UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017
or
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number:  0-49677

WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

IOWA	42-1230603
(State of Incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

	1601 22nd Street, West Des Moines, Iowa	50266
	(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (515) 222-2300

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x                      No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  x                      No  o

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

Large accelerated filer	o
Accelerated filer	x
Non-accelerated filer	o	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company	o
Emerging growth company	o

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

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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

As of October 25, 2017, there were 16,215,672 shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding.

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WEST BANCORPORATION, INC.

INDEX

		Page
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	4
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	4
	Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	5
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	6
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	7
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	8
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	9
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
	"Safe Harbor" Concerning Forward-Looking Statements	30
	Critical Accounting Policies	30
	Non-GAAP Financial Measures	31
	Overview	31
	Results of Operations	34
	Financial Condition	44
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	48
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	48
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	48
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	48
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	48
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	48
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	48
Item 5.	Other Information	48
Item 6.	Exhibits	48
	Signatures	50
	Exhibit Index	X

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	33,560			$	40,943
Federal funds sold		5,937				35,893
Cash and cash equivalents		39,497				76,836
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value		418,374				260,637
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $46,356 and $47,789 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)		45,597				48,386
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		12,256				10,771
Loans		1,456,905				1,399,870
Allowance for loan losses		(16,358		)		(16,112		)
Loans, net		1,440,547				1,383,758
Premises and equipment, net		23,173				23,314
Accrued interest receivable		6,636				5,321
Bank-owned life insurance		33,451				33,111
Deferred tax assets, net		5,861				6,957
Other assets		4,956				5,113
Total assets		$	2,030,348			$	1,854,204
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand		$	384,625			$	479,311
Interest-bearing demand		328,156				282,592
Savings		776,921				668,688
Time of $250 or more		16,539				10,446
Other time		145,025				105,568
Total deposits		1,651,266				1,546,605
Federal funds purchased		925				9,690
Short-term borrowings		48,000				—
Subordinated notes, net		20,408				20,398
Federal Home Loan Bank advances, net		101,005				99,886
Long-term debt, net		24,195				5,126
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		6,462				7,123
Total liabilities		1,852,261				1,688,828
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 9)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016		—				—
Common stock, no par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; 16,215,672     and 16,137,999 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017     and December 31, 2016, respectively		3,000				3,000
Additional paid-in capital		22,763				21,462
Retained earnings		152,252				141,956
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		72				(1,042		)
Total stockholders' equity		178,087				165,376
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	2,030,348			$	1,854,204

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)		2017				2016				2017				2016
Interest income:
Loans, including fees		$	15,854			$	14,898			$	46,865			$	42,667
Investment securities:
Taxable		1,489				991				3,755				3,222
Tax-exempt		1,081				780				2,674				2,482
Federal funds sold		136				27				223				58
Total interest income		18,560				16,696				53,517				48,429
Interest expense:
Deposits		2,108				872				5,084				2,401
Federal funds purchased		4				1				24				4
Short-term borrowings		9				8				58				39
Subordinated notes		232				169				667				533
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		972				894				2,837				2,645
Long-term debt		204				31				334				114
Total interest expense		3,529				1,975				9,004				5,736
Net interest income		15,031				14,721				44,513				42,693
Provision for loan losses		—				200				—				900
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		15,031				14,521				44,513				41,793
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts		715				632				1,946				1,847
Debit card usage fees		435				450				1,333				1,372
Trust services		436				355				1,264				946
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance		167				160				484				492
Gain from bank-owned life insurance		—				—				307				443
Realized investment securities gains, net		197				—				423				60
Other income		314				322				983				892
Total noninterest income		2,264				1,919				6,740				6,052
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		4,430				4,154				13,216				12,644
Occupancy		1,087				1,038				3,315				2,972
Data processing		635				643				2,031				1,849
FDIC insurance		151				272				514				714
Professional fees		184				189				725				619
Director fees		240				202				697				672
Other expenses		1,293				1,495				3,737				4,141
Total noninterest expense		8,020				7,993				24,235				23,611
Income before income taxes		9,275				8,447				27,018				24,234
Income taxes		2,870				2,634				8,142				7,249
Net income		$	6,405			$	5,813			$	18,876			$	16,985
Basic earnings per common share		$	0.40			$	0.36			$	1.17			$	1.05
Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.39			$	0.36			$	1.16			$	1.05
Cash dividends declared per common share		$	0.18			$	0.17			$	0.53			$	0.50

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)		2017				2016				2017				2016
Net income		$	6,405			$	5,813			$	18,876			$	16,985
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period		(1,316		)		301				2,509				4,771
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income		(197		)		—				(423		)		(60		)
Less: reclassification adjustment for amortization of net unrealized gains to interest income on securities transferred from available for sale to    held to maturity		(34		)		(7		)		(234		)		(122		)
Income tax (expense) benefit		588				(112		)		(704		)		(1,744		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) on investment securities		(959		)		182				1,148				2,845
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period		(29		)		248				(376		)		(889		)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net loss on derivatives realized in net income		70				118				239				362
Less: reclassification adjustment for amortization of derivative termination costs		28				28				82				82
Income tax (expense) benefit		(26		)		(149		)		21				170
Other comprehensive income (loss) on derivatives		43				245				(34		)		(275		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)		(916		)		427				1,114				2,570
Comprehensive income		$	5,489			$	6,240			$	19,990			$	19,555

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(unaudited)
																					Accumulated
													Additional								Other
		Preferred				Common Stock							Paid-In				Retained				Comprehensive
(in thousands, except share and per share data)		Stock				Shares			Amount				Capital				Earnings				Income (Loss)				Total
Balance, December 31, 2015		$	—			16,064,435			$	3,000			$	20,067			$	129,740			$	(430	)		$	152,377
Net income		—				—			—				—				16,985				—				16,985
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		—				—			—				—				—				2,570				2,570
Cash dividends declared, $0.50 per common share		—				—			—				—				(8,057		)		—				(8,057		)
Stock-based compensation costs		—				—			—				1,278				—				—				1,278
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted
stock units, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes		—				73,564			—				(394		)		—				—				(394		)
Excess tax benefits from vesting of restricted stock units		—				—			—				105				—				—				105
Balance, September 30, 2016		$	—			16,137,999			$	3,000			$	21,056			$	138,668			$	2,140			$	164,864
Balance, December 31, 2016		$	—			16,137,999			$	3,000			$	21,462			$	141,956			$	(1,042	)		$	165,376
Net income		—				—			—				—				18,876				—				18,876
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		—				—			—				—				—				1,114				1,114
Cash dividends declared, $0.53 per common share		—				—			—				—				(8,580		)		—				(8,580		)
Stock-based compensation costs		—				—			—				1,932				—				—				1,932
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted
stock units, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes		—				77,673			—				(631		)		—				—				(631		)
Balance, September 30, 2017		$	—			16,215,672			$	3,000			$	22,763			$	152,252			$	72			$	178,087

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)		2017				2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income		$	18,876			$	16,985
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses		—				900
Net amortization and accretion		2,921				3,293
Investment securities gains, net		(423		)		(60		)
Stock-based compensation		1,932				1,278
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance		(484		)		(492		)
Gain from bank-owned life insurance		(307		)		(443		)
Depreciation		1,007				740
Deferred income taxes		413				253
Change in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accrued interest receivable		(1,315		)		(542		)
(Increase) decrease in other assets		(125		)		248
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities		(516		)		152
Net cash provided by operating activities		21,979				22,312
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale		74,224				1,544
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities		38,529				46,190
Purchases of securities available for sale		(267,133		)		—
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		(16,794		)		(16,907		)
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		15,309				16,887
Net increase in loans		(56,789		)		(136,116		)
Purchases of premises and equipment		(866		)		(10,201		)
Proceeds of principal and earnings from bank-owned life insurance		451				812
Net cash used in investing activities		(213,069		)		(97,791		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net increase in deposits		104,661				50,927
Net (decrease) in federal funds purchased		(8,765		)		(1,840		)
Net increase in short-term borrowings		48,000				15,500
Proceeds from long-term debt		22,000				—
Principal payments on long-term debt		(2,934		)		(2,458		)
Common stock dividends paid		(8,580		)		(8,057		)
Restricted stock units withheld for payroll taxes		(631		)		(394		)
Net cash provided by financing activities		153,751				53,678
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(37,339		)		(21,801		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning		76,836				72,651
Ending		$	39,497			$	50,850
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash payments for:
Interest		$	8,667			$	5,742
Income taxes		6,410				5,160

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by West Bancorporation, Inc. (the Company) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Although management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented understandable, it is suggested that these interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments necessary to fairly present its financial position as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, net income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.  The results for these interim periods may not be indicative of results for the entire year or for any other period.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).  References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™, sometimes referred to as the Codification or ASC.  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are the fair value and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) of financial instruments and the allowance for loan losses.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, West Bank and West Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary WB Funding Corporation.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  In accordance with GAAP, West Bancorporation Capital Trust I is recorded on the books of the Company using the equity method of accounting and is not consolidated.

Current accounting developments:  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the Codification. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company's revenue is primarily comprised of interest income on financial instruments, including investment securities and loans, which are excluded from the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The most significant impact of the update for the Company may be additional noninterest income disclosure requirements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The update enhances the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information by updating certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other changes, the update requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, and clarifies that entities should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the entities' other deferred tax assets. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Upon the effective date, the fair value of the Company's loan portfolio will be presented using an exit price method. The Company has concluded that the remaining requirements of this update are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in the update supersedes the requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. The guidance is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company currently leases its main location and space for six other branch offices and operational departments under operating leases that will result in recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets under the ASU. The amount of assets and liabilities added to the balance sheet are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements per preliminary estimates.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The guidance in this update simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance also allows an entity to make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or account for forfeitures as they occur. For public companies, the update was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Portions of the amended guidance were to be applied using a modified retrospective transition method, and others require prospective application. Upon adoption of this update on January 1, 2017, the Company made the accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. This resulted in no effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as prior stock-based compensation expense assumed no expected forfeitures. Also upon adoption, the Company changed the calculation of the assumed proceeds of the treasury stock method on a prospective basis to eliminate deferred taxes from the calculation. The net impact on the income statement is dependent upon the change in the Company's stock price from grant date to vesting date and cannot be predicted with any certainty. The requirement to report the excess tax benefit or shortfall related to settlements of share-based payment awards in earnings as an increase or decrease to tax expense has been applied to settlements occurring on or after January 1, 2017, and the impact of applying that guidance reduced reported income tax expense $285 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326). The amendments in this update require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial assets. The income statement reflects the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amount of financial assets. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. The allowance for credit losses for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination that are measured at amortized cost basis is determined in a similar manner to other financial assets measured at amortized cost basis; however, the initial allowance for credit losses is added to the purchase price rather than being reported as a credit loss expense. Only subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a credit loss expense for these assets. Off-balance-sheet arrangements such as commitments to extend credit, guarantees, and standby letters of credit that are not considered derivatives under ASC 815 and are not unconditionally cancellable are also within the scope of this update. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may adopt the amendments in this update earlier as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity will apply the amendments in this update on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently planning for the implementation of this accounting standard. It is too early to assess the impact that this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendments in this update provide guidance for eight specific cash flow classification issues for which current guidance is unclear or does not exist, thereby reducing diversity in practice. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company's early adoption of the update as of January 1, 2017, did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in this update shorten the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the adoption period. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. For public companies, the update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, including in an interim period. The amendments' presentation and disclosure guidance is required on a prospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

2.  Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per common share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if the Company's outstanding restricted stock units were vested. The dilutive effect was computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes all stock-based awards were exercised and the hypothetical proceeds from exercise were used by the Company to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.  The incremental shares, to the extent they would have been dilutive, were included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per common share calculation.  The calculations of earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are presented in the following table.

