Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Banks - Regional / Ames National Corporation

Ames National Corporation

atlo · NASDAQ Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker atlo
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 258
← All annual reports
FY2016 Annual Report · Ames National Corporation
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 
--------- 
FORM 10-K 

                                 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.                                                                      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 
                      (Zip Code) 
         (Address of principal executive offices)                         

(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,  2016,  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 28, 2017, 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,  2017,  are 
incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Business……………………………………………………………..……………………………..  3 
Risk Factors ...................................................................................................................................  14 
Unresolved Staff Comments ............................................................................................................19 
Properties.........................................................................................................................................19 
Legal Proceedings ...........................................................................................................................20 
Mine Safety Disclosures ..................................................................................................................20 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of  
  Equity Securities ..........................................................................................................................20 
Selected Financial Data ...................................................................................................................23 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
  of Operations ...............................................................................................................................24 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ..........................................................52 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ................................................................................54 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and 
  Financial Disclosure.....................................................................................................................98 
Controls and Procedures ..................................................................................................................98 
Other Information ............................................................................................................................98 

Part I 

Item 1.    
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

Part II 

Item 5. 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 

Item 7A. 
Item 8. 
Item 9. 

Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 

Part III 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance...............................................................98 
Item 10. 
Executive Compensation .................................................................................................................99 
Item 11. 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder  
Item 12. 
                                                                       Matters .........................................................................................................................................99                                   
Item 13. 
Item 14. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence ..................................99 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services  .........................................................................................99 

Part IV 

Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ...................................................................................99 

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  investments,  primarily  on  bonds,  held  by  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;  and  (vii)  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,  
support  with  respect  to  computer  systems  and  related  procedures,  financial  reporting,  training  and  the  coordination  of  management 
activities.   

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 

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Moines area through its four offices located in Ankeny, West Des Moines and Johnston.  It provides a variety of products and services 
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,  2016,  First  National  had  capital of $73,779,000 and 112 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,  2016,  2015  and  2014  of 
approximately  $7,858,000,  $7,223,000  and  $7,490,000,  respectively.  Total  assets  as  of  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  were 
approximately $755,296,000, $704,289,000 and $706,185,000, 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.    It  has  a  strong  presence  in  agricultural,  commercial  and  residential  real  estate 
lending.   

As of December 31, 2016, State Bank had capital of $18,634,000 and 20 full-time equivalent employees.  State Bank had net income 
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 of approximately $2,323,000, $2,311,000 and $2,280,000, respectively. Total 
assets as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $160,739,000, $154,847,000 and $157,894,000, 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,  2016,  Boone  Bank  had  capital  of  $14,011,000  and  22  full-time  equivalent  employees.    Boone  Bank  had  net 
income  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  of  approximately  $1,763,000,  $1,684,000  and  $1,614,000, 
respectively.  Total  assets  as  of  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  were  approximately  $133,837,000,  $135,767,000  and 
$125,776,000, 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”).   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, 2016, Reliance Bank had capital of $29,333,000 and 30 full-time equivalent employees.  Reliance Bank had net 
income  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  of  approximately  $2,779,000,  $2,569,000  and  $2,392,000, 
respectively.  Total  assets  as  of  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  were  approximately  $222,664,000,  $219,452,000  and 
$219,474,000, 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,  2016,  United  Bank  had  capital  of  $14,206,000  and  18  full-time  equivalent  employees.  United  Bank  had  net 
income  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  of  approximately  $1,271,000,  $1,296,000  and  $1,110,000, 
respectively.    Total  assets  as  of  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  were  approximately  $111,226,000,  $112,480,000  and 
$107,000,000, 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 51% 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 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 
51% 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 20% 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, home equity term loans and home equity lines of credit represent 
approximately 20% 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 2% 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, 2016, the Banks had a total of 202  full-time equivalent employees and the Company had  an additional 14 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 65,060.  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,  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 12,692.  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 6,831. 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 

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Reliance  Bank  is  headquartered  in  Story  City,  Iowa  with  a  population  of  3,435.   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 3,107.  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  27,620.  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,  2016,  there  were  46  FDIC  insured  institutions  having  approximately  106  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 

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
law  required  by  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  has  most  significantly  affected  larger institutions, even relatively small institutions such as the 
Company have been affected.  

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. 

9

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition, any "company" would be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve under the BHCA before acquiring 25% 
(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, 2016. 

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 allowance 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  began  on  January  1,  2016,  at  the  0.625%  level  and increases 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, 2016, the Banks exceeded all of their regulatory capital requirements and were designated as “well-capitalized” 
under  federal  guidelines. 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, 2016, 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 
$110,200,000 or less (subject to an exemption not in excess of the first $15,200,000 of transaction accounts).  A reserve of $2,850,000 
plus 10% of amounts in excess of $110,200,000 must be maintained in the event total transaction accounts exceed $110,200,000. 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. 

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 

12

 
 
 
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.  The  U.S.  Congress  established  three  key  objectives  for  monetary  policy  in  the 
Federal Reserve Act: maximizing employment, stabilizing prices, and moderating long-term interest rates.  The first two objectives are 
sometimes  referred  to  as  the  Federal  Reserve's  dual  mandate.  Its  duties  have  expanded  over  the  years,  and  as  of  2009  so  include 
supervising  and  regulating  banks,  maintaining  the  stability  of  the  financial  system  and  providing  financial  services  to  depository 
institutions,  the  U.S.  government,  and  foreign  official  institutions.    The  Federal  Reserve  conducts  research  into  the  economy  and 
releases numerous publications.  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  Federal  Open  Market  Committee  (“FOMC”),  a  committee  within  the  Federal 
Reserve System, is charged under the United States of America (“USA”) law with overseeing the nation's open market operations (i.e., 
the Federal Reserve Banks buying and selling of USA government securities).  This Federal Reserve committee makes key decisions 
about  interest  rates  and  the  growth  of  the  USA money supply.  The FOMC is the principal organization of USA national monetary 
policy.  The  Committee  sets  monetary  policy  by  specifying  the  short-term  objective  for  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank's  open  market 
operations,  which  is  usually  a  target  level  for  the  federal  funds  rate  (the  rate  that  commercial  banks charge between themselves for 
overnight loans).    

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. 

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 with the exception of 
John P. Nelson.  Mr. Nelson was appointed chief operating officer and executive vice president on November 9, 2016. 

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 

54 

62 

54 

President and Director of First National. 

Vice President & Technology Director of the Company.  

President and Director of United Bank.  

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                        
 
 
 
 
Stephen C. McGill 

John P.  Nelson 

Thomas H. Pohlman 

Jeffrey K. Putzier 

Richard J. Schreier 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 

62 

50 

66 

55 

49 

President and Director of State Bank. 

Chief  Financial  Officer,  Executive  Vice  President,  Chief  Operating  Officer, 
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.  

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. 

Changes in general business, economic and political conditions may adversely affect the Company’s business. 

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.  

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. 

Fair values of investments in the Company’s securities portfolio may adversely change. 

As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of our securities portfolio was approximately $516.1 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 

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

The commercial real estate loan portfolio is a significant part of the Company’s business.  

Commercial real estate loans were a significant portion of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2016. 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.  

If the Company’s actual loan losses exceed the allowance for loan losses, the Company’s net income will decrease.  

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.  

Changes in interest rates could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.  

An increase in interest rates that may occur in connection with the continuing 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. 

The Company may have difficulty continuing to grow, and even if we do grow, our growth may strain our resources and limit 
our ability to expand operations successfully.  

Our future profitability will depend in part on our continued ability to grow in both loans and deposits; however, we may not be able to 
sustain our historical growth rate or be able to grow at all.  In addition, our future success will depend on competitive factors and on 
the ability of our senior management to continue to maintain an appropriate system of internal controls and procedures and manage a 
growing number of customer relationships.  We may not be able to implement changes or improvements to these internal controls and 
procedures in an efficient or timely manner and may discover deficiencies in existing systems and controls.  Consequently, continued 
growth, if achieved, may place a strain on our operational infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial 
condition and results of operations.  

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
The  Company  is  subject  to  certain  operational  risks,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  data  processing  system  failures,  errors, 
breaches and customer or employee fraud.  

There have been a number of publicized cases involving errors, fraud or other misconduct by employees of financial services firms in 
recent years.  Misconduct by our employees could include hiding unauthorized activities from us, improper or unauthorized activities 
on  behalf  of  our  customers  or  improper  use  of  confidential  information.    Employee  fraud,  errors  and  employee  and  customer 
misconduct could subject us to financial losses or regulatory sanctions and seriously harm our reputation.  It is not always possible to 
prevent  employee  errors  and  misconduct,  and  the  precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all 
cases.  Employee errors could also subject us to civil claims for negligence.  

Although  we  maintain  a  system  of  internal  controls  and  procedures  designed  to  reduce  the  risk  of  loss  from  employee  or  customer 
fraud  or  misconduct  and  employee  errors  as  well  as  insurance  coverage  to  mitigate  against  some  operational  risks,  including  data 
processing  system  failures  and  errors  and  customer  or  employee  fraud;  these internal controls may fail to prevent or detect such an 
occurrence, or such an occurrence may not be insured or exceed applicable insurance limits.  

In addition, there have also been a number of cases where financial institutions have been the victim of fraud related to unauthorized 
wire and automated clearinghouse transactions.  The facts and circumstances of each case vary but generally involve criminals posing 
as customers ( i.e. , stealing bank customers’ identities) to transfer funds out of the institution quickly in an effort to place the funds 
beyond recovery prior to detection.  Although we have policies and procedures in place to verify the authenticity of our customers and 
prevent  identity  theft,  we  can  provide  no  assurances  that  these  policies  and  procedures  will  prevent  all  fraudulent  transfers.   In 
addition,  although  we  have  safeguards  in  place,  it  is  possible  that  our  computer  systems  could  be  infiltrated  by  hackers  or  other 
intruders.  We can provide no assurances that these safeguards will prevent all unauthorized infiltrations or breaches.  Identity theft, 
successful  unauthorized  intrusions  and  similar  unauthorized  conduct  could  result  in  reputational  damage  and  financial  losses  to  the 
Company.   

An  impairment  charge  of  goodwill  or  other  intangibles  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  the  Company’s  financial 
results and condition.  

Because the Company has grown in part through acquisitions, goodwill and intangible assets are included in the consolidated assets. 
Goodwill  and  intangible  assets  were  $8.1  million  as  of  December  31,  2016.   Under  generally  accepted  accounting  principles 
(“GAAP”), we are required to test the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets at least annually or sooner if events occur that 
indicate impairment could exist. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, including 
sustained decline in a reporting unit’s fair value, legal and regulatory factors, operating performance indicators, competition and other 
factors.  GAAP requires us to assign and then test goodwill at the reporting unit level. If over a sustained period of time we experience 
a decrease in our stock price and market capitalization, which may serve as an estimate of the fair value of our reporting unit, this may 
be  an  indication  of  impairment.  If  the  fair  value  of  our  reporting  unit  is  less  than its net book value, we may be required to record 
goodwill impairment charges in the future. In addition, if the revenue and cash flows generated from any of our other intangible assets 
is  not  sufficient  to  support  its  net  book  value,  we  may  be  required  to  record an impairment charge. The amount of any impairment 
charge could be significant and could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations for the period 
in which the charge is taken.  

Loans  to  agricultural-related  borrowers  are  subject  to  factors  beyond  the  Company’s  control,  including  fluctuations  in 
commodity and livestock prices and other risks, which could negatively impact the Company’s loan portfolio. 

A significant portion of our loan portfolio consists of loans to farmers and other borrowers who are directly or indirectly affected by 
the health of the Iowa agricultural economy.  During 2015 and 2016, the agricultural economy has experienced a decline in commodity 
and livestock prices which has placed downward pressure on cash flow and profits from agricultural activities.  An extended period of 
low  commodity  and/or  livestock  prices,  together  with  other  risks  to  which  our  agricultural  borrowers  are  subject,  including  poor 
weather conditions, higher input costs and changes in governmental support programs, could result in reduced cash flows and profit 
margins, negatively affecting these borrowers and making it more difficult for them to repay their loan obligations to us.  A general 
decline in the agricultural economy could also negatively affect us by reducing the value of agricultural real estate which secures some 
of our agricultural loans, creating the potential for greater losses if these borrowers are unable to repay their loans and we are forced to 
rely on this collateral.  Moreover, a general decline in the agricultural economy could also negatively impact some of our commercial 
borrowers whose businesses are directly or indirectly dependent on the health of the agricultural economy.  All of these risks, which 
are beyond our control, could produce losses in our loan portfolio and adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. 

16

 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
Changes in accounting policies or accounting standards, or changes in how accounting standards are interpreted or applied, 
could materially affect how the Company reports our financial results and condition.  

Our accounting policies are fundamental to determining and understanding our financial results and condition.  Some of these policies 
require use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and financial results.  Any changes in our 
accounting policies could materially affect our financial statements.  From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the 
“FASB”) and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements.  
In  addition,  accounting  standard  setters  and  those  who  interpret  the  accounting  standards  (such  as  the  FASB,  the  SEC,  banking 
regulators and our outside auditors) may change positions on how these standards should be applied.  Changes in financial accounting 
and  reporting  standards  and  changes  in  current  interpretations  may  be  beyond  our  control,  can  be  difficult  to  predict  and  could 
materially  affect  how  we  report  our  financial  results  and  condition.    We  may  be  required  to  apply  a  new  or  revised  standard 
retroactively  or  apply  an  existing  standard  differently  and  retroactively,  which  may  result  in  the  Company  being  required  to  restate 
prior  period  financial  statements  in  material  amounts.  In  particular,  the  FASB  issued  a  new  rule  requiring  companies  to  estimate 
current expected credit losses. The rule, which is  a major change for banking organizations, becomes effective for the Company on 
January 1, 2020. The new standard is likely to result in more timely recognition of credit losses than under the previous incurred loss 
model, and the Company is evaluating the extent to which the new rule will affect its results of operations.  

The inability to maintain adequate liquidity may adversely affect the Company’s business. 

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.  

The Company’s operations are concentrated in Iowa.  

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. 

The Company faces competition from 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. 

17

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
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,  breach  of  information  security,  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  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.  

Risk related to the Company’s stock.  

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, or other events affecting our business, may have 
a more significant impact on the price of our stock than for more actively traded companies. 

Changes in technology could be costly.  

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.  

A breach of information security, compliance breach, or error by one of the Company’s agents or vendors could negatively 
affect the Company’s reputation and business.  

We depend on data processing, communication and information exchange on a variety of computing platforms and networks and over 
the Internet.  A cyber-attack on our systems could result in the theft, loss or destruction of our information or the theft or improper use 
of confidential information about our customer, any of which could harm our reputation.  We cannot be certain all of our systems are 
entirely free from vulnerability to attack, despite safeguards which have been installed.  We also 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 either on our systems or those of our vendors, our financial condition, results of operations, reputation 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  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  impairment  losses  on  investment  securities 
available  for  sale,  (2)  the  allowance  for  loan  losses,  and  (3)  impairment  of  goodwill.  Because  of  the  inherent  uncertainty  of  the 
estimates required to apply these policies, no assurance can be given that application of alternative policies or methods might not result 

18

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
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.  

Current and future government regulations may increase the Company’s costs of doing business.  

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 the Banks; 
•    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  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  is  a  lease  agreement  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. 

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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 March 1, 2017, the Company had approximately 377 shareholders of record and an estimated 1,317 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 $32.20 on February 28, 2017. 

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: 

2016                                                                                   2015

Quarter 
1st 
2nd 
3rd 
4th 

Market Price

High 

$         
$         
$         
$         

25.20
27.02
28.86
35.30

Low 

$         
$         
$         
$         

22.54
24.00
25.78
26.60

Quarter 
1st 
2nd 
3rd 
4th 

Market Price

High 

$         
$         
$         
$         

26.06
26.43
26.40
26.41

Low

$         
$         
$         
$         

23.60
23.51
22.01
22.75

The Company declared aggregate annual cash dividends in 2016 and 2015 of approximately $7,821,000 and $7,449,000, respectively, 
or $0.84 per share in 2016 and $0.80 per share in 2015.  In February 2017, the Company declared a cash dividend of approximately 
$2,048,000 or $0.22 per share.   

The Company does not maintain or sponsor any equity compensation plans covering its executives or employees of the Company or 
the Banks. 

Quarterly dividends declared during the last two years were as follows: 

Quarter 

1st 
2nd 
3rd 
4th 

2016 
Cash dividends 
declared per share 
$                    
0.21
$                    
0.21
$                    
0.21
$                    
0.21

2015
Cash dividends
declared per share
$                    
0.20
$                    
0.20
$                    
0.20
$                    
0.20

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 

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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 121 bank holding companies operating principally 
in the Midwest as selected by SNL Financial. The NASDAQ Bank Index is comprised of 270 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, 
2011, 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. 

