 123R), which replaces FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supercedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registrants originally would have been required to adopt FAS 123R’s provisions at the beginning of their first interim period after June 15, 2005. On April 14, 2005, the SEC announced that registrants could delay adoption of FAS 123R’s provisions until the beginning of their next fiscal year. We adopted FAS 123R on January 1, 2006, using the “modified prospective” transition method. The scope of FAS 123R includes a wide range of stock-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted stock plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights, and employee stock purchase plans. FAS 123R will require us to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. That cost must be recognized in the income statement over the vesting period of the award. Under the “modified prospective” transition method, awards that are granted, modified or settled beginning at the date of adoption will be measured and accounted for in accordance with FAS 123R. In addition, expense must be recognized in the statement of income for unvested awards that were granted prior to the date of adoption. The expense will be based on the fair value determined at the grant date. We anticipate that this expense will reduce 2006 pre-tax earnings by approximately $44,000 based on awards granted prior to January 1, 2006.


Page 45 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) revisited EITF Issue No. 03­1, The Meaning of Other­Than­Temporary Impairment and its Application of Certain Investments. Effective with reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, companies carrying certain types of debt and equity securities at amounts higher than the securities’ fair market values would have to use more detailed criteria to evaluate whether to record a loss and would have to disclose additional information about unrealized losses. The FASB subsequently issued a staff position deferring the effective date of the measurement and recognition provisions of the revised EITF No. 03­1 until further implementation issues may be resolved. On November 3, 2005, the FASB issued a Staff Position (FSP) that addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. This FSP also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other­than­temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other­than­temporary impairments. The guidance in the FSP shall be applied to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Adoption of the new issuance could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations but the extent of any impact will vary due to the fact that the model, as issued, calls for many judgments and additional evidence gathering as such evidence exists at each securities valuation date.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, which eliminates an exception in APB 29 for recognizing nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets at fair value and replaces it with an exception for recognizing exchanges of nonmonetary assets at fair value that do not have commercial substance. This Statement will be effective for the Company for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring on or after January 1, 2006. The adoption of this Statement will not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In May 2005, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. Statement 154 establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to a newly adopted accounting principle. This statement will be effective for the Company for all accounting changes and any error corrections occurring after January 1, 2006.


Page 46 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity Analysis

At December 31, 2005, the Company’s interest rate sensitivity report is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
Repricing
Maturities
Immediately
Days More Than
One Year
Total

2-30 31-90 91-180 181-365
   
 
Earning assets:
   Investment
      securities
  $   $ 755   $ 6,405   $ 7,500   $ 23,685   $ 170,656   $ 209,001  
   Loans     7,218     164,230     17,858     46,296     85,229     836,947     1,157,778  
   
 
       Total     7,218     164,985     24,263     53,796     108,914     1,007,603     1,366,779  
   
 
Sources of funds:
    Interest-bearing
      checking and
      savings accounts
    148,018                     249,250     397,268  
   Certificates of
      deposit
        34,281     40,321     54,577     152,540     210,628     492,347  
   Other borrowings -
      FHLB
                10,000     12,750     200,411     223,161  
   Federal funds and
      repurchase
      agreements
    34,537                         34,537  
   
 
      182,555     34,281     40,321     64,577     165,290     660,289     1,147,313  
   Other sources,
      primarily
      noninterest-
      bearing
                        146,799     146,799  
   
 
       Total sources     182,555     34,281     40,321     64,577     165,290     807,088     1,294,112  
   
 
Interest
   Rate Gap
  $ (175,337 ) $ 130,704   $ (16,058 ) $ (10,781 ) $ (56,376 ) $ 200,515   $ 72,667  
   
 
Cumulative Interest
   Rate Gap
  at December 31, 2005
  $ (175,337 ) $ (44,633 ) $ (60,691 ) $ (71,472 ) $ (127,848 ) $ 72,667        
 
     

Page 47 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

The table set forth above includes the portion of the balances in interest-bearing checking, savings and money market accounts that management has estimated to mature within one year. The classifications are used because the Bank’s historical data indicates that these have been very stable deposits without much interest rate fluctuation. Historically, these accounts would not need to be adjusted upward as quickly in a period of rate increases so the interest risk exposure would be less than the re-pricing schedule indicates. The FHLB borrowings are classified based on their callable dates because they may be called if interest rates rise over current rates.

Effects of Inflation

The consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These principles require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollar amounts without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of the Company’s operations. Unlike industrial companies, nearly all of the assets and liabilities of the Company are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact in the Company’s performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the price of goods and services. In the current economic environment, liquidity and interest rate adjustments are features of the Company’s asset/liability management, which are important to the maintenance of acceptable performance levels. The Company attempts to maintain a balance between monetary assets and monetary liabilities, over time, to offset the potential effects of changing interest rates.


Page 48 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On an unconsolidated basis, the Company had cash balances of $3,934,000 as of December 31, 2005. In 2005, the Company received dividends of $3,413,000 from its subsidiary Bank and used those funds to pay dividends to its stockholders of $3,412,000.

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, stockholders’ equity, before deducting for the maximum cash obligation related to the ESOP, was $130,113,000 and $120,139,000 respectively. This measure of stockholders’ equity as a percent of total assets was 9.08% at December 31, 2005 and 9.31% at December 31, 2004. As of December 31, 2005, total equity was 7.64% of assets compared to 8.04% of assets at the prior year end. The ability of the Company to pay dividends to its shareholders is dependent upon the earnings and capital adequacy of its subsidiary Bank, which affects the Bank’s dividends to the Company. The Bank is subject to certain statutory and regulatory restrictions on the amount it may pay in dividends. In order to maintain acceptable capital ratios in the subsidiary Bank, certain of its retained earnings are not available for the payment of dividends. Retained earnings available for the payment of dividends to the Company totaled approximately $13,720,000, $13,282,000 and $10,820,000 as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The Company and the Bank are subject to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, and the Bank is subject to Prompt Corrective Action Rules as determined and enforced by the Federal Reserve. These regulations establish minimum capital requirements that member banks must maintain.

As of December 31, 2005, risk-based capital standards require 8% of risk-weighted assets. At least half of that 8% must consist of Tier I core capital (common stockholders’ equity, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interest in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries), and the remainder may be Tier II supplementary capital (perpetual debt, intermediate-term preferred stock, cumulative perpetual, long-term and convertible preferred stock, and loan loss reserve up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets). Total risk-weighted assets are determined by weighting the assets according to their risk characteristics. Certain off-balance sheet items (such as standby letters of credit and firm loan commitments) are multiplied by “credit conversion factors” to translate them into balance sheet equivalents before assigning them risk weightings. Any bank having a capital ratio less than the 8% minimum required level must, within 60 days, submit to the Federal Reserve a plan describing the means and schedule by which the Bank shall achieve the applicable minimum capital ratios.

The Bank is an insured state bank, incorporated under the laws of the state of Iowa. As such, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and periodic examination by the Superintendent of Banking of the State of Iowa (the “Superintendent”). Among the requirements and restrictions imposed upon state banks by the Superintendent are the requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the nature and amount of loans which may be made by state banks, and restrictions relating to investments, opening of bank offices and other activities of state banks. Changes in the capital structure of state banks are also approved by the Superintendent. State banks must have a Tier 1 risk-based leverage ratio of 6.5% plus a fully funded loan loss reserve. In certain circumstances, the Superintendent may mandate higher capital, but the Superintendent has not imposed such a requirement on the Bank. In determining the Tier 1 risk-based leverage ratio, the Superintendent uses total equity capital without unrealized securities gains and the allowance for loan losses less any intangible assets. At December 31, 2005, the Tier 1 risk-based leverage ratio of the Bank was 8.78% and exceeded the ratio required by the Superintendent.


Page 49 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   
The actual amounts of risk-based capital and risk-based capital ratios as of December 31, 2005 and the minimum regulatory requirements for the Company and the Bank are presented below (amounts in thousands):
 
Actual   For Capital
Adequacy
Purposes
  To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
 
 
Amount   Ratio   Ratio   Ratio  
 
 
As of December 31, 2005:                    
    Company:                     
        Total risk-based capital   $ 142,321   13.80 % 8.00 % 10.00 %
        Tier 1 risk-based capital     129,396   12.54   4.00   6.00  
        Leverage ratio     129,396   9.04   3.00   5.00  
    Bank:                    
        Total risk-based capital     138,523   13.44   8.00   10.00  
        Tier 1 risk-based capital     125,605   12.18   4.00   6.00  
        Leverage ratio     125,605   8.78   3.00   5.00  
 

The Bank is classified as “well capitalized” by FDIC capital guidelines.