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2017				2016				2017				2016
Net income	$	6,405			$	5,813			$	18,876			$	16,985
Weighted average common shares outstanding	16,213				16,135				16,186				16,110
Weighted average effect of restricted stock units outstanding	118				51				127				47
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	16,331				16,186				16,313				16,157
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.40			$	0.36			$	1.17			$	1.05
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.39			$	0.36			$	1.16			$	1.05
Number of anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	24				88				14				106

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Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

3.  Investment Securities

The following tables show the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of investment securities, by investment security type as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	September 30, 2017
	Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized (Losses)				Fair Value
Securities available for sale:
U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	2,500			$	—			$	(11	)		$	2,489
State and political subdivisions	133,300				1,442				(486		)		134,256
Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)	150,298				150				(1,081		)		149,367
Mortgage-backed securities (1)	54,622				288				(123		)		54,787
Asset-backed securities (2)	46,351				61				(139		)		46,273
Trust preferred securities	2,130				—				(430		)		1,700
Corporate notes	29,288				306				(92		)		29,502
	$	418,489			$	2,247			$	(2,362	)		$	418,374
Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions	$	45,597			$	807			$	(48	)		$	46,356
	December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized (Losses)				Fair Value
Securities available for sale:
U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	2,524			$	69			$	—			$	2,593
State and political subdivisions	64,551				376				(591		)		64,336
Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)	103,038				255				(1,343		)		101,950
Mortgage-backed securities (1)	80,614				341				(797		)		80,158
Trust preferred security	1,784				—				(534		)		1,250
Corporate notes	10,326				25				(1		)		10,350
	$	262,837			$	1,066			$	(3,266	)		$	260,637
Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions	$	48,386			$	70			$	(667	)		$	47,789

(1)	All collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities consist of residential mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by FHLMC or FNMA, real estate mortgage investment conduits guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC or GNMA, and commercial mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by the SBA.

(2)	Pass-through asset-backed securities guaranteed by the SBA, representing participating interests in pools of long-term debentures issued by state and local development companies certified by the SBA.

Investment securities with an amortized cost of approximately $123,457 and $141,995 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were pledged to secure access to the Federal Reserve discount window, for public fund deposits, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law or regulation.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available for sale as of September 30, 2017, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Certain securities have call features that allow the issuer to call the securities prior to maturity.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities for collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Therefore, collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories within the following maturity summary.

	September 30, 2017
	Amortized Cost				Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	2,117			$	2,121
Due after one year through five years	5,633				5,660
Due after five years through ten years	43,213				43,819
Due after ten years	116,255				116,347
	167,218				167,947
Collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	251,271				250,427
	$	418,489			$	418,374

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities held to maturity as of September 30, 2017, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Certain securities have call features that allow the issuer to call the securities prior to maturity.  

	September 30, 2017
	Amortized Cost				Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	—			$	—
Due after one year through five years	1,595				1,600
Due after five years through ten years	24,936				25,364
Due after ten years	19,066				19,392
	$	45,597			$	46,356

The details of the sales of investment securities available for sale for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are summarized in the following table.

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017				2016				2017				2016
Proceeds from sales	$	21,204			$	—			$	74,224			$	1,544
Gross gains on sales	197				—				527				60
Gross losses on sales	—				—				104				—

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	September 30, 2017
	Less than 12 months								12 months or longer								Total
	Fair Value				Gross Unrealized (Losses)				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized (Losses)				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized (Losses)
Securities available for sale:
U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	2,489			$	(11	)		$	—			$	—			$	2,489			$	(11	)
State and political subdivisions	54,004				(486		)		—				—				54,004				(486		)
Collateralized mortgage obligations	102,016				(830		)		18,001				(251		)		120,017				(1,081		)
Mortgage-backed securities	27,500				(123		)		—				—				27,500				(123		)
Asset-backed securities	20,217				(139		)		—				—				20,217				(139		)
Trust preferred securities	—				—				1,700				(430		)		1,700				(430		)
Corporate notes	7,410				(92		)		—				—				7,410				(92		)
	$	213,636			$	(1,681	)		$	19,701			$	(681	)		$	233,337			$	(2,362	)
Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions	$	1,658			$	(7	)		$	1,755			$	(41	)		$	3,413			$	(48	)
	December 31, 2016
	Less than 12 months								12 months or longer								Total
	Fair Value				Gross Unrealized (Losses)				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized (Losses)				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized (Losses)
Securities available for sale:
State and political subdivisions	$	34,903			$	(591	)		$	—			$	—			$	34,903			$	(591	)
Collateralized mortgage obligations	75,771				(1,255		)		2,538				(88		)		78,309				(1,343		)
Mortgage-backed securities	60,221				(797		)		—				—				60,221				(797		)
Trust preferred security	—				—				1,250				(534		)		1,250				(534		)
Corporate notes	1,499				(1		)		—				—				1,499				(1		)
	$	172,394			$	(2,644	)		$	3,788			$	(622	)		$	176,182			$	(3,266	)
Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions	$	32,976			$	(458	)		$	3,968			$	(209	)		$	36,944			$	(667	)

As of September 30, 2017, the available for sale and held to maturity securities with unrealized losses included one U.S. government agency security, 89 state and political subdivision securities, 30 collateralized mortgage obligation securities, eight mortgage-backed securities, three asset-backed securities, one trust preferred security and two corporate notes. The Company believed the unrealized losses on investments available for sale and held to maturity as of September 30, 2017 were due to market conditions rather than reduced estimated cash flows. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before anticipated recovery, and expects full principal and interest to be collected. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to have OTTI as of September 30, 2017.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

4. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans consisted of the following segments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
Commercial	$	316,716			$	334,014
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	249,453				205,610
1-4 family residential first mortgages	49,369				47,184
Home equity	14,558				18,057
Commercial	820,144				788,000
Consumer and other loans	8,235				8,355
	1,458,475				1,401,220
Net unamortized fees and costs	(1,570		)		(1,350		)
	$	1,456,905			$	1,399,870

Real estate loans of approximately $710,000 and $680,000 were pledged as security for Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Loans are stated at the principal amounts outstanding, net of unamortized loan fees and costs, with interest income recognized on the interest method based upon those outstanding loan balances.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Loans are reported by the portfolio segments identified above and are analyzed by management on this basis. All loan policies identified below apply to all segments of the loan portfolio.

Delinquencies are determined based on the payment terms of the individual loan agreements. The accrual of interest on past due and other impaired loans is generally discontinued at 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, the borrower may be unable to make all payments pursuant to contractual terms.  Unless considered collectible, all interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income, if accrued in the current year, or charged to the allowance for loan losses, if accrued in the prior year.  Generally, all payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status are applied to the principal balance of the loan. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. 

A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured (TDR) loan when the Company separately concludes that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession is granted that would not otherwise be considered. Concessions may include a restructuring of the loan terms to alleviate the burden of the borrower's cash requirements, such as an extension of the payment terms beyond the original maturity date or a change in the interest rate charged.  TDR loans with extended payment terms are accounted for as impaired until performance is established. A change to the interest rate would change the classification of a loan to a TDR loan if the restructured loan yields a rate that is below a market rate for that of a new loan with comparable risk. TDR loans with below-market rates are considered impaired until fully collected. TDR loans may also be reported as nonaccrual or past due 90 days if they are not performing per the restructured terms.

Based upon its ongoing assessment of credit quality within the loan portfolio, the Company maintains a Watch List, which includes loans classified as Doubtful, Substandard and Watch according to the Company's classification criteria. These loans involve the anticipated potential for payment defaults or collateral inadequacies. A loan on the Watch List is considered impaired when management believes it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.  Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The amount of impairment, if any, and any subsequent changes are included in the allowance for loan losses.

  

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

TDR loans totaled $247 and $426 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and were included in nonaccrual loans. There were no loan modifications considered to be TDR that occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. No TDR loans that were modified within the twelve months preceding September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 have subsequently had a payment default. A TDR loan is considered to have a payment default when it is past due 30 days or more.

The following table summarizes the recorded investment in impaired loans by segment, broken down by loans with no related allowance for loan losses and loans with a related allowance and the amount of that allowance as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	September 30, 2017												December 31, 2016
	Recorded Investment				Unpaid Principal Balance				Related Allowance				Recorded Investment				Unpaid Principal Balance				Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	35			$	35			$	—
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	—				—				—				—				—				—
1-4 family residential first mortgages	94				94				—				108				108				—
Home equity	30				30				—				41				41				—
Commercial	247				247				—				335				335				—
Consumer and other loans	—				—				—				—				—				—
	371				371				—				519				519				—
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial	—				—				—				91				91				91
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	—				—				—				—				—				—
1-4 family residential first mortgages	—				—				—				—				—				—
Home equity	23				23				23				276				276				276
Commercial	123				123				123				136				136				136
Consumer and other loans	—				—				—				—				—				—
	146				146				146				503				503				503
Total:
Commercial	—				—				—				126				126				91
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	—				—				—				—				—				—
1-4 family residential first mortgages	94				94				—				108				108				—
Home equity	53				53				23				317				317				276
Commercial	370				370				123				471				471				136
Consumer and other loans	—				—				—				—				—				—
	$	517			$	517			$	146			$	1,022			$	1,022			$	503

   

The balance of impaired loans at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was composed of 5 and 10 different borrowers, respectively. The Company has no commitments to advance additional funds on any of the impaired loans.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following table summarizes the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

	Three Months Ended September 30,																Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017								2016								2017								2016
	Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized				Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized				Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized				Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	24			$	—			$	—			$	—
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	—				—				—				—				—				—				11				—
1-4 family residential first mortgages	97				—				124				—				101				—				242				1
Home equity	29				—				—				—				33				—				—				—
Commercial	262				—				377				—				291				—				407				—
Consumer and other loans	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
	388				—				501				—				449				—				660				1
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial	62				—				130				—				78				—				135				—
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
1-4 family residential first mortgages	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Home equity	157				—				254				—				223				—				261				—
Commercial	125				—				143				—				130				—				148				—
Consumer and other loans	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
	344				—				527				—				431				—				544				—
Total:
Commercial	62				—				130				—				102				—				135				—
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	—				—				—				—				—				—				11				—
1-4 family residential first mortgages	97				—				124				—				101				—				242				1
Home equity	186				—				254				—				256				—				261				—
Commercial	387				—				520				—				421				—				555				—
Consumer and other loans	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
	$	732			$	—			$	1,028			$	—			$	880			$	—			$	1,204			$	1