Ames National Corporation

Total Return Performance

Ames National Corporation

NASDAQ Composite Index

NASDAQ Bank Index

Midwest OTC Bank Index

300

260

220

180

140

100

l

e
u
a
V
x
e
d
n

I

60
12/31/11 

12/31/12 

12/31/13 

12/31/14 

12/31/15 

12/31/16

Index
Ames National Corporation
NASDAQ Composite Index
NASDAQ Bank Index
Midwest OTC Bank Index

12/31/11
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00

12/31/12
115.41
117.45
119.19
115.47

Period Ending

12/31/13
121.46
164.57
171.31
140.28

12/31/14
145.10
188.84
177.42
160.72

12/31/15
140.18
201.98
191.53
181.83

12/31/16
196.62
219.89
265.56
208.60

In November, 2016, 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, 2015) that expired in November, 2016.  The Company did not purchase any shares in 2016 or 2015 under either of the 
Stock Repurchase Plans that were in effect during 2016 or 2015.   

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016. 

Total
Number 
of Shares 
Purchased as 
Part of 
Publicly 
Announced 
Plans 

Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under
The Plan

100,000

100,000

100,000

-

-

-

-

Total 
Number 
of Shares 
Purchased 

Average 
Price Paid 
Per Share 

$                 
-

$                 
-

$                 
-

-

-

-

-

Period 

October 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016 (1) 

November 1, 2016 to November 30, 2016 (1) and (2) 

December 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (2) 

Total

(1) The Stock Repurchase Plan adopted in November,  2015 expired in November, 2016 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, 2016.   

(2) A successor Stock Repurchase Plan was approved and became effective on November 10, 2016 and authorized the purchase of up 
to  100,000  shares.    This  plan  is  scheduled  to  expire  on  November  7,  2017.    No  purchases  were  made  under  this  plan  during 
November or December, 2016. 

22

 
 
 
 
                       
                       
           
                       
                       
           
                       
                       
           
                       
                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

The following financial data of the Company for the five years ended December 31, 2012 through 2016 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.  

Selected Financial Data

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

2016 

Years Ended December 31,
2014 

2015 

2013 

2012

STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA 
Interest income
Interest expense

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
Noninterest income
Noninterest expense

Income before provision for income tax    
Provision for income tax

$            

44,046
4,135

$            

43,150
4,185

$            

40,964
4,547

$            

38,434
5,075

$            

38,072
5,752

39,911
524

39,387
8,088
24,935

22,540
6,805

38,965
1,099

37,866
8,267
25,312

20,821
5,806

36,417
429

35,988
9,252
24,373

20,867
5,616

33,359
786

32,573
7,718
21,679

18,612
4,658

32,320
22

32,298
7,435
20,803

18,930
4,748

Net income

$            

15,735

$            

15,015

$            

15,251

$            

13,954

$            

14,182

DIVIDENDS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA 
Cash dividends declared
7,821
0.84
Cash dividends declared per share     
Basic and diluted earnings per share                                                                                     1.69
Weighted average shares outstanding                                                                          9,310,913

$              
$                
$                

$              
$                
$                

7,449
0.80
1.61
9,310,913

$              
$                
$                

6,704
0.72
1.64
9,310,913

$              
$                
$                

5,959
0.64
1.50
9,310,913

$              
$                
$                

5,587
0.60
1.52
9,310,913

BALANCE SHEET DATA 
Total assets
Net loans
Deposits
Stockholders' equity
Equity to assets ratio

$       

1,366,453
752,182
1,109,409
165,105

$       

1,326,747
701,328
1,074,193
161,250

$       

1,301,031
658,441
1,052,123
154,674

$       

1,233,084
564,502
1,011,803
142,106

12.08% 

12.15% 

11.89% 

11.52% 

$       

1,217,692
510,126
1,004,732
144,736
11.89%

23

 
 
 
 
 
                
                
                
                
                
 
              
              
              
              
              
                   
                
                   
                   
                     
 
              
              
              
              
              
                
                
                
                
                
              
              
              
              
              
 
              
              
              
              
              
                
                
                
                
                
 
 
 
         
         
         
         
         
            
            
            
            
            
         
         
         
         
         
            
            
            
            
            
2015 

Years Ended December 31,
2014 

2015 

2013 

2012

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 
Net income
Average assets
Average stockholders' equity    

$            

15,735
1,330,906
167,750

$            

15,015
1,325,321
159,047

$            

15,251
1,263,382
151,211

$            

13,954
1,225,617
142,997

$            

14,182
1,142,667
140,716

Return on assets (net income divided by average assets) 
Return on equity  (net income divided by average equity) 

1.18% 
9.38% 

1.13% 
9.44% 

1.21% 
10.09% 

1.14% 
9.76% 

1.24%
10.08%

Net interest margin (net interest income divided by average earning assets)
Efficiency ratio (noninterest expense divided by  noninterest income plus net 
interest income)

Dividend payout ratio (dividends per share divided by net income per share)
Dividend yield (dividends per share divided by closing year-end market 
price)
Equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by average assets)

3.36% 

3.33% 

3.31% 

3.18% 

3.35%

51.95% 

53.59% 

53.37% 

52.78% 

52.33%

49.70% 

49.69% 

43.90% 

42.67% 

39.47%

2.55% 
12.60% 

3.29% 
12.00% 

2.78% 
11.97% 

2.86% 
11.67% 

2.74%
12.31%

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  
loan portfolios.  Products and services offered by the Banks are for commercial and consumer purposes, including loans, deposits and 
wealth management services.  Some Banks also offer investment services through a third-party broker-dealer.  The Company employs 
14 individuals to assist with financial reporting,  human resources, marketing, audit, compliance, technology systems, training and the 
coordination of management activities, in addition to 202 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  investments,  primarily  on  bonds,  held  by  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; and (vii) 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 $15,735,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $15,015,000 and $15,251,000 
reported  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively.  This  represents  an  increase  in  net  income  of  4.8%  when 
comparing 2016 with 2015 and a decrease in net income of 1.5% when comparing 2015 with 2014. The increase in net income in 2016 
from 2015 was primarily the result of increased loan interest income, lower provision for loan losses and lower other real estate owned 
expenses, offset in part by decreased security interest income, decreased securities gains and increased salaries and benefits expense.  
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 

24

 
 
 
 
         
         
         
         
         
            
            
            
            
            
 
 
 
 
 
 
First National’s University office.  The First Bank Acquisition, described in Item 1 of this Annual Report, contributed to increases in 
net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense in 2015.  Earnings per share for 2016 were $1.69 compared to $1.61 
in 2015 and $1.64 in 2014.  All five Banks demonstrated profitable operations during 2016.  

The Company’s return on average equity for 2016 was 9.38% compared to 9.44% and 10.09% in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the 
return on average assets for 2016 was 1.18% compared to 1.13% in 2015 and 1.21% in 2014.  The decrease in return on average equity 
when comparing 2016 to 2015 was primarily a result of increased average equity, more than offsetting the increase in net income.  The 
increase in return on average assets when comparing 2016 to 2015 was primarily a result of increased net income.   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 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.   

•    The agricultural community is subject to commodity price fluctuations.  Extended periods of low commodity prices, higher 
input  costs  or  poor  weather  conditions  could  result  in  reduced  profit  margins,  reducing  demand  for  goods  and  services 
provided by agriculture-related businesses, which,  in turn, could affect other businesses in the Company’s market area. Any 
combination of these factors could produce losses within the Company's agricultural loan portfolios.  

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 5,913 commercial banks and savings institutions 
insured  by  the  FDIC.    Management  reviews  these  indicators  on  a  quarterly  basis  for  purposes  of  comparing  the  Company’s 
performance from quarter to quarter against the industry as a whole.   

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Indicators for the Company and the Industry  

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015 

2014

Company 

Industry 

Company 

Industry 

Company 

Industry

Return on assets 

1.18% 

1.04% 

1.13% 

1.04% 

1.21% 

1.01%

Return on equity 

9.38% 

9.32% 

9.44% 

9.31% 

10.09% 

9.03%

Net interest margin  

3.36% 

3.13% 

3.33% 

3.07% 

3.31% 

3.14%

Efficiency ratio 

51.95% 

58.28% 

53.59% 

59.91% 

53.37% 

61.88%

Capital ratio 

12.60% 

9.48% 

12.00% 

9.59% 

11.97% 

9.46%

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. 

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industry Results 

The FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile reported the following results for the fourth quarter of 2016 

Income Is $43.7 Billion in Fourth Quarter 

Insured  institutions  reported  net  income  of  $43.7  billion  for  the  quarter,  an  increase  of  $3.1  billion  (7.7%)  compared  with  the  year 
before. Almost 60% of all banks reported year-over-year increases in quarterly earnings. Only 8.1% of banks were unprofitable for the 
quarter, down from 9.6% the previous year. The average return on assets (ROA) rose slightly to 1.04%,  from 1.02% in fourth quarter 
2015.  

Full-Year 2016 Earnings Rise to $171.3 Billion  

The  industry  reported  $171.3  billion  in  net  income  for  full-year  2016,  $7.9  billion  (4.9%)  more  than  the  industry  earned  in  2015. 
Almost two out of every three banks—65.2%—reported higher earnings in 2016 than in 2015. Only 4.2% of all banks had negative full-
year net income. This is the lowest percentage of unprofitable banks for any year since 1995. Net operating revenue was $29 billion 
(4.2%)  higher  than  in  2015,  as  net  interest  income  increased  by  $29.8  billion  (6.9%)  and  total  noninterest  income  declined  by  $779 
million (0.3%). The average net interest margin (NIM) rose to 3.13% from 3.07% in 2015. Total noninterest expenses were only $5.1 
billion (1.2%) higher than a year earlier, as itemized litigation charges at a few large banks were $2.95 billion lower than in 2015. Loan-
loss provisions totaled $47.8 billion, an increase of $10.7 billion (28.8%) from 2015. The average return on assets for 2016 was 1.04%, 
unchanged from the full-year average for 2015.  

Net Interest Income Growth Lifts Operating Revenues  

Net operating revenue totaled $181.8 billion in the fourth quarter, up $7.9 billion (4.6%) from the year before. Net interest income was 
$8.4  billion  (7.6%)  higher,  while  noninterest  income  declined  by  $480  million  (0.8%).  The  increase  in  net  interest  income  was 
attributable to growth in interest-bearing assets (up 5.2% over the past 12 months) and improvement in the industry’s aggregate NIM, 
which rose to 3.16%, from 3.12% in fourth quarter 2015. The NIM improvement was not broad-based. A majority of banks—54.3%—
reported lower NIMs than the year earlier. The decline in noninterest income was driven by a $950 million drop in income from changes 
in fair values of financial instruments and a $432  million decline in interchange fees. Both trading income and servicing income rose 
$1.7 billion (39.8% and 51.4%, respectively) from fourth quarter 2015.  

Noninterest Expenses Up 2.6% From a Year Before  

Total noninterest expenses were $2.7 billion (2.6%) higher than the year before. Salary and employee benefit expenses rose $1.7 billion 
(3.4%),  while  goodwill  impairment  charges  were  $675  million  higher.  Expenses  for  premises  and  fixed  assets  were  only  $9  million 
(0.1%) higher than the year earlier.  
Quarterly Loss Provisions Decline From a Year Ago  
Loan-loss provisions totaled $12.2 billion in the fourth quarter, $3 million less than banks set aside a year earlier. This marks the first 
time since second quarter 2014 that quarterly provision expenses have not posted a year-over-year increase. For the industry, fourth-
quarter provisions represented 6.7% of the quarter’s net operating revenue, down from 7% in fourth quarter 2015.  

Quarterly Charge-Offs Rise for a Fifth Consecutive Quarter  

Net loan losses totaled $12.2 billion, up $1.5 billion (13.5%) from a year earlier. This is the fifth quarter in a row that net charge-offs 
have  posted  a  year-over-year  increase.  Credit  card  charge-offs  were  $1.4  billion  (24.8%)  higher,  while  net  charge-offs  of  loans  to 
commercial  and  industrial  (C&I)  borrowers  rose  $666  million  (37.9%).  Charge-offs  of  residential mortgage loans were $576 million 
(75.1%)  lower  than  in  fourth  quarter  2015.  The  average  net  charge-off  rate rose to 0.53%, from 0.49% the year before. This is well 
below the high of 3.00% recorded in fourth quarter 2009.  

Noncurrent Loan Rate at Lowest Level Since 2007  

Noncurrent loans and leases—those 90 days or more past-due or in nonaccrual status—declined for the 26th time in the last 27 quarters, 
falling by $2.4 billion (1.8%) during the three months ended December 31. During the quarter, noncurrent C&I loans declined for the 
first time in eight quarters, falling by $1.4 billion (5.3%). Noncurrent residential mortgage loan balances fell by $2 billion (3%), while 

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
noncurrent home equity loans declined by $170 million (1.6%), and noncurrent nonfarm nonresidential real estate loans fell by $192 
million  (2%).  These  improvements  exceeded  the  $1.1  billion  (12.7%)  increase  in  noncurrent  credit  card  balances.  The  average 
noncurrent loan rate fell from 1.45% to 1.41%, the lowest level since year-end 2007.  

Loan-Loss Reserves Decline for the First Time in Five Quarters  

Banks reduced their reserves for loan and lease losses during the fourth quarter, as slightly lower loan-loss provisions were offset by 
higher net charge-offs. Loss reserves fell by $649 million (0.5%). At banks that itemize their reserves, which represent more than 90% 
of  total  industry  reserves,  the  decline  was  driven  by  reductions  in  reserves  for  residential  real  estate  loan  losses,  which  fell  by  $1.2 
billion  (6.5%),  and  in  reserves  for  commercial  loan  losses,  which  declined  by  $639  million  (1.8%).  Itemized  reserves  for  losses  on 
credit cards increased by $677 million (2.3%). Despite the small reduction in industry reserves, the larger decline in noncurrent loan 
balances caused the coverage ratio of reserves to noncurrent loans to rise from 91.1% to 92.3% in the quarter, the highest level since 
third quarter 2007.  

Equity Capital Posts a Quarterly Decline as the Market Value of Available-For-Sale Securities Falls 

Total  equity  capital  declined  by  $16.8  billion  (0.9%)  in  fourth  quarter  2016,  as  higher  interest  rates  caused  the  market  values  of 
available-for-sale securities at banks to fall. Accumulated other comprehensive income declined by $39.5 billion in the quarter, mostly 
as a result of the drop in securities values. Retained earnings contributed $15.1 billion to equity growth, $1.8 billion (13.5%) more than 
a year earlier. Banks declared $28.6 billion in dividends, a $1.3 billion (4.8%) increase over fourth quarter 2015. The average equity-to-
assets  ratio  for  the  industry  declined  from  11.22%  to  11.11%.  At  the  end  of  the  quarter,  99.7%  of  all  banks,  representing  99.9%  of 
industry assets, met or exceeded the requirements for the highest regulatory capital category as defined for Prompt Corrective Action 
purposes.  

Loan Balances Increase $72.3 Billion in the Fourth Quarter  

Total  assets  rose  by  $13.7  billion  (0.1%)  during  the  fourth  quarter. Total loan and lease balances increased by $72.3 billion (0.8%). 
Growth in loan balances was led by credit cards (up $38.2 billion, 5%), loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential real estate properties 
(up $22.8 billion, 1.7%), and real estate construction and development loans (up $10.1 billion, 3.3%). C&I loan balances fell for the 
first time in 26 quarters, declining $7.7 billion (0.4%). Investment securities portfolios rose by $52 billion (1.5%) during the quarter 
despite a $52.4 billion decline in the market values of securities available for sale. Assets in trading accounts declined by $27.3 billion 
(4.6%). Banks reduced their balances at Federal Reserve banks by $116.4 billion (9.6%).  

Total Loan Balances Rise 5.3% During 2016  

For full-year 2016, total assets increased $812.6 billion (5.1%). Total loans and leases increased by $466 billion (5.3%), as C&I loans 
rose  by  $94.2  billion  (5.1%),  loans  secured  by  nonfarm  nonresidential  real  estate  were  up  by  $92.6  billion  (7.5%),  and  residential 
mortgages increased by $91.1 billion (4.8%). All major loan categories grew in 2016. Banks increased their investment securities by 
$205.9 billion (6.1%) in 2016, with mortgage-backed securities up $133.3 billion (7.1%) and U.S. Treasury securities up $97 billion 
(23%).  

Deposits Rise by $96 Billion  

Domestic deposit growth was relatively strong in the fourth quarter. Total deposits rose by $95.9 billion (0.7%), as deposits in domestic 
offices  increased  by  $186.5  billion  (1.6%),  while  foreign  office  deposits  declined  by  $90.6  billion  (6.8%).  Balances  in  domestic 
interest-bearing  accounts  rose  by  $178.7  billion  (2.1%),  and  balances  in  noninterest-bearing  accounts  grew  by  $7.7  billion  (0.2%). 
Balances in consumer-oriented accounts increased by $120.5 billion (3%), while all other domestic office deposits rose by $62 billion 
(1%).  Banks  reduced  their  nondeposit  liabilities  by  $65.4  billion  (3.1%),  as  securities sold under repurchase agreements declined by 
$25.1 billion (10.9%), and trading account liabilities fell by $13 billion (5.1%).  