On a consolidated basis, 2005 cash flows from operations provided $22,930,000; proceeds of net securities sold provided $4,403,000 and net increases in deposits provided $79,178,000. These cash flows were invested in Net Loans of $145,586,000. Also, net borrowings from the FHLB increased by $55,619,000 to assist in the funding of the Bank’s increased loan demand. In addition, $2,869,000 was used to purchase property and equipment.

At December 31, 2005, the Bank had total outstanding loan commitments and unused portions of lines of credit totaling $189,936,000 (see Note 14 to the Financial Statements). Management believes that its liquidity levels are sufficient at this time, but the Bank may increase its liquidity by limiting the growth of its assets, by selling more loans in the secondary market or selling portions of loans to other banks through participation agreements. It may also obtain additional funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). The Bank as of December 31, 2005 can obtain an additional $190 million from the FHLB based on the current real estate mortgage loans held. In addition, the Bank has arranged $126 million of credit lines at three banks. The borrowings under these credit lines would be secured by the Bank’s investment securities. As a further source of liquidity, $21 million of additional securities are available to be pledged or liquidated.

While the Bank has off-balance sheet commitments to fund additional borrowings of customers, it does not use other off-balance-sheet financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, as part of its asset and liability management. Contractual commitments to fund loans are met from the proceeds of federal funds sold or investment securities and additional borrowings. Many of the contractual commitments to extend credit will not be funded because they represent the credit limits on credit cards and home equity lines of credits.


Page 50 of 98



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
   

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

As disclosed in Note 14 to the financial statements, the Company has certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts. The following table summarizes significant contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2005:

 
Payments Due By Period
 
 
(Amounts In Thousands)
                                  
Total Less Than
One Year
One -
Three Years
Three -
Five Years
More Than
Five Years
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual obligations:                                
    Long-term debt obligations   $ 223,161   $ 22,750   $ 60,411   $ 80,000   $ 60,000  
    Operating lease obligations     1,556     237     418     388     513  





Total contractual obligations:   $ 224,717   $ 22,987   $ 60,829   $ 80,388   $ 60,513  





                                  
Other commitments:                                
    Lines of credit   $ 189,936   $ 171,688   $ 17,577   $ 671   $  
    Standby letters of credit     12,374     12,374              





Total other commitments   $ 202,310   $ 184,062   $ 17,577   $ 671   $  





  

Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Related Party Transactions

The Bank’s primary transactions with related parties are the loan and deposit relationships it maintains with officers, directors and entities related to these individuals. The Bank makes loans to related parties under substantially the same interest rates, terms and collateral as those prevailing for comparable transactions with unrelated persons. In addition, these parties may maintain deposit account relationships with the Bank that also are on the same terms as with unrelated persons. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, loan balances to related individuals and businesses totaled $35,797,000 and $36,247,000, respectively. Deposits from these related parties totaled $6,875,000 and $7,078,000 as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Commitments and Trends

The Company and the Bank have no material commitments or plans that will materially affect liquidity or capital resources. Property and equipment may be acquired in cash purchases, or they may be financed if favorable terms are available.

Market Risk Exposures

The Company’s primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. The Company’s asset/liability management, or its management of interest rate risk, is focused primarily on evaluating and managing net interest income given various risk criteria. Factors beyond the Company’s control, such as market interest rates and competition, may also have an impact on the Company’s interest income and interest expense. In the absence of other factors, the Company’s overall yield on interest-earning assets will increase as will its cost of funds on its interest-bearing liabilities when market interest rates increase over an extended period of time. Inversely, the Company’s yields and cost of funds will decrease when market rates decline. The Company is able to manage these swings to some extent by attempting to control the maturity or rate adjustments of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities over given periods of time.


Page 51 of 98



Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Continued)

The Bank maintains an asset/liability committee, which meets at least quarterly to review the interest rate sensitivity position and to review various strategies as to interest rate risk management. In addition, the Bank uses a simulation model to review various assumptions relating to interest rate movement. The model attempts to limit rate risk even if it appears the Bank’s asset and liability maturities are perfectly matched and a favorable interest margin is present.

In order to minimize the potential effects of adverse material and prolonged increases or decreases in market interest rates on the Company’s operations, management has implemented an asset/liability program designed to mitigate the Company’s interest rate sensitivity. The program emphasizes the origination of adjustable rate loans, which are held in the portfolio, the investment of excess cash in short or intermediate term interest-earning assets, and the solicitation of passbook or transaction deposit accounts, which are less sensitive to changes in interest rates and can be re-priced rapidly.

Based on the data following, net interest income should decline with instantaneous increases in interest rates while net interest income should increase with instantaneous declines in interest rates. Generally, during periods of increasing interest rates, the Company’s interest rate sensitive liabilities would re-price faster than its interest rate sensitive assets causing a decline in the Company’s interest rate spread and margin. This would tend to reduce net interest income because the resulting increase in the Company’s cost of funds would not be immediately offset by an increase in its yield on earning assets. In times of decreasing interest rates, fixed rate assets could increase in value and the lag in re-pricing of interest rate sensitive assets could be expected to have a positive effect on the Company’s net interest income.


Page 52 of 98



Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Continued)

The following table, which presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates, provides information about the Company’s loans, investment securities and deposits that are sensitive to changes in interest rates.

 
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Thereafter Total Fair Value
   
 
    (Amount in Thousands)  
Assets:
    Loans, fixed:
       Balance
  $ 86,341   $ 52,599   $ 102,360   $ 89,542   $ 98,613   $ 48,492   $ 477,947   $ 426,595  
       Average
          interest rate
    6.22 %   6.40 %   6.05 %   6.04 %   6.31 %   5.57 %   6.12 %      
                                                    
    Loans, variable:
       Balance
  $ 118,296   $ 11,145   $ 9,986   $ 5,456   $ 2,990   $ 531,256   $ 679,129   $ 679,129  
       Average
          interest rate
    8.20 %   7.19 %   7.33 %   7.31 %   7.36 %   5.90 %   6.36 %      
                                                    
Investments (1):
    Balance
  $ 50,185   $ 34,625   $ 44,738   $ 36,497   $ 11,302   $ 31,654   $ 209,001   $ 209,011  
    Average
       interest rate
    3.42 %   3.82 %   4.11 %   4.55 %   4.52 %   5.11 %   4.15 %      
                                                    
Liabilities:
    Liquid
       deposits (2):
       Balance
  $ 397,268   $   $   $   $   $   $ 397,268   $ 400,234  
       Average
          interest rate
    1.40 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   1.40 %      
                                                    
Deposits,
    certificates:
    Balance
  $ 281,719   $ 118,293   $ 47,086   $ 30,031   $ 15,218   $   $ 492,347   $ 474,002  
    Average
       interest rate
    3.45 %   3.97 %   3.81 %   3.71 %   4.18 %   0.00 %   3.22 %      
   
(1)
Includes all available-for-sale investments, held-to-maturity investments, federal funds and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
   
(2) Includes passbook accounts, NOW accounts, Super NOW accounts and money market funds.

Page 53 of 98



Item 8.   Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data are included on Pages 55 through 86.


Page 54 of 98



KPMG LLP
2500 Ruan Center
666 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Hills Bancorporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hills Bancorporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hills Bancorporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Hills Bancorporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 9, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.