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables provide an analysis of the payment status of the recorded investment in loans as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	September 30, 2017
	30-59 Days Past Due				60-89 Days Past Due				90 Days or More Past Due				Total Past Due				Current				Nonaccrual Loans				Total Loans
Commercial	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	316,716			$	—			$	316,716
Real estate:
Construction, land and
land development	—				—				—				—				249,453				—				249,453
1-4 family residential
first mortgages	—				—				—				—				49,275				94				49,369
Home equity	3				—				—				3				14,502				53				14,558
Commercial	—				—				—				—				819,774				370				820,144
Consumer and other	—				—				—				—				8,235				—				8,235
Total	$	3			$	—			$	—			$	3			$	1,457,955			$	517			$	1,458,475

	December 31, 2016
	30-59 Days Past Due				60-89 Days Past Due				90 Days or More Past Due				Total Past Due				Current				Nonaccrual Loans				Total Loans
Commercial	$	109			$	—			$	—			$	109			$	333,779			$	126			$	334,014
Real estate:
Construction, land and
land development	—				—				—				—				205,610				—				205,610
1-4 family residential
first mortgages	64				—				—				64				47,012				108				47,184
Home equity	—				—				—				—				17,740				317				18,057
Commercial	—				—				—				—				787,529				471				788,000
Consumer and other	—				—				—				—				8,355				—				8,355
Total	$	173			$	—			$	—			$	173			$	1,400,025			$	1,022			$	1,401,220

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables present the recorded investment in loans by credit quality indicator and loan segment as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	September 30, 2017
	Pass				Watch				Substandard				Doubtful				Total
Commercial	$	314,078			$	560			$	2,078			$	—			$	316,716
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	249,308				145				—				—				249,453
1-4 family residential first mortgages	48,564				552				253				—				49,369
Home equity	14,377				56				125				—				14,558
Commercial	800,622				18,246				1,276				—				820,144
Consumer and other	8,196				39				—				—				8,235
Total	$	1,435,145			$	19,598			$	3,732			$	—			$	1,458,475

	December 31, 2016
	Pass				Watch				Substandard				Doubtful				Total
Commercial	$	329,366			$	3,303			$	1,345			$	—			$	334,014
Real estate:
Construction, land and land development	204,572				—				1,038				—				205,610
1-4 family residential first mortgages	46,278				798				108				—				47,184
Home equity	17,646				—				411				—				18,057
Commercial	769,010				18,392				598				—				788,000
Consumer and other	8,355				—				—				—				8,355
Total	$	1,375,227			$	22,493			$	3,500			$	—			$	1,401,220

All loans are subject to the assessment of a credit quality indicator. Risk ratings are assigned for each loan at the time of approval, and they change as circumstances dictate during the term of the loan. The Company utilizes a 9-point risk rating scale as shown below, with ratings 1 - 5 included in the Pass column, rating 6 included in the Watch column, ratings 7 - 8 included in the Substandard column and rating 9 included in the Doubtful column. All loans classified as impaired that are included in the specific evaluation of the allowance for loan losses are included in the Substandard column along with all other loans with ratings of 7 - 8.

Risk rating 1: The loan is secured by cash equivalent collateral.

Risk rating 2: The loan is secured by properly margined marketable securities, bonds or cash surrender value of life insurance.

Risk rating 3: The borrower is in strong financial condition and has strong debt service capacity. The loan is performing as agreed, and the financial characteristics and trends of the borrower exceed industry statistics.

Risk rating 4: The borrower's financial condition is satisfactory and stable.  The borrower has satisfactory debt service capacity, and the loan is well secured. The loan is performing as agreed, and the financial characteristics and trends fall in line with industry statistics.

Risk rating 5: The borrower's financial condition is less than satisfactory. The loan is still generally paying as agreed, but strained cash flows may cause some slowness in payments. The collateral values adequately preclude loss on the loan. Financial characteristics and trends lag industry statistics. There may be noncompliance with loan covenants.

Risk rating 6: The borrower's financial condition is deficient. Payment delinquencies may be more common. Collateral values still protect from loss, but margins are narrow. The loan may be reliant on secondary sources of repayment, including liquidation of collateral and guarantor support.

19

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Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Risk rating 7: The loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Well-defined weaknesses exist that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. The Company is inadequately protected by the valuation or paying capacity of the collateral pledged. If deficiencies are not corrected, there is a distinct possibility that a loss will be sustained.

Risk rating 8: All the characteristics of rating 7 exist with the added condition that the loan is past due more than 90 days or there is reason to believe the Company will not receive its principal and interest according to the terms of the loan agreement.

Risk rating 9: All the weaknesses inherent in risk ratings 7 and 8 exist with the added condition that collection or liquidation, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, is highly questionable and improbable. A loan reaching this category would most likely be charged off.

Credit quality indicators for all loans and the Company's risk rating process are dynamic and updated on a continuous basis. Risk ratings are updated as circumstances that could affect the repayment of an individual loan are brought to management's attention through an established monitoring process. Individual lenders initiate changes as appropriate for ratings 1 through 5, and changes for ratings 6 through 9 are initiated via communications with management. The likelihood of loss increases as the risk rating increases and is generally preceded by a loan appearing on the Watch List, which consists of all loans with a risk rating of 6 or worse. Written action plans with target dates for resolution of identified problems are maintained and reviewed on a quarterly basis for all segments of criticized loans.

In addition to the Company's internal credit monitoring practices and procedures, an outsourced independent credit review function is in place to further assess assigned internal risk classifications and monitor compliance with internal lending policies and procedures.

In all portfolio segments, the primary risks are that a borrower's income stream diminishes to the point that the borrower is not able to make scheduled principal and interest payments and any collateral securing the loan declines in value. The risk of declining collateral values is present for most types of loans.

Commercial loans consist primarily of loans to businesses for various purposes, including revolving lines to finance current operations, inventory and accounts receivable, and capital expenditure loans to finance equipment and other fixed assets.  These loans generally have short maturities, have either adjustable or fixed interest rates, and are either unsecured or secured by inventory, accounts receivable and/or fixed assets. For commercial loans, the primary source of repayment is from the operation of the business.

Real estate loans include various types of loans for which the Company holds real property as collateral, and consist of loans on commercial properties and single and multifamily residences.  Real estate loans are typically structured to mature or reprice every five years with payments based on amortization periods up to 30 years.  The majority of construction loans are to contractors and developers for construction of commercial buildings or residential real estate. These loans typically have maturities of up to 24 months. The Company's loan policy includes minimum appraisal and other credit guidelines.

Consumer loans include loans extended to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures not secured by real estate.  The majority of the Company's consumer lending is for vehicles, consolidation of personal debts and household improvements. The repayment source for consumer loans, including 1-4 family residential and home equity loans, is typically wages.

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense.  The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior loss experience.  This evaluation also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, the review of specific problem loans, and the current economic conditions that may affect the borrower's ability to pay.  Loans are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or the other factors relied upon.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that meet the definition of impaired.  The general component covers the remaining loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors such as delinquency trends, loan growth, economic elements and local market conditions.  These same policies are applied to all segments of loans. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan losses, and may require the Company to make additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

The following tables detail the changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
					Real Estate
	Commercial				Construction and Land				1-4 Family Residential				Home Equity				Commercial				Consumer and Other				Total
Beginning balance	$	3,802			$	2,552			$	350			$	372			$	9,307			$	103			$	16,486
Charge-offs	(3		)		—				—				(176		)		—				—				(179		)
Recoveries	34				—				8				5				3				1				51
Provision (1)	(165		)		170				(24		)		16				1				2				—
Ending balance	$	3,668			$	2,722			$	334			$	217			$	9,311			$	106			$	16,358
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
					Real Estate
	Commercial				Construction and Land				1-4 Family Residential				Home Equity				Commercial				Consumer and Other				Total
Beginning balance	$	4,441			$	2,804			$	393			$	483			$	7,606			$	102			$	15,829
Charge-offs	(25		)		(140		)		—				—				—				(6		)		(171		)
Recoveries	53				—				37				6				4				—				100
Provision (1)	(318		)		8				(84		)		(25		)		621				(2		)		200
Ending balance	$	4,151			$	2,672			$	346			$	464			$	8,231			$	94			$	15,958
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
					Real Estate
	Commercial				Construction and Land				1-4 Family Residential				Home Equity				Commercial				Consumer and Other				Total
Beginning balance	$	3,881			$	2,639			$	317			$	478			$	8,697			$	100			$	16,112
Charge-offs	(196		)		—				—				(176		)		—				—				(372		)
Recoveries	174				398				10				20				9				7				618
Provision (1)	(191		)		(315		)		7				(105		)		605				(1		)		—
Ending balance	$	3,668			$	2,722			$	334			$	217			$	9,311			$	106			$	16,358
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
					Real Estate
	Commercial				Construction and Land				1-4 Family Residential				Home Equity				Commercial				Consumer and Other				Total
Beginning balance	$	4,369			$	2,338			$	508			$	481			$	7,254			$	17			$	14,967
Charge-offs	(25		)		(140		)		(93		)		—				—				(6		)		(264		)
Recoveries	194				56				58				30				10				7				355
Provision (1)	(387		)		418				(127		)		(47		)		967				76				900
Ending balance	$	4,151			$	2,672			$	346			$	464			$	8,231			$	94			$	15,958

(1)	The negative provisions for the various segments are either related to the decline in outstanding balances in each of those portfolio segments during the time periods disclosed and/or improvement in the credit quality factors related to those portfolio segments.

21

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Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables present a breakdown of the allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method by segment as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	September 30, 2017
					Real Estate
	Commercial				Construction and Land				1-4 Family Residential				Home Equity				Commercial				Consumer and Other				Total
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	23			$	123			$	—			$	146
Collectively evaluated for impairment	3,668				2,722				334				194				9,188				106				16,212
Total	$	3,668			$	2,722			$	334			$	217			$	9,311			$	106			$	16,358
	December 31, 2016
					Real Estate
	Commercial				Construction and Land				1-4 Family Residential				Home Equity				Commercial				Consumer and Other				Total
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	91			$	—			$	—			$	276			$	136			$	—			$	503
Collectively evaluated for impairment	3,790				2,639				317				202				8,561				100				15,609
Total	$	3,881			$	2,639			$	317			$	478			$	8,697			$	100			$	16,112

The following tables present the recorded investment in loans, exclusive of unamortized fees and costs, disaggregated on the basis of impairment analysis method by segment as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	September 30, 2017
					Real Estate
	Commercial				Construction and Land				1-4 Family Residential				Home Equity				Commercial				Consumer and Other				Total
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—			$	—			$	94			$	53			$	370			$	—			$	517
Collectively evaluated for impairment	316,716				249,453				49,275				14,505				819,774				8,235				1,457,958
Total	$	316,716			$	249,453			$	49,369			$	14,558			$	820,144			$	8,235			$	1,458,475

	December 31, 2016
					Real Estate
	Commercial				Construction and Land				1-4 Family Residential				Home Equity				Commercial				Consumer and Other				Total
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	126			$	—			$	108			$	317			$	471			$	—			$	1,022
Collectively evaluated for impairment	333,888				205,610				47,076				17,740				787,529				8,355				1,400,198
Total	$	334,014			$	205,610			$	47,184			$	18,057			$	788,000			$	8,355			$	1,401,220

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Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

5.  Long-Term Debt

On May 25, 2017, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a commercial bank and borrowed $25,000. This credit agreement replaced a prior credit agreement with the same commercial bank that had a remaining outstanding principal balance of $3,000. The additional borrowing was used to make a capital injection into the Company's subsidiary, West Bank. Principal and interest under the term note are payable quarterly over five years. Required quarterly principal payments are $625, with the balance due at maturity. The Company may make additional principal payments without penalty. The interest rate is variable at 1.95 percent over the 30-day LIBOR rate. The interest rate was 3.18 percent at September 30, 2017. In the case of an event of default, the unaffiliated commercial bank may accelerate the payment of the loan. The loan is secured by 100 percent of the stock of West Bank.