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Problem Bank List” Continues to Improve  

The number of FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions reporting quarterly financial results fell to 5,913 in the fourth 
quarter,  from 5,980 in the third quarter of 2016. There were 65 mergers of insured institutions during the quarter, while no insured 
banks failed. No new charters were added during the quarter. Banks reported 2,052,504 full-time equivalent employees, an increase of 
18,777 from fourth quarter 2015. The number of insured institutions on the FDIC’s “Problem Bank List” declined from 132 to 123, as 
total  assets  of  problem  banks  rose  from  $24.9  billion  to  $27.6  billion.  For  all  of  2016,  the  number  of  insured institutions reporting 
declined by 269. Mergers absorbed 251 institutions, and 5 insured institutions failed. This is the smallest number of bank failures in a 
year since three FDIC-insured institutions failed in 2007. In 2015, there were eight failures.  

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 

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
assessment  of  other-than-temporary  impairment  will  occur  in  the  near  term  and  that  such  changes  could  be material to the amounts 
reported in the Company’s financial statements.  

Goodwill 

Goodwill  arose  in  connection  with  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,  2016,  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. 

(cid:1)  

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

ASSETS

(dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets 
Loans  (1)
  Commercial 
  Agricultural 
  Real estate 
  Consumer and other 

2016

2015 

2014

Average  Revenue/  Yield/ 
rate 
balance 

expense 

Average  Revenue/  Yield/ 
rate 
balance 

expense 

Average  Revenue/  Yield/
rate
balance 

expense 

$       

91,009
74,205
541,953
19,671

4.44% 
$    
                     4.89% 
                     4.42% 
                     3.75% 

4,039
3,625
23,956
738

$       

98,546
75,706
488,827
18,745

4.51% 
$    
                     4.71% 
                     4.51% 
                     3.89% 

4,446
3,568
22,039
728

$       

85,115
72,399
412,752
13,840

$    

4,034
3,469
19,039
654

4.74%
4.79%
4.61%
4.73%

Total loans (including fees) 

726,838

                     4.45% 

32,358

681,824

                     4.51% 

30,781

584,106

27,196

4.66%

Investment securities
  Taxable 
  Tax-exempt  (2) 

260,618
252,864

                     2.25% 
                     3.31% 

5,853
8,369

275,105
264,028

                     2.25% 
                     3.38% 

6,179
8,931

296,785
281,790

7,105
9,771

2.39%
3.47%

Total investment securities 

513,482

                     2.77% 

14,222

539,133

                     2.80% 

15,110

578,575

16,876

2.92%

Interest bearing deposits and 
federal funds sold                                       36,223             395 

1.09%                43,580 

          382                                40,147             309 

0.88%

0.77%

Total interest-earning assets 

1,276,543

$  

46,975

3.68% 

1,264,537

$  

46,273

3.66% 

1,202,828

$  

44,381

3.69%

Noninterest-earning assets
Cash and due from banks 
Premises and equipment, net 
Other, less allowance for loan losses 

Total noninterest-earning assets 

20,844
16,583
16,936

54,363

21,052
16,404
23,328

60,784

21,640
12,943
25,971

60,554

TOTAL ASSETS 

$  

1,330,906

$  

1,325,321

$  

1,263,382

(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%.

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
         
         
      
       
       
       
    
         
         
         
         
 
 
 
       
       
       
    
       
       
       
      
       
       
       
      
 
 
 
       
       
       
    
 
 
 
    
    
    
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
 
 
 
 
 
Average Balances and Interest Rates (continued) 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

2016

2015 

2014

Average  Revenue/  Yield/ 
balance 

expense 

rate 

(dollars in thousands)

Interest-bearing liabilities 
Deposits

Savings, NOW accounts and 
money markets                                  $     669,754    $    1,340 
797
937

  Time deposits > $100,000 
  Time deposits < $100,000 

0.20% 
                     0.92% 
                     0.75% 

86,400
124,894

Average  Revenue/  Yield/ 
rate 
balance 

expense 

Average  Revenue/  Yield/
rate
balance 

expense 

 $      652,063   $    1,143 
809
1,067

0.18%
                     0.89% 
                     0.77% 

90,574
138,387

 $     607,273   $    1,142 
930
1,313

96,244
145,704

0.19%
0.97%
0.90%

Total deposits 
Other borrowed funds 

881,048
82,582

                     0.35% 
                     1.28% 

3,074
1,061

881,024
86,381

                     0.34% 
                     1.35% 

3,019
1,166

849,221
85,246

3,385
1,162

0.40%
1.36%

Total interest-bearing liabilities 

963,630

                     0.43% 

4,135

967,405

                     0.43% 

4,185

934,467

4,547

0.49%

Noninterest-bearing liabilities
Demand deposits 
Other liabilities 

191,899
7,627

Stockholders' equity 

167,750

192,112
6,757

159,047

171,407
6,297

151,211

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$  

1,330,906

$   

1,325,321

$  

1,263,382

Net interest income 

$  

42,840

3.36% 

$  

42,088

3.33% 

$  

39,834

3.31%

Spread Analysis
Interest income/average assets 
Interest expense/average assets 
Net interest income/average assets 

$  
3.53% 
                     0.31% 
                     3.22% 

46,975
4,135
42,840

$  
3.49% 
                     0.32% 
                     3.18% 

46,273
4,185
42,088

$  

44,381
4,547
39,834

3.51%
0.36%
3.15%

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
          
         
         
       
        
       
      
 
 
 
       
        
       
      
         
          
         
      
 
 
 
       
        
       
      
 
 
 
       
        
       
           
            
           
 
 
 
       
        
       
      
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $1,917,000 in 2016 compared to 2015.  
Increased  volume  of  real  estate  loans  increased  interest  income  in  2016  by  $2,362,000  and  lower  interest  rates  decreased  interest 
income in 2016 by $445,000. 

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.  

(dollars in thousands)

2016 Compared to 2015 

2015 Compared to 2014

Volume 

Rate 

Total  (1) 

Volume 

Rate 

Total  (1)

Interest income 
Loans
  Commercial 
  Agricultural 
  Real estate 
  Consumer and other 

$       

(338)
(74)
2,362
36

$         

(69)
131
(445)
(26)

$       

(407)
57
1,917
10

$         

615
157
3,423
204

$       

(203)
(58)
(423)
(130)

$         

412
99
3,000
74

Total loans (including fees) 

1,986

(409)

1,577

4,399

(814)

3,585

Investment securities
Taxable 
Tax-exempt 

(326)
(377)

(0)
(185)

(326)
(562)

(515)
(595)

(411)
(245)

(926)
(840)

Total investment securities 

(703)

(185)

(888)

(1,110)

(656)

(1,766)

Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold 

(71)

84

Total interest-earning assets 

1,212

(510)

Interest-bearing liabilities 
Deposits
  Savings, NOW accounts and money markets 
  Time deposits > $100,000 
  Time deposits < $100,000 

Total deposits 

39
(37)
(103)

(101)

158
25
(27)

156

13

702

197
(12)
(130)

55

Other borrowed funds 

(48)

(57)

(105)

27

46

73

3,316

(1,424)

1,892

72
(50)
(64)

(42)

14

(71)
(71)
(182)

1
(121)
(246)

(324)

(366)

(10)

4

Total interest-bearing liabilities 

(149)

99

(50)

(28)

(334)

(362)

Net interest income-earning assets

$      

1,361

$       

(609)

$         

752

$      

3,344

$    

(1,090)

$      

2,254

(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 
33

 
 
 
 
 
 
           
           
             
           
           
             
        
         
        
        
         
        
             
           
             
           
         
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
         
        
        
         
        
         
             
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
         
         
      
         
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
             
             
             
             
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
         
           
        
      
        
             
           
           
             
           
               
           
             
           
           
           
         
         
           
         
           
         
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
           
             
           
         
         
           
           
         
             
           
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
             
           
           
         
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
referred to as net interest margin.  For the years December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company's net interest margin was 3.36%, 
3.33% and 3.31%, respectively.   

Net interest income during 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled $39,911,000, $38,965,000 and $36,417,000, respectively, representing a 2.4% 
increase in 2016 compared to 2015 and a 7.0% increase in 2015 from 2014.  Net interest income increased in 2016 as compared to 
2015 due primarily to increases in the average balance of real estate loans.  Net interest income increased in 2015 as compared to 2014 
due primarily to increases in the average balance of real estate loans.  

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, 2016 was $524,000 compared to 
$1,099,000 for the previous year. The provision for loan losses in 2016 and 2015 were necessary to maintain an adequate allowance 
for loan loss on the outstanding loan portfolio, as net charge offs were not significant.  The increase in the allowance for loan losses in 
2016 was provided due to growth in the Company’s loan portfolios and, to a lesser extent to provide for a specific reserve on impaired 
loans.   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.  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 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. 

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 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled $8,088,000, $8,267,000 and $9,252,000, respectively.  The 
lower noninterest income in 2016 as compared to 2015 related primarily to the lower security gains, offset in part by an increase in 
wealth management income.  The increase in wealth management income is primarily due to increases in assets under management.   
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.    
Excluding securities gains, noninterest income increased 3.5% in 2016 as compared to 2015.  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.   

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 63%, 60% and 
58% of noninterest expense in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Noninterest  expense  during  the  years  ended  2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled $24,935,000, $25,312,000 and $24,373,000, respectively, 
representing a 1.5% decrease in 2016 compared to a 3.9% increase in 2015.  The primary reason for the decrease in 2016 was lower 
other real estate owned expenses and FDIC insurance assessments, offset in part by increases in salaries and employee benefits and 
data processing costs.  Other real estate owned expense declined primarily due to impairment losses in 2016 of $28,000 as compared to 
losses of $615,000 in 2015.  To a lesser extent other real estate owned expense decreased due to gains on the sale of other real estate 

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
owned of $219,000 in 2016 as compared to gains of $100,000 in 2015.  FDIC insurance assessment decreased primarily due to lower 
assessment rates in 2016 as compared to 2015.  Salaries and employee benefits increased primarily due to normal salary increases and 
to a lesser extent normal increases in benefit costs.  Data processing costs increased in 2016 primarily due to normal increases in our 
existing  data  processing  contracts.    The  primary  reason  for  the  increase  in  noninterest  expense  in  2015  was  higher  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 percentage of noninterest expense to average assets was 1.87% in 2016, 
compared to 1.91% and 1.93% during 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Provision for Income Taxes 

The  provision  for  income  taxes  for  2016,  2015  and  2014  was  $6,805,000,  $5,807,000  and  $5,616,000,  respectively.  This  amount 
represents an effective tax rate of 30%, 28% and 27% for 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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 2016 is due primarily to an increase in income before income 
taxes; tax-exempt interest income decreasing as a percent of income before income taxes; and the recording of a $226,000 valuation 
allowance to fully reserve the deferred income tax asset associated with a state alternative minimum tax credit carryforward in 2016.  
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.   

Balance Sheet Review 

The Company’s assets are comprised primarily of loans and investment securities.  Average earning asset maturity or repricing dates 
are generally 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 $1,366,453,000 in 2016 compared to $1,326,747,000 in 2015, a 3.0% increase.  The increase in assets was 
due primarily to an increase in loans, primarily funded by a decrease in securities available-for-sale and an increase in deposits. 

Loan Portfolio 

Net loans as of December 31, 2016 totaled $752,182,000, an increase of 7.3% from the $701,328,000 as of December 31, 2015.  Loan 
demand  remained  favorable  in  2016  as  most  markets  provided  good  additional  lending  opportunities,  in  particular  the  Des  Moines 
metro market.  This growth is primarily reflected in the 1-4 family real estate and commercial real estate loan portfolios.  Loans are the 
primary contributor to the Company’s revenues and cash flows.  The average yield on loans was 168 and  171 basis points higher in 
2016 and 2015, respectively, in comparison to the average tax-equivalent investment portfolio yields.   

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016. 

(dollars in thousands)                                                                                            

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012

Real Estate
   Construction 
   1-4 family residential 
   Commercial 
   Agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total loans 
Deferred loan fees, net 

$      

61,042
149,507
315,702
73,032
74,378
76,994
12,130

$      

66,268
127,076
251,889
62,530
102,515
79,533
21,599

$      

36,016
122,777
257,054
57,449
92,703
85,609
15,763

$      

23,928
108,289
206,112
53,834
86,823
81,326
12,795

$      

17,077
104,268
178,660
43,868
80,264
77,483
16,340

762,785
(96)

711,410
(94)

667,371
(92)

573,107
(34)

517,960
(62)

Total loans net of deferred fees

$    

762,689

$    

711,316

$    

667,279

$    

573,073

$    

517,898

The Company's loan portfolio consists of real estate, commercial, agricultural and consumer loans.  As of December 31, 2016, gross 
loans  totaled  approximately  $763  million,  which  equals  approximately  67.8%  of  total  deposits  and  55.0%  of  total  assets.    The 
Company’s  peer  group  (consisting  of  325  bank  holding  companies  with  total  assets  of  $1  to  $3  billion)  loan  to  deposit  ratio  as  of 
September 30, 2016 was a much higher 86%.  The primary factor relating to the lower loan to deposit ratio for the Company compared 
to peer group averages, based upon net charge offs, is a more conservative underwriting philosophy.  As of December 31, 2016, 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  1-4  family  residence  and  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.   

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
      
      
      
      
      
              
              
              
              
              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates as of December 31, 2016 

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. 

After one 
year but
within 
five years 

Within 
one year 

After
five years 

Total

(dollars in thousands)                                                              

Real Estate
   Construction 
   1-4 family residential 
   Commercial 
   Agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

$        

41,149
24,685
27,237
8,165
47,481
65,707
3,667

$        

18,172
49,971
216,693
25,977
20,800
9,496
6,885

$          

1,721
74,851
71,772
38,890
6,097
1,791
1,578

$        

61,042
149,507
315,702
73,032
74,378
76,994
12,130

Total loans

$      

218,091

$      

347,994

$      

196,700

$      

762,785

After one 
year but
within 
five years 

After
five years

$      

303,060
44,934

$      

194,310
2,390

$      

347,994

$      

196,700

Loan maturities after one year with:
Fixed rates 
Variable rates 

Loans Held For Sale 

Mortgage origination funding awaiting delivery to the secondary market totaled $243,000 and $539,000 as of December 31, 2016 and 
2015,  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, 2016 were $516,080,000, a decrease of $21.6 million or 4.0% from the prior year end.  As of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, the investment portfolio comprised 38% and 41% of total assets, respectively. 

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
          
          
          
        
          
        
          
        
            
          
          
          
          
          
            
          
          
            
            
          
            
            
            
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  This portfolio provides the Company with a 
significant amount of liquidity. 

(dollars in thousands)

U.S. government treasuries 
U.S. government agencies 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 
State and political subdivisions 
Corporate bonds 
Equity securities 

2016 

2015 

2014

$         

4,368
110,209
82,858
264,448
51,184
3,013

$         

1,467
106,445
98,079
277,597
50,889
3,156

$         

1,448
87,307
120,985
281,776
47,319
3,667

Total

$     

516,080

$     

537,633

$     

542,502

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, 2016 and 
2015 and also included a publically traded common stock as of December 31, 2014.  

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  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, 2016; however, it is possible that the Company may incur impairment losses in 2017 and thereafter. 

As of December 31, 2016, 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.  

38

 
 
 
 
       
       
         
         
         
       
       
       
       
         
         
         
           
           
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
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  and  corporate  bonds.    Annually,  the  Company  will  validate  prices  supplied  by  the  independent  pricing  service  by 
comparison to prices obtained from third-party sources.  

Investment Maturities as of December 31, 2016 

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. 

After one  After five
years but
year but 
within 
within 
ten years 
five years 

Within 
one year 

After
ten years 

Total

(dollars in thousands)                                                                                                 

U.S. government treasuries 
U.S. government agencies 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 
States and political subdivisions (1) 
Corporate bonds 

$              
-
1,545
90
30,704
2,577

$      

1,475
71,420
72,058
128,355
30,484

$      

2,893
37,244
6,853
86,030
18,123

-
$              
-
3,857
19,359
-

$      

4,368
110,209
82,858
264,448
51,184

Total

$    

34,916

$  

303,792

$  

151,143

$    

23,216

$  

513,067

Weighted average yield 
U.S. government treasuries 
U.S. government agencies 
U.S government mortgage-backed securities 
States and political subdivisions (1) 
Corporate bonds 

0.00% 
3.62% 
4.33% 
3.32% 
3.62% 

2.00% 
1.96% 
2.45% 
3.20% 
2.18% 

2.07% 
2.22% 
2.13% 
3.52% 
2.77% 

0.00% 
0.00% 
2.88% 
3.58% 
0.00% 

2.05%
2.07%
2.44%
3.35%
2.46%

Total

3.36%

2.62%

3.02%

3.46%

2.83%

(1) Yields on tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis. 

