Ames National Corporation
Annual Report 2015

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Plain-text annual report

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 --------- FORM 10-K For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. Commission File Number 0-32637. Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 --------- AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) IOWA 42-1039071 405 5TH STREET, AMES, IOWA 50010 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (515) 232-6251 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: NONE Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: COMMON STOCK, $2.00 PAR VALUE (Title of Class) Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes__ No_X_ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes__ No_X_ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 _____ 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes _X__ No ____ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [x] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer, large accelerated filer, and a smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer____ Accelerated filer __X__ Non-accelerated filer ____ Smaller reporting company ____ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes _ No _X_ As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price for the registrant’s common stock in the NASDAQ Capital Market, was $228,599,580. Shares of common stock beneficially owned by each executive officer and director of the Company have been excluded on the basis that such persons may be deemed to be an affiliate of the registrant. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for any other purpose. The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock on February 29, 2016, was 9,310,913. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 17, 2016, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I Item 1. Item 1A. Item 1B. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Part II Risk Factors Unresolved Staff Comments Business…………………………………………………………… ..…………………………….. 3 ................................................................................................................................... 14 ............................................................................................................18 .........................................................................................................................................18 Properties Legal Proceedings ...........................................................................................................................19 ..................................................................................................................19 Mine Safety Disclosures Selected Financial Data Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Item 5. Equity Securities ..........................................................................................................................19 Item 6. ...................................................................................................................22 Item 7. of Operations ...............................................................................................................................23 ve Disclosures about Market Risk ..........................................................50 Item 7A. Item 8. ................................................................................52 Item 9. Financial Disclosure.....................................................................................................................95 ..................................................................................................................95 Item 9A. ............................................................................................................................95 Item 9B. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Controls and Procedures Other Information Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Quantitative and Qualitati Part III , Executive Officers and Corporate Governance...............................................................95 Directors .................................................................................................................96 Executive Compensation Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters .........................................................................................................................................96 Item 13. Item 14. and Related Transactions and Director Independence ..................................96 Principal Accountant Fees and Services .........................................................................................96 Certain Relationships Part IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ...................................................................................96 2 ITEM 1. BUSINESS General PART I Ames National Corporation (the "Company") is an Iowa corporation and bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company owns 100% of the stock of five banking subsidiaries consisting of two national banks and three state-chartered banks, as described below. All of the Company’s operations are conducted in the State of Iowa and primarily within the central and north central Iowa counties of Boone, Hancock, Marshall, Polk and Story where the Company’s banking subsidiaries are located. The Company does not engage in any material business activities apart from its ownership of its banking subsidiaries and the management of its own investment and loan portfolios. The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 405 5th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010. The Company’s telephone number is (515) 232-6251 and website address is www.amesnational.com. The Company was organized and incorporated on January 21, 1975 under the laws of the State of Iowa to serve as a holding company for its principal banking subsidiary, First National Bank, Ames, Iowa ("First National") located in Ames, Iowa. In 1983, the Company acquired the stock of the State Bank & Trust Co. ("State Bank") located in Nevada, Iowa; in 1991, the Company, through a newly- chartered state bank known as Boone Bank & Trust Co. ("Boone Bank"), acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the former Boone State Bank & Trust Company located in Boone, Iowa; in 1995, the Company acquired the stock of the Reliance State Bank, (”Reliance Bank”) located in Story City, Iowa; and in 2002, the Company chartered and commenced operations of a new national banking organization, United Bank & Trust NA (“United Bank”), located in Marshalltown, Iowa. First National, State Bank, Boone Bank, Reliance Bank and United Bank are each operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. These five financial institutions are referred to in this Form 10-K collectively as the “Banks” and individually as a “Bank”. The principal sources of Company revenue are: (i) interest and fees earned on loans made or held by the Company and Banks; (ii) interest on fixed income investments held by the Company and the Banks; (iii) fees on wealth management services; (iv) service charges on deposit accounts maintained at the Banks; (v) merchant and card fees; (vi) gain on the sale of loans; and (vii) securities gains. The Company’s principal expenses are: (i) interest expense on deposit accounts and other borrowings; (ii) salaries and employee benefits; (iii) data processing costs primarily associated with maintaining the Banks’ loan and deposit functions; (iv) occupancy expenses for maintaining the Banks’ facilities; (v) professional fees; (vi) business development; (vii) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance assessments; and (viii) other real estate owned expenses. The largest component contributing to the Company’s net income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on earning assets (primarily loans and investments) and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities (primarily deposit accounts and other borrowings). One of management’s principal functions is to manage the spread between interest earned on earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities in an effort to maximize net interest income while maintaining an appropriate level of interest rate risk. The Banks’ lending activities consist primarily of short-term and medium-term commercial and agricultural real estate loans, residential real estate loans, agricultural and business operating loans and lines of credit, equipment loans, vehicle loans, personal loans and lines of credit, home improvement loans and origination of mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market. The Banks also offer a variety of demand, savings and time deposits, cash management services, merchant credit card processing, safe deposit boxes, wire transfers, direct deposit of payroll and social security checks and automated/video teller machine access. Four of the five Banks also offer trust services. The Company provides various services to the Banks which include, but are not limited to, management assistance, internal auditing services, human resources services and administration, compliance management, marketing assistance and coordination, loan review and support with respect to computer systems and related procedures. Banking Subsidiaries First National Bank, Ames, Iowa. First National is a nationally-chartered, commercial bank insured by the FDIC. It was organized in 1903 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company in 1975 through a bank holding company reorganization whereby the then shareholders of First National exchanged all of their First National stock for stock in the Company. On August 29, 2014 First National completed the purchase of the three bank offices of First Bank located in West Des Moines and Johnston, Iowa (the “First Bank Acquisition”). These offices were purchased for cash consideration of $4.3 million. The contractual balance of loans receivable acquired was $45.6 million and the contractual balance of the deposits assumed was $81.8 million. As a result of the First Bank Acquisition, the Bank recorded a core deposit intangible asset of $1.0 million and goodwill of $1.1 million. First National provides full-service banking to businesses and residents within the Ames community through its three Ames offices and the Greater Des Moines area through its four offices located in Ankeny, West Des Moines and Johnston. It provides a variety of products and services 3 designed to meet the needs of the markets it serves. It has an experienced staff of bank officers including many who have spent the majority of their banking careers with First National and who emphasize long-term customer relationships. As of December 31, 2015, First National had capital of $72,200,000 and 111 full-time equivalent employees. Full-time equivalents represent the number of people a business would employ if all its employees were employed on a full-time basis. It is calculated by dividing the total number of hours worked by all full and part-time employees by the number of hours a full-time individual would work for a given period of time. First National had net income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 of approximately $7,223,000, $7,490,000 and $7,200,000, respectively. Total assets as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $704,289,000, $706,185,000 and $629,414,000, respectively. State Bank & Trust Co., Nevada, Iowa. State Bank is an Iowa, state-chartered, FDIC insured commercial bank. State Bank was acquired by the Company in 1983 through a stock transaction whereby the then shareholders of State Bank exchanged all their State Bank stock for stock in the Company. State Bank was organized in 1939 and provides full-service banking to businesses and residents within the Nevada area from its Nevada location. State Bank closed its Colo office in 2015. It has a strong presence in agricultural, commercial and residential real estate lending. As of December 31, 2015, State Bank had capital of $18,571,000 and 21 full-time equivalent employees. State Bank had net income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 of approximately $2,311,000, $2,280,000 and $2,122,000, respectively. Total assets as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $154,847,000, $157,894,000 and $154,405,000, respectively. Boone Bank & Trust Co., Boone, Iowa. Boone Bank is an Iowa, state-chartered, FDIC insured commercial bank. Boone Bank was organized in 1992 by the Company under a new state charter in connection with a purchase and assumption transaction whereby Boone Bank purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the former Boone State Bank & Trust Company in exchange for a cash payment. It provides full service banking to businesses and residents within the Boone community and surrounding area. It is actively engaged in agricultural, consumer and commercial lending, including real estate, operating and equipment loans. It conducts business from its main office and a full service office, both located in Boone. As of December 31, 2015, Boone Bank had capital of $14,132,000 and 23 full-time equivalent employees. Boone Bank had net income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 of approximately $1,684,000, $1,614,000 and $1,533,000, respectively. Total assets as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $135,767,000, $125,776,000 and $128,551,000, respectively. Reliance State Bank, Story City, Iowa. Reliance Bank is an Iowa, state-chartered, FDIC insured commercial bank. Reliance Bank was organized in 1928. Reliance Bank was acquired by the Company in 1995 through a stock transaction whereby the then shareholders of Reliance Bank exchanged all their Reliance Bank stock for stock in the Company. In 2012, Reliance Bank completed the purchase of two bank offices of Liberty Bank, F.S.B. located in Garner and Klemme, Iowa (the “Liberty Acquisition”). These offices were purchased for cash consideration of $5.4 million. The contractual balance of loans receivable acquired was $47.0 million and the contractual balance of the deposits assumed was $98.1 million. As a result of the Liberty Acquisition, the Bank recorded a core deposit intangible asset of $1.5 million and goodwill of $5.6 million. Reliance Bank provides full banking services to businesses and residents within the Story City and Garner communities and surrounding areas. Reliance Bank closed its Klemme office in 2015. While its primary emphasis is in agricultural lending, Reliance Bank also provides the traditional lending services typically offered by community banks. It conducts business from its main office located in Story City and full service office located in Garner. As of December 31, 2015, Reliance Bank had capital of $28,240,000 and 32 full-time equivalent employees. Reliance Bank had net income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 of approximately $2,569,000, $2,392,000 and $2,172,000, respectively. Total assets as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $219,452,000, $219,474,000 and $221,597,000, respectively. United Bank & Trust NA, Marshalltown, Iowa. United Bank is a nationally-chartered, commercial bank insured by the FDIC. It was newly chartered in 2002 and offers a broad range of deposit and loan products, as well as wealth management services to customers located in the Marshalltown and surrounding Marshall County area. It conducts business from its main office and a full service office, both located in Marshalltown. As of December 31, 2015, United Bank had capital of $14,270,000 and 21 full-time equivalent employees. United Bank had net income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 of approximately $1,296,000, $1,110,000 and $1,103,000, respectively. Total assets as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $112,480,000, $107,000,000 and $111,420,000, respectively. 4 Business Strategy and Operations As a multi-bank holding company for five community banks, the Company emphasizes strong personal relationships to provide products and services that meet the needs of the Banks’ customers. The Company seeks to achieve growth and maintain a strong return on equity. To accomplish these goals, the Banks focus on small-to-medium size businesses that traditionally wish to develop an exclusive relationship with a single bank. The Banks, individually and collectively, have the size to give the personal attention required by business owners, in addition to the credit expertise to help businesses meet their goals. The Banks offer a full range of deposit services that are typically available in most financial institutions, including checking accounts, savings accounts and time deposits of various types, ranging from money market accounts to longer-term certificates of deposit. One major goal in developing the Banks' product mix is to keep the product offerings as simple as possible, both in terms of the number of products and the features and benefits of the individual services. The transaction accounts and time certificates are tailored to each Bank's principal market area at rates competitive in that Bank’s market. In addition, retirement accounts such as IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) are available. The FDIC insures all deposit accounts up to the maximum amount. The Banks solicit these accounts from small-to-medium sized businesses in their respective primary trade areas, and from individuals who live and/or work within these areas. No material portion of the Banks' deposits has been obtained from a single person or from a few persons. Therefore, the Company does not believe that the loss of the deposits of any person or of a few persons would have an adverse effect on the Banks' operations or erode their deposit base. Loans are provided to creditworthy borrowers regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, receipt of public assistance or any other basis prohibited by law. The Banks intend to fulfill this commitment while maintaining prudent credit standards. In the course of fulfilling this obligation to meet the credit needs of the communities which they serve, the Banks give consideration to each credit application regardless of the fact that the applicant may reside in a low to moderate income neighborhood, and without regard to the geographic location of the residence, property or business within their market areas. The Banks provide innovative, quality financial products, such as Internet banking and trust services that meet the banking needs of their customers and communities. The loan programs and acceptance of certain loans may vary from time-to-time depending on the funds available and regulations governing the banking industry. The Banks offer all basic types of credit to their local communities and surrounding rural areas, including commercial, agricultural and consumer loans. The types of loans within these categories are as follows: Commercial Loans. Commercial loans are typically made to sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations and other business entities such as municipalities where the loan is to be used primarily for business purposes. These loans are typically secured by assets owned by the borrower and often times involve personal guarantees given by the owners of the business. Approximately 50% of the loan portfolio consists of loans made for commercial purposes. The types of loans the Banks offer include: financing guaranteed under Small Business Administration programs operating and working capital loans loans to finance equipment and other capital purchases     commercial real estate loans  business lines of credit    term loans loans to professionals letters of credit Agricultural Loans. The Banks, by nature of their location in central and north-central Iowa, are directly and indirectly involved in agriculture and agri-business lending. This includes short-term seasonal lending associated with cyclical crop and livestock production, intermediate term lending for machinery, equipment and breeding stock acquisition and long-term real estate lending. These loans are typically secured by the crops, livestock, equipment or real estate being financed. The basic tenet of the Banks' agricultural lending philosophy is a blending of strong, positive cash flow supported by an adequate collateral position, along with a demonstrated capacity to withstand short-term negative impact if necessary. Applicable governmental subsidies and affiliated programs are utilized if warranted to accomplish these parameters. Approximately 20% of the loan portfolio consists of loans made for agricultural purposes. 5 Consumer Loans. Consumer loans are typically available to finance home improvements and consumer purchases, such as automobiles, household furnishings and boats. These loans are made on both a secured and an unsecured basis. The following types of consumer loans are available:  automobiles and trucks  boats and recreational vehicles  personal loans and lines of credit  home equity lines of credit  home improvement and rehabilitation loans  consumer real estate loans Other types of credit programs, such as loans to nonprofit organizations, to public entities, for community development and to other governmental programs also are available. First National, Boone Bank, State Bank and United Bank offer wealth management services typically found in a commercial bank with trust powers, including the administration of estates, conservatorships, personal and corporate trusts and agency accounts. The Banks also provide farm management, investment and custodial services for individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations. The Banks earn income from the origination of residential mortgages that are sold in the secondary real estate market without retaining the mortgage servicing rights. The Banks offer traditional banking services, such as safe deposit boxes, wire transfers, direct deposit of payroll and social security checks, automated/video teller machine access and automatic drafts (ACH) for various accounts. Lending Credit Management The Company strives to achieve sound credit risk management. In order to achieve this goal, the Company has established uniform credit policies and underwriting criteria for the Banks’ loan portfolios. The Banks diversify in the types of loans offered and are subject to regular credit examinations, annual internal and external loan audits and annual review of large loans, as well as quarterly reviews of loans experiencing deterioration in credit quality. The Company attempts to identify potential problem loans early, charge off loans promptly and maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. The Company has established credit guidelines for the Banks’ lending portfolios which include guidelines relating to the more commonly requested loan types, as follows: Commercial Real Estate Loans - Commercial real estate loans, including agricultural real estate loans, are normally based on loan to appraisal value ratios of not to exceed 80% and secured by a first priority lien position. Loans are typically subject to interest rate adjustments no less frequently than 5 years from origination. Fully amortized monthly repayment terms normally do not exceed twenty years. Projections and cash flows that show ability to service debt within the amortization period are required. Property and casualty insurance is required to protect the Banks’ collateral interests. Commercial and agricultural real estate loans represent approximately 44% of the loan portfolio. Major risk factors for commercial real estate loans, as well as the other loan types described below, include a geographic concentration in central Iowa; the dependence of the local economy upon several large governmental entities, including Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Transportation; and the health of Iowa’s agricultural sector that is dependent on weather conditions and government programs. Commercial and Agricultural Operating Lines - These loans are made to businesses and farm operations with terms up to twelve months. The credit needs are generally seasonal with the source of repayment coming from the entity’s normal business cycle. Cash flow reviews are completed to establish the ability to service the debt within the terms of the loan. A first priority lien on the general assets of the business normally secures these types of loans. Loan-to-value limits vary and are dependent upon the nature and type of the underlying collateral and the financial strength of the borrower. Crop and hail insurance is required for most agricultural borrowers. Loans are generally guaranteed by the principal(s). Commercial and Agricultural Term Loans – These loans are made to businesses and farm operations to finance equipment, breeding stock and other capital expenditures. Terms are generally the lesser of five years or the useful life of the asset. Term loans are normally secured by the asset being financed and are often additionally secured with the general assets of the business. Loan to value is generally 75% of the cost or value of the assets. Loans are normally guaranteed by the principal(s). Commercial and agricultural operating and term loans represent approximately 26% of the loan portfolio. 6 Residential First Mortgage Loans – Proceeds of these loans are used to buy or refinance the purchase of residential real estate with the loan secured by a first lien on the real estate. Most of the residential mortgage loans originated by the Banks (including servicing rights) are sold in the secondary mortgage market due to the higher interest rate risk inherent in the 15 and 30 year fixed rate terms consumers prefer. Loans that are originated and not sold in the secondary market generally have fixed rates of up to fifteen years. The maximum amortization of first mortgage residential real estate loans is 30 years. The loan-to-value ratios normally do not exceed 90% without credit enhancements such as mortgage insurance. Property insurance is required on all loans to protect the Banks’ collateral position. Loans secured by one to four family residential properties represent approximately 18% of the loan portfolio. Home Equity Term Loans – These loans are normally for the purpose of home improvement or other consumer purposes and are secured by a junior mortgage on residential real estate. Loan-to-value ratios normally do not exceed 90% of market value. Home Equity Lines of Credit - The Banks offer a home equity line of credit generally with a maximum term of 60 months. These loans are secured by a junior mortgage on the residential real estate and normally do not exceed a loan-to-market value ratio of 90% with the interest adjusted quarterly. Consumer Loans – Consumer loans are normally made to consumers under the following guidelines. Automobiles - loans on new and used automobiles generally will not exceed 90% and 75% of the value, respectively. Recreational vehicles and boats will not exceed 90% and 66% of the value, respectively. Each of these loans is secured by a first priority lien on the assets and requires insurance to protect the Banks’ collateral position. Unsecured - The term for unsecured loans generally does not exceed 12 months. Consumer and other loans represent approximately 3% of the loan portfolio. Investments available-for-sale The investment policy of the Company generally is to invest funds among various categories of investments and maturities based upon the Company’s need for liquidity, to achieve the proper balance between its desire to minimize risk and maximize yield, and to fulfill the Company’s asset/liability management policies. The Company’s investment portfolios are managed in accordance with a written investment policy adopted by the Board of Directors. It is the Company’s general policy to purchase investment securities which are U.S. Government securities, U.S. government agency, state and local government obligations, corporate debt securities, other equity securities and overnight federal funds. Employees At December 31, 2015, the Banks had a total of 208 full-time equivalent employees and the Company had an additional 12 full-time employees. The Company and Banks provide their employees with a comprehensive program of benefits, including comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans, long-term and short-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) profit sharing plan. Management considers its relations with employees to be satisfactory. Unions represent none of the employees. Market Area The Company operates five commercial banks with locations in Boone, Hancock, Marshall, Polk and Story Counties in central and north central Iowa. First National is headquartered in Ames, Iowa with a population of 63,266. The major employers are Iowa State University, National Center for Animal Health, Iowa Department of Transportation, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames Community Schools, City of Ames, Sauer-Danfoss and McFarland Clinic. First National maintains four offices in the Des Moines metro area with a population of approximately 600,000. The major employers in the Des Moines metro market are State of Iowa, Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, UnityPoint Health, Mercy Medical Center, Nationwide Insurance, DuPont Pioneer, Hy-Vee Food Corp and John Deere. First National’s primary business includes providing retail banking services and business and consumer lending. First National has a minimum exposure to agricultural lending. Boone Bank is located in Boone, Iowa with a population of 12,633. Boone is the county seat of Boone County. The major employers are Fareway Stores, Inc., Iowa National Guard, Union Pacific Railroad, Boone County Hospital and Communication Data Services. The Bank offers a full line of loan, deposit, and trust services. Boone Bank provides lending services to the agriculture, commercial and real estate markets. State Bank is located in Nevada, Iowa with a population of 6,779. Nevada is the county seat of Story County. The major employers are Print Graphics, General Financial Supply, Mid-American Manufacturing, Mid-States Millwright & Builders, Inc., Burke Corporation and Almaco. State Bank provides various types of loans with a major agricultural presence. It provides a wide variety of banking services including wealth management, deposit, ATM and debit card, and merchant card processing. 7 Reliance Bank is headquartered in Story City, Iowa with a population of 3,434. The major employers in the Story City area are Bethany Manor, American Packaging, M.H. Eby, Inc. and Record Printing. The Bank also maintains offices in Garner, Iowa with a population of 3,098. Garner is the county seat of Hancock County. The major employers in the Garner area are Iowa Mold & Tooling and Stellar Industries. All locations are in major agricultural areas and the Bank has a strong presence in this type of lending. As a full service commercial bank, it provides a full line of products and services. United Bank is located in Marshalltown, Iowa with a population of 27,727. The major employers are Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown School District, JBS Swift & Co., Emerson Process Management/Fisher Division, Lennox Industries and Central Iowa HealthCare. Marshalltown is the county seat of Marshall County. The Bank offers a full line of loan, deposit, and wealth management services. Loan services include primarily commercial and consumer types of credit including operating lines, equipment loans, automobile financing and real estate loans. Competition The geographic market area served by the Banks is highly competitive with respect to both loans and deposits. The Banks compete principally with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage companies, finance divisions of auto and farm equipment companies, agricultural suppliers and other financial service providers. Some of these competitors are local, while others are statewide or nationwide. The major commercial bank competitors include Great Western Bank, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, each of which maintains an office or offices within the Banks’ primary central Iowa trade areas. Among the advantages such larger banks have are their ability to finance extensive advertising campaigns and to allocate their investment assets to geographic regions of higher yield and demand. These larger banking organizations have much higher legal lending limits than the Banks and thus are better able to finance large regional, national and global commercial customers. In order to compete with the other financial institutions in their primary trade areas, the Banks use, to the fullest extent possible, the flexibility which is accorded by independent status. This includes an emphasis on specialized services, local promotional activity and personal contacts by the Banks' officers, directors and employees. In particular, the Banks compete for deposits principally by offering depositors a wide variety of deposit programs, convenient office locations, hours and other services. The Banks compete for loans primarily by offering competitive interest rates, experienced local lending personnel and quality products and services. As of December 31, 2015, there were 47 FDIC insured institutions having approximately 112 locations within Boone, Hancock, Marshall, Polk and Story County, Iowa where the Banks' offices are located. First National, State Bank and Reliance Bank together have the largest percentage of deposits in Story County. The Banks also compete with the financial markets for funds. Yields on corporate and government debt securities and commercial paper affect the ability of commercial banks to attract and hold deposits. Commercial banks also compete for funds with equity, money market, and insurance products offered by brokerage and insurance companies. This competitive trend will likely continue in the future. The Company anticipates bank competition will continue to change materially over the next several years as more financial institutions, including the major regional and national banks, continue to consolidate. Credit unions, which are not subject to income taxes, have a significant competitive advantage and provide additional competition in the Company’s local markets. Supervision and Regulation The following discussion refers to certain statutes and regulations affecting the banking industry in general. These references provide brief summaries and therefore do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to those statutes and regulations. In addition, due to the numerous statutes and regulations that apply to and regulate the banking industry, many are not referenced below. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“the Dodd-Frank Act”). In response to the last national and international economic recession and to strengthen supervision of financial institutions and systemically important nonbank financial institutions, Congress and the U.S. government have taken a variety of actions, including the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act on July 21, 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act represents the most comprehensive change to banking laws since the Great Depression of the 1930s and mandates changes in several key areas: regulation and compliance (both with respect to financial institutions and systemically important nonbank financial companies), securities regulation, executive compensation, regulation of derivatives, corporate governance, transactions with affiliates, deposit insurance assessments and consumer protection. While the changes in the law required by the Dodd-Frank Act has most significantly affected larger institutions, even relatively small institutions such as the Company have been affected. 8 Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the Banks are subject to regulations promulgated by the consumer protection bureau housed within the Federal Reserve, known as the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “Bureau” or “BCFP”). The Bureau promulgates rules and orders with respect to consumer financial products and services and has substantial power to define the rights of consumers and responsibilities of lending institutions, such as the Banks. The Bureau will not, however, examine or supervise the Banks for compliance with such regulations; rather, enforcement authority will remain with the Banks’ primary federal regulator although the Banks may be required to submit reports or other materials to the Bureau upon its request. The Company and the Banks are subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision. Regulation and supervision of financial institutions is primarily intended to protect depositors and the FDIC rather than shareholders of the Company. The laws and regulations affecting banks and bank holding companies have changed significantly over recent years. There is reason to expect that similar changes will continue in the future. Any change in applicable laws, regulations or regulatory policies may have a material effect on the business, operations and prospects of the Company. The Company is unable to predict the nature or the extent of the effects on its business and earnings that any fiscal or monetary policies or new federal or state legislation may have in the future. The Company The Company is a bank holding company by virtue of its ownership of the Banks, and is registered as such with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve"). The Company is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"), which subjects the Company and the Banks to supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve. Under the BHCA, the Company files with the Federal Reserve annual reports of its operations and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require. Source of Strength to the Banks. The Federal Reserve takes the position that a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks and may not conduct its operations in an unsafe or unsound manner. In addition, it is the Federal Reserve's position that in serving as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks, bank holding companies should use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to its subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity. It should also maintain the financial flexibility and capital raising capacity to obtain additional resources for providing assistance to its subsidiary banks. A bank holding company's failure to meet its obligation to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks will generally be considered by the Federal Reserve to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice, or a violation of the Federal Reserve's regulations, or both. Federal Reserve Approval. Bank holding companies must obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve before they: (i) acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting stock of any bank if, after such acquisition, they would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting stock of such bank; (ii) merge or consolidate with another bank holding company; or (iii) acquire substantially all of the assets of any additional banks. Non-Banking Activities. With certain exceptions, the BHCA also prohibits bank holding companies from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of voting stock in any company other than a bank or a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve finds the company's business to be incidental to the business of banking. When making this determination, the Federal Reserve in part considers whether allowing a bank holding company to engage in those activities would offer advantages to the public that would outweigh possible adverse effects. A bank holding company may engage in permissible non-banking activities on a de novo basis, if the holding company meets certain criteria and notifies the Federal Reserve within ten (10) business days after the activity has commenced. Financial Holding Company. Under the Financial Services Modernization Act, eligible bank holding companies may elect (with the approval of the Federal Reserve) to become a "financial holding company." Financial holding companies are permitted to engage in certain financial activities through affiliates that had previously been prohibited activities for bank holding companies. Such financial activities include securities and insurance underwriting and merchant banking. At this time, the Company has not elected to become a financial holding company, but may choose to do so at some time in the future. Control Transactions. The Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, requires a person or group of persons acquiring "control" of a bank holding company to provide the Federal Reserve with at least 60 days prior written notice of the proposed acquisition. Following receipt of this notice, the Federal Reserve has 60 days to issue a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, but the Federal Reserve may extend this time period for up to another 30 days. An acquisition may be completed before the disapproval period expires if the Federal Reserve issues written notice of its intent not to disapprove the action. Under a rebuttable presumption established by the Federal Reserve, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a bank holding company with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, would constitute the acquisition of control. In addition, any "company" would be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve under the BHCA before acquiring 25% 9 (or 5% if the "company" is a bank holding company) or more of the outstanding shares of the Company, or otherwise obtain control over the Company. Affiliate Transactions. The Company and the Banks are deemed affiliates within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between affiliates are subject to certain restrictions. Generally, the Federal Reserve Act: (i) limits the extent to which the financial institution or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions" with an affiliate; and (ii) requires all transactions with an affiliate, whether or not "covered transactions," to be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or subsidiary, as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term "covered transaction" includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and similar transactions. State Law on Acquisitions. Iowa law permits bank holding companies to make acquisitions throughout the state. However, Iowa currently has a deposit concentration limit of 15% on the amount of deposits in the state that any one banking organization can control and continue to acquire banks or bank deposits (by acquisitions), which applies to all depository institutions doing business in Iowa. Banking Subsidiaries Applicable federal and state statutes and regulations governing a bank's operations relate, among other matters, to capital adequacy requirements, required reserves against deposits, investments, loans, legal lending limits, certain interest rates payable, mergers and consolidations, borrowings, issuance of securities, payment of dividends, establishment of branches and dealings with affiliated persons. First National and United Bank are national banks subject to primary federal regulation and supervision by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). The FDIC, as an insurer of the deposits to the maximum extent permitted by law, also has some limited regulatory authority over First National and United Bank. State Bank, Boone Bank and Reliance Bank are state banks subject to regulation and supervision by the Iowa Division of Banking. The three state Banks are also subject to regulation and examination by the FDIC, which insures their respective deposits to the maximum extent permitted by law. The federal laws that apply to the Banks regulate, among other things, the scope of their business, their investments, their reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds and the nature and amount of and collateral for loans. The laws and regulations governing the Banks generally have been promulgated to protect depositors and the deposit insurance fund of the FDIC and not to protect stockholders of such institutions or their holding companies. The OCC and FDIC each have authority to prohibit banks under their supervision from engaging in what it considers to be an unsafe and unsound practice in conducting their business. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA") requires federal banking regulators to adopt regulations or guidelines in a number of areas to ensure bank safety and soundness, including internal controls, credit underwriting, asset growth, management compensation, ratios of classified assets to capital and earnings. FDICIA also contains provisions which are intended to change independent auditing requirements, restrict the activities of state-chartered insured banks, amend various consumer banking laws, limit the ability of "undercapitalized banks" to borrow from the Federal Reserve's discount window, require regulators to perform periodic on-site bank examinations and set standards for real estate lending. Borrowing Limitations. Each of the Banks is subject to limitations on the aggregate amount of loans that it can make to any one borrower, including related entities. Subject to numerous exceptions based on the type of loans and collateral, applicable statutes and regulations generally limit loans to one borrower of 15% of total equity and reserves. Each of the Banks is in compliance with applicable loans to one borrower requirements. FDIC Insurance. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, a permanent increase in deposit insurance was authorized up to $250,000. The coverage limit is per depositor, per insured depository institution for each account ownership category. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based insurance assessment system under which depository institutions contribute funds to the FDIC insurance fund based on their risk classification. The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution if it determines after an administrative hearing that the institution has engaged or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law. Capital Adequacy Requirements. The Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the OCC (collectively, the "Agencies") have adopted risk-based capital guidelines for banks and bank holding companies that are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies and account for off-balance sheet items. Failure to achieve and maintain adequate capital levels may give rise to supervisory action through the issuance of a capital directive to ensure the maintenance of required capital levels. Each of the Banks is in compliance with applicable risk-based capital level requirements as of December 31, 2015. 10 Basel III Capital Requirements. In July, 2013, the Agencies, approved final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The Basel III Capital Rules generally implement the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s (the “Basel Committee”) December 2010 final capital framework referred to as “Basel III” for strengthening international capital standards. The Basel III Capital Rules substantially revise the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries, including the Company and the Banks, as compared to the prior U.S. general risk-based capital rules. The Basel III Capital Rules revise the definitions and the components of regulatory capital, as well as address other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios. The Basel III Capital Rules also address asset risk weights and other matters affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replace the existing general risk-weighting approach, which was derived from the Basel Committee’s 1988 “Basel I” capital accords, with a more risk-sensitive approach based, in part, on the “standardized approach” in the Basel Committee’s 2004 “Basel II” capital accords. In addition, the Basel III Capital Rules implement certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, including the requirements of Section 939A to remove references to credit ratings from the federal agencies’ rules. The Basel III Capital Rules were effective for the Company and Banks on January 1, 2015, subject to phase-in periods for certain of their components and other provisions. Among other matters, the Basel III Capital Rules: (i) introduce a new capital measure called “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”) and related regulatory capital ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets; (ii) specify that Tier 1 capital consists of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting certain revised requirements; (iii) mandate that most deductions/adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 and not to the other components of capital; and (iv) expand the scope of the deductions from and adjustments to capital as compared to existing regulations. Under the Basel III Capital Rules, for most banking organizations, the most common form of Additional Tier 1 capital is non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and the most common form of Tier 2 capital is subordinated notes and a portion of the allocation for loan and lease losses, in each case, subject to the Basel III Capital Rules’ specific requirements. Pursuant to the Basel III Capital Rules, the Company and Banks are subject to new regulatory capital adequacy requirements promulgated by the Federal Reserve and the OCC. Failure by the Company or Bank to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and discretionary actions by the regulators that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Prior to January 1, 2015, the Banks were subject to capital requirements under Basel I and there were no capital requirements for the Company. Under the capital requirements and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company and Banks’ assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and Banks’ capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. The Basel III Capital Rules provide for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks and significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such items, in the aggregate, exceed 15% of CET1. See Note 16 to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” which is included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Pursuant to the Basel III Capital Rules, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (“AOCI”) items are not excluded; however, the Company and Banks, made a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items. This election was made concurrently with the first filing of certain of the Company and Banks’ periodic regulatory reports in the beginning of 2015 in order to avoid significant variations in the level of capital depending upon the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of their securities portfolio. The Basel III Capital Rules also preclude certain hybrid securities, such as trust preferred securities issued prior to May 19, 2010, from inclusion in Tier 1 capital, subject to grandfathering in the case of companies, such as us, that had less than $15 billion in total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2009. Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to CET1 began on January 1, 2015, and will be phased in over a four-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015, and an additional 20% per year thereafter). The implementation of the capital conservation buffer will begin on January 1, 2016, at the 0.625% level and increase by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019. With respect to the Banks, the Basel III Capital Rules revise the Prompt Corrective Action (“PCA”) regulations adopted pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, by: (i) introducing a CET1 ratio requirement at each PCA category (other than critically undercapitalized), with the required CET1 ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category, with the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for well-capitalized status being 8% (as compared to the previous 6%); and (iii) eliminating the provision that provides that a bank with a composite supervisory rating of 1 may have a 3% 11 leverage ratio and still be adequately capitalized. The Basel III Capital Rules do not change the total risk-based capital requirement for any PCA category. The Basel III Capital Rules prescribe a standardized approach for risk weightings for a large and risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the assets, generally ranging from 0% for U.S. Government and agency securities, to 600% for certain equity exposures, and resulting in high-risk weights for a variety of asset classes. Should the Company or Banks not meet the requirements of the Basel III Capital Rules, the Company and Banks would be subject to adverse regulatory action by their regulators, which action could result in material adverse consequences for the Company, Banks, and Company shareholders. As of December 31, 2015, the Banks exceeded all of their regulatory capital requirements and were designated as “well-capitalized” under federal guidelines. The table below includes certain non-GAAP financial measures that are used by investors, analysts and bank regulatory agencies to assess the capital position of financial services companies. Management reviews these measures along with other measures of capital as part of its financial analyses and has included this non-GAAP financial information, and the corresponding reconciliation to total equity. See Note 16 to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” which is included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prompt Corrective Action. Regulations adopted by the Agencies impose even more stringent capital requirements under prompt corrective action. The FDIC and other Agencies must take certain "prompt corrective action" when a bank fails to meet capital requirements. The regulations establish and define five capital levels: (i) "well-capitalized," (ii) "adequately capitalized," (iii) "undercapitalized," (iv) "significantly undercapitalized" and (v) "critically undercapitalized." Increasingly severe restrictions are imposed on the payment of dividends and management fees, asset growth and other aspects of the operations of institutions that fall below the category of being "adequately capitalized." Undercapitalized institutions are required to develop and implement capital plans acceptable to the appropriate federal regulatory agency. Such plans must require that any company that controls the undercapitalized institution must provide certain guarantees that the institution will comply with the plan until it is adequately capitalized. As of December 31, 2015, each of the Banks was categorized as “well capitalized” under regulatory prompt corrective action provisions. Restrictions on Dividends. The dividends paid to the Company by the Banks are the major source of Company cash flow. Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends banking subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval. Federal Reserve policy further limits the circumstances under which bank holding companies may declare dividends. For example, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Federal and state banking regulators may also restrict the payment of dividends by order. First National Bank and United Bank, as national banks, generally may pay dividends, without obtaining the express approval of the OCC, in an amount up to its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years plus retained net profits up to the date of any dividend declaration in the current calendar year. Retained net profits as defined by the OCC, consists of net income less dividends declared during the period. Boone Bank, Reliance Bank and State Bank are also restricted under Iowa law to paying dividends only out of their undivided profits. Additionally, the payment of dividends by the Banks is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and the Banks generally are prohibited from paying any dividends if, following payment thereof, the Bank would be undercapitalized. Reserves Against Deposits The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily checking accounts) and non-personal time deposits. Generally, reserves of 3% must be maintained against total transaction accounts of $103,600,000 or less (subject to an exemption not in excess of the first $14,500,000 of transaction accounts). A reserve of $2,673,000 plus 10% of amounts in excess of $103,600,000 must be maintained in the event total transaction accounts exceed $103,600,000. The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve may be used to satisfy applicable liquidity requirements. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or a noninterest bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank, the effect of this reserve requirement is to reduce the earning assets of the Banks. 12 Regulatory Enforcement Authority The enforcement powers available to federal and state banking regulators are substantial and include, among other things, the ability to assess civil monetary penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders and to initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institution-affiliated parties. In general, enforcement actions must be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions, or inactions, may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with regulatory authorities. Applicable law also requires public disclosure of final enforcement actions by the federal banking agencies. National Monetary Policies In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, the earnings and growth of the Banks are affected by the regulatory authorities’ policies, including the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the money supply, credit conditions and interest rates. Among the instruments used to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits and the Federal Reserve Discount Rate, which is the rate charged member banks to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits, and their use may also affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve have had a material impact on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to have a similar impact in the future. Also important in terms of effect on banks are controls on interest rates paid by banks on deposits and types of deposits that may be offered by banks. The Depository Institutions Deregulation Committee, created by Congress in 1980, phased out ceilings on the rate of interest that may be paid on deposits by commercial banks and savings and loan associations, with the result that the differentials between the maximum rates banks and savings and loans can pay on deposit accounts have been eliminated. The effect of deregulation of deposit interest rates has been to increase banks' cost of funds and to make banks more sensitive to fluctuation in market rates. Availability of Information on Company Website The Company files periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The Company makes available on or through its website free of charge all periodic reports filed by the Company with the SEC, including any amendments to such reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports have been electronically filed with the SEC. The address of the Company’s website on the Internet is: www.amesnational.com. The Company will provide a paper copy of these reports free of charge upon written or telephonic request directed to John P. Nelson, CFO, 405 5th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010 or (515) 232-6251 or by email request at info@amesnational.com. The information found on the Company’s website is not part of this or any other report the Company files with the SEC. 13 Executive Officers of Company and Banks The following table sets forth summary information about the executive officers of the Company and certain executive officers of the Banks. Unless otherwise indicated, each executive officer has served in his current position for the past five years. Name Age Position with the Company or Bank and Principal Occupation and Employment During the Past Five Years Scott T. Bauer Kevin G. Deardorff Curtis A. Hoff Stephen C. McGill John P. Nelson Thomas H. Pohlman Jeffrey K. Putzier Richard J. Schreier 53 61 53 61 49 65 54 48 President and Director of First National. Vice President & Technology Director of the Company. Named President and Director of United Bank on January 1, 2012. Previously served as an Executive Vice President of United Bank and Senior Vice President of State Bank. President and Director of State Bank. Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director of the Company. Director and Chairman of Reliance Bank. Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of the Company. Director and Chairman of First National, State Bank, Boone Bank and United Bank. President and Director of Boone Bank. President and Director of Reliance Bank. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS Set forth below is a description of risk factors related to the Company’s business, provided to enable investors to assess, and be appropriately apprised of, certain risks and uncertainties the Company faces in conducting its business. An investor should carefully consider the risks described below and elsewhere in this Report, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. The risks and uncertainties discussed below are also applicable to forward-looking statements contained in this Report and in other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Risks Related to General Business, Economic and Political Conditions Our earnings and financial condition are affected by general business, economic and political conditions. For example, a depressed economic environment increases the likelihood of lower employment levels and recession, which could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition. General business and economic conditions that could affect us include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets and the strength of the national and local economies in which we operate. Political conditions can also affect our earnings through the introduction of new regulatory schemes and changes in tax laws. Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of customers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer, is highly dependent upon the business environment not only in the markets where we operate but also in the state of Iowa generally and in the United States as a whole. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors: economic growth; efficient capital markets; low inflation; low unemployment; high business and investor confidence; and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by: declines in economic growth, business activity, or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; high unemployment; natural disasters; or a combination of these or other factors. 14 While economic conditions in our market, the state of Iowa, and the United States have generally improved since the recession, there can be no assurance that this improvement will continue or occur at a meaningful rate. Stagnant or declining economic conditions could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Risks Related to Investments As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of our securities portfolio was approximately $537.6 million. Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of those securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, an unfavorable change in the liquidity of an investment, rating agency downgrades of the securities, reinvestment risk, liquidity risk, defaults by the issuer or individual mortgagors with respect to the underlying securities, and instability in the credit markets. Any of the foregoing factors could cause us to recognize an other than temporary impairment (OTTI) in future periods and result in realized losses that negatively impact earnings. The success of any investment activity is affected by general economic conditions. Unexpected volatility or illiquidity in the markets in which we hold securities could reduce our liquidity and stockholders' equity. To mitigate these risks, we have access to lines of credit that provide additional liquidity, if needed. Our investment securities are analyzed quarterly to determine whether, in the opinion of management, any of the securities have OTTI. To the extent that any portion of the unrealized losses in our portfolio of investment securities is determined to have OTTI and is credit loss related, we will recognize a charge to our earnings in the quarter during which such determination is made, and our capital ratios will be adversely impacted. Generally, a fixed income security is determined to have OTTI when it appears unlikely that we will receive all of the principal and interest due in accordance with the original terms of the investment. In addition to credit losses, losses are recognized for a security having an unrealized loss if we have the intent to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before collection of the principal amount. Risks Related to Commercial Real Estate Loans Commercial real estate loans were a significant portion of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of market conditions in the geographic area in which the real estate is located. Adverse developments affecting real estate values in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio. Additionally, real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts, and the repayment of the loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. Economic events or governmental regulations outside of the control of the borrower or lender could negatively impact the future cash flow and market values of the affected properties. If the loans that are collateralized by real estate become troubled and the value of the real estate has been significantly impaired, then we may not be able to recover the full contractual amount of principal and interest that was anticipated at the time of originating the loan, which could cause an increase to our provision for loan losses and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Risk Related to the Allowance for Loan Losses We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level believed to be adequate to absorb estimated losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations; specific credit risks; credit loss experience; current loan portfolio quality; present economic, political and regulatory conditions; and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance is inherently subjective as it requires significant estimates and management’s judgment of credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Continuing deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of additional loan charge-offs, based on judgments different from those of management. Also, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses; we will need additional provisions to increase the allowance. Any increases in provisions will result in a decrease in net income and capital and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 15 Rising Interest Rates An increase in interest rates that may occur in connection with the recovery of the economy could negatively impact our net interest margin if interest expense increases more quickly than interest income. Our earning assets (primarily our loan and investment portfolio) have longer maturities than our interest bearing liabilities (primarily our deposits and other borrowings). Therefore, in a rising interest rate environment, interest expense will increase more quickly than interest income, as the interest bearing liabilities reprice more quickly than earning assets, placing downward pressure on the net interest margin. A reduction in the net interest margin could negatively affect our results of operations, including earnings. In response to this challenge, we model quarterly the changes in income that would result from various changes in interest rates. Management believes our earning assets have the appropriate maturity and repricing characteristics to optimize earnings and interest rate risk positions. Liquidity Risk Maintaining adequate liquidity is essential to the banking business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowing, sale of securities or other sources could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity. Access to funding sources in amounts necessary to finance our activities or with terms that are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets or adverse regulatory action taken against us. Our ability to borrow could be impaired by factors such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations of the prospects for the financial services industry in light of the challenges facing the industry. We maintain liquidity primarily through customer deposits and other short-term funding sources, including advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) overnight borrowings and purchased federal funds. If economic conditions change