Des Moines, Iowa
March 9, 2006


Page 55 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Amounts In Thousands, Except Shares)
 
ASSETS 2005 2004

 
Cash and due from banks (Note 10)   $ 29,956   $ 23,008  
Investment securities (Notes 2 and 6):              
  Available for sale (amortized cost 2005 $199,673; 2004 $203,208)     196,786     204,123  
  Held to maturity (fair value 2005 $225; 2004 $4,986)     215     5,000  
Stock of Federal Home Loan Bank     12,000     8,893  
Loans held for sale     702     3,908  
Loans, net (Notes 3, 7 and 11)     1,141,716     998,231  
Property and equipment, net (Note 4)     22,265     21,814  
Tax credit real estate     7,595     8,010  
Accrued interest receivable     8,619     7,349  
Deferred income taxes (Note 9)     6,819     4,506  
Goodwill     2,500     2,500  
Other assets     4,476     3,107  
 
 
    $ 1,433,649   $ 1,290,449  
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

 
Liabilities              
  Noninterest-bearing deposits   $ 146,799   $ 131,256  
  Interest-bearing deposits (Note 5)     889,615     825,980  
 
 
          Total deposits     1,036,414     957,236  
  Short-term borrowings (Note 6)     34,537     37,985  
  Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings (Note 7)     223,161     167,542  
  Accrued interest payable     2,313     1,632  
  Other liabilities     7,111     5,915  
 
 
      1,303,536     1,170,310  
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 8 and 14)              
               
Redeemable Common Stock Held By Employee Stock
  Ownership Plan (ESOP) (Note 8)
    20,634     16,336  
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity (Note 10)    
  Capital stock, no par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares;
    issued 2005 4,563,637 shares; 2004 4,549,656 shares
         
  Paid in capital     11,970     11,364  
  Retained earnings     119,989     108,199  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     (1,783 )   576  
  Treasury stock at cost (2005 1,400 shares; 2004 none)     (63 )    
 
 
      130,113     120,139  
  Less maximum cash obligation related to ESOP shares (Note 8)     20,634     16,336  
 
 
      109,479     103,803  
 
 
    $ 1,433,649   $ 1,290,449  
 
 
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


Page 56 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(Amounts In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
2005 2004 2003

 
Interest income:                    
   Loans, including fees   $ 66,688   $ 57,569   $ 54,362  
   Investment securities:                    
     Taxable     4,795     5,250     6,268  
     Nontaxable     2,685     2,478     2,369  
   Federal funds sold     235     27     382  
 
 
           Total interest income     74,403     65,324     63,381  
 
 
Interest expense:                    
   Deposits     19,665     14,302     16,926  
   Short-term borrowings     749     470     389  
   FHLB borrowings     9,949     9,113     9,090  
 
 
           Total interest expense     30,363     23,885     26,405  
 
 
           Net interest income     44,040     41,439     36,976  
       
Provision for loan losses (Note 3)     2,101     1,470     424  
 
 
           Net interest income after provision for loan losses     41,939     39,969     36,552  
 
 
Other income:    
   Net gain on sale of loans     1,074     1,495     4,278  
   Net losses on sale of investment securities     (234 )       (177 )
   Trust fees     2,990     2,720     2,444  
   Service charges and fees     5,904     5,254     4,912  
   Rental revenue on tax credit real estate     742     711     337  
   Other noninterest income     2,332     2,362     2,058  
 
 
      12,808     12,542     13,852  
 
 
Other expenses:    
   Salaries and employee benefits     17,089     16,648     15,879  
   Occupancy     2,155     2,124     1,899  
   Furniture and equipment     3,332     3,183     3,008  
   Office supplies and postage     1,161     1,215     1,245  
   Advertising and business development     1,901     2,231     1,769  
   Outside services     4,999     4,575     3,882  
   Rental expenses on tax credit real estate     955     927     496  
   Other noninterest expenses     1,269     1,062     959  
 
 
      32,861     31,965     29,137  
 
 
           Income before income taxes     21,886     20,546     21,267  
Federal and state income taxes (Note 9)     6,684     6,351     6,998  
 
 
           Net income   $ 15,202   $ 14,195   $ 14,269  
 
 
                     
Earnings per share:                    
   Basic   $ 3.34   $ 3.12   $ 3.15  
   Diluted     3.32     3.11     3.14  
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


Page 57 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(Amounts In Thousands)
 
2005 2004 2003

 
                      
Net income   $ 15,202   $ 14,195   $ 14,269  
                      
Other comprehensive loss,
  Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
                   
     Unrealized holding losses arising during the year,
     net of income taxes 2005 $(1,443); 2004 ($1,474); 2003 ($960)
    (2,503 )   (2,511 )   (1,746 )
                      
      Less: reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income,
        net of income taxes
    144         112  
 
 
                      
Other comprehensive loss     (2,359 )   (2,511 )   (1,634 )
 
 
                      
Comprehensive income   $ 12,843   $ 11,684   $ 12,635  
 
 
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


Page 58 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(Amounts In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
 
Paid In
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Maximum
Cash
Obligation
Related
To ESOP
Shares
  Treasury
Stock
  Total  

 
    
Balance, December 31, 2002   $ 10,541   $ 85,773   $ 4,721   $ (12,951 ) $   $ 88,084  
 
 
   Issuance of 46,872 shares
     of common stock
    465                     465  
   Change related to ESOP shares                 (1,913 )       (1,913 )
   Net income         14,269                 14,269  
   Income tax benefit related to
     stock based compensation
    347                     347  
   Cash dividends ($.63 per share)         (2,853 )               (2,853 )
   Other comprehensive loss             (1,634 )           (1,634 )
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2003     11,353     97,189     3,087     (14,864 )       96,765  
 
 
   Issuance of 222 shares of
     common stock
    7                     7  
   Redemption of 600 shares
     of common stock
    (18 )                   (18 )
   Change related to ESOP shares                 (1,472 )       (1,472 )
   Net income         14,195                 14,195  
   Income tax benefit related to
     stock based compensation
    22                     22  
   Cash dividends ($.70 per share)         (3,185 )               (3,185 )
   Other comprehensive loss             (2,511 )           (2,511 )
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2004   $ 11,364   $ 108,199   $ 576   $ (16,336 ) $   $ 103,803  
 
 
   Issuance of 14,882 shares of
     common stock
    619                     619  
   Redemption of 901shares
     of common stock
    (29 )                   (29 )
   Change related to ESOP shares                 (4,298 )       (4,298 )
   Net income         15,202                 15,202  
   Income tax benefit related to
     stock based compensation
    16                     16  
   Cash dividends ($.75 per share)         (3,412 )               (3,412 )
   Purchase of 1,400 shares
     of common stock
                    (63 )   (63 )
   Other comprehensive loss             (2,359 )           (2,359 )
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2005   $ 11,970   $ 119,989   $ (1,783 ) $ (20,634 ) $ (63 ) $ 109,479  
 
 
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


Page 59 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(Amounts In Thousands)
 
2005 2004 2003



Cash Flows from Operating Activities                    
   Net income   $ 15,202   $ 14,195   $ 14,269  
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
                   
     Depreciation     2,418     2,467     2,242  
     Provision for loan losses     2,101     1,470     424  
     Net losses on sale of investment securities     234         177  
     Compensation expensed through issuance of common stock     590     7     90  
     Provision for deferred income taxes     (870 )   (621 )   520  
     Increase in accrued interest receivable     (1,270 )   (46 )   (25 )
     Amortization of discount on investment securities, net     810     1,261     976  
     (Increase) decrease in other assets     (1,369 )   (30 )   135  
     Increase (decrease) in accrued interest and other liabilities     1,878     1,807     (1,460 )
     Loans originated for sale     (113,565 )   (144,017 )   (316,637 )
     Proceeds on sales of loans     117,845     143,564     325,839  
     Net gain on sales of loans     (1,074 )   (1,495 )   (4,278 )
 
 
           Net cash provided by operating activities     22,930     18,562     22,272  
 
 
      
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
   Proceeds from maturities of investment securities:
   
     Available for sale     56,394     77,397     73,529  
     Held to maturity     4,785     6,898     3,639  
   Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale     10,465         11,658  
   Purchases of investment securities:                    
     Available for sale     (67,475 )   (67,455 )   (110,949 )
     Held to maturity         (3,945 )   (3,570 )
   Federal funds sold, net         13,233     19,281  
   Loans made to customers, net of collections     (145,586 )   (131,507 )   (94,645 )
   Purchases of property and equipment     (2,869 )   (2,071 )   (2,952 )
   Investment in tax credit real estate, net     415     (5,728 )   (127 )
 
 
           Net cash used in investing activities     (143,871 )   (113,178 )   (104,136 )
 
 
 

(Continued)


Page 60 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(Amounts In Thousands)
 