6. Derivatives

The Company has entered into various forward-starting interest rate swap transactions to effectively convert variable rate FHLB advances and junior subordinated notes to fixed rate debt as of forward-starting dates. The swap transactions were designated as cash flow hedges. Interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $70,000 were terminated in 2015, subject to termination fees totaling $541. The termination fees are being reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense over the remaining life of the underlying cash flows through June 2020. An interest rate swap with a notional amount of $30,000 became effective in December 2015. Another interest rate swap, with a notional amount of $20,000, has a forward-starting date in September 2018. No amount of ineffectiveness was included in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016, and the Company estimates there will be approximately $373 of cash payments and reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense through the 12 months ended September 30, 2018. Derivative contracts are executed with a Credit Support Annex, which is a bilateral ratings-sensitive agreement that requires collateral postings at established credit threshold levels. These agreements protect the interests of the Company and its counterparties should either party suffer a credit rating deterioration. As of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company pledged $470 of collateral to the counterparty in the form of cash on deposit with a third party. The Company's counterparty was required to pledge $720 and $1,070 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair values of the Company's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Interest Rate Swap			Notional Amount				Fair Value				Balance Sheet Category		Weighted Average Receive Rate			Weighted Average Pay Rate			Maturity
September 30, 2017
Interest rate swap			$	30,000			$	(351	)		Other Liabilities		1.64	%		2.52	%		9/21/2020
Interest rate swap(1)			20,000				786				Other Assets		—			4.81	%		9/30/2026
December 31, 2016
Interest rate swap			30,000				(496		)		Other Liabilities		1.30	%		2.52	%		9/21/2020
Interest rate swap(1)			20,000				1,068				Other Assets		—			4.81	%		9/30/2026

(1) This swap is a forward-starting swap with a weighted average pay rate of 4.81 percent beginning September 30, 2018. No interest payments are required related to this swap until December 30, 2018.

The following table identifies the pre-tax losses recognized on the Company's derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Effective Portion

Ineffective Portion

Amount of

Reclassified from AOCI into Income

Recognized in Income on Derivatives

Pre-tax (Loss)

Recognized

Amount of

Amount of

Interest Rate Swap

in OCI

Category

(Loss)

Category

Gain (Loss)

September 30, 2017

$

(376

)

Interest Expense

$

(321

)

Other Income

$

—

September 30, 2016

(889

)

Interest Expense

(444

)

Other Income

—

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Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

7.  Deferred Income Taxes

Net deferred tax assets consisted of the following as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.  

	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$	6,216			$	6,123
Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale	15				719
Intangibles	231				462
Accrued expenses	499				706
Restricted stock compensation	564				446
State net operating loss carryforward	1,339				1,271
Other	137				190
	9,001				9,917
Deferred tax liabilities:
Net deferred loan fees and costs	289				321
Net unrealized gains on interest rate swaps	59				80
Premises and equipment	1,227				1,027
Other	226				261
	1,801				1,689
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	7,200				8,228
Valuation allowance	(1,339		)		(1,271		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	5,861			$	6,957

The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the tax effect of the state net operating loss carryforwards, as management believes it is more likely than not that these carryforwards will expire without being utilized. The state net operating loss carryforwards expire in 2019 and thereafter.

8.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

		Unrealized				Unrealized				Accumulated
		Gains				Gains				Other
		(Losses) on				(Losses) on				Comprehensive
		Securities				Derivatives				Income (Loss)
Balance, December 31, 2015		$	342			$	(772	)		$	(430	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		2,958				(550		)		2,408
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(113		)		275				162
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		2,845				(275		)		2,570
Balance, September 30, 2016		$	3,187			$	(1,047	)		$	2,140
Balance, December 31, 2016		$	(1,172	)		$	130			$	(1,042	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		1,556				(233		)		1,323
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(408		)		199				(209		)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		1,148				(34		)		1,114
Balance, September 30, 2017		$	(24	)		$	96			$	72

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

9.  Commitments and Contingencies

Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk: The Company is 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 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 Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations that it uses for on-balance-sheet instruments.  The Company's commitments consisted of the following approximate amounts as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. 

	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
Commitments to extend credit	$	597,325			$	614,681
Standby letters of credit	5,424				5,487
	$	602,749			$	620,168

West Bank previously executed Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) Master Commitments (Commitments) with the FHLB of Des Moines to deliver residential mortgage loans and to guarantee the payment of any realized losses that exceed the FHLB's first loss account for mortgages delivered under the Commitments. West Bank receives credit enhancement fees from the FHLB for providing this guarantee and continuing to assist with managing the credit risk of the MPF Program residential mortgage loans. At September 30, 2017, the liability represented by the present value of the credit enhancement fees less any expected losses in the mortgages delivered under the Commitments was approximately $125. The outstanding balance of mortgage loans sold under the MPF Program was $98,353 and $112,084 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Contractual commitments: The Company has remaining commitments to invest in qualified affordable housing projects totaling $6,253 and $5,768 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Contingencies: Neither the Company nor West Bank is a party, and no property of these entities is subject, to any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to West Bank's business. The Company does not know of any proceeding contemplated by a governmental authority against the Company or West Bank.

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Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

10. Fair Value Measurements

Accounting guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities using a hierarchy system.  Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts business.

The Company's balance sheet contains investment securities available for sale and derivative instruments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  The three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value is as follows:

Level 1 uses quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 uses observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 uses unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between Levels at the end of each reporting period, if applicable. There were no transfers between Levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.

Investment securities available for sale: When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of investment securities. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company determines fair value based on various sources and may apply matrix pricing with observable prices for similar bonds where a price for the identical bond is not observable. The fair values of these securities are determined by pricing models that consider observable market data such as interest rate volatilities, LIBOR yield curve, credit spreads, prices from market makers and live trading systems. Level 1 securities include certain corporate bonds and would include U.S. Treasuries, if any were held. Level 2 securities include U.S. government and agency securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, state and political subdivision securities, and trust preferred securities. The Company currently holds no investment securities classified as Level 3.

Generally, management obtains the fair value of investment securities at the end of each reporting period via a third-party pricing service. Management reviewed the valuation process used by the third party and believed that process was valid. On a quarterly basis, the Company tests the fair values by selecting a sample of investment securities from each category of securities, obtaining pricing from an independent investment portfolio management firm and comparing the two sets of fair values. Any significant variances are reviewed and investigated. For a sample of securities, prices are further validated by management, with assistance from an independent investment portfolio management firm, by obtaining details of the inputs used by the pricing service. Those inputs were independently tested, and management concluded the fair values were consistent with GAAP requirements and the investment securities were properly classified in the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Derivative instruments: The Company's derivative instruments consist of interest rate swaps, which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Company's derivative positions are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and are valued using models generally accepted in the financial services industry and that use actively quoted or observable market input values from external market data providers and/or non-binding broker-dealer quotations. The fair value of the derivatives is determined using discounted cash flow models. These models’ key assumptions include the contractual terms of the respective contract along with significant observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curves, nonperformance risk and volatility.

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following tables present the balances of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

		September 30, 2017
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Financial assets:
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. government agencies and corporations		$	2,489			$	—			$	2,489			$	—
State and political subdivisions		134,256				—				134,256				—
Collateralized mortgage obligations		149,367				—				149,367				—
Mortgage-backed securities		54,787				—				54,787				—
Asset-backed securities		46,273				—				46,273				—
Trust preferred securities		1,700				—				1,700				—
Corporate notes		29,502				29,202				300				—
Derivative instrument, interest rate swap		786				—				786				—
Financial liabilities:
Derivative instrument, interest rate swap		$	351			$	—			$	351			$	—

		December 31, 2016
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Financial assets:
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. government agencies and corporations		$	2,593			$	—			$	2,593			$	—
State and political subdivisions		64,336				—				64,336				—
Collateralized mortgage obligations		101,950				—				101,950				—
Mortgage-backed securities		80,158				—				80,158				—
Trust preferred security		1,250				—				1,250				—
Corporate notes		10,350				10,050				300				—
Derivative instrument, interest rate swap		1,068				—				1,068				—
Financial liabilities:
Derivative instrument, interest rate swap		$	496			$	—			$	496			$	—

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  As of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, impaired loans for which a fair value adjustment was recorded were recorded at a net value of $0.  Impaired loans are evaluated and valued at the lower of cost or fair value when the loan is identified as impaired.  Fair value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans.  The types of collateral vary widely and could include accounts receivables, inventory, a variety of equipment and real estate.  Evaluations of the underlying assets are completed for each impaired loan with a specific reserve. Collateral evaluations are reviewed and discounted as appropriate based on knowledge of the specific type of collateral. In the case of real estate, an independent appraisal may be obtained. Types of discounts considered included aging of receivables, condition of the collateral, potential market for the collateral and estimated disposal costs. These discounts will vary from loan to loan and may be discounted based on management's opinions concerning market developments or the client's business.

 

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West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.  The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are discussed above.  The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.

Cash and due from banks:  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Federal funds sold:  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Investment securities held to maturity: The fair values of these securities, which are all state and political subdivisions, are determined by the same method previously described for investment securities available for sale.

FHLB stock:  The fair value of this restricted stock is estimated at its carrying value and redemption price of $100 per share.

Loans:  The fair values of fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on observable market interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality. The carrying values of variable rate loans approximate their fair values.

Deposits:  The carrying amounts for demand and savings deposits, which represent the amounts payable on demand, approximate their fair values.  The fair values for time deposits are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on observable market interest rates currently being offered on time deposits with similar terms.

Accrued interest receivable and payable:  The fair values of both accrued interest receivable and payable approximate their carrying amounts.

Borrowings:  The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, short-term borrowings, variable rate FHLB advances, and variable rate long-term borrowings approximate their fair values.  Fair values of subordinated notes, a fixed rate FHLB advance and other long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on observable market interest rates currently being offered with similar terms.

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit:  The approximate fair values of commitments and standby letters of credit are based on the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and creditworthiness of the counterparties.

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Table of Contents

West Bancorporation, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

The following table presents the carrying amounts and approximate fair values of financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. 