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s investment securities portfolio included securities issued by 286 and 283 government 
municipalities and agencies located within 25 and 24 states with a fair value of $264,448,000 and $277,597,000, respectively.  No one 

39

 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
      
      
                
    
             
      
        
        
      
      
    
      
      
    
        
      
      
                
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016 and 2015 was $5.1 million (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, 2016 and 2015.   

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, 2016 and 2015 identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates. 

(dollars in thousands) 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions: 
    General Obligation bonds:
        Iowa
        Texas 
        Pennsylvania 
       Washington 
        Other (2016: 17 states; 2015: 16 states) 

2016 

2015

Amortized 
Cost 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

Amortized 
Cost 

Estimated
Fair 
Value

$           

75,142
11,091
8,728
7,221
28,064

$           

74,408
11,065
8,654
6,957
28,258

$           

77,735
10,712
8,389
7,249
27,601

$           

78,255
10,967
8,448
7,303
28,123

    Total general obligation bonds 

$         

130,246

$         

129,342

$         

131,686

$         

133,096

    Revenue bonds:
        Iowa 
        Other (2016: 9 states; 2015: 9 states) 

$         

126,750
8,208

$         

126,964
8,142

$         

134,333
7,752

$         

136,705
7,796

    Total revenue bonds 

$         

134,958

$         

135,106

$         

142,085

$         

144,501

        Total obligations of states and political subdivisions

$         

265,204

$         

264,448

$         

273,771

$         

277,597

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
             
             
             
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
             
             
             
               
               
               
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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  13    and  11  revenue  sources  in  2016  and  2015,  respectively.    The  revenue 
sources that represent 5% or more, individually, as a percent of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following table.  

(dollars in thousands) 

2016 

2015

Amortized 
Cost 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

Amortized 
Cost 

Estimated
Fair 
Value

Revenue bonds by revenue source
    Sales tax 
    College and universities, primarily dormitory revenues 
    Water
    Leases
    Electric Power 
    Other 

$           

77,586
11,283
14,105
9,106
8,446
14,432

$           

78,085
11,296
13,907
8,960
8,459
14,399

$           

88,299
12,153
10,446
9,900
8,950
12,337

$           

90,145
12,298
10,548
9,939
9,141
12,430

    Total revenue bonds by revenue source

$         

134,958

$         

135,106

$         

142,085

$         

144,501

Deposits 

Total  deposits  were  $1,109,409,000  and  $1,074,193,000  as  of  December  31,  2016  and  2015,  respectively.    The  increase  of 
$35,216,000  between  the  periods  can  be  primarily  attributed  to  increases  in  commercial  and  retail  money  market  accounts  and 
commercial demand deposit accounts, offset in part by a decrease in other time deposits due in part to the low rate environment.   

The Company’s primary source of funds is customer deposits. The Banks attempt 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 57% 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 $7,110,000 and $3,247,000 of brokered deposits as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 

2016
Average 

2015
Average 

2014
Average

Amount 

Rate 

Amount 

Rate 

Amount 

Rate

(dollars in thousands)                                                                                                                        

Noninterest bearing demand deposits 
Interest bearing demand deposits 
Money market deposits 
Savings deposits 
Time certificates > $100,000 
Time certificates < $100,000 

$     
0.00% 
                              0.19% 
                              0.22% 
                              0.15% 
                              0.92% 
                              0.75% 

191,899
301,073
281,997
86,684
86,400
124,894

$     
0.00% 
                              0.16% 
                              0.21% 
                              0.13% 
                              0.89% 
                              0.77% 

192,112
300,285
271,838
79,940
90,574
138,387

$     

171,407
293,181
244,461
69,633
96,244
145,704

0.00%
0.18%
0.21%
0.15%
0.97%
0.90%

$  

1,072,947

$  

1,073,136

$  

1,020,629

41

 
 
 
 
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
             
             
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
       
         
         
       
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 

2016 

2015 

2014

(dollars in thousands)                                                 

3 months or less 
Over 3 through 12 months 
Over 12 through 36 months 
Over 36 months 

$      

16,600
34,033
23,152
10,931

$     

13,370
46,643
23,704
6,503

$     

18,632
37,425
29,308
8,443

Total

$      

84,716

$     

90,220

$     

93,808

Securities Sold Under an Agreement to Repurchase 

Securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  totaled  $58,337,000  and  $54,290,000  as  of  December  31,  2016  and  2015, 
respectively an increase of 7.5%.  

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, 2016, 2015 
and 2014.  

2016

2015 

2014

Balance 

Average 
Rate 

Balance 

Average 
Rate 

Balance 

Average
Rate

(dollars in thousands)                             

Federal funds purchased and repurchase 
agreements 
FHLB advances 
Other borrowings 

$      
0.51% 
                               2.62% 
                               3.62% 

58,337
14,500
13,000

$      
0.33% 
                              2.24% 
                              3.62% 

54,290
18,542
13,000

$    

51,265
14,468
23,000

0.27%
2.68%
3.59%

Total

$      

85,837

1.33%

$      

85,832

1.24%

$    

88,733

1.52%

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
        
       
       
        
       
       
        
         
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 

2016                                                                             2014
2015

Average 
Balance 

Average 
Rate 

Average 
Balance 

Average 
Rate 

Average 
Balance 

Average
Rate

(dollars in thousands)                                                                                                                              

Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements 
FHLB advances 
Other borrowings 

0.35% 
$    
                           1.94% 
                           3.68% 

47,827
22,039
12,716

0.28% 
$    
                           2.34% 
                           3.63% 

52,187
17,199
16,995

$    

51,536
15,888
17,822

0.28%
2.50%
3.48%

Total

$    

82,582

1.29%

$    

86,381

1.35%

$    

85,246

1.36%

Maximum Amount Outstanding during the Year

Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements 
FHLB advances 
Other borrowings 

$    
$    
$    

58,762
52,500
13,000

$    
$    
$    

66,245
50,253
23,000

$    
$    
$    

71,485
39,598
23,000

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements 

The  Company  is  party  to  financial  instruments  with  off-balance-sheet  risk  in  the  normal  course  of  business.    These  financial 
instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit 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, 2016, 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, 2016. 

Contractual Obligations 

(dollars in thousands)

Deposits 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
Federal funds purchased 
FHLB advances and other borrowings (1) 
Leases 
Purchase obligations (2) 

Payments due by period

Total 

Less than 
1 year 

1-3 
years 

3-5 
years 

More than
5 years

$ 

1,109,409
58,337
-
27,500
245
2,412

$ 

1,021,602
58,337
-
1,000
92
1,160

$      

62,824
-
-
24,500
153
1,235

$      

24,983
-
-
2,000
-
17

$                
-
-
-
-

-

Total

$ 

1,197,903

$ 

1,082,191

$      

88,712

$      

27,000

$                
-

 (1)  FHLB  advances  consist  of  various  FHLB  borrowings  with  fixed  rates  with  final maturities through 2020.  $11.5 million of the 
FHLB  advances  are  callable  quarterly.    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.   

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
        
        
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
        
          
        
          
                  
             
               
             
                  
          
          
          
               
                  
 
(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,  2016,  totaled  $752,182,000  as  compared  to 
$701,328,000  as  of  December  31,  2015,  an  increase  of  7.3%.    Net  loans  comprise  55%  of  total  assets as of the end of 2016.  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 increased by 80% from December 31, 2015 and total $5,645,000 as of December 31, 2016 due primarily to two 
commercial  operating  loan  relationships.    The  Company’s  level  of  non-performing  assets  as  a  percentage  of  assets  of  0.41%  as  of 
December 31, 2016, is lower than the average for the Company’s peer group of FDIC insured institutions as of September 30, 2016, of 
0.80%.  Management believes that the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2016 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, 
2016. 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012

(dollars in thousands)

Non-performing assets:
Nonaccrual loans 
Loans 90 days or more past due 

$         

5,077
22

$         

1,818
75

$         

2,407
36

$         

2,508
27

$         

5,567
-

  Total non-performing loans 
Securities available-for-sale 
Other real estate owned 

5,099
-
546

1,893
-
1,250

2,443
-
8,436

2,535
-
8,861

5,567
-
9,911

  Total non-performing assets

$         

5,645

$         

3,143

$       

10,879

$       

11,396

$       

15,478

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 $5,077,000 as of December 31, 2016 and were $3,259,000 higher than the impaired loans as of December 31, 
2015.    The  increase  in  impaired  loans  was  due  primarily  to  two  loan  relationships.    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 $720,000 and $439,000  at December 31, 2016 and 
2015, respectively.  The average balances of impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2016 and  2015 were $2,965,000 and 
$2,104,000, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, interest income, which would have been recorded 
under  the  original  terms  of  nonaccrual  loans,  was  approximately  $272,000,  $162,000  and  $136,000,  respectively,  with  $72,000, 
$164,000 and $453,000, respectively, recorded.  There was $22,000 of loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest as 
of December 31, 2016 and there was $75,000 of loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2015.   

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. 

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                
                
                
                
                   
           
           
           
           
           
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
              
           
           
           
           
 
 
 
 
 
Factors  considered  in  establishing  an  appropriate  allowance  include:  an  assessment  of  the  financial  condition  of  the  borrower;  a 
realistic determination of value and adequacy of underlying collateral; 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. 

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

(dollars in thousands)

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012

Balance at beginning of period 
Charge-offs: 
Real estate
   Construction 
   1-4 Family residential 
   Commercial 
   Agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total charge-offs 

Recoveries: 
Real estate
   Construction 
   1-4 Family residential 
   Commercial 
   Agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total recoveries 

Net charge-offs (recoveries) 
Provisions charged to operations

$         

9,988

$         

8,838

$         

8,572

$         

7,773

$         

7,905

-
15
-
-
78
-
39

132

30
5
-
-
83
-
9

127

5
524

-
25
-
-
-
39
5

69

50
26
4
-
-
28
12

120

(51)
1,099

-
151
-
-
17
-
77

245

25
18
-
-
19
-
20

82

163
429

-
81
-
-
-
-
36

117

-
54
51
-
3
-
22

130

(13)
786

-
154
-
-
30
-
48

232

-
3
4
-
24
-
47

78

154
22

Balance at end of period

$       

10,507

$         

9,988

$         

8,838

$         

8,572

$         

7,773

Average loans outstanding 

$     

726,838

$     

681,824

$     

527,627

$     

482,699

$     

431,368

Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) during the period 
to average loans outstanding 

Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans net of 
deferred fees

0.00% 

-0.01% 

0.03% 

0.00% 

0.04%

1.38% 

1.40% 

1.32% 

1.50% 

1.50%

The allowance for loan losses increased to $10,507,000 at the end of 2016 in comparison to the allowance of $9,988,000 at year end 
2015 as a result of provisions of $524,000, offset by net charge offs of $5,000.  The provision for loan losses in 2016 was necessary to 
maintain an adequate allowance for loan loss on the outstanding loan portfolio, as net charge offs were not significant.  The increase in 
the  allowance  for  loan  losses  was  provided  due  to  growth  in  the  Company’s  loan  portfolios  and,  to  a  lesser extent to provide for a 
specific reserve on impaired loans due primarily to one loan relationship identified in the fourth quarter of 2016.  The allowance for 
loan  loss  on impaired loans increased $281,000 to $720,000 as of December 31, 2016.  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 in 2015 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. 
46

 
 
 
 
 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                
                
              
                
              
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                
                   
                
                   
                
                   
                
                   
                   
                   
                
                  
                
                
                
              
                
              
              
              
                
                
                
                   
                   
                  
                
                
                
                  
                   
                  
                   
                
                  
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                
                   
                
                  
                
                   
                
                   
                   
                   
                  
                
                
                
                
              
              
                
              
                
                  
               
              
               
              
              
           
              
              
                
 
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  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.  

General reserves for loan categories range from 1.07% to 1.83% of the outstanding loan balances as of December 31, 2016. 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 2016 and 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 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, 2016, commercial real estate loans have general reserves ranging from 
1.27% to 1.43%.   

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, 
2016,  the  specific  reserve  increased  to  $720,000  from  $439,000,  as  the  volume  of  problem  credits  increased.   As of December 31, 
2015,  the  specific  reserve  increased  to  $439,000  from  $337,000,  though  the  volume  of  problem  credits  decreased  slightly.    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.  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. 

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses 
. 
The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses. 

2015 
(dollars in thousands)                                                                                                                                                       
Amount  % * 

Amount  % * 

Amount  % * 

Amount 

2013 

2014

2016

% * 

2012

Amount  % *

Balance at end of period 
applicable to:
Real Estate
   Construction 
   1-4 family residential 
   Commercial 
   Agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

8% 
$        
                          20% 
                          41% 
                            9% 
                          10% 
                          10% 
                            2% 

908
1,711
3,960
861
1,728
1,216
123

9% 
$     
                        18% 
                        36% 
                          9% 
                        14% 
                        11% 
                          3% 

999
1,806
3,557
760
1,371
1,256
239

5% 
$     
                        18% 
                        38% 
                        10% 
                        14% 
                        13% 
                          2% 

495
1,648
3,214
737
1,247
1,312
185

4% 
$     
                        19% 
                        36% 
                        10% 
                        15% 
                        14% 
                          2% 

392
1,523
3,230
686
1,435
1,165
141

$     

375
1,433
2,859
523
1,461
945
177

3%
21%
35%
8%
15%
15%
3%

$   

10,507

$  
100% 9,988

$  
100% 8,838

$  
100% 8,572

$  
100% 7,773

100%

* Percent of loans in each category to total loans.

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,  2016,  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 and interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions for December 31, 
2016,  2015  and  2014  totaled  $61,215,000;  $50,999,000;  and  $55,200,000,  respectively.    The  higher  balance  of  liquid  assets  at 
December 31, 2016 primarily relates to an increase in funds at a correspondent bank and the Federal Reserve Bank.   

Other  sources  of  liquidity  available  to  the  Banks  include  borrowing  capacity  with  the  FHLB  of  $177,905,000  and  federal  funds 
borrowing  capacity  at  correspondent  banks  of  $107,133,000.    As  of  December  31,  2016,  the  Company  had  outstanding  FHLB 

48

 
 
 
 
 
    
    
       
    
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
advances  of  $14,500,000,  no  federal  funds  purchased,  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  of  $58,337,000  and  other 
borrowings of $13,000,000.   

Total investments as of December 31, 2016, were $516,080,000 compared to $537,633,000 as of year-end 2015.  As of December 31, 
2016  and  2015,  the  investment  portfolio  as  a  percentage  of  total  assets  was  38%  and  41%,  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, 2016 and 2015 and have pretax net unrealized gains (losses) of $(915,000) and $5,527,000, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled $21,417,000, $22,622,000 
and $19,508,000, respectively.  The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in 2016 as compared to 2015 was primarily 
due to an increase in deferred income taxes.  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.   

Net  cash  provided  by  (used  in)  investing  activities  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  was  $(43,470,000), 
$(34,376,000) and $16,184,000, respectively.  The change in net cash provided by (used in) investing activities in 2016 was primarily 
due to a decrease in proceeds from securities maturities and calls; an increase in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions; and 
an  increase  in  loans,  offset  in  part  by  a  decrease  in  securities  purchased.    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.  

Net  cash  provided  by  (used  in)  financing  activities  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  totaled  $27,525,000, 
$12,029,000  and  $(36,232,000),  respectively.    The  change  in  net  cash  provided  by  (used  in)  financing  activities  in  2016  was  due 
primarily to an increase in deposits.   The change in net cash provided by (used in) financing activities in 2015 was due primarily to a 
change  in  deposits.    As  of  December  31,  2016,  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 2016, dividends from the Banks amounted 
to $9,350,000 compared to $8,350,000 in 2015.  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 and interest bearing deposits totaling $11,181,000 that were available at December 31, 2016 to 
provide additional liquidity to the Banks. 

49

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

Commitments to extend credit totaled $164,066,000 as of December 31, 2016 compared to a total of $158,566,000 at the end of 2015.  
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,  2016.    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, 
2016, that are of concern to management. 

Capital Resources 

The  Company’s  total  stockholders’  equity  increased  to  $165,105,000  at  December  31,  2016,  from  $161,250,000  at  December  31, 
2015.  At December 31, 2016 and 2015, stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets was 12.1 % and 12.2%, 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, 2016.  

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  2016  and  2015.    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 Annual 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. 

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 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

•   Adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and 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  currently  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. 

•   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. 

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•   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 FASB 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 condition 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 loans 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 2016 changed when compared to 2015.   

Based on a simulation modeling analysis performed as of December 31, 2016, 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, 2017 

(dollars in thousands) 

+300 Basis Points 
+200 Basis Points 
+100 Basis Points 
-100 Basis Points

$ Change 
------------- 
$        
(4,623)
(2,942)
(1,404)
              (956)

% Change
-------------
-11.57%
-7.36%
-3.52%
-2.39%  

Down 200 and 300 basis points are not presented due to the low interest rate environment.   

As shown above, at December 31, 2017, the estimated effect of an immediate 300 basis point increase in interest rates would decrease 
the Company’s net interest income by 11.57% or approximately $4,623,000 in 2017.  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  2.39%  or  approximately  $956,000  in  2017.    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 
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. 