so that we do not have access to short-term credit, or our depositors withdraw a substantial amount of their funds for other uses, we might experience liquidity issues. Our efforts to monitor and manage liquidity risk may not be successful or sufficient to deal with dramatic or unanticipated reductions in our liquidity. In such events, our cost of funds may increase, thereby reducing our net interest income, or we may need to sell a portion of our investment portfolio, which, depending upon market conditions, could result in us realizing losses on such sales. Concentration of Operations Our operations are concentrated primarily in central and north central Iowa. As a result of this geographic concentration, our results of operations may correlate to the economic conditions in this area. Any deterioration in economic conditions in central or north central Iowa, particularly in the industries on which the area depends (including agriculture which, in turn, is dependent upon weather conditions and government support programs), may adversely affect the quality of our loan portfolio and the demand for our products and services, and accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations. Competition with Larger Financial Institutions The banking and financial services business in our market area continues to be a competitive field and is becoming more competitive as a result of:  changes in regulations;  changes in technology and product delivery systems; and  the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial services providers. It may be difficult for us to compete effectively in the market, and our results of operations could be adversely affected by the nature or pace of change in competition. We compete for loans, deposits and customers with various bank and non-bank financial services providers, many of which are much larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets and offer a broader array of financial services. Our strategic planning efforts continue to focus on capitalizing on our strengths in local markets while working to identify opportunities for improvement to gain competitive advantages. Damage to our Reputation could Adversely Affect our Business Our business depends upon earning and maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers, investors, and employees. Damage to our reputation could cause significant harm to our business. Harm to our reputation could arise from numerous sources, including employee misconduct, compliance failures, litigation, or governmental investigations, among other things. In addition, a failure to deliver appropriate standards of service, or a failure or perceived failure to treat customers and clients fairly could result in customer 16 dissatisfaction, litigation, breach of information security, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, all of which could lead to lost revenue, higher operating costs and harm to our reputation. Adverse publicity about us, whether or not true, may also result in harm to our business. Should any events or circumstances that could undermine our reputation occur, there can be no assurance that the additional costs and expenses that we may incur in addressing such issues would not adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Trading Volume The trading volume in our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market is relatively limited compared to those of larger companies listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, the NASDAQ Global Markets, the New York Stock Exchange or other consolidated reporting systems or stock exchanges. A change in the supply or demand for our common stock may have a more significant impact on the price of our stock than for more actively traded companies. Technological Advances The financial services industry is continually undergoing technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to improving customer services, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements and there is a risk we could become less competitive if we are unable to take advantage of these improvements. Information Security We depend on data processing, communication and information exchange on a variety of computing platforms and networks and over the internet. We cannot be certain all of our systems are entirely free from vulnerability to attack, despite safeguards which have been installed. We outsource certain key aspects of our data processing and communication to certain third-party providers. While we have selected these third-party providers carefully, we cannot control their actions. If information security is breached, or one of our service providers or vendors breaches compliance procedures, information could be lost or misappropriated, resulting in financial loss or costs to us or damage to others. If information security is breached, our financial condition, results of operations and future prospects could be adversely affected. Our accounting policies and methods may require management to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Our management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting policies and methods in order to ensure they comply with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and reflect management's judgment as to the most appropriate manner in which to record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, management must select the accounting policy or method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which might be reasonable under the circumstances. The application of that chosen accounting policy or method might result in us reporting different amounts than would have been reported under a different alternative. If management's estimates or assumptions are incorrect, we may experience a material loss. We have identified three accounting policies as being "critical" to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations because they require management to make particularly subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because of the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. These critical accounting policies relate to (1) the fair value and possible OTTI of investment securities available for sale, (2) the allowance for loan losses, and (3) impairment of goodwill. Because of the inherent uncertainty of these estimates, no assurance can be given that application of alternative policies or methods might not result in the reporting of different amounts of the fair value of securities available for sale, the allowance for loan losses, goodwill valuation and, accordingly, net income. From time to time, the FASB and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards or the interpretation of those standards that govern the preparation of our external financial statements. These changes are beyond our control, can be difficult to predict and could materially impact how we report our financial condition and results of operations. Changes in these standards are continuously occurring, and given the current economic environment, more significant changes may occur. The implementation of such changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 17 Government Regulations Current and future legislation and the policies established by federal and state regulatory authorities will affect our operations. We are subject to extensive supervision of, and examination by, federal and state regulatory authorities which may limit our growth and the return to our shareholders by restricting certain activities, such as:  the payment of dividends to our shareholders;  the payment of dividends to the Company by our banking subsidiaries;  possible mergers with or acquisitions of or by other institutions;  investment policies;  loans and interest rates on loans;  interest rates paid on deposits;  expansion of branch offices; and/or  the possibility to provide or expand securities or trust services. On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act represented a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the United States and, among many other things, established the new federal BCFP and required the BCFP and other federal agencies to implement many significant rules and regulations. Compliance with the law and regulations has resulted in additional costs, and not all the rules and regulations have been finalized. We cannot predict what changes, if any, will be made to existing federal and state legislation and regulations or the effect that any changes may have on future business and earnings prospects. The cost of compliance with future regulatory requirements may adversely affect our net income. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company's office is housed in the main office of First National located at 405 5th Street, Ames, Iowa and occupies approximately 4,200 square feet. There are lease agreements between the Company and First National. The main office owned by First National, consists of approximately 45,000 square feet. In addition to its main office, First National conducts its business through six full- service offices, the West Ames office, North Grand office, Ankeny office, West Glen office, Valley Junction office and Johnston office. The West Ames office is located in Ames, Iowa and consists of approximately 1,800 square feet. The North Grand office is located in Ames, Iowa and consists of approximately 3,700 square feet. The office in Ankeny, Iowa occupies approximately 14,000 square feet, of which approximately 3,000 square feet is leased to four tenants for business purposes. The West Glenn office is located in West Des Moines, Iowa and occupies approximately 12,500 square feet and is leased from the Company. The West Glen office leases approximately 2,000 square feet to one tenant. The Valley Junction office is located in West Des Moines, Iowa and consists of approximately 2,600 square feet. The Johnston office is leased and consists of 3,800 square feet. All of the properties owned by the Company and First National are free of any mortgages. State Bank conducts its business from its main office located at 1025 Sixth Street, Nevada, Iowa. This property is owned by State Bank free of any mortgage. Boone Bank conducts its business from its main office located at 716 Eighth Street, Boone, Iowa and from one additional full-service office also located in Boone, Iowa. All properties are owned by Boone Bank free of any mortgage. Reliance Bank conducts its business from its main office located at 606 Broad Street, Story City, Iowa. Approximately 12,400 square feet of the Story City office is leased to twelve individual tenants and two commercial tenants. Reliance also has a full service office located in Garner, Iowa. All properties are owned by Reliance Bank free of any mortgage. United Bank conducts its business from its main office located at 2101 South Center Street, Marshalltown, Iowa and from a full- service office also located in Marshalltown, Iowa. All properties are owned by United Bank free of any mortgage. 18 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Banks are from time-to-time parties to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. The Company believes that there is no threatened or pending proceeding against the Company or the Banks, which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the Company or the Banks. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES On February 29, 2016, the Company had approximately 394 shareholders of record and an estimated 1,191 additional beneficial owners whose shares were held in nominee titles through brokerage or other accounts. The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “ATLO”. Trading in the Company’s common stock is, however, relatively limited. The closing price of the Company’s common stock was $23.46 on February 29, 2016. Based on information provided to and gathered by the Company on an informal basis, the Company believes that the high and low sales price for the common stock on a per share basis during the last two years is as follows: The Company declared aggregate annual cash dividends in 2015 and 2014 of approximately $7,449,000 and $6,704,000, respectively, or $0.80 per share in 2015 and $0.72 per share in 2014. In February 2016, the Company declared a cash dividend of approximately $1,955,000 or $0.21 per share. Quarterly dividends declared during the last two years were as follows: The decision to declare cash dividends in the future and the amount thereof rests within the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and will be subject to, among other things, the future earnings, capital requirements and financial condition of the Company and certain regulatory restrictions imposed on the payment of dividends by the Banks. Such restrictions are discussed in greater detail in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources and in Note 16 (Regulatory Matters) to the Company’s financial statements included herein. 19 20152014QuarterHighLowQuarterHighLow1st26.06$ 23.60$ 1st23.50$ 20.24$ 2nd26.43$ 23.51$ 2nd23.35$ 21.15$ 3rd26.40$ 22.01$ 3rd24.37$ 22.13$ 4th26.41$ 22.75$ 4th26.87$ 21.63$ Market PriceMarket Price20152014QuarterCash dividendsCash dividendsdeclared per sharedeclared per share1st0.20$ 0.18$ 2nd0.20$ 0.18$ 3rd0.20$ 0.18$ 4th0.20$ 0.18$ The following performance graph provides information regarding cumulative, five-year total return on an indexed basis of the Company's common stock as compared with the NASDAQ Composite Index, the SNL Midwest OTC_BB and Pink Banks (“Midwest OTC Bank Index”) and the SNL Bank NASDAQ Index (“NASDAQ Bank Index”) prepared by SNL Financial L.C. of Charlottesville, Virginia (www.snl.com). The Midwest OTC Bank Index reflects the performance of 129 bank holding companies operating principally in the Midwest as selected by SNL Financial. The NASDAQ Bank Index is comprised of 283 bank and bank holding companies listed on the NASDAQ market and operating throughout the United States. The indexes assume the investment of $100 on December 31, 2010, in the Company’s common stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index, Midwest OTC Bank Index and the NASDAQ Bank Index with all dividends reinvested. The Company’s stock price performance shown in the following graph is not indicative of future stock price performance. In November, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a Stock Repurchase Plan which provided for the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. This Stock Repurchase Plan replaced the previous Stock Repurchase Plan (approved in November, 2014) that expired in November, 2015. The Company did not purchase any shares in 2015 or 2014 under either of the Stock Repurchase Plans that were in effect during 2015 or 2014. 20 Ames National CorporationPeriod EndingIndex 12/31/10 12/31/11 12/31/12 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15Ames National Corporation 100.00 92.49 106.74 112.33 134.20 129.65NASDAQ Composite Index 100.00 99.21 116.82 163.75 188.03 201.40NASDAQ Bank Index 100.00 88.73 105.75 152.00 157.42 169.94Midwest OTC Bank Index 100.00 99.07 114.39 138.97 159.22 180.148010012014016018020022012/31/1012/31/1112/31/1212/31/1312/31/1412/31/15Index ValueTotal Return PerformanceAmes National CorporationNASDAQ Composite IndexNASDAQ Bank IndexMidwest OTC Bank Index The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2015. (1) The Stock Repurchase Plan adopted in November, 2014 expired in November, 2015 and no shares remain available for purchase under this plan as a result of the expiration. No purchases were made under this plan during October or November, 2015. (2) A successor Stock Repurchase Plan was approved and became effective on November 11, 2015 and authorized the purchase of up to 100,000 shares. This plan is scheduled to expire on November 8, 2016. No purchases were made under this plan during November or December, 2015. 21 TotalNumber Maximumof Shares Number of Purchased as Shares thatTotal Part of May Yet BeNumber Average Publicly Purchasedof Shares Price Paid Announced UnderPeriod Purchased Per Share Plans The PlanOctober 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015 (1) - -$ - 100,000 November 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015 (1) and (2) - -$ - 100,000 December 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 (2) - -$ - 100,000 Total- - ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following financial data of the Company for the five years ended December 31, 2011 through 2015 is derived from the Company's historical audited financial statements and related footnotes. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" and the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this Annual Report. 22 Selected Financial Data(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)20152014201320122011 STATEMENT OF INCOME DATAInterest income43,150$ 40,964$ 38,434$ 38,072$ 37,616$ Interest expense4,185 4,547 5,075 5,752 6,730 Net interest income38,965 36,417 33,359 32,320 30,886 Provision for loan losses1,099 429 786 22 533 Net interest income after provision for loan losses37,866 35,988 32,573 32,298 30,353 Noninterest income8,267 9,252 7,718 7,435 6,970 Noninterest expense25,312 24,373 21,679 20,803 18,852 Income before provision for income tax20,821 20,867 18,612 18,930 18,471 Provision for income tax5,806 5,616 4,658 4,748 4,550 Net income15,015$ 15,251$ 13,954$ 14,182$ 13,921$ DIVIDENDS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE DATACash dividends declared7,449$ 6,704$ 5,959$ 5,587$ 4,876$ Cash dividends declared per share 0.80$ 0.72$ 0.64$ 0.60$ 0.52$ Basic and diluted earnings per share1.61$ 1.64$ 1.50$ 1.52$ 1.48$ Weighted average shares outstanding9,310,913 9,310,913 9,310,913 9,310,913 9,399,076 BALANCE SHEET DATATotal assets1,326,747$ 1,301,031$ 1,233,084$ 1,217,692$ 1,035,564$ Net loans701,328 658,441 564,502 510,126 438,651 Deposits1,074,193 1,052,123 1,011,803 1,004,732 818,705 Stockholders' equity161,250 154,674 142,106 144,736 134,557 Equity to assets ratio12.15%11.89%11.52%11.89%12.99%Years Ended December 31, ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Overview The following discussion is provided for the consolidated operations of the Company and its Banks. The purpose of this discussion is to focus on significant factors affecting the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The Company does not engage in any material business activities apart from its ownership of the Banks and the managing of its own investment and loan portfolios. Products and services offered by the Banks are for commercial and consumer purposes, including loans, deposits and wealth management services. The Banks also offer investment services through a third-party broker-dealer. The Company employs twelve individuals to assist with financial reporting, human resources, marketing, audit, compliance, technology systems and the coordination of management activities, in addition to 208 full-time equivalent individuals employed by the Banks. The Company’s primary competitive strategy is to utilize seasoned and competent Bank management and local decision-making authority to provide customers with prompt response times and flexibility in the products and services offered. This strategy is viewed as providing an opportunity to increase revenues through the creation of a competitive advantage over other financial institutions. The Company also strives to remain operationally efficient to improve profitability while enabling the Banks to offer more competitive loan and deposit rates. The principal sources of Company revenues and cash flows are: (i) interest and fees earned on loans made or held by the Company and Banks; (ii) interest on fixed income investments held by the Company and the Banks; (iii) fees on wealth management services; (iv) service charges on deposit accounts maintained at the Banks; (v) merchant and card fees; (vi) gain on the sale of loans held for sale; and (vii) securities gains. The Company’s principal expenses are: (i) interest expense on deposit accounts and other borrowings; (ii) salaries and employee benefits; (iii) data processing costs primarily associated with maintaining the Banks’ loan and deposit functions; (iv) occupancy expenses for maintaining the Banks’ facilities; (v) professional fees; (vi) business development; (vii) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance assessments; and (viii) other real estate owned expenses. The largest component contributing to the Company’s net income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on earning assets (primarily loans and investments) and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities (primarily deposit accounts and other borrowings). One of management’s principal functions is to manage the spread between interest earned on earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities in an effort to maximize net interest income while maintaining an appropriate level of interest rate risk. The Company reported net income of $15,015,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $15,251,000 and $13,954,000 reported for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. This represents a decrease in net income of 1.5% when comparing 2015 with 2014 and an increase in net income of 9.3% when comparing 2014 with 2013. The decrease in net income in 2015 from 2014 was primarily the result of a one-time gain of the disposal of premises and equipment in 2014 and an increase in salaries and benefits and provision for loan losses, offset in part by an increase in net interest income and a decrease in other real estate expenses. The gain on the disposal of premises and equipment in 2014 was primarily due to the sale of First National’s University office. The First Bank Acquisition, described in Item 1 of this Report, contributed to increases in net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense in 2015. The increase in net income in 2014 from 2013 was primarily the result of an increase in net 23 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Net income15,015$ 15,251$ 13,954$ 14,182$ 13,921$ Average assets1,325,321 1,263,382 1,225,617 1,142,667 1,009,231 Average stockholders' equity 159,047 151,211 142,997 140,716 128,679 Return on assets (net income divided by average assets) 1.13% 1.21% 1.14% 1.24% 1.38%Return on equity (net income divided by average equity) 9.44% 10.09% 9.76% 10.08% 10.82%Net interest margin (net interest income divided by average earning assets)3.33% 3.31% 3.18% 3.35% 3.60%Efficiency ratio (noninterest expense divided by noninterest income plus net interest income)53.59% 53.37% 52.78% 52.33% 49.80%Dividend payout ratio (dividends per share divided by net income per share)49.69% 43.90% 42.67% 39.47% 35.14%Dividend yield (dividends per share divided by closing year-end market price)3.29% 2.78% 2.86% 2.74% 2.67%Equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by average assets)12.00% 11.97% 11.67% 12.31% 12.75%Years Ended December 31, interest income, gain on the disposal of premises and equipment in 2014 and an increase in wealth management income, offset in part by increases in salaries and benefits and other real estate owned expenses. The gain on the disposal of premises and equipment was primarily due to the sale of First National’s University office. The First Bank Acquisition, described in Item 1 of this Report, contributed to increases in net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense in 2015. Earnings per share for 2015 were $1.61 compared to $1.64 in 2014 and $1.50 in 2013. All five Banks demonstrated profitable operations during 2015. The Company’s return on average equity for 2015 was 9.44% compared to 10.09% and 9.76% in 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the return on average assets for 2015 was 1.13% compared to 1.21% in 2014 and 1.14% in 2013. The decrease in return on average equity and assets when comparing 2015 to 2014 was primarily a result of increased average equity and average assets, without a corresponding increase in net income. The increase in return on average equity and assets when comparing 2014 to 2013 was primarily a result of increased net income. The following discussion will provide a summary review of important items relating to:  Challenges  Key Performance Indicators  Industry Results  Critical Accounting Policies  Income Statement Review  Balance Sheet Review  Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management  Liquidity and Capital Resources  Interest Rate Risk  Inflation  Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks Challenges Management has identified certain events or circumstances that have the potential to negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in the future and is attempting to position the Company to best respond to those challenges.  If interest rates increase significantly over a relatively short period of time due to improving national employment levels or higher inflationary numbers, the interest rate environment may present a challenge to the Company. Increases in interest rates may negatively impact the Company’s net interest margin if interest expense increases more quickly than interest income, thus placing downward pressure on net interest income. The Company’s earning assets (primarily its loan and investment portfolio) have longer maturities than its interest bearing liabilities (primarily deposits and other borrowings); therefore, in a rising interest rate environment, interest expense will tend to increase more quickly than interest income as the interest bearing liabilities reprice more quickly than earning assets. In response to this challenge, the Banks model quarterly the changes in income that would result from various changes in interest rates. Management believes Bank earning assets have the appropriate maturity and repricing characteristics to optimize earnings and the Banks’ interest rate risk positions.  If market interest rates in the three to five year term remain at low levels as compared to the short term interest rates, the interest rate environment may present a challenge to the Company. The Company’s earning assets (typically priced at market interest rates in the three to five year range) will reprice at lower interest rates, but the deposits will not reprice at significantly lower interest rates, therefore the net interest income may decrease. Management believes Bank earning assets have the appropriate maturity and repricing characteristics to optimize earnings and the Banks’ interest rate risk positions. 24 Key Performance Indicators Certain key performance indicators for the Company and the industry are presented in the following chart. The industry figures are compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and are derived from 6,182 commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the FDIC. Management reviews these indicators on a quarterly basis for purposes of comparing the Company’s performance from quarter to quarter against the industry as a whole. Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry Key performance indicators include:  Return on Assets This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average assets. It is used to measure how effectively the assets of the Company are being utilized in generating income. The Company’s return on assets ratio is higher than that of the industry, primarily as a result of the Company’s net interest margin and noninterest expense relative to the industry.  Return on Equity This ratio is calculated by dividing net income by average equity. It is used to measure the net income or return the Company generated for the shareholders’ equity investment in the Company. The Company’s return on equity ratio is higher than the industry primarily as a result of the Company’s net interest margin and noninterest expense relative to the industry, offset in part by a higher capital ratio.  Net Interest Margin This ratio is calculated by dividing net interest income by average earning assets. Earning assets consist primarily of loans and investments that earn interest. This ratio is used to measure how well the Company is able to maintain interest rates on earning assets above those of interest-bearing liabilities, which is the interest expense paid on deposit accounts and other borrowings. The Company’s net interest margin is slightly higher than the industry, due primarily to a higher yields on earning assets at the Company as compared to the industry.  Efficiency Ratio This ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net interest income and noninterest income. The ratio is a measure of the Company’s ability to manage noninterest expenses. The Company’s efficiency ratio is lower than the industry average, primarily as a result of the Company’s lower noninterest expense.  Capital Ratio The capital ratio is calculated by dividing average total equity capital by average total assets. It measures the level of average assets that are funded by shareholders’ equity. Given an equal level of risk in the financial condition of two companies, the higher the capital ratio, generally the more financially sound the company. The Company’s capital ratio is significantly higher than the industry average. 25 CompanyIndustryCompanyIndustryCompanyIndustryReturn on assets 1.13%1.04%1.21%1.01%1.14%1.07%Return on equity 9.44%9.31%10.09%9.03%9.76%9.56%Net interest margin 3.33%3.07%3.31%3.14%3.18%3.26%Efficiency ratio 53.59%59.91%53.37%61.88%52.78%60.54%Capital ratio 12.00%9.59%11.97%9.46%11.67%9.41%2015Years Ended December 31,20142013 Industry Results The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the fourth quarter of 2015 Earnings and Profitability Register Year-Over-Year Improvement Declines in expenses for litigation at a few large banks combined with moderate revenue growth to lift fourth-quarter net income at FDIC-insured institutions to $40.8 billion, an increase of $4.4 billion (11.9%) compared with fourth quarter 2014. The improving trend in earnings was widespread. More than half of all banks, or 56.6%, reported year-over-year increases in quarterly net income. Meanwhile, the percentage of banks reporting negative quarterly net income fell to 9.1%, from 9.9% in the year-ago year. The average return on assets (ROA) rose to 1.03% from 0.95% in fourth quarter 2014. Margins Improve at Large Banks Net operating revenue—the sum of net interest income and total noninterest income—totaled $174.3 billion in the fourth quarter, up $6.8 billion (4.1%) from a year earlier. More than two-thirds of all banks, or 68%, reported year-over-year growth in revenues. Noninterest income was $3 billion (5%) higher, as servicing income rose by $2.1 billion (178%), and gains on asset sales were $984 million (32%) higher. Net interest income increased by $3.9 billion (3.6%) compared with fourth quarter 2014. The average net interest margin (NIM) was 3.13%, slightly higher than the 3.12% average the year before. This is the first time in five years that the average quarterly NIM hasn’t been lower than the year earlier. Most of the margin improvement occurred at larger banks, whose asset portfolios were better-positioned to benefit from the increase in short-term interest rates late in the quarter. Only 45% of all banks reported year-over-year NIM improvement. Litigation Expenses Fall 80% Total noninterest expenses were $2.7 billion (2.5%) lower than in the year-ago quarter. Itemized litigation expenses at a few of the largest banks totaled $616 million, a decline of $2.4 billion (80%) from fourth quarter 2014. Salary and employee benefit expenses were $1.2 billion (2.5%) higher, while expenses for premises and other fixed assets rose $313 million (2.7%). Loss Provisions Rise to Three-Year High Provisions for loan and lease losses increased year over year for a sixth consecutive quarter, rising by $3.8 billion (45.5%). The $12 billion in provisions that banks set aside in the fourth quarter is the largest quarterly total in three years. About 37% of banks reported higher quarterly provisions, while a similar proportion reported reductions in their loss provisions. Charge-Offs Rise in C&I, Consumer Portfolios Net charge-offs totaled $10.6 billion in the fourth quarter, an increase of $690 million (7%) from a year earlier. This is the first year- over-year increase in quarterly charge-offs in 22 quarters. Net charge-offs of loans to commercial and industrial (C&I) borrowers rose by $512 million (43.4%), as lower oil prices adversely affected some energy sector borrowers. Credit card charge-offs were $292 million (5.6%) higher, an increase largely in line with the growth in total credit card balances. Net charge-offs of auto loans increased by $105 million (15.9%). All other major loan categories had lower charge-offs than a year ago. The average net charge-off rate in the fourth quarter was 0.49%, almost unchanged from the 0.48% average in fourth quarter 2014. Pace of Loan Growth Accelerates Total assets increased by $167.8 billion (1.1%) during the quarter. Total loans and leases rose by $197.3 billion (2.3%), as credit card balances had a largely seasonal $41.7 billion (5.8%) increase, C&I loans increased by $39.6 billion (2.2%), and nonfarm nonresidential real estate loans rose by $31.6 billion (2.6%). In addition, loans to nondepository financial institutions increased $17.1 billion (6.5%), and multifamily residential real estate loans rose by $15 billion (4.6%). Loans to small businesses and farms increased $7.1 billion (1.1%). Investment securities holdings grew by $49.6 billion (1.5%). Banks reduced their balances with Federal Reserve banks by $42 billion (3.4%), with most of the decline occurring at a few of the largest banks. Assets in trading accounts fell by $22.1 billion (3.8%). Deposits Continue to Fund Asset Growth Total deposits increased by $199.4 billion (1.7%) during the fourth quarter, as deposits in domestic offices rose by $255.9 billion (2.4%), and foreign office deposits declined by $56.5 billion (4.2%). Interest-bearing domestic deposits were up $215.1 billion (2.8%), 26 while noninterest-bearing deposits rose by $40.7 billion (1.4%). Banks reduced their nondeposit liabilities by $35.9 billion (1.8%) during the quarter. Problem List’ Falls Below 200 Institutions The number of FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions reporting quarterly financial results declined from 6,270 to 6,182 in the fourth quarter. Mergers absorbed 81 institutions in the three months ended December 31, while two insured institutions failed. No new charters were added in the fourth quarter. Banks reported 2,033,758 full-time equivalent employees in the quarter, down from 2,038,490 in the third quarter and 2,047,945 a year Critical Accounting Policies The discussion contained in this Item 7 and other disclosures included within this Annual Report are based on the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements which appear in Item 8 of this Annual Report. These statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The financial information contained in these statements is, for the most part, based on the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. However, the preparation of these statements requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements. Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective estimates and judgments, management has identified the allowance for loan losses, the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment for investment securities and the assessment of goodwill to be the Company’s most critical accounting policies. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses that is treated as an expense and charged against earnings. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. The Company has policies and procedures for evaluating the overall credit quality of its loan portfolio, including timely identification of potential problem loans. On a quarterly basis, management reviews the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses, incorporating a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, known information about individual loans and other factors. Qualitative factors include various considerations regarding the general economic environment in the Company’s market area. To the extent actual results differ from forecasts and management’s judgment, the allowance for loan losses may be greater or lesser than future charge-offs. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in estimates will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. For further discussion concerning the allowance for loan losses and the process of establishing specific reserves, see the section of this Annual Report entitled “Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management” and “Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses”. Fair Value and Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities The Company’s securities available-for-sale portfolio is carried at fair value with “fair value” being defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact. Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the intent to sell the investment securities and the more likely than not requirement that the Company will be required to sell the investment securities prior to recovery (2) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and (3) the financial condition and near- term prospects of the issuer. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in management’s assessment of other-than-temporary impairment will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. 27 Goodwill Goodwill arose in connection with the First Bank Acquisition on August 29, 2014 and the Liberty Acquisition on April 27, 2012. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment. For the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, determination of the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Impairment would arise if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. At December 31, 2015, Company’s management has completed the goodwill impairment analysis and determined goodwill was not impaired. Actual future test results may differ from the present evaluation of impairment due to changes in the conditions used in the current evaluation. 28 Income Statement Review The following highlights a comparative discussion of the major components of net income and their impact for the last three years. Average Balances and Interest Rates The following two tables are used to calculate the Company’s net interest margin. The first table includes the Company’s average assets and the related income to determine the average yield on earning assets. The second table includes the average liabilities and related expense to determine the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. The net interest margin is equal to the interest income less the interest expense divided by average earning assets. Refer to the net interest income discussion following the tables for additional detail. 29 ASSETSAverageRevenue/Yield/AverageRevenue/Yield/AverageRevenue/Yield/balanceexpenseratebalanceexpenseratebalanceexpenserate(dollars in thousands) Interest-earning assetsLoans (1) Commercial98,546$ 4,446$ 4.51%85,115$ 4,034$ 4.74%80,254$ 3,843$ 4.79% Agricultural75,706 3,568 4.71%72,399 3,469 4.79%69,117 3,667 5.31% Real estate488,827 22,039 4.51%412,752 19,039 4.61%363,983 17,191 4.72% Consumer and other18,745 728 3.89%13,840 654 4.73%14,273 733 5.14% Total loans (including fees)681,824 30,781 4.51%584,106 27,196 4.66%527,627 25,434 4.82%Investment securities Taxable275,105 6,179 2.25%296,785 7,105 2.39%292,179 5,744 1.97% Tax-exempt (2)264,028 8,931 3.38%281,790 9,771 3.47%295,271 10,558 3.58% Total investment securities539,133 15,110 2.80%578,575 16,876 2.92%587,450 16,302 2.78% Total interest-earning assets1,264,537 46,273$ 3.66%1,202,828 44,381$ 3.69%1,164,873 42,127$ 3.62%Noninterest-earning assetsCash and due from banks21,052 21,640 20,718 Premises and equipment, net16,404 12,943 12,108 Other, less allowance for loan losses23,328 25,971 27,918 Total noninterest-earning assets60,784 60,554 60,744 TOTAL ASSETS1,325,321$ 1,263,382$ 1,225,617$ (1) Average loan balance includes nonaccrual loans, if any. Interest income collected on nonaccrual loans has been included.(2) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis using an incremental tax rate of 35%.Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold 43,580 382 0.88% 40,147 201420132015 309 49,796 391 0.78%0.77% Average Balances and Interest Rates (continued) 30 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYAverageRevenue/Yield/AverageRevenue/Yield/AverageRevenue/Yield/balanceexpenseratebalanceexpenseratebalanceexpenserate(dollars in thousands) Interest-bearing liabilitiesDeposits Time deposits > $100,00090,574 809 0.89%96,244 930 0.97%96,247 1,080 1.12% Time deposits < $100,000138,387 1,067 0.77%145,704 1,313 0.90%149,934 1,606 1.07% Total deposits881,024 3,019 0.34%849,221 3,385 0.40%837,225 3,862 0.46%Other borrowed funds86,381 1,166 1.35%85,246 1,162 1.36%71,787 1,213 1.69% Total interest-bearing liabilities967,405 4,185 0.43%934,467 4,547 0.49%909,012 5,075 0.56% Noninterest-bearing liabilitiesDemand deposits192,112 171,407 167,207 Other liabilities6,757 6,297 6,401 Stockholders' equity159,047 151,211 142,997 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY1,325,321$ 1,263,382$ 1,225,617$ Net interest income42,088$ 3.33%39,834$ 3.31%37,052$ 3.18%Spread AnalysisInterest income/average assets46,273$ 3.49%44,381$ 3.51%42,127$ 3.44%Interest expense/average assets4,185 0.32%4,547 0.36%5,075 0.41%Net interest income/average assets42,088 3.18%39,834 3.15%37,052 3.02%2015Savings, NOW accounts and money markets $ 652,063 $ 1,143 0.18%0.19%20142013 $ 607,273 $ 1,142 $ 591,044 $ 1,176 0.20% Rate and Volume Analysis The rate and volume analysis is used to determine how much of the change in interest income or expense is the result of a change in volume or a change in interest rate. For example, real estate loan interest income increased $3,000,000 in 2015 compared to 2014. Increased volume of real estate loans increased interest income in 2015 by $3,423,000 and lower interest rates decreased interest income in 2015 by $423,000. The following table sets forth, on a tax-equivalent basis, a summary of the changes in net interest income resulting from changes in volume and rates. (1) The change in interest due to both volume and yield/rate has been allocated to change due to volume and change due to yield/rate in proportion to the absolute value of the change in each. Net Interest Income The Company’s largest contributing component to net income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities. The volume of and yields earned on earning assets and the volume of and the rates paid on interest bearing liabilities determine net interest income. Refer to the tables preceding this paragraph for additional detail. Interest earned and interest paid is also affected by general economic conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, by government policies and the action of regulatory authorities. Net interest income divided by average earning assets is 31 (dollars in thousands)VolumeRateTotal (1)VolumeRateTotal (1)Interest incomeLoans Commercial615$ (203)$ 412$ 231$ (40)$ 191$ Agricultural157 (58) 99 170 (368) (198) Real estate3,423 (423) 3,000 2,256 (408) 1,848 Consumer and other204 (130) 74 (22) (57) (79) Total loans (including fees)4,399 (814) 3,585 2,635 (873) 1,762 Investment securitiesTaxable(515) (411) (926) 94 1,267 1,361 Tax-exempt(595) (245) (840) (470) (317) (787) Total investment securities(1,110) (656) (1,766) (376) 950 574 Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold27 46 73 (77) (5) (82) Total interest-earning assets3,316 (1,424) 1,892 2,182 72 2,254 Interest-bearing liabilitiesDeposits Savings, NOW accounts and money markets72 (71) 1 30 (64) (34) Time deposits > $100,000(50) (71) (121) - (150) (150) Time deposits < $100,000(64) (182) (246) (44) (249) (293) Total deposits(42) (324) (366) (14) (463) (477) Other borrowed funds14 (10) 4 207 (258) (51) Total interest-bearing liabilities(28) (334) (362) 193 (721) (528) Net interest income-earning assets3,344$ (1,090)$ 2,254$ 1,989$ 793$ 2,782$ 2015 Compared to 20142014 Compared to 2013 referred to as net interest margin. For the years December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company's net interest margin was 3.33%, 3.31% and 3.18%, respectively. Net interest income during 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $38,965,000, $36,417,000 and $33,359,000, respectively, representing a 7.0% increase in 2015 compared to 2014 and a 9.2% increase in 2014 from 2013. Net interest income increased in 2015 as compared to 2014 due primarily to increases in the average balance of real estate loans. Net interest income increased in 2014 as compared to 2013 due primarily to increases in the average balance of real estate loans and the average yield on taxable investment securities. The high level of competition in the local markets will continue to put downward pressure on the net interest margin of the Company. Currently, the Company’s primary market in Ames, Iowa, has ten banks, six credit unions and several other financial investment companies. Multiple banks are also located in the Company’s other market areas in central and north central Iowa creating similarly competitive environments. Provision for Loan Losses The provision for loan losses reflects management's judgment of the expense to be recognized in order to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. The Company’s provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $1,099,000 compared to $429,000 for the previous year. The higher provision for loan losses in 2015 as compared to 2014 was due primarily to increases in the general allowance resulting from increased outstanding loans in the construction and commercial operating portfolios. Credit quality indicators such as classified assets and impaired loans have improved since 2014; while past due loans have risen slightly but remain at a favorable level as compared to peer banks. There was no significant change in the allowance for loan loss on impaired loans. The Company’s provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $429,000 compared to $786,000 for the previous year. The lower provision for loan losses in 2014 as compared to 2013 was due primarily to improved credit quality indicators such as lower past due, impaired and classified loans, as well as a decrease in the allowance for loan loss on impaired loans, offset to a lesser extent due to an increase in the general allowance due to higher loans receivables. Refer to the “Asset Quality and Credit Risk Management” discussion for additional details with regard to loan loss provision expense. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb probable losses in the current portfolio. This statement is based upon management's continuing evaluation of inherent risks in the current loan portfolio, current levels of classified assets and general economic factors. The Company will continue to monitor the allowance and make future adjustments to the allowance as conditions dictate. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in estimates will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. Noninterest Income and Expense Total noninterest income is comprised primarily of fee-based revenues from wealth management and trust services, bank-related service charges on deposit activities, net securities gains, merchant and card fees related to electronic processing of merchant and cash transactions and gain on the sale of loans held for sale. Noninterest income during the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $8,267,000, $9,252,000 and $7,718,000, respectively. The lower noninterest income in 2015 as compared to 2014 related primarily to the gain on the disposal of premises and equipment in 2014 and lower recognized securities gains, offset in part by higher gains on the sale of loans held for sale and merchant and card fees. The gain on the disposal of premises and equipment was due primarily to the sale of First National’s University office in 2014 which resulted in a $1,257,000 gain. The increase in gain on sale of loans held for sale is due primarily to higher loan origination volume due to favorable economic conditions during 2015. The increase in merchant and card fees is due primarily to the First Bank Acquisition. The higher noninterest income in 2014 as compared to 2013 related primarily to the above-referenced gain on the disposal of premises and equipment in 2014 and wealth management income, offset in part by lower gains on the sale of loans held for sale. The increase in wealth management income was due primarily to market value driven account fees, as market values have increased on managed assets, and estate settlement fees. The decrease in gain on sale of loans held for sale is due primarily to lower loan origination volume due to higher market interest rates during 2014. Excluding securities gains and gain on disposal of premises and equipment in 2015 and 2014, noninterest income increased 7.0% in 2015 as compared to 2014. Excluding securities gains and gain on sale of premises and equipment in 2014 and 2013, noninterest income increased 2.8% in 2014 as compared to 2013. Noninterest expense for the Company consists of all operating expenses other than interest expense on deposits and other borrowed funds. Salaries and employee benefits are the largest component of the Company’s operating expenses and comprise 60%, 58% and 61% of noninterest expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Noninterest expense during the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $25,312,000, $24,373,000 and $21,679,000, respectively, representing a 3.9% increase in 2015 compared to a 12.4% increase in 2014. The primary reason for the increase in 2015 was higher 32 salaries and employee benefit costs benefits and data processing costs, offset in part by a decrease in the other real estate owned expense. Salaries and employee benefits increased due primarily to additional payroll costs associated with the First Bank Acquisition and normal salary increases. Data processing costs increased due primarily to the First Bank Acquisition, equipping the West Ames Office and expenses related to the implementation of video banking services. Other real estate owned expenses decreased due to lower levels of impairment write-down in 2015 as compared to 2014. The primary reason for the increase in 2014 was higher salaries and employee benefit costs due primarily to normal salary increases, additional payroll costs associated with the First Bank Acquisition and higher incentive pay and higher other real estate owned expenses due to impairment write-downs. The percentage of noninterest expense to average assets was 1.91% in 2015, compared to 1.93% and 1.77% during 2014 and 2013, respectively. Provision for Income Taxes The provision for income taxes for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $5,807,000, $5,616,000 and $4,658,000, respectively. This amount represents an effective tax rate of 28%, 27% and 25% for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company's marginal federal income tax rate is currently 35%. The difference between the Company's effective and marginal tax rate is primarily related to investments made in tax exempt securities. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2015 is due primarily to tax-exempt interest income decreasing as a percent of income before income taxes. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2014 is due primarily to tax-exempt interest income decreasing as a percent of income before income taxes. Balance Sheet Review The Company’s assets are comprised primarily of loans and investment securities. Average earning asset maturity or repricing dates are five years or less for the combined portfolios as the assets are funded for the most part by short term deposits with either immediate availability or less than one year average maturities. This exposes the Company to risk with regard to changes in interest rates that are more fully explained in Item 7A of this Annual Report “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”. Total assets increased to $1,326,747,000 in 2015 compared to $1,301,031,000 in 2014, a 2.0% increase. The increase in assets was due primarily to an increase in loans primarily from higher loan volume, offset in part by a decrease in securities available-for-sale and other real estate owned. Loan Portfolio Net loans as of December 31, 2015 totaled $701,328,000, an increase of 6.51% from the $658,441,000 as of December 31, 2014. The growth was primarily due to favorable lending environments in most of the Bank’s market areas. This growth is primarily reflected in the construction real estate portfolios and commercial operating portfolios. Loans are the primary contributor to the Company’s revenues and cash flows. The average yield on loans was 171 and 174 basis points higher in 2015 and 2014, respectively, in comparison to the average tax-equivalent investment portfolio yields. Types of Loans The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's loan portfolio for the past five years ending at December 31, 2015. 33 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011(dollars in thousands) Real Estate Construction 66,268$ 36,016$ 23,928$ 17,077$ 23,631$ 1-4 family residential 127,076 122,777 108,289 104,268 94,262 Commercial 251,889 257,054 206,112 178,660 147,500 Agricultural 62,530 57,449 53,834 43,868 32,503 Commercial 102,515 92,703 86,823 80,264 75,958 Agricultural 79,533 85,609 81,326 77,483 52,179 Consumer and other 21,599 15,763 12,795 16,340 20,754 Total loans 711,410 667,371 573,107 517,960 446,787 Deferred loan fees, net (93) (92) (34) (62) (231) Total loans net of deferred fees 711,317$ 667,279$ 573,073$ 517,898$ 446,556$ The Company's loan portfolio consists of real estate, commercial, agricultural and consumer loans. As of December 31, 2015, gross loans totaled approximately $711 million, which equals approximately 66.2% of total deposits and 53.6% of total assets. The Company’s peer group (consisting of 345 bank holding companies with total assets of $1 to $3 billion) loan to deposit ratio as of September 30, 2015 was a much higher 84%. The primary factor relating to the lower loan to deposit ratio for the Company compared to peer group averages is a more conservative underwriting philosophy and a higher level of deposits. As of December 31, 2015, the majority of the loans were originated directly by the Banks to borrowers within the Banks’ principal market areas. There are no foreign loans outstanding during the years presented. Real estate loans include various types of loans for which the Banks hold real property as collateral and consist of loans primarily on commercial properties and single family residences. Real estate loans typically have fixed rates for up to five years, with the Company’s loan policy permitting a maximum fixed rate maturity of up to 15 years. The majority of construction loan volume is given to contractors to construct commercial buildings and these loans generally have maturities of up to 12 months. The Banks also originate residential real estate loans for sale to the secondary market for a fee. Commercial loans consist primarily of loans to businesses for various purposes, including revolving lines to finance current operations, floor-plans, inventory and accounts receivable; capital expenditure loans to finance equipment and other fixed assets; and letters of credit. These loans generally have short maturities, have either adjustable or fixed rates and are unsecured or secured by inventory, accounts receivable, equipment and/or real estate. Agricultural loans play an important part in the Banks’ loan portfolios. Iowa is a major agricultural state and is a national leader in both grain and livestock production. The Banks play a significant role in their communities in financing operating, livestock and real estate activities for area producers. Consumer loans include loans extended to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures not secured by real estate. The majority of the Banks’ consumer lending is for vehicles, consolidation of personal debts, household appliances and improvements. The interest rates charged on loans vary with the degree of risk and the amount and maturity of the loan. Competitive pressures, market interest rates, the availability of funds and government regulation further influence the rate charged on a loan. The Banks follow a loan policy, which has been approved by both the board of directors of the Company and the Banks, and is overseen by both Company and Bank management. These policies establish lending limits, review and grading criteria and other guidelines such as loan administration and allowance for loan losses. Loans are approved by the Banks’ board of directors and/or designated officers in accordance with respective guidelines and underwriting policies of the Company. Credit limits generally vary according to the type of loan and the individual loan officer’s experience. Loans to any one borrower are limited by applicable state and federal banking laws. 34 Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates as of December 31, 2015 The contractual maturities of the Company's loan portfolio are as shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because individual borrowers may have the right to prepay loans with or without prepayment penalties. Loans Held For Sale Mortgage origination funding awaiting delivery to the secondary market totaled $539,000 and $705,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Residential mortgage loans are originated by the Banks and sold to several secondary mortgage market outlets based upon customer product preferences and pricing considerations. The mortgages are sold in the secondary market to eliminate interest rate risk and to generate secondary market fee income. It is not anticipated at the present time that loans held for sale will become a significant portion of total assets. Investment Portfolio Total investments as of December 31, 2015 were $537,633,000, a decrease of $4.9 million or 0.9% from the prior year end. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the investment portfolio comprised 41% and 42% of total assets, respectively. 35 After oneyear butWithinwithinAfterone yearfive yearsfive yearsTotal(dollars in thousands) Real Estate Construction26,749$ 19,719$ 19,800$ 66,268$ 1-4 family residential22,543 48,603 55,930 127,076 Commercial15,541 177,917 58,431 251,889 Agricultural6,411 21,442 34,677 62,530 Commercial44,341 54,595 3,579 102,515 Agricultural67,730 9,959 1,844 79,533 Consumer and other10,213 9,708 1,678 21,599 Total loans193,528$ 341,943$ 175,939$ 711,410$ After oneyear butwithinAfterfive yearsfive years Loan maturities after one year with:Fixed rates303,848$ 133,578$ Variable rates38,095 42,361 341,943$ 175,939$ The following table presents the fair values, which represent the carrying values due to the available-for-sale classification, of the Company’s investment portfolio as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. This portfolio provides the Company with a significant amount of liquidity. Investments in states and political subdivisions represent purchases of municipal bonds located primarily in the state of Iowa and contiguous states. The equity securities portfolio consisted primarily of required stocks, such as the FHLB and FRB stock, as of December 31, 2015 and also included a publically traded common stock as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not recognize an other-than-temporary impairment. Management estimates at the present time there exists no other-than-temporary impairments in the securities available-for-sale portfolio at December 31, 2015; however, it is possible that the Company may incur impairment losses in 2016 and thereafter. As of December 31, 2015, the Company did not have securities from a single issuer, except for the United States Government or its agencies, which exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity. The Company’s securities available-for-sale portfolio is carried at fair value with “fair value” being defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact. The valuation techniques used are consistent with the market approach, the income approach, and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, a fair value hierarchy was established for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows: Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and is used to measure fair value whenever available. 36 2015 2014 2013(dollars in thousands) U.S. government treasuries 1,467$ 1,448$ -$ U.S. government agencies 106,445 87,307 61,178 U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 98,079 120,985 155,142 State and political subdivisions 277,597 281,776 315,224 Corporate bonds 50,889 47,319 44,752 Equity securities 3,156 3,667 3,743 Total 537,633$ 542,502$ 580,039$ Level 2: Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology include: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risk); or inputs derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Other securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the terms and conditions, among other things. The Company reviews the prices supplied by the independent pricing service, as well as their underlying pricing methodologies, for reasonableness and to ensure such prices are aligned with traditional pricing matrices. In general, the Company does not purchase investment portfolio securities that are esoteric or that have a complicated structure. The Company’s entire portfolio consists of traditional investments, nearly all of which are federal agency or mortgage pass-through securities, general obligation or revenue based municipal bonds or corporate bonds. Equity securities consist of publically traded common stock, FHLB stock and FRB stock. Pricing for such instruments is fairly generic and is easily obtained. From time to time, the Company will validate, on a sample basis, prices supplied by the independent pricing service by comparison to prices obtained from third-party sources. Investment Maturities as of December 31, 2015 The investments in the following table are reported by contractual maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers of the securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. (1) Yields on tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis. 37 After one After fiveyear but years butWithin within within Afterone year five years ten years ten years Total(dollars in thousands) U.S. government treasuries -$ 1,467$ -$ -$ 1,467$ U.S. government agencies 4,015 65,105 37,324 - 106,444 U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 488 88,018 9,573 - 98,079 States and political subdivisions (1) 26,350 146,479 90,974 13,794 277,597 Corporate bonds 3,583 23,147 24,160 - 50,890 Total 34,436$ 324,216$ 162,031$ 13,794$ 534,477$ Weighted average yield U.S. government treasuries 0.00% 2.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.00%U.S. government agencies 2.50% 1.90% 2.27% 0.00% 2.05%U.S government mortgage-backed securities 4.27% 2.50% 2.73% 0.00% 2.53%States and political subdivisions (1) 3.61% 3.15% 3.65% 3.92% 3.39%Corporate bonds 2.57% 2.38% 2.62% 0.00% 2.51% Total 3.38% 2.66% 3.12% 3.92% 2.88% At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 283 and 314 government municipalities and agencies located within 24 and 25 states with a fair value of $277,597,000 and $281,776,000, respectively. No one municipality or agency represents a concentration within this segment of the investment portfolio. The largest exposure to any one municipality or agency as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $5.1 million and $5.4 million, respectively (approximately 1.9% of the fair value of the governmental municipalities and agencies) both represented by the Dubuque, Iowa Community School District to be repaid by sales tax revenues as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company’s procedures for evaluating investments in states, municipalities and political subdivisions include but are not limited to reviewing the offering statement and the most current available financial information, comparing yields to yields of bonds of similar credit quality, confirming capacity to repay, assessing operating and financial performance, evaluating the stability of tax revenues, considering debt profiles and local demographics, and for revenue bonds, assessing the source and strength of revenue structures for municipal authorities. These procedures, as applicable, are utilized for all municipal purchases and are utilized in whole or in part for monitoring the portfolio of municipal holdings. The Company does not utilize third party credit rating agencies as a primary component of determining if the municipal issuer has an adequate capacity to meet the financial commitments under the security for the projected life of the investment, and, therefore, does not compare internal assessments to those of the credit rating agencies. Credit rating downgrades are utilized as an additional indicator of credit weakness and as a reference point for historical default rates. The following table summarizes the total general obligation and revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates. 38 Estimated Estimated(dollars in thousands) Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Cost Value Cost ValueObligations of states and political subdivisions: General Obligation bonds: Iowa 77,735$ 78,255$ 75,879$ 76,857$ Texas 10,712 10,967 10,352 10,537 Minnesota 8,401 8,510 8,797 8,932 Pennsylvania 8,389 8,448 7,377 7,390 Other (2015: 16 states; 2014: 18 states) 26,449 26,916 31,028 31,549 Total general obligation bonds 131,686$ 133,096$ 133,433$ 135,265$ Revenue bonds: Iowa 134,333$ 136,705$ 134,683$ 137,250$ Other (2015: 9 states; 2014: 11 states) 7,752 7,796 9,212 9,261 Total revenue bonds 142,085$ 144,501$ 143,895$ 146,511$ Total obligations of states and political subdivisions 273,771$ 277,597$ 277,328$ 281,776$ 20152014 As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios were issued by government municipalities and agencies to fund public services such as community school facilities, college and university dormitory facilities and water utilities. The revenue bonds are to be paid from 11 revenue sources in 2015 and 2014. The revenue sources that represent 5% or more, individually, as a percent of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following table. Deposits Total deposits were $1,074,193,000 and $1,052,123,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase of $22,070,000 between the periods can be attributed to increases in money market accounts and demand deposit accounts, offset by decreases in other time deposits due in part to the low rate environment. The Company’s primary source of funds is customer deposits. The Banks attempts to attract noninterest-bearing deposits, which are a low-cost funding source. In addition, the Banks offer a variety of interest-bearing accounts designed to attract both short-term and longer-term deposits from customers. Interest-bearing accounts earn interest at rates established by Bank management based on competitive market factors and the Company’s need for funds. While nearly 59% of the Banks’ certificates of deposit mature in the next year, it is anticipated that a majority of these certificates will be renewed. Rate sensitive certificates of deposits in excess of $100,000 are subject to somewhat higher volatility with regard to renewal volume as the Banks adjust rates based upon funding needs. In the event a substantial volume of certificates is not renewed, the Company has sufficient liquid assets and borrowing lines to fund significant runoff. A sustained reduction in deposit volume would have a significant negative impact on the Company’s operation and liquidity. The Company had $3,247,000 of brokered deposits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Average Deposits by Type The following table sets forth the average balances for each major category of deposit and the weighted average interest rate paid for deposits during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. 