			September 30, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Fair Value Hierarchy Level		Carrying Amount				Approximate Fair Value				Carrying Amount				Approximate Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks	Level 1		$	33,560			$	33,560			$	40,943			$	40,943
Federal funds sold	Level 1		5,937				5,937				35,893				35,893
Investment securities available for sale	See previous table		418,374				418,374				260,637				260,637
Investment securities held to maturity	Level 2		45,597				46,356				48,386				47,789
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	Level 1		12,256				12,256				10,771				10,771
Loans, net(1)	Level 2		1,440,547				1,439,084				1,383,758				1,382,569
Accrued interest receivable	Level 1		6,636				6,636				5,321				5,321
Interest rate swap	Level 2		786				786				1,068				1,068
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	Level 2		$	1,651,266			$	1,651,307			$	1,546,605			$	1,546,307
Federal funds purchased	Level 1		925				925				9,690				9,690
Short-term borrowings	Level 1		48,000				48,000				—				—
Subordinated notes, net	Level 2		20,408				14,021				20,398				12,703
Federal Home Loan Bank advances, net	Level 2		101,005				101,113				99,886				99,959
Long-term debt, net	Level 2		24,195				24,134				5,126				5,054
Accrued interest payable	Level 1		616				616				280				280
Interest rate swap	Level 2		351				351				496				496
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:
Commitments to extend credit	Level 3		—				—				—				—
Standby letters of credit	Level 3		—				—				—				—

(1) All loans are Level 2 except impaired loans with a net value of $0 as of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, which are Level 3.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

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

"SAFE HARBOR" CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to the Company's business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “future,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “strategy,” “plan,” “opportunity,” “will be,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar references, or references to estimates, predictions or future events.  Such forward-looking statements are based upon certain underlying assumptions, risks and uncertainties.  Because of the possibility that the underlying assumptions are incorrect or do not materialize as expected in the future, actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties that may affect future results include: interest rate risk; competitive pressures; pricing pressures on loans and deposits; changes in credit and other risks posed by the Company's loan and investment portfolios, including declines in commercial or residential real estate values or changes in the allowance for loan losses dictated by new market conditions or regulatory requirements; actions of bank and nonbank competitors; changes in local, national and international economic conditions; changes in regulatory requirements, limitations and costs; changes in customers' acceptance of the Company's products and services; cyber-attacks; unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; and any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of this and other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements to reflect current or future events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The estimates and judgments that management believes have the most effect on the Company's reported financial position and results of operations are described as critical accounting policies in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2017. There have been no significant changes in the critical accounting policies or the assumptions and judgments utilized in applying these policies since the year ended December 31, 2016.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

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

		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2017				2016				2017				2016
Reconciliation of net interest income and annualized net interest margin on an FTE basis to GAAP:
Net interest income (GAAP)		$	15,031			$	14,721			$	44,513			$	42,693
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)		677				639				1,892				1,994
Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP)		$	15,708			$	15,360			$	46,405			$	44,687
Average interest-earning assets		$	1,882,837			$	1,745,878			$	1,820,997			$	1,699,703
Net interest margin on an FTE basis (non-GAAP)		3.31		%		3.50		%		3.41		%		3.51		%
Reconciliation of efficiency ratio on an FTE basis to GAAP:
Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP)		$	15,708			$	15,360			$	46,405			$	44,687
Noninterest income		2,264				1,919				6,740				6,052
Less: realized investment securities gains, net		(197		)		—				(423		)		(60		)
Plus: losses on disposal of premises and equipment, net		10				—				25				—
Adjusted income		$	17,785			$	17,279			$	52,747			$	50,679
Noninterest expense		$	8,020			$	7,993			$	24,235			$	23,611
Efficiency ratio on an adjusted and FTE basis (non-GAAP) (2)		45.10		%		46.25		%		45.95		%		46.59		%

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental federal income tax rate of 35 percent, adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense associated with owning tax-exempt securities and loans.

(2) Efficiency ratio expresses noninterest expense as a percent of fully taxable equivalent net interest income and noninterest income, excluding specific noninterest income and expenses. Management believes the presentation of this non-GAAP measure provides supplemental useful information for proper understanding of the financial results, as it enhances the comparability of income and expenses arising from taxable and nontaxable sources.

THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

OVERVIEW

The following discussion describes the consolidated operations and financial condition of the Company, West Bank and West Bank's wholly owned subsidiary WB Funding Corporation. Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are compared to the results for the same periods in 2016, and the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of September 30, 2017 is compared to December 31, 2016. The Company operates in three markets: central Iowa, which is generally the greater Des Moines metropolitan area; eastern Iowa, which is the area including and surrounding Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa; and the Rochester, Minnesota area.

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $6,405, or $0.39 per diluted common share, compared to $5,813, or $0.36 per diluted common share for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The Company's annualized return on average assets and return on average equity for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were 1.29 and 14.41 percent, respectively, compared to 1.26 and 14.20 percent, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

The increase in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to the combination of higher net interest income, growth in noninterest income and a decrease in the provision for loan losses. Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 held steady compared to the same period in 2016.

Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 grew $310, or 2.1 percent, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in net interest income was driven by a $47,008, or 3.4 percent, increase in average loans outstanding and a $68,071, or 19.7 percent, increase in average investment securities held for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same time period in 2016. Partially offsetting the increase in interest income was an increase of $1,236 in interest expense on deposits, primarily due to higher interest rates paid on certain deposit products. The Company recorded no provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to a $200 provision in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Noninterest income grew $345, or 18.0 percent, during the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same time period in 2016, mainly as the result of net gains on sales of investment securities and an increase in trust revenue.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $18,876, or $1.16 per diluted common share, compared to $16,985, or $1.05 per diluted common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company's annualized return on average assets and return on average equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were 1.32 and 14.69 percent, respectively, compared to 1.26 and 14.29 percent, respectively, for the first nine months of 2016.

The increase in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 was primarily due to growth in net interest income associated with loan growth that exceeded the increase in interest expense on deposits, a decrease in the provision for loan losses and an increase in noninterest income. Partially offsetting these positive changes for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 was a 2.6 percent increase in noninterest expense.

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 grew $1,820, or 4.3 percent, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to the $113,699 increase in average loans outstanding for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, interest expense on deposits increased $2,683 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, mainly due to increased interest rates on certain money market deposit products and certificates of deposit as a result of rising market rates. The Company recorded no provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to a $900 provision in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the allowance for loan losses grew $246 as a result of net recoveries on previously charged off loans exceeding current year charge-offs.

Noninterest income increased $688, or 11.4 percent, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, mainly due to net gains on sales of investment securities, an increase in trust revenue and a nonrecurring gain on an asset sale. Noninterest expense grew $624 during the first nine months of 2017, primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefit costs.

Total loans outstanding increased $57,035, or 4.1 percent, during the first nine months of 2017. Management believes the loan pipeline is strong and that loan growth will continue in all three of our markets during the remainder of 2017. The credit quality of the loan portfolio remained strong as evidenced by the Company's Texas ratio, which was 0.27 percent as of September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the allowance for loan losses was 1.12 percent of outstanding loans, and management believed the allowance was adequate to absorb any losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Each quarter throughout the year, the Company's four key performance metrics are compared to those of our identified peer group of 16 companies. The group of 16 Midwestern, publicly traded peer financial institutions against which we compare our performance each quarter consists of BankFinancial Corporation, Farmers Capital Bank Corporation, First Business Financial Services, Inc., First Defiance Financial Corp., First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc., Hills Bancorporation, Horizon Bancorp, Isabella Bank Corporation, Mercantile Bank Corporation, MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc., MutualFirst Financial, Inc., Nicolet Bankshares, Inc., Peoples Bancorp, QCR Holdings, Inc., Southwest Bancorp and Waterstone Financial, Inc. The members of the peer group are selected based on their business focus, scope and location of operations, size and other considerations. The Company is in the middle of the group in terms of asset size. The group is periodically reviewed, with changes made primarily to reflect merger and acquisition activity. Our goal is to perform at or near the top of these peers relative to what we consider to be four key metrics: return on average assets, return on average equity, efficiency ratio and Texas ratio. We believe these measures encompass the factors that define the performance of a community bank. When contrasted with the peer group's metrics for the six months ended June 30, 2017 (latest data available), the Company's metrics for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were better than those of each company in the peer group as shown in the table below, except for one peer that had a higher return on average assets.

	West Bancorporation, Inc.		Peer Group Range
	Nine months ended September 30, 2017		Six months ended June 30, 2017
Return on average assets	1.32%		0.56% - 1.75%
Return on average equity	14.69%		4.37% - 12.13%
Efficiency ratio*(1)	45.95%		54.04% - 73.76%
Texas ratio*	0.27%		3.78% - 23.16%

* A lower ratio is more desirable.

(1) The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this report.

In July 2017, the Company was included on Bank Director Magazine's 2017 Bank Performance Scorecard listing of the top performing publicly traded banks in the nation with assets of $1 billion to $5 billion. The ranking was based on five key metrics that measured performance for 2016. The Company was ranked No. 6 in the nation.

At its meeting on October 25, 2017, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per common share. The dividend is payable on November 22, 2017, to stockholders of record as of November 8, 2017. The dividend was increased by $0.01 to the $0.18 level for the dividend declared in April 2017 and represents the highest quarterly dividend ever paid by the Company.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table shows selected financial results and measures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same periods in 2016. 

	Three Months Ended September 30,															Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017				2016				Change				Change %			2017				2016				Change				Change %
Net income	$	6,405			$	5,813			$	592			10.18	%		$	18,876			$	16,985			$	1,891			11.13	%
Average assets	1,969,547				1,838,125				131,422				7.15	%		1,911,391				1,794,777				116,614				6.50	%
Average stockholders' equity	176,308				162,867				13,441				8.25	%		171,827				158,821				13,006				8.19	%
Return on average assets	1.29		%		1.26		%		0.03		%					1.32		%		1.26		%		0.06		%
Return on average equity	14.41		%		14.20		%		0.21		%					14.69		%		14.29		%		0.40		%
Net interest margin (1)	3.31		%		3.50		%		(0.19		)%					3.41		%		3.51		%		(0.10		)%
Efficiency ratio (1) (2)	45.10		%		46.25		%		(1.15		)%					45.95		%		46.59		%		(0.64		)%
Dividend payout ratio	45.57		%		47.19		%		(1.62		)%					45.46		%		47.43		%		(1.97		)%
Average equity to average assets ratio	8.95		%		8.86		%		0.09		%					8.99		%		8.85		%		0.14		%
																As of September 30,
																2017				2016				Change
Texas ratio (2)																0.27		%		0.55		%		(0.28		)%
Equity to assets ratio																8.77		%		9.03		%		(0.26		)%
Tangible common equity ratio																8.77		%		9.03		%		(0.26		)%

(1) Amounts are presented on an FTE basis. These are non-GAAP measures. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this report.

(2) A lower ratio is more desirable.

Definitions of ratios:

•	Return on average assets - annualized net income divided by average assets.

•	Return on average equity - annualized net income divided by average stockholders' equity.

•	Net interest margin - annualized tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

•	Efficiency ratio - noninterest expense (excluding other real estate owned expense) divided by noninterest income (excluding net securities gains and gains/losses on disposition of premises and equipment) plus tax-equivalent net interest income.