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
          
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016. 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. 

Less than 
three 
months 
(dollars in thousands)                                                                                                                  

Three 
months to 
one year 

One to 
five 
years 

Over
five 
years 

Cumulative
Total

Interest earning assets
Interest bearing deposits 
Investments (1) 
Loans 
Loans held for sale 

$        

16,557
3,611
127,086
242

$          

3,653
31,305
91,005
-

$        

11,527
303,792
347,994
-

$                  
-
177,372
196,700
-

$        

31,737
516,080
762,785
242

Total interest - earning assets

$      

147,496

$      

125,963

$      

663,313

$      

374,072

$   

1,310,844

Interest bearing liabilities
Interest bearing demand deposits 
Money market and savings deposits 
Time certificates > $100,000 
Time certificates < $100,000 
Other borrowed funds (2) 

$      

310,428
381,852
16,600
21,092
-

$                  
-
-
34,033
45,522
1,000

$                  
-
-
34,084
53,723
24,500

$                  
-
-
-
-
2,000

$      

310,428
381,852
84,717
120,337
27,500

Total interest - bearing liabilities 

$      

729,972

$        

80,555

$      

112,307

$          

2,000

$      

924,834

Interest sensitivity gap

$     

(582,476)

$        

45,408

$      

551,006

$      

372,072

$      

386,010

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap

$     

(582,476)

$     

(537,068)

$        

13,938

$      

386,010

$      

386,010

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percent of 
total assets

-42.63% 

-39.30% 

1.02% 

28.25%

(1)   Investments with maturities over 5 years include the market value of equity securities of $3.0 million
(2)   Includes $14.5 million of advances from the FHLB. Of these advances, $3.0 million are term advances and $11.5 million are

callable. 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.   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.  

As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s cumulative gap ratios for assets and liabilities repricing within three months and within one 
year were a negative 43% and 39%, 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. 

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
            
          
        
        
        
        
          
        
        
        
               
                    
                    
                    
               
 
 
 
 
 
        
                    
                    
                    
        
          
          
          
                    
          
          
          
          
                    
        
                    
            
          
            
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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,  2016.    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, 2016, 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, 2016 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 Executive Vice President 

/s/ John P. Nelson 

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                        
 
 
 
 
                                                                                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55

 
 
 
56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2016 and 2015

ASSETS

2016

2015

Cash and due from banks
Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions
Securities available-for-sale 
Loans receivable, net 
Loans held for sale
Bank premises and equipment, net
Accrued income receivable
Other real estate owned
Deferred income taxes 
Other intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Other assets

$               

29,478,068
31,737,259
516,079,506
752,181,730
242,618
16,049,379
7,768,689
545,757
3,485,689
1,352,812
6,732,216
799,306

$               

24,005,801
26,993,091
537,632,990
701,328,171
539,370
17,007,798
7,565,791
1,249,915
1,276,571
1,308,731
6,732,216
1,106,698

Total assets

$          

1,366,453,029

$          

1,326,747,143

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES
Deposits 

Demand, noninterest bearing
NOW accounts
Savings and money market
Time, $250,000 and over
Other time

Total deposits

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances
Other borrowings
Dividends payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Total liabilities

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 

$             

212,074,792
310,427,812
381,852,433
39,031,663
166,022,165
1,109,408,865

$             

202,542,011
298,227,493
354,026,475
36,956,653
182,440,490
1,074,193,122

58,337,367
14,500,000
13,000,000
1,955,292
4,146,262
1,201,347,786

54,289,915
18,542,203
13,000,000
1,862,183
3,609,663
1,165,497,086

Common stock, $2 par value, authorized 18,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,310,913 
shares as of December 31, 2016 and 2015                                                                                                           18,621,826                    18,621,826 
20,878,728
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
118,267,767
                     (576,687)                    3,481,736 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
161,250,057

20,878,728
126,181,376

Total stockholders' equity

165,105,243

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$          

1,366,453,029

$          

1,326,747,143

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

58

 
 
 
                 
                 
               
               
               
               
                      
                      
                 
                 
                   
                   
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                   
 
 
               
               
               
               
                 
                 
               
               
            
            
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
            
            
                 
                 
               
               
               
               
 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Interest income:

Loans, including fees
Securities: 
    Taxable
    Tax-exempt
Interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold

Total interest income 

Interest expense:

Deposits
Other borrowed funds

Total interest expense

Net interest income

2016

2015

2014

$               

32,358,028

$               

30,780,496

$               

27,196,859

5,853,146
5,439,908
394,957
44,046,039

3,073,658
1,061,623
4,135,281

6,179,492
5,808,011
382,346
43,150,345

3,019,273
1,165,866
4,185,139

7,104,563
6,354,147
308,782
40,964,351

3,385,099
1,162,002
4,547,101

39,910,758

38,965,206

36,417,250

Provision for loan losses 

524,365

1,099,183

429,140

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

39,386,393

37,866,023

35,988,110

Noninterest income:

Wealth management income
Service fees
Securities gains, net 
Gain on sale of loans held for sale
Merchant and card fees
Gain (loss) on disposal of premises and equipment, net
Other noninterest income

Total noninterest income

Noninterest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits 
Data processing
Occupancy expenses
FDIC insurance assessments
Professional fees
Business development
Other real estate owned (income) expense, net
Intangible asset amortization
Other operating expenses, net

Total noninterest expense

2,929,456
1,633,178
423,601
1,082,347
1,405,751
(25,772)
638,973
8,087,534

15,687,335
3,297,079
1,962,726
540,237
1,178,924
1,016,365
(172,628)
368,259
1,056,348
24,934,645

2,724,451
1,740,740
888,179
907,875
1,378,218
(5,388)
633,118
8,267,193

15,231,369
3,027,203
1,889,793
680,563
1,274,298
1,064,362
613,812
421,500
1,109,121
25,312,021

2,748,619
1,649,169
1,110,953
704,051
1,189,503
1,239,581
610,203
9,252,079

14,129,956
2,609,185
1,680,351
645,997
1,274,111
1,103,923
1,502,408
317,333
1,110,199
24,373,463

Income before income taxes

22,539,282

20,821,195

20,866,726

Provision for income taxes

Net income

6,804,506

5,806,544

5,615,519

$               

15,734,776

$               

15,014,651

$               

15,251,207

Basic and diluted earnings per share 

$                          

1.69

$                          

1.61

$                          

1.64

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

59

 
 
 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                      
                      
                 
                 
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                 
                 
                      
                   
                      
                 
                 
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                      
                   
                   
                      
                      
                   
                   
                   
                      
                        
                   
                      
                      
                      
                   
                   
                   
                 
                 
                 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                      
                      
                      
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                    
                      
                   
                      
                      
                      
                   
                   
                   
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                   
                   
                   
 
 
 
 
 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Net income

$               

15,734,776

$               

15,014,651

$               

15,251,207

2016

2015

2014

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: 

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities before tax:

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax 

Tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income (loss) 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 

Comprehensive income

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(6,018,340)

423,601

(6,441,941)

(2,383,518)

(4,058,423)

(683,696)

888,179

(1,571,875)

(581,594)

(990,281)

7,493,309

1,110,953

6,382,356

2,361,471

4,020,885

$               

11,676,353

$               

14,024,370

$               

19,272,092

60

 
 
 
 
 
                 
                    
                   
                      
                      
                   
                 
                 
                   
                 
                    
                   
                 
                    
                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Common  Stock

Additional Paid-
in Capital 

Retained Earnings

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) 

Treasury  Stock

Total 
Stockholders' 
Equity

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

Retirement of 122,002 shares of treasury stock 

(244,004)

(1,772,494)

Other comprehensive income 

Cash dividends declared, $0.72 per share 

-

-

-

-

-

-

(6,703,858)

-

-

4,020,885

-

Balance, December 31, 2014 

Net income 

Other comprehensive (loss) 

Cash dividends declared, $0.80 per share 

Balance, December 31, 2015 

Net income 

Other comprehensive (loss) 

18,621,826

20,878,728

110,701,847

4,472,017

-

-

-

-

-

-

15,014,651

-

-

(990,281)

(7,448,731)

-

18,621,826

20,878,728

118,267,767

3,481,736

-

-

-

-

15,734,776

-

-

(4,058,423)

-

15,251,207

2,016,498

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-
            4,020,885 

(6,703,858)

154,674,418

15,014,651

(990,281)
          (7,448,731)

161,250,057

15,734,776

(4,058,423)

Cash dividends declared, $0.84 per share 

Balance, December 31, 2016 

-
18,621,826

$      

-
20,878,728

$      

(7,821,167)
126,181,376

$     

-
(576,687)

$          

-
$                      
-

(7,821,167)
165,105,243

$     

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

61

 
 
 
                        
                        
         
                         
                        
         
           
        
                          
                         
          
                          
                        
                        
                          
           
                        
                        
                        
          
                         
                        
          
        
        
       
           
                        
       
                        
                        
         
                         
                        
         
                        
                        
                          
            
                        
             
                        
                        
          
                         
                        
        
        
       
           
                        
       
                        
                        
         
                         
                        
         
                        
                        
                          
         
                        
          
                        
                        
          
                         
                        
          
 
 
 
 
 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

provided by operating activities: 
Provision for loan losses
Provision for off-balance sheet commitments 
Amortization of securities available-for-sale, loans and deposits, net 
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation
Provision for deferred income taxes
Securities gains, net
Gain on sales of loans held for sale 
Proceeds from the sales of loans held for sale 
Originations of loans held for sale 
Impairment of other real estate owned
(Gain) on sale of other real estate owned, net 
(Gain) loss on sale and disposal of bank premises and equipment, net 
Change in assets and liabilities:

(Increase) decrease in accrued income receivable 
Decrease in other assets
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchase of securities available-for-sale 
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale 
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available-for-sale 
Net decrease (increase) in interest bearing deposits in financial institutions 
Net (increase) in federal funds sold
Net (increase) in loans
Net proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned 
Purchase of bank premises and equipment 
Proceeds from the sale of bank premises and equipment 
Other changes in other real estate owned
Purchase of customer list
Cash acquired, net of cash paid for acquired bank offices 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Increase (decrease) in deposits
Increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Proceeds from FHLB and other borrowings
Payments on FHLB and other borrowings 
Dividends paid

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks 

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

Beginning
Ending

2016 

2015 

2014

$            

15,734,776

$            

15,014,651

$            

15,251,207

524,365
24,000
3,065,740
368,259
1,209,144
174,400
(423,601)
(1,082,347)
47,700,123
(46,321,024)
28,039
(218,687)
25,772

(202,898)
298,656
512,599
21,417,316

(78,120,246)
25,142,516
65,294,571
(4,744,168)
-
(51,414,733)
1,052,178
(267,761)
-
-
(412,340)
-
(43,469,983)

35,247,743
4,047,452
-
(4,042,203)
(7,728,058)
27,524,934

5,472,267

1,099,183
7,000
3,404,299
421,500
1,147,120
1,938,200
(888,179)
(907,875)
39,670,999
(38,597,644)
614,687
(100,409)
5,388

(94,768)
109,864
(221,667)
22,622,349

(100,805,716)
25,031,910
75,946,662
4,476,291
-
(41,677,319)
4,875,464
(2,196,551)
-
(26,612)
-
-
(34,375,871)

22,192,208
3,024,904
4,500,000
(10,425,534)
(7,262,512)
12,029,066

429,140
99,000
4,038,355
317,333
892,400
32,455
(1,110,953)
(704,051)
27,714,043
(27,419,224)
1,744,366
(95,036)
(1,239,581)

196,982
17,711
(655,991)
19,508,156

(65,944,859)
47,315,935
69,892,969
(2,116,265)
(6,000)
(49,788,756)
265,694
(1,590,308)
1,746,444
(19,673)
-
16,428,981
16,184,162

(41,474,733)
8,833,070
10,000,000
(7,072,789)
(6,517,640)
(36,232,092)

275,544

(539,774)

24,005,801
29,478,068

$            

23,730,257
24,005,801

$            

24,270,031
23,730,257

$            

62

 
 
 
                   
                
                   
                     
                       
                     
                
                
                
                   
                   
                   
                
                
                   
                   
                
                     
                  
                  
               
               
                  
                  
              
              
              
             
             
             
                     
                   
                
                  
                  
                    
                     
                       
               
                  
                    
                   
                   
                   
                     
                   
                  
                  
              
              
              
             
           
             
              
              
              
              
              
              
               
                
               
                               
                               
                      
             
             
             
                
                
                   
                  
               
               
                               
                               
                
                               
                    
                    
                  
                               
                               
                               
                               
              
             
             
              
              
              
             
                
                
                
                               
                
              
               
             
               
               
               
               
              
              
             
                
                   
                  
              
              
              
 
 
AMES NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) 

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW

INFORMATION 

Cash payments for:

Interest 

Income taxes

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH 

  INVESTING ACTIVITIES

2016 

2015 

2014

$              

4,172,526

$              

4,464,760

$              

4,772,793

5,822,394

4,291,621

5,694,894

  Transfer of loans to other real estate owned 

$                 

157,372

$                   

74,609

$                 

202,409

  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

    Loans receivable acquired

    Bank premises and equipment acquired

    Accrued interest receivable acquired

    Other real estate owned acquired

    Other tangible assets acquired

    Goodwill

    Core deposit intangible asset

    Deposits assumed

    Securities sold under repurchase agreements to repurchase assumed 

    Other liabilities assumed

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,602,454

44,620,021

3,864,900

230,332

1,267,720

748,511

1,131,467

1,018,000

81,962,650

2,815,297

853,439

63

 
 
 
                
                
                
                               
                
                               
 
                               
                               
              
                               
                               
              
                               
                               
                
                               
                               
                   
                               
                               
                
                               
                               
                   
                               
                               
                
                               
                               
                
                               
                               
              
                               
                               
                
                               
                               
                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, the assessment of goodwill impairment 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 

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.   

Goodwill and other intangible assets:  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,  2016,  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 
allocated as any compensation for servicing or other services performed, must be divided proportionately among participating interest 

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2016, 
2015, and 2014. 

2016

2015

2014

Basic earning per share computation:

Net income
Weighted average common shares outstanding

Basic EPS  

$           

$           

$           

15,734,776
9,310,913
1.69

15,014,651
9,310,913
1.61

$                      

$                      

$                      

15,251,207
9,310,913
1.64

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

New  and  Pending  Accounting  Pronouncements:    In  January  2016,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  issued 
Accounting  Standard  Update  (“ASU”)  No.  2016-01,  Financial  Instruments—Overall  (Subtopic  825-10):  Recognition  and 
Measurement  of  Financial  Assets  and  Financial  Liabilities.  The  update  enhances  the  reporting  model  for  financial  instruments  to 
provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information by updating certain aspects of recognition, measurement, 
presentation  and  disclosure  of  financial  instruments.  Among  other  changes,  the  update  includes  requiring  changes  in  fair  value  of 
equity securities with readily determinable fair value to be recognized in net income and clarifies that entities should evaluate the need 
for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities in combination with the entities' other deferred 
tax assets. Among other items the ASC requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of 
financial  instruments  for  disclosure  purposes.    For  public  companies,  this  update  will  be  effective  for  interim  and  annual  periods 
beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the 
impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance to have a material impact 
on the Company's consolidated financial statements.   

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).  The ASU requires a lessee to recognize on the balance 
sheet  assets  and  liabilities  for  leases  with  lease  terms  of  more  than  12  months.    Consistent  with  current  GAAP,  the  recognition, 
measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification 
as a finance or operating lease.  Unlike current GAAP, which requires that only capital leases be recognized on the balance sheet, the 
ASC requires that both types of leases by recognized on the balance sheet.  For public companies, this update will be effective for 
interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  Early application is permitted.  The adoption of this guidance is not 
expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.   

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses 
on  Financial  Instruments.  The  ASU  requires  an  organization  to  measure  all  expected  credit  losses  for  financial  assets  held  at  the 
reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and 
other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates.  Many of the loss estimation 
techniques  applied  today  will  still  be  permitted,  although  the  inputs  to  those  techniques  will  change  to  reflect  the  full  amount  of 
expected  credit  losses.  Organizations  will  continue  to  use  judgment  to  determine  which  loss  estimation  method  is  appropriate  for 
their  circumstances.    Additionally,  the  ASU  amends  the  accounting  for  credit  losses  on  available-for-sale  debt  securities  and 
purchased  financial  assets  with  credit  deterioration.    For  public  companies,  this  update  will  be  effective  for  interim  and  annual 
periods beginning after December 15, 2019.  The Company is currently planning for the implementation of this accounting standard.  
It is too early to assess the impact that the guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.   