39 Estimated Estimated(dollars in thousands) Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Cost Value Cost ValueRevenue bonds by revenue source Sales tax 88,299$ 90,145$ 86,386$ 88,449$ College and universities, primarily dormitory revenues 12,153 12,298 14,005 14,108 Water10,446 10,548 12,155 12,191 Leases9,900 9,939 9,551 9,599 Electric Power 8,950 9,141 7,357 7,578 Other 12,337 12,430 14,441 14,586 Total revenue bonds by revenue source 142,085$ 144,501$ 143,895$ 146,511$ 20152014 Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate(dollars in thousands) Noninterest bearing demand deposits 192,112$ 0.00% 171,407$ 0.00% 167,207$ 0.00%Interest bearing demand deposits 300,285 0.16% 293,181 0.18% 294,767 0.20%Money market deposits 271,838 0.21% 244,461 0.21% 233,344 0.21%Savings deposits 79,940 0.13% 69,633 0.15% 62,933 0.16%Time certificates > $100,000 90,574 0.89% 96,244 0.97% 96,247 1.12%Time certificates < $100,000 138,387 0.77% 145,704 0.90% 149,934 1.07% 1,073,136$ 1,020,629$ 1,004,433$ 201320142015AverageAverageAverage Deposit Maturity The following table shows the amounts and remaining maturities of time certificates of deposit that had balances of $100,000 and over as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Securities Sold Under an Agreement to Repurchase Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $54,290,000 and $51,265,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively an increase of 5.9%. Borrowed Funds Borrowed funds that may be utilized by the Company are comprised of FHLB advances, federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements and financing agreements. Borrowed funds are an alternative funding source to deposits and can be used to fund the Company’s assets and unforeseen liquidity needs. FHLB advances are loans from the FHLB that can mature daily or have longer maturities for fixed or floating rates of interest. Federal funds purchased are borrowings from other banks that mature daily. Securities sold under agreement to repurchase (repurchase agreements) are similar to deposits as they are funds lent by various Bank customers; however, investment securities are pledged to secure such borrowings. The Company has repurchase agreements that reprice daily. Term repurchase agreements are funds lent by a third party with securities pledged to secure such borrowings. These term repurchase agreements have longer terms. Financing agreements are comprised of financing transactions of transferred loans by First National that First National maintains effective control. The following table summarizes the outstanding amount of, and the average rate on, borrowed funds as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. 40 201520142013(dollars in thousands) 3 months or less13,370$ 18,632$ 18,230$ Over 3 through 12 months46,643 37,425 39,765 Over 12 through 36 months23,704 29,308 28,722 Over 36 months6,503 8,443 10,361 Total90,220$ 93,808$ 97,078$ AverageAverageAverageBalanceRateBalanceRateBalanceRate(dollars in thousands) Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements54,290$ 0.33%51,265$ 0.27%39,617$ 0.32%FHLB advances18,542 2.24%14,468 2.68%14,541 2.70%Other borrowings13,000 3.62%23,000 3.59%20,000 3.40%Total85,832$ 1.24%88,733$ 1.52%74,157$ 1.62%201420132015 Average Annual Borrowed Funds The following table sets forth the average amount of, the average rate paid and maximum outstanding balance on, borrowed funds for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit that assist customers with their credit needs to conduct business. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2015, the most likely impact of these financial instruments on revenues, expenses, or cash flows of the Company would come from unidentified credit risk causing higher provision expense for loan losses in future periods. These financial instruments are not expected to have a significant impact on the liquidity or capital resources of the Company. For additional information, including quantification of the amounts involved, see Note 15 of the “Notes to Consolidated Statements” and the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of this discussion. Contractual Obligations The following table sets forth the balance of the Company’s contractual obligations by maturity period as of December 31, 2015. (1) FHLB advances consist of various FHLB borrowings with fixed rates with final maturities through 2025. $11.5 million of the FHLB advances are callable quarterly and $0.5 million of the FHLB advances are amortizing and puttable. Other borrowings also include $13.0 million of term repurchase agreements having maturities greater than one year and can be called by the issuing financial institution quarterly. The term repurchase agreements have final maturities through 2018. 41 AverageAverageAverageAverageAverageAverageBalanceRateBalanceRateBalanceRate(dollars in thousands) Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements52,187$ 0.28%51,536$ 0.28%34,908$ 0.33%FHLB advances17,199 2.34%15,888 2.50%16,879 2.40%Other borrowings16,995 3.63%17,822 3.48%20,000 3.46% Total86,381$ 1.35%85,246$ 1.36%71,787$ 1.69%Maximum Amount Outstanding during the YearFederal funds purchased and repurchase agreements66,245$ 71,485$ 45,956$ FHLB advances50,253$ 39,598$ 45,077$ Other borrowings23,000$ 23,000$ 20,000$ 201420152013Less than1-33-5More thanContractual ObligationsTotal1 yearyearsyears5 years(dollars in thousands)Deposits1,074,193$ 984,072$ 70,079$ 19,903$ 139$ Securities sold under agreements to repurchase54,290 54,290 - - - Federal funds purchased- - - - - FHLB advances and other borrowings (1)31,542 3,546 25,597 2,105 294 Leases341 93 186 62 Purchase obligations (2)4,373 1,722 2,071 580 - Total1,164,739$ 1,043,723$ 97,933$ 22,650$ 433$ Payments due by period (2) Purchase obligations include data processing, internet banking services and card processing contracts that include termination provisions that would accelerate all future payments in the event the Company changed service providers prior to the contracts’ expirations. Asset Quality Review and Credit Risk Management The Company’s credit risk is centered in the loan portfolio, which on December 31, 2015, totaled $701,328,000 as compared to $658,441,000 as of December 31, 2014, an increase of 6.5%. Net loans comprise 53% of total assets as of the end of 2015. The object in managing loan portfolio risk is to reduce the risk of loss resulting from a customer’s failure to perform according to the terms of a transaction and to quantify and manage credit risk on a portfolio basis. As the following chart indicates, the Company’s non- performing assets have decreased by 71% from December 31, 2014 and total $3,140,000 as of December 31, 2015. The Company’s level of non-performing assets as a percentage of assets of 0.24% as of December 31, 2015, is lower than the average for the Company’s peer group of FDIC insured institutions as of September 30, 2015, of 0.89%. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2015 remains adequate based on its analysis of the non-performing assets and the portfolio as a whole. Non-performing Assets The following table sets forth information concerning the Company's non-performing assets for the past five years ended December 31, 2015. The accrual of interest on nonaccrual and other impaired loans is generally discontinued at 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received and when principal obligations are expected to be recoverable. Interest income on restructured loans is recognized pursuant to the terms of the new loan agreement. Interest income on other impaired loans remaining on accrual is monitored and income is recognized based upon the terms of the underlying loan agreement. However, the recorded net investment in impaired loans, including accrued interest, is limited to the present value of the expected cash flows of the impaired loan or the observable fair value of the loan’s collateral. Impaired loans totaled $1,818,000 as of December 31, 2015 and were $589,000 lower than the impaired loans as of December 31, 2014. The Company considers impaired loans to generally include the non-performing loans (consisting of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing) and other loans that may or may not meet the former nonperforming criteria but are considered to meet the definition of impaired. The allowance for loan losses related to these impaired loans was approximately $439,000 and $337,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The average balances of impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $2,104,000 and $2,173,000, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, interest income, which would have been recorded under the original terms of nonaccrual loans, was approximately $162,000, $136,000 and $287,000, respectively, with $164,000, $453,000 and $347,000, respectively, recorded. There was $75,000 of loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2015 and there was $36,000 of loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2014. Summary of the Allowance for Loan Losses The provision for loan losses represents an expense charged against earnings to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Factors considered in establishing an appropriate allowance include: an assessment of the financial condition of the borrower; a 42 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011(dollars in thousands) Non-performing assets:Nonaccrual loans 1,818$ 2,407$ 2,508$ 5,567$ 7,915$ Loans 90 days or more past due 75 36 27 - 152 Total non-performing loans 1,893 2,443 2,535 5,567 8,067 Securities available-for-sale - - - - - Other real estate owned 1,250 8,436 8,861 9,911 9,538 Total non-performing assets 3,143$ 10,879$ 11,396$ 15,478$ 17,605$ realistic determination of value and adequacy of underlying collateral; historical charge-offs; the condition of the local economy; the condition of the specific industry of the borrower; an analysis of the levels and trends of loan categories; and a review of delinquent and classified loans. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated quarterly by management, the Company and respective Bank boards. This evaluation focuses on specific loan reviews, changes in the type and volume of the loan portfolio given the current 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 collateral are sufficient to repay the loan; delinquent status; criticism of the loan in a regulatory examination; the accrual of interest has been suspended; or other reasons, including when the loan has other special or unusual characteristics which warrant special monitoring. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the estimated losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additional losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that change in estimates will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. 43 Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses The Company’s policy is to charge-off loans when, in management’s opinion, the loan is deemed uncollectible, although concerted efforts are made to maximize future recoveries. The following table sets forth information regarding changes in the Company's allowance for loan losses for the most recent five years. The allowance for loan losses increased to $9,988,000 at the end of 2015 in comparison to the allowance of $8,838,000 at year end 2014 as a result of provisions of $1,099,000 and net recoveries of $51,000. The higher provision for loan losses in 2015 as compared to 2014 was due primarily to increased outstanding loans in the construction and commercial real estate portfolios. Credit quality indicators such as classified assets and impaired loans have improved while past due loans have risen slightly but remain at a favorable level as compared to peer banks. There was no significant change in the allowance for loan loss on impaired loans. The allowance for loan losses increased to $8,838,000 at the end of 2014 in comparison to the allowance of $8,572,000 at year end 2013 as a result of provisions of $429,000 and net charge-offs of $162,000. The lower provision for loan losses in 2014 as compared to 2013 was due primarily to improved credit quality indicators, excluding the loans acquired as a part of the First Bank Acquisition, such as past due loans, classified assets, impaired loans, as well as a decrease in the allowance for loan loss on impaired loans. This decrease was offset in part by provisions required due to an increase in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses increased to $8,572,000 at the 44 20152014201320122011(dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of period8,838$ 8,572$ 7,773$ 7,905$ 7,521$ Charge-offs:Real estate Construction- - - - - 1-4 Family residential25 151 81 154 75 Commercial- - - - 51 Agricultural- - - - - Commercial- 17 - 30 2 Agricultural39 - - - 23 Consumer and other5 77 36 48 52 Total charge-offs69 245 117 232 203 Recoveries:Real estate Construction50 25 - - - 1-4 Family residential26 18 54 3 - Commercial4 - 51 4 2 Agricultural- - - - - Commercial- 19 3 24 21 Agricultural28 - - - 17 Consumer and other12 20 22 47 14 Total recoveries120 82 130 78 54 Net charge-offs (recoveries)(51) 163 (13) 154 149 Provisions charged to operations1,099 429 786 22 533 Balance at end of period9,988$ 8,838$ 8,572$ 7,773$ 7,905$ Average loans outstanding681,824$ 527,627$ 482,699$ 431,368$ 417,688$ Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) during the period to average loans outstanding-0.01%0.03%0.00%0.03%0.03%Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans net of deferred fees1.40%1.32%1.50%1.50%1.77% end of 2013 in comparison to the allowance of $7,773,000 at year end 2012 as a result of provisions of $786,000 and net recoveries of $13,000. The higher provision for loan losses in 2013 as compared to 2012 was due primarily to a higher provision required as a result of an increase in the loan portfolio. This increase was offset in part by to improved credit quality indicators such as lower impaired loans, as well as a decrease in the allowance for loan loss on impaired loans. The allowance for loan losses decreased to $7,773,000 at the end of 2012 in comparison to the allowance of $7,905,000 at year end 2011 as a result of net charge offs of $154,000, offset in part by provisions of $22,000. The lower provision for loan losses in 2012 as compared to 2011 was due primarily to improved credit quality indicators such as lower past due, watch, substandard and impaired loans, as well as a decrease in the allowance for loan loss on impaired loans. These factors were offset in part by an increase in the loan portfolio. General reserves for loan categories range from 1.07% to 1.81% of the outstanding loan balances as of December 31, 2015. In general as loan volume increases, the general reserve levels increase with that growth and as loan volume decreases, the general reserve levels decrease with that decline. The loan provisions recognized in 2015 were due primarily to increases in the loan portfolio. The loan provisions recognized in 2014 were due primarily to increases in the loan portfolio, offset in part by lower provisions needed due to improved credit quality indicators, excluding loans acquired as a part of the First Bank Acquisition, impaired loans, as well as a decrease in the allowance for loan loss on impaired loans. The loan provisions recognized in 2013 were due primarily to increases in the loan portfolio, offset in part by lower impaired loans, as well as a decrease in the allowance for loan loss on impaired loans. The allowance relating to commercial real estate and 1-4 family residential are the largest reserve components. Construction, commercial operating and agricultural operating loans have higher general reserve levels as a percentage than the other loan categories as management perceives more risk in this type of lending. Elements contributing to the higher risk level include a higher percentage of watch, special mention, substandard and impaired loans and less favorable economic conditions for those portfolios. As of December 31, 2015, commercial real estate loans have general reserves ranging from 1.25% to 1.45%. Other factors considered when determining the adequacy of the general reserve include historical losses; watch, substandard and impaired loan volume; collecting past due loans; loan growth; loan-to-value ratios; loan administration; collateral values; and economic factors. The Company’s concentration risks include geographic concentration in central Iowa; the local economy’s dependence upon several large governmental entity employers, including Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Transportation; and the health of Iowa’s agricultural sector that, in turn, is dependent on weather conditions and government programs. No assurances can be made that losses will remain at the relatively favorable levels experienced over the past five years. Loans that the Banks have identified as having higher risk levels are reviewed individually in an effort to establish adequate loss reserves. These reserves are considered specific reserves and are directly impacted by the credit quality of the underlying loans. Normally, as the actual or expected level of non-performing loans increase, the specific reserves also increase. As of December 31, 2015, the specific reserve increased to $439,000 from $337,000, as the volume of problem credits decreased. As of December 31, 2014, the specific reserve decreased to $337,000 from $477,000, as the volume of problem credits decreased. As of December 31, 2013, the specific reserve decreased to $477,000 from $702,000, as the volume of problem credits decreased. As of December 31, 2012, the specific reserve decreased to $702,000 from $876,000, as the volume of problem credits decreased. As of December 31, 2011, the specific reserve increased to $876,000 from $445,000, as the volume of problem credits increased. The specific reserves are dependent upon assumptions regarding the liquidation value of collateral and the cost of recovering collateral including legal fees. Changing the amount of specific reserves on individual loans has historically had the largest impact on the reallocation of the allowance among different parts of the portfolio. 45 Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses . The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses. Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity management is the process by which the Company, through its Banks’ Asset and Liability Committees (ALCO), ensures adequate liquid funds are available to meet its financial commitments on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. These commitments include funding credit obligations to borrowers, funding of mortgage originations pending delivery to the secondary market, withdrawals by depositors, maintaining adequate collateral for pledging for public funds, trust deposits and borrowings, paying dividends to shareholders, payment of operating expenses, funding capital expenditures and maintaining deposit reserve requirements. Liquidity is derived primarily from core deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments, sale, maturity and prepayment of investment securities; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources. Other funding sources include federal funds purchased lines, FHLB advances and other capital market sources. As of December 31, 2015, the level of liquidity and capital resources of the Company remain at a satisfactory level and compare favorably to that of other FDIC insured institutions. Management believes that the Company's liquidity sources will be sufficient to support its existing operations for the foreseeable future. The liquidity and capital resources discussion will cover the following topics:  Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources  Review of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  Review of Company Only Cash Flows  Review of Commitments for Capital Expenditures, Cash Flow Uncertainties and Known Trends in Liquidity and Cash Flow Needs  Capital Resources Review of the Company’s Current Liquidity Sources Liquid assets of cash on hand, balances due from other banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions for December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $50,999,000, $55,200,000 and $47,898,000, respectively. The lower balance of liquid assets at December 31, 2015 primarily relates to a decrease in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions. Other sources of liquidity available to the Banks include borrowing capacity with the FHLB of $154,509,000 and federal funds borrowing capacity at correspondent banks of $116,570,000. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding FHLB 46 (dollars in thousands) Amount% *Amount% *Amount% *Amount% *Amount% *Balance at end of periodapplicable to:Real Estate Construction999$ 9%495$ 5%392$ 4%375$ 3%793$ 5% 1-4 family residential1,806 18%1,648 18%1,523 19%1,433 21%1,402 21% Commercial3,558 36%3,214 38%3,230 36%2,859 35%2,859 33% Agricultural760 9%737 10%686 10%523 8%501 7%Commercial1,371 14%1,247 14%1,435 15%1,461 15%1,352 17%Agricultural1,256 11%1,312 13%1,165 14%945 15%764 12%Consumer and other239 3%185 2%141 2%177 3%234 5% 9,989$ 100%8,838$ 100%8,572$ 100%7,773$ 100%7,905$ 100%* Percent of loans in each category to total loans.20132014201220112015 advances of $18,542,000, no federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $54,290,000 and other borrowings of $13,000,000. While the borrowing option is available, the Company has no Treasury Tax and Loan option notes outstanding. Total investments as of December 31, 2015, were $537,633,000 compared to $542,502,000 as of year-end 2014. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the investment portfolio as a percentage of total assets was 41% and 42%, respectively. The investment portfolio provides the Company with a significant amount of liquidity since all investments are classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and have pretax net unrealized gains of $5,527,000 and $7,098,000, respectively. The investment portfolio serves an important role in the overall context of balance sheet management in terms of balancing capital utilization and liquidity. The decision to purchase or sell securities is based upon the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate environment, liquidity and credit considerations. The portfolio’s scheduled maturities represent a significant source of liquidity. Review of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $22,714,000, $19,508,000 and $23,525,000, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to a decrease in deferred income taxes and lower gain on disposal of bank premises and equipment. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 as compared to 2013 was primarily due to lower amortization of mortgage-backed securities, a decrease in other assets, higher gain on sale and disposal of bank premises and equipment, offset in part by an increase in net income and higher impairment of other real estate owned. Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $(34,468,000), $16,184,000 and $(47,923,000), respectively. The change in net cash provided by (used in) investing activities in 2015 was primarily due to changes in securities available-for-sale and change in cash acquired, net of cash paid for acquired bank offices acquired in the First Bank Acquisition. The change in net cash provided by investing activities in 2014 was primarily due to changes in securities available-for-sale and cash acquired, net of cash paid for acquired bank offices acquired in the First Bank Acquisition, offset in part by the change in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions. Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $12,029,000, $(36,232,000) and $13,862,000, respectively. The change in net cash provided by (used in) financing activities in 2015 was due primarily to a change in deposits. The change in net cash (used in) financing activities in 2014 was due primarily to a change in deposits. As of December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any external debt financing, off balance sheet financing arrangements or derivative instruments linked to its stock. Review of Company Only Cash Flows The Company’s liquidity on an unconsolidated basis is heavily dependent upon dividends paid to the Company by the Banks. The Company requires adequate liquidity to pay its expenses and pay stockholder dividends. In 2015, dividends from the Banks amounted to $8,350,000 compared to $7,600,000 in 2014. Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends banking subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval. Federal Reserve policy further limits the circumstances under which bank holding companies may declare dividends. For example, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Federal and state banking regulators may also restrict the payment of dividends by order. First National and United Bank, as national banks, generally may pay dividends, without obtaining the express approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), in an amount up to their retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years plus retained net profits up to the date of any dividend declaration in the current calendar year. Retained net profits, as defined by the OCC, consists of net income less dividends declared during the period. Boone Bank, Reliance Bank and State Bank are also restricted under Iowa law to paying dividends only out of their undivided profits. Additionally, the payment of dividends by the Banks is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and the Banks generally are prohibited from paying any dividends if, following payment thereof, the Bank would be undercapitalized. The Company has unconsolidated cash, interest bearing deposits and marketable investment securities totaling $8,946,000 that were available at December 31, 2015 to provide additional liquidity to the Banks. 47 Review of Commitments for Capital Expenditures, Cash Flow Uncertainties and Known Trends in Liquidity and Cash Flow Needs Commitments to extend credit totaled $158,566,000 as of December 31, 2015 compared to a total of $159,527,000 at the end of 2014. The timing of these credit commitments varies with the underlying borrowers; however, the Company has satisfactory liquidity to fund these obligations as of December 31, 2015. The primary cash flow uncertainty would be a sudden decline in deposits causing the Banks to liquidate securities. Historically, the Banks have maintained an adequate level of short term marketable investments to fund the temporary declines in deposit balances. There are no other known trends in liquidity and cash flow needs as of December 31, 2015, that are of concern to management. Capital Resources The Company’s total stockholders’ equity increased to $161,250,000 at December 31, 2015, from $154,674,000 at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 12.2% and 11.9%, respectively. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily the result of net income, offset in part by lower fair value on the securities available-for- sale as reflected in the decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income, and dividends declared. The capital levels of the Company currently exceed applicable regulatory guidelines as of December 31, 2015. From time to time, the Company’s board of directors has authorized stock repurchase plans. Stock repurchase plans allow the Company to proactively manage its capital position and return excess capital to shareholders. No shares of common stock were repurchased under stock repurchase plans in 2015 and 2014. Also see Part II, Item 5 - Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities, included elsewhere in this Report. Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk refers to the impact that a change in interest rates may have on the Company’s earnings and capital. Management’s objectives are to control interest rate risk and to ensure predictable and consistent growth of earnings and capital. Interest rate risk management focuses on fluctuations in net interest income identified through computer simulations to evaluate volatility, varying interest rate, spread and volume assumptions. The risk is quantified and compared against tolerance levels. The Company uses a third-party computer software simulation modeling program to measure its exposure to potential interest rate changes. For various assumed hypothetical changes in market interest rates, numerous other assumptions are made such as prepayment speeds on loans, the slope of the Treasury yield curve, the rates and volumes of the Company’s deposits and the rates and volumes of the Company’s loans. This analysis measures the estimated change in net interest income in the event of hypothetical changes in interest rates. Another measure of interest rate sensitivity is the gap ratio. This ratio indicates the amount of interest-earning assets repricing within a given period in comparison to the amount of interest-bearing liabilities repricing within the same period of time. A gap ratio of 1.0 indicates a matched position, in which case the effect on net interest income due to interest rate movements will be minimal. A gap ratio of less than 1.0 indicates that more liabilities than assets reprice within the time period, while a ratio greater than 1.0 indicates that more assets reprice than liabilities. The simulation model process provides a dynamic assessment of interest rate sensitivity, whereas a static interest rate gap table is compiled as of a point in time. The model simulations differ from a traditional gap analysis, as a traditional gap analysis does not reflect the multiple effects of interest rate movement on the entire range of assets and liabilities and ignores the future impact of new business strategies. Inflation The primary impact of inflation on the Company’s operations is to increase asset yields, deposit costs and operating overhead. Unlike most industries, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than they would on non-financial companies. Although interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the price of goods and services, increases in inflation generally have resulted in increased interest rates. The effects of inflation can magnify the growth of assets and, if significant, require that equity capital increase at a faster rate than would be otherwise necessary. 48 Forward-Looking Statements and Business Risks Certain statements contained in the foregoing Management’s Discussion and Analysis and elsewhere in this Annual Report that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”), notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified. In addition, certain statements may be contained in the Company’s future filings with the SEC, in press releases and in oral and written statements made by or with the Company’s approval that are not statements of historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of the Company or its management, including those relating to products or services; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “targeted”, “projected”, “continue”, “remain”, “will”, “should”, “may” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:  Local, regional and national economic conditions and the impact they may have on the Company and its customers, and management’s assessment of that impact on its estimates including, but not limited to, the allowance for loan losses and fair value of other real estate owned. Of particular relevance are the economic conditions in the concentrated geographic area in central and north-central Iowa in which the Banks conduct their operations.  Changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs.  Changes in the fair value of securities available-for-sale and management’s assessments of other-than-temporary impairment of such securities.  The effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the changes in assessment rates established by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for its Deposit Insurance Fund and interest rate policies of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board.  Changes in sources and uses of funds, including loans, deposits and borrowings, including the ability of the Banks to maintain unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks.  Changes imposed by regulatory agencies to increase capital to a level greater than the level required for well-capitalized financial institutions.  Inflation and interest rate, securities market and monetary fluctuations.  Political instability, acts of war or terrorism and natural disasters.  The timely development and acceptance of new products and services and perceived overall value of these products and services by customers.  Revenues being lower than expected.  Changes in consumer spending, borrowings and savings habits.  Changes in the financial performance and/or condition of the Company’s borrowers.  Credit quality deterioration, which could cause an increase in the provision for loan losses.  Technological changes and risks related to breaches of data security and cyber attacks.  The ability to increase market share and control expenses.  Changes in the competitive environment among financial or bank holding companies and other financial service providers. 49  The effect of changes in laws and regulations with which the Company and the Banks must comply, including developments and changes related to the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act.  Changes in the securities markets.  The effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters, including the International Financial Reporting Standards.  The costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments, including the resolution of regulatory or other governmental inquiries and the results of regulatory examinations or reviews.  The Company’s success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items. Certain of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A herein. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in any forward- looking statement. The Company operates in a continually changing business environment and new facts emerge from time to time. It cannot predict such factors nor can it assess the impact, if any, of such factors on its financial position or its results of operations. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. The Company disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statement provided in this document. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company’s market risk is comprised primarily of interest rate risk arising from its core banking activities of making loa ns and taking deposits. Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates may adversely affect the Company’s net interest income. Management continually develops and applies strategies to mitigate this risk. Management does not believe that the Company’s primary market risk exposure and how that exposure was managed in 2015 changed when compared to 2014. Based on a simulation modeling analysis performed as of December 31, 2015, the following table presents the estimated change in net interest income in the event of hypothetical changes in interest rates for the various rate shock levels: Net Interest Income at Risk Estimated Change in Net Interest Income for Year Ending December 31, 2016 Down 200 and 300 basis points are not presented due to the low interest rate environment. As shown above, at December 31, 2016, the estimated effect of an immediate 300 basis point increase in interest rates would decrease the Company’s net interest income by 11.25% or approximately $4,408,000 in 2016. In an increasing interest rate environment, the assets are repricing slower than the liabilities, thus a decrease in net interest income. The estimated effect of an immediate 100 basis point decrease in rates would decrease the Company’s net interest income by 3.12% or approximately $1,223,000 in 2016. In a decreasing interest rate environment, a portion of the liabilities are not repricing downward due to their already historically low rates, thus a decrease in net interest income. The Company’s Asset Liability Management Policy establishes parameters for a 200 basis point change in interest rates. Under this policy, the Company and the Banks’ objective is to properly structure the balance sheet to prevent a 200 basis point change in interest rates from causing a decline in net interest income by more than 15% in one year compared to the base year that hypothetically assumes no change in interest rates. Computations of the prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions. Actual values may differ from those projections set forth above. Further, the computations do not contemplate any actions the Company may undertake in 50 $ Change% Change(dollars in thousands)--------------------------+300 Basis Points(4,408)$ -11.25%+200 Basis Points(2,849) -7.27%+100 Basis Points(1,445) -3.69%-100 Basis Points (1,223)-3.12% response to changes in interest rates. Current interest rates on certain liabilities are at a level that does not allow for significant repricing should market interest rates decline considerably. Contractual Maturity or Repricing The following table sets forth the estimated maturity or re-pricing, and the resulting interest sensitivity gap, of the Company's interest- earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the cumulative interest sensitivity gap at December 31, 2015. The expected maturities are presented on a contractual basis. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because of prepayment assumptions, early withdrawal of deposits and competition. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s cumulative gap ratios for assets and liabilities repricing within three months and within one year were a negative 43% and 41%, respectively, meaning more liabilities than assets are scheduled to reprice within these periods. This situation suggests that a decrease in market interest rates may benefit net interest income and that an increase in interest rates may negatively impact the Company. The liability sensitive gap position is largely the result of classifying the interest bearing NOW accounts, money market accounts and savings accounts as immediately repriceable. Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities and periods to repricing, they may react differently to changes in market interest rates. Also, interest rates on assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other assets and liabilities may follow changes in market interest rates. Additionally, certain assets have features that restrict changes in the interest rates of such assets, both on a short-term basis and over the lives of such assets. 51 Less than Three One to Overthree months to five five Cumulativemonths one year years years Total(dollars in thousands) Interest - earning assetsInterest-bearing deposits 8,452$ 3,354$ 14,940$ 247$ 26,993$ Investments (1) 6,408 28,028 324,216 178,981 537,633 Loans 107,843 85,685 341,942 175,940 711,410 Loans held for sale 540 - - - 540 Total interest - earning assets 123,243$ 117,067$ 681,098$ 355,168$ 1,276,576$ Interest - bearing liabilitiesInterest bearing demand deposits 298,227$ -$ -$ -$ 298,227$ Money market and savings deposits 354,026 - - - 354,026 Time certificates > $100,000 13,370 46,643 30,207 - 90,220 Time certificates < $100,000 22,344 46,920 59,774 139 129,177 Other borrowed funds (2) 3,042 1,000 27,500 - 31,542 Total interest - bearing liabilities 691,009$ 94,563$ 117,481$ 139$ 903,192$ Interest sensitivity gap (567,766)$ 22,504$ 563,617$ 355,029$ 373,384$ Cumulative interest sensitivity gap (567,766)$ (545,262)$ 18,355$ 373,384$ 373,384$ Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percent of total assets-42.79% -41.10% 1.38% 28.14% million are 15 year amortizing. The term advances have been categorized based upon their maturity date. The $11.5 million of callable advances were also categorized based upon maturity, because the interest rates on such advances are above current market rates. The $0.5 million of amortizing advances are based upon put date, since the rates are above market rates. Includes $13.0 million of term repurchase agreements, of which all are callable. The term repurchase agreements were categorized based upon maturity, because the interest rates on such advances are above current market rates. (1) Investments with maturities over 5 years include the market value of equity securities of $3,156(2) Includes $18.5 million of advances from the FHLB. Of these advances, $6.5 million are term advances, $11.5 million are callable and $0.5 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING The management of Ames National Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Ames National Corporation’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Ames National Corporation’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessment we determined that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein. /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President /s/ John P. Nelson 52 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Board of Directors and Stockholders Ames National Corporation Ames, Iowa We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ames National Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ames National Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Ames National Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 11, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion. /s/ CliftonLarsonAllen LLP West Des Moines, Iowa March 11, 2016 53 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Board of Directors and Stockholders Ames National Corporation Ames, Iowa We have audited Ames National Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Ames National Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over the financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Ames National Corporation and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based upon criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Ames National Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 and our report dated March 11, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion. /s/ CliftonLarsonAllen LLP West Des Moines, Iowa March 11, 2016 54 55 ASSETS2015 2014Cash and due from banks24,005,801$ 23,730,257$ Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions 26,993,091 31,469,382 Securities available-for-sale 537,632,990 542,502,381 Loans receivable, net 701,328,171 658,440,998 Loans held for sale539,370 704,850 Bank premises and equipment, net17,007,798 15,956,989 Accrued income receivable7,565,791 7,471,023 Other real estate owned1,249,915 8,435,885 Deferred income taxes 1,276,571 2,633,177 Core deposit intangible, net1,308,731 1,730,231 Goodwill6,732,216 6,732,216 Other assets1,106,698 1,223,328 Total assets1,326,747,143$ 1,301,030,717$ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY LIABILITIESDeposits Demand, noninterest bearing202,542,011$ 188,725,609$ NOW accounts298,227,493 298,581,556 Savings and money market354,026,475 321,700,422 Time, $250,000 and over36,956,653 36,169,601 Other time182,440,490 206,946,069 Total deposits1,074,193,122 1,052,123,257 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase54,289,915 51,265,011 Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances18,542,203 14,467,737 Other borrowings13,000,000 23,000,000 Dividend payable1,862,183 1,675,964 Accrued expenses and other liabilities3,609,663 3,824,330 Total liabilities1,165,497,086 1,146,356,299 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,310,913 shares as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 18,621,826 18,621,826 Additional paid-in capital20,878,728 20,878,728 Retained earnings118,267,767 110,701,847 Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,481,736 4,472,017 Total stockholders' equity161,250,057 154,674,418 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity1,326,747,143$ 1,301,030,717$ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESDecember 31, 2015 and 2014CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 56 AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEYears Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 20132015 2014 2013Interest income:Loans, including fees30,780,496$ 27,196,859$ 25,433,950$ Securities: Taxable6,179,492 7,104,563 5,744,321 Tax-exempt5,808,011 6,354,147 6,864,948 Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold 382,346 308,782 390,594 Total interest income 43,150,345 40,964,351 38,433,813 Interest expense:Deposits3,019,273 3,385,099 3,861,713 Other borrowed funds1,165,866 1,162,002 1,213,050 Total interest expense4,185,139 4,547,101 5,074,763 Net interest income 38,965,206 36,417,250 33,359,050 Provision for loan losses 1,099,183 429,140 786,390 Net interest income after provision for loan losses37,866,023 35,988,110 32,572,660 Noninterest income:Wealth management income 2,724,451 2,748,619 2,199,797 Service fees1,740,740 1,649,169 1,580,811 Securities gains, net 888,179 1,110,953 1,002,920 Gain on sale of loans held for sale 907,875 704,051 1,200,402 Merchant and card fees1,378,218 1,189,503 1,142,027 Gain (loss) on disposal of premises and equipment, net (5,388) 1,239,581 - Other noninterest income633,118 610,203 591,821 Total noninterest income8,267,193 9,252,079 7,717,778 Noninterest expense:Salaries and employee benefits 15,231,369 14,129,956 13,131,556 Data processing3,027,203 2,609,185 2,414,564 Occupancy expenses1,889,793 1,680,351 1,471,978 FDIC insurance assessments 680,563 645,997 661,127 Professional fees1,274,298 1,274,111 1,127,666 Business development1,064,362 1,103,923 957,702 Other real estate owned, net 613,812 1,502,408 651,401 Core deposit intangible amortization 421,500 317,333 273,700 Other operating expenses, net 1,109,121 1,110,199 989,178 Total noninterest expense25,312,021 24,373,463 21,678,872 Income before income taxes 20,821,195 20,866,726 18,611,566 Provision for income taxes 5,806,544 5,615,519 4,657,922 Net income15,014,651$ 15,251,207$ 13,953,644$ Basic and diluted earnings per share 1.61$ 1.64$ 1.50$ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 57 AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEYears Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 2015 2014 2013Net income15,014,651$ 15,251,207$ 13,953,644$ Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:Unrealized gains (losses) on securities before tax:Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period (683,696) 7,493,309 (15,860,903) Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income888,179 1,110,953 1,002,920 Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax (1,571,875) 6,382,356 (16,863,823) Tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income (loss) (581,594) 2,361,471 (6,239,613) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (990,281) 4,020,885 (10,624,210) Comprehensive income 14,024,370$ 19,272,092$ 3,329,434$ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 58 AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYYears Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013Balance, December 31, 2012 18,865,830$ 22,651,222$ 94,159,839$ 11,075,342$ (2,016,498)$ 144,735,735$ Net income - - 13,953,644 - - 13,953,644 Other comprehensive (loss) - - - (10,624,210) - (10,624,210)Cash dividends declared, $0.64 per share - - (5,958,985) - - (5,958,985) Balance, December 31, 2013 18,865,830 22,651,222 102,154,498 451,132 (2,016,498) 142,106,184 Net income - - 15,251,207 - - 15,251,207 Retirement of 122,002 shares of treasury stock (244,004) (1,772,494) - - 2,016,498 - Other comprehensive income - - - 4,020,885 - 4,020,885 Cash dividends declared, $0.72 per share - - (6,703,858) - - (6,703,858) Balance, December 31, 2014 18,621,826 20,878,728 110,701,847 4,472,017 - 154,674,418 Net income - - 15,014,651 - - 15,014,651 Other comprehensive (loss) - - - (990,281) - (990,281) Cash dividends declared, $0.80 per share - - (7,448,731) - - (7,448,731) Balance, December 31, 2015 18,621,826$ 20,878,728$ 118,267,767$ 3,481,736$ -$ 161,250,057$ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.Total Stockholders' EquityCommon StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeTreasury Stock 59 AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 20132015 2014 2013CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESNet income15,014,651$ 15,251,207$ 13,953,644$ Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cashprovided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses1,099,183 429,140 786,390 Provision for off-balance sheet commitments 7,000 99,000 80,700 Amortization of securities available-for-sale, loans and deposits, net 3,404,299 4,038,355 6,073,347 Amortization of core deposit intangible asset 421,500 317,333 273,700 Depreciation1,147,120 892,400 797,715 Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes 1,938,200 32,455 (420,050) Securities gains, net(888,179) (1,110,953) (1,002,920) Impairment of other real estate owned 614,687 1,744,366 670,000 (Gain) on sale of other real estate owned, net (100,409) (95,036) (50,445) (Gain) loss on sale and disposal of bank premises and equipment, net 97,451 (1,239,581) - Change in assets and liabilities:(Increase) decrease in loans held for sale 165,480 (409,232) 734,562 (Increase) decrease in accrued income receivable (94,768) 196,982 (263,970) Decrease in other assets109,864 17,711 1,940,557 (Decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities (221,667) (655,991) (47,850) Net cash provided by operating activities 22,714,412 19,508,156 23,525,380 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESPurchase of securities available-for-sale (100,805,716) (65,944,859) (164,700,784) Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale 25,031,910 47,315,935 47,513,022 Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available-for-sale 75,946,662 69,892,969 103,007,610 Net decrease (increase) in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions 4,476,291 (2,116,265) 21,010,916 Net (increase) in federal funds sold- (6,000) - Net (increase) in loans(41,677,319) (49,788,756) (54,934,159) Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned 4,875,464 265,694 626,596 Purchase of bank premises and equipment (2,288,614) (1,590,308) (445,785) Proceeds from the sale of bank premises and equipment - 1,746,444 - Other changes in other real estate owned (26,612) (19,673) - Cash acquired, net of cash paid for acquired bank offices - 16,428,981 - Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (34,467,934) 16,184,162 (47,922,584) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESIncrease (decrease) in deposits22,192,208 (41,474,733) 7,270,255 Increase in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase3,024,904 8,833,070 12,527,984 Proceeds from FHLB and other borrowings 4,500,000 10,000,000 2,000,000 Payments on FHLB and other borrowings (10,425,534) (7,072,789) (2,070,509) Dividends paid(7,262,512) (6,517,640) (5,865,866) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 12,029,066 (36,232,092) 13,861,864 Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks 275,544 (539,774) (10,535,340) CASH AND DUE FROM BANKSBeginning23,730,257 24,270,031 34,805,371 Ending24,005,801$ 23,730,257$ 24,270,031$ 60 AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 20132015 2014 2013SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWINFORMATION Cash payments for:Interest 4,464,760$ 4,772,793$ 5,432,492$ Income taxes4,291,621 5,694,894 4,990,447 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES Transfer of loans to other real estate owned 74,609$ 202,409$ 196,433$ Other real real estate owned sale financed by a loan receivable 1,897,449$ -$ -$ Business Combination: (Asset acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value) Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions acquired -$ 5,719,000$ -$ Securities available-for-sale acquired- 10,602,454 - Loans receivable acquired- 44,620,021 - Bank premises and equipment acquired- 3,864,900 - Accrued interest receivable acquired- 230,332 - Other real estate owned acquired- 1,267,720 - Other tangible assets acquired- 748,511 - Goodwill- 1,131,467 - Core deposit intangible asset- 1,018,000 - Deposits assumed- 81,962,650 - Securities sold under repurchase agreements to repurchase assumed - 2,815,297 - Other liabilities assumed- 853,439 - See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of business: Ames National Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) operates in the commercial banking industry through its subsidiaries in Ames, Boone, Story City, Nevada and Marshalltown, Iowa. Loan and deposit customers are located primarily in Boone, Hancock, Polk, Marshall and Story Counties and adjacent counties in Iowa. Segment information: The Company uses the “management approach” for reporting information about segments in annual and interim financial statements. The “management approach” is based on the way the chief operating decision-maker organizes segments within a company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Based on the “management approach” model, the Company has determined that its business is comprised of one operating segment: banking. The banking segment generates revenues through personal, business, agricultural and commercial lending, management of the investment securities portfolio, deposit account services and wealth management services. Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ames National Corporation (the Parent Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, First National Bank, Ames, Iowa (FNB); State Bank & Trust Co., Nevada, Iowa (SBT); Boone Bank & Trust Co., Boone, Iowa (BBT); Reliance State Bank (RSB), Story City, Iowa; and United Bank & Trust NA, Marshalltown, Iowa (UBT) (collectively, the Banks). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, valuation of goodwill, other intangible assets and acquisitions and the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment for certain financial instruments. Cash and due from banks: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and due from banks include cash on hand and amounts due from banks. The Company reports net cash flows for customer loan transactions, deposit transactions and short-term borrowings with maturities of 90 days or less. Securities available-for-sale: The Company classifies all securities as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are those securities the Company may decide to sell if needed for liquidity, asset-liability management or other reasons. Securities available-for- sale are reported at fair value, with the change in the net unrealized gains reported as other comprehensive income and as accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined using the specific identification method based on amortized cost and are reflected in results of operation at the time of sale. Interest and dividend income, adjusted by amortization of purchase premium or discount over the estimated life of the security using the level yield method, is included in income as earned. Declines in the fair value of securities available-for-sale below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the intent to sell the investment securities and the more likely than not requirement that the Company will be required to sell the investment securities prior to recovery (2) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and (3) the financial condition and near- term prospects of the issuer. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in management’s assessment of other-than-temporary impairment will occur in the near term and that such changes could be material to the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. Loans: Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is credited to income as earned based on the principal amount outstanding. The Banks’ policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan 90 days or more past due unless the loans are well collateralized and in the process of collection. Income on nonaccrual loans is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash payments are received and principal obligations are expected to be recoverable. Nonaccrual loans are returned to an accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to timely payment of principal or interest. Acquired loans: Loans acquired in a business combination are stated at the principal amount outstanding with a discount attributable at least in part to credit quality. The difference between contractual payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the non-accretable difference. This amount is not recognized as a yield adjustment or as a loss accrual or a valuation allowance. Any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is 61 recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loans when there is reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the initial investment are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the loan over its remaining estimated life. Decreases in expected cash flows are recognized immediately as impairment. If the Company does not have the information necessary to reasonably estimate expected cash flows, it may use the cost recovery method or cash basis method of income recognition. Valuation allowances on the acquired impaired loans reflect only losses after the acquisition. Allowance for loan losses: The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses and maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based upon an ongoing review of past loan loss experience, current economic conditions, the underlying collateral value securing the loans and other adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay. Loans which are deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off and deducted from the allowance. Recoveries on loans charged-off are added to the allowance. This evaluation is inherently subjective and requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in estimates will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s allowance for possible loan losses consists of two components (i) specific reserves based on probable losses on specific loans and (ii) a general allowance based on historical loan loss experience, general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. The allowances established for probable losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of problem loans. Loans are classified based on an internal credit risk rating process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the obligor’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Smaller balance homogeneous loans are evaluated for impairment in total. Such loans include residential first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residences, residential construction loans, and automobile loans. Commercial and agricultural loans and mortgage loans secured by other properties are evaluated individually for impairment when analysis of borrower operating results and financial condition indicates that underlying cash flows of the borrower’s business are not adequate to meet its debt service requirements. Often this is associated with a delay or shortfall in payments of 90 days or more. Nonaccrual loans are often also considered impaired. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged-off when deemed uncollectible. The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loan loss experience, general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. The general component is determined by evaluating, among other things: (i) actual charge offs; (ii) the experience, ability and effectiveness of the Company’s lending management and staff; (iii) the effectiveness of the Company’s loan policies, procedures and internal controls; (iv) changes in asset quality; (v) changes in loan portfolio volume; (vi) the composition and concentrations of credit; (vii) the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing; (viii) the effectiveness of the internal audit loan review function; (ix) the impact of environmental risks on portfolio risks; and (x) the impact of rising interest rates on portfolio risk (collectively, the variables). Management evaluates the degree of risk that each one of these variables has on the quality of the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis. Each variable is determined to have either a high, moderate or low degree of risk. The results are then input into a “general allocation matrix” to determine an appropriate general allocation of the allowance for losses. Also included in the general component is an allocation for groups of loans with similar risk characteristics. Loans held for sale: Loans held for sale are the loans the Banks have the intent to sell in the foreseeable future. They are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Gains and losses on sales of loans are determined by the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the loans, recognized at settlement date and recorded as noninterest income. Bank premises and equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Depreciable lives range from 3 to 7 years for equipment and 15 to 39 years for premises. Other real estate owned: Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure are initially recorded at the fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed. The portion of interest costs relating to development of real estate is capitalized. Valuations are periodically performed by management and property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell and any subsequent 62 write-downs are charged to operations. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a property exceeds its fair value less costs to sell. This evaluation is inherently subjective and requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in fair values will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. Goodwill and core deposit intangible: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill resulting from acquisitions is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually or whenever events change and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that impairment has occurred. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value of a reporting unit. The second step, if necessary, measures the amount of impairment. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions and selecting an appropriate control premium. At December 31, 2015, the Company management has completed the goodwill impairment analysis and determined goodwill was not impaired based on the fair value of the respective reporting unit. The only other significant intangible asset is a core deposit intangible. The core deposit intangible asset is determined to have a definite life and is amortized over the estimated useful life. The core deposit intangible asset is a customer based relationship valuation attributed to the expectation of a lower net cost of these deposits versus alternative sources of funds. The core deposit intangible asset and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Wealth management department assets: Property held for customers in fiduciary or agency capacities are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as such items are not assets of the Banks. Advertising costs: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Income taxes: Deferred income taxes are provided on temporary differences between financial statement and income tax reporting. Temporary differences are differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities reported for financial statement purposes and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences that will be deductible in future years’ tax returns and for operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will be taxable in future years’ tax returns. Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes sets out a consistent framework to determine the appropriate level of tax reserves to maintain for uncertain tax positions. Benefits from tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are not recognized if the likelihood that the tax position would be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority is considered to be 50 percent or less. Interest and penalties are accounted for as a component of income tax expense. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return, with each entity computing its taxes on a separate company basis. For state tax purposes, the Banks file franchise tax returns, while the Parent Company files a corporate income tax return. Comprehensive income: Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheet, and such items, along with net income, are components of the statement of comprehensive income. Gains and losses on securities available-for-sale are reclassified to net income as the gains or losses are realized upon sale of the securities. Other-than- temporary impairment charges are reclassified to net income at the time of the charge. Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk: The Company, in the normal course of business, makes commitments to make loans which are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. A summary of these commitments is disclosed in Note 15. Transfers of financial assets and participating interests: Transfers of an entire financial asset or a participating interest in an entire financial asset are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. The transfer of a participating interest in an entire financial asset must also meet the definition of a participating interest. A participating interest in a financial asset has all of the following characteristics: (1) from the date of the transfer, it must represent a proportionate (pro rata) ownership in the financial asset, (2) from the date of transfer, all cash flows received, except any cash flows 63 allocated as any compensation for servicing or other services performed, must be divided proportionately among participating interest holders in the amount equal to their share ownership, (3) the rights of each participating interest holder must have the same priority, and (4) no party has the right to pledge or exchange the entire financial asset unless all participating interest holders agree to do so. Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share computations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were determined by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the years then ended. The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented. The following information was used in the computation of basic earnings per share (EPS) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. Note 2. Branch Acquisitions On August 29, 2014, FNB completed the purchase of three bank branches of First Bank located in West Des Moines and Johnston, Iowa (the “First Bank Acquisition”). The First Bank Acquisition was consistent with the Bank’s strategy to strengthen and expand its Iowa market share. The acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. These branches were purchased for cash consideration of $4.1 million. As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded a core deposit intangible asset of $1,018,000 and goodwill of approximately $1,131,000. The results of operations for this acquisition have been included since the transaction date of August 29, 2014. The fair value of credit deteriorated purchased loans at the transaction date related to the First Bank Acquisition was $1,507,000. These purchase loans were and continue to be included in the impaired loan category in the financial statements. Since the acquisition date, there has been no significant credit deterioration of the acquired loans. 64 2015 2014 2013Basic earning per share computation:Net income 15,014,651$ 15,251,207$ 13,953,644$ Weighted average common shares outstanding9,310,913 9,310,913 9,310,913 Basic EPS 1.61$ 1.64$ 1.50$ The following table summarizes the fair value of the total consideration transferred as a part of the First Bank Acquisition as well as the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the effective date of the transactions. On August 29, 2014, associated with the First Bank Acquisition, the contractual balance of loans receivable acquired was $45,584,000 and the contractual balance of the deposits assumed was $81,841,000. Loans receivable acquired include commercial real estate, 1-4 family real estate, commercial operating and consumer loans. The acquired loans associated with the First Bank Acquisition at contractual values as of August 29, 2014 were determined to be risk rated as follows: The core deposit intangible asset associated with the First Bank Acquisition is amortized to expense on a declining basis over a period of nine years. The loan market valuation is accreted to income on a declining basis over a six year period. The time deposits market valuation is amortized to expense on a declining basis over a two year period. The excess cash in this transaction has been utilized through reductions in federal funds purchased and other borrowings at FNB. 65 2015 2014 2013Cash consideration transferred -$ 4,147,680$ -$ Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Cash and due from banks -$ 20,576,661$ -$ Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions - 5,719,000 - Securities available-for-sale - 10,602,454 - Loans receivable- 44,620,021 - Accrued interest receivable - 230,332 - Bank premises and equipment - 3,864,900 - Other real estate owned - 1,267,720 - Core deposit intangible asset - 1,018,000 - Other assets- 748,511 - Deposits- (81,962,650) - Securities sold under agreements to repurchase - (2,815,297) - Accrued interest payable and other liabilities - (853,439) - Total identifiable net assets (liabilities) - 3,016,213 - Goodwill-$ 1,131,467$ -$ Pass29,840,000$ Watch6,659,000 Special Mention 1,478,000 Substandard5,460,000 Deteriorated credit 2,147,000 Total loans acquired at book value 45,584,000$ Note 3. Concentrations and Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks and Interest Bearing Deposits in Financial Institutions The Federal Reserve Bank requires member banks to maintain certain cash and due from bank reserves. The subsidiary banks’ reserve requirements totaled approximately $5,797,000 and $6,376,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $11,343,000 on deposit at various financial institutions. Management does not believe these balances carry a significant risk of loss but cannot provide absolute assurance that no losses would occur if these institutions were to become insolvent. Note 4. Debt and Equity Securities The amortized cost of securities available-for-sale and their approximate fair values are summarized below: 66 GrossGrossAmortizedUnrealizedUnrealizedEstimatedCostGainsLossesFair Value2015:U.S. government treasuries1,444,461$ 22,805$ -$ 1,467,266$ U.S. government agencies105,947,811 796,918 (300,218) 106,444,511 U.S. government mortgage-backed securities96,373,400 1,828,368 (122,877) 98,078,891 State and political subdivisions273,770,512 4,359,308 (533,283) 277,596,537 Corporate bonds51,413,967 226,107 (750,563) 50,889,511 Equity securities, other3,156,274 - - 3,156,274 532,106,425$ 7,233,506$ (1,706,941)$ 537,632,990$ GrossGrossAmortizedUnrealizedUnrealizedEstimatedCostGainsLossesFair Value2014:U.S. government treasuries1,431,392$ 16,050$ -$ 1,447,442$ U.S. government agencies86,997,445 822,410 (512,444) 87,307,411 U.S. government mortgage-backed securities118,348,325 2,744,305 (107,641) 120,984,989 State and political subdivisions277,328,201 5,097,127 (649,008) 281,776,320 Corporate bonds47,759,479 470,427 (911,187) 47,318,719 Equity security, common stock629,700 128,400 - 758,100 Equity securities, other2,909,400 - - 2,909,400 535,403,942$ 9,278,719$ (2,180,280)$ 542,502,381$ The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2015, are shown below by contractual maturity. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, securities with a carrying value of approximately $188,730,000 and $204,035,000, respectively, were pledged as collateral on public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and for other purposes as required or permitted by law. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are held by the Company’s safekeeping agent. The proceeds, gains, and losses from securities available-for-sale are summarized below: No other-than-temporary impairments were recognized as a component of income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. 67 Amortized EstimatedCost Fair ValueDue in one year or less 34,234,049$ 34,435,637$ Due after one year through five years 320,622,959 324,215,968 Due after five years through ten years 160,557,836 162,030,859 Due after ten years 13,535,307 13,794,252 528,950,151 534,476,716 Equity securities3,156,274 3,156,274 532,106,425$ 537,632,990$ 2015 2014 2013Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale 25,031,910$ 47,315,935$ 47,513,022$ Gross realized gains on securities available-for-sale 911,025 1,263,600 1,152,961 Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale 22,846 152,647 150,041 Tax provision applicable to net realized gains on securities available-for-sale331,000 414,000 374,000 Gross unrealized losses and fair value aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, are summarized as follows: At December 31, 2015, debt securities have unrealized losses of $1,706,941. These unrealized losses are generally due to changes in interest rates or general market conditions. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analysts’ reports. Management concluded that the unrealized losses on debt securities were temporary. Due to potential changes in conditions, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in fair values and management’s assessments will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements. Note 5. Loans Receivable and Credit Disclosures The composition of loans receivable is as follows: Construction loans are underwritten utilizing independent appraisals, sensitivity analysis of absorption, vacancy and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of funds 68 2015:Less than 12 Months12 Months or More TotalEstimated Gross Estimated Gross Estimated GrossFair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair UnrealizedValue Losses Value Losses Value LossesSecurities available for sale:U.S. government agencies 30,245,046$ (253,030)$ 3,120,866$ (47,188)$ 33,365,912$ (300,218)$ U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 22,842,101 (122,877) - - 22,842,101 (122,877) State and political subdivisions38,201,824 (413,897) 11,095,802 (119,386) 49,297,626 (533,283) Corporate bonds22,090,557 (248,696) 14,614,102 (501,867) 36,704,659 (750,563) 113,379,528$ (1,038,500)$ 28,830,770$ (668,441)$ 142,210,298$ (1,706,941)$ 2014:Less than 12 Months12 Months or More TotalEstimated Gross Estimated Gross Estimated GrossFair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair UnrealizedValue Losses Value Losses Value LossesSecurities available for sale:U.S. government agencies 14,015,923$ (64,469)$ 17,523,097$ (447,975)$ 31,539,020$ (512,444)$ U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 6,933,655 (20,283) 16,122,600 (87,358) 23,056,255 (107,641) State and political subdivisions45,617,514 (251,788) 24,880,063 (397,220) 70,497,577 (649,008) Corporate bonds8,936,658 (72,679) 20,724,453 (838,508) 29,661,111 (911,187) 75,503,750$ (409,219)$ 79,250,213$ (1,771,061)$ 154,753,963$ (2,180,280)$ 2015 2014Real estate - construction66,267,598$ 36,015,565$ Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 127,076,192 122,776,915 Real estate - commercial 251,889,216 257,053,864 Real estate - agricultural 62,529,804 57,449,353 Commercial102,514,398 92,703,021 Agricultural79,533,085 85,608,954 Consumer and other 21,599,302 15,763,369 711,409,595 667,371,041 Less:Allowance for loan losses (9,988,334) (8,838,181) Deferred loan fees (93,090) (91,862) 701,328,171$ 658,440,998$ with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing. The Company may require guarantees on these loans. The Company’s construction loans are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area. The Company originates 1-4 family real estate, consumer and other loans utilizing credit reports to supplement the underwriting process. The Company’s manual underwriting standards for 1-4 family loans are generally in accordance with FHLMC and FNMA manual underwriting guidelines. Properties securing 1-4 four-family real estate loans are appraised by either staff appraisers or fee appraisers, both of which are independent of the loan origination function and have been approved by the Board of Directors. The loan-to-value ratios normally do not exceed 90% without credit enhancements such as mortgage insurance. The Company will lend up to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price for conventional 1-4 family real estate loans, provided private mortgage insurance is obtained. The Company’s 1-4 family real estate loans are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area. The underwriting standards for consumer and other loans include a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and an assessment of their ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. To monitor and manage loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed by management. This activity, coupled with smaller loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Additionally, market conditions are reviewed by management on a regular basis. Commercial and agricultural real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and agricultural operating loans, in addition to those unique to real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and, secondarily, as loans secured by real estate. Commercial and agricultural real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Loan-to-value generally does not exceed 80% of the cost or value of the assets. Appraisals on properties securing these loans are performed by fee appraisers approved by the Board of Directors. Because payments on commercial and agricultural real estate loans are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. Management monitors and evaluates commercial and agricultural real estate loans based on collateral and risk rating criteria. The Company may require guarantees on these loans. The Company’s commercial and agricultural real estate loans are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area. Commercial and agricultural operating loans are underwritten based on the Company’s examination of current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay their obligations as agreed. This underwriting includes the evaluation of cash flows of the borrower, underlying collateral, if applicable, and the borrower’s ability to manage its business activities. The cash flows of borrowers and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value after the initial evaluation. A first priority lien on the general assets of the business normally secures these types of loans. Loan-to-value limits vary and are dependent upon the nature and type of the underlying collateral and the financial strength of the borrower. Crop and hail insurance is required for most agricultural borrowers. Loans are generally guaranteed by the principal(s). The Company’s commercial and agricultural operating lending is primarily in its primary market area. The Company maintains an internal audit department that reviews and validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of these reviews are presented to management and the audit committee. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures. Summary changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: 69 2015 2014 2013Balance, beginning 8,838,181$ 8,571,813$ 7,772,571$ Provision for loan losses 1,099,183 429,140 786,390 Recoveries of loans charged-off 120,514 82,409 130,239 Loans charged-off (69,544) (245,181) (117,387) Balance, ending9,988,334$ 8,838,181$ 8,571,813$ Activity in the allowance for loan losses, on a disaggregated basis, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands): Allowance for loan losses disaggregated on the basis of the impairment analysis method as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands): 70 2015: 1-4 Family Construction Residential Commercial Agricultural Consumer Real EstateReal EstateReal EstateReal Estate Commercial Agriculturaland Other Total Balance, beginning 495$ 1,648$ 3,214$ 737$ 1,247$ 1,312$ 185$ 8,838$ Provision (credit) for loan losses 454 157 339 23 124 (45) 47 1,099 Recoveries of loans charged-off 50 26 4 - - 28 12 120 Loans charged-off - (25) - - - (39) (5) (69) Balance, ending999$ 1,806$ 3,557$ 760$ 1,371$ 1,256$ 239$ 9,988$ 2014: 1-4 Family Construction Residential Commercial Agricultural Consumer Real EstateReal EstateReal EstateReal Estate Commercial Agriculturaland Other Total Balance, beginning 392$ 1,523$ 3,230$ 686$ 1,435$ 1,165$ 141$ 8,572$ Provision (credit) for loan losses 78 258 (16) 51 (190) 147 101 429 Recoveries of loans charged-off 25 18 - - 19 - 20 82 Loans charged-off - (151) - - (17) - (77) (245) Balance, ending495$ 1,648$ 3,214$ 737$ 1,247$ 1,312$ 185$ 8,838$ 2013: 1-4 Family Construction Residential Commercial Agricultural Consumer Real EstateReal EstateReal EstateReal Estate Commercial Agriculturaland Other Total Balance, beginning 375$ 1,433$ 2,859$ 523$ 1,461$ 945$ 177$ 7,773$ Provision (credit) for loan losses 17 117 320 163 (29) 220 (22) 786 Recoveries of loans charged-off - 54 51 - 3 - 22 130 Loans charged-off - (81) - - - - (36) (117) Balance, ending392$ 1,523$ 3,230$ 686$ 1,435$ 1,165$ 141$ 8,572$ 2015: 1-4 Family Construction Residential Commercial Agricultural Consumer Real EstateReal EstateReal EstateReal Estate Commercial Agriculturaland Other TotalEnding balance: Individually evaluated for impairment-$ 273$ 2$ -$ 164$ -$ -$ 439$ Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment999 1,533 3,555 760 1,207 1,256 239 9,549 Ending balance 999$ 1,806$ 3,557$ 760$ 1,371$ 1,256$ 239$ 9,988$ 2014: 1-4 Family Construction Residential Commercial Agricultural Consumer Real EstateReal EstateReal EstateReal Estate Commercial Agriculturaland Other TotalEnding balance: Individually evaluated for impairment-$ 244$ 33$ -$ 60$ -$ -$ 337$ Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment495 1,404 3,181 737 1,187 1,312 185 8,501 Ending balance 495$ 1,648$ 3,214$ 737$ 1,247$ 1,312$ 185$ 8,838$ Loans receivable disaggregated on the basis of the impairment analysis method as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands): Credit Quality Indicators. As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to (i) the risk ratings of construction, commercial and agricultural real estate loans and commercial and agricultural operating loans, (ii) the level of classified loans, (iii) net charge-offs, (iv) non-performing loans and (v) the general economic conditions in our market area. The Company utilizes a risk rating matrix to assign risk ratings to each of its construction, commercial and agricultural loans. Loans are rated on a scale of 1 to 7. A description of the general characteristics of the 7 risk ratings is as follows: Ratings 1, 2 and 3 - These ratings include loans of average to excellent credit quality borrowers. These borrowers generally have significant capital strength, moderate leverage and stable earnings and growth commensurate to their relative risk rating. These ratings are reviewed at least annually. These ratings also include performing loans less than $100,000. Rating 4 - This rating includes loans on management’s “watch list” and is intended to be utilized for pass rated borrowers where credit quality has begun to show signs of financial weakness that now requires management’s heightened attention. This rating is reviewed at least quarterly. Rating 5 - This rating is for “Special Mention” loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines. This rating is intended to be temporary and includes loans to borrowers whose credit quality has clearly deteriorated and are at risk of further decline unless active measures are taken to correct the situation. This rating is reviewed at least quarterly. Rating 6 - This rating includes “Substandard” loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has not been stopped. By definition under regulatory guidelines, a “Substandard” loan has defined weaknesses which make payment default or principal exposure likely, but not yet certain. Such loans are apt to be dependent upon collateral liquidation, a secondary source of repayment or an event outside of the normal course of business. This rating is reviewed at least quarterly. Rating 7 - This rating includes “Substandard-Impaired” loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has generally been stopped. This rating includes loans; (i) where interest is more than 90 days past due; (ii) not fully secured; (iii) loans where a specific valuation allowance may be necessary; (iv) unable to make contractual principle and interest payments. This rating is reviewed at least quarterly. The credit risk profile by internally assigned grade, on a disaggregated basis, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 71 2015: 1-4 Family Construction Residential Commercial Agricultural Consumer Real EstateReal EstateReal EstateReal Estate Commercial Agriculturaland Other Total Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment-$ 1,050$ 558$ -$ 197$ 11$ 2$ 1,818$ Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment66,268 126,026 251,331 62,530 102,318 79,522 21,597 709,592 Ending balance 66,268$ 127,076$ 251,889$ 62,530$ 102,515$ 79,533$ 21,599$ 711,410$ 2014: 1-4 Family Construction Residential Commercial Agricultural Consumer Real EstateReal EstateReal EstateReal Estate Commercial Agriculturaland Other Total Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment195$ 811$ 833$ -$ 540$ 19$ 9$ 2,407$ Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment35,821 121,966 256,221 57,449 92,163 85,590 15,754 664,964 Ending balance 36,016$ 122,777$ 257,054$ 57,449$ 92,703$ 85,609$ 15,763$ 667,371$ The credit risk profile based on payment activity, on a disaggregated basis, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered 72 2015: Construction Commercial Agricultural Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Commercial Agricultural Total Pass 60,700,000$ 227,425,000$ 55,503,000$ 91,096,000$ 71,457,000$ 506,181,000$ Watch 4,487,000 17,523,000 6,865,000 8,329,000 7,156,000 44,360,000 Special Mention - 388,000 - 224,000 81,000 693,000 Substandard 1,081,000 5,995,000 162,000 2,669,000 828,000 10,735,000 Substandard-Impaired - 558,000 - 197,000 11,000 766,000 66,268,000$ 251,889,000$ 62,530,000$ 102,515,000$ 79,533,000$ 562,735,000$ 2014: Construction Commercial Agricultural Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Commercial Agricultural Total Pass 30,055,000$ 223,775,000$ 51,024,000$ 79,117,000$ 78,387,000$ 462,358,000$ Watch 3,893,000 18,617,000 6,275,000 10,086,000 6,827,000 45,698,000 Special Mention - 1,296,000 88,000 585,000 - 1,969,000 Substandard 1,873,000 12,532,000 62,000 2,376,000 395,000 17,238,000 Substandard-Impaired 195,000 834,000 - 539,000 - 1,568,000 36,016,000$ 257,054,000$ 57,449,000$ 92,703,000$ 85,609,000$ 528,831,000$ 2015: 1-4 Family Residential Consumer Real Estate and Other Total Performing 125,951,000$ 21,597,000$ 147,548,000$ Non-performing 1,125,000 2,000 1,127,000 127,076,000$ 21,599,000$ 148,675,000$ 2014: 1-4 Family Residential Consumer Real Estate and Other Total Performing 121,928,000$ 15,756,000$ 137,684,000$ Non-performing 849,000 7,000 856,000 122,777,000$ 15,763,000$ 138,540,000$ by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. The Company will apply its normal loan review procedures to identify loans that should be evaluated for impairment. The following is a recap of impaired loans, on a disaggregated basis, at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on these loans for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: 73 2015:Unpaid Average Interest Recorded Principal Related Recorded Income Investment Balance Allowance Investment RecognizedWith no specific reserve recorded:Real estate - construction -$ 31,000$ -$ 97,000$ 129,000$ Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 296,000 304,000 - 188,000 - Real estate - commercial 456,000 1,030,000 - 554,000 29,000 Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 11,000 17,000 - 223,000 3,000 Agricultural 11,000 13,000 - 13,000 - Consumer and other 2,000 2,000 - 4,000 2,000 Total loans with no specific reserve: 776,000 1,397,000 - 1,079,000 163,000 With an allowance recorded: Real estate - construction - - - - - Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 754,000 891,000 273,000 768,000 - Real estate - commercial 102,000 111,000 2,000 135,000 - Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 186,000 262,000 164,000 122,000 - Agricultural - - - - - Consumer and other - - - - - Total loans with specific reserve: 1,042,000 1,264,000 439,000 1,025,000 - TotalReal estate - construction - 31,000 - 97,000 129,000 Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 1,050,000 1,195,000 273,000 956,000 - Real estate - commercial 558,000 1,141,000 2,000 689,000 29,000 Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 197,000 279,000 164,000 345,000 3,000 Agricultural 11,000 13,000 - 13,000 - Consumer and other 2,000 2,000 - 4,000 2,000 1,818,000$ 2,661,000$ 439,000$ 2,104,000$ 163,000$ 74 2014:Unpaid Average Interest Recorded Principal Related Recorded Income Investment Balance Allowance Investment RecognizedWith no specific reserve recorded:Real estate - construction 195,000$ 346,000$ -$ 408,000$ 152,000$ Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 24,000 29,000 - 188,000 12,000 Real estate - commercial 675,000 1,204,000 - 389,000 207,000 Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 456,000 535,000 - 218,000 - Agricultural 19,000 19,000 - 19,000 - Consumer and other 9,000 6,000 - 20,000 - Total loans with no specific reserve: 1,378,000 2,139,000 - 1,242,000 371,000 With an allowance recorded: Real estate - construction - - - - - Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 787,000 903,000 244,000 380,000 - Real estate - commercial 158,000 158,000 33,000 114,000 4,000 Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 84,000 84,000 60,000 432,000 78,000 Agricultural - - - 3,000 - Consumer and other - - - 2,000 - Total loans with specific reserve: 1,029,000 1,145,000 337,000 931,000 82,000 TotalReal estate - construction 195,000 346,000 - 408,000 152,000 Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 811,000 932,000 244,000 568,000 12,000 Real estate - commercial 833,000 1,362,000 33,000 503,000 211,000 Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 540,000 619,000 60,000 650,000 78,000 Agricultural 19,000 19,000 - 22,000 - Consumer and other 9,000 6,000 - 22,000 - 2,407,000$ 3,284,000$ 337,000$ 2,173,000$ 453,000$ The interest foregone on nonaccrual loans for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $162,000, $136,000 and $287,000, respectively. Troubled Debt Restructurings. The restructuring of a loan is considered a “troubled debt restructuring” (“TDR”) if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor has granted a concession. Concessions may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, principal forgiveness, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. Certain troubled debt restructurings are on nonaccrual status at the time of restructuring. These borrowings are typically returned to accrual status after sustained repayment performance in accordance with the restructuring agreement for a reasonable period of at least six months and management is reasonably assured of future performance. If the troubled debt restructuring meets these performance criteria and the interest rate granted at the modification is equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk, then the loan will return to performing status. For troubled debt restructurings that were on nonaccrual status before the modification, a specific reserve may already be recorded. In periods subsequent to modification, the Company will continue to evaluate all troubled debt restructurings for possible impairment and, as necessary, recognizes impairment through the allowance. The Company did not have any charge offs related to TDRs for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company had two charge offs related to TDRs for the year ended December 31, 2014 in the amount of $48,000. The Company had loans meeting the definition of TDR of $780,000 as of December 31, 2015, all of which were included as impaired and nonaccrual loans. The Company had loans meeting the definition of TDR of $1,129,000 as of December 31, 2014, all of which were included as impaired and nonaccrual loans. 75 2013:Unpaid Average Interest Recorded Principal Related Recorded Income Investment Balance Allowance Investment RecognizedWith no specific reserve recorded:Real estate - construction 510,000$ 510,000$ -$ 837,000$ 25,000$ Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 483,000 483,000 - 551,000 8,000 Real estate - commercial 480,000 480,000 - 1,047,000 209,000 Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 43,000 43,000 - 55,000 12,000 Agricultural 19,000 19,000 - 4,000 - Consumer and other 61,000 61,000 - 16,000 - Total loans with no specific reserve: 1,596,000 1,596,000 - 2,510,000 254,000 With an allowance recorded: Real estate - construction - - - 250,000 93,000 Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 301,000 301,000 122,000 396,000 - Real estate - commercial 46,000 46,000 20,000 927,000 - Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 773,000 773,000 330,000 750,000 - Agricultural 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 - Consumer and other - - - - - Total loans with specific reserve: 1,125,000 1,125,000 477,000 2,328,000 93,000 TotalReal estate - construction 510,000 510,000 - 1,087,000 118,000 Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 784,000 784,000 122,000 947,000 8,000 Real estate - commercial 526,000 526,000 20,000 1,974,000 209,000 Real estate - agricultural - - - - - Commercial 816,000 816,000 330,000 805,000 12,000 Agricultural 24,000 24,000 5,000 9,000 - Consumer and other 61,000 61,000 - 16,000 - 2,721,000$ 2,721,000$ 477,000$ 4,838,000$ 347,000$ The following table sets forth information on the Company’s TDR, on a disaggregated basis, occurring in the years ended December 31: During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company did not grant any concessions to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted concessions to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties for six loans. A commercial real estate loan was restructured as an interest only loan for a period of time. An agricultural and consumer loan maturity date was extended one year with interest only until maturity. A 1-4 family residential loan terms were extended beyond normal terms. The interest rate was restructured on two commercial real estate loans at a below market rate. There were no TDR loans modified during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 with subsequent payment defaults. A TDR loan is considered to have payment default when it is past due 60 days or more. There was no significant financial impact from specific reserves or from charge-offs for the TDR loans included in the previous table. An aging analysis of the recorded investment in loans, on a disaggregated basis, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, are as follows: 76 Pre-Modification Post-Modification Pre-Modification Post-ModificationOutstanding Outstanding Outstanding OutstandingNumber of Recorded Recorded Number of Recorded RecordedContracts Investment Investment Contracts Investment InvestmentReal estate - construction - -$ -$ - -$ -$ Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential - - - 1 25,000 25,000 Real estate - commercial - - - 3 384,000 384,000 Real estate - agricultural - - - - - - Commercial - - - - - - Agricultural - - - 1 19,000 19,000 Consumer and other - - - 1 6,000 6,000 - -$ -$ 6 434,000$ 434,000$ 201520142015: 30-89 90 Days90 Days Days or Greater Total or GreaterPast Due Past Due Past Due Current Total AccruingReal estate - construction -$ -$ -$ 66,268,000$ 66,268,000$ -$ Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 1,311,000 307,000 1,618,000 125,458,000 127,076,000 75,000 Real estate - commercial 1,356,000 - 1,356,000 250,533,000 251,889,000 - Real estate - agricultural - - - 62,530,000 62,530,000 - Commercial 266,000 204,000 470,000 102,045,000 102,515,000 - Agricultural - - - 79,533,000 79,533,000 - Consumer and other 79,000 - 79,000 21,520,000 21,599,000 - 3,012,000$ 511,000$ 3,523,000$ 707,887,000$ 711,410,000$ 75,000$ There are no other known problem loans that cause management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms. As of December 31, 2015, there were no material commitments to lend additional funds to customers whose loans were classified as impaired. Loans are made in the normal course of business to certain directors and executive officers of the Company and to their affiliates. The terms of these loans, including interest rates and collateral, are similar to those prevailing for comparable transactions with others and do not involve more than a normal risk of collectability. Loan transactions with related parties at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Note 6. Bank Premises and Equipment The major classes of bank premises and equipment and the total accumulated depreciation at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: 77 2014: 30-89 90 Days90 Days Days or Greater Total or GreaterPast Due Past Due Past Due Current Total AccruingReal estate - construction 64,000$ -$ 64,000$ 35,952,000$ 36,016,000$ -$ Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 888,000 57,000 945,000 121,832,000 122,777,000 36,000 Real estate - commercial 467,000 45,000 512,000 256,542,000 257,054,000 - Real estate - agricultural 28,000 - 28,000 57,421,000 57,449,000 - Commercial 264,000 84,000 348,000 92,355,000 92,703,000 - Agricultural - - - 85,609,000 85,609,000 - Consumer and other 63,000 - 63,000 15,700,000 15,763,000 - 1,774,000$ 186,000$ 1,960,000$ 665,411,000$ 667,371,000$ 36,000$ 2015 2014Balance, beginning of year 8,517,656$ 7,911,436$ New loans6,647,975 17,264,513 Repayments(7,745,887) (16,837,127) Change in status1,629,270 178,834 Balance, end of year9,049,014$ 8,517,656$ 2015 2014Land3,797,885$ 3,849,144$ Buildings and improvements 18,966,744 17,470,675 Furniture and equipment 6,287,179 5,879,852 29,051,808 27,199,671 Less accumulated depreciation 12,044,010 11,242,682 17,007,798$ 15,956,989$ Note 7. Other Real Estate Owned Changes in the other real estate owned at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: The following table provides the composition of other real estate owned at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: The Company is actively marketing the assets referred to in the table above. Management uses appraised values and adjusts for trends observed in the market and for disposition costs in determining the value of other real estate owned. The assets above are primarily located in the Ames, Iowa area. Note 8. Goodwill In conjunction with the First Bank Acquisition, FNB acquired three bank branches located in West Des Moines and Johnston, Iowa, which resulted in the recognition of $1.1 million of goodwill. Goodwill recognized in the First Bank Acquisition was primarily attributable to an expanded market share and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the West Des Moines and Johnston, Iowa branches with FNB. The goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at least annually. For income tax purposes, goodwill is amortized over 15 years. Note 9. Core Deposit Intangible Asset In conjunction with the First Bank Acquisition, the Company recorded $1.0 million in core deposit intangible assets. The following sets forth the carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of core deposit intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013: The weighted average life of the core deposit intangible is 3 years as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. 78 20152014Balance, beginning of year8,435,885$ 8,861,107$ Transfer of loans74,609 202,409 Acquired- 1,267,720 Impairment(614,687) (1,744,366) Net proceeds from sale(6,772,912) (265,694) Gain on sale, net100,409 95,036 Other changes26,611 19,673 Balance, end of year1,249,915$ 8,435,885$ 20152014Construction and land development738,685$ 5,384,955$ 1 to 4 family residential houses511,230 1,269,629 Commercial real estate- 1,781,301 1,249,915$ 8,435,885$ GrossAccumulatedGrossAccumulatedAmountAmortizationAmountAmortization Core deposit intangible asset2,518,000 $ 1,209,269 $ 2,518,000 $ 787,769 $ 20152014 The amortization expense for the core deposit intangible asset totaled $421,500, $317,333 and $273,700 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Estimated remaining amortization expense on core deposit intangible for the years ending is as follows: The following sets for the activity related to core deposit intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: Note 10. Deposits At December 31, 2015, the maturities of time deposits are as follows: Interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is summarized as follows: Deposits held by the Company from related parties at December 31, 2015 and 2014 amounted to approximately $14,550,000 and $16,388,000, respectively. 79 2016353,528$ 2017298,104 2018251,064 2019127,700 202071,000 After207,335 1,308,731$ 2015 2014 2013Beginning core deposit intangible, net 1,730,231$ 1,029,564$ 1,303,264$ Acquisition - 1,018,000 - Amortization (421,500) (317,333) (273,700) Ending core deposit intangible, net 1,308,731$ 1,730,231$ 1,029,564$ 2016129,276,644$ 201749,999,295 201820,079,265 20199,455,467 202010,447,870 2021138,602 219,397,143$ 2015 2014 2013NOW accounts 469,460$ 529,390$ 593,210$ Savings and money market 673,991 612,632 582,502 Time deposits 1,875,822 2,243,077 2,686,001 3,019,273$ 3,385,099$ 3,861,713$ Note 11. Secured Borrowings The following sets forth the pledged collateral at estimated fair value related to securities sold under repurchase agreements and term repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: 80 OvernightGreater thanTotal OvernightGreater thanTotal 90 days 90 days Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:U.S. government treasuries1,467,266$ -$ 1,467,266$ 1,447,441$ -$ 1,447,441$ U.S. government agencies46,755,265 - 46,755,265 46,879,834 - 46,879,834 Total89,879,483$ -$ 89,879,483$ 99,798,948$ -$ 99,798,948$ Term repurchase agreements:U.S. government agencies-$ 12,502,780$ 12,502,780$ -$ 12,150,535$ 12,150,535$ Total-$ 13,178,861$ 13,178,861$ -$ 13,921,204$ 13,921,204$ Total pledged collateral $ 89,879,483 $ 13,178,861 $ 103,058,344 $ 99,798,948 $ 13,921,204 $ 113,720,152 20152014Remaining Contractual Maturity of the AgreementsU.S. government mortgage-backed securities 41,656,952 - 41,656,952 51,471,673 - 51,471,673 1,770,669 U.S. government mortgage-backed securities - 676,081 676,081 - 1,770,669 Note 12. Borrowings Securities sold under repurchase agreements (repurchase agreements) are short-term and are secured by securities available-for-sale. At December 31, 2015, FHLB advances and other borrowings consisted of the following: Borrowed funds at December 31, 2015 included FHLB advances and other borrowings. Other borrowings consist of term repurchase agreements. FHLB advances are collateralized by certain 1-4 family residential real estate loans, multifamily real estate loans, commercial real estate loans and agricultural real estate loans. The term repurchase agreements are collateralized with U.S. government agencies and mortgage-backed securities with a carrying and fair value of $13,179,000 at December 31, 2015. The Banks had available borrowing capacity with the FHLB of Des Moines, Iowa of $154,509,000 at December 31, 2015. Borrowed funds at December 31, 2014 included FHLB advances, other borrowings, and financing agreements of $37,467,737. Such borrowings carried a weighted-average interest rate of 3.24% with maturities ranging from 2016 through 2025. Note 13. Employee Benefit Plans The Company has a qualified 401(k) profit-sharing plan. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company matched employee contributions up to a maximum of 3% and also contributed an amount equal to 3% of the participating employee’s compensation. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, Company contributions to the plan were approximately $678,000, $631,000, and $574,000, respectively. The plan covers substantially all employees. 