•	Dividend payout ratio - dividends paid to common stockholders divided by net income.

•	Texas ratio - total nonperforming assets divided by tangible common equity plus the allowance for loan losses.

•	Equity to assets ratio - equity divided by assets.

•	Tangible common equity ratio - common equity less intangible assets (none held) divided by tangible assets.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Net Interest Income

The following tables present average balances and related interest income or interest expense, with the resulting annualized average yield or rate by category of interest-earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities.  Interest income and the resulting net interest income are shown on an FTE basis.

Data for the three months ended September 30:
	Average Balance															Interest Income/Expense															Yield/Rate
	2017				2016				Change				Change- %			2017				2016				Change				Change- %			2017			2016			Change
Interest-earning assets:
Loans: (1) (2)
Commercial	$	308,585			$	365,632			$	(57,047	)		(15.60	)%		$	3,452			$	3,874			$	(422	)		(10.89	)%		4.44	%		4.22	%		0.22	%
Real estate (3)	1,109,041				1,003,492				105,549				10.52	%		12,503				11,166				1,337				11.97	%		4.47	%		4.43	%		0.04	%
Consumer and other	8,489				9,983				(1,494		)		(14.97	)%		88				102				(14		)		(13.73	)%		4.09	%		4.06	%		0.03	%
Total loans	1,426,115				1,379,107				47,008				3.41	%		16,043				15,142				901				5.95	%		4.46	%		4.37	%		0.09	%
Investment securities:
Taxable	259,225				230,054				29,171				12.68	%		1,489				991				498				50.25	%		2.30	%		1.72	%		0.58	%
Tax-exempt (3)	154,834				115,934				38,900				33.55	%		1,569				1,176				393				33.42	%		4.05	%		4.06	%		(0.01	)%
Total investment securities	414,059				345,988				68,071				19.67	%		3,058				2,167				891				41.12	%		2.95	%		2.50	%		0.45	%
Federal funds sold	42,663				20,783				21,880				105.28	%		136				26				110				423.08	%		1.27	%		0.51	%		0.76	%
Total interest-earning assets (3)	$	1,882,837			$	1,745,878			$	136,959			7.84	%		19,237				17,335				1,902				10.97	%		4.05	%		3.95	%		0.10	%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand,
savings and money
market	$	1,081,227			$	944,809			$	136,418			14.44	%		1,686				678				1,008				148.67	%		0.62	%		0.29	%		0.33	%
Time deposits	159,949				110,223				49,726				45.11	%		422				194				228				117.53	%		1.04	%		0.70	%		0.34	%
Total deposits	1,241,176				1,055,032				186,144				17.64	%		2,108				872				1,236				141.74	%		0.67	%		0.33	%		0.34	%
Other borrowed funds	150,548				132,583				17,965				13.55	%		1,421				1,103				318				28.83	%		3.75	%		3.31	%		0.44	%
Total interest-bearing
liabilities	$	1,391,724			$	1,187,615			$	204,109			17.19	%		3,529				1,975				1,554				78.68	%		1.01	%		0.66	%		0.35	%
Tax-equivalent net interest income (FTE) (4)																$	15,708			$	15,360			$	348			2.27	%
Net interest spread (FTE)																															3.04	%		3.29	%		(0.25	)%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)																															3.31	%		3.50	%		(0.19	)%

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Data for the nine months ended September 30:
	Average Balance															Interest Income/Expense															Yield/Rate
	2017				2016				Change				Change- %			2017				2016				Change				Change- %			2017			2016			Change
Interest-earning assets:
Loans: (1) (2)
Commercial	$	326,090			$	361,315			$	(35,225	)		(9.75	)%		$	10,556			$	11,377			$	(821	)		(7.22	)%		4.33	%		4.21	%		0.12	%
Real estate (3)	1,100,526				951,226				149,300				15.70	%		36,692				31,768				4,924				15.50	%		4.46	%		4.46	%		—	%
Consumer and other	8,340				8,716				(376		)		(4.31	)%		251				257				(6		)		(2.33	)%		4.02	%		3.94	%		0.08	%
Total loans	1,434,956				1,321,257				113,699				8.61	%		47,499				43,402				4,097				9.44	%		4.43	%		4.39	%		0.04	%
Investment securities:
Taxable	230,060				243,811				(13,751		)		(5.64	)%		3,755				3,222				533				16.54	%		2.18	%		1.76	%		0.42	%
Tax-exempt (3)	129,808				120,049				9,759				8.13	%		3,932				3,742				190				5.08	%		4.04	%		4.16	%		(0.12	)%
Total investment securities	359,868				363,860				(3,992		)		(1.10	)%		7,687				6,964				723				10.38	%		2.85	%		2.55	%		0.30	%
Federal funds sold	26,173				14,586				11,587				79.44	%		223				57				166				291.23	%		1.14	%		0.53	%		0.61	%
Total interest-earning assets (3)	$	1,820,997			$	1,699,703			$	121,294			7.14	%		55,409				50,423				4,986				9.89	%		4.07	%		3.96	%		0.11	%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand,
savings and money
market	$	1,030,095			$	909,950			$	120,145			13.20	%		4,107				1,842				2,265				122.96	%		0.53	%		0.27	%		0.26	%
Time deposits	139,964				110,218				29,746				26.99	%		977				559				418				74.78	%		0.93	%		0.68	%		0.25	%
Total deposits	1,170,059				1,020,168				149,891				14.69	%		5,084				2,401				2,683				111.75	%		0.58	%		0.31	%		0.27	%
Other borrowed funds	146,583				138,687				7,896				5.69	%		3,920				3,335				585				17.54	%		3.58	%		3.21	%		0.37	%
Total interest-bearing
liabilities	$	1,316,642			$	1,158,855			$	157,787			13.62	%		9,004				5,736				3,268				56.97	%		0.91	%		0.66	%		0.25	%
Tax-equivalent net interest income (FTE) (4)																$	46,405			$	44,687			$	1,718			3.84	%
Net interest spread (FTE)																															3.16	%		3.30	%		(0.14	)%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)																															3.41	%		3.51	%		(0.10	)%

(1)	Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans.  Interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans has been included.

(2)	Interest income on loans includes amortization of loan fees and costs and prepayment penalties collected, which are not material.

(3)	Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental federal income tax rate of 35 percent and is adjusted to reflect the effect of the nondeductible interest expense associated with owning tax-exempt investment securities and loans.

(4)	Net interest income (FTE) and net interest margin (FTE) are non-GAAP measures. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this report.

The Company's largest component of net income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of loans and investment securities, and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, consisting of deposits and borrowings. Fluctuations in net interest income can result from the combination of changes in the average balances of asset and liability categories and changes in interest rates. Interest rates earned and paid are affected by general economic conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, and by competitive factors, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System increased the targeted federal funds interest rate by 25 basis points in each of December 2016, March 2017 and June 2017.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Net interest margin is a measure of the net return on interest-earning assets and is computed by dividing annualized tax-equivalent net interest income by total average interest-earning assets for the period. The net interest margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 declined 19 and 10 basis points, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The primary drivers of the decline in the net interest margin were an increase in interest rates paid on certain deposit categories and an increase in the variable rates paid on other borrowed funds, partially offset by an increase in yield on loans and investment securities. Despite the decline in the net interest margin, tax-equivalent net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $348 and $1,718, respectively, compared to the same time periods in 2016. The increase in net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was largely due to the increase in average outstanding loans and an increase in yield on investment securities. Management expects the current interest rate environment to continue to put pressure on the net interest margin throughout the remainder of 2017. Management continually develops and applies strategies to attempt to maintain the net interest margin.

Tax-equivalent interest income on loans increased $901 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, tax-equivalent interest income on loans increased $4,097 compared to the same time period in 2016. The improvement for both time periods was primarily due to the increase in average loan balances outstanding. The average yields on loans increased by nine and four basis points, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company continues to focus on expanding existing and entering into new customer relationships while maintaining strong credit quality. The yield on the Company's loan portfolio is affected by the portfolio's loan mix, the interest rate environment, the effects of competition, the level of nonaccrual loans and reversals of previously accrued interest on charged-off loans. The political and economic environments can also influence the volume of new loan originations and the mix of variable rate versus fixed rate loans.

The average balance of investment securities was higher during the three months ended September 30, 2017 than during the same period in 2016 as a result of significant investment purchase activity during the second and third quarters of 2017. The average balance of investment securities was slightly lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 than during the same period in 2016. The purchase activity in 2017 focused on higher yielding bonds within the existing risk profile and was the result of growth in deposits and the reinvestment of proceeds from sales and principal paydowns of investment securities. In certain cases, securities were sold and the funds were reinvested in securities with higher rates while slightly extending the duration of the portfolio, which is expected to improve the yield on the investment portfolio in future periods. The overall portfolio yield increased 45 and 30 basis points, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods last year.

The average balance of interest-bearing demand, savings and money market deposits increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, partially due to an increase in average balances of money market accounts, including public funds from municipalities. In addition, approximately $76,000 of noninterest-bearing accounts were reclassified to interest-bearing accounts in April 2017 as part of a retail deposit product restructuring in which we realigned and simplified the retail checking account products provided to our customers. The average rate paid on interest-bearing demand, savings and money market deposits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased 33 and 26 basis points, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to increasing interest rates on certain money market deposit products in response to the Federal Reserve System's rate increases. The average balance of time deposits increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the shift of demand and savings account balances to higher interest rate time deposits. Interest rates on time deposits increased 34 and 25 basis points, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016, primarily due to higher market interest rates paid at the time new and renewed time deposits were issued.

The average rate paid on other borrowed funds increased 44 and 37 basis points, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in the average rate paid was due to increases in rates for variable rate FHLB advances, the subordinated notes and long-term debt. The Company borrowed an additional $22,000 in long-term borrowings in May 2017 resulting in an increase in the average balance of other borrowed funds.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Provision for Loan Losses and the Related Allowance for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses represents charges made to earnings to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses.  The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated quarterly by management and reviewed by the Board of Directors. The allowance for loan losses is management's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.  Based upon the evaluation, no provision was recorded for either the three or nine months ended September 30, 2017, as 2017 year-to-date recoveries on previously charged off loans exceeded year-to-date charge-offs and were sufficient to increase the allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate in relation to the 2017 year-to-date loan growth and credit quality. The provision for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $200 and $900, respectively.

Factors considered in establishing an appropriate allowance include: the borrower's financial condition; the value and adequacy of loan collateral; the condition of the local economy and the borrower's specific industry; the levels and trends of loans by segment; and a review of delinquent and classified loans.  The quarterly evaluation focuses on factors such as specific loan reviews, changes in the components of the loan portfolio given the current and forecasted economic conditions, and historical loss experience.  Any one of the following conditions may result in the review of a specific loan: concern about whether the customer's cash flow or net worth is sufficient to repay the loan; delinquency status; criticism of the loan in a regulatory examination; the suspension of interest accrual; or other factors, including whether the loan has other special or unusual characteristics that suggest special monitoring is warranted. The Company's concentration risks include geographic concentration in central and eastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota. The local economies are composed primarily of service industries and state and county governments.