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Summary and Amendments that 
Create  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (Topic  606)  and  Other  Assets  and  Deferred  Costs—Contracts  with  Customers 
(Subtopic  340-40)  .  The  guidance  in  this  update  supersedes  the  revenue  recognition  requirements  in  ASC  Topic  605,  Revenue 
Recognition,  and  most  industry-specific  guidance  throughout  the  industry  topics  of  the  Codification.    For  public  companies,  this 
update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The guidance does not apply to revenues 
associated  with  financial  instruments,  including  loans  and  securities  that  are  accounted  for  under  U.S.  GAAP.    The  Company  is 

67

 
 
 
 
 
 
               
               
               
 
 
 
 
currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the guidance 
to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 

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.   

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. (in thousands) 

Cash consideration transferred 

$                    

4,148

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Cash and due from banks 
Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions 
Securities available-for-sale 
Loans receivable
Accrued interest receivable 
Bank premises and equipment 
Other real estate owned 
Core deposit intangible asset 
Other assets
Deposits
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities 

$                  

20,577
5,719
10,602
44,620
230
3,865
1,268
1,018
749
(81,963)
(2,815)
(854)

Total identifiable net assets (liabilities) 

3,016

Goodwill

$                    

1,132

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 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.  

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 $5,707,000 and $5,797,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

At December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $19,409,000 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. 

68

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                      
                    
                    
                         
                      
                      
                      
                         
                   
                     
                        
                      
 
 
 
 
 
Note 4.  Debt and Equity Securities 

The amortized cost of securities available-for-sale and their approximate fair values are summarized below (in thousands): 

Amortized 
Cost 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains 

Gross
Unrealized 
Losses 

Estimated
Fair Value

$                 

$                      

$                     

$                 

2016:

U.S. government treasuries 
U.S. government agencies 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 
State and political subdivisions 
Corporate bonds 
Equity securities, other 

2015:

U.S. government treasuries 
U.S. government agencies 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities

State and political subdivisions 
Corporate bonds 
Equity securities, other 

$             

$                 

$                

$             

Amortized 
Cost 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains 

Gross
Unrealized 
Losses 

Estimated
Fair Value

$                 

$                      

$                 

18
540
1,018
1,660
147
-
3,383

(46)
(703)
(439)
(2,416)
(694)
-
(4,298)

23
797
1,829
4,359
226
-
7,234

$                         
-
(300)
(123)
(533)
(751)
-
(1,707)

$                

4,368
110,209
82,858
264,448
51,184
3,013
516,080

1,467
106,445
98,079
277,597
50,889
3,156
537,633

4,396
110,372
82,279
265,204
51,731
3,013
516,995

1,444
105,948
96,373
273,771
51,414
3,156
532,106

$             

$                 

$             

The  amortized  cost  and  fair  value  of  debt  securities  available-for-sale  as  of  December  31,  2016,  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. (in thousands) 

Amortized 
Cost 

Estimated
Fair Value

Due in one year or less 
Due after one year through five years 
Due after five years through ten years 
Due after ten years

Equity securities

$                  

$                  

34,772
302,483
153,088
23,639
513,982
3,013
516,995

34,916
303,792
151,143
23,216
513,067
3,013
516,080

$                

$                

At  December  31,  2016  and  2015,  securities  with  a  carrying  value  of  approximately  $177,234,000  and  $188,730,000,  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.  

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
               
                      
                     
               
                 
                   
                     
                 
               
                   
                  
               
                 
                      
                     
                 
                   
                           
                           
                   
               
                      
                     
               
                 
                   
                     
                 
               
                   
                     
               
                 
                      
                     
                 
                   
                           
                           
                   
 
                  
                  
                  
                  
                    
                    
                  
                  
                      
                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
The proceeds, gains, and losses from securities available-for-sale are summarized below (in thousands): 

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale 
Gross realized gains on securities available-for-sale 
Gross realized losses on securities available-for-sale 

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

2016
$                  

25,143
430
6

2015
$                  

25,032
911
23

2014
$                  

47,316
1,264
153

157

331

414

No other-than-temporary impairments were recognized as a component of income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014. 

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, 2016 and 2015, are summarized as follows (in thousands): 

2016:

Securities available for sale:

U.S. government treasuries 
U.S. government agencies
U.S. government mortgage-backed 
securities 
State and political subdivisions
Corporate bonds

2015:

Securities available for sale:
U.S. government agencies 
U.S. government mortgage-backed 
securities 
State and political subdivisions
Corporate bonds

Less than 12 Months 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

12 Months or More 
Gross
Unrealized 
Losses 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

Total

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

$          

2,893
48,225

$             

(46)
(703)

-
$                  
-

-
$                 
-

$          

2,893
48,225

$             

(46)
(703)

33,753
125,558
35,703
246,132

$      

(439)
(2,226)
(694)
(4,108)

$        

-
6,512
-
6,512

$          

-
(190)
-
(190)

$           

33,753
132,070
35,703
252,644

$      

(439)
(2,416)
(694)
(4,298)

$        

Less than 12 Months 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

12 Months or More 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

Total

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

$        

30,245

$           

(253)

$          

3,121

$             

(47)

$        

33,366

$           

(300)

22,842
38,202
22,091
113,380

$      

(123)
(414)
(249)
(1,039)

$        

-
11,096
14,614
28,831

$        

-
(119)
(502)
(668)

$           

22,842

(123)

49,298
36,705
142,211

$      

(533)
(751)
(1,707)

$        

At December 31, 2016, debt securities have unrealized losses of $4,298,000.  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. 

70

 
 
 
 
                         
                         
                      
                             
                           
                         
                         
                         
                         
 
 
 
 
          
             
                    
                   
          
             
          
             
                    
                   
          
             
        
          
            
             
        
          
          
             
                    
                   
          
             
          
             
                    
                   
          
             
          
             
          
             
          
             
          
             
          
             
          
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 5.  Loans Receivable and Credit Disclosures 

The composition of loans receivable is as follows (in thousands): 

Real estate - construction
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial
Agricultural
Consumer and other

Less:

Allowance for loan losses 
Deferred loan fees

2016

2015

$                  

61,042
149,507
315,702
73,032
74,378
76,994
12,130
762,785

$                  

66,268
127,076
251,889
62,530
102,515
79,533
21,599
711,410

(10,507)
(96)
752,182

$                

(9,988)
(94)
701,328

$                

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 
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 
71

 
 
 
 
 
                  
                  
                  
                  
                    
                    
                    
                  
                    
                    
                    
                    
                  
                  
                   
                     
                          
                          
 
 
 
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,  2016,  2015  and  2014  are  as  follows  (in 
thousands): 

2016 

2015 

2014

Balance, beginning

Provision for loan losses 
Recoveries of loans charged-off 
Loans charged-off

Balance, ending

$                    

$                    

$                    

9,988
524
127
(132)
10,507

8,838
1,099
120
(69)
9,988

$                  

$                    

$                    

Activity  in  the  allowance  for  loan  losses,  on  a  disaggregated  basis,  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  is  as 
follows (in thousands): 

2016:

1-4 Family                                                                                                                     

Construction  Residential  Commercial  Agricultural 
Real Estate
Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial Agricultural

Consumer 
and Other

Total

$             

$          

$          

$             

$          

$          

$             

$           

Balance, beginning 
Provision (credit) for loan losses 
Recoveries of loans charged-off 
Loans charged-off 
Balance, ending

Balance, beginning 
Provision (credit) for loan losses 
Recoveries of loans charged-off 
Loans charged-off 
Balance, ending

Balance, beginning 
Provision (credit) for loan losses 
Recoveries of loans charged-off 
Loans charged-off 
Balance, ending

$             

$          

$          

$             

$          

$          

$             

$         

2015:  

1-4 Family                                                                                                                     

Construction  Residential  Commercial  Agricultural 
Real Estate
Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial Agricultural

Consumer 
and Other

Total

$             

$          

$          

$             

$          

$          

$             

$           

999
(121)
30
-
908

495
454
50
-
999

392
78
25
-
495

1,806
(85)
5
(15)
1,711

1,648
157
26
(25)
1,806

1,523
258
18
(151)
1,648

3,557
403
-
-
3,960

3,214
339
4
-
3,557

3,230
(16)
-
-
3,214

760
101
-
-
861

737
23
-
-
760

686
51
-
-
737

1,371
352
83
(78)
1,728

1,247
124
-
-
1,371

1,435
(190)
19
(17)
1,247

1,256
(40)
-
-
1,216

1,312
(45)
28
(39)
1,256

1,165
147
-
-
1,312

239
(86)
9
(39)
123

185
47
12
(5)
239

141
101
20
(77)
185

$             

$          

$          

$             

$          

$          

$             

$           

$             

$          

$          

$             

$          

$          

$             

$           

2014:  

1-4 Family                                                                                                                     

Construction  Residential  Commercial  Agricultural 
Real Estate
Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial Agricultural

Consumer 
and Other

Total

$             

$          

$          

$             

$          

$          

$             

$           

8,572
429
82
(245)
8,838

9,988
524
127
(132)
10,507

8,838
1,099
120
(69)
9,988

8,572
429
82
(245)
8,838

72

 
 
 
 
 
                         
                      
                         
                         
                         
                           
                        
                          
                        
 
 
 
              
                
               
               
               
                
                
                
                 
                   
                    
                    
                 
                    
                   
                
                    
                
                    
                    
                
                    
                
               
 
 
               
               
               
                 
               
                
                 
             
                 
                 
                   
                    
                    
                 
                 
                
                    
                
                    
                    
                    
                
                  
                 
 
 
                 
               
                
                 
              
               
               
                
                 
                 
                    
                    
                 
                    
                 
                  
                    
              
                    
                    
                
                    
                
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance  for  loan  losses  disaggregated  on  the  basis  of  the  impairment  analysis  method  as  of  December  31,  2016  and  2015  is  as 
follows (in thousands): 

2016:

1-4 Family                                                                                                                     

Construction  Residential  Commercial  Agricultural 
Real Estate
Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial Agricultural

Consumer 
and Other

Total

Ending balance:  Individually  evaluated 
for impairment
Ending balance:  Collectively evaluated 
for impairment
Ending balance 

$                  
-

$               

76

$                  
-

$                  
-

$             

644

$                  
-

$                  
-

$              

720

908
908

$             

1,635
1,711

$          

3,960
3,960

$          

861
861

$             

1,084
1,728

$          

1,216
1,216

$          

123
123

$             

9,787
10,507

$         

2015:  

1-4 Family                                                                                                                     

Construction  Residential  Commercial  Agricultural 
Real Estate
Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial Agricultural

Consumer 
and Other

Total

Ending balance:  Individually  evaluated 
for impairment
Ending balance:  Collectively evaluated 
for impairment
Ending balance 

$                  
-

$             

273

$                 
2

$                  
-

$             

164

$                  
-

$                  
-

$              

439

999
999

$             

1,533
1,806

$          

3,555
3,557

$          

760
760

$             

1,207
1,371

$          

1,256
1,256

$          

239
239

$             

9,549
9,988

$           

Loans receivable disaggregated on the basis of the  impairment analysis method as of December 31, 2016  and 2015 is as follows (in 
thousands): 

2016:

1-4 Family                                                                                                                     

Construction  Residential  Commercial  Agricultural 
Real Estate
Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial Agricultural

Consumer 
and Other

Total

Ending balance:  Individually  evaluated 
for impairment
Ending balance:  Collectively evaluated 
for impairment

$                  
-

$             

660

$             

399

$                  
-

$          

3,942

$                  
-

$               

76

$           

5,077

61,042

148,847

315,303

73,032

70,436

76,994

12,054

757,708

Ending balance 

$        

61,042

$      

149,507

$      

315,702

$        

73,032

$        

74,378

$        

76,994

$        

12,130

$       

762,785

2015:  

1-4 Family                                                                                                                     

Construction  Residential  Commercial  Agricultural 
Real Estate
Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Commercial Agricultural

Consumer 
and Other

Total

Ending balance:  Individually  evaluated 
for impairment
Ending balance:  Collectively evaluated 
for impairment

$                  
-

$          

1,050

$             

558

$                  
-

$             

197

$               

11

$                 
2

$           

1,818

66,268

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

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. 

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
               
            
            
               
            
            
               
             
 
 
               
            
            
               
            
            
               
             
 
 
 
          
        
        
          
          
          
          
         
 
 
          
        
        
          
        
          
          
         
 
 
 
  
 
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,  2016  and  2015  is  as  follows  (in 
thousands): 

2016: 

Construction 
Real Estate 

Commercial 
Estate 
Real

Agricultural 
Real Estate 

Commercial 

Agricultural 

Total

  Pass 
  Watch 
  Special Mention 
  Substandard 
  Substandard-Impaired 

$          

57,420
3,245
-
377
-

$        

288,107
22,833
204
4,159
399

$          

51,720
15,251
4,228
1,833
-

$          

59,506
9,512
96
1,322
3,942

$          

57,415
18,938
75
566
-

$        

514,168
69,779
4,603
8,257
4,341

$          

61,042

$        

315,702

$          

73,032

$          

74,378

$          

76,994

$        

601,148

2015: 

Construction 
Real Estate 

Commercial 
Estate 
Real

Agricultural 
Real Estate 

Commercial 

Agricultural 

Total

  Pass 
  Watch 
  Special Mention 
  Substandard 
  Substandard-Impaired 

$          

60,700
4,487
-
1,081
-

$        

227,425
17,523
388
5,995
558

$          

55,503
6,865
-
162
-

$          

91,096
8,329
224
2,669
197

$          

71,457
7,156
81
828
11

$        

506,181
44,360
693
10,735
766

$          

66,268

$        

251,889

$          

62,530

$        

102,515

$          

79,533

$        

562,735

The  credit  risk  profile  based  on  payment  activity,  on  a  disaggregated  basis,  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  is  as  follows  (in 
thousands): 

74

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              
            
            
              
            
            
                      
                 
              
                   
                   
              
                 
              
              
              
                 
              
                      
                 
                      
              
                      
              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              
            
              
              
              
            
                      
                 
                      
                 
                   
                 
              
              
                 
              
                 
            
                      
                 
                      
                 
                   
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016: 

1-4 Family 
Residential 
Real Estate 

Consumer 
and Other 

Total

  Performing 
  Non-performing 

$        

148,828
679

$          

12,051
79

$        

160,879
758

2015: 

$        

149,507

$          

12,130

$        

161,637

1-4 Family 
Residential 
Real Estate 

Consumer 
and Other 

Total

  Performing 
  Non-performing 

$        

125,951
1,125

$          

21,597
2

$        

147,548
1,127

$        

127,076

$          

21,599

$        

148,675

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect 
the scheduled payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered 
by  management  in  determining  impairment  include  payment  status,  collateral  value,  and  the  probability  of  collecting  scheduled 
75

 
 
 
 
 
                 
                   
                 
 
              
                     
              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
and the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on these loans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 (in thousands): 

2016:

Recorded 
Investment 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance 

Related 
Allowance 

Average 
Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized

With no specific reserve recorded:

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total loans with no specific reserve: 

With an allowance recorded:
Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total loans with specific reserve: 

Total

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

$                     
-
452
399
-
2,747
-
76
3,674

$                     
-
473
1,025
-
2,672
-
81
4,251

$                     
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

$                     
-
440
452
-
580
9
68
1,549

$                  

31
1
26
-
-
2
6
66

-
208
-
-
1,195
-
-
1,403

-
660
399
-
3,942
-
76

-
360
-
-
1,286
-
-
1,646

-
833
1,025
-
3,958
-
81

-
76
-
-
644
-
-
720

-
76
-
-
644
-
-

-
572
20
-
824
-
-
1,416

-
1,012
472
-
1,404
9
68

-
5
-
-
1
-
-
6

31
6
26
-
1
2
6

$             

5,077

$             

5,897

$                

720

$             

2,965

$                  

72

76

 
 
 
 
                  
                  
                       
                  
                      
                  
               
                       
                  
                    
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
               
               
                       
                  
                       
                       
                       
                       
                      
                      
                    
                    
                       
                    
                      
               
               
                       
               
                    
 
 
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                  
                  
                    
                  
                      
                       
                       
                       
                    
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
               
               
                  
                  
                      
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
               
               
                  
               
                      
                       
                       
                       
                       
                    
                  
                  
                    
               
                      
                  
               
                       
                  
                    
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
               
               
                  
               
                      
                       
                       
                       
                      
                      
                    
                    
                       
                    
                      
 
2015:

Recorded 
Investment 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance 

Related 
Allowance 

Average 
Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized

With no specific reserve recorded:

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total loans with no specific reserve: 

With an allowance recorded:
Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total loans with specific reserve: 

Total

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

$                     
-
296
456
-
11
11
2
776

$                  

31
304
1,030
-
17
13
2
1,397

$                     
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

$                  

97
188
554
-
223
13
4
1,079

$                

129
-
29
-
3
-
2
163

-
754
102
-
186
-
-
1,042

-
1,050
558
-
197
11
2

-
891
111
-
262
-
-
1,264

31
1,195
1,141
-
279
13
2

-
273
2
-
164
-
-
439

-
273
2
-
164
-
-

-
768
135
-
122
-
-
1,025

97
956
689
-
345
13
4

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

129
-
29
-
3
-
2

$             

1,818

$             

2,661

$                

439

$             

2,104

$                

163

77

 
 
 
                  
                  
                       
                  
                       
                  
               
                       
                  
                    
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                    
                    
                       
                  
                      
                    
                    
                       
                    
                       
                      
                      
                       
                      
                      
                  
               
                       
               
                  
 
 
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                  
                  
                  
                  
                       
                  
                  
                      
                  
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                  
                  
                  
                  
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
               
               
                  
               
                       
                       
                    
                       
                    
                  
               
               
                  
                  
                       
                  
               
                      
                  
                    
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                  
                  
                  
                  
                      
                    
                    
                       
                    
                       
                      
                      
                       
                      
                      
 
2014:

Recorded 
Investment 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance 

Related 
Allowance 

Average 
Recorded 
Investment 

Interest 
Income 
Recognized

With no specific reserve recorded:

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total loans with no specific reserve: 

With an allowance recorded:
Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

Total loans with specific reserve: 

Total

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

$                

195
24
675
-
456
19
9
1,378

$                

346
29
1,204
-
535
19
6
2,139

$                     
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

$                

408
188
389
-
218
19
20
1,242

$                

152
12
207
-
-
-
-
371

-
787
158
-
84
-
-
1,029

195
811
833
-
540
19
9

-
903
158
-
84
-
-
1,145

346
932
1,362
-
619
19
6

-
244
33
-
60
-
-
337

-
244
33
-
60
-
-

-
380
114
-
432
3
2
931

408
568
503
-
650
22
22

-
-
4
-
78
-
-
82

152
12
211
-
78
-
-

$             

2,407

$             

3,284

$                

337

$             

2,173

$                

453

The  interest  foregone  on  nonaccrual  loans  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  was  approximately  $272,000, 
$162,000 and $136,000, respectively.  

Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $5,077,000 and 1,818,000, 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 
years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.   

78

 
 
 
                    
                    
                       
                  
                    
                  
               
                       
                  
                  
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                  
                  
                       
                  
                       
                    
                    
                       
                    
                       
                      
                      
                       
                    
                       
               
               
                       
               
                  
 
 
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                  
                  
                  
                  
                       
                  
                  
                    
                  
                      
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                    
                    
                    
                  
                    
                       
                       
                       
                      
                       
                       
                       
                       
                      
                       
               
               
                  
                  
                    
                  
                  
                       
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
                    
                  
               
                    
                  
                  
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                  
                  
                    
                  
                    
                    
                    
                       
                    
                       
                      
                      
                       
                    
                       
 
 
 
 
The  Company  had  loans  meeting  the  definition  of  TDR  of  $3,672,000  as  of  December  31,  2016,  all  of  which  were  included  as 
impaired and nonaccrual loans.   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’s TDR, on a disaggregated basis, occurring in the years ended December 31 is as follows (dollars in thousands): 

2016                                                                              2015

  Pre-Modification  Post-Modification 

Pre-Modification  Post-Modification

Number of 
Contracts 

Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment 

Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment 

Number of 
Contracts 

Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment 

Outstanding
Recorded
Investment

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

-
1
-
-
11
-
3

$                          
-
149
-
-
3,273
-
70

$                          
-
149
-
-
3,273
-
70

15

$                   

3,492

$                   

3,492

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-

$                          
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

$                          
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

$                          
-

$                          
-

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company granted concessions to three borrowers with fifteen contracts experiencing 
financial difficulties.  The one-to-four family loan was granted delayed payments for a longer than insignificant amount of time.  Three 
commercial  operating  loans  was  granted  maturities  were  extended  longer  than  normal  and  seven  commercial  operating  loans  were 
granted delayed payments for a longer than insignificant amount of time.  Three consumer loans were granted maturities longer than 
normal and interest rates at a below market rate.   

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  the  Company  did  not  grant  any  concessions  to  borrowers  experiencing  financial 
difficulties.   

There were three TDR loans to one borrower that were modified during the year ended December 31, 2016  with a payment default.  
There were no TDR loans that were modified during the year ended December 31, 2015 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, 2016 and 2015, are as follows (in 
thousands): 

2016:  

30-89 
Days 
Past Due 

90 Days
or Greater 
Past Due 

Total 
Past Due 

Current 

Total 

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

-
$                     
1,577
1,420
-
84
-
36

$                     
-
35
-
-
747
-
3

$                     
-
1,612
1,420
-
831
-
39

$           

61,042
147,895
314,282
73,032
73,547
76,994
12,091

$           

61,042
149,507
315,702
73,032
74,378
76,994
12,130

90 Days 
or Greater
Accruing

-
$                 
19
-
-
-
-
3

$             

3,117

$                

785

$             

3,902

$         

758,883

$         

762,785

$               

22

79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                
                
                
                        
                        
                
                            
                            
                
                            
                            
                
                            
                            
                
                            
                            
                
                            
                            
              
                     
                     
                
                            
                            
                
                            
                            
                
                            
                            
                
                          
                          
                
                            
                            
 
              
                
 
 
 
 
 
               
                    
               
           
           
                 
               
                       
               
           
           
                   
                       
                       
                       
             
             
                   
                    
                  
                  
             
             
                   
                       
                       
                       
             
             
                   
                    
                      
                    
             
             
                   
 
 
2015:  

30-89 
Days 
Past Due 

90 Days
or Greater 
Past Due 

Total 
Past Due 

Current 

Total 

Real estate - construction 
Real estate - 1 to 4 family residential 
Real estate - commercial 
Real estate - agricultural 
Commercial 
Agricultural 
Consumer and other 

-
$                     
1,311
1,356
-
266
-
79

$                     
-
307
-
-
204
-
-

$                     
-
1,618
1,356
-
470
-
79

$           

66,268
125,458
250,533
62,530
102,045
79,533
21,520

$           

66,268
127,076
251,889
62,530
102,515
79,533
21,599

90 Days 
or Greater
Accruing

-
$                 
75
-
-
-
-
-

$             

3,012

$                

511

$             

3,523

$         

707,887

$         

711,410

$               

75

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, 2016, 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, 2016 and 2015 were 
as follows (in thousands): 

2016 

2015

Balance, beginning of year 
  New loans
  Repayments
  Change in status
Balance, end of year

Note 6.  Bank Premises and Equipment 

$                    

$                    

9,049
13,218
(11,931)
17
10,353

8,518
6,648
(7,746)
1,629
9,049

$                  

$                    

The  major  classes  of  bank  premises  and  equipment  and  the  total  accumulated  depreciation  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  are  as 
follows (in thousands): 

2016 

2015

Land
Buildings and improvements 
Furniture and equipment

Less accumulated depreciation 

$                    

$                    

3,798
18,979
6,379
29,156
13,107
16,049

3,798
18,967
6,287
29,052
12,044
17,008

$                  

$                  

80

 
 
 
               
                  
               
           
           
                 
               
                       
               
           
           
                   
                       
                       
                       
             
             
                   
                  
                  
                  
           
           
                   
                       
                       
                       
             
             
                   
                    
                       
                    
             
             
                   
 
 
 
 
                    
                      
                   
                     
                           
                      
 
 
 
                    
                    
                      
                      
                    
                    
                    
                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 7.  Other Real Estate Owned 

Changes in the other real estate owned for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 

2016 

2015

Balance, beginning of year 
  Transfer of loans
  Impairment
  Net proceeds from sale 
  Gain on sale, net
  Other changes
Balance, end of year

$                    

$                    

1,250
157
(28)
(1,052)
219
-
546

8,436
75
(615)
(6,773)
100
27
1,250

$                       

$                    

The  following  table  provides  the  composition  of  other  real  estate  owned  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  are  as  follows  (in 
thousands): 

Construction and land development 
1 to 4 family residential houses 

2016 

2015

$                       

320
226

$                       

739
511

$                       

546

$                    

1,250

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 2014 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.  Intangible Assets 

In  conjunction  with  the  acquisition  of  wealth  management  business  in  2016,  the  Company  recorded  a $412,000 customer list asset.  
The Company also recorded $1.0 million in core deposit intangible assets as a part of the First Bank acquisition.  The following sets 
forth the carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 

2016 

2015

Gross 
Amount 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Gross 
Amount 

Accumulated
Amortization

Core deposit intangible asset 
Customer list 
Total

$                

$                

$                

$                

2,518
412
2,930

1,563
14
1,577

2,518
-
2,518

1,209
-
1,209

$                

$                

$                

$                

The weighted average life of the intangible assets is 3 years as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

81

 
 
 
 
 
                         
                           
                          
                        
                     
                     
                         
                         
                              
                           
 
 
                         
                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     
                       
                         
                         
 
 
 
 
The amortization expense for the intangible assets totaled $368,259, $421,500 and $317,333 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 
2015  and  2014,  respectively.    Estimated  remaining  amortization  expense  on  intangible  assets  for  the  years  ending  is  as  follows  (in 
thousands):  

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
After

$                   

357
310
187
130
130
239

$                

1,353

The following sets for the activity related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 

Beginning intangibles, net 
Acquisition 
Amortization 

2016 

2015 

2014

$                

1,309
412
(368)

$                

1,730
-
(421)

$                

1,029
1,018
(317)

Ending intangible asset, net

$                

1,353

$                

1,309

$                

1,730

Note 10.  Deposits 

At December 31, 2015, the maturities of time deposits are as follows (in thousands): 

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

$                  

$                  

117,247
40,303
22,521
13,562
11,421
205,054

Interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is summarized as follows (in thousands): 

2016 

2015 

2014

NOW accounts 
Savings and money market 
Time deposits 

$                         

$                         

$                         

585
755
1,734
3,074

469
674
1,876
3,019

529
613
2,243
3,385

$                      

$                      

$                      

Deposits  held  by  the  Company  from  related  parties  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  amounted  to  approximately  $15,570,000  and 
$14,550,000, respectively. 

82

 
 
 
 
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
 
 
 
                     
                         
                  
                   
                   
                   
 
 
 
                      
                      
                      
                      
 
 
                           
                           
                           
                        
                        
                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 11.  Pledged Collateral Related to Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements 

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, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 

2016 

2015

Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements

Overnight 

Greater than 

Total 

Overnight 

Greater than 

Total 

                      90 days                                                   

90 days

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

U.S. government treasuries 

$             

1,476

$                     
-

$             

1,476

$             

1,467

$                     
-

$             

1,467

U.S. government agencies 

46,557

-

46,557

46,755

-

46,755

U.S. government mortgage-backed 
securities                                                            30,376                          -                30,376                  41,657                          -                41,657 

Total 

$           

78,409

$                     
-

$           

78,409

$           

89,879

$                     
-

$           

89,879

Term repurchase agreements:

U.S. government agencies 

$                     
-

$           

15,068

$           

15,068

$                     
-

$           

12,503

$           

12,503

U.S. government mortgage-backed 
securities

                       - 

                  354 

                  354 

                       - 

                  676 

                  676 

Total 

-
$                     

$           

15,422

$           

15,422

$                     
-

$           

13,179

$           

13,179

Total pledged collateral

 $          78,409    $          15,422    $          93,831      $          89,879    $          13,179    $        103,058 

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
             
                       
             
             
                       
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 12.  Borrowings 

Securities sold under repurchase agreements (repurchase agreements) are short-term and are secured by securities available-for-sale.   

At December 31, 2016, FHLB advances and other borrowings consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Weighted 
Average
Interest Rate

Amount

Features

FHLB advances maturing in:

2017
2018
2020

Total FHLB advances 

Other borrowings maturing in:

2018

$           

1,000
11,500
2,000
14,500

$         

1.08%
2.94%
1.58%
2.62%               

 $11,500,000 callable quarterly in 2017 and thereafter 

$         

13,000

3.62%

 $13,000,000 term repurchase agreements callable 
quarterly in 2017 and thereafter 

Total other borrowings 

$         

13,000

3.62%

Total FHLB and other  borrowings

 $         27,500 

3.09%

Borrowed funds at December 31, 2016 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 $15,422,000 at December 31, 2016.  The Banks 
had available borrowing capacity with the FHLB of Des Moines, Iowa of $177,905,000 at December 31, 2016. 

Borrowed funds at December 31, 2015 included FHLB advances and term repurchase agreements of $31,542,203. Such borrowings 
carried a weighted-average interest rate of 2.81% 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,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  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,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  Company  contributions  to  the  plan  were  approximately 
$722,000, $678,000, and $631,000, respectively.  The plan covers substantially all employees. 

84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
             
 
 
                                                                                
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 14.  Income Taxes 

The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): 

Federal:

Current
Deferred

State:

Current
Deferred

2016 

2015 

2014

$                    

5,370
(43)
5,327

$                    

3,119
1,753
4,872

$                    

4,568
17
4,585

1,261
217
1,478

749
186
935

1,015
16
1,031

Income tax expense

$                    

6,805

$                    

5,807

$                    

5,616

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 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 as a result of the following (in thousands): 

Income taxes at 35% federal tax rate 
Increase (decrease) resulting from:

Tax-exempt interest and dividends 
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit 
Other

Total income tax expense 

2016 

2015 

2014

$                    

7,889

$                    

7,287

$                    

7,303

(1,943)
729
130
6,805

$                    

(2,046)
506
60
5,807

$                    

(2,214)
700
(173)
5,616

$                    

The  tax  effects  of  temporary  differences  that  give  rise  to  significant  portions  of  the  deferred  tax  assets  and  deferred  liabilities  at 
December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 

Deferred tax assets:

Allowance for loan losses 
Net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale 
Other real estate owned 
Accrued vacation
State alternative minimum tax carryforward 
Off balance sheet reserve 
Other deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities:

Net unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale 
Bank premises and equipment 
Goodwill
Other deferred tax liabilities 

Valuation allowance

2016 

2015

$                    

3,823
338
116
251
226
191
460
5,405

$                    

3,599
-
254
257
226
182
418
4,936

-
(937)
(736)
(20)
(1,693)

(226)

(2,045)
(1,027)
(570)
(17)
(3,659)

-

Net deferred tax asset

$                    

3,486

$                    

1,277

Income  taxes  currently  payable  of  approximately  $482,000  is  included  in  other  liabilities  as  of  December  31,  2016.    Income  taxes 
currently receivable of approximately $315,000 is included in other assets as of December 31, 2015.     

85

 
 
 
 
 
                          
                      
                           
                      
                      
                      
                      
                         
                      
                         
                         
                           
                      
                         
                      
 
                     
                     
                     
                         
                         
                         
                         
                           
                        
 
                         
                              
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                      
                      
                              
                     
                        
                     
                        
                        
                          
                          
                     
                     
                        
                              
 
The Company has approximately $226,000 of state alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforwards available to offset future 
state alternative minimum taxable income.  The Company recorded in 2016 a valuation allowance against the tax effect of the AMT 
credit carryforwards, as management believes it is more likely than not that such carryforwards will not be utilized.  

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 2013. 

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, 2016 and 2015 that 
would require recognition.  The Company had no significant unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016, 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, 2016 and 2015. 

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, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands): 

2016 

2015

Commitments to extend credit 
Standby letters of credit

$                  

$                  

164,066
5,309
169,375

158,566
6,100
164,666

$                  

$                  

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, 2016 and 2015, approximately $138,473,000 and $119,573,000 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, 2016 and 2015, the Banks have established liabilities totaling approximately $512,000 and $488,000, 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 

86

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                        
                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
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, 2016 
and 2015, that the Company and each subsidiary bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. 

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.  

As of December 31, 2016, 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, 2016 and 2015 are also presented in the table. 

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual 

Amount 

Ratio 

For Capital 
Adequacy Purposes * 
Amount 
Ratio 

To Be Well 
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
Amount 
Ratio

As of December 31, 2016:
Total capital (to risk-
weighted assets):
Consolidated 
Boone Bank & Trust 
First National Bank 
Reliance State Bank 
State Bank & Trust 
United Bank & Trust 

Tier 1 capital (to risk-
weighted assets):
Consolidated 
Boone Bank & Trust 
First National Bank 
Reliance State Bank 
State Bank & Trust 
United Bank & Trust 

Tier 1 capital (to average-

weighted assets):
Consolidated 
Boone Bank & Trust 
First National Bank 
Reliance State Bank 
State Bank & Trust 
United Bank & Trust 

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

Consolidated 
Boone Bank & Trust 
First National Bank 
Reliance State Bank 
State Bank & Trust 
United Bank & Trust 

$   
17.2% 
                              17.2   
                              15.3   
                              14.1   
                              16.4   
                              19.2   

170,358  
15,044  
78,322  
26,095  
20,170  
14,897  

$   
16.1% 
                              16.2   
                              14.2   
                              13.1   
                              15.2   
                              18.2   

159,325  
14,132  
72,750  
24,139  
18,633  
14,078  

12.0% 
$   
                              10.2   
                              10.0   
                              11.5   
                              11.6   
                              12.5   

159,325  
14,132  
72,750  
24,139  
18,633  
14,078  

$   
16.1% 
                              16.2   
                              14.2   
                              13.1   
                              15.2   
                              18.2   

159,325  
14,132  
72,750  
24,139  
18,633  
14,078  

8.625% 

$     
                            8.625 
                            8.625 
                            8.625 
                            8.625 
                            8.625 

85,241  
7,534  
44,279  
15,927  
10,590  
6,684  

6.625% 

$     
                            6.625 
                            6.625 
                            6.625 
                            6.625 
                            6.625 

65,475  
5,787  
34,011  
12,234  
8,134  
5,134  

4.000% 

$     
                            4.000 
                            4.000 
                            4.000 
                            4.000 
                            4.000 

53,316  
5,529  
29,077  
8,374  
6,449  
4,523  

5.125% 

$     
                            5.125 
                            5.125 
                            5.125 
                            5.125 
                            5.125 

50,650  
4,477  
26,311  
9,464  
6,292  
3,972  

N/A
$       
10.0%
                              10.0   
                              10.0   
                              10.0   
                              10.0   

N/A  
8,735  
51,338  
18,466  
12,278  
7,749  

N/A
8.0%
$       
                                8.0   
                                8.0   
                                8.0   
                                8.0   

N/A  
6,988  
41,070  
14,773  
9,822  
6,199  

N/A
$       
5.0%
                                5.0   
                                5.0   
                                5.0   
                                5.0   

N/A  
6,911  
36,347  
10,467  
8,061  
5,654  

N/A
$       
6.5%
                                6.5   
                                6.5   
                                6.5   
                                6.5   

N/A  
5,678  
33,370  
12,003  
7,981  
5,037  

*  These ratios for December 31, 2016 include a capital conservation buffer of 0.625%, except for the Tier 1 capital to average weighted assets 
ratios.