2005 2004 2003

Cash Flows from Financing Activities                    
   Net increase in deposits     79,178     88,584     66,446  
   Net (increase) decrease in short-term borrowings     (3,448 )   8,059     9,128  
   Borrowings from FHLB     60,000          
   Payments on FHLB borrowings     (4,381 )   (32 )   (32 )
   Stock options exercised     28         375  
   Income tax benefits related to stock based compensation     16     22     347  
   Redemption of common stock     (29 )   (18 )    
   Purchase of treasury stock     (63 )        
   Dividends paid     (3,412 )   (3,185 )   (2,853 )
 
 
           Net cash provided by financing activities     127,889     93,430     73,411  
 
 
                     
Increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks   $ 6,948   $ (1,186 ) $ (8,453 )
                     
Cash and due from banks:                    
   Beginning of year     23,008     24,194     32,647  
 
 
   End of year   $ 29,956   $ 23,008   $ 24,194  
 
 
                     
Supplemental Disclosures
   Cash payments for:
                   
     Interest paid to depositors   $ 18,984   $ 14,405   $ 17,325  
     Interest paid on other obligations     10,698     9,583     9,479  
     Income taxes     6,770     6,021     7,817  
                     
   Noncash financing activities:                    
     Increase in maximum cash obligation related to
       ESOP shares
  $ 4,298   $ 1,472   $ 1,913  
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


Page 61 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.   Nature of Activities and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of activities: Hills Bancorporation (the “Company”) is a holding company engaged in the business of commercial banking. The Company’s subsidiary is Hills Bank and Trust Company, Hills, Iowa (the “Bank”), which is wholly-owned. The Bank is a full-service commercial bank extending its services to individuals, businesses, governmental units and institutional customers primarily in the communities of Hills, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Lisbon, Mount Vernon, Kalona, Cedar Rapids and Marion, Iowa.

The Bank competes with other financial institutions and nonfinancial institutions providing similar financial products. Although the loan activity of the Bank is diversified with commercial and agricultural loans, real estate loans, automobile, installment and other consumer loans, the Bank’s credit is concentrated in real estate loans.

Accounting estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain significant estimates: The allowance for loan losses, fair values of securities and other financial instruments, and stock-based compensation expense involves certain significant estimates made by management. These estimates are reviewed by management routinely and it is reasonably possible that circumstances that exist at December 31, 2005 may change in the near-term future and that the effect could be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue recognition:  Interest income on loans and investment securities is recognized on the accrual method. Loan origination fees are recognized when the loans are sold. Trust fees, deposit account service charges and other fees are recognized when the services are provided or when customers use the services.

Investment securities:  Held-to-maturity securities consist solely of debt securities, which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are stated at amortized cost.

Available-for-sale securities consist of debt securities not classified as trading or held to maturity. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related deferred tax effect, are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. There were no trading securities as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.

Stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank is carried at cost.

Premiums on debt securities are amortized over the earliest of the call date or the maturity date and discounts on debt securities are accreted over the period to maturity of those securities. The method of amortization results in a constant effective yield on those securities (the interest method). Realized gains and losses on investment securities are included in income, determined on the basis of the cost of the specific securities sold.

Unrealized losses judged to be other than temporary are charged to operations for both securities available for sale and securities held to maturity.


Page 62 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.   Nature of Activities and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Loans:  Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by the allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid balances as earned.

Loans held for sale are stated at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated fair value. Loans are sold on a non-recourse basis with servicing released and gains and losses are recognized based on the difference between sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loan.

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of principal is unlikely. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for probable losses that can be reasonably anticipated. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to expense and is reduced by net charge-offs. The Bank makes continuous reviews of the loan portfolio and considers current economic conditions, historical loss experience, review of specific problem loans and other factors in determining the adequacy of the allowance.

Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due. An impaired loan includes any loan that has been placed on nonaccrual status. They also include loans based on current information and events that it is likely the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. The portion of the allowance for loan losses applicable to impaired loans has been computed based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows of interest and principal discounted at the loans effective interest rate or on the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. The entire change in present value of expected cash flows of impaired loans or of collateral value is reported as bad debt expense in the same manner in which impairment initially was recognized or as a reduction in the amount of bad debt expense that otherwise would be reported. Interest income on impaired loans is recognized on the cash basis.

The accrual of interest income on loans is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the borrower’s ability to meet payments of interest or principal when they become due.

Loan fees and origination costs are reflected in the consolidated statements of income as collected or incurred. Compared to the net deferral method, this practice had no significant effect on income.

Transfers of financial assets:  Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

Credit related financial instruments:  In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.


Page 63 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.   Nature of Activities and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Tax credit real estate:  Tax credit real estate represents two multi-family rental properties and an assisted living rental property, all which are affordable housing projects as of December 31, 2005. The assisted living rental property was added in 2004. The Bank has a 99% limited partnership interest in each limited partnership. The investment in each was completed after the projects had been developed by the general partner. The properties are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value on a regular basis. If the recoverability was determined to be in doubt, a valuation allowance would be established by way of a charge to expense. Depreciation expense is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Expenditures for normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

The financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of each limited partnership is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. The operations of the properties are not expected to contribute significantly to the Company’s income before income taxes. However, the properties do contribute in the form of income tax credits, which lowers the Company’s effective tax rate. Once established, the credits on each property last for ten years and are passed through from the limited partnerships to the Bank and reduces the consolidated federal tax liability of the Company.

Property and equipment:  Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using primarily declining-balance methods over the estimated useful lives of 7-40 years for buildings and improvements and 3-10 years for furniture and equipment.

Deferred income taxes:  Deferred income taxes are provided under the liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and net operating loss, and tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Goodwill:   Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired, and FASB Statement No. 142 provides for the elimination of the amortization of goodwill and other intangibles that are determined to have an indefinite life, and requires, at a minimum, annual impairment tests for intangibles that are determined to have an indefinite life. The carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 totaled $2,500,000 and is included in other assets.

Other real estate:  Other real estate represents property acquired through foreclosures and settlements of loans. Property acquired is carried at the lower of the principal amount of the loan outstanding at the time of acquisition, plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. Subsequent write downs estimated on the basis of later valuations, gains or losses on sales and net expenses incurred in maintaining such properties are charged to other non-interest expense. Other real estate is included in other assets and totaled $1,152,000 and $204,000 as of 2005 and 2004, respectively.


Page 64 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.   Nature of Activities and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Stock awards and options:  Compensation expense for stock issued through the stock award plan is accounted for using the intrinsic value based method of accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Under this method, compensation is measured as the difference between the estimated fair value of the stock at the date of award less the amount required to be paid for the stock. The difference, if any, is amortized straight line to expense over the vesting period of five years of service. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income because all options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Therefore, the options have no intrinsic value at the date of grant. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for a tabular presentation of the reconciliation between net income, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share as reported in the financial statements and as the information would have been reported (pro forma) if the Company has chosen to implement the fair value based method for all options.

Common stock held by ESOP:  The Company’s maximum cash obligation related to these shares is classified outside stockholders’ equity because the shares are not readily traded and could be put to the Company for cash.

Treasury stock:  Treasury stock is accounted for by the cost method, whereby shares of common stock reacquired are recorded at their purchase price.

Trust assets:  Trust assets, other than cash deposits, held by the Bank in fiduciary or agency capacities for its customers are not included in these financial statements since they are not assets of the Company.

Earnings per share:  Basic per-share amounts are computed by dividing net income (the numerator) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (the denominator). Diluted per share amounts assume the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential common stock equivalents unless the effect is to reduce the loss or increase the income per common share from continuing operations. On April 13, 2004, the Company declared a three-for-one stock split effective in a form of a dividend, for the 1,516,752 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of April 19, 2004. The additional shares were issued as a result of the stock split. All shares and earnings per share numbers have been retroactively restated for all periods presented.

Following is a reconciliation of the denominator:

 
Year Ended December 31,

2005 2004 2003

      
Weighted-average number of shares     4,553,821     4,550,175     4,533,951  
Potential number of dilutive shares     22,354     15,511     11,127  
 
 
Total shares to compute diluted earnings per share     4,576,175     4,565,686     4,545,078  

 

There are no potentially dilutive securities that have not been included in the determination of diluted shares.

Statement of cash flows: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and due from banks includes cash on hand and amounts due from banks (including cash items in process of clearing). Cash flows from loans originated by the Bank, deposits and federal funds sold and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reported net.