West Bank has a significant portion of its loan portfolio in commercial real estate loans, commercial lines of credit, commercial term loans, and construction and land development loans.  West Bank's typical commercial borrower is a small- or medium-sized, privately owned business entity.  West Bank's commercial loans typically have greater credit risks than residential mortgages or consumer loans because they often have larger balances and repayment usually depends on the borrowers' successful business operations.  Commercial loans also involve additional risks because they generally are not fully repaid over the loan period and, thus, may require refinancing or a large payoff at maturity.  When the economy turns downward, commercial borrowers may not be able to repay their loans, and the value of their assets, which are usually pledged as collateral, may decrease rapidly and significantly. 

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reduction in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in circumstances, changes in the overall economy in the markets we currently serve, or later acquired information.  Identifiable sectors within the general economy are subject to additional volatility, which at any time may have a substantial impact on the loan portfolio.  In addition, regulatory agencies, as integral parts of their examination processes, periodically review the credit quality of the loan portfolio and the level of the allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require West Bank to recognize additional losses based on such agencies' review of information available to them at the time of their examinations.

  

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

West Bank's policy is to charge off loans when, in management's opinion, a loan or a portion of a loan is deemed uncollectible. Concerted efforts are made to maximize subsequent recoveries.  The following table summarizes the activity in the Company's allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and related ratios. 

	Three Months Ended September 30,												Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017				2016				Change				2017				2016				Change
Balance at beginning of period	$	16,486			$	15,829			$	657			$	16,112			$	14,967			$	1,145
Charge-offs	(179		)		(171		)		(8		)		(372		)		(264		)		(108		)
Recoveries	51				100				(49		)		618				355				263
Net (charge-offs) recoveries	(128		)		(71		)		(57		)		246				91				155
Provision for loan losses charged to operations	—				200				(200		)		—				900				(900		)
Balance at end of period	$	16,358			$	15,958			$	400			$	16,358			$	15,958			$	400
Average loans outstanding	$	1,426,115			$	1,379,107							$	1,434,956			$	1,321,257
Ratio of annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) during the period to average loans outstanding	0.04		%		0.02		%						(0.02		)%		(0.01		)%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to average loans outstanding	1.15		%		1.16		%						1.14		%		1.21		%

In general, the U.S. economy is growing, but at a slower rate than was considered normal before the financial crisis. Average monthly job growth through August 2017 was approximately 177,000, while the national unemployment rate has declined slightly to 4.2 percent as of September 30, 2017, the lowest level since May 2007. The U.S. economy lost 33,000 jobs in September 2017, primarily in the leisure and hospitality industries, that were attributed to Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. Activity in the housing market continues at a moderate pace. Interest rates are expected to continue to gradually rise. The economic environments in Iowa and Minnesota continue to improve. Based on the current economic indicators, the Company decided to maintain the economic factors within the allowance for loan losses evaluation at the same levels used in 2016. In the first nine months of 2017, the Company continued to use experience factors based on the highest losses calculated over a rolling 12-, 16-, or 20-quarter period. Loan growth in the first nine months of 2017 resulted in the portion of the allowance for loan losses related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment to increase $603 to a total of $16,212, or 1.11 percent, as of September 30, 2017 compared to $15,609, or 1.11 percent, as of December 31, 2016. Management believed the resulting allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2017 was adequate to absorb any losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the end of the quarter.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Noninterest Income

The following tables show the variance from the prior year in the noninterest income categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  In addition, accounts within the “Other income” category that represent a significant portion of the total or a significant variance are shown below.

	Three Months Ended September 30,
Noninterest income:	2017				2016				Change				Change %
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	715			$	632			$	83			13.13	%
Debit card usage fees	435				450				(15		)		(3.33	)%
Trust services	436				355				81				22.82	%
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance	167				160				7				4.38	%
Realized investment securities gains, net	197				—				197				N/A
Other income:
Discount on purchased income tax credits	36				8				28				350.00	%
All other income	278				314				(36		)		(11.46	)%
Total other income	314				322				(8		)		(2.48	)%
Total noninterest income	$	2,264			$	1,919			$	345			17.98	%
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Noninterest income:	2017				2016				Change				Change %
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	1,946			$	1,847			$	99			5.36	%
Debit card usage fees	1,333				1,372				(39		)		(2.84	)%
Trust services	1,264				946				318				33.62	%
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance	484				492				(8		)		(1.63	)%
Gain from bank-owned life insurance	307				443				(136		)		(30.70	)%
Realized investment securities gains, net	423				60				363				605.00	%
Other income:
Discount on purchased income tax credits	117				43				74				172.09	%
Gain on sale of other assets	88				—				88				N/A
All other income	778				849				(71		)		(8.36	)%
Total other income	983				892				91				10.20	%
Total noninterest income	$	6,740			$	6,052			$	688			11.37	%

The increase in service charges on deposit accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was driven by the March and April 2017 realignment and simplification of the retail checking account products provided to our customers. We expect to see higher retail service charge income for the remainder of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, but we cannot predict how customers may modify their banking behavior in response to the change in checking account terms related to the product realignment. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, nonsufficient funds fees declined $33 and $86, respectively, compared to the same time periods in 2016, consistent with the trend of the past several years.

Revenue from trust services was higher during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to the combination of a higher amount of one-time estate fees and asset growth achieved through ongoing business development efforts.

Gain from bank-owned life insurance was recognized for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, but not during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

The Company recognized net gains on sales of investment securities in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as the Company took advantage of the opportunity to sell various types of investment securities available for sale at gains and reinvested the proceeds in higher yielding securities with similar risk profiles and slightly longer durations.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Total revenue from discounts on purchased transferable State of Iowa income tax credits increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same time periods in 2016. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company entered into agreements to purchase additional discounted transferable income tax credits and expects to recognize total income from discounts of approximately $153 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company reviews opportunities to acquire transferable State of Iowa income tax credits at favorable discounts as they are presented and as they are aligned with our projected ability to utilize them.

Gain on sale of other assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included a nonrecurring gain of $88 in June 2017 related to a final payment received from the 2015 sale of SmartyPig, LLC.

All other income declined during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to a lower level of letter of credit fees and small losses on equipment disposals.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Noninterest Expense

The following tables show the variance from the prior year in the noninterest expense categories shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, accounts within the “Other expenses” category that represent a significant portion of the total or a significant variance are shown below.

	Three Months Ended September 30,
Noninterest expense:	2017				2016				Change				Change %
Salaries and employee benefits	$	4,430			$	4,154			$	276			6.64	%
Occupancy	1,087				1,038				49				4.72	%
Data processing	635				643				(8		)		(1.24	)%
FDIC insurance expense	151				272				(121		)		(44.49	)%
Professional fees	184				189				(5		)		(2.65	)%
Director fees	240				202				38				18.81	%
Other expenses:
Business development	191				157				34				21.66	%
Insurance expense	89				88				1				1.14	%
Investment advisory fees	22				124				(102		)		(82.26	)%
Charitable contributions	180				—				180				N/A
Postage and courier	72				79				(7		)		(8.86	)%
Trust	124				106				18				16.98	%
Consulting fees	60				91				(31		)		(34.07	)%
Miscellaneous losses	(5		)		247				(252		)		(102.02	)%
Low income housing projects amortization	102				99				3				3.03	%
All other	458				504				(46		)		(9.13	)%
Total other	1,293				1,495				(202		)		(13.51	)%
Total noninterest expense	$	8,020			$	7,993			$	27			0.34	%
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Noninterest expense:	2017				2016				Change				Change %
Salaries and employee benefits	$	13,216			$	12,644			$	572			4.52	%
Occupancy	3,315				2,972				343				11.54	%
Data processing	2,031				1,849				182				9.84	%
FDIC insurance expense	514				714				(200		)		(28.01	)%
Professional fees	725				619				106				17.12	%
Director fees	697				672				25				3.72	%
Other expenses:
Business development	609				574				35				6.10	%
Insurance expense	267				256				11				4.30	%
Investment advisory fees	89				397				(308		)		(77.58	)%
Charitable contributions	180				—				180				N/A
Postage and courier	238				241				(3		)		(1.24	)%
Trust	339				310				29				9.35	%
Consulting fees	213				238				(25		)		(10.50	)%
Miscellaneous losses	(1		)		246				(247		)		(100.41	)%
Low income housing projects amortization	322				305				17				5.57	%
All other	1,481				1,574				(93		)		(5.91	)%
Total other	3,737				4,141				(404		)		(9.76	)%
Total noninterest expense	$	24,235			$	23,611			$	624			2.64	%

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Salaries and employee benefits increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, mainly as the result of an increase in the price of Company common stock, which increased stock-based employee compensation costs.

When compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, occupancy costs increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, partially as the result of operating costs associated with the new Rochester, Minnesota, office, which opened in November 2016. Also impacting the increase in occupancy costs compared to the prior year was a first quarter 2016 one-time reversal of previously accrued rent related to the terms of the previous lease for the Waukee, Iowa, branch facility at the time the branch was acquired in February 2016.

The increase in data processing expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same time period in 2016 was primarily because of costs associated with upgrading credit analysis software, one-time costs associated with revising the retail checking account products, ongoing enhancements and monitoring tools for maintaining security, and an annual-inflation-rate-based contractual increase in fees paid to our core applications systems service provider.

FDIC insurance expense declined for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The FDIC assessment rate calculation includes a series of risk-based factors. As a result of the May 2017 capital injection of $40,000 into West Bank, the capital ratio component improved enough to reduce the assessment rate to the minimum level established by the FDIC. Management believes the assessment rate will remain at the minimum level throughout the remainder of 2017 and into 2018.

Professional fees increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same time period in 2016, chiefly due to increased costs associated with preparation and adoption of the West Bancorporation, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and filing a new shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (which allows us to issue registered equity and debt instruments) and due to higher legal fees at West Bank.

The increase in business development expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was the result of efforts to cultivate new and expanded customer relationships.

Investment advisory fees declined for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as contrasted with the same time periods in 2016, mainly as a result of bringing the administration of the investment portfolio in-house, effective October 1, 2016. The Company also pays an administrative fee to an investment management firm for assisting with the purchase and administration of public company floating rate commercial loans. That administrative fee has declined as the result of holding a lower level of those loans.

Charitable contributions increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same time periods in 2016 due to the accrual of the normal annual contribution to the West Bancorporation Foundation.

The increase in trust expense in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 is commensurate with the increase in the growth in trust assets.

Consulting fees declined in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as the 2016 expense included data analysis costs associated with a class action litigation matter, which was settled in the third quarter of 2016. Miscellaneous losses declined in 2017, as the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 included a $250 settlement of the previously mentioned class action litigation. An offsetting $300 insurance reimbursement of litigation costs was received in the fourth quarter of 2016.

All other expenses declined for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016, primarily due to the elimination of certain costs related to a retail deposit product, and first quarter 2016 included a one-time cost associated with a bank-owned life insurance claim.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Income Tax Expense

The Company recorded income tax expense of $2,870 (30.9 percent of pre-tax income) and $8,142 (30.1 percent of pre-tax income) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $2,634 (31.2 percent of pre-tax income) and $7,249 (29.9 percent of pre-tax income) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company's consolidated income tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate, primarily due to tax-exempt interest income, the tax-exempt increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance, tax-exempt gain on bank-owned life insurance, disallowed interest expense, and state income taxes.