81 Weighted AverageAmountInterest Rate FHLB advances maturing in: 3,500,000$ 0.46%1,000,000 1.08%11,500,000 2.94%2,000,000 1.58%542,203 3.50%Total FHLB advances18,542,203$ 2.24% Other borrowings maturing in:13,000,000$ 3.62%Total other borrowings13,000,000$ 3.62% Total FHLB and other borrowings $ 31,542,203 2.81%20172016Features Includes $4,500,000 callable quarterly in February 2016 and thereafter, which has not been exercised; $7,000,000 callable quarterly in March 2016 and thereafter 2018After 2020 15 year amortizing and puttable in 2016 2018 $13,000,000 term repurchase agreements callable quarterly in 2016 and thereafter 2020 Note 14. Income Taxes The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following: The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Income taxes currently receivable of approximately $315,000 is included in other assets as of December 31, 2015. Income taxes currently payable of approximately $110,000 is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities as of December 31, 2014. The Company and its subsidiaries file one income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and separate tax returns for the state of Iowa. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income and state tax examinations for years before 2012. 82 201520142013Federal:Current3,119,002$ 4,568,497$ 4,104,278$ Deferred1,752,659 16,322 (392,690) 4,871,661 4,584,819 3,711,588 State:Current749,342 1,014,567 973,694 Deferred185,541 16,133 (27,360) 934,883 1,030,700 946,334 Income tax expense5,806,544$ 5,615,519$ 4,657,922$ 201520142013Income taxes at 35% federal tax rate7,287,418$ 7,302,815$ 6,514,048$ Increase (decrease) resulting from:Tax-exempt interest and dividends(2,046,493) (2,213,701) (2,399,516) State taxes, net of federal tax benefit506,201 699,960 624,928 Other59,418 (173,555) (81,538) Total income tax expense5,806,544$ 5,615,519$ 4,657,922$ 20152014Deferred tax assets:Allowance for loan losses3,598,954$ 3,134,667$ Other real estate owned253,998 2,393,507 Other-than-temporary impairment on securities- 96,924 Accrued vacation257,427 239,949 Other deferred tax assets825,418 786,818 4,935,797 6,651,865 Deferred tax liabilities:Net unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale(2,044,829) (2,626,423) Bank premises and equipment(1,027,143) (971,570) Other deferred tax liabilities(587,254) (420,695) (3,659,226) (4,018,688) Net deferred tax asset1,276,571$ 2,633,177$ The Company follows the accounting requirements for uncertain tax positions. Management has determined that the Company has no material uncertain tax positions and no material accrued interest or penalties as of or for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 that would require recognition. The Company had no significant unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015, that if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. The Company had no positions for which it deemed that it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of the unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within the 12 months as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Note 15. Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. 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 as they do for on-balance-sheet instruments. A summary of the Company’s commitments at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $119,573,000 and $108,039,000 of the commitments to extend credit were fixed interest rates. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Banks evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Banks upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Banks to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third-party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Collateral held varies and is required in instances which the Banks deem necessary. In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, the Banks would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Banks could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount shown in the summary above. If the commitments were funded, the Banks would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Banks have established liabilities totaling approximately $488,000 and $481,000, respectively to cover estimated credit losses for off-balance-sheet loan commitments and standby letters of credit. In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements. Concentrations of credit risk: The Banks originate real estate, consumer, and commercial loans, primarily in Boone, Hancock, Marshall, Polk and Story Counties in Iowa, as well as adjacent counties. Although the Banks have diversified loan portfolios, a substantial portion of their borrowers’ ability to repay loans is dependent upon economic conditions in the Banks’ market areas. Note 16. Regulatory Matters The Company and the Banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and Banks’ financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding 83 2015 2014Commitments to extend credit 158,566,000$ 159,527,000$ Standby letters of credit 6,100,000 6,526,000 164,666,000$ 166,053,000$ companies. Regulators also have the ability to impose higher limits than those specified by capital adequacy guidelines if they so deem necessary. The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC issued final rules implementing the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act changes. The rules revise minimum capital requirements and adjust prompt corrective action thresholds. The final rules revise the regulatory capital elements, add a new common equity Tier I capital ratio, increase the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirements and implement a new capital conservation buffer. The rules also permit certain banking organizations to retain, through a one-time election, the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company and the Banks have made the election to retain the existing treatment for accumulated other comprehensive income. The final rules took effect for the Company and the Banks on January 1, 2015, subject to a transition period for certain parts of the rules. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and each subsidiary bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, that the Company and each subsidiary bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. As of December 31, 2015, the most recent notification from the federal banking regulators categorized the Banks as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Banks must maintain minimum common equity, total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. Management believes there are no conditions or events since that notification that have changed the institution’s category. The Company’s and each of the subsidiary bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are also presented in the table. The December 31, 2015 table below includes the new regulatory capital ratio requirements that became effective on January 1, 2015. Beginning in 2016, an additional capital conservation buffer will be added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes, subject to a three year phase-in period. The capital conservation buffer will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.5 percent. A banking organization with a conservation buffer of less than 2.5 percent (or the required phase-in amount in years prior to 2019) will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. At the present time, the ratios for the Company and the Banks are sufficient to meet the fully phased-in conservation buffer. 84 85 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount RatioAs of December 31, 2015: Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):Consolidated 157,926 $ 16.6% 76,179 $ 8.0% N/A N/ABoone Bank & Trust14,525 15.5 7,477 8.0 9,346 $ 10.0%First National Bank 74,210 15.3 38,859 8.0 48,574 10.0 Reliance State Bank 24,287 13.8 14,101 8.0 17,626 10.0 State Bank & Trust 19,658 16.2 9,729 8.0 12,161 10.0 United Bank & Trust 14,621 20.6 5,693 8.0 7,116 10.0 Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):Consolidated 147,430 $ 15.5% 57,134 $ 6.0% N/A N/ABoone Bank & Trust13,569 14.5 5,608 6.0 7,477 $ 8.0%First National Bank 69,157 14.2 29,144 6.0 38,859 8.0 Reliance State Bank 22,491 12.8 10,575 6.0 14,101 8.0 State Bank & Trust 18,135 14.9 7,297 6.0 9,729 8.0 United Bank & Trust 13,858 19.5 4,269 6.0 5,693 8.0 Tier 1 capital (to average-weighted assets):Consolidated 147,430 $ 11.3% 52,383 $ 4.0% N/A N/ABoone Bank & Trust13,569 9.8 5,557 4.0 6,946 $ 5.0%First National Bank 69,157 9.9 27,970 4.0 34,963 5.0 Reliance State Bank 22,491 10.7 8,380 4.0 10,476 5.0 State Bank & Trust 18,135 11.5 6,332 4.0 7,915 5.0 United Bank & Trust 13,858 12.5 4,452 4.0 5,565 5.0 Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):Consolidated 147,430 $ 15.5% 42,851 $ 4.5% N/A N/ABoone Bank & Trust13,569 14.5 4,206 4.5 6,075 $ 6.5%First National Bank 69,157 14.2 21,858 4.5 31,573 6.5 Reliance State Bank 22,491 12.8 7,932 4.5 11,457 6.5 State Bank & Trust 18,135 14.9 5,473 4.5 7,905 6.5 United Bank & Trust 13,858 19.5 3,202 4.5 4,625 6.5 For CapitalAdequacy PurposesActualTo Be WellCapitalized UnderPrompt CorrectiveAction Provisions Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid and loans or advances made by the Banks to the Company. Dividends paid by each Bank to the Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements. Except for the potential effect on the Company’s level of dividends, management believes that these restrictions currently do not have a significant impact on the Company. Note 17. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact. The standards require the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach, and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market 86 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount RatioAs of December 31, 2014: Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):Consolidated 151,146 $ 16.6% 72,879 $ 8.0% N/A N/ABoone Bank & Trust13,948 15.7 7,123 8.0 8,904 $ 10.0%First National Bank 69,174 14.7 37,568 8.0 46,960 10.0 Reliance State Bank 21,727 13.2 13,166 8.0 16,457 10.0 State Bank & Trust 18,708 15.8 9,485 8.0 11,856 10.0 United Bank & Trust 14,089 21.3 5,295 8.0 6,618 10.0 Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):Consolidated 141,739 $ 15.6% 36,440 $ 4.0% N/A N/ABoone Bank & Trust13,084 14.7 3,562 4.0 5,342 $ 6.0%First National Bank 65,112 13.9 18,784 4.0 28,176 6.0 Reliance State Bank 19,966 12.1 6,583 4.0 9,874 6.0 State Bank & Trust 17,224 14.5 4,742 4.0 7,113 6.0 United Bank & Trust 13,313 20.1 2,647 4.0 3,971 6.0 Tier 1 capital (to average-weighted assets):Consolidated 141,739 $ 11.0% 51,604 $ 4.0% N/A N/ABoone Bank & Trust13,084 9.8 5,325 4.0 6,656 $ 5.0%First National Bank 65,112 9.4 27,671 4.0 34,589 5.0 Reliance State Bank 19,966 9.6 8,321 4.0 10,402 5.0 State Bank & Trust 17,224 10.9 6,318 4.0 7,898 5.0 United Bank & Trust 13,313 12.3 4,315 4.0 5,394 5.0 ActualAdequacy PurposesAction ProvisionsTo Be WellCapitalized UnderFor CapitalPrompt Corrective data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, a fair value hierarchy was established for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows: Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available. Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology include: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted process for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risk); or inputs derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. The following table presents the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Other available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. 87 Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 32015U.S. government treasuries 1,467,000$ 1,467,000$ -$ -$ U.S. government agencies 106,445,000 - 106,445,000 - U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 98,079,000 - 98,079,000 - State and political subdivisions 277,597,000 - 277,597,000 - Corporate bonds 50,889,000 - 50,889,000 - Equity securities, other 3,156,000 - 3,156,000 - 537,633,000$ 1,467,000$ 536,166,000$ -$ 2014U.S. government treasuries 1,448,000$ 1,448,000$ -$ -$ U.S. government agencies 87,307,000 - 87,307,000 - U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 120,985,000 - 120,985,000 - State and political subdivisions 281,776,000 - 281,776,000 - Corporate bonds 47,319,000 - 47,319,000 - Equity securities, common stock 758,000 758,000 - - Equity securities, other 2,909,000 - 2,909,000 - 542,502,000$ 2,206,000$ 540,296,000$ -$ Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment or a change in previously recognized impairment). The following table presents the assets carried on the balance sheet (after specific reserves) by caption and by level with the valuation hierarchy as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: Loans: Loans in the tables above consist of impaired credits held for investment. In accordance with the loan impairment guidance, impairment was measured based on the fair value of collateral less estimated selling costs for collateral dependent loans. Fair value for impaired loans is based upon appraised values adjusted for trends observed in the market. A valuation allowance was recorded for the excess of the loan’s recorded investment over the amounts determined by the collateral value method. This valuation is a component of the allowance for loan losses. The Company considers these fair values level 3. Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned in the table above consists of real estate obtained through foreclosure. Other real estate owned is recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs, at the date of transfer. Subsequent to the transfer, other real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs. The carrying value of other real estate owned is not re- measured to fair value on a recurring basis but is subject to fair value adjustments when the carrying value exceeds the fair value less estimated selling costs. Management uses appraised values and adjusts for trends observed in the market and for disposition costs in determining the value of other real estate owned. A valuation allowance was recorded for the excess of the asset’s recorded investment over the amount determined by the fair value, less estimated selling costs. This valuation allowance is a component of the allowance for other real estate owned. The Company considers these fair values level 3. 88 Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 32015Loans 603,000$ -$ -$ 603,000$ Other real estate owned 1,250,000 - - 1,250,000 Total 1,853,000$ -$ -$ 1,853,000$ 2014Loans 692,000$ -$ -$ 692,000$ Other real estate owned 8,436,000 - - 8,436,000 Total 9,128,000$ -$ -$ 9,128,000$ The significant inputs used in the fair value measurements for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: * Not Meaningful. Evaluations of the underlying assets are completed for each impaired loan with a specific reserve. The types of collateral vary widely and could include accounts receivables, inventory, a variety of equipment and real estate. Collateral evaluations are reviewed and discounted as appropriate based on knowledge of the specific type of collateral. In the case of real estate, an independent appraisal may be obtained. Types of discounts considered included aging of receivables, condition of the collateral, potential market for the collateral and estimated disposal costs. These discounts will vary from loan to loan, thus providing a range would not be meaningful. GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. 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. Fair value of financial instruments: The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures: Cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits in financial institutions: The recorded amount of these assets approximates fair value. Securities available-for-sale: Fair value measurement for Level 1 securities is based upon quoted prices. Fair value measurement for Level 2 securities are based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. Level 1 securities include equity securities traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Other securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. Loans receivable: The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates, which reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based on the historical experience, with repayments for each loan classification modified, as required, by an estimate of the effect of current economic and lending conditions. The effect of nonperforming loans is considered in assessing the credit risk inherent in the fair value estimate. Loans held for sale: The fair value of loans held for sale is based on prevailing market prices. Deposit liabilities: Fair values of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings and NOW accounts, and money market accounts, are equal to the amount payable on demand as of the respective balance sheet date. Fair values of certificates of deposit are based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the 89 Fair Value Valuation Range Techniques (Average)Impaired Loans 603,000$ Evaluation of collateral Estimation of value NM*Other real estate owned 1,250,000$ Appraisal Appraisal adjustment 6%-10% (8%)Fair Value Valuation Range Techniques (Average)Impaired Loans 692,000$ Evaluation of collateral Estimation of value NM*Other real estate owned 8,436,000$ Appraisal Appraisal adjustment 4%-10% (7%)2015Range of Unobservable Inputs2014Range of Unobservable Inputs rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value estimates do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase: The carrying amounts of securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximate fair value because of the generally short-term nature of the instruments. FHLB advances and other borrowings: Fair values of FHLB advances and other borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently being offered with similar terms. Accrued income receivable and accrued interest payable: The carrying amounts of accrued income receivable and accrued interest payable approximate fair value. Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit: The fair values of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreement and credit worthiness of the counterparties. The carrying value and fair value of the commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are not considered significant. Limitations: Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. The following table includes the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Note 18. Subsequent Events Management evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no other significant events or transactions occurring after December 31, 2015, but prior to March 11, 2016, that provided additional evidence about conditions that existed at December 31, 2015. There were no other significant events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that did not exist at December 31, 2015. 90 Fair Value Estimated EstimatedHierarchy Carrying Fair Carrying FairLevel Amount Value Amount ValueFinancial assets:Cash and due from banksLevel 1 24,005,801$ 24,006,000$ 23,730,257$ 23,730,000$ Interest bearing depositsLevel 1 26,993,091 26,993,000 31,469,382 31,469,000 Securities available-for-sale See previous table 537,632,990 537,633,000 542,502,381 542,502,000 Loans receivable, netLevel 2 701,328,171 702,438,000 658,440,998 656,896,000 Loans held for sale Level 2 539,370 539,000 704,850 705,000 Accrued income receivableLevel 1 7,565,791 7,566,000 7,471,023 7,471,000 Financial liabilities:Deposits Level 2 1,074,193,122$ 1,075,289,000$ 1,052,123,257$ 1,052,082,000$ Securities sold under agreements to repurchase Level 1 54,289,915 54,290,000 51,265,011 51,265,000 FHLB advancesLevel 2 18,542,203 19,017,000 14,467,737 15,281,000 Other borrowingsLevel 2 13,000,000 13,807,000 23,000,000 24,339,000 Accrued interest payableLevel 1 413,158 413,000 536,370 536,000 20142015 Note 19. Ames National Corporation (Parent Company Only) Financial Statements Information relative to the Parent Company’s balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and statements of income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, is as follows: 91 2015 2014ASSETSCash and due from banks 34,409$ 29,972$ Interest bearing deposits in banks 8,911,266 7,615,497 Securities available-for-sale- 758,100 Investment in bank subsidiaries 147,376,919 141,553,283 Loans receivable, net 3,163,270 3,252,197 Premises and equipment, net 3,083,224 3,180,973 Accrued income receivable 12,493 9,435 Other real estate owned 738,684 - Deferred income taxes 63,400 88,092 Other assets113,167 242,417 Total assets 163,496,832$ 156,729,966$ LIABILITIESDividends payable1,862,183$ 1,675,964$ Accrued expenses and other liabilities 384,592 379,584 Total liabilities 2,246,775 2,055,548 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCommon stock18,621,826 18,621,826 Additional paid-in capital 20,878,728 20,878,728 Retained earnings 118,267,767 110,701,847 Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,481,736 4,472,017 Total stockholders' equity161,250,057 154,674,418 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 163,496,832$ 156,729,966$ CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETSDecember 31, 2015 and 2014 92 2015 2014 2013Operating income:Equity in net income of bank subsidiaries 15,083,025$ 14,912,849$ 14,159,629$ Interest 194,662 207,230 267,928 Dividends 27,600 26,400 22,800 Rental income 404,760 121,441 117,303 Gain on the sale of premises and equipment - 1,256,924 - Other income 1,737,000 1,525,000 1,487,581 Securities gains 279,099 - - 17,726,146 18,049,844 16,055,241 Credit for loan losses(30,000) - (77,000) Operating income after credit for loan losses17,756,146 18,049,844 16,132,241 Operating expenses2,776,695 2,609,937 2,313,897 Income before income taxes 14,979,451 15,439,907 13,818,344 Income tax expense (benefit) (35,200) 188,700 (135,300) Net income 15,014,651$ 15,251,207$ 13,953,644$ CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEYears Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 93 2015 2014 2013CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESNet income15,014,651$ 15,251,207$ 13,953,644$ Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Depreciation130,778 63,020 22,297 Credit for loan losses (30,000) - (77,000) Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes 72,200 419,800 (11,879) Securities (gains), net (279,099) - - Gain on sale of premises and equipment - (1,256,924) - Equity in net income of bank subsidiaries (15,083,025) (14,912,848) (14,159,629) Dividends received from bank subsidiaries 8,350,000 7,600,000 7,200,000 (Increase) decrease in accrued income receivable (3,058) 8,312 12,243 (Increase) decrease in other assets 129,250 (142,487) (84,930) Increase in accrued expense and other liabilities5,008 92,209 28,440 Net cash provided by operating activities 8,306,705 7,122,289 6,883,186 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESProceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale 908,799 - - (Increase) decrease in interest bearing deposits in banks (1,295,769) 757,512 (5,377,200) Decrease in loans 118,927 96,776 4,363,136 Proceeds from sale of bank premises and equipment - 1,746,444 - Purchase of other real estate owned (738,684) - - Purchase of bank premises and equipment (33,029) (3,200,000) (9,854) Net cash used in investing activities (1,039,756) (599,268) (1,023,918) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESDividends paid (7,262,512) (6,517,640) (5,865,866) Net cash used in financing activities (7,262,512) (6,517,640) (5,865,866) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,437 5,381 (6,598) CASH AND DUE FROM BANKSBeginning29,972 24,591 31,189 Ending34,409$ 29,972$ 24,591$ SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWINFORMATIONCash receipts for income taxes236,650$ 85,362$ 27,089$ CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSYears Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Note 20. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 94 March 31June 30September 30December 31Total interest income10,545,826$ 10,858,750$ 10,843,017$ 10,902,752$ Total interest expense1,100,559 1,071,261 1,002,749 1,010,570 Net interest income9,445,267 9,787,489 9,840,268 9,892,182 Provision for loan losses77,300 921,513 37,797 62,573 Net interest income after provision for loan losses9,367,967 8,865,976 9,802,471 9,829,609 Noninterest income1,766,219 2,406,987 1,949,977 2,144,010 Noninterest expense6,138,857 6,692,152 5,982,208 6,498,804 Income before income taxes4,995,329 4,580,811 5,770,240 5,474,815 Income tax expense1,360,400 1,216,001 1,670,389 1,559,754 Net income3,634,929$ 3,364,810$ 4,099,851$ 3,915,061$ Basic and diluted earnings per common share0.39$ 0.36$ 0.44$ 0.42$ March 31June 30September 30December 31Total interest income9,920,281$ 10,145,907$ 10,120,151$ 10,778,012$ Total interest expense1,186,496 1,166,552 1,102,532 1,091,521 Net interest income8,733,785 8,979,355 9,017,619 9,686,491 Provision for loan losses39,231 35,644 55,145 299,120 Net interest income after provision for loan losses8,694,554 8,943,711 8,962,474 9,387,371 Noninterest income2,945,784 1,733,972 1,828,690 2,743,633 Noninterest expense5,329,102 5,409,107 5,666,422 7,968,832 Income before income taxes6,311,236 5,268,576 5,124,742 4,162,172 Income tax expense1,785,145 1,413,653 1,393,256 1,023,465 Net income4,526,091$ 3,854,923$ 3,731,486$ 3,138,707$ Basic and diluted earnings per common share0.49$ 0.41$ 0.40$ 0.34$ 20152014 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES As of the end of the period covered by this Report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting is contained in Item 8 of this Report. The attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is contained in Item 8 of this Report. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERANCE Directors PART III Refer to the information under the captions “Corporate Governance” and "Proposals to be Voted on at Meeting – Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” contained in the Company's definitive proxy statement prepared in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 2016, as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2016 (the "Proxy Statement"), which information is incorporated herein by this reference. Executive Officers The information required by Item 10 regarding the executive officers appears in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report under the heading “Executive Officers of the Company and Banks”. Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Refer to the information under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by this reference. Audit Committee The Company has established an Audit Committee as a standing committee of the Board of Directors. Refer to the information under the caption “Corporate Governance – Board Committees” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by this reference. 95 Audit Committee Financial Expert The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that Lisa M. Eslinger, a member of the Audit Committee, qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under applicable SEC rules. The Board of Directors has further determined that Ms. Eslinger qualifies as an "independent" director under applicable SEC rules and the corporate governance rules of the NASDAQ stock market. The Board's affirmative determination was based, among other things, upon Ms. Eslinger's experience as Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations for the Iowa State Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation, Ms. Eslinger was a senior manager with KPMG LLP. Code of Ethics The Company has adopted an Ethics and Confidentiality Policy that applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. A copy of this policy is posted on the Company's website at www.amesnational.com. In the event that the Company makes any amendments to, or grants any waivers of, a provision of the Ethics and Confidentiality Policy that requires disclosure under applicable SEC rules, the Company intends to disclose such amendments or waiver and the reasons therefor on its website. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Refer to the information under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by this reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS Refer to the information under the caption “Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by this reference. The Company does not maintain any equity compensation plans covering its directors, officers or employees or the directors, officers or employees of the Banks. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Refer to the information under the captions “Loans to Directors and Executive Officers and Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance – Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by this reference. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Refer to the information under the caption "Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by this reference. ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES PART IV (a) List of Financial Statements and Schedules. 1. Financial Statements Reports of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2015 and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2. Financial Statement Schedules All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 96 (b) List of Exhibits. 3.1 - Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2015). 3.2 - Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2015). 10.1 - Management Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2012)* - Subsidiaries of the Registrant - Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 21 23 31.1 - Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 31.2 - Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.1 - Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 32.2 - Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.LAB 101.PRE 101.DEF * Indicates a management compensatory plan or arrangement. XBRL Instance Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1) (1)These interactive data files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any prior or future filing made by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such information by reference. 97 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION March 11, 2016 By: /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President 98 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated and on March 11, 2016. Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President /s/ John P. Nelson Betty A. Baudler Horras, Director /s/ Betty A. Baudler Horras /s/ David W. Benson David W. Benson, Director Lisa M. Eslinger, Director /s/ Lisa M. Eslinger Douglas C. Gustafson, Director /s/ Douglas C. Gustafson Steven D. Forth, Director /s/ Steven D. Forth James R. Larson II, Director /s/ James R. Larson II Richard O. Parker, Director /s/ Richard O. Parker Larry A. Raymon, Director /s/ Larry A. Raymon 99 EXHIBIT INDEX The following exhibits are filed herewith: Exhibit No. Description ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 23 31.1 31.2 32.1 32.2 101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.LAB 101.PRE 101.DEF -Subsidiaries of the Registrant -Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. -Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 -Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 -Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 -Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 XBRL Instance Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1) (1) These interactive date files shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any prior or future filing made by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such information by reference. 100 SUBSIDIARIES OF COMPANY EXHIBIT 21 Parent Ames National Corporation Subsidiaries (1) Percentage of Ownership First National Bank, Ames, Iowa, a National Bank Boone Bank and Trust Co., Boone, Iowa, an Iowa State Bank State Bank & Trust Co., Nevada, Iowa, an Iowa State Bank Reliance State Bank, Story City, Iowa, an Iowa State Bank United Bank & Trust NA, Marshalltown, Iowa, a National Bank 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Note: (1) The operation of Ames National Corporation’s five wholly owned subsidiaries are included in the financial statements set forth in this Form 10-K. 101 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM EXHIBIT 23 Ames National Corporation Ames, Iowa We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-146844 on Form S-8 of Ames National Corporation of our reports, dated March 11, 2016 relating to our audits of the consolidated financial statements, and internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ames National Corporation for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. /s/ CliftonLarsonAllen LLP West Des Moines, Iowa March 11, 2016 102 EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Thomas H. Pohlman, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Ames National Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 11, 201 6 /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President 103 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 EXHIBIT 31.2 I, John P. Nelson, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Ames National Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 11, 2016 /s/ John P. Nelson John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President 104 EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 In connection with the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the "Report") by Ames National Corporation (the "Company"), the undersigned officer of the Company hereby certifies that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the period covered by the Report. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certification as of the 11th day of March, 2016. Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman 105 EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 In connection with the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the "Report") by Ames National Corporation (the "Company"), the undersigned officer of the Company hereby certifies that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the period covered by the Report. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certification as of the 11th day of March, 2016. /s/ John P. Nelson John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President 106 Page Left Intentionally Blank 107 Page Left Intentionally Blank 108

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