Page 65 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Nature of Activities and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Fair value of financial instruments: In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values of financial instruments are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from fair value disclosure. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented in Note 12 to the Financial Statements do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

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

 
 
Off-balance sheet instruments: Fair values for outstanding letters of credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing. The fair value of the outstanding letters of credit is not significant. Unfunded loan commitments are not valued since the loans are generally priced at market at the time of funding.
 
 
Cash and due from banks and federal funds sold: The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and short-term instruments approximate their fair values.
 
 
Investment securities: Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.
 
 
Loans receivable:  For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for other loans are determined using estimated future cash flows, discounted at the interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality.
 
 
Accrued interest receivable:  The fair value of accrued interest receivable equals the amount receivable due to the current nature of the amounts receivable.
 
 
Deposit liabilities: The fair values of demand deposits equal their carrying amounts, which represent the amount payable on demand. The carrying amounts for variable-rate, fixed-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
 
 
Short-term borrowings: The carrying amounts of federal funds sold and securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximate their fair values.
 
 
Long-term borrowings: The fair values of the Bank’s long-term borrowings (other than deposits) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Bank’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 
 
Accrued interest payable: The fair value of accrued interest payable equals the amount payable due to the current nature of the amounts payable.
 

Reclassifications:  Certain prior year amounts may be reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.


Page 66 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Investment Securities 

Investment Securities Available For Sale:

Investment securities have been classified in the consolidated balance sheets according to management’s intent. The Company had no securities designated as trading in its portfolio at December 31, 2005 or 2004. The carrying amount of available-for-sale securities and their approximate fair values were as follows December 31 (in thousands): 

 
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
Estimated
Fair
Value
   
 
                            
December 31, 2005:                          
   U. S. Government agencies and
     corporations
  $ 119,808   $   $ (2,326 ) $ 117,482  
   State and political subdivisions     79,865     415     (976 )   79,304  
 
 
           Total   $ 199,673   $ 415   $ (3,302 ) $ 196,786  
 
 
                            
December 31, 2004:                          
   U. S. Government agencies and
     corporations
  $ 134,316   $ 382   $ (769 ) $ 133,929  
   State and political subdivisions     68,892     1,484     (182 )   70,194  
 
 
           Total   $ 203,208   $ 1,866   $ (951 ) $ 204,123  
 
 
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair market value of available-for-sale securities classified according to their contractual maturities at December 31, 2005, were as follows (in thousands):
 
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
   
 
        
Due in one year or less   $ 38,433   $ 38,139  
Due after one year through five years     129,053     127,041  
Due after five years through ten years     30,834     30,247  
Due over ten years     1,353     1,359  

           Total   $ 199,673   $ 196,786  

 
As of December 31, 2005, investment securities with a carrying value of $61,097,000 were pledged to collateralize public and trust deposits, short-term borrowings and for other purposes, as required or permitted by law.

Page 67 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Investment Securities (Continued)

Sales proceeds and gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 
2005 2004 2003



Sales proceeds   $ 10,465   $   $ 11,658  
Gross realized gains              
Gross realized losses     (234 )       (177 )
 
The following table shows the Company’s investments’ 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 at December 31, 2005 (in thousands):
 
Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total



Description
of Securities
# Fair Value Unrealized
Loss
% # Fair Value Unrealized
Loss
% # Fair Value Unrealized
Loss
%
 
 
 
 
                                                               
U.S. Government
  agencies and corporations
  25   $ 51,103   $ (842 ) 1.65 % 31   $ 66,379   $ (1,484 ) 2.24 % 56   $ 117,482   $ (2,326 ) 1.98 %
                                                               
State and municipal bonds   171     35,645     (591 ) 1.66 % 76     13,013     (385 ) 2.96 % 247     48,658     (976 ) 2.01 %
 
 
 
 
   
Total temporarily
  impaired securities
  196   $ 86,748   $ (1,433 ) 1.65 % 107   $ 79,392   $ (1,869 ) 2.35 % 303   $ 166,140   $ (3,302 ) 1.99 %
 
 
 
 
 

The Company considered the following information in reaching the conclusion that the impairments disclosed in the table above are temporary and not other-than-temporary impairments. The nature of the investments with gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2005 was as follows: U.S. government agency securities (56 positions issued and guaranteed by FNMA, FHLB, or FHLMC); and state and municipal bonds (50 issues are local issues, nonrated and 197 issues are A1 or better rated, general obligation bonds). Therefore, none of the impairments in the above table was due to the deterioration in the credit quality of any of the issues that might result in the non-collection of contractual principal and interest. The cause of the impairments is due to changes in interest rates. The Company has not recognized any unrealized loss in income because management has the intent and ability to hold the securities for the foreseeable future.

Investment Securities Held to Maturity:

 
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
Fair
Value

(Amounts In Thousands)
December 31, 2005:                          
   State and political subdivisions   $ 215   $ 10   $   $ 225  
        
 
                            
December 31, 2004:                          
   State and political subdivisions   $ 5,000   $ 28   $ (42 ) $ 4,986  
        
 

Page 68 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Investment Securities (Continued)

The amortization cost and estimated fair market value of securities held to maturity classified according to their contractual maturities at December 31, 2005, were as follows (in thousands):

 
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
 
 
   
  Due in one year or less   $ 45   $ 45    
  Due after one year through five years     120     125    
  Due after five years through ten years     50     55    
 
 
   
       Total   $ 215   $ 225    


 

Note 3. Loans

The composition of loans is as follows:

 
December 31,

2005 2004 2003

  (Amounts In Thousands)    
                          
  Agricultural   $ 43,730   $ 39,116   $ 38,153    
  Commercial and financial     91,501     70,453     47,938    
  Real estate:  
     Construction     83,456     72,388     66,644    
     Mortgage     906,188     797,958     696,453    
  Loans to individuals     32,201     32,106     31,591    

        1,157,076     1,012,021     880,779    
  Less allowance for loan losses     15,360     13,790     12,585    

      $ 1,141,716   $ 998,231   $ 868,194    

 
Changes in the allowance for loan losses are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
2005 2004 2003

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
                      
Balance, beginning   $ 13,790   $ 12,585   $ 12,125  
   Provision charged to expense     2,101     1,470     424  
   Recoveries     1,644     1,103     1,680  
   Loans charged off     (2,175 )   (1,368 )   (1,644 )

Balance, ending   $ 15,360   $ 13,790   $ 12,585  


Page 69 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 3. Loans (Continued)

Information about impaired and nonaccrual loans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 
2005 2004 2003

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
                     
Loans receivable for which there is a related allowance for loan losses   $ 586   $ 1,567   $ 3,793  
Loans receivable for which there is no related allowance for loan losses     16,016     17,410     14,384  
 
 
           Total   $ 16,602   $ 18,977   $ 18,177  
 
 
                     
Related allowance for credit losses on impaired loans   $ 66   $ 228   $ 802  
Average balance of impaired loans     16,334     18,087     17,883  
Nonaccrual loans (included as impaired loans)     175     808     3,944  
Loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing     1,910     2,313     2,296  
Interest income recognized on impaired loans     1,147     1,168     1,202  
 

Note 4. Property and Equipment

The major classes of property and equipment and the total accumulated depreciation are as follows:

 
December 31,

2005 2004 2003

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
                      
Land   $ 4,404   $ 3,715   $ 3,715  
Buildings and improvements     18,856     18,051     17,743  
Furniture and equipment     23,844     22,469     20,706  
 
 
      47,104     44,235     42,164  
Less accumulated depreciation     24,839     22,421     19,954  
 
 
           Net   $ 22,265   $ 21,814   $ 22,210  
 
 
 

Note 5. Interest-Bearing Deposits

A summary of these deposits is as follows:

 
December 31,

2005 2004

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
                
NOW and other demand   $ 132,599   $ 138,269  
Savings     264,669     255,765  
Time, $100,000 and over     98,689     83,710  
Other time     393,658     348,236  
 
 
    $ 889,615   $ 825,980  
 
 

Page 70 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5. Interest-Bearing Deposits (Continued)

Time deposits have a maturity as follows:

 
December 31,
2005 2004

  (Amounts In Thousands)  
Due in one year or less   $ 281,719   $ 201,901  
Due after one year through two years     118,293     98,220  
Due after two years through three years     47,086     56,237  
Due after three years through four years     30,031     45,355  
Due over four years     15,218     30,233  


    $ 492,347   $ 431,946  


 

Note 6. Short-Term Borrowings

The following table sets forth selected information for short-term borrowings (borrowings with a maturity of less than one year):

 
December 31,
2005 2004


  (Amounts In Thousands)    
  Federal funds purchased, secured by U.S.
Government agencies (1)
  $ 6,825   $ 19,245    
  Repurchase agreements with customers,
renewable daily, interest payable monthly,
secured by U.S. Government agencies (1)
    24,629     16,757    
  Repurchase agreements with customers, interest
fixed, maturities of less than one year, secured
by U.S. Government agencies (1)
    3,083     1,983    


      $ 34,537   $ 37,985    


   
                
(1) The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 was 3.45% and 1.83%, respectively.  
 