Two other items significantly impacted the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718), effective January 1, 2017, simplified the recording of income taxes related to vesting of equity compensation. The impact of an increase in the fair value of restricted stock over the vesting period is now recorded as a reduction in income tax expense rather than as additional paid-in capital. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a tax benefit of $285 was recorded as a result of this change in accounting method. By comparison, the tax benefit recorded in additional paid-in capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $105. The tax rate for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 was also impacted by year-to-date federal low income housing tax credits of approximately $308 and $262, respectively.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The Company had total assets of $2,030,348 as of September 30, 2017, an increase of 9.5 percent compared to total assets of $1,854,204 as of December 31, 2016. The most significant changes in the balance sheet were increases in investment securities available for sale, loans, deposits, short-term borrowings and long-term debt, and a decline in cash and cash equivalents. A summary of changes in the balance sheet components is provided below.

Investment Securities

The balance of investment securities available for sale increased by $157,737 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. State and political subdivision securities increased by $69,920, corporate notes increased by $19,152, and government agency guaranteed collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities increased by a total of $68,319 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Company purchased $267,133 of investment securities available for sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Securities sold totaled $74,224, and the proceeds were primarily reinvested in higher yielding securities that have a similar risk profile. The remaining purchases included the reinvestment of normal principal paydowns, calls and maturities, as well as investing the growth in deposits. The overall mix of the entire investment portfolio did not change significantly as a result of this activity.

As of September 30, 2017, approximately 60 percent of the available for sale investment securities portfolio consisted of government agency guaranteed collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Management believes these securities provide relatively good yields, have little to no credit risk and provide fairly consistent cash flows.

Loans and Nonperforming Assets

Loans outstanding increased $57,035, from $1,399,870 as of December 31, 2016 to $1,456,905 as of September 30, 2017. Growth in the loan portfolio during the first nine months of 2017 was primarily the result of increases of $43,843 in construction loans and $32,144 in commercial real estate loans. This growth was partially offset by a decrease of $17,298 in commercial loans that included a $16,556 reduction in public company floating rate loans purchased from a third-party asset manager. The Company continues to focus on business development efforts in all of its markets. Management believes loan growth will continue in all three of our markets during the remainder of 2017.

Credit quality of the Company's loan portfolio remains strong and stable. The Company's Texas ratio, which is computed by dividing total nonperforming assets by tangible common equity plus the allowance for loan losses, was 0.27 percent as of September 30, 2017, compared to 0.56 percent as of December 31, 2016. The ratio for both dates was significantly better than the June 30, 2017 peer group average (latest data available), which was approximately 8.57 percent, according to data in the June 2017 Bank Holding Company Performance Report prepared by the Division of Supervision and Regulation of the Federal Reserve.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

The following table sets forth the amount of nonperforming assets held by the Company and common ratio measurements of those assets as of the dates shown. 

	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016				Change
Nonaccrual loans	$	517			$	1,022			$	(505	)
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest	—				—				—
Troubled debt restructured loans (1)	—				—				—
Total nonperforming loans	517				1,022				(505		)
Other real estate owned	—				—				—
Total nonperforming assets	$	517			$	1,022			$	(505	)
Nonperforming loans to total loans	0.04		%		0.07		%		(0.03		)%
Nonperforming assets to total assets	0.03		%		0.06		%		(0.03		)%

(1)

While TDR loans are commonly reported by the industry as nonperforming, those not classified in the nonaccrual category are accruing interest due to payment performance. TDR loans on nonaccrual status are categorized as nonaccrual. There was one TDR loan as of September 30, 2017 with a balance of $247, and two TDR loans as of December 31, 2016 with an aggregate balance of $426, categorized as nonaccrual.

For additional information, refer to “Provision for Loan Losses and the Related Allowance for Loan Losses” in this section, and Notes 4 and 10 to the financial statements.

Deposits

Deposits increased $104,661 during the first nine months of 2017, or 6.8 percent, compared to December 31, 2016.  Interest-bearing demand accounts increased $45,564, and noninterest-bearing demand accounts declined $94,686, from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017. Savings deposits, which include money market and insured cash sweep money market accounts, increased $108,233

from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017. Approximately $76,000 of noninterest-bearing accounts was reclassified to interest-bearing accounts in April 2017 as part of a retail deposit product restructuring. Other balance fluctuations were primarily due to business development efforts and normal customer activity, as corporate customers' liquidity needs vary at any given time. Total time deposits increased $45,550 during the first nine months of 2017, primarily due to customers moving balances from savings accounts, including money market accounts, to higher interest rate time deposits. As of September 30, 2017, a significant related party relationship maintained total deposit balances with West Bank of approximately $146,000.

Borrowings

Short-term borrowings, in the form of overnight funding, increased to $48,000 as of September 30, 2017 from $0 as of December 31, 2016. The need for overnight funding is primarily dependent on corporate customer deposit fluctuations, loan fundings and loan repayments. The investment portfolio was increased during the third quarter of 2017 in anticipation of known deposit increases coming in the fourth quarter. Overnight borrowings funded those investments in the interim.

Long-term debt increased $19,069 during the first nine months of 2017. On May 25, 2017, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a commercial bank and borrowed $25,000. This credit agreement replaced a prior credit agreement with the same commercial bank that had a remaining balance of $3,000. The additional borrowing was used to make a capital injection into the Company's subsidiary, West Bank. Principal and interest under the term note are payable quarterly over five years. Required quarterly principal payments are $625, with the balance due at maturity. The Company may make additional principal payments without penalty. The interest rate is variable at 1.95 percent over the 30-day LIBOR rate. The interest rate was 3.18 percent at September 30, 2017.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The objectives of liquidity management are to ensure the availability of sufficient cash flows to meet all financial commitments and to capitalize on opportunities for profitable business expansion.  The Company's principal source of funds is deposits.  Other sources include loan principal repayments, proceeds from the maturity and sale of investment securities, principal payments on collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, federal funds purchased, advances from the FHLB, and funds provided by operations.  Liquidity management is conducted on both a daily and a long-term basis.  Investments in liquid assets are adjusted based on expected loan demand, projected loan and investment securities maturities and payments, expected deposit flows and the objectives set by the Company's asset-liability management policy. The Company had liquid assets (cash and cash equivalents) of $39,497 as of September 30, 2017 compared with $76,836 as of December 31, 2016.

As of September 30, 2017, West Bank had additional borrowing capacity available from the FHLB of approximately $255,000, as well as $67,000 through unsecured federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks.  Net cash from operating activities contributed $21,979 to liquidity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  Management believed that the combination of high levels of potentially liquid assets, cash flows from operations, and additional borrowing capacity provided the Company with strong liquidity as of September 30, 2017.

The Company's total stockholders' equity increased to $178,087 at September 30, 2017 from $165,376 at December 31, 2016.  The increase was primarily the result of net income less dividends paid, and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income.

At September 30, 2017, the Company's tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets was 8.77 percent compared to 8.92 percent as of December 31, 2016.

The Company and West Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements (as shown in the following table) can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators, which, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and West 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. The Company's and West Bank's capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Management believed the Company and West Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject as of September 30, 2017.

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West Bancorporation, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

The Company's and West Bank's capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.

	Actual							For Capital Adequacy Purposes With Capital Conservation Buffer							To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Amount				Ratio			Amount				Ratio			Amount				Ratio
As of September 30, 2017:
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	214,373			12.01	%		$	165,070			9.25	%		N/A				N/A
West Bank	235,067				13.18	%		164,963				9.25	%		$	178,339			10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	198,015				11.10	%		129,379				7.25	%		N/A				N/A
West Bank	218,709				12.26	%		129,295				7.25	%		142,671				8.00	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	178,015				9.98	%		102,611				5.75	%		N/A				N/A
West Bank	218,709				12.26	%		102,545				5.75	%		115,920				6.50	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated	198,015				10.06	%		78,738				4.00	%		N/A				N/A
West Bank	218,709				11.12	%		78,694				4.00	%		98,368				5.00	%
As of December 31, 2016:
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	202,530			11.87	%		$	147,108			8.625	%		N/A				N/A
West Bank	186,118				11.04	%		145,414				8.625	%		$	168,597			10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	186,418				10.93	%		112,996				6.625	%		N/A				N/A
West Bank	170,006				10.08	%		111,695				6.625	%		134,877				8.00	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	166,418				9.76	%		87,412				5.125	%		N/A				N/A
West Bank	170,006				10.08	%		86,406				5.125	%		109,588				6.50	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Consolidated	186,418				10.14	%		73,530				4.00	%		N/A				N/A
West Bank	170,006				9.34	%		72,807				4.00	%		91,009				5.00	%

On January 1, 2015, the Company and West Bank became subject to the rules of the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act changes. The new rules included the implementation of a capital conservation buffer that is added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. The capital conservation buffer is subject to a three year phase-in period that began on January 1, 2016 and will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.5 percent. The required phase-in capital conservation buffer during 2017 is 1.25 percent. A banking organization with a conservation buffer of less than the required amount will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. At September 30, 2017, the ratios for the Company and West Bank were sufficient to meet the fully phased-in conservation buffer.

In late May 2017, the Company made a capital injection into the Company's subsidiary, West Bank, funded by entering into a $25,000 credit agreement with an unaffiliated commercial bank (see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and selling four bank buildings to West Bank for $18,000. The four bank buildings were properties the Company had previously owned and leased to West Bank. The new credit agreement replaced a prior credit agreement that had a remaining outstanding balance of $3,000, for net loan proceeds of $22,000. In total, $40,000 was added to West Bank's capital.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of earnings volatility that results from adverse changes in interest rates and market prices. The Company's market risk is primarily interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of lending and deposit taking. Interest rate risk is the risk that the change in market interest rates may adversely affect the Company's net interest income. Management continually develops and implements strategies to mitigate this risk. The analysis of the Company's interest rate risk as of December 31, 2016 was presented in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2017. The Company has not experienced any material changes to its interest rate risk position since December 31, 2016. Management does not believe that the Company's primary market risk exposure and management of that exposure in the first nine months of 2017 materially changed compared to those in the year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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

b. Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Part II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Neither the Company nor West Bank is a party, and no property of these entities is subject, to any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to West Bank's business. The Company does not know of any proceeding contemplated by a governmental authority against the Company or West Bank.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Management does not believe there have been any material changes in the risk factors that were disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2017.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibits	Description
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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SIGNATURES

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

West Bancorporation, Inc.
(Registrant)
October 26, 2017	By:	/s/ David D. Nelson
Date		David D. Nelson
		Chief Executive Officer and President
		(Principal Executive Officer)
October 26, 2017	By:	/s/ Douglas R. Gulling
Date		Douglas R. Gulling
		Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)
October 26, 2017	By:	/s/ Marie I. Roberts
Date		Marie I. Roberts
		Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
		(Principal Accounting Officer)

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