88

 
 
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
        
      
        
      
        
      
        
      
      
        
      
        
      
        
      
        
      
      
        
      
        
      
        
      
        
 
Actual

Amount 

Ratio 

For Capital 
Adequacy Purposes
Amount 
Ratio 

To Be Well
Capitalized Under 
Prompt Corrective 
Action Provisions
Amount 
Ratio

$   
16.6% 
                              15.5   
                              15.3   
                              13.8   
                              16.2   
                              20.6   

157,926  
14,525  
74,210  
24,287  
19,658  
14,621  

$     
8.0% 
                                8.0   
                                8.0   
                                8.0   
                                8.0   
                                8.0   

76,179  
7,477  
38,859  
14,101  
9,729  
5,693  

N/A
$       
10.0%
                              10.0   
                              10.0   
                              10.0   
                              10.0   

N/A  
9,346  
48,574  
17,626  
12,161  
7,116  

$   
15.5% 
                              14.5   
                              14.2   
                              12.8   
                              14.9   
                              19.5   

147,430  
13,569  
69,157  
22,491  
18,135  
13,858  

$     
6.0% 
                                6.0   
                                6.0   
                                6.0   
                                6.0   
                                6.0   

57,134  
5,608  
29,144  
10,575  
7,297  
4,269  

N/A
8.0%
$       
                                8.0   
                                8.0   
                                8.0   
                                8.0   

N/A  
7,477  
38,859  
14,101  
9,729  
5,693  

11.3% 
$   
                                9.8   
                                9.9   
                              10.7   
                              11.5   
                              12.5   

147,430  
13,569  
69,157  
22,491  
18,135  
13,858  

4.0% 
$     
                                4.0   
                                4.0   
                                4.0   
                                4.0   
                                4.0   

52,383  
5,557  
27,970  
8,380  
6,332  
4,452  

N/A
$       
5.0%
                                5.0   
                                5.0   
                                5.0   
                                5.0   

N/A  
6,946  
34,963  
10,476  
7,915  
5,565  

$   
15.5% 
                              14.5   
                              14.2   
                              12.8   
                              14.9   
                              19.5   

147,430  
13,569  
69,157  
22,491  
18,135  
13,858  

$     
4.5% 
                                4.5   
                                4.5   
                                4.5   
                                4.5   
                                4.5   

42,851  
4,206  
21,858  
7,932  
5,473  
3,202  

N/A
$       
6.5%
                                6.5   
                                6.5   
                                6.5   
                                6.5   

N/A  
6,075  
31,573  
11,457  
7,905  
4,625  

As of December 31, 2015:
Total capital (to risk-
weighted assets):
Consolidated 
Boone Bank & Trust 
First National Bank 
Reliance State Bank 
State Bank & Trust 
United Bank & Trust 

Tier 1 capital (to risk-
weighted assets):
Consolidated 
Boone Bank & Trust 
First National Bank 
Reliance State Bank 
State Bank & Trust 
United Bank & Trust 

Tier 1 capital (to average-

weighted assets):
Consolidated 
Boone Bank & Trust 
First National Bank 
Reliance State Bank 
State Bank & Trust 
United Bank & Trust 

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

Consolidated 
Boone Bank & Trust 
First National Bank 
Reliance State Bank 
State Bank & Trust 
United Bank & Trust 

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 

89

 
 
 
 
 
      
        
      
        
      
      
        
      
      
        
      
      
        
      
      
        
      
        
        
      
        
        
      
        
        
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
        
      
        
        
      
        
        
      
        
      
        
        
      
        
        
      
        
        
      
        
        
 
 
 
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 
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, 2016 and 
2015 (in thousands): 

Description 

2016

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3

U.S. government treasuries 
U.S. government agencies 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 
State and political subdivisions 
Corporate bonds 
Equity securities, other 

$                

4,368
110,209
82,858
264,448
51,184
3,013

$                

4,368
-
-
-
-
-

$                        
-
110,209
82,858
264,448
51,184
3,013

-
$                        
-
-
-
-
-

$            

516,080

$                

4,368

$            

511,712

$                        
-

2015

U.S. government treasuries 
U.S. government agencies 
U.S. government mortgage-backed securities 
State and political subdivisions 
Corporate bonds 
Equity securities, other 

$                

1,467
106,445
98,079
277,597
50,889
3,156

$                

1,467
-
-
-
-
-

$                        
-
106,445
98,079
277,597
50,889
3,156

$                        
-
-
-
-
-
-

$            

537,633

$                

1,467

$            

536,166

$                        
-

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 

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
              
                          
              
                          
                
                          
                
                          
              
                          
              
                          
                
                          
                
                          
                  
                          
                  
                          
 
              
                          
              
                          
                
                          
                
                          
              
                          
              
                          
                
                          
                
                          
                  
                          
                  
                          
 
 
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.  

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, 2016 and 2015   (in thousands): 

Description 

2016

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3

Loans
Other real estate owned 

$                   

683
546

-
$                        
-

-
$                        
-

$                   

683
546

Total

$                

1,229

$                        
-

$                        
-

$                

1,229

2015

Loans
Other real estate owned 

$                   

603
1,250

$                        
-
-

$                        
-
-

$                   

603
1,250

Total

$                

1,853

$                        
-

$                        
-

$                

1,853

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 or the cash 
flow  method  for  noncollateral  dependent  loans.    Fair  value  for  collateral  dependent  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. 

91

 
 
 
 
 
                     
                          
                          
                     
                  
                          
                          
                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 

Fair Value 

Valuation 
Techniques 

Range of Unobservable 
Inputs

Range 
(Average)

2016

Impaired Loans 

$                      Evaluation of collateral  Estimation of value 

683

NM*

Other real estate owned 

$                      Appraisal 
546

Appraisal adjustment 

6%-10% (8%)

Fair Value 

Valuation 
Techniques 

Range of Unobservable 
Inputs

Range 
(Average)

2015

Impaired Loans 

$                      Evaluation of collateral  Estimation of value 

603

NM*

Other real estate owned 

$           

1,250

Appraisal 

Appraisal adjustment 

6%-10% (8%)

* Not Meaningful.  

Evaluations of the underlying assets are completed  for each impaired collateral dependent 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. 

92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
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, 2016 
and 2015 (in thousands): 

2016

2015

Fair Value 
Hierarchy 
Level 

Carrying 
Amount 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value 

Carrying 
Amount 

Estimated
Fair
Value

Level 1 
Level 1 
See previous table 
Level 2 
Level 2 
Level 1 

$           

29,478
31,737
516,080
752,182
243
7,769

$           

29,478
31,737
516,080
746,580
243
7,769

$           

24,006
26,993
537,633
701,328
539
7,566

$           

24,006
26,993
537,633
702,438
539
7,566

Level 2 

$      

1,109,409

$      

1,110,211

$      

1,074,193

$      

1,075,289

Level 1                         58,337 
14,500
Level 2 
13,000
Level 2 
408
Level 1 

                                          54,290 
18,542
13,000
413

58,337
14,681
13,386
408

54,290
19,017
13,807
413

Financial assets:

Cash and due from banks 
Interest bearing deposits 
Securities available-for-sale 
Loans receivable, net 
Loans held for sale 
Accrued income receivable 

Financial liabilities:

Deposits 
Securities sold under agreements to 
repurchase 
FHLB advances 
Other borrowings 
Accrued interest payable 

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, 2016,  but prior to March 13, 2017, that provided additional evidence about conditions 
that existed at December 31, 2016.  There were no other significant events or transactions that provided evidence about conditions that 
did not exist at December 31, 2016.  

93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             
             
             
             
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
                  
                  
                  
                  
               
               
               
               
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
                  
                  
                  
                  
 
 
Note 19.   Ames National Corporation (Parent Company Only) Financial Statements 

Information relative to the Parent Company’s balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and statements of income and cash flows 
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, is as follows (in thousands): 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS 
December 31, 2016 and 2015

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks
Interest bearing deposits in banks 
Investment in bank subsidiaries 
Loans receivable, net
Premises and equipment, net 
Accrued income receivable
Other real estate owned
Deferred income taxes
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Dividends payable
Deferred income taxes
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common stock
Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 

Total stockholders' equity

2016 

2015

$                         

21
11,160
149,962
3,190
2,960
10
320
-
22

$                         

34
8,911
147,377
3,163
3,083
13
739
64
113

$                

167,645

$                

163,497

$                    

1,955
193
392

$                    

1,862
-
385

2,540

2,247

18,622
20,879
126,181
(577)
165,105

18,622
20,879
118,268
3,481
161,250

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$                

167,645

$                

163,497

94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                    
                      
                  
                  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                           
                           
                         
                         
                              
                           
                           
                         
                         
                              
                         
                         
                      
                      
                    
                    
                    
                    
                  
                  
                        
                      
                  
                  
 
 
 
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Operating income:

Equity in net income of bank subsidiaries 
Interest
Dividends
Rental income 
Gain on the sale of premises and equipment 
Gain on sale of other real estate owned 
Other income 
Securities gains 

2016 

2015 

2014

$                 

15,994
192
-
415
-
207
1,769
-
18,577

$               

15,083
195
28
404
-
-
1,737
279
17,726

$               

14,913
207
27
121
1,257
-
1,525
-
18,050

Credit for loan losses

(153)

(30)

-

Operating income after credit for loan losses

18,730

17,756

18,050

Operating expenses

2,789

2,776

2,610

Income before income taxes 

15,941

14,980

15,440

Income tax expense (benefit) 

206

(35)

189

Net income 

$                 

15,735

$               

15,015

$               

15,251

95

 
 
 
                        
                      
                      
                             
                        
                        
                        
                      
                      
                             
                          
                   
                        
                          
                           
                     
                   
                   
                             
                      
                           
                   
                 
                 
                       
                      
                           
                   
                 
                 
                     
                   
                   
                   
                 
                 
                        
                      
                      
 
 
 
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 

provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
Credit for loan losses
Provision for deferred income taxes
Securities gains, net
Gain on sale of premises and equipment
Gain on sale of other real estate owned
Equity in net income of bank subsidiaries
Dividends received from bank subsidiaries
(Increase) decrease in accrued income receivable
(Increase) decrease in other assets
Increase in accrued expense and other liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale
(Increase) decrease in interest bearing deposits in banks
Decrease in loans
Proceeds from sale of bank premises and equipment
Purchase of other real estate owned
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
Purchase of bank premises and equipment

Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Dividends paid

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

Beginning
Ending

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW

INFORMATION
Cash receipts for income taxes

2016

2015

2014

$             

15,735

$             

15,015

$             

15,251

124
(154)
256
-
-
(207)
(15,994)
9,350
2
90
8
9,210

-
(2,248)
127
-
-
626
-
(1,495)

(7,728)
(7,728)

(13)

131
(30)
72
(279)
-
-
(15,083)
8,350
(3)
129
5
8,307

909
(1,296)
119
-
(739)
-
(33)
(1,040)

(7,263)
(7,263)

4

63
-
420
-
(1,257)
-
(14,913)
7,600
8
(142)
92
7,122

-
758
97
1,746
-
-
(3,200)
(599)

(6,518)
(6,518)

5

$                    

34
21

$                    

30
34

$                    

25
30

$                  

171

$                  

237

$                    

85

96

 
 
 
                    
                    
                      
                  
                    
                        
                    
                      
                    
                        
                  
                        
                        
                        
               
                  
                        
                        
             
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                        
                      
                        
                      
                    
                  
                        
                        
                      
                 
                 
                 
                        
                    
                        
               
               
                    
                    
                    
                      
                        
                        
                 
                        
                  
                        
                    
                        
                        
                        
                    
               
               
               
                  
               
               
               
               
               
               
                    
                        
                        
                      
                      
                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 20.   Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 

(in thousands, except earnings per share): 

March 31 

June 30 

September 30  December 31

2016

$           

$           

$           

$           

$             

$             

$             

$             

Basic and diluted earnings per common share

$               

0.41

$               

0.44

$               

0.41

$               

0.43

March 31 

June 30 

September 30  December 31

2015

$           

$           

$           

$           

Total interest income 
Total interest expense 
  Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 
  Net interest income after provision for loan losses 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 
  Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 
  Net income

Total interest income 
Total interest expense 
  Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 
  Net interest income after provision for loan losses 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 
  Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 
  Net income

10,849
1,013
9,836
192
9,644
2,099
6,435
5,308
1,501
3,807

10,546
1,101
9,445
77
9,368
1,766
6,139
4,995
1,360
3,635

11,006
1,014
9,992
14
9,978
1,925
6,121
5,782
1,683
4,099

10,859
1,071
9,788
922
8,866
2,407
6,692
4,581
1,216
3,365

11,078
1,028
10,050
235
9,815
2,004
6,112
5,707
1,903
3,804

10,843
1,003
9,840
38
9,802
1,950
5,982
5,770
1,670
4,100

11,114
1,080
10,034
84
9,950
2,059
6,267
5,742
1,717
4,025

10,903
1,010
9,893
63
9,830
2,144
6,499
5,475
1,560
3,915

$             

$             

$             

$             

Basic and diluted earnings per common share

$               

0.39

$               

0.36

$               

0.44

$               

0.42

97

 
 
 
 
 
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
             
                  
                    
                  
                    
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
 
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
                    
                  
                    
                    
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  Annual  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 Annual 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 Annual Report. 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 
2016  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 26, 2017, as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2017 (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. 

98

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit Committee Financial Expert 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  has  determined  that  Lisa  M.  Eslinger,  a  director  and  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, 2016 and 2015 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
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. 

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (b) 

List of Exhibits. 

                 3.1 

-  Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company,  as  amended  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  to  the 

              3.2  

- Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 

Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2015). 

12, 2015). 

           10.1 

-  Management  Incentive  Compensation  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  99.2  to  Form  8-K  filed  on 

November 19, 2012)* 

            21 
            23 
            31.1  
            31.2  
            32.1  
            32.2  

- 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 
* 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) 

101.INS 
101.SCH 
101.CAL 
101.LAB 
101.PRE 
  101.DEF 

(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. 

100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 13, 2017 

By: /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman 

Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President 

101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 13, 2017. 

              /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman 

Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

  /s/ John P. Nelson                              

John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

/s/ Betty A. Baudler Horras 
Betty A. Baudler Horras, Director  

                                                         /s/ David W. Benson                                 

David W. Benson, Director 

                                                                                      /s/ Lisa M. Eslinger                   

Lisa M. Eslinger, Director    

/s/ Steven D. Forth 
Steven D. Forth, Director     

/s/ Douglas C. Gustafson, DVM 
Douglas C. Gustafson, DVM, Director  

                                                                                      /s/ James R. Larson II 

James R. Larson II, Director  

/s/ Richard O. Parker 
Richard O. Parker,  Director    

/s/ Kevin L. Swartz 

                                                                                      Kevin L. Swartz, Director    

102

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                        
 
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. 

103

 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
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. 

104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 23 

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 13, 2017             

/s/ Thomas H. Pohlman 

                                                                        Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President 

106

 
 
 
 
                                                                                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 13, 2017             

/s/ John P. Nelson 

                                                                        John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President 

107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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,  2016  (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 13th day of March, 2017.  

                                                                                      /s/ Thomas H. Pohlman 

                                                                        Thomas H. Pohlman, Chief Executive Officer and President 

108

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
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,  2016  (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 13th day of March, 2017.  

                                                                                      /s/ John P. Nelson 

John P. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President 

109

 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page Left Intentionally Blank 

110

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page Left Intentionally Blank 

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page Left Intentionally Blank 

112