Customer repurchase agreements are used by the Bank to acquire funds from customers where the customer is required or desires to have their funds supported by collateral consisting of government, government agency or other types of securities. The repurchase agreement is a promise to sell these securities to a customer at a certain price and repurchase them at a future date at that same price plus interest accrued at an agreed upon rate. The Bank uses customer repurchase agreements in its liquidity plan as well as an accommodation to customers. At December 31, 2005, $27.7 million of securities sold under repurchase agreements with a weighted average interest rate of 3.21%, maturing in 2005, were collateralized by U.S. Government agencies having an estimated fair value of $28.4 million and an amortized cost of $29.1 million.

Page 71 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 7.   Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the borrowings were as follows:

 
2005 2004

(Effective interest rates as of December 31, 2005)   (Amounts In Thousands)
                    
  Due 2005, 3.80%   $   $ 4,350    
  Due 2006, 4.08% to 4.09%     22,750     22,750    
  Due 2007, 4.48%     20,000     20,000    
  Due 2008, 5.22% to 6.00%     40,411     40,442    
  Due 2009, 5.66% to 6.22%     40,000     40,000    
  Due 2010, 5.77% to 6.61%     40,000     40,000    
  Due 2015, 3.70% to 4.56%     60,000        
 
   
      $ 223,161   $ 167,542    
 
   
 

$180 million of the borrowings were callable as of December 31, 2005, with $120 million callable in the first quarter of 2005. The advances are unlikely to be called unless rates would move significantly upwards.

The borrowings are collateralized by 1-4 family mortgage loans with an aggregate face amount of $267,794,000. As of December 31, 2005, the Company held Federal Home Loan Bank stock with a cost of $12,003,000.

Note 8.   Employee Benefit Plans

The Company has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) to which it makes discretionary cash contributions. The Company’s contribution to the ESOP totaled $115,000, $1,038,000 and $108,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

In the event a terminated plan participant desires to sell his or her shares of the Company stock, or for certain employees who elect to diversify their account balances, the Company may be required to purchase the shares from the participant at their fair value. To the extent that shares of common stock held by the ESOP are not readily tradeable, a sponsor must reflect the maximum cash obligation related to those securities outside of stockholders’ equity as a liability. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the shares held by the ESOP, fair value and maximum cash obligation were as follows:

 
2005 2004


            
  Shares held by the ESOP     443,751     441,516    
 
 
   
  Fair value per share   $ 46.50   $ 37.00    
 
 
   
  Maximum cash obligation   $ 20,634,000   $ 16,336,000    
 
 
   

Page 72 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 8.    Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

The Company has a profit-sharing plan with a 401(k) feature, which provides for discretionary annual contributions in amounts to be determined by the Board of Directors. The profit-sharing contribution totaled $905,000, $0, and $862,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The Company has a Stock Option and Incentive Plan for certain key employees and directors whereby shares of common stock have been reserved for awards in the form of stock options or restricted stock awards. Under the plan, the aggregate number of options and shares granted cannot exceed 198,000 shares. A Stock Option Committee may grant options at prices equal to the fair value of the stock at the date of the grant. Options expire 10 years from the date of the grant. Directors may exercise options immediately and officers’ rights under the plan vest over a five-year period from the date of the grant. No compensation expense has been charged to expense using the intrinsic value based method as prescribed by APB No. 25.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share had compensation cost for all of the stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the grant date values of awards (the method described in FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation):

 
Years Ended December 31,

2005 2004 2003
     
   
                          
  Net income:                      
     As reported   $ 15,202   $ 14,195   $ 14,269    
                         
     Deduct total stock-based employee compensation
    expense determined under fair value based
    method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (84 )   (122 )   (78 )  
 
   
                         
     Pro forma   $ 15,118   $ 14,073   $ 14,191    
 
   
                          
  Basic earnings per share:                      
     As reported   $ 3.34   $ 3.12   $ 3.15    
     Pro forma   $ 3.32   $ 3.09   $ 3.12    
                          
  Diluted earnings per share:                      
     As reported   $ 3.32   $ 3.11   $ 3.14    
     Pro forma   $ 3.30   $ 3.08   $ 3.11    

Page 73 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 8.   Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

A summary of the stock options are as follows:

 
Number of Shares Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2002   83,445   $ 15.66  
   Granted   18,600     30.04  
Exercised   (44,172 )   8.49  
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2003   57,873   $ 25.76  
   Granted   5,880     35.38  
   Exercised        
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2004   63,753   $ 26.64  
   Granted        
   Exercised   (1,134 )   24.33  
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2005   62,619   $ 26.69  
 
 
 

The weighted-average fair value of options granted in 2005, 2004 and 2003 was none, $6.53 per share and $5.40 per share, respectively.

The fair value of stock options granted was determined utilizing the Black Scholes Valuation model. Significant assumptions include:

 
  2005   2004   2003  
 
 
 
 
             
Risk-free interest rate       4.69 %   4.57 %
Expected option life       7.5years     7.5years  
Expected volatility       23.97 %   24.83 %
Expected dividends       2.08 %   2.16 %
 
Other pertinent information related to the options outstanding at December 31, 2005 is as follows:
 
  Exercise Price   Number Outstanding   Remaining Contractual Life   Number Exercisable  
 
 
                         
  $ 13.67     6,165     15 Months     6,165  
    25.67     31,200     65 Months      
    25.00     774     60 Months     774  
    29.33     15,600     84 Months      
    33.67     3,000     96 Months      
    34.50     2,940     100 Months     2,940  
    36.25     2,940     105 Months     2,940  
       
       
 
          62,619           12,819  
       
       
 
 
As of December 31, 2005, 119,579 shares were available for stock options and awards. The committee is also authorized to grant awards of restricted common stock, and it authorized the issuance of 13,748 shares of common stock in 2005, 222 in 2004 and 2,700 in 2003 to a group of employees. The vesting period for these awards is five years and the Bank amortizes the expense on a straight line basis during the vesting period. The expense relating to these awards for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $70,000, $57,000 and $61,000, respectively.

Page 74 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9.   Income Taxes

Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

 
  2005   2004   2003  
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
                    
Current:                  
      Federal $ 6,335   $ 5,851   $ 5,465  
      State   1,219     1,121     1,013  
Deferred:                  
      Federal   (756 )   (540 )   453  
      State   (114 )   (81 )   67  
 
 
  $ 6,684   $ 6,351   $ 6,998  
 
 
 
Temporary differences between the amounts reported in the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities result in deferred taxes. No valuation allowance was required for deferred tax assets. Based upon the Company’s level of historical taxable income and anticipated future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:
 
  December 31,  
 
 
  2005   2004  
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
              
Deferred income tax assets:            
   Allowance for loan losses $ 5,875   $ 5,275  
   Deferred compensation   1,231     920  
   Certain accrued expenses   277     275  
   Unrealized losses on investment securities   1,104      
   Other   57     46  
 
 
              Gross deferred tax assets   8,544     6,516  
 
 
Deferred income tax liabilities:            
   Property and equipment   1,130     1,350  
   FHLB dividends   132     132  
   Unrealized gains on investment securities       339  
   Prepaid expenses   213      
   Other   250     189  
 
 
              Gross deferred tax liabilities   1,725     2,010  
 
 
              Net deferred income tax asset $ 6,819   $ 4,506  
 
 

Page 75 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9.   Income Taxes (Continued)

The net change in the deferred income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is reflected in the financial statements as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
 
  2005   2004   2003  
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
                    
Consolidated statements of income $ (870 ) $ (621 ) $ 520  
Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity   (1,443 )   (1,474 )   (960 )
 
 
  $ (2,313 ) $ (2,095 ) $ (440 )
 
 
 
The income tax provisions for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are less than the amounts computed by applying the maximum effective federal income tax rate to the income before income taxes because of the following items:
 
  2005   2004   2003  
 
 
  Amount   % Of
Pretax
Income
  Amount   % Of
Pretax
Income
  Amount   % Of
Pretax
Income
 
 
 
                          (Amounts In Thousands)  
                                      
Expected provision $ 7,660     35.0 % $ 7,191     35.0 % $ 7,443     35.0 %
Tax-exempt interest   (1,026 )   (4.7 )   (951 )   (4.6 )   (875 )   (4.1 )
Interest expense                                    
   limitation   130     0.6     107     0.5     110     0.5  
State income taxes,                                    
   net of federal income tax benefit   718     3.3     676     3.3     702     3.3  
Income tax credits   (679 )   (3.1 )   (596 )   (2.9 )   (234 )   (1.1 )
Other   (119 )   (0.6 )   (76 )   (0.4 )   (148 )   (0.7 )
 
 
  $ 6,684     30.5 % $ 6,351     30.9 % $ 6,998     32.9 %
 
 

Page 76 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Note 10. Regulatory Capital Requirements, Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends and Cash Restrictions
   

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial results. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory frameworks for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications of the Company and the Bank are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by the regulations to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the tables that follow) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes that, as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2005, the most recent notifications from the Federal Reserve System categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table that follows. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.

The actual amounts and capital ratios as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, with the minimum regulatory requirements for the Company and Bank are presented below (amounts in thousands):

 
  Actual   For Capital
Adequacy
Purposes
  To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
 
 
  Amount   Ratio   Ratio   Ratio  
 
 
As of December 31, 2005:                        
   Company:                        
      Total risk-based capital $ 142,321     13.80 %   8.00 %   10.00 %
      Tier 1 risk-based capital   129,396     12.54     4.00     6.00  
      Leverage ratio   129,396     9.04     3.00     5.00  
   Bank:                        
      Total risk-based capital   138,523     13.44     8.00     10.00  
      Tier 1 risk-based capital   125,605     12.18     4.00     6.00  
      Leverage ratio   125,605     8.78     3.00     5.00  

Page 77 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Note 10. Regulatory Capital Requirements, Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends and Cash Restrictions (Continued)
   
  Actual   For Capital
Adequacy
Purposes
  To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
 
 
  Amount   Ratio   Ratio   Ratio  
 
 
As of December 31, 2004:                        
   Company:                        
      Total risk-based capital $ 128,541     14.03 %   8.00 %   10.00 %
      Tier 1 risk-based capital   117,063     12.78     4.00     6.00  
      Leverage ratio   117,063     9.09     3.00     5.00  
   Bank:                        
      Total risk-based capital   125,211     13.68     8.00     10.00  
      Tier 1 risk-based capital   113,740     12.43     4.00     6.00  
      Leverage ratio   113,740     8.84     3.00     5.00  
 

The ability of the Company to pay dividends to its stockholders is dependent upon dividends paid by the Bank. The Bank is subject to certain statutory and regulatory restrictions on the amount it may pay in dividends. To maintain acceptable capital ratios in the Bank, certain of its retained earnings are not available for the payment of dividends. To maintain a ratio of capital to assets of 8%, retained earnings of $13,720,000 as of December 31, 2005 are available for the payment of dividends to the Company.

The Bank is required to maintain reserve balances in cash or with the Federal Reserve Bank. Reserve balances totaled $1,639,000 and $1,867,000 as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.


Page 78 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11.   Related Party Transactions

Certain directors of the Company and the Bank and companies with which the directors are affiliated and certain principal officers are customers of, and have banking transactions with, the Bank in the ordinary course of business. Such indebtedness has been incurred on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons.

The following is an analysis of the changes in the loans to related parties during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
 
  2005   2004  
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
              
Balance, beginning $ 36,247   $ 32,454  
      Advances   7,054     10,484  
      Collections   (7,504 )   (6,691 )
 
 
Balance, ending $ 35,797   $ 36,247  
 
 
 
Deposits from related parties are accepted subject to the same interest rates and terms as those from nonrelated parties.

Page 79 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 12.   Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 
  2005   2004  
 
 
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
                          
Cash and due from banks $ 29,956   $ 29,956   $ 23,008   $ 23,008  
Federal funds sold                
Investment securities   209,001     209,011     218,016     218,002  
Loans   1,142,418     1,105,724     1,002,139     1,019,898  
Accrued interest receivable   8,619     8,619     7,349     7,349  
Deposits   1,036,414     1,021,035     957,236     948,242  
Federal funds purchased and securities                        
sold under agreements to repurchase   34,537     34,537     37,985     37,985  
Borrowings from Federal Home Loan                        
   Bank   223,161     204,035     167,542     169,937  
Accrued interest payable   2,313     2,313     1,632     1,632  
 
  Face Amount         Face Amount        
 
       
       
                          
Off-balance sheet instruments:                        
   Loan commitments $ 189,936   $   $ 163,291   $  
   Letters of credit   12,374         12,693      

Page 80 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 13.   Parent Company Only Financial Information

Following is condensed financial information of the Company (parent company only):

 
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2005 and 2004
(Amounts In Thousands)
 
ASSETS 2005   2004  

 
              
Cash $ 3,934   $ 2,891  
Investment securities available for sale       500  
Investment in subsidiary bank   126,385     116,816  
Other assets   553     468  
 
 
              Total assets $ 130,872   $ 120,675  
 
 
              
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            

 
              
Liabilities $ 759   $ 536  
 
 
Redeemable common stock held by ESOP   20,634     16,336  
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:            
   Capital stock   11,970     11,364  
   Retained earnings   119,989     108,199  
   Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income   (1,783 )   576  
   Treasury stock at cost   (63 )    
 
 
    130,113     120,139  
   Less maximum cash obligation related to ESOP shares   20,634     16,336  
 
 
              Total stockholders’ equity   109,479     103,803  
 
 
              Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 130,872   $ 120,675  
 
 

Page 81 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 13.   Parent Company Only Financial Information (Continued)

 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(Amounts In Thousands)
 
  2005   2004   2003  

 
                    
Interest on checking account and investment securities $ 81   $ 38   $ 17  
Dividends received from subsidiary   3,413     3,186     2,856  
Other expenses   (291 )   (147 )   (112 )
 
 
              Income before income tax benefit and                  
                equity in subsidiary’s undistributed income   3,203     3,077     2,761  
Income tax benefit   71     39     36  
 
 
    3,274     3,116     2,797  
Equity in subsidiary’s undistributed income   11,928     11,079     11,472  
 
 
              Net income $ 15,202   $ 14,195   $ 14,269  
 
 

Page 82 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 13.    Parent Company Only Financial Information (Continued)

 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(Amounts In Thousands)
 
  2005   2004   2003  

 
  Cash flows from operating activities:                  
   Net income $ 15,202   $ 14,195   $ 14,269  
   Noncash items included in net income:                  
      Undistributed income of subsidiary   (11,928 )   (11,079 )   (11,472 )
      (Increase) decrease in other assets   (85 )   489     (379 )
      Increase in liabilities   223     117     110  
 
 
              Net cash provided by operating activities   3,412     3,722     2,528  
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                  
   Proceeds from maturities of investment securities   500          
   Purchase of investment securities            
 
 
              Net cash provided by investing activities   500          
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                  
   Common stock issued, net   590     (11 )   465  
   Income tax benefits related to stock based                  
      compensation   16     22     347  
   Purchase of treasury stock   (63 )        
   Dividends paid   (3,412 )   (3,185 )   (2,853 )
 
 
              Net cash used in financing activities   (2,869 )   (3,174 )   (2,041 )
 
 
              Increase in cash   1,043     548     487  
Cash balance:                  
   Beginning   2,891     2,343     1,856  
 
 
   Ending $ 3,934   $ 2,891   $ 2,343  
 
 

Page 83 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14.   Commitments and Contingencies

Concentrations of credit risk: The Bank’s loans, commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit and outstanding letters of credit have been granted to customers within the Bank’s market area. Investments in securities issued by state and political subdivisions within the state of Iowa totaled approximately $21,560,000. The concentrations of credit by type of loan are set forth in Note 3 to the Financial Statements. Outstanding letters of credit were granted primarily to commercial borrowers. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the economic conditions in Johnson County and Linn County, Iowa.

Contingencies:  In the normal course of business, the Company and Bank are involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the accompanying financial statements.

Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk: The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, credit card participations and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, credit card participations and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. A summary of the Bank’s commitments at December 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

 
  2005   2004  
 
 
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
              
Firm loan commitments and unused portion of lines of credit:            
   Home equity loans $ 17,191   $ 12,705  
   Credit card participations   24,934     17,342  
   Commercial, real estate and home construction   86,301     71,676  
   Commercial lines   61,510     61,568  
Outstanding letters of credit   12,374     12,693  

Page 84 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14.    Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, crops, livestock, inventory, property and equipment, residential real estate and income-producing commercial properties. Credit card participations are the unused portion of the holders’ credit limits. Such amounts represent the maximum amount of additional unsecured borrowings.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements and, generally, have terms of one year, or less. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. The Bank holds collateral, which may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, equipment, and income-producing properties, supporting those commitments if deemed necessary. In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, the Bank would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Bank could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount shown in the summary above. If the commitment is funded the Bank would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer. At December 31, 2005 and 2004 no amounts have been recorded as liabilities for the Bank’s potential obligations under these guarantees.

Lease commitments: The Company leases certain facilities under operating leases. The minimum future rental commitments as of December 31, 2005 for all noncancelable leases relating to Bank premises were as follows:

 
  Year ending
December 31:
  (Amounts In Thousands)  
 
 
 
  2006       $ 237  
  2007         227  
  2008         191  
  2009         193  
  2010         195  
  Thereafter     513  
     
 
      $ 1,556  
     
 

Page 85 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 15.  Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Quarter Ended  
 
 
  March   June   September   December   Year  
 
 
2005:                              
   Interest income $ 17,092   $ 18,166   $ 19,084   $ 20,061   $ 74,403  
   Interest expense   6,371     7,260     8,008     8,724   $ 30,363  
 
 
   Net interest income $ 10,721   $ 10,906   $ 11,076   $ 11,337   $ 44,040  
   Provision for loan losses   10     749     239     1,103     2,101  
   Other income   3,055     2,968     3,409     3,376     12,808  
   Other expense   7,717     8,050     8,501     8,593     32,861  
 
 
   Income before income taxes $ 6,049   $ 5,075   $ 5,745   $ 5,017     21,886  
   Income taxes   1,906     1,518     1,776     1,484     6,684  
 
 
   Net income $ 4,143   $ 3,557   $ 3,969   $ 3,533   $ 15,202  
 
 
                                
   Basic earnings per share $ 0.91   $ 0.78   $ 0.87   $ 0.78   $ 3.34  
   Diluted earnings per share   0.91     0.78     0.86     0.77     3.32  
                                
2004:                              
   Interest income $ 15,515   $ 15,971   $ 16,562   $ 17,276   $ 65,324  
   Interest expense   5,870     5,751     5,973     6,291     23,885  
 
 
   Net interest income $ 9,645   $ 10,220   $ 10,589   $ 10,985   $ 41,439  
   Provision for loan losses   354     161     602     353     1,470  
   Other income   3,049     3,258     3,051     3,184     12,542  
   Other expense   7,478     7,756     7,795     8,936     31,965  
 
 
   Income before income taxes $ 4,862   $ 5,561   $ 5,243   $ 4,880   $ 20,546  
   Income taxes   1,500     1,766     1,636     1,449     6,351  
 
 
   Net income $ 3,362   $ 3,795   $ 3,607   $ 3,431   $ 14,195  
 
 
                                
   Basic earnings per share $ 0.74   $ 0.83   $ 0.80   $ 0.75   $ 3.12  
   Diluted earnings per share   0.74     0.83     0.79     0.75     3.11  

Page 86 of 98



PART  II

Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

At December 31, 2005 the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as required and within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of this evaluation.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). This system is augmented by written policies and procedures, careful selection and training of financial management personnel, a continuing management commitment to the integrity of the system and through examinations by an internal audit function that coordinates its activities with the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the Company’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, the Company’s management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005.

The Company’s management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.


Page 87 of 98



KPMG LLP
2500 Ruan Center
666 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Hills Bancorporation:

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Hills Bancorporation (the Company) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Hills Bancorporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Hills Bancorporation maintained internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, Hills Bancorporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hills Bancorporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, and our report dated March 9, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Des Moines, Iowa
March 9, 2006                                                                      


Page 88 of 98



Item 9B. Other Information

Not applicable

PART III

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 

The information required by Item 10 of Part III is presented under the items entitled “Certain Information Regarding Directors and Executive Officers” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated March 20, 2006 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 17, 2006. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has a Code of Ethics in place for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. A copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics will be provided free of charge, upon written request to:

 
  James G. Pratt
Treasurer
Hills Bancorporation
131 Main Street
Hills, Iowa  52235
 

Item 11.   Executive Compensation

The information required by Item 11 of the Part III is presented under the item entitled “Executive Compensation and Benefits” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 17, 2006. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters

The information required by Item 12 of Part III is presented under the item entitled “Security Ownership of Principal Stockholders and Management” and “Report on Executive Compensation,” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 17, 2006. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by Item 13 of Part III is presented under the item entitled “Loans to and Certain Other Transactions with Executive Officers and Directors” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 17, 2006. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

Information required by this item is contained in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated March 20, 2006, under the heading “Independent Auditors – Audit and Other Fees,” which section is incorporated herein by this reference.


Page 89 of 98



PART IV

Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

 
          Form 10-K
  (a) 1. Financial Statements   Reference
          
      Independent registered public accounting firm’s report on the financial   statements   55
            
      Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004   56
            
      Consolidated statements of income for the years ended
   December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003
  57
            
      Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended
  December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
  58
            
      Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended 
  December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
  59
            
      Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2005,
  2004 and 2003
  60-61
            
      Notes to financial statements   62-86
            
    2. Financial Statements Schedules    
            
      All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.    
            
  (a) 3. Exhibits    
            
    3.1 Articles of Incorporation filed as Exhibit 3 of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 are incorporated by reference.    
            
    3.2 By-Laws filed as Exhibit 3 of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 are incorporated by reference.    
            
    10.1 Material Contract (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) filed as Exhibit 10(a) in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 is incorporated by reference.    
            
    10.2 Material Contract (1993 Stock Incentive Plan) filed as Exhibit 10(b) in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 is incorporated by reference.    
            
    10.3 Material Contract (1995 Deferred Compensation Plans) filed as Exhibit 10(c) in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 is incorporated by reference.    
            
    10.4 Material Contract (2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan) filed as Exhibit 10(d) in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 is incorporated by reference.    
            
    11 Statement regarding Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share on Page 93.    
            
    21 Subsidiary of the Registrant is Attached on Page 94.    
           
    23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is Attached on   Page 95. KPMG LLP    
            
    31 Certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on Pages 96 - 97.    
            
    32 Certifications under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on Page 98.    
            
  (b)   Reports on Form 8-K:    
            
      The Registrant filed no reports on Form 8-K for the three months ended December 31, 2005.    

Page 90 of 98



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 
   
  HILLS BANCORPORATION
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Dwight O. Seegmiller

  Dwight O. Seegmiller, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ James G. Pratt

  James G. Pratt, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer
   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
  DIRECTORS OF THE REGISTRANT
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Willis M. Bywater

  Willis M. Bywater, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Thomas J. Gill

  Thomas J. Gill, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Donald H. Gringer

  Donald H. Gringer, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Michael E. Hodge

  Michael E. Hodge, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ James A. Nowak

  James A. Nowak, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Richard W. Oberman

  Richard W. Oberman, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Theodore H. Pacha

  Theodore H. Pacha, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Ann M. Rhodes

  Ann M. Rhodes, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Ronald E. Stutsman

  Ronald E. Stutsman, Director
   
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Sheldon E. Yoder

  Sheldon E. Yoder, Director

Page 91 of 98



HILLS BANCORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT OF FORM 10-K FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005

 
Exhibit
Number
Description Page Number
In The Sequential
Numbering System
For 2005 Form 10-K

      
11 Statement Re Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share 93 of 98
     
21 Subsidiary of the Registrant 94 of 98
     
23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP 95 of 98
     
31 Certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 96-97 of 98
     
32 Certifications under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 98 of 98
 


Page